Patent ID: 7515980

Claim:
A sound output apparatus comprising: a sound data storing section which stores sound data; a reading section which reads out the sound data from the sound data storing section; an operating section which is operable by a user, detects the user's operation and outputs an operation signal; a first control section which controls the reading section to read out the sound data from the sound data storing section and to output the read sound data through a predetermined first path, in response to the operation signal; a first output section which outputs sound based on the read sound data supplied through the first path; an end-timing memorizing section which memorizes timing data representing a timing at which the output of the sound data by the first control section ends; a first determining section which determines whether or not a predetermined time period has passed from the output end timing; a second control section which controls the reading section to read out the sound data from the sound data storing section and outputs the read sound data through a predetermined second path different from the first path when the first determining section determines that the predetermined time period has passed; and a second output section which outputs sound based on the sound data supplied through the second path.