Karaoke equipment

Abstract

To provide a Karaoke device that enables appropriate key settings for each song.SOLUTION: A Karaoke device includes: a storage processing unit that stores a key and a singing scoring value set in a Karaoke singing at a time of the Karaoke singing of a song in association with song identification information of the song, when gender of a user who sang a Karaoke song is different from gender of an original singer of the song; a determination unit that determines one key based on the key and the singing scoring value associated with the stored song identification information of the song, when the gender of the user who selected the song is different from the gender of the original singer of the song; and a setting unit that enables the determined one key to be set in the Karaoke performance of the song.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] When using a karaoke machine, a male user may sing a song originally sung by a female singer, or a female user may sing a song originally sung by a male singer.

[0003] In such cases, since it is generally difficult to sing the karaoke song in the original key, the user operates a remote control device to change the key.

[0004] Here, Patent Document 1 discloses a karaoke device that raises the key by 2 to 4 semitones when a male user sings a song originally sung by a female singer, assuming that the user will sing one octave lower, and lowers the key by 3 to 5 semitones when a female user sings a song originally sung by a male singer, assuming that the user will sing one octave higher. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-256425 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, according to the technology described in Patent Document 1, the key to be set is determined in advance and is not dependent on the music piece.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a karaoke apparatus that allows an appropriate key to be set for each piece of music. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One invention for achieving the above object is a karaoke device having a storage processing unit that, when the gender of a user who sings a song in karaoke is different from the gender of the original singer of the song, stores in a storage means the key and singing score set in the karaoke performance when the song was sung in association with the song identification information of the song; a determination unit that, when the gender of a user who selects a song is different from the gender of the original singer of the song, determines a key based on the key and singing score associated with the song identification information of the song stored in the storage means; and a setting unit that enables the determined key to be set in the karaoke performance of the song. 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, an appropriate key can be set for each piece of music. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a karaoke device according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing a karaoke machine main body according to an embodiment; [Figure 3A] 4 is a flowchart showing the process of the karaoke device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3B] 4 is a flowchart showing the process of the karaoke device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a table of keys and singing scores according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a table of keys and singing scores according to Modification 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] <Embodiment> A karaoke device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0012] ==Karaoke Equipment== The karaoke device K is a device for playing karaoke music and for users to sing karaoke songs.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, 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.

[0014] The karaoke machine 10 controls various aspects of karaoke performance and singing, such as controlling the karaoke performance of the selected song, controlling the display of lyrics and background images, and processing audio signals input through the microphone 40. The speaker 20 is configured to emit sound based on the sound emission signal from the karaoke machine 10. The display device 30 is configured to display videos and images on a screen based on the signal from the karaoke machine 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 10. The remote control device 50 is a device for performing various operations on the karaoke machine 10.

[0015] 2, 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).

[0016] [Storage means] The storage means 10a is a large-capacity storage device that stores various types of data, such as music data and user data.

[0017] 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, lyric subtitle data, background video data, attribute information, 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 lyric subtitle data is data for displaying lyric subtitles corresponding to each song on the display device 30, etc. in sync with the karaoke performance. The background video data is data for background video that is displayed on the display device 30, etc. during the karaoke performance. The attribute information includes the song title, the name of the original singer, the gender of the original singer, etc.

[0018] The song data may be stored in a server device (not shown). In this case, the karaoke device K transmits the song ID of the song selected by the user to the server device and requests transmission of song data corresponding to the song ID. The server device transmits the song data corresponding to the song ID to the karaoke device K. The karaoke device K stores the received song data in the storage means 10a.

[0019] User data includes user identification information, singing history, attribute information, etc. User identification information is information unique to each user, such as a user ID for identifying the user. Singing history is information about each user's karaoke singing, such as the songs the user sang, the date and time, the device identification information of the karaoke device where the karaoke performance was performed, and the singing score for each song. Attribute information includes the user's name, nickname, favorite genre, gender, etc.

[0020] The user data may be stored in the server device. In the latter case, the karaoke device K transmits the user ID of the logged-in user to the server device and requests transmission of the user data corresponding to the user ID. The server device transmits the user data corresponding to the user ID to the karaoke device K. The karaoke device K stores the received user data in the storage means 10a.

[0021] [Communication means / input means] The communication means 10b provides an interface for communicating with the remote control device 50. The input means 10c is configured to allow the user to input various operations. The input means 10c is a button or the like provided on the karaoke machine main unit 10. Alternatively, the remote control device 50 may function as the input means 10c.

[0022] [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).

[0023] [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.

[0024] In this embodiment, the CPU executes a program stored in the memory, and the control means 10e functions as a storage processing unit 100, a determination unit 200, and a setting unit 300.

[0025] (Memory Processing Unit) When the gender of the user who sang the karaoke version of a song is different from the gender of the original singer of the song, the storage processing unit 100 stores the key set in the karaoke performance when the song was sung and the singing score value in association with the song identification information of the song in the storage means 10a.

[0026] When using the karaoke device K, the user operates the remote control device 50 and inputs his / her own user identification information.

[0027] The karaoke device K stores the input user identification information of the user in the storage means 10a (that is, performs the login process), thereby completing the user's login to the karaoke device K.

[0028] A user who has logged in to karaoke device K operates remote control device 50 to select a song to sing. The user also operates remote control device 50 to arbitrarily set the key for singing the selected song. If the user does not set the key, karaoke device K will perform the song as is without transposing the accompaniment data. This is a state in which the key is "set to 0," which may hereinafter be referred to as "the key being set to standard." In this embodiment, the key can be set within a range from -7 semitones to +7 semitones. For example, if the key is set to "+3," karaoke device K will transpose the pitch of the accompaniment data of the song three semitones higher and perform the karaoke.

[0029] The karaoke device K controls the performance means 10d to perform karaoke performance of the song selected by the user in the set key. The user sings the karaoke using the microphone 40.

[0030] The karaoke device K performs a scoring process based on the user's karaoke singing to determine a singing score. The karaoke singing scoring process can use known methods. For example, the karaoke device K uses reference data for the song the user will sing karaoke and singing voice data based on the user's singing voice to determine the degree of agreement between the pitches of the notes that make up each singing section (i.e., evaluates pitch accuracy). The karaoke device K also extracts singing techniques such as "vibrato" and "shakuri" from the singing voice data as targets for scoring (i.e., evaluates singing technique). The karaoke device K then determines a singing score based on the evaluation of pitch accuracy and the evaluation of singing technique. The singing score can be expressed as a numerical value ranging from 0 to 100 points, for example.

[0031] Here, the storage processing unit 100 compares the gender of the user who sang the song in karaoke with the gender of the original singer of the song.

[0032] Specifically, the storage processing unit 100 refers to the user data (attribute information) of the user who sang the song at karaoke, and identifies the gender of the user. The storage processing unit 100 also refers to the song data (attribute information) of the song, and identifies the gender of the original singer of the song.

[0033] The storage processing unit 100 determines whether the gender of the identified user matches the gender of the original singer.

[0034] If it is determined that the gender of the user is different from the gender of the original singer, the storage processing unit 100 stores the key and singing score set for the karaoke performance when the karaoke was performed in association with the song identification information of the song in the storage means 10a. On the other hand, if it is determined that the gender of the user is the same as the gender of the original singer, the storage processing unit 100 does not perform any special processing.

[0035] In the above example, the gender of a user is determined based on attribute information included in the user data. Alternatively, the storage processing unit 100 may determine the gender of a user by analyzing a video of the user captured by a camera installed in the karaoke device K using a known method. In this case, the attribute information included in the user data does not need to include the gender of the user. Also, in the above example, the gender of an original singer is determined based on attribute information included in the music data. Alternatively, the storage processing unit 100 may determine the gender of the original singer by transmitting the song ID of the selected song to a server device or an external database, etc., and querying the server device or an external database. In this case, the attribute information included in the music data does not need to include the gender of the original singer.

[0036] (Decision section) When the gender of a user who selects a certain song is different from the gender of the original singer of the certain song, the determination unit 200 determines one key based on the key and singing score associated with the song identification information of the certain song stored in the storage means 10a.

[0037] As described above, the karaoke device K allows the user to complete the log-in process. After logging in to the karaoke device K, the user operates the remote control device 50 to select a piece of music to be sung.

[0038] Here, the determining unit 200 compares the gender of the user who selected a certain song with the gender of the singer of the original song of the certain song.

[0039] Specifically, the determination unit 200 refers to the user data (attribute information) of the user who selected a certain song to identify the gender of the user. Also, the determination unit 200 refers to the song data (attribute information) of the certain song to identify the gender of the original singer of the certain song.

[0040] The determining unit 200 determines whether the gender of the identified user matches the gender of the original singer.

[0041] If it is determined that the gender of the user is different from the gender of the original song singer, the determination unit 200 determines one key based on the key and singing score associated with the song identification information of a song stored in the storage means 10a.

[0042] The key determination can be performed in various ways. For example, the determination unit 200 refers to the storage means 10a and calculates the average singing score value for each key associated with the song identification information of a song. The determination unit 200 determines the key with the highest average value as the key. Note that the determination unit 200 may determine the key based on statistics such as the median or standard deviation instead of the average value.

[0043] (Settings section) The setting unit 300 allows the determined key to be set in the karaoke performance of a certain piece of music.

[0044] For example, the setting unit 300 can associate the key determined by the determination unit 200 with the song ID of a song selected by a user and register it in a reservation queue. In this case, the determined key is set for the karaoke performance of the song.

[0045] Alternatively, the setting unit 300 can present the determined key to the user. The key can be presented, for example, by displaying the key change details (e.g., "We recommend you set the key to +3") on the display screen of the display device 30 or the remote control device 50. The user operates the remote control device 50 based on the displayed key change details to set the key. In this case, the key set by the user (i.e., the determined key) will be set for the karaoke performance of a certain song.

[0046] ==About the operation of the Karaoke device K== Next, a specific example of the operation of the karaoke apparatus K in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 3A to 4. Fig. 3A is a flowchart showing the process of storing the key and singing scores (i.e., an example of the operation of the storage processing unit 100). Fig. 3B is a flowchart showing the process of determining and setting a key (i.e., an example of the operation of the determination unit 200 and the setting unit 300). Fig. 4 is an example of a table of keys and singing scores stored in the storage means 10a. In this example, it is assumed that the table shown in Fig. 4 is stored in the storage means 10a when the process of Fig. 3B is performed. In other words, the process of storing the key and singing scores and the process of determining and setting a key are performed at different times (for example, on different days).

[0047] [Processing when storing key and singing score] User U1 operates remote control device 50 to input his / her own user ID. Karaoke device K stores the input user ID of user U1 in storage means 10a, thereby completing login of user U1 to karaoke device K (login process, step 10).

[0048] User U1 operates remote control device 50 to select a song to sing karaoke. User U1 also operates remote control device 50 to set the key for singing the selected song (song selection and key setting; step 11). In this example, user U1 selects song X1 and sets the key K2.

[0049] Karaoke device K controls performance means 10d to perform karaoke performance of the song selected in step 11 based on the key set in step 11 (karaoke performance based on the set key; step 12). User U1 sings karaoke using microphone 40. Karaoke device K performs a scoring process based on user U1's karaoke singing and calculates a singing score (calculation of singing score; step 13). In this example, karaoke device K performs karaoke performance of song X1 based on the set key K2, and calculates singing score Sn (80 points) as the scoring result based on user U1's karaoke singing.

[0050] The storage processing unit 100 compares the gender of the user U1 who sang the karaoke version of the song X1 with the gender of the original singer of the song X1 (comparing the gender of the user with the gender of the original singer; step 14).

[0051] If the gender of user U1 who sang song X1 is different from the gender of the original singer of song X1 (if Y in step 15), the storage processing unit 100 stores the key and singing score set for the karaoke performance when the song was sung in the storage means 10a in association with the song ID of song X (the key and singing score are stored in association with the song ID; step 16).

[0052] For example, suppose that the storage processing unit 100 references the user data of user U1 who sang song X1 at karaoke and identifies the gender of user U1 as "male." On the other hand, suppose that the storage processing unit 100 references the song data of song X1 and identifies the gender of the original singer of song X1 as "female."

[0053] In this case, the gender of the identified user (male) is different from the gender of the original singer (female). Therefore, the storage processing unit 100 stores in the storage means 10a the key K2 set for the karaoke performance when the karaoke was performed and the singing score Sn (80 points) in association with the song ID "ID***X1" of song X1.

[0054] By repeating this process, a table such as that shown in Figure 4 is generated. In Figure 4, a plurality of combinations of keys and singing scores are stored for song X1.

[0055] [Processing for determining and setting one key] The user U2 operates the remote control device 50 to input his / her own user ID. The karaoke device K stores the input user ID of the user U2 in the storage means 10a, thereby completing the login of the user U2 to the karaoke device K (login process, step 20).

[0056] The user U2 operates the remote control device 50 to select a song to sing karaoke (selecting a song; step 21). In this example, it is assumed that the user U2 selects song X1.

[0057] The determination unit 200 compares the gender of the user U2 who selected the song X1 with the gender of the original singer of the song X1 (comparing the gender of the user with the gender of the original singer; step 22).

[0058] If the gender of the user U2 who selected the song X1 is different from the gender of the original singer of the song X1 (Y in step 23), the determination unit 200 determines a key based on the key and singing score associated with the song ID of the song X1 stored in the storage means 10a (determine a key; step 24).

[0059] The setting unit 300 sets the key for the karaoke performance of song X1 by linking the key determined in step 24 with the song ID of song X1 and registering it in the reservation queue (setting the key for the karaoke performance of a song; step 25).

[0060] For example, the determination unit 200 may refer to the user data of the user U2 who selected the song X1 and determine that the gender of the user U2 is "male." On the other hand, the determination unit 200 may refer to the song data of the song X1 and determine that the gender of the original singer of the song X1 is "female."

[0061] In this case, the gender of the identified user (male) is different from the gender of the original singer (female). Therefore, the determination unit 200 refers to the keys and singing scores stored in the storage means 10a and calculates the average singing score for each key associated with the song ID of song X1 (for example, for each of keys K1, K2, and K3 in the case of FIG. 4). The determination unit 200 determines the key with the highest average score as key Km.

[0062] The setting unit 300 associates the determined one key Km with the song ID of the song X1 and registers it in the reservation queue, thereby setting the key Km for the karaoke performance of the song X1.

[0063] In this embodiment, the key and singing score set for the karaoke performance when the karaoke song was sung are stored in the storage means 10a in association with the song identification information of the song. However, it is also possible to store them in the storage means of the server device instead of the storage means 10a of the karaoke device K.

[0064] For example, if the gender of the user who sang a song at karaoke differs from the gender of the original singer of the song, the storage processing unit 100 will associate the key set for the karaoke performance at the time of the song's singing and the singing score with the song identification information of the song and transmit them to the server device. The server device stores the received information in its own storage means (not shown).

[0065] On the other hand, if the gender of a user who selected a song differs from the gender of the song's original singer, the determination unit 200 transmits the song ID of the song to the server device and requests the key and singing score associated with the song. The server device reads the key and singing score associated with the song from the storage means and transmits them to the karaoke device K. The determination unit 200 can determine a key based on the received key and singing score.

[0066] ==Summary== As is clear from the above, the karaoke device K of this embodiment has a storage processing unit 100 that, when the gender of the user who sang a song differs from the gender of the original singer of the song, stores in storage means 10a the key and singing score set in the karaoke performance when the song was sung, in association with the song identification information of the song; a determination unit 200 that, when the gender of the user who selected a song differs from the gender of the original singer of the song, determines a key based on the key and singing score associated with the song identification information of the song stored in storage means 10a; and a setting unit 300 that enables the determined key to be set in the karaoke performance of the song.

[0067] According to this karaoke device K, even if the gender of the user who sings a song differs from the gender of the original singer of the song, the karaoke key set for the actual karaoke performance and the singing score can be associated and stored. Furthermore, even if the gender of the user who selects a song differs from the gender of the original singer of the song, the karaoke device K can determine a key based on the key and singing score of a previous karaoke performance of the song and set it for the karaoke performance of the song. Therefore, even if the gender of the user who sings a song differs from the gender of the original singer, the appropriate key for the song can be set simply by selecting the song. In other words, the karaoke device K of this embodiment can set an appropriate key for each song.

[0068] <Variation 1> As described in the above embodiment, a typical singing score is determined based on an evaluation of pitch accuracy and an evaluation of singing technique. However, if a key is changed, it is highly likely that the evaluation of pitch accuracy will be affected. Therefore, the determination unit 200 can determine a key based only on the key associated with the song identification information of a certain song and the evaluation of pitch accuracy included in the singing score.

[0069] For example, as described in the embodiment, if it is determined that the gender of the user is different from the gender of the original singer, the storage processing unit 100 stores in the storage means 10a the key set for the karaoke performance when the karaoke was performed and the singing score value in association with the song identification information of the song.

[0070] In this modification, the singing score is stored in the storage means 10a in a state in which the pitch accuracy evaluation and the singing technique evaluation can be distinguished. Fig. 5 shows an example of a table of keys and singing scores stored in the storage means 10a. As shown in Fig. 5, for example, the first key K1 is associated with a singing score S1 (pitch accuracy evaluation P1 and singing technique evaluation ST1).

[0071] If the determination unit 200 determines that the gender of the user is different from the gender of the original singer, it determines a key based only on the key associated with the song identification information of a song stored in the storage means 10a and the pitch accuracy evaluation included in the singing score value.

[0072] For example, the determination unit 200 refers to the storage means 10a and calculates the average value of only the pitch accuracy evaluation for each key associated with the song identification information of a certain song (for example, for each of keys K1, K2, and K3 in the case of FIG. 5). The determination unit 200 determines the key with the highest average value as the first key. Note that the determination unit 200 may determine the first key based on statistics such as the median or standard deviation instead of the average value.

[0073] As described above, the karaoke device K according to this modification can set a more appropriate key for each piece of music by using only the evaluation of pitch accuracy.

[0074] <Variation 2> Suppose a male user sets a certain key when singing a song originally sung by a female singer. The set key may be higher than the standard key for the song (i.e., 0 or higher). In such cases, it is highly likely that the male user has actually set the key higher than the standard key and is singing the karaoke one octave lower (see Patent Document 1). Similarly, it is highly likely that a female user sets a certain key when singing a song originally sung by a male singer. The set key may be lower than the standard key for the song (i.e., 0 or lower). In such cases, it is highly likely that the female user has actually set the key lower than the standard key and is singing the karaoke one octave higher (see Patent Document 1).

[0075] Therefore, if a user is male and the determined key is equal to or higher than the standard, the setting unit 300 can recommend that the user sing karaoke of a certain song at a pitch one octave lower, and if a user is female and the determined key is lower than the standard, the setting unit 300 can recommend that the user sing karaoke of a certain song at a pitch one octave higher. Note that in this modification, even if the user sings karaoke with the pitch changed by one octave, this does not affect the evaluation of pitch accuracy.

[0076] For example, the determination unit 200 may refer to the user data of a user who selected a certain song and determine that the user's gender is "male." On the other hand, the determination unit 200 may refer to the song data of a certain song and determine that the original singer of the song is "female."

[0077] In this case, the gender of the identified user (male) is different from the gender of the original singer (female), so the determination unit 200 determines one key.

[0078] The setting unit 300 associates the determined key with the song ID of a certain song and registers the determined key in the reservation queue, thereby setting the key for the karaoke performance of the certain song.

[0079] If the determined key is equal to or higher than the reference pitch (0 or higher), the setting unit 300 recommends to the user that the user sings a certain song at a pitch one octave lower. The recommendation can be made, for example, by displaying a message (e.g., "When singing karaoke, sing at a pitch one octave lower") on the display screen of the display device 30 or the remote control device 50.

[0080] In the storage process, if the vocal range of the original singer is low for a woman, it is highly likely that a male user will set a key lower than the standard and sing the karaoke without lowering the pitch by one octave. Therefore, if a user is male and the selected key is lower than the standard, the setting unit 300 will not perform any special processing.

[0081] On the other hand, suppose that the determination unit 200 references the user data of a certain user who selected a certain song and identifies the gender of the certain user as "female." On the other hand, suppose that the determination unit 200 references the song data of a certain song and identifies the gender of the original singer of the certain song as "male."

[0082] In this case, the gender of the identified user (female) is different from the gender of the original singer (male), so the determining unit 200 determines one key.

[0083] The setting unit 300 associates the determined key with the song ID of a certain song and registers the determined key in the reservation queue, thereby setting the key for the karaoke performance of the certain song.

[0084] If the determined key is below the reference pitch (0 or lower), the setting unit 300 recommends to the user that the user sings the song at a pitch one octave higher. The recommendation can be made, for example, by displaying a message (e.g., "When singing karaoke, sing at a pitch one octave higher") on the display screen of the display device 30 or the remote control device 50.

[0085] In the storage process, if the vocal range of the original singer is high for a man, it is highly likely that a female user will set a key higher than the standard and sing the karaoke without raising the pitch by one octave. Therefore, if a user is female and the selected key is higher than the standard, the setting unit 300 will not perform any special processing.

[0086] In this way, the karaoke device K of this modified example makes it easier for the user to sing karaoke at an appropriate pitch by recommending that a certain song be sung at a pitch one octave lower (or one octave higher) depending on the determined key.

[0087] <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]

[0088] 100 Memory Processing Unit 200 Decision Section 300 Setting Department K Karaoke equipment

Claims

1. a storage processing unit that, when the gender of the user who sang the song at karaoke is different from the gender of the original singer of the song, stores in the storage means the key and singing score set for the karaoke performance at the time of the song at karaoke singing in association with the song identification information of the song; a determination unit that determines a key based on the key and singing score associated with the song identification information of a song stored in the storage means when the gender of a user who has selected a song differs from the gender of the original singer of the song; a setting unit that allows the determined one key to be set in a karaoke performance of the certain song; A karaoke device having:

2. 2. The karaoke apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines the one key based only on the key associated with the song identification information of the certain song and the evaluation of pitch accuracy included in the singing score.

3. 3. The karaoke device according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit recommends that the user sing the song at a pitch one octave lower if the user is male and the determined key is equal to or higher than a standard, and recommends that the user sing the song at a pitch one octave higher if the user is female and the determined key is equal to or lower than a standard.

Images