Tabletop Speaker System

Abstract

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

Description

[Background technology]

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

[0002] Many entertainment venues may use built-in speakers to provide audio to attendees. For example, within an entertainment venue, built-in speakers may play various audio tracks (e.g., sound effects and / or songs) during a show. The audio tracks can synergize with other elements of the show and help to captivate the audience. Built-in speakers may be fixed within the structure that defines the entertainment venue, or may be generally permanently installed within the entertainment venue (e.g., to provide audio to multiple attendees, such as over several years). Installing and maintaining built-in speakers can be expensive.

[0003] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described and / or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. As such, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the originally claimed subject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are merely intended to provide a brief summary of possible forms of the subject matter and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Indeed, the subject matter may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the following embodiments.

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

[0006] According to one embodiment, an entertainment system for an environment includes a first container configured to hold one or more first user devices, a second container configured to hold one or more second user devices, and a sensor system configured to generate sensor data indicative of the presence of the one or more first user devices in the first container and the presence of the one or more second user devices in the second container. The entertainment system also includes 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, direct the one or more first user devices in the first container to play one or more audio tracks based on the sensor data; and in response to identifying the presence of the one or more second user devices in the second container based on the sensor data, direct the one or more second user devices to play one or more audio tracks.

[0007] According to one embodiment, a method of operating an entertainment system includes receiving, at one or more processors, sensor data indicating the presence of one or more first user devices in a first container and receiving, at one or more processors, additional sensor data indicating the presence of one or more second user devices each in a second container. The method also includes, in response to identifying the presence of the one or more first user devices in the first container based on the sensor data, directing, using the one or more processors, 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, directing, using the one or more processors, the one or more second user devices to play one or more audio tracks.

[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an entertainment venue including a tabletop speaker system with a container according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an entertainment venue including a tabletop speaker system with multiple containers, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram of a user device with a graphical user interface that provides one or more selectable virtual buttons that allow a user to provide one or more inputs to a tabletop speaker system, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0012] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method for synchronizing audio between a first user device and a second user device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It will be understood that the development of any actual implementation will require many implementation-specific decisions to be made in order to achieve the developer's particular goals, including complying with system-related and business-related constraints. Moreover, it will be understood that such a development effort may be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, manufacturing, and fabrication for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0014] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean the presence of one or more of the element. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" or "one embodiment" of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also contain the recited features.

[0015] The systems and methods disclosed in this disclosure generally relate to entertainment systems (e.g., tabletop speaker systems) that are integrated with a container and facilitate audio synchronization and playback (e.g., audio streams, audio files, audio tracks, audio data, sounds) through one or more user devices located in the container within an entertainment venue. The container may include any type of container designed to contain (e.g., hold, carry) one or more user devices, such as during a show cycle (e.g., for at least a portion of a show cycle). In one embodiment, the container is bowl-shaped and can be used to amplify sound emitted from one or more user devices within the container.

[0016] The entertainment system may further include functionality for detecting when one or more user devices are placed in a container. Additionally, the entertainment system may include functionality for facilitating audio synchronization of one or more user devices within a container. Furthermore, the entertainment system may include functionality for enabling coordination of sounds emanating from multiple user devices within multiple containers within an audio environment. In such a case, one of the one or more user devices may play one audio track during a show cycle, such as one audio track representing a first type of instrument, while another one or more user devices may play another audio track during a show cycle, such as another audio track representing a second type of instrument. The various audio tracks may be different audio streams or audio files (e.g., audio data), such as portions of a musical composition or song played by different instruments (e.g., piano and vocals in a musical composition or song). In this manner, the present embodiment may advantageously hold one or more user devices and enable the entertainment system to instruct the one or more user devices to play audio using the one or more user devices.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an entertainment facility 8 (e.g., environment) including an entertainment system 10 (e.g., a tabletop speaker system) with a container 12 (e.g., a bowl, platform, surface, receptacle) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 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 understood 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 that assists the first user device 16 in performing various types of tasks and operations. User device computing system 26 may include a processor 28, memory 30, communications components 34, a display 36, a speaker 38, a microphone 40, etc. Note that any user device described herein may include some or all of the same components as first user device 16. Processor 28 may be any type of computer processor or microprocessor capable of executing computer-executable code. Processor 28 may include multiple processors to perform the operations described herein.

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

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

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

[0021] The speaker 38 may include an acoustic transducer operative to convert electrical energy into acoustic energy. An audio track may be played through the speaker 38 for patrons (e.g., users) at the entertainment venue. Additionally, the audio track may be selected from audio tracks stored in the memory 30 of the first user device 16 and / or from audio tracks stored in (or generated by or accessible by) the computing system 46 and 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 within the container 12 (e.g., sounds played through the respective speakers of another user device). In one embodiment, the first user device 16 can use one or more sounds detected via the microphone 40 to adjust one or more characteristics (e.g., volume, pitch, tone) of an audio track played via the speaker 38 (e.g., to match or adjust one or more characteristics of the audio track played via the speaker 38 to the respective characteristics of the one or more sounds detected via the microphone 40).

[0022] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 1 , the container 12 can be associated with and / or include sensors 44 and a computing system 46 for the entertainment venue 8. The computing system 46 can include a processor 48, a memory 50, a communications component 52, etc. The processor 48 can be any type of computer processor or microprocessor capable of executing computer-executable code. The memory 50 can include volatile memory, such as RAM, and / or non-volatile memory, such as ROM. The memory 50 can store various information and can be used for various purposes. For example, the memory 50 can store processor-executable instructions (e.g., firmware or software) executed by the processor 48, such as instructions for identifying the presence of one or more user devices within the container 12 and instructions for instructing the one or more user devices to play one or more audio tracks. The communications component 52 can be a wireless communications component that facilitates communication between the computing system 46 and the user device computing system 26 and / or various other computing systems over the network 42, as described herein. Additionally, the communication component 52 may communicate with the sensor 44 via a wired connection or wirelessly (e.g., internet, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi).

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

[0024] In operation, a first user 14 can open an application (e.g., a software application) on a first user device 16 and place the first user device 16 in the container 12. In one embodiment, the application can open automatically when near and / or within the container 12 (e.g., without prompting by the first user 14, per programmed instructions stored on the first user device 16 and / or instructions received from the computing system 46). In either case, the sensor 44 can detect the presence of the first user device 16 when near and / or within the container 12. The computing system 46 can 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, a second user 18 can open an application (e.g., a software application) on a second user device 20 and place the second user device 20 in the container 12, or the application can open automatically. The sensor 44 may detect the presence of the second user device 20 when the second user device 20 is near and / or within the container 12. The computing system 46 may instruct the second user device 20 to play an audio track, such as in response to detecting the second user device 20 being present within the container 12.

[0025] Additionally, in one embodiment, the computing system 46 can instruct 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). Note that any other user devices located in the container 12 can operate similarly to the first user device 16 and the second user device 20. For example, the third user 22 can open an application (e.g., a software application) on the third user device 24, the third user device 24 can be placed in the container 12, or the application can open automatically. The sensor 44 can detect the presence of the third user device 24 when the third user device 24 is near and / or within the container 12, and the computing system 46 can instruct the third user device 24 to play an audio track, such as in response to detecting the third user device 24's presence within the container 12. Additionally, in one embodiment, the computing system 46 may instruct the third user device 24 to play the 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 instruct the first user device 16, the second user device 20, and the third user device 24 to play an audio track to provide sound effects and other sounds audible to patrons of the entertainment facility 8 (including the first user 14, the second user 18, and the third user 22). In addition to coordinating and / or synchronizing the sounds emanating from the first user device 16, the second user device 20, and the third user device 24 (or any user device within the container 12), the computing system 46 may coordinate the sounds with other effects during a show cycle (e.g., via timing signals). For example, the computing system 46 may coordinate the sounds with visual effects, such as streaming video displayed on a display screen within the entertainment facility. As another example, the computing system 46 may coordinate the sounds with audio effects, such as streaming audio played through speakers fixed or integrated within the entertainment facility 8. As yet another example, the computing system 46 may coordinate the sounds with ride effects, such as the movement of the ride (e.g., along a path within the entertainment facility 8).

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

[0028] In one embodiment, computing system 46 can instruct a first user device 16 to play a first soundtrack, a second user device 20 to play a second soundtrack, and a third user device 24 to play a third soundtrack in a coordinated manner within container 12. In this manner, computing system 46 can provide different soundtracks to one or more user devices and play the different soundtracks in a coordinated manner for listening to guests within audio range of container 12. For example, a first user device 16 can be instructed to play a first soundtrack including drum sounds, a second user device 20 can be instructed to play a second soundtrack including guitar sounds, and a third user device 24 can be instructed to play a third soundtrack including vocal sounds. 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, thereby generating multiple sounds that mimic or simulate the performance of a band and are heard by patrons within audio range of the container 12.

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

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

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

[0032] It should be understood that entertainment facility 8 can include one or more containers. With this in mind, FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of entertainment facility 8 including entertainment system 10 (e.g., a tabletop speaker system) with multiple containers. As shown, the multiple containers can include a first container 70, a second container 72, and a third container 74. First container 70, second container 72, and third container 74 can include any of the functionality of container 12 in FIG. 1 (e.g., first container 70 can represent container 12 in FIG. 1). As used herein, "container" can refer to first container 70, second container 72, third container 74, and / or one or more additional containers.

[0033] A first user 76 has a first user device 78, a second user 80 has a second user device 82, a third user 84 has a third user device 86, and a fourth user 88 has a fourth user device 90. The first user device 78, the second user device 82, the third user device 86, and the fourth user device 90 may include any functionality of the first user device 16, the second user device 20, and / or the third user device 24 (or more generally, one or more user devices) described in connection with FIG. 1 (e.g., the first user device 78 may represent the first user device 16 of FIG. 1). 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 container can be associated with one or more sensors (e.g., sensors 92, 94, and 96) that detect one or more user devices (e.g., first user device 78, second user device 82, third user device 86, fourth user device 90, or any other user device), and computing system 46 can instruct one or more user devices to play one or more audio tracks while the one or more user devices are detected within the container. In some embodiments, one or more user devices within a container can be instructed to play different audio tracks (e.g., multiple different audio tracks during a show cycle or over a period of time; device-specific; specific 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, computing system 46 can instruct one or more user devices within one or more containers to play the same audio track to provide the same audio file throughout entertainment venue 8.

[0035] In one embodiment, a first user device 78 in the first container 70 can be detected via sensor 92 and instructed by computing system 46 to play a first audio track. Additionally, a second user device 82 in the first container 70 can be detected via sensor 92 and instructed by computing system 46 to play a first audio track. Additionally, a third user device 86 in the second container 72 can be detected via sensor 94 and instructed by computing system 46 to play a second audio track. The first audio track can then be played through speakers of the first user device 78 and the second user device 82. Additionally, the second audio track can be played through speakers of the third user device 86 simultaneously or asynchronously (e.g., in a coordinated manner) with the first audio track to create an audio ambiance. The sensor 96 of the third container 74 may not detect the fourth user device 90 because the fourth user device 90 is not located in, and therefore not near, the third container 74. As a result, the fourth user device 90 will not be instructed by the computing system 46 to play an audio track.

[0036] In one embodiment, one or more user devices within a container can be instructed to play various sounds to create an audio environment. A sensor 92 in the first container 70 can detect a first user device 78 and a second user device 82. Additionally, a sensor 94 in the second container 72 can detect a third user device 86. The computing system 46 can instruct the first user device 78 and the second user device 82 to play a first audio track including sounds representing a first character or object. Additionally, the computing system 46 can instruct the third user device 86 to play a second audio track including second sounds representing a second character or object. In this manner, various sounds can be played by one or more user devices located in containers within the entertainment establishment 8. For example, to create an animal audio environment, the first user device 78 and the second user device 82 can be instructed by the computing system 46 to play a first audio track of a snake's hissing sounds. Additionally, the third user device 86 can be instructed by the computing system 46 to play a second audio track of monkey screams. Additionally, when a fourth user 88 places a fourth user device 90 in the third container 74, the fourth user device 90 can be instructed by the computing system 46 to play an audio track, such as a third audio track of panther roars. In this manner, sounds of various characters or objects (e.g., animals) can be played by one or more user devices within the container to create an audio environment to provide an immersive experience for attendees during a show cycle or when visiting the entertainment facility 8.

[0037] In one embodiment, one or more user devices can be instructed by the computing system 46 to play one or more audio tracks at various times (e.g., via timing signals) during a show cycle. For example, a first user device 78 and a second user device 82 can be instructed by the computing system 46 to play an audio track during a first portion of the show cycle (e.g., a first time slot) within the first container 70. The first user device 78 and the second user device 82 can be instructed to stop playing the audio track at the end of the first portion of the show cycle (e.g., at the end of the first time slot). A third user device 86 can be instructed to play an audio track during a second portion of the show cycle (e.g., a second time slot following the first time slot) within the second container 72. In this manner, an audio track can be played through one or more user devices in a coordinated manner at various times to create the impression that the audio track is moving through the entertainment establishment 8. For example, a whooshing sound can be transmitted from first user device 78 and second user device 82 to third user device 86, giving guests the experience of seeing a snake moving through entertainment venue 8. Such technology can also be used to provide an element of surprise or unexpected sound, with different user devices being activated to play sounds at different times (e.g., randomly selected or according to a program to provide different sound movement effects throughout entertainment venue 8). Various other effects are possible, such as each container being associated with a specific sound track (e.g., all user devices in one container play one sound track, all user devices in another container play a different sound track, etc.). In such cases, users can move their user devices to different containers to play different sound tracks.

[0038] 3 is a diagram of a user device 120 with a graphical user interface 130 that provides one or more selectable virtual buttons that allow a user to provide one or more inputs to a tabletop speaker system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. User device 120 can include any functionality of one or more user devices described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2 (e.g., user device 120 can represent first user device 16 of FIG. 1). A user of user device 120 can open application 122 (e.g., a software application) to select, modify, or change the audio track that is played or being played through the speakers of user device 120. For example, the user can navigate 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 can select the audio track they want to hear, such as during a show cycle of an audio environment.

[0039] Computing system 46 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) can control various aspects of the audio environment via control signals directing user device 120 to play an audio track and / or indicating the appropriate timing for user device 120 to play the audio track. In this manner, while a user may select an audio track via user device 120, computing system 46 can communicate with user device 120 to play the audio track in a coordinated manner with other audio tracks and other effects being played by other user devices. Additionally, computing system 46 can communicate with user device 120 to begin playing an audio track via user device 120 in response to user device 120 being placed in a container (e.g., container 12 of FIG. 1), or to have user device 120 continue playing the audio track only while user device 120 is within the container.

[0040] The computing system 46 can receive data associated with the user input and / or 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 an audio track that is different from the audio track currently being played or the audio track assigned to the user device 120, and the computing system 46 can generate a control signal to change the audio track of the user device 120. Additionally, the user input can send a signal (e.g., an audio change signal) to the computing system 46 to toggle the computing system 46 to instruct the computing system 46 to change to the selected audio track for the user device 120. In one embodiment, the application 122 can be used to allow a user to display and select audio selections from sources including an audio library comprising audio tracks stored on the computing system 46 (or in 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 access the audio library to obtain the selected audio track.

[0041] It should be appreciated that the computing system 46 can also provide a particular desired audio environment while taking into account the user's selection. For example, the computing system 46 can instruct the user device 120 to display particular options (e.g., audio tracks) based on the audio tracks currently playing on other user devices or the stage of the show cycle (e.g., drums may not be included in the later portions of the show cycle). For example, if a user selects the virtual button 124 corresponding to drums, the computing system 46 can block other user devices from displaying and selecting this option immediately after the selection or when the user device 120 is placed in a container. It should be appreciated that a user can make a selection while the user device 120 is in a container, while near the container, during the show cycle, and / or before the show cycle. For example, before visiting an entertainment venue, a user can select drums as a first selection, guitar as a second selection, and flute as a third selection. The computing system 46 can then incorporate respective 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., a first user device in a container is instructed to play a first selection, a second user device in the container is instructed to play the first selection unless it matches the first user device, or is instructed to play a second selection otherwise, etc.). When a user device is removed from a container, the audio track played by each user device remaining in the container can be changed to better correspond to the user's selection and / or to continue to provide a particular desired audio environment (e.g., if drums are an important musical element, at least one user device should always provide those sounds).Additionally, computing system 46 can continually adjust the timing, volume, and other characteristics of the audio tracks played by one or more user devices. In this manner, the entertainment establishment can provide a dynamic audio experience that takes into account user preferences and / or maintains a particular desired audio environment. It should be further understood that the displays of user devices 120 may be instructed to light up and / or provide other visual effects (e.g., animated characters, images, colors) while the user devices 120 are within the container. Indeed, some or all of the user devices within one or more containers may light up and provide other visual effects, such as lighting up while playing (e.g., all user devices playing drums may light up blue or display an image of drums, all user devices playing guitars may light up red or display an image of a guitar, etc.). Such visual effects can provide visual entertainment and also visual confirmation that the user's user devices are operating properly as part of the entertainment system.

[0042] 4 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method 150 for playing a first track on a first user device and a second user device during a show cycle to create an audio ambiance. The method 150 of the present disclosure includes various steps represented by blocks. It should be noted that at least some of the steps of the method 150 can be performed as an automated procedure by a system such as the entertainment system 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2. Although the flowchart depicts the steps in a particular order, it should be understood that the steps can be performed in any suitable order, and that certain steps can be performed simultaneously, where appropriate.

[0043] At step 152, method 150 can begin with a sensor detecting a first user device within a first container. For example, a 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 near or within the first container. At 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 through a speaker of the first user device.

[0044] In step 156, a sensor may detect the second user device when the second user device is near or within the first container (or, if the second user device is placed in the second container, a sensor within 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 through a speaker of the second user device.

[0045] At step 160, the computing system can synchronize (e.g., via timing signals) audio played from the first user device and the second user device to play the audio in a coordinated manner. Further, as described herein, the computing system can instruct the first user device and the second user device to synchronize with each other (e.g., using on-board components such as their respective microphones and audio tuning components). For example, the first user device can use its on-board microphone to detect audio output from the second user device, and then the first user device can control its on-board audio tuning component to match one or more respective characteristics of the audio output from the first user device to one or more respective characteristics of the audio output from the second user device.

[0046] As described herein, the first user device and the second user device can play different sounds or audio tracks to create an audio environment. For example, the first user device can play a first type of laughter sound, while the second user device can play a second type of laughter sound. As another example, the first user device can play a first type of environmental sound, while the second user device can play a second type of environmental sound. Furthermore, any number of user devices can be placed in a first container or a second container. Furthermore, an audio environment can include any number of containers, such as one, two, three, four, five, or more. The containers can be incorporated into vehicles (e.g., one per seat or one per vehicle), tables (e.g., tabletops, such as one per seat or one per table), and / or any other suitable fixed or movable structure. In this manner, users can add their user devices to the containers when boarding a ride or sitting down for a dining experience, and remove their user devices from the containers when completing the ride or dining experience, respectively. Thus, the audio environment can continue to adapt as multiple users and their user devices enter and exit, relying on user devices to create audio and play audio tracks. This can provide cost savings (e.g., parts and maintenance) compared to integrated speakers (e.g., fixed to the vehicle and / or table), while providing additional entertainment (e.g., users are encouraged to select audio tracks and / or co-create the audio environment), and providing some interactive control for users (e.g., users who do not want audio can leave their user device out of the container; users can select their preferred audio tracks).

[0047] While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art and 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 invention.

[0048] The technology presented and claimed herein is not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical, since it refers to and is applied to tangible objects and specific examples of a practical nature, thereby providing a definite improvement in the art. Furthermore, where any claim appended at 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 be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f). Conversely, for any claim containing an element designated in any other manner, it is intended that such element not be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

Claims

1. 1. An entertainment system for an environment, comprising: a container configured to hold one or more user devices; a sensor configured to detect the presence of the one or more user devices within the container and generate data indicative of the presence of the one or more user devices within the container; one or more processors, Identifying the presence of the one or more user devices within the container based on the data; instructing the one or more user devices to play one or more audio tracks in response to identifying the presence of the one or more user devices within the container based on the data; one or more processors; Equipped with Entertainment system.

2. the container comprises a bowl shape configured to amplify sound output by the one or more user devices. The entertainment system of claim 1 .

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

4. the sensor comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader; The entertainment system of claim 1 .

5. the one or more user devices comprise 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. The entertainment system of claim 1 .

6. the one or more audio tracks comprise a first audio track and a second audio track that are distinct from one another; The entertainment system of claim 5 .

7. the first audio track represents a first object or character and the second audio track represents a second object or character; 7. The entertainment system of claim 6.

8. the first sound track represents a first type of musical instrument and the second sound track represents a second type of musical instrument; 7. The entertainment system of claim 6.

9. an additional container configured to receive one or more additional user devices, the additional container and the additional container being located in different locations in the environment; and an additional sensor configured to detect a presence of each of the one or more additional user devices within the additional container and to generate additional data indicative of the presence of each of the one or more additional user devices within the additional container; the one or more processors Identifying the presence of each of the one or more additional user devices within the additional container based on the additional data; instructing the one or more additional user devices to play one or more additional audio tracks in response to identifying the presence of each of the one or more additional user devices in the additional container based on the additional data; It is configured as follows: and an additional sensor. The entertainment system of claim 1 .

10. 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; 10. The entertainment system of claim 9.

11. the one or more processors are configured to instruct the one or more user devices to play the one or more audio tracks, and to instruct the one or more additional user devices to sequentially play the one or more additional audio tracks to create sound effects simulating movement of characters or objects within the environment; 10. The entertainment system of claim 9.

12. 1. An entertainment system for an environment, comprising: a first container configured to hold one or more first user devices; a second container configured to hold one or more second user devices; a sensor system configured to generate sensor data indicative of the presence of the one or more first user devices within the first container and the one or more second user devices within the second container; one or more processors, instructing the one or more first user devices to play one or more audio tracks in response to identifying the presence of the one or more first user devices within the first container based on the sensor data; instructing the one or more second user devices to play the one or more audio tracks in response to identifying the presence of the one or more second user devices within the second container based on the sensor data; one or more processors; An entertainment system equipped with.

13. the one or more processors instructing the one or more first user devices to play a first audio track of the one or more audio tracks in response to identifying the presence of the one or more first user devices within the first container based on the sensor data; instructing the one or more second user devices to play a second audio track of the one or more audio tracks in response to identifying the presence of the one or more second user devices in the second container based on the sensor data; It is configured as follows:

13. The entertainment system of claim 12.

14. the first audio track represents a first object or character and the second audio track represents a second object or character; 14. The entertainment system of claim 13.

15. the one or more processors are configured to provide timing signals 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; 13. The entertainment system of claim 12.

16. the one or more processors activating a microphone of a first one of the one or more first user devices to receive each of sounds output by other one of the one or more first user devices during playback of the one or more audio tracks; directing an audio adjustment component of a first one of the one or more first user devices to adjust one or more characteristics of each audio output by the first one of the one or more first user devices to complement each audio output by other one of the one or more first user devices during playback of the one or more audio tracks; It is configured as follows:

13. The entertainment system of claim 12.

17. the first container is part of a first tabletop in a dining environment and the second container is part of a second tabletop in the dining environment, or the first container is part of a first vehicle in a vehicle environment and the second container is part of a second vehicle in the vehicle environment; 13. The entertainment system of claim 12.

18. 1. A method of operating an entertainment system, the method comprising: receiving, at one or more processors, sensor data indicative of a presence of one or more first user devices within the first container; receiving, at the one or more processors, additional sensor data indicative of a presence of each of one or more second user devices within a second container; using the one or more processors, in response to identifying the presence of the one or more first user devices in the first container based on the sensor data, instructing the one or more first user devices to play one or more audio tracks; using the one or more processors, in response to identifying a presence of each of the one or more second user devices in the second container based on the sensor data, instructing the one or more second user devices to play the one or more audio tracks; 11. A method of an entertainment system, comprising:

19. using 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; using 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 of claim 18.

20. using the one or more processors to provide timing signals 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 sound effects simulating movement of characters or objects in an environment; 20. The method of claim 18.

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