U.S. patent application number 10/356594 was filed with the patent office on 2004-04-01 for power module.
This patent application is currently assigned to Intec, Inc.. Invention is credited to HUSSAINI, Saied, IACOVELLI, Marc.
Application Number | 20040063502 10/356594 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32033067 |
Filed Date | 2004-04-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040063502 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HUSSAINI, Saied ; et
al. |
April 1, 2004 |
POWER MODULE
Abstract
A computer game controller with integrated LED display to
indicate when special features or modes are in use at a given time.
A communication cable establishes a communication link to
facilitate the transmission of command signals. When a user selects
button "A" and activates the "turbo"or program option, a LED light
located proximate button "A"is lit to indicate that "turbo" or
program mode is engaged. Likewise all buttons, pads, keys and knobs
are associated with a LED light somewhere within the controller. A
plug is affixed to the end of the communication cable. When the
cable is inserted into a receptacle on a computer gaming device and
a connection is properly formed, a LED light formed on the plug
will light in response to a voltage across a voltage supply
line.
Inventors: |
HUSSAINI, Saied; (Miami,
FL) ; IACOVELLI, Marc; (Miami, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LINIAK, BERENATO & WHITE, LLC
6550 ROCK SPRING DRIVE
SUITE 240
BETHESDA
MD
20817
US
|
Assignee: |
Intec, Inc.
5255 NW 159th Street
Miami
FL
33014
|
Family ID: |
32033067 |
Appl. No.: |
10/356594 |
Filed: |
February 3, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60/412,804 |
Sep 24, 2002 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/56 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 13/06 20130101;
A63F 2300/1043 20130101; A63F 13/24 20140902 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/056 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/02 |
Claims
What is Claimed is:
1. A video game controller for interaction with a computer gaming
unit, said controller comprising:a hand held body;a plurality of
buttons logistically positioned for manipulation by a user; anda
plurality of indicators each one individually associated with a
corresponding of said plurality of buttons,wherein said indicator
illuminates to indicate a specific mode of operation for said
associated button.
2. The video game controller according to claim 1, wherein said
plurality of indicators is continuously lit during said specific
mode of operation.
3. The video game controller according to claim 1, wherein said
plurality of indicators blinks on and off during said specific mode
of operation.
4. The video game controller according to claim 1, wherein each of
said plurality of buttons have a distinct identifying shape made
from a translucent material integrally formed thereon, through
which an LED light is visible when lit.
5. The video game controller according to claim 1, further
comprising a control circuitry, wherein said circuitry controls a
voltage flow to said LED indicator in response to said mode of
operation.
6. The video game controller according to claim 1, further
comprising at least one direction pad, wherein said direction pad
has at least one translucent material integrally formed
thereon.
7. The video game controller according to claim 6, wherein an LED
light is positioned under a surface of said game controller and is
lit when a voltage flows therethrough, said LED light is visible
through said translucent material on said directional pad.
8. The video game controller according to claim 1, further
comprising a stick integrally formed with a translucent ring along
an outer edge.
9. The video game controller according to claim 8, wherein an LED
light is positioned under a surface of said game controller and is
lit when a voltage flows therethrough, said LED light is visible
through said translucent ring.
10. The video game controller according to claim 1, further
comprising at least one communication cable operatively connected
to said hand held body and provided to transmit operation commands
to said computer gaming unit in response to manipulation of said
operation members by said user.
11. The video game controller according to claim 10, said
communication cable further comprising a plug formed on a terminal
end thereof to facilitate connection between said computer gaming
unit, wherein said plug further comprises at least one illuminator
disposed on said terminal end to a voltage supply line, such that
said illuminator lights in response to a voltage supply.
12. The video game controller according to claim 11, wherein a
translucent material is integrally formed on the surface of said
plug, allowing visibility of said illuminator when lit.
13. The video game controller according to claim 12, wherein said
translucent material is a colored translucent material.
14. The video game controller according to claim 11, wherein said
at least one illuminator disposed on said plug lights in response
to a proper connection between said plug and said computer gaming
unit.
15. The video game controller according to claim 1, further
comprising at least one audio/video cable operatively connected to
said computer gaming unit via a plug located on a terminal end of
said audio/video cable, wherein said plug further comprises at
least one illuminator disposed on said plug and connected to a
voltage supply line, such that said illuminator lights in response
to a voltage supply.
16. The video game controller according to claim 15, wherein a
translucent material is integrally formed on the surface of said
plug, allowing visibility of said illuminator when lit.
17. The video game controller according to claim 16, wherein said
translucent material is a colored translucent material.
18. The video game controller according to claim 16, wherein said
at least one illuminator disposed on said plug lights in response
to a proper connection between said plug and said computer gaming
unit.
19. A communication cable for a video game controller, comprising:a
voltage supply line disposed within said communication cable;a plug
formed on a terminal end of said communication cable to facilitate
connection between a computer gaming unit and said video game
controller; andat least one illuminator disposed on said terminal
end and connected to a voltage supply line, such that said
illuminator lights in response to a voltage flow across said
voltage supply line when a proper connection is made.
20. The communication cable according to claim 14, further
comprising a translucent material integrally formed on the surface
of said plug, allowing visibility of said illuminator when lit.
21. 21. A video game controller for interaction with a computer
gaming unit, said controller comprising:a hand held body;a
plurality of buttons logistically positioned for manipulation by a
user;at least one communication cable operatively connected to said
hand held body and provided to transmit operation commands to said
computer gaming unit in response to manipulation of said operation
members by said user; andat least one indicator light, said
indicator light illuminating in response to a connection between
said communication cable and said computer gaming unit.
22. The video game controller according to claim 21, wherein said
communication cable includes:a voltage supply line disposed within
said communication cable;a plug formed on a terminal end of said
communication cable to facilitate connection of said voltage supply
line between said computer gaming unit and said video game
controller;wherein said indicator light automatically illuminates
in response to voltage flow across said voltage supply line when a
proper connection is made between said plug and said computer
gaming unit.
23. The video game controller according to claim 22, wherein said
indicator light is disposed beneath an exposed translucent surface
such that when said indicator light is illuminated, said light is
visible to a user through said translucent material.
24. The video game controller according to claim 23, wherein said
indicator light is disposed beneath an exposed translucent surface
such that when said indicator light is illuminated, said light is
visible to a user through said translucent material.
25. The video game controller according to claim 23, wherein said
exposed translucent material includes opaque indicia disposed
thereon.
26. The video game controller according to claim 24, wherein said
exposed translucent material includes an opaque indicia disposed
thereon.
27. The video game controller according to claim 22, further
including another indicator light positioned under a surface of
said hand held unit.
28. The video game controller According to claim 27, wherein said
another indicator light is an LED visible through a colored
translucent material integrally formed with said an external
surface of said hand held unit.
29. The video game controller According to claim 22, wherein said
at least one indicator light is disposed on said plug.
Description
Detailed Description of the Invention
Cross Reference to Related Applications
[0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional
application 60/412,804 filed on September 24, 2002 and is hereby
incorporated by reference.
Background of Invention
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to video game controllers and
more specifically to an integrated controller with LED lights to
individually indicate the status of a mode of each or a plurality
of buttons of a video game controller.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Computer video games are well known in the art. Such devices
range from small hand held all-in-one units, to larger stand-alone
units which interact with stand-alone controllers. For more
sophisticated play, stand-alone computer units provide tremendous
processing power and work with associated peripheral devices, such
as a remote controller and television display in an attempt to
bring the player a more dramatic gaming experience to that of hand
held devices. A central stand-alone console contains all the
essential processing components to run a computer game. A
controller is connected to communicate operation control commands
from a user. As previously mentioned, this conventional arrangement
is well known in the art.
[0006] With the tremendous commercial success of stand-alone
computer gaming systems, an entire peripheral market has emerged
ranging from advanced video controllers, joysticks, steering wheel
devices for racing games, multi-tap controllers, vibrating
controllers, video stands, audio systems and the like. Programmable
controllers are also available which allow a user to customize the
operation of control buttons by programming different modes of
operation.
[0007] With the use of sophisticated controllers that can provide a
myriad of functions, a user can forget or get lost when attempting
to associate a particular function to a particular key, button,
pad, or knob. The current devices available to a user do not
provide additional information once a mode selection has been made
with reference to a particular button on a video controller.
[0008] The prior art utilizes a control circuitry that lights a
single LED light when the "turbo" or program (macro) mode is
selected for any button on the controller. Normally, controllers
have several buttons that are capable of operating in "turbo"mode.
The single LED light is lit to indicate when any one of these
buttons is in "turbo"or program mode. Thus, a user of this
controller would be able to tell that at least one button is in
"turbo"mode when the LED light is lit, but would not be able to
differentiate which individual button is actually acting under
"turbo" or program mode.
[0009] It is there necessary to provide a controller that would
indicate to a user what special features or modes are empowered to
a particular button at a given time.
Summary of Invention
[0010] The present invention is directed to a computer game
controller with integrated LED display to indicate what special
features or modes are in use for a particular button at a given
time. A communication cable connects the controller with a
stand-alone computer game device. The cable establishes a
communication link to facilitate the transmission of command
signals. The video game controller of the present invention
provides two-way interaction with the stand-alone computer
device.
[0011] When a user selects button "A"and activates the
"turbo"option, a LED light associated with button "A"and located
proximate button "A"is lit to indicate that "turbo"mode is engaged
for that button.
[0012] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a LED
light under the surface of the controller. The directional control
pads and joysticks have a translucent material disposed thereon to
allow the illumination of the LED light to be visible to a user of
the controller.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0013] Fig. 1a is a top plan view of a controller with integrated
LED lights according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0014] Fig. 1b is an additional plan view of a controller showing
buttons associated with the controller.
[0015] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the components within a
controller.
[0016] Figs. 3a-d are plan views of the movement pads located on
the controller in Fig. 1.
[0017] Fig. 4 is a plan view of the various buttons found on a
controller as shown in Fig 1.
[0018] Figs. 5a-c are plan views of the various plugs used on the
end of the communication cable used to connect the controller to
the stand-alone computer game device.
[0019] Fig. 6 is a plan view of an audio/video cable used to
connect the stand-alone computer device to an audio or video
output.
Detailed Description Of The Preferred Embodiments
[0020] Fig. 1 depicts a video game controller 10 according to one
embodiment of the present invention. A video game controller 10 is
ergonomically formed to be held by a hand(s) of a user. The video
game controller 10 includes a plurality of operating members for
manipulation of the users hand to facilitate interaction with game
play. The controller may be the programmable type, include a
vibratory member for heightened game play as well as lighted
buttons etc. A communication cable 12, details of which will be
explained later, is also provided to facilitate communication with
a stand-alone computer gaming device. Such controllers and
operating members are well known and within the knowledge of one of
ordinary skill in the art.
[0021] The video game controller, as seen in Figs. 1a and 1b,
includes a plurality of buttons 14, pads 16, sticks 18, and
triggers (shoulder buttons) 20.
[0022] Video game controllers have various buttons to implement
several modes of operation within the controller 10. The video game
controller 10 and the computer gaming unit contain circuitry and
drivers to effectuate the commands given from a user to the
computer gaming unit via the video game controller 10.
[0023] For example, a start button 24 is used to start a video game
once the computer gaming unit is turned on. Usually an opening
screen appears to the operator on a display device. Another example
of a button with specific functions is the select button 28. The
select button 28 allows a user to scroll through the various
options presented by the computer gaming unit.
[0024] Often times, each button 14, stick 18, trigger (shoulder
button) 20 or pad 10 has a particular command in which it executes.
For example, if a user is playing a hockey game loaded on the
computer gaming unit, pad 16 would control the movement of the
player under the control of the video game controller 10. The other
players would be controlled by an additional user through another
video game controller or by the computer gaming unit itself. When
the user presses upon the button 14 with the square, the player on
the display would pass the hockey puck to another player, while if
the user presses the button 14 with the triangle, the player to
shoot the puck towards the goal. Similarly, the right trigger 20
may allow the player under the control of the video game unit to
check, or hit, another player on the screen. Or the button 14 with
the circle allows a player to accelerate and move faster than
normal. Thus, each button 14, trigger 20, pad 16 and stick 18 has a
distinct function assigned to it.
[0025] Many games allow a user to select a "turbo"mode for a
particular function. It is often desirable to have a particular
function at an accelerated speed or provide an additional power
boost to the action on the display. Thus, a user will effectuate
the "turbo"or program mode through activation of the "turbo" button
30. For example, when the hockey player in the above example is
skating and the user wishes to activate the "turbo"function, he
might hold down button 14 with the circle on the top while
simultaneously pressing the "turbo" button 30. This would
essentially place the circle button 14 in "turbo"or program mode.
When circle button 14 is in "turbo"mode the player may skate faster
than if circle button 14 was pressed while not in "turbo" or
program mode. Thus, a particular button may be selectively
programmed in either normal or "turbo"modes.
[0026] With the myriad of buttons, triggers, sticks, and pads, a
user can forget the status of the various buttons and which mode is
engaged or activated at any particular time. Add into the situation
the complexity of computer games and the flow of information from
the display to the user, it is easy to comprehend how a user can
become disoriented when attempting to discern which functions have
been turned on and which have not. This could adversely affect the
player"s ability to play the game.
[0027] Conventional controllers use a single LED indicator to
specify if any button is specially programmed at a given time. This
does not assist current users, as the LED indicator is not
associated with a single button, but rather simply indicates when
at least one button is activated.
[0028] The present invention overcomes this disadvantage by
associating a LED indicator or light 34 to each and every button 14
on the controller 10 capable of different modes of operation. When
a user or operator selects or programs the "turbo" option to a
specific button, an LED light associated with that button is lit to
indicate that "turbo"or program mode is programmed at that time.
According to Fig. 2, a user depresses the "turbo" button 30 in
conjunction with a button 14, for this example the triangle button.
The "turbo"button 30 and the triangle button 14 send a signal to a
control circuit 3 located within the controller 10. The control
circuit 3, through use of an algorithm, then sends a signal to the
LED indicator 34 associated with the triangle button 30.
[0029] Thus, as seen in Fig. 1, the video game controller 10 is
formed with various LED lights associated with a particular button
to indicate the status or mode of operation for that particular
button on the video game controller 10.
[0030] LED lights 34 are positioned proximate buttons 14 to
indicate when a user has activated a special function. Each LED
light 34 is lit when its corresponding button 14 has been pressed
in conjunction with one of the special feature buttons, such as the
"turbo"button 28. Once activated, the LED light 34 can be a steady
light or can blink depending on the programming of the video game
controller 10. Once the user has turned off the special function,
the LED light 34 ceases to be lit.
[0031] When playing a game, many users or operators dim or turn off
the lights in order to better see the display on which the game is
being played. This low light setting makes it difficult for a user
to see the controls on the controller. The bodies of conventional
controllers are often composed of dark colored plastics. It is
therefore preferred that that buttons 14, pads 16 and joysticks 18
are lit in order to assist a user in employing the controller.
[0032] Thus, the present invention also lights the other sticks 18
and pads 16, as seen in Figs. 3a-d. Referring to Figs. 3a-c, a
direction pad 16 is shown in isolation. A directional pad usually
controls the direction of an element within the computer game. In
the example of the hockey game, movement of the directional pad 16
to the right would facilitate movement of the player on the display
under the control of the video game controller 10 to move to the
right. The same can be said for use of the sticks 18 as seen is
Fig. 2d. The sticks 18 and the directional pad 16 may be used to
control the same function within the game. However, choice
selection of a user would precipitate whether the stick 18 or the
pad 16 is used.
[0033] Referring back to Figs. 3a-c, an LED light is located under
the surface of the controller. The direction pad 16 is fit with a
translucent material or partially translucent material that allows
the light generated by the LED light under the surface of the
controller to be seen by a user or operator. The LED light is tied
to the circuitry of the controller, so that when a voltage flows
through the circuitry, the LED is lit. Is it possible to have LED
lights associates with the directional movement of the pad, so that
if a user moves the pad to the right, the right LED is
lit.Similarly, the stick 18 is fit with a translucent ring 38
around the outer edge as seen in Fig. 3d. The translucent ring 38
allows the LED light to be visible to the user. The LED light would
be located within the body of the stick 18.In another feature of
the present invention as seen in Fig. 4, each button is fit with a
translucent material 44 integrally formed with the button. The
translucent material or partially translucent material 44 takes the
shape of the descriptive symbol on the top surface of the button
14. For example, the circle button 14 would have the translucent
material that is shaped as a circle and located within the boundary
of the button 14. While in Fig 1, the buttons 14 are displayed with
shapes on the top surface, some controllers utilize letters
instead, as is seen in Fig. 4. In this instance the letters, "A",
"B", etc., would be formed from the translucent material as
previously stated. A single LED light is used under the surface of
the controller. When the LED light is lit, the light projected is
visible through the translucent material 44 on the button 14. The
LED light under the surface of the controller is tied into the
electrical circuitry of the controller so that when an electrical
voltage flows through the controller, the voltage also flows
through the LED light.
[0034] In some instances, more than one LED light may be used. When
the buttons are placed with considerable distance between them on
the controller, a single LED light may not be enough to shine
through the translucent material for all the buttons. In this
instance, more than one LED light may be used.
[0035] The LED lights maybe lit using the following technology.
Computer gaming units transmit low DC voltage across the
communication bundle, located within the communication cable 12, to
power circuitry within the video game controller 10. The typical
voltage ranges between 3.5 to 5.0 volts. Currently available LEDs
do not consume much power and it is preferred to use the incoming
low voltage DC source from the computer gaming system to empower
and light the LED lights located within the video game controller
10. Currently, when a user empowers a special mode or programs a
special feature on a video game controller, a line of communication
is opened up between the particular button (key, pad, stick, etc)
and the computer gaming device. This is usually accomplished via
activating a circuitry with in the video game controller. The LED
lights formed on the video game controller are tied into these
control circuits so that when a line of communication is opened,
the flow of current or voltage to the LED light associated to a
particular button is also opened up. Thus, the LED light will light
up. Similarly, when the user selectively closes the communication
line, the voltage to the LED light is cut off by the control
circuitry and the light is not longer lit. This technology is
commonly known to those skilled in the art.
[0036] Referring now to Figs. 5a-c, explanation will be given to
the communication cable 12 and the LED display formed in the region
of the plug 50. All video game controllers 10 are formed with a
communication cable 12 through which the video game controller
interacts with the computer gaming unit. The communication cable 12
must be inserted into a receptacle on the computer gaming unit in
order to provide a proper connection. Located at the terminal end
of the communication cable 12 is a plug 50. The plug 50 is used to
connect the communication cable 12 to the computer gaming unit. The
plug 50 has a series of electrical connections that correspond to
an electrical connection within the receptacle of the computer
gaming device.
[0037] Sometimes, the communication cable 12 and the plug 50 can
become dislodged, improperly connected, or partially disconnected
from the computer gaming device. This can be caused through several
different situations: extreme movement of the communication cable
12 through player excitement, accidental contact with the
communication cable, improper insertion of communication cable 12
during connection by the user.
[0038] Thus, the present invention integrally forms a translucent
material 55 under which a LED light is positioned in the plug to
denote the connection status of the communication cable 12 to the
computer gaming unit.
[0039] The LED light taps into the voltage supply line of the plus
to allow the voltage flowing from the computer game to the
controller to also flow through the LED light. When a proper
connection is made, the LED light will be lit indicating a proper
connection. When the connection is broken, the LED light goes out
and is not longer visible.
[0040] The translucent material 55, as seen in Figs. 5a-c, can be
any shape desirable. In Fig. 5c, a simple arrow is used as the
translucent material 55. In Figs. 5a and 5b, the logos of the
companies who made the video game controller 10 are placed on the
plug 50 in the form of a translucent material 55. When a connection
is made, the logo LED light 55 lights up.
[0041] The LED lights are not restricted to any one color, in fact,
a plurality of lights may be used to indicate what kind of
connection is made with the communication cable 12 and the computer
gaming device. If a satisfactory connection is made, perhaps a blue
LED light is lit, while is a partial connection is made, an orange
LED light is lit. Similarly, the translucent material 55 may also
be of varying colors.
[0042] Referring now to Fig. 6, explanation will be given to an
audio/video cable 102 and the LED display formed in the region of
the plug 150. All video game controllers 10 use an audio/video
cable 102 through which the video game interacts a display (not
shown) and an audio output device (not shown). The audio/video
cable 102 must be inserted into a receptacle on the computer gaming
unit in order to provide a proper connection. Located at the
terminal end of the audio/video cable 102 is a plug 150. The plug
150 is used to connect the audio/video cable 102 to the computer
gaming unit. The plug 150 has a pin 155 that is an extension of a
coaxial cable that runs within the audio/video cable 102.
Surrounding the pin 155 is a sleeve 160. The sleeve 160 is made
from an electrically conductive material.
[0043] Sometimes, as with the communication cable 12 above, the
plug 150 of the audio/video cable 102 can become dislodged,
improperly connected, or partially disconnected from the computer
gaming device.
[0044] Hereagain, the present invention integrally forms a
translucent material or partially translucent material 165 under
which a LED light is positioned in the plug 150 to denote the
connection status of the audio/video cable 102 to the computer
gaming unit.
[0045] The translucent material or partially translucent material
165, located in the plug 150 region of the audio/video cable 102,
can be any shape or design.
[0046] While the foregoing invention has been shown and described
with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by
those possessing skill in the art that various changes and
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention.
* * * * *