Interactive multimedia apparatus

• US 20030140770A1
• Filed: 10/02/2002
• Published: 07/31/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 04/07/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Jabriffs Limited
• Original Assignee: Thurdis Developments Limited
• Inventors: Barry, James Anthony
• Granted Patent: US 7,151,214 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 84/610
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 1/0008 Associated control or indicating means
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 1/361 Recording/reproducing of accompaniment for use with an external source, e.g. karaoke systems
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 2240/061 MP3, i.e. MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 Audio Layer III, lossy audio compression
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 3/18 using a string, e.g. electric guitar mechanical features G10D1/085

Abstract

The apparatus (1) comprises a guitar (3) having strings (42) operable by a user to generate electric signals, a control unit (2), storage means for a simulation backing track in any desired multi-media file format and audio/audio-visual equipment for playing a main track. The control unit (2) has software for receiving and analyzing the electrical signals from the guitar (41) and for synchronizing the backing track with the main track during playback. The software of the control unit (2) opens the backing track multi-media file and streams the file in mute mode in synchronisation with the main track. In response to the electrical signals from the guitar (41), the control unit generates an output from the multi-media file to the audio/audio-visual equipment. Alternatively, the apparatus opens and plays extracts from the multi-media file and generates an output from the multi-media files to the audio equipment (4) together with the background track.

Claims

1. An interactive multimedia apparatus comprising:

a music simulation instrument having activation means operable by a user to generate electric signals in response to the user'"'"'s activation and selection;

a control unit;

storage means for at least one simulation backing track in any desired multi-media file format;

and audio/audio-visual means for playing a main track;

the control unit having;

software for receiving and analyzing the electrical signals from the music simulation instrument; and

means for synchronizing the simulated backing track with the main track playing on the audio/audio-visual means during playback and for maintaining synchronization during playback;

whereby in operation, the software of the control unit opens the backing track multi-media file and streams the file in mute mode in synchronisation with the main track, and whereby in response to the electrical signals from the music simulation instrument, the control unit generates an output from the multi-media file to an audio/audio-visual means.

2. An interactive multimedia apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the multi-media file is downloadable in MP3 format, wav format or any other file format for storing audio information digitally.

3. An interactive multimedia apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which each file contains any individual instrumental track from a selection of available tracks whereby an operator may download a piece of music with any track removed and additionally download that track separately to play along with the piece of music.

4. An interactive multi-media apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the software in the control unit starts the main track and streams the backing track in mute synchronization with the main track and when the software receives an electrical signal from the music simulation instrument, the software outputs an audible signal from the multimedia file.

5. An interactive multi-media apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the software in the control unit detects the length, and amplitude and/or frequency of the electrical signals received from the music simulation instrument and in which the software adjusts the output from the multi-media file to the audio/visual means as a direct response to the characteristics of the signal from the music simulation instrument.

6. An interactive multi-media apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the formatted file is generated by analysing the contents of the instrument-backing track of an album and recreating the notes and chords in any multi-media file format to

(b) generate a file which will provide valid and meaningful output even during periods when the album backing track is silent.

(b) always generate an output even if the user operates the activation means at the wrong time or incorrectly;

and in which the outputs provided in the event of (b) are sympathetic to the main track'"'"'s structure and melody.

7. An interactive multi-media apparatus as claimed in claim 6, in which the means for analysing a master backing instrument track includes software and algorithms.

11. An interactive multi-media apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the apparatus is provided with a series of special effect controls which when operated by a user send signals to the software to produce a variety of special effects on the audio/audio-visual output.

12. An interactive multi-media apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including means for storing the newly generated output to any desired storage device such as a hard disk, a compact disc, a DVD device or the like.

13. An interactive multi-media apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including a series of visual display screens which are operable to enable a user to launch a game experience, select different operating modes, choose a source music device, select a backing track and/or assign digital sound effects files to the special effects controls on the music simulation instrument.

14. An interactive multimedia apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the music simulation instrument is connectable to a joystick port of a personal computer, games console, or via a USB, RS232 port or the like.

15. An interactive multimedia apparatus as claimed in claim 11 in which the music simulation instrument comprises a guitar or a guitar type device in which the activation means operable by the user comprise a series of strings and a transducer to convert the strumming of the strings into electrical signals.

16. An interactive multimedia apparatus as claimed in claim 15 in the guitar or guitar type device includes a control panel, selection controls, a volume control and the said special effect controls.

17. An interactive multimedia apparatus as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16 including an interface for sending the electrical signals generated by the transducer to the control unit, the interface being provided between the transducer and the input port of the control unit, the interface unit enabling the user to transmit a plurality of different control signals to the control unit.

18. An interactive multimedia apparatus as claimed in claim 17 in which the interface includes an amplifier and level detectors to detect the force with which the user strums or strikes the strings.

19. An interactive multimedia apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the music simulation instrument is connectable to a microphone input/output connection of the control unit.

20. An interactive multimedia apparatus as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims in which the control unit comprises a personal computer, a cable or satellite television decoder or a games console and the audio/audio-visual means comprises a mono or stereo high fidelity audio apparatus, headphones, a television, a monitor or a like audio/audio-visual output means.

8. An interactive multimedia apparatus comprising:

a music simulation instrument having activation means operable by a user to generate electric signals in response to the user'"'"'s activation and selection;

a control unit;

storage means for one or more multi-media files in any format;

and an audio/audio-visual means for playing a background track;

the control unit having;

software for receiving and analyzing electrical signals from the music simulation instrument; and

means for opening and playing extracts from the multi-media files in response to the electrical signals, whereby in operation, the software of the control unit opens the selected multi-media files and generates an output from the multi-media files to the audio/audio-visual means together with the background track.

9. An interactive multi-media apparatus as claimed in claim 8, in which the means for opening and/or playing extracts from the multi-media file is operable by user activated control members which send a signal to the software of the control unit in response to being pressed.

10. An interactive multi-media apparatus as claimed in claim 9, in which each control member has an associated file stored on the control unit, whereby in use, the user activates a control member and the software opens the associated file and plays it directly or in response to the activation means of the music simulation instrument being operated.