Method and system of purposeful movement to a steady beat

A technique for combining music and choreographed movement improves physiological and cognitive processes through purposeful movement to a steady beat. Users perform examples of the technique by purposefully executing one or more movement instructions in time with one or more musical selections. The movement instructions require concentration on both the beat pattern of the music and on the movement pattern to execute the movement instruction successfully.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a method and system of human movement instruction and, in particular, to media teaching purposeful movement to a steady beat.

BACKGROUND

Human cognitive functions are affected by music and bodily movement. Learning can be difficult without basic rhythmic skills. Rhythm underlies patterns of breathing and movement and helps to organize incoming sensory perception into coherent new patterns of learning. Movement has been shown to raise the levels of endorphins, which are important to mood, cognition, behavior, and personality, in the brain. Movement also can stimulate a person's metabolism and build muscles.

Exercise videos combine music and movement to demonstrate techniques to burn fat or increase muscle tone. The videos teach users movements chosen for their ability to increase the user's metabolism or to facilitate muscle growth. Such videos generally require the user to learn the new exercise move and then perform the exercise move. Typically, the music in such videos is meant primarily as a form of entertainment to keep the interest of the individual. In some exercise videos, the music can be used to set a rhythm to which the movements are performed.

Interactive video games, especially those in which participants must match certain dance steps, also combine music and movement for entertainment purposes. In such games, a user watches a display monitor, such as a television screen, and reacts to images shown on the monitor. Sensors monitor the movements of the user in response to the displayed images. Some games also require the user to react to images displayed on the screen and in response to music being played to the user. For example, Dance, Dance, Revolution™ requires users to view dance steps on a video display screen and then mimic the dance steps using a mat equipped to record the movements of the user.

SUMMARY

The invention relates to media combining music and choreographed movement to present one or more body puzzles to a user. In particular, the invention relates to media teaching purposeful activity within three-dimensional space according to movement instructions and timing instructions.

According to aspects of the invention, users perform embodiments of the body puzzles by purposefully executing choreographic instructions including one or more movement instructions in accordance with a timing instruction. In one embodiment, a timing instruction includes one or more musical selections. Execution of the choreographic instruction requires focus on both the beat pattern of the music and on a movement pattern indicated by the movement instruction.

In some embodiments, the choreographic instructions require a user to perform one movement with a right side of the user's body and a different move with the left side of the user's body simultaneously. In one embodiment, the body puzzles require upper level bilateral integration nested in a rhythmic program. In another embodiment, the body puzzles require lower level bilateral integration nested in a rhythmic program. In yet another embodiment, the body puzzles require upper and lower level bilateral integration nested in a rhythmic program.

According to other aspects of the invention, users view movement instructions and identify patterns and flow directions. In one embodiment, the movement instructions include indicia of three-dimensional movements based on geometric shapes. In another embodiment, the movement instructions progress from symmetrical to alternating bilateral patterns. In another embodiment, the movement instructions include differentiated and/or coordinated bilateral patterns.

In one embodiment, users attempt to mirror the movements of an instructor. In other embodiment, users attempt to follow generated audio-visual cues. In one embodiment, users view a diagram indicating the general shape of the movement to be performed. In another embodiment, users view movement of indicia (e.g., an indicator ball) and attempt to mimic the movement. For example, users may view and attempt to follow colored flow paths displayed on a display screen.

According to other aspects of the invention, participants listen to music and identify timing instructions (e.g., beat patterns). In an embodiment, the music includes polyrhythmic elements and/or timing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for providing choreographic instructions to one or more users. In general, a choreographic instruction includes a timing instruction and a movement instruction. The movement instruction is performed by the users in accordance with the timing instruction.

Referring now to the figures,FIG. 1illustrates an operational flow for an instruction process100for providing choreographic instructions to a user. Each choreographic instruction includes a timing instruction and a movement instruction. The instruction process100initializes and begins at start module105and proceeds to a first provide operation110. The first provide operation110provides a timing instruction to at least one user. In certain embodiments, the first provide operation110provides an auditory depiction of a beat pattern. For example, in one embodiment, the first provide operation110plays a musical selection having polyrhythmic elements and/or timing. In other embodiments, however, the first provide operation110can provide a visual depiction of a beat pattern (e.g., seeFIG. 8).

A second provide operation115provides at least one movement instruction to the user. In some embodiments, a movement instruction includes a movement pattern and a flow direction. In other embodiments, a movement instruction includes a series of formation patterns and a sequencing instruction. In certain embodiments, a movement instruction also includes a repetition amount indicating the number of times the movement pattern should be repeated. In some embodiments, the second provide operation115supplies a sequence of movement instructions. In other embodiments, however, the second provide operation115supplies only a single movement instruction.

In general, a movement instruction may include one or more movements and/or formation patterns based on geometric or otherwise recognizable patterns and/or elements (e.g., lines, circles, triangles, etc.). For example, in one embodiment, the movement instruction can instruct a participant to move one or more portions of the participant's body in a particular direction along a circular, triangular, square, or heart-shaped pattern (e.g., seeFIGS. 5 and 6).

In another embodiment, the movement instruction can instruct a participant to position one or more portions of the participant's body to form one or more formation patterns. The movement instruction also can instruct the participant to move appropriate portions of the participant's body to re-orient the formation pattern or form new formation patterns. For example, in one such embodiment, the movement instruction can instruct the participant to move each arm to form an L pattern (e.g., see formation pattern1900ofFIG. 19) in different orientations (e.g., seeFIGS. 20A-20D).

The movement instruction can be performed within two-dimensional space or three-dimensional space. For example, in one embodiment, the movement instruction can indicate a first geometric pattern to be executed over a first spatial plane and a second geometric pattern to be executed over a second spatial plane angled relative to the first spatial plane. In another embodiment, two or more movement instructions may be executed over the same spatial plane.

In some embodiments, the movement instruction indicates a movement to be performed on each of the left and right sides of a participant's body (i.e., homologous symmetrical movement). In another embodiment, the movement instruction indicates a movement to be performed using both sides of the participant's body (i.e., the movement extends across the body of the participant). In other embodiments, however, the movement instruction can indicate a first movement to be performed by a left side of the participant's body and a second movement to be performed by a right portion of the participant's body (i.e., bilateral movement). For example, in one embodiment, the movement instruction can provide a first pattern to be executed with a participant's right hand and a second pattern to be executed with the participant's left hand simultaneously. The first movement can differ from the second movement in pattern size, pattern shape, pattern orientation, and/or flow direction.

In one embodiment, the second provide operation115provides a movement instruction indicating one or more anchor movements. The second provide operation115also can provide additional movement instructions incorporating the anchor movements into a focus movement. For example, in one embodiment, the second provide operation115may provide a first anchor movement including a first pattern and flow direction (e.g., see circle pattern1302ofFIG. 13) and a second anchor movement including a second pattern and flow direction (e.g., see triangular pattern1306ofFIG. 13). The second provide operation115also may provide a focus movement (e.g., see movement pattern1300ofFIG. 13) incorporating both the first movement and second movements. The instruction process100completes and ends at stop module120.

FIG. 2illustrates an operational flow for a performance process200for deriving one or more choreographic instructions from an instructional media or other tool and performing the choreographic instruction. The performance process200initializes and begins at a start module205and proceeds to a first obtain operation210. The first obtain operation210receives a timing instruction. In certain embodiments, the first obtain operation210receives an auditory depiction of a beat pattern. For example, in one embodiment, the first obtain operation210plays a musical selection having polyrhythmic elements and/or timing. In other embodiments, however, the first obtain operation210receives a visual depiction of a beat pattern (e.g., seeFIG. 8).

A second obtain operation215receives at least one movement instruction to be executed. In general, the movement instruction includes a movement pattern and a flow direction. In certain embodiments, the movement instruction also includes a repetition amount indicating a number of times the movement pattern should be repeated. In some embodiments, the second obtain operation215receives a sequence of movement instructions. In other embodiments, however, the second obtain operation215receives only a single movement instruction.

A perform operation220executes each movement instruction received in the second obtain operation215in accordance with the timing instruction received in the first obtain operation210. In certain embodiments, the perform operation220executes each movement instruction sequentially. In other embodiments, however, multiple movement instructions are performed simultaneously using different portions of the participant's body. In some embodiments, the perform operation220is executed by a single user. In other embodiments, however, the perform operation220can be executed by multiple users. The performance process200completes and ends at stop module225.

The performance process200may be performed and optionally repeated over a predetermined period of time referred to as a session. For example, in some embodiments, the performance process200is executed over a period of a few minutes per session. In one embodiment, the performance process200is executed over a period of two to five minutes. In other embodiments, a session may last for a longer or shorter period of time. The length of time over which the performance process200is executed in each session may vary by difficulty of the movement to be performed. Users may participate in one or more sessions each day.

FIG. 3illustrates an operational flow for a process300for implementing the first obtain operation210of the performance process200. The process300initializes and begins at start module305and proceeds to a listen operation310. In listen operation310, the participant perceives (e.g., listens to) a musical selection being played.

In general, the music selection is selected to be enjoyable to the participant. In some embodiments, the musical selection can be personalized to the listener. For example, in one embodiment of the listen operation210, the participant perceives music selected from favorite musical pieces of the participant. In another embodiment of the listen operation210, the participant listens to music popular when the participant was a teenager or young adult. Some examples of musical genres that have been found to work well for providing timing instructions are jazz, classical, and Swedish fiddle music. However, other types of music also may be suitable.

In a determine operation315, the participant ascertains a beat pattern employed in the musical selection. In some embodiments, the beat pattern of each musical piece includes from about sixty to about seventy-two beats per minute. In other embodiments, the beat pattern of each musical piece includes from about forty-eight to about sixty beats per minute. In one embodiment, the musical selection has about sixty beats per minute. The beat pattern of the music can be selected to enhance or lessen the difficulty of executing the movement instructions.

In some embodiments, the beat pattern of each musical selection is clearly discernable. In such embodiments, the beat pattern is simple and easily noticeable, enabling the participant to concentrate more heavily on executing the movement instructions. Such embodiments are especially useful when beginning or learning the technique.

In other embodiments, however, the beat pattern can be more complex or less easily discernable (e.g., can have polyrhythmic elements and/or timing). In such embodiments, the participant focuses more on the music to distinguish the beat pattern. Such embodiments require more thought and are especially useful for advanced users of the choreographic instruction. The process completes and ends at stop module320.

FIG. 4illustrates an operational flow for an example process400for implementing the second obtain operation215of performance process200. The process400initializes and begins at a start module405and proceeds to a view operation410. In the view operation410, the participant perceives (e.g., views) a portrayal of a movement instruction.

In some embodiments of the view operation410, the participant examines a graphic depiction of a still-image representing a movement instruction. For example, in one such embodiment of the view operation410, the participant examines a card, such as a card500(seeFIG. 5). The card500includes a graphical depiction (e.g., a drawing)502of a geometric element, a directional arrow504, and a repetition number506. In the example shown inFIG. 5, the card500includes a graphical depiction502of a circle, a direction arrow504pointing counter-clockwise, and a repetition number506of three.

In other embodiments of the view operation410, the participant watches an audio-visual recording of the movement instruction. For example, the participant can watch an animated icon moving in accordance with the geometric element and flow direction. In one embodiment, the animated icon may be a colored circle or other shape. In another embodiment, the geometric element or path that the animated icon follows is displayed. For example, in one embodiment, the animated icon can be shown moving along the displayed path.

In other embodiments of the view operation410, however, the participant watches a performance of the movement instruction by another. For example, the participant can watch an instructor600move the instructor's hand a specific number of times in a specific direction604in accordance with a geometric element602. In the example shown inFIG. 6, the participant watches the instructor600move the instructor's hand in a circular motion602in a counter-clockwise direction604.

In one such embodiment, the participant views a live performance by another participant or an instructor. In another embodiment, the participant watches a performance recorded on a playable medium, such as a CD, DVD, magnetic disk, flash card, or other memory storage device. In another embodiment, the participant watches a recorded performance obtained from a remote computer, server, or storage device via a network connection. For example, the participant may download the performance over the Internet to a local computer and view the performance on the local computer.

A first determine operation415ascertains a movement pattern based on the movement observed during the view operation410. In certain embodiments, the movement pattern includes one or more geometric elements recognizable to the participants (e.g., geometric shapes). In some embodiments of the determine operation415, the participant identifies the movement pattern graphically portrayed as a still image. For example, in one such embodiment, the participant identifies the circle pattern502printed on card500inFIG. 5. In other embodiments, the participant ascertains the circular movement being performed by the instruction600ofFIG. 6.

In a second determine operation420, the participant identifies a flow direction based on the movement instruction perceived in the view operation410. In some embodiments of the second determine operation420, the participant identifies a directional arrow or other indicia printed as a stationary graphic. For example, the participant can identify the arrow504printed on the card500as indicating the counter-clockwise direction. In other embodiments, the participant ascertains the direction in which the movement pattern identified in the first determine operation415is being executed during the performance. For example, in an embodiment of the second determine operation420, the participant can ascertain the instructor600is moving the instructor's hand in a counter-clockwise direction. In some embodiments, the process400completes and ends at a stop module425.

In other embodiments, however, the process400proceeds to a third determine operation425. In the third determine operation425, the participant ascertains a number of times the movement pattern is to be repeated. In some embodiments, the participant identifies a repetition number indicated graphically. For example, the participant can identify the number “3” printed on the card500ofFIG. 5. In other embodiments, however, the participant can determine the number of times a movement pattern is performed by another. For example, the participant can ascertain the instruction600ofFIG. 6has moved her hand in a circular pattern three times. As noted above, the process completes and ends at the stop module430.

FIGS. 5 and 6provide some examples of different systems that can be used to provide choreographic instructions to participants. In the system shown inFIG. 5, a participant can flip through a deck of cards500and perform choreographic instructions indicated on one or more of the cards500. Music may be played in the background while the participant views the cards500. Alternatively, each of the cards500can graphically indicate a timing instruction, such as a beat pattern, to be followed (seeFIG. 8) when performing the indicated movement instruction.

As shown inFIG. 6, in an alternative system, a participant can watch an instructor performing movement patterns. In some embodiments, the participant attends a live performance, such as a class. In such embodiments, the participant can view the movements of an instructor and/or other participants (e.g., students). In other embodiments, however, the participant watches a recorded video performance. For example, the participant can play and view a performance on a television or computer. The performance may be recorded on a DVD, a CD-ROM, Blu-Ray disc, or video cassette tape, or other storage media. Alternatively, the performance can be recorded within the memory of a computer system.

In certain embodiments, the movement instruction can require the participant to view multiple movement patterns simultaneously, distinguish each individual movement pattern, and ascertain the elements (e.g., shape, flow direction, and timing) of each movement pattern. For example, a recorded performance can be edited to overlay footage of the instructor performing a first movement instruction over footage of the instructor performing a second movement instruction. In an embodiment, the participant can be instructed to perform the identified movement patterns sequentially or in a particular order. In other embodiments, the participant can be instructed to perform a selected one of the movement patterns.

In other embodiments, the recorded performance can be edited to enhance the depiction of the movement pattern to be performed. In one embodiment, a graphical depiction of the geometric shape to be performed can be displayed while the movement pattern is being performed. For example, a geometric shape on which the movement pattern is based can be superimposed over the instructor prior to, during, or after the execution of the movement instruction (seeFIG. 18).

Alternatively, the graphical depiction can be separately displayed from the performance. In some such embodiments, the display can switch between the performance and the graphical depiction. For example, the participant can begin by viewing the graphical depiction of the movement instruction to prepare the participant. Then, the participant executes the movement instruction following along with the performance.

In one embodiment, the display of the performance can be interrupted temporarily. For example, the display may simply become blank for portions of the performance to inhibit the participant from relying too heavily on the performance for the movement or timing instructions. In one such embodiment, the graphical depiction can be temporarily shown during the interruption to remind the participant of the movement instruction without showing the actual performance.

Color coding can further engage the attention of the user, increase the enjoyment of the user, and/or aid in providing additional instructions to increase the difficulty for the user, as described below. In some embodiments, the video can be edited to color code the hands (or arms, legs, etc.) of the instructor based on which movement pattern the hand is performing. In one such embodiment, the movement instruction can require the user to complete the movement patterns sequentially based on a color sequence. In another embodiment, the movement instruction can require the user to complete the movement pattern illustrated by a particular color.

In other embodiments, the recorded performance can be edited to graphically depict the flow direction of the movement instructions. For example, a graphical depiction of a hand can be shown moving in the desired flow direction. In another embodiment, one or more arrows can be shown pointing in the desired flow direction.

The principles of the present disclosure can better be understood through some example applications.FIGS. 7-17are schematic diagrams depicting example movement instructions and example timing instructions having features that are examples of inventive aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. In general, the movement instructions shown include a first pattern to be executed using a right side of the participant's body and a second pattern to be executed using a left side of the participant's body.

FIG. 7illustrates an example movement instruction700to be executed by a participant. The example movement instruction700includes a first movement pattern A and a second movement pattern B. The movement patterns A, B are linear and have identical flow directions. A participant performs the movement instruction by moving a right side of the participant's body according to the first pattern A and a left side of the participant's body according to a second pattern B.

In one embodiment, the first movement pattern A is to be executed using a first hand of the participant and the second movement pattern B is to be executed using the opposing hand of the participant. In such an embodiment, the participant's first hand moves along a z-axis from a first position1A to a second position2A and the participant's second hand moves along the z-axis from a first position1B to a second position2B. In other embodiments, the movement instruction700can be executed with the user's left and right feet. In still other embodiments, the user can execute movement instruction700using any desired combination of body parts.

In some embodiments, the movement instruction700can be executed cross-laterally. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term “cross-lateral execution” refers to execution of a movement instruction that requires the participant to move a portion of the participant's body across the medial plane of the participant's body. In the example shown inFIG. 7, movement pattern A is to be executed on a first side of the medial plane MP and movement pattern B is to be executed on a second side of the medial plane MP. The participant can execute the movement instruction700cross-laterally by performing the first movement pattern A with her left hand on the right side of the medial plane and the second movement B with her right hand on the left side of the medial plane.

In other embodiments, the participant executes the first movement pattern A with her left hand on the left side of the medial plane MP and the second movement pattern B with her right hand on the right side of the medial plane MP. In still other embodiments, the participant can execute the movement patterns homo-laterally. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term “homo-laterally” refers to the execution of a movement instruction using only a single side of the participant's body. For example, the participant can execute the movement pattern700homo-laterally by performing the first movement pattern A with her right hand on the right side of the medial plane MP and the second movement pattern B with her right foot on the right side of the medial plane MP.

In general, the participant executes movement instruction700in time to a beat pattern.FIG. 8illustrates an example beat pattern800including beats802,804,806,808, . . . , N. The ellipses and Nthbeat indicate the beat pattern800may include any desired number of beats. For ease in understanding, the beats802,804,806,808of the exemplary beat pattern800are spaced evenly from one another to create a steady beat. In other embodiments, however, the beats802,804,806,808of the beat pattern800can be arranged according to any desired timing.

In certain embodiments, each beat802,804,806,808in the beat pattern800can correspond to a position, such as positions1A,2A,1B, and2B ofFIG. 7, within a movement instruction, such as movement instruction700. In some embodiments, the participant executes both movement patterns A, B of the movement instruction700simultaneously. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 7, for example, the participant's first hand begins at a start position1A on beat802and moves to the second position2A on beat804. The participant's other hand begins at a start position1B on beat202and moves to the second position2B on beat204.

In other embodiments, however, the movement patterns in a movement instruction can be executed sequentially or out of phase. For example, the second hand of a participant can begin to execute the movement instruction after execution by the first hand. In another embodiment, the second hand of the participant can begin to execute the movement instruction after a delay but before the first hand has finished executing the movement instruction. To demonstrate this concept using the movement instruction ofFIG. 7, the first hand can begin at the start position1A at beat202and move to the second position2A at beat204. The second hand B, however, can begin at the start position1B at beat202, remains at the start position1B at beat204, and then moves to the second position2B at beat206.

Referring toFIG. 9, each movement pattern of a movement instruction can have a different start position. For example, in the example shown inFIG. 9, a first movement pattern A′ has a start position1A′ and a second movement pattern B′ has a start position1B′. The start position1A′ of the first movement pattern is displaced along the Z-axis from the start position1B′ of the second movement pattern B′. In addition, the first movement pattern A′ is displaced along an X-axis from the second movement pattern B′.

In certain embodiments, the flow direction with which each movement pattern is executed also can differ. For example, in the embodiment shown inFIG. 9, to execute the movement pattern A′, the participant moves a first hand from the start position1A′ upwardly along the Z-axis to an end position2A′. To execute movement pattern B′, the participant moves the second hand from the start position1B′ downwardly along the Z-axis to an end position2B′.

Referring toFIGS. 10-11, movement instructions can be patterns performed over three-dimensions (i.e., over multiple spatial planes). For example, as shown inFIG. 10, a movement instruction1000includes a first movement pattern C executed over an X-Z plane and a second movement pattern D executed over a Y-Z plane. The movement pattern C includes three positions1C,2C,3C and the movement pattern D includes three positions1D,2D,3D.

Positions1C and2C of the movement pattern C are aligned along a Z-axis and positions2C and3C are aligned along an X-axis. Similarly, positions1D and2D of the movement pattern D are aligned along the Z-axis and positions2D and3D are aligned along a Y-axis. In other embodiments, however, a single movement pattern can be executed over multiple spatial planes (e.g., see pattern G ofFIG. 12).

To execute movement instruction1000to the beat pattern800described above, the participant places her hands or other body parts at start positions1C and1D at beat802. At beat804, the participant moves the first hand to position2C and the second hand to position2D. In the example shown, the participant moves both hands along the same flow direction (e.g., downwardly) to accomplish this movement. At beat806, the participant moves the first hand to position3C and the second hand to position3D. To accomplish this movement, however, the first hand is moved along the X-axis within the X-Z plane and the second hand is moved along the Y-axis in the Y-Z plane. At beat808, the user returns both hands to the respective start positions1C,1D.

In some embodiments, movement instructions can include movement patterns having different flow directions. In such embodiments, the movement instructions require the participant to move different parts of her body in different directions, sometimes simultaneously, to execute the movement instructions. For example, in the embodiment shown inFIG. 11, a movement instruction1100includes the movement pattern C ofFIG. 10and a movement pattern E, which includes three positions1E,2E,3E and is to be executed over the Y-Z plane.

In one example embodiment, to execute movement instruction1100to beat pattern800, a participant places her hands at start positions1C and1E at beat802. At beat804, the participant moves a first hand downwardly along the Z-axis to position2C and moves the second hand diagonally across the Y-Z plane to position2E. Each hand moves in a different flow direction to accomplish this movement. At beat806, the participant moves the first hand along the X-axis to position3C and the second hand along the Y-axis to position3E. At beat808, the participant returns both hands to the respective start positions1C,1E, moving the first hand diagonally across the X-Z plane and moving the second hand upwardly along the Z-axis.

Referring now toFIG. 12, a movement instruction can indicate two different movement patterns to be executed concurrently. For example,FIG. 12illustrates a movement instruction1200including a first, generally circular movement pattern F and a second, generally linear movement pattern G. The movement patterns F, G ofFIG. 12also demonstrate that different movement patterns can require different types of movement. For example, movement pattern G requires generally linear movement. Movement pattern F, however, requires generally arced (e.g., curved) movement in order to correctly trace the circular shape of movement pattern F.

The first movement pattern F has a generally circular shape extending over the X-Z plane and includes four positions1F,2F,3F, and4F lying at substantially equidistant points around the circle. To perform movement pattern F, the participant places a first hand at the start position1F, moves the first hand along a counter-clockwise arc to the second position2F, continues the counter-clockwise arc to the third position3F and then to the fourth position4F. The participant then moves the first hand back to the start position1F.

The second movement pattern G also includes four positions1G,2G,3G,4G, but is not circular. Positions1G,2G, and3G lie along the Y-Z plane and positions1G,2G, and4G lie along the X-Z plane. To perform the movement pattern G, the participant places a second hand at the start position1G and moves the second hand downwardly to the second position2G. The second hand is then moved out to position3G, back to position2G, and upwardly back to the position1G. Next, the second hand is again moved downwardly from the position1G to position2G and then sideways to position4G. From position4G, the second hand is moved back to position2G and then upwardly back to the start position1G.

In certain embodiments, the participant can be instructed to perform a first movement pattern of a movement instruction over a different number of beats than a second movement pattern. In an embodiment, the first movement pattern can be repeated while completing execution of the other movement pattern. For example, the movement pattern F can be performed over four beats (i.e., a beat for each position) whereas the movement pattern G can take eight beats to complete. Movement pattern F can be executed twice for each execution of movement pattern G.

In other embodiments, movement patterns can be executed to different beat patterns or to different meters. For example, in one embodiment, the first movement pattern F can executed according to beat pattern800in 4/2 time and the second movement pattern G is executed according to beat pattern800in 4/4 time, assuming each beat in beat pattern800represents a quarter note.

In such an embodiment, the participant starts a first hand at position1F and a second hand at position1G. By beat802, the user moves the first hand half-way to position2F and the second hand completely to position2G. By beat804, the user moves the first hand completely to the position2F and the second hand completely to position3G. By beat806, the participant moves the first hand about half-way to position3F and the second hand completely back to position2G. By beat808, the participant's first hand moves completely to position3F and the second hand moves completely back to position1G. The participant has now completed half of the movement instruction1200. The best pattern800can be repeated and the second half of the movement instruction1200can be completed.

Referring toFIG. 13, in certain embodiments, complex movement patterns can be built by combining simpler geometric patterns. For example,FIG. 13depicts a first movement pattern H requiring the user to trace a “figure eight” pattern and a second movement pattern I requiring the user to trace two adjacent triangular patterns. The figure eight pattern H can be formed by combining two circular patterns1302,1304. Movement pattern I can be formed by combining two triangular patterns1306,1308.

Referring toFIGS. 14 and 15, a movement instruction can include a single movement pattern having different start positions, directional flows, and/or timing for each body part executing the movement pattern. For example,FIGS. 14 and 15illustrate a movement pattern K having a substantially circular shape. Movement pattern K has a first position1K and a second position2K spaced along the circle substantially equidistant from one another. In one embodiment, a participant1400can use the first position1K as a starting position for her right hand and the second position2K as a starting position for her left hand. In another embodiment, however, the user1400can use the same position as a starting position for both hands.

In certain embodiments, an example movement instruction also can indicate flow direction with respect to the orientation of the participant's body. For example, a participant, such as participant1400, can orient her body so that she executes one or more movement patterns, such as movement pattern K, by moving her hands side to side across the medial plane MP of her body (seeFIG. 14). In other embodiments, however, the participant1400can orient her body so that she executes the same movement patterns by moving her hands towards and away from her body without crossing the medial plane (seeFIG. 15).

Referring now to FIGS.16-17(A-E), in certain embodiments, movement instructions can be executed by two or more cooperating users. For example,FIG. 16illustrates an example movement instruction1600including three movement patterns M, N, and O.FIGS. 17A-17Edepict a first participant1700and a second participant1710using their hands to execute the movement instruction1600. EachFIG. 17A-17Edepicts the hand positions of the participants1700,1710after one beat in a beat pattern, such as beat pattern800. A flow direction for each hand is shown in eachFIG. 17A-17Eas well.

In the example shown, the first participant1700executes movement pattern M with a first hand and movement pattern N with a second hand. Simultaneously, the second participant1710executes movement pattern N with a first hand and movement pattern O with a second hand. In other embodiments, one or both participants could perform the respective movement patterns with their feet or other body parts. In the example shown, the first participant1700overlaps her second hand with the first hand of the second participant1710to perform movement pattern N. In other embodiments, each participant1700,1710can execute movement pattern N in separate regions of space.

In certain embodiments, movement instructions require one or more users to move their entire bodies through space. For example, in the embodiment shown inFIG. 17, the participants1700,1710move within spatial regions R1-R4while executing the movement instruction1600ofFIG. 16. The first participant1700begins in region R1and the second participant1710begins in region R2. By the third beat, the first participant1700has moved completely into region R3and the second participant1710has moved completely into region R4. By the fifth beat, the first and second participants1700,1710have returned to regions R1and R3, respectively.

Referring toFIGS. 19-20, in another embodiment, a movement instruction can provide a formation pattern and a sequence of orientations for the formation pattern. For example,FIG. 19is a schematic diagram illustrating one example embodiment of a formation pattern1900. The formation pattern1900is generally L-shaped. In other embodiments, the formation pattern1900may be generally linear, generally curved, or any other desired shape. In one embodiment, the formation pattern1900has a shape capable of being formed with a single limb of a participant (e.g., the participant's arm). In another embodiment, the formation pattern1900has a shape capable of being formed with multiple limbs of the participant. For example, a circular or square formation pattern may be formed using both arms of the participant.

FIGS. 20A-20Dare schematic diagrams illustrating one example sequence of orientations for the L-shaped formation pattern1900. In the example shown, the sequence of orientations differs for each limb of the participant. In another embodiment, the movement instruction may indicate each limb should follow the same sequence of orientations. In yet another embodiment, the movement instruction may indicate that only limb should form the formation pattern.

InFIG. 20A, a participant2001is instructed to form the L-shaped formation pattern1900ofFIG. 19using first and second arms2002,2003, respectively, in accordance with a first orientation position2000A. In the example shown, the first orientation position2000A includes each arm extending horizontally outwardly from the body and is bent at the elbows to extend vertically upwardly. InFIG. 20B, the participant is instructed to re-orient the formation pattern1900of the second arm2003in accordance with a second orientation position2000B. In the example shown, the second orientation position2000B directs the second arm2003to pivot upwardly and towards the first arm2002to form a generally square pattern. InFIG. 20C, the participant is instructed to re-orient the formation pattern1900of the first arm2002in accordance with a third orientation position2000C. In the example shown, the third orientation position2000C directs the first arm2002to flip about a horizontal axis extending along the horizontal portion of the arm2002. InFIG. 20D, the participant is instructed to re-orient the formation pattern1900of the second arm2003in accordance with a fourth orientation position2000D. In the example shown, the fourth orientation position2000D directs the second arm2003of the participant to pivot downwardly and away from the first arm2002.

FIG. 21is a flowchart illustrating an operational flow for an example evaluation process2100by which choreographic instructions and feedback may be presented to the participant. The evaluation process2100initializes and begins at a start module2102and proceeds to a first display operation2104. The first display operation2104provides the choreographic instruction to the participant. For example, the first display operation2104can provide a movement instruction and a timing instruction using any of the processes discussed herein.

An obtain operation2106acquires compliance data indicating whether the participant successfully executed the choreographic instruction. In one embodiment, the obtain operation2106may acquire visual information indicating the movement and timing of a participant. For example, the obtain operation2106may film a participant attempting to execute the choreographic instruction with a camera. In another embodiment, the obtain operation2106may obtain the compliance data using a gaming system input and controller. For example, the obtain operation2106may obtain the compliance data using the gaming system input and controller disclosed in the published application having U.S. Publication No. 2008/0039202, entitled “Game apparatus having general-purpose remote control function,” and assigned to Nintendo Co., Ltd., the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. In particular, the portions of the published application pertaining to obtaining and processing movement data are incorporated herein by reference.

A determine operation2108evaluates the acquired compliance data by comparing the choreographic instruction to the movement and timing actually performed by the participant (e.g., to the recording of the movement).

A second display operation2110provides feedback to the participant regarding the participant's execution of the choreographic instruction. In one embodiment, the second display operation2110provides an indication of whether the participant executed the choreographic instruction successfully. In another embodiment, the second display operation2110provides an indication of the degree to which the participant executed the choreographic instruction successfully. For example, in different embodiments, the second display operation2110may provide a numerical score, graphic indicia, and/or auditory indicia indicating success or lack thereof. The evaluation process2100completes and ends at a stop module2112.

The present invention provides an enjoyable way to integrate the mind and body, increasing focus, balance, and attention skills. Performance of the body puzzles in time to the music may build new neural networks through the sustained repetition of a low stimulus. The movements may activate motor patterns which support myelination that begins at the cortical level and moves to become embedded at the cognitive level. According to some aspects, the invention aids in teaching beat competence and temporal spatial awareness. Other aspects of the invention encourage rhythmic movement. The three major neurotransmitters—norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin—concerned with cognition, mood, behavior, and personality, are all increased by movement. Movement also can play an important role in memory, executive function, immune response, mental health, the cardiovascular system, the endocrine system, and the central nervous system. Some embodiments of the invention can be used to enhance athletic performance. Other embodiments may have a therapeutic affect on children with developmental coordination disorders (e.g., developmental dyspraxia). Still other embodiments may have a therapeutic affect on elderly individuals in delaying the onset of dementia and/or other cognitive disabilities.

The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. However, the invention is not limited to the example movement instructions and timing instructions illustrated in the figures. Rather, the example choreographic instructions shown are intended only to illustrative some possible embodiments of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.