Abstract: In accordance with a kind of effect, an effect adding section (38) adds an original microphone signal with an effect signal and outputs the added signal, or outputs an effect signal in place of the original microphone signal. A mixing section (42) mixes the effect signal and the original microphone signal at a variable mixing ratio. The mixed signal is supplied to an echo signal generating circuit (20) to generate an echo signal. An output signal of the effect adding section (38) and the echo signal output from an echo adding section (40) are mixed by a mixing circuit (18). In the case in which both an effect and an echo are added such that the microphone signal and the effect signal are added and then output, the mixing section (42) reduces the mixing ratio of the effect signal, whereby the effect is prevented from being excessively increased.

Abstract: A voice replacing method and system that uses the volume of the karaoke user's voice to control the volume of the lead singer's original vocal outputted to the audience. The volume of an original lead singer's voice is determined by the volume or vocal-amplitude level of the karaoke user's voice. The vocal-amplitude of the karaoke user is sensed using a vocal sensor. A vocal-amplitude digital waveform is created corresponding to the vocal-amplitude. A smoothed exponential waveform is created byan amplitudefollower corresponding to the digital waveform. The volume of the original lead singer's voice is adjusted by a sliding balance according to the smoothed exponential waveform. This exponential waveform allows for a continuous and smooth volume adjustment of the original lead singer's voice according to changes in volume of the karaoke user's voice.

Abstract: On an initial screen, a conversion ratio indicated by a style conversion ratio data is displayed in a display area 32. Various kinds of styles are displayed in display areas 33 to 38. In this case, a style which is currently selected is "Samba" which blinks, and the conversion ratio is 50%. When a style number corresponding to samba is "2," a style change is conducted for the original performance data based on a style conversion data corresponding to the style number 2. At this time, the conversion ratio of 50% is referred, and changes of a sound-producing timing, a tone color, an additional instrument, and the like are conducted. An image displayed on a monitor is changed based on an image conversion data.

Abstract: A karaoke system capable of performing distribution or delivery of new music without delay and providing high quality karaoke musical accompaniment and video image dedicated for each music well harmonized with the content of each music is disclosed. The karaoke system reproduces a recorded musical accompaniment of a music to sing together with a composite image of lyric words and background image.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus is constructed by various devices for collectively executing a task. The electronic apparatus uses at least one electronic circuit device containing a plurality of circuit elements which are reconfigurable into a desired connection mode so as to perform an allotted function during the course of executing the task. Further, in the electronic apparatus, a communication device operates when the allotted function of the electronic circuit device is to be altered. The communication device downloads, from a communication network, circuit design information effective to determine the connection mode of the circuit elements contained in the electronic circuit device. A control device reconfigures the connection mode of the circuit elements in accordance with the downloaded circuit design information to thereby alter the allotted function of the electronic circuit device.

Abstract: An apparatus for reproducing recorded signals by using a recorded medium and a method for reproducing recorded signals. The learning of language is done by using the general recorded medium such as cassette tape and video tape with movies or music recorded thereon, thereby improving the learning efficiency. In the method for reproducing recorded signals of a recording medium in a language learning apparatus, the operation is carried out in the following manner. A control section switches a first switch in accordance with a reproduction command of a reproduction key inputting section, so that the audio signals of an audio signal processing section would be supplied to a speaker. Further, the control section turns on a second switch in accordance with a voice recognition command of a voice recognition key inputting section, so that the voices of a voice detecting section would be supplied and stored to a voice recognizing section.

Abstract: A microphone signal is branched into a microphone sound effect generation signal path and a direct sound signal path via a microphone volume controller. The microphone signal branched to the microphone sound effect generation signal path is level-adjusted by a microphone sound effect volume controller, and then supplied to a microphone sound effect generating circuit, so that a microphone sound effect signal is generated. The microphone sound effect signal and a music signal supplied from a music signal input terminal are additively combined together by combining circuits and are output from a music signal output terminal. The microphone sound branched to the direct sound signal path is output from a microphone signal output terminal, independently of the microphone sound effect signal, improving the separation between the microphone sound signal and a microphone sound effect signal.

Abstract: A karaoke apparatus accompanies a vocal performance with a karaoke accompaniment reproduced according to karaoke data. In the karaoke apparatus, an input device separately converts a plurality of singing voices vocalized by different singers into respective ones of initial voice signals. At least one pitch sifter is utilized to shift a pitch of the initial voice signal to create a modified voice signal representative of a harmony voice made consonant to the singing voice. A distributor operates according to control information contained in the karaoke data to selectively distribute at least one of the initial voice signals to the pitch sifter so as to create the modified voice signal corresponding to the distributed initial voice signal. An output device selectively mixes the initial voice signals and the modified voice signal to reproduce the vocal performance composed of selected ones of the singing voices and the harmony voice in synchronization with the karaoke accompaniment.

Abstract: A karaoke system acoustically outputting karaoke musical accompaniment together with a singing voice input from a microphone, and in the conjunction therewith, performing video output for image of lyric in synchronism with progress of karaoke musical accompaniment, is capable of announcing calorie consumption achieved by singing a song. The karaoke system includes sound volume integrating part for sampling singing voice input volume from the microphone at a given interval and sequentially integrating respective sampled values, converting part for converting an integrated value derived by the sound volume integrating means into a calorie consuming amount of a physical exercise by singing a song according to a predetermined algorithm, and announcing part for announcing the calorie consuming amount derived by the converting means to a user.

Abstract: An entertainment system for a motor vehicle comprises a radio, a source of recorded music connected thereto, at least one loudspeaker, and at least one transducer arranged to receive the voice of an occupant of the vehicle and to produce an electronic signal output, and an electronic circuit for receiving said signal and for coupling the signal output to said radio.

Abstract: In a self-operated karaoke recording booth a user is provided with a selection of background scenes from which to choose and also with the option of having the lyrics of the karaoke selection displayed or suppressed. A video camera positioned at the user's eye level is located on the nonreflective side of a one-way mirror and is directed at a specified performer location through the one-way mirror, which is inclined at a forty-five degree angle relative thereto. Messages and video displays are provided to the user by a video display monitor connected to a computer that faces the reflective side of the one-way mirror and is also located at a forty-five degree angle relative thereto. The system is designed to maintain the visual focus of the performer directly into the lens of the video camera throughout the performance and to combine the video camera images with the background scene in such a way as to avoid a double exposure or phantom image of the performer against the background.

Abstract: A karaoke service method by telecommunication system downloads karaoke data through a portable karaoke device and provides a karaoke service by using a radio data transmitting and receiving function of a mobile telephone network and a system thereof. In the method, it is judged whether a stored music executing mode or a new music down load mode is selected. A karaoke service server is connected to a public switched data network when the new music down load mode is selected. A file down load with respect to a selected music is requested. A file of a corresponding music selected is downloaded. According to the method, the karaoke device is connected to a karaoke service server having a simple communication protocol system and performs music files and a basic communication function and the karaoke service server reads music file information out of the data network and transmits the read music file information to the karaoke device. Accordingly, a small and inexpensive karaoke device can be realized.

Abstract: A karaoke system capable of performing distribution or delivery of new music without delay and providing high quality karaoke musical accompaniment and video image dedicated for each music well harmonized with the content of each music is disclosed. The karaoke system reproduces a recorded musical accompaniment of a music to sing together with a composite image of lyric words and background image.

Abstract: A karaoke online system distributes karaoke data blocks having identification codes from a center station to a plurality of karaoke terminals through a broadcast network. In the center station, a transmitter broadcasts the karaoke data blocks with the identification codes to the broadcast network. In the karaoke terminal, a receiver receives the karaoke data blocks with the identification codes from the center station through the broadcast network. A buffer memory temporarily memorizes each of the karaoke data blocks received by the receiver. A storage device stores the karaoke data blocks after each of the karaoke data blocks is temporarily memorized in the buffer memory. A controller discriminates the karaoke data blocks while each of the karaoke data blocks stays in the buffer memory according to the identification codes attached to the karaoke data blocks for judging as to whether each of the karaoke data blocks should be transferred from the buffer memory to the storage device.

Abstract: A score display apparatus is provided, which permits a wider range of applications without degrading handling ease. An input device inputs score display data, an adding device adds additional data to the score display data input by the input device, and a storage device stores the score display data and the additional data. A display device displays a score based on the score display data input by the input device, and also displays the additional data such that the additional data is associated with the score based on the score display data. A storing device stores the score display data and the additional data in the storage device while associating the score display data and the additional data with each other.

Abstract: A karaoke amplifier is constructed for amplifying an audio signal to sound a karaoke performance while processing the audio signal according to a value of a control parameter to acoustically control the karaoke performance. An analog operating member is manually operable to set an initial analog value of the control parameter. An analog/digital converter converts the initial analog value into a corresponding initial digital value. A receiver receives correction data from an external data source. A memory memorizes the received correction data. A calculator arithmetically treats the initial digital value according to the correction data retrieved from the memory to calculate a corrected value of the control parameter. A signal processor processes the audio signal according to the corrected value of the control parameter and amplifies the processed audio signal to sound the karaoke performance which is acoustically modified according to the corrected value of the control parameter.

Abstract: A music apparatus is constructed for joint play of music pieces by processing song data. In the music apparatus, a storage device stores song data representing a plurality of music pieces. An operating device is used for designating a first music piece as an object of the joint play among the plurality of the music pieces stored in the storage device. A controller device automatically selects a second music piece from the plurality of the music pieces as another object of the joint play such that the second music piece has a musical compatibility with the first music piece. A processor device retrieves the song data of the first music piece and the song data of the second music piece from the storage device, and processes the song data retrieved from the storage device so as to merge the second music piece to the first music piece.

Abstract: A sing-along data transmitting method includes the steps of providing a sing-along data center for supplying background video data and music data, and providing a plurality of sing-along data receiving terminals for receiving the background video data and music data fed from the sing-along data center. The next step is transmitting a plurality of background video data by way of a plurality of different channels, and transmitting music data of a plurality of melodies by way of at least one channel. The method further includes the step of transmitting a channel data indicating a channel through which said background video data corresponding to a selected music is being transmitted, with the channel data being transmitted together with music data. There is also provided a sing-along data transmitting/receiving system for carrying out the above sing-along data transmitting method.

Abstract: A lyrics display apparatus wherein a display condition of the words of a song on a display device is gradually changed in accordance with a progression of a piece of music, the display condition of the song words is started to change on a basis of a memorized production timing data of each of the song words and changed in a predetermined amount at a predetermined time interval.

Abstract: A method of reproducing a recording medium on which image data is recorded using an MPEG (Moving Picture Coding Expert Group) or the like, the image data including first image data where all image information for one frame of question is compressed and second image data where information on a change in image information for frames before and after the frame of question is compressed, is characterized in that, when a predetermined portion in the image data recorded on the recording medium is reproduced, reproduction is started from a portion on the recording medium where the first image data is recorded.

Abstract: A karaoke apparatus is responsive to a request of a music piece for producing karaoke accompaniment to accompany a live singing voice of the music piece while reproducing a background video associated with the music piece. In the karaoke apparatus, a sound source device produces the karaoke accompaniment of the music piece in response to the request. A storage device stores video data representative of a piece of the background video which is associated with the music piece. The piece of the background video has a time length normally longer than a time length of the music piece. A central processing unit variably designates a read start point from which the piece of the background video should be reproduced. A drive device is responsive to the request for accessing the storage device to reproduce the background video from the read start point.

Abstract: A lyrics display apparatus for indicating the words of a song on a screen of a display device, which is designed to memorize a lyrics data including a first line-change code for defining a predetermined number of words to be indicated on one line and a second line-change code for defining a segmental position of the words indicated on the line, to set a first display mode when the screen of the display device is able to indicate the number of words defined by the first line-change code on the one line, to set a second display mode when the screen of said display device is unable to indicate the number of words defined by the first line-change code on the one line, to control the display device in such a manner that the words defined by the first line-change code are indicated on the one line at the first display mode and that the line of the words defined by the first line-change code is changed to another line at the segmental position defined by the second line-change code at the second display mode.

Abstract: This invention refers to an electronic computer 10 having a reader 21 for the reading of removable magneto-optic media (CD-ROM) 14. The electronic computer 10 allows even non-expert users to playback the CD-ROM media by pressing pushbuttons 48 on a button panel 45 and visualises on a display 47 information concerning the type of CD-ROM inserted in the reader 21 and the functionality selected. The electronic computer 10 is also capable of passing automatically from an operating state of maximum performance to one of reduced performance with a resultant reduction in electrical energy consumption. The electronic computer 10 can also be connected to television sets 12 and to video recorders 13. The computer 10 according to this invention, while possessing the functionality described above, still remains flexible, powerful, and upgradable, which are attributes typical of personal computers.

Abstract: A karaoke apparatus responds to a request for producing a karaoke music piece to accompany a live singing performance of words of the karaoke music piece by a karaoke player. In the karaoke apparatus, a storage device stores music data representing a plurality of karaoke music pieces and speech data representing speech sounds of words of the karaoke music pieces. An operation panel operates upon a request for designating a karaoke music piece to be performed. A tone generator retrieves the music data corresponding to the designated karaoke music piece from the storage device so as to generate music tones of the designated karaoke music piece to thereby accompany the live singing performance.

Abstract: When the input output controller 22 receives request data through the modem 42, the input output controller 22 controls the memory controller 25 to retrieve an AV stream and a BGV stream from the memories and to transfer the streams to the multiplexer 30. The memory controller 25 retrieves a BGV stream from the BGV memories 26a, 26b, and 26c and an AV stream from the AV memories 27a, 27b, and 27c. When receiving the BGV stream and the AV stream, the multiplexer 30 divides the AV stream into a lyric stream and a music stream. The multiplexer 30 composes the lyric stream and the BGV stream into a video stream. The multiplexer 30 time-divisionally multiplexes the video stream and the music stream and outputs the multiplexed stream as a video/music stream.

Abstract: An interactive electronic drum system and training techniques suitable for use in a coin-operated environment such as an arcade are described. Electronic drum pads, audio speakers, a visual display, training lights and an overall control system are combined to simulate the excitement of a live drum or inactive musical jam session for a user. Positive feedback and, as necessary, instructive aid are provided to make the experience a positive one for both the novice and the expert player. Learning and playing a musical instrument becomes an intuitive, exciting experience and not a boring chore to be endured. Players can simulate the experience of playing in a rock band before a live and appreciative audience. In short, this interactive electronic drum system makes drums and the jamming experience widely accessible to the public.

Abstract: In accordance with the progress of a performance, a CPU 10 supplies word data indicative of words to be displayed. The CPU obtains a color change function passing coordinates which are specified by color change function data indicative of: a length of each of sections which are obtained by dividing a word display region to be displayed in accordance with the word data; and a time period required for changing a color of the section. The CPU instructs a color change in accordance with the color change function. A video circuit 18 changes the color of the words which are displayed on the basis of the word data, in accordance with the color change instructions, and a monitor 19 displays the words.

Abstract: A karaoke system is provided with a reproducing section and a remote control device. The reproducing section at least reproduces an accompaniment signal. The remote control device controls the operation of the reproducing section and is provided with an input section, a storage and a sending section. A control signal for controlling the operation of the reproducing section and information showing the order of reproducing an accompaniment signal by the reproducing section are input from the input section. The storage stores reservation information showing the order of reproduction and the personal information of a user both input via the input section. The sending section sends at least one of reservation information and the personal information of a user both stored in said storage to the reproducing section.

Abstract: An interactive music playback device includes a sequencer for processing audio information corresponding to a song or other selected piece of music. The audio information may be retrieved from a PCMCIA card or other suitable solid state data storage cartridge which is inserted in a slot in the playback device. The sequencer arranges the audio information in a playback sequence based on one or more user-specified playback parameters, such as tempo, key and playback duration. Voice and instrument synthesizers receive the playback sequence and generate therefrom respective vocal and instrumental portions of the selected piece of music. The playback device may operate in a verse-shuffle mode of operation, in which the sequencer arranges the playback sequence to include randomly-selected verses of the selected piece of music interspersed with a chorus of the selected piece of music.

Abstract: A karaoke system for providing improved services with customers, utilizing inherent network resources of a large-scale communication karaoke system is disclosed.The karaoke system according to one aspect of the present invention has a host apparatus 2 and a plurality of remote terminal apparatuses 1 for playing karaoke music communicating with the host apparatus via a communication network 3. Each of the remote terminal apparatuses 1 stores karaoke data transferred from the host apparatus 2 and plays the karaoke data selected from among the stored karaoke data by a speaker 11 and a CRT display 15.The host apparatus 2 stores a plurality of records of customers of the karaoke system.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for generating musical accompaniment signals corresponding to a musical program, there is provided a recording medium which has an audio storage unit and a lyric storage unit separate from the audio storage unit. The audio storage unit and the lyric storage unit respectively have a plurality of audio music data and a plurality of lyric data corresponding to a plurality of the musical programs stored therein. The lyric data include encoded text data and timing information. In operation, the audio music data and the lyric data corresponding to a selected one of the musical programs are retrieved from the recording medium. The encoded text data and timing information retrieved from the recording medium are decoded to obtain decoded data, and bitmap data are then generated from the decoded data. The bitmap data are synchronized with the audio music data retrieved from the recording medium in accordance with the timing information.

Abstract: In addition to a music piece data file in which music piece data for a karaoke performance are stored, a BGP script file in which BGP script data (picture sequence data) are stored, and a picture data file in which plural still picture data are stored are disposed. The BGP script data describe the procedure of combining still picture data and switchingly displaying the synthesized data, and include music piece corresponding data corresponding to a specific music piece data, and genre corresponding data corresponding to the genre of a music piece. During a karaoke performance of a music piece, when a music piece corresponding data corresponding to the music piece exists, an image is displayed by using the data, and, when such a data does not exists, an image is displayed by using a data corresponding to the genre of the music piece. When a data corresponding to the genre does not exists or cannot be used, background still picture data corresponding to the genre are switchingly displayed.

Abstract: A music organizer and entertainment center provides a center having a microprocessor, sound card functions and high-volume data storage and retrieval units for playing back music according to a variety of predetermined categories. Music can be played back in random form or can be played back according to a particular pre-selected order. The categories are provided by service provider who delivers selected titles and/or songs to the end user. The songs are typically loaded using a custom CD-ROM provided from the service provider. The music is provided in- data-compressed form and is decompressed and processed through a sound card during playback. The categories can include a variety of parameters such as title, artists, date, speed, dance characteristics, subjective energy level and music style, such as easy-listening, upbeat, etc.

Abstract: An automatic performance apparatus for conducting a minus-one performance so that a minus part can be automatically changed in accordance with a performance conducted by the user, the apparatus includes a tone generator which synthesizes musical tones of a plurality of parts based on performance data including performance data of the parts, a MIDI input section which externally captures MIDI data including a program change which designates a tone color related to a part, a selected part judging section which specifies the part corresponding to the MIDI data based on the program change, a mute control section which eliminates performance data of the part specified by the selected part judging section from the performance data, and a performance converting section which inserts the MIDI data into the part from which the performance data are eliminated are disposed.

Abstract: A voice converter provides for pitch and formant shifting of an input voice signal. An audio filter extracts the volume level of the input voice signal, and outputs the extracted volume level as first volume data. A second audio filter extracts the volume level of an output voice signal, and outputs the extracted volume level as second volume data. A difference judging circuit compares the first and second volume data with each other, and determines a volume gain and a distorting factor which is supplied to a distortion circuit. When the volume of the output voice after conversion is smaller than that of the input voice, the volume gain is increased.

Abstract: User-actuated systems for retrieving and presenting information on a particular subject and/or information employable in a learn while doing mode on the performance of a specified task. The systems include a laser-readable, encoded, data storage device; a player for retrieving data from the storage device; and a screen on which the retrieved information can be displayed. Onboard controls allow the system user to reach the information of concern, to repeat the presentation of that information, and to otherwise navigate through the available choices in a fashion which best meets his or her needs. An optional remote control allows the system user to accomplish the same functions, while being freed from the location of the system module.

Abstract: A karaoke apparatus is constructed to reproduce a karaoke music piece according to karaoke data composed of setup data and performance data. The karaoke apparatus utilizes a pair of sound source devices each of which is initialized according to the setup data and is then operated to reproduce the karaoke music piece according to the performance data so that the sound source devices can be alternately operated with each other to successively reproduce a plurality of karaoke music pieces. In the karaoke apparatus, a first control device operates when one of the sound source devices reproduces a preceding one of the karaoke music pieces for providing the other of the sound source devices with setup data contained in karaoke data corresponding to a succeeding one of the karaoke music pieces so as to initialize the other sound source device before the one sound source device finishes reproduction of the preceding karaoke music piece.

Abstract: Data representing the actual performance presented by a player is analyzed on the basis of given model performance data. Data of the virtual performance played by a virtual competitor is generated in accordance with the analysis result. Automatic performance based on the virtual performance data enables the player to compare his/her performance with the performance of the virtual competitor. Thus, the player can compete with the virtual competitor or compare his/her musical technique with that of the virtual performer even if the player practices the performance alone.

Abstract: A method and system for providing access to multimedia content on-line which is updated virtually simultaneously with the vendor's update process. By a user accessing a page on the World Wide Web, for example, data (encrypted and unencrypted) and instructions are automatically downloaded to a user's computer system for quick access. Depending upon the user's computer system (LAN or a stand-alone personal computer), "applets" containing data and instructions are stored for immediate access. In a Karaoke application of this invention, where the user desires to access songs which are most popular at a given time, the user accesses a page where a song list and other information is displayed on a display apparatus. When the user clicks on a particular song of the song list, the applet executes an authentication request. If the user is authenticated, the authentication is downloaded as part of the applet containing the desired multimedia content (or separately depending upon the circumstances).

Abstract: An improved karaoke network system that allows a user to select and obtain desired information through an interface while a message is displayed between intermissions of karaoke performances. Data files for karaoke performance, displaying messages, and displaying data selection menus are written in a common structure. Each of the data files includes an action region that contains link data. The data files are associated with one another by the link data contained in the action regions of the data files. A chain of related data files are executed by a menu selection operation or a key input operation by the user for performing karaoke performance and displaying messages and data selection menus.

Abstract: A customer holds a personal data card (personal data card) which stores data of five music pieces including music-piece codes of favorite karaoke music pieces, and the key and tempo setting of the music pieces as my-song data. The customer inserts the personal data card into a card insertion slot. The five my songs are assigned to music-piece selection switches, respectively. The music pieces can be selected only by turning on one of the music-piece selection switches. Unlike a usual music-piece selection, therefore, it is not required to input a music-piece code consisting of five to seven digits. When a start switch is turned on thereafter, the music piece is started. Prior to the start, the key and tempo stored in the personal data card are set. Therefore, the setting with which the customer sings the song in best conditions can be automatically performed.

Abstract: A karaoke apparatus is configured so that, even when a music piece data having no harmony data is to be performed, a harmony voice signal can be generated. Notes of a length not smaller than a quarter note are extracted from a karaoke performance data and a guide melody data of a music piece data. The distributions of frequencies of occurrence of the tones (C to B) are aggregated. The distributions are compared with the major judgment scale and the minor judgment scale. Then, the data is judged to have a key in which the tonic note (scale note) exists at a place where the highest coincidence is attained. A harmony data is generated on the basis of the result of the key judgment and the guide melody data, and a harmony voice signal is produced based on the harmony data.

Abstract: A score display apparatus shows beat marks in a number corresponding to the number of beats per measure during a performance by a musical instrument karaoke apparatus. Further, the score display apparatus changes the color of each of beat marks as though the beat mark is wiped with a different color in a predetermined direction in synchronism with the tempo of a performance of the musical instrument karaoke apparatus, and changes the color of the displayed beat marks in synchronism with the timing of the beats.

Abstract: An information provision system including: a plurality of information provision devices, each information provision device including: a memory for storing data; and an information processor for using the data stored in the memory to prepare external-output information; a transmission unit for conveying external-output information provided by the information provision devices; a plurality of output terminals in a number greater than the plurality of information provision devices, each output terminal including: a keyboard by which requests are inputted; request transmission unit for transmitting, according to commands inputted via the keyboard, requests; and output device for outputting information based on external-output information; and a central control device including: request receiver for receiving requests transmitted from the request transmitter; a priority storage unit for storing, for each output terminal, a priority level at which external-output information is to be provided; and command unit for

Abstract: In a karaoke apparatus, an audio device is responsive to a request of a music piece for starting karaoke performance of the music piece to accompany a live singing voice of the music piece. A monitor device displays a background image selected from a temporary picture having a short term and a permanent picture having a long term in matching with the music piece to support the karaoke performance. A first video device is enabled initially without a substantial delay time when the audio device starts the karaoke performance for providing the temporary picture corresponding to the requested music piece. A second video device is enabled subsequently to the first video device with a substantial delay time after the audio device starts the karaoke performance for providing the permanent picture corresponding to the requested music piece.

Abstract: In a karaoke apparatus, a music selector device selects a plurality of desired music pieces so as to compose a medley. A designator device designates a desired section of each music piece selected by the music selector device. A sequencer device sequentially plays back the designated sections of the selected music pieces to perform the medley. A connecting device operates when the performed medley switches from a preceding section of one music piece to a succeeding section of another music piece to musically connect the preceding section to the succeeding section by different transition modes. A mode selector device selects an optimal one of the different transition modes according to musical properties of the one music piece and the other music piece so as to musically ensure smooth connection between the preceding section and the succeeding section.

Abstract: A performance setting data selecting apparatus including: a data storing unit for storing a plurality set of performance setting data; a table for storing a correspondence between each tune name of the plurality of tunes and each set of the performance setting data stored in the data storing unit suitable for playing a tune having the associated tune name; a designating unit for designating a tune name; and a unit for reading the performance setting data corresponding to the tune name designated by the designating unit from the data storing unit by referring to the table and setting the read performance setting data.

Abstract: In a karaoke display apparatus having a monitor 19 which displays words in time to a progress of a performance, a CPU 10 supplies in time sequence polygon fundamental data for determining shapes of polygons and the like and a motion data for determining motions of the polygons in time to the progress of the performance by producing musical tones. A DSP in a video circuit 18 renders an image configured by a plurality of polygons in accordance with the supplied polygon fundamental data and motion data, and synthesizes the rendered image with words. The synthesized image and words are output to the monitor 19.

Abstract: An information recording medium and an information reproducing apparatus for use therewith for putting information into a system easily and quickly. The information recording medium records, in units of blocks, reproduction data such as voice data, image data and text data as well as reproduction data management information including address information and continuous reproduction information. The address information is built in a layered structure to designate addresses at which the reproduction data are stored. The continuous reproduction information specifies any one of two ways, i.e., continuously or selectively, in which to reproduce the reproduction data. The information reproducing apparatus comprises discriminating means for discriminating the continuous reproduction information in each block, and reproducing means for reproducing the reproduction data in units of blocks continuously or selectively depending on the result of the discrimination by the discriminating means.

Abstract: A vocal training apparatus accomplishes reproduction of a music signal recorded on an information medium, where the music signal includes a model vocal signal and an accompaniment signal. A model vocal signal is extracted from the music signal and a singer's vocal signal is received. The model vocal characteristics are measured from the model vocal signal and the singer's vocal characteristics are measured from the singer's vocal signal. The singer's vocal characteristics and the model vocal characteristics can then be compared to evaluate the singer's vocal characteristics relative to the model vocal characteristics.