Summary:
U.S. Patent No. 9,061,205 (the '205 Patent) describes a method to add more variety in a music rhythm game during a free play routine. Music rhythm games like Guitar Hero often feature a free play feature. The '205 describes a method where if the player holds the plastic guitar in a certain position during free play, the game will enter into a different mode. Pointing the head of the guitar downward would access a power chord mode. The game would mute the normal audio sample and begin to play a power chord version of the same song. The idea is to recreate the artistic nature that takes place during live performances. A real guitarist can add or subtract elements from a song while playing, and that is the type of freedom the '205 Patent aims to give players.


Abstract:

Illustrative Claim:
1. A method of generating audio tracks in a music video game, comprising: receiving a first input signal indicating status of a first plurality of input devices of a video game controller; outputting a polyphonic audio compilation based on the first input signal, the polyphonic audio compilation including at least two audio tracks featuring a sequence of notes or chords of different instruments; receiving a second input signal indicating status of a second plurality of input devices of the video game controller; selecting at least one of the at least two audio tracks based on the second input signal; and muting the at least one of the at least two audio tracks.


Researched By: Andrew F. Thomas

A music based video game in which a game player's singing performance is digitally sampled while the player performs a free-form vocal over a prerecorded musical composition. Aspects of the game player's free-form vocal performance are compared with predetermined criteria. For example, the vocal performance may be compared with tempo and key information to generate performance evaluation data. The performance evaluation data may be used to present performance feedback to the game player while the game player is singing. 1. A method for evaluating vocal inputs in a music based video game, comprising: repeatedly over time receiving input signals providing audio information; repeatedly over a particular time period determining a pitch of the audio information so as to determine a plurality of pitches of the audio information; determining if the pitches are in accordance with a plurality of target pitches, without regard to particular timing of individual pitches of the plurality of pitches; determining a valuation based on whether the pitches are in accordance with a target key; and commanding presentation of an indication of the valuation.

Summary:
U.S. Patent No. 8,814,687 (the '687 Patent) describes a method to allow a multiplayer game in Guitar Hero. If a person was already playing a song in the game, the '687 Patent allows for a second person to join without interrupting the song. The system would quickly configure the settings and information for the second player while the first player kept play. A player could also leave a session without forcing other players to leave as well. The system removes all the information relating to the player who quit but leaves the remaining player's information intact.

Abstract:

Illustrative Claim:
1. A method of providing for video game play of a music-based video game, comprising: displaying, for the music-based video game, video of a band performing, the band including musicians whose roles players may perform, with each of the players provided a score; determining whether a further player is joining the video game during a presentation of a music piece based on at least an input signal from a further controller, the further controller not already associated with another game player; if the further player is joining the video game during the music piece, providing game play for the further player without disrupting play of other players, including commanding display of instructive cues for operation of the further controller and commanding display of a score for the further player based on compliance with the instructive cues based on inputs from the further controller; determining whether the further player is quitting the video game during display of the instructive cues for the further player; and if the particular player is quitting the video game, removing display of the instructive cues for the further player.