Karaoke system

Abstract

To provide a karaoke system capable of executing content in which a karaoke performance function and a car navigation function are combined.SOLUTION: In a karaoke system, a first in-vehicle terminal transmits song identification information, singing voice data, and first location information to a server device in association with terminal identification information, a second in-vehicle terminal transmits second location information to the server device in association with terminal identification information, and reproduces distributed karaoke performance data and the singing voice data. When receiving the second location information, the server device identifies, among locations indicated by the first location information stored in an information storage unit, a location within a first predetermined range from a location indicated by the second location information, and distributes karaoke performance data and the singing voice data corresponding to the song identification information associated with the first location information indicating the identified location to the second in-vehicle terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a karaoke system.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, by installing dedicated application software on mobile terminals such as smartphones, it has become possible to use various services.

[0003] For example, there is a karaoke app that can be used to play karaoke performance sounds on a mobile terminal, record singing voices accompanying karaoke singing, record the singer, etc., and use services similar to those of a karaoke device (see Non-Patent Document 1). Also, there is a car navigation app that can be used to set a vehicle's travel route and provide route guidance, etc., and use services similar to those of a car navigation device (see Non-Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0004]

Non-Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a novel karaoke system that can execute content combining a karaoke performance function and a car navigation function.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One invention for achieving the above objective is a karaoke system comprising an in-vehicle terminal mounted in each of a plurality of vehicles and a server device communicated with the in-vehicle terminal, wherein the first in-vehicle terminal has a first transmission processing unit that transmits song identification information of a song on which karaoke performance is performed using a karaoke performance function, singing voice data corresponding to the singing voice accompanying the user's karaoke singing, and first location information indicating the location of the first in-vehicle terminal to the server device in association with terminal identification information, and the second in-vehicle terminal has a second transmission processing unit that transmits second location information indicating the location of the second in-vehicle terminal to the server device in association with terminal identification information, and the server The karaoke system comprises a server device and a playback processing unit that plays karaoke performance data and singing voice data distributed from the device, the server device and the server device having an information storage unit that stores song identification information, singing voice data, first location information, and terminal identification information received from the first in-vehicle terminal, an identification unit that, when the second location information is received, identifies a location within a first predetermined range from the location indicated by the first location information stored in the information storage unit, and a distribution unit that distributes karaoke performance data and singing voice data corresponding to song identification information associated with the first location information indicating the identified location to the second in-vehicle terminal. Other features of the present invention will be revealed in the specification and drawings described below. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to execute content that combines karaoke performance functionality and car navigation functionality. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing a karaoke system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows a first in-vehicle terminal according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows a second in-vehicle terminal according to an embodiment. [Figure 4]This is a diagram showing a server device according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing the processing of the server device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows a second in-vehicle terminal relating to Modification 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] <Embodiment> A karaoke system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5.

[0010] ==Karaoke System== The karaoke system includes an in-vehicle terminal and a server device.

[0011] An in-vehicle terminal is a device installed in a vehicle. An in-vehicle terminal can be a smartphone or tablet owned by the user, or a dedicated computer pre-installed in the vehicle. Users are the driver, passengers, or other individuals who utilize the pickup content (described later). In-vehicle terminals typically have functions found in smartphones, such as GPS and music player capabilities.

[0012] In this embodiment, the in-vehicle terminal has dedicated application software (hereinafter referred to as "content app") installed for using pickup content that combines a karaoke performance function and a car navigation function. The karaoke performance function is a function that performs karaoke on the in-vehicle terminal. The car navigation function is a function that uses the GPS function on the in-vehicle terminal to obtain the current location and assist driving along a set travel route. The car navigation function can utilize technologies implemented in known navigation systems. Pickup content is content that receives singing audio data, which is virtually placed at a certain location such as a road or parking lot, when the in-vehicle terminal passes near that location (described later). The content app can be obtained by downloading it from a designated website.

[0013] The server device is a computer that manages and processes various types of information. The server device is communicably connected to the in-vehicle terminal via a network such as a public telephone line network or an Internet line. In the in-vehicle terminal, by starting the content application, the in-vehicle terminal and the server device are communicably connected.

[0014] The server device S according to the present embodiment executes pick-up content (described later).

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the karaoke system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of in-vehicle terminals (in FIG. 1, in-vehicle terminals M1, M2, and M3 are shown), and a server device S. The in-vehicle terminal M1 is operated by the driver D1, the in-vehicle terminal M2 is operated by the driver D2, and the in-vehicle terminal M3 is operated by the driver D3. The in-vehicle terminal M1 is mounted on the vehicle C1, the in-vehicle terminal M2 is mounted on the vehicle C2, and the in-vehicle terminal M3 is mounted on the vehicle C3. A content application is installed in each in-vehicle terminal.

[0016] ==In-Vehicle Terminal== Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the configuration of the in-vehicle terminal will be described. The in-vehicle terminal includes a storage unit 10, a communication unit 11, a display unit 12, an input unit 13, a sound output unit 14, a sound collection unit 15, a photographing unit 16, and a control unit 17. Each component is connected to the bus B via an interface (not shown).

[0017] [Storage means, communication means, display means, input means, sound output means, sound collection means, photographing means] The storage means 10 is a storage device that stores various data. The storage means 10 stores terminal identification information. The terminal identification information is information unique to each in-vehicle terminal, such as a terminal ID for identifying the in-vehicle terminal. The communication means 11 provides an interface for communicating with the server device S. The display means 12 is a display for displaying various information. The input means 13 is a configuration for the user to perform various instruction inputs. Note that the display means 12 configured in a touch panel format may function as the input means 13. The sound emission means 14 is a configuration for emitting sound, such as a speaker. The sound collection means 15 is a configuration for collecting the sound emitted by the user, such as a microphone. The photographing means 16 is a configuration for photographing the user, such as a camera.

[0018] [Control means] The control means 17 performs various controls in the in-vehicle terminal. The control means 17 includes a CPU and a memory (both not shown). The CPU realizes various functions by executing the programs stored in the memory.

[0019] In the present embodiment, when a content application is launched on the in-vehicle terminal, the control means 17 causes the display means 12 to display a mode selection screen for selecting the "installation mode" or the "pickup mode". The "installation mode" is a mode for pseudo-placing singing voice data at a certain position. The "pickup mode" is a mode for receiving the distribution of singing voice data pseudo-placed at a certain position.

[0020] The in-vehicle terminal in which the "installation mode" is selected corresponds to the "first in-vehicle terminal". Also, the in-vehicle terminal in which the pickup mode is selected corresponds to the "second in-vehicle terminal".

[0021] ==First in-vehicle terminal== When the "installation mode" is selected by the user, the control means 17 of the in-vehicle terminal functions as the first transmission processing unit 17a (see FIG. 2).

[0022] (First transmission processing unit) The first transmission processing unit 17a transmits to the server device S, in association with terminal identification information, song identification information of the song on which the karaoke performance was performed using the karaoke performance function, singing voice data corresponding to the singing voice accompanying the user's karaoke singing, and first location information indicating the location of the first in-vehicle terminal.

[0023] When the installation mode is selected, the first in-vehicle terminal displays a song selection screen on the display means 12 for selecting a song. The user (for example, the driver of the vehicle equipped with the first in-vehicle terminal) selects a song they wish to sing karaoke via the input means 13. The first in-vehicle terminal transmits the song identification information of the selected song to the server device S, associating it with its own terminal identification information. The song identification information is unique to each song, such as a song ID used to identify the song.

[0024] The server device S reads karaoke performance data (described later) corresponding to the received song identification information from the storage means 20 (described later) and transmits it to the first in-vehicle terminal. The first in-vehicle terminal uses the karaoke performance function provided by the content application to perform karaoke based on the received karaoke performance data. The sound of the karaoke performance is emitted from the sound emission means 14 (or sound emission means such as speakers installed in the vehicle). The user sings karaoke using the sound collection means 15 (or sound collection means such as a headset attached to the in-vehicle terminal). The first in-vehicle terminal stores the singing voice data corresponding to the user's singing voice in the storage means 10, associating it with the song identification information.

[0025] The first in-vehicle terminal displays a decision screen on the display means 12 after the karaoke performance is finished, allowing the user to decide whether or not to install the singing audio data. The user selects whether or not to install the singing audio data via the input means 13. If the user chooses to install the singing audio data, the first in-vehicle terminal uses the GPS function provided by the content application to obtain the current location. If the user chooses not to install the singing audio data, the first in-vehicle terminal can perform karaoke again using the karaoke performance function provided by the content application.

[0026] The first transmission processing unit 17a transmits to the server device S the song identification information, singing voice data, and location information indicating the location of the first in-vehicle terminal (i.e., first location information) stored in the storage means 10, in association with the terminal identification information of the first in-vehicle terminal.

[0027] ==Second In-Vehicle Terminal== On the other hand, if the user selects "pickup mode," the in-vehicle terminal control means 17 functions as a second transmission processing unit 17b and a playback processing unit 17c (see Figure 3).

[0028] (Second transmission processing unit) The second transmission processing unit 17b transmits second location information, indicating the location of the second in-vehicle terminal, to the server device S in association with terminal identification information. The second transmission processing unit 17b transmits to the server device S at predetermined intervals, such as every 5 seconds.

[0029] When pickup mode is selected, the second in-vehicle terminal uses the GPS function provided by the content app to acquire the current location at predetermined intervals.

[0030] The second transmission processing unit 17b transmits location information indicating the location of the second in-vehicle terminal (i.e., second location information), acquired at predetermined intervals, to the server device S in association with the terminal identification information of the second in-vehicle terminal.

[0031] (Regeneration processing unit) The playback processing unit 17c plays back the karaoke performance data and singing voice data distributed from the server device S.

[0032] When the karaoke performance data and singing voice data are received from the server device S (described later), the playback processing unit 17c uses the karaoke function of the content application to play the received karaoke performance data and emits the karaoke performance sound from the sound emission means 14. The playback processing unit 17c also uses the karaoke function of the content application to play the received singing voice data and emits the singing voice of the user who sang karaoke on the first in-vehicle terminal from the sound emission means 14. A user riding in a vehicle equipped with the second in-vehicle terminal can listen to the karaoke performance of the song selected by the user who sang karaoke on the first in-vehicle terminal, along with the user's singing voice.

[0033] ==Server Equipment== As shown in Figure 4, the server device S comprises a storage means 20, a communication means 30, and a control means 40. Each component is connected to bus B via an interface (not shown).

[0034] [Storage means] The memory means 20 is a memory device that stores various types of data.

[0035] The memory means 20 stores karaoke performance data for each song. The karaoke performance data is data for performing karaoke (i.e., the data that forms the basis of the karaoke performance sound). The karaoke performance data is in a format that can be played back by the music player function or content application provided by the in-car terminal. The karaoke performance data is associated with song identification information.

[0036] (Information storage unit) A portion of the storage area of ​​the storage means 20 according to this embodiment functions as an information storage unit 100.

[0037] The information storage unit 100 stores song identification information, singing voice data, first location information, and terminal identification information received from the first in-vehicle terminal. The information storage unit 100 stores song identification information each time it receives it from the first in-vehicle terminal. In other words, the information storage unit 100 can store multiple pieces of song identification information, etc.

[0038] [g means] The communication means 30 provides an interface for communicating with each in-vehicle terminal.

[0039] [Control means] The control means 40 performs various controls on the server device S. The control means 40 includes a CPU and memory (neither of which are shown in the figure). The CPU implements various functions by executing programs stored in the memory.

[0040] In this embodiment, the CPU executes a program for the picked-up content, and the control means 40 functions as a specific unit 200 and a distribution unit 300.

[0041] (Specific part) When the identification unit 200 receives the second location information, it identifies a location within a first predetermined range from the location indicated by the first location information stored in the information storage unit 100.

[0042] The first predetermined range is a criterion for determining the relationship between the location indicated by the first location information and the location indicated by the second location information. The predetermined range is set by a predetermined criterion, for example, "a radius of 100m centered on the location indicated by the first location information."

[0043] When the identification unit 200 receives second location information from the second in-vehicle terminal, it compares the location indicated by the second location information with the location indicated by the first location information stored in the information storage unit 100, and identifies the location indicated by the first location information that is within a first predetermined range from the location indicated by the second location information.

[0044] Furthermore, if there is no location indicated by the first location information that is within the first predetermined range from the location indicated by the second location information, the identification unit 200 does not identify the location.

[0045] (Distribution Department) The distribution unit 300 distributes karaoke performance data and singing voice data corresponding to song identification information associated with a first location information indicating a specified location to a second in-vehicle terminal.

[0046] When the location indicated by the first location information is identified by the identification unit 200, the distribution unit 300 reads the song identification information associated with the first location information from the information storage unit 100. The distribution unit 300 then reads the karaoke performance data corresponding to the song identification information from the storage means 20. The distribution unit 300 also reads the singing voice data associated with the first location information from the information storage unit 100. The distribution unit 300 then distributes the read karaoke performance data and singing voice data to the second in-vehicle terminal.

[0047] The distribution unit 300 may, before distributing the karaoke performance data and singing voice data, send a message to the second in-vehicle terminal indicating that distribution is ready. Based on the received message data, the second in-vehicle terminal can display the message indicating that distribution is ready on the display means 12, or emit an audio message indicating that distribution is ready from the sound emission means 14. Subsequently, the user of the second in-vehicle terminal can, at any time, select their desired distribution via the input means 13. In this case, the second in-vehicle terminal sends a signal to the server device S indicating their desire for distribution. Upon receiving this signal, the distribution unit 300 can read the karaoke performance data and singing voice data from the information storage unit 100 and distribute them to the second in-vehicle terminal.

[0048] ==Regarding the operation of the karaoke system== Next, a specific example of the operation of the karaoke system 1 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the karaoke system 1. In this example, the in-vehicle terminal M1 operated by driver D1, as shown in Figure 1, corresponds to the "first in-vehicle terminal," and the in-vehicle terminal M2 operated by driver D2 corresponds to the "second in-vehicle terminal." Drivers D1 and D2 correspond to "users." Content applications are installed on in-vehicle terminals M1 and M2.

[0049] The first transmission processing unit 17a of the in-vehicle terminal M1 transmits to the server device S, in association with the terminal ID of the in-vehicle terminal M1, the song ID of the song on which the karaoke performance was performed using the karaoke performance function, the singing voice data corresponding to the singing voice of the driver D1 during the karaoke performance, and the first location information indicating the location of the in-vehicle terminal M1 (transmission of song ID, singing voice data, first location information, and terminal ID. Step 10).

[0050] The information storage unit 100 of the server device S stores the song ID, singing voice data, first location information, and terminal ID transmitted in step 10 (storage of song ID, singing voice data, first location information, and terminal ID; step 11).

[0051] The second transmission processing unit 17b of the in-vehicle terminal M2 transmits second location information indicating the location of the in-vehicle terminal M2 to the server device S, associating it with the terminal ID of the in-vehicle terminal M2 (transmitting the second location information and terminal ID. Step 12).

[0052] When the server device S receives second location information from the in-vehicle terminal M2, the identification unit 200 compares the location indicated by the second location information with the location indicated by the first location information stored in the information storage unit 100, and determines whether the location indicated by the first location information is within a first predetermined range from the location indicated by the second location information.

[0053] If the location indicated by the first location information is within the first predetermined range from the location indicated by the second location information (case Y in step 13), the identification unit 200 of the server device S identifies the location indicated by the first location information (identifies the location indicated by the first location information that is within the first predetermined range; step 14).

[0054] The distribution unit 300 distributes karaoke performance data and singing voice data corresponding to song identification information associated with the first location information indicating the location identified in step 14 to the in-vehicle terminal M2 (distribution of karaoke performance data and singing voice data; step 15).

[0055] The playback processing unit 17c of the in-vehicle terminal M2 plays back the karaoke performance data and singing voice data distributed from the server device S (playback of karaoke performance data and singing voice data; step 16).

[0056] Specifically, driver D1, who wishes to use the pickup content, gets into vehicle C1 and then operates the in-vehicle terminal M1 to launch the content application. The control means 17 of the in-vehicle terminal M1 displays a mode selection screen on the display means 12 for selecting either "installation mode" or "pickup mode". Driver D1 selects "installation mode" via the input means 13.

[0057] After selecting the installation mode, driver D1 operates the in-vehicle terminal M1 to select song X, which they wish to sing karaoke to. The in-vehicle terminal M1 performs karaoke of song X using the karaoke performance function provided by the content application. Driver D1 sings karaoke using the headset attached to the in-vehicle terminal M1. The in-vehicle terminal M1 stores the singing voice data SD1, which corresponds to the singing voice of driver D1 during karaoke singing, in the storage means 10, associating it with song ID***X.

[0058] After the karaoke session ends, the in-vehicle terminal M1 displays a decision screen on the display means 12 to determine whether or not to install the singing audio data SD1. In this example, the driver D1 selects to install the singing audio data SD via the input means 13. In this case, the in-vehicle terminal M1 uses the GPS function provided by the content application to obtain the current location p1.

[0059] The first transmission processing unit 17a of the in-vehicle terminal M1 transmits to the server device S the song ID***X of song X, the singing voice data SD1, and the location information P1 indicating the location p1 of the in-vehicle terminal M1, which have been stored in the storage means 10, in association with the terminal ID***M1.

[0060] The information storage unit 100 of the server device S stores the song ID***X, singing voice data SD1, location information P1, and terminal ID***M1 of the received song X.

[0061] Meanwhile, driver D2, who wishes to use the pickup content in vehicle C2 (which is separate from vehicle C1), boards vehicle C2 and then operates the in-vehicle terminal M2 to launch the content application. The control means 17 of the in-vehicle terminal M2 displays a mode selection screen on the display means 12 for selecting either "installation mode" or "pickup mode". Driver D2 selects "pickup mode" via the input means 13.

[0062] After pickup mode is selected, the in-vehicle terminal M2 uses the GPS function provided by the content app to acquire the current location p2 at predetermined intervals.

[0063] The second transmission processing unit 17b of the in-vehicle terminal M2 transmits location information P2, which indicates the location p2 of the in-vehicle terminal M2 acquired at predetermined intervals, to the server device S, associating it with the terminal ID ***M2 of the in-vehicle terminal M2.

[0064] When the server device S receives location information P2 from the in-vehicle terminal M2, the identification unit 200 compares the location p2 indicated by the location information P2 with the location indicated by the location information stored in the information storage unit 100, and identifies the location indicated by the location information that is within a first predetermined range from the location indicated by the second location information. In this example, it is assumed that location information P1 indicating location p1 has been identified.

[0065] When the location p1 indicated by location information P1 is identified by the identification unit 200, the distribution unit 300 reads the song ID***X associated with location information P1 from the information storage unit 100. The distribution unit 300 then reads the karaoke performance data corresponding to song ID***X from the storage means 20. The distribution unit 300 also reads the singing voice data SD1 associated with location information P1 from the information storage unit 100. The distribution unit 300 distributes the read karaoke performance data and singing voice data SD1 to the in-vehicle terminal M2 that transmitted location information P2 and terminal ID***M2.

[0066] The playback processing unit 17c of the in-vehicle terminal M2 plays the karaoke performance data of the received song X using the karaoke function of the content application and emits the karaoke performance sound from the sound emission means 14. The playback processing unit 17c of the in-vehicle terminal M2 also plays the received singing voice data SD1 using the karaoke function of the content application and emits the singing voice of driver D1 from the sound emission means 14. Driver D2 of the vehicle C2 equipped with the in-vehicle terminal M2 can listen to the karaoke performance of song X selected by driver D1, along with driver D1's singing voice.

[0067] As is clear from the above, the karaoke system 1 according to this embodiment includes an in-vehicle terminal mounted in each of a plurality of vehicles and a server device S that is communicatively connected to the in-vehicle terminal. The first in-vehicle terminal has a first transmission processing unit 17a that transmits song identification information of a song in which karaoke performance is performed using the karaoke performance function, singing voice data corresponding to the singing voice accompanying the user's karaoke singing, and first location information indicating the location of the first in-vehicle terminal, in association with terminal identification information, to the server device S. The second in-vehicle terminal has a second transmission processing unit 17b that transmits second location information indicating the location of the second in-vehicle terminal, in association with terminal identification information, to the server device S, and a playback processing unit 17c that plays back karaoke performance data and singing voice data distributed from the server device S. The server device S includes an information storage unit 100 that stores song identification information, singing voice data, first location information, and terminal identification information received from a first in-vehicle terminal; an identification unit 200 that, when second location information is received, identifies a location within a first predetermined range from the location indicated by the first location information stored in the information storage unit 100; and a distribution unit 300 that distributes karaoke performance data and singing voice data corresponding to the song identification information associated with the first location information indicating the identified location to the second in-vehicle terminal.

[0068] According to this karaoke system 1, if the location indicated by the first location information is within a first predetermined range from the location indicated by the second location information, karaoke performance data and singing voice data corresponding to the song identification information received from the first in-vehicle terminal can be distributed to the second in-vehicle terminal. In this way, the karaoke system 1 can provide new content in which singing voice data, which is virtually placed at a certain location, is distributed to in-vehicle terminals passing near that location, by using the location information transmitted from each in-vehicle terminal. In other words, according to the karaoke system 1 of this embodiment, content that combines karaoke performance function and car navigation function can be executed.

[0069] <Example 1> In the example of the embodiment, there may be cases where multiple locations are identified within the first predetermined range from the location indicated by the second location information. In this case, the distribution unit 300 can distribute karaoke performance data and singing voice data corresponding to song identification information associated with the first location information indicating the location closest to the location indicated by the second location information to the second in-vehicle terminal. In the following description, the in-vehicle terminal M3 shown in Figure 1 corresponds to the "first in-vehicle terminal".

[0070] For example, suppose the information storage unit 100 of the server device S stores the song ID***X, singing voice data SD1, location information P1 (location information indicating location p1), and terminal ID***M1 of song X received from the in-vehicle terminal M1, and the song ID***Y, singing voice data SD3, location information P3 (location information indicating location p3), and terminal ID***M3 of song Y received from the in-vehicle terminal M3.

[0071] Here, as described in the embodiment, when the identification unit 200 of the server device S receives location information P2 from the in-vehicle terminal M2, it compares the location p2 indicated by the location information P2 with the location indicated by the location information stored in the information storage unit 100, and identifies the location indicated by the location information that is within a first predetermined range from the location p2 indicated by the second location information P2. In this example, it is assumed that two locations have been identified: the location p1 indicated by location information P1 and the location p3 indicated by location information P3.

[0072] In this case, the distribution unit 300 calculates the distance d1 from position p2 to position p1 and the distance d2 from position p2 to position p3. Distances d1 and d2 can be calculated as straight-line distance or distance along the shortest travel route, for example, based on map information provided by a car navigation function.

[0073] The distribution unit 300 selects the first position information used to calculate the shorter of the calculated distances d1 and d2 as the first position information that indicates the position closest to the position indicated by the second position information. In this example, it is assumed that distance d2 is shorter than distance d1. Therefore, the distribution unit 300 selects position information P3 indicating position p3. In this case, the distribution unit 300 reads the song ID***Y associated with position information P3 indicating position p3 from the information storage unit 100. Then, the distribution unit 300 reads the karaoke performance data corresponding to song ID***Y from the storage means 20. The distribution unit 300 also reads the singing voice data SD3 associated with position information P3 from the information storage unit 100. The distribution unit 300 distributes the read karaoke performance data and singing voice data SD3 to the in-vehicle terminal M2 that transmitted the position information P2 and terminal ID***M2.

[0074] Furthermore, if three or more locations are identified within the first predetermined range from the location indicated by the second location information, the distribution unit 300 selects one of the first location information that indicates the location closest to the location indicated by the second location information, and distributes the karaoke performance data and singing voice data corresponding to the song identification information associated with that location information to the second in-vehicle terminal.

[0075] As is clear from the above, when multiple locations are identified, the distribution unit 300 of the karaoke system 1 according to this modified example distributes karaoke performance data and singing voice data corresponding to song identification information associated with the first location information indicating the location closest to the location indicated by the second location information to the second in-vehicle terminal. With such a karaoke system 1, if multiple singing voice data are virtually placed within a first predetermined range relative to the location of the second in-vehicle terminal, the singing voice data placed at the location closest to the second in-vehicle terminal can be distributed.

[0076] <Modification 2> The karaoke system 1 can display the location where the singing audio data is virtually placed on the second in-vehicle terminal. A vehicle equipped with the second in-vehicle terminal can receive the karaoke performance data and singing audio data by moving to the displayed location.

[0077] ==Server Equipment== (Specific part) In this modified example, the identifying unit 200, upon receiving the second location information, identifies a location within a second predetermined range from the location indicated by the second location information, among the locations indicated by the first location information stored in the information storage unit 100.

[0078] The second predetermined range is a criterion for determining the relationship between the location indicated by the first location information and the location indicated by the second location information. The second predetermined range has a predetermined criterion, such as "a radius of 1 km centered on the location indicated by the first location information." Note that the second predetermined range is wider than the first predetermined range.

[0079] When the identification unit 200 receives second location information from the second in-vehicle terminal, it compares the location indicated by the second location information with the location indicated by the first location information stored in the information storage unit 100, and identifies the location indicated by the first location information that is within a second predetermined range from the location indicated by the second location information. For example, suppose the identification unit 200 has identified two locations, location p1 indicated by location information P1 and location p3 indicated by location information P3, as described in Modification 1.

[0080] (Distribution Department) In this modified example, the distribution unit 300 distributes first location information indicating the identified location to the second in-vehicle terminal. At this stage, the distribution unit 300 does not distribute karaoke performance data or singing voice data. As described above, when the identification unit 200 identifies location p1 indicated by location information P1 and location p3 indicated by location information P3, the distribution unit 300 distributes location information P1 and location information P3 as first location information to the in-vehicle terminal M2.

[0081] ==Second In-Vehicle Terminal== In this embodiment, when a content application is launched on an in-vehicle terminal, the control means 17 causes the display means 12 to display a mode selection screen for selecting "installation mode" and "search mode". "Search mode" is a mode for searching for nearby singing audio data and receiving the distribution of said singing audio data. An in-vehicle terminal in which "search mode" is selected corresponds to a "second in-vehicle terminal".

[0082] When the user selects "search mode," the in-vehicle terminal control means 17 functions as a second transmission processing unit 17b, a playback processing unit 17c, and a display processing unit 17d (see Figure 6).

[0083] (Display processing unit) The display processing unit 17d displays the location indicated by the first location information that has been distributed on the map displayed on the display means 12.

[0084] When the first location information is distributed from the distribution unit 300, the display processing unit 17d uses the car navigation function provided by the content application to display a map on the display means 12 that includes the location indicated by the second location information transmitted by the second transmission processing unit 17b to the server device S. The display processing unit 17d then displays the location indicated by the distributed first location information on the map.

[0085] As described above, when location information P1 and location information P3 are distributed as first location information by the distribution unit 300, the display processing unit 17d displays location p1 indicated by location information P1 and location p3 indicated by location information P3 on the map including location p2.

[0086] The driver D2 of vehicle C2, which is equipped with an in-vehicle terminal M2, moves vehicle C2 toward any location among the locations displayed on the display means 12. In this case, the in-vehicle terminal M2 may use the car navigation function provided by the content application to set the optimal travel route and provide navigation to the desired location.

[0087] After search mode is selected, the in-vehicle terminal M2 uses the GPS function provided by the content app to acquire its current location p2' at predetermined intervals.

[0088] The second transmission processing unit 17b of the in-vehicle terminal M2 transmits location information P2' indicating the location p2' of the in-vehicle terminal M2, acquired at predetermined intervals, to the server device S, associating it with the terminal ID ***M2 of the in-vehicle terminal M2.

[0089] When the identification unit 200 of the server device S receives location information P2' from the in-vehicle terminal M2, it compares the location p2' indicated by the location information P2' with the location indicated by the location information stored in the information storage unit 100, and identifies the location indicated by the location information that is within a first predetermined range from the location indicated by the second location information. In this example, it is assumed that location information P1 indicating location p1 has been identified. In this case, the identification unit 200 and the distribution unit 300 perform the same processing as in the embodiment. That is, the distribution unit 300 distributes the karaoke performance data and singing voice data SD1 of song X to the in-vehicle terminal M2 that transmitted the location information P2' and terminal ID***M2.

[0090] As is clear from the above, when the karaoke system 1 according to this modified example receives second location information, the identification unit 200 identifies a location within a second predetermined range from the location indicated by the first location information stored in the information storage unit 100, and the distribution unit 300 distributes the first location information indicating the identified location to the second in-vehicle terminal. Furthermore, the second in-vehicle terminal according to this modified example has a display processing unit 17d that displays the location indicated by the distributed first location information on a map displayed on the display means 12. With such a karaoke system 1, the user of the second in-vehicle terminal can grasp the location where the singing voice data is virtually placed within a second predetermined range from their current location.

[0091] <Variation 3> The distribution unit 300 may distribute video data obtained by filming the user performing karaoke, along with the karaoke performance data and singing audio data.

[0092] ==First In-Vehicle Terminal== (First transmission processing unit) The first transmission processing unit 100 in this modified version transmits to the server device S, in association with terminal identification information, song identification information of a song on which karaoke performance was conducted using the karaoke performance function, singing audio data corresponding to the singing voice accompanying the user's karaoke singing, video data obtained by filming the user performing the karaoke singing, and first location information indicating the location of the first in-vehicle terminal.

[0093] As described in the embodiment, the first in-vehicle terminal performs karaoke based on the received karaoke performance data using the karaoke performance function provided by the content application. The sound of the karaoke performance is emitted from the sound emission means 14 of the first in-vehicle terminal (or from sound emission means such as speakers installed in the vehicle). The user sings karaoke using the sound collection means 15 of the first in-vehicle terminal (or from sound collection means such as a headset attached to the in-vehicle terminal). In addition, the shooting means 16 of the first in-vehicle terminal (or from shooting means such as a camera attached to the in-vehicle terminal) photographs the user who is singing karaoke. The first in-vehicle terminal stores the singing audio data corresponding to the singing voice accompanying the user's karaoke performance, and the video data obtained by photographing the user who is singing karaoke, in association with song identification information, in the storage means 10 installed in the first in-vehicle terminal.

[0094] Subsequently, if the option to install singing audio data is selected, the first in-vehicle terminal uses the GPS function provided by the content application to obtain its current location.

[0095] The first transmission processing unit 17a transmits to the server device S the song identification information, singing voice data, video data, and location information indicating the location of the first in-vehicle terminal (i.e., first location information) stored in the storage means 10, in association with the terminal identification information of the first in-vehicle terminal.

[0096] ==Second In-Vehicle Terminal== (Regeneration processing unit) The playback processing unit 17c in this modified example plays back karaoke performance data, singing audio data, and video data distributed from the server device S.

[0097] When the second in-vehicle terminal receives karaoke performance data, singing audio data, and video data from the server device S (details described later), the playback processing unit 17c uses the karaoke function of the content application to play the received karaoke performance data and emits the karaoke performance sound from the sound emission means 14. The playback processing unit 17c also uses the karaoke function of the content application to play the received singing audio data and emits the singing voice of the user who sang karaoke on the first in-vehicle terminal from the sound emission means 14. The playback processing unit 17c also uses the karaoke function of the content application to play the received video data and displays the video of the user who sang karaoke on the first in-vehicle terminal on the display means 12. Users riding in a vehicle equipped with the second in-vehicle terminal can view the karaoke performance of the song selected by the user who sang karaoke on the first in-vehicle terminal, along with the user's singing audio and video.

[0098] ==Server Equipment== (Information storage unit) The information storage unit 100 in this modified version stores song identification information, singing audio data, video data, first location information, and terminal identification information received from the first in-vehicle terminal.

[0099] (Distribution Department) The distribution unit 500 in this modified version distributes karaoke performance data, singing audio data, and video data corresponding to song identification information associated with a first location information indicating a specified location to a second in-vehicle terminal.

[0100] As described in the embodiment, when the location indicated by the first location information is identified by the identification unit 200, the distribution unit 300 reads the song identification information associated with the first location information from the information storage unit 100. The distribution unit 300 then reads the karaoke performance data corresponding to the song identification information from the storage means 20. The distribution unit 300 also reads the singing audio data and video data associated with the first location information from the information storage unit 100. The distribution unit 300 distributes the read karaoke performance data, singing audio data, and video data to the second in-vehicle terminal.

[0101] <Other> The above embodiments are presented as examples and do not limit the scope of the invention. The above configurations can be combined as appropriate, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The above embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0102] 1. Karaoke System 17a First transmission processing unit 17b Second transmission processing unit 17c Playback Processing Unit 100 Information storage section 200 Specific section 300 Distribution Department C1-C3 Vehicles M1-M3 In-vehicle terminals S Server Device

Claims

1. A karaoke system comprising an in-vehicle terminal installed in each of several vehicles, and a server device that is communicatively connected to the in-vehicle terminal, The first in-vehicle terminal is, The system includes a first transmission processing unit that transmits to the server device, in association with terminal identification information, song identification information of a song that has been played using the karaoke performance function, singing voice data corresponding to the singing voice accompanying the user's karaoke singing, and first location information indicating the location of the first in-vehicle terminal. The second in-vehicle terminal is, A second transmission processing unit transmits second location information indicating the location of the second in-vehicle terminal to the server device in association with terminal identification information, A playback processing unit that plays back karaoke performance data and singing voice data distributed from the server device, It has, The server device is An information storage unit that stores song identification information, singing voice data, first location information, and terminal identification information received from the first in-vehicle terminal, When the second location information is received, the identification unit identifies a location within a first predetermined range from the location indicated by the second location information, among the locations indicated by the first location information stored in the information storage unit, A distribution unit distributes karaoke performance data and singing voice data corresponding to song identification information associated with a first location information indicating a specified location to the second in-vehicle terminal. A karaoke system that has the following features.

2. The karaoke system according to claim 1, characterized in that when multiple locations are identified, the distribution unit distributes karaoke performance data and singing voice data corresponding to song identification information associated with the first location information indicating the location closest to the location indicated by the second location information to the second in-vehicle terminal.

3. When the identification unit receives the second location information, it identifies a location within a second predetermined range from the location indicated by the second location information, among the locations indicated by the first location information stored in the information storage unit. The distribution unit distributes first location information indicating the specified location to the second in-vehicle terminal. The second in-vehicle terminal is, The karaoke system according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a display processing unit that displays the location indicated by the first location information that has been delivered on a map displayed on a display means.

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