Audible Patents (Class 463/35)
  • Publication number: 20110105230
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoichi YAMADA, Junya Osada, Arisa Hosaka, Eiji Aonuma, Toru Minegishi, Daiki Iwamoto
  • Patent number: 7936884
    Abstract: A replay device and method thereof with automatic sentence segmentation is provided. A soundwave analysis module receives a soundwave signal and analyzes the soundwave signal to determine plural segmentation points. A replay actuation module receives a replay command and sets a replay endpoint on the soundwave signal. A replay access module sets the nearest segmentation point prior to the replay endpoint as a replay startpoint. A replay module plays the soundwave signal from the replay startpoint to the replay endpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Micro-Star International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jui Yu Yen, Ming Hsiang Yen, Yi Chin Lin
  • Patent number: 7934990
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided allowing a player to play a gaming device and receive a predetermined number of outcomes in exchange for a payment. The gaming device generates at least the predetermined number of outcomes, and adjusts a balance of the player device based on the outcomes. The player can continue playing regardless of whether the balance is less than zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Stephen C. Tulley, Steven M. Santisi, Norman C. Gilman
  • Patent number: 7933670
    Abstract: Described is a technology for managing audio playback queues maintained in separate memory spaces, e.g., in a game console, such that that audio playback continues upon transitioning between states (including reboots) that change a memory space's contents. For example, before transitioning from a dashboard mode to a game playing mode, the playback queue in memory space used for the dashboard (and the game) is copied to a second queue in a second (e.g., operating system) memory space. The dashboard queue's contents (often large) are truncated as necessary to fit in the relatively smaller queue space. When transitioning from a game to the dashboard mode, copying the queue back takes place after the dashboard is operational. A third type of queue corresponding to a container of an audio source is also managed, including copying its contents when appropriate to the memory that has the queue currently being used for playback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Mircosoft Corporation
    Inventors: David Anthony William Pickford, Barry Aaron Steinglass
  • Publication number: 20110092283
    Abstract: The game terminal is designed to be structurally strong while providing good access to various electronic controls of the game and music system, and the electronic components of the payment devices. The terminal is horizontally divided into lower, mid, intermediate and upper portions. The two center portions include hinged front face panels to provide efficient access to internal components that preferably have been divided into modular components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: Joseph Levitan, Boris Itskov, Igor Starovoitov, Genadi Peari
  • Publication number: 20110092288
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric M. Pryzby, Steven J. Zoloto, Alfred Thomas
  • Publication number: 20110092287
    Abstract: A multi-participant gaming feature and system is disclosed wherein a player/participant can alter their perception of fellow players/participants, allies and opponents, in accord with a custom menu of identification traits attributable to the tagged player by the tagging player. The altered perception indicator may be as simple as a target always associated with the tagged player, but may also include audio cues, specialized view-thru instruments, changes in heart rate, pre-determined responses to certain actions, flashback viewing of past interaction with that player, behavior modification, and physical characteristic alterations. Such perception alteration features enable participants to make a gaming experience unique to any desired extent relating to their perception of other participants. Defensive modes for such tagging may also be employed to assist those that may have been tagged to comprehend the tagging of themselves and to adjust their game participation accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventor: Paul Maurice SANDERS
  • Patent number: 7930628
    Abstract: A markup language enabled device (17) comprises storage means (21) storing data, the data for enabling augmentation of an experience by providing extra functionality to a movie or a game for example. The device (17) further comprises transmitting means (23) for transmitting the data, receiving means (25) for receiving a real-world description in the form of an instruction set of a markup language and adjusting means (27) for adjusting one or more parameters of the device according to the description.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: AMBX UK Limited
    Inventors: David A. Eves, Richard S. Cole
  • Publication number: 20110086705
    Abstract: A music game method includes retrieving song data having note information from a storage medium coupled to a computer system. The method also includes determining from the song data at least two note indicators to be presented sequentially and determining from the song data a leader between first and second note indicators. The leader provides information related to the second note indicator. A music game system includes a song manager module configured to retrieve song data having note information from a storage medium, and a user interface module configured to determine from the song data at least two note indicators to be presented sequentially and to determine from the song data a leader between first and second note indicators. Each note indicator is related to corresponding note information. The first and second note indicators are adjacent to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: 745 LLC
    Inventors: Bernard Chiu, Mark Izen, Matthew Sughrue, Jack Davis, Mikhail Chekmarev, Mashi Hasu, Leonard Eusebi
  • Publication number: 20110086686
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus and articles for dynamically facilitating user interaction with a program are provided. A user is may be provided with refresher elements (or a tutorial) based on the period of time since the user's last session (or level of skill). Programs which may benefit from such features include, inter alia, interactive games, word processors, spreadsheets, payroll applications etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Jason Avent, David Jefferies, James Callin
  • Patent number: 7922583
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating and controlling electronic signals in a gaming machine is disclosed. The provided apparatus and method include a gaming machine having a CPU or master gaming controller and a digital sound system. The digital sound system comprises one or more speakers, at least one memory unit storing data, a digital signal processor adapted to control and generate audio output, and a programmable logic device interposed between the master gaming controller and the digital signal processor, such that the digital signal processor is unable to communicate to the master gaming controller. The programmable logic device includes at least an address decoder and an event sequencer, with the event sequencer being able to convert instructions from the master gaming controller to instructions that can be executed by the digital signal processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Todd W. Goforth, William L. Hecht, Michael Hoy
  • Patent number: 7922577
    Abstract: A printing and dispensing bonusing system for gaming devices has been developed. The system includes a gaming device with a main processor unit containing that generates event signals according to the gaming logic, a signal transmission device that detects the event signals, and a peripheral device processor that receives the event signals from the signal transmission device. The peripheral device processing unit is isolated from the main processor unit and cannot influence the generation of the event signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Douglas M. Okuniewicz
  • Publication number: 20110081967
    Abstract: An interactive media social game is described. In embodiments, a social game service administrates a networked social game based on media asset interactions. Media asset interaction data is received that identifies media assets when they are downloaded or played at a user device. The media assets are correlated with a social game entity, such as a music pet that is a token entity of the networked social game. The music pet adaptively changes according to characteristics of the media assets. The media asset interaction data is also compiled as a media asset selection history corresponding to a user that is associated with the user device. A media asset recommendation for the user can be generated based on the media asset selection history, and the media asset recommendation is communicated as a recommendation message from the music pet to the user that is associated with the user device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas C. Butcher, Sahil Thaker, Christopher B. Weare
  • Patent number: 7918731
    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 noise level detectors 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 noise level detectors 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Balley Gaming International, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul R. Osgood
  • Publication number: 20110077080
    Abstract: A 3D gaming client in a mobile phone supporting interactive musical video games. Based on beats in an audio input, visual artifacts are created/and presented to the user in a 3D gaming environment. More than one virtual toy character may optionally be employed by the user to navigate and plan a musical video game as the audio input is played. As the user listens to beats of the musical source, the user's selected character(s) in the 3D gaming space encounters corresponding visual artifacts in the 3D visual space. Thus, the user visually experiences the beats/musical frequencies as dynamically created visual artifacts in a 3D environment, and plays a game by navigating to various points in the displayed 3D environment and by navigating over/around the visual artifacts for the musical frequencies encountered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Syed Ashraf Meer
  • Publication number: 20110077077
    Abstract: The game apparatus indicates to a player the slide playing technique that not less than two of fret buttons are operated according to the alignment sequence thereof. When the operation in replay to the indication is evaluated, the game apparatus determines whether the operation for the slide playing technique has succeeded or not, under such condition that with respect to the operations of adjacent two fret buttons, the operation to the preceding fret button to be operated precedingly is detected, the operation to the next fret button to be operated next is detected, and after detecting the operation, the release operation of the preceding fret button is detected, the condition being at least one part of required condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomomi Tsubakisawa, Makiko Ota
  • Publication number: 20110077081
    Abstract: There is provided a game system in which areas where operation instruction markers of each player influence each other. The game system 1 determines a division position DP of lane L where an operation instruction marker IM is displayed each time when a predetermined condition is satisfied during a game, and a size of display area DA of the lane of each player based on the determined division position DP. The game system 1 also determines the position of operation instruction marker IM corresponding to each operation timing 20 described in sequence data SD so that the position changes with the progress of music being reproduced, and displays a game image GI where the operation instruction markers IM corresponding to each players P are arranged in the display area DA corresponding to the player P.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masaru Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7914381
    Abstract: A system and method for facilitating multiplayer online gaming is disclosed. The system 100 includes a client gaming program 108 and a gaming layered service provider (“LSP”) 114, which are stored and operate on a client computer terminal 120. The client gaming program 108 detects when certain individuals identified by a user are playing online games and notifies the user of the individuals currently playing games online and the games that the individuals are playing. The client gaming program 108 allows the user to easily join the games in progress. The gaming program 108 and LSP 114 also monitor and detect games that are running on the terminal 120 and the connection status of the games. The gaming program 108 communicates data regarding the user, games and connection status over the computer network for receipt by selected individuals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Xfire, Inc.
    Inventors: Garrett Blythe, Christopher Kirmse
  • Patent number: 7912500
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile communication device, in particular in the form of a mobile telephone, with a computer device for simulating a virtual living being in respect of the development of said living being, with a display device for outputting the development status of the virtual living being and with an input device for controlling the development of the virtual living being.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Janina Maschke, Michael Maschke
  • Patent number: 7909697
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Patent Catefory Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Publication number: 20110065503
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: STEELSERIES HQ
    Inventors: Jacob WOLFF-PETERSEN, Soelberg TINO, Ed GUNTIN
  • Publication number: 20110065507
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a gaming console having a controller to receive a request to decrease or increase at least one of a plurality of sounds generated by a gaming application to enhance at least one condition in the gaming application, and modify sound produced by the gaming application according to the request. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: STEELSERIES HQ
    Inventors: Jacob Wolff-Petersen, Tino Soelberg
  • Publication number: 20110059797
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a game in a portable terminal are provided. The method includes outputting an audio signal for indicating a specific indication through a speaker, obtaining user's motion data, and determining whether the user's motion data corresponds to the specific indication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyoung-Il Kim, Tae-Jun Park
  • Patent number: 7901291
    Abstract: A wagering gaming device which includes at least one converter program. The gaming device processor, which operates on a particular platform, can use the converter program to read and use programs otherwise incompatible with such platform, such as platform independent programs. This type of gaming device enables developers to develop code on platforms which are different in type from the gaming device platform, and the gaming device processor can read and use this code to operate the gaming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: William L. Hecht, Aaron T. Jones
  • Publication number: 20110045905
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include determining wagering game content presented in a computerized graphical interface on a wagering game machine display. The operations can further include determining sound content that is presentable via a plurality of audio production devices associated with a wagering game machine. The plurality of audio production devices can be positioned in relation to the wagering game machine display to produce a multi-directional audio field that originates from the wagering game content. The operations can determine a position of the computerized graphical interface in relation to the wagering game machine display. The operations can further control distribution of the sound content on the plurality of audio production devices based on the position of the computerized graphical interface on the wagering game machine display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul J. Radek
  • Publication number: 20110040657
    Abstract: Collections of music and other items, related by time, location, genre, and artist, are registered in a data model to provide a foundation for their curatorship, discovery, and procurement. A series of choices, where a choice is a combination of time, place, genre, and artist, represents a map through the history and culture of music. Both expert and regular individual curators define the maps. Animated murals depicting a fundamental combination of time, place, genre, and artist provide a user interface for the navigation of music, its history, and culture. Integration with hand held GPS enabled devices provides users with knowledge of music events and history relative to their present location. A network view presents the user with an interactive diagram of connections between elements in the tunesmap database used as a dynamic filter construction device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventor: Gilbert Marquard ROSWELL
  • Patent number: 7890199
    Abstract: A sound output control apparatus includes a controller for a user to perform a stroke operation. The controller is provided with an acceleration sensor for detecting accelerations of two axes, for example. The sum of the accelerations is calculated, and the output of a sound is controlled in accordance with a change in the sum of the accelerations. More specifically, when the sum of the accelerations exceeds each of threshold values associated with strings of a string instrument such as a guitar, a sound corresponding to the threshold value is output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoji Inagaki
  • Patent number: 7887417
    Abstract: A gaming system for playing a game and processing currency includes a plurality of player interaction terminals adaptable for determining a winning outcome of the game and receiving and processing the currency and discharging the currency in response to the winning outcome of the game. Each player interaction terminal generates various sounds as the game is played and as the winning outcome is determined. A controller operably communicates with each of the player interaction terminals. A tracking device communicates with each of the player interaction terminals and the controller and is held by a casino attendant who moves the tracking device relative each of the player interaction terminals for selectively adjusting the sounds of each of the player interaction terminals and to synch and/or mute or dial down the volume so that a general message, such as, for example an emergency message, may be broadcast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Konami Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Tyndall, Martin Dempsey, Edward Sepich, Jeffrey George
  • Publication number: 20110034247
    Abstract: A game system guides operation timing of the operating section through a monitor by displaying an operation instructing indicator corresponding to the respective operation timings and an operation reference indicator corresponding to the current time in temporal order along a predetermined path on the game, and producing a relative displacement, which is along the predetermined path and is according to the progression of the time on the game, between the operation reference indicator and the operation instructing indicator in order that the operation instructing indicator agrees with the operation reference indicator at the operation timing that should be indicated by the operation instructing indicator, and changes at least either one of a starting position and a reaching position of the predetermined path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Masuda, Yoshito Fukuda, Naoko Matsumoto, Masanori Kono
  • Publication number: 20110028214
    Abstract: A music-based video game additionally evaluates a game player's physical performance. The game player's physical performance is evaluated in some embodiments by determining if an indication of controller movement matches predefined patterns while the game player responds to instructive cues to operate a representation of a musical instrument. A representation of a musician may be provided, with the game player to mimic movements of the representation of the musician. The game player may be provided additional points for properly responding to instructive cues while moving in predefined manners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Brian Bright, Michael J. Chrzanowski, JR., Jonathan L. Hilliker
  • Publication number: 20110028215
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method of encoding audio includes accessing a plurality of independent audio source streams, each of which includes a sequence of source frames. Respective source frames of each sequence include respective pluralities of pulse-code modulated audio samples. Each of the plurality of independent audio source streams is separately encoded to generate a plurality of independent encoded streams, each of which corresponds to a respective independent audio source stream. The encoding includes, for respective source frames, converting respective pluralities of pulse-code modulated audio samples to respective pluralities of floating-point frequency samples that are divided into a plurality of frequency bands. An instruction to mix the plurality of independent encoded streams is received; in response, respective floating-point frequency samples of the independent encoded streams are combined. An output bitstream is generated that includes the combined respective floating-point frequency samples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Stefan Herr, Ulrich Sigmund
  • Publication number: 20110028216
    Abstract: A method for a timing exercise performed on one of a dedicated player handset with screen and appropriate programming and a PC having appropriate programming and a screen, wherein a song is played, and wherein at least one sensor is provided to monitor activities of at least one participant. The method includes showing representations of the musical elements of the song on the screen of the dedicated player and recognizing at least one of the movements, facial expressions, body language, speech and identity of at least one participant; and as a result causing the representations to be “activated” by the participant, in the right order, at the right time and over the right duration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: TuneWiki Inc
    Inventors: Amnon SARIG, Ran Cohen
  • Publication number: 20110021273
    Abstract: A body DJ device and method are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Caroline Buckley, Adam DeVito, Quillon Tsang, Matthew Peter deVito Brown, Greg Easley
  • Publication number: 20110014962
    Abstract: Entertainment system based on multiple choice competition games, characterized in that it comprises at least one terminal including connection means to a dedicated remote server (1), the system also comprising means of playing an extract of a recording with a configurable duration on at least one terminal (2, 3) comprising means of reproducing the recording, means of interaction with a user and means (21, 31) of connection with a dedicated remote server (1), means of asking a terminal user a question and suggesting multiple choice answers, the question being related to information characteristic of the extract of the recording, and the recording being selected by means independent of the terminal user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: Touchtunes Music Corporation
    Inventors: Guy Nathan, Tony Mastronardi
  • Publication number: 20110014980
    Abstract: An audio signal transmission apparatus avoiding noise generation is applied to a game platform functions by executing a recording process, and comprises: an analog-to-digital converter, an intermediary processing unit, a counter, and a controlling unit. The analog-to-digital converter is used for converting an analog audio signal to a first digital audio signal. The intermediary processing unit is connected with the analog-to-digital converter for transmitting the first digital audio signal. The counter controls the intermediary processing unit to output the first digital audio signal after counting a specific time. The controlling unit, connected with the counter and the intermediary processing unit, is used for transmitting the first digital audio signal to the game platform. Therefore, the present invention can achieve the purpose for avoiding noise generation when the audio signal transmission apparatus plugs into the game platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: C-MEDIA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: JUNG-FU LIAO
  • Publication number: 20110014978
    Abstract: A video and audio signal processor includes a game engine interface mechanism, a video mechanism, a video card, an integration mechanism and a sound effect card. The game engine interface mechanism provides graphic parameters and original sound effect parameters. The video mechanism receives the graphic parameters from the game engine interface and provides video data based on the graphic parameters. The video card receives the video data from the video mechanism and instructs a display to provide images based on the video data. The integration mechanism receives the graphic parameters and the original sound effect parameters from the game engine interface mechanism, analyzes the graphic parameters to derive desired sound effect parameters and integrates the desired sound effect parameters with the original sound effect parameters. The sound effect card instructs at least one speaker to provide sounds under the control of the integration mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: C-Media Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: John CHIANG
  • Publication number: 20110009191
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a system and method for providing a computer-based rhythm game using game data supplied by one or more users that is synchronized to audio data of musical performances stored on a user's personal computing device. A user access a server storing game data, selects a game data file, and downloads the game data file to his computer. A rhythm game application plays a music file on the computer, and synchronizes the game data file with the music file to create an integrated rhythm game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: Eugeny Naidenov
  • Publication number: 20110009175
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for using a toy for communicating with a client terminal. The method comprises encoding at least one interacting information as at least one flickering control instruction and using a toy element having a light emitting unit for emitting light according to the at least one flickering control instruction, thereby transmitting the interacting information to a client terminal. The client terminal is configured for capturing the emitted light using an image capturing device and decoding the at least one interacting information therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: In-Dot Ltd.
    Inventors: Yossef Raichman, Moshe Cohen
  • Patent number: 7867085
    Abstract: A gaming machine system comprises a plurality of multimedia output devices, including audio, visual, and/or tactile devices strategically mounted around a casino. The multimedia devices may be used to present celebratory sights, sounds, and/or other sensations throughout the casino when a player achieves a winning outcome. The celebratory sights, sounds, and/or other sensations increase the overall level of stimuli in the casino, thereby helping to create a celebratory atmosphere. In some embodiments, the celebratory multimedia stimuli are communicated to certain gaming machines in the casino based on a triggering event that occurred at a remote gaming machine. The gaming machines may be the same type and/or brand, or they may be different types and/or brands such that the same celebratory stimuli are used to promote multiple types and/or brands of gaming machines. The celebratory stimuli may also be customized specifically for a gaming machine, a player(s), or a casino.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Eric M. Pryzby, Richard T. Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20110004467
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for producing audio and/or visual effects according to a correlation between reference data and estimated note data derived from an input acoustic audio waveform. Some embodiments calculate a pitch score as a function of a pitch estimate derived from the input waveform, a reference pitch, and a real-time-adjustable pitch gating window. Other embodiments calculate the pitch score as a function of pitch and timing estimates derived from the input waveform, reference pitch and note timing data, an adjustable rhythm gating window, and an adjustable pitch gating window. The audio and/or visual effects are produced according to the pitch score, and may be used to generate outputs (e.g., in real time) for affecting a live performance, an audio mix, a video gaming environment, an educational feedback environment, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: MuseAmi, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Taub, J. Alexander Cabanilla, Jonathan Sheldrick, George Tourtellot
  • Publication number: 20110003639
    Abstract: In a gaming device, an input receiving unit receives an instruction input to specify a position where a moving object is to be arranged. The moving object is movable in a predetermined pathway. A memory unit stores, for each of a plurality of timings, a timing and a position where the moving object is to be placed at that timing in association with each other. For each of the plurality of timings, a sound outputting unit determines whether a position stored in the memory unit in association with a timing matches a position specified by a latest instruction input received by the input receiving unit. When the positions match, the sound outputting unit outputs a sound associated with the matching position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masashi Takehiro
  • Publication number: 20110003638
    Abstract: A method includes receiving a user selection of a musical piece; providing performance cues to a user to perform musical events on a musical instrument, wherein the performance cues are synchronized to expert performance data of the musical piece; receiving audio data corresponding to musical events performed by the user on the musical instrument; detecting fundamental frequencies associated with the user-performed musical events; determining an extent to which the user-performed musical events have been correctly or incorrectly performed; providing real-time or near real-time audio feedback and/or visual feedback indicating the extent to which the user-performed musical events have been correctly or incorrectly performed; and using the expert performance data as real-time or near real-time audio and/or video feedback by controlling an output level of the expert performance data output to the user during a session.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: THE WAY OF H, INC.
    Inventors: Harold Lee, Roger B. Dannenberg
  • Publication number: 20100323793
    Abstract: A method of audio processing for an entertainment device operable to communicate with a game controller, the method comprising the steps of generating a source sound for reproduction by a plurality of loudspeakers at a current position where acoustic signals from the plurality of loudspeakers are coincident (hereafter referred to as a ‘sweet spot’), requesting that the user steers the sound using the game controller until the user considers the sound to be centred upon them, and interpreting user inputs from the game controller to adjust the output timing of the source sound data signals for reproduction by respective ones of the plurality of loudspeakers in accordance with the user directional inputs so as to move the sweet spot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT EUROPE LIMITED
    Inventor: Hogarth Andall
  • Publication number: 20100317437
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include determining audio playlists from a plurality of independent wagering game applications (“applications”). The audio playlists can include multiple sound content that is activated contemporaneously on a wagering game machine for each of the applications. The operations can further include determining sound classes assigned to the sound content and determining, from prioritization rules, priority values for the sound classes. The operations can further include comparing the priority values and generating sound balancing priorities for the sound content based on the comparison of the priority values. The operations can also include dynamically balancing the sound content, as presented on audio production devices, based on the sound balancing priorities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Berry, Timothy T. Gronkowski, Eric M. Pryzby, Paul J. Radek, Charles A. Richards, Steven J. Zoloto
  • Patent number: 7850525
    Abstract: An aspect of the present invention includes processes for detecting an event input, inputted as an operation signal, and determining sound characteristic information and sound effects corresponding to the event input, obtaining a first sound source position coordinates information in which a location where an event occurred in a virtual space is taken, determining a propagation mode of a sound to be produced corresponding to the event input in the virtual space based on sound characteristics information and the first sound source position coordinates information, determining a second sound source position coordinates information indicating a position of a sound source on the radar image based on the first sound source position coordinates information, and displaying a sound wave image indicating a propagation mode of the sound effect on the radar image based on the propagation mode of the sound and the second sound source position coordinates information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Sega Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Shimizu, Takao Hirabayashi
  • Patent number: 7846022
    Abstract: The objective of present invention is to provide a game input device which allows a player to enjoy the feeling of actually playing a musical instrument along with a rhythm of music, a game method and a game system using such a game input device. The present invention is a game input device having a moving portion and a neck portion, the moving portion has at least two or more inputs, the moving portion is provided onto the neck portion, and the position of the moving portion is movable on the neck portion. The present invention is also a game method and a game system using the game input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Chiwata
  • Publication number: 20100304810
    Abstract: Described are methods, systems, and apparatuses, including computer program products, for displaying a harmonically relevant pitch guide in a rhythm-action game. In one aspect this is accomplished by analyzing, by a game platform, target music data associated with a musical composition to determine a musical scale within the target music data. Then a bounded space, such as a lane to display vocal cues in, is displayed that includes a plurality of interval demarcations based on the scale, and a background comprising a color scheme based on preselected pitches of the scale. Then the game platform displays the target music data in a manner indicative of the harmonically relevant pitches with respect to the pitch guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: Harmonix Music Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Joshua Forrest Stoddard
  • Publication number: 20100298051
    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 present different sound to each of a plurality of game players seated at the wagering game table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy C. Loose, Eric M. Pryzby, Paul Radek, Alfred Thomas
  • Patent number: 7833096
    Abstract: A video game system and method is described in which map scenes and battle scenes are used. A player character may move through the map scene, and upon encountering enemies to battle, an encounter area may be generated and displayed to show the user which enemies will be included in the subsequent battle scene, and which enemies will not be initially included in the battle scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Hironobu Sakaguchi, Takehiro Kaminagayoshi
  • Patent number: 7828657
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for transforming music played by characters, objects and non-player characters in order to produce an enhanced audio experience for players within a massively multiplayer game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Turbine, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Booth