US20090111584A1 - Method and system for encoded information processing - Google Patents

Abstract

Methods and system for encoded information processing are described. In one embodiment, an encoded pattern may be optically detected from source media. Gaming data and associated synchronization data may be decoded from the encoded pattern. The gaming data may be synchronized for use during gaming based on the synchronization data. Additional methods and systems are disclosed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Applications entitled “Method and System for Pattern Processing”, Ser. No. 60/984,248, filed 31 Oct. 2007, “Method and System for Pattern Processing”, Ser. No. 60/987,320, filed 12 Nov. 2007, and “Method and System for Encoded Information Processing”, Ser. No. 61/029,704, filed 19 Feb. 2008, the entire contents of the applications are herein incorporated by reference.
FIELD
• The present application relates generally to the technical field of information processing. In specific examples, the present application may relate to a method and system for encoded information processing and/or a method and system for scheduling gaming data.
BACKGROUND
• A user interacts with controls on a video game unit to play a video game for entertainment purposes. The user may connect with other users of a network to participate jointly in a game, or the user may be a sole participant in the game.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• Some embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which:
• FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system, according to an example embodiment;
• FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example encoded information processing subsystem that may be deployed in the hand-held device of theFIG. 1, according to an example embodiment;
• FIGS. 3-8 are flowcharts illustrating methods for encoded information processing, processing according to example embodiments; and
• FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a machine in the example form of a computer system within which a set of instructions for causing the machine to perform one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• Example methods and systems for encoded information processing are described. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of example embodiments. It will be evident, however, to one of ordinary skill in the art that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details.
• A bar code or other another type of encoded pattern may be detected optically from printed matter or a display device (e.g., a television). Gaming data may be decoded from the encoded pattern for use during a video game. Gaming data may also be decoded from an encoded audio signal.
• The gaming data may include puzzle data, map data, character data, weapon data, or any other data that may enhance or otherwise alter game play. The gaming data may not be immediately used by the video game, but rather may be used according to synchronization data. For example, a new puzzle received as a portion of the gaming data may only become available when a television show that corresponds to the puzzle is aired on a television network. The synchronization data may either also be decoded from the encoded pattern or received from a signal source.
• FIG. 1 illustrates anexample gaming system100 in which a hand-helddevice102 may detect an encoded pattern fromsource media106 and/or receive an encoded audio signal from asignal source110. The encoded pattern and/or the encoded audio signal may be decoded to obtain gaming data and/or synchronization data. The gaming data and synchronization data may be used to enable a user with the hand-helddevice102 to play along with a game being presented on a display device. For example, the gaming data may be puzzle data and the synchronization data may be puzzle timing data to indicate which puzzle should be presented on the hand-helddevice102.
• The hand-helddevice102 may be a portable gaming device, a mobile telephone, a smart card, a portable computer, or the like. Other types of hand-held devices may also be used. Thesource media106 may include, by way of example, printed matter, a display device, or the like. Thesource media106 may be capable of presenting an encoded pattern (e.g., a bar code) that is detectable by the hand-helddevice102. For example, thesource media106 may include printed media (e.g., a newspaper article), electronic media (e.g., a web page), and other types of visual media that are capable of visually presenting an encoded pattern. Thesource media106 may, in an example embodiment, be provided by thesignal source110.
• The hand-helddevice102 may include an encodedinformation processing subsystem112 to obtain and use gaming data, promotional data, and/or synchronization data.
• In an example embodiment, the hand-helddevice102 may include a CMOS imaging sensor, a 32-bit microprocessor and external memory. For example, the hardware of the hand-helddevice102 may include OEM part number: 5080SR-1212A0R by Honeywell Imaging and Mobility, a color CMOS imaging device (e.g., the Omni Vision OV7670) and a 32-bit microcontroller (e.g., the Sunplus SPG293A). The encoded pattern decoding software may be ADAPTEC from Honeywell Imaging and Mobility. However, other configurations of hardware and software may also be used.
• Thegaming provider108 may interact with the hand-helddevice102 over anetwork104 to track scores of various users, provide electronic coupons, and the like. For example, a score or other performance indicator may be sent over thenetwork104 from the hand-helddevice102 to thegaming provider108. Thegaming provider108 may be associated with the game being presented on the display device. The hand-helddevice102 may redeem promotional opportunities over thenetwork104, or may be physically taken into a store for redemption.
• Thenetwork104 may be a television distribution network, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network, an Internet Protocol (IP) network, a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) network, and/or a WiFi network. Other networks may also be used.
• Thesignal source110 may include a display device, an audio reproduction device, or the like. Thesignal source110 may receive the content from a television broadcast station, over thenetwork104, from a DVD, from local storage, or may otherwise be received. The content may include an encoded audio signal, an encoded video signal, or a different type of content signal. The audio signal may be encoded with RDS or otherwise encoded. Thegaming provider108 may be affiliated with the provider of content of thesignal source110. Promotional data may be presented on the hand-helddevice102 based on a presentation being made on thesignal source110.
• One ormore signal sources110 may be used. For example, thesource media106 may be read from afirst signal source110, and the synchronization data may received from asecond signal source110.
• FIG. 2 illustrates an example encodedinformation processing subsystem112 that may be deployed in the hand-helddevice102 of the system100 (seeFIG. 1), or may be otherwise deployed. The inclusion of thesubsystem112 on the hand-helddevice102 may, in an example embodiment, enable real-time play with thesignal source110.
• The encodedinformation processing subsystem112 may include anoptical detection module202, an audiosignal receiver module203, adata decoding module204, adata storage module206, asynchronization module208, arequest receiver module210, acontent provider module212, aportion access module214, aninteraction processing module216, ascore module218, aresponse receiving module220, and/or adata receiving module222. Other modules may also be included. In various embodiments, the modules may be distributed so that some of the modules may be deployed in the hand-helddevice102 and some of the modules may be deployed in an additional device.
• Theoptical detection module202 optically detects an encoded pattern from thesource media106. The audiosignal receiver module203 receiving an encoded audio signal from thesignal source110. Thedata decoding module204 decodes gaming data, synchronization data and/or promotional data from the encoded pattern and/or the encoded audio signals. The modules202-204 may be used to preload the hand-helddevice102 with data that may be used based on receipt of synchronization data.
• Thedata storage module206 stores the gaming data and/or the synchronization data. Thesynchronization module208 synchronizes the stored gaming data for use during gaming and/or the promotional data for use during operation of the hand-helddevice102 based on the synchronization data. The synchronization may include scheduling the gaming data for use during gaming and/or the promotional data for use during operation of the hand-helddevice102 based on the synchronization data. For example, the synchronization data may include a single synchronization (e.g., to act as a trigger) or multiple synchronizations (e.g., based on time codes of the content signal provided by the signal source110).
• Therequest receiver module210 receives a request for gaming execution. Thecontent provider module212 provides gaming content during the gaming. The gaming content may be provided by audibly presenting the gaming content through a speaker on the hand-helddevice102 or an audio output of the hand-helddevice102, visibly presenting the gaming content through a display on the hand-helddevice102 or a video output of the hand-helddevice102, and/or may be otherwise presented. The gaming content may be provided based on receipt of the request.
• Theportion access module214 accesses a portion of the stored gaming data during the gaming in accordance with the synchronization data. The portion of the gaming data may be used during the providing of the gaming content. Theinteraction processing module216 processes gaming interactions from a user during the gaming.
• Thescore module218 calculates and/or stores a score based on the performance of a user during the gaming. Theresponse receiving module220 receives an electronic coupon and/or a player ranking from thegaming provider108. Thedata receiving module222 receives synchronization data from the presentation device202 (seeFIG. 2).
• FIG. 3 illustrates amethod300 for encoded information processing according to an example embodiment. Themethod300 may be performed by the hand-held device102 (seeFIG. 1) of thesystem100, or it may be otherwise performed. In an example embodiment, themethod300 may obtain gaming data and synchronization data from an encoded pattern.
• An encoded pattern is optically detected from thesource media106 atblock302. The encoded pattern may be a bar code or other machine readable representations of data in a visual form. The bar code may be one-dimensional such as a UPC bar code. The bar code may be multi-dimensional (e.g., two-dimensional bar codes such as an Aztec code, Data Matrix, Dataglyph, MaxiCode, PDF317, QR Code, Ultra Code or UCC RSS-2D bar code). Other types of bar codes may also be used.
• Gaming data and associated synchronization data are decoded from the encoded pattern atblock304. The gaming data may include puzzle data, map data, character data, weapon data, or any other data that may contribute or enhance game play. For example, the gaming data may be puzzles for the WHEEL OF FORTUNE game show, answers and/or questions for the JEOPARDY game show, questions from the WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE game show, or the like. The gaming data may provide a patch or other type of update for a video gaming operating on the hand-helddevice102.
• The synchronization data may indicate when portions or the gaming data may be used by the video game. For example, puzzle start times may indicate when puzzle data will be made available for use by the video game. Adventure usage may indicate when additional levels, characters, or weapons are available to a player of the video game.
• The synchronization data may enable game play along with the content (e.g., coordinated game play) being presented by thesignal source110.
• The gaming data and/or the synchronization data may be stored atblock306. The gaming data and/or the synchronization data may be stored on the hand-helddevice102, or otherwise stored. For example, the gaming data and/or the synchronization data may be stored on a remote server available over thenetwork104 or a data storage device connected to the hand-helddevice102.
• The gaming data may be synchronized for use during gaming based on the synchronization data atblock308. The synchronization of the gaming data may enable the gaming to be synchronized to content provided by thesignal source110. In an example embodiment, the synchronization of gaming data may enable enhanced video game play by allowing a user of the video game to experience additional game functionality at specified times during game play.
• A request for gaming execution may be received atblock310. The request for gaming execution may be for the video game to start or to continue play in an ongoing game. The operations performed at blocks302-308 may occur while the video game is being played, during a stop in play, or when the hand-helddevice102 is not being used for game play.
• Atblock312, a portion of the gaming data may be accessed during the gaming based on the synchronization data. The portion of the gaming data may be used during the providing of the gaming content.
• Gaming content may be presented during the gaming atblock314. The gaming content may be presented based on the receipt of the request. The presentation of the gaming content may include an audio/video presentation to which the user can interact or control based on usage of the hand-helddevice102.
• Gaming interactions may be processed from a user during the gaming atblock316. The gaming interactions may include guessing letters or the solution to a puzzle, moving a character through a maze, or the like.
• A score may be calculated based on the performance of the user during the gaming atblock318. The score may reflect a number of puzzles correctly solved, a number of monsters defeated, or the like.
• The score may be provided based on the performance of the user during the gaming atblock320. The score may be presented to the user through display on the hand-helddevice102, may be provided to the user through electronic mail, or may otherwise be maid available to the user. The score may be provided to thegaming provider108.
• A response may be received from thegaming provider108 atblock322. The response may include an electronic coupon, a player ranking, or the like. The electronic coupon may reward the user for participation in the video game. The player ranking may rank the user's performance in the video game relative to other users.
• FIG. 4 illustrates amethod400 for encoded information processing according to an example embodiment. Themethod400 may be performed by the hand-held device102 (seeFIG. 1) of thesystem100, or it may be otherwise performed. In an example embodiment, themethod400 may obtain gaming data from an encoded pattern and synchronization data from thesignal source110.
• An encoded pattern is optically detected from thesource media106 atblock402. Gaming data is decoded from the encoded pattern atblock404. The gaming data may be stored atblock406.
• Synchronization data is received from thesignal source110 atblock408. The synchronization data may be encoded in an audio portion and/or a video portion of a content signal (e.g., a video signal) associated with the game. For example, a television show presented on thesignal source110 in the form of a display device may present an encoded content signal having the synchronization data encoded through use of dual tone multiple frequency (DTMF), luminance modulation, chrominance modulation, or the like.
• The gaming data may be synchronized for use during the gaming based on the synchronization data atblock410. Gaming interactions received from a user during the gaming may be processed atblock412.
• A portion of the gaming data is accessed based on the synchronization data atblock414. The gaming data may be accessed based receipt of the synchronization signal, the scheduling of the gaming data, receiving of the gaming interactions, or may be otherwise accessed.
• A request may be received for gaming execution atblock416. Gaming content including the portion of the gaming data is provided during the gaming atblock418. The gaming content may be provided in response to the receipt of the request.
• In an example embodiment, the operations performed at blocks318-322 may be performed with themethod400.
• FIG. 5 illustrates amethod500 for pattern processing according to an example embodiment. Themethod500 may be performed by the hand-helddevice102 of thesystem100, or it may be otherwise performed.
• Atblock502, an encoded pattern is optically detected from thesource media106. Promotional data is decoded from the encoded pattern atblock504.
• Synchronization data is received from thepresentation device202 atblock506. In an example embodiment, the synchronization data may be received from a video signal presented on thepresentation device202 in the form of a display device. The synchronization data may be encoded within the video signal in a substantially invisible way.
• Atblock508, the promotional data is synchronized for use during operation of the hand-helddevice102 based on the synchronization data. The promotional data may be used based on the synchronization atblock510. For example, the promotional data may be presented (e.g., as an advertisement or a promotion) on a display of the hand-helddevice102 based on the synchronization data. The promotional data may be otherwise used.
• FIG. 6 illustrates amethod600 for encoded information processing according to an example embodiment. Themethod600 may be performed by the hand-held device102 (seeFIG. 1) of thesystem100, or it may be otherwise performed. In an example embodiment, themethod600 may obtain gaming data and synchronization data from an encoded audio signal.
• An encoded audio signal is audibly received from thesignal source110 atblock602. The audio signal may be encoded through DTMF, or other methods of encoding data along with an audio signal. Gaming data and associated synchronization data are decoded from the encoded audio signal atblock604. The gaming data and/or the synchronization data may be stored atblock606.
• The gaming data may be synchronized for use during gaming based on the synchronization data atblock608. In an example embodiment, the synchronization of gaming data may enable enhanced video game play by allowing a user of the video game to experience additional game functionality at specified times during game play.
• A request for gaming execution may be received atblock610. The request for gaming execution may be for the video game to start or to continue play in an ongoing game. The operations performed at blocks602-608 may occur while the video game is being played, during a stop in play, or when the hand-helddevice102 is not being used for game play.
• Atblock612, a portion of the gaming data may be accessed during the gaming based on the synchronization data. The portion of the gaming data may be used during the providing of the gaming content.
• Gaming content may be presented during the gaming atblock614. The gaming content may be presented based on the receipt of the request. The presentation of the gaming content may include an audio/video presentation to which the user can interact or control based on usage of the hand-helddevice102.
• Gaming interactions may be processed from a user during the gaming atblock616. The gaming interactions may include guessing letters or the solution to a puzzle, moving a character through a maze, or the like.
• A score may be calculated based on the performance of the user during the gaming atblock618. The score may reflect a number of puzzles correctly solved, a number of monsters defeated, or the like.
• The score may be provided based on the performance of the user during the gaming atblock620. The score may be presented to the user through display on the hand-helddevice102, may be provided to the user through electronic mail, or may otherwise be maid available to the user. The score may be provided to thegaming provider108.
• A response may be received from thegaming provider108 atblock622. The response may include an electronic coupon, a player ranking, or the like. The electronic coupon may reward the user for participation in the video game. The player ranking may rank the user's performance in the video game relative to other users.
• FIG. 7 illustrates amethod700 for encoded information processing according to an example embodiment. Themethod700 may be performed by the hand-held device102 (seeFIG. 1) of thesystem100, or it may be otherwise performed. In an example embodiment, themethod700 may obtain gaming data and synchronization data from thesignal source110.
• An encoded audio signal is received from the signal source atblock702. Gaming data is decoded from the encoded audio signal atblock704. The gaming data may be stored atblock706. The gaming data may be encoded in an audio portion and/or a video portion of a content signal (e.g., a video signal) associated with the game. For example, a television show presented on thesignal source110 in the form of a display device may present an encoded content signal having the gaming data encoded through use of dual tone multiple frequency (DTMF), luminance modulation, chrominance modulation, or the like.
• Synchronization data is received from thesignal source110 atblock708. The gaming data may be synchronized for use during the gaming based on the synchronization data atblock710. Gaming interactions received from a user during the gaming may be processed atblock712.
• A portion of the gaming data is accessed based on the synchronization data atblock714. The gaming data may be accessed based receipt of the synchronization signal, the scheduling of the gaming data, receiving of the gaming interactions, or may be otherwise accessed.
• A request may be received for gaming execution atblock716. Gaming content including the portion of the gaming data is provided during the gaming atblock718. The gaming content may be provided in response to the receipt of the request.
• In an example embodiment, the operations performed at blocks618-622 may be performed with themethod700.
• FIG. 8 illustrates amethod800 for audio signal processing according to an example embodiment. Themethod800 may be performed by the hand-held device102 (seeFIG. 2) of thesystem100, or it may be otherwise performed.
• Atblock802, an encoded audio signal is received from thesignal source110. Promotional data is decoded from the encoded audio signal atblock804.
• Synchronization data is received from thepresentation device202 atblock806. In an example embodiment, the synchronization data may be received from a video signal presented on the display device. The synchronization data may be encoded within the video signal in a substantially invisible way.
• Atblock808, the promotional data is synchronized for use during operation of the hand-held device in accordance with the synchronization data
• The promotional data may be used based on the synchronized atblock810. For example, the promotional data may be presented (e.g., as an advertisement or a promotion) on a display of the hand-held device based on a schedule. The promotional data may be otherwise used.
• FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of a machine in the example form of acomputer system900 within which a set of instructions may be executed causing the machine to perform any one or more of the methods, processes, operations, or methodologies discussed herein. Thesource media106, thegaming provider108, and/or thesignal source110 may operate on one ormore computer systems900. The hand-held device92 may include the functionality of the one ormore computer systems900.
• In an example embodiment, the machine operates as a standalone device or may be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in server-client network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The machine may be a server computer, a client computer, a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a web appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, a kiosk, a point of sale (POS) device, a cash register, an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. Further, while only a single machine is illustrated, the term “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.
• Theexample computer system900 includes a processor902 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) a graphics processing unit (GPU) or both), amain memory904 and astatic memory906, which communicate with each other via abus908. Thecomputer system900 may further include a video display unit910 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT)). Thecomputer system900 also includes an alphanumeric input device912 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device914 (e.g., a mouse), adrive unit916, a signal generation device918 (e.g., a speaker) and anetwork interface device920.
• Thedrive unit916 includes a machine-readable medium922 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g., software924) embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. Thesoftware924 may also reside, completely or at least partially, within themain memory904 and/or within theprocessor902 during execution thereof by thecomputer system900, themain memory904 and theprocessor902 also constituting machine-readable media.
• Thesoftware924 may further be transmitted or received over anetwork926 via thenetwork interface device920.
• While the machine-readable medium922 is shown in an example embodiment to be a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term “machine-readable medium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present invention. The term “machine-readable medium” shall accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, optical and magnetic media, and carrier wave signals.
• Certain systems, apparatus, applications or processes are described herein as including a number of modules or mechanisms. A module or a mechanism may be a unit of distinct functionality that can provide information to, and receive information from, other modules. Accordingly, the described modules may be regarded as being communicatively coupled. Modules may also initiate communication with input or output devices, and can operate on a resource (e.g., a collection of information). The modules may be implemented as hardware circuitry, optical components, single or multi-processor circuits, memory circuits, software program modules and objects, firmware, and combinations thereof, as appropriate for particular implementations of various embodiments.
• In an example embodiment, an encoded pattern may be optically detected from source media. Gaming data and associated synchronization data may be decoded from the encoded pattern. The gaming data may be synchronized for use during gaming based on the synchronization data. The synchronization of the gaming data may enable the gaming to be synchronized to content provided by a signal source.
• In an example embodiment, an encoded pattern may be optically detected from source media. Gaming data may be decoded from the encoded pattern. Synchronization data may be received from a signal source. A portion of the gaming data may be accessed based on the synchronization data. Gaming content including the portion of the gaming data may be provided during the gaming.
• In an example embodiment, an encoded pattern may be optically detected from source media on a held-held device. Promotional data may be decoded from the encoded pattern. Synchronization data may be received on the held-held device from a presentation device. The promotional data may be schedule for use during operation of the hand-held device based on the synchronization data.
• In an example embodiment, an encoded audio signal may be received from a signal source. Gaming data and associated synchronization data may be decoded from the encoded audio signal. The gaming data may be scheduled for use during gaming based on the synchronization data. The synchronization of the gaming data may enable the gaming to be synchronized to content provided by a signal source.
• Thus, methods and systems for encoded information processing have been described. Although embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to specific example embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
• The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

Claims (26)

1. A method comprising:

optically detecting an encoded pattern from source media;

decoding gaming data and associated synchronization data from the encoded pattern; and

synchronizing the gaming data for use during gaming based on the synchronization data,

wherein the synchronizing of the gaming data enables the gaming to be synchronized to content provided by a signal source.

2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the synchronizing the gaming data comprises:

scheduling the gaming data for use during gaming based on the synchronization data,

wherein the scheduling of the gaming data enables the gaming to be synchronized to the content provided by the signal source.

3. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising:

accessing a portion of the gaming data based on the scheduling of the gaming data; and

providing gaming content including the portion of the gaming data during the gaming.

4. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising:

processing a plurality of gaming interactions from a user during the gaming; and

wherein the accessing of the portion of the gaming data is based on the scheduling of the gaming data and the processing of the plurality of gaming interactions.

5. The method ofclaim 4, further comprising:

calculating a score in accordance with performance of the user during the gaming.

6. The method ofclaim 5, further comprising:

presenting a score based on performance of the user during the gaming.

7. The method ofclaim 5, further comprising:

providing the score to a gaming provider; and

receiving an electronic coupon from the gaming provider in response to the providing of the score.

8. The method ofclaim 5, further comprising:

providing the score to a gaming provider; and

receiving a player ranking from the gaming provider in response to the providing of the score.

9. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the source media includes at least one of printed matter, a display device, or combinations thereof.

10. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the encoded pattern is a bar code.

11. A method comprising:

optically detecting an encoded pattern from source media;

decoding gaming data from the encoded pattern;

receiving synchronization data from a signal source;

accessing a portion of the gaming data based on the synchronization data; and

providing gaming content including the portion of the gaming data during the gaming.

12. The method ofclaim 11, further comprising:

scheduling the gaming data for use during the gaming based on the synchronization data; and

wherein the accessing of the gaming data is based on the scheduling of the gaming data.

13. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the source media includes at least one of printed matter, a display device, or combinations thereof.

14. A method comprising:

optically detecting an encoded pattern from source media on a held-held device;

decoding promotional data from the encoded pattern;

receiving synchronization data on the held-held device from a presentation device; and

synchronizing the promotional data for use during operation of the hand-held device based on the synchronization data,

wherein the synchronizing of the promotional data enables the hand-held device to be synchronized to content provided by a signal source.

15. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the promotional data comprises:

scheduling the promotional data for use during operation of the hand-held device based on the synchronization data,

wherein the scheduling of the gaming data enables the hand-held device to be synchronized to the content provided by the signal source.

16. The method ofclaim 14, further comprising:

using the promotional data during operation of the hand-held device based on the synchronization data.

17. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the presentation device includes a display device.

18. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the synchronization data is received from a video signal presented on the display device; and

wherein the synchronization data is encoded within the video signal in a substantially invisible way.

19. A method comprising:

receiving an encoded audio signal from a signal source;

decoding gaming data and associated synchronization data from the encoded audio signal; and

synchronizing the gaming data for use during gaming based on the synchronization data.

wherein the synchronizing of the gaming data enables the gaming to be synchronized to content provided by the signal source.

20. The method ofclaim 19, further comprising:

accessing a portion of the gaming data based on the synchronizing of the gaming data; and

providing gaming content including the portion of the gaming data during the gaming.

21. A machine-readable medium comprising instructions, which when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the following operations:

optically detect an encoded pattern from source media;

decode gaming data and associated synchronization data from the encoded pattern; and

synchronize the gaming data for use during gaming based on the synchronization data,

wherein synchronization of the gaming data enables the gaming to be synchronized to content provided by the signal source.

22. The machine-readable medium ofclaim 21, wherein the encoded pattern is a bar code.

23. A machine-readable medium comprising instructions, which when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the following operations:

optically detect an encoded pattern from source media;

decode gaming data from the encoded pattern;

receive synchronization data from a signal source;

access a portion of the gaming data based on the synchronization data; and

provide gaming content including the portion of the gaming data during the gaming

24. The machine-readable medium ofclaim 23 further comprising instructions, which when implemented by one or more processors perform the following operations:

schedule the gaming data for use during the gaming based on the synchronization data; and

wherein accessing of the gaming data is based on scheduling of the gaming data.

25. A system comprising:

an optical detection module to optically detect an encoded pattern from source media;

a data decoding module to decode gaming data and associated synchronization data from the encoded pattern detected by the optical detection module; and

a synchronization module to synchronize the gaming data for use during gaming based on the synchronization data decoded by the data decoding module,

wherein synchronization of the gaming data enables the gaming to be synchronized to content provided by a signal source.

26. The system ofclaim 25, further comprising:

a portion access module to access a portion of the gaming data decoded by the data decoding module based on the scheduling of the gaming data by the synchronization module; and

a content provider module to provide gaming content including the portion of the gaming data during the gaming.

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