WO1998050123A1 - Dispositif permettant de divertir un groupe de personnes - Google Patents

Dispositif permettant de divertir un groupe de personnes Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1998050123A1
WO1998050123A1 PCT/GB1998/001264 GB9801264W WO9850123A1 WO 1998050123 A1 WO1998050123 A1 WO 1998050123A1 GB 9801264 W GB9801264 W GB 9801264W WO 9850123 A1 WO9850123 A1 WO 9850123A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sensing
video
video signal
crowd
values
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1998/001264
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Julian Goring Archdale Ellison
James William Handley
Original Assignee
Red Fig Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Red Fig Limited filed Critical Red Fig Limited
Priority to JP54782398A priority Critical patent/JP2001509719A/ja
Priority to AU72229/98A priority patent/AU7222998A/en
Priority to EP98919353A priority patent/EP0979130A1/fr
Publication of WO1998050123A1 publication Critical patent/WO1998050123A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/20—Input arrangements for video game devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
    • A63F9/24—Electric games; Games using electronic circuits not otherwise provided for
    • A63F2009/2401—Detail of input, input devices
    • A63F2009/243—Detail of input, input devices with other kinds of input
    • A63F2009/2432—Detail of input, input devices with other kinds of input actuated by a sound, e.g. using a microphone

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an apparatus for entertaining a crowd.
  • Such apparatus can be used to enhance the entertainment provided by concerts, theatrical productions, pantomimes, sporting events and the like.
  • an apparatus for entertaining a crowd comprising sensing means for sensing an activity of members of a crowd and outputting a signal indicative thereof, a video display means, and video signal generating means for generating video signals for driving the video display means, wherein the video signal generating means is configured for generating video signals in dependence on a value related to a property of the output signal of the sensing means.
  • the video signal generating means includes memory means, storing image data for a plurality of images, and is configured to generate video signals for displaying said images sequentially on the video display means and to modify said video signals in dependence on said value.
  • Such apparatus can be used to give a crowd the opportunity to signal its support for individual members of a sports team and have that support reflected in the display.
  • the video signal generating means is configured to record said value during the display of each image and, after each image in a sequence has been displayed, generate a video signal in dependence on mutual comparison of the recorded values.
  • the crowd's favourite team member it is possible, for example, for the crowd's favourite team member to be identified.
  • the video signal generating means is configured to generate a video signal in dependence on values related to a plurality of properties of the sensing means output signal such that different aspects of the displayed image vary in dependence on said values.
  • the crowd may be divided into blocks, in which case the sensing means comprises a plurality of sensing devices arranged such that activity in different areas can be sensed substantially independently.
  • members of the crowd may be encouraged to undertake one of a selection of activities according to some criteria such as sex, age, or a preference for one of several options. These activities will be chosen such that they can be independently observed from the sensing means output signal.
  • the video signal generating means is configured to generate a video signal in dependence on values related to a property of the output signal of each of the sensing devices such that different aspects of the displayed image vary independently in dependence on said values.
  • the present invention extends to an apparatus for entertaining crowds which, for example, may be separated by tens, hundreds or even thousands of kilometres.
  • an apparatus for entertaining a plurality of crowds comprising a plurality of focus means each arranged to provide a focus for a respective discrete crowd, sensing means for sensing an activity of members of the crowds and outputting signals indicative thereof, a video display means associated with each focus means, and video signal generating means for generating video signals for driving the video display means, wherein the video signal generating means is configured for generating video signals in dependence on the values related to a property of respective output signals of the sensing means such that the same image is displayed concurrently by each video display means.
  • the apparatus may comprise a single video signal generator whose output is directed to each of the video displays.
  • the video signal generating means comprise a respective video signal generator for each video display means.
  • the outputs of the sensing means can be routed to each of the video signal generators.
  • the apparatus include means for distributing the property-related value for a crowd at one focus means to the video signal generator for the video display means associated each of the other focus means.
  • the sensing means includes a central station and a remote station associated with each focus means, the remote stations being configured to transmit said property values to the central station and the central station being configured to forward property values to the video display generators.
  • the method of communicating the property values is not of critical importance and may conveniently use a telephone network or the Internet.
  • a focus means will typically comprise a stage or a platform. If the present invention is embodied at a sporting event, the focus means will typically comprise a pitch or a court for a sport. In either case, the apparatus will desirably include seating associated with the focus means for accommodating a crowd. It should be borne in mind, however, that the video displays themselves may provide the focus means.
  • an apparatus for entertaining a crowd comprising a plurality of sensing means for sensing an activity of members of different sections of a crowd and outputting a signal indicative thereof, a redirectable spotlight, and processing means for generating spotlight control signals, wherein the processing means is configured for generating spotlight control signals in dependence on the output signals of the sensing means to direct the spotlight at a section of the crowd according to a predetermined criterion.
  • the sensing means is configured to sense an activity that can be performed in the absence of the sensing means.
  • the members of the crowd do not need to be provided individually with an device required by the sensing means because the operator of the apparatus would feel the need to make available such devices for every crowd member, however large the crowd happens to be.
  • Exemplary a ⁇ ivities which may be sensed are vocalisation (cheering, booing and the like), clapping or feet stamping. Microphones can be used to sense any of the activities. Additionally, feet stamping can be detected by pressure sensors under the crowd's feet, for instance in a carpet. Nevertheless, if the sensing means is arranged to detect light levels, the crowd members may be issued with torches.
  • the afore- mentioned property values may be, for example, signal voltage or current rms or peak values, or signal power. The property values may be any of these but for limited bandwidth.
  • Figure 1 is a block diagram of the apparatus for first, second and third embodiments of the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating the first embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating the third embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 5 is a block diagram of apparatus for a fourth embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 6 is a block diagram of a remote station for the fourth embodiment
  • Figure 7 comprises flow chart illustrating the fourth embodiment
  • Figure 8 is a block diagram of apparatus for a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention
  • an apparatus comprises a microcomputer 1 including a 4-channel audio interface, a large video display screen 2 such as a Sony Jumbotron (RTM) and four microphones 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d.
  • the screen 2 is controlled by the microcomputer 1.
  • the screen 2 is located in a football stadium so that it can be viewed from most or all of the spectator areas of the stadium. Additional screens can be provided to ensure that a screen can be viewed from all spectator areas of the stadium.
  • the microphones 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d are directional and directed to the spectator areas on respective sides of the stadium's pitch.
  • the microcomputer 1 includes a disk drive storing images of each of the members of a football team.
  • the microcomputer 1 displays an introductory image on the screen 2 (step si). This image includes an invitation to spectators to cheer for their favourite players.
  • the microcomputer 1 replaces the introductory image with a master image.
  • the master image comprises an indicator bar element and a picture box.
  • the indicato ⁇ r bar element and the picture box are represented in software as objects whose properties can by changed to alter the displayed image in a manner familiar to thos ;e versed in object-oriented programming for GUI operating systems such as Microsoft (RTM) Windows.
  • the microcomputer 1 fills the picture box with a first image of a player. Once the player's image has been displayed, the microcomputer 1 monitors the signals from the microphones 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d for 5 seconds. During this 5-second period, the microcomputer 1 repeatedly calculates a value reflecting the sum of the powers of the signals from the microphones 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d (steps s4) and adjusts the length of the indicator bar in dependence on the calculated value (step s5). At the end of the 5-second period (step s6), the microprocessor 1 determines and stores a value reflecting the total energy of the microphone signals during the 5-second period from the calculated values (step s7).
  • step s8 If, at step s8, all the images of players have not been displayed, the microcomputer 1 repeats steps s3 to s7 for the next player in the sequence. Otherwise, the microcomputer 1 determines which player's image was met with the largest noise energy from the stored energy values (step s9) and then displays a final image including the image of the player met with the largest noise energy (step slO).
  • the screen 2 is located in a football stadium so that it can be viewed from most of the spectator areas of the stadium. Additional screens can be provided to ensure that a screen can be viewed from all spectator areas of the stadium.
  • the microphones 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d are directional and directed to different spectator areas. It is normal for the crowds at professional Association Football matches to be segregated with supporters of the two teams occupying predetermined areas. At league matches there are usually are far fewer away supporters than home supporters. At matches at neutral stadiums, for example in the later rounds of knockout competitions, the numbers of supporters of the rival teams tend to be more equal.
  • the microcomputer 1 is programmed such that the microphones 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d can be allocated to one of two groups (step sll). Each group will comprise one or more microphones 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d.
  • the present invention is not a measuring instrument and handicapping factors are allocated to each microphone group so that a real sense of competition can be ensured.
  • the microcomputer 1 displays a master image on the screen 2 (step sl2).
  • the master image includes two animated bouncing footballs to the left of the screen 2 and a finish line to the right of the screen 2.
  • the microcomputer 1 repeatedly determines values for the sum of each microphone's rms signal voltage for each microphone group at predetermined intervals (step si 3). The sum rms value for each microphone group is then multiplied by the respective handicapping factor to produce handicapped values (step sl4). The microcomputer 1 then smoothly repositions the bouncing ball animations to the right by distances representing respective handicapped values (step si 5).
  • the microprocessor 1 determines whether one or other of them has crossed the finish line (step si 6). If neither ball has crossed the finish line, the microprocessor 1 continues looping through steps sl3, sl4 and sl5. If one of the balls has crossed the finish line, the microprocessor 1 displays an image on the screen 2 indicating which set of supporters has won the "race" (step sl7).
  • the screen 2 is located on the stage of a theatre where it can be viewed by the audience.
  • the microphones 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d are directional and directed to different regions of the auditorium.
  • the audio interface of the microcomputer 1 includes a digital signal processors for each microphone 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d.
  • the digital signal processors are configured to perform fast fourier transforms on the signals from the microphone 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d to produce signals representative of the frequency domain characteristics of the signals from the microphone 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d.
  • the present embodiment may be used during a pantomine when the audience is invited to indicate support for one of two options, for instance should Cinderella marry Prince Charming or Buttons.
  • the audience may be asked to go "oooh” if they favour Prince Charming and "aaah” if they favour Buttons.
  • Ooohs will generally contain more high frequency energy than aaahs.
  • the microcomputer 1 is caused to operate according to a control program. Initially, the microcomputer 1 displays a master image on the screen 2 (step s31). This image includes two indicia representing respectively Prince Charming and Buttons. Thereafter, the microcomputer 1 monitors the outputs of the digital signal processors and determines, for all of the microphones 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d together, values for the power in first and second discrete frequency bands (step s32). The first frequency band being lower than the second. In this way, the relative level of ooohs and aaahs can be detected.
  • the microcomputer 1 varies the size of the indicia in dependence on the determined values by multiplying the dimensions of each indicium by the respective determined value and a respective scaling factor. Steps s32 and s33 are repeated until an operator cancels the process using the keyboard of the microcomputer (step s34).
  • remote stations at respectively first and second football stadia 11, 12 are connected to a central station 13 via the Public Switched Telephone Network 14 or the Internet using TCP/IP.
  • the central station 13 comprises a microcomputer with interfaces suitable for simultaneously communicating with the remote stations.
  • each remote station comprises a microcomputer 15 including a modem for communication via the Public Switched Telephone Network or the Internet using dial-up access.
  • One or more microphones 16 are coupled to an audio interface in the microcomputer 15.
  • the microcomputer 15 also controls a large video display screen 17.
  • the central station 13 when the apparatus is operating and the central station 13 has established communication with the remote stations, the central station 13 sends a start command to the remote stations (step s41).
  • the microcomputers 15 of the remote stations respond to the start command by displaying an introductory image as used in the second embodiment described above on their screens 17 (step s51).
  • the microcomputers 17 determine the rms voltage of the signals from the microphone 16 during a predetermined sensing period (step s52) and then transmit these values to the central station 13 (step s53).
  • the central station 13 has received an rms voltage value from each remote station, it multiplies the values by respective handicapping factors to produce handicapped values (step s42).
  • the central station 13 accumulates the handicapped values for each remote station (step s43) and determines whether any of the accumulated values corresponds to a win (step s44). If win is not detected, the handicapped values are sent to all of the remote stations (step s45). If a win is indicated, the central station 13 sends a win message to the remote stations. The win message includes the identity of the winning crowd (step s46).
  • the remote stations determine whether the message is a win message or handicapped values (step s54).
  • the remote stations respond to reception of the handicapped values by moving the balls to the right as in the second embodiment described above (step s55).
  • the microcomputers 17 of the remote stations return to step s52.
  • the remote stations respond to reception of a win message by displaying an indication of the winning crowd on their screens 17 (step s56).
  • the central station may be combined with one of the remote stations.
  • an apparatus comprises a microcomputer 31 including a 4-channel audio interface, a motorised spotlight 32 and four microphones 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d.
  • the spotlight 32 is controlled by the microcomputer 31.
  • the spotlight 32 is located in a football stadium so that it can direct a beam of light onto any of the spectator areas of the stadium.
  • the microphones 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d are directional and directed to the spectator areas of respective sides of the stadium's pitch.
  • the microcomputer 31 monitors the rms values of the signals from the microphone 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d and controls the spotlight 32 so that its beam is directed to the side of the stadium where most noise is being produced.
  • the microcomputers monitor the rms value of the signals from the microphones. It will be appreciated that the power level of these signals could be monitored instead.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Controls And Circuits For Display Device (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif permettant de divertir un groupe de personnes. Ce dispositif comporte une pluralité de microphones (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) introduits dans la mémoire d'un micro-ordinateur (1) et un grand écran (2) commandé par le micro-ordinateur. Le micro-ordinateur (1) est programmé pour commander le grand écran (2) en fonction des valeurs représentant les caractéristiques de signaux provenant des microphones (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d). Des éléments contenus dans l'image affichée peuvent être commandés par le micro-ordinateur (1) dans le but de représenter les valeurs des caractéristiques de signaux provenant indépendamment des différents microphones ou groupes de microphones, ou bien la différence existant entre les valeurs correspondant à différents microphones ou groupes de microphones. Selon un autre mode de réalisation, des écrans sont situés en différents endroits et commandés en vue d'afficher la même image. Cette image est modifiée en fonction des signaux produits par les microphones au niveau des deux emplacements. L'utilisation de capteurs autres que des microphones est également suggérée. Ce système peut également être utilisé dans le but de commander l'orientation de projecteurs plutôt que les images affichées sur un écran.
PCT/GB1998/001264 1997-05-01 1998-04-30 Dispositif permettant de divertir un groupe de personnes WO1998050123A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP54782398A JP2001509719A (ja) 1997-05-01 1998-04-30 観衆を楽しませる装置
AU72229/98A AU7222998A (en) 1997-05-01 1998-04-30 Apparatus for entertaining a crowd
EP98919353A EP0979130A1 (fr) 1997-05-01 1998-04-30 Dispositif permettant de divertir un groupe de personnes

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9708929.6 1997-05-01
GB9708929A GB2325104A (en) 1997-05-01 1997-05-01 Apparatus for entertaining a crowd which is operative in response to sensed activity of crowd members

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1998050123A1 true WO1998050123A1 (fr) 1998-11-12

Family

ID=10811698

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1998/001264 WO1998050123A1 (fr) 1997-05-01 1998-04-30 Dispositif permettant de divertir un groupe de personnes

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0979130A1 (fr)
JP (1) JP2001509719A (fr)
AU (1) AU7222998A (fr)
GB (1) GB2325104A (fr)
WO (1) WO1998050123A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP3417935B2 (ja) 2001-05-30 2003-06-16 株式会社コナミコンピュータエンタテインメント大阪 ネットゲーム用サーバ装置、ネットゲーム管理方法及びネットゲーム管理プログラム
DE102004053553A1 (de) * 2004-11-05 2006-05-11 Thomas Boelk Verfahren zum Betreiben eines interaktiven Großbildschirms

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2269670A (en) * 1992-07-02 1994-02-16 Phoenix Electronic Development Audible audience response measuring device
US5365266A (en) * 1991-12-10 1994-11-15 Carpenter Loren C Video imaging method and apparatus for audience participation
WO1995021667A1 (fr) * 1994-02-11 1995-08-17 Electronic Arts, Inc. Systeme de jeu electronique a plusieurs radiocommandes
WO1996027807A1 (fr) * 1995-03-07 1996-09-12 Brown University Research Foundation Procedes et appareil pour l'estimation de la position d'une source a partir d'estimees de retard d'un reseau de microphones

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4569026A (en) * 1979-02-05 1986-02-04 Best Robert M TV Movies that talk back
US4305131A (en) * 1979-02-05 1981-12-08 Best Robert M Dialog between TV movies and human viewers
DE9406261U1 (de) * 1994-04-15 1995-01-12 Infoscreen Gesellschaft für Stadtinformationsanlagen mbH, 90408 Nürnberg Video-Projektionsanlage

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5365266A (en) * 1991-12-10 1994-11-15 Carpenter Loren C Video imaging method and apparatus for audience participation
GB2269670A (en) * 1992-07-02 1994-02-16 Phoenix Electronic Development Audible audience response measuring device
WO1995021667A1 (fr) * 1994-02-11 1995-08-17 Electronic Arts, Inc. Systeme de jeu electronique a plusieurs radiocommandes
WO1996027807A1 (fr) * 1995-03-07 1996-09-12 Brown University Research Foundation Procedes et appareil pour l'estimation de la position d'une source a partir d'estimees de retard d'un reseau de microphones

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2001509719A (ja) 2001-07-24
GB2325104A (en) 1998-11-11
GB9708929D0 (en) 1997-06-25
EP0979130A1 (fr) 2000-02-16
AU7222998A (en) 1998-11-27

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