Abstract: Systems, methods and articles of manufacture are disclosed for providing concurrent gameplay of a single-player mode of a computer game. In one embodiment, a first instance of the single-player mode of the computer game is being played by a first player and receives, from a second instance of the single-player mode of the computer game, data associated with an avatar controlled by a second player. The first instance may provide, to the first player, an indication of the avatar controlled by the second player, as both players play the computer game.

Abstract: Systems and methods for synchronizing beats in a game include predicting when beats of the music currently playing in the game will occur. The playing of sound effects, music transitions, or the like that are triggered by in-game events may be synchronized with the predicted beats of the currently playing music.

Abstract: A game controller assembly is mechanically and communicatively connected to a user computing device to be used to play games. The game controller assembly is detachable he coupled mechanically and electrically to the user computing device. For example, the user computing device may be a smart mobile phone. The game controller assembly can be mounted on the smart mobile phone and also be communicatively coupled to the smart phone for communications with the smart phone. The game controller is used to play games on the smart phone. The game controller assembly can also be used for other purposes, such as navigating web pages, watching video streams, interacting with other online users, interacting/socializing, etc.

Abstract: A method of audio processing for an entertainment device operable to communicate with a game controller, the method comprising the steps of generating a source sound for reproduction by a plurality of loudspeakers at a current position where acoustic signals from the plurality of loudspeakers are coincident (hereafter referred to as a ‘sweet spot’), requesting that the user steers the sound using the game controller until the user considers the sound to be centered upon them, and interpreting user inputs from the game controller to adjust the output timing of the source sound data signals for reproduction by respective ones of the plurality of loudspeakers in accordance with the user directional inputs so as to move the sweet spot.

Abstract: A data communication restricted content providing device executes a program of game content, accepts operation input for the game content, controls the game content in accordance with operation input, generates, based on information of a changed progress condition of the game content, audio data indicating the progress condition, and plays back the audio data. An information processing device acquires an audio signal played back by the content providing device, extracts information of the progress condition from the audio signal, and outputs, to an external device, information of the progress condition.

Abstract: A method and device for scaling audio content associated with first and second sources at a user apparatus such as a gaming machine. When the gaming machine is in a first condition displaying only game content speakers are controlled to produce game related audio content. In a second condition where the display is controlled to share game content and other content from a remote source in a picture-in-picture arrangement, the method and device control the speaker volumes to associate the audio content with the associated video content to provide audio directionality and primacy.

Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include detecting that presentation devices (e.g., speakers, lights, etc.) associated with a group of wagering game machines, are scheduled to simultaneously present a community wagering game event that includes a gaming effect (e.g., sound, light, vibrations, etc.). The operations can further include determining, based on a characteristic associated with the presentation of the gaming effect (e.g., a character of the presentation devices, a property of the gaming effect, a location or number of wagering game machines, etc.) that the sound effect, if played simultaneously on the presentation devices associated with the plurality of the wagering game machines, would provide an amplified presentation of the gaming effect that would exceed a threshold presentation level that may cause discomfort to a casino patron. The operations can further include determining a default presentation setting or property (e.g.

Abstract: The invention relates to a communication device between an audiovisual information playback system (1) and at least one electronic game machine (2), each electronic game machine comprising a viewing means (200), a means (210) for interacting with the user and a means of payment (220), characterized in that each electronic game machine (2) is connected to the playback system (2) via a network interface (21) and an associated LAN (3), and comprises specific means (20, 21, 22) for managing a means of payment, a viewing means and an interactive means, in order to enable, on the electronic game machine (2), the selection and payment of at least one selection stored on the playback system (2), with a view to playback thereof on the playback system, the specific means (22) of managing payment means and the specific means (21) of managing viewing means and the interactive means being triggered by the activation means of the electronic game machine (2).

Abstract: In a wagering game environment, a light engine can determine a number of lighting devices that constitute a light chain, and a chaining configuration. The light chain is associated with a wagering game machine. The light engine can determine attributes of the constituent lighting devices and compute timing to produce the light effect. In accordance with the determined attributes and computed timing, the light engine generates output lighting device commands for controlling the lighting devices and/or light source elements of the constituent lighting devices. The light engine can dynamically handle a variation in the number or chaining configuration of the lighting devices that constitute the light at runtime. Accordingly, the light engine can generate appropriate output lighting device commands to display the appropriate light effects.

Abstract: An adapter interface apparatus has a user input device and an associated video display. The user selects a distinguishable visual image representation for association into an audiovisual presentation, such as where that user is identified. For example, color, size graphics or shape can be used to distinguish users. In one embodiment a digitized image of each user's face is used as the distinguishable representation. Alternatively, the user can create an original image or select one of a predetermined set of visual images as the user's identification for use in the audiovisual presentation. In one embodiment, the adapter interface is coupled to an audiovisual presentation system and a storage card containing User Images. The adapter interface system integrates a selected User Image from the Storage Card into the audiovisual presentation.

Abstract: Examples disclosed herein relate to an electronic gaming device including one or more processors, a memory, and one or more display devices. The electronic gaming device further includes a left surround audio device, a right surround audio device, a dialog enhancing center channel speaker, a low frequency effects device, a left speaker, and a right speaker. The combination of the left surround audio device; the right surround audio device; the dialog enhancing center channel speaker; the low frequency effects device; the left speaker; and/or the right speaker produce one or more sound effects in a vertical direction.

Abstract: Despite practical limitations imposed by mobile device platforms and applications, truly captivating musical instruments may be synthesized in ways that allow musically expressive performances to be captured and rendered in real-time. Visual cues presented on a multi-touch sensitive display provide the user with temporally sequenced string excitation cues. Note or chord soundings are indicated by user gestures (e.g., pluck-type gestures, strum-type gestures, chord selections, etc.) captured at the multi-touch sensitive display. Those captured gestures, rather than simply the score itself, are used as inputs to a digital synthesis of the musical instrument.

Abstract: A video server is configured to provide streaming video to players of computer games over a computing network. The video server can provided video of different games to different players simultaneously. This is accomplished by rendering several video streams in parallel using a single GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The output of the GPU is provided to graphics processing pipelines that are each associated with a specific client/player and are dynamically allocated as needed. A client qualifier may be used to assure that only clients capable of presenting the streaming video to a player at a minimum level of quality receive the video stream. Video frames provided by the video server optionally include overlays added to the output of the GPU. These overlays can include voice data received from another game player.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and articles for dynamically facilitating user interaction with a program are provided. A user is may be provided with refresher elements (or a tutorial) based on the period of time since the user's last session (or level of skill). Programs which may benefit from such features include, inter alia, interactive games, word processors, spreadsheets, payroll applications etc.

Abstract: A computerized wagering game table system includes a wagering game module that is operable to present a wagering game upon which monetary value can be wagered, and an audio system. The audio system is operable to pan sounds associated with a wagering game object on multiple wagering game machines in a group of wagering game machines, wherein each of the multiple wagering game machines has one or more local speakers, and wherein the panning across multiple wagering game machines' local speakers is based on the game object's coordinate position on a community display.

Abstract: Provided is a game machine which can actualize a play between games having different difficulty levels. The game machine is applied to a game system that progresses a game between a plurality of game machines connected via a network. The game machine comprises an external storage that stores a sequence data wherein each operation timing is written so as to differ from each other. And, the game machine: teaches each operation timing, of based on sequence data that differs from sequence data used in another machine functioning as another terminal in the game system; obtains operation information for the other machine; and, based on it, determines whether or not prescribed reflection conditions have been fulfilled. Then, when the prescribed reflection conditions have been fulfilled based on its results, the game machine reflects the operation information for the other machine in a travel path for an object for teaching the operation timing for the game machine.

Abstract: A video game maps each of a plurality of outputs to inputs associated with a video game controller. In some embodiments, the plurality of outputs represent the various potential outputs of a drum set. Combinations of video game controller inputs are used to generate the outputs. Video game controller inputs include traditional input devices such as button inputs, as well as input signals generated from positioning and movement of the video game controllers. In some embodiments, a video game console provides a video representation of the outputs generated by input combinations received from the video game controllers.

Abstract: A gaming chair includes a plurality of speakers, at least one electronic display device, a network interface configured to couple to a network, and a processor coupled to the speakers, the electronic display device, and the network interface. The processor is configured to receive game data from a remote server via the network interface, wherein the game data includes audio signals and video signals, and to cause the speakers to output audio based on the audio signals. The processor is also configured to cause the display device to display at least one image based on the video signals.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method wherein a gaming machine samples the ambient sound environment and performs a time to frequency conversion to create an ambient sound profile. Profiles of alternate sounds for emission by the gaming machine are compared to the ambient profile and the sound most likely to minimize ambient noise masking is selected for use.

Abstract: A game cartridge with a game program configured to cause a computer to implement a jukebox or music playing method. The method includes displaying a listing of game modules of the game program on a display screen including a jukebox module. A selection to activate or run the music player module is received. The music player module plays music by outputting to the audio output port an audio signal based on processing of the digital music files stored in the storage medium. The method includes receiving a sleep mode initiation signal such as may be transmitted in response a magnetic sensor sensing closing of a housing or lid. The method includes responding to the initiation signal by placing the game modules except for the music player module into a sleep state, whereby the music player module continues to play music after other modules are paused.

Abstract: A method and device for scaling audio content associated with first and second sources at a user apparatus such as a gaming machine. When the gaming machine is in a first condition displaying only game content speakers are controlled to produce game related audio content. In a second condition where the display is controlled to share game content and other content from a remote source in a picture-in-picture arrangement, the method and device control the speaker volumes to associate the audio content with the associated video content to provide audio directionality and primacy.

Abstract: Disclosed are a sound virtualization method and apparatus. The sound virtualization method includes generating virtual sound devices, generating virtual audio devices on the basis of an audio device, acquiring a mapping relation between sounds created by the virtual sound device and sounds output by the virtual audio device, acquiring the sounds from memories on the basis of the mapping relation, and outputting the sounds through the virtual audio devices according to the mapping relation. Accordingly, it is possible to provide sound to a plurality of users.

Abstract: A method of and system for handling latency issues encountered in producing real-time entertainment such as games of skill synchronized with live or taped televised events is described herein. There are multiple situations that are dealt with regarding latencies in receiving a television signal with respect to real-time entertainment based on the unfolding games played along with the telecasts. Systemic delays, arbitrarily imposed delays of a broadcast signal and variances in the precise broadcast times of taped television programs have to be equalized so as to provide fair entertainment.

Abstract: A gaming machine comprises one or more display devices, a configurable joystick, and one or more memory devices. The memory devices store instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the machine to dispose the joystick in a first joystick state during a first game part and, responsive to a trigger, dynamically reconfigure the joystick to a second joystick state for use during a second game part. A method comprises receiving an input to play a game, providing a configurable joystick in a first joystick state, conducting a first game part with the joystick in the first joystick state, dynamically reconfiguring the joystick from the first joystick state to a second joystick state responsive to a trigger, and conducting a second wagering game part with the joystick in the second joystick state.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes a bet rate setting device with which a value of game medium per unit bet is set as a bet rate, a setting sound output device outputting a setting sound when the bet rate is set by the bet rate setting device, and a setting sound control device controlling the setting sound, to be outputted from the setting sound output device, depending on the bet rate set by the bet rate setting device.

Abstract: A method of and system for handling latency issues encountered in producing real-time entertainment such as games of skill synchronized with live or taped televised events is described herein. There are multiple situations that are dealt with regarding latencies in receiving a television signal with respect to real-time entertainment based on the unfolding games played along with the telecasts. Systemic delays, arbitrarily imposed delays of a broadcast signal and variances in the precise broadcast times of taped television programs have to be equalized so as to provide fair entertainment.

Abstract: Operations for a wagering game system include detecting that presentation devices (e.g., speakers, lights, etc.) associated with a group of wagering game machines, are scheduled to simultaneously present a community wagering game event that includes a gaming effect (e.g., sound, light, vibrations, etc.). The operations can further include determining, based on a characteristic associated with the presentation of the gaming effect that the gaming effect, if played simultaneously on the presentation devices associated with the plurality of the wagering game machines, would provide an amplified presentation of the gaming effect that would exceed a threshold presentation level that may cause discomfort to a casino patron. The operations can further include modifying a presentation setting or property so that a presentation of the gaming effect remains below the threshold presentation level.

Abstract: A game machine determines the reference timing included in a predetermined time range and the crossing direction position corresponding to the reference timing based on the sequence data (30). And, the game machine causes an instruction path (R) extending from one end side (UP) in depth direction (TD) toward the other end side (DP) while passing through each crossing direction position corresponding to each reference timing at a position on the time axis corresponding to each reference timing and the reference line (TL), to be displayed on the game screen, and decreases a distance between each position and the reference line (TL) with a decrease in a time difference between the reference timing and the current time.

Abstract: A method of linking gaming machine audio content to a player and network-based gaming system are provided. The system may include a gaming machine, a database, and a server system configured to be coupled to the gaming machine and the database. The server system may be associated with a server-based network configured to associate a connection identification (ID) with a listening device, receive an identification of the listening device through the gaming machine, and transmit an audio content generated by the gaming machine to the identified listening device using the connection ID.

Abstract: In a wagering game machine, operations and systems are disclosed for ending wagering game audio in a key of the current state. In one embodiment, the use of markers to denote the state of a music file enables following the continuous music and ending wagering game bang-up audio in whatever key the continuous music is in at the precise moment the bang-up ends. The continuous music, bang-ups and marker file are all started at the same time and may be the same length. The continuous music is audible, the bang-ups are heard by raising the volume when programmatically called for, and the marker file continuously sends out signals at a set rate which the code then interprets to determine the state of the song to trigger the appropriate musical ending. When the bang-up ends it can then be played in the key corresponding to the current state of the music.

Abstract: Screen plane coordinates of a plane of a game display screen relative to a location of a game sensor are determined. A location of a user relative to the location of the game sensor is determined. An orientation of the user relative to the plane of the game display screen is calculated based upon the determined screen plane coordinates of the plane of the game display screen relative to the location of the game sensor and the determined location of the user relative to the location of the game sensor.

Abstract: A game machine provides for a game player to relatively readily determine the position of a teammate player object. A position announcing sound data storage unit stores position announcing sound data in association with a relative position condition concerning the relative position of the teammate player object relative to the position and reference direction of the operation target player object. A relative position determination unit determines whether the relative position of the teammate player object selected by the position announcement target selection unit, relative to the position and reference direction of the operation target player object, satisfies the relative position condition associated with the position announcing sound data.

Abstract: A gaming device is adapted to present audiovisual content to players of the game. While the audiovisual content is playing, the player may initiate a game start. A snap shot of the audiovisual content playing at the time of the game start is taken. Reels of the gaming device spin and provide indicia on a payline. The indicia on the payline are compared to characters and elements within the snap shot of the audiovisual content. If there is a match for outcome significant indicia, the player receives a benefit.

Abstract: An electronic device with one or more processors and memory stores one or more respective sound effect units in association with each of a plurality of scene elements used in a game. The electronic device obtains a scene element template for a respective scene in the game, the scene element template including one or more constituent scene elements of the respective scene. The electronic device also selects one or more corresponding sound effect units for each of the one or more constituent scene elements in the scene element template for the respective scene. The electronic device further generates a composite sound effect for the respective scene using the selected sound effect units.

Abstract: An interactive image display method is to be performed by an interactive device and includes steps of rendering a first interactive image that has a background graphic image overlaid with an overlaying graphic image in a manner that the background graphic image is hidden from view by the overlaying graphic image, generating a triggering instruction in response to user operation, in response to receipt of the triggering instruction, rendering a second interactive image in which a portion of the background graphic image is revealed, and after a predetermined time has elapsed subsequent to receipt of the triggering instruction, rendering a third interactive image in which the background graphic image is hidden from view by the overlaying graphic image.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a handheld device coupled to a fixed structure. The handheld device includes a sensor configured to detect inputs. The handheld device is positionable in a base predefined zone and a first predefined zone. The base predefined zone is defined as a base volumetric space and the first predefined zone is defined as a first volumetric space. A memory device stores instructions that, when executed, by at least one of one or more processors of the gaming system, cause the gaming system to (i) detect a first input from the handheld device, (ii) perform a first function in response to the first input being detected in the base predefined zone, and (iii) perform a second function in response to the first input being detected in the first predefined zone, the second function being different from the first function.

Abstract: A machine and method of adjusting audio effects of a game played on an electronic gaming machine. The machine and method featuring an electronic audio file format having a plurality of audio files, a plurality of text markers and a plurality of script files, with each audio file having an audio property that can provide a different acoustic effect. During processing and play of the audio file, a text marker associated with a predetermined script file can be identified. The text marker can stop the audio filed being played and play a second audio file with a different audio property different from the prior audio file.

Abstract: “A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include determining a classification of a first sound provided by a first wagering game application for presentation via one or more output devices of a wagering game machine. Further, a second wagering game application provides a second sound for concurrent presentation via the one or more output devices. The first wagering game application is independent from the second wagering game application. In some embodiments, the operations further include determining a prioritized relationship between the first sound and the second sound based on the classification, and controlling presentation of the first sound and the second sound via the one or more output devices according to the prioritized relationship.

Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include determining that a sound problem would occur if first content were to be presented simultaneously with second content via one or more output devices of a wagering game machine. In some examples, the first content is provided by a first application and the second content is provided by a second application independent from the first application. In some embodiments, the operation can further include modifying one or more characteristics of one or more of the first content and the second content based on the determining that the sound problem would occur.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide techniques for aiding users of game consoles in creating custom gameplay data for a music video game based on audio data (e.g., songs) stored on a portable media device. Specific embodiments provide a game console application that can receive a song at a game console from a portable media device, and receive user inputs to generate custom gameplay data associated with the song. The gameplay data may then be saved to the portable media device and later accessed, either at the same or a different game console, to allow a user to play the music video game in accordance with the gameplay data and the audio data. In this manner, users can create and share custom gameplay content for a music video game based on songs stored on their portable media devices.

Abstract: A non-transitory storage medium encoded with a computer readable music game program, the music game program causing the one or more processors to perform including a communication unit configured to obtain from another game device through communication, data relating to operation input to another game device, a presentation data generation unit configured to generate presentation data in accordance with the operation input to the game device, an estimated presentation data generation unit configured to estimate, based on data relating to the operation input to another game device for a first portion of the music data obtained through the communication unit, presentation in accordance with the operation input to another game device for a second portion of the music data and generate estimated presentation data representing the presentation, and a game processing unit configured to perform the game process based on the presentation data and the estimated presentation data.

Abstract: A method of gaming between multiple participants, each of whom has a locationally aware smart phone or similar user device with a microphone and at least one speaker, capable of a triggering interaction with other such devices using a sound-based trigger. A gaming session is triggered by the playing of an acoustic gaming session request tone by a first device. Software on other user devices within acoustic listening range which “hear” the trigger tone can cause the listening devices to join a gaming session with the first user device through contact with a centrally administered gaming application on a server. Based on the geographic location of the gaming session, or other applicable user parameters, at least one game or contest from the server is made available and can then be selected and played between the connected user devices, served by the central system.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for determining the location of a controller. One method includes an operation for capturing image data of a capture area in front of a display. Additionally, the method includes another operation for capturing sound data emitted by the controller in the capture area in front of the display. The two-dimensional location of the controller is calculated based on the captured image data, and the third dimensional location of the controller is calculated based on the captured sound data.

Abstract: A gaming system including a number of host devices each coupled to one or more gaming machines, wherein content provided by the host device is output on the gaming machine. To output the content provided by the remote host, a host-controlled process that is authenticated by the gaming machine and executed in a secure memory location such that it is isolated from other processes executing on the gaming machine may be utilized. The host-controlled processes may be decoupled from the process used to execute the game of chance played on the gaming machine such that the content output by the host-controlled process doesn't alter the play of game of chance.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to gaming systems and methods configured to provide a musical game associated with unlockable musical instruments. In one embodiment, the musical game is associated with a plurality of different musical instruments that are initially unlocked or locked and a plurality of different instrument playing events, each of which is associated with one or more of the musical instruments. Upon an occurrence of one of the instrument playing events, the gaming system produces at least one sound and provides an award associated with each unlocked musical instrument associated with that instrument playing event. The gaming system does not produce any sounds or provide any awards associated with any locked musical instruments associated with that instrument playing event. Upon an occurrence of an instrument unlock event, if any of the musical instruments are locked, the gaming system unlocks at least one locked musical instrument.

Abstract: A gaming system including a number of host devices each coupled to one or more gaming machines, wherein content provided by the host device is output on the gaming machine. To output the content provided by the remote host, a host-controlled process that is authenticated by the gaming machine and executed in a secure memory location such that it is isolated from other processes executing on the gaming machine may be utilized. The host-controlled processes may be decoupled from the process used to execute the game of chance played on the gaming machine such that the content output by the host-controlled process doesn't alter the play of game of chance.

Abstract: A system, a sound processing method and a sound processing apparatus suitable for enhancing gamer experience for electronic games. The sound processing apparatus can communicate with a terminal suitable for playing an electronic game. The electronic game can be associated with audio data which can be communicated from the terminal to the sound processing apparatus. The sound processing apparatus includes a receive module for receiving the audio data and a processing module coupled to the receive module. The audio data can include low frequency range audio signals, mid frequency range audio signals and high frequency range audio signals. The audio data can be communicated from the receive module to the processing module. The processing module can be configured to process the audio data in a manner such that at least one of the low frequency range audio signals and the high frequency range audio signals are accentuated relative to the mid frequency range audio signals.

Abstract: A game machine includes: a monitor (2) that displays and outputs a game screen (40R); a control panel (3) that includes volume controllers (9) operated so as to change a position of an outer circumferential portion (SP) of a knob portion (9T); a external storage device (20) that stores sequence data (30) in which a reference timing at which the volume controllers (9) are operated during a game is associated with a reference position at which the outer circumferential portion (SP) is to be positioned at the reference timing. And, the game machine teaches information of the reference timing and the reference position to a player, based on the sequence data (30).

Abstract: A game machine determines the reference timing included in a predetermined time range and the crossing direction position corresponding to the reference timing based on the sequence data (30). And, the game machine causes an instruction path (R) extending from one end side (UP) in depth direction (TD) toward the other end side (DP) while passing through each crossing direction position corresponding to each reference timing at a position on the time axis corresponding to each reference timing and the reference line (TL), to be displayed on the game screen, and decreases a distance between each position and the reference line (TL) with a decrease in a time difference between the reference timing and the current time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic gaming and/or gambling machine, in particular to a slot machine which is coin operable or is operable by monetary equivalents, comprising a display apparatus for the display of at least one game and optionally additional information, with the display apparatus having at least a first and a second screen on which at least one screen display, preferably a main game, and one second screen display, preferably a bonus game and/or additional information, can be displayed as well as a control panel for the actuation of the gaming and/or gambling machine. In accordance with the invention, the electronic gaming and/or gambling machine is characterized in that a switching device is provided which is actuable by a machine user by an input device for the switching of the first screen representation from the first screen to the second screen and of the second screen representation from the second screen to the first screen or to a further screen and/or vice versa.