Networks of portable electronic devices that collectively generate sound

• US 9,779,708 B2
• Filed: 06/23/2016
• Issued: 10/03/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 04/24/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Shinding Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Shinding Incorporated
• Inventors: Gottlieb, Steven M.
• Primary Examiner(s): FLETCHER, MARLON T
• Application Number:
  US15/191,296
• Publication Number:
  US 20160307552A1
• Time in Patent Office: 467 Days
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/165 Management of the audio stream, e.g. setting of volume, audio stream path
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 1/0033 Recording/reproducing or transmission of music for electrophonic musical instruments
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 1/0058 Transmission between separate instruments or between individual components of a musical system G10H1/0083 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 1/365 the accompaniment information being stored on a host computer and transmitted to a reproducing terminal by means of a network, e.g. public telephone lines
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 2240/175 for jam sessions or musical collaboration through a network, e.g. for composition, ensemble playing or repeating; Compensation of network or internet delays therefor
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 2240/251 Mobile telephone transmission, i.e. transmitting, accessing or controlling music data wirelessly via a wireless or mobile telephone receiver, analogue or digital, e.g. DECT, GSM, UMTS

Abstract

Systems and methods for collectively generating sound are provided. A sound composition can include multiple component pieces and those component pieces can be divided amongst devices so that the devices can collectively generate the sound composition. For example, each component piece may be assigned to a different device and the each device may provide its assigned component pieces in a synchronized manner so that the overall sound composition is collectively generated. By generating a sound composition in this manner, the network may create new and exciting spatial effects.

Claims

1. A method for collectively generating a sound composition that includes multiple component pieces, the method comprising:

determining a characteristic of a network that includes multiple devices, wherein the characteristic comprises the number of devices in the network collectively generating sound;

assigning a component piece to at least one of the devices in the network;

transmitting data to the at least one device; and

generating sound using the at least one device, wherein the at least one device generates a blend of the component piece and the sound composition, and the blend is;

based at least partially on the characteristic of the network;

includes a higher volume for the sound composition if there are less devices collectively generating sound; and

includes a lower volume for the sound composition if there are more devices collectively generating sound.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the characteristic comprises the proximity of two or more devices collectively generating sound.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein:

the blend includes a higher volume for the sound composition if the two or more devices are relatively spread apart; and

the blend includes a lower volume for the sound composition if the two or more devices are densely packed.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the characteristic comprises collective movement of two or more devices collectively generating sound.

5. A method for collectively generating a sound composition that includes multiple component pieces, the method comprising:

determining a characteristic of a network that includes multiple devices, wherein the characteristic comprises the proximity of two or more devices collectively generating sound;

assigning a component piece to at least one of the devices in the network;

transmitting data to the at least one device; and

generating sound using the at least one device, wherein the at least one device generates a blend of the component piece and the sound composition, and the blend is;

based at least partially on the characteristic of the network;

includes a higher volume for the sound composition if the two or more devices are relatively spread apart; and

includes a lower volume for the sound composition if the two or more devices are densely packed.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the characteristic comprises the number of devices in the network collectively generating sound.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein:

the blend includes a higher volume for the sound composition if there are less devices collectively generating sound; and

the blend includes a lower volume for the sound composition if there are more devices collectively generating sound.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein the characteristic comprises collective movement of two or more devices collectively generating sound.