Desktop speaker system

Abstract

Systems and methods presented are directed to an entertainment system for an environment. The entertainment system includes a container configured to accommodate one or more user devices; and a sensor configured to detect the presence of the one or more user devices in the container and configured to generate data indicative of the presence of the one or more user devices in the container. The entertainment system also includes one or more processors configured to identify a presence of the one or more user devices in the container based on the data, and in response to identifying the presence of the one or more user devices in the container based on the data, instruct the one or more user devices to play the one or more audio tracks.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to speaker systems.

[0002] Many entertainment venues may use embedded speakers to provide audio to attendees. For example, within an entertainment venue, the embedded speakers may play various audio tracks (e.g., sound effects and / or songs) throughout a performance. The audio tracks may work in conjunction with other elements of the performance to help attract an audience. The embedded speakers may be fixed within the structure defining the entertainment venue or otherwise generally may be a permanent fixture within the entertainment venue (e.g., to provide audio to multiple attendees over time (such as over several years)). Installation and maintenance of the embedded speakers can be costly.

[0003] This section is intended to introduce to the reader various aspects of technologies that may be related to various aspects of the presented technology, which are described and / or claimed hereinafter. It is believed that this discussion will help to provide background information to the reader to facilitate a better understanding of various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light and not as an admission of prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Certain embodiments are outlined below that are commensurate in scope with the initially claimed subject matter. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter, but rather these embodiments are only intended to provide a brief overview of possible forms of the subject matter. Indeed, the subject matter may cover a wide variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth hereinafter.

[0005] According to one embodiment, an entertainment system for an environment includes: a container configured to house one or more user devices; and a sensor configured to detect the presence of one or more user devices within the container. The entertainment system further includes one or more processors configured to identify the presence of one or more user devices within the container based on data and, in response to identifying the presence of one or more user devices within the container based on the data, instruct the one or more user devices to play one or more audio tracks.

[0006] According to one embodiment, an entertainment system for an environment, the entertainment system comprising: a first container configured to receive one or more first user devices; a second container configured to receive one or more second user devices; and a sensor system configured to generate sensor data indicative of the presence of one or more first user devices in the first container and the presence of one or more second user devices in the second container. The entertainment system further comprises one or more processors configured to: in response to identifying, based on the sensor data, the presence of one or more first user devices in the first container, instruct, based on the sensor data, the one or more first user devices in the first container to play one or more audio tracks, and in response to identifying, based on the sensor data, the presence of one or more second user devices in the second container, instruct the one or more second user devices to play the one or more audio tracks.

[0007] According to one embodiment, a method for operating an entertainment system includes: receiving, at one or more processors, sensor data indicative of the presence of one or more first user devices in a first container, and receiving, at the one or more processors, additional sensor data indicative of the corresponding presence of one or more second user devices in a second container. The method further includes: in response to identifying, based on the sensor data, the presence of one or more first user devices in the first container, using the one or more processors to instruct the one or more first user devices to play one or more audio tracks, and in response to identifying, based on the sensor data, the corresponding presence of one or more second user devices in the second container, using the one or more processors to instruct the one or more second user devices to play the one or more audio tracks. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals throughout the drawings represent like parts, in which:

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an entertainment venue including a tabletop speaker system having containers according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an entertainment venue including a tabletop speaker system having multiple containers according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 3 is an illustration of a user device having a graphical user interface that provides one or more selectable virtual buttons that enable a user to provide one or more inputs to the tabletop speaker system; and

[0012] Figure 4 A flowchart of a method for synchronizing audio between a first user device and a second user device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed implementation manners

[0013] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described hereinafter. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of actual implementations may be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, many implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Additionally, it should be appreciated that such development work may be complex and time-consuming, but would be a routine task of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill in the art who benefit from the present disclosure.

[0014] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "a" and "the" are intended to mean that there is one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising" and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" of the present disclosure are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0015] The systems and methods disclosed herein generally relate to an entertainment system (e.g., a desktop speaker system) that is integrated with a container to facilitate audio synchronization and audio playback (e.g., audio streams, audio files, audio tracks, audio data, sounds) through one or more user devices placed within the container in an entertainment venue. The container may include any type of receptacle designed to contain (e.g., house, carry) one or more user devices, such as during a performance cycle (e.g., during at least a portion of the performance cycle). In one embodiment, the container may have a bowl shape and may be used to amplify the sound emitted by one or more user devices within the container.

[0016] The entertainment system may also include features that allow the entertainment system to detect when one or more user devices have been placed in a container. Additionally, the entertainment system may include features that facilitate audio synchronization of one or more user devices within the container. Further, the entertainment system may include features that allow for coordinating sounds emitted by multiple user devices in multiple containers within an audio environment. In some such cases, for example, one user device among one or more user devices may play one audio track (such as an audio track representing a first type of musical instrument) during a performance cycle, and another user device among one or more user devices may play another audio track (such as an audio track representing a second type of musical instrument) during the performance cycle. The various audio tasks may be different audio streams or audio files (e.g., audio data), such as portions of a musical piece or song played by different musical instruments (e.g., piano and vocals in a musical piece or song), and so on. Thus, the presented embodiments advantageously accommodate one or more user devices and may also enable the entertainment system to direct one or more user devices to play audio using the one or more user devices.

[0017] Figure 1 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an entertainment venue 8 (e.g., an environment), the entertainment venue 8 including an entertainment system 10 (e.g., a tabletop speaker system) having a container 12 (e.g., a bowl, a platform, a surface, a receptacle). A first user 14 has a first user device 16 (e.g., a mobile phone), a second user 18 has a second user device 20 (e.g., a mobile phone), and a third user 22 has a third user device 24 (e.g., a mobile phone). It should be appreciated that one or more additional users may have one or more additional user devices. Thus, as used herein, "one or more user devices" or "multiple user devices" may refer to the first user device 16, the second user device 20, the third user device 24, and / or one or more additional user devices. The first user device 16 may have a user device computing system 26, and the user device computing system 26 may assist the first user device 16 in performing various types of tasks and operations. The user device computing system 26 may include a processor 28, a memory 30, a communication component 34, a display 36, a speaker 38, a microphone 40, and so on. It should be noted that any user device described herein may include some or all of the same components as the first user device 16. The processor 28 may be any type of computer processor or microprocessor capable of executing computer-executable code. The processor 28 may also include multiple processors for performing the operations described herein.

[0018] The memory 30 may include volatile memory such as random access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory (ROM). The memory 30 may store a variety of information and may be used for various purposes. For example, the memory 30 may store instructions executable by the processor, such as instructions for controlling components of the first user device 16. The memory 30 may also include flash memory or any suitable optical, magnetic, or solid-state storage medium or combination thereof. The memory 30 may store data (e.g., audio data, image data), instructions (e.g., software or firmware for controlling the audio output of the first user device 16), and any other suitable information.

[0019] The communication component 34 may be a wireless communication component that may facilitate communication between the user device computing system 26, the computing system 46, and / or various other computing systems via the network 42 (e.g., via the Internet, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi). For example, the first user 14 may provide input via the first user device 16 to indicate the playback or activation of an audio track, and the input may be wirelessly transmitted from the first user device 16 to the computing system 46 via the network 42.

[0020] The display 36 may operate as a human-machine interface (HMI) to depict visualizations associated with software or executable code being processed by the processor 28. In one embodiment, the display 36 may be a touch display capable of receiving input from the first user 14 of the first user device 16. The display 36 may be any suitable type of display, e.g., such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, a light-emitting diode (LED), or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display.

[0021] The loudspeaker 38 may include a sound transducer that operates to convert electrical energy into sound energy. An audio track may be played for an attendee (e.g., a user) in an entertainment venue via the loudspeaker 38. Additionally, the audio track may be selected from the audio tracks stored in the memory 30 of the first user device 16 and / or from audio tracks stored (or otherwise generated by and / or accessible to the computing system 46) in the computing system 46 and capable of being streamed to the first user device 16 via a wireless network (e.g., network 42). The microphone 40 may detect one or more sounds, such as one or more sounds output by one or more other user devices in the container 12 (e.g., audio being played through the respective loudspeakers of separate user devices). In one embodiment, the first user device 16 may use the one or more sounds detected via the microphone 40 and adjust one or more characteristics (e.g., volume, pitch, tone) of the audio track being played via the loudspeaker 38 (e.g., to match or coordinate one or more characteristics of the audio track being played via the loudspeaker 38 with one or more corresponding characteristics of the one or more sounds detected via the microphone 40).

[0022] Additionally, as Figure 1 illustrated, the container 12 may be associated with and / or include sensors 44 and a computing system 46 for the entertainment venue 8. The computing system 46 may include a processor 48, a memory 50, a communication component 34, and so on. The processor 48 may be any type of computer processor or microprocessor capable of executing computer-executable code. The memory 50 may include volatile memory such as RAM and / or non-volatile memory such as ROM. The memory 50 may store a variety of information and may be used for various purposes. For example, the memory 50 may store processor-executable instructions (e.g., firmware or software) for the processor 48 to execute, such as instructions for identifying the presence of one or more user devices in the container 12 and for instructing one or more user devices to play one or more audio tracks. The communication component 52 may be a wireless communication component that, as mentioned herein, may facilitate communication between the computing system 46 and the user device computing system 26 and / or various other computing systems via the network 42. Further, the communication component 52 may communicate with the sensors 44 either via a wired connection or wirelessly (e.g., via the Internet, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi).

[0023] The sensor 44 is configured to detect the presence of one or more user devices in the container 12 and may include a position sensor (e.g., proximity sensor, radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, optical sensor, and / or camera) or any other suitable type of sensor capable of detecting the presence of one or more user devices in the container 12. In one embodiment, the sensor 44 may be communicatively coupled to the computing system 46 to provide a sensor signal (e.g., data) indicative of the presence of one or more user devices in the container 12, and the processor 48 may identify or determine the presence of one or more user devices in the container 12 based on the sensor signal. It should be appreciated that any sensor, technique, etc. among a variety of sensors, techniques, etc. may be used to detect the presence of one or more user devices in the container 12 and / or the relative distance between each user device of the one or more user devices and the container 12 (e.g., based on the reception of signals from one or more user devices within a known range of the sensor 44 associated with the container 12, signal strength, image analysis, global positioning data from one or more user devices).

[0024] In operation, the first user 14 may open an application (e.g., software application) on the first user device 16 and place the first user device 16 in the container 12. In one embodiment, the application may automatically open when in the vicinity of and / or in the container 12 (e.g., without being prompted by the first user 14; due to programming instructions stored on the first user device 16 and / or due to instructions received from the computing system 46). In any case, when the first user device 16 is in the vicinity of and / or in the container 12, the sensor 44 may detect the presence of the first user device 16. The computing system 46 may then instruct the first user device 16 to play an audio track, such as in response to detecting the presence of the first user device 16 in the container 12. Additionally, the second user 18 may open an application (e.g., software application) on the second user device 20 and place the second user device 20 in the container 12, or the application may automatically open. When the second user device 20 is in the vicinity of and / or in the container 12, the sensor 44 may detect the presence of the second user device 20. The computing system 46 may then instruct the second user device 20 to play an audio track, such as in response to detecting the presence of the second user device 20 in the container 12.

[0025] Further, in one embodiment, the computing system 46 may direct the first user device 16 and the second user device 20 to play an audio track in a coordinated and / or synchronized manner (e.g., via a timing signal). It should be noted that any other user device placed in the container 12 may operate in a manner similar to the first user device 16 and the second user device 20. For example, a third user 22 may open an application (e.g., a software application) on the third user device 24 and place the third user device 24 in the container 12, or the application may automatically open. When the third user device 24 is near and / or in the container 12, the sensor 44 may detect the presence of the third user device 24, and the computing system 46 may then direct the third user device 24 to play an audio track, such as in response to detecting the presence of the third user device 24 in the container 12. Further, in one embodiment, the computing system 46 may direct the third user device 24 to play an audio track in a coordinated and / or synchronized manner (e.g., synchronized with the first user device 16 and the second user device 20).

[0026] The computing system 46 may direct the first user device 16, the second user device 20, and the third user device 24 to play an audio track to provide a sound effect or other sound to be heard by attendees (including the first user 14, the second user 18, and the third user 22) in the entertainment venue 8. In addition to coordinating and / or synchronizing the sounds emitted by the first user device 16, the second user device 20, and the third user device 24 (or any user device in the container 12), the computing system 46 may also coordinate the sound with other effects (e.g., via a timing signal) during a performance cycle. For example, the computing system 46 may coordinate the sound with visual effects, such as streaming video displayed on a display screen in the entertainment venue. As another example, the computing system 46 may coordinate the sound with audio effects, such as streaming audio played via speakers fixed within or integrated into the entertainment venue 8. As yet another example, the computing system 46 may coordinate the sound with ride effects, such as the movement of a ride vehicle (e.g., along a path through the entertainment venue 8).

[0027] The first user device 16 can be configured to detect, via a microphone 40 of the first user device 16, sound output by a speaker of the second user device 20 (or any user device within the container 12). The first user device 16 can use the sound detected from the second user device 20 to adjust (determine an adjustment to) one or more characteristics (e.g., volume, pitch, tone) of an audio track being played via a speaker 38 of the first user device 16. One or more characteristics of the audio track being played via the first user device 16 can be adjusted to match or coordinate with one or more corresponding characteristics of the sound detected from the second user device 20. For example, the first user device 16 can detect that the second user device 20 may be unable to produce a high pitch (e.g., a specific high pitch or high frequency; a portion of an audio track that should be played at a specific pitch or frequency is played at a lower pitch or lower frequency), and the first user device 16 can adjust the pitch of the audio track being played via the speaker 38 of the first user device 16 to match or coordinate (e.g., compensate for) the sound emitted by the first user device 16 with the sound emitted by the second user device 20. The computing system 46 can instruct one or more user devices to perform these techniques to match or coordinate their sounds, or one or more user devices can be prompted to do so via an application stored on the one or more user devices (e.g., when the application is launched).

[0028] In one embodiment, the computing system 46 can instruct the first user device 16 to play a first audio track, the second user device 20 to play a second audio track, and the third user device 24 to play a third audio track in a coordinated manner within the container 12. Accordingly, the computing system 46 can provide various audio tracks to one or more user devices, and the one or more user devices play the various audio tracks in a coordinated manner so as to be heard by any attendee within the audio range of the container 12. For example, the first user device 16 can be instructed to play a first audio track including the sound of drums, the second user device 20 can be instructed to play a second audio track including the sound of a guitar, and the third user device 24 can be instructed to play a third audio track including the sound of vocals. The first user device 16, the second user device 20, and the third user device 24 can play the first audio track, the second audio track, and the third audio track in a coordinated manner to produce multiple sounds that together mimic or simulate a band playing for any attendee within the audio range of the container 12.

[0029] In one embodiment, the computing system 46 may instruct the first user device 16 and the second user device 20 to play one or more audio tracks during a performance cycle (e.g., during at least a portion of the performance cycle). For example, at the start of the performance cycle, the first user device 16 and the second user device 20 may each be placed in the container 12. The first user device 16 and the second user device 20 may then each simultaneously start playing one or more audio tracks. Further, when the performance cycle has ended, the first user device 16 and the second user device 20 may simultaneously stop playing one or more audio tracks.

[0030] In one embodiment, the first user device 16 and the second user device 20 may each be added or removed simultaneously or non-simultaneously during a portion of the performance cycle (e.g., during the same portion or different portions of the performance cycle). For example, the first user device 16 may be placed in the container 12 at a first time (e.g., before the start of the performance cycle) and may be instructed by the computing system 46 to start playing an audio track at the start of the performance cycle. The second user device 20 may then be placed in the container 12 at a second time (e.g., after the start of the performance cycle) and may be instructed by the computing system 46 to play the audio track in coordination with the first user device 16 during a later portion of the performance cycle. Additionally, the second user device 20 may be removed from the container 12 and may be instructed to stop playing the audio track when no longer detected near the container 12 (e.g., by the sensor 44). In this way, the first user device 16 and the second user device 20 may start playing or stop playing an audio track during any portion of the performance cycle. It should be noted that any other user device placed in the container 12 may operate similarly to the first user device 16 and the second user device 20. In fact, one or more user devices may be placed in and / or removed from the container 12 at various times, and the computing system 46 may instruct each user device placed in the container 12 to play an audio track (e.g., in a coordinated manner; using timing signals) when detected. Similarly, the computing system 46 may instruct each user device to stop playing an audio track when it identifies the removal of each user device from the container 12.

[0031] Additionally, it should be appreciated that computing system 46 may instruct each user device within container 12 to play a corresponding audio track (e.g., device-specific; unique to or playable only by the user device; temporarily assigned to the user device as long as the user device continues to be detected within container 12) upon detection of the user device. Thus, multiple user devices may be added and removed from container 12 at various times and play one or more audio tracks while within container 12 to thereby provide different audio experiences over time (e.g., a band with drums via a first user device 16 and guitar via a second user device 20 during a first time period; then a band with drums via a first user device 16, guitar via a second user device 20, and vocals via a third user device 24 during a second time period; then a band with guitar via a second device 20, vocals via a third user device 24, piano via a fourth user device, and / or drums via a fifth user device during a third time period; similar techniques may be used to provide other varying audio experiences over time as user devices are added and removed from container 12, such as having sound effects including different types of laughter, etc.).

[0032] It should be appreciated that entertainment venue 8 may include one or more containers. With this in mind, Figure 2 Schematic illustration of entertainment venue 8, which includes an entertainment system 10 having a plurality of containers (e.g., a tabletop speaker system). As illustrated, the plurality of containers may include a first container 70, a second container 72, and a third container 74. The first container 70, second container 72, and third container 74 may include Figure 1 any of the features of container 12 (e.g., the first container 70 may represent Figure 1 container 12). As used herein, "container" may refer to the first container 70, second container 72, third container 74, and / or one or more additional containers.

[0033] A first user 76 may have a first user device 78, a second user 80 may have a second user device 82, a third user 84 may have a third user device 86, and a fourth user 88 may have a fourth user device 90. The first user device 78, second user device 82, third user device 86, and fourth user device 90 may include any of the features of the first user device 16, second user device 20, and / or third user device 24 (or more generally, one or more user devices) described with reference to Figure 1 e.g., the first user device 78 may represent Figure 1a first user device 16). Thus, as used herein, "one or more user devices" or "multiple user devices" may refer to the first user device 78, the second user device 82, the third user device 86, the fourth user device 90, and / or one or more additional user devices.

[0034] Each of the containers may be associated with one or more sensors (e.g., sensors 92, 94, and 96) that detect one or more user devices (e.g., the first user device 78, the second user device 82, the third user device 86, the fourth user device 90, or any other user device), and when one or more user devices are detected to be within a container, the computing system 46 may instruct the one or more user devices to play one or more audio tracks. In one embodiment, one or more user devices within a container may be instructed to play different audio tracks (e.g., during a performance cycle or multiple different audio tracks over a period of time; device-specific; unique to or playable only by the user device; temporarily assigned to the user device as long as the user device continues to be detected within one of the containers) to create an audio environment. Alternatively, the computing system 46 may instruct one or more user devices within one or more containers to play the same audio track to provide the same audio file across the entertainment venue 8.

[0035] In one embodiment, the first user device 78 within the first container 70 may be detected via the sensor 92 and instructed by the computing system 46 to play a first audio track. Additionally, the second user device 82 within the first container 70 may be detected via the sensor 92 and instructed by the computing system 46 to play the first audio track. Further, the third user device 86 within the second container 72 may be detected by the sensor 94 and instructed by the computing system 46 to play a second audio track. The first audio track may then be played through the speakers of the first user device 78 and the second user device 82. Further, the second audio track may be played through the speaker of the third user device 86 either simultaneously or non-simultaneously (e.g., in a coordinated manner) with the first audio track to create an audio environment. The sensor 96 of the third container 74 may not detect the fourth user device 90 because the fourth user device 90 has not been placed within the third container 74 and is thus not in the vicinity of the third container 74. As a result, the fourth user device 90 will not be instructed by the computing system 46 to play any audio tracks.

[0036] In one embodiment, one or more user devices within a container may be instructed to play various sounds to create an audio environment. The sensors 92 of the first container 70 may detect the first user device 78 and the second user device 82. Further, the sensors 94 of the second container 72 may detect the third user device 86. The computing system 46 may then instruct the first user device 78 and the second user device 82 to play a first audio track that includes sounds representing a first character or object. Additionally, the computing system 46 may then instruct the third user device 86 to play a second audio track that includes a second sound representing a second character or object. In this way, within the entertainment venue 8, various sounds may be played by one or more user devices placed within the containers. For example, to create an animal audio environment, the first user device 78 and the second user device 82 may be instructed by the computing system 46 to play a first audio track of a snake hissing. Additionally, the third user device 86 may be instructed by the computing system 46 to play a second audio track of a monkey howling. Further, if a fourth user 88 were to place a fourth user device 90 within the third container 74, the fourth user device 90 would be instructed by the computing system 46 to play an audio track such as a third audio track of a leopard roaring. Thus, sounds of various characters or objects (e.g., animals) may be generated by one or more user devices within the containers to create an audio environment to provide an immersive experience for the attendees during a performance cycle or when the attendees visit the entertainment venue 8.

[0037] In one embodiment, one or more user devices may be instructed by computing system 46 to play one or more audio tracks at various times during a performance cycle (e.g., via a timing signal). For example, first user device 78 and second user device 82 may be instructed by computing system 46 to play an audio track when within first container 70 during a first portion of the performance cycle (e.g., during a first time period). First user device 78 and second user device 82 may then be instructed to stop playing the audio track at the end of the first portion of the performance cycle (e.g., at the end of the first time period). Third user device 86 may then be instructed to play an audio track when within second container 72 during a second portion of the performance cycle (e.g., during a second time period subsequent to the first time period). In this manner, audio tracks may be played at various times in a coordinated fashion by one or more user devices to create the impression that the audio tracks are passing through entertainment venue 8. For example, transferring a hiss from first user device 78 and second user device 82 to third user device 86 may simulate or give attendees the experience of a snake passing through entertainment venue 8. Such techniques may also be used to provide elements of surprise or unexpected sounds when different user devices may be activated at different times to play sounds (e.g., randomly selected or to provide different sound movement effects across entertainment venue 8 according to a program). A variety of other effects are envisioned, such as each container may be associated with (one or more) specific audio tracks (e.g., all user devices within one container play one audio track, all user devices within another container play another audio track, etc.). In such cases, users may move their user devices to different containers to play different audio tracks.

[0038] Figure 3 FIG. is a diagram of a user device 120 having a graphical user interface 130 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the graphical user interface 130 providing one or more selectable virtual buttons that enable a user to provide one or more inputs to a desktop speaker system. User device 120 may include any of the features of one or more of the user devices described with reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2 (e.g., user device 120 may represent the first user device 16 of Figure 1 ). A user of user device 120 may open an application 122 (e.g., a software application) to select, modify, or change the audio track that is being played or will be played via the (one or more) speakers of user device 120. For example, the user may join application 122 and select a virtual button (e.g., one of virtual buttons 124, 126, and 128) to change the audio track being played by user device 120. In this manner, the user may pick the audio track they wish to hear (such as during a performance cycle, within an audio environment).

[0039] Computing system 46 (in Figure 1 and Figure 2can control various aspects of the audio environment, such as via control signals that indicate to the user device 120 to play a track and / or indicate an appropriate timing for the user device 120 to play a track. Thus, while the user can select a track via the user device 120, the computing system 46 can interface with the user device 120 to cause the user device 120 to play a track in a manner coordinated with other tracks and / or other effects being played by other user devices. Further, the computing system 46 can interface with the user device 120 to initiate playback of a track via the user device 120 in response to the user device 120 being placed in a container (e.g., Figure 1 container 12) and / or to continue playing a track via the user device 120 only when the user device 120 is within the container.

[0040] The computing system 46 can receive data associated with user input, and / or can parse and / or analyze the user input and generate data associated with the user input. For example, the computing system 46 can determine that the user input corresponds to a track different from the track currently being played or the track originally assigned to the user device 120, and the computing system 46 can generate a control signal to change the track for the user device 120. Additionally, the user input can send a signal (e.g., an audio modification signal) to the computing system 46 to switch the computing system 46 to indicate that the user device 120 change the track to the selected track. In one embodiment, the application 122 can be used to display and enable the user to pick an audio selection from a source that includes an audio library having tracks stored in the computing system 46 (or a database accessible via the computing system 46). The user can select a virtual button (e.g., 124, 126, or 128), and the user device 120 (e.g., via the computing system 46) can then access the audio library and retrieve the selected track.

[0041] It should be appreciated that the computing system 46 can consider selections made by the user while also providing a particular desired audio environment. For example, the computing system 46 can instruct the user device 120 to display only certain options (e.g., audio tracks) based on other audio tracks currently playing on other user devices, the stage of the performance cycle (e.g., drums may not be part of the ending portion of the performance cycle), and the like. For example, if the user selects the virtual button 124 corresponding to drums, the computing system 46 can prevent other user devices from displaying this option for other users to select immediately upon selection or once the user device 120 is placed in the container. It should be appreciated that the user can make selections while the user device 120 is in the container, while the user 120 is within the vicinity of the container, during the performance cycle, and / or prior to the performance cycle. For example, before visiting an entertainment venue, the user may select drums as their first choice, guitar as their second choice, and flute as their third choice. Then, the computing system 46 can obtain corresponding inputs from multiple user devices, including the user device 120, to create an audio environment. The computing system 46 can assign audio tracks according to timing (e.g., the first user device in the container is instructed to play its first choice; as long as the first choice of the second user device in the container does not match the first choice of the first user device, the second user device in the container is instructed to play its first choice, or otherwise is instructed to play its second choice; and so on). When the user device is removed from the container, the audio tracks played by each user device remaining in the container can change to better correspond to the selections made by the user and / or continue to provide a particular desired audio environment (e.g., if drums are a key musical element, at least one user device should always provide those sounds). Further, the computing system 46 can continue to coordinate the timing, volume, and other characteristics of the audio tracks being played by one or more user devices. In this way, the entertainment venue can provide a dynamic audio experience that takes into account user preferences and / or maintains a particular desired audio environment. Additionally, it should be appreciated that when the user device 120 is in the container, the display of the user device 120 can be instructed to light up and / or provide other visual effects (e.g., animated characters, images, colors). In fact, some or all of the user devices in one or more containers can light up and / or provide other visual effects, such as lighting up when playing (e.g., all user devices playing drums light up blue or have an image of a drum, all user devices playing guitar light up red or have an image of a guitar, etc.). Such visual effects can provide visual entertainment and can also provide the user with a visual confirmation that their user device has successfully joined as part of the entertainment system.

[0042] Figure 4FIG. 0 is a flowchart of an embodiment of method 150 for playing a first audio track on a first user device and a second user device during a performance cycle to create an audio environment. The method 150 disclosed herein includes various steps represented by blocks. It should be noted that at least some of the steps of method 150 may be performed as an automated process by a system (such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 entertainment system 10). Although the flowchart depicts the steps in a certain sequence, it should be understood that the steps may be performed in any suitable order and that certain steps may be performed simultaneously when appropriate.

[0043] In step 152, method 150 may begin with a sensor detecting the first user device in the first container. For example, the first user may place the first user device within the first container, and the sensor may detect the first user device when the first user device is within the vicinity of or in the first container. In step 154, the computing system may instruct the first user device to play a sound accessed and / or generated by the computing system. The sound may be played via the speaker of the first user device.

[0044] In step 156, when the second user device is within the vicinity of or in the first container, the sensor may detect the second user device (or if the second user device is placed in a second container, the sensor in the second container may detect the second user device). In step 158, the computing system may instruct the second user device to play a sound via the speaker of the second user device.

[0045] In step 160, the computing system may synchronize the sounds played from the first user device and the second user device (e.g., via a timing signal) so that the sounds are played in a coordinated manner. Further, as noted herein, the computing system may instruct the first user device and the second user device to synchronize with each other (e.g., using on-board components such as respective microphones and audio adjustment components). For example, the first user device may use its on-board microphone to detect the sound output by the second user device, and then the first user device may control the on-board audio adjustment component to match one or more corresponding characteristics of the sound output by the first user device to one or more corresponding characteristics of the sound output by the second user device.

[0046] As noted herein, the first user device and the second user device may play different sounds or audio tracks to create an audio environment. For example, the first user device may play a first type of laughter while the second user device may play a second type of laughter. As another example, the first user device may play a first type of ambient sound while the second user device may play a second type of ambient sound. Further, any number of user devices may be placed in the first container or the second container. Further, the audio environment may include any number of containers, such as one, two, three, four, five, or more. The containers may be incorporated into a ride vehicle (e.g., one per seat or one per ride vehicle), a table (e.g., the tabletop, such as one per seat or one per table), and / or any other suitable fixed or movable structure. In this way, users may add their user devices to the containers when they board the ride vehicle for a ride experience or when they sit down to enjoy their meal for a dining experience, and then the users may remove their user devices from the containers when they finish the ride experience or the dining experience, respectively. Thus, the audio environment may adapt and continue as multiple users and their user devices come and go, relying on the user devices to create sounds and play audio tracks. Compared to integrated speakers (e.g., fixed to the ride vehicle and / or the table), this may provide cost savings (components and maintenance), while also providing additional entertainment (e.g., users are encouraged to select their audio tracks and / or create an audio environment together), while also providing certain interactive control to the users (e.g., users who do not want the audio can keep their user devices outside the container; users can select preferred audio tracks).

[0047] Although only certain features of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure.

[0048] The technologies presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to substantial objects and specific examples that demonstrably improve the practical nature of the art to which this technology pertains, and are thus not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Further, if any claim appended to the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for (performing)... (function)" or "step for (performing)... (function)", it is intended that such elements are to be interpreted in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claim that contains elements designated in any other way, it is intended that such elements are not to be interpreted in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

Claims

1. An entertainment system for an environment, the entertainment system comprising: a container configured to receive one or more user devices; a sensor configured to detect the presence of the one or more user devices in the container and configured to generate data indicative of the presence of the one or more user devices in the container; and one or more processors configured to: identify the presence of the one or more user devices in the container based on the data; and in response to identifying the presence of the one or more user devices in the container based on the data, instruct the one or more user devices to play one or more audio tracks.

2. The entertainment system according to claim 1, wherein, The container includes a bowl shape configured to amplify sound output by the one or more user devices.

3. The entertainment system according to claim 1, wherein, The container is part of a table in a dining environment.

4. The entertainment system according to claim 1, wherein, The sensor includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader.

5. The entertainment system according to claim 1, wherein The one or more user devices include a first user device and a second user device, and the one or more processors are configured to instruct the first user device and the second user device to play the one or more audio tracks in a synchronized manner.

6. The entertainment system according to claim 5, wherein, The one or more audio tracks include a first audio track and a second audio track that are different from each other.

7. The entertainment system according to claim 6, wherein, The first audio track represents a first object or character, and the second audio track represents a second object or character.

8. The entertainment system according to claim 6, wherein, The first audio track represents a first type of musical instrument, and the second audio track represents a second type of musical instrument.

9. The entertainment system according to claim 1, comprising An additional container configured to receive one or more additional user devices, wherein, the container and the additional container are placed at different locations in the environment; and an additional sensor configured to detect the respective presence of the one or more additional user devices in the additional container and configured to generate additional data indicative of the respective presence of the one or more additional user devices in the additional container; wherein the one or more processors are configured to: identify the respective presence of the one or more additional user devices in the additional container based on the additional data; in response to identifying the respective presence of the one or more additional user devices in the additional container based on the additional data, instruct the one or more additional user devices to play one or more additional audio tracks.

10. The entertainment system according to claim 9, wherein, The one or more audio tracks represent a first character or object, and the one or more additional audio tracks represent a second character or object.

11. The entertainment system according to claim 9, wherein The one or more processors are configured to sequentially instruct the one or more user devices to play the one or more audio tracks and instruct the one or more additional user devices to play the one or more additional audio tracks to create an audio effect simulating the movement of a character or object in the environment.

12. An entertainment system for an environment, the entertainment system comprising: a first container configured to receive one or more first user devices; a second container configured to receive one or more second user devices; A sensor system configured to generate sensor data indicative of the presence of one or more first user devices in the first container and the presence of one or more second user devices in the second container; And One or more processors configured to: In response to identifying the presence of the one or more first user devices in the first container based on the sensor data, instruct the one or more first user devices to play one or more audio tracks; And In response to identifying the presence of the one or more second user devices in the second container based on the sensor data, instruct the one or more second user devices to play the one or more audio tracks.

13. The entertainment system according to claim 12, wherein, The one or more processors are configured to: In response to identifying the presence of the one or more first user devices in the first container based on the sensor data, instruct the one or more first user devices to play a first audio track among the one or more audio tracks; And In response to identifying the presence of the one or more second user devices in the second container based on the sensor data, instruct the one or more second user devices to play a second audio track among the one or more audio tracks.

14. The entertainment system according to claim 13, wherein, The first audio track represents a first object or character, and the second audio track represents a second object or character.

15. The entertainment system according to claim 12, wherein, The one or more processors are configured to provide a timing signal to cause the one or more first user devices and the one or more second user devices to play the one or more audio tracks in a coordinated manner.

16. The entertainment system according to claim 12, wherein, The one or more processors are configured to: During the playing of the one or more audio tracks, activate a microphone on a first user device among the one or more first user devices to receive corresponding sounds output by other user devices among the one or more first user devices; And During the playing of the one or more audio tracks, instruct an audio adjustment component of the first user device among the one or more first user devices to adjust one or more characteristics of the corresponding sound output by the first user device among the one or more first user devices to compensate for the corresponding sound output by other user devices among the one or more first users.

17. The entertainment system according to claim 12, wherein, The first container is part of a first table in a dining environment, and the second container is part of a second table in the dining environment, or the first container is part of a first vehicle in a riding environment, and the second container is part of a second vehicle in the riding environment.

18. A method of operating an entertainment system, the method comprising: Receiving, at one or more processors, sensor data indicative of the presence of one or more first user devices in a first container; Receiving, at the one or more processors, additional sensor data indicative of the corresponding presence of one or more second user devices in a second container; In response to identifying the presence of the one or more first user devices in the first container based on the sensor data, use the one or more processors to instruct the one or more first user devices to play one or more audio tracks; and In response to identifying the corresponding presence of the one or more second user devices in the second container based on the sensor data, use the one or more processors to instruct the one or more second user devices to play the one or more audio tracks.

19. The method of claim 18, comprising: Use the one or more processors to instruct the one or more first user devices to play a first audio track of the one or more audio tracks; and Use the one or more processors to instruct the one or more second user devices to play a second audio track of the one or more audio tracks.

20. The method according to claim 18, comprising: Use the one or more processors to provide a timing signal to cause the one or more first user devices and the one or more second user devices to play the one or more audio tracks in sequence to create an audio effect simulating the movement of a character or object in a simulated environment.

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