Abstract: A game apparatus determines whether or not a predetermined first condition is fulfilled. When the first condition is fulfilled, the game apparatus causes the second speaker to generate a sound and moves an object in a virtual game space. When a predetermined second condition regarding a position of the object is fulfilled as a result of the object being moved by the moving control means, the game apparatus causes the first speaker to generate a sound. The game apparatus causes a display device to display the game space.

Abstract: Data defining an avatar is received over a network. A sprite sheet comprising a plurality of sprites is created, using the data defining the avatar. Each sprite includes a partial rendering of the respective avatar and at least one run-time parameter including a sprite attribute. A plurality of requests are received, over the network, for the avatar from a plurality of user applications. The data defining the avatar and the sprite sheet are transmitted, over the network, to each of the requesting user applications, enabling each respective user application to display the sprites in the sprite sheet and to set the run-time parameter associated with each of the sprites in the sprite sheet such that each respective sprite is thereby customized to the application.

Abstract: Sound output units (201A, 201B) output sounds, respectively. A detection unit (202) detects existence/absence of depression performed by a player on each of a plurality of operation targets to be operated. A sound volume changing unit (203) changes the volume ratio of a sound to be output from each of the sound output units (201A, 201B) based on an operation target whose depression has been detected among the plurality of operation targets. For example, the sound volume changing unit (203) relatively increases the volume of a sound to be output from a sound output unit among the sound output units (201A, 201B) which is far from the operation target whose depression has been detected.

Abstract: A game system is composed by connecting a game apparatus with a monitor and a percussion type controller. A game player beats a first beating operation surface or a second beating operation surface to input an operation signal from the controller to the game apparatus. In the game apparatus, in response to the operation signal, a player character in a virtual world displayed on the monitor is moved in a left or a right direction. Furthermore, when a sound, input by clapping and so on in the vicinity of a microphone of the controller, is present, the game apparatus generates a shock wave from a position of the player character. By the shock wave, a predetermined change occurs, such as returning an enemy character to its initial position, gathering fairies in a form of block, and so forth.

Abstract: A framework is disclosed for associating visual elements of a computer game with musical scores of a computer game. In one embodiment, a visual element is moved in a virtual environment of the computer game, in response to user input. Playback of a musical score may be altered based on movement of the visual element. A visual effect in the scene may also be generated, based on the altered playback of the musical score.

Abstract: Partitioned artificial intelligence (AI) for networked gaming. An exemplary system splits the AI into a computationally lightweight server-side component and a computationally intensive client-side component to harness the aggregate computational power of numerous gaming clients. Aggregating resources of many, even thousands of client machines enhances game realism in a manner that would be prohibitively expensive on the central server. The system is tolerant of latency between server and clients. Deterministic and stateless client-side components enable rapid handoff, preemptive migration, and replication of the client-side AI to address problems of client failure and game exploitation. The partitioned AI can support tactical gaming navigation, a challenging task to offload because of sensitivity to latency. The tactical navigation AI calculates influence fields partitioned into server-side and client-side components by means of a Taylor-series approximation.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the invention, a sound engine may determine a final sound at a listener location by emulating sound waves within a three-dimensional scene. The sound engine may emulate sound waves by issuing rays from a location of a sound event and tracing the rays through the three-dimensional scene. The rays may intersect objects within the three-dimensional scene which have sound modification factors. The sound modification factors and other factors (e.g., distance traveled by the ray, angle of intersection with the object, etc.) may be applied to the sound event to determine a final sound which is heard by the listener.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes a CPU, and in the game apparatus, letters are displayed as visual support for a sound generated by a message generating object. When a game message is displayed, a distance between the message generating object and a player object is calculated. Then, a form of the letters to be displayed on a billboard is changed depending upon the calculated distance. The form to be changed is, for example, transparency and a size of the letters. Thus, a game image in which the form of the letters is changed depending upon the distance between the player object and the message generating object is displayed.

Abstract: One or more gaming machines are associated with a musical instrument. The musical instrument has a housing and one or more elements for generating sound. The musical instrument may comprise a piano having keys located at one end and housing a plurality of strings. Each gaming machine is configured to display gaming information via a display. In one embodiment, each gaming machine has a housing which is housed at least partially within the housing of the musical instrument. The gaming machines may comprise terminals or stations associated with a roulette wheel for presenting a roulette game.

Abstract: To output sounds generated by multiple objects disposed in a virtual space in as easy a manner as possible while giving live feelings, a storage unit (202) of a game machine (201) stores information on objects of a first type and a second type which move in the virtual space. A basic sound acquiring unit (203) acquires basic sound information corresponding to the total number of the objects. An imitation sound acquiring unit (204) acquires imitation sound information imitating a sound generated by an object of the first type from its position in the virtual space. A mixing output unit (205) mixes and outputs the basic sound information and the imitation sound information. An input receiving unit (206) receives an instruction input from the user.

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: 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 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: 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 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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 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: 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 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 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 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.