Karaoke program and communication terminal

Abstract

To enable karaoke singing while passing through an area with poor electric field strength during karaoke singing by using mobile communication service.SOLUTION: A karaoke program of a communication terminal allows a communication terminal to perform respective steps of: acquiring scheduled passing time of each point in a travel route; acquiring an electric field strength map of a travel area; predicting a travel time zone in which electric field strength is less than a predetermined value from the scheduled passing time of each point and the electric field strength map; associating reproduction start time of the music with music scheduled to be sung and registering the music in a registration list; specifying downloaded music in which a reproduction time zone of music overlaps with the travel time zone in which the electric field strength is below the predetermined value; storing music data of downloaded music which is downloaded from a karaoke server in a memory; reproducing music data stored in the memory in the case of downloaded music; and reproducing music data which is streaming-distributed from the karaoke server in the case of streaming-distributed music.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a karaoke program and a communication terminal. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, mobile communication services such as 5G (5th Generation) have emerged, which can provide large volumes of data to mobile terminals such as in-vehicle devices and smartphones. However, communication may be interrupted while traveling due to deterioration of the electric field strength. Therefore, a communication service has been proposed that determines a driving route while referring to a field strength map (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The communication service described in Patent Document 1 modifies the driving route so as to obtain sufficient electric field strength when it is predicted that the electric field strength at a passing point will deteriorate at the scheduled download time based on the vehicle's driving route and the electric field strength map. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-135100 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a desire to use mobile communication services to stream music on smartphones, tablets, etc., and drive to a destination while singing karaoke. However, if the electric field strength deteriorates while driving and the streaming playback is interrupted, it becomes difficult to fully enjoy singing karaoke while driving. Furthermore, the communication service described in Patent Document 1 does not assume streaming playback, so the vehicle's route is frequently adjusted to pass through areas where radio waves are always available, which is annoying.

[0005] To provide a karaoke program and a communication terminal that allows karaoke singing even when passing through an area with poor electric field strength when using a mobile communication service to sing karaoke. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The main invention for achieving the above object is a karaoke program for a communication terminal wirelessly connected to a karaoke server capable of streaming and downloading music data, which causes the communication terminal to execute the following steps: acquiring the scheduled time of passage at each point on a driving route from the current location to the destination; acquiring an electric field strength map showing the distribution of electric field strength in the driving area; predicting a driving time period during which the electric field strength will be below a predetermined value from the scheduled time of passage at each point and the electric field strength map; associating a song to be sung while traveling along the driving route with the playback start time of the song and registering the song in a registration list; identifying songs whose playback time period overlaps with a driving time period during which the electric field strength is below a predetermined value as download-distributed songs; storing song data downloaded from the karaoke server in memory before the playback start time of the download-distributed song; and playing the song data stored in memory if the song registered in the registration list is a download-distributed song, and playing song data streamed from the karaoke server if the song registered in the registration list is not a download-distributed song. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, a driving time period during which the electric field strength will be below a predetermined value while traveling along a driving route is predicted, and music data to be played during this driving time period is downloaded from a karaoke server to a communication terminal before the playback start time. Therefore, streaming music data is played when traveling through areas with good electric field strength, and music data downloaded in advance is played when traveling through areas with poor electric field strength. This allows karaoke singing without interruption in the playback of music data, even while passing through areas with poor electric field strength. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of a karaoke system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a functional block diagram of a karaoke system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a change in electric field strength during driving in this embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a karaoke program according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The karaoke system of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a configuration diagram of the karaoke system of this embodiment. Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the karaoke system of this embodiment. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of changes in electric field strength while the vehicle is moving in this embodiment. For the sake of convenience, the functional block diagram of Figure 2 shows functional blocks for realizing specific processing, but it is assumed that the system also includes the components that a karaoke system normally has.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, in a karaoke system 1, a karaoke server 2 and a communication terminal 4 in a vehicle 3 are wirelessly connected to each other via a mobile communication network 5 so that they can communicate with each other. The karaoke server 2 manages song data, which may be audio data in MP3 format, in a song database. The song database associates song IDs with storage locations for the song data. The karaoke server 2 is configured to be able to distribute, by streaming or download, song data corresponding to the song ID included in a distribution request from the communication terminal 4 while a karaoke program is running.

[0011] The communication terminal 4 is a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet, and a karaoke program and a car navigation program are pre-installed on the communication terminal 4. When the karaoke program and the car navigation program on the communication terminal 4 are started, the karaoke program and the car navigation program work together to deliver music data from the karaoke server 2 to the communication terminal 4 while driving, thereby providing an in-car karaoke service. The in-car karaoke service allows users in the car to drive from their current location to their destination while singing karaoke.

[0012] When a user inputs a user ID and password into the login screen of the karaoke program, a login request including the user ID and password is sent from the communication terminal 4 to the karaoke server 2. The user is logged into the karaoke server 2 after being authenticated by the karaoke server 2. When the user selects route search from the menu screen of the car navigation program, a driving route from the current location to the destination is set by inputting the name of a desired place or tapping near the destination on the map. Note that multiple driving routes may be presented, and the user may select one from among the multiple driving routes.

[0013] 2, the communication terminal 4 includes a first acquisition unit 11, a second acquisition unit 12, a prediction unit 13, a registration unit 14, an identification unit 15, a determination unit 16, a storage control unit 17, and a reproduction unit 18. The first acquisition unit 11 acquires the estimated time of passage at each point on the driving route from the current location to the destination. In this case, the car navigation program calculates the estimated time of passage at each point based on the driving distance, road type, traffic congestion status, etc., and the first acquisition unit 11 acquires the estimated time of passage at each point from the car navigation program. In this embodiment, the estimated time of passage is set as a relative time from the departure time, but the estimated time of passage may also be set as an absolute time.

[0014] The second acquisition unit 12 acquires a field strength map that shows the distribution of field strength in the driving area. In this case, the field strength map is created by a telecommunications carrier, and the second acquisition unit 12 acquires the field strength map from the telecommunications carrier's website, etc. In general, the field strength map shows the field strength in the driving area using different colors or patterns. For example, in JP 2021-135100 A, weak field areas are shown in shading, and strong field areas are shown in black. Note that the field strength map may be displayed in any form as long as it shows the distribution of field strength in the driving area.

[0015] The prediction unit 13 predicts a driving time period during which the electric field strength will be below a predetermined value based on the scheduled passing time of each point and the electric field strength map. In this case, the prediction unit 13 compares each point on the driving route with the electric field strength map to identify points on the driving route where the electric field strength will be below a predetermined value. This identifies a driving section during driving where the electric field strength will be below a predetermined value and is unsuitable for streaming distribution, and determines the driving time period during which this driving section will be passed, i.e., the start time and end time of the driving section. Note that the predetermined value may be set to a value of electric field strength determined experimentally, empirically, or theoretically from past data, etc.

[0016] Specifically, as shown in Table 1, if it takes "60 minutes 20 seconds" from departure to arrival, the start and end times of the travel section where the electric field strength will be below a predetermined value are predicted based on the relative time from the departure time. Here, it is predicted that the electric field strength will be below the predetermined value during the travel time periods of "8 minutes 20 seconds to 9 minutes 40 seconds," "22 minutes 30 seconds to 25 minutes 0 seconds," "31 minutes 10 seconds to 33 minutes 40 seconds," and "44 minutes 20 seconds to 48 minutes 30 seconds." Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, during the travel time from departure to arrival, time periods where the electric field strength is higher than the predetermined value can be displayed as white bands, and time periods where the electric field strength is below the predetermined value can be displayed as black bands. [Table 1]

[0017] The registration unit 14 associates the playback start time of a song to be sung while traveling along the travel route with the song and registers the song in the registration list 21. In this case, when the user searches for and selects a song on the search screen of the communication terminal 4, the registration unit 14 registers the song ID in order in the registration list 21. At this time, the playback start time of the song calculated from the relative time from the departure time and the playback time of the song is associated with the song ID. In addition, an interval (e.g., 5 seconds) until the next song is played is set, and the playback start time of each song also takes this interval into account. In this way, songs that the user wants to sing karaoke between their current location and their destination are registered.

[0018] Specifically, as shown in Table 2, since the inter-song time is "5 seconds," the playback start time of the first song is "0 minutes 5 seconds." Since the playback time of the first song is "4 minutes 20 seconds," the playback start time of the second song is "4 minutes 30 seconds." Since the playback time of the second song is "5 minutes 50 seconds," the playback start time of the third song is "10 minutes 25 seconds." From here on, the playback start time of the next song is calculated by adding the playback time of the song and the inter-song time to the playback start time of that song. It is desirable that the registration unit 14 limit the number of songs to be registered so that the arrival time is not exceeded. This allows the user to sing all songs on the registration list 21 karaoke. [Table 2]

[0019] The identification unit 15 identifies, as download distribution songs, songs whose playback time period overlaps with a driving time period when the electric field strength is below a predetermined value. In this case, the identification unit 15 calculates the playback end time from the playback start time and playback duration of each song, and calculates the playback time period from the playback start time to the playback end time. The identification unit 15 then compares the playback time period of each song with driving time periods that are unsuitable for streaming distribution, and identifies songs whose playback time period overlaps with driving time periods as download distribution songs. In the registration list 21, a flag indicating the download distribution song is set in association with the song ID of the download distribution song.

[0020] Specifically, the playback time for song ID "ID****X1" is "0 minutes 5 seconds to 4 minutes 25 seconds," the playback time for song ID "ID****X2" is "4 minutes 30 seconds to 10 minutes 20 seconds," the playback time for song ID "ID****X3" is "10 minutes 25 seconds to 15 minutes 40 seconds," the playback time for song ID "ID****X4" is "15 minutes 45 seconds to 20 minutes 25 seconds," the playback time for song ID "ID****X5" is "20 minutes 30 seconds to 25 minutes 50 seconds," and the playback time for song ID "ID****X6" is "10 minutes 25 seconds to 15 minutes 40 seconds." The playback time for song ID "ID****X7" is "31 minutes 55 seconds to 37 minutes 20 seconds", the playback time for song ID "ID****X8" is "37 minutes 25 seconds to 42 minutes 55 seconds", the playback time for song ID "ID****X9" is "43 minutes 0 seconds to 48 minutes 50 seconds", the playback time for song ID "ID****X10" is "48 minutes 55 seconds to 55 minutes 5 seconds", and the playback time for song ID "ID****X11" is "55 minutes 10 seconds to 60 minutes 0 seconds".

[0021] Then, downloadable songs whose playback time period overlaps with driving time periods unsuitable for streaming distribution, such as "8 minutes 20 seconds to 9 minutes 40 seconds," "22 minutes 30 seconds to 25 minutes 0 seconds," "31 minutes 10 seconds to 33 minutes 40 seconds," and "44 minutes 20 seconds to 48 minutes 30 seconds," are identified. Here, as shown in Table 3, song ID "ID****X2," song ID "ID****X5," song ID "ID****X6," song ID "ID****X7," and song ID "ID****X9" are identified as downloadable songs. In registration list 21, a flag "1" is set for the song IDs of downloadable songs, and a flag "0" is set for the song IDs of streaming songs other than downloadable songs. [Table 3]

[0022] The determination unit 16 determines the download start time for the download-distributed song. In this case, the determination unit 16 determines the download start time to be a time that is before the playback start time of the download-distributed song and that is outside of the driving time zone when the electric field strength is below a predetermined value. Specifically, for song ID "ID****X2," the download start time is determined to be a time that is before "4 minutes 30 seconds" from the playback start time and is within the time zone up to "8 minutes 20 seconds" when the electric field strength is above a predetermined value. At this time, it is desirable to determine the download start time so that the download is completed within the time zone when the electric field strength is above a predetermined value, taking into account the download time corresponding to the data volume of the download-distributed song.

[0023] Specifically, as shown in Table 4, the download start time for song ID "ID****X2" is "3 minutes 30 seconds," the download start time for song ID "ID****X5" is "18 minutes 35 seconds," the download start time for song ID "ID****X6" is "20 minutes 35 seconds," the download start time for song ID "ID****X7" is "29 minutes 15 seconds," and the download start time for song ID "ID****X9" is "41 minutes 0 seconds." The download start time may be any time before the playback start time of the download-distributed song; for example, the download may start immediately after departure. [Table 4]

[0024] The storage control unit 17 stores song data downloaded and distributed from the karaoke server 2 before the playback start time of the download-distributed song. In this case, when the download start time arrives, the storage control unit 17 transmits a download distribution request including the song ID of the download-distributed song to the karaoke server 2. In response to the download distribution request, the karaoke server 2 references a song database, and downloads and distributes the song data of the download-distributed song from the karaoke server 2 to the storage control unit 17. The storage control unit 17 then associates the song data with the song ID and stores it in the memory 22.

[0025] The communication terminal 4 is provided with a timer that measures the relative time from the departure time of the vehicle 3. When the timer reaches the download distribution time, the storage control unit 17 performs processes such as sending a download distribution request and storing music data of the download distribution music. The timer may start timing when the GPS function of the communication terminal 4 detects the movement of the communication terminal 4 (vehicle 3), or when the user taps a button such as "Start operation" on the menu screen of the car navigation program.

[0026] The playback unit 18 plays back the music data stored in the memory 22 when a song registered in the registration list 21 is a download-distributed song. On the other hand, when a song registered in the registration list 21 is not a download-distributed song, the playback unit 18 plays back music data streamed from the karaoke server 2. In this case, the playback unit 18 reads out the music ID and flag from the top of the registration list 21 and determines the distribution format of the music data based on the flag. In the case of music data for a download-distributed song, the playback unit 18 reads out the music data from the memory 22 at the playback start time and plays it offline.

[0027] In the case of music data of a streaming music song, the playback unit 18 transmits a streaming delivery request including the music ID of the streaming music song to the karaoke server 2 immediately before the playback start time. In response to the streaming delivery request, the karaoke server 2 refers to a music database, and the music data of the streaming music song is streamed from the karaoke server 2 to the playback unit 18. Then, while the communication terminal 4 receives the music data from the karaoke server 2, the playback unit 18 streams the music data from the playback start time.

[0028] Specifically, when the vehicle 3 starts moving and the timer starts timing, the playback unit 18 refers to the registration list 21 and reads out the song ID "ID****X1", playback start time "0 minutes 5 seconds", and flag "0" from the top of the registration list 21. This is determined to be the song ID of a song to be streamed, and the playback unit 18 transmits a streaming delivery request including the song ID "ID****X1" to the karaoke server 2 just before the playback start time. From the point when the timer reaches "0 minutes 5 seconds" as the playback start time, the playback unit 18 plays back the song data of the song ID "ID****X1" streamed from the karaoke server 2.

[0029] When playback of the song data of the first song with song ID "ID****X1" is completed, the top data in registration list 21 is deleted, and the song ID, playback start time, and flag of the second song in registration list 21 are moved up. The playback unit 18 reads out the top song ID "ID****X2", playback start time "4 minutes 30 seconds", and flag "1" from registration list 21. This is determined to be the song ID of a downloadable song, and from the point when the timer reaches the playback start time of "4 minutes 30 seconds", the playback unit 18 plays the song data of song ID "ID****X2" stored in memory 22.

[0030] The song data for the second song, song ID "ID****X2", is downloaded while the song data for the first song, song ID "ID****X1", is being streamed. When the timer reaches "3 minutes 30 seconds", the download start time for song ID "ID****X2", the storage control unit 17 sends a download distribution request to the karaoke server 2. As a result, the download of the song data from the karaoke server 2 to the communication terminal 4 is completed before "4 minutes 30 seconds", the playback start time for the song data for song ID "ID****X2".

[0031] The processing of each part of the communication terminal 4 and the karaoke server 2 may be realized by software using a processor, or may be realized by a logic circuit (hardware) formed in an integrated circuit or the like. When a processor is used, the processor reads and executes programs stored in memory to perform various processes. For example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) is used as the processor. Furthermore, the memory is configured with one or more storage media such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory) depending on the application.

[0032] The karaoke program will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flow diagram of the karaoke program of this embodiment. Note that the symbols in Fig. 2 will be used as appropriate in the description. Also, the following flow diagram is merely an example and can be modified as appropriate.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 4, the planned passing times for each point on the driving route are obtained from the car navigation program (step S01), and a field strength map for the driving area is obtained from a telecommunications carrier's website or the like (step S02). Each point in the driving area is compared with the field strength map, and the driving time period when the vehicle will be passing through a driving section where the field strength is below a predetermined value is predicted based on the planned passing times for each point where the field strength is below a predetermined value (step S03). The song IDs of songs to be sung until the vehicle arrives at the destination are associated with the playback start times and registered in order in registration list 21 (step S04).

[0034] If the playback time period of the song overlaps with the driving time period when the electric field strength is below a predetermined value (Yes in step S05), the flag associated with the song ID of this song is set to "1" and the song is identified as a downloadable song (step S06). The download start time of the downloadable song is determined to be before the playback start time of the downloadable song, avoiding driving time periods that are unsuitable for streaming (step S07). Note that if the playback time period of the song does not overlap with the driving time period when the electric field strength is below a predetermined value (No in step S05), the flag associated with the song ID of this song is set to "0".

[0035] When the vehicle starts traveling (Yes in step S08), the timer measures the relative time from the departure time (step S09). When the timer measures the download start time (Yes in step S10), a download distribution request is sent from the communication terminal 4 to the karaoke server 2 (step S11), and the music data downloaded and distributed from the karaoke server 2 is stored in the memory 22 (step S12). When the timer measures the playback start time of the performed music piece (Yes in step S13), it is determined whether the performed music piece at the top of the registration list 21 is a download distribution music piece (step S14).

[0036] If the flag of the performed song is "1", it is determined to be a download distribution song (Yes in step S14), and the song data read from the memory 22 is played (step S15). If the flag of the performed song is "0", it is determined to be a streaming distribution song (No in step S14), a streaming distribution request is sent from the communication terminal 4 to the karaoke server 2 (step S16), and the song data streamed from the karaoke server 2 is played (step S17). The processes from step S10 to step S18 are repeated until all the performed songs in the registration list 21 have been played (step S18).

[0037] As described above, according to this embodiment, a driving time period during which the electric field strength will be below a predetermined value while traveling along a driving route is predicted, and music data to be played during this driving time period is downloaded from the karaoke server 2 to the communication terminal 4 before the playback start time. Therefore, streaming music data is played when traveling through areas with good electric field strength, and music data downloaded in advance is played when traveling through areas with poor electric field strength. This allows karaoke singing without interruption to the playback of music data, even while passing through areas with poor electric field strength.

[0038] Even if the field strength map indicates that the field strength of the departure area is below a predetermined value, the field strength may be higher in locations where communication equipment such as a Wi-Fi router is installed. The first song in the registration list is a downloadable song, but the communication terminal may send a download request to the karaoke server without the download start time being determined by the determination unit. In this case, it is desirable to display a message on the menu screen of the car navigation program or karaoke program instructing the user not to start driving until the download is complete. This allows the user to sing karaoke even if they are out of range of a radio wave immediately after starting driving.

[0039] Furthermore, if the electric field strength at the departure point is below a predetermined value, the start of the journey may be set to immediately after the passage of a travel time period in which the electric field strength is below the predetermined value, i.e., immediately after passing through a travel section unsuitable for streaming distribution, and the scheduled times of passing each point on the travel route, the start time of music playback, the start time of downloading, etc. This allows the user to start karaoke singing after entering the range of a radio wave even if the journey begins outside the range of a radio wave.

[0040] Furthermore, the electric field strength being equal to or less than a predetermined value may include not only a state where the radio waves of the communication terminal are out of range, but also a state where the radio waves of the communication terminal are weak.

[0041] In the above embodiment, the in-car karaoke service may be added by installing a karaoke program on a communication terminal such as a smartphone or tablet. The karaoke program is stored in a storage medium. The storage medium is not particularly limited, and may be a non-transitory storage medium such as an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a flash memory.

[0042] Although the present embodiment has been described, other embodiments may be obtained by combining the above-described embodiments and modifications in whole or in part.

[0043] Furthermore, the technology of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be variously modified, substituted, or altered within the scope of the spirit of the technical idea. Furthermore, if the technical idea can be realized in a different way due to technological advances or other derived technologies, it may be implemented using that method. Therefore, the claims cover all embodiments that may fall within the scope of the technical idea. [Explanation of symbols]

[0044] 2: Karaoke server 4: Communication terminal 11: First acquisition section 12: Second acquisition section 13: Prediction department 14: Registration Department 15: Specific part 16: Decision section 17: Memory control unit 18: Playback section 21: Registration list 22: Memory

Claims

1. A karaoke program for a communication terminal wirelessly connected to a karaoke server capable of streaming and downloading music data, A step of acquiring an estimated time of passing each point on a travel route from a current location to a destination; obtaining a field strength map showing the distribution of field strength in a driving area; A step of predicting a travel time period in which the electric field strength will be equal to or less than a predetermined value based on the scheduled time of passing each point and the electric field strength map; a step of associating a song to be sung while traveling along a travel route with a playback start time of the song and registering the song in a registration list; identifying, as downloadable music, music whose playback time period overlaps with a driving time period in which the electric field strength is equal to or less than a predetermined value; storing the music data downloaded from the karaoke server in a memory before a playback start time of the downloaded music; A karaoke program characterized by causing the communication terminal to execute the steps of: playing music data stored in the memory if the music registered in the registration list is a download-distributed music; and playing music data streamed from the karaoke server if the music registered in the registration list is not a download-distributed music.

2. determining, as the download start time, a time that is earlier than the playback start time of the download distribution music and that is outside a driving time zone in which the electric field strength is equal to or less than a predetermined value; 2. The karaoke program according to claim 1, wherein said storing step stores the music data downloaded from said karaoke server in said memory when a download start time arrives.

3. A communication terminal wirelessly connected to a karaoke server capable of streaming and downloading music data, a first acquisition unit that acquires a scheduled passing time at each point on a travel route from a current location to a destination; a second acquisition unit that acquires a field strength map that indicates a distribution of field strength in a driving area; a prediction unit that predicts a travel time period during which the electric field strength will be equal to or less than a predetermined value based on the scheduled time of passing each point and the electric field strength map; a registration unit that associates a song to be sung while traveling along a route with a playback start time of the song and registers the song in a registration list; an identification unit that identifies, as downloadable distribution songs, songs whose playback time period overlaps with a driving time period in which the electric field strength is equal to or less than a predetermined value; a storage control unit that stores the music data downloaded from the karaoke server in a memory before the playback start time of the downloaded music; A communication terminal characterized by comprising a playback unit that plays music data stored in the memory when a song registered in the registration list is a download-distributed song, and plays music data streamed from the karaoke server when a song registered in the registration list is not a download-distributed song.

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