WO2012127253A1

WO2012127253A1 - Multimedia portable device - party player for storage and playback of audio and visual content with a rotating disco-ball

Info

Publication number: WO2012127253A1
Application number: PCT/HR2011/000009
Authority: WO
Inventors: Igor ŽIVKO
Original assignee: Zivko Igor
Priority date: 2011-03-18
Filing date: 2011-03-18
Publication date: 2012-09-27
Also published as: JP2014512633A; JP5580487B2

Abstract

The portable multimedia device - the party-player - is an entertainment electronic device allowing downloading, recording, storage, uploading and playback of various audio-video content, karaoke and interconnecting of the remote users through internet in home or portable use mode. Besides that, it is possible to accompany the playback with simultaneous display of various programmable light effects normally used by professionals, in disco clubs and night clubs, at concerts, events, parties etc. Using the standard DMX protocol, it is possible to expand the device and control the additional light effect devices, thereby achieving appealing visualizations found in disco clubs, concerts etc. at home. The rotating disco-ball (22), an integral part of the multimedia device (10), consists of the base segment (70) powered by the electric motor (86) and the multiple secondary segments revolving around the concentrically arranged axes, and powered by the centrally located electric motor (40) through the wheel (72) and the axle (74). Power supply to the LE diodes, arranged uniformly across the segment surfaces, is performed through the brushes and the slip rings.

Description

MULTIMEDIA PORTABLE DEVICE - PARTY PLAYER FOR STORAGE AND PLAYBACK OF AUDIO AND VISUAL CONTENT WITH A ROTATING DISCO-BALL

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains to a portable entertainment electronic device - Party-Player, specifically to a multimedia portable device for storage and playback of audio and visual content with a rotating disco-ball, conforming to G10K and F21L classification of the IPC - international patent classification.

TECHNICAL PROBLEM

Purpose of the subject invention is to create an all-encompassing multimedia portable device integrating multiple entertainment devices in a single unit, additionally comprising a rotating disco-ball emitting light effects. Technical design of the multimedia portable device provides for a rotating disco-ball which is housed within the multimedia device casing, closed by an appropriate cover when not operating. When engaged, the rotating disco-ball is raised out of the device casing using a lifting/lowering mechanism. Then the base of the rotating disco-ball is aligned with the top of the multimedia device casing.

The following purpose of the subject invention is to control illumination of the rotating disco-ball and other visual effects using built-in controllers. It responds to music currently played, random signal selection, internally performed alternations by the manufacturer, programmed light-show sequences or user pre-programmed sequences. Sequences might be prepared using appropriate computer software running on a PC or a similar computer or on screen of the multimedia device itself. Using software support, it is possible to create specific "dance" choreography of various movements of the rotating disco-ball and other light effects.

A further purpose of the subject invention is to facilitate recording of audio-visual content, performance of karaoke or audio communications, apart from an internet video link using a web camera to other Party-Player users. It is possible to connect any number of web cameras and microphones which might be additionally purchased, connected and arranged by the user. Recording and/or broadcasting to other users, with or without the Party-Player of events at their own party via the internet is also possible.

STATE OF THE ART

Present day CD players, DVD players, home multimedia centres, home theatre PCs, karaoke devices are usually manufactured as separate stationary or portable devices. The same applies to rotating disco-balls.

Standard rotating disco-balls used in disco-clubs feature small mirrors fixed at the surface which is illuminated using polychromatic light projected by external floodlights. There are also designs entailing a complete ball, or multiple balls, revolving around axes in various directions. They contains surface built-in sources of polychromatic directional light or a single light source at the centre of the ball and multiple polychromatic filters arranged at the surface. Consequently it emulates a greater number of directional light sources.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Purpose of the invention is implementation of the visually appealing entertainment electronics device, allowing downloading, recording, storage, uploading and playback of varying audio-visual content, karaoke, interconnecting of users via the internet. Also it supports playback and programming in home environment and portable mode use, of various light effects which are usually used in disco clubs and night clubs, at concerts, events, parties etc. The rotating disco-ball, which is an integral part of the Party-Player multimedia device, primarily represents a visually appealing addition which attracts user attention through its innovative mechanical structure and makes this device unique on the market. Portable entertainment electronics device concept at hand is not only new and innovative, but also featuring the unique structure of the ball.

A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following text a detailed description of the invention with references to Figures where:

- Figure 1 depicts a possible embodiment of the invention with a range of possible additional extras, - Figure 2 depicts a partial cross-section of an embodiment of the rotating disco-ball,

- Figure 3 depicts schematic layout of connections of LE diodes within the rotating disco-ball,

- Figure 4 depicts a possible embodiment of the rotating disco-ball - desktop embodiment, and

- Figure 5 depicts a possible embodiment of the rotating disco-ball - disco embodiment.

Figure 1 depicts one of possible embodiments of the multimedia device (10) - the Party- Player. A substantial part of the device (10) is the unique rotating disco-ball (22) whose position on the top, prominent area of the device, allows propagation of movable light beams, from polychromatic, directional LEDs uniformly arranged on surfaces of ball segments, across walls and ceilings. When the ball (22) is not functioning, it is stowed away within the device casing, sealed by the cover. The upper portion of the device, apart from the ball (22), in the depicted embodiment, also contains other visual effects, e.g. a flashing device, i.e. a strobe light (24) and a rotating disco-light (30). Besides that, it is also possible to install other appealing light effects, e.g. laser lights, UV light (black light), LE diodes emitting various coloured lights etc. Governing the light effects is achieved using built-in controllers responding to music currently played through random signal selection, internally performed alternations by the manufacturer, programmed light-show sequences or user pre-programmed sequences, which might be prepared using an appropriate computer software running on a PC or a similar computer or on screen (32) of the multimedia device itself (10). Furthermore, governing of rotation of the segments (70, 48, 58, 60) is achieved using built-in controllers responding to music currently played through random signal selection, alteration of pre-programmed sequences or user programmed sequences.

Apart from light effects produced by the device itself, it is possible to connect external devices, e.g. steerable, directional polychromatic floodlights, steerable polychromatic laser beams, additional disco-balls, fog machines, bubble machines etc. Controlling such additional external devices may be performed using standard DMX-512 protocol and accompanying standard cables, which would also facilitate connecting, programming and controlling existing DMX technology compatible devices, thereby enhancing utility and universal use of the invention. Using appropriate software, the users themselves might, either in synchronization with music or independently, program ball movement sequences, control intensity of the LE diodes and floodlights, flash units, black lights, laser beams, rotary lights and other light effects, and then link the programmed sequences together with, e.g. karaoke lyrics, with a music or video content and upload those to the internet, where other users might download and use them. Such an approach would, if supported by manufacturers and an appropriate number of interested users, even be capable of developing a certain degree of competition among individual, non-commercial users, in respect of production as complex, rich and attractive recorded visual sequences as possible, which would in turn spur on other users to purchase new optional extras, which would be compatible with the existing equipment through use of the DMX technology. Such optional devices could also be subsequently technically developed and launched to the market, in order to maintain and expand user interest for the Party-Player.

A relatively small mass of this type of embodiment of the rotating disco-ball facilitates an instantaneous mechanical response, which translates into rapid and accurate control of the ball segments, thereby allowing interested users to create, using the aforementioned programming support, a specific "dance" choreography of various movements of the rotating disco-ball and the other light effects, whose inventiveness would only be limited by imagination of the users.

Besides that, an integral part of the depicted embodiment of the multimedia device (10) is a detachable, wireless web camera (12), which is held stationary in a bay (26), where it connects to the device (10) through a standard mini-USB connection to recharge built-in chargeable batteries. Furthermore, the device (10) connects to a wireless microphone (16) which is used to record audio content, for karaoke or audio communications, in parallel to video communications with other users of the device (10) through the internet and using the web camera. Data connection between the devices may be achieved through appropriate standard wireless communications. It is possible to connect any number of web cameras and microphones which might be additionally purchased, connected and arranged by the user, as well as to record and/or broadcast to other users, with or without the device (10), events at their own party via the internet. Contact between mutually acquainted and other users of the Party-Player could be established through an appropriate manufacturer's web site, internet based social networks (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, MySpace etc.), various forums or appropriate search engines, as well as using VoIP technology (e.g. through Skype.com etc.). It would also be possible to establish conference video communications among multiple users of the Party- Player simultaneously. The device (10) is portable, and a folding carrying handle (28) is positioned to facilitate carrying of the device when the ball is extended, active position and engaged as well, which might appeal to groups of youths in streets, at garden parties, night beach parties etc. In order to ensure portability, the device (10) must have an independent power supply provided, such as batteries or rechargeable batteries. Charging of the batteries, both of the device and of additional web cameras and microphones, is facilitated using a special charger, and it is possible to provide car battery power supply option via a cigarette lighter socket.

A further distinguishing characteristic of the device (10) is a built-in screen (32), i.e. a touch-screen display. It is used to manage various functions of the device more easily through appropriate menus, as well as to play various audio-visual and multimedia content, video clips, display images transmitted by another networked user's web camera, internet sites, lyrics in karaoke mode, TV images etc. Despite relatively large size of the display, it is preferable to connect the device (10) to an external big-screen device such as an HDTV, a projector TV, a video projector, a video wall etc.

In order to achieve sound of satisfactory quality, volume and bass in home party conditions where larger number of persons is normally present, the device (10) may be connected to an external, separately bought subwoofer (20), or to external hi-fi equipment using standard audio cables.

The device (10) may also be used as a standard CD player, MP3 player, radio and TV, DVD player/recorder, blue-ray player/recorder, and because of its built-in processor, hard disk, web camera (12) and internet connection, it may be used as a home multimedia centre and a device for storage and playback of movies, music, photos and other audio-visual content. Unlike stationary home appliances it is easily transported from one room to another or used outdoors. When used as the multimedia centre, if so desired by the user, the light effect functions may be switched off, and the rotating disco-ball remains inactive and concealed in its bay within the device casing. A remote control (18) may be used in order to facilitate control of various functions of the device from greater distances.

Figure 2 depicts a partial cross-section, showing interior of an embodiment of the rotating disco-ball, The rotating disco-ball (22) is located in the top surface plane of the device (10). The ball (22) distributes movable beams of light from sources of light (64) arranged on the base segment (70) surface of the said ball (22) and on surface of at least three secondary segments (48, 58, 60) of the said ball (22). Segments (70, 48, 58, 60) revolve powered by two electric motors (40, 86) which are steered independently, as the said electric motor (86) and a driving wheel (84) transmit rotation onto a friction surface (82) and thereby rotates the base segment (70) within the ball base bay (42) around A-A' axis running through the second electric motor (40) axle, which turns axle (74) around B-B' axis situated at an oblique angle relative to the A-A' axis through a small wheel (46) and a larger wheel (72) located in the said base segment (70). In the centre of the ball, a spoke bearing (54) is fixed onto the axle (74), and secondary axles around which the said secondary segments are rotating (48, 58, 60) originate from the differential; while the light sources (64) are arranged on outer surfaces of all the said segments (48, 58, 60, 70). In this embodiment, pressure is exerted onto the friction surfaces using appropriate springs (62). The secondary segments (48, 58, 60, 66) which are in contact with each other roll along the friction surfaces (68), while there is a specific gap (56) between those segments turning in the same direction. Size of the segments may vary, and rotation rate of each of the segments is inversely proportional to its diameter. In this embodiment, polychromatic LE diodes (64) are arranged on the external surfaces of the segments, which are, in this instance, powered via four independent channels. The four independent channels is performed using an appropriate controller (Figure 3) and three primary brushes (44) and three metallic slip rings (80) thereby supplying power to the base segment (70) and LE diodes installed onto the segment. Further on, the power supply is fed through three secondary brushes (78) and slip rings (76) and conductors placed through the axle (74) reaching the spoke bearing (54) where it branches out to each of the secondary segments (48, 58, 60, 66) whose LE diodes are powered through slip rings (52) and tertiary brushes (50). Conductors used for power supply of the LE diodes are not indicated on the Figure 2 to enhance simplicity and to avoid clutter, but the Figure 3 contains a schematic of the connections.

Furthermore the portable multimedia device (10) contains means for lifting and lowering of the ball (22), and the ball (22) is housed within the device (10) casing, and is closed using an appropriate cover when not operating, whereas when operated, the ball (22) is raised from interior of the device (10) using the lifting and lowering mechanism, until the base (42) of the rotating disco-ball (22) is fixed flush with the top surface of the device (10).

In order to ensure an instantaneous mechanical response of ball movements to electrical signals sent to electric driving motors and thereby ensure swiftness of motion, rapid alterations of motion velocity and direction, the ball has a low mass, which is not hard to achieve considering its relatively small size and simple structure. The same is the reason that friction occurring in bearings around which the segments revolve remains low. An increased friction, and thereby reduced slipping of the friction surfaces (68) is ensured through pressure exerted by springs (62), which are compressed to move the segments apart, also representing a certain safety mechanism against penetration of foreign objects, e.g. children's fingers, between the segments while operating. Besides that, safety is also ensured through easily achieved slipping of driving wheels (46 and 84) on the friction surfaces (72 and 82) and relatively low electric motor power (40 and 86). An automatic system designed to disconnect the driving mechanism in case of a mechanical obstruction of the ball may also be installed if required.

Figure 3 depicts the schematic layout of the electric conductors within the rotating disco- ball, In this example, four independent channels are fed into the controller which transforms the signal to an alternating current signal which is fed to the brushes (44) and the slip rings (80), and further on to the brushes (78) and the slip rings (76), the conductors placed through the axle (74), through the slip rings (52) and the brushes (50) to the associated secondary segments and their LE diodes. A positive voltage on L1 relative to L0 switches on LED11 and all parallel LE diodes of the same orientation. A negative voltage on L1 relative to L0 switches on LED13 and all parallel LE diodes of the same orientation. An alternating voltage on L1 relative to L0 switches on LED11 and LED13 simultaneously. Likewise, the positive voltage on L2 relative to L0 switches on LED14 and all parallel LE diodes of the same orientation. The negative voltage on L2 relative to L0 switches on LED12 and all parallel LE diodes of the same orientation. An alternating voltage on L2 relative to L0 switches on LED12 and LED14 simultaneously.

The rotating disco-ball may be created as a standalone element on its own base, as depicted in the Figure 4. In that type of embodiment, it could be connected independently, in any number whatsoever, to an existing Party-Player using the DMX technology, or e.g. to a PC, a portable computer or another source of sound signals, or completely independently as a standalone device. Size of the ball may vary, as well as number and size of the segments, and it is possible to make the ball which contains a display instead of LED diodes on the segment surfaces.

For use in disco clubs, it is possible to build a larger version of the rotating disco-ball, mounted on room ceiling as indicated in the Figure 5. Instead of use of the friction surfaces, a gear transmission between the segments may be employed. The ball might be positioned on an extension pipe (90), whose rotation, and thereby rotation of the base segment, would be facilitated by a single electric motor and an appropriate reducer. The second electric motor, also entailing use of a reducer, turns the second axle (92) passing through the pipe (90) and turns the secondary segments. Power is supplied to light sources or displays arranged across surfaces of the segments through conductors placed along the axle (90) and through appropriately positioned brushes and slip rings. Changes of rotation velocity and direction of the base and the secondary segments cannot be as rapid as in case of the smaller versions due to an increased overall mass of this embodiment, but that does not detract from appeal of movements and overall appearance of this type of embodiment of the rotating disco-ball.

A LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

Figure 1

10 One of possible embodiments of the Party-Player

12 Portable web camera

14 Portable web camera holder

16 Karaoke microphone

18 Remote control

20 Subwoofer

22 Rotating disco-ball

24 Flash (strobe) light

26 Web camera bay

28 Folding carrying handle

30 Rotating disco-light

32 Display (touch-screen)

Figures 2 and 3

40 Electric motor driving the secondary segments

42 Rotating disco-ball base

44 LE diode power supply primary brushes

46 Driving wheel of the electric motor driving the secondary segments

48 The first, smaller secondary segment

50 LE diode power supply tertiary brushes

52 LE diode power supply tertiary slip rings

54 Spoke bearing where axles, around which the segments revolve, are fixed 56 Gap between segments rotating in the same direction (in this case, segments 48 and 60)

58 The second, larger secondary segment

60 The first, larger secondary segment

62 Springs pressing the secondary segments to the centre of the ball

64 LE diodes

66 The second, smaller secondary segment

68 Rubber friction surface achieving contact between the segments

70 The base segment

72 Transmission wheel turning the axle (74)

74 Secondary segment driving axle

76 LE diode power supply secondary slip rings

78 LE diode power supply secondary brushes

80 LE diode power supply primary slip rings

82 Rubber friction surface

84 Driving wheel of the electric motor driving the base segment

86 The electric motor driving the base segment

Figure 5

90 Base segment driving axle

92 Secondary segment driving axle

Claims

1. The portable multimedia device (10) for storage and playback of audio and video content, containing the CD player/recorder, the DVD player/Blu-ray player/recorder, the wireless microphone (16), at least one web camera (12) for communications and internet use, and a processor facilitating processing of data provided from one or multiple audio or video sources specified above and the hard disk facilitating storage of the processed data, characterized by the fact that it contains a rotating disco-ball (22) in the top surface plane of the device (10) which distributes movable light beams generated by light sources (64) arranged on surfaces of the base segment (70) of the said ball (22) and on surfaces of at least three secondary segments (48, 58, 60) of the said ball (22), where the segments (70, 48, 58, 60) rotate driven by two electric motors (40, 86) which are controlled independently, where the said electric motor (86) transfers rotation through the driving wheel (84) onto the friction surface (82) and thereby rotates the base segment (70) within the ball base bay (42) around the A-A' axis running through the second electric motor (40) axle, which motor (40) through the small wheel (46) and the larger wheel (72) rotates the axis (74) around the B-B' axis, where wheel (72) is located within the said base segment (70), and where B-B axis is in turn placed at an oblique angle relative to the A-A' axis; and where spoke bearing (54) located in the centre of the ball and is attached to the axle (74), where around said spoke bearing (54) remaining axles the said secondary segments (48, 58, 60) revolve; and where the light sources (64) are arranged across the outer surfaces of all the aforementioned segments (48, 58, 60, 70).

2. The multimedia portable device (10) according to claim 1 , characterized by the fact that it contains the means designed for lifting and lowering of the ball (22), where the said ball (22) is housed within the said casing of the device (10) when not operating, and is closed using an appropriate cover, whereas upon start of operation, the said ball (22) is raised from the interior of the said device (10) casing using the said lifting and lowering means until the base (42) of the rotating disco ball (22) is fixed flush with the top surface of the said device (10).

3. The portable multimedia device (10) according to claim 1 , characterized by the fact that it additionally contains at least one additional source of visual effects selected from a group consisting of a light flasher, strobe light (24), rotating disco light (30), laser light, black light, polychromatic LED diodes.

4. The portable multimedia device (10) according to claims 1-3, characterized by the fact that control of the light effects is facilitated using the built-in controllers responding to music currently played using random signal selection, alternation of preprogrammed light-show sequences or user programmed sequences.

5. The portable multimedia device (10) according to claims 1-3, characterized by the fact that control of the segment rotation (70, 48, 58, 60) is facilitated using the built-in controllers responding to music currently played using random signal selection, alternation of pre-programmed light-show sequences or user programmed sequences.

6. The portable multimedia device (10) according to claims 1-5, characterized by the fact that it allows broadcasts of parties via the internet link, as well as compilation of content received from different audio-video sources into a single, new audio-video content and uploading of that content to the internet, allowing other users to download that content from the internet and use it.

7. The portable multimedia device (10) according to claims 1-6, characterized by the fact that it contains the built-in display (32) in form of a standard or a touch-screen display, used to control various functions of the device and to display video content.

8. The portable multimedia device (10) according to any of claims 1-2, characterized by the fact that it comprises the carrying handle (28) positioned to allow transportation of the said portable multimedia device (10) even when the said rotating disco-ball (22) is deployed and when the rotating disco-ball is deployed and operating.

9. The portable multimedia device (10) according to claim 1 , characterized by the fact that it allows connecting any number of web cameras and microphones through additional channels, which permit recording and/or broadcasting the events to other users through the internet.

10. The rotating disco-ball (22), characterized by the fact that it consists of the base segment (70) and at least three secondary segments (48, 58, 60) where the segments (70, 48, 58, 60) revolve powered by at least two electric motors (40, 86) which are governed independently, where the said electric motor (86) transfers rotation through the driving wheel (84) onto the friction surface (82) thereby rotating the base segment (70) within the ball base bay (42) around the A-A' axis which runs through the axis of the second electric motor (40) which rotates the axis (74) around the B-B' axis positioned at an oblique angle relative to the A-A' axis through the small wheel (46) and the larger wheel (72) situated in the said base segment (70); where the spoke bearing (54) is fixed to the axle (74) in the centre of the ball, out of which the remaining axles, around which the said secondary segments (48, 58, 60) revolve, protrude; where the light sources (64) are arrange across the outer surfaces of all the said segments (48, 58, 60, 70).

11. The rotating disco-ball (22) according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that the connection between the secondary segments (48, 58, 60) as well as torque, are achieved through use of the friction surfaces (68) across which the said secondary segments (48, 58 ,60) roll, brought into contact with each other.

12. The rotating disco-ball (22) according to claim 11 , characterized by the fact that instead of the friction surfaces, gear transmission is applied between the segments (48, 58, 60, 70).

13. The rotating disco-ball (22) according to claims 10 and 1 1 , characterized by the fact that the pressure exerted on the friction surfaces (68) is achieved using the springs (62).

14. The rotating disco-ball (22) according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that there is the gap (56) between the secondary segments revolving in the same direction.

15. The rotating disco-ball (22) according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that the light sources (64) are LED diodes.

16. The rotating disco-ball (22) according to claim 15, characterized by the fact that the power supply is fed to the LED diodes through two or more independent channels.

17. The rotating disco-ball (22) according to claim 16, characterized by the fact that the power supply of the base segment (70) and its accompanying LED diodes is fed through the two or more independent channels using the two or more primary brushes (44) and the two or more metallic slip rings (80), whereas the power supply of the secondary segments is fed using the two or more secondary brushes (78) and the slip rings (76), and whose LED diodes are in turn connected to the power supply through the slip rings (52) and the tertiary brushes (50).

18. The rotating disco-ball (22) according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that the surfaces of the base segment (70) and the secondary segments (48, 58, 60) form at least one display or multiple independent displays.