Server equipment

Abstract

To provide a server device that executes a content with a Karaoke performance function and a car navigation function combined together.SOLUTION: A server device has: a first acquisition part which acquires music identification information, singing voice data, a hitchhiking route, and terminal identification information; a setting part which sets terminal identification information on a hitchhiking terminal; a second acquisition part which acquires position information and terminal identification information from the hitchhiking terminal; a determination part which determines whether or not a current position of the hitchhiking terminal is on the hitchhiking route; an update part which updates terminal identification information on another on-vehicle terminal meeting predetermined conditions as terminal identification information on the hitchhiking terminal when the current position of the hitchhiking terminal is not on the hitchhiking route; and a distribution part which distributes Karaoke performance data and singing voice data corresponding to music identification information acquired from one on-vehicle terminal when a vehicle mounted with the hitchhiking terminal reaches an arbitrary point.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a server device.

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 provide the same services as a karaoke device (see Non-Patent Document 1). Also, there is a car navigation app that can be used to set the moving route of a vehicle and provide route guidance, etc., and provide the same services as 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 server device capable of executing content combining a karaoke performance function and a car navigation function.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One invention to achieve the above objective is a server device that is communicatively connected to an in-vehicle terminal mounted on a vehicle, and includes a first acquisition unit that acquires song identification information of a song played using the karaoke performance function of an in-vehicle terminal operated by a certain user, singing voice data corresponding to the singing voice accompanying the karaoke singing of the certain user, a hitchhiking route which is the vehicle's travel route including an arbitrary point set using a car navigation function, and terminal identification information of the certain in-vehicle terminal; a setting unit that sets the acquired terminal identification information of the certain in-vehicle terminal as the terminal identification information of a hitchhiking terminal; and a setting unit that acquires location information indicating the current location of the hitchhiking terminal and the terminal identification information of the hitchhiking terminal acquired from the hitchhiking terminal at predetermined intervals, and from other in-vehicle terminals, the vehicle's travel route including a destination set using a car navigation function. The server device includes: a second acquisition unit that acquires a route, location information indicating the current location of the other in-vehicle terminal acquired at predetermined intervals, and terminal identification information of the other in-vehicle terminal; a determination unit that determines whether the current location indicated by the acquired location information of the hitchhiking terminal is on the hitchhiking route; an update unit that, if it is determined that the current location of the hitchhiking terminal is not on the hitchhiking route, updates the terminal identification information of the hitchhiking terminal with the travel route and location information acquired from the other in-vehicle terminal that meet predetermined conditions; and a distribution unit that, when it is determined that the vehicle carrying the hitchhiking terminal has arrived at any point included in the hitchhiking route, distributes karaoke performance data and singing voice data corresponding to song identification information acquired from a certain in-vehicle terminal to the hitchhiking 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 is a diagram showing a server device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing the processing of the server device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the hitchhiking route and travel route according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the hitchhiking route and travel route according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] This diagram shows the hitchhiking route and travel route according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the hitchhiking route and travel route according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the hitchhiking route and travel route according to Modification 1. [Figure 9] This figure shows a server device 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 7.

[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 or passengers of the vehicle, or anyone who uses the hitchhiking content (described later). In-vehicle terminals are assigned terminal identification information. This terminal identification information is unique to each in-vehicle terminal, such as a terminal ID used to identify the terminal. In-vehicle terminals have functions typically found in smartphones, such as GPS and music player functions. Furthermore, in-vehicle terminals have means of display, such as a display, means of sound collection, such as a microphone, means of sound emission, such as a speaker, and means of taking pictures, such as a camera, all of which are typically found in smartphones.

[0012] In this embodiment, the in-vehicle terminal has dedicated application software (hereinafter referred to as "content app") installed for using hitchhiking 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 sets a travel route from the current location to the destination on the in-vehicle terminal and assists driving along the travel route. In this embodiment, the car navigation function can also set a travel route (hitchhiking route) from the current location to any point (details will be described later). The hitchhiking content is content that simulates hitchhiking using singing voice data (details will be described later). The content app can be obtained by downloading it from a designated website.

[0013] A server device is a computer that manages and processes various types of information. The server device is connected to the in-vehicle terminal via a network such as a public telephone network or the internet. By launching a content application on the in-vehicle terminal, the terminal and the server device become connected and able to communicate.

[0014] The server device S according to this embodiment executes hitchhiking content (details will be described later).

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the karaoke system 1 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of in-vehicle terminals (only in-vehicle terminals M1, M2, and M3 are shown in FIG. 1) 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 app is installed on each in-vehicle terminal.

[0016] ==Server Device== As shown in FIG. 2, the server device S includes a storage means 10, a communication means 20, and a control means 30. Each component is connected to the bus B via an interface (not shown). <​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​In this embodiment, the CPU executes a hitchhiking content program, and the control means 30 functions as a first acquisition unit 100, a setting unit 200, a second acquisition unit 300, a determination unit 400, a registration unit 500, an update unit 600, and a distribution unit 700.

[0022] (First acquisition section) The first acquisition unit 100 acquires, from a certain in-vehicle terminal operated by a certain user, song identification information of a song that was played using the karaoke performance function, singing voice data corresponding to the singing voice accompanying the karaoke singing of the certain user, hitchhiking route, and terminal identification information of the certain in-vehicle terminal.

[0023] A hitchhiking route is a travel route that includes an arbitrary point set using a car navigation system. This arbitrary point is a location where a user wishes to arrive, simulating hitchhiking, to receive singing audio data. Unlike a typical destination set using a car navigation system, this arbitrary point is not a place the user intends to reach. In other words, a vehicle equipped with a terminal that has set a hitchhiking route will never actually arrive at this arbitrary point.

[0024] A user who wishes to use hitchhiking content gets into a vehicle and then operates a certain in-car terminal to launch the content app.

[0025] A user selects a destination using the navigation function provided by a content application. A vehicle-mounted terminal sets the optimal travel route (i.e., a hitchhiking route) from the current location (starting point) obtained using GPS to the selected destination. The vehicle-mounted terminal stores the set hitchhiking route in a memory device (not shown) provided within the vehicle-mounted terminal. The hitchhiking route includes location information indicating the location of the destination. Setting the hitchhiking route can utilize techniques implemented in known navigation systems.

[0026] While the vehicle is in motion, a user operates an in-vehicle terminal to select a song they wish to sing karaoke. The in-vehicle terminal then transmits the song identification information of the selected song, linked to its own terminal identification information, to a server device S.

[0027] Server device S reads karaoke performance data corresponding to the received song identification information from storage means 10 and transmits it to a certain in-vehicle terminal. The certain 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 of the certain in-vehicle terminal (or a sound emission means such as a speaker installed in the vehicle). A certain user sings karaoke using the sound collection means of the certain in-vehicle terminal (or a sound collection means such as a headset attached to the in-vehicle terminal). The certain in-vehicle terminal stores the singing voice data corresponding to the singing voice accompanying the karaoke performance of the certain user in storage means (not shown) installed in the certain in-vehicle terminal, linking it with the song identification information.

[0028] Subsequently, a user operates a certain in-vehicle terminal and selects "Hitchhiking Mode" on the display. Hitchhiking Mode is a mode for distributing singing audio data to a hitchhiking terminal (described later). When Hitchhiking Mode is selected, the in-vehicle terminal transmits the song identification information, singing audio data, and hitchhiking route stored in the storage means (not shown) to the server device S, linked to the terminal identification information.

[0029] The first acquisition unit 100 stores song identification information, singing voice data, hitchhiking route, and terminal identification information received from a certain in-vehicle terminal in the singing voice table of the storage means 10.

[0030] (Settings section) The setting unit 200 sets the terminal identification information of a certain in-vehicle terminal that it has acquired as the terminal identification information of the hitchhiking terminal.

[0031] A hitchhiking terminal is a device that receives karaoke performance data and singing audio data corresponding to song identification information received from a vehicle-mounted terminal.

[0032] When the acquisition unit 100 acquires song identification information, singing voice data, hitchhiking route, and terminal identification information from an in-vehicle terminal, the setting unit 200 stores the terminal identification information in the terminal ID table of the storage means 10, thereby setting it as the terminal identification information of the hitchhiking terminal. In this way, at the start of using the hitchhiking content, the terminal identification information of the hitchhiking terminal becomes the terminal identification information of a certain in-vehicle terminal.

[0033] (Second acquisition section) The second acquisition unit 300 acquires location information indicating the current location of the hitchhiking terminal and terminal identification information of the hitchhiking terminal from the hitchhiking terminal at predetermined intervals, and acquires the vehicle's travel route including the destination set using the car navigation function, location information indicating the current location of the other in-vehicle terminal acquired at predetermined intervals, and terminal identification information of the other in-vehicle terminal from other in-vehicle terminals.

[0034] When a content application is launched, the in-vehicle terminal uses its GPS function to acquire its current location at predetermined intervals. These predetermined intervals are set in advance, for example, every 5 seconds.

[0035] The hitchhiking terminal transmits location information indicating its current location, obtained using its GPS function, to the server device S, linked to terminal identification information. The second acquisition unit 300 acquires the location information of the hitchhiking terminal transmitted from the server device S. The second acquisition unit 300 outputs the acquired location information to the determination unit 400 and the distribution unit 700.

[0036] Other in-vehicle terminals are terminals other than the one that transmitted song identification information, singing voice data, hitchhiking route information, and terminal identification information to the server device S. Other in-vehicle terminals are operated by other users.

[0037] Other users who wish to use the hitchhiking content will launch the content app by operating another in-vehicle device after getting into the vehicle.

[0038] Other users select a destination to travel to by vehicle using the navigation function provided by the content app. Other in-vehicle devices set the optimal travel route from their current location (starting point) obtained using the GPS function to the selected destination. Other in-vehicle devices store the set travel route in a memory device (not shown) that is built into the other in-vehicle device.

[0039] Subsequently, other users operate other in-vehicle terminals and select "Singing Voice Data Reception Mode" on the display. Singing Voice Data Reception Mode is a mode for receiving singing voice data acquired from a particular in-vehicle terminal. When Singing Voice Data Reception Mode is selected, the other in-vehicle terminal transmits the travel route stored in the storage means (not shown) and location information indicating the current location acquired using the GPS function, linked to the terminal identification information, to the server device S.

[0040] The second acquisition unit 300 stores the travel route, location information, and terminal identification information received from other in-vehicle terminals in the receivable terminal table of the storage means 10. The second acquisition unit 300 updates the location information stored in the receivable terminal table each time it acquires location information from another in-vehicle terminal. If the acquired current location matches the destination included in the travel route, the vehicle equipped with the other in-vehicle terminal has arrived at its destination. In this case, the second acquisition unit 300 deletes the travel route, etc., received from the other in-vehicle terminal from the receivable terminal table.

[0041] (Judgment Department) The determination unit 400 determines whether the current location indicated by the acquired hitchhiking terminal location information is on the hitchhiking route.

[0042] The determination unit 400 determines whether the current location, indicated by the hitchhiking terminal's location information acquired by the second acquisition unit 300, is on a hitchhiking route stored in the storage means 10. Specifically, the determination unit 400 checks whether any of the multiple coordinate values ​​corresponding to the hitchhiking route match the coordinate values ​​of the current location. If a matching coordinate value is found, the determination unit 400 can determine that the vehicle equipped with the hitchhiking terminal is traveling on the hitchhiking route. Therefore, the determination unit 400 determines that the current location is on the hitchhiking route. In this case, the determination unit 400 outputs the determination result, including location information indicating the current location, to the registration unit 500.

[0043] On the other hand, if no matching coordinate values ​​are included, it can be determined that the vehicle equipped with the hitchhiking device is not traveling on the hitchhiking route. Therefore, the determination unit 400 determines that the current location is not on the hitchhiking route. In this case, the determination unit 400 outputs the determination result to the update unit 600.

[0044] The determination unit 400 performs the above processing each time location information is output from the second acquisition unit 300.

[0045] (Registration Department) If the registration unit 500 determines that the hitchhiking terminal's current location is on a hitchhiking route, it registers that current location as the hitchhiking location.

[0046] When a determination result is output from the determination unit 300, the registration unit 500 registers the hitchhiking location by associating the current location of the hitchhiking terminal output from the second acquisition unit 300 with the song identification information, song voice data, hitchhiking route, and terminal identification information received from a certain in-vehicle terminal stored in the singing voice table of the storage means 10. The registration unit 500 updates the hitchhiking location by registering a new current location each time a determination result is output from the determination unit 400.

[0047] (Update section) If the update unit 600 determines that the hitchhiking terminal's current location is not on the hitchhiking route, it updates the terminal identification information of the hitchhiking terminal with the terminal identification information of another in-vehicle terminal that satisfies predetermined conditions based on the travel route and location information obtained from that other in-vehicle terminal.

[0048] When the determination unit 400 outputs a determination result, the update unit 600 refers to the travel route, location information, and terminal identification information acquired from other in-vehicle terminals stored in the receivable terminal table at that time. The update unit 600 then updates the terminal identification information of the hitchhiking terminal with the terminal identification information of the other in-vehicle terminal whose travel route and location information meets predetermined conditions.

[0049] The predetermined conditions are for determining whether or not to update the terminal identification information of the hitchhiking terminal. For example, the update unit 600 determines that the predetermined conditions are met when the current location of another in-vehicle terminal is within a predetermined range of the hitchhiking location, the hitchhiking location is on the travel route acquired from the other in-vehicle terminal, and the other in-vehicle terminal has not yet passed the hitchhiking location, and updates the terminal identification information of the other in-vehicle terminal as the terminal identification information of the hitchhiking terminal.

[0050] The predetermined range is a criterion for determining the positional relationship between the hitchhiking location and other in-vehicle terminals. The predetermined range is set in advance, for example, "a radius of 100m centered on the hitchhiking location."

[0051] The update unit 600 compares the current location indicated by the location information of other in-vehicle terminals with the hitchhiking location stored in the singing voice table, and determines whether there are other in-vehicle terminals located within a predetermined range of the hitchhiking location.

[0052] If the update unit 600 determines that there is another in-vehicle terminal (hereinafter referred to as "other in-vehicle terminal Mx") located within a predetermined range of the hitchhiking location, it determines whether the hitchhiking location is on the travel route acquired from the other in-vehicle terminal Mx, and whether the other in-vehicle terminal Mx (the vehicle equipped with the other in-vehicle terminal Mx) has not yet passed the hitchhiking location.

[0053] Specifically, the update unit 600 checks whether any of the coordinate values ​​corresponding to the travel route obtained from another in-vehicle terminal Mx match the coordinate values ​​of the hitchhiking location. If a matching coordinate value is found, the update unit 600 can determine that there is a hitchhiking location on the travel route.

[0054] Furthermore, the update unit 600 compares the current location on the travel route with the hitchhiking location. If the current location is before the hitchhiking location in the direction of travel along the travel route, other vehicles equipped with in-vehicle terminals Mx may pass the hitchhiking location later. In this case, the update unit 600 can determine that the other in-vehicle terminals Mx have not yet passed the hitchhiking location.

[0055] If the update unit 600 determines that there is a hitchhiking location on the travel route obtained from another in-vehicle terminal Mx, and that the other in-vehicle terminal Mx has not yet passed that hitchhiking location, it updates the terminal identification information stored as the terminal identification information of the hitchhiking terminal in the terminal ID table of the storage means 10 with the terminal identification information of the other in-vehicle terminal Mx. That is, the terminal ID table of the storage means 10 stores the terminal identification information of other in-vehicle terminals Mx that are located within a predetermined range of the hitchhiking location, have a hitchhiking location on the travel route, and have not yet passed that hitchhiking location, as the terminal identification information of the hitchhiking terminal.

[0056] Alternatively, the update unit 600 may determine that the predetermined conditions are met when the current location of the other in-vehicle terminal is within a predetermined range of the hitchhiking location, the hitchhiking location is near the travel route acquired from the other in-vehicle terminal (for example, within 100m of the travel route), and the other in-vehicle terminal has not yet passed near the hitchhiking location (for example, within 100m of the hitchhiking location), and update the terminal identification information of the other in-vehicle terminal as the terminal identification information of the hitchhiking terminal.

[0057] (Distribution Department) When the distribution unit 700 determines that a vehicle equipped with a hitchhiking terminal has arrived at any point included in the hitchhiking route, it distributes karaoke performance data and singing voice data corresponding to song identification information obtained from a certain in-vehicle terminal to the hitchhiking terminal.

[0058] The distribution unit 700 determines, at a predetermined time, whether a vehicle equipped with a hitchhiking terminal has arrived at any point included in the hitchhiking route. For example, each time the distribution unit 700 obtains location information from the hitchhiking terminal, it calculates the distance between the current location indicated by the location information and the location of any point included in the hitchhiking route. If the calculated distance is less than or equal to a certain amount (for example, 500m or less), the distribution unit 700 determines that a vehicle equipped with a hitchhiking terminal has arrived at any point included in the hitchhiking route.

[0059] In this case, the distribution unit 700 reads karaoke performance data corresponding to song identification information obtained from a certain in-vehicle terminal from the storage means 10. The distribution unit 700 also reads singing voice data stored in the singing voice table. The distribution unit 700 distributes the read karaoke performance data and singing voice data to the hitchhiking terminal.

[0060] The hitchhiking terminal uses the karaoke function of the content app to play received karaoke performance data and emits the karaoke performance sound from the sound emitter. The hitchhiking terminal also uses the karaoke function of the content app to play received singing audio data and emits a user's singing voice from the sound emitter. A passenger in a vehicle equipped with the hitchhiking terminal can listen to a karaoke performance of a song selected by another user, along with that user's singing voice.

[0061] ==Regarding the operation of the server device== Next, a specific example of the operation of the server device S in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 7. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the server device S. Figures 4 to 7 schematically show the hitchhiking route HR, the travel route R1 of vehicle C2, and the travel route R2 of vehicle C3. Note that Figure 4 is shown separately to make each route easier to understand. In reality, as shown in Figures 5 to 7, parts of each route overlap. Also, the arrows attached to each route in Figure 4 indicate the direction of travel of the vehicles. As shown in Figure 1, vehicle C1 is equipped with an in-vehicle terminal M1 operated by driver D1, vehicle C2 is equipped with an in-vehicle terminal M2 operated by driver D2, and vehicle C3 is equipped with an in-vehicle terminal M3 operated by driver D3. Content applications are installed on in-vehicle terminals M1 to M3.

[0062] The first acquisition unit 100 acquires the song ID of a song that was played using the karaoke performance function of an in-vehicle terminal operated by a certain user, singing voice data corresponding to the singing voice accompanying the karaoke performance by the certain user, a hitchhiking route which is the vehicle's travel route including an arbitrary point set using the car navigation function, and the terminal ID of the certain in-vehicle terminal (acquires song ID, singing voice data, hitchhiking route, and terminal ID from a certain in-vehicle terminal. Step 10).

[0063] The setting unit 200 sets the terminal ID of a certain in-vehicle terminal obtained in step 10 as the terminal ID of the hitchhiking terminal (set the terminal ID of the hitchhiking terminal. Step 11).

[0064] The second acquisition unit 300 acquires location information indicating the current location of the hitchhiking terminal and the terminal ID of the hitchhiking terminal from the hitchhiking terminal at predetermined intervals (acquisition of location information and terminal ID from the hitchhiking terminal. Step 12).

[0065] Furthermore, the second acquisition unit 300 acquires from other in-vehicle terminals the vehicle's travel route including the destination set using the car navigation function, location information indicating the current location of the other in-vehicle terminal acquired at predetermined intervals, and the terminal ID of the other in-vehicle terminal (acquisition of travel route, location information, and terminal ID from other in-vehicle terminals. Step 13).

[0066] The distribution unit 700 determines whether a vehicle equipped with a hitchhiking terminal has arrived at any point included in the hitchhiking route.

[0067] If the vehicle equipped with the hitchhiking device has not arrived at any point included in the hitchhiking route (if N in step 14), the determination unit 400 determines whether the current location indicated by the location information obtained in step 12 is on the hitchhiking route (determining whether the current location of the hitchhiking device is on the hitchhiking route; step 15).

[0068] If the hitchhiking terminal's current location is determined to be on the hitchhiking route (Y in step 16), the registration unit 500 registers the current location as the hitchhiking location (registering the hitchhiking location; step 17).

[0069] On the other hand, if it is determined that the hitchhiking terminal's current location is not on the hitchhiking route (if N in step 16), the update unit 600 updates the terminal ID of another in-vehicle terminal that satisfies the predetermined conditions, based on the travel route and location information of other in-vehicle terminals obtained in step 13, as the terminal ID of the hitchhiking terminal (update the terminal ID of the hitchhiking terminal; step 18).

[0070] Subsequently, when a vehicle equipped with a hitchhiking terminal arrives at any point included in the hitchhiking route (case Y in step 14), the distribution unit 700 distributes karaoke performance data and singing voice data corresponding to a song ID obtained from a certain in-vehicle terminal to the hitchhiking terminal (distribution of karaoke performance data and singing voice data to the hitchhiking terminal; step 19). In this embodiment, the server device S updates the terminal ID of the hitchhiking terminal at least once before the vehicle equipped with the hitchhiking terminal arrives at any point included in the hitchhiking route. In other words, karaoke performance data, etc., are not distributed to a certain in-vehicle terminal.

[0071] Specifically, driver D1, who wishes to use hitchhiking content, gets into vehicle C1 and then operates the in-vehicle terminal M1 to launch the content app. Driver D1 corresponds to "a certain user," and in-vehicle terminal M1 corresponds to "a certain in-vehicle terminal."

[0072] Driver D1 selects a desired location AP using the navigation function provided by the content app. The in-vehicle terminal M1 sets the optimal travel route as the hitchhiking route HR, which is obtained using the GPS function to travel from the starting point OR1 to the desired location AP selected by driver D1 (see Figure 4). The in-vehicle terminal M1 stores the set hitchhiking route HR in its built-in memory means (not shown). After that, driver D1 starts driving vehicle C1.

[0073] While vehicle C1 is in motion, driver D1 operates the in-vehicle terminal M1 to select song X, which he / she wishes 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 SD, which corresponds to the singing voice of driver D1, in a storage means (not shown) provided by the in-vehicle terminal M1, linked to the song ID***X of song X.

[0074] Subsequently, driver D1 operates the in-vehicle terminal M1 and selects "Hitchhiking Mode" on the display. The in-vehicle terminal M1 transmits the song ID***X, singing voice data SD, and hitchhiking route HR, which are stored in the memory means (not shown), to the server device S, linking them to terminal ID***M1.

[0075] The first acquisition unit 100 stores the song ID***X, singing voice data SD, hitchhiking route HR, and terminal ID***M1 received from the in-vehicle terminal M1 in the singing voice table of the storage means 10.

[0076] When the setting unit 200 obtains the song ID***X, singing voice data SD, hitchhiking route HR, and terminal ID***M1 from the in-vehicle terminal M1, it sets the terminal ID***M1 as the terminal ID of the hitchhiking terminal m by storing it in the terminal ID table of the storage means 10.

[0077] The in-vehicle terminal M1, which corresponds to the hitchhiking terminal m, transmits location information indicating its current location, linked to terminal ID***M1, to the server device S. The second acquisition unit 300 acquires the location information and terminal ID***M1 of the in-vehicle terminal M1.

[0078] On the other hand, driver D2, who wishes to use the hitchhiking content, gets into vehicle C2 and then operates the in-vehicle terminal M2 to launch the content app. Driver D2 corresponds to "another user," and in-vehicle terminal M2 corresponds to "another in-vehicle terminal."

[0079] Driver D2 uses the navigation function provided by the content app to select destination DST1 to travel to in vehicle C2. The in-vehicle terminal M2 sets the optimal travel route R1 from the departure point OR2, obtained using the GPS function, to the selected destination DST1 (see Figure 4). The in-vehicle terminal M2 stores the set travel route R1 in a memory means (not shown) provided by the in-vehicle terminal M2.

[0080] Subsequently, driver D2 operates the in-vehicle terminal M2 and selects "Singing Voice Data Reception Mode" on the display. The in-vehicle terminal M2 transmits the travel route R1 stored in the memory means (not shown) and location information indicating the current location CL2 obtained using the GPS function to the server device S, which is associated with terminal ID***M2.

[0081] The second acquisition unit 300 stores the travel route R1, location information, and terminal ID***M2 received from the in-vehicle terminal M2 in the receivable terminal table of the storage means 10.

[0082] Similarly, driver D3, who wishes to use hitchhiking content, gets into vehicle C3 and then operates the in-vehicle terminal M3 to launch the content app. Driver D3 corresponds to "another user," and in-vehicle terminal M3 corresponds to "another in-vehicle terminal."

[0083] Driver D3 uses the navigation function provided by the content app to select destination DST2 to travel to in vehicle C3. The in-vehicle terminal M3 sets the optimal travel route R2 from the departure point OR3, obtained using the GPS function, to the selected destination DST2 (see Figure 4). The in-vehicle terminal M3 stores the set travel route R2 in a memory means (not shown) provided in the in-vehicle terminal M3.

[0084] Subsequently, driver D3 operates the in-vehicle terminal M3 and selects "Singing Voice Data Reception Mode" on the display. The in-vehicle terminal M3 transmits the travel route R2 stored in the memory means (not shown) and location information indicating the current location CL3 obtained using the GPS function to the server device S, which is associated with terminal ID***M3.

[0085] The second acquisition unit 300 stores the travel route R2, location information, and terminal ID***M3 received from the in-vehicle terminal M3 in the receivable terminal table of the storage means 10.

[0086] Here, when the second acquisition unit 300 acquires new location information from the in-vehicle terminal M1, the distribution unit 700 calculates the distance between the current location indicated by the location information and the location of any point AP included in the hitchhiking route HR acquired from the in-vehicle terminal M1. In this example, let's assume that the calculated distance is greater than a certain amount. In this case, the distribution unit 700 determines that the vehicle C1 equipped with the in-vehicle terminal M1 has not yet arrived at any point AP included in the hitchhiking route HR acquired from the in-vehicle terminal M1.

[0087] The determination unit 400 determines whether the current location indicated by the new location information from the in-vehicle terminal M1 is on the hitchhiking route.

[0088] For example, suppose vehicle C1 is traveling on hitchhiking route HR. In this case, a certain coordinate value corresponding to hitchhiking route HR matches the coordinate value of vehicle C1's current position CL1-1 (see Figure 5). Therefore, the determination unit 400 determines that the current position CL1-1 is on hitchhiking route HR. The determination unit 400 outputs the determination result, which includes location information indicating the current position CL1-1, to the registration unit 500.

[0089] The registration unit 500 registers the song ID***X, song voice data SD, hitchhike route HR, and terminal ID***M1 received from the in-vehicle terminal M1 stored in the singing voice table of the memory means 10 by associating the current location CL1-1 with the hitchhike location HL. The registration unit 500 updates the hitchhike location by registering a new current location each time a determination result is output from the determination unit 400.

[0090] On the other hand, suppose vehicle C1 is traveling off the hitchhiking route HR. In this case, a certain coordinate value corresponding to the hitchhiking route HR does not match the coordinate value of vehicle C1's current position CL1-2 (see Figure 6). Therefore, the determination unit 400 determines that the current position CL1-2 is not on the hitchhiking route HR. The determination unit 400 outputs the determination result to the update unit 600.

[0091] The update unit 600 updates the terminal identification information of other in-vehicle terminals that meet predetermined conditions based on the travel route and location information acquired from other in-vehicle terminals, using this information as the terminal identification information of the hitchhiking terminal.

[0092] For example, the update unit 600 compares the registered hitchhiking location HL with the current location CL2 indicated by the location information of the in-vehicle terminal M2 and the current location CL3 indicated by the location information of the in-vehicle terminal M3 stored in the storage means 10, and determines whether at least one of the in-vehicle terminals M2 or M3 is within a predetermined range PR (for example, a radius of 100m centered on the hitchhiking location HL) relative to the hitchhiking location HL.

[0093] In this example, according to Figure 7, in-vehicle terminals M2 and M3 are within a predetermined range PR relative to the hitchhiking location HL (i.e., the current location CL2 of in-vehicle terminal M2 and the current location CL3 of in-vehicle terminal M3 are within the predetermined range PR). In this case, the update unit 600 determines whether the hitchhiking location HL is on the travel route R1 acquired from in-vehicle terminal M2 or the travel route R2 acquired from in-vehicle terminal M3, and whether either in-vehicle terminal M2 or in-vehicle terminal M3 has yet passed the hitchhiking location HL.

[0094] In the example shown in Figure 7, the hitchhiking location HL is on both the travel route R1 and the travel route R2. Also, the current location CL2 of the in-vehicle terminal M2 (vehicle C2 on which the in-vehicle terminal M2 is mounted) is before the hitchhiking location HL in the direction of travel. In other words, the in-vehicle terminal M2 has not yet passed the hitchhiking location HL. On the other hand, the current location CL3 of the in-vehicle terminal M3 (vehicle C3 on which the in-vehicle terminal M3 is mounted) is ahead of the hitchhiking location HL in the direction of travel. In other words, the in-vehicle terminal M3 has already passed the hitchhiking location HL.

[0095] Therefore, the update unit 600 updates the terminal ID***M1 stored in the terminal ID table of the storage means 10 as the terminal ID of one in-vehicle terminal m to the terminal ID***M2 of the in-vehicle terminal M2.

[0096] Subsequently, when the second acquisition unit 300 acquires new location information from the in-vehicle terminal M2, the distribution unit 700 calculates the distance between the current location CL2 indicated by the location information and the location of any point AP included in the hitchhiking route HR acquired from the in-vehicle terminal M1. In this example, it is assumed that the calculated distance is below a certain level. In this case, the distribution unit 700 determines that the vehicle C2 equipped with the in-vehicle terminal M2 has arrived at any point AP included in the hitchhiking route HR acquired from the in-vehicle terminal M1.

[0097] The distribution unit 700 reads karaoke performance data for song X corresponding to the song ID ***X obtained from the in-vehicle terminal M1 from the storage means 10. The distribution unit 700 also reads the singing voice data SD stored in the singing voice table. The distribution unit 700 distributes the read karaoke performance data and singing voice data SD for song X to the in-vehicle terminal M2.

[0098] The in-vehicle terminal M2 uses the karaoke function of the content app to play the karaoke performance data of the received song X and emits the karaoke performance sound from the sound emitter. The in-vehicle terminal M2 also uses the karaoke function of the content app to play the received singing voice data SD and emits the singing voice of driver D1 from the sound emitter. Driver D2 of vehicle C2, which is 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.

[0099] As is clear from the above, the server device S according to this embodiment is communicatively connected to an in-vehicle terminal mounted in a vehicle. The server device S includes a first acquisition unit 100 that acquires song identification information of a song played using the karaoke performance function of an in-vehicle terminal operated by a certain user, singing voice data corresponding to the singing voice accompanying the karaoke singing of the certain user, a hitchhiking route which is the vehicle's travel route including an arbitrary point set using the car navigation function, and terminal identification information of the certain in-vehicle terminal; a setting unit 200 that sets the acquired terminal identification information of the certain in-vehicle terminal as the terminal identification information of the hitchhiking terminal; and a setting unit 200 that acquires location information indicating the current location of the hitchhiking terminal and the terminal identification information of the hitchhiking terminal acquired from the hitchhiking terminal at predetermined intervals, and acquires from other in-vehicle terminals the vehicle's travel route including a destination set using the car navigation function, at predetermined intervals. The system includes a second acquisition unit 300 that acquires location information indicating the current location of the other in-vehicle terminal and terminal identification information of the other in-vehicle terminal, a determination unit 400 that determines whether the current location indicated by the acquired location information of the hitchhiking terminal is on the hitchhiking route, an update unit 600 that, if it is determined that the current location of the hitchhiking terminal is not on the hitchhiking route, updates the terminal identification information of the other in-vehicle terminal that satisfies predetermined conditions based on the travel route and location information acquired from the other in-vehicle terminal as the terminal identification information of the hitchhiking terminal, and a distribution unit 700 that, if it is determined that the vehicle carrying the hitchhiking terminal has arrived at any point included in the hitchhiking route, distributes karaoke performance data and singing voice data corresponding to song identification information acquired from a certain in-vehicle terminal to the hitchhiking terminal.

[0100] If a vehicle equipped with a hitchhiking terminal deviates from its hitchhiking route, the server device S updates the hitchhiking terminal's terminal identification information based on the travel route and location information obtained from other in-vehicle terminals. Subsequently, if the server device S determines that the vehicle equipped with the hitchhiking terminal has arrived at a point included in the hitchhiking route obtained from a certain in-vehicle terminal, it distributes karaoke performance data and singing voice data corresponding to the song identification information received from that in-vehicle terminal to the hitchhiking terminal. In this way, the server device S can provide new content that simulates hitchhiking by updating the hitchhiking terminal's terminal identification information and sequentially changing the in-vehicle terminal to which the singing voice data is distributed. In other words, according to the server device S of this embodiment, content combining karaoke performance and car navigation functions can be executed.

[0101] Furthermore, the server device S according to this embodiment has a registration unit 500 that registers the current location of a hitchhiking terminal as a hitchhiking location when it is determined that the current location of the hitchhiking terminal is on the hitchhiking route, and an update unit 600 determines that predetermined conditions are met when the current location of another in-vehicle terminal is within a predetermined range of the hitchhiking location, the hitchhiking location is on the travel route obtained from the other in-vehicle terminal, and the other in-vehicle terminal has not yet passed the hitchhiking location, and updates the terminal identification information of the other in-vehicle terminal as the terminal identification information of the hitchhiking terminal. With such a server device S, an in-vehicle terminal that is highly likely to pass the hitchhiking location can be designated as a hitchhiking terminal. Therefore, the server device S can perform the above-mentioned pseudo-hitchhiking more reliably.

[0102] <Example 1> In the example of the embodiment, even if it is determined that the current location of the hitchhiking terminal is not on the hitchhiking route, there may be other in-vehicle terminals whose travel route and location information satisfy the predetermined conditions, such as when the current location of another in-vehicle terminal is far from the hitchhiking location, or when there is no hitchhiking location on the travel route obtained from another in-vehicle terminal.

[0103] In such cases, the update unit 600 can perform the update process again at a later time.

[0104] For example, suppose the relative positions of each in-vehicle terminal at a certain time are as shown in Figure 8. In this case, the current position CL1-3 of in-vehicle terminal M1 is not on the hitchhiking route HR. On the other hand, the current positions CL2 and CL3 of the other in-vehicle terminals M2 and M3 are not within a predetermined range relative to the hitchhiking position HL. Therefore, the update unit 600 does not update the terminal identification information of the hitchhiking terminals at this time.

[0105] Subsequently, let's assume that vehicle C2, equipped with in-vehicle terminal M2, and vehicle C3, equipped with in-vehicle terminal M3, move, resulting in the relative positions of the in-vehicle terminals being as shown in Figure 7. In this case, the update unit 600 updates the terminal identification information of the hitchhiking terminal by performing the same processing as described in the embodiment.

[0106] As is clear from the above, the update unit 600 in this modified example can, if there are no other in-vehicle terminals that meet the predetermined conditions at a given time, update the terminal identification information of the hitchhiking terminal with the travel route and location information acquired from other in-vehicle terminals that meet the predetermined conditions at a different time. A server device S having such an update unit 600 can update the terminal identification information of the hitchhiking terminal at an appropriate time (for example, when other in-vehicle terminals are near the hitchhiking location).

[0107] <Modification 2> In the example of the embodiment, it is also possible to notify the in-vehicle terminal of information when it is determined that the hitchhiking terminal's current location is not on the hitchhiking route or when the terminal identification information of the hitchhiking terminal is updated.

[0108] ==Server Equipment== [Control means] In this modified example, the CPU executes a hitchhiking content program, and the control means 30 functions as a first acquisition unit 100, a setting unit 200, a second acquisition unit 300, a determination unit 400, a registration unit 500, an update unit 600, a distribution unit 700, and a notification unit 800 (see Figure 9).

[0109] (Notification Department) If the notification unit 800 determines that the hitchhiking terminal's current location is not on the hitchhiking route, it notifies the hitchhiking terminal and / or a certain in-vehicle terminal of first information including the hitchhiking location. If the terminal identification information of another in-vehicle terminal that meets predetermined conditions is updated as the terminal identification information of the hitchhiking terminal, it notifies the updated hitchhiking terminal and / or a certain in-vehicle terminal of second information including the hitchhiking location.

[0110] The first piece of information is notified when a vehicle equipped with a hitchhiking device deviates from the hitchhiking route. The first piece of information is notified to at least one of the hitchhiking device that deviated from the hitchhiking route (the hitchhiking device before its device identification information was updated) and a certain in-vehicle terminal. If a vehicle equipped with an in-vehicle terminal set as a hitchhiking device deviates from the hitchhiking route, the in-vehicle terminal will not function as a hitchhiking device. In other words, singing voice data, etc., will not be delivered to the in-vehicle terminal. Therefore, by notifying the first piece of information, the user of the hitchhiking device can perceive that the singing voice data, etc., has (simulated) been dropped off. On the other hand, by notifying the first piece of information, the user of a certain in-vehicle terminal can perceive that the singing voice data, etc., that they sang karaoke with has (simulated) been dropped off.

[0111] The second piece of information is notified when the terminal identification information of a hitchhiking terminal is updated. The second piece of information is notified to at least one of the updated hitchhiking terminal and a certain in-vehicle terminal. If the terminal identification information of a hitchhiking terminal is updated to the terminal identification information of another in-vehicle terminal, that other in-vehicle terminal becomes a hitchhiking terminal. In other words, there is a possibility that singing audio data, etc., will be delivered to that other in-vehicle terminal. Therefore, by notifying the second piece of information, the user of that other in-vehicle terminal can recognize that the singing audio data, etc., has (simulated) been delivered to the other in-vehicle terminal. On the other hand, by notifying the second piece of information, the user of a certain in-vehicle terminal can recognize that the singing audio data, etc., that they sang karaoke with has (simulated) been delivered to the other in-vehicle terminal.

[0112] The notification of the first and second information can be carried out in various ways. For example, the notification unit 800 transmits character data to the target in-vehicle terminal to display a message of the first or second information. The in-vehicle terminal that receives the character data causes the display means to display characters based on the character data (for example, "You have deviated from the hitchhiking route and will no longer be able to receive the singing audio data"). Alternatively, the notification unit 800 transmits audio data to the target in-vehicle terminal to broadcast a message of the first or second information. The in-vehicle terminal that receives the audio data causes the broadcasting means to output audio based on the audio data (for example, "You have hitchhiked singing audio data at the hitchhiking location of XX").

[0113] As is clear from the above, the server device S according to this modified example includes a notification unit 800 that, when it is determined that the hitchhiking terminal's current location is not on the hitchhiking route, notifies the hitchhiking terminal and / or a certain in-vehicle terminal of first information including the hitchhiking location, and when the terminal identification information of another in-vehicle terminal that satisfies the predetermined conditions is updated as the terminal identification information of the hitchhiking terminal, notifies the updated hitchhiking terminal and / or a certain in-vehicle terminal of second information including the hitchhiking location. With such a server device S, it is possible to notify information related to updates to the hitchhiking terminal.

[0114] <Variation 3> In the example of the embodiment, there may be multiple other in-vehicle terminals that meet the predetermined conditions. In this case, the update unit 600 selects one in-vehicle terminal from the multiple other in-vehicle terminals and updates the terminal identification information of that one in-vehicle terminal as the terminal identification information of the hitchhiking terminal.

[0115] For example, if there are multiple other in-vehicle terminals that satisfy predetermined conditions, such as the current location of one of the other in-vehicle terminals being within a predetermined range of the hitchhiking location, the hitchhiking location being on the travel route acquired from the other in-vehicle terminals, and the other in-vehicle terminals not yet having passed the hitchhiking location, the update unit 600 updates the terminal identification information of the hitchhiking terminal with the terminal identification information of the other in-vehicle terminal whose current location is closest to the hitchhiking location.

[0116] <Modification 4> The distribution unit 600 may distribute karaoke performance data and singing audio data to the hitchhiking terminal only if certain conditions are met.

[0117] Specifically, the distribution unit 600 can distribute karaoke performance data, etc., only if the singing history of a user operating a hitchhiking terminal includes a song that corresponds to song identification information obtained from a certain in-vehicle terminal.

[0118] The singing history includes various information obtained when a user has previously used a karaoke machine or similar device to sing karaoke. This information includes, for example, the title of the song sung, the artist's name, song identification information, scoring results, and the date and time of the performance. The singing history is stored, for example, in the storage means 10 of the server device S. The singing history is linked to user identification information. User identification information is unique to each user, such as a user ID used to identify the user.

[0119] For example, as described in the embodiment, the distribution unit 700 determines that the vehicle C2 equipped with the in-vehicle terminal M2 has arrived at any point AP included in the hitchhiking route HR obtained from the in-vehicle terminal M1.

[0120] In this modified example, the distribution unit 700 reads the singing history of driver D2 from the storage means 10 based on the user ID of driver D2 operating the in-vehicle terminal M2.

[0121] The distribution unit 700 checks whether the retrieved singing history contains song X corresponding to song ID***X.

[0122] If song X is included, the distribution unit 700 reads the karaoke performance data for song X corresponding to the song ID ***X obtained from the in-vehicle terminal M1 from the storage means 10. The distribution unit 700 also reads the singing voice data SD stored in the singing voice table. The distribution unit 700 distributes the read karaoke performance data and singing voice data SD for song X to the in-vehicle terminal M2.

[0123] On the other hand, if song X is not included, the distribution unit 700 does not read the karaoke performance data for song X.

[0124] Such a server device S can distribute only karaoke performance data of songs that are likely to be known by the user operating the hitchhiking terminal.

[0125] <Modification 5> The distribution unit 700 can distribute the singing audio data received from a hitchhiking terminal that has distributed karaoke performance data and singing audio data to a certain in-vehicle terminal.

[0126] For example, as described in the embodiment, the distribution unit 700 determines that the vehicle C2 equipped with the in-vehicle terminal M2 has arrived at any point AP included in the hitchhiking route HR acquired from the in-vehicle terminal M1, and distributes the karaoke performance data and singing voice data SD of song X to the in-vehicle terminal M2.

[0127] The in-vehicle terminal M2 uses the karaoke function of the content app to play the karaoke performance data of the received song X and emits the karaoke performance sound from the sound emission device. In addition, the in-vehicle terminal M2 uses the karaoke function of the content app to play the received singing voice data SD and emits the singing voice of driver D1 from the sound emission device.

[0128] In this scenario, the driver D2 of vehicle C2, which is equipped with the in-vehicle terminal M2, sings along to the karaoke version of song X selected by driver D1, as well as driver D1's singing voice. In this case, the in-vehicle terminal M2 transmits singing voice data SD1 corresponding to driver D2's singing voice to the server device S.

[0129] The distribution unit 700 distributes the received singing voice data SD1 to the in-vehicle terminal M1. The in-vehicle terminal M1 uses the karaoke function of the content application to play the karaoke performance data of song X, the singing voice data SD corresponding to the singing voice of driver D1 during karaoke singing, and the received singing voice data SD1, and emits the karaoke performance sound, driver D1's singing voice, and driver D2's singing voice from the sound emission means. Driver D1 of the vehicle C1 equipped with the in-vehicle terminal M1 can listen to driver D2's singing voice in a duet format along with their own singing voice.

[0130] With such a server device S, the singing voice of a user performing karaoke by operating an in-vehicle terminal that has received the singing voice data can be listened to on the in-vehicle terminal that transmitted the singing voice data.

[0131] <Variation 6> The distribution unit 700 may distribute video data obtained by filming a user performing karaoke, along with the karaoke performance data and singing audio data.

[0132] (First acquisition section) The first acquisition unit 100 in this modified version acquires song identification information of a song that has been played using the karaoke performance function of an in-vehicle terminal operated by a certain user, singing audio data corresponding to the singing voice accompanying the karaoke singing of the certain user, video data obtained by filming the certain user performing the karaoke singing, a hitchhiking route which is the vehicle's travel route including an arbitrary point set using the car navigation function, and terminal identification information of the certain in-vehicle terminal.

[0133] As described in the embodiment, a certain in-vehicle terminal performs karaoke based on 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 of the in-vehicle terminal (or from sound emission means such as speakers installed in the vehicle). A certain user sings karaoke using the sound collection means of the in-vehicle terminal (or from sound collection means such as a headset attached to the in-vehicle terminal). In addition, the shooting means of the in-vehicle terminal (or from shooting means such as a camera attached to the in-vehicle terminal) shoots the user who is singing karaoke. The in-vehicle terminal stores the singing audio data corresponding to the singing voice of the user who is singing karaoke, and the video data obtained by shooting the user who is singing karaoke, linked with song identification information, in a storage means (not shown) installed in the in-vehicle terminal.

[0134] Subsequently, if hitchhiking mode is selected, a certain in-vehicle terminal transmits song identification information, singing audio data, video data, and hitchhiking route stored in a memory means (not shown) to the server device S, linked to terminal identification information.

[0135] The first acquisition unit 100 stores song identification information, singing voice data, video data, hitchhiking route, and terminal identification information received from a certain in-vehicle terminal in the singing voice table of the storage means 10.

[0136] (Distribution Department) In this modified version, the distribution unit 700 determines that a vehicle equipped with a hitchhiking terminal has arrived at any point included in the hitchhiking route, and distributes karaoke performance data, singing audio data, and video data corresponding to song identification information obtained from a certain in-vehicle terminal to the hitchhiking terminal.

[0137] As described in the embodiment, when the distribution unit 700 determines that a vehicle equipped with a hitchhiking terminal has arrived at any point included in the hitchhiking route acquired from a certain in-vehicle terminal, it reads karaoke performance data corresponding to the song identification information from the storage means 10 based on the song identification information received from the in-vehicle terminal. The distribution unit 700 also reads singing audio data and video data stored in the singing audio table. The distribution unit 700 then distributes the read karaoke performance data, singing audio data, and video data to the hitchhiking terminal.

[0138] The hitchhiking terminal uses the karaoke function of the content app to play received karaoke performance data and emits the karaoke performance sound from the sound emitter. The hitchhiking terminal also uses the karaoke function of the content app to play received singing audio data and emits a user's singing voice from the sound emitter. The hitchhiking terminal also uses the karaoke function of the content app to play received video data and displays a video of a user singing karaoke on the display device. Users riding in a vehicle equipped with the hitchhiking terminal can view a karaoke performance of a song selected by a user, along with the user's singing audio and video.

[0139] <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]

[0140] 1. Karaoke System 100 First acquisition section 200 Setting section 300 Second acquisition section 400 Judgment section 500 Registration Section 600 Update Department 700 Distribution Department 800 Notification Department C1-C3 Vehicles M1-M3 In-vehicle terminals S Server Device

Claims

1. A server device that is connected to an in-vehicle terminal mounted on a vehicle in a manner that enables communication, A first acquisition unit acquires song identification information of a song played using the karaoke performance function of an in-vehicle terminal operated by a certain user, singing audio data corresponding to the singing voice accompanying the karaoke performance by the said user, a hitchhiking route which is the vehicle's travel route including an arbitrary point set using the car navigation function, and terminal identification information of the said in-vehicle terminal. A setting unit that sets the acquired terminal identification information of a certain in-vehicle terminal as the terminal identification information of a hitchhiking terminal, A second acquisition unit acquires location information indicating the current location of the hitchhiking terminal and terminal identification information of the hitchhiking terminal, which are acquired from the aforementioned hitchhiking terminal at predetermined intervals, and acquires the vehicle's travel route including the destination set using the car navigation function, location information indicating the current location of the other in-vehicle terminal, which are acquired at predetermined intervals, and terminal identification information of the other in-vehicle terminal, A determination unit that determines whether the current location indicated by the location information of the hitchhiking terminal obtained is on the hitchhiking route, If it is determined that the current location of the hitchhiking terminal is not on the hitchhiking route, the update unit updates the terminal identification information of the hitchhiking terminal with the terminal identification information of another in-vehicle terminal that satisfies predetermined conditions, based on the travel route and location information obtained from another in-vehicle terminal. When a vehicle equipped with the hitchhiking terminal determines that it has arrived at any point included in the hitchhiking route, a distribution unit distributes karaoke performance data and singing voice data corresponding to song identification information acquired from a certain in-vehicle terminal to the hitchhiking terminal. A server device having the following features.

2. If the hitchhiking terminal is determined to be located on the hitchhiking route, it has a registration unit that registers the current location as the hitchhiking location. The server device according to claim 1, characterized in that the update unit updates the terminal identification information of the other in-vehicle terminal as the terminal identification information of the hitchhiking terminal when the current location of the other in-vehicle terminal is within a predetermined range with respect to the hitchhiking location, the hitchhiking location is on the travel route acquired from the other in-vehicle terminal, and the other in-vehicle terminal has not yet passed the hitchhiking location, thus satisfying the predetermined conditions.

3. The server device according to claim 1, characterized in that, if there are no other in-vehicle terminals that satisfy the predetermined conditions at a certain time, the update unit updates the terminal identification information of the hitchhiking terminal with the terminal identification information of another in-vehicle terminal that satisfies the predetermined conditions, obtained from another in-vehicle terminal, as the terminal identification information of the hitchhiking terminal at a different time.

4. The server device according to claim 2, characterized in that it includes a notification unit that, when it is determined that the current location of the hitchhiking terminal is not on the hitchhiking route, notifies the hitchhiking terminal and / or a certain in-vehicle terminal of first information including the hitchhiking location, and when the terminal identification information of another in-vehicle terminal that satisfies the predetermined conditions is updated as the terminal identification information of the hitchhiking terminal, notifies the hitchhiking terminal and / or the certain in-vehicle terminal of second information including the hitchhiking location.

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