System and method for playing music songs

Abstract

System for playing music songs, consisting of a sung part and an instrumental accompaniment comprising means for playing (1) audio signals, at least one device for acquiring (2) a first audio signal output by at least one user, means for transmitting the first audio signal to said playback means (1). Said playback means (1) are configured for simultaneous playback of the first audio signal and a second audio signal. In addition, the second audio signal consists of at least one music song and the same music song without a sung part, said playback means (1) being configured to alternatively play the music song or the music song without a sung part, or a music song processed in real time in order to eliminate the sung part from the music song if necessary, there being means for activating the acquisition device, which activation means comprise an activation / deactivation button placed on the acquisition device, so that the activation of the acquisition device sets the playback means for playing the music song without a sung part, with the effect of replacing the original sung part of the song at will with the signal acquired by the user.

Description

[0001] System and method for playing music songs

[0002] The present invention relates to a system for playing music songs consisting of a sung part and an instrumental accompaniment.

[0003] The system comprises: means for playing audio signals, at least one device for acquiring a first audio signal output by at least one user, means for transmitting the first audio signal to the playback means, which playback means are configured for simultaneous playback of the first audio signal and a second audio signal.

[0004] That just described is the common configuration of the systems for playing a music song known as "karaoke".

[0005] These systems provide that one or more users, preferably by using microphones, can sing on pre-recorded bases, in order to make vocal lines with their own voice that replace the original vocal line of the music.

[0006] Most music songs, in fact, with the exception of purely instrumental pieces, include a sung part, which can have one or more vocal lines, and an instrumental accompaniment.

[0007] According to the karaoke systems known to the state of the art, designed to allow users to sing on pre-recorded musical bases following the texts displayed on a screen, the original songs are completely recreated, on the basis of the original song, so as to leave the sung part completely free and generally provide video aids, such as monitors or the like, on which the words of the song are displayed to facilitate users in performing the sung part.

[0008] The systems known in the state of the art do not provide for any type of control over the singing performance by the users, in fact, often the out-of-tune or inaccuracies are part of the show that some "karaoke" events aim to achieve. However, in the event that karaoke takes place in public access venues, it is in the interest of the venue manager to provide the customers with a pleasant experience, in which those who improvise at the microphone are, for example, intonated, or particularly charismatic to involve the customers of the venue.

[0009] In fact, the manager is interested in keeping as many customers as possible inside the venue, giving them a pleasant musical experience.

[0010] Currently, to allow a pleasant playback of the music tracs with intonated singers who can perform, it is necessary the presence of specific personnel who can manage the microphones, who decide who can sing and when to pass the microphone to other customers.

[0011] These personnel must also take care of adjusting the sound levels, both of the played bases and of the voices of the aspiring singers.

[0012] In fact, it is necessary a direction carried out by the staff of the premises and that deals specifically with the activities exposed above.

[0013] It is evident that this need has high costs, as it requires the use of personnel that could be used for other activities related to the premises.

[0014] In addition, the karaoke systems known to the state of the art, if taking place within the public premises, present high costs also at the level of hardware necessary to achieve the performance, requiring complex control units capable of managing different audio signals and playing them simultaneously "live" with the voice line generated by the users of the premises.

[0015] Even in the case of karaoke systems with simple hardware architecture, to solve the disadvantages set out above, users are offered an experience of limited value, as the "karaoke" versions of the famous songs are often of poor quality and do not perfectly adhere to the original song. There is an obvious risk of providing listeners with an unpleasant experience, in the event that there are no users who insert their own sung part and, consequently, the song is played as a simple musical base.

[0016] There is therefore a need not met by the systems known in the state of the art to solve the disadvantages set out above. The present invention achieves the above objects by making a system for playing music songs as described above, in which the second audio signal consists of at least one music song, in the playback alternated if necessary to the same music song without a sung part or by a music song processed in real time in order to eliminate the sung part from the music song.

[0017] The playback means are configured to alternately reproduce the music song or the music song without a sung part, or a music song processed in real time in order to eliminate the sung part from the music song if necessary.

[0018] In addition, there are activation means of the acquisition device, which activation means comprise an activation / deactivation button placed on the acquisition device, so that the activation of the acquisition device sets the playback means for the playback of the musical song without a sung part, with the effect of replacing at will the original sung part of the song with the signal acquired by the user.

[0019] The music song without a sung part may therefore comprise music tracks of music songs in which the sung part is previously eliminated or original music songs processed, preferably in real time, so as to eliminate the sung part.

[0020] As will be described below, it is the activation of the activation button that allows to either toggle the playback of the music song and track without sung part or to activate the processing of the music song to delete the sung part.

[0021] In accordance with this configuration, the system subject-matter of the present invention allows to improve performing an automatic direction, in that, it is possible to choose whether to make the vocal line of the original music song or the vocal line originated from the first audio signal output by the user heard.

[0022] This feature is also particularly advantageous in transitions between one user and another, where the system can keep the attention of the bystanders alive by keeping the original audio if no one sings.

[0023] A user can then activate their acquisition device to start singing. As will be described below, the activation / deactivation button can also allow the user to book themselves to sing, i.e. enter into a booking list, which will be managed by the system subject-matter of the present invention.

[0024] A user can also, through the activation / deactivation button, decide to silence the acquisition device autonomously, so as to limit its intervention within the music song.

[0025] As anticipated, since the system subject-matter of the present invention allows the original song to be played alternately with or without a sung part, a user can duet, by acting on the activation / deactivation button with the singer of the original song.

[0026] As described, the second audio signal may preferably be realized according to two different methodologies.

[0027] According to a first methodology, which will be described later, it is possible to provide a double track, i.e. a track with a sung part and a track without a sung part, so that they are played alternately through the activation / deactivation of the button.

[0028] Based on a second mode, it is possible that the second audio signal is processed in real time, so that when the user activates / deactivates the button, he / she correspondingly activates / deactivates said processing, which deals with the removal of the sung part.

[0029] For example, current artificial intelligence tools can process music in real time, so as to eliminate the sung part.

[0030] The artificial intelligence systems that remove the voice from the music songs, provide the following operation:

[0031] 1 . Pre-processing the audio signal: The process begins with pre-processing the audio signal of the song. This may include extracting relevant audio characteristics, such as frequency spectra and temporal characteristics.

[0032] 2. Using machine learning models: Subsequently, machine learning models are created to be trained to recognize and separate the vocal and instrumental components of the audio track. These models may be convolutional neural networks (CNN) or recurrent neural networks (RNN) designed for audio processing.

[0033] 3. Model training: Machine learning models are then trained using a large number of song audio tracks. During training, models learn to recognize the distinctive patterns associated with the human voice and musical instruments.

[0034] 4. Audio track separation: Once the models have been trained, they are applied to the audio track of the song of interest. The models try to separate the vocal components (human voice) from the instrumental components (musical instruments). This can be done through different techniques, such as non-negative matrix decomposition (NMF) or the use of neural networks.

[0035] 5. Post-processing: Finally, the system performs postprocessing on the separate audio track to improve quality and reduce any unwanted artifacts. This can include applying filters and optimizing parameters to ensure optimal separation between the entry and the instruments.

[0036] According to a possible embodiment, there are processing means for processing the first and second audio signal, which processing means are configured to extrapolate certain parameters from the first and second audio signal.

[0037] There are also means for deactivating the acquisition device commanded by processing means on the basis of a comparison between the extrapolated parameters of the first and second audio signals.

[0038] The processing means may be integrated into the processing means processing the music song in order to eliminate the sung part.

[0039] A sort of automatic direction is therefore implemented, which activates / deactivates the different acquisition devices, based on an evaluation of the audio signal output by the user associated with the acquisition device.

[0040] The evaluation is obtained through the comparison between the parameters that are extrapolated from the audio signals, which allow to evaluate the intonation, the compliance with the rhythm, but also the resourcefulness or the charisma of the user.

[0041] For example, in case of a good level of intonation, the system will keep the user's acquisition device active, so that the user him- / herself can continue to sing.

[0042] Otherwise, if the user is out of tune, or if the user sings "out of time", the system will deactivate the acquisition device associated with that user, preventing him from singing and so as to start singing another user, also subject to evaluation by the processing means.

[0043] It is therefore the system that, automatically, interacts with the audience and decides which user and for how long they sing.

[0044] It is specified that the playback means belonging to the system subject-matter of the present invention do not necessarily have to be constituted by loudspeakers or the like for the playback of audio signals, but can also be understood as means for generating command signals for the playback of an audio signal, command signals to be sent to an audio signal playback system, such as for example a loudspeaker system.

[0045] Therefore, the system allows to develop one or more logics to be followed to evaluate who can experiment with the playback of the vocal line of a song.

[0046] These logics may vary based on the type and number of parameters that are extrapolated from the first and second audio signals.

[0047] Preferably, the parameters that are extrapolated concern the different frequencies and the melodic line of the vocal part of the original song used as a base and the melodic line of the vocal part made by the user.

[0048] Thus, advantageously, the processing means are configured to compare the frequencies and the melodic line of the sung part of the music song with the frequencies and the melodic line of the first audio signal.

[0049] The system subject-matter of the present invention therefore allows to identify if the user who is singing is in tune with respect to the song to be played and if he / she can, therefore, continue to sing. Based on what has been described, it is evident that the processing means can be provided according to different configurations from a hardware point of view.

[0050] It is possible to provide the means in physically separate units, just as it is possible to place them in a single control unit, integrated or not within the acquisition device.

[0051] Advantageously, the processing means are configured to command said playback means for the alternated playback between the music song or the music song without a sung part, based on the comparison between the extrapolated parameters of the first and the second audio signal.

[0052] It is also possible to provide that the playback means consist of a device of the musical playback type box or the like, which comprises the processing means, so that one or more acquisition devices associated with corresponding one or more users connect to said box.

[0053] Preferably, the connection between the acquisition device and the case is of a wireless type.

[0054] In this case, the playback means (the box) are responsible for playing the music song and, upon activation of the activation button of the acquisition device, playing the music song without a sung part, in the manner described above.

[0055] Therefore, the playback means will be responsible for the possible processing of the music song, so as to obtain the music song without a sung part.

[0056] As discussed, it is also possible to foresee the opposite, that is, that the acquisition device deals with the processing of the music song and that it communicates to the playback devices either the original music song or the one without a sung part, based on the activation / deactivation of the activation button.

[0057] It is also possible to envisage that the playback means and / or the acquisition device are connected to music libraries, such as Spotify, Apple Music or the like, so as to draw on such libraries for the playback of the music song. An important aspect of the karaoke systems known in the state of the art lies in the "live" execution of the performances, that is, the entire show must take place live, without execution delays.

[0058] For this reason, the system subject-matter of the present invention provides a storage unit in which a plurality of second audio signals are stored and which communicates with the playback means.

[0059] This feature makes it possible to realize a system that is simple to use and of minimum cost, as particularly complex and powerful hardware components are not required to perform the processing of the second audio signals live, i.e. to extrapolate the vocal line from the second audio signals, in order to generate the two versions described above, the one with the vocal line and those without the vocal line.

[0060] As will be evident from the illustration of some exemplary embodiments, it is possible to provide any acquisition device known in the state of the art.

[0061] Smartphone-type devices can also be used, taking advantage of the integrated microphone.

[0062] Advantageously, the acquisition device belonging to the system subject-matter of the present invention consists of a microphone, which has a radio frequency transmission.

[0063] The transmission means may thus comprise a radio frequency transmission module.

[0064] Radiofrequency has a twofold advantage.

[0065] First of all, it is an inexpensive transmission, so it has an economic advantage.

[0066] Secondly, it also has a functional advantage, as it does not have, unlike transmission over LANs or the like, latencies, so it is easier for users to sing in time on a song that is played by the playback means.

[0067] It is of course possible to provide that each acquisition device has two or more transmission frequencies, so as to use the frequency that guarantees a better transmission.

[0068] The radio frequency solution also has advantages in the event that several acquisition devices are provided, as these devices can share the same frequency bands, simplifying the implementation and installation of the system subject-matter of the present invention, even in the case of different users.

[0069] According to a possible implementation variant, the system subject-matter of the present invention may provide hardware components that transform a smartphone into a microphone for singing, minimizing latency and with a specific codec that reduces / cancels latency and echo and helps synchronization.

[0070] Starting from this generic concept, the acquisition devices can then present different technologies, which will be described later.

[0071] For example, the transmission means may also have a transmission module that exploits a wireless network or a LAN network, so that the acquisition devices can transmit the sung part by radio frequency, but which have further digital connection interfaces, to offer for example the possibility of displaying the words of the song, or the possibility of generating command signals on the execution of the song, with other transmission modes, the latency of which does not impact the functionality of the system subject-matter of the present invention.

[0072] According to a possible embodiment, the processing means may comprise a system for adjusting the first audio signal based on the comparison between the extrapolated parameters of the first and second audio signal.

[0073] For example, it is possible to provide an "autotune" procedure based on the level of intonation of the user, that is, the system can modify the audio signal output by the user so that the playback is in tune with the musical base obtained from the second audio signal.

[0074] Systems that adjust singers' intonation, also known as intonation correction software or Auto-Tune, use sophisticated algorithms to detect and correct for tone variations in the human voice. Below is described, by way of example only, how they generally work:

[0075] 1. Detection of tone variations: The software analyzes the audio signal of the human voice and detects tone variations, that is, deviations from the desired note. These variations may be caused by inaccurate intonation during recording.

[0076] 2. Intonation correction: The software automatically applies the corrections to the detected intonation, shifting the voice frequencies to more closely align the voice to the desired notes. This can be done by changing the fundamental frequency of the voice or by applying small amounts of pitch shifting to the parts of the voice that are out of tune.

[0077] 3. Correction parameters: Users can often adjust the pitch correction parameters, such as the correction speed and the amount of correction applied, to achieve the desired result. Some software also offers advanced features for selective intonation correction on certain parts of the vocal track.

[0078] 4. Rendering and playback: Once the corrections are applied, the vocal track is rendered with the correct intonation and can be played along with the accompanying music or incorporated in a final recording.

[0079] It is evident that the system subject-matter of the present invention allows to adjust the evaluation criteria of the comparison between the parameters extrapolated from the two audio signals.

[0080] It follows that the tolerance regarding the possible blunting of the users is adjustable: based on the level of blunting, the system will be able to decide independently whether to activate the autotune or whether to deactivate the user's acquisition device, preventing the user from singing.

[0081] Finally, as anticipated, the system subject-matter of the present invention comprises a plurality of acquisition devices.

[0082] In accordance with such a configuration, the processing means comprises a priority management system configured to alternately activate / deactivate the acquisition devices.

[0083] The system that is the subject-matter of the present invention, therefore, allows to develop a booking system, in which the different users can book themselves to sing.

[0084] Preferably, the users book through the activation / deactivation button. Also in this case, the logic of selecting the user who has the turn to sing can be developed according to different strategies, such as order of booking, frequency of visits to the premises, number of people at the user's table, etc.

[0085] The booking system may have built-in commands on the acquisition device, so that the user may interface directly with the system.

[0086] The acquisition devices will therefore be able to integrate a communication interface between the user and the system, an interface with which it will also be possible to request the playback of specific songs on which to sing.

[0087] In view of the advantageous aspects just described, the present invention also relates to a method for playing music songs, which provides for the following steps:

[0088] - acquisition of a first audio signal output by at least one user,

[0089] - simultaneous playback of the first and a second audio signal,

[0090] The second audio signal consists of at least one music song and the same music song without a sung part, in such a way that the playback of the second audio signal provides for alternated playback between the music song and the music song without a sung part, or from a music song processed in real time in order to selectively eliminate the sung part from the music song.

[0091] In addition, the playback of the music song without a sung part is activated by a step of activating the acquisition of the first audio signal, while the playback of the music song with a sung part is activated by a step of deactivating the acquisition of the first audio signal.

[0092] It is evident that the method subject-matter of the present invention can also provide for a step of processing any music song, so as to obtain two music songs, one without a vocal line and the other with the vocal line, so as to constitute the second audio signal described above.

[0093] As anticipated, this processing can also take place in real time through appropriate artificial intelligence software.

[0094] According to a possible embodiment of the method subject-matter of the present invention, a first processing step of the first audio signal is provided, which first processing step provides for extrapolating certain parameters from the first audio signal.

[0095] A second processing step is also provided on the second audio signal to extrapolate the same parameters on the second audio signal.

[0096] Finally, there is provided a comparison step between the parameters of the first and second audio signals, on the basis of which the deactivation of the acquisition step is expected.

[0097] As previously discussed, the method subject-matter of the present invention allows to realize an automatic direction based on an evaluation of the singing abilities of a user.

[0098] It is possible to extrapolate one or more parameters, based on the ratings one wishes to get, intonation, compliance with the rhythmic track, entertainment ability, or the like.

[0099] Therefore, starting from this generic concept, it is possible to provide different forms of implementation of the method that is the subject-matter of the present invention.

[0100] According to a first embodiment, the second processing provides for isolating the sung part of the second audio signal, the second audio signal consisting of a music song.

[0101] The comparison step provides for comparing the frequencies of the sung part and the frequencies of the first audio signal.

[0102] According to a further embodiment, the second processing step provides for isolating the sung part of the second audio signal, a step being provided for storing the music song without the sung part and the original music song.

[0103] In this case, the playback of the first and second audio signals provide for the alternated playback of the music without a part sung and of the original music on the basis of the comparison step.

[0104] Finally, according to a further embodiment, a step of adjusting the first audio signal on the basis of the comparison between the extrapolated parameters of the first and second audio signal is provided.

[0105] Based on what has been described, the method for playing music songs subject-matter of the present invention can allow the realization of software applications that in order to obtain the system subject-matter of the present invention on the devices on which the software application is installed.

[0106] This results in a high simplicity of installation and adaptation to the different hardware configurations of the room in which the system subject- matter of the present invention is to be developed.

[0107] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the following disclosure of some exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein: figure 1 illustrates a principle diagram of the system that is the subject-matter of the present invention, according to a possible embodiment; figure 2 shows a flowchart of a further embodiment of the method that is the subject-matter of the present invention;

[0108] It is specified that the figures attached to this patent application illustrate only some possible embodiments of the system and method that are the subject-matter of the present invention, to better understand the advantages and characteristics described.

[0109] Such embodiments are therefore to be understood as purely illustrative and not limiting to the inventive concept of the present invention, namely that of making a system for playing music songs that presents an automatic direction, i.e. that does not require the use of specialized personnel to manage the order and duration of the intervention of each aspiring singer, so as to modify the performance of the users on the basis of their abilities, providing a pleasant experience to the users.

[0110] With particular reference to figure 1 , a principle diagram of the system subject-matter of the present invention is illustrated.

[0111] This system comprises means for playing 1 an audio signal, configured to simultaneously reproduce a first audio signal acquired by an acquisition device, of the microphone 2 type, and a second audio signal, stored within a storage unit 30 belonging to a processing unit 3. Each microphone 2 has an activation / deactivation button 21 which, once pressed by the user, allows the acquisition of the first audio signal to be activated, i.e. the acquisition by the microphone of the user's singing and the transmission of the first audio signal to the processing unit 3.

[0112] The microphone 2 communicates through transmission means with the processing unit 3, so that the processing unit 3 performs processing on the first and second audio signals so as to manage the playback of the playback means 1 and the activation of the microphone 2.

[0113] As anticipated, from a generic point of view, the processing unit 3 envisages acquiring a music song to create a version of the music song without a vocal line and a music song equal to the original music song.

[0114] Activation of the activation / deactivation button 21 commands the playback means 1 , preferably through the processing unit 3, so that they reproduce the music song without the vocal line, which will be played simultaneously with the first audio signal, i.e. the user's voice, acquired by the microphone 2.

[0115] It can be provided that deactivating the microphone 2, commands the playback means 1 so as to play the music song with the vocal line.

[0116] According to the variant illustrated in figure 2, the processing performed by the processing unit 3 is illustrated, through a flowchart, within figure 2.

[0117] In particular, a user with a microphone 2 decides to want to sing, so he / she activates the microphone, step 100, and begins to sing, generating a first audio signal.

[0118] Thereafter, the first audio signal and a second audio signal are expected to be acquired, steps 101 and 111.

[0119] The first audio signal is preferably acquired through the microphone 2, while the second audio signal. The second audio signal consists of a music song and the same music song without a sung part.

[0120] From a generic point of view, as described above, the playback means 1 are configured to alternately reproduce the music song or the music song without a sung part, or a music song processed in real time in order to eliminate the sung part from the music song if necessary.

[0121] There are also activation means of the acquisition device, which activation means comprise an activation / deactivation button placed on the acquisition device, so that the activation of the acquisition device sets the playback means for the playback of the musical song without a sung part, with the effect of replacing at will the original sung part of the song with the signal acquired by the user.

[0122] Alternatively or in combination, the second audio signal is preferably stored within the storage unit 30.

[0123] Next, a first processing step 102 is performed on the first audio signal and a second processing step 112 is performed on the second audio signal.

[0124] Both processings are performed by processing means belonging to the processing unit 3.

[0125] In addition, both processes provide for the extrapolation of the same parameters from the first audio signal, in such a way that these parameters can be compared, step 103, and in such a way that, based on the result of the comparison 103, the activation or deactivation of the user's microphone is maintained, step 104.

[0126] Upon activation, an audio signal will be played, step 105, which provides for simultaneous playback of the first and second audio signals.

[0127] In case of deactivation, the system subject-matter of the present invention will provide for the playback, step 115, of only the second audio signal.

[0128] The playback of step 115 acts as a musical interlude, waiting for another user to decide to intervene to sing, activating their microphone, step 100.

[0129] According to the variant illustrated in figure 2, the first processing step 102 provides for identifying the frequencies of the first audio signal, step 1020, i.e. identifying the frequency spectrum and the melodic line of the first audio signal, of the user's voice. The second processing step 112, on the other hand, provides for identifying the melodic line of the sung part, step 1121 , of the second audio signal, preferably consisting of a music song.

[0130] The music song is therefore processed through the second processing step 112, so as to generate two songs, a first song without a vocal line and a second song with the vocal line, so that both songs are stored, step 1121 , within the storage unit 30.

[0131] Alternatively, it is possible to envisage that the removal of the sung part from the music song takes place in real time through the application of artificial intelligence algorithms.

[0132] Subsequently, the comparison step 103 provides for comparing the frequencies of the vocal line with the frequencies of the first audio signal, in order to identify the intonation of the user associated with the microphone 2.

[0133] The parameters of the comparison can be adjusted according to the operational needs, so that a user is defined as "intonated" with customizable evaluations.

[0134] According to the variant illustrated in figure 2, therefore, the playback step 105 will provide for a mixed playback between the music song without sung part and the first audio signal, so that the user overlaps the singing of the original music song.

[0135] As described, the user can act on the microphone in order to deactivate the microphone 2 at will and in such a way that, in case of deactivation, the original song is played immediately.

[0136] It is evident that the described method steps preferably take place in real-time mode, in that the comparison step 103 is performed in a continuous way, i.e. during playback 105, so that in case of difference between the parameters of the first audio signal and the parameters of the second audio signal, the user's microphone 2 is deactivated.

[0137] Thanks to this configuration, the comparison step 103 will also detect the case in which the user does not start singing, but also simply speaks into the microphone, deactivating it. The described mode may of course be declined in the event that the system subject-matter of the present invention provides one, two or more microphones 2, as illustrated in the variant of figure 1 .

[0138] In the case of multiple users, i.e. multiple microphones 2 communicating with the processing unit 3, these microphones 2 may have activation buttons, operated by the users to start singing.

[0139] In this case, the processing unit 3 has a booking system, configured to manage the priorities of the different users, which system deals with the alternative activations of the different microphones 2.

[0140] Preferably, in fact, the microphones 2 communicate with the processing unit 3 and with the playback means 1 through radio frequency communications for the transmission of the audio signals.

[0141] If it is necessary to activate several microphones 2 at the same time, for example in the event that several users want to sing on the same song, it is possible to envisage creating a data channel supported by a local network, to which all the components of the system subject-matter of the present invention can access.

[0142] Even in the case of communication through radio frequency, the local network may be used to convey information other than audio signals, such as the lyrics of the song, warning messages to users or the like.

[0143] For example, the microphones 2 can have a display indicating a countdown, aimed at notifying the user of the start of their singing turn.

[0144] It is also possible to provide a display or a mini laser that projects on a surface, such as the table of the place where the karaoke takes place, the lyrics of the song.

[0145] Based on what has just been described, it is evident that the microphones can be replaced by portable devices such as smartphones or similar.

[0146] Regardless of the embodiment of the acquisition device, the system subject-matter of the present invention has an aspect related to the environment of social networks.

[0147] According to a possible embodiment, the control unit 3 communicates with a screen 4, on which it is possible to project different information, for example the video of the song being played in combination with the lyrics of the song.

[0148] In addition, the different users can sign up on a web platform made for the system subject-matter of the present invention, so that, while participating in karaoke, they can connect to the platform with their profile, according to the methods known to the state of the art.

[0149] It is therefore possible to video record the audio recordings of the user's performance, to be associated with their profiles and to be published on their profiles and / or to project on the screen the performance of the user who is singing.

[0150] Each user can also create their own avatar, so that the avatar itself is the main character of a video, pre-loaded on the web platform or recorded "live" synchronized with the song that the user associated with the avatar is singing.

[0151] The system subject-matter of the present invention therefore, starting from a song, generates a video output to be projected on the screen 4, with the lyrics of the song superimposed perfectly synchronized and which allows to play any video source in the background (e.g. pre- loaded videos or mobile cameras that frame the singer or videos with the user's avatar).

[0152] It is also possible to provide that all users or customers of the venue can interact with the processing unit 3, in order to choose the songs to listen to / sing or even to vote for the performances of the various singers.

[0153] Finally, it is possible to use the present invention in the home, both to allow users to practice singing skills, and to easily entertain guests at dinners, parties and events of various types.

[0154] While the invention is subject to various modifications and alternative constructions, some preferred embodiments have been shown in the drawings and described in detail.

[0155] It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific illustrated embodiment but, on the contrary, the aim is to cover all the modifications, alternative constructions and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0156] The use of "for example", "etc.", "or" indicates non-exclusive alternatives without limitation, unless otherwise indicated. The use of "includes" means "includes, but not limited to" unless otherwise indicated.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . System for playing music songs consisting of a sung part and an instrumental accompaniment comprising means for playing (1 ) audio signals, at least one device for acquiring (2) a first audio signal output by at least one user, means for transmitting the first audio signal to said playback means (1 ), said playback means (1 ) being configured for simultaneous playback of the first audio signal and a second audio signal, characterised in that the second audio signal consists of at least one music song and the same music song without the sung part, said playback means (1 ) being configured to alternately reproduce the music song or the music song without the sung part, or to process a music song in real time in order to eliminate the sung part from the music song if necessary, there being activation means of the acquisition device, which activation means comprise an activation / deactivation button placed on the acquisition device, so that the activation of the acquisition device sets the playback means for playing the music song without a sung part, with the effect of replacing at will the original sung part of the song with the signal acquired by the user.

2. System according to claim 1 , wherein there are processing means (3) for processing the first and second audio signals, which processing means (3) are configured to extrapolate certain parameters from the first and second audio signals, there being means for deactivating the acquisition device commanded by said processing means (3) on the basis of a comparison between the extrapolated parameters of the first and second audio signals.

3. System according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said processing means (3) are configured to compare the melodic line of the sung part of the music song with the melodic line of the first audio signal.

4. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the processing means are configured to command said playback means for the alternated playback between the music song or the music song without the sung part, on the basis of the comparison between the extrapolated parameters of the first and second audio signal.

5. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein there is a storage unit (30), inside which a plurality of second audio signals are stored, said storage unit (30) communicating with said playback means.

6. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said transmission means comprise a radio frequency transmission module.

7. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said processing means (3) comprise a system for regulating the first audio signal based on the comparison between the extrapolated parameters of the first and second audio signal, to better adapt it to the second signal.

8. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein there is a plurality of acquisition devices (2), the processing means comprising a priority management system configured to alternately activate the acquisition devices.

9. Method for playing music songs consisting of a sung part and an instrumental accompaniment, which method provides the following steps:- acquiring (101 , 111 ) a first audio signal output by at least one user,- simultaneous playback (105, 115) of the first and a second audio signal, characterised in that the second audio signal consists of at least one music song and the same music song without the sung part, the playback of the second audio signal providing for alternated playback between the music song and the music song without the sung part, or of a music song processed in real time in order to eliminate the sung part from the music song,the playback of the music song without a sung part being activated by a step of activating the acquisition of the first audio signal and the playback of the music song with the sung part being activated by a step of deactivating the acquisition of the first audio signal.

10. Method according to claim 9, wherein a first processing step (102) of the first audio signal is provided, which first processing step (102) provides for extrapolating certain parameters (1020) from the first audio signal, a second processing step (112) is provided on the second audio signal to extrapolate the same parameters (1120) on the second audio signal, a comparison step (103) being provided between the parameters of the first and of the second audio signal, on the basis of which comparison (103) the deactivation of the acquisition step (101 ) is provided.11 . Method according to one or more of claims 9 or 10, wherein a step of adjusting the first audio signal based on the comparison between the extrapolated parameters of the first and second audio signal is provided.

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