U.S. patent application number 11/084078 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-21 for information display faceplate for a video game controller.
Invention is credited to Jason Grotrian, Vincent Higgins.
Application Number | 20060211498 11/084078 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37011064 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060211498 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Higgins; Vincent ; et
al. |
September 21, 2006 |
Information display faceplate for a video game controller
Abstract
A faceplate for a video game controller used to convey
instructional information to the user. The faceplate is designed to
be attached and to be removed from the controller both quickly and
easily. The faceplate can either mask the surface of a controller
or house the controller in a jacket-like manner. The faceplate can
attach to the controller either by adhering to the surface of the
controller or attaching to a portion of the controller.
Additionally, the faceplate can either mask the surface of the
controller in a continuous manner or can contain holes to allow
buttons and sections of the controller to protrude through the
faceplate.
Inventors: |
Higgins; Vincent; (Staten
Island, NY) ; Grotrian; Jason; (Brooklyn,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WARD & OLIVO
Suite 300
382 Springfield Ave
Summit
NJ
07901
US
|
Family ID: |
37011064 |
Appl. No.: |
11/084078 |
Filed: |
March 18, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/46 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 13/98 20140902;
A63F 13/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/046 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1-48. (canceled)
49. A system for conveying useful information on an electronic
device comprising: a faceplate with a top surface, a bottom
surface, and one or more side surfaces; a viscid material for
attaching said faceplate to said electronic device; and, wherein
said top surface of said faceplate comprises information pertinent
to said electronic device.
50. A system as described in claim 49 wherein said information is
selected from the group consisting of instructional information
about using said electronic device, instructional information about
a video game, advertising, programming material, and graphical
information.
51. A system as described in claim 49 wherein said top surface is
continuous.
52. A system as described in claim 49 wherein said top surface
comprises holes for allowing at least a portion of said electronic
device to protrude therethrough.
53. A system as described in claim 49 wherein said top surface
conforms to at least a portion of said electronic device.
54. A system as described in claim 49 wherein said faceplate
comprises portions that add gripping area to said electronic
device.
55. A system as described in claim 49 wherein said faceplate
comprises portions that add additional surface area to said
electronic device.
56. A system as described in claim 49 wherein said electronic
device is selected from the group consisting of a wired video game
controller, a wireless video game controller, a personal digital
assistant (PDA), an MP3 player, a remote control unit, a cellular
telephone, and a portable computing device.
57. A system as described in claim 49 wherein said viscid material
is selected from the group consisting of reusable glue, peelable
adhesive, rubber-based adhesive, pressure sensitive adhesive, and
permanent glue.
58. A system for conveying useful information on an electronic
device comprising: a housing comprising a top portion, a bottom
portion, a front portion, a back portion, and side portions; means
for attaching said housing to said electronic device; wherein said
top portion is attached to said bottom portion along said side
portions and said housing is shaped to enclose at least a portion
of said electronic device; and, wherein said front surface of said
top portion comprises information pertinent to said electronic
device.
59. A system as described in claim 58 wherein said information is
selected from the group consisting of instructional information
about using said electronic device, instructional information about
a video game, advertising, programming material, and graphical
information.
60. A system as described in claim 58 wherein said means for
attaching said housing to said electronic device comprises a
"snap-on" mechanism.
61. A system as described in claim 58 wherein said means for
attaching said housing to said electronic device comprises a viscid
material applied to at least a portion of said housing.
62. A system as described in claim 58 wherein said means for
attaching said housing to said electronic device comprises an
aperture in said housing for securing at least a portion of said
electronics device within said housing.
63. A system as described in claim 62 wherein said aperture
comprises a flexible opening in said housing.
64. A system as described in claim 62 wherein said aperture
comprises a Velcro opening and closing means.
65. A system as described in claim 62 wherein said aperture
comprises a zipper opening and closing means.
66. A system as described in claim 62 wherein said aperture
comprises a snap-button opening and closing means.
67. A system as described in claim 58 wherein said means for
attaching said housing to said electronic device comprises a
resealable flap for securing said electronic device within said
housing.
68. A system as described in claim 67 wherein said resealable flap
comprises a zipper.
69. A system as described in claim 67 wherein said resealable flap
comprises a snap-button.
70. A system as described in claim 58 wherein said front surface of
said top portion is continuous.
71. A system as described in claim 58 wherein the front surface of
said top portion contains holes for allowing at least a portion of
said electronic device to protrude therethrough.
72. A system as described in claim 58 wherein said electronic
device is selected from the group consisting of a wired video game
controller, a wireless video game controller, a personal digital
assistant (PDA), an MP3 player, a remote control unit, a cellular
telephone, and a portable computing device.
73. A method for decorating an electronic device, the method
comprising the steps of: providing a housing with a top portion, a
bottom portion, a front portion, a back portion, and side portions;
attaching said housing to at least a portion of said electronic
device; and, wherein said housing allows for the display of
information pertinent to said electronic device.
74. A method as described in claim 73 wherein said housing allows
for the addition of an ornamental object.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electronics
and faceplate technology. More specifically, embodiments of the
present invention relate to faceplates for video game controllers
that convey information relevant to the video game.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The video game industry is presently one of the largest and
fastest growing entertainment industries in the world. Generally,
video game systems require standard components necessary to operate
and utilize the video game system. Specifically, video game systems
require controller units that allow a user to interact with the
video game and generate the actions of the game. These controllers
are typically external to the video game system (either in wired or
wireless communication with the system), or are an integrated part
of the system. In addition, these controllers are available in
various sizes and shapes that are geared toward specific games
and/or systems.
[0003] Many advances have been made to increase player comfort,
such as controllers with additional gripping, controllers that
provide movement and vibrations that correlate with the actions of
the game being played, controllers that provide airflow to a user's
hand, etc. However, these improvements fail to assist players to
improve game strategy and increase the player's knowledge of the
game in order to enhance the user's interaction with the game
system.
[0004] Due to the increasing number of video games offered to users
and the complexity of these video games, it is difficult for users
to remember and utilize the necessary combination of operations and
buttons while playing the games. This is particularly difficult for
new users of video games that require fast and complex button
combinations such as combat or sports games. Typically first time
users must repeatedly refer back to an instruction manual to learn
how the buttons and combination of buttons interact to perform the
actions in the video games. In addition to game-specific button
combinations, video games have multiple characters operated by
unique button combinations as well. Often, these combinations
change dependent on the level of the game, characters of a game,
type of game, etc. Therefore, it is nearly impossible for a new
user to immediately acquire knowledge about the vast functions and
combinations required for full functionality of a video game.
[0005] In order to assist user's in understanding the gaming
operations and the interaction of the controllers with the video
game system, the video game industry has developed various
different types of controllers for each system and/or game. Often,
the controllers have numbers, simple lettering associated with
specific buttons, or color schemes to assist users with interacting
with a game. However, these primitive aids on the controllers, such
as the letter designation `A` or `B,` do not convey enough
information to use the controller properly or efficiently. In
addition, these designations are permanent and not readily
changeable.
[0006] Although faceplate technology is known in the electronics
industry, current faceplates typically act as a means to protect
the electronic device and not as an informational aid for enhancing
a user's interaction with the video game system. For instance,
faceplates manufactured for cellular phones and the like, are not
designed to be informational or easily removed. In fact, faceplates
of this type merely act to protect the LCD screen of the cellular
telephone from typical user wear and tear.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is designed to overcome the
deficiencies in the art by providing a method and apparatus for
providing visual graphics or information to a user of a video game
system. A removable faceplate apparatus for a video game controller
is disclosed that allows a user of the system to customize the
controller. This enhancement assists the user to interact with the
system. In addition, this enhancement allows a user to add a level
of personalization to the controller.
[0008] In the preferred embodiment, the faceplate is constructed of
a plastic-type composition and comprises an attachment mechanism
for adhering to the surface of a video game controller either
permanently or in removable form. Since controllers are usually
made of a hard plastic, metal, or a combination thereof and come in
a plurality of sizes and shapes, in order to adhere to the
controller the faceplate can be offered in any form that is
controller and/or game specific.
[0009] The faceplate of the present invention is primarily designed
to convey information to the user of the video game controller,
such as instructional information about a particular game, a
situation within a game, a specific character in a game, or the
like. For example, the instructional information could provide a
specific sequence of buttons that need to be pushed for an action,
task, or function to be performed.
[0010] The faceplate can also convey marketing or advertising
information, such as information related to a specific sports
franchise or commercial product. For instance, for a basketball
video game, the faceplate can provide NBA team-specific or NBA
player-specific logo, picture, or other recognizable marking.
[0011] Furthermore, the faceplates can allow a user to "customize"
a controller by offering specific graphics, designs, or other
user-developed content. In addition, the faceplate can be used for
aesthetic or ornamental purposes. For example, the faceplate might
add to the external shape of the video game controller and be in a
decorative form. For example, the faceplate can be made of hard
plastic material that is in the form of certain protruding objects
such as animal horns, devil-type horns, figurines, toys, etc. Thus,
the video game controller still maintains complete functionality,
but has added characteristics.
[0012] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
bottom surface of the faceplate adheres to the top portion of the
outer surface of a video game controller, or a portion thereof.
This adhesive mechanism may include any one or more substances that
keep the faceplate substantially in contact with the video game
controller while in use. Adhesive means include any plurality of
different substances such as glues, viscid substances, static
adhesives, or any other similar substance. The adhesive means are
designed to allow the faceplate to be removable and reusable.
However, the adhesive means may provide permanent, or nearly
permanent, adhesion to the surface of the video game controller.
Alternatively, the faceplate may not have adhesive means but may be
placed on top of the video game controller without completely
adhering to the controller, while providing reference to the
functions of the controller unit.
[0013] In one alternative embodiment, the faceplate encloses the
outer surface of the video game controller or a portion thereof via
a "snap-on" type means. Specifically, the faceplate can attach to
the outer surface of the controller and completely cover the video
game controller. Alternatively, the faceplate can attach to a
portion of the controller unit. For example, the faceplate may
attach to any location on the video game controller, such as the
top surface, the bottom surface, a side surface, or any combination
thereof. For example, a hard-plastic faceplate can grip or
"snap-on" to the sides of the video game controller. The "snap-on"
faceplate is easily and quickly removable. In this embodiment of
the invention, the faceplate can be manufactured of a soft plastic,
a hard plastic, a thin metallic substance or other similar
materials depending on the construction of the video game
controllers. Typically, this "snap-on" faceplate is constructed to
mirror the shape of the video game controller. In addition, the
"snap-on" faceplate can be designed to increase the dimensions of
the existing design of the video game controller. For example,
handles or additional surfaces combined with the controller can
improve the user's interaction with the controller by allowing a
user to better grasp or interact with the functions of the
controller. Furthermore, the increased surface area allows for
additional instructional information, or the like, to be displayed
to the user.
[0014] The aforementioned embodiment allows the "snap-on" faceplate
to mask the entire outer surface of the video game controller, or
portions thereof. In one example of this embodiment, the faceplate
can be designed so that the video game controller does not protrude
through the faceplate. As a result, users are not in direct contact
with the video game controller but instead interact with the
faceplate. For example, instead of interacting with the original
manufacturer command buttons of the video game controller, the
faceplate may be constructed to add data inputs to the controller.
In addition, a video game controller may employ an auxiliary input
means such as a common pin-type interface, USB-based interface, or
other like interface, that can mate with the faceplate to allow for
further data input. This construction allows for additions to the
controller while still maintaining pre-existing functionality of
the video game controller.
[0015] Alternatively, the faceplate may consist of apertures that
allow for the buttons and other sections of the video game
controller to protrude through the faceplate. Thus, users of the
invention are in direct contact with the portions of the video game
controller protruding through the faceplate.
[0016] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the
faceplate is designed as a jacket-like mechanism to encompass the
controller without the use of adhesive or "snap-on" type mechanisms
while maintaining the existing functionality of the video game
controller. The jacket-like faceplate acts as an encasing sleeve
for incorporating the pre-existing controller unit. Typically, this
thin membrane jacket-faceplate allows the components of the
controller unit to be controlled by the user, as if the user was in
direct contact with the controller, however, the controller is
completely covered by the faceplate. When used as a jacket, the
faceplate of the present invention provides added protection from
typical damage caused by usage of the controller such as scratches,
interactions with liquids, etc.
[0017] This jacket faceplate consists of a flexible opening that
allows the video game controller to be easily placed within the
faceplate. Generally, the faceplate has a zipper, a snap button, a
hook and loop fastener portion, or other similar opening and
closing mechanisms that allow access to the enclosure for placing
the video game controller within the faceplate or for removing the
video game controller from the faceplate.
[0018] While use of the faceplate of the present invention is
primarily described in conjunction with a video game controller,
these embodiments are only intended to provide a basic description
of the present invention. As a result, it should be obvious to one
skilled in the art that the faceplate of the present invention
should not be specifically limited to the aforementioned
embodiments. As discussed further in the following detailed
description, the faceplate disclosed in the present invention can
also be utilized with a variety of additional electronic devices.
For example, these devices might include cellular telephones,
remote controllers, personal digital assistants ("PDA's"), or any
other similar electronic device that requires a combination of
buttons, or button-like components for allowing a user to interact
with the electronic device or controller.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] A further understanding of the present invention can be
obtained by reference to the embodiments as set forth in the
illustrations of the accompanying drawings. Although the
illustrated embodiments are merely exemplary of systems for
carrying out the present invention, both the organization and
method of operation of the invention, in general, together with
further objectives and advantages thereof, may be more easily
understood by reference to the drawings and the following
description. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of
this invention, which is set forth with particularity in the claims
as appended or as subsequently amended, but merely to clarify and
exemplify the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed.
[0020] For a more complete understanding of the present invention,
reference is now made to the following drawings in which:
[0021] FIG. 1A depicts a front view of the present invention
wherein the preferred embodiment of a faceplate is disclosed with
apertures for exposing portions of a video game controller in which
the faceplate has a viscid backside for attaching the faceplate to
the top portion of a video game controller;
[0022] FIG. 1B depicts a back view of the preferred embodiment of
the present invention wherein the faceplate is disclosed with
apertures for exposing portions of a video game controller in which
the faceplate has a viscid backside for attaching the faceplate to
the top portion of a video game controller;
[0023] FIG. 2 depicts a front view of an alternative embodiment of
the present invention wherein a faceplate is disclosed in which the
faceplate masks the face of the video game controller;
[0024] FIG. 3 depicts the preferred embodiment of the present
invention wherein the faceplate is attached to a typical video game
controller;
[0025] FIG. 4A depicts a front perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the present invention wherein the faceplate contains
clip portions that attach to the sides of a typical video game
controller;
[0026] FIG. 4B depicts a front perspective view of the alternative
embodiment of the faceplate of FIG. 4A in combination with a
typical video game controller;
[0027] FIG. 5A depicts a front perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the present invention wherein which the faceplate is
designed as a jacket that encompasses a video game controller;
[0028] FIG. 5B depicts a front perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the present invention wherein which the faceplate of
FIG. 5A is in combination with a typical video game controller;
[0029] FIG. 6 depicts a front perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the present invention wherein the faceplate contains
a zipper portion that creates an aperture for placing a typical
video game controller;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] The following detailed description is intended to merely
provide a further understanding of the present invention. This
description is merely provided to clarify the present invention,
however, it will be recognized by one skilled in the art that the
description of the present invention provided herein are not
intended to limit the scope of the invention. Consequently, well
known methods, procedures, and substances for carrying out the
objectives of the present invention are incorporated herein but
have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure
aspects of the present invention.
[0031] While the faceplate of the present invention can be utilized
with a variety of different electronic devices such as cellular
telephones, remote controls, PDAs, and the like, the preferred
embodiment is described with respect to a faceplate for a video
game controller.
[0032] FIG. 1A illustrates the front surface of faceplate 110 for
displaying information to a user of a typical video game controller
known in the art. Faceplate 110 is substantially of the same
proportion as the top surface of the typical video game controller.
The adhering surface area portion of faceplate 110 contains
apertures 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115 that are substantially the
same size and shape of the button components on top area of video
game controller. The apertures 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115 permit
the corresponding buttons to protrude through faceplate 110 thus
allowing a user to come in direct contact with the buttons. When
placed over video game controller, apertures 111, 112, 113, 114,
and 115 align with the buttons, thus providing a substantially
seamless faceplate for video game controller.
[0033] Faceplate 110 is made of a plastic-type material. The
plastic material can be of any thickness so long as when the
faceplate is utilized with video game controller the thickness of
the top adhering portion of faceplate 110 is such that the buttons
are able to protrude through apertures 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115
substantially enough such that the buttons can be depressed with
little or no restriction. In the embodiment of the present
invention shown in FIG. 1A, the relative thickness of the top
adhering portion of faceplate 110 is substantially thinner than the
buttons. Because the thickness of top adhering portion of faceplate
110 is substantially thinner than the buttons, when faceplate 110
is combined with video game controller there is a negligible
thickness added to the top surface of video game controller.
Furthermore, since the thickness of top adhering portion of
faceplate 110 is substantially thinner than the buttons, the
buttons protrude over faceplate 110 and are exposed to the user,
thus unaffecting normal operation of the buttons.
[0034] The viewable information on the top surface area portion of
faceplate 110 can be any possible information pertinent to the user
of the video game controller. For example, in the present
embodiment, the viewable information on the top surface area
portion of faceplate 110 is instructional information that is
relevant to a specific video game that utilizes the video game
controller. An example of the viewable information that is relevant
to a specific video game is information that details a specific
sequence of the buttons that a user should depress if they wish to
make attempts to perform a specific action in a video game.
[0035] In addition to conveying instructional information, the
viewable information can also provide other types of substantially
relevant information. For example, advertising information specific
to a video game can be used as the viewable information. The
advertising information can also be information specific to a
company, e.g., a sports franchise. Alternatively, graphical
information can be provided. Typically, the viewable information is
confined to a specifically sized and placed box, however, the
substantial placement and size of the viewable information does not
have to be so limited. It would be obvious to one skilled in the
art that viewable information can be placed anywhere on the
adhering surface area portion of faceplate 110 and can convey any
combination or type of information as desired by a manufacturer or
user of faceplate 110.
[0036] FIG. 1B illustrates the back surface area portion 117 of
faceplate 110. The adhering back surface area portion 117 comprises
a reusable viscid-material 118. Specifically, viscid-material 118
is of a material that substantially maintains adhesive properties
after multiple applications to and removals from a video game
controller. Viscid-material 118 is a substance that is glue-like,
tacky, static, or the like, and causes the back adhering surface
area portion 117 of faceplate 110 to cling or adhere to the front
surface area portion of a video game controller in a substantially
non-permanent form.
[0037] It will be appreciated that since viscid-material 118 is
substantially non-permanent and reusable, faceplate 110 can be
removed and attached to a plurality of substantially similar video
game controllers. This allows a user of faceplate 110 the ability
to easily share faceplate 110 with other users without having to
supply the video game controller to which the lower surface area
portion of that faceplate 110 is currently attached. For example,
once a user has sufficiently memorized the viewable information
that is provided by faceplate 110, the user can easily remove
faceplate 110 from the video game controller. The user can then
place the controller on another substantially similar video game
controller and allow another user to have access to the viewable
information that is provided on the surface area portion of
faceplate 110.
[0038] It will be further appreciated that since faceplate 110 is
easily removable and attachable to the video game controller, the
present invention provides the user with a method of replacing one
faceplate with another faceplate. This alternate faceplate allows
for replacement of the original faceplate or allows a user to
replace one faceplate with another faceplate that conveys different
information. Thus, a user can remove and store faceplate 110 as
well as purchase additional faceplates that provide a variety of
informative materials for substantially different video games, or,
different informative aspects for the same or similar video
games.
[0039] Alternatively, viscid-material 118 can provide a
substantially more permanent adhesion to the front surface area
portion of the video game controller. A more permanent adhesion
would be useful for attaching faceplate 110 to the surface area
portion of video game controller such that it does not easily fall
off. Thus, faceplate 110 would not be in danger of being swallowed
by a small child or a pet. Furthermore, if a user has a tendency to
lose the faceplate or prefers to dedicate one video game controller
to a specific faceplate, then the user would more likely prefer a
faceplate that adheres more permanently to the front surface area
portion of the video game controller.
[0040] In yet another example, the back surface area portion 117 of
faceplate 110 can contain no viscid-material. In this example,
faceplate 110 is simply placed on top of the video game controller
and does not adhere to the front surface area portion. The
faceplate with no adhesive substance on the back surface area
portion 117 would be useful for a user that is allergic to
adhesives and, thus, requires a faceplate that contains no
adhesives contained on its surfaces. Alternatively, it would allow
for a person to learn the placements and commands associated with
that controller rather than attempting to blindly apply them. The
method by which the faceplate remains in contact with video game
controller is a combination of substantial natural friction and
natural forces of the material of the faceplate when the video game
controller is held face-up.
[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates a combination of the video game
controller with the lower surface area portion of faceplate 110.
Faceplate 110 has been placed on top of the video game controller
containing viscid-material 118 that is in contact with the top
surface area portion of video game controller. As shown in FIG. 2,
the buttons are able to protrude through and are substantially
unaffected by apertures 112, 113, 114, and 115 of faceplate 110.
Since the thickness of faceplate 110 is substantially thinner than
the buttons, the buttons are sufficiently and completely exposed to
a user who can be depress them with no interference by faceplate
110.
[0042] FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of the present
invention. In this embodiment, the surface area portion of
faceplate 310 does not contain aperture portions that correspond to
the buttons of the video game controller. Instead, the top surface
area of faceplate 310 contains markings 311, 312, 313, 314, and 315
that outline the corresponding buttons. In this embodiment,
faceplate 310 is designed with a set of markings 311, 312, 313,
314, and 315 that are organized on the top surface area portion of
faceplate 310 in order to substantially align with the buttons of
the video game controller when faceplate 310 is utilized. Unlike
the aforementioned embodiment shown in FIG. 1A and in FIG. 1B, the
embodiment of the faceplate shown in FIG. 3 does not allow the
buttons to protrude through the surface area portion of faceplate
310. Thus users are not in direct physical contact with the surface
areas of the buttons when faceplate 310 is utilized with video game
controller. In addition, the faceplate shown in FIG. 3 contains a
portion for the viewable information. The viewable information can
either be transparent in color for the user to see the viewable
information printed on the video game controller, or, contain the
same, similar, or other information from the video game controller
printed on faceplate 310.
[0043] In the current embodiment, faceplate 310 is made of a
plastic-type material. The plastic-type material is preferably
thin, such that it is flexible and conforms to the surface area
portions of the video game controller. In the embodiment of FIG. 3,
the thickness of faceplate 310 is substantially thinner than the
buttons contained on the video game controller. Since the thickness
of faceplate 310 is substantially thin, when faceplate 310 is
combined with the video game controller, there is an insubstantial
thickness that is added to the top surface area portion of the
video game controller. Furthermore, since the thickness of
faceplate 310 is relatively insubstantial and the material is
flexible, when faceplate 310 is placed on top of the video game
controller, a user of faceplate 310 would not be restricted from
depressing the buttons. While a faceplate of a thickness
substantially less than that of the electronics device to which it
is attached has been described in full, it would be obvious to one
skilled in the art that the thickness of the faceplate does not
necessarily have to be as limited. Faceplate 310 can be of any
thickness so long as the buttons of the video game controller
remain operational with the surface area portion of the faceplate
attached to the video game controller. In this embodiment, a user
wishing to select a specific button presses a surface area portion
of faceplate 310 that corresponds to the surface area one of the
buttons. For example, since the surface area of faceplate 310
substantially conforms to the controller and is made of an
essentially flexible material, when a user presses the surface area
portion marking 211 it will cause the corresponding button 321 to
be depressed as well.
[0044] The method that faceplate 310 combines with the video game
controller is analogous to the methods used when combining
faceplate 110 of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B with the video game
controller. Lower surface area portion 317 of faceplate 310
contains a viscid-material 118, similar to that used on faceplate
110, for attaching the faceplate to the top surface area portion of
the video game controller. The viscid-material 118 is a material
that allows for faceplate 310 to be both removable and reusable.
The viscid-material 118 can also be a material that is of a more
substantially permanent nature such that lower surface area portion
317 of faceplate 310 is not easily removable from the top surface
area portion of the video game controller. Furthermore, lower
surface area portion 317 of faceplate 310 could contain no
viscid-material at all. In this embodiment, the method by which
faceplate 310 maintains contact with video game controller is a
combination of sufficient natural friction and natural forces when
the video game controller is held face-up (i.e., with the buttons
located on the top of the device).
[0045] Image FIG. 4A illustrates another embodiment of the present
invention. In this embodiment, the plastic-type faceplate 410
sufficiently clips to the surface area portion of the video game
controller. Faceplate 410 consists of clip portions 417 and 418
that clip to the surface of video game controller. In a preferred
embodiment of the invention, clip portions 417 and 418 clip to the
side portions of the video game controller. It should be
appreciated that the faceplate embodied in FIG. 4A should not be
limited as to only substantially clipping to the sides of the video
game controller. There are many different systems by which the
faceplate of the present embodiment could be designed to
substantially clip to any portion, or portions thereof, of a video
game controller. The clip portions 417 and 418 can both be
attachable and removable from the video game controller by slightly
displacing clip portions 417 and 418 to attach to the sides of the
video game controller. When attached, faceplate 410 is held
sufficiently and sturdily onto surface area portions of the video
game controller.
[0046] Similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, the top
surface area portion of faceplate 410 consists of apertures
portions 411, 412, 413, 414, and 415 that substantially correspond
with the size and the shape of the buttons. When placed over the
video game controller unit, apertures portions 411, 412, 413, 414,
and 415 of the top surface area portion of faceplate 410
substantially align with the buttons to provide a substantially
seamless faceplate for the video game controller. The viewable
information on the top surface area portion of faceplate 410 is
information that is pertinent to the video game controller.
[0047] FIG. 4B illustrates the surface area portions of the
combined video game controller and faceplate 410 after faceplate
410 has been sufficiently attached to side portions 427 and 428 of
the video game controller. The buttons of video game controller can
protrude through the substantially corresponding apertures 411,
412, 413, 414, and 415 on the surface area portion of the faceplate
410.
[0048] FIG. 5A illustrates another embodiment of the present
invention. In this embodiment, faceplate 510 is in the form of a
jacket that encases the video game controller. The surface area
portion of faceplate 510 consists of opening portion 517 that
allows the video game controller to be placed inside faceplate 510.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, opening portion 517 is
an aperture in the surface area of faceplate 510. The material of
faceplate 510 is substantially of a thin flexible plastic wherein
opening portion 517 can stretch a substantial amount in order to
allow the video game controller to be placed inside the
faceplate.
[0049] Similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A and FIG.
1B, faceplate 510 consists of apertures 511, 512, 513, 514, and 515
that both correspond to and are shaped to the buttons on the top
surface. When placed over the video game controller, apertures 511,
512, 513, 514, and 515 of faceplate 510 align with the buttons
providing an almost seamless faceplate for the video game
controller. The viewable information on the top surface area
portion of faceplate 510 is information pertinent to use of the
video game controller.
[0050] FIG. 5B illustrates faceplate 510 substantially encasing the
entire video game controller unit, similar to a jacket. The buttons
of the video game controller can protrude through the corresponding
apertures portions 511, 512, 513, 514, and 515 of the surface area
portion of faceplate 510. Thus, aperture portions 511, 512, 513,
514, and 515 allow a user to be in direct contact with the surface
area of the buttons.
[0051] FIG. 6 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present
invention. In this embodiment of the invention the means for
placing the video game controller within the containment of
faceplate 610, is a zipper portion 617 that creates a substantially
large enough aperture 618 in the surface area portion of faceplate
610. Zipper portion 617 creates a substantial aperture 618 in order
for the video game controller to be placed and housed inside
faceplate 610. Although zipper position 617 is disclosed in the
present embodiment, those of ordinary skill in the art will
recognize that other enclosure mechanisms may be used such as
snaps, hook and eyes, buttons, or the like, while keeping within
the objectives of the present invention. Aperture portions 611,
612, 613, 614, and 615 that correspond to the buttons of the video
game controller can either be apertures that are similar to those
used in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, or of the covering type that are
similar to those used in FIG. 3. As well, there is a portion on
faceplate 610 containing the viewable information that can be
printed on the video game controller or on the faceplate
itself.
[0052] Thus far, the present invention has been detailed to
describe a faceplate for conveying information relevant to a video
game controller. It would be obvious to one skilled in the art that
the present invention may comprise different modes and embodiments
while keeping within the objective of the present disclosure. For
example, the present invention can also be utilized as a faceplate
for conveying information relevant to a PDA. PDAs typically contain
several applications. Because PDAs are limited both in physical
size and in the number of buttons that are typically placed on
their surfaces, many applications for PDAs require complex
sequences of actions to accomplish certain features without the use
of an instruction booklet or prior knowledge.
[0053] The faceplate of the present invention is a useful method
for displaying to a user these complex sequences of actions on the
surface of the PDA. A faceplate of the present invention, utilized
with a PDA, would attach to the surface of the PDA in an identical
fashion to the methods described previously for attachment to a
video game controller. The faceplate could adhere to the surface of
the PDA; attach by clipping to any portion of the PDA; surround the
PDA in a jacket-like fashion, or the like.
[0054] Similarly, the faceplate of the present invention could be
utilized in correspondence with a remote control for electronic
devices. Remote control devices typically require complex sequence
of buttons to program the device. These remote controls need a
faceplate that can easily convey the combination of buttons
required to program the different device functions. The faceplate
aids in making such a remote control device user-friendly.
[0055] Another device that can utilize the faceplate of the present
invention is a cellular telephone. Today's cellular phones provide
functionality beyond the ability to place telephone calls. For
example, most cellular telephones sold today provide many PDA-like
applications. These applications might include appointment
calendars, short memo (written and voice) storage, and the ability
to play video games. Therefore, the faceplate of the present
invention is also a useful method of providing information
pertinent to a cellular phone in order for a user to have easy
access to the combination of buttons necessary to perform various
functions on the cellular phone.
[0056] While preferred embodiments of the invention have been
disclosed in detail, it should be understood that the present
invention should not be limited by these embodiments, but rather
should be construed according to the claims which detail the
present invention.
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