Method and system for proximity based voice chat

Abstract

A method for use in processing audio includes receiving audio data associated with each of two or more characters in a virtual world, determining a proximity of the other characters in the virtual world for each of the characters, altering the received audio data based on the determined proximity of another one of the characters for each of the characters, and providing the altered audio data to a client associated with the other character for which the audio data was altered for each of the characters.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 846,115, filed on Apr. 30, 2001, entitled “ALTERING NETWORK TRANSMITTED CONTENT DATA BASED UPON USER SPECIFIED CHARACTERISTICS”, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to computer networks, and more specifically, to a system for transforming data transmitted over a network through characteristics specified by a user. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] The basic functions of a computer network are to transmit, exchange or store data transmitted among computers coupled to the network. Most network implementations use a computer network simply as a point-to-point system to route and channel information among the networked computers. Some processes, such as compression or encryption techniques that speed transmission rates or enhance transmission security may ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a method and system for processing audio in a virtual world. The system receives audio data from each of multiple characters in the virtual world and determines the proximity of other characters. Based on this information, the audio data is altered for each character and provided to clients associated with other characters. The technical effect of this invention is to provide a more immersive and realistic audio experience in virtual worlds.

Problems solved by technology

In general, however, relatively little processing is performed on most data once it is transmitted from the sending terminal.

Standard network transmission systems therefore do not provide flexibility or opportunity for a receiver or third party to transform or process the data according to the receiving party's needs.

Present communication systems also typically do not provide effective mechanisms in which the relative location of various users is reflected in the audio output of characters representing the users in a networked game or other application.

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