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: There is provided an electronic musical instrument capable of contributing to a higher speed in display, and also of displaying music in page feed format easy to see. In the electronic musical instrument, music data are developed into image data by a tempo clock interruption from a tempo clock unit in accordance with performance data. In addition, a part of the image data stored in a temporary memory is transferred to a VRAM in response to a timer interruption from a timer. In this manner, a page feed of the music displayed on a display unit is carried out being accompanied with an animation motion.

Abstract: This invention is a display system for an automatically tuned stringed instrument displaying, individually or simultaneously, the frequency of each string of the instrument. The system provides for using the display to manually tune the instrument or to initially tune the instrument to within the operating range of the automatic tuning system.

Abstract: A tuner for stringed musical instruments which has a transducer pickup for converting sound vibrations of the strings to electrical signals and a body being either hollow or solid with a front and back surface and a edge surface extending between the front and back surface. The tuner has a tuner circuit attachable to an interior of the sound box with an input couplable to an output of the transducer and a digital display positionable on one of the edge or front surfaces of the body so that it faces a player when the instrument is in a playing position.

Abstract: Single and multiple disc strobe tuners employ microprocessor controlled stepper motors for driving the disc(s) to facilitate the use of customized tuning schemes, such as unequal temperaments and stretch tuning. The tuning schemes are stored in a look up table and may be programmed by the user. The single disc embodiment preferably employs an auto note detector which determines the identity of a note being played by an instrument, and causes the microprocessor to adjust the speed of the stepper motor almost instantaneously to a speed assigned to that note in accordance with a selected tuning scheme. This enables a user to play through a series of notes rapidly to verify whether they are in tune with the selected tuning scheme. The multiple, preferably 12, disc embodiment employs a separate stepper motor and micro controller for each disc to accommodate individual tuning of each disc relative to one another.

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: An electronic piano includes an electronic keyboard; a graphical user interface, having a video display and a touch responsive overlay, for displaying graphical images representing controllable parameters of the electronic piano and generating control signals; a control system for the electronic piano and the graphical user interface; a piano housing supporting the electronic keyboard and providing a desk surface above the keyboard; and a music stand mounted to the desk surface for supporting sheet material, wherein the graphical user interface forms part of the music stand. The graphical user interface can be mounted in an opening in the music stand and can provide a touch screen flush with the music support surface or recessed.

Abstract: A plurality of display units are provided in corresponding relations to individual performance keys. A table stores, for each of a plurality of chords, information which defines plural groups of notes that are always available for the chord, temporarily available (e. g., a tension note) for the chord and unavailable for the chord. In response to designation of a chord according to a chord progression, the information is read out from the table and the display units are controlled according to the read-out information so as to dislay in different forms, depending on which one of the groups the performance keys corresponding to the display units correspond to. A performer can operate a desired key in consideration of different display forms. Thus, there is provided a music performance assisting system which is suited for use in executing an adlib performance with notes well conforming to a designated chord.

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: In a chord progression input/modification device, when a key and a single or two successive reference chords are designated by a user, available chords are acquired and displayed. Any one of the available chords can be used, in consonance with musical theory, to follow or substitute for the single reference chord, or to be inserted between the two reference chords for generating a modified chord progression. The chord progression modification device may be installed in an electronic musical instrument.

Abstract: An electronic metronome displays the correct beat per measure. The unit preferably includes a keyboard associated with the entry of a musical signature including the number of beats per measure, timing means to generate an electronic version of the musical signature, a memory for storing information relating to the musical signature, and an electronic controller to store information representative of the musical signature entered by way of the keyboard, convert the signal generated by the timing means into a visual representation of the musical signature suitable for viewing on the display, and update the display in accordance with beats per measure aspect of the musical signature so that a user may be visually informed as to the correct beat of the measure. In one disclosed embodiment the user is visually informed as to the correct beat per measure in the form of a digital readout of beat number.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment provides an electronic learning aid which includes a housing having a hand pad that is sized and shaped to receive a child's hand. The hand pad has five finger portions with each having a finger switch embedded therein that is positioned to be actuated by the child's finger. An indicator is mounted in close proximity to and associated with each finger portion to indicate the appropriate finger to be depressed on the hand pad. A keyboard assembly, having an abbreviated keyboard, is also mounted on the housing. A light emitting diode is mounted directly beneath each white key so that each white key can be illuminated to indicate the appropriate key to be depressed. A microcomputer having a speech synthesizer provides instruction to the student and controls the operation of the electronic learning aid.

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: A wireless system is provided for switching the pickups of a guitar. The system may work in conjunction with MIDI devices such as effects processors. The system includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter receives input from the MIDI device via a DIN connector and generates a control signal which corresponds to a preselected combination of pickups which have been programmed and stored in memory. A second DIN connector is provided to function as a pass-thru. The pickup combinations stored in memory are associated with a program from the MIDI device. A display is provided to indicate to the musician which program is in current use. The receiver is positioned within the cavity of the guitar and includes a plurality of relays coupled to the pickups of the guitar. Based on the control signal received, the relays are activated in order to provide the selected pickup combination.

Abstract: An apparatus for identifying the note of an audio signal is disclosed having a transducer, an electronic logic determining structure, and a display for displaying the note of the input signal. The apparatus further includes a note programmer that enables a user to select one or more notes to be displayed on the note display. A cent array may also be included to visually show the deviation from the displayed note.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and a method for a series of discrete MIDI events to be represented by a single curve event. The curve event is stored as a curve data structure and may include one or more sub-curve data structures. Each sub-curve data structure represents one or more of the series of discrete MIDI events. The curve data structure identifies when the curve event should start, the type of MIDI events that the curve represents, and a list of one or more sub-curve data structures. Each of the sub-curve data structures identify a curve-shape, the start time for the playback of the sub-curve, the end time for the playback of the sub-curve, the minimum and maximum values that the sub-curve reaches, and an orientation of the sub-curve. At performance time, each sub-curve event in the curve data structure is converted into time-stamped, discrete MIDI events that can be provided as input to a MIDI device.

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: An electronic information aid displays and calculates the relationships between a series of individual integers which may comprise alphabetical and/or numerical indicia or a series of visual and/or aural indicia or a combination of any one or more of the integers. The aid has a number of reference rings (23a-23g) each of which is independently rotatable but maintained in a predetermined spatial relationship with each other. Each reference ring (23) includes a number of segments each of which displays indicia which corresponds to an integer. When the rings (23a-23g) are rotated so the segments are aligned into an active strip in accordance with a coding system, the segments will display the interrelationship between the integers. Each segment within the active strip can be activated to initiate an aural or a visual response.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a vocal note indicating device for indicating the note of a vocal pitch signal. The device includes an amplifying means for amplifying an inputted vocal pitch signal and a square wave generator means. The square wave generator means is responsive to the vocal pitch signal from the amplifying means, and provides a square wave output signal substantially having a same period as the vocal pitch signal. A timer means is utilized for determining the period of the square wave and provides an output indicating a period of the square wave output signal. The device uses a microprocessor having a look-up table associated therewith to compare the output from the timer means with the look-up table to provide an output indicating the note and degree of at least one of sharpness and flatness of the inputted vocal pitch signal. A display means includes a plurality of columns of LEDs for displaying the note of the vocal pitch signal.

Abstract: A learning apparatus for learning notes includes a planar, one-part or multi-part board, made of wood, cardboard, plastic, or a similar, nearly form-rigid material with a working surface, exhibiting non-removable and well-recognizable staff indicia means. The work surface is inscribable or imprintable and covered with an adhering felt layer or magnetic foil or with a foil furnished with comparable adhering means, wherein light form-parts, which are easily removable by hand, are placeable on the foil. The form-parts are shaped like all musical notation indicia and musical clef indicia used for writing down notes and are furnished at their backs with hook-and-loop adhering means or magnetic adhering means or the like adhering means. The musical notation indicia are made of metal, plastic, wood, caoutchouc or a similar, nearly form-rigid or slightly plastically deformable material provided with a color coating on their surface or are made of materials having different colors.

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 fiberoptically illuminated electronic stringed musical instrument is disclosed that has at least one pickup. At least one light source is disposed within the body of the instrument. A plurality of optical fibers are embedded in the instrument such that each fiber extends from the light source to a predetermined location on the exterior surface of the instrument. The fibers provide a transmission path for the light rays emitted by the light source, thereby illuminating the exterior surface of the instrument while at the same time the fiber becomes part of the mechanical/composite structure of the guitar. Control circuitry, disposed within the body of the instrument, is connected to the pickup and the light source. The control circuitry selectively controls the illumination of the light source, and therefore the exterior surface of the instrument, based upon electrical signals generated by the pickup.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a tempo and volume of a MIDI file having a plurality of MIDI instructions stored on a computer-readable medium are disclosed. The method includes the computer-implemented steps of incrementing a counter at a first rate, transferring one or more of the MIDI instructions to a general MIDI-compatible device at the first rate, receiving an input signal from a data input device, determining a first increment value when the input signal is received, determining a first average value from the first increment value and a predetermined number of second increment values; and transferring one or more of the MIDI instructions to the general MIDI-compatible device at a second rate when the first average value has a predetermined logical relationship to a second average value.

Abstract: A musical instrument tuning aid. The display provides the user tuning information in a rapidly interpreted form. The input note, or tuning device setting, is displayed in a clock face format. A sharp/flat indicator provides a course display for gross tuning. A display means for electronically producing a stroboscopic display between the input tone and the internally generated reference frequency provides for very accurate fine tuning with instantaneous response to pitch changes. Signal conditioning to control signal level enhances the strobe display. Tracking low pass filtering is provided to enhance strobe display for high harmonic content signals. An adjustable band pass filtering mode is provided to allow analysis of individual harmonics. A crystal timebase is used to generate a high accuracy reference frequency with fine calibration adjustment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus determine tuning frequencies for an instrument, such as a piano, by sounding at least three musical notes of the instrument. The sounded notes are recorded and digitally filtered to generate directly partial ladders representative of the sounded notes. The partial ladders are equalized with respective to a reference frequency or one another to determine tuning frequencies for the sounded notes. Tuning frequencies for the remaining notes of the instrument are then determined from the equalized partial ladders. Tone generators which produce the musical notes, such as strings on a piano, are then adjusted to conform the musical notes which they generate to the tuning frequencies. Preferably, the tone generators are adjusted using a display which provides highly accurate macro and micro tuning information in a single display by graphically and dynamically displaying pitch differences of the musical notes generated by the tone generators relative to pitches of the tuning frequencies.

Abstract: A music system including a musical instrument, such as a keyboard strummer, in which the musical notes produced by the playing of the instrument are controlled by musical assistance data mapped unto the instrument keys and strum vanes from tracks specially prepared and synchronized with a prior performance of the piece. Modified mass media, such as CD ROM, TV signals and video cassettes are provided including synchronized note assist data and additional media, such as ROM packs or tone encoded audio cassettes or CDs, are provided with synchronizable note assist data for use with unmodified mass media.

Abstract: Digital musical information for a musical score is stored in records that are established based on types of musical information or notation and are therefore independent of the musical sequence of the score. In this manner, the information for a single musical element such as a note, clef, or accent can be spread over more than one record, or information for more than one element can be included in a single record. This storage format accommodates subsequent revisions or additions to the score or accessing code, facilitates data compression for enhanced transmission rates, facilitates progressive (e.g., page-by-page) transmission and provides enhanced flexibility for implementing encryption techniques.

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: In a music apparatus virtually built in a computer machine, an application module is composed of an application program which is executed by the computer machine to produce an audio message. A software sound source is composed of a tone generation program which is executed by the computer machine so as to generate a musical tone according to the audio message. A hardware sound source having a tone generation circuit is physically coupled to the computer machine for generating a musical tone according to the audio message. An application program interface is interposed to connect the application module to either of the software sound source and the hardware sound source. A controller is provided for controlling the application program interface to selectively distribute the audio message from the application module to at least one of the software sound source and the hardware sound source through the application program interface.

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: Automatic accompaniment performance data for a plurality of sections of a musical piece are stored. One of the plurality of sections is designated. Automatic accompaniment performance data for the designated one section from the automatic performance data for the plurality of sections is read out to play automatic accompaniment performance. Automatic accompaniment performance data for another section is used in place of the automatic accompaniment performance data for the designated one section if the automatic accompaniment performance data for the designated on section is not stored.

Abstract: The meantone temperer external device is used in conjunction with a keyboard or other musical instrument. The meantone temperer is used to temper the connected musical instrument to any desired meantone-tempered scale, which is selected by the user. This device is operated by simply entering the desired temperament on the input keypad and pressing the "temper" button. Calculations are then made and the results are stored in RAM. When the user strikes a note on the musical instrument, a value is pulled out of RAM corresponding to the note struck. This value is then multiplied by the corresponding octave multiplier in ROM and the tempered note is sounded.

Abstract: A method is provided for automatically rearranging a plurality of digital information units (DIU) arbitrarily designated in a first digital information file (DIF), each DIU containing data with artistic structure and characteristics, to create a plurality of second DIF's having different artistic structure and characteristics from the first DIF. The method includes a first process for automatically (1) reordering, (2) repeating, (3) creating alternate sequences of, (4) altering durations of, (5) including and excluding certain ones of, and (6) automatically manipulating the characteristics of the plurality of DIU.

Abstract: A musical display system produces a display presentation in one of a plurality of formats from an original musical composition, the formats being created from the original musical composition responsive to input variables and a selected operating mode. The system is comprised of means to receive the original composition, a memory, a selection subsystem, a controller, and a display subsystem. The memory selectively stores the received original musical compositions. The selection subsystem determines a selected operating mode and display format. The controller, responsive to the selection subsystem, provides means for selectively controlling the storing of the original composition in memory and selectively altering the stored original composition responsive to the selected operating mode and the input variables to produce a particular one of a plurality of derivative musical compositions.

Abstract: In a karaoke system, a central terminal and a plurality of karaoke terminals are connected by a coaxial cable. A polling modem modulates a polling signal to a predetermined channel signal and transmits it to a karaoke terminal and also receives a response signal (signal for responding as to whether a song has been requested) transmitted from the karaoke terminal in response to the polling signal. When a song is requested, the data transmission control portion retrieves the karaoke song data of the requested song from the memory, modulates it via the data transmission modem into an alternating current signal that differs from the channel of the polling signal, and transmits it to the karaoke terminal.

Abstract: A music system including a musical instrument, such as a keyboard strummer, in which the musical notes produced by the playing of the instrument are controlled by musical assistance data mapped unto the instrument keys and strum vanes from tracks specially prepared and synchronized with a prior performance of the piece.

Abstract: A musical instrument including an actuator which generates a plurality of signals in response to being played by a user; an audio synthesizer which generates audio tones in response to control signals; a memory storing a musical score for the actuator; a video display unit; and a digital processing means controlling the audio synthesizer and the video display unit. The stored musical score includes a sequence of lead notes each of which has an associated time stamp to identify a time at which it is supposed to be played in the musical score.

Abstract: In an automatic performance apparatus for creating music piece data by combining automatic performance pattern data, a plurality of automatic performance patterns are stored in advance, and display elements corresponding to these automatic performance patterns are prepared. An operation for displaying these display elements on a display device and connecting them by lines is performed. The order of automatic performance patterns is determined in correspondence with the order of the elements connected by the lines. With this operation, music piece data can be easily created and modified. In an automatic accompaniment edit apparatus for creating/editing chord progress data for an automatic accompaniment operation, chords or chord progress patterns suited for each style are stored in correspondence with a plurality of styles. When a user selects a style, chords or chord progress patterns suited for the selected style are informed.

Abstract: A Karaoke system scoring method and system (10) is provided based on detecting, for example, frame energy (19 or 19') of the Karaoke singer and the frame energy of the original artist (29 or 29'). The frame energy is quantized (41 and 43) and compared (45) and based on the comparison a score (37) is generated and displayed (15).

Abstract: A disc player is electronically connectable to a foot operated controller and a monitor is electronically connectable to the player. The monitor includes speakers for audio output and a screen for video output. The monitor further includes sheet music clips for attaching sheet music to the monitor and music stand clips for attaching the monitor to a music sheet holder of a music stand.

Abstract: Video-song media having chord data recorded thereon and playback system thereof for reproducing the chord responsive to a singer's singing voice are disclosed. The video-song media having chord data recorded thereon has the chord data which is additionally recorded in a sub-code of the program area having video-song information therein. The playback system for the video-song media having chord data recorded thereon, reproduces word data to the song, the accompaniment music and the graphic signal relating to a corresponding music, and also reproduces the chord specified by chord data in response to the voice input signal provided by a voice input device. Accordingly, sound effects can be maximized in order to multiply the user's interest while practicing singing the video-song.

Abstract: A musical toy is provided with a base member, a second member connected to the base member so as to form a substantially unobstructed space between the second member and the base member, a plurality of photoemitters for generating a plurality of radiation beams between the base member and the second member, a plurality of photodetectors for receiving the radiation beams, audio generation means for generating a plurality of musical sounds, and means for causing the audio generation means to generate one of the musical sounds in response to an interruption of one of the radiation beams.

Abstract: A musical data inputting apparatus comprising a touch panel for receiving a hand-writing operation thereon detects a figure and/or a symbol drawn on the touch panel by the hand-writing operation, and further recognizes intensity of depression or the number of depressions applied on the touch panel by the hand-writing operation. The apparatus recognizes musical data such as pitches and lengths of notes, a tonality and/or a time of music based on the detected figure and symbol and the recognized intensity and number of depressions of the hand writing operation. Musical data can be input without precisely writing the whole of the musical data themselves on the touch panel.

Abstract: A karaoke online system is composed of a karaoke station and a karaoke terminal telecommunicable with the karaoke station. The karaoke station has a database for storing a plurality of performance data files corresponding to a plurality of karaoke songs, each performance data file containing a sequence data which time-sequentially designates musical tones of the corresponding karaoke song. A selector responds to a request command transmitted from the karaoke terminal for selecting a performance data file of a karaoke song designated by the request command. A transmitter transmits the sequence data contained in the selected performance data file to the karaoke station in synchronization with a predetermined tempo of the designated karaoke song. On the other hand, the karaoke terminal transmits the request command to the karaoke station upon a request of the designated karaoke song to be performed.

Abstract: Indicators are provided in corresponding relations to individual keyboard keys. For each of plural phrases of a given music piece, information is supplied that represents at least the highest-pitch note to the lowest note in the phrase. During performance of the music piece and on the basis of the supplied information, the indicators, for each phrase, indicates all notes within a range from the highest-pitch note to the lowest note of the phrase. Thus, the player can easily position his hands over accurate keys and thereby can comfortably carry out performance operations for each phrase. Notes to be performed in each phrase after a first note corresponding to predetermined performance timing in the phrase may be indicated in different manners (for example, by varying degrees of brightness) depending on performance timing differences, from the first note performance timing, of the notes.

Abstract: A karaoke device for playing music stored on replaceable solid state memory cartridges with a console having controls for enabling the user to select the musical pieces to be played. The device features an LCD screen for displaying the title and lyrics of the song wherein the words are highlighted as the music is played. The device is connectable to a microphone so that the users voice may be mixed in with the music. A console of the device has controls for allowing the user to select the title of the selected song. A keyboard is provided on a console enabling the user to modify characteristics such as pitch and tempo of the song.

Abstract: An apparatus for the translation of musical chords from one key to another key. Both the electronics and mechanical embodiments of the invention permit the user to translate a musical score in a source key to a target key by identifying the appropriate chords for the target key. In the mechanical embodiments, the source key is physically aligned with the target key. This positions the chords to also be in aligned or associated with each other. In the electronics embodiment, the user establishes the source key and the target key to establish the chord mapping. In one electronic embodiment, the operator also identifies the source chord for the absolute identification of the targeted chord. Optionally, a listing of the chord mapping is printed for later reference or for transcription onto the musical score.

Abstract: A music learning aid has a base and a sliding template. The template has windows which allow viewing of the musical information imprinted on the base at different positions. Each position is selected by being able to view a keynote through a window so that the cut-out slots in the template then show the musical information for that keynote and scale or chord. The musical information may include the musical notation and the musical instrument playing instructions. In another embodiment, a learning aid takes the form of an electronic calculator where different information sets may be displayed on a liquid crystal display according to instructions inputted on a keypad.

Abstract: A recording medium records multilingually written lyrics data along with accompaniment data corresponding thereto, and a video-song accompaniment apparatus adopts the recording medium. The lyrics data is written in each language by having a font look-up table made up of lyrics encoded by an index code and character image data corresponding to the index code. The recording medium can be used commonly in various countries and in countries where multiple languages are spoken, by providing multilingually written lyrics data for one song program.

Abstract: An interactive network provides music to subscribers. A "more like" function allows a subscriber to use a seed song to identify other songs that are similar to the seed song, and to add the new songs to the current playlist. The similarity between songs is based on the subjective content of the songs, as reflected in style tables prepared by editors. The subscriber may control the closeness of the match by adjusting a style slider provided by the user interface. A style equalizer employs eight faders that indicate the predominant styles of the songs in the playlist. A subscriber may use the style equalizer to see what types of songs are included in the playlist, and to adjust the mix of songs that are played from the playlist.