U.S. patent application number 11/489676 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-05 for mobile/portable and personal pre-recorded sound effects electronic amplifier device/gadget.
Invention is credited to Avi Amitai, Ra'Anan Kessel.
Application Number | 20070155277 11/489676 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38957186 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070155277 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Amitai; Avi ; et
al. |
July 5, 2007 |
Mobile/portable and personal pre-recorded sound effects electronic
amplifier device/gadget
Abstract
In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a
cheering apparatus, comprising: an effect selector, for selecting a
sound effect to be played upon activation; a motion detector, for
detecting an acceleration or deceleration by a user's limb; and an
audio unit, for playing the selected sound upon indicating by the
motion detector acceleration or deceleration of a user's limb. The
cheering apparatus may further comprise a handheld casing, for
housing at least a speaker of the audio unit. The cheering
apparatus may further comprise a connector, such as one or more
straps, for directly or indirectly connecting the motion detector
to a human's limb. The motion detector may comprise: a conductive
weighting object; a flexible conductive element connected at one
end to the weighting object, and connected at the other end to a
non-conductive chassis; and conductive housing.
Inventors: |
Amitai; Avi; (Ra'anana,
IL) ; Kessel; Ra'Anan; (Tel Aviv, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HAIM FACTOR;Ofek Group Inc.
16192 Coastal Highway
Lewes
DE
19958
US
|
Family ID: |
38957186 |
Appl. No.: |
11/489676 |
Filed: |
July 20, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60701837 |
Jul 25, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
446/175 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G10H 1/26 20130101; G10H
2220/395 20130101; G10H 2250/641 20130101; G10H 2250/365
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/175 |
International
Class: |
A63H 30/00 20060101
A63H030/00 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A cheering apparatus, comprising: an effect selector, for
selecting a sound effect to be played upon activation; a motion
detector, for detecting an acceleration or deceleration; and an
audio unit, for playing said selected sound upon indicating by said
motion detector an acceleration or deceleration.
22. A cheering apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising:
a handheld casing, for housing at least a speaker of said audio
unit.
23. A cheering apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said effect
selector is adapted to allow a user to select an arbitrary sound
effect from a group of sound effects.
24. A cheering apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said effect
selector is adapted to allow a user to select in a cyclic order a
sound effect from a group of sound effects.
25. A cheering apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said audio
unit comprises: an audio player, for producing an audio signal of a
selected sound effect; an audio amplifier, for amplifying said
sound signal; and a speaker, for playing said signal.
26. An apparatus according to claim 25, wherein said audio unit
further comprises a sound recorder, for recording said sound
effect.
27. A cheering apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising:
a connector, for connecting directly or indirectly said motion
detector to a human's limb.
28. A cheering apparatus according to claim 27, wherein said
connector comprises at least one strap.
29. A cheering apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said motion
detector comprises: a conductive weighting object; a flexible
conductive element connected at one end to said weighting object,
and connected at the other end to a non-conductive chassis; and
conductive housing; thereby upon accelerating or decelerating said
chassis by a certain level, said weighting object contacts said
housing, resulting in closing a circuit.
30. A cheering apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said effect
selector is deployed within said casing.
31. A cheering apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said effect
selector is deployed separately from said casing, and connected to
the corresponding element inside said casing by conductive
wires.
32. A cheering apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said motion
detector is deployed within said casing.
33. A cheering apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said motion
detector is deployed separately from said casing, and connected to
the corresponding element inside said casing by conductive
wires.
34. A cheering apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising
at least one visual indicator, for indicating an operational state
of said apparatus.
35. A cheering apparatus according to claim 34, wherein said at
least one visual indicator comprises a LED.
36. A cheering apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising
communication interface, for communication with an external
device.
37. A cheering apparatus according to claim 36, wherein said
communication interface is selected from a group comprising: wired
communication interface, wireless communication interface,
Bluetooth communication interface, infrared communication
interface, USB communication interface.
38. A cheering apparatus, comprising: a motion detector, for
detecting an acceleration or deceleration; and an audio unit, for
playing a sound effect upon indicating by said motion detector an
acceleration or deceleration, said audio unit comprising a sound
recorder, for recording said sound effect.
39. A cheering apparatus according to claim 38, further comprising
an effect selector, for selecting a sound effect to be played upon
activation.
40. A cheering apparatus according to claim 39, wherein said effect
selector is adapted to allow a user to select an arbitrary sound
effect.
41. A cheering apparatus according to claim 39, wherein said effect
selector is adapted to allow a user to select in a cyclic order a
sound effect from a group of sound effects.
42. A cheering apparatus according to claim 38, further comprising:
a connector, for connecting directly or indirectly said motion
detector to a human's limb.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of cheering
devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Audience participation in sports games, for example, is
considered very essential. Many sports experts describe the
audience/team fans cheering or protesting as vital as the sixth
player on a basketball team or the twelfth player on a soccer team.
Sports team fans all over the world continuously search for new
means to cheer or protest in order to increase their influence on
the sports games results while increasing, as well, their own
enjoyment of the event. For example, fans frequently arrive wearing
their favored team uniform, hats, socks, scarves, etc. to attend
the events. During the games, fans may perform as an organized
group/chorus, shouting interjections according to the immediate
situation at the pitch.
[0003] Common ways people express themselves at spectacles like
sports games, rock concerts, demonstrations, include creating as
much noise as they can, by shouting, whistling, applauding,
drumming, trumpeting or any other way that creates the desired
sound effects.
[0004] Another common way for fans to increase their impact on the
game results and to further their own enjoyment is by performing
together as a large body the famous "Mexican wave movement",
accompanied by coordinated cheering or booing interjections. All
cheering or protesting means that are mentioned above and many more
are suitable and relevant for outdoor and indoor events with
audience participation, such as sports games, demonstrations,
processions, rallies, etc.
[0005] A spectator of a show such as a concert or sports match is
basically limited to express himself by his own capabilities. He
can clap his hands, cheer his team, "boo" the opponent, and so
forth. However, spectators, especially of sports events, sometimes
feel this is insufficient, and therefore use devices for amplifying
their reaction, such as trumpets and the like.
[0006] Publication DE4015323 discloses a musical instrument
incorporated in a glove. It has a number of operating kegs provided
at the ends of each of the fingers and at spaced points across the
palm, to allow them to be independently generated by strumming the
fingers or pressing the palm of the glove against a solid surface.
The glove is coupled via a wireless transmission link to a base
unit incorporating an amplifier and a speaker or a handset. The
transmitter may be incorporated in the glove wrist band.
[0007] Publication JP10277273 discloses a toy that generates sounds
as a result of colliding with a wall or a floor in order to
dissipate stresses, by fitting an electronic circuit provided with
a shock-sensitive sensor, an electric source, a shaper, a voice
generator, an amplifier, a speaker, etc., in the inside of the toy
and wrapping it with an elastic raw material at the outside
thereof.
[0008] Publication WO9748092 discloses an interchangeable sound
effect device which incorporates and plays sound effects that have
been digitally recorded on interchangeable sound cartridges. The
device is designed to be used with entertainment and educational
type products such as toys, dolls, figurines, books and
instructional guides. The sound effect device employs an infrared
receiver housed within a durable encasement which straps around the
user's waist or is embedded within the doll, figurine, toy, or
book. The receiver unit contains an infrared detector, an
electronic driving means, an audio speaker, and a sound cartridge
that rests within a sound cartridge chamber. The sound cartridge
contains a sound enabler chip that stores, in digital form, a
number of prerecorded sound effects. In addition, the user can
easily remove the sound cartridge and insert one of many other
sound cartridges, each containing a different set of sound effects.
Finally, the sound effect device uses an infrared transmitter that
attaches to an adjustable glove.
[0009] Publication U.S. Pat. No. 6,758,769 is considered to be the
closest prior art. It discloses a sound effect assembly that
attaches to the net of a goal. The sound effect device contains a
sensor that either detects the motion of the net or the passing of
the ball or puck. When the sound effect assembly is activated, the
sound effect device generates audible sounds, preferably of a
cheering crowd. Accordingly, each time a goal is made, the sound
effect device produces the sounds of a cheering crowd. The sound
effect device is produced in a very small housing that hooks onto
the net of a goal.
[0010] All the methods and devices described above have not yet
provided satisfactory solutions to the problem of amplifying a
user's reaction to events of a happening, such as a spectacle and
sport match.
[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
cheering apparatus, which improves the ability of a spectator to
cheer and boo in a better way than in the prior art.
[0012] Other objects and advantages of the invention will become
apparent as the description proceeds.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described
and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods,
which are meant to be merely illustrative, not limiting in scope.
In various embodiments, one or more of the above-described problems
have been reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are
directed to other advantages or improvements.
[0014] The term "cheering apparatus" refers herein to an apparatus
for producing a sound effect such as of cheering, booing, clapping,
and the like, as a reaction of a kinematical event.
[0015] The term "cheering effect" or "sound effect" refers herein
to an audio signal of cheering, booing, clapping, and so on. A
cheering effect can be produced by playing a recorded sample or
playing an artificial sound, such as a sound produced by electronic
means.
[0016] In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a
cheering apparatus, comprising:
[0017] an effect selector, for selecting a sound effect to be
played upon activation;
[0018] a motion detector, for detecting acceleration or
deceleration (of a user's limb); and
[0019] an audio unit, for playing the selected sound upon
indicating by the motion detector an acceleration or
deceleration.
[0020] The cheering apparatus may further comprise a handheld
casing, for housing at least a speaker of the audio unit.
[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the effect
selector is adapted to allow a user to select an arbitrary sound
effect from a group of sound effects.
[0022] According to another embodiment of the invention, the effect
selector is adapted to allow a user to select in a cyclic order a
sound effect from a group of sound effects.
[0023] The audio unit may comprise:
[0024] an audio player, for producing an audio signal of a selected
sound effect;
[0025] an audio amplifier, for amplifying the sound signal; and
[0026] a speaker, for playing the signal.
[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the audio unit
further comprises a sound recorder, for recording the sound
effects.
[0028] The cheering apparatus may further comprise a connector,
such as one or more straps, for connecting the motion detector to a
human's limb directly (i.e., when the motion detector is an
integral part of the housing) or indirectly (i.e., when the motion
detector is separate from the housing).
[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the motion
detector comprises:
[0030] a conductive weighting object;
[0031] a flexible conductive element connected by one end to the
weighting object, and connected at the other end to a
non-conductive chassis; and
[0032] conductive housing;
[0033] thereby upon accelerating the chassis by a certain level and
on, the weighting object contacts the housing, resulting with
closing a circuit.
[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the effect
selector is deployed within the casing.
[0035] According to another embodiment of the invention, the effect
selector is deployed as part of the casing, and connected to the
corresponding element inside the casing by conductive wires.
[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the motion
detector is deployed within the casing.
[0037] According to another embodiment of the invention, the motion
detector is deployed separately from the casing, and connected to
the corresponding element inside the casing by conductive
wires.
[0038] The cheering apparatus may further comprise at least one
visual indicator, such as LED, for indicating an operational state
of the apparatus.
[0039] The cheering apparatus may further comprise communication
interface, for communication with an external device (e.g., for
importing and exporting sound effects). The communication interface
may be, for example, wired communication interface such as USB,
wireless communication interface such as infrared, Bluetooth, and
so forth.
[0040] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a
cheering apparatus, comprising:
[0041] a motion detector, for detecting an acceleration or
deceleration (of a user's limb); and [0042] an audio unit, for
playing a sound effect upon indicating by the motion detector an
acceleration or deceleration (of a user's limb), the audio unit
comprising a sound recorder, for recording the sound effect.
[0043] The apparatus may further comprise an effect selector, for
selecting a sound effect to be played upon activation.
[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the effect
selector is adapted to allow a user to select an arbitrary sound
effect.
[0045] According to another embodiment of the invention, the effect
selector is adapted to allow a user to select in a cyclic order a
sound effect from a group of sound effects.
[0046] In a further embodiment, the present invention comprises a
connector, for connecting directly or indirectly the motion
detector to a human's limb and the like.
[0047] In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments
described above, further aspects and embodiments will become
apparent by reference to the figures and by study of the following
detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0048] The objects and features of the present invention will
become apparent from the following detailed description considered
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0049] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the modules of a cheering
apparatus, according to a preferred embodiment of the
invention;
[0050] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an effect selector, which
may be used in embodiments of the invention;
[0051] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an electronic scheme of an
electrical effect selector, which may be used in embodiments of the
invention;
[0052] Each of FIGS. 4a and 4b is a sectional view which
schematically illustrates a common motion detector that can be
employed in embodiments of the present invention.
[0053] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a cheering apparatus,
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0054] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a cheering apparatus,
according to another embodiment of the invention; and
[0055] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a cheering apparatus,
according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
[0056] It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are
designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as a
definition of the limits of the invention, for which reference
should be made to the appended claims. It should be further
understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and
that, unless otherwise indicated, they are merely intended to
conceptually illustrate the structures and procedures described
herein. Reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to
indicate corresponding or analogous elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0057] In the following detailed description, numerous specific
details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding
of the disclosure. However, it will be understood by those skilled
in the art that the present invention may be practiced without
these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods,
procedures, components and circuits have not been described in
detail, so as not to obscure the present disclosure.
[0058] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the modules of a cheering
apparatus, according to a preferred embodiment of the
invention.
[0059] According to this embodiment, the cheering device is
designed as a mobile device which comprises the following
modules:
[0060] An audio recorder 10, for recording sound effects such as
cheering, booing, and the like.
[0061] An effect selector 20, for selecting by a user the sound
effect to be played upon activation (e.g., cheering, booing,
clapping).
[0062] A motion detector 30, for detecting motion of a user's limb,
and triggering the playing of the selected sound sample upon
detecting a certain level of acceleration or deceleration and
on.
[0063] An audio player 40, for playing recorded samples or
generating signals of desired effects.
[0064] An audio amplifier 50, for amplifying played signal.
[0065] A speaker 60, for converting electrical signal of the
amplifier into audible sound.
[0066] A mobile power source (not illustrated), such as but not
limited to batteries, should be used in order to provide the power
required for the cheering apparatus. In addition, a user interface
for operating the apparatus is employed (also not illustrated).
[0067] The Audio Unit
[0068] Audio recorders are universally well known. Actually, almost
every MP3 player includes an audio recorder and player. The current
audio recorders and players make use of non-volatile flash memory
as a substitute for the tape utilized in the past. This enables
designing miniature audio recorders and players.
[0069] The Effect Selector
[0070] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the
cheering apparatus is adapted to record/reproduce a plurality of
cheering effects, such as cheering, booing, clapping, and so forth.
The effect selector is a device by which a user selects an effect
to be recorded or played.
[0071] For example, a cheering apparatus is adapted to handle only
two cheering effects. In this case, a user may decide that one
effect is cheering and the other, booing. Thus, when setting the
selector to cheering, the recorded or reproduced sound will be of
cheering, and when setting the selector to booing, the recorded or
reproduced sound will be of booing.
[0072] According to one embodiment of the invention, the selector
is a switch having a state for each allowed expression (cheering,
booing, and so forth). Usually, the state of the switch is
indicated by corresponding contacts.
[0073] Switches that have two or more states are well known in the
art. Such a switch may be based on mechanical elements, electrical
elements, electronic elements, and so on.
[0074] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a mechanical effect
selector, which may be used in embodiments of the invention.
[0075] The effect selector has three states: cheering, booing and
clapping. Contacts 22 and 23 correspond to the cheering state;
contacts 24 and 25 correspond to the booing state; and contacts 26
and 27 correspond to the clapping state. A user may move the
carriage 28 from one state to another. In the illustration,
carriage 28 is in the cheering state, thus it connects the
corresponding contacts 22 and 23.
[0076] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an electronic scheme of an
electrical effect selector, which may be used in embodiments of the
invention.
[0077] A ring counter is basically a circulating shift register in
which the output of the most significant stage is fed back to the
input of the least significant stage. FIG. 3 illustrates a 3-bit
ring counter constructed from D flip-flops 29. The output of each
stage is shifted into the next stage on the positive edge of a
pulse from switch 21. If the CLEAR signal is high, all the
flip-flops except the first one FFO are reset to zero. FFO is
preset to 1 instead.
[0078] Since the count sequence has 3 distinct states, the counter
can be considered as a mod-3 counter. No extra decoding circuit is
needed to determine in which state the counter is.
[0079] Specified Selection is Cyclic Selection
[0080] According to one embodiment of the invention, the selector
comprises a multi-states switch, each one corresponding to a
different cheering effect. A user sets the cheering apparatus to
the desired state by setting the switch at the position associated
with the desired state. This type of switch is illustrated in FIG.
2.
[0081] According to another embodiment of the invention, the user
flips from one state to another by hitting a sensor. This can be
embodied by a sensor used for flipping from one state to the next
state in a group of states. This type of switch is illustrated in
FIG. 3.
[0082] For example, in case wherein the selector has two states,
cheering and booing, a hit switches from one state to the other
state, e.g., from cheering to booing; and the next hit on the
sensor sets the state from the booing state to the cheering state.
In another example, where the selector has three states, such as
cheering, booing and clapping, a hit on the sensor switches the
cheering apparatus from cheering to booing, the next hit from
booing to clapping, the next hit from clapping to cheering, and so
on.
[0083] Since this type of selector enables selecting the "next"
state from a group of states, it is referred to also as "cyclic
selector", and "rotating selector".
[0084] The sensor of a cyclic switch may be a mechanical sensor
(e.g., a mechanical button that closes a circuit), a microphone
that samples a sound, etc. In the latter case, sound may be
converted to current, and an electronic circuit thereof may treat a
certain level of current and as instruction to switch from one
state to the next state.
[0085] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cheering
apparatus comprises a plurality of pairs, triples, and so on, of
cheering effects. A user may select a pair, triple and so on by an
additional selector. Thus, for example, in the case of a plurality
of pairs, the motion detector switches from a member of one pair to
the next member of the same group.
[0086] The Motion Detector
[0087] The motion detector 30 is a sensor which detects
acceleration/deceleration of an object 40 to which it is connected.
Upon detecting acceleration/deceleration of the object 40, an
activation mechanism activates the operation of playing the
selected sound.
[0088] Each of FIGS. 4a and 4b is a sectional view which
schematically illustrates a common motion detector that can be
employed in embodiments of the present invention.
[0089] The motion detector 30 comprises the following elements:
[0090] a conductive spring 32, which is connected at one end to the
rigid object 70;
[0091] a conductive ball 34, which is connected to the other end of
the spring 32; and
[0092] a conductive casing 36, which is also connected to the rigid
object 70.
[0093] At the idle state, which is illustrated in FIG. 4a, there is
no conductive contact between casing 36 and spring 32. When the
rigid object 70 accelerates, spring 32 bends. From a certain level
of acceleration/deceleration, as illustrated in FIG. 4b, spring 32
bends such that ball 34 contacts casing 36. The contact closes a
circuit through the conductive wires 38 and 39.
[0094] The acceleration/deceleration level that causes a contact
between ball 34 and casing 36 depends on the characteristics of the
spring 32 (such as its length, flexibility, and so on) and on the
weight of the ball 34.
[0095] Applying sensor 30 to a cheering apparatus may be carried
out as follows:
[0096] Sensor 30 is fastened to a user's wrist. When a user is
interested in activating the sound player to play the selected
sound, he has to shake his hand with sufficient intensity that
sensor 30 indicates a desired acceleration/deceleration. However,
since the user accelerates/decelerates his wrist as a reaction to
an event that happens at the event where he is a spectator, the
activation of the cheering effect is actually a result of his own
behavior at that moment.
[0097] For example, assume the cheering apparatus is set to two
states, cheering and booing, and the current state is cheering. If
the user's favored team scores in a basketball match, the user may
shake the hand to which the motion sensor is attached until the
motion sensor activates the sound effect. At this point, the ball
may pass to the opponent, upon which the user hits the selector's
sensor in order to switch to the booing effect. When the opponent
is approaching the user's favored team, he may shake his hand in
order to activate the booing sound.
[0098] The motion detector illustrated in FIGS. 4a and 4b is merely
an example, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that other
types of motion detectors may be employed for the same purpose.
Thus, the example of FIGS. 4a and 4b is merely illustrative and not
restrictive.
[0099] The Amplifier and the Speaker(s)
[0100] All the activities of the apparatus are designed to emit a
loud sound, and as such, the amplifier and the speaker(s) have a
substantial importance to a cheering apparatus.
[0101] The desired audio level for a cheering apparatus is about
120 db. Of course, this is only an example, and a cheering
apparatus may be designed to well exceed this level.
[0102] Some conflicting factors are involved in selecting an
amplifier: on the one hand, the produced sound of the amplifier has
to be at such a level that it is heard well on the sports ground,
and as such, it requires an appropriate power source, amplifier and
speaker. On the other hand, the entire cheering apparatus has to be
worn on the human body, such as a hand, and accordingly, it has to
be suitable for easy user carrying.
[0103] Presently, flat speakers are available on the market. A flat
speaker may be a benefit when designing a compact cheering
apparatus.
[0104] As per the power of the amplifier, compact amplifiers which
may by operated by battery power are available on the market, and
they may produce the desired audio level for the purpose of
cheering.
[0105] Design
[0106] As mentioned above, conflicting factors are involved in
selecting an amplifier: on the one hand, the apparatus has to be
relatively small, such as a handheld device, and on the other hand,
it must be capable of reaching a level of that is heard on the
sports ground.
[0107] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a cheering apparatus,
according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0108] The cheering apparatus 100 is designed as a handheld device,
which comprises one or more straps 82 for attaching the apparatus
100 to a human's limb, such as to a hand, foot, or the like. In
this case both the effect selector and motion detector are embedded
in the casing.
[0109] Also illustrated in FIG. 5 is a speaker 60, an ON/OFF button
84, a LED 86 for indicating if the power is on, a volume slider 88,
a recording button 90, and a microphone 92.
[0110] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a cheering apparatus,
according to another embodiment of the invention.
[0111] In this case, both the effect selector 20 and motion
detector 30 are external, and connected to the casing of apparatus
100 by wires 89 and 39, thereby allowing attaching the casing,
which is a relatively-heavy component, to the user's belt, while
the selectors or at least the sensors thereof, which are
relatively-light components, are attached to the hand or elsewhere
by straps (not illustrated) and the like. For example, the sensors
20 and 30 may be connected to a strap worn by a user via
Velcro.
[0112] In order to inform a user about the selected sound effect,
the remaining power on the batteries, and so forth, one or more
visual indicators, such as LEDs (Light Emission Diode) are used.
The power consumption of a LED is relatively low, and therefore it
may be a suitable solution for the visual indicator.
[0113] Operating a Cheering Apparatus
[0114] Firstly, a user inserts batteries into the "batteries
housing", which is disposed within the casing of the apparatus.
[0115] Recording: The user selects the desired cheering effect,
such as cheering, booing, and so on. Then he presses the RECORD
button 90. While holding the RECORD button 90 pressed, the sound
associated with the selected cheering effect is recorded. When
finished, the user releases RECORD button 90.
[0116] Setting the volume level: Slider 88 is used for setting the
volume level of the reproduced sound.
[0117] Cheering: Assuming the cheering apparatus 100 has two
states, cheering and booking, and the current state is cheering: if
the user's team scores in a basketball match, the user may shake
the hand to which the motion sensor is attached with such intensity
that the motion sensor 30 activates the sound effect. At this
point, assuming the ball passes to the opponent, the user hits the
sensor of the effect selector 20 in order to switch to booing. When
the opponent is approaching the user's team, he may shake his hand
in order to activate the booing sound.
[0118] A Preferred Design
[0119] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a cheering apparatus,
according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
[0120] According to this embodiment of the invention, the apparatus
is designed to produce a plurality of pairs of effects. A user
selects the desired pair by moving the button 95 of slider 96.
Button 21 flips the selected state from the cheering state to the
booing state and vice versa. The operation of button 21 is
described in the electronic scheme of FIG. 3.
[0121] When in the cheering state, the cheering indicator 86a
(which may be embodied as a LED) is on the booing indicator 86b is
off; and when in the booing state, the booing indicator 86b is on
and the cheering indicator 86a is off.
[0122] Button 96 is used for recording a sound effect, and
indicator 86c indicates the recording action.
[0123] Some additional features which may be added are, for
example, a slot (not illustrated) for replacing the non-volatile
memory card (such as flash memory, SIM, and so forth), a USB
connector (not illustrated), for connecting the cheering apparatus
to other devices, such as a personal computer, or even to other
cheering apparatus. The replaceable memory chip may be used, for
example, for storing pre-recorded sound effects, and so forth.
[0124] Advantage Over the Prior Art
[0125] The cheering apparatus of the present invention can be used
as means for elevating the effect a user wishes to project, such as
cheering or booing, in a spectacle such as a sports game, rock
concert, a demonstration, and so on.
[0126] A user thereof is free to record any sound he is interested
in. The recording may be carried out even during the spectacle
itself. In addition the apparatus may use pre-recorded sound
effects, generated sound effects, and so on.
[0127] By employing a cyclic effect selector 20, the transition
between the states is actually a very simple operation.
[0128] The cheering apparatus of the present invention may be used
also for other situations, such as a demonstration and actually any
gathering of people.
[0129] The cheering apparatus of the present invention may be used
also for other emotions, such as protesting.
[0130] Activating a plurality of cheering devices simultaneously
during a sport game creates a significant advantage for their
chosen sport team. Coordinated and loud sound effects emanating
from the direction of specific team fans galleries at crucial
moments in a sport game creates the impression that a much larger
crowd is cheering, and this can have a positive impact on the
players.
[0131] While certain features of the invention have been
illustrated and described herein, the invention can be embodied in
other forms, ways, modifications, substitutions, changes,
equivalents, and so forth. The embodiments described herein should
be considered as illustrative and not restrictive.
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