A Method and Apparatus For Providing A Simulated Band Experience Including Online Interaction and Downloaded Content

Abstract

A method for facilitating real-time interaction between a first and second player of a music-based video game via a network having unpredictable delivery latency includes displaying to a first player target musical data associated with a musical composition downloaded from an online venue, receiving music performance input from the first player via a controller resembling a first musical instrument, displaying to a second player, the second player located remotely from the first player, target musical data associated with the musical composition, and receiving music performance input from the second player.

1 . A method for facilitating real-time interaction between a first and second player of a music-based video game via a network comprising: 
 a. displaying to a first player target musical data associated with a downloaded musical composition;    b. receiving music performance input from the first player, the received music performance input associated with a first instrument present in the musical composition;    c. displaying to a second player target musical data associated with the downloaded musical composition, the second player located remotely from the first player; and    d. receiving music performance input from the second player, the received music performance input associated with a second instrument present in the musical composition.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein step (a) comprises displaying to a first player target musical data associated with a downloaded musical composition, the target musical data disposed along a musical time axis that does not lie in the image plane of a display associated with the first player.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein step (b) comprises receiving music performance input from the first player via a controller resembling a first musical instrument.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein step (d) comprises receiving music performance input from the second player, the received music performance input associated with a second instrument present in the musical composition, wherein the first player and second player cooperate to provide music performance input.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the steps of 
 a. displaying to a third player target musical data associated with a musical composition, the third player physically proximate to the first player; and    b. receiving music performance input from the third player, the received music performance input associated with a third instrument present in the musical composition.    
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of receiving emulation data representing music performance input from the second player.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6  further comprising the step of generating a local approximation of the second player's music performance input using the emulation data, the local approximation synchronous with a local musical performance.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of downloading content usable with the game.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8  further comprising the step of downloading an avatar for display to the first player.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 8  further comprising the step of downloading a play arena for the game.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 8  further comprising the step of downloading an instrument for display with an avatar.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 8  further comprising the step of downloading an outfit for an avatar.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 8  further comprising the step of downloading an accessory for an avatar.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 8  further comprising the step of downloading an avatar action for execution.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 8  further comprising the step of downloading a new style of musical instrument for display with an avatar.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 8  further comprising the step of downloading a new type of instrument for display with an avatar.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 8  further comprising the step of downloading a banner associated with a plurality of avatars for display.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 8  further comprising the step of downloading stage equipment associated with a plurality of avatars.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 8  further comprising the step of downloading pyrotechnic stage equipment associated with a plurality of avatars.  
   
   
       20 . A system for facilitating real-time interaction between a first and second player of a music-based video game via a network, the system comprising: 
 a. means for displaying to a first player target musical data associated with a musical composition downloaded from an online venue;    b. means for receiving music performance input from the first player, the received music performance input associated with a first instrument present in the musical composition;    c. means for displaying to a second player, the second player located remotely from the first player, target musical data associated with the downloaded musical composition; and    d. means for receiving music performance input from the second player.    
   
   
       21 . The system of  claim 20  further comprising means for displaying to a first player target musical data associated with a musical composition downloaded from an online venue, the target musical data disposed along a musical time axis that does not lie in the image plane of a display associated with the first player.  
   
   
       22 . The system of  claim 20  wherein the means for receiving music performance input comprises a controller resembling a first musical instrument.  
   
   
       23 . The system of  claim 20  further comprising means for assigning a single score to the first player and the second player responsive to the music performance input received from the first and second player in cooperation.  
   
   
       24 . The system of  claim 20  further comprising: 
 a. means for displaying to a third player target musical data associated with a downloaded musical composition, the third player physically proximate to the first player; and    b. means for receiving music performance input from the third player, the received music performance input associated with a third instrument present in the musical composition.    
   
   
       25 . The system of  claim 20  further comprising means for receiving emulation data representing music performance input from the second player.  
   
   
       26 . The system of  claim 25  further comprising means for generating a local approximation of the second player's music performance input using the emulation data, the local approximation synchronous with a local musical performance.  
   
   
       27 . The system of  claim 20  further comprising means for downloading content associated with game.