1-9. (canceled)
10. An apparatus for controlling an interactive game that manages an interaction between users and game attractions, comprising:
a network of at least one ring;
a server element connected to the network;
a switch element connected to the network;
at least two cell or level control computers connected to the network;
at least two enigma control computers that include sensory tests and tests of ingenuity connected to the network; and
one electronic storage console for each game player configured to communicate, identify and locate the users for the control device of the game to another component.
11. The apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising:
control elements comprising and governed by a microprocessor, the control elements being located in at least one of the cell control computers, the enigma control computers, on doors, in rooms, and passing places of the game area, the control elements being configured to direct actions of the users for the sensory tests and the tests of ingenuity.
12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein each control element comprises:
a microprocessor that governs the control element;
a data storage memory configured to store data in the control element;
a connector for network connection configured to connect the control element to the network;
a power supply configured to power the control element; and
a radio-frequency transmitterreceiver configured to provide communications with the control element.
13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein each control element further comprises:
at least one of an actuation relay and a radio-frequency reader-identifier that are governed by the control device via the ring network or by radio-frequency.
14. The apparatus according to claim 10, comprising:
a dual ring network;
a cluster of at least two servers connected to the network;
at least two switch elements connected to the network;.
a quantity of cell control computers corresponding to a quantity of levels in the game, the cell control computers being connected to the network with at least two network cards each; and
a quantity of enigma control computers corresponding to a quantity of enigmas in the game, the enigma control computers being connected to the network with at least two network cards each.
15. The apparatus according to claim 10, comprising an electronic storage console for each player, the electronic storage console comprising:
a chronometer (real time clock) providing a time display on the display viewer;
a radio-frequency transmitter for transmitting data to other system components;
a radio-frequency receiver for receiving data from other system components;
an audio output device to provide audio information to the user;
an acoustic warning beeper to alert the user of various situations via the audio output device;
an RFID transponder;
a message player configured to output messages to the user via the headphone;
a MMC (multimedia card) configured to process multimedia information; and
a portable power supply.
16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the electronic storage console:
is configured as a bracelet; and
is configured to accumulate a score obtained by the user in the sensory tests (enigmas) and in the tests of skill (challenges).
17. The apparatus according to claim 10, comprising an electronic storage console for each player, wherein, for the electronic storage console:
the audio output device is a headphone;
the message player is an MP3 message player; and
the portable power supply is rechargeable batteries.
18. An apparatus for controlling an interactive game that manages an interaction between users and game attractions, comprising:
a computer network;
a sound system worn by a user of the game;
a control computer connected to the network;
a hologram projector for projecting a 3D image that is connected to the control computer via the network, wherein the hologram projector and the sound system are configured to create an impression that the 3D image is formulating a question to the user (ingenuity enigma in 3D).
19. A method for controlling the apparatus of claim 10, comprising:
providing backup by redundancy to a cluster of servers;
replicating server information by the cluster of servers into at least one of:
a) at least one of the two cell or level control computers, and b) at least one of the two enigma control computers, so that if the servers fail any one of the enigma or cell computers can take the role of the server.
20. A method for controlling the apparatus of claim 10, comprising:
providing backup by redundancy to the cell control computers;
replacing the functions of one cell control computer with another cell control computer in the event of failure; and
replacing the functions of all cell control computers with the server element in the event of a failure of all cell control computers.
The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.
1. A method of making a stringed musical instrument, comprising:
providing a body having a soundboard with a soundhole formed through the soundboard;
providing a headblock mechanically coupled to the body; and
mounting a support brace to the soundboard, the support brace having a plurality of legs extending radially from a central body, the legs and central body being a unitary structure, wherein first and second legs conform to the soundhole and the central body has notches for receiving the headblock.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the support brace has substantially flat upper and lower surfaces.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the support brace is made of composite material.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the composite material varies in rigidity.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the support brace is bonded to the body of the stringed musical instrument using an epoxy material.
6. The method of claim 1, further including providing a shim structure substantially conforming in shape to the support brace for mounting the support brace to the body of the stringed musical instrument.
7. The method of claim 1, further including forming an aperture in the central body for securing the support brace to the body.