U.S. patent application number 10/335021 was filed with the patent office on 2004-07-01 for entertainment device.
Invention is credited to Kavana, Jordan Steven.
Application Number | 20040127285 10/335021 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33030428 |
Filed Date | 2004-07-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040127285 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kavana, Jordan Steven |
July 1, 2004 |
Entertainment device
Abstract
An interactive entertainment device that may be capable of being
used as a karaoke machine, a dance teaching aide, a combination of
a karaoke machine and dance teaching aide, a competition device,
and others. The interactive entertainment device may include a
central processing unit, a dance mat having one or more sensors for
receiving input from a user, a display device for displaying words
of songs, one or more input devices, such as microphones, and one
or more speakers for playing songs.
Inventors: |
Kavana, Jordan Steven;
(Aventura, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michael K. Dixon
Akerman Senterfitt
PO Box 3188
West Palm Beach
FL
33402-3188
US
|
Family ID: |
33030428 |
Appl. No.: |
10/335021 |
Filed: |
December 31, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/36 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09B 19/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/036 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Claims
I claim:
1. An entertainment device, comprising: a central processing unit;
a mat coupled to the central processing unit and having one or more
sensors coupled to the mat for teaching a user dance steps by
receiving input from a user and transferring the input to the
central processing unit; a display device coupled to the central
processing unit for enabling the user to interact with the central
processing unit and for displaying lines of text from songs for the
user; a memory device for storing programs; at least one speaker
for playing one or more songs; and at least one input device
coupled to the central processing unit enabling the user to
communicate with the central processing unit.
2. The entertainment device of claim 1, wherein the display device
is a monitor.
3. The entertainment device of claim 1, wherein the display device
is a television.
4. The entertainment device of claim 1, wherein the memory device
is a removable cartridge.
5. The entertainment device of claim 1, wherein the at least one
input device is at least one microphone.
6. The entertainment device of claim 5, wherein the at least one
input device comprises two microphones.
7. The entertainment device of claim 5, wherein the at least one
microphone includes controls for controlling operation of the
entertainment device.
8. The entertainment device of claim 7, wherein the controls are
selected from the group consisting of an on/off switch, a mode
select switch, a volume switch, and an echo switch.
9. The entertainment device of claim 1, wherein the at least one
input device communicates with the central processing unit using
wireless communication technology.
10. The entertainment device of claim 1, wherein the at least one
input device is coupled to the central processing unit using
electrical wires.
11. The entertainment device of claim 1, wherein the mat comprises
four or more sensors coupled to the mat for receiving input from a
user.
12. The entertainment device of claim 11, wherein the sensors are
positioned on the mat in a cross formation.
13. The entertainment device of claim 1, wherein the mat includes a
foot actuated on/off switch embedded in the mat.
14. The entertainment device of claim 1, wherein the mat comprises
a mode switch for selecting between various modes of the
entertainment device.
15. The entertainment device of claim 1, further comprising at
least one connector for coupling the central processing unit of the
entertainment device to a second entertainment device.
16. The entertainment device of claim 6, wherein the input device
enables a user to change play modes.
17. The entertainment device of claim 16, wherein the play mode is
a combined karaoke and dance mode.
18. The entertainment device of claim 16, wherein the play mode is
a competition mode.
19. An entertainment system, comprising: a central processing unit;
a first mat coupled to the central processing unit and having one
or more sensors coupled to the mat for teaching a first user dance
steps by receiving input from the first user and for transferring
the input to the central processing unit; a second mat coupled to
the central processing unit and having one or more sensors coupled
to the mat for teaching a second user dance steps by receiving
input from the second user and for transferring the input to the
central processing unit; a display device coupled to the central
processing unit for enabling the first and second users to interact
with the central processing unit and for displaying lines of text
from songs for the first and second users; a memory device for
storing programs; at least one speaker for playing one or more
songs; and at least one input device coupled to the central
processing unit enabling the user to communicate with the central
processing unit and to change play modes.
20. The entertainment device of claim 1, wherein the memory device
is a removable cartridge.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention is directed generally to entertainment
devices, and more particularly, to interactive entertainment
devices.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Karaoke is a popular style of entertainment that enables
people to sing famous songs while background instrumentals of the
song are played. Karaoke enables people to relax and enjoy
themselves at restaurants, bars, parties, and other locations or
occasions while providing entertainment for their friends, family,
and others who may be watching. Typically, karaoke machines include
a music player, such as a compact disk (CD) player, coupled to one
or more speakers. In addition, a microphone may be coupled to one
or more speakers, and a display screen may be included to display
the words to the songs to be sung by the singers. Karaoke machines
allow singers to choose songs from numerous list of songs. In
short, karaoke machines provide people with an interactive
entertainment device.
[0003] Another form of entertainment is dancing. Dances have been
taught over the years through one-on-one lessons, group
instruction, video instruction, and other methods. Many aides have
been developed to make the process of learning dance moves easier.
Some of these aides include instructional booklets and the process
of placing dance steps on dance floors to lead a dancer through the
proper steps. While these steps provide a dancer with instruction
as to where the dancer should place his or her next step, the aides
do not alert dancers of the proper timing of steps or whether the
dancers stepped in the proper locations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] This invention relates to an interactive entertainment
device. The device may be capable of using one or more of the
following: a karaoke machine; a dance teaching aide; a combination
of a karaoke machine and a dance teaching aide; a competition
device; among other possible uses. The interactive entertainment
device may include a central processing unit, a mat, one or more
display devices, a memory device and an input device. The mat may
be coupled to the central processing unit for teaching a user dance
steps by receiving input from a user and transferring the input to
the central processing unit. The mat may have one or more sensors
positioned in the mat for receiving input from a user. The one or
more display devices may be coupled to the central processing
device for displaying song selections, for guiding a user through
words of a song when used as a karaoke machine, to display
scorecards, and other items. The memory device may be used for
storing song lists, songs, scores, and other items may be coupled
to the central processing unit. In one embodiment, the memory
device may be a removable cartridge. The input device may be a
microphone for receiving input from a user.
[0005] The interactive entertainment device may be operated in one
of numerous modes. For instance, the interactive entertainment
device may be used as a karaoke machine by displaying songs on the
display device, which may be a monitor, television screen, or other
device. Songs may be chosen by a user and displayed on the display
device. The interactive entertainment device guides a user through
the Each word is highlighted when the word should be sung by the
user.
[0006] In the dance mode, a user is given the option of choosing a
difficulty level of the dance to be performed. The user may or may
not be given the option of choosing the song to be played. After
the user chooses one or more songs, the user may start the teaching
aide by depressing a key. Once the song has begun, the display
device displays arrows that indicate to the user where the user
should place his or her feet. The mat receives the input from the
user's feet and transmits the information to the central processing
unit, which determines whether the user completed the step in
proper timing. If the user made a correct step, the user is awarded
one or more points. Otherwise, one or more points may be deducted
from the user's score. The user dances until the song ends or the
user runs out of points.
[0007] In the karaoke and dance combination mode, the interactive
entertainment device combines the karaoke and dance mode to enhance
a user's enjoyment of the device. The user may choose a song from a
list of songs. The interactive entertainment device operates by
displaying the words to the song on the display device and audibly
playing the song except for the vocals. The display device also may
display indicators, such as arrows, for guiding the user through
the dance. The interactive entertainment device may or may not keep
score.
[0008] In the competition mode, the interactive entertainment
device enables two or more users to compete against each other in a
dance competition. The central processing units of two mats are
coupled together. The display device displays a screen having one
side displaying information for a first user and another side
displaying information for a second user. The users compete against
each other by following the dance instructions on the screen and
stepping in the appropriate place on the mats. The user with the
higher score at the end of the song is the winner. If one user
loses his or her points before the end of the song, the other user
is able to continue dancing until that user either loses all of his
or her points or the song is completed. The scores may be shown at
the end of the song.
[0009] An advantage of this invention is that the interactive
entertainment device enables a user to enjoy a single device that
can function as a karaoke machine, a dance teaching aide, a karaoke
and dance combination device, or a competition dancing device.
[0010] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent after review of the following
drawings and detailed description of the disclosed embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
form a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the
presently disclosed invention and, together with the description,
disclose the principles of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
interactive entertainment device of this invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is mat usable in the interactive entertainment device
shown in FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of a central
processing unit usable in the interactive entertainment device
shown in FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 4 is an artistic rendition of an input device usable in
the interactive entertainment device shown in FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a screen shot of a mode selection screen of this
invention.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a screen shot of a song selection screen of this
invention.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a screen shot of a typical karaoke screen of this
invention.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a screen shot of a typical dance guide screen of
this invention.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a screen shot of a typical competition screen of
this invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, this invention is an
entertainment device 10 that offers a user a choice of a variety of
different play modes. Entertainment device 10 may operate in
numerous modes, such as, but not limited to, a karaoke mode, a
dance teaching mode, a karaoke and dance combination mode, a duet
mode, or a competition mode. Each mode may use all or a portion of
the equipment included in entertainment device 10. The modes may be
changed at a user's discretion.
[0022] I. Components
[0023] Generally, entertainment device 10 includes a central
processing unit 12 for controlling the operation of entertainment
device 10. Central processing unit 12 may be coupled to numerous
devices, such as, but not limited to a mat 14, a display device 16,
a memory device 18, one or more input devices 20, and one or more
speakers 23. Mat 14 includes one or more sensors 22 for receiving
input from a user and for transferring the input to central
processing unit 12. In one embodiment, four or more sensors are
attached to mat 14 in a cross formation. Sensors 22 may be
integrally formed in mat 14, coupled to an inside or outside
surface of mat 14 using an adhesive or other material, or otherwise
attached to mat 14. Sensors 22 may detect heat, pressure or other
input item generated by a user. Mat 14 may also include a foot
actuated on/off switch 19 and a mode switch 21 for selecting
between various modes of the entertainment device. Mat 14 may have
a top surface with an aesthetically pleasing decoration. In one
embodiment, mat 14 may be decorated with numerous foot prints 24,
as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Footprints 24 or other icon may be
positioned on top of sensors 22 to guide a user to the location of
sensors 22 within mat 22.
[0024] Entertainment device 10 includes one or more display devices
16 that enable a user to interact with central processing unit 12.
Display device 16 may be, but is not limited to a monitor, a
television set, or other electronic display device. Display device
16 may be coupled to central processing unit 12 using conventional
audio/video (AV) connectors and cables, wireless communication
technology, or other devices.
[0025] Central processing unit 12 is coupled to a memory device 18,
as shown in FIG. 3, that provides central processing unit 12 with
programs and other information. Memory device 18 may be included as
a part of central processing unit 12. In one embodiment, memory
device 18 is a removable cartridge. The removable cartridge may
contain lists of songs, dance programs, records of the high scores
for dances, and other information.
[0026] Entertainment device 10 may include one or more input
devices 20, as shown in FIG. 4, that enable a user to communicate
with central processing unit 12. In one embodiment, input device 20
is a microphone. Input device 20 may be coupled to central
processing unit 12 using electrical wires, wireless technology, or
through other devices. Input device 20 may also include controls 25
for controlling the operation of entertainment device 10. Controls
25 may include, but are not limited to, an on/off switch 40, a mode
select switch 42, a volume button 44, an echo button 46, one or
more tempo buttons 48, a start button 50, pitch control buttons,
and others. In another embodiment, controls 25 are located on
central processing unit 12 and may be operated by being contacted
with a user's foot, toes, or other body part.
[0027] II. Operation of Entertainment Device
[0028] Entertainment device 10 may be operated by first coupling
the device to a power source, such as, but not limited to, a
conventional alternating current (AC) power source, such as a
conventional wall outlet, a battery, which may or may not be
rechargeable, or other power source. Entertainment device 10 may
then be turned on using an on/off switch, which may be located on
either input device 20 or on central processing unit 12. Central
processing unit 12 then displays a mode selection screen 26, as
shown in FIG. 5. Mode selection screen may include, but is not
limited to, icons for a karaoke mode, a dance mode, a karaoke and
dance mode, and a competition mode. A user may choose a mode by
depressing a button on input device 20 or on mat 14. After a mode
is chosen by a user, the modes operate as described below. The
order of operation described below for each mode may vary. Each
step may or may not occur in the order described.
[0029] A. Karaoke Mode
[0030] Entertainment device 10 may operate in a karaoke mode in
which entertainment device 10 plays the instrumentals of a chosen
song and guides a user through the song by displaying words of the
song on a display device 16. Central processing unit 12
communicates with memory device 18 and displays a song selection
screen 28, as shown in FIG. 6, on display device 16. A user may
scroll through multiple screens containing lists of songs using
controls 25 on input device 20, controls on central processing unit
12, or with other devices. In one embodiment, a user may scroll
through the songs using keys that may be labeled "up" or "down" on
input device 20. A song may be selected using a key labeled
"select" 42. A user may select more than one song to be played in
the ordered selected. In one embodiment, a user may select up to
five songs to be played in successive order. The list of songs
displayed on display device 16 may include song titles and the
artists performing each song. In addition, the songs may be grouped
into classifications, such as by song type.
[0031] The words of the song are displayed by central processing
unit 12 on display device 16, as shown in FIG. 7. The words may be
displayed in multiple lines and scroll downwardly on display device
16. Entertainment device 10 indicates to a user when each word
should be sung. In one embodiment, each word may be highlighted,
displayed in a color that is different than the other words
displayed on the screen, or otherwise brought to the attention of a
user when that individual word or phrase should be sung. While a
song is being displayed on display device 16, central processing
unit 12 may play the background music for the song through speakers
23. The user may adjust the volume, pitch, and tempo of the song
being played by using controls 25, which may be on input device 20
or on control processing unit 12. An additional input device 16,
such as a microphone, may be coupled to central processing unit 12
so that another user may sing together with the first user to form
a duet. After the song has been completed, central processing unit
12 may display mode selection screen 26.
[0032] B. Dance Mode
[0033] Entertainment device 10 may operate in dance mode where a
user dances on mat 14 to a song selected by the user. A user may
select a song from a list of songs. The central processing unit 12
plays the song, with or without lyrics. A user may also select the
level of difficulty of the dance, such as easy, regular, or hard.
Once the difficulty level has been selected, the user depresses the
"start" button to play the selected song. While the song is being
played, display device displays a screen, such as the dance screen
30 shown in FIG. 8. Dance screen 30 displays arrows in target box
32 pointing to the location that the user should place his or her
feet on mat 14. If the user correctly places his or her feet on the
correct location on mat 14 and the timing is correct, the arrow on
the screen may be highlighted, which signifies a correct step was
made by the user.
[0034] Entertainment system 10 assigns points to the user that are
recorded in what may be referred to as a "life meter" 34. The
objective for the user is to step on the correct footprint 24
located on mat 14 that corresponds with the arrow that is shown in
target box 32. The amount of points are tracked and displayed on
display device 16. When the user misses an arrow, points are
subtracted from life meter 34. When life meter 34 falls to zero,
the game is over. The display device 16 may display the word
"failed" on the screen. Display device 16 may display the
percentage of correct dance steps made, the highest score obtained
by any user, and other information. After a few moments, display
device 16 will display song selection screen 28.
[0035] C. Karaoke and Dance Combination Mode
[0036] Entertainment device 10 may include a karaoke and dance
combination mode. After a user has chosen the karaoke and dance
combination mode icon from mode selection screen 26, song selection
screen 28 is displayed. A user may select one or more songs to be
played in successive order. Once a user has finished selecting the
one or more songs, the user may actuate a "start" button 50.
Display device 16 then may give the user the ability to choose the
difficulty level of the song and dance, such as, easy, regular, and
hard. The user can then actuate the "start" button 50, which will
cause the central processing unit 12 begin playing the song. While
the song is being played, display device 16 will display the words
to the song, as described above for the karaoke mode, and will
display target box 32 for guiding the user through the proper dance
steps. The user may adjust parameters, such as volume, pitch, an
tempo of the song being played. If the user losses all of his or
her points target box will stop displaying arrows, but
entertainment device 10 will continue to display the words to the
song until the song has been completed. At the conclusion of the
song, the user's percentage of correct dance steps are displayed.
The display device 16 then displays mode selection screen 26.
[0037] D. Competition Mode
[0038] Entertainment device 10 may include a competition mode
enabling two or more users to compete against each other. For the
entertainment device 10 to operate in competition mode, the central
processing units 12 of two mats 14 should be place in communication
with each other. In one embodiment, this may be accomplished using
a challenge wire. The challenge wire may be formed from an
insulated conductive wire having connectors at each end that are
capable of being coupled to mats 14. A memory device 18 needs to be
placed in only one of the central processing units 12. The power
may be turned on when desired, and the first user can select the
difficulty level, which may be, but is not limited to, easy,
regular, or difficult. The first user may then press the "start"
button to start the competition.
[0039] The competition mode screen 36, as shown in FIG. 9, is
displayed, which may include a life meter 34 for each user, a
scoring box 38 for each user, and a target box 32 for each user.
Competition mode screen 36 may be divided vertically in the middle
of the screen, whereby a first user's statistics may be displayed
on one side of the screen and a second user's statistics may be
displayed on another side of the screen. The users dance in the
same manner as described above for the dance mode by following the
arrows displayed in target box 32. The score for each user is
displayed in the scoring boxes 38. If one of the users' score falls
to zero while a song is being played, that user's game is ended and
a word, such as "failed," appears on the screen. The other user is
able to continue dancing until the song has ended. At the end of
the song, the users' statistics may be briefly displayed on the
screen. The mode selection screen 26 may be displayed by a user
depressing a "main menu" button.
[0040] The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating,
explaining, and describing embodiments of this invention.
Modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent
to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from
the scope or spirit of this invention.
* * * * *