COMPUTER ACCESSORY FOR OPTIMIZING MUSICAL INSTRUCTION

A portable computer accessory having a housing, a controller, and a first and second button separated by a surface area configured to accommodate a foot of a user. The controller is configured to detect a first set of two or more commands associated with a first set of one or more actuation types of the first button, each command from the first set of commands corresponding to a respective actuation type from the first set of actuation types, detect a second set of two or more commands associated with a second set of one or more actuation types of the second button, each command from the second set of playback commands corresponding to a respective different actuation type from the second set of actuation types, and, based on the first and second sets of commands, control playback of a video displayed on a computing device.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to a portable computer accessary for optimizing musical instruction.

BACKGROUND

Existing mechanisms for musical instruction often involve the use of instructional videos and/or other types of audiovisual instruction, which can supplement or serve as an alternative to in-person music lessons. Particularly, a user attempting to learn an instrument such as guitar, bass, piano, violin, or mandolin might watch a video over the Internet, or use software, that is designed to help the user learn a particular song or musical technique. For example, the user can watch a video, either over the Internet or offline, where a musician breaks down how to play a guitar solo, and/or the user can access software online or offline that plays out an audio file (e.g., a MIDI track) of a song while enabling the user to simultaneously view corresponding tablature or other musical notation for the song.

There are problems with existing mechanisms and devices for musical instruction. For example, many existing mechanisms and devices require a user to remove his/her hands from their instrument to operate a mouse, keyboard, or other device to control playback (e.g., pause, play, fast forward, and rewind) a portion of the audiovisual instruction, which is inefficient for learning and can negatively impact user experience. The act of taking ones hand off the instrument reduces muscle memory learning and can distract the user. As a result, the user is more likely to quit the musical instruction.

Consequently, there is a need for more user-friendly, more ergonomic, and more versatile device for allowing a user to keep their hands on a musical instrument.

SUMMARY

What is provided is a portable hands-free computer accessory. The accessory may include a housing comprising a base portion and a top portion, the top portion having a top surface sloping downward from a back wall of the base portion to a front wall of the base portion. The accessory may also include a controller disposed within the housing. The accessory may also include a first button operably connected to the controller and projecting out of the top portion. The accessory may also include a second button operably connected to the controller and projecting out of the top portion, wherein the first button and second button are separated by a surface area configured to accommodate a width of a foot of a user. The controller may be configured to engage in communication with a computing device, and, while engaged in communication with the computing device: detect a first set of two or more playback commands associated with a first set of one or more actuation types of the first button, each playback command from the first set of two or more playback commands corresponding to a respective different actuation type from the first set of one or more actuation types, detect a second set of two or more playback commands associated with a second set of one or more actuation types of the second button, each playback command from the second set of two or more playback commands corresponding to a respective different actuation type from the second set of one or more actuation types, and, based on the first set of two or more playback commands on the second set of two or more playback commands, control playback of a video being displayed on the computing device.

In a further aspect, there is provided a portable computer accessory for controlling the instructional tutorial video with respect to a musical instrument that is selectively configurable between hands-free operation and activation by hand. In hands-free operation, the portable computer accessory can be set on the floor where it may be stably supported by a planar bottom area of the housing. The user can actuate one or more depressible playback buttons that protrude from an angled top surface of the housing that is opposite the planar bottom portion. In a second configuration, the portable computer accessory can be selectively attached to the musical instrument by a deployable instrument clamp. The instrument clamp can position the housing of the portable computer accessory on the face of the musical instrument where the one or more playback buttons are readily accessible by hand when playing the instrument.

The features, functions, and advantages may be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present disclosure or may be combined in yet other embodiments in which further details may be seen with reference to the following description and drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that the present disclosure may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed and defined herein. Hence, specific dimensions, directions or other physical characteristics relating to the various embodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless expressly stated otherwise.

The present disclosure relates to a hands-free computer accessory for optimizing musical instruction, particularly in the context of online or offline videos (e.g., a YouTube® video where a professional musician provides teaches instrument technique or how to play a specific song), software that plays musical notation (e.g., tablature) along with a corresponding audio track, and/or other methods of audiovisual instruction. For brevity, these and other audiovisual instructions may be referred to collectively herein as “videos.”

Furthermore, although the disclosed hands-free computer accessory will be primarily described herein for use in the context of videos related to musical instruction, it should be understood that the accessory could be used in many other contexts, such as a user controlling playback of an instructional video for cooking a meal while attempting to cook the meal.

FIGS.1-5illustrate views of a hands-free computer accessory100for optimizing musical instruction according to an embodiment of the disclosure. According to this embodiment, the accessory100includes a housing102having a base portion104and a top portion106. Further, the accessory100includes a first button108, a second button110, and an indicator112. Each of the buttons108,110can be operably connected to a controller122positioned within the housing102, as best shown inFIG.6and described below.

The housing102may be made of metal, plastic, or another material. The base portion104and the top portion106may be made of the same material or can be made of different materials. The base portion104and the top portion106can be separate components that are attached together to form the housing102. Alternatively, the housing102can be assembled in a different manner. In some cases, the housing102and/or one or more other components of the accessory100(e.g., buttons108,110) can be 3D printed or manufactured in other ways.

The housing102can be designed to maximize user experience. As best shown inFIGS.4and5and as a non-limiting example, the top portion106can be designed to slope downward from a back wall118of the base portion104of the accessory100to a front wall132of the base portion104of the accessory100, thereby providing an angled surface on which a user can comfortably rest their foot. As another example, the top portion106can include a wide surface area (e.g., within approximately 8-14 square inches) between holes or other areas at which the buttons108,110are mounted. This gives space for the user to rest their foot, while retaining reachability of the buttons108,110(i.e., not requiring the user's foot to travel a far distance to reach the buttons108,110), which increases ease of use and reduces user fatigue, particularly over long periods of use of the accessory100.

As yet another example, at least part of the housing102can be made of lightweight material (e.g., plastic), and the housing102can have dimensions selected to facilitate portability (e.g., small enough to fit in a compartment of a backpack or an instrument case). For example, the housing102can be approximately 6-8 inches in length, 2.5-3.5 inches in width, and 1-2 inches in max height. Other examples are possible as well.

The first button108and/or the second button110can take the form of tactile push-button momentary switches that are operably connected to the controller122and that enable the user to control video playback. The buttons108,110can have a low profile and can be mounted to the controller122(e.g., mounted to a PCB), which can reduce the overall form factor of the accessory100. Further, the buttons108,110can be configured such that the travel distance between the open position and the closed position of the switches is minimized. The low profile and short travel distance can help reduce response time and increase the accuracy of video control operation. For example, having a low profile and short travel distance for the buttons108,110can enable the user to more quickly pause and rewind a video. For example, the profile of each of the buttons108,110relative to the top surface of the top portion106can be selected from a range of approximately 0.1 inches to approximately 0.3 inches (e.g., 0.141 inches). Further, the travel distance for each button can be approximately 0.005 inches to approximately 0.02 inches (e.g., 0.012 inches, or 0.3 millimeters) with tactile feedback when depressed, and the operating force for operating the buttons108,110can be approximately 2.5 Newtons to approximately 2.6 Newtons. Other examples are possible as well.

Still further, the buttons108,110can have a larger surface area, which can make the buttons108,110easier to press, and can be configured such that the user can actuate a particular button with contact at nearly any location on the button's surface area, as opposed to requiring a user to press the button at a specific location, which can further improve ease of use. For example, the buttons108,110can each have a surface area selected from a range of 0.4 square inches to 0.7 square inches (e.g., 0.545 square inches).

Although embodiments herein are primarily described as having two buttons, alternative embodiments can include more or less buttons, each of which can be configured for use in performing one or more of the button operations described herein.

In line with the discussion above, the accessory100can implement hardware debouncing and/or software debouncing to improve signal clarity-namely, so that the controller122can determine that, when a particular button is pushed, a single input has been received and responsively act on the single input as opposed to determining/acting on multiple inputs. For example, hardware debouncing can be accomplished with a pull up resistor on the controller122, in combination with one or more other resistors and/or capacitors. Software debouncing can be accomplished with a predetermined time delay (e.g., twenty milliseconds).

As best seen inFIGS.1and5, the indicator112can take the form of a light-emitting diode (LED) or other visual indicator operably connected to the controller122. The controller122can be configured to cause the indicator112to visually represent different conditions associated with the accessory100, such as by having a particular color, by blinking in a particular pattern. For example, the indicator112might have a first color when a battery124(as best shown inFIG.6housed within the accessory100is charged at or above a particular threshold and might have a second, different color when the charge of the battery124falls below the particular threshold.

Additionally or alternatively, the indicator112can have one color when the accessory100is on, but not connected to a computing device, and another color when the accessory100is connected to the computing device. Additionally or alternatively, the indicator112can blink, increase brightness, or change colors when an input is successfully received. Other examples of indicator functionality are possible as well.

In some embodiments, additionally or alternatively to having the indicator112, the accessory100can include a display device (e.g., a touch screen or other screen) configured to provide a graphical user interface (GUI) that can display information associated with the accessory100, such as in the form of text or graphics. For example, if the accessory100is connected to a metronome, the display device can display a number of beats per minute to which the metronome is set. In other examples, the display device can display indicators of successful connections to other devices, low battery, charged battery, and/or other relevant information.

As best seen inFIG.3, the base portion104of the accessory100includes a power switch114and an input/output port116. The power switch114can be operably coupled to the controller122and can toggle the accessory100between a power off state and a power on state. The input/output port116can take the form of a USB port (e.g., a micro-USB port) configured to receive a cable for connecting the accessory100to a computing device such as a laptop, tablet, or other computing device. In some embodiments, the input/output port116can also function as a charge port for connecting to an external power source and charging the battery of the accessory100. The external power source can be the computing device (e.g., so the accessory100can charge its battery or otherwise be powered by the computing device) or a wall outlet, for example.

In some embodiments, the accessory100can be water-resistant, dust/debris-resistant, and/or shock resistant. For example, the accessory100can include water-resistant seals and hydrophobic nano-coating.

FIG.6illustrates a block diagram depicting communication between the hands-free computer accessory100illustrated inFIGS.1-5and a computing device120according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In addition to the buttons108,110, the accessory100includes the controller122, the battery124(e.g., a rechargeable battery), and a battery charger130configured to charge the battery124. Further, also shown is a communication link128between the accessory100and the computing device120.

The computing device120can take various forms, such as a personal computer, laptop, tablet computer, smartphone, or video game console. Other types of computing devices are possible as well. The accessory100can be configured to be compatible with a variety of computing devices and operating systems running thereon. Non-limiting examples of some of the operating systems on the computing device120that the accessory100may be compatible with include Android®, iOS®, Windows®, Linux®, and macOS®.

The controller122may be a microcontroller and may be implemented using hardware (e.g., a PCB), software, and/or firmware. For example, the controller122can include one or more processors and a non-transitory computer readable medium (e.g., volatile and/or non-volatile memory) that stores program code or other executable instructions. The instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, may cause the controller122to perform various operations, including but not limited to the various playback control operations described herein.

The battery124can be a non-rechargeable or rechargeable battery. Further, the accessory100can be engaged in wired communication with the computing device120and in use while the computing device120is charging the battery124.

The communication link128can be a wired connection (e.g., micro-USB cable) and/or a wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi) over which the accessory100and the computing device120can transmit signals (e.g., radio frequency signals) to each other.

In example operation of the accessory100, the user can turn on the accessory100and connect the accessory100to the computing device120over a wireless or wired connection. The user can also open a video on the computing device120, such as a YouTube® or Vimeo® video in an Internet browser, tablature with corresponding MIDI audio, or a video stored locally and viewable via media player software installed on the computing device120.

Once the communication link128is established, the controller122can receive signals based on actuation of one or both of the buttons108,110and transmit signals to the computing device120that control playback of the video. To facilitate this, in some embodiments, the computing device120might be configured to interpret the signals received from the accessory100as playback control commands, and/or a software application running on the computing device120(e.g., a software application designed for specific use with the accessory100, as will be described in more detail later herein) can be configured to translate the signals to be recognizable by the computing device120(e.g., to translate the signals to executable media control commands on videos on the software application or other application running on the computing device120such as a web browser or media player). In some embodiments, such a software application can be configured to utilize existing application programming interfaces (APIs) to display videos in the software application (e.g., utilizing a YouTube® API to display YouTube® videos in the software application).

In line with the discussion above, the controller122can be configured to enable each of the buttons108,110to be used for one or more of the following operations for controlling video playback: (i) pausing the video, (ii) initiating/resuming playback of the video, (iii) rewinding the video, (iv) fast forwarding the video, (v) creating a loop of a section of the video having a predetermined duration (e.g., ten seconds) to be automatically played on repeat, (vi) ending the created loop, (vii) slowing down the video, (viii) speeding up the video, and/or (ix) jumping a predetermined duration to another time in the video (e.g., ten seconds) behind or ahead of the current time in the video, among other possibilities. These operations can also be referred to as “events” or “commands” that are triggered in response to actuation of the buttons108,110.

The controller122can be configured to recognize different types of actuation of each of the buttons108,110and responsively cause different playback operations to occur. Example actuation types can include a “double click” (e.g., two sequential presses in quick succession within a predetermined threshold duration, such as two presses within 0.5 seconds or less), a “press-and-hold” (e.g., holding the button down for a predetermined duration of time), and a single press (e.g., a press and release without hold or double click). The controller122can be configured to recognize other actuation types as respective events as well. Furthermore, the predetermined durations of time used by the controller122to distinguish types of actuation can be adjusted by changing program code or perhaps by using a software application designed for use with the accessory100.

The controller122can be configured to recognize certain mappings of button actuations to events/operations. In a first example, the controller122can be configured such that (i) a single press of the first button108can play the video (e.g., an initial play, or resuming play after the video had been paused), pause the video, and resume a default speed of the video (if the video had been slowed down), (ii) a press-and-hold of the first button108(e.g., for at least two seconds or another predefined duration of time) can create a playback loop having a predetermined duration and can end a previously-created playback loop, and (iii) a double click of the first button108can slow down the video, such as by reducing the speed of the video by a predetermined amount (e.g., half speed, three-quarters speed, etc.). Additionally, in this first example, the controller can be configured such that a single press of the second button110once can fast forward the video (e.g., in five second increments-that is, five seconds per individual press) and a press-and-hold of the second button110(e.g., for at least two seconds or another predefined duration of time) can rewind the video.

In one of many possible alternative examples, the controller can be configured such that the first button108operates as described in the previous example, but the controller can be configured such that a single press of the second button110can rewind the video (e.g., in five second increments-that is, five seconds per individual press) and a press-and-hold of the second button110(e.g., for at least two seconds or another predefined duration of time) can fast forward the video.

Other example combinations of button functionality are possible as well. Further, the user can reconfigure button-to-event mappings by changing program code and/or by using a software application designed for use with the accessory100. Thus, the user can advantageously tailor the accessory100to best suit their use. For example, both of the buttons108,110may be simultaneously pressed to create a new command for a user. A user may also configure the actuation types, amounts, and sequences of the buttons108,110to define the commands based on the user's preferences. As a result, the controller122can be configured to recognize actuation types and commands configured by a particular user of the accessory100.

In some embodiments of the accessory100, the controller can be configured to set or adjust the duration for created loops based on how long the user holds down the button (e.g., whichever of the buttons108,110is designated for loop functionality). Further, the duration associated with the controller detecting a press-and-hold for creating or ending playback of a loop can be a different duration than the duration associated with the controller setting or adjusting the duration of created loops. For example, a press-and-hold of four seconds or less can be associated with creating or ending a loop, whereas a press-and-hold of greater than four seconds can be associated with setting or adjusting loop duration. As such, in this example, the controller can be configured such that, in response to detecting that the user has held down the first button108for eight seconds, the controller will set itself to thereafter recognize that a press-and-hold of the first button108that is four seconds or less will create a loop of eight seconds in duration. Other examples are possible as well.

By having two multi-function buttons108,110, the accessory100is less complex and more streamlined than existing hands-free mechanisms. For example, some existing hands-free playback control devices include four or more different buttons, each being configured for performing one particular function (e.g., one button for pausing, one button for creating a loop, etc.). This can be problematic in various ways. For example, having numerous buttons can crowd the device and leave no space on which the user can rest their foot, thus requiring the user to move their foot greater distances and/or pay closer attention to which button they are hitting, thereby increasing user fatigue and reducing ease of use. By contrast, the accessory100provides a space for the user to rest their foot, while also placing the user's foot in close proximity to two simplified buttons capable of multiple functions, thereby reducing the distance the user needs to move their foot to press the buttons. In some embodiments, such as those where the housing102has a low profile (e.g., a minimum height of 0.75 inches), the close proximity and spacing of the buttons108,110can facilitate pivoting of the user's foot between the buttons108,110, as opposed to the user having to lift their heel off the ground, which can even further reduce user fatigue and improve user experience. Other advantages are possible as well.

The accessory100can include other components not explicitly shown inFIGS.1-6, such as a compartment for connecting one or more non-rechargeable batteries, one or more speakers, a microphone (e.g., for voice commands or for a user to provide other audible input, such as singing), one or more input/output ports (e.g., Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports, such as USB-C ports) configured to connect the accessory100to other devices (e.g., an external speaker, metronome, tuner, camera, or other device separate from the accessory100), a charge port (e.g., a USB port or another type of port configured to receive a charging cable for connecting the accessory100to an external power source and charge a battery of the accessory100), and/or one or more communication interfaces (e.g., modules) configured to engage in wireless radio frequency communication with other devices, such as Bluetooth® communication or another wireless technology standard. Any one or more of these or other components can be disposed within or connected to the housing102.

FIG.7is a diagram of a printed circuit board (PCB)700that can be included in the accessory100illustrated inFIGS.1-6. It should be understood that the PCB700of the accessory100shown inFIG.7is a representative example, and that the PCB of the accessory100may take other forms in alternative embodiments.

In some implementations, as discussed above, a software application can be configured for use with the accessory100, such as a proprietary software application associated with a developer/designer of the accessory100or a third-party software application. Such an application can be compatible for use with various operating systems, web browsers, and computing devices, such as the computing device120.

In some examples, the software application can enable the user to remap buttons and events as discussed above, change time durations associated with button activation (e.g., how long a button must be held down to register as a push-and-hold trigger), and/or choose/adjust the duration for created loops to have (e.g., 20 seconds, 10 seconds, etc.), among other possibilities.

In some examples, the software application can provide users with curated content and user-generated lessons from musicians, students, and professional instructions, which can take the form of videos that are controllable using the accessory100. The software application can be configured to filter such videos based on user-selected or default criteria, such as videos posted by instructors that are within a predetermined distance of the user's geolocation.

In some examples, the software application can provide an exclusive forum where users can share information, videos, etc.

In some examples, the software application can be used for providing exclusive backing audio and/or visual tracks designed for users of varying experience levels.

In some examples, the software application can host an online marketplace for buying, selling, trading, etc. of musical instruments, digital music backing tracks for learning, and/or other physical or digital items.

In some examples, the software application can facilitate coordination of remote video and/or audio lessons between individuals. For example, the software application may allow a user to readily access third-party content, such as musical tablature and other audiovisual instruction.

In some examples, the software application can include a recording functionality that uses a microphone on the computing device on which the software application is installed to allow the user to record themselves playing an instrument-either along with the video or with no video accompaniment. The software application can also be configured to support playback of the user's recorded video, either through a speaker of the computing device on which the software application is installed, a speaker installed as part of the accessory100itself, or some other external speaker.

In some examples, the software application can include gamification functions that enable users to compete, be ranked against each other, earn achievements, and share their progress, among some possibilities.

In some examples, the software application can support paid content hosting and geo-location.

In some examples, the software application may provide automated feedback to the user of the accessory100to help the user get the notes correct.

In some examples, the software application may allow for computation and display of user analytics, such as the time of the content watched, the type/genre of the content watch. This data and information may help with, among other things, determining how long it takes users of the accessory100to learn certain skill, the types of content/songs that other users of the accessory100are listening to, and the most popular functions.

In some examples, the software application can be configured to integrate with other software applications installed on the same computing device, such as YouTube®. Along similar lines, the software application and/or or the controller122can be configured to identify different websites and media players and responsively emulate keyboard shortcuts for those websites/players, thus facilitating versatility of the accessory100and efficient use across multiple types of websites/players with minimal to no loss in functionality. For example, a user can have two different media players open in two different Internet browser windows and the software application and/or the controller122can determine which one is currently being used to view a video and responsively configure itself to emulate keyboard strokes/shortcuts that are typically recognized by the currently-used media player. Thus, the user can switch back and forth without having to manually indicate to the software application or the controller122that the switching is occurring.

In some examples, the software application can be configured with a metronome function and/or an instrument tuner to enhance a user's experience of using the accessory100when watching videos or other types of audiovisual instruction.

The foregoing embodiment of the portable computer accessory provides the controlled interaction with an instructional video through hands-free playback controls operatively arranged to be activated by the foot of user. In some instances, it may be desirable to enable the user to also activate the playback controls by hand. For example, if the portable computer accessory can be spatially located at places readily accessible to the user's hands, the user can actuate the playback controls by hand as part of the natural manipulation of the musical instrument.

Referring toFIGS.8-11, there is illustrated another embodiment of the portable computer accessory200for controlling a music instruction video that is structurally configured to be selectively attachable to the musical instrument. The second embodiment of the computer accessory200can be operatively placed on the floor for actuation of the playback controls by foot, or can be alternatively attached to the musical instrument itself for actuation of the playback controls by hand. When attached to the music instrument, the portable computer accessory is in close proximity to the user's hands while playing, and the first and second buttons are readily accessible to the user's hand to actuate playback commands without serious disruption to playing the instrument or to instruction The second embodiment of the accessory200is therefore selectively reconfigurable to enhance musical training by allowing the user to employ different actions to command operation of the instructional video.

The second embodiment of the portable computer accessory200can include a housing202to internally accommodate the electronic controller, battery, and the other electronic components for electronically interacting and controlling the computing device or other display on which the instructional video can be played. The housing202can have a two part construction including a base portion204to which can be attached to a top portion206. To receive control commands from the user, the computer accessory200can include a first button208and a second button210that protrude from the top portion206. The first and second buttons208,210are laterally spaced apart from each other toward opposite lateral ends of the housing202. Included on the top portion206and located between the laterally spaced apart buttons208,210can be an indicator212, which may be in the form of LEDs in operable communication with the controller and configured to convey visual signals indicative of the operation of the portable computer accessory200. The first and second button208,210are tactile push-button momentary switches operably connected to the electronic controller located in the housing202and can be depressed to direct a command signal to the controller to control video playback. The first and second buttons208,210can have low profile with respect to the top portions206of the housing202and can have a short travel distance to initiate actuation of a command signal. By way of example, the first and second buttons208,210can have the profile height and the travel distances described with respect to the first embodiment of the portable computer accessory, and can also have the surface area and the tactile resistive forces described above. The low profile, surface area, and other dimensions of the first and second buttons208,210help reduce response time and increase the accuracy of video control operation.

To reduce the weight of the computer accessory200while providing sufficient rigidity, especially when under the foot of a user, the components of the housing202can be made from metal or plastic. The housing202can also include a back wall218and an opposing front wall232that are generally parallel to each other and that extend between the first and second lateral ends of the computer accessory200. The various input/output and power ports described above can be disposed in the back wall218. In an embodiment, the back wall218and the front wall232can be integrally joined with the base portion, for example, by molding and can extend perpendicularly upright from a planar bottom surface240of the base portion204. In other embodiments, the back and front walls218,232can be integrally joined with the top portion206and extend downward from an angled top surface242of the top portion206.

In a first configuration, the portable computer accessory200can be structurally arranged for placement on the floor and the first and second buttons208,210can be actuated by being depressed with respect to the top portion206by the user's foot. To contact and stably support the portable computer accessory200, the planar bottom surface240of the base portion204can include a continuous, large and flat surface area to which the back and front walls218,232are orthogonally arranged. In an embodiment, to prevent the portable computer accessory200from unintentionally moving or sliding on the floor under pressure from the user's foot during actuation of the buttons208,210, the planar bottom surface240can have attached thereon one or more compressible rubber pads or similar frictional gripping features.

To provide a location for a user to place their foot during instruction, the angled top surface242of the top portion206can be structurally situated in an angled or slopped arrangement with respect to the planar bottom surface240by, for example, slopping at a downward angle from the back wall218toward the front wall232of the housing202. The angled top surface242conforms to the natural inclination of a user's foot, allowing the heel to rest on the floor and enable actuation of the first and second buttons with the elevated portion of the foot. As described above, the angled top surface242can include a surface area244of approximately 8-14 square inches between the first and second buttons208,210for the user to rest their foot while continuing to have easy and quick access to the first and second buttons208,210for controlling the video when training with the music instrument.

In an embodiment, to facilitate handling and to improve the aesthetics of the portable computer accessory200, the opposing first and second lateral ends246,248of the housing202can be rounded or curved in extension between the back wall218and the front wall232. The curvatures of the first and second lateral ends246,248can be oppositely directed with respect to each other. As described above, the lateral width of the housing202between the first and second lateral ends246,248can be approximately between 6 and 8 inches. The curved lateral ends246,248can confirm in contoured shaped with respect to the shape of the laterally spaced apart, first and second buttons208,210that each may be generally semicircular segments in shape. The surface area244can be situated between the straight edges or chords of the semicircular shaped segments of the first and second buttons208,210.

To allow a user to actuate the portable computer accessory200with their hands, the second embodiment of the portable computer accessory200can be configured for selective attachment to an instrument. For example, the portable computer accessory200can include an instrument clamp250that can be moved between a stowed position when not utilized and a deployed position that allows the housing202to be physically held in attachment to the instrument. The instrument clamp250can include a leg assembly252that is pivotally connected to the housing202to pivot between the stowed position shown inFIGS.8-9and the deployed position shown inFIG.10-11.

To connect the leg assembly252to the housing202, a torsion spring hinge254can be included on back wall218where it intersects the planar bottom surface240of the base portion204. The torsion spring hinge254can include a helically wound or twisted metal rod spring that stores mechanical energy accommodated in a spring housing. The stored mechanical energy can resist or impart a twisting force tending to angularly move the leg assembly with respect to the base portion204. The torsion spring hinge254can be fixed to the base portion204approximately midway between the opposing first and second lateral ends244,246of the housing202. The torsion spring hinge254can also be connected to the distal end of the leg assembly252to pivotally connect the instrument clamp250to the housing202.

The torsion spring hinge254can be configured to bias the leg assembly252in an upward pivotal movement adjacent to the planar bottom surface240of the base portion204. When the leg assembly252is pivoted adjacent against the planar bottom surface240, the instrument clamp250is in the stowed position and the base portion204can be placed adjacent to the floor with the top portion206and the buttons208,210thereon arranged upwardly for actuation by depression. The leg assembly252can have a wide, flat configuration or shape to rest adjacently and flatly against the planar bottom surface250of the base portion204.

In an embodiment, to better configure the portable computer accessory200for placement on the floor during hands free operation, the planar bottom surface240of the base portion204can include a structural recess255(indicated in dashed line) disposed therein. The structural recess255can be a void or slot cut into the planar bottom surface240located midway between the opposing first and second lateral ends244,246and that extends between the back wall212and the front wall232of the housing202. The torsion spring hinge254can be attached to the back wall212at the location of structural recess255. The structural recess255can correspond in shape and dimension to the leg assembly252, including having the same lateral width. Moreover, the depth of the structural recess255into the planar bottom surface240can be substantially the same as the thickness of the leg assembly252.

When the instrument clamp250is pivoted to the stowed position adjacent to the base portion204by action of the torsion spring hinge254, the leg assembly252can be physically received into the structural recess255. The stowed leg assembly252can be flush with the planar bottom surface240so that the base portion204has a smooth, continuous exterior geometry to rest adjacently against the floor over its entire surface area during use. The portable computer accessory202will not tilt or tip when the first and second buttons208,210are actuated by the foot of a user. In a further embodiment, the planar bottom surface240of the base portion may include a plurality of raised feet or similar reliefs that stably support the housing202of the portable computer accessory200when set on the floor.

When the instrument clamp250is deployed for attachment to the instrument, the leg assembly252is pivoted away from the base portion204and can be angularly arranged orthogonal to the planar base surface240. In particular, the extension of the leg assembly252can be at a 90° angle to the planar base surface240as shown inFIG.10. In an embodiment, the torsion spring hinge254can include a stop feature that prevents angular displacement of greater than 90° between planar bottom surface240and the leg assembly252. The leg assembly252is physically connected at a fixed end to the base portion204by the torsion spring hinge254while the opposite free end is spaced downward and away from the planar bottom surface240. To provide a clamping force for holding portable computer accessory200to the music instrument, the torsion spring hinge254can urge the leg assembly252pivotally back against the planar base surface240.

To enable the instrument clamp200to attach to a variety of different instruments, for example, guitars of different widths, the leg assembly252can be assembled from a plurality of components that are interconnected so that the leg assembly252is extendable in length. For example, the leg assembly252can include a flat sleeve leg256configured for placement adjacent the planar bottom surface240when the instrument clamp200is stowed and a telescoping extension leg258that can extend from the flat sleeve leg256to adjust the length of the instrument clamp252?? when deployed. The flat sleeve leg256and the telescoping extension leg258can be made of the same rigid lightweight plastic material as the base portion204and top portion206of the housing202.

The flat sleeve leg256can have a flat planar shape with a relatively wide lateral dimension to include sufficient surface area for making contact with the planar bottom surface240when stowed or against the music instrument when deployed and attached thereto. The flat sleeve leg256can be hingedly attached with the base portion204of the housing at a fixed end260that is operatively connected with the torsion spring hinge254. To operably cooperate with the telescoping extension leg258, the flat sleeve leg256can be internally hollow and can slideably receive the extension leg258at a free end262that is oppositely disposed with respect to the fixed end260.

The telescoping extension leg258can include an elongated flat, extension shank264that has a cross section smaller than the corresponding cross section of the sleeve leg256enabling the extension leg258to be received through the free end262into the hollow sleeve leg256. Forces applied to the extension leg258cause the extension shank264to extend from and retract into the free end262of the flat sleeve leg256thereby adaptively adjusting the clamping length of the instrument clamp250.

To generate clamping forces that holds the portable computer accessory200adjacent to the music instrument, the telescoping extension leg258can be retractably urged into the sleeve leg256by one or more tension springs266that are internally located within the hollow body of the flat sleeve leg256. The tension springs266can be configured as elongated helical spring coils that can be operatively connected between the flat sleeve leg256and the extended body of the extension leg258. The tension springs266can be configured to resist stretching when elongated, thereby generating a tension force. When the extension leg258is telescopically extended from the sleeve leg256, the extension springs264are stretched from their natural length, causing them to retractably urge the extended extension leg258back into the sleeve leg256. The spring force generated the extended extension springs264corresponds to the clamping force that can grasp the instrument clamp250about the width of the music instrument.

To enable the instrument clamp250to securely hold fast to the music instrument the telescoping extension leg258can be structurally configured as a hook. For example, extending from the distal end of the flat extension shank264can be a perpendicular barb268. The perpendicular barb268can be integrally formed to an end of the flat extension shank264and can be oriented toward the housing202. Referring toFIG.8, when the instrument clamp250is in the stowed position, the perpendicular barb268can be placed adjacent to and extend against front wall232of the housing202. In particular, the perpendicular barb268can extend upward from the intersection between the planar bottom surface240and the front wall232toward the top portion206of the housing202, and the perpendicular barb268can be forcibly held adjacent to the front wall232by the biasing forces of the tension springs266retracting the telescoping extension leg258into the sleeve leg256. The forcible contact between the perpendicular barb268and the front wall232retrains the instrument clamp in the stowed position adjacent the planar bottom surface240even during shaking or jarring of the portable computer accessory200. In an embodiment, the perpendicular barb268can have a lateral width corresponding to the width of the sleeve leg256to ensure significant contact with front wall232. The perpendicular barb268functions as an arresting device that prevents further retraction of the telescoping extension leg258into the flat sleeve leg256.

The perpendicular barb268also enables the instrument clamp250to extend about and hold fast to the music instrument. For example, when the instrument clamp250is pivoted away from the base portion204and the telescoping extension leg258is extended from the sleeve leg256, the music instrument can be placed between the opposing parallel surfaces provided by the planar base surface240and the perpendicular barb268. The distance between the spaced apart planar base surface240and the perpendicular barb268may correspond, for example, to the width of a guitar. After the instrument is received there between, the tension springs266retract the telescoping extension leg258into the sleeve leg256generating a compressive clamping force that forcibly grasps the instrument between the opposing planar bottom surface250and the perpendicular barb268. The tension springs266and the telescoping extension leg256enable adjustment of the clamping dimension between the planar bottom surface240of the housing202and the perpendicular barb268when the leg assembly252is deployed to accommodate musical instruments of different widths.

When the portable computer accessory200is firmly attached to the instrument by the instrument clamp250, the top portion206of the housing202is oriented outward from the face of the instrument. The first and second buttons208,210that protrude from the angled top surface242of the housing are readily accessible to the user by hand. Accordingly, while the user is playing the instrument, they can depress by hand the first and/or second buttons208,210exposed at the face of the instrument to direct a playback command to the video display playing the instructional video. The user can therefore play, pause, jump forward and/or backwards or take other actions in the video to enhance training.

The second embodiment allows for two advantageous configurations for a user to utilize the portable computer accessory200to manipulate an instructional video with minimum disruption or disturbance to playing of the instrument. In the stowed configuration, the portable computer accessory200can be set on a floor and the first and second playback buttons can be actuated by foot without the use of hands. In the deployed configuration, the instrument clamp can attach the portable computer accessory200to the instrument so as to be readily accessible to the hands of the user while playing the instrument, allowing actuation of the playback buttons without serious disruption to the natural playing style or technique.

By the term “substantially,” “approximately,” or “about” used herein, it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, value, or geometric planarity need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide.

It is to be understood that the various embodiments described in this specification and as illustrated in the attached drawings are simply exemplary embodiments illustrating the inventive concepts as defined in the claims. As a result, it is to be understood that the various embodiments described and illustrated may be combined to from the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims.

In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the present disclosure has been described to represent what is considered to represent the preferred embodiments. However, it should be noted that this disclosure can be practiced in other ways than those specifically illustrated and described without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure.