GB2341328A

GB2341328A - Audio and/or visual juggling apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2341328A
Application number: GB9819807A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Daniel Mark Myers
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-09-14
Filing date: 1998-09-14
Publication date: 2000-03-15
Also published as: GB9819807D0

Abstract

A juggling apparatus comprises one or more units, such as a ball, which may be juggled, each unit having means for detecting juggling or movement 1. When the units are juggled, a transmitter 2 transmits a signal to a receiver 3 which then triggers a suitable output 4. Such output may for example be audio, so that a beat may be established in time to the juggling of the units. It is not restricted to audio output, however, and visual outputs are also possible. In this way a new dimension is added to the juggling stage show.

Description

2341328 Audio and/or Visual Juggling Apparatus This invention relates to

an audio and/or visual juggling apparatus.

Juggling is a widely practiced activity with a well recognised history. It is not only considered an art but also an athletic activity which can be either solitary or social. It is an activity that is practiced by all ages and skill levels; for fun and personal entertainment through to street juggling and the professional performing stage juggler - even for personal entertainment. Although there are no limits to what can be juggled, there are only a few basic types of equipment available on the current market, such as juggling balls, rings, clubs and sticks. These items may be used to preform and show the basic principles and advanced techniques of juggling, but even when used by a talented juggler, they are solely a visual effect.

These basic and advanced juggling styles and techniques offer a very effective and entertaining visual display but, at present, can offer no more. Although juggling is based on creating this visual effect, the invention described herein introduces other aspects and effects not currently present, making the ancient art and entertainment more versatile and offering it whole new dimensions.

According to the present invention there is provided an audio and/or visual juggling apparatus comprising one or more separate units to act as juggling apparatus, a remote module, a means of detecting when the apparatus is being juggled and/or moved, and a means of activatingtriggering corresponding output devices according to the detection of movement.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying diagrams:

The following paragraph describes a theoretical example of the invention put into a practical field: Imagine a team of eight or so jugglers on a stage, then consider the team not only juggling with conventional equipment but With apparatus that when juggled has the ability to create a musical rhythm, combining the present visual effect and ancient art of juggling with modem music and rhythm therefore introducing a new form ofjuggling which will bring more diversity to the art. This type of musical performance group has always attracted great interest and enthusiasm. This is not to say that the system is solely for stage performances as it lends itself very well to be a great form of entertainment and amusement, neither is it restricted to emitting musical sound effects.

Figure 1: Shows the basic layout and fundamental components of one of the juggling apparatus (or transmitter units).

Figure 2: Shows the basic layout and fundamental components of the remote module (or receiver unit).

Where both figures are shown in the form of block diagrams.

Referring to the diagrams the juggling apparatus comprises one or more juggling apparatus of identical principles in the form of, for example, a sphere. These spheres represent the transmitter units along with relevant components as illustrated in Figure 1.

The system is based on the basic principles of transmitting remote encoded messages from the juggling apparatus (transmitter units) to the remote module (receiver unit) triggered by catching in the hand for example. As described in Figure 1, contained within the transmitter units are the fundamental components (stated as examples) of a miniature impact sensor or similar device (1), which may on impact (typically with the palm of the hand, but not restricted to), or a sensors that detect when the units are being juggled, triggers a transmitter (2); for example, a miniature radio frequency (RF) transmitter or similar remote transmitting device, in turn sending an encoded signal (where each transmitter may have its own identifying signature) to the receiver unit where a corresponding R.F. receiver (3) is provided, as shown in figure 2. On receiving the signal the receiver unit decodes and deciphers the data and in turn triggers the requested outputs (4) such as a pre-selected audio/visual effect.

Although the primary use for the outputs (4) from the decoder may be for sound and noise effects they are not limited to these, but for these effects there are provided a means of selecting the desired effect for when triggered/activated. Also provided are optional outputs (5) to cater for other audio/visual devices such as lighting effects or similar, operating from the triggered outputs.

Claims

Claims

I According to the present invention there is provided an audio and/or visual juggling apparatus comprising one or more separate units to act as juggling apparatus, a remote module, a means of detecting when the apparatus is being juggled and/or moved, and a means of activating/triggering corresponding output devices according to the detection of movement.
2 An audio and/or visual juggling apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein each juggling apparatus includes a means of detecting impact and/or movement.
3 An audio and/or visual juggling apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein a remote link from the juggling apparatus to the remote module is provided.
4 An audio and/or visual juggling apparatus as claimed in Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein the remote link operates accordingly with the detection of impact and/or movement of the juggling apparatus.
An audio and/or visual juggling apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 3 wherein the remote link at the remote module activates desired outputs.
6 An audio and/or visual juggling apparatus as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the outputs are primarily, but not exclusively, audio and/or visual effects.
7 An audio and/or visual juggling apparatus as claimed in Claim 5 or Claim 6, wherein outputs are provided for other devices.
8 An audio and/or visual juggling apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 and any relevant subsequent claims wherein the output devices and relevant components are contained within the juggling apparatus.
9 An audio and/or visual juggling apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1-2 of the accompanying diagrams.

9 An audio and/or visual juggling apparatus as claimed in any previous claims wherein the juggling apparatus takes on no particular form or shape.

An audio and/or visual juggling apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1-2 of the accompanying diagrams.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claims I According to the present invention there is provided an audio and/or visual juggling apparatus comprising one or more separate units to act as juggling apparatus, a remote module, a means of detecting when the apparatus is being juggled and/or moved, and a means of activating/triggering corresponding output devices according to the detection of movement.

2 An audio and/or visual juggling apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein each juggling apparatus includes a means of detecting impact and/or movement.

3 An audio and/or visual juggling apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein a remote link from the juggling apparatus to the remote module is provided, 4 An audio and/or visual juggling apparatus as claimed in Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein the remote link operates accordingly with the detection of impact and/or movement of the juggling apparatus.

An audio and/or visual juggling apparatus as claimed in Claim I or Claim 3 wherein the remote link at the remote module activates desired outputs.

6 An audio and/or visual juggling apparatus as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the outputs are primarily, but not exclusively, audio and/or visual effects.

7 An audio and/or visual juggling apparatus as claimed in Claim 5 or Claim 6, wherein outputs are provided for other devices.

8 An audio and/or visual juggling apparatus as claimed in any previous claims rl wherein the juggling apparatus takes on no particular form or shape.