Multifunctional Media Players

Abstract

According to embodiments of the invention, systems, methods and devices are directed to multifunctional media players that allow multiple musicians to play musical instruments at the same time in different locations. Various embodiments of the invention implement several novel features, including, in one embodiment, an orchestra system that includes a system configured to provide a plurality of multifunctional media players playing various songs. Each multifunctional media player includes a picture capturing device and a sound recorder as communication means to control synchronization among other said multifunctional media players.

1 . A method for synchronizing multiple orchestra musicians performing contemporaneously at more than one location, comprising:
 capturing, using a video recording device, actions and sound produced by an orchestra leader;   transmitting, in real-time, the recorded audio and video of the orchestra leader to network node using a first multifunctional media player, wherein the multifunctional media player has at least a memory, processor and network adapter;   displaying, via a second multifunctional media player, the transmitted video of the orchestra leader, wherein the video is received via the network node;   capturing, using an audio capturing device associated with the second multifunctional media player, real-time recorded audio being performed in a proximity of the second multifunctional media player;   transmitting the captured audio to a network node; and   determining, using a speed detector, whether the recorded audio from the first and second multifunctional media players is synchronized.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising a step of:
 determining, using the speed detector, whether the recorded audio of the second multifunctional media player is synchronized to the movement of the orchestra leader.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising a step of:
 adjusting the timing and pitch of the received audio such that the different audio feeds are synchronized.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising a step of:
 distributing the synchronized audio to each multifunctional media device.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising a step of:
 capturing and transmitting audio from one or more additional multifunctional media players.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising a step of:
 determining, using a speed detector, whether the recorded audio from all of the multifunctional media players is synchronized.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising steps of:
 determining, using the speed detector, whether the recorded audio of all of the multifunctional media players is synchronized to the movement of the orchestra leader.   
     
     
         8 . A method of synchronizing music performed by a musical ensemble having artists performing at two or more locations, the method comprising:
 providing one multifunctional media player per location to each artist or group of artists of the musical ensemble, wherein artists of the musical ensemble reside at two or more different locations;   capturing, using recording devices associated with the multifunctional media players, notes performed by the artists of the musical ensemble;   facilitating a connection via a network node between each of the multifunctional media player such that audio is captured from each multifunctional media player is transmitted and broadcasted in real-time at the other multifunctional media players;   analyzing a rhythm of audio received from each multifunctional media player; and   determining if the rhythms from each multifunctional media player are synchronized in terms of tempo.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising a step of:
 indicating, to one or more of the multifunctional media players, whether the audio is synchronized.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising a step of:
 adjusting a pace of one or more of the received audio files such that all of the audio files are ensured to be synchronized.   
     
     
         11 . The method of claim  19 , further comprising a step of:
 transmitting a collaboration of the synchronized audio to each of the multifunctional media players.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein one or more of the multifunctional media players also captures video and transmits the video via the network node. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein one of the multifunctional media players captures video of an orchestra leader and transmits the video to the other multifunctional media players via the network node. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the step of analyzing rhythm further comprises:
 detecting beat, tempo and speed of the audio.