Abstract: A system and method is provided for controlling a device through air pressure waves, or “sound”. The system and method involve receiving a sound and analyzing the sound to determine whether or not it has one or more predetermined characteristics. If it is determined that the sound does have one or more predetermined characteristics, at least one control signal is generated for the purpose of controlling at least one aspect of the device.

Abstract: Position data is generated. The position data describes a respective current position of each of one or more billiard game objects in relation to a billiard table having a playing surface. A state of a billiards game being played is determined based on the position data. One or more perceptible effects associated with the determined state of the billiards game are selected. The one or more perceptible effects are produced in connection with the billiards game.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an audio control apparatus having a game audio port for receiving a gaming audio signal generated by a gaming application, a chat port for receiving a chat signal comprising audio information generated by at least one gamer, and an audio system coupled to the game audio port and the chat port. The audio system can be operable to detect an energy level in the chat signal that exceeds a threshold, reduce a magnitude of the gaming audio signal to a desired audio energy level responsive to the aforementioned detection, generate a mixed audio signal comprising a combination of the gaming audio signal having the reduced magnitude and the chat signal, and transmit the mixed audio signal to a listening apparatus. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes selective application of surround sound. The selective application of surround sound allows certain key gaming events to be emphasized over other gaming events. The surround sound may be varied to produce certain effects, such as a tactile effect and a gradual building up of suspense and anticipation that increases player excitement and enjoyment. A surround sound decoder may be added in some embodiments to convert monophonic and stereo wagering games into surround sound. The surround sound may be implemented as true surround sound or as virtual surround sound.

Abstract: Conventional game consoles have a preference to connect to the Internet, which facilitates audio communications by gamers. However, when conventional game consoles are connected over a local area network, they somehow inhibit audio communications. A game communications exchange is coupled to game consoles and audio gear sets of gamers to facilitate audio communications by creating a common channel and distribute audio information from the common channel.

Abstract: A first determination unit determines whether or not an operation target of a user is included in a target region that is set based on the position of a game event occurring place. A second determination unit determines whether or not a time of determination that the operation target of the user is included in the target region is before arrival of a game event occurring time. An inducing processing execution unit executes inducing processing for inducing the user to keep the operation target of the user staying in the target region until the arrival of the game event occurring time, in a case where it is determined that the above-described time is before the arrival of the game event occurring time.

Abstract: Gaming terminals, gaming machines, gaming systems and utility hook and sensor assemblies are presented. A gaming terminal for playing a wagering game is disclosed. The gaming terminal includes a cabinet, at least one display device configured to display aspects of the wagering game, and at least one input device configured to receive an input from a player to play the wagering game. The gaming terminal also includes a support mechanism that is attached to the cabinet and is configured to support a personal belonging of the player. An alert system is configured to detect the presence or absence, or both, of the personal belonging and/or the player at the gaming terminal, and generate an alert signal in response to the detected presence or absence.

Abstract: A method of play, wherein play emphasizes storytelling and story recounting abilities, and wherein the method comprises: (a) providing a gaining device which provides for: a plurality of subject elements, wherein each subject element from the plurality of subject elements comprises a topic for a particular story; and a plurality of situational elements, wherein each situational element from the plurality of situational elements qualifies the subject element; (b) pairing a subject element from the plurality of subject elements with a situational element from the plurality of situational elements; and (c) providing a story based on the paired subject element and selected situational element.

Abstract: An approach is provided for providing a service using an on-line game capable of, maximizing effects of services associated with the on-line game, and recording media recording a program for implementing the service providing method. The service providing method may include, for example, storing, in a rendering region, game object drawing information of a game screen for the on-line game in response to a request for reproducing the game screen; hooking the rendering region to change the game object drawing information so that service object information provided from a game server is included in the game object drawing information; storing the changed game object drawing information in the rendering region; and providing the game screen by rendering the game object drawing information including the service object information stored in the rendering region.

Abstract: A video editor for a video game is discussed. The video editor manipulates information of video game play to provide videos of game play and in some embodiments scoring of videos.

Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include providing a custom sound design interface. The operations can further include receiving user input via the custom sound design interface, wherein the user input is to design a custom sound for a wagering game machine including presentation instructions for the custom sound. The operations can further include storing the custom sound. The operations can further include receiving, from the wagering game machine, a request for the custom sound. The operations can further include transmitting, to the wagering game machine, the custom sound including the presentation instructions for the custom sound.

Abstract: A version file retrieving unit of a game device retrieves via a network a version file including version information identifying an OS recommended for the execution of game software running. An OS version comparing unit compares first version information on the OS running with second version information identifying the OS recommended for the execution of the game software running. When the second version indicates a version newer than that of the first version information, the OS retrieving unit downloads the latest OS and stores it in the hard disk drive.

Abstract: A game apparatus that includes a processor, a microphone, a memory, a speaker, and an audio playback actuator. The memory stores a first plurality of audio messages, each corresponding to an audio input received by the microphone, and a second plurality of pre-recorded audio messages. The audio playback actuator causes the processor to randomly select a first audio message from the first plurality of audio messages and a second audio message from the second plurality of pre-recorded audio messages, and to play the first and second audio messages through the speaker.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computing device having a controller to modify sound produced by a gaming application according to an otological profile of a user. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: In a game, multiple players are communicatively coupled with a network. A progression of game action states is tracked. The action states relate to events that occur during the game and a situation of each of the players that corresponds to the events. Upon reaching a first action state, in which a player is expected to utter a first vociferation based on that player's situation with respect to a game event that occurs in association with the first action state, it is detected whether the vociferation is uttered. The first vociferation is captured. The vociferation may be sent to the other players asynchronously with respect to its capture where it may be rendered locally.

Abstract: Methods and Systems for providing multiple audio streams, such as a Game Audio stream and Network Chat audio stream, to a headset of a user of a game console are described. The methods and systems include receiving, by a game console controller in communication with a game console and a portable audio mixing module, Network Chat from a game console; receiving, by a portable audio mixing module in communication with a game console controller, Network Chat; receiving, by a base station in communication with the game console and the portable audio mixing module, the Game Audio; receiving, by the portable audio mixing module, the Game Audio; mixing, by the portable audio mixing module, the Network Chat and Game Audio to produce a blended audio output stream; and transmitting, by the portable audio mixing module, the blended audio output stream to a headset in communication with the portable audio mixing module.

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: An improved gaming device with a secure interface has been developed. The invention includes an electronic gaming device with internal components, software and data, an external communication interface in communication with the electronic gaming device and an output device of the electronic gaming device in communication with the external communication interface. The output device communicates with external communication interface through a secure interface that does not allow external communications to directly access the internal components, software and data of the electronic gaming device.

Abstract: Example embodiments herein include an audio manager that identifies at least one user in a social environment (e.g., multiplayer gaming environment). Each user in the social environment has a respective user music profile that contains audio attributes for various types of audio. The audio manager combines the user music profile from each user to form a group music profile. The audio manager further identifies a selection of audio segments to be rendered in the social environment that match the group music profile. Additionally, the audio manager processes the selection of audio segments against the audio attributes of at least one user to determine an audio segment to be rendered in the social environment. In one embodiment, the audio manager processes the selection of audio segments in accordance with a social value metric. In turn, the audio manager renders the audio segment in the social environment in accordance with the social value metric.

Abstract: Streamable content, including content such as music, video, and advertisements, is provided to a game program executing at a remote computing device or game console, wherein the streamable content is for presentation before, during, and/or after game play. The streamable content may be supplemental to core game content provided by the game program. A system for providing the streamable content may include a content accessing component configured to access content for use as streamable content, a content selection component configured to select appropriate content (which may be randomly selected, or selected based on user-specific information or game-specific information), a content assembly component configured to assemble selected content into one or more content streams, and/or a content dissemination component configured to disseminate one or more content streams to the remote computing device or game console on which game program is executing.

Abstract: A user can move the position of a pan flute in a horizontal direction on a screen by sliding a touch position in the horizontal direction on the screen while touching a touch panel with a stick. Moreover, when the user blows on a microphone hole, a musical sound of a pitch corresponding to a pipe of the pan flute which is displayed in an overlapping manner with a valid position display image at this time is outputted via a sound hole.

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: A portable gaming and entertainment system (or “environment”) for use with a game console and related components that allows the user thereof to easily, safely and conveniently transport the system. The system comprises a case having a lid pivotally attached to a base. One or more custom inserts are provided to securely receive the game console therein. The custom inserts permit the system to be usable with a variety of supported game consoles. The lid includes a monitor and speakers, and is operative to be opened and maintained at a position to provide a desirable viewing angle for a user. The lid closes against the base to enclose the game console and other related components so that the user may easily transport and/or store the system.

Abstract: Techniques are described for altering the gameplay of a computer game based on audio content recorded within the virtual world of the computer game. An indication is received of audio content to record within the computer game, and the indicated audio content is then recorded. Subsequently, a selection of the recorded audio content to playback within the virtual world is received. Upon playing the recorded audio content in the virtual world, embodiments affect one or more gameplay elements of the computer game, based on the playback of the recorded audio content.

Abstract: A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes selective application of surround sound. The selective application of surround sound allows certain key gaming events to be emphasized over other gaming events. The surround sound may be varied to produce certain effects, such as a tactile effect and a gradual building up of suspense and anticipation that increases player excitement and enjoyment. A surround sound decoder may be added in some embodiments to convert monophonic and stereo wagering games into surround sound. The surround sound may be implemented as true surround sound or as virtual surround sound.

Abstract: An electronic entertainment system for creating a video sequence by executing video game camera behavior based upon a video game sound file includes a memory configured to store an action event/camera behavior (AE/CB) database, game software such as an action generator module, and one or more sound files. In addition, the system includes a sound processing unit coupled to the memory for processing a selected sound file, and a processor coupled to the memory and the sound processing unit. The processor randomly selects an AE pointer and a CB pointer from the AE/CB database. Upon selection of the CB pointer and the AE pointer, the action generator executes camera behavior corresponding to the selected CB pointer to view an action event corresponding to the selected AE pointer.

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 system and method for providing centralized control of the audio output for one or more gaming machines in a casino gaming network are disclosed herein. The system comprises one or more microphone interfaces positioned in a casino gaming floor environment to obtain noise level data. The system also includes a system server connected to the one or more microphone interfaces to receive the obtained noise level data and to determine the appropriate audio output for one or more gaming machines. The system also includes an audio hub positioned within each gaming machine and connected to the system server, wherein each audio hub receives audio instructions from the system server and adjusts the audio output for one or more gaming machines.

Abstract: A computerized wagering game system a gaming module comprising a processor and gaming code which is operable when executed on the processor to present a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered, and an audio module operable to exchange digital audio data with an audio device over a digital audio format link. The digital audio format link in various embodiments comprises a SPDIF link, an AES/EBU link, an HDMI link, or an I2S link.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing device including, a screen control unit that causes a user terminal to display a position selection screen displaying a plurality of user positions where a user can be located in a virtual space and allowing a user to select one user position from the plurality of user positions, a data storage unit that stores a user list listing users having selected each user position with respect to each user position selected by using the position selection screen; and a contents processing unit that processes contents to be delivered to the user terminal according to a positional relationship between users represented by the user list stored in the data storage unit.

Abstract: An augmented reality system that includes a local representative equipment, a system control equipment and remote actor equipment. The local representative equipment captures audio and image data, as sensed data, in an activity area of an avatar player, the remote control unit receives a command data from a remote participant, and the system control equipment, in response to an enablement command, enables transmission of the sensed data from the local representative equipment to the remote actor equipment, and enables transmission of command data from the remote actor equipment to the local representative equipment. Moreover, the local representative equipment outputs the command data to the avatar player through the local interface unit and the remote control unit communicates the sensed data to the remote participant through the sensed data output unit.

Abstract: A computerized wagering game system has a gaming module comprising a processor and gaming code which is operable when executed on the processor to conduct a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered, and an audio module operable to use audio to foreshadow game events. The buildup and excitement of playing a wagering game system is enhanced by providing audio clues or audio foreshadowing as to the results of a wagering game event. Examples include playing subtle sounds, playing different sounds, playing sounds at different volumes such as with volume an increasing volume level, or providing other audio cues as to the outcome of a wagering game event.

Abstract: An image control device includes a display control section that performs a normal display control process that controls an image based on a first designation position, and controls the image based on a second designation position, and performs a special display control process that controls the image based on the first designation position and the second designation position based on a given condition.

Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include determining an occurrence of an application event for an application that runs in association with a wagering game machine. The operations can further include accessing a custom sound source that includes customized sounds presentable separately from a soundtrack for the application, during a wagering game session on the wagering game machine. The operations can further include determining a custom sound, from the custom sound source, that relates to the application event and determining custom-sound presentation instructions associated with the custom sound. The operations can further include presenting the custom sound on sound production devices associated with the wagering game machine during the application event according to the custom-sound presentation instructions.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for detecting and/or preventing cheating in online gaming. Some implementations provide gaming information in formats that are difficult for a bot to interpret, but which are preferably easy for humans to interpret. Some implementations of the invention involve the tracking and analysis of players' gaming activities. Some implementations of the invention provide a multi-tier approach to data analysis. Some analyses may be performed, for example, by a centralized computing device such as a server, whereas other analyses may be performed by a host device. In some implementations, “challenge and response” measures will be employed. Some implementations of the invention involve detection and prevention of collaboration between players.

Abstract: A game device (200) that evaluates an operation of a player that is performed in step with music sounds comprises a music storage unit (201), tempo information acquisition unit (241), and tempo announcement unit (202), and is configured as follows. The music storage unit (201) stores music that is to be played. The tempo information acquisition unit (241) acquires tempo information for the music. The tempo announcement unit (202), based on the acquired tempo information, announces a tempo of the music before the music is played.

Abstract: A gaming unit and producing a game-audio output of a varying volume level and a chat-voice output is connected to headphones adapted to be worn by a player of the unit and connected to the gaming unit for making the chat-voice output and the game-audio output audible to the player. A circuit or software associated with the headphones can increase the chat-voice volume level generally proportionately to the game-audio volume level.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for streaming of audio data of separate streams in at least two different formats. In some embodiments handheld game devices are in wireless communication and a first of the handheld game devices streams audio data during game play to a second of the handheld game devices. In some embodiments the audio data includes audio data from a plurality of streams of audio data. In some embodiments the streams of audio data include streams of audio data in different formats, generally different compressed formats, some of which may be selected based on whether a device includes circuitry specifically configured to decompress audio data in a specific data format.

Abstract: Methods and Systems for providing multiple audio streams, such as a Game Audio stream and Network Chat audio stream, to a headset of a user of a game console are described. The methods and systems include receiving, by a game console controller in communication with a game console and a portable audio mixing module, Network Chat from a game console; receiving, by a portable audio mixing module in communication with a game console controller, Network Chat; receiving, by a base station in communication with the game console and the portable audio mixing module, the Game Audio; receiving, by the portable audio mixing module, the Game Audio; mixing, by the portable audio mixing module, the Network Chat and Game Audio to produce a blended audio output stream; and transmitting, by the portable audio mixing module, the blended audio output stream to a headset in communication with the portable audio mixing module.

Abstract: Program code enabling the streaming of HD content in real-time to a game console is stored on a storage medium remote from the game console. The game console executes software that facilitates transfer of the program code from the remote storage medium to the game console. The program code ensures that sufficient bandwidth exists on a network between the game console and a HD tuner, and enables the streaming of HD content in real-time to the game console.

Abstract: A method of gaming comprising: outputting a plurality of different game accompanying sounds individually during at least part of play of one or more games; and outputting two or more sounds together in response to at least one game event occurring.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes determining player information for a player. A game personality is determined for a gaming machine. The game personality is a set of behavior characteristics for the gaming machine. It is determined if a solicitation for a gaming machine is triggered by applying the player information for a player to the game personality. The solicitation is performed for the player if the solicitation is triggered.

Abstract: A game device comprises: a drawing control unit configured to move a pointer that indicates a drawing position based on a control command of a player, and to draw a picture at a position of the pointer based on a control command of the player; and an sound output unit configured to output sound as determined by the position of the pointer when the picture is drawn.

Abstract: Provided is a wearable personal digital (WPD) flexible cloud game, multimedia, communication and computing device, a method for accessing game and multimedia data and performing communications using the WPD flexible cloud game, multimedia, communication and computing device, and a method for facilitating payments using a WPD flexible cloud game, multimedia, communication and computing device. The WPD flexible cloud game, multimedia, communication and computing device comprises a flexible display, a flexible power source, a processor, a memory unit, and a communication circuit. The processor is configured to communicate with a game and multimedia server and a communication server over a network to transfer game, multimedia and communication data, and transmit, upon a user's request, the game, multimedia and communication data to one or more external devices.

Abstract: A gaming system is provided. The gaming system allows users to access applications via gaming communication devices coupled to a communication network. At least a portion of the network may be wireless. The gaming applications include gambling, financial, entertainment service, and other types of transactions. The system may include a user location determination feature to prevent users from conducting transactions from unauthorized areas. The system may include an alerts feature operable to generate alert to users based on any or a combination of time information, location information, financial information, user profile information, and other types of information.

Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations include analyzing sound content that is not configured for use with a wagering game machine's sound system prior to presentation via sound equipment of the wagering game machine. If the sound content meets sound presentation tolerances of the sound equipment, then the operations can include approving presentation of the sound content. If a portion of the sound content does not meet the sound presentation tolerances, the operations can further include removing or modifying the portion of the sound content, such as filtering frequencies, reducing power levels, reducing volume levels, and reducing a duration of play of the sound content. The operations can further include prioritizing presentation of the sound content along with other content configured for use with the wagering game machine's sound system and which is scheduled for presentation via the sound equipment.

Abstract: A computer-readable medium, a method of conducting a video game and a gaming system. In one embodiment, the medium contains programming instructions that cause a computer processor to: (1) conduct a video game that generates events having corresponding exclusively audible prompts and (2) convey the exclusively audible prompts to specific audio channels for sound-capable gaming controllers of a gaming system.

Abstract: A computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions for conducting a game on a gaming system having a wireless input device for playing an interactive motion-sensitive game using a wireless-compatible game console in which a virtual play environment is represented through one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects is provided wherein game play is conducted by moving, shaking, twisting, waving or pointing the input device in a particular manner. The input device can include motion-sensitive circuitry and/or command circuitry for generating control signals and/or an effects generator and associated control circuitry to enable the input device to selectively generate at least one visual, aural or tactile effect comprising sound, lighting or vibration. The input device can include a wireless transceiver for providing two-way wireless communication with the wireless-compatible game console.

Abstract: A game apparatus has a plurality of actuation devices in which at least two of the actuation devices require different mechanical actions for actuation. The apparatus further includes a speaker, a display screen, and a processor coupled to each of the actuation devices and to the display screen and the speaker. The processor outputs a first command signal to the speaker relating to a first actuation device, then outputs a second command signal to the speaker when the first actuation device is actuated, with the second command signal relating to a second actuation device. The processor outputs image signals to the display screen that are representative of the mechanical actions being taken.

Abstract: A game program is provided which provides a video game with reality and improves a sense of realism of in the video game in a game program. In Step S21, it is determined whether a given game condition is satisfied. In Step S22, in the case where a stadium type is determined as a dome stadium and the stadium arrangement is determined that the right stand is the home team side, the song playing location is determined as the “Right-Field Side”. In Step S23, a song playing volume is determined. In Step S24, a song playing tempo is determined. In Steps S25 and S26, a basic song and a basic voice are respectively read. In Steps S27 and S28, the data of the basic song and the basic voice are respectively altered to achieve the song playing location on “Right-Field Side”, the song playing volume, the song playing tempo that are determined in Steps S22, S23, and S24.