CN1151660A - Method for performing karaoke mode in information television - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of performing a communication karaoke mode in an information television, wherein the information television includes an information processing unit for receiving and decoding information from a value-added network, after selecting the communication karaoke mode, desired songs can be Selecting and receiving, desired songs are sequentially reserved, the reserved songs are received in the information television mode, desired songs are stored in the memory while being received, the stored songs are read out from the memory and Replays are either provided randomly.

Description

Method for performing karaoke mode in information television

The present invention relates to a method for executing a karaoke mode in an information television, and more particularly, relates to a method for executing a communication karaoke mode, wherein required songs are selected and reserved in the communication karaoke mode, and in the communication karaoke mode In TV mode or TV mode, subscribed songs are received from a value added network (VAN), subscribed songs are stored in a memory, and stored songs are read from the memory and played back.

InfoTVs can receive communication services by connecting to a value-added network using a data line. The information TV includes an information processing unit for receiving information communication data (hereinafter referred to as "information data") when connected to a value-added network, and outputting a conversion control signal and information RGB signal, and displaying the received information data on the screen. The information TV selects one of the TV RGB signal processed in the TV signal processor and the information RGB signal processed in the information processing unit according to the switching control signal output from the information processing unit, and then displays it on the screen. Here, the line may be a telephone line connected to a value-added network or a cable line connected to an industrial cable company.

Since the information TV can display various communication service data on the screen of the information TV, for example, stock information, news, weather forecast, TV program preview, etc. transmitted through the value-added network, even people who are not familiar with computer operation can easily receive these communications services.

In addition, the information TV has a communication karaoke function. With this function, the information TV receives the song information provided by the value-added network company, and then displays the lyrics by superimposing the lyrics of the song on the background screen and outputs the melody of the song as an accompaniment through the speaker, thereby Users can sing along with the accompaniment while watching the lyrics.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for performing a communication karaoke mode, wherein if a desired song number is sequentially reserved in advance according to the selected communication karaoke mode, song data corresponding to the song number is received. and decoded and output as lyrics on the background screen with accompaniment.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for performing a communication karaoke mode, wherein if the desired song number is reserved in advance in order according to the selection of the communication karaoke mode, and the song corresponding to the first reserved song The data is completely received, and the remaining reserved songs are received during playback of the first reserved song and then played back in the reserved order.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for performing a communication karaoke mode, wherein after a desired song is pre-reserved according to a selected communication karaoke mode, song data of a reserved song is received in an information television mode to, and then select the karaoke mode again to play back the reserved songs in the ordered order.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for performing a communication karaoke mode, wherein desired songs are received according to the selected communication karaoke mode, simultaneously stored in a memory, then read out from the memory and is replayed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for performing a communication karaoke mode, wherein a plurality of songs selected at random are received according to the selected communication karaoke mode, and simultaneously if the reception of the first song is completed, its replay Initially, when the reception of the last song is completed, the value-added network is switched off.

In order to achieve the above object, a method for performing communication karaoke mode in an information TV is provided, wherein the information TV includes an information processing unit for receiving and decoding information from a value-added network to provide communication services, the method The method comprises the following steps: (a) selecting a communication karaoke mode; (b) connecting the information processing unit to the value-added network through a data line and displaying a karaoke menu screen; (c) selecting a song by inputting a song number; (d) receiving the song data of the selected song number; (e) decoding the received data to output an accompaniment and a background image with lyrics; and (f) checking whether the song number is reserved, and requesting its transmission if the song number is reserved and Receive song data, otherwise, cut the line.

In order to achieve the above another object, there is provided a method for performing communication karaoke mode in an information television, wherein the information television provides communication services by including an information processing unit for receiving and decoding information from a value-added network, The method comprises the steps of: (a) selecting a communication karaoke mode; (b) connecting the information processing unit to the value-added network through a data line and displaying a karaoke menu screen; (c) by sequentially Input several song number reservation songs; (d) receive the data of the song of the first reservation in the song of order reservation; (e) receive the data of the song of remaining reservation, replay the song of first reservation simultaneously; And ( f) If the reception of the data of all the reserved songs is completed, the line is cut off and the songs are played back in the reserved order.

In order to achieve the above another object, there is provided a method for performing communication karaoke mode in an information television, wherein the information television provides communication services by including an information processing unit for receiving and decoding information from a value-added network, The method comprises the steps of: (a) selecting a communication karaoke mode; (b) connecting the information processing unit to the value-added network through a data line and displaying a karaoke menu screen; (c) by sequentially Input several song numbers to reserve the song; (d) switch to the information television mode if the reservation is completed, and receive data corresponding to a plurality of reserved songs; (e) if the reception of the data of all reserved songs is completed, cut off the line ; And (f) check whether the karaoke mode is selected, if the karaoke mode has been selected, the song data received will be replayed in the order of reservation; otherwise, the information television mode will be executed.

In order to achieve the above another object, there is provided a method for performing communication karaoke mode in an information television, wherein the information television provides communication services by including an information processing unit for receiving and decoding information from a value-added network, The method comprises the steps of: (a) selecting a communication karaoke mode; (b) connecting the information processing unit to the value-added network through a data line and displaying a karaoke menu screen; (c) by sequentially Input several song numbers to reserve songs; (d) check whether the song data of the reserved song numbers have been received and stored in the memory; (e) read if there is the data of the reserved songs in the memory Fetching and replaying the song data; and (f)) if there is no reserved song data in the memory, the song data of the reserved song number is received from the value-added network, and the received song is stored in the described memory The data then replays the stored song data.

In order to achieve the above another object, there is provided a method for performing communication karaoke mode in an information television, wherein the information television provides communication services by including an information processing unit for receiving and decoding information from a value-added network, The method comprises the steps of: (a) selecting a communication karaoke mode; (b) connecting the information processing unit to the value-added network through a data line and displaying a karaoke menu screen; (c) selecting a challenge karaoke OK mode; (d) receive a plurality of randomly selected song data; (e) if the reception of the first song data of the randomly selected song is completed, replay the first selected song data, and simultaneously request the next transmission of songs; (f) storing the received song data in the order of reception; and (g) disconnecting the line and replaying the songs in the order of reception if the reception of the song data is completed.

The above objects and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly described through the description of the preferred embodiment in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an information television;

Fig. 2 is a detailed block diagram, has shown the information processing unit in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 shows the structure of the volatile memory shown in Fig. 2;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for performing a communication karaoke mode according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing a method for performing a communication karaoke mode according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a method for performing a communication karaoke mode according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a method for performing a communication karaoke mode according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 8 shows the flowchart of the method for storing the song data of step 409 in Fig. 7;

Figure 9 shows a flow chart for another method of storing the song data of step 409 in Figure 7;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method of performing a communication karaoke mode according to another embodiment of the present invention.

A preferred embodiment of a method for performing a communication karaoke mode in an information television according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a smart TV for performing the method according to the present invention.

The smart TV shown in FIG. 1 includes a TV signal processor 100 , a TV microcomputer 110 , an information processing unit 200 , a conversion device 120 , and a cathode ray tube (CRT) 130 .

The TV signal processor 100 processes broadcast channel signals selected by a tuner (not shown) and outputs TV R, G, B signals TV RGB and horizontal/vertical synchronizing signals H/V.

The information processing unit 200 receives information data from a value-added network (VAN) by identifying a communication mode key input and then connecting the smart TV to the VAN, using a telephone line or a coaxial cable connected to a local cable service company providing communication services. The information processing unit 200 decodes the information data and outputs the information R, G, B, signal I RGB synchronously with the horizontal/vertical synchronous signal H/V output from the television signal processor 100, and generates a switching control signal SW.

The conversion device 120 selects the TV R processed in the TV signal processor 100 according to the conversion control signal SW generated from the information processing unit 200, G, the B signal TV RGB and the information R processed in the information processing unit 200, G, B, one of the signals I RGB, for display on CRT130.

The TV microcomputer 110 controls the TV signal processor 100 by recognizing a key input for a TV mode, and serially transmits/receives data to/from the information processing unit 200 .

The information processing unit for performing the communication karaoke function in FIG. 1 has the structure shown in FIG. 2 .

Referring to Fig. 2, information processing unit comprises a CPU and is used to carry out whole system control data transmission and data operation according to the program, program ROM 202 is used for storing the program for system control, for the program of communication karaoke, and various data, The main controller 203 is used to generate the control signals required by the entire system, control of the reception and display of communication data, and process musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) data, and a RAM/DAC 204 is used to receive data from the main controller 203 and internally R, G and B data are converted into analog signals in the memory, a volatile memory 205 and a storage memory 206 are used to read and write communication data under the control of the main controller 203, and a modem 207 is used under the control of the main controller 203 To transmit data to and receive data from a host computer connected to the information processing unit 200 through a data line, the graphic ROM 208 is used to store compressed graphic data for the background image in the communication karaoke mode, and the MIDI accompaniment signal generator 209 is used for From the main controller 203, MIDI data and commands are input and accompaniment is output.

Here, the CPU 201 performs overall system control, data transfer, and data manipulation under the control of the main controller 203 according to programs stored in the program ROM 202 .

The CPU 201 performs control on other functional blocks of the information signal processor 200 , data transfer, data calculation, etc. based on control signals stored in the program ROM 202 and generated from the main controller 203 . Data processing and control of peripheral units performed in the CPU 201 are established based on interrupt signals transmitted from the main controller 203 and the MODEM 207 .

In the main controller 203, an interrupt request is generated by several tasks, including reception of infrared key input data from a transmitter (not shown), vertical blanking, operation of an internal timer for specified operations, and Reception of serial signal from TV microcomputer 110. In these examples, the main controller 203 generates an interrupt signal and transmits it to the CPU 201 . Once an interrupt signal is generated, the CPU 201 executes a corresponding task.

The program ROM 202 stores programs for system operation, font data, various decoding programs and data, and programs for performing communication karaoke functions. CPU 201 reads programs and data and executes a series of operations corresponding to control signals or interrupt signals.

The main controller 203 performs the following functions: generating control signals for the entire system; controlling the writing and reading of data in the volatile memory 205 and the storage memory 206; The horizontal/vertical synchronizing signal (H/V) outputted in the signal processor 100 superimposes the information signal synchronously on the external video signal (for example, the television signal processed in the television signal processor 100 in FIG. 1 ); (not shown) key input data and provide this data to CPU201; Identify the interrupt signal generated from modem 207 and provide it to CPU201; Control graphics and video data; Transfer graphics data to RAM/DAC204; own synchronization signal.

Furthermore, the main controller 203 performs interfacing between the CPU 201 and the television microcomputer 110 . More specifically, when the CPU 201 transmits data to the television microcomputer 110 , the main controller 203 converts the parallel data received from the CPU 201 into serial data and transmits the converted data to the television microcomputer 110 . Also, when the TV microcomputer transmits data to the CPU 201 , the king controller 203 converts the serial signal received from the TV microcomputer 110 into parallel data and transmits the converted data to the CPU 201 .

Furthermore, the main controller 203 controls the graphic ROM 208 and transmits MIDI format data (hereinafter referred to as MIDI data) to the MIDI accompaniment signal generator 209 . And the main controller 203 receives song data through the modem 207, stores them in the volatile memory 205, and when the reception of the data of a song is completed, sequentially transfers and stores the received data in the storage memory 206. The storage memory 206 does not lose data even when the power is cut off, and can store approximately 30 song data.

The volatile memory 205 and the storage memory 206, both of which can be read and written, store communication data, song data, and the like. The storage memory 206 does not lose data even when the power is cut off.

Here, the volatile memory 205, as shown in Figure 3, includes a graphic area for superimposing information data on the TV signal, a modem area for storing information data or text data in the screen unit, and a MIDI area for For storing song data, a system area for storing data necessary for system control. Of these areas, the MIDI area is only used in communication karaoke mode.

RAM/DAC 204 stores data to be displayed on the screen in internal RAM. These data are stored under the control of CPU201. When a screen pixel data is transmitted from the main controller 203, a corresponding RGB signal is read from the RAM of the RAM/DAC 204 and converted into an RGB analog signal, and then the signal is output to the switch 120 in Fig. 1 Choose part b.

Modem 207 demodulates the modulated signal received over the data line, then detects and corrects errors before storing the data in an internal buffer. Furthermore, the modem 207 also generates and outputs an interrupt signal to the CPU 201 so that the currently received data is stored in the volatile memory 205 . On the other hand, modem 207 receives data from CPU 201, modulates it, and transmits the modulated signal.

The graphic ROM 208 stores graphic data to be used as a background image on the screen in the communication karaoke mode. The CPU 201 reads out the graphic data and transmits it to the main controller 203 so that an appropriate graphic picture suitable for the lyrics can be displayed according to the plot, wherein the correspondence between the background graphic and the lyrics in the data received from the host computer is tabulated .

The MIDI accompaniment signal generator 209 receives various commands of serial data and MIDI data from the main controller 203 and outputs an accompaniment signal. That is, the MIDI accompaniment signal generator 209 stores accompaniment signals in MIDI format reflecting length, strength, and timbre.

Thus, in the communication karaoke mode, the user can sing a desired song along with the accompaniment and lyrics of the song selected by him and received from the host computer. Here, the accompaniment and lyrics data may be referred to as song data.

FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of a method for performing a communication karaoke mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Here, the communication karaoke mode is selected (101). The selection of the communication karaoke mode can be realized by two methods: in the submenu of the main menu of the communication information service in the communication mode, use the number keys to select; or press the karaoke mode key additionally provided in the transmitter.

If the karaoke mode is selected in step 101, the infotainment TV is connected to the host computer through a line (step 102). Otherwise, the program ends. Here, the line connection is by calling a predetermined value-added network operator to connect the information television to the host computer.

If the communication karaoke mode is selected and the line is connected, a karaoke menu screen is displayed (step 103). Here, the karaoke menu includes menus such as 1. Select a song, 2. New song information, 3. Reservation, 4. Challenge karaoke, 5. Service information.

After the karaoke menu screen is displayed, it is checked whether a song selection key (for example, 1 key) is pressed (step 104). If the song selection key is pressed, the information (for example, "please choose a song") (step 105) that requires song selection is displayed on the screen.

Next, it is checked whether a song number is input (step 106). Here, the song number is input by the user by pressing the number keys on the transmitter.

The song number is provided to the user in advance in the form of a book. In addition, a booklet containing information on new songs is periodically (eg, monthly) provided to the user, announcing new songs added to the host computer. Therefore, the user can input a desired song number by referring to the provided book or pamphlet.

If the song number is input in step 106, the input number is transmitted to the host computer, and the message "please wait" is displayed on the screen (step 107). Song data from the host computer is then received (step 108). Here, the received song data is stored in the MIDI buffer of the volatile memory 205 shown in FIG. 3 .

In the communication karaoke mode, song data is received in byte units according to an interrupt signal generated in the modem 207 of FIG. 2 . When the song data bytes are received without error, they are sequentially stored in the MIDI area of the volatile memory 205 .

Then, it is checked whether the reception of the selected song data is completed (step 109). Here, completion of reception of song data means that reception of data of one selected song is completed.

If the song data of a complete song is received without error, the main controller 203 reads the song data from the volatile memory 205 and stores them in the storage memory 206 .

Here, the first reason for transferring and storing the song data stored in the volatile memory 205 in the storage memory 206 is that it takes relatively long time to directly store the received song data in the storage memory 206 . The second reason is that data is not lost when power is lost. A third reason is that some favorite songs can be played back from the storage memory 206 faster.

While the data stored in the volatile memory 205 is being transferred and stored in the storage memory 206, the data is decoded to obtain plot information and MIDI data. Graphics data stored in the graphics ROM 208 is read out based on the decoded scenario information and output as a background picture. And the decoded MIDI data is supplied to the MIDI accompaniment signal generator 209 to output the accompaniment (step 110). At this time, lyrics are displayed on a part of the background screen.

While the song is being played back in step 110, it is checked in step 111 whether the song is reserved. Therefore, if a song is reserved, the receiving procedure of the reserved song is executed. That is, while previously reserved songs are being played back, if a song is reserved, a transmission request for the reserved song is issued to the host computer (step 112). Then, execute step 107 again. Here, if the song data of the reserved song is received from the host computer, it is stored in the volatile memory 205 so that the reserved song can be played back immediately after the currently played back song is completed.

As described above, if there is a reserved song and another song is being played back, reserved song data is continuously received and stored in the volatile memory 205 . Then, if the reception of the reserved song data is completed, the reserved song data is transferred and stored in the storage memory 206, so that after one song is sung, the next song can be sung immediately.

However, it is determined in step 111 that there is no reserved song, and in step 113 it is checked whether a predetermined time has passed. If exceed predetermined time and do not reserve any song, then line is cut off (step 114), in order to avoid bearing extra communication fee.

Fig. 5 shows a flow chart of a method for performing karaoke mode according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 5, it is checked whether the communication karaoke mode is selected (step 201). If the karaoke mode is selected in step 201, the infotainment TV is connected to the host computer through a line (step 202). If the karaoke mode is not selected, the program ends.

When the communication karaoke mode is selected and the line is connected, a karaoke menu screen is displayed (step 203). The menu screen includes a menu, for example, 1. Select a song, 2. New song information, 3. Reservation, 4. Challenge karaoke, 5. Service information.

When the karaoke menu screen is shown, it is checked whether a reservation key (for example, 3 key) is pressed (step 204). If the reservation key is pressed, a message asking to select a song (for example, "please select a song") is displayed on the screen (step 205).

After the information requesting to select a song is displayed, reserved N song numbers are input (step 206). Here, the song number is input by the user pressing the number keys on the transmitter.

If the reserved song numbers are sequentially input in step 206, they are transmitted to the host computer and "please wait" is displayed on the screen simultaneously (step 207). Then, the song data transmitted from the host computer is received (step 208 ), and stored in the volatile memory 205 .

If the song data is received in step 208, it is checked whether the reception of the song data of the first reserved song is completed (step 209).

If the reception of the song data of the first reserved song among the sequentially reserved songs is completed, the data stored in the volatile memory 205 is transferred and stored in the storage memory 206 and decoded. Then, the background screen data in the graphic ROM 208 is read out, and the MIDI data is input to the MIDI accompaniment signal generator 209, thereby outputting the received background screen and accompaniment of the first reserved song.

When the first reserved song is played back at step 210, song data of the remaining reserved songs are received (step 211). That is, when the first reserved song is played back, the song data of the remaining reserved songs are received, stored into the volatile memory 205 and transferred and stored in the storage memory 206 .

It is then checked whether the reception of all remaining reserved song data is completed (step 212). If the reception of the remaining reserved songs is completed, the line is disconnected (step 213). Then, the reserved song data is played back in the reserved order (step 214).

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method for performing a karaoke mode according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Here, if the communication karaoke mode is selected in step 301, the infotainment TV is connected to the host computer through a line (step 302). If the karaoke mode is not selected, the program ends.

Once the communication karaoke mode is selected, a karaoke menu screen is displayed (step 303). The menu screen includes a menu, for example, 1. Select a song, 2. New song information, 3. Reservation, 4. Challenge karaoke, 5. Service information.

When the karaoke menu screen is shown, it is checked whether the reservation key is pressed (step 304). Then, N song numbers may be entered for subscription (step 305). Here, the song number is input by the user pressing the number keys on the transmitter.

It is checked whether the reservation is completed (step 306). If it is determined that the reservation in step 306 has been completed, the reserved song number is transmitted to the host computer. Then, the operation mode of the information TV is switched to the TV mode (step 307), and then, the reception of the song transmitted from the host computer continues.

At this time, a message "Data is being received" indicating that the song data is being received is displayed on the screen, so that the user can recognize the reception of the reserved song through the information television screen (step 308). The received song data is temporarily stored in the volatile memory 205 and then transferred and stored in the storage memory 206 .

The reserved song data is received in the infoTV mode and it is checked whether the reception of the song data is completed (step 309). Here, completion of reception of song data means that reception of data of all reserved songs is completed.

Song data is received in byte-sized units every time a modem interrupt signal is generated. When song data is received without error, the data bytes are stored in volatile memory 205 sequentially. The data stored in the volatile memory 205 is then read out and stored in the storage memory 206 .

If the song data of all reserved songs are all received in step 309, a message of "reception complete" representing the completion of the reception is displayed on the infoTV screen (step 310). Then, the line is cut (step 311).

At this moment, the infotainment TV still works in the TV mode, and the song data of the reserved song is stored in the storage memory 206 .

The user utilizes the transmitter to determine whether the television mode is to remain, or the communication karaoke mode (step 312). If want to watch TV, then continue to show TV signal (step 313). However, if the karaoke mode is selected, the received song data is played back in order of reservation (step 314). If the operation mode of the information TV is changed to the communication karaoke mode in step 313 for use, then step 312 is repeated so that the communication karaoke mode is selected, and then step 314 is performed.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for performing a communication karaoke mode according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Here, if the karaoke mode is selected at step 401, the infotainment TV is connected to the host computer through a line (step 402). If the karaoke mode is not selected, the program ends.

When the communication karaoke mode is selected and the line is connected, a karaoke menu screen is displayed (step 203). The menu screen includes a menu, for example, 1. Select a song, 2. New song information, 3. Reservation, 4. Challenge karaoke, 5. Service information.

After the karaoke menu screen is shown, it is checked whether the reservation key is pressed (step 404). Then, N song numbers may be entered for subscription (step 405). Here, the song number is input by the user pressing the number keys on the transmitter.

Whether the reservation is complete is checked (406). If it is determined in step 406 that the reservation has been completed, the reserved songs are retrieved in the storage memory 206 in the order of reservation (step 407).

Even if a reserved song has been stored in the storage memory 206, if the song data is received from the host computer, the fee charged by the value-added network operator increases. Therefore, when selected song data are stored in the storage memory 206, these data are read from the storage memory 206 without being received from the host computer. Here, the storage memory 206 can store about 30 pieces of song data, although the number varies slightly depending on its specification.

Therefore, if the selected song number is not stored in the storage memory 206 (step 408), the song data of the selected song number is received from the host computer and stored in the volatile memory 205 (step 409). But, if the selected song number in step 408 is stored in the storage memory 206, then check whether the stored song number is the first selected song (step 410).

If the first selected song number is stored in the storage memory 206, the song data of the first selected song number is read out and played back (step 411). If song numbers other than the first selected song number are stored in the storage memory 206, the storage addresses of the stored song numbers are memorized in the order of selection (step 412). Then execute step 415 .

For example, when song numbers 100, 200, 300, and 400 are reserved in advance, if song number 100 is stored in the storage memory 206, it is read out and played back. However, assuming that the song number 300 is stored, only the storage address where the song data of the song number 300 is stored in the storage memory 206 is memorized by the main controller 203 . Therefore, after the song numbers 100 and 200 are completely reproduced, the data of the song number 300 stored at the storage address is read out from the storage memory 206 and then reproduced.

Meanwhile, if the song data received at step 409 is stored in the volatile memory 205, it is checked whether the stored data is the first selection song data (step 413). If the stored data are the first selection song data, they are immediately transferred and stored in the storage memory 206, decoded and played back (step 414).

If it is determined in step 413 that the received song data is not the first selected song data, it is checked whether playback is performed (step 415). If playback is in progress, step 417 is performed. Otherwise, the received and stored song data are played back in the order of reservation selection (step 416). Then check whether the song being played back is the last reserved song (step 417). If the song being played back is not the last reserved song, then the next step returns to step 407. Otherwise, the line is disconnected (step 418).

That is, according to the present invention, after a plurality of reserved songs are selected, if the reserved songs are stored in the storage memory 206, the stored song data is read out from the storage memory 206 and played back. Otherwise, song data is received from the host computer, stored in storage memory 206, and then played back. Therefore, when the song data is already stored in the storage memory 206, there is no need to receive the song data, thereby reducing the time and communication fee required for using the value-added network.

In FIG. 7, a plurality of songs are reserved in advance, and the storage of the reserved songs in storage memory 206 is checked. Also, the program in FIG. 7 can be modified as in FIG. 4. FIG. In this modification, after a desired song is selected, it is first checked whether the selected song is stored in the storage memory 206 or not. Then, if the song is stored in the storage memory 206, the stored song data is read out and played back; otherwise, the song data is received and stored in the storage memory 206, and then played back.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of a method for storing the song data of step 409 shown in FIG. 7, where the song data is received from the host computer and stored in the storage memory 206 having a limited capacity.

Referring to FIG. 8, if a new song not stored in the storage memory 206 is completely received from the host computer (step 421), the capacity of the storage memory 206 is checked (step 422).

If the storage memory 206 has sufficient capacity (step 423), the completely received new song data is stored in the storage memory 206 (step 425). On the other hand, if the storage memory 206 does not have enough storage capacity to store the new song data, the earliest one of the previously stored song data is deleted (step 424). Then, the received new song data is stored in the memory (step 425).

Fig. 9 shows a flowchart of another method for storing song data of step 409 shown in Fig. 7, wherein the song data received from the host computer is stored in In the storage memory 206 which has a limited capacity.

That is, if a new song not stored in the storage memory 206 is received from the host computer (step 431), the capacity of the storage memory 206 is checked (step 432).

If the storage memory 206 has sufficient capacity (step 433), the completely received new song data is stored in the storage memory 206 (step 437). If the storage memory 206 does not have enough space, a list of song numbers is displayed on the screen together with a message indicating insufficient memory (step 434).

Then, the user inputs the song number to be deleted. If the song number to be output is input (step 435), the song data corresponding to the input song number is deleted (step 436). Then, new song data is stored in the space resulting from the deletion (step 437).

The method for storing song data shown in Figs. 8 and 9 not only can be applied to step 409 of Fig. 7, but also can be applied to step 108 of Fig. 4, step 208 of Fig. 5, step 308 of Fig. 6, step 308 of Fig. 10 Steps 507 and 510.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method for executing a communication karaoke mode according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Here, the communication karaoke mode is selected in step 501, and the infotainment TV is connected to the host computer (502). If the communication karaoke mode is not selected, the program ends.

Once the communication karaoke mode is selected, a karaoke menu screen is displayed (step 503). The menu screen includes a menu, for example, 1. Select a song, 2. New song information, 3. Reservation, 4. Challenge karaoke, 5. Service information.

When the karaoke menu screen is displayed, the number 4 key is pressed (step 504) to select the karaoke challenge mode. Then, the main controller 203 notifies the main computer of the selected challenge karaoke mode through the modem 207 (step 505).

The host computer randomly selects some songs from the stored songs (step 506). At this time, the song number selected by the host computer and transmitted to the infoTV is either specified by the user or by the host computer. That is, the song number for transmission is selected by the user or predetermined by the host computer according to the selection of the challenge karaoke.

If the challenge karaoke mode is selected and some songs are randomly selected by the host computer, the host controller 203 receives the song data (step 507) of the first selected song by the modem 207, and then stores the received data in the volatile memory 205.

Here, if the song data is completely received and temporarily stored in the volatile memory 205, the main controller 203 reads out the song data from the volatile memory 205 and stores it in the storage memory 206, and then decodes it. Also, the main controller 203 reads the background screen data from the graphic ROM 208 and outputs MIDI data to the MIDI accompaniment signal generator 209, thereby outputting the background screen and accompaniment of the first song data completely received.

If the first song data is completely received, the received song is played back (step 508). While the song is being played back, the main controller 203 requests the transfer of the next song from the host computer (step 509).

The host computer transmits the next song data according to the transmission request. Then, the main controller 203 receives the transmitted song data and stores it in the volatile memory 205 (step 510).

When performing the above-mentioned successive steps, whether a song is played back is checked (step 511). When the song is not being played back, the second song that was received and stored while the first song was being played back is played back (step 512).

When the received song is played back, it is checked whether the randomly selected next song data is completely received (step 513). If the reception of song data is not completed, step 509 is performed again to continue receiving song data (step 509); if its reception is complete. The line is cut.

Here, the disconnection of the line is performed according to the completion of the reception of the song data, which does not mean the completion of the playback of the song.

Therefore, if the transmission and reception of song data is completed during the challenge karaoke, the line is disconnected and then the songs are played back in the order received (step 515).

As described above, according to the present invention, if a desired song number is input upon selection of the communication karaoke mode, song data corresponding to the song number is received from the value added network. Also, if reception is complete, song data is decoded and output as an accompaniment and background screen.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, a plurality of songs are reserved in advance. While the song data of the first reservation is played back, song data on the remaining reserved songs is received, then the line is disconnected and the songs are played back in order of reservation. Since the reception of the remaining reserved song data can be performed while the first reserved song is played back, the connection time of the value-added network can be minimized.

Also, after a plurality of songs are reserved in the communication karaoke mode, the mode is switched to the TV mode and song data is then received in the TV mode. When the reception of the data is completed, the communication karaoke mode is selected again and the song data is played back in the reserved order. Since the user can watch the information television during the reception of a plurality of reserved song data, he or she does not feel tedious to wait.

Also, if the selected song is stored in memory, it is read therefrom and played back. Otherwise, song data is directly received from the host computer and played back. Therefore, already stored song data is not received from the host computer, saving time and cost.

In addition, a plurality of songs are randomly received on the basis of selection of challenge karaoke. After all songs are fully received, they are not played back immediately. On the contrary, if the first reserved song is completely received, it is played back immediately, and at this time, the next song is received. If all songs are completely received during the reception of previous songs, the line is cut and the remaining songs can then be played back.

Claims (21)

1. A method for performing a communication karaoke mode in an information television, wherein the information television provides communication services by including an information processing unit for receiving and decoding information from a value-added network, said method comprising the following steps : (a) Select the communication karaoke mode; (b) connecting the information processing unit to the value-added network through a data line and displaying a karaoke menu screen; (c) Select a song by inputting the song number; (d) receiving the song data of the selected song number; (e) decoding the received data to output an accompaniment and a background image with lyrics; and (f) Check whether the song number is reserved, if the song number is reserved, request it to transmit and receive song data, otherwise, cut off the line. 2. The method for carrying out the communication karaoke mode in the information television according to claim 1, wherein the selection of the communication karaoke mode in the step (a) is by selecting a Submenu representing karaoke mode or done by pressing the karaoke mode key. 3. The method for carrying out the communication karaoke mode in the information television according to claim 1, wherein said step (c) comprises the steps of: (c1) If the karaoke menu screen is displayed in said step (b), setting a selection mode; (c2) displaying a message requesting song selection; and (c3) Input desired song number. 4. A method for performing a communication karaoke mode in an information television, wherein the information television provides communication services by including an information processing unit for receiving and decoding information from a value-added network, said method comprising the following steps : (a) Select the communication karaoke mode; (b) connecting the information processing unit to the value-added network through a data line and displaying a karaoke menu screen; (c) reserve a song by sequentially inputting several song numbers; (d) receiving data for a first reserved song of the sequentially reserved songs; (e) receiving data for the remaining reserved songs while replaying the first reserved song; and (f) If the reception of the data of all the reserved songs is completed, disconnect the line and play back the songs in the reserved order. 5. The method for carrying out the communication karaoke mode in the information television according to claim 4, wherein the selection of the communication karaoke mode in the step (a) is by selecting a Submenu representing karaoke mode or done by pressing the karaoke mode key. 6. The method for carrying out the communication karaoke mode in the information television according to claim 4, wherein said step (c) comprises the steps of: (c1) If the karaoke menu screen is displayed in said step (b), setting a reservation mode; (c2) displaying a message requesting song selection; and (c3) A plurality of song numbers are sequentially input. 7. A method for performing a communication karaoke mode in an information television, wherein the information television provides communication services by including an information processing unit for receiving and decoding information from a value-added network, said method comprising the following steps : (a) Select the communication karaoke mode; (b) connecting the information processing unit to the value-added network through a data line and displaying a karaoke menu screen; (c) reserve a song by sequentially inputting several song numbers; (d) switching to infoTV mode if the subscription is complete, and receiving data corresponding to a plurality of reserved songs; (e) If reception of data of all reserved songs is completed, disconnect the line; and (f) Check whether the karaoke mode is selected, and if the karaoke mode has been selected, replay the received song data in order of reservation; otherwise, execute the information television mode. 8. The method for executing the communication karaoke mode in the information television according to claim 7, wherein the selection of the communication karaoke mode in the step (a) is by selecting a Submenu representing karaoke mode or done by pressing the karaoke mode key. 9. The method for performing the communication karaoke mode in the information television according to claim 7, wherein said step (c) comprises the steps of: (c1) If the karaoke menu screen is displayed in said step (b), setting a reservation mode; (c2) displaying a message requesting song selection; and (c3) A plurality of song numbers are sequentially input. 10. The method for carrying out the communication karaoke mode in information television according to claim 7, wherein in said step (d), after the karaoke mode is converted into the information television mode, all reserved song data is Receive, while displaying the message, ie, "song receiving process". 11. A method for performing a communication karaoke mode in an information television, wherein the information television provides communication services by including an information processing unit for receiving and decoding information from a value-added network, said method comprising the following steps ; (a) Select the communication karaoke mode; (b) connecting the information processing unit to the value-added network through a data line and displaying a karaoke menu screen; (c) reserve a song by sequentially inputting several song numbers; (d) checking whether the song data of the reserved song number has been received and stored in the memory; (e) reading and reproducing the song data if there is data of the reserved song in said memory; and (f)) If there is no reserved song data in the memory, then receive the song data of the reserved song number from the value-added network, store the received song data in the described memory and then replay the stored song data . 12. The method for executing the communication karaoke mode in an information television according to claim 11, wherein the selection of the communication karaoke mode in said step (a) is by selecting a Submenu representing karaoke mode or done by pressing the karaoke mode key. 13. The method for performing the communication karaoke mode in the information television according to claim 11, wherein said step (c) comprises the steps of: (c1) If the karaoke menu screen is displayed in said step (b), setting a reservation mode; (c2) displaying a message requesting song selection; and (c3) A plurality of song numbers are sequentially input. 14. The method for executing the communication karaoke mode in the information television according to claim 11, wherein said step (e) comprises: (e1) checking whether the song data stored in the memory is the song data of the first reserved song number; (e2) if it is determined in step (e1) that the song data stored in the memory is the song data of the first reserved song number, then read out and replay the stored song data; (e3) If it is determined in step (e1) that the song data stored in the memory is not the song data of the first reserved song number, retrieving all reserved song numbers and memorizing their storage addresses from the described memory; (e4) Checking whether any song is being played back, and if no song is being played back, playing back the song data stored at the memory address of said memory in a predetermined order. 15. The method for executing the communication karaoke mode in the information television according to claim 11, wherein said step (f) comprises: (f1) If there is no song data of the reserved song number in the memory, then receiving the song data from the value-added network; (f2) checking whether the song data received is the first reserved song data; (f3) when determining in described step (f2) that the song data that receives is the song data of the song number of the first subscription, replay the song that this receives; (f4) when determining that the song data that receives is not the song data of the song number of the first subscription in described step (f2), check whether any song is being replayed; (f5) If no song is being played back, the received song data is played back in the order reserved. 16. The method for executing the communication karaoke mode in an information television according to claim 11, wherein in said step (f), if it is determined that said memory does not have enough storage capacity, the stored song data The earliest one of them is deleted, and then the received song data is stored in it. 17. The method for executing the communication karaoke mode in an information television according to claim 11, wherein in said step (f), if it is determined that said memory does not have enough storage capacity, then store in said memory The song number in the memory described above is displayed and the user can select the song to be deleted therefrom, and then the received song can be stored in the deleted song area. 18. A method for performing a communication karaoke mode in an information television, wherein the information television provides communication services by including an information processing unit for receiving and decoding information from a value-added network, the method comprising the following steps : (a) Select the communication karaoke mode; (b) connecting the information processing unit to the value-added network through a data line and displaying a karaoke menu screen; (c) select a challenge karaoke mode; (d) receiving a plurality of randomly selected song data; (e) if the reception of the first song data of the randomly selected song is completed, replaying the first selected song data, and simultaneously requesting the transmission of the next song; (f) storing the received song data in the order received; and (g) If the reception of the song data is completed, the line is disconnected and the songs are played back in the order received. 19. The method for executing the communication karaoke mode in the information television according to claim 18, wherein the selection of the communication karaoke mode in the step (a) is by selecting a Submenu representing karaoke mode or done by pressing the karaoke mode key. 20. The method for executing the communication karaoke mode in the information television according to claim 18, wherein the song number received on the basis of selecting the challenge karaoke mode is selected by the user. 21. The method for executing a communication karaoke mode in an information television as claimed in claim 18, wherein the song number received on the basis of selecting the challenge karaoke mode is predetermined.

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