Using a musical instrument as a video game controller

Abstract: The use of musical instruments as methods for controlling video games is disclosed. By translating the notes, beats, chords, note changes and other musical elements into input that can be recognized by a video game or video game system, the person playing the instrument will have the ability to play a game through the use of an instrument. This includes the ability to configure the music translation system to provide different input to the video game or video game system depending on the key in which the person is playing the instrument. (end of abstract)

Using a musical instrument as a video game controller description/claims

Brief Patent Description

Full Patent Description

Patent Application Claims

The use of a musical instrument to control action in a video game by translating musical information to an input format that can be understood by a video game system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are currently video games in existence that provide users with the simulated experience of playing musical instruments. The Guitar Hero® series and the game Rock Band® are particular examples of this genre. However, these games only provide the simulated experience of playing an instrument.

For people who can play instruments or people who wish to learn instruments, these games only provide the most rudimentary idea of chord progressions and notes. Thus, if a guitar player wishes to play one of these music games, the guitar player must learn an entirely foreign control system. This is also the case for other musicians who play music simulations, such as bass players and drummers/percussionists.

A person who can play the instrument being simulated may wish to actually play the instrument itself, rather than attempt to learn how to operate a controller that does not provide an experience like the actual instrument. Likewise, if a person playing the game wishes to learn the actual instrument without losing the entertainment value of playing a video game simulation that the person enjoys, there is not currently a way for the person to translate the simulation to a real-world experience with real instruments.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is the use of using a musical instrument as an input device for controlling a video game. By translating the notes or beats being created by the musical instrument into input information recognizable to a video game or video game system, a musical instrument can be used to control the action or events in a video game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a guitar connected by cable to a device that translates musical notes to video game input that is then sent through a cable connection to a video game system.

FIG. 2A is a diagram of a guitar connected via wireless to a device that translates musical notes to video game input that is then sent through a cable connection to a video game system.

FIG. 2B is a diagram of a guitar connected via wireless to a device that translates musical notes to video game input that is then sent via a wireless connection to a video game system.

FIG. 2C is a diagram of a guitar connected by cable to a device that translates musical notes to video game input that is then sent via a wireless connection to a video game system.

FIG. 3A is a diagram of a guitar pickup connected to a device that translates musical notes to video game input that is then sent to a video game system.

FIG. 3B is a diagram of a guitar playing into a microphone that is connected to a device that translates musical notes to video game input that is then sent to a video game system.

FIG. 4A is a diagram of a snare drum with a sensor attached and an electronic drum connected to a device that translates drumbeats into video game input that is then sent to a video game system.

FIG. 4B is a diagram of an entire drum set with sensors attached to every component. Every beat picked up by the sensors is sent to a device that translates the drumbeats into video game input that is then sent to a video game system.

FIG. 5A is a diagram of a possible control configuration that may be used to set the musical key used for a music-to-video game translation. The output sent to a video game system for a given set of musical information differs for each key. The slider switches are used to set the alphabetic key, whether the key is flat or sharp, and whether the key is major or minor.

FIG. 5B is a diagram of a possible control configuration that may be used to set the musical key used for a music-to-video game translation. The output sent to a video game system for a given set of musical information differs for each key. The arrow buttons are used to cycle through a set of preset or custom configurations.

FIG. 5C is a diagram of a possible control configuration that may be used to set the musical key used for a music-to-video game translation. The output sent to a video game system for a given set of musical information differs for each key. The knobs are used to set the alphabetic key, whether the key is flat or sharp, and whether the key is major or minor.

Continue reading about Using a musical instrument as a video game controller...
Full patent description for Using a musical instrument as a video game controller

Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims

Click on the above for other options relating to this Using a musical instrument as a video game controller patent application.

Patent Applications in related categories:

20090291759 - Simulation of writing on game consoles through the use of motion-sensing technology - A method and system of utilizing a game console with motion sensing technology is provided. The present invention, in various implementations, provides for a method for generating one or more symbols in response to one or more gestures using an input device of a gaming system. The method comprises providing ...

20090291760 - Video gaming controller bay for mobile devices - A gaming console facilitating universal game control for mobile devices capable of video gaming includes a housing supporting a video graphics display area, a coupling interface and docking bay strategically located in the housing relative to the display area for docking and coupling to a mobile device, at least one ...

###

How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents
1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored.
3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords.
Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Using a musical instrument as a video game controller or other areas of interest.
###

Previous Patent Application:
3d game display system, display method, and display program
Next Patent Application:
Electronic card game
Industry Class:
Amusement devices: games

###

Design/code © 2009 FreshContext LLC/Freshpatents.com. Website Terms and Conditions - Also read: About this Page
Patent data source: patents published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
Information published here is for research/educational purposes only (and in conjunction with our Keyword Monitor) and is not meant to be used in place of the full USPTO patent document/images or a comprehensive patent archive search. Complete official applications are on file at the USPTO and often contain additional data/images (Freshpatents is currently text-only). FreshPatents.com is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO or firms/individuals or products/designs/ideas related to listed patents.

FreshPatents.com Support
Thank you for viewing the Using a musical instrument as a video game controller patent info.
IP-related news and info

Results in 1.77139 seconds

Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories:
Qualcomm , Schering-Plough , Schlumberger , Seagate , Siemens , Texas Instruments , paws