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: Herein disclosed is a gaming machine executing a game and paying out a predetermined amount of credits according to a game result; generating voice data based on a player's voice; identifying a voice pattern corresponding to the voice data by retrieving the dialogue voice database and identifying a type of voice corresponding to the voice data, so as to store the voice data along with the voice pattern into the memory; calculating a value indicative of a game result, and updating the play history data stored in the memory using the result of the calculation; comparing the play history data thus updated with a predetermined threshold value data; generating voice data according to the voice pattern based on the play history data if the play history data thus updated exceeds the predetermined threshold value data; and outputting voices from the speaker.

Abstract: A system for enabling a child's play activity with a toy to be translated into a pre-defined communication to a secondary user. The system comprises one or more toys or electronic devices that may be equipped with unique identifiers. Upon activating a switch or sensor on a particular toy or electronic device, a unique identifier for the particular toy may be transmitted through a wired or wireless connection to a receiving electronic device. The receiving electronic device includes software that associates a received unique identifier with a pre-defined message and one or more secondary users. The software application transmits the pre-defined message to the secondary user(s) via an electronic message.

Abstract: A wearable loudspeaker unit comprises a loudspeaker, an audio reproduction processor, a wireless communications unit operable to communicate wirelessly with a base unit using a protocol that distinguishes the wearable loudspeaker unit from any other wearable loudspeaker units in communication with the base unit, and a user input interface operable to select one of a plurality of wearable loudspeaker unit wearing positions on a user's body; and the wireless communications unit is operable to transmit the selected wearing position of the wearable loudspeaker unit to the base unit, and is operable to receive audio data corresponding to the selected wearing position of the wearable loudspeaker unit from the base unit, and the audio reproduction processor is operable to output the received audio data through the loudspeaker.

Abstract: Gaming machines having video depictions of one or more mechanical reels projected onto a curved display are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a curved transparent material having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a radius of curvature similar to a mechanical reel. The gaming machine also includes a light emitting diode projector for projecting video images of one or more reels onto the inner surface of the curved transparent material. The gaming machine also includes a light piping material positioned in front of the curved transparent material for illumination of the display. The gaming machine further includes light piping material placed in front of speakers associated with the gaming machine for illumination of the speakers. The illumination of the display or speakers may be synchronized with sound.

Abstract: A player can be notified both visually and aurally that his/her action is recognized. A velocity vector-calculating unit calculates a velocity vector of the movement of an object manipulated by a player moving toward an assumable contact surface W by using an image of the movement of the player captured by a camera. A travel time calculating unit calculates the travel time required for the object to reach the contact surface W by using the velocity vector and a distance between the object and the contact surface W. A lag time acquisition unit acquires a lag time that sound output from a speaker takes to reach the player. A sound control unit allows the player to hear the sound substantially at the same time the object contacts the contact surface by outputting a predetermined sound after the time passes which is obtained by subtracting the lag time from the travel time.

Abstract: Provided are a game service method, where UCC can be used in an online music game that uses music as an element, and a game server therefor. The game service method includes receiving user created contents (UCC) data in which accompaniment music data and a song sung by a music user are combined, generating note background music (BGM) data in which action note data corresponding to the accompaniment music data and the UCC data are combined, and providing an online music game using the generated note BGM data to a game user.

Abstract: A method of providing sound to accompany a game, the method comprising: outputting a game accompanying sound derived from a plurality of sounds associated with respective ones of a plurality of objects to compete in a competition; and modifying the contribution of sounds to the game accompanying sound based on the relative positions in the competition of the objects with which the sounds are associated.

Abstract: A computerized wagering game system includes 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 channel coupled to an adaptive on-screen user volume control. The volume control comprises a user setting and a master setting, wherein the user volume setting is operable to adjust the system volume over a limited volume range near the master volume setting, and wherein the master volume is operable to change over time based on user volume settings.

Abstract: A slot machine 1 of the present invention makes a control so as to: sequentially store the number of game values consumed per unit game; sequentially store the number of game values given per unit game; calculating a difference between the total number of game values given and the total number of game values consumed, as a game value difference; voice-outputting, by the conversation controller 91, an answer 136 corresponding to the game value difference from the speaker 23 in response to a voice input through the microphone 90, when the game value difference reaches a predetermined value; and delete the stored numbers of game values given and consumed, under a predetermined condition.

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 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 gaming device (700) comprises an output unit (701), a reception unit (702), and a determination unit (703). The output unit (701) starts to output sound of a given tone at a given task time. The reception unit (702) receives operation input from the player. The determination unit (703) determines whether the time when operation input is received is included a given task time span including the task time. The output unit (701) changes the volume of the sound having started to be output at the task time in accordance with the determination result by the determination unit (703).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the placement of a reference replication of a device input apparatus at a display to confirm to a user the desired input. In the gaming field the present invention includes the generation of a semi-transparent image of the gaming machine button panel at the game display and an indicia showing the player's input to confirm the desired prompt.

Abstract: A game having a base structure including an array of lights with associated music. A player must respond to the illumination and music issued by the game by pressing a series of sensors located on the game at specific beats according to the rhythm and illumination of the game. A sequential linear illumination of the light displays can progress from the center outward to the sensor or progress from the sensor inward to the center.

Abstract: Presented herein are methods, apparatuses, programs, and systems for providing a smooth animation transition in a game. An event timeline is provided with event markers denoting points in time on the event timeline. Each event marker is associated with an animation segment from the number of animation segments. A first marker on the event timeline is provided, which indicates a first animation segment to be displayed on the display (at a point in time with respect to event timeline). A second marker on the event timeline is also provided, which indicates a second animation segment to be displayed on the display (at a second point in time with respect to event timeline). Then as the game progresses, and the second point time on the timeline is approaching, a set of animation segments that need to be blended together is determined, to provide a smooth transition from the first animation segment to the second animation segment.

Abstract: A game console includes a console main body and at least one game controlling device for inputting commands to the console main body. The at least one game controlling device is configured for selectively operating in an assembled mode where the at least one game controlling device is mechanically and communicatively coupled to the console main body, or in a dissembled mode where the at least one game controlling device is detached from the console main body and is communicatively coupled to the console main body.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for synthesizing information received from multiple audio and visual sources focused on a single scene. The system may determine the positions of capture devices based on a common set of cues identified in the image data of the capture devices. As a scene may often have users and objects moving into and out of the scene, data from the multiple capture devices may be time synchronized to ensure that data from the audio and visual sources are providing data of the same scene at the same time. Audio and/or visual data from the multiple sources may be reconciled and assimilated together to improve an ability of the system to interpret audio and/or visual aspects from the scene.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a system and method for the close coupling of Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) based Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) with multiplayer network games. Game state dependent voice communications are used as another method of player interaction in the game environment. The system uses SIP enhanced game servers and conference servers with audio mixing capabilities, and the game server controls the creation, maintenance and changing of the voice conferences. Participation in a voice conference is determined by the game state features associated with each player including distance and direction to determine how the voices are mixed in a voice conference.

Abstract: Disclosed is a performance game, and more particularly is a method, an apparatus, and a recording medium for a performance game, which can provide various presentation effects with a simple presentation operation of a user.

Abstract: A music genre judging device able to judge a genre of music in a relatively simple structure.

Abstract: A gaming system comprising a gaming machine, a switching mechanism connected between a game controller and an audio visual output device, and an external controller in data communication with the game controller via a first communications link and connected via a second communications link to the switching mechanism. The gaming system is arranged such that, in a first mode, the game controller generates first game events based on the player input and outputs first audio visual data related to the first game events, and the gaming system controls the switching mechanism such that the first audio visual data is routed to the audio visual output device, and, in a second mode, the external controller generates second game events and outputs second audio visual data related to the second game events on the second communications link, and the gaming system controls the switching mechanism such that the second audio visual data is routed to the audio visual output device.

Abstract: In operation of an electronics device, audio based on asynchronous events, such as game playing, is intelligently combined with audio output nominally generated in a predictive manner, such as resulting from media playback. For example, an overall audio output signal for the electronic device may be generated such that, for at least one of audio channels corresponding to predictive manner processing, the generated audio output for that channel included into the overall audio output signal is based at least in part on configuration information associated with a processed audio output signal for at least one of the audio channels corresponding to asynchronous events based processing. Thus, for example, the game audio processing may control how audio effects from the game are combined with audio effects from media playback.

Abstract: A sound effect generation device for generating a sound effect corresponding to a physical interaction between objects in a virtual space in which a plurality of virtual objects coexists, includes interaction detection means for detecting an object on which the physical interaction occurs in the virtual space, mechanical quantity calculation means for calculating mechanical quantity acting on the object in accordance with the interaction using a mechanical model for determining, based on physics, behavior between the objects on which the physical interaction acts, and sound effect generation means for generating the sound effect caused in the object by the interaction using the calculated mechanical quantity.

Abstract: System, methods and apparatus for presenting media in a wagering game machine are described herein. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving an internal media request from a component of the wagering game machine and receiving an external data signal from outside the wagering game machine. In the embodiment, the method also includes preparing media based on the internal media request and the external data signal and presenting the media on media presentation devices.

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: A device for monitoring a first player, the device includes: a location unit; a score button; a score calculating unit arranged to: receive a first player score indication, transmit a first player score message to another device that is designed to trigger a first player score alert, determine whether to update a first player score value based on at least zero responses to the first player score message, and update the first player score value based on the determination; a feedback unit arranged to receive a second player score message about an intent of a second player to update a second player score value, generate a second player score alert, and transmit a first player response based on at least zero responses of the first player to the second player score alert; and a display for displaying the first player score value and at least one other player score value.

Abstract: An embedded user interface incorporated into a gaming device, the gaming device including a gaming presentation of a base game and a gaming processor for controlling the base game. The embedded user interface includes: a player tracking interface and an embedded processor. The player tracking interface includes (or is associated with) a display screen and enables display of a system game to a user, presentation of information to the user, and reception of information from the user. The embedded processor employs an internal operating system and communicates with the gaming processor, enables control of the system game, control of player tracking information, and control of non-gaming information. In one embodiment, the embedded user interface enables control of a system game of which at least a portion of the system game is presented physically external to the embedded user interface.

Abstract: A gaming system which maintains a count of the consecutive plays of a game. The system produces a same player stimuli for a designated quantity of the consecutive plays, and the system produces a different player stimuli for one or more of the plays which occur after the designated quantity is reached.

Abstract: An interactive multi-channel game method is described. The method includes providing a first representation of a game element associated with a first channel of a multi-channel system, replacing the first representation with a second representation of the game element associated with a second channel of the multi-channel system, providing a clue associated with the second channel, and receiving a user input representing a user's response to the clue. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: The device and method of the present invention improves electronic communication which have behavioral consequences, including for example, flight communication, two-way closed circuit communication such as for fire, police, miners, scuba divers and other heath and safety workers, and even for mobile communication which happens during activities such as cellular or mobile conversations during driving. Dichotic listening techniques are altered to enhance dyadic (involving two people) interactions with a partner. The speech of at least the first member of the dyad is filtered to isolate the component below 0.5 Khz, which will be input with a gain to the left ear of the second person (provided that they are right-handed), and thus their right cerebral hemispheres, and the component with a frequency above 0.5 Khz. will be input to their right ears, and thus their left cerebral hemispheres.

Abstract: An audio game system and method playable with a website server having an online connection on a network such as the Internet to a plurality of computers for respective participants employs a website enabled to receive from each participant's computer a music file entry selected in response to a game question or challenge issued by the website and determining an ordering by time of response of a first-in-time music file entry and sending it for audio playback on the participants' computers as a winning entry to the game question or challenge. Preferably, a participant's time-of-response is measured by a client applet on each participant's computer, and sent with the music file entry to the website server to enable the server to determine at least a first-in-time response accurately despite differences in bandwidth and connection speeds of the participants' computers.

Abstract: An example game system includes a home-console type game device and a terminal device. The terminal device includes a touch panel and an inertia sensor, and wirelessly transmits to the game device operation data including touch panel data and inertia sensor data. The game device receives the operation data from the terminal device, and performs game processes based on the operation data. Moreover, the game device generates first game images and second game images based on the game processes. The first game images are compressed, and the compressed image data is wirelessly transmitted to the terminal device. The second game image is output to, and displayed on, an external display device which is separate from the terminal device. The terminal device receives the compressed image data from the game device, expands the received compressed image data, and displays the first game images on a display section.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and machine-readable articles of manufacture enable a means of performing vocal tract based authentication and vocal tract based enrollment via the Internet or similar computing network as a communication medium. A protocol and process is outlined which enables Internet or similar network based authentication among three parties; a party wishing to prove a claimed identity, a party requesting to authenticate the claimed identity, and a party performing the authentication or enrollment process. Further, the party requesting authentication is a separate entity from the party performing authentication or enrollment. In such an arrangement, the party performing the authentication or enrollment is termed “hosted” or “software as a service”. The protocol and process is suitable for execution by distinct software components installed and running on computers located at the location of each of the three parties.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a hand-held game apparatus and method providing an elimination game wherein audible and/or visual signals instruct players to manipulate particular input devices, such as a push button, a pull knob or a twist knob, to actuate a corresponding switch. If the particular input device is not manipulated within a predetermined period of time, such as one second, the game may output an audible and/or visual error signal, stopping play and indicating that the player who failed to manipulate the input device is eliminated from that round of play. The audible signals instructing a player to manipulate an input device can be selected to be voice messages, musical sounds, or other prompts corresponding to each input device. Similarly, the visual signals may correspond to each input device, and may comprise the illumination of lights disposed at each of the input devices.

Abstract: To provide a game device capable of resuming outputting of speech-line data which has been suspended, while reducing an uncomfortable feeling experienced by a user. Second output control means (52b) suspends, in a case where a first game event has occurred during outputting of first speech-line data, the outputting of the first speech-line data, and outputs second speech-line data. Determination means (52c) determines whether or not a combination of the first speech-line data and the first game event or a second game event satisfies a predetermined combination condition, the second game event occurring while the outputting of the first speech-line data is suspended. Resumption control means (52d) resumes the outputting of the first speech-line data based on a result of determination by the determination means.

Abstract: A countertop entertainment terminal includes a terminal housing containing components for a pay to play game terminal including a stereo sound system. The sound system includes a pair of tweeter speakers adjacent an upper edge of the terminal housing and a pair of midrange speakers located on opposite sides of a touchscreen supported by the terminal housing. A sub-woofer speaker is provided within the housing and is open to a side of the housing. In a preferred embodiment the stereo sound system uses subassemblies for each of the tweeter speakers, the midrange speakers and the sub-woofer speaker, simplifying securement within or to the housing.

Abstract: A haptic effect control system includes: a user interface adapted to receive a user-provided input and transmit a control signal representing the user-provided input; a controller in communication with the user interface and adapted to receive the control signal, analyze the control signal, and generate and transmit a first haptic-audio signal in response to the analysis of the control signal, wherein the first haptic-audio signal represents a first audio output for creating a desired sound pressure deviation from the ambient pressure of the user's environment; and an audio system including a device capable of producing the first audio output having a desired sound pressure level, wherein the audio system is adapted to receive the first haptic-audio signal and transmit the first audio output in response to the first haptic-audio signal.

Abstract: A method for reducing noise disturbance associated with an audio signal received through a microphone is provided. The method initiates with magnifying a noise disturbance of the audio signal relative to a remaining component of the audio signal. Then, a sampling rate of the audio signal is decreased. Next, an even order derivative is applied to the audio signal having the decreased sampling rate to define a detection signal. Then, the noise disturbance of the audio signal is adjusted according to a statistical average of the detection signal. A system capable of canceling disturbances associated with an audio signal, a video game controller, and an integrated circuit for reducing noise disturbances associated with an audio signal are included.

Abstract: A multi-media entertainment device enabling a user to control sound/audio elements of a music or sound program while video, such as a musical performance, is displayed and which is correlated to the played sound elements. The user interacts with triggers such as laser beams that can be interrupted by a player's fingers to play music, such as particular instruments of a soundtrack. For instance, a music video or concert has a video track and a sound track. The video track is displayed, and the user controls the audio play of the sound track by interrupting the beams, each beam associated with a different instrument. This allows the user to play the multimedia device along with a displayed video performance, in unison or synchronization with one or more musicians displayed on a display, such as a TV, monitor or video projection system. The user's play may be scored as a function of the user's accuracy of engaging the triggers in time unison with the displayed video image.

Abstract: An interactive game and controller that has advanced functions. The controller may be reconfigurable between different configurations, each representing a different instrument. The game can also reconfigure the controller, both to change the function of the controller, but also to change its other characteristics, such as the sound it produces, and the way it reacts to playing notes.

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: 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: Once a user performs touch operation on any one of knob images displayed on a display device, a CPU identifies the touch operation as first-type touch operation and starts a state where selection of a parameter represented by the touched or selected knob image is kept effective. Once termination of the first-type touch operation is detected, the CPU terminates the selection of the parameter. Further, once new touch operation is detected while the parameter is selected via the first-type touch operation, the CPU identifies the new touch operation as second-type touch operation and changes the value of the currently selected parameter on the basis of a distance and direction of movement of the second-type touch operation (rotating operation). At that time, touch operation on any other parameter image than the currently selected parameter image is made invalid.

Abstract: A computer enclosure is used to install a computer motherboard therein. The computer motherboard includes a number of peripheral component interconnect (PCI) sockets for mounting a number of PCI cards. When some of the number of PCI sockets are not used, the disclosure provides a data storage device bracket which is arranged neighboring some unused PCI socket in the computer enclosure. The data storage device bracket holds at least one data storage device therein, which can fully utilize a space of the computer enclosure.

Abstract: A game machine having a win announcement feature and a method of providing an announcement regarding a winning event or outcome of a game played at a gaming machine are disclosed. One embodiment of a method comprises providing information regarding a winning event occurring at a gaming machine, the method including the steps of presenting a game to a player at a gaming machine, determining if the outcome of the game is a winning outcome, and if so, disseminating at the gaming machine a win announcement comprising information regarding the type of win and the source of the win. A gaming machine includes a controller configured to generate gaming machine control information for presenting a game and configured to generate win announcement information in the event the outcome of a game presented is a winning outcome, the gaming machine including at least one device for disseminating the win information.

Abstract: A game device has a display unit for displaying an image on a screen, a first stage to be stepped on by a first player and a second stage to be stepped on by a second player, the first stage and the second stage being provided in front of the screen and next to each other in a transverse direction. Furthermore, the game device has a first speaker for an R channel and a second speaker for an L channel in an upper portion of the left periphery of the screen, the first speaker and the second speaker being arranged next to each other in a longitudinal direction when viewed from a player who is on the first stage or the second stage, and has a third speaker for the L channel and a fourth speaker for the R channel in an upper portion of the right periphery of the screen, the third speaker and the fourth speaker being arranged next to each other in a longitudinal direction when viewed from the player.

Abstract: A system and method of playing a multi-track musical composition during a wagering game in which musical tracks are successively added as bonus triggers occur, starting from an introduction portion of the musical composition and culminating in a main theme or chorus of the musical composition. Upon receipt of a wager input at a gaming terminal, a base wagering game is initiated during which several bonus triggers can occur, satisfying eligibility to conduct a bonus game. As each bonus trigger occurs, the musical composition adds a musical track to the introduction being played through audio speakers of the gaming terminal, increasing its instrumentation density to create a richer and denser sound. When the last bonus trigger occurs during the base wagering game, the music launches seamlessly from the introduction that has just been built up into the main theme or chorus of the music, which serves as the accompaniment music for the bonus game.

Abstract: A gaming platform for a gaming machine includes a game application having non-shared, executable game objects and game specific information. The game application comprises at least one game manager interface, at least one library routine for receiving commands from the game manager and sending commands to gaming machine drivers, and at least one I/O server comprising a plurality of gaming machine hardware drivers. The gaming platform also includes an operating system having an operating system application and data that are used to provide a plurality of general gaming features, wherein the operating system runs the game application and executes general gaming features in response to requests from the game application. The gaming platform further includes a testing manager in communication with the game manager, wherein the testing manager communicates with an external test client to determine operability of one or more components within the gaming machine.

Abstract: A method, system and program product for audio tonal monitoring of web events is provided. The method includes mapping at least one event to be monitored to a plurality of audible data characteristics, logging data pertaining to the one event monitored, and notifying of the event monitored and logged. Further, the method includes checking whether the one event monitored is mapped to a plurality of audible data characteristics, and if yes, verifying a configuration of a sound generator to be used for producing the audible data characteristics. Moreover, the method includes retrieving the audible data characteristics mapped to the event, and producing an audio tone with the audible data characteristics mapped for the event monitored, such that the audio tone produced having the audible data characteristics audibly alerts a site owner of the event monitored.