The present invention relates to a method for provid ^¬ ing of a series of instructions to a person based on ani ^¬ mation data in real-time of an animation clock for syn- chronously performing of actions relating to a positional part of an animation, such as a live animation, based on the instructions by the persons in real-time of the anima ^¬ tion clock, wherein the series of instructions are repre ^¬ sented to the person by means of a mobile device, such as a mobile phone or tablet, in the real-time of the anima ^¬ tion clock. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a mobile device arranged for performing of the method. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method re ^¬ lating to a server for performing of the animation. Fur- thermore, the present invention relates to a server relat ^¬ ing to performing of the animation.

It is known in itself to have animations performed by groups of people by for example holding up of a colored sheet by each individual person performing the animation. Thereby, in a matrix of positions, a person is placed at each position with a sheet for example having a collar per side after which each person executes the animation by holding the sheet upwardly with the correct side at a pre ^¬ determined moment in time. Such a way of performing of an- imations provides an impressive show but requires a large degree of practice by the persons performing the anima ^¬ tion .

In order to obviate this disadvantage, the present invention provides a method for providing of a series of instructions to a person based on animation data in real ^¬ time of an animation clock for synchronously performing of actions relating to a positional part of an animation, such as a live animation, based on the instructions by the persons in real-time of the animation clock, wherein the series of instructions are represented to the person by means of a mobile device, such as a mobile phone or tab ^¬ let, in the real-time of the animation clock, the method comprising steps of:

- downloading of the animation data at least relating to at least one positional part before the animation test before the animation,

- synchronizing of a device animation clock or check- ing of an earlier synchronization of the device animation clock with the real-time of the animation clock functioning on an animation server,

- rendering of the series of instructions relating to the positional part of the animation as part of the whole animation based on the animation data and a position of the person for performing of actions by the person based thereon, wherein,

- each instruction of the series of instructions be ^¬ longing to the positional part of the animation is ren- dered to the person at a predetermined moment in the real ^¬ time of the animation clock by the device based on the an ^¬ imation data.

It is an advantage of a method according to the pre ^¬ sent invention that an animation may be performed with a high degree of accuracy by persons without previously studied knowledge of the animation by following a series of instructions. To this end, a synchronization is pro ^¬ vided relating to the series of instructions to be pro ^¬ vided in parallel to each person.

According to a first preferred embodiment, the anima ^¬ tion is formed from a number of visual elements, prefera ^¬ bly in which each positional part of the animation forms a visual element. According to a further preferred embodiment, each po ^¬ sitional part of the animation has a minimum time duration between two successive instructions. Further preferably, the minimum time duration is between one second and 15 seconds, preferably between one and 10 seconds, further preferably between one and 8 seconds, further preferably between one and 5 seconds, further preferably between 2 seconds and 4 seconds, further preferably about 3 seconds. This is advantageous such that the person is capable of executing the series of instructions and also according to the synchronization time. In case the instructions would follow too quickly after one another, the risk of executing an instruction outside the synchronization time or incorrectly is enlarged.

Further preferably, the minimum time duration between

2 instructions is depending on a previously determined skill of the person performing the positional part, further preferably in which the previously determined skill of the person is stored in a memory of the animation server. Advantageously, trained persons can perform more instructions or more complex instructions than less trained persons and this is processed based on previously entered information. It is also provided that persons with more skills may execute both vocal and instruction relat- ing to a movement.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the method comprises steps of determining of, preferably with a previously determined time interval, of a difference be ^¬ tween the device animation clock and a clock of the oper- ating system of the device and storing for synchronously with the animation clock the starting of the device animation clock after an interruption thereof. It is envisaged that a running process on the mobile device, which maintains the device animation clock, is interrupted. By means of such preferred embodiment, synchronization of the device animation clock may be reinstated functionally based on the last stored difference without a requirement of resynchronization with the server. It is especially advantageous when a large number of mobile devices perform an animation at a location in which the present wireless and or mobile network can support only a limited number of devices .

According to a further preferred embodiment, the method comprises steps of providing an animation applica ^¬ tion of the mobile device, in which further preferably the method is performed on the mobile device by the animation application. The animation application may be downloaded onto the mobile device for providing the same on the mo ^¬ bile device. To this end, use can be made of a so-called app store belonging to the operating system of the mobile device. It is furthermore provided that the application may be transferred directly from the animation server to the mobile device.

Further preferably, the animation application is functional for determining of the difference between the device animation clock and a clock of the operating system of the device, further preferably in which the animation application is functional for storage of this difference. Because of this, an application is capable of outputting both the series of instructions towards the person as maintaining and synchronizing of the device animation clock .

For the purpose of limiting of the amount of infor ^¬ mation that is being transferred from the server towards the several mobile devices, the animation data that are downloaded towards the mobile device comprise data relating to at least a part of positions forming the ani ^¬ mation. In case for example preceding of execution of animation, it is known in what area part of the animation a person will be located, it is sufficient to transfer an- imations relating to that part to the mobile device. In case even the exact position of the person in the anima ^¬ tion is previously known, it is sufficient to merely transferred the series of instructions relating to that positional part to the mobile device.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the steps for rendering of the series of instructions comprise steps for rendering of an audible instruction. Because of this, it suffices that the person listens to the audible instructions for performing of the series of instructions. Further preferably, the steps of rendering of the audible instruction, comprise steps of rendering of the audible instruction through a headset connected to the mobile de ^¬ vice, such as a wired headset or a wireless headset fur ^¬ ther preferably comprising steps of outputting of an alert to the person that the volume is too low or that no avail ^¬ able means are present for performing of the audible in ^¬ struction. By means of this preferred embodiment, the out ^¬ put of the audible instructions is further optimized de ^¬ pending on the available mobile device and preferences of the person.

Depending on the preferred way of transfer of the in ^¬ structions or the complexity of the instructions, the in ^¬ structions further preferably comprise a speech instruc ^¬ tion or a signal or a combination thereof. In case of for example a vocal instruction is provided, audible output thereof by means of speech or singing sound is an effec ^¬ tive way of transferring thereof. According to a further preferred embodiment, the steps of rendering of the series of instructions comprises steps of rendering a tactile instruction, such as a vibration signal. In case for example viewing sometime no in- struction is required for a positional part, such a vibra ^¬ tion function may provide a contribution to alarming of the person that attention needs to be regained for receiving of upcoming instructions. Further preferably, in the method the steps for rendering of the tactile instruction comprises steps of providing of a vibration variation, such as providing of a rhythm or a predetermined interrupted vibration.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the se ^¬ ries of instructions comprises instructions relating to keeping one side of a sheet upwardly directed, instruc ^¬ tions relating to performing of a vocal expression, such as a yell or a fragment of singing, instructions relating to performing of a movement with at least a body part or an object, such as the sheet, and or instructions for maintaining the result of a previous instruction during a predetermined time duration.

Further preferably, the method comprises steps of providing an alert or alarm relating to an upcoming start of the animation. It is for example of importance that the person makes sure that the battery of the mobile device is sufficiently full for completion of the method for per ^¬ forming of the animation. To this end, it is of importance that the person receives an alert relating to charging of the battery at such a moment that the person has access to a charging device. As this is different per person and per kind of event in which the animation or curves, this time is not predetermined but may for example be indicated by the users themselves in the application. Further preferably, to this end, the method comprises steps of ecuting of a determination relating to a remaining ene^ level of a battery of the mobile device, further prefej_a bly comprising steps of performing of a charging warning towards the person, further preferably in which the warning is provided at a predetermined time preceding the ani ^¬ mation .

For the purpose of reliability of synchronization of the device animation clock in relation to the animation clock at the server that provides the real-time of the an ^¬ imation, the method comprises steps according to a further preferred embodiment for execution of a resynchronization between the device animation clock and the animation clock in case a predetermined time duration has lapsed with a previous synchronization, in case the performance of the animation is upcoming within a predetermined time dura ^¬ tion, and/or in case of a predetermined threshold of the number of restarts of the device animation clock from a previous synchronization, further preferably comprising steps of outputting of a warning relating to the requirement for resynchronization. With this, it is reassured that synchronization of all participating mobile devices is sufficiently accurate.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the method comprises steps of switching of the mobile device to an airplane mode or flight mode, further preferably during a time period preceding and during the animation. With this, it is effectively prevented that the mobile de ^¬ vice for example renders ring tones during execution of the animation.

Further preferably, the method comprises steps of re ^¬ ceiving of input from the person relating to the positional part he is located for performing of the animation. Depending on requirements of individual positional parts of the animations, persons can freely occupy a positional part preceding the start of the animation or persons can be assigned to a positional part. The assignment off a po- sitional part may also be dependent on the location of the persons in a hall or stadium. In case the person can freely choose the position, the present preferred embodi ^¬ ment provides input for rendering of the correct series of instructions belonging to the positional part.

A further aspect of the present invention relates to a mobile device, such as a mobile telephone or tablet, comprising :

- a processor and a memory,

- a connection module for connecting to a network, such as the Internet, having a connection with an animation server,

- a user interface for inputting of instructions and representing information,

- outputting means for outputting of instructions, such as audio outputting means for outputting of audible instructions, vibration outputting means for outputting of preparation instructions and or image outputting means for outputting of image information,

- means suitable for maintaining of a device anima- tion clock,

- in which the mobile devices provided with program code and or instructions for performing of a method ac ^¬ cording to one or more of the preceding claims. Use of this aspect according to the present invention provides advantages as described in the above relating to the above described aspect.

A further aspect according to the present invention relates to a method for providing of a series of instructions to a person based on animation data in real ^¬ time of an animation clock for synchronously performing of actions relating to a positional part of an animation, such as a live animation, based on the instructions by the persons in real-time of the animation clock, wherein the series of instructions are represented to the person by means of a mobile device, such as a mobile phone or tab ^¬ let, in the real-time of the animation clock, the method comprising steps to be performed by an animation server:

- keeping animation data relating to at least one animation available in a data file,

- maintaining the animation clock,

- synchronizing the animation clock with a device animation clock for having a number of device animation clocks running on several mobile devices that are used by performing of the animation, run in real time of the animation clock synchronously,

- preceding to the animation, transferring to a number of mobile devices of the animation data at least re- lating to at least one positional part. Use of this aspect according to the present invention provides advantages as described in the above relating to the above described as ^¬ pect .

According to a first preferred embodiment, this as- pect provides a method comprising steps of performing a resynchronization on the basis of an incoming message to this end from a mobile device.

Further preferably, the method comprises steps of sending to the mobile devices, which received the anima- tion data relating to a certain animation, of a starting time and or a start instruction for starting of the anima ^¬ tion. With this, the mobile device can execute the method in a way that the animation starts correctly. According to a further preferred embodiment, the method comprises a developing environment for determining a series of instructions, preferably per positional part, based on an animation design. With this, a creative de- signer off animations can design such designs wherein the software computes a transition towards the series of in ^¬ structions based on the positions of the positional parts thereof. Further preferably, steps are provided for re ^¬ ceiving animation data relating to an animation to be per- formed by means of the server from a computer.

A further aspect according to the present invention relates to an animation server, such as a server computer, for providing of animation data to a number of mobile devices, comprising:

- a processing unit and a memory,

- a connection module for setting up of a connection with the network, such as the Internet, having connection with the number of mobile devices,

- means suitable for maintaining of an animation clock,

- means suitable for synchronizing or resynchronizing of a device animation clock of at least one of the number of mobile devices based on the animation clock via the connection module, wherein the server is provided with program code means and or instructions for performing of a method according to the present invention.

Further advantages, features and details of the pre ^¬ sent invention will be further elucidated on the basis of a description of one or more embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures.

Fig. 1 relates to a schematic representation of a first preferred embodiment according to the present inven ^¬ tion . Fig. 2 relates to a schematic representation of a simple animation for execution according to the present invention .

Figs 3-6 relate to flowcharts of further preferred embodiments according to the present invention. A first preferred embodiment (Fig. 1) according to the present in ^¬ vention relates to a system for execution of an animation. This comprises mobile devices 1 connected to a network 3 for communication with an animation server 2. Instead of the represented two mobile devices, with application of the present invention generally dozens to thousands of mo ^¬ bile devices are applied. It is for example provided that each seat in a stadium of several hundreds of thousands of seats are provided with a mobile device in connection to the animation server. Herewith, the animation server may be embodied plurally as a number of servers or a number of processes functioning as servers on several devices.

The mobile device is preferably provided with an ani ^¬ mation application or app for execution of the steps of the method according to the present embodiment. The appli ^¬ cation executes instructions with respect to the perfor ^¬ mance of the animation such as the series of instructions per image element of the animation to the person. Furthermore, the animation receives instructions relating to the functioning of the application, the input of choices re ^¬ lating to what animations the person chooses to perform in or which performance of the animation in case the anima ^¬ tion is performed several times. In case of an animation that is performed during a repeating performance, the per- formance number of the performance or the date and the thereto belonging time of the performance is entered.

The mobile device is preferably provided with a wired peripheral 44 outputting instructions via sound, such as a headphone, headset or in-ear sound reproducing device. Al ^¬ ternatively, use is made of a wireless peripheral 5, such as a headphone or headset using Bluetooth. To the end of outputting instructions via image or for providing a graphical user interface for representation of information relating to performing of the animation or choosing of the animation, the device is provided with a display. Further ^¬ more, input means are provided, such as for example by means of a keyboard or a display with touch function on which a keyboard is displayed for inputting of instruc ^¬ tions for the application.

Fig. 2 shows the execution of an application in a schematic grid representation 10. Based on the figure, an example of an application is displayed. It is to be under- stood that many variations of animations may be designed that can be represented with the application of the pre ^¬ sent invention. Animations are possible with the applica ^¬ tion of showing a sheet, performing of movements, performing of focal elements. To this end, the present invention is not limited to ways of rendering of expressions to be applied that are not described in this document, but that are applicable within the meaning of the present inven ^¬ tion. Each block in the grid relates to a positional part that is occupied by a person with a sheet with in this case a colored surface. Fig. 2 shows six counts of the be ^¬ ginning of the animation.

At the left side, a developing and during these six counts of the representation displacing bar is shown. One count according to this description does not necessarily represent a second, but for example a period of 3 seconds or a period of 6 seconds depending on the intensity of the instructions towards the person's. In the first count, the persons in the first vertical column are instructed to hold of the sheet such that the bar of a width of a column is generated. In the second count, the adjacent column is also instructed to hold up the sheet such that the bar is defined with a width of two columns. In this third count, the original left column is instructed to lower the sheet, the second column continues holding up the sheet and the third column is instructed to hold up the sheet. With this, the impression is perceived that the bar displaces with the width that was achieved at the second count. A displacement with the same speed is realized during count 4, Count 5 and Count 6. At each count, the left column of the bar of the preceding count is instructed to lower the sheet, while a new column next to the existing right col ^¬ umn of the bar is instructed to hold up the sheet.

Because of this, the animation is created of a moving bar in which the bar initially originates at the left side, obtained the desired width, and subsequently dis ^¬ places after which it displaces a column per count.

At the right side of the animation, a cross moves in- wardly into the grid of the animation. In count one, four image points come into existence by causing to hold up a sheet under instruction. In count two, these four image points displaced by having to express sheet held up at the left side of the original square of 2 x 2. In addition, under and above the original square two additional sheets are held up under instruction towards the respective posi ^¬ tional parts. As is shown in the following representations of count 3, Count 4, Count 5 and Count 6, the animation of the displacing cross comes into being.

In Fig. 3, a flowchart of the downloading of the ap ^¬ plication according to the present embodiment is shown. The method begins in step 31. In step 32, the application for execution of the method at the mobile device is downloaded. This is for example performed in a way in it ^¬ self known by selecting of the application in a so-called app store and thereby providing of the in itself known download instruction.

In step 33, a notification is displayed that the ap ^¬ plication requires for installation that the function of goose messages for the purpose of the application is to be switched on. In case in step 34, it is indicated that the person allows switching on of the push messages for this application, the method proceeds in step 35. In step 35, the person is asked if he wishes to receive email messages relating to the application and the animations. To this end, the user provides an email address in step 36 in case the question is answered confirmatory. In step 37, the email address is verified after which the method ends in step 39. In case in step 37 email address proved to be in ^¬ correct, the method returns to step 36. In case in step 35 the user refuses to receive email messages, method also ends in step 39. In case in step 34, push messages for the purpose of the application are denied, the application stops in step 38 and the method ends in step 39.

In Fig. 4, the method is described for an listing of the person in the application for participating with animations. The method begins in step 40. In step 41, the person and lists as person that wishes to perform anima ^¬ tions. In step 42, the application displays titles of ani ^¬ mations the person can perform in or provides a search function to this end.

In step 43, the person selects an animation for per- forming therein. In step 24, confirmation is asked whether the person really intends to partake in this animation. In case the answer to this is no, the method continues in step 43. In case the choice in step 44 is confirmed, in step 45 it is asked to enter an email address. In step 46, a confirmation of correct entry of the email address is requested. In case the entry of the email address is not confirmed, the method proceeds in step 45. In case the en- try of the email address is confirmed in step 46, the method continues in step 47 with displaying that a push message and or an email message is being received at the moment that application that is chosen can be downloaded. The method continues in step 48.

In Fig. 5, a method for downloading of an animation is represented. The method begins in step 50. In step 51, the download of the animation is displayed. In step 52, the progress of the download of the animation is dis ^¬ played. In step 53, a check is performed whether the ani- mation is fully downloaded. In case this is not the case, downloading of the animation is restarted in step 54. In case the animation is fully downloaded according to step 53, in step 55, the device animation clock is synchronized with the animation clock on the server. For confirmation, notifications are rendered in step 56 relating to the full download of the animation, keeping active of the applica ^¬ tion in the background and that it is preferred to bring a headset and fully charge the phone before traveling to the location for performing of the animation. Subsequently, the method is stopped in step 57.

Fig. 6 represents the method for execution of the an ^¬ imation. The method begins in step 60. The application is started in step 61. In step 62, the animation is selected and or started. In step 63, the application performs a battery check. In case in step 63, it is determined that the batteries are insufficiently charged for completing the animation, in step 64 it is displayed that the battery needs to be charged further. In case the battery is charged in step 64, the method continues in step 63. 1 case the battery is not charged, the application ends in step 64.

In step 65, it is checked whether the animation is orderly present in the application. Whenever this is not the case, the animation is renewedly downloaded in step 66 in which case the method proceeds in step 65. Otherwise, the application is ended in step 66. In step 67, it is checked whether the synchronization with the server is sufficiently accurate. This is performed by for example thinking how often the clock has been stopped since the last synchronization or for instance how long ago the last synchronization was performed. In case in step 67, it is determined that the synchronization is not sufficient, in step 68 the synchronization is performed or the applica ^¬ tion is stopped and gave the synchronization in step 68 is performed, the method proceeds in step 67.

Preceding step 69, background music is switched on in the space in which the animation is performed. In step 69, the sound rendering of the headset is tested. The person is asked if the represented sounds are sufficiently audi ^¬ ble. In case it is determined in step 69 that the sounds are not sufficiently audible, it is asked in step 72 to perform adjustments to the sound volume. In case the ad- justments are performed, the method proceeds in step 69. In case in step 17 no adjustments are performed or can be performed, the application ends.

Preceding step 70, in the area of the animation, it is asked to switch the device to the flight mode. Further- more, a pin code for the purpose of the application is distributed by for example a PA system or display screens. In step 70, it is requested in the application to enter the pin code for the animation that was just announced or displayed on the screens. In step 71, it is displayed everything is in order and that the mobile device is ready for rendering of the series of instructions for partaking of the person in the animation.

In step 72, the person is asked to enter a code re ^¬ lating to the positional part. This relates for example to a number of an area or a number of row with a number of a seat or a combination thereof. Subsequently before step 73, in that area of the animation, an announcement is ren- dered by means of image and or sound that the headphones for hearing of the instructions are to be put on or in. In step 73, a countdown process for starting of the animation is rendered on the display of the mobile device and/or via the headphone.

In step 74, the animation is performed and each mo ^¬ bile device renders the series of instructions to the per ^¬ son. This series of instructions is synchronized with re ^¬ spect to the animation clock that is represented because each mobile device is synchronized with the animation. Subsequently, the method ends in step 75.

The present invention is described in the foregoing on the basis of several preferred embodiments. Different aspects of different embodiments can be combined, wherein all combinations which can be made by a skilled person on the basis of this document must be included. These pre ^¬ ferred embodiments are not limitative for the scope of protection of this document. The rights sought are defined in the appended claims.