Wagering Game Soundtrack Synchronization via Volume Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wagering game machines in close proximity to each other often play identical soundtracks at different times, leading to staggered and dissonant audio experiences for players, which can be distracting and negatively impact the gaming experience.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a soundtrack synchronization system where multiple machines in a bank start playing a soundtrack simultaneously from a common starting point, with other machines initially playing at imperceptible volumes, and then increasing volume when they trigger the soundtrack, ensuring all machines play in unison.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If each wagering game machine plays the soundtrack independently when triggered, then each machine can provide its own audio experience, but the soundtracks become staggered and dissonant when machines are in close proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the soundtrack playback across multiple wagering game machines by having them synchronize to a common starting point. When a trigger event occurs on any machine in the bank, all machines in the bank simultaneously start playing the soundtrack from the same position, eliminating the staggered playback issue while maintaining independent machine operation.
2Reliability
If multiple machines play the soundtrack simultaneously at full volume, then the audio experience is synchronized, but machines that triggered later cannot provide their own audio experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic volume control where each machine's soundtrack volume is adjusted based on its trigger status. The first machine to trigger plays at full volume, while subsequent machines that trigger during the soundtrack playback play at reduced or muted volumes. This dynamic adjustment allows all machines to participate in synchronized playback while preserving the audio experience of the triggering machine.
3Productivity
If the soundtrack starts at different times on different machines, then each machine responds to player actions independently, but the close proximity of machines causes the staggered soundtracks to sound dissonant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares all machines in the bank to play the soundtrack from a common starting point in advance. When a trigger event occurs on any machine, all machines simultaneously begin playback from this predetermined starting position, eliminating the staggered effect. This preliminary preparation ensures that all machines are ready to play in unison, maintaining responsive game playback while avoiding dissonant audio.
Data Source
AI summary
A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include detecting a trigger associated with a first wagering game machine. The trigger can be related to wagering game content or a wagering game event. A soundtrack is associated with the wagering game content or wagering game event. The operations can further include beginning play of the soundtrack in unison on the first wagering game machine at an audible volume level and on the second wagering game machine at an inaudible volume level in response to detecting the trigger.