Abstract: Device and process configurations are provided for game controllers. A game controller can include an input control sensor having an input surface and at least one optical sensor to detect input to the input surface. The game controller can also include a controller coupled to the input control sensor to receive game controller input, identify at least one input command, and output a control signal. Input control sensors allow for input based on one or more of touch, tap, swipe, press, pinch and joystick inputs to one or more surfaces of the controller. Input can include a pretouch relative to the input surface, the pretouch including input approaching the input surface and input prior to engagement with a surface. A game controller can present at least one reference point for an input control including illumination and use of a touch screen to detect one or more of heat and pressure.

Abstract: A gaming console and method of operating a gaming console for delivering alternate content during appropriate times are provided. During gameplay, graphical game images can be provided on a screen. It can be determined that an appropriate time for alternate content is about to begin, and in response to determining that the appropriate time for alternate content is about to begin, a first duration of the appropriate time for alternate content can be estimated. In response to the appropriate time for alternate content beginning, the providing of alternate content can be initiated on at least a portion of the screen for a second duration. The second duration can be shorter than the first duration.

Abstract: A gaming console and method of operating a gaming console for delivering alternate content during appropriate times are provided. During gameplay, graphical game images can be provided on a screen. It can be determined that an appropriate time for alternate content is beginning. The appropriate time can be a time before a commencement of a new game. Prior to the commencement of the new game, informational images can be provided to the screen. The informational images can indicate a list of players of the new game. Information can be retrieved regarding one or more of the indicated players in the list of players. The alternate content can be provided, which can include a report about the information retrieved regarding one or more of the indicated players in the list of players.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for generating chat communication in a video game. One example method includes accessing a gameplay database that includes dialog scripts from player interactions occurring during interactive scenarios of a cooperative video game. The method includes processing the dialog scripts to extract chat words between real players during the cooperative video game and labeling the chat words to correlate the chat words to one or more interactive scenarios and correlate the chat words to a game context. Over time an artificial intelligence (AI) model is trained using the chat words that are labeled to learn contextually relevant chat words for the cooperative video game. The method includes identifying a real player during an instance of gameplay of the cooperative video game, and during a chat assist mode, capturing verbal output by said real player for processing by the AI model to generate real player adjusted (RPA) chat words.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for generating chat communication in a video game. One method includes accessing a gameplay database that includes dialog scripts from player interactions occurring during interactive scenarios of a cooperative video game. The method includes processing the dialog scripts to extract chat words between real players during the cooperative video game and labeling the chat words to correlate the chat words to one or more interactive scenarios and correlate the chat words to a game context, wherein over time an artificial intelligence (AI) model is trained using the chat words that are labeled to learn contextually relevant chat words for the cooperative video game. The method includes identifying a non-player character (NPC), during an instance of gameplay of the cooperative video game, the NPC is present in the cooperative video game while an avatar of a real player is present in a scene of the cooperative video game.

Abstract: Device and process configurations are provided for game controllers. A game controller can include an input control sensor having an input surface and at least one optical sensor to detect input to the input surface. The game controller can also include a controller coupled to the input control sensor to receive game controller input, identify at least one input command, and output a control signal. Input control sensors allow for input based on one or more of touch, tap, swipe, press, pinch and joystick inputs to one or more surfaces of the controller. Input can include a pretouch relative to the input surface, the pretouch including input approaching the input surface and input prior to engagement with a surface. A game controller can present at least one reference point for an input control including illumination and use of a touch screen to detect one or more of heat and pressure.

Abstract: Generative models are disclosed to generate audio and visual outputs to a user when the user struggles with a particular aspect of a video game. The generative outputs can demonstrate what success at that aspect of the game looks like, doing so using the same playstyle, ability, and tactics as the user themselves to provide relevant and feasible assistance to the user.

Abstract: Clustering models and other types of models may be used to match a first video game player that is proficient in a particular game task with a second video game player that is facing the same task. A secure communication channel between the two players may then be opened on the game network for the first player to coach the second player within the game environment.

Abstract: Systems, processes and device configurations are provided for microphone input devices. A microphone input device can include a plurality of feedback elements positioned along a body and a controller to control the plurality of feedback elements based on feedback from a gaming device. The controller can detect voice input, communicate voice input to the gaming device, and receive feedback for control of the plurality of feedback elements to communicate how well the user is performing. Similarly, the microphone input device may provide haptic feedback in the form of aiding or providing hints for a user. Feedback and haptic output to a user may improve the accessibility of users for gaming devices and singing applications. Processes are provided for controlling a microphone input device including control of feedback elements in response to one or more of voice input, media and a gaming device.

Abstract: Device and process configurations are provided for game controllers. A game controller can include an input control sensor having an input surface and at least one optical sensor to detect input to the input surface. The game controller can also include a controller coupled to the input control sensor to receive game controller input, identify at least one input command, and output a control signal. Input control sensors allow for input based on one or more of touch, tap, swipe, press, pinch and joystick inputs to one or more surfaces of the controller. Input can include a pretouch relative to the input surface, the pretouch including input approaching the input surface and input prior to engagement with a surface. A game controller can present at least one reference point for an input control including illumination and use of a touch screen to detect one or more of heat and pressure.

Abstract: Systems, processes and device configurations are provided for microphone input devices. A microphone input device can include a plurality of feedback elements positioned along a body and a controller to control the plurality of feedback elements based on feedback from a gaming device. The controller can detect voice input, communicate voice input to the gaming device, and receive feedback for control of the plurality of feedback elements to communicate how well the user is performing. Similarly, the microphone input device may provide haptic feedback in the form of aiding or providing hints for a user. Feedback and haptic output to a user may improve the accessibility of users for gaming devices and singing applications. Processes are provided for controlling a microphone input device including control of feedback elements in response to one or more of voice input, media and a gaming device.

Abstract: A virtual reality (VR) headset wearable by a computer game player includes integrated thermal and/or motion sensors on the exterior of the VR headset to detect the presence of others in immediate proximity to the player, sending a signal to the player's view screen, warning the player of potential collisions with others.