Scoot: a physical activity-promoting game system

Abstract

The invention described herein provides game systems or devices that typically include a projector for projecting a plurality of images or colors at different positions in space, a source of music, and a controller configured to coordinate the presentation of the images or colors with the music.

1 . An apparatus for playing a physically-active game comprising:
 a game module including a core portion nested within a body portion; the core portion configured to be rotatable within the body, and configured to be able to extend from within the body, the core further configured to project images outward when extended, the module further including a speaker, a projecting lamp, and a controller to coordinate mechanical, audio, and projecting activity of the module; and   a music player operably connected to the game module.   
     
     
         2 . An apparatus for playing a physically-active game comprising:
 a projector configured to simultaneously project a plurality of different images at different locations within a target region;   a source of sound; and   a controller including a timer that automatically coordinates the operation of the source of sound and the projector so that the source of sound indicates activation of the projector after a delay period.   
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , further including sensor for sensing position of one or more players relative to the projected images. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the source of sound is configure to play music. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the controller is configured to play music during the delay period and stop playing that music before activation of the projector. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the projector is configured to project images of different colors. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the projector is configured to project images of different shapes. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the delay period is random. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the delay period is between about 10 seconds and about 5 minutes. 
     
     
         10 . A method of playing a physically-active game with an apparatus, the method comprising:
 entering a number of players into a game device;   playing music;   rotating a portion of a game device configured to project a first number of target images, wherein the first number of target images is one fewer than the number of players entered;   simultaneously stopping music play and stopping rotation of the game device; and   projecting target images.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising projecting additional, non-target images and announcing a target, wherein the target images correspond to the target announced.