1. A method for use in operation of a game apparatus for determining a lack of user activity in relation to the game apparatus, comprising the steps of: obtaining a time series of samples containing information usable to determine an activity level of a user of the game apparatus; processing the time series to determine whether the user is currently inactive; and when the step of processing the time series determines that the user is currently inactive, providing a first signal to the game apparatus for use in controlling the operation of the game apparatus.