Visual enhancement for turntable playback

An apparatus for enhancing media playback on a turntable, such as an audio record turntable, includes an illumination apparatus. The illumination apparatus is generally placed on the turntable's platter, beneath a record to be played. The record may be transparent or semi-transparent. The illumination apparatus includes a light source that projects light up through the record for producing a visual effect.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

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NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

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REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING,” A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Disk jockeys (“DJ's”), both professional and amateur, conventionally use slipmats in their performances. As is known, slipmats are mats having about the same size and shape as record disks (e.g., 12-inch LP's). A slipmat is generally placed directly on a turntable's platter, with a spindle of the turntable passing through a central hole in the slipmat. A record is then placed on top of the slipmat. One or both surfaces of the slipmat generally have a low coefficient of friction. The slipperiness of the slipmat allows the turntable to continue spinning at or near its usual rate, while the DJ manually manipulates the record to introduce various effects, such as slowing down the record, pausing, reversing, and “scratching.”

Slipmats come in a variety of types. Some have customized designs printed on them or woven into them. US Patent Document No. 2006/0093777 discloses a slipmat with designs made with phosphorescent material, allowing the designs to “glow in the dark” after being exposed to strong light sources.

Also, U.S. Pat. No. 7,768,897 discloses a slipmat having an elevated surface. The elevated surface has a circumferential edge which may contain lights, such as LEDs, which project light out to the sides. A battery may be attached beneath the elevated surface for powering the lights.

Further, DJ's commonly use transparent or translucent records. These may be clear or provided in any number of colors. Some of these records contain ordinary analog recordings. Others include time and/or pitch information and are designed to work in connection with DJ control software. Examples of transparent time and/or pitch-encoded records include “Control Vinyl” from Serato Audio Research of Auckland, New Zealand, “FS Standard Records” from Stanton Magnetics of Hollywood, Fla., “Time Code Vinyl” from Native Instruments of Los Angeles, Calif., and “Torque Control Vinyl” from M-Audio of Irwindale, Calif.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Unfortunately, there are shortcomings associated with designer, glow-in-the-dark, and side-illuminating slipmats, as well as with transparent and translucent records.

Designer slipmats are only visible when no record is being played. Once a record is placed on a turntable over a slipmat, even when a clear record is used, the record effectively blocks the slipmat and prevents it from being viewed. Since the slipmat is covered for most of a DJ's performance, any design on the slipmat might rarely be seen.

Glow-in-the-dark slipmats generally produce only a small amount of light, and only after they are effectively “charged” by a strong light source. They may then be visible in dark environments for a short period of time, but are not generally visible in brightly lit environments. Also, light output from glow-in-the-dark slipmats is generally too weak to be seen through records, even transparent records, unless the room is very dark, the observer is very close, and the slipmat has very recently been charged.

Slipmats that emit light to the sides can produce decorative effects. However, these effects are limited to lighting that fits around the circumference of the slipmat.

Transparent and translucent records can be visually appealing, but they are sometimes difficult to see during DJ performances. Once they are placed on a turntable, their appearance is static and their colors may simply appear dark.

An improvement over the aforementioned art is achieved with an apparatus that has a disk-shaped body and an internal, powered light source. The disk-shaped body has a top surface through which light is projected. The light is strong enough to be seen under most indoor lighting conditions and through any transparent or translucent record.

In one example, the apparatus is used in connection with a mask. The mask has a design. The mask is placed between the apparatus and the record. When the powered light source from the apparatus is operating, the design on the mask is visible through the record in the vicinity of the turntable.

One embodiment is directed to an apparatus for enhancing media playback on a turntable. The apparatus includes a disk-shaped body having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a central hole through the body. A powered light source is provided within the body for projecting light upwards through the top surface.

Another embodiment is directed to a system for media playback. The system includes a turntable having a base, a platter, and a spindle. The system further includes a powered apparatus with a central hole. The powered apparatus is disposed on the platter with the spindle extending through the central hole. The powered apparatus has a top surface and a powered light source for projecting light upwards through the top surface.

In yet another embodiment, a method of enhancing media playback includes placing an apparatus having an internal, powered light source on a playback turntable, placing a non-opaque record disk over the apparatus, and projecting light from the apparatus up and through the non-opaque record disk, thereby producing a visual effect.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A technique for visually enhancing turntable playback involves the use of a powered illumination apparatus that may be placed on a turntable. The illumination apparatus has a built-in, powered light source capable of projecting light up and through transparent or translucent record disks. Also, various masks may be used between the illumination apparatus and a record for projecting specific designs up and through the record, where they are viewable by people in the vicinity of the turntable.

As used throughout this document, the words “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to set forth certain items, steps, elements, or aspects of something in an open-ended fashion. Although certain embodiments are disclosed herein, it is understood that these are provided by way of example only and the invention is not limited to these particular embodiments.

FIG. 1shows an example system100for enhancing turntable playback. The system100includes a turntable110, a powered illumination apparatus120, a mask130, and a non-opaque (e.g., transparent or translucent) record disk140. The turntable has a base112, a platter114, a spindle116, and a needle118. The illumination apparatus120has a non-opaque top surface120a, a bottom surface120b, a central hole120c, and an outer edge120d. The mask130and record140each have a central hole,132and142, respectively. In normal use, the system is arranged with the illumination apparatus120, mask130, and record140resting in the order shown on the platter114of the turntable110, with the spindle116extending respectively through the holes120c,132, and142. A DJ can then play the record140, or, in the case of a time and/or pitch-encoded record, use the record140in connection with DJ software.

Preferably, the top surface120aof the illumination apparatus120has a low coefficient of friction, so that it is able to be used as a slipmat. To this end, the top surface120ais preferably composed of a slippery material, such as smooth plastic, for example. The bottom surface120bcan be composed of a less slippery material, such as neoprene or rubber, for example. The illumination apparatus120thus generally spins with the platter114, whereas the record140easily slips in response to manual movements by the DJ.

The mask130is preferably also composed of a slippery material, such as paper or plastic, for example, so as not to resist movement of the record140relative to the illumination apparatus120during performances.

With the arrangement shown, the illumination apparatus120may project light up and through the mask130and record140, which may be viewed by audience members or others nearby. In one example, the illumination apparatus120can project light of approximately uniform brightness across its top surface120a, so as to evenly illuminate and project through the mask130and record140. The light emitted from the illumination apparatus120can be white light, a specific color of light, or patterns of light with different colors and/or brightness.

The mask130can have a pattern printed or otherwise formed in or on it. The pattern acts to filter light from the illumination apparatus120. Light transmitted through the mask130is projected through the record140, where it can be easily seen. The pattern formed on the mask130can be black and white, shades of gray, and/or color. It can include regions of varying opacity. Typically, a DJ will have several masks130that can be interchanged during a performance, or for different performances, for projecting different images. The images can be any desired image, such as the DJ's logo, an advertisement, or a picture, for example.

In another example, the illumination apparatus120can directly project images, without the need for a mask130. For example, the illumination apparatus120may contain an array of independently controllable light sources, which may be selectively powered to produce varying patterns or images. Along these lines, the illumination apparatus120can contain a video display, such as is used by laptop computers or tablets, which can project any arbitrary image.

A wide variety of visual effects can be produced. These effects can include 2-dimensional images covering nearly the entire area of the record. Substantial advertising, promotional, and/or performance space can therefore be put to productive use, while a DJ is performing, records are playing, and attention is focused on the DJ.

FIG. 2shows an example of the illumination apparatus120in greater detail. Here, the illumination apparatus110is seen to have a cylindrical body200, which includes the top surface120a, bottom surface120b, and outer edge120d. The top surface120ais composed of a transparent or translucent material, such as clear plastic. It may have a texture, preferably on an interior surface, for diffusing emitted light.

In thisFIG. 2, portions of the non-opaque top surface120aare cut away to reveal certain contents. These include powered light sources, such as RGB LED strips210, fiber optic light pipes212, and a backing214. The RGB LED strips include multiple groups of three LED's, whose output power can be independently controlled to generate light covering a wide range of colors and brightness. The light pipes212extend from the RGB LED strips210for creating illuminated tubes. Light from the RGB LED strips210is coupled into the light pipes212, which emit the light in all directions. The backing214reflects light up and through the top surface120a. The backing214can be composed of any suitable material, such as metal or plastic. It can have a mirrored surface or simply a light color. In one example, the backing214is white plastic.

The RGB LEDs210and light pipes212can be arranged within the illumination apparatus120in any suitable manner. For instance, they can be arranged radially (as shown), in concentric circles, in one or more spirals, or in any other way.

The example illumination apparatus120also includes a charging port216and a power switch218. The charging port216has at least two terminals. The terminals can connect to an AC adapter or other power source for charging an internal battery (seeFIG. 3). The switch218has at least two positions, for allowing the illumination apparatus120to be turned on and off.

To avoid introducing distortion in record playback, the illumination apparatus120preferably has a thickness no greater than approximately 10 mm. The illumination apparatus120can be made thicker, however, if adjustments are made to the turntable110(e.g., the needle is mounted higher) or if distortion is not problematic, such as where time and/or pitch-encoded records are used. Also, the charging port216and switch218are preferably low profile devices that extend neither above the plane of the top surface120anor below the plane of the bottom surface120b.

FIG. 3shows an example of electrical components of the illumination apparatus120. These components include the charging port216, switch218, and light source210/212. They also include a battery310, a communications port312, and a controller314.

The charging port216is connected to the battery310for charging the battery310as needed. It is understood that the charging port216may receive power from any suitable source, such as an AC adapter, an external bulk storage battery, a USB port (e.g., of a computer), or any other source. The battery310may be of any suitable type, such as nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride, or lithium, for example. The battery310may consist of a single cell or multiple cells. Where multiple cells are used, the cells may be grouped together in a single location within the body200, or distributed within the body200so as to avoid impairing the uniformity of emitted light.

In an example, the communications port312is a wireless port, such as Bluetooth or WiFi. The communications port312is configured to communicate with an external device, such as a computer, PDA, smart phone, tablet computer, or the like, for receiving instructions and pattern and/or image information of images to be displayed.

The communications port312is operatively connected to the controller314. In an example, the controller314is a logic circuit, microprocessor, or other processor. The controller314receives pattern and/or image information from the communications port312and directs the light source210/212to produce corresponding patterns and/or images.

The various elements ofFIG. 3may be connected together using a circuit board (not shown). In an example, the circuit board is made of a flexible material to afford the illumination apparatus120a generally flexible characteristic. Alternatively, the elements ofFIG. 3may be directly hardwired together, connected using cables, or connected using other means.

In a simple example, the communications port212is configured for receiving manual inputs from a user, rather than electronic inputs from an external computing device. For instance, the communications port212can be implemented with one or more switches, which may be accessed via the bottom surface120bof the illumination apparatus120. A user can operate the switches to identify a particular pattern or sequence of patterns of lighting. For instance, a bank of 8 mini-switches can be provided to uniquely identify 256 different predetermined patterns. The controller314can read the switches, look up the corresponding pattern (e.g., from a local memory), and direct the light source210/212to illuminate according to the corresponding pattern.

Also, it is understood that other examples may omit the charging port216, switch218, communication port312, and/or controller314. Still other examples may include additional components. Indeed, implementations of varying complexity, with varying features, may be provided within the scope of the high level ideas presented herein.

FIG. 4shows an alternative example system400for enhancing turntable playback. The system400is similar to the system100, except that the system400includes an external battery unit410and the illumination apparatus120, mask130, and record140are adapted to allow the battery unit410to connect to the illumination apparatus120. In this example, the battery unit410has a cylindrical shape with a diameter approximately the same or smaller than that of a typical record label (approximately 3.9 inches). Since little light is generally projected through record labels, the battery unit410does not reduce, or only minimally reduces, display space.

The battery unit410has a pair of electrical contacts412that extend down to make electrical connections with corresponding electrical contacts420of the illumination apparatus120. The contacts412are preferably provided within an insulating annular ring. The insulation prevents the contacts from short-circuiting when the battery unit410is placed on the spindle116, which is generally metal. The contacts412extend down through the insulation, for allowing electrical connections with the contacts420. With the battery unit410in place, the insulating annular ring and contacts412extend down along and around the spindle116and through the holes142and132of the record140and mask130, respectively. The holes142and132are enlarged slightly to accommodate space required for the annular ring. In use, the battery unit410sits on the spindle116with its contacts412engaged with the contacts420. Preferably, the contacts412and420are constructed so that the battery unit410rests above the top of the record140with a slight clearance space between them. The clearance space allows a DJ to physically manipulate the record140(e.g., pause, reverse, scratch, etc.), without experiencing any resistance from friction with the battery unit410.

In this arrangement, the illumination apparatus120does not require a charging port212or an internal battery310. Rather, electrical power is supplied externally.

FIG. 5shows an example process for producing visual effects and thereby enhancing media playback. At step510, a user places an illumination apparatus120on the platter114of a turntable110. At step512, the user may optionally place a mask130over the illumination apparatus120. The mask can include any desired pattern, such as a picture, promotion, or logo. At step514, the user places a record140over the mask130(or over the illumination apparatus120, if no mask is used). At step516, the illumination apparatus120is activated, such as by turning on the switch218. Light is then projected up, through any mask130and through the record140, where it may be viewed by audience members or anyone in the vicinity of the turntable110.

Depending on the particular design of the illumination apparatus120and mask(s)130, resulting visual displays can be produced covering a wide range of patterns, colors, and images. These visual displays can enhance a DJ's performance by providing advertising, promotions, amusement, and entertainment. Implementations can range from simple, fixed illumination patterns to complex, time-varying images. In one example, images are synchronized in time with music being played, to provide integrated audio/visual effects. Synchronization can be managed by an external computer that communicates with the illumination apparatus120via the communications port312, or may be managed within the illumination apparatus120. For instance. The illumination apparatus120may include a built-in microphone for sensing sounds in its environment and varying illumination patterns in response to the sounds. Many different effects and variations can be realized.

Having described certain embodiments, numerous alternative embodiments or variations can be made. For example, the battery310within the body200of the illumination apparatus120is shown and described as being charged via the charging port216. However, the battery310may also be charged via electromagnetic induction. In one example, the platter114of the turntable110includes a first induction coil and the illumination apparatus120includes a second induction coil. The first induction coil receives power from the turntable110, and the second induction coil receives power, via electromagnetic coupling, from the first induction coil. The second induction coil is coupled to the battery310to effect charging. The illumination apparatus120thus receives charge as it is being used, thereby extending the time required between charges via the charging port216or eliminating the need for charging via the charging port216altogether.

In another example, the battery unit410, rather than the platter114, is adapted to include the first induction coil. The battery unit410can thus apply its bulk battery storage to charge smaller batteries in the illumination apparatus120. Again, charging can take place during use of the illumination apparatus120, thus extending time between charges or eliminating the need for charging via the charging port altogether. Bulk storage batteries (e.g., ordinary battery cells) in the battery unit410may be periodically replaced or recharged.

Also, the illumination source is shown and described as RGB LEDs210coupled to light pipes212. However, this is just an example. Other types of LEDs can be used, and other types of lights can be used. These include, for example, incandescent lights and florescent lights. In one example, the illumination source is a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL), such as the type that is used with conventional laptop computers. In another example, organic LEDs may be used, including those that employ graphene, to produce an illumination source that is bright, low power, and easily bendable. CCFLs, organic LEDs, and other light sources can be provided in panels installed within the illumination apparatus120.

Also, although the illumination apparatus120preferably operates as a slipmat (with a slippery top surface120a), this is not required. Alternatively, the apparatus120can be provided with a non-slippery top surface120a. A separate slip mat can be used, or the masks130can be provided with slippery surfaces to act as slipmats.

Although the turntable110is shown and described as a record turntable for playing LP's, this is not required. Alternatively, it could be a smaller turntable, such as one for playing 45 RPM records, or it could be a turntable for playing compacts disks, DVD's, Laserdiscs, or other types of disks. The disks can store audio information, video information, and/or other forms of information.