Abstract:
A voice activated music controller system, useful in association with a game system and a player is provided. The voice activated music controller system includes a voice activated controller, and a base station. The voice activated controller includes a transducer for receiving an audio signal, one or more sound effect controls, and a transmitter. The sound effect controls may be any of buttons, touch pads, roller balls, accelerometers and pressure sensors. The transmitter sends the audio signal and the control inputs to a receiver of the base station via a radio signal. A signal processor in the base station applies one or more sound effects to the audio signal according to the control inputs. These sound effects include one or more of a chorus effect, a pitch modulation, a pitch correction, a harmonizing effect, and a sound bite. This results in the generation of a processed audio signal which is outputted to the gaming system via a coupler.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to video game systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a video game voice activated music controller including controls for the inclusion of audio feed processing and sound effect management. 
     Computer video games have evolved from the early games, such as “pong”, played on a personal computer with a basic track ball type controller, to the present day sophisticated games which require a myriad of control devices. Recently, there has been an emergence of “real activity” gaming. These games aim to emulate common sports or activities and integrate them into a virtual environment. Performance on the activity may then be scored. 
     One category of these real life activity games includes the musical emulation games. Additional games, such as drumming games and, notably, karaoke, all fall within this category of games. For singing based games, such as karaoke, a microphone is required to generate a data signal from the user&#39;s voice. Typical microphones used in the gaming industry are standard wired microphones, such as the Logitech™ microphone model 981-000056. 
     When playing such games, users often “get lost” within the game. This may lead to vigorous movement and a general obliviousness as to their surroundings. The wire running from a microphone may impede an active singer from engaging in a wide range of movement, such as dancing along with the music. Additionally, a wire may pose a trip hazard for the singer. 
     Additionally, current microphones are designed to provide an audio input and, in some cases, they may include volume control. However, there are a number of game-type controls a game player may wish to be able to readily access. Traditional microphones do not provide the ability for a player to input game-like controls. 
     Hence there is a need for an improved voice activated music controller which enables a player to readily access an array of sound effects and audio manipulations. Additionally, there is a need for the improved voice activated music controller to be able to receive game-like inputs, such as button input and motion detection input. Lastly, such a voice activated music controller may be wireless to allow the player unhindered mobility and a reduced likelihood of injury. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     To achieve the foregoing and in accordance with the present invention, a wireless game voice activated music controller having integrated user inputs for sound effect controls is provided. Such a voice activated music controller system may be useful in conjunction with gaming, education, the recording industry, musical performance and as a therapeutic tool. 
     One embodiment of the voice activated music controller system may be useful in association with a game system and a player. The voice activated music controller system includes a voice activated controller, and a base station. The voice activated controller includes a transducer for receiving an audio signal, one or more sound effect controls, and a transmitter. 
     The sound effect controls may be any of buttons, touch pads, roller balls, accelerometers and pressure sensors. These controls relate directly to the application of sound effects to the received audio signal. These sound effects include one or more of a chorus effect, a pitch modulation, a pitch correction, a harmonizing effect, and a sound bite. 
     The transmitter may send the audio signal and the control inputs from the sound effect controls to the base station via a radio signal. The transmitter may utilize any of interleaving, frequency differences, or headers to differentiate the audio signal from the control inputs. In some embodiments, the transmitter may send the audio signal and control inputs directly to the gaming system thereby omitting the base station. 
     The base station includes a receiver which receives the outputted audio signal and the one or more control inputs from the transmitter. A signal processor in the base station may then apply one or more sound effects to the audio signal according to the control inputs from the sound effect controls. This may result in the generation of a processed audio signal which may then be output to the gaming system via a coupler. 
     In some embodiments, the voice activated controller includes an effects processor for applying the sound effects to the audio signal according to the sound effects control inputs. In yet other embodiments, the gaming system receives the native audio signal and control inputs and may perform the sound effect processing. 
     Note that the various features of the present invention can be practiced alone or in combination. These and other features of the present invention will be described in more detail below in the detailed description of the invention and in conjunction with the following figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a player using a voice activated music controller with integrated controls for audio effects in conjunction with a gaming system and a display in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates an embodiment of the voice activated music controller with integrated controls for audio effects and a base station in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates another embodiment of the voice activated music controller with integrated controls for audio effects and a base station in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2C  illustrates a functional block diagram of the voice activated music controller with integrated controls for audio effects and base station in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a functional block diagram of the voice activated music controller with integrated controls for audio effects in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a functional block diagram of the player interface for the voice activated music controller with integrated controls for audio effects in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a functional block diagram of the effects processor for voice activated music controller with integrated controls for audio effects in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a top level circuit diagram of the voice activated music controller with integrated controls for audio effects in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7A  illustrates one embodiment of a functional block diagram of the voice activated music controller base station in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7B  illustrates another embodiment of a functional block diagram of the voice activated music controller base station in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a top level circuit diagram of the voice activated music controller base station in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  shows an exemplary illustration of a screenshot from the display for use in a game with the voice activated music controller with integrated controls for audio effects in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  shows a flowchart illustrating voice activated music controller and receiver operation; and 
         FIG. 11  shows a flowchart illustrating game system operation. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a few preferred embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps and/or structures have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention. The features and advantages of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and discussions that follow. 
     To facilitate discussion,  FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of a Player  150  using a Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101  in conjunction with a Gaming System  130  and a Display  140 , shown generally at  100 . The Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101  may be held in the typical fashion by the Player  150 . Audio signals are collected by the Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101 . Audio signals may be collected as a mono signal, a stereo signal or as a surround signal. Additionally, the Player  150  may manipulate controls on the Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101  signifying particular audio conditioning or sound effects. The manipulation of these controls may be in response to some cue from the game being run on the Gaming System  130 , or may be voluntary additions by the Player  150  to enhance the “style” of the performance. 
     Sound effects may include any of, but not limited to, pitch modulation, pitch correction, chorus, voice “echo” effects, addition of sound bites, or any other sound conditioning or effect. 
     The collected data may be transmitted by the Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101  to the Base Station  120 . The Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101  may digitize the collected analog signals prior to transmission, or may transmit the data as an analog signal. Transmission may include interleaving of signals, multiple frequencies, data headers or any other reasonable technique to avoid mixing of the audio signals with the control signals. 
     The Base Station  120  may have an interface for sending data on to the Gaming System  130 . In some embodiments, the interface may include a standard Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector. Alternatively, a Musical Instrument Device Interface (MIDI) connector may be utilized. In other embodiments, the interface may include a proprietary connector. Also, wireless technologies, such as blue tooth or infra red, may be utilized to send data from the Base Station  120  to the Gaming System  130 . Likewise, the Base Station  120  may, in some embodiments, be configured to couple to an Ethernet or other existing network for data transmission to the Gaming System  130 , computer or recording equipment. In general, it is within the spirit of the invention to be compatible with all gaming systems, computers, plug-and-play karaoke machines, and audio equipment. As such, it is considered that many versions of the Base Station  120  may be sold to enable the Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101  to interact with a variety of downstream devices. 
     Additionally, it should be noted that in some embodiments the Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101  may send data directly to the Gaming System  130  without the need for a Base Station  120 . Many Gaming Systems  130  are enabled to receive wireless data transmission. In situations where the Gaming System  130  may receive information from the Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101  directly, the Base Station  120  may be omitted. 
     The Gaming System  130  may take the data provided by the Base Station  120 , or by the Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101  directly, and may update game play. This may include recording the performance for later playback as well as scoring the performance by pitch and effect adhesion to the displayed cues. Note that the Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101  is designed to function with a wide range or singing and musical games. For example, beyond simple karaoke style games, additional virtual instruments may be included in the game played, and the score generated may reflect the performance of all the input instruments as well as the Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101 . 
     The audio signal received by the Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101  may then be processed for audio effects according to the input on controls by the Player  150 . For example, in some embodiments, the audio signal may be processed for audio effects in the Voice Activated Music Controller  101 ; however, due to the high processing and power consumption demands, this may be unfavorable as compared to downstream processing. Likewise, the audio signal may be processed for the sound effects in the Base Station  120 . The benefit of processing at the base station includes reduced processing demands at the Game system  130 , and alleviation of power demands on the Voice Activated Music Controller  101 . However, it is also considered that processing of the audio signal for sound effects may occur at the Game System  130 . As with elsewhere in this disclosure, Game System  130  is intended to refer to all downstream recipients of the audio data including computer systems, recording devices and all game consoles. 
     It should also be noted that processing of audio signals for the sound effects may be performed by entirely hardware, entirely software, or some combination of the two. In particular, when sound effect processing is occurring at the Gaming System  130 , it is unlikely that specialized hardware is available for the sound effect processing. Thus, the Gaming System  130  may include software that emulates the audio effects produced by an effect processor. Such emulative software may be stored on the game medium, be it CDROM, DVD or downloaded. 
     The Gaming System  130  may provide visual and audio output to the Display  140  and speakers (not shown) indicating scoring and performance cues. An exemplary screenshot from the Display  140  is provided at  FIG. 9  and will be discussed in depth below. The Player  150  may take cues from the Display  140 , or by audio cues provided by the speakers, and may alter her performance accordingly. 
     While much of the discussion contained herein is directed toward gaming, the Voice Activated Music Controller  101  is designed for use in a wide range of applications. For example, the Voice Activated Music Controller  101  may be of particular use during professional audio recording or live performance. Likewise, the Voice Activated Music Controller  101  may a powerful tool in the education and training of singers. Moreover, the Voice Activated Music Controller  101  may have use in aiding disabled individuals to communicate and may be of use for speech therapists. 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates the Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101  and Base Station  120  in more detail. Visually, the Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101  may be very similar to current microphones. A Wind Break Mesh  202  covers the Voice Activated Music Controller and reduces wind or airflow pickup by the microphone. The Voice Activated Music Controller Stalk  204  provides a grip for the Player  150  as well as houses the internal circuitry. 
     Voice Activated Music Controller Inputs A to M  210 ,  212 ,  214  and  216  provides the user the ability to input sound effects and audio conditioning. Voice Activated Music Controller Inputs A to M  210 ,  212 ,  214  and  216  may include simple buttons or may include touch pads, variable input buttons which detect relative amounts of pressure, track balls, joysticks, or slide switches. As previously noted, these controls may change volume, provide pitch modulation, pitch correction, chorus, voice “echo” effects, addition of sound bites, or any other sound conditioning or effect. 
     In addition to these external controls, the Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101  may include one or more accelerometers to indicate position and movement of the Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101 . In some embodiments, tempo may be controlled through movement of the Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101 . Also, in some embodiments, movement of the Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101  may add sound effects such as the sound of a tambourine or triangle. Likewise, particular orientations of the Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101  may engage other sound effects or modulations to the audio input. For example, when in a climatic portion of a song, a Player  150  may tip the Voice Activated Music Controller  101  up such that it is inverse the normal orientation. This movement in conjunction with a sustained pitch of elevated amplitude may indicate a reverberation effect for an enhanced performance. 
     An Indicator Light  206  may provide indication when the Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101  is “on”. Since the Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101  is wireless, an internal power supply, such as battery power, is required for operation. Thus, there is a need to conserve power whenever possible. As such, in some embodiments, the Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101  may enter a “sleep” or “hibernate” like mode when inactivity is measured for a set amount of time. Inactivity may be measured by accelerometer motion detection or by lack of audio signals above ambient levels. Inversely, motion of the Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101  may cause the Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101  to turn “on”. In some embodiments, the Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101  may also include a “power” switch for turning the Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101  on and off. 
     Extending from the bottom of the Voice Activated Music Controller Stalk  204  is an Antenna  208 . In some embodiments, the Antenna  208  may be concealed within the Voice Activated Music Controller Stalk  204 . The Antenna  208  may transmit audio and control data to the Antenna  226  of the Base Station  120 . The transmission may be radio frequency, or may include infra red or other wavelength of transmission. In some embodiments, the transmission signal may be at 24 bit per second; however, faster or slower data transmission may be utilized. Audio and control signals may be interleaved, utilize variations in frequency or utilize headers in order to differentiate transmitted signals. 
     The Base Station  120  may include a Receiver Housing  222  with an Indicator Light  228 . Also on the Receiver Housing  222  may be a series of controls (not shown) for configuring the Base Station  120  and for synchronizing the particular Base Station  120  to a particular Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101 . In such a way, multiple Voice Activated Music Controllers with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101  may be used in a game, and each Base Station  120  will selectively filter the received data signals for those originating from the Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101  that it has been synchronized to. 
     A Universal Serial Bus (USB) Connector  224  may extend from the Base Station  120  for coupling to the Gaming System  130 . Again the illustrated USB Connector  224  is intended as an example and additional connector types may be utilized dependent upon Gaming System  130  input capability. 
       FIG. 2B  illustrates another embodiment of the Voice Activated Music Controller  101  with integrated controls for audio effects and Base Station  120 . Like the embodiment illustrated at  FIG. 2A , a Wind Break Mesh  202  covers the microphone and reduces wind or airflow pickup by the microphone. The Voice Activated Music Controller Stalk  204  provides a grip for the Player  150  as well as houses the internal circuitry. 
     The major difference between this embodiment and the previous embodiment of the Voice Activated Music Controller  101  is the number and orientation of the Voice Activated Music Controller Inputs  210 ,  211 ,  212 ,  213 ,  214 ,  215 ,  216  and  217 . These inputs provide the user the ability to input sound effects and audio conditioning. The orientation of the inputs likewise enables the Player  150  to hold the Voice Activated Music Controller  101  in an orientation similar to a flute or clarinet. As noted, Voice Activated Music Controller Inputs  210 ,  211 ,  212 ,  213 ,  214 ,  215 ,  216  and  217  may include simple buttons or may include touch pads, variable input buttons which detect relative amounts of pressure, track balls, or slide switches. As previously noted, these controls may change volume, provide pitch modulation, pitch correction, chorus, voice “echo” effects, addition of sound bites, or any other sound conditioning or effect. 
     As with the previous embodiment, in addition to these external controls, the Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101  may include one or more accelerometers to indicate position and movement of the Voice Activated Music Controller  101 . Also, an Indicator Light  206  may provide indication when the Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101  is “on”. 
     The orientation of the inputs on this embodiment of the Voice Activated Music Controller  101  facilitates its use as an instrument. For example, the Voice Activated Music Controller  101  may be used to emulate a clarinet. The Player  150  may sing or hum into the Voice Activated Music Controller  101  while manipulating the inputs. The Voice Activated Music Controller  101  may then transfer these signals from the user into instrumental effects. Such instrumental effects may be applied in the same fashion as other sound effects described herein. 
     In yet other embodiments, the audio pickup for the Voice Activated Music Controller  101  may be turned off in order to use the Voice Activated Music Controller  101  as a controller unit. 
     Extending from the bottom of the Voice Activated Music Controller Stalk  204  is an Antenna  208 . In some embodiments, the Antenna  208  may be concealed within the Voice Activated Music Controller Stalk  204 . The Antenna  208  may transmit audio and control data to the Antenna  226  of the Base Station  120 . The Base Station  120  of this embodiment may resemble the Base Station  120  of the previous exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 2C  illustrates functional block diagrams of the Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101  and Base Station  120 . The Voice Activated Music Controller  101  may include a Transducer  242  configured to receive audio signals. The Transducer  242  may include a standard magnet and membrane microphone, a piezo microphone, or any other audio pickup mechanism. Signals from the Transducer  242  may be sent to an A/D CODEC  244  which may convert the analog signal and convert it into a digital signal. The digitized audio feed may then be sent to an Effect Processor  240 . 
     Likewise, one or more Accelerometers  246  may be configured to detect motion of the Voice Activated Music Controller  101 . In some embodiments, three Accelerometers  246  may be included in the Voice Activated Music Controller  101 . These Accelerometers  246  may be positioned as to be able to detect movement along each of the X axis, Y axis and Z axis respectively. Output data from the Accelerometer(s)  246  may be sent to the Effect Processor  240 . 
     A Potentiometer for Volume Control  248  may likewise be seen providing volume data selected by the Player  150  to the Effect Processor  240 . Various Inputs A to M  210 ,  212 ,  214  and  216  may likewise be manipulated by the Player  150  and provide data to the Effect Processor  240 . 
     Processed signals are sent from the Effect Processor  240  to a Transmitter  250  for transmission to the Receiver  252  of the Base Station  120 . In some embodiments the Receiver  252  may additionally include a transceiver capability. The Receiver  252  may communicate with the UBS Based Digital Signal Processor (DSP)  256  via a SPI Interface  254 . 
     The USB Based DSP  256  may perform several operations. In some embodiments the USB Based DSP  256  may utilize USB version 2.0 spec. The USB Based DSP  256  may control mode of the devices, shown at Endpoint  0   262 . The ability to control mode enables transparency of the receiver with traditional microphones. 
     A 16 bit Pulse-Code Modulation (PCM) decoder may be included in the USB Based DSP  256 . The PCM decoder may determine pure microphone data including word and octave information at Endpoint  1   264 . Likewise, the PCM decoder may be configured to perform pitch detection at Endpoint  2   266 . Although not shown, the USB Based DSP  256  may additionally be enabled to generate note data from the received audio signal. This note data may be captured as a MIDI format for downstream application. Particularly, such MIDI note information, which includes frequency (note) and amplitude (velocity) data, may be used to drive instrumental effects. As noted in  FIG. 2B , the Voice Activated Music Controller  101  may be used as an instrument emulator. By singing into the device, the frequency and amplitude of the audio signal may be synthesized into any range of musical instrumentation. This may be of particular use in a band, game or recording environment. 
     The USB Based DSP  256  may include processing for special effects at Endpoint  3   268 . As previously mentioned, these effects may include chorus effects, flanger, pitch modulation, reverberation, sound bite inclusion, hollow effects, or any additional effects desired. Additionally, the USB Based DSP  256  may include access to a Human Interface Device (HID) to enable configuration of inputs to particular effects at Endpoint  4   270 . 
     Processed signals may be then output by the USB Based DSP  256  to a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Interface  258 . Thus, data may be provided to the Gaming System  130  via the USB Bus  260 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a functional block diagram of an embodiment of the Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101 . User Input  302  is provided to the Interface  304  of the Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101 . As previously noted, User Input  302  includes audio data, as well as control manipulation data. The signal then gets amplified by the Preamplifier  306 . In some embodiments, the Preamplifier  306  additionally is an Analog to Digital Converter (ADC). Additional information collected by the Interface  304  may be sent to the Microphone Controller  310 . The signal may then be processed by an Effect Processor  240 , which may apply the effects indicated by the User Input  302 . In some alternate embodiments, the Effect Processor  240  may be omitted, and the Gaming System  130  may include software that emulates the audio effects produced by the Effect Processor  240 . Such emulative software may be stored on the game medium, be it CDROM, DVD or downloaded. Likewise, in yet other embodiments, the processing of the audio signals for effects may occur in the Base Station  120 . Particularly, the USB Based DSP  256  may perform sound effect processes. 
     Then the signal is sent to the Transmitter  250  for transmission to the Base Station at  314 . As noted above, transmission may include Radio Frequency (RF) transmission, or other wavelength of transmission signal. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a functional block diagram of the player Interface  304  for the Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101 . The Interface  304  may include, but is not limited to a Transducer  242 , an Accelerometer  246 , and Inputs A to M  210 ,  212 ,  214  and  216 . Likewise, the User Input  302  may include any combination of Audio Input  402 , Motion Input  404  and Control Manipulations  406 . The Transducer  242  is configured to collect the Audio Input  402  information. The Accelerometer  246  collects the Motion Input  404 . The Control Manipulations  406  may be performed upon any of the Input A  210 , Input B  212 , Input C  214  and Input M  216 . All collected signals may then be converted into Raw Data  408 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a functional block diagram of the Effect Processor  240  for the Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101 . The Amplified Audio Data  502  is received by the Effect Processor  240  from the Preamplifier  306 . Within the Effect Processor  240  may be any of, but not limited to, a Chorus Effecter  504 , a Pitch Modulator  506  a Harmonic Effecter  508  and one or more Additional Sound Effecters  510 . The Additional Sound Effecters  510  may include reverberation effects, echo effects, pitch correction, sound bites or any additional desired effect. The control manipulation by the Player  150  dictates which effecter will process the Amplified Audio Data  502 . The resulting Processed Audio Data  512  may then be output to the Transmitter  250 . 
     As previously mentioned, the Effect Processor  240  may be omitted in some embodiments when the Gaming System  130  includes emulation software. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a top level circuit diagram of the Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101 . A Transducer  242  inputs audio information to the Preamplifier  306 . The Preamplifier  306  may, in some embodiments, be a Wolfson™ 24 Bit stereo ADC Model number WM8738, or equivalent. The WM8738 provides stereo line-level audio inputs, along with a control input pin to enable operation of the audio interface in either one of two industry standard modes. The WM8738 also has a selectable digital high pass filter to remove residual DC offsets. Stereo 24-bit multi-bit sigma delta ADCs are provided by the WM8738, along with oversampling digital interpolation filters. The WM8738 supports 24-bit digital audio output word lengths and sampling rates from 8 kHz to 96 kHz. 
     A 3 Volt power Source  604  provides power to the Preamplifier  306  and Transmitter  250 . The Preamplifier  306  additionally couples to the Transmitter  250 . The Transmitter  250  couples to an RF Antenna  608 . The Preamplifier  306 , Transmitter  250  and RF Antenna  608  all compose the Functional Transmission Unit  606 . The Transmitter  250  may, in some embodiments, be the Nordic™ 2.4 GHz wireless audio streamer chip model number nRF24Z1 or equivalent. The nRF24Z1 enables up to 16-bit, 48 kHz audio streaming without using compression, and also features input support of up to 24-bit, 48 kHz. In addition to streaming audio up to 4 Mbit/s, the nRF24Z1 also enables a digital control information channel for transfer of control information such as volume, balance and display details. Using industry standard 12S and S/PDIF interfaces for audio, the nRF24Z1 may interface without glue logic to most digital audio sources, or external industry standard low cost A/D and D/A converters for analog audio input and output. Control information uses SPI or 2-wire (I2C compatible). 
     The Microphone Controller  310  may couple to the Transmitter  250 . The Microphone Controller  310  may, in some embodiments, be the NEC™ 8-bit microcontroller model number μPD78F0500. The μPD78F0500 includes an 8-bit 78K0 Central Processing Unit (CPU) core with a 20 MHz clock frequency. Additionally, the μPD78F0500 may include two on-chip oscillators plus optional external oscillators. The μPD78F0500 includes multimaster capable I 2 C interface, four 8-bit timers, one 16-bit timer, and one 3-wire serial interface (SPI). Power is supplied to the Microphone Controller  310  via the 3 Volt power Source  602 . 
     A Reset Switch  610  couples to the Microphone Controller  310 . Likewise, a Link Switch  612 , a Volume-Up Switch  614  and a Volume-Down Switch  616  each couple to the Microphone Controller  310 . 
       FIG. 7A  illustrates a first embodiment of a functional block diagram of the Base Station  120 . Data from the Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101 , shown at  702 , are received by the Receiver  252 . In some embodiments, the Receiver  252  may be a transceiver. The Receiver Controller  706  controls the Receiver  252 . A USB Based DSP  256  converts the received signal into a data signal appropriate for consumption by the Gaming System  130 . In some embodiments, the USB Based DSP  256  performs the desired sound effects upon the raw audio signal as well as performing pitch and octave detection. The signal is then provided to the Universal Serial Bus (USB) Interface  258  which then sends the data to the Gaming System  130  at  714 . 
       FIG. 7B  illustrates another embodiment of a functional block diagram of the Base Station  120 . Data from the Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101 , shown at  702 , are received by the Transceiver  752 . The Receiver Controller  706  controls the Transceiver  752 . A transceiver enables two way communication between the Base Station  120  and the Voice Activated Music Controller  101 . 
     Again, a USB Based DSP  256  converts the received signal into a data signal appropriate for consumption by the Gaming System  130 . In some embodiments, the USB Based DSP  256  performs the desired sound effects upon the raw audio signal as well as performing pitch and octave detection. The signal is then provided to the Universal Serial Bus (USB) Interface  258  which then sends the data to the Gaming System  130  at  714 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a top level circuit diagram of the Base Station  120 . Here an RF Antenna  818  receives the RF signal from the Transmitter  250  of the Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101 . The data then progresses to the Receiver Chip  820 . The Receiver Chip  820  and RF Antenna  818  comprise the Receiver  252 . 
     The Receiver Chip  820  may, in some embodiments, be the Nordic™ 2.4 GHz wireless audio streamer chip model number nRF24Z1 or equivalent. As previously noted, the nRF24Z1 enables up to 16-bit, 48 kHz audio streaming without using compression, and also features input support of up to 24-bit, 48 kHz. In addition to streaming audio up to 4 Mbit/s, the nRF24Z1 also enables a digital control information channel for transfer of control information such as volume, balance and display details. Using industry standard 12S and S/PDIF interfaces for audio, the nRF24Z1 may interface without glue logic to most digital audio sources, or external industry standard low cost A/D and D/A converters for analog audio input and output. Control information uses SPI or 2-wire (I2C compatible). 
     A Receiver Controller  706  couples to the Receiver Chip  820 . Like in the circuit of the Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101 , the Receiver Controller  706  may be a NEC™ 8-bit microcontroller model number μPD78F0500. As previously discussed, the μPD78F0500 includes an 8-bit 78K0 Central Processing Unit (CPU) core with a 20 MHz clock frequency. Additionally, the μPD78F0500 may include two on-chip oscillators plus optional external oscillators. The μPD78F0500 includes multimaster capable I 2 C interface, four 8-bit timers, one 16-bit timer, and one 3-wire serial interface (SPI). Power may be supplied to the Receiver Controller  706  via the 3 Volt Power Supply  810 . A Reset Switch  802 , Link Switch  804 , a Volume-Up Switch  806  and a Volume-Down Switch  808  each couple to the Receiver Controller  706 . Additionally, the Receiver Controller  706  couples to the USB Based DSP  256 . 
     The USB Based DSP  256  may, in some embodiments, be a Microchip™ USB Microcontroller model number 18F4550. The 18F4550 is USB V2.0 compliant, and supports control, interrupt, isochronous and bulk transfers. The 18F4550 includes 1-Kbyte dual access RAM for USB. Moreover, the 18F4550 has an on-chip USB transceiver with on-chip voltage regulator. Further, the 18F4550 includes an interface for off-chip USB transceiver streaming parallel port (SPP) for USB streaming transfers. A Reset Switch  816  couples to the USB Based DSP  256  as well as the Receiver Chip  820 . Additionally, the USB Based DSP  256  may couple to a USB Interface  258 . 
     The USB Interface  258 , and USB Based DSP  256  may be components on a USB Board  814 . The USB Board  814  may, in some embodiments, be a Microchip™ PICDEM™ FS USB Demonstration Board. 
       FIG. 9  shows an exemplary illustration of a screenshot from the Display  140  for use in a game with the Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101 , shown generally at  900 . It should be noted that this screenshot is merely an example, and many alterations and permutations to the proposed display are within the spirit of the present invention. 
     In this exemplary display there is a Timing Pointer  902  and Timing Bar  904  indicating the present time. The remaining portions of the display scroll as a constant rate such the Timing Pointer  902  and Timing Bar  904  remain at a fixed point and the Song Lyrics  906  and Pitch Guide  908  scroll past them. As the Song Lyrics  906  scroll past the Timing Pointer  902  and Timing Bar  904 , the Player  150  should sing the words into the Voice Activated Music Controller  101 . Likewise, the Pitch Guide  908  indicates to the Player  150  the relative pitch the Song Lyrics  906  should be sung to. 
     However, in addition to the Song Lyrics  906  and Pitch Guide  908  scrolling across the Display  140  screen, in some embodiments, control indicator bars may additionally be seen scrolling along with the Song Lyrics  906  and Pitch Guide  908 . These indicator bars may be color coded to match colored controls on the Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101 . In the exemplary illustration, First Control Cue  910 , Second Control Cue  912  and Third Control Cue  914  may signify to the Player  150  to depress particular controls on the Voice Activated Music Controller with Integrated Sound Effect Controls  101  in an effort to produce additional effects. For example, the First Control Cue  910  and the Third Control Cue  912  may indicate a chorus effect. Likewise, the Second Control Cue  914  may indicate a rise in pitch for one of the chorus voices. In such a way, complex audio effects may be generated by the individual Player  150  with relative ease. 
       FIG. 10  shows a flowchart illustrating Voice Activated Music Controller and receiver operation, shown generally at  1000 . The process begins at step  1002  where the Base Station and Voice Activated Music Controller are initialized. Initialization of the Base Station may occur when the gaming system is booted. Initialization of the Voice Activated Music Controller may be in response to pushing an “on” button on the Voice Activated Music Controller, movement of the Voice Activated Music Controller, or elevated sound waves consistent with someone speaking into the Voice Activated Music Controller. 
     After the Voice Activated Music Controller and receiver have been initialized, they may link to one another at step  1004 . Linking of the Voice Activated Music Controller and Base Station is of particular importance when more than one player has a Voice Activated Music Controller. In these cases, each Base Station may be configured to isolate the transmitted data signal from the particular Voice Activated Music Controller it has been linked to. This reduces “noise” or mixing of signals. 
     At step  1006  the Voice Activated Music Controller receives audio input, motion input and input from the manipulation of the controls. Audio signals are often amplified by the preamplifier. Additionally, the analog signals may be converted to digital signals at this step. Then, at step  1008 , the sound effects indicated by the control manipulations may be applied to the audio signal. This application of sound effects may be performed by the Voice Activated Music Controller. Alternatively, this sound effect processing may be performed at the Base Station after transmission of the original signal from the Voice Activated Music Controller. Lastly, the sound effect processing may be performed at the gaming system using emulation software. Regardless of where the audio signal is processed to include the sound effects, at step  1010  the processed signal is received by the gaming system. The process then ends. 
       FIG. 11  shows a flowchart illustrating game system operation, shown generally at  1100 . The process begins at step  1102  where the gaming system is initialized. Typically, the player presses a power button on the system, or a controller, in order to boot the gaming system. Again, the gaming system is intended to be a generic name for a consol style gaming system, such as Nintendo Wii™, Playstation™, or Xbox 360™. Additionally, gaming system may refer to any computer running game software, a karaoke machine, or any other device which receives audio data from a microphone. 
     At step  1104 , the gaming system may output song lyrics, pitch guides and control cues to the display or via speakers. This display may resemble the exemplary display shown at  FIG. 9 . The player will respond to the display by singing and entering in commands via the controls. This audio data and control data will be received by the Voice Activated Music Controller in the manner discussed above. The audio signal is processed according to the control manipulations. The processed data is then received by the gaming system at  1106 . 
     Then, at step  1108 , an inquiry is made as to whether playback of the performance is desired. Playback may be dependent upon the game being played and upon player configuration. If playback is desired, then the process progresses to step  1110  where the performance is recorded and stored for later playback. The process then progresses to step  1112  where the performance is scored according to the pitch and control manipulation timing. 
     Else, if no playback is desired at step  1108 , the process immediately progresses to step  1112  where the performance is scored according to the pitch and control manipulation timing. As previously noted, additional factors may be incorporated in the scoring of a given performance. For example, in games where instruments are used, the scoring may incorporate instrument timing and style as well. 
     After scoring, the process progresses to step  1114  where the display is updated. Display update may include illustration of the score, a pitch diagram for the player as comparable to the proper pitch guide, and background graphics. The process then ends. 
     In sum, systems and methods for a voice activated music controller with integrated controls for audio effects is provided. While the disclosed voice activated music controller has been discussed in the field of games, it is also understood that the present voice activated music controller has beneficial use in the field of performing arts, music and audio recording, as a training device for singers, and as a tool for therapists and persons with disabilities. 
     While this invention has been described in terms of several preferred embodiments, there are alterations, modifications, permutations, and substitute equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, modifications, permutations, and substitute equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.