Abstract: A chorus apparatus is constructed for creating a chorus sound to accompany a vocal sound which is sung by a singer. In the chorus apparatus, a providing device provides music information including reference pitch information which indicates a regular variation of an actual pitch of the vocal sound and harmony pitch information which determines a harmony pitch of the chorus sound. A detecting device detects the actual pitch of the vocal sound containing the regular variation and an irregular fluctuation which overlaps the regular variation. A controlling device extracts the irregular fluctuation of the actual pitch from the vocal sound according to the reference pitch information, and modifies the harmony pitch information to impart thereto a desired fluctuation corresponding to the irregular fluctuation extracted from the vocal sound. A generating device operates according to the modified harmony pitch information for generating the chorus sound containing the desired fluctuation over the harmony pitch.

Abstract: In a karaoke vocal adaptor 100, voice signals to which a harmony effect is imparted by the harmony effect imparting circuit, and voice signals to which the harmony effect is not imparted are output from wet voice output terminals 121 and 122, and dry voice output terminals 111 and 112, respectively. In a karaoke amplifier 200, an echo is imparted only to voice signals input through dry voice input terminals 221 and 222, by an echo imparting unit 233, the voice signals are then mixed with voice signals input through wet voice input terminals 241 and 242, and musical signals input through music input terminals 251 and 252, and the mixed signals are output.

Abstract: Karaoke data to be reproduced is stored in an optical disk as a video title set together with management information for managing karaoke data and a video object set. In the video object set, a plurality of program chains having data items of karaoke songs stored therein are stored and the reproduction information thereof is stored in the management information. Information indicating that an object to be reproduced is karaoke is stored in the management information.

Abstract: A karaoke playback apparatus and system capable of substantially improving quality of background image services by making use of a digital multi-channel broadcasting are disclosed.A karaoke playback apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a data memory 2 for storing karaoke data transmitted via a telephone network, a sound processor 4 for generating audio signal of an accompaniment sound according to the karaoke data read out from the data memory 2 to be output via a speaker 7, an image processor 8 for controlling display of lyrics contained in the karaoke data in synchronism with processing of the accompaniment sound to be displayed via a monitor 10, a receiver 12 of a digital multi-channel television broadcasting for receiving a plurality of channels on which background images for karaoke musical pieces are broadcasted, and a background controller 14 for controlling the receiver 12 of the broadcasting.

Abstract: A terminal apparatus is connectable to a host station and is responsive to a command to execute an application program to treat music data. In the terminal apparatus, a local storage locally stores an old version of software containing music data and various application programs which are selectively executed to treat the music data. An interface is optionally activated prior to execution of an application program for communication with the host station having a remote storage which remotely stores a new version of software including music data and various application programs which are made available latest by the host station. A controller operates when the interface establishes the communication with the host station for downloading the new version from the remote storage of the host station and for transferring the downloaded new version to the local storage so as to renew the old version stocked in the local storage by the new version.

Abstract: A karaoke network system is composed of a central station for serving a plurality of song data pieces, and a karaoke terminal connected to the central station through a communication network having multiple channels for selectively receiving therefrom one song data piece so as to locally present a desired karaoke song in response to a request, command. The central station includes a transmitter for sorting the plurality of song data pieces into a multiple of groups corresponding to the multiple channels to thereby transmit each group of the song data pieces successively to the corresponding channel in an endless manner. The karaoke terminal includes a receiver for selecting one of the channels designated by the request command and for picking up one song data piece specified by the same request command from the selected channel so that the karaoke terminal can present the desired karaoke song according to the picked up song data piece.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for generating audio-visual musical accompaniment signals corresponding to a musical program, there is provided a recording medium which has an audio storage unit, a lyric storage unit and a video storage unit separate from the audio storage unit and the lyric 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 video storage unit has a plurality of video segments to be commonly shared by the plurality of the musical programs stored therein. 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, while at least a section of the video segments are retrieved from the recording medium in an order.

Abstract: A storing unit of a communication karaoke apparatus has a newly released music file storing area, an information file storing area, a necessary information file list storing area, and the like. Information files are used for displaying information such as concert information, and advertisements of stores and goods. The information files are displayed during an intermission of karaoke performances due to music-piece files. When a new release file is downloaded, a necessary information file list is simultaneously downloaded. Based on the necessary information file list, unnecessary information files are deleted from the information file storing area, and only necessary information files among the downloaded information files are written into the information file storing area. Accordingly, only necessary information files can be always stored.

Abstract: A scoring apparatus is constructed for evaluating a live vocal performance which is voiced by a singer along with a karaoke music synthetically reproduced from melody data. A first detector sequentially detects the live vocal performance to extract therefrom sample data which is characteristic of actual voicing of the singer. A second detector sequentially detects the melody data to extract therefrom time data representative of right progression of the karaoke music and reference data representative of right voicing which should match the karaoke music. A comparator sequentially compares the sample data and the reference data with each other to produce differential data which indicates difference between the actual voicing and the right voicing. A processor processes the differential data with reference to the time data to produce score data which represents degree of deviation of the live vocal performance voiced by the singer relative to the karaoke music.

Abstract: In a karaoke apparatus, a tone generator responds to a request of a karaoke song for generating musical tones of the karaoke song having a given gender so as to accompany a live singing voice having an actual gender. A voice changer is provided for selectively conducting either of male-to-female conversion effective to upward shift a pitch of the live singing voice and female-to-male conversion effective to downward shift a pitch of the live singing voice. A voice analyzer is provided for analyzing the live singing voice to determine the actual gender of the live singing voice. A parameter generator is provided for comparing the determined actual gender of the live singing voice with the given gender of the karaoke song so as to control the voice changer to select either of the male-to-female conversion and the female-to-male conversion if the actual gender differs from the given gender so that the pitch of the live singing voice can be shifted to match the given gender of the karaoke song.

Abstract: A method is designed for feeding karaoke data representative of karaoke performance to a karaoke apparatus having an audio section and a video section. The method is conducted by the following steps. The initial step is formatting the karaoke data containing various kinds of data items including music control data and word control data into a plurality of packets such that each packet is formed of a body containing a segment of the karaoke data and a header containing identification information indicating the kind of the karaoke data contained in the body of each packet. The next step is delivering the plurality of the packets in a stream to the karaoke apparatus according to a predetermined order by which the karaoke apparatus time-sequentially processes the stream of the packets.

Abstract: A drive-in interactive performance system including a parking space in which at least a car can be parked and an interactive performance apparatus associated with the parking space and operable from within the car. The drive-in interactive performance system allows a user in the car to enjoy a variety of interactive performances, such as, for example, a karaoke performance, an interactive game and the like. For example, in a karaoke interactive system, the user operates a command device in the car to select a karaoke song and send a karaoke request signal for the karaoke song to the karaoke apparatus. A wireless microphone picks up the voice of the user who is sitting and singing in the car and sends a voice signal of the user's voice to the karaoke apparatus. The karaoke apparatus generates a karaoke performance signal based on the karaoke request signal and the voice signal and also generates an image signal for an image associated with the selected song.

Abstract: A first reading unit reads first performance data from a first storage medium, and outputs it to a reproducing unit. A second reading unit reads second performance data from a second storage medium, and outputs it to the reproducing unit. The reproducing unit reproduces the first performance data inputted from the first reading unit, and the second performance data inputted from the second reading unit. A control unit synchronizes reproduction of the first performance data and reproduction of the second performance data, and switches between these reproductions.

Abstract: A karaoke apparatus is constructed to perform a karaoke accompaniment part and a karaoke harmony part for accompanying a live vocal part. A pickup device collects a singing voice of the live vocal part. A detector device analyzes the collected singing voice to detect a musical register thereof at which the live vocal part is actually performed. A harmony generator device generates a harmony voice of the karaoke harmony part according to the detected musical register so that the karaoke harmony part is made consonant with the live vocal part. A tone generator device generates an instrumental tone of the karaoke accompaniment part in parallel to the karaoke harmony part.

Abstract: An apparatus for reproducing video, audio and accompanying characters, suitable for use as a sing-along or karaoke apparatus, uses pre-stored display patterns, such as animal figures, instead of video segments. Thus, the apparatus does not have to rely upon the availability of video software that contains song lyrics as well as matching video segments. The apparatus is inexpensive to manufacture since the hardware related to reading and processing an optical image recording disk is not needed. The apparatus also uses the animation patterns on the screen to inform users about the beginning of the music program. Specifically, the changes in the motion and moving speed of display patterns inform the user of the start time of a selected music program. The animation patterns may be displayed during introduction and intermission period, and even during music performance.

Abstract: A sound producing apparatus which implements a sound output process based on waveform data, corresponding to sound generated by the apparatus, and system-sequence data including information for processing the waveform data. The apparatus comprises a read-write main memory for storing the waveform data and system-sequence data of a selected music title. Also included is a first submemory for storing the waveform data, and a second submemory for storing the system-sequence data. A sound signal generator generates sound signals based on the waveform data and the system-sequence data stored in submemories. A controller controls the entry of waveform data and system-sequence data of a selected music title, stored in the main memory, into the first and the second submemories, respectively. The controller also controls the sound signal generator based on the system-sequence data stored in the second submemory.

Abstract: A reproduction apparatus is designed to select and decode speech and subtitles (characters) in a given language from a disk on which various types of information are recorded in different languages. This system arrangement makes it possible to standardize the manufacture of disks and reproduction apparatuses world-wide, resulting in a reduction in production cost. In a disk 100, various types of information are recorded in different languages along with video information. A reproduction apparatus selects information in a given language from the reproduced information using a data string processing section 203, a system control section 204, and an operator section 205, and supplies the selected pieces of information to each of a video processing section 206, a subtitle decoder 211, and an audio processing section 213.

Abstract: A simply-constructed data processing system for a karaoke machine can process data to display a plurality of languages. A data processing apparatus processes data composed of one-byte or two-byte character codes, each representing a character. A display can display characters represented by the character codes. A set of font memory can store the character font of each of the character codes for supplying font data. The font memory is divided into four regions, the first to the fourth, according to the combinations of the first two bits of a character code. Japanese characters can be assigned to the first region as the first character group of the first language based on a shift JIS standard, and Hankul characters can be assigned to the fourth region as the second character group of the second language. An identifying apparatus identifies one of the regions to which a character code corresponds, according to the first two bits of a character code.

Abstract: A voice processing apparatus modulates an input voice into an output voice according to a parameter set. In the voice processing apparatus, a microphone inputs an audio signal which represents an input voice having a frequency spectrum specific to the input voice. An audio signal processor is configured by a parameter set to process the audio signal according to the parameter set to modify the frequency spectrum of the input voice. A parameter table is provided for storing a plurality of parameter sets, each of which differently characterizes modification of the frequency spectrum by the audio signal processor. A CPU selects a desired one of the parameter sets from the parameter table, and configures the audio signal processor by the selected parameter set. A loudspeaker outputs the audio signal which is processed by the audio signal processor and which represents an output voice characterized by the selected parameter set.

Abstract: A karaoke network system includes a host computer and a plurality of karaoke stations connected to the host computer via a communication line. When a new karaoke station is added to the karaoke network system or when a system program to be used by each of the karaoke stations is upgraded, a new system program is distributed from the host computer to the specified karaoke stations, Each of the karaoke stations has a first storage device for storing the new system program received from the host computer, and a second storage device that stores a system program currently executed to operate each of the karaoke stations. After rebooting each of the karaoke stations and thereafter, each of the karaoke stations is operated with the newest system program.

Abstract: Systems which have an integrated unit (or module) that allows information retrieved from an onboard information storage device to be presented in visual, audio, or visual audio form via output devices such as CRT screens and audio speakers. When the system is turned on, the disc player is checked to see if a disc has been loaded. If a disc is found, a message identifying the type of disc that has been loaded and a message prompting the user to activate a control which will cause the disc to be played are displayed on the integrated unit screen. If a disc is not found, the system user is prompted to load a disc. Once this is done and the disc is detected, the step of ascertaining the type of disc, displaying a disc type message, and prompting the user to start the disc playing are carried out.

Abstract: A karaoke apparatus, a speech reproducing apparatus and a medium on which is recorded a computer program used therefor which output narration of synthesized speech including a requested song name, a requester's name or the like together with an introduction or an interlude of a song, thereby to relieve the boredom of participants during the introduction or the interlude, or the apparatus and the medium which synthesize speech of a chorus, or convert a characteristic of speech input thorough a microphone into a speech characteristic of a professional singer or the like thereby to excite participants.

Abstract: A karaoke apparatus provides audio and video to support live karaoke play based on karaoke data. In the karaoke apparatus, a first sound device operates according to the karaoke data for generating a musical sound as a part of the audio so as to accompany the live karaoke play. A display device operates according to the karaoke data for displaying a background scene as a part of the video in matching with the musical sound so as to enhance the live karaoke play. A second sound device operates according to the karaoke data for generating an effect sound as another part of the audio so as to create an acoustic impression specific to the displayed background scene to thereby further enhance the live karaoke play.

Abstract: A host apparatus stores all of music-piece files and information files, and also stores lists information files (information file lists) required for a plurality of areas where communication karaoke apparatuses are located. When music-piece files are downloaded to a communication karaoke apparatus, information files are simultaneously downloaded. Information files required for the area are determined based on the area where the communication karaoke apparatus is located, and only the necessary information files are downloaded together with the music-piece files. As a result, the operation efficiency and the communication efficiency can be enhanced. At this time, a list of information files stored in the communication karaoke apparatus is requested, and only difference information files are downloaded so that the efficiencies can be further enhanced.

Abstract: A recording method and system that provides optional and controllable song lyric acoustical promptings and music for Karaoke participants which is also capable of providing phonetic instruction for formative bilingual skill development. The acoustical prompts are in the form of short spoken phrases, acoustically provided just prior to the time at which the actual vocal should be sung. The method of acoustical prompting employs a listen--sing-along procedure effected via the interaction of the spoken instructor-promptings and the Karaoke participant. The acoustical system includes preparing a multi-track recording in proper time sequence to provide a precedent acoustical prompt. For example, the recording could have stereo music on two tracks, an original vocal on a third track in synchronism with the music, and on a fourth track rapidly spoken prompt messages preceding respective portions (vocal lines) of the original vocal.

Abstract: A switching apparatus is constructed for discriminating a plurality of singing voices from each other based on a reference melody in order to pass the discriminated singing voices to different audio processes. In the apparatus, a plurality of input devices are provided to collect a plurality of singing voices separately from each other, each input device producing a voice signal which carries an individual melody of the singing voice collected by each input device. A plurality of output terminals are arranged to pass the voice signals separately from each other to the different audio processes. A switch circuit is disposed between the input devices and the output terminals to provide a plurality of electrical paths which are switchable with each other so as to distribute the voice signals from the plurality of the input devices to the plurality of the output terminals through the electrical paths.

Abstract: A karaoke network system includes a central station for serving karaoke data and image data, and a group of karaoke terminals connected to the central station through a communication line having a common channel and a plurality of parallel channels for locally presenting a karaoke accompaniment and a background picture. The central station includes a first server responsive to a request command from karaoke terminal for transmitting to the common channel requested karaoke data individually addressed to the karaoke terminal, and a second server operative independently of the first server for transmitting to the parallel channels a plurality of different image data continuously broadcast to each karaoke terminal.

Abstract: A music data processing system having: a storage unit for storing performance data and text data or auxiliary data in a first storage format or in a second storage format; a first data search unit for searching the text data or auxiliary data stored in the first storage unit; a second data search unit for searching the text data or auxiliary data stored in the second storage unit; and a processing unit for processing text data or auxiliary data if the text data or auxiliary data of the first storage format can be searched by said first data search unit, and if the text data or auxiliary data of the first storage format cannot be searched, processing text data or auxiliary data if the text data or auxiliary data of the second storage format can be searched by the second data search unit.

Abstract: A karaoke system has a player for presenting a karaoke accompaniment according to a song data selected in response to a request, and a loader coupled to the player for downloading thereinto a song data. The loader is comprised of a casing having a first face, one coupling member disposed in the first face, a primary storage disposed in the casing for storing a plurality of song data, and a transmitter for retrieving the song data from the primary storage to transmit the same through the one coupling member.

Abstract: The karaoke apparatus is constructed for accompanying a karaoke music on a singer according to music information. In the karaoke apparatus, a providing device provides the music information containing accompaniment data and at least first reference data and second reference data, respectively, corresponding to a first part and a second part of the karaoke music. A generating device generates the karaoke music according to the accompaniment data while a first singer sings the first part along with the karaoke music and a second singer sings the second part along with the karaoke music. A collecting device collects a first singing voice of the first singer and a second singing voice of the second singer during progression of the karaoke music.

Abstract: A karaoke apparatus has an information source for providing a performance data containing musical tone designation information, lyric indication information and fading control information according to progression of a karaoke song in response to a request. A tone generator operates according to the musical tone designation information for generating musical tones of the karaoke song. A first signal generator operates according to the lyric indication information for generating a lyric image signal indicative of lyric words of the karaoke song. A second signal generator generates a background image signal representative of a background scene of the karaoke song.

Abstract: A management apparatus stores a use start time and a use period of each of karaoke apparatuses. When the remaining time of any one of the karaoke apparatuses is 10 minutes or less, time limit information message is transmitted to the karaoke apparatus. The karaoke apparatus displays the time limit information message on its monitor so as to notify the user of the information. At the same time, the user in allowed to input the extension of the use period though a commander. If the input of the use period extension is performed, the karaoke apparatus transmits an extension requesting message to the management apparatus In response to the message, the management apparatus updates the data of the use period.

Abstract: A CPU 38 retrieves the reproduction control program from a header portion of a video disk. The CPU stores the program into a RAM 35. The CPU controls disk players 34a and 34b to reproduce video data from video disks, based on the program stored in a ROM 33 and the reproduction control program now stored in the RAM 35.

Abstract: An interactive system is provided for playing a game, educational or instructional sequence in conjunction with a prerecorded multimedia presentation consisting of at least motion video, sound and accompanying text. The multimedia presentation is partitioned into time segments. The game sequence is also partitioned into task units that are synchronized with the time segments. The time address markers for the beginning and ending of each of the time segments initialize, execute and close each task unit of a programmed game sequence.A corresponding authoring system allows an author to design and implement the time-segmentation of the multimedia presentation and its functional interface with the game sequence.This system can be used for motivating instructional games based on music video, movies, animated cartoons and karaoke that provide the player with the same excitement and challenge of the popular video games.

Abstract: A CPU (10) reads coordinate data within an emotional expression data base (25) in accordance with lyrics data within a RAM. The CPU (10) also sequentially reads performance data and generates a parameter (VP) corresponding to the volume of a piece of music and a parameter (CP) corresponding to the chord of the piece of music. The parameter (VP) adjusts the position on an emotional plane in a Y-axis direction, and the parameter (CP) adjusts the position on the emotional plane in an X-axis direction. The CPU (10) corrects the coordinates outputted from the emotional expression data base (25) based on the parameter (VP) and the parameter (CP). Therefore, the final coordinates on the emotional plane are those obtained by correcting the coordinates corresponding to the lyrics data in accordance with the volume and chord.

Abstract: A karaoke apparatus mixes a live singing sound with a harmony chorus sound and an orchestral accompaniment sound. A first input terminal is connectable to a microphone to receive therefrom a first vocal signal representative of a first live singing sound. A second input terminal is connectable to another microphone to receive therefrom a second vocal signal representative of a second live singing sound which is different than the first live singing sound. A chorus generator is provided for processing the first vocal signal to generate a harmony signal representative of the harmony chorus sound which originates from the first live singing sound. A mixer is provided for mixing the generated harmony signal with the second vocal signal, which is not processed by the chorus generator, to provide a mix signal.

Abstract: An effect control method, an effect control device with the following configuration is provided on a karaoke system, which is one of audio regenerator or synthesizer systems.

Abstract: A music information reproducing method and apparatus for reproducing music information containing character codes for displaying a plurality of characters on an optionally selected display screen of the apparatus and containing MIDI signals formatted on a basis of MIDI Standard. The MIDI signals contain timing clocks and sound source driving information for driving various sound sources and color change information containing color change timings for designating a character and its color change timing of the designated character. The positions of the characters displayed on the display screen are preliminarily determined by the apparatus before the music information is reproduced thereby, and the color change of the characters designated by the color change information is conducted in synchronization with the timing clocks of the MIDI signals by using the determined positions of the characters.

Abstract: A sound reproducing apparatus used in Karaoke and the like uses a record medium or a communication medium on which an accompaniment sound signal, data indicative of a scale, and song standard information are recorded. The sound reproducing apparatus includes a reproducing section, a signal generating section and an adding section. The reproducing section reproduces the accompaniment sound signal and the data indicative of the scale from any of the media. The signal generating section generates a harmony signal relative to a sound signal from a microphone on the basis of the data indicative of the scale reproduced by the reproducing section and the song standard information. The adding section adds the sound signal from the microphone, the accompaniment sound signal reproduced by the reproducing section, and the harmony signal from the signal generating section to produce an output signal.

Abstract: It is an object of this invention to provide a low-cost disc playback system which reduces the time the user has to wait for a disc to be played back. To achieve this objective, the system mounts a disc, added to the rack 1, onto the player 2, reads the beginning part data of the disc, and stores it in the fixed disk unit 5. The user gives a disc playback instruction from the instructing means 6. Then, the system reads the beginning part data of the requested disc from the fixed disk unit 5, and sends it immediately to the outputting means 3. While the beginning part data is being played back, the system mounts the requested disc onto the player 2 and starts reading data from it. The system switches the beginning part data, sent from the fixed disk unit 5 to the outputting means, to the part of data on the disc corresponding to the beginning part data when they are synchronized.

Abstract: A karaoke system of an online type is comprised of a karaoke station for sounding a karaoke performance according to a performance data, and a host station for supplying the performance data to the karaoke station in response to a request. The host station has a transmitter unit for time-sequentially dividing the performance data into a plurality of parts, and for successively transmitting each part arranged according to progression of the karaoke performance in response to the request. The karaoke station has a receiver unit operative when a preceding one of the transmitted parts is received for commencing the karaoke performance based on the received preceding part while admitting a succeeding one of the transmitted parts in parallel to sounding of the karaoke performance to thereby maintain continuous progression of the sounding of the karaoke performance.

Abstract: A music play apparatus has a data supply unit for providing performance data and initialization data associated to a desired music piece, and a sound source unit for reproducing the music piece according to the performance data and the initialization data. The data supply unit has a sequencer device that time-sequentially processes a plurality of performance data according to a predetermined order of music pieces, and a transmitter device that transmits each of the processed performance data. The transmitter device is operative when transmitting the performance data of a preceding music piece to interlace the initialization data of a succeeding music piece into the performance data of the preceding music piece by multiplexing operation. The sound source unit has a receiver device that successively receives the performance data in the predetermined order.

Abstract: In a karaoke apparatus, a pickup device picks up a live singing voice of a music piece to convert the same into a vocal signal. A music source device provides a music signal representative of a karaoke accompaniment of the music piece to accompany the live singing voice, and also provides effect control information which is predetermined in matching with a mood and a tempo of the music piece and which is effective to create and control a vocal effect. A vocal effecter device processes the vocal signal according to the provided effect control information to apply the vocal effect to the live singing voice and to control the applied vocal effect. A mixer device mixes the provided music signal and the processed vocal signal with each other to concurrently reproduce the karaoke accompaniment and the live singing voice which is modified by the applied vocal effect so as to enrich karaoke performance of the music piece.

Abstract: In a voice modifying apparatus for modifying a singing voice to emulate a model voice, a microphone collects the singing voice created by a singer. An analyzer sequentially analyzes the collected singing voice to extract therefrom actual formant data representing resonance characteristics of a singer's own vocal organ which is physically activated to create the singing voice. A sequencer operates in synchronization with progression of the singing voice for sequentially providing reference formant data which indicates a vocal quality of the model voice and which is arranged to match with the progression of the singing voice. A comparator sequentially compares the actual formant data and the reference formant data with each other to detect a difference therebetween during the progression of the singing voice. An equalizer modifies frequency characteristics of the collected singing voice according to the detected difference so as to emulate the vocal quality of the model voice.

Abstract: A method of and computer system for training a student to play a musical work having an identifiable rhythm structure, the musical work being decomposable into a plurality of variations each maintaining the identifiable rhythm structure. According to the method, a musical score of each variation is generated and then the musical scores are arranged in order of rhythmic difficulty. An animated movie is then generated, the movie comprising the music score of at least one variation, a sound recording of the music score, a graphic device that highlights the identifiable rhythm structure and a representation of how the music score would be played on a musical instrument. The animated movie is then presented to the student.

Abstract: A chorus apparatus creates an artificial chorus sound in parallel to a live vocal sound. A pickup collects a live vocal sound and converts the collected live vocal sound into a corresponding vocal sound signal. A generator device generates a chorus sound signal representative of an artificial chorus sound in synchronization with the vocal sound signal. A plurality of output devices are installed separately from each other to define different sound sources. One of the output devices receives the vocal sound signal and acoustically reproduces therefrom the live vocal sound. Another of the output devices receives the chorus sound signal and acoustically reproduces therefrom the artificial chorus sound so that the live vocal sound and the artificial chorus sound can be mixed as if sounded from different sound sources.

Abstract: A karaoke apparatus is provided with a pickup device that collects a singing voice sound to convert the same into a corresponding vocal signal. Further, a music generator device generates a music signal representative of a karaoke accompaniment sound which is selected to accompany the singing voice sound. A harmony generator device generates a harmony signal representative of a harmony chorus sound which is made consonant with the singing voice sound. A first processor device processes the vocal signal to impart an effect to the collected singing voice sound. A second processor device processes the harmony signal separately from the vocal signal to impart another effect to the harmony chorus sound independently from the singing voice sound. A sound device amplifies the processed vocal signal, the processed harmony signal and the generated music signal so as to sound the singing voice sound, the harmony chorus sound and the karaoke accompaniment sound concurrently with each other.

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: An interactive communication system is proposed for communicating software of video games or karaoke music from a host facility or distributor to end users. The system includes a communication terminal device provided at the end user. The communication terminal device includes a computer and a device for performing interactive communication with the host facility. The communication terminal device also includes temporary storage device in which video game data or karaoke data received from the host facility is temporarily stored. Game data stored in the temporary storage device is automatically deleted after a predetermined time period. Instead of the data deletion, the system can block the view displayed on the screen of the terminal device when a predetermined time has elapsed. The game data can be transmitted from broadcasting station to the terminal device via broadcasting wave.

Abstract: A CD video-song accompaniment apparatus reproduces information from a compact disc and contains a CD reproducing portion, a CD-OK reproducing portion, and audio selector, and a main controller. The CD reproducing portion reads audio data from the compact disc and generates an audio signal if the compact disc is a first type of compact disc. On the other hand, the CD reproducing portion reads digital data from the compact disc if the compact disc is a second type of compact disc. The CD-OK reproducing portion inputs the digital data, which contains background image data and music information data, generates a first background image and a second background image based on the background image data, and generates a CD-OK audio signal based on the music information data. The audio selector inputs the audio signal generated by the CD reproducing portion and the CD-OK audio signal generated by the CD-OK reproducing portion and selectively outputs either the audio signal or the CD-OK audio signal.