U.S. patent application number 11/672653 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-20 for rotary game controller and method of facilitating user exercise during video game play.
Invention is credited to Greg Merril.
Application Number | 20070219050 11/672653 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38372024 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070219050 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Merril; Greg |
September 20, 2007 |
Rotary Game Controller and Method of Facilitating User Exercise
During Video Game Play
Abstract
A game controller according to the present invention enables a
user to perform exercises to control a gaming or virtual reality
scenario. The game controller or exercise device includes an
exercise structure and control circuitry. The exercise structure
enables a user seated on a rotatable support member to apply forces
to rotate the support member and user body. The rotation of the
user on the exercise structure is measured and utilized to control
the game scenario.
Inventors: |
Merril; Greg; (Bethesda,
MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EDELL, SHAPIRO & FINNAN, LLC
1901 RESEARCH BOULEVARD
SUITE 400
ROCKVILLE
MD
20850
US
|
Family ID: |
38372024 |
Appl. No.: |
11/672653 |
Filed: |
February 8, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60771878 |
Feb 10, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/1 ; 482/8;
482/901 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 22/14 20130101;
A63B 2071/0644 20130101; A63F 2300/1006 20130101; A63F 13/21
20140901; A63F 2300/1068 20130101; A63F 13/24 20140902; A63F 13/42
20140902; A63F 13/06 20130101; A63B 71/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/001 ;
482/901; 482/008 |
International
Class: |
A63B 15/02 20060101
A63B015/02; A63B 71/00 20060101 A63B071/00 |
Claims
1. An exercise system serving as a peripheral to manipulate a
virtual reality scenario of a host processing system in accordance
with user exercise comprising: a base; a support member to support
a user, wherein said support member is rotatable by a user relative
to said base; at least one sensor to measure user rotation of said
support member; and a processor to process measurements from said
at least one sensor and facilitate control of said virtual reality
scenario of said host processing system in accordance with said
measured rotation of said support member.
2. A method of manipulating a virtual reality scenario of a host
processing system in accordance with user exercise on an exercise
system, wherein said exercise system comprises a base and a support
member supporting a user and rotatable relative to said base, said
method comprising: (a) rotating said support member relative to
said base; (b) measuring user rotation of said support member via
at least one sensor; and (c) processing measurements from said at
least one sensor via a processor and facilitating control of said
virtual reality scenario of said host processing system in
accordance with said measured rotation of said support member.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/771,878, entitled "Rotary Game
Controller and Method of Facilitating User Exercise During Video
Game Play" and filed Feb. 10, 2006, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Obesity is currently considered an epidemic and is blamed
for a host of physical, social and economic problems. The risk of
obesity increases for children within certain groups. For example,
childhood obesity rates are higher in lower socioeconomic
communities since children in these groups tend to remain indoors
and engage in sedentary activities (e.g., such as playing video
games) that provide minimal physical activity (or exercises) and
burn fewer calories. This lack or reduced amount of physical
activity tends to cultivate weight problems (or obesity) for the
children.
[0003] Accordingly, the present invention relates to game
controllers and exercise systems of the types disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 7,121,982 (Feldman) and U.S. Patent Application
Publication Nos.: 2006/0260395 (Feldman et al.), 2006/0223634
(Feldman et al.), 2005/0130742 (Feldman et al.) and 2004/0180719
(Feldman et al.). The disclosures of the aforementioned patent and
patent application publications are incorporated herein by
reference in their entireties. In particular, the present invention
pertains to a rotary type of game controller or exercise device
enabling users to interact with a video game based on user
exercise. This enables users to perform physical activity, while
interacting with the video game.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] According to the present invention, a game controller
enables a user to perform exercises to control a gaming or virtual
reality scenario. The game controller or exercise device includes
an exercise structure and control circuitry. The exercise structure
enables a user seated on a rotatable support member to apply forces
to rotate the support member and user body. The rotation of the
user on the exercise structure is measured and utilized to control
the game scenario.
[0005] The above and still further features and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the
following detailed description of specific embodiments thereof,
particularly when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings wherein like reference numerals in the various figures are
utilized to designate like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of a rotary type game
controller or exercise device according to the present
invention.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a top cut-away view of the game controller of FIG.
1.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary control
circuit for the game controller of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0009] A rotary type game controller or exercise device according
to the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-2. Initially, a
rotary type game controller or exercise device 100 according to the
present invention may be coupled to a game processor 200. The game
processor may be coupled to a monitor 300 to display a game
scenario. The game processor includes a storage drive and/or unit
to receive computer readable media (e.g., CD, DVD, etc.) containing
software for various games and a processing device to execute the
software to provide games on the monitor. The game processor may be
implemented by any conventional or other processing or gaming
system (e.g., microprocessor system, personal computer, video
gaming system, etc.). For example, the game processor may be
implemented by conventional video games, such as PS2 available from
Sony, XBOX available from Microsoft or GAMECUBE available from
Nintendo. Alternatively, game controller 100 may include a
processor (FIG. 3) with software for various gaming applications,
and be coupled directly to monitor 300 to display a game scenario
as described below.
[0010] The games generally include characters or objects that are
controlled by a user via a controller. For example, the user may
control movement and actions of a character or a vehicle (e.g.,
car, airplane, boat, etc.) to move through a virtual environment
displayed on a monitor. The controller includes a plurality of
input devices (e.g., joystick, buttons, etc.) to enable a user to
interact with the game. A processor executing a gaming application
receives signals from the controller and updates a corresponding
display to reflect the movements and/or actions of the character or
object as indicated by user manipulation of the controller.
[0011] Game controller 100 of the present invention enables a user
to perform exercises to control a game scenario. In particular,
game controller or exercise device 100 includes an exercise
structure 10 and control circuitry 50. The exercise structure
enables a user seated on a rotatable support member to apply forces
to rotate the support member and user body. The rotation of the
user on the exercise structure is measured and utilized to control
the game scenario as described below. Game controller 100 is
preferably utilized for vehicle steering applications (e.g., the
rotation of the support member controls steering of a vehicle
within a game scenario); however, the game controller may be
utilized with any suitable gaming applications, where the support
member rotation may be utilized to control any desired functions
(e.g., throttle, direct objects or characters, accelerator and/or
braking functions, etc.) within the game scenario The exercise
structure may be of the types disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,170,687
(Lugger) and 3,873,087 (Burkart et al.), the disclosures of which
are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. By way of
example only, exercise structure 10 includes a base 12, a rotatable
support member 14, a post 16 and a handle or grip 18. Base 12 is in
the form of a substantially circular dish including a substantially
circular platform 15 with a peripheral wall or lip 24 extending
upward from the peripheral edge of platform 15. Support member 14
is in the form of a substantially circular dish including a
substantially circular platform 17 with a peripheral wall 23
extending from the peripheral edge of platform 17. Support member
14 includes dimensions greater than those of base 12 and is
disposed above, and in facing relation to, the base with peripheral
walls 23, 24 extending toward each other. Support member 14 is
basically disposed over the base with base peripheral wall 24 being
encompassed by support member peripheral wall 23.
[0012] Post 16 is generally conical and disposed at a substantially
central location of base 12 and support member 14. The post extends
upward from the base and support member, where handle or grip 18 is
disposed at an upper portion of the post. The handle is in the form
of a substantially circular disk and is mounted on the post upper
portion with the handle longitudinal axis substantially
perpendicular to the post longitudinal axis (e.g., basically
forming a `T`-type configuration). The handle includes dimensions
greater than the transverse dimensions of the post, where the
handle extends beyond the post periphery to enable user hands to
engage the handle and rotate support member 14 as described below.
The post, handle and base are stationary with respect to support
member 14. The post includes a length sufficient to enable a user
to attain a seated position on exercise structure 10 with user legs
disposed between support member 14 and handle 18 and the post
positioned between the user legs.
[0013] In order to facilitate rotation of support member 14 (e.g.,
relative to base 12 and about post 16 and handle 18), the base
includes an annular groove 20 (FIG. 2) with a series of ball
bearings 22 (e.g., marbles, metal balls, etc.) disposed therein.
Support member 14 is disposed on base 12 with a support member
bottom surface in contact with the ball bearings. Bearings 22
basically function as rollers to enable rotation of support member
14 relative to base 12. The rotation of support member 14 is
measured to control a game scenario as described below.
[0014] Handle 18 includes a plurality of input devices preferably
disposed on a handle top surface to control the game scenario. By
way of example, the handle may include a joystick 42 and a series
of input buttons 44. The joystick and support member may be
selectively configured or assigned to game functions as described
in the aforementioned patent and/or patent application
publications. Basically, support member 14 may serve the function
of a second controller joystick or other input device (e.g., a
steering wheel, etc.) with respect to a game. The exercise
structure generally includes respective signal sources (e.g.,
variable resistor or potentiometers) to provide signals indicating
joystick motion along X (e.g., left/right motions) and Y (e.g.,
forward/back motions) axes. However, the exercise structure may
include any quantity of any type of input devices (e.g., buttons,
switches, a keypad, joystick, etc.) and corresponding signal
sources disposed at any location and arranged in any fashion on the
structure. The buttons and joystick may be utilized to enter any
desired information (e.g., enter desired user actions for the game,
game and/or options selection, etc.). Further, the handle may
include input devices to control function assignment of the input
devices as described in the aforementioned patent and/or patent
application publications. The assignment input devices may be
implemented by any conventional or other input devices (e.g.,
buttons, slides, switches, etc.).
[0015] The exercise structure typically includes one or more
sensors 54 to measure rotation of support member 14. The sensors
may be implemented by any conventional or other sensors and sensor
arrangements to measure the support member rotation (e.g.,
potentiometers, accelerometers, contacts, switches, encoders,
etc.). For example, the sensors may be in the form of one or more
encoders typically including a light source, a light detector and a
wheel disposed between the light source and detector and including
a plurality of slots defined therein. The wheel is coupled to the
support member and turns in response to support member rotation.
The turning of the slotted wheel intermittently blocks the light
source (e.g., the slots intermittently enable passage of light
through the wheel), thereby providing light pulses to the detector.
The signals from the detector indicate detection of the light
pulses, where the quantity and pattern of pulses detected indicate
the amount and/or direction of rotation of the wheel and, hence,
support member 14. Alternatively, the sensors may be in the form of
potentiometers with a resistance that is varied in proportion to
the rotation of the support member (e.g., the resistance control
may be coupled to the support member to vary the resistance in
accordance with the support member rotation). In addition, a series
of contacts or switches may be disposed within structure 10 about
the bottom portion of post 16, where an actuating member or contact
is disposed on the support member and actuates or contacts the
stationary switches as the support member rotates. The particular
switches or contacts actuated indicate the amount and/or direction
of support member rotation. The sensors are connected to control
circuitry 50 within the exercise structure via appropriate wiring,
where game controller 100 provides appropriate information to game
processor 200 or monitor 300. The sensor measurements are processed
to determine the support member rotation and to display a video
game scenario as described below, where the scenario is updated in
accordance with the rotation of support member 14 by the user.
[0016] A display 46 may further be disposed on the top surface of
handle 18 to display various information to the user (e.g., the
amount of rotation, the amount of work performed by the user during
a particular exercise session, the game scenario, time or elapsed
time and/or any other exercise or game related information). The
display is preferably implemented by a Liquid Crystal Display
(LCD), but may be any type of display (e.g., LED, etc.) and may
include speakers or other audio devices to provide audio.
[0017] Referring to FIG. 3, control circuitry 50 is preferably
disposed within base 12 and includes a processor 52 and one or more
sensors 54 measuring rotation of support member 14. The processor
is coupled to sensors 54, joystick 42, buttons 44 and display 46. A
conventional power supply (not shown) provides appropriate power
signals to each of the game controller components. The game
controller may be powered by a battery and/or any other suitable
power source (e.g., game processor, etc.). A power switch (not
shown) may further be included to activate the circuit
components.
[0018] The signals from the sensors, buttons and joystick are
transmitted to a respective predetermined memory location within
processor 52. The processor may be implemented by any conventional
or other processor and may include circuitry and/or convert analog
signals from the various devices to digital values for processing.
The processor samples the memory locations at predetermined time
intervals (e.g., preferably on the order of ten milliseconds or
less) to continuously process information (e.g., determine input
device manipulation, determine rotation of support member 14, etc.)
to update and/or respond to an executing gaming application. The
processor may process raw digital values in any fashion to account
for various calibrations or to properly adjust the values within
quantization ranges for digitized analog signals. In addition, the
processor further facilitates display of certain exercise, game or
other related information on display 46 as described above. The
processor receives the rotation measurements from sensors 54 and/or
other information from the input devices (e.g., joystick 42,
buttons 44, etc.) to determine support member rotation and input
device manipulation, and may provide various information for
display to a user (e.g., the amount of work performed by the user
during a particular exercise session, a game scenario, time or
elapsed time and/or any other exercise or game related
information).
[0019] Processor 52 may process and arrange the received signals
into suitable data packets for transmission to game processor 200.
In this case, the data packets are in a format resembling data
input from a standard peripheral device (e.g., game controller,
etc.). For example, the processor may construct a data packet that
includes the status of all controller input devices (e.g., joystick
42, buttons 44, etc.) and the processed values from each sensor 54.
By way of example only, the data packet may include header
information, X-axis information indicating a joystick measurement
along this axis, Y-axis information indicating a joystick
measurement along this axis, rudder or steering information in the
form of rotation information for support member 14, throttle or
rate information and additional information relating to the status
of input devices (e.g., buttons, etc.). Additional packet locations
may be associated with data received from other input devices
connected with the processor, where the input devices represent
additional operational criteria for the scenario (e.g., the firing
of a weapon in the scenario when the user presses an input button,
throttle, etc.). The game processor processes the information or
data packets in substantially the same manner as that for
information received from a conventional peripheral (e.g., game
controller, etc.) to update and/or respond to an executing gaming
application (e.g., game, etc.).
[0020] Alternatively, the processor may include and execute gaming
software. In this case, processor 52 processes the received signals
and updates the executing gaming scenario. Signals (e.g., video,
audio, etc.) may be subsequently provided by processor 52 directly
to display 46 and/or monitor 300. The signals may be provided to
the monitor for display via a cable 350 (FIG. 1) connected to and
extending from the base or any other suitable location. The cable
may be implemented by any conventional or other cable suitable to
transfer video and/or audio signals.
[0021] Game controller 100 may be operable with a wide variety of
video gaming systems including, without limitation, PS2, XBOX and
GAMECUBE systems, as well as different personal computers (e.g.,
personal computers with Microsoft WINDOWS and Apple Mac OS X
operating systems). Game controller 100 may include a cable system
that facilitates connection and communication with multiple (e.g.,
two or more) video game processors. Referring back to FIG. 1, a
cable system 220 may be connected to and extend from base 12. Cable
system 220 is substantially similar to the cable systems described
in the aforementioned patent application publications and includes
a flexible and hollow body 224 that extends into base 12 to receive
and retain wiring that is connected with processor 52 within the
base. Alternatively, it is noted that the cable may connect with
the exercise structure at any other suitable location and/or in any
other suitable manner. A number of separately and independently
extending wires are sheathed within and extend the length of cable
body 224. The wires are configured for providing an electrical
contact or link between processor 52 and a specific video game
processor as described below.
[0022] Cable body 224 extends a selected distance from base 12 and
connects with a generally rectangular housing 226. A number of
flexible and hollow cables 228, 230, 240, 250 extend from housing
226, where each output cable includes a wiring set that is
configured for connection to a game controller port of a different
video game processor. Each output cable terminates in a respective
connection plug, where each connection plug is different from the
others and is configured to connect with a corresponding game
controller port of a respective video game processor. By way of
example only, the connection plug of cable 250 is configured to
connect with a game controller port of a GAMECUBE system, the
connection plug of cable 240 is configured to connect with a game
controller port of an XBOX system, the connection plug of cable 230
is configured to connect with a game controller port of a PS2
system, and the connection plug of cable 228 is configured to
connect with a universal serial bus (USB) port of any other
suitable gaming system, such as a personal computer (e.g., to
facilitate gaming control of Microsoft WINDOWS or Apple Mac OS X
based gaming applications). However, the cable system is not
limited to this exemplary configuration, but rather can include any
suitable number (e.g., two or more) of connection plugs of any
suitable types and configurations to facilitate connections with
any types of video game processors.
[0023] Cable 220 is of a suitable length (e.g., eight feet or
greater) to facilitate a relatively easy connection between game
controller 100 and game processor 200. In situations where the game
controller is located a considerable distance (e.g., greater than
eight feet) from a video game processor, the cable system can be
configured to include an extension cable device to facilitate
connection between the two systems for video gaming applications as
disclosed in the aforementioned patent application
publications.
[0024] Processor 52 is configured for effective communication and
operability with each of the video gaming systems compatible with
the cable system. In particular, when cable system 220 (optionally
including the extension cable device) is connected with a video
game processor in the manner described above, processor 52
identifies the specific video game processor upon receiving one or
more initial electrical signals (e.g., one or more "wake-up"
signals) from the video game processor. When the specific video
game processor is identified, processor 52 processes and arranges
signals from the sensors and input devices into suitable data
packets for transmission to and recognition by the video game
processor during a gaming application as described above.
[0025] Operation of game controller 100 is described with reference
to FIGS. 1-2. Initially, the user may couple the game controller to
game processor 200 utilizing the appropriate connection plug or
plugs of cable system 220 (and/or the extension cable device).
Alternatively, the user may couple the game controller directly to
monitor 300 in the case where the game controller includes gaming
software. Based upon the particular gaming application that is to
be executed, the user may selectively assign game functions to
joystick 42, support member 14 and/or other input devices as
described above. The user is typically seated on support member 14
with post 16 disposed between the user legs and the user hands
engaging handle 18.
[0026] When the game controller is coupled to game processor 200,
processor 52 receives one or more initial signals from game
processor 200 (e.g., when the game processor is powered on) and
identifies the specific video game processor. Processor 52
subsequently arranges signals from the sensors and input devices in
suitable data packets for recognition by the identified system
during execution of the game as described above.
[0027] A game is selected and executed (e.g., by processor 52 or
game processor 200), and the user engages in an exercise to
interact with the game. In particular, the user applies force to
the stationary handle, thereby causing support member 14 and the
user body to rotate. The rotation effects corresponding movement,
for example, of a character or an object in the game scenario
displayed on display 46 and/or monitor 300. The user may further
manipulate joystick 42, buttons 44 and/or other controller input
devices for additional actions depending upon the particular game
and user function assignments.
[0028] The signals from sensors 54 and input devices (e.g.,
joystick, buttons, etc.) are transmitted to processor 52. When game
processor 200 is executing the gaming application, processor 52
generates data packets for transference to the video game
processor. Game processor 200 processes the information or data
packets in substantially the same manner as that for information
received from a conventional peripheral (e.g., game controller,
etc.) to update and/or respond to an executing gaming application.
In the case of processor 52 executing the gaming application, the
processor updates the executing gaming scenario and provides the
appropriate signals to display 46 and/or monitor 300 for display of
the updated scenario. Thus, the rotation of support member 14 by
the user results in a corresponding coordinate movement or action
in the scenario displayed on the display and/or monitor in
accordance with the function assigned to support member by the
user. In other words, user exercise serves to indicate desired user
actions or movements to update movement or actions of characters or
objects within the game in accordance with the function assigned to
the support member. For example, when the user assigns the support
member steering functions, application of forces to rotate the
support member in particular directions may serve as the steering
function (e.g., in racing or other gaming applications).
[0029] As noted above, a single processor is implemented in the
control circuitry of the game controller, where the processor is
capable of communicating with a number of different video game
processors in the manner described above. However, the present
invention is not limited to the use of a single processor. Rather,
the game controller may include multiple processors (e.g., two or
more), where each processor is configured to enable communication
of signals between the game controller and at least one
corresponding video game processor as disclosed in the
aforementioned patent application publications. In addition, any
suitable wired and/or wireless communication links can be provided
that facilitate communication between one or more processors of the
game controller of the present invention and two or more different
video game processors as disclosed in the aforementioned patent
application publications.
[0030] It will be appreciated that the embodiments described above
and illustrated in the drawings represent only a few of the many
ways of implementing a rotary game controller and method of
facilitating user exercise during video game play.
[0031] The exercise device or game controller and components (e.g.,
base, support member, post, handle, etc.) may be of any size or
shape, may be arranged in any fashion and may be constructed of any
suitable materials. The exercise structure may include any suitable
mechanisms to enable rotation of the support member in any
directions relative to the base.
[0032] Any suitable number of any types of sensors (e.g., encoders,
potentiometers, accelerometers, contacts, switches, etc.) may be
disposed at any suitable locations to facilitate measurement of the
support member rotation. Further, the sensors may include any
electrical, mechanical or chemical properties that vary in a
measurable manner to measure rotation of the support member. The
sensors may include any desired arrangement.
[0033] The exercise structure may be adjustable in any fashion
(e.g., any dimension, handle height, etc.) via any types of
arrangements of components (e.g., telescoping arrangement,
overlapping arrangement, extender components, etc.) to accommodate
user physical characteristics. The handle of the exercise structure
may be of any shape or size and disposed at any location to receive
force applied by a user. The support member and/or other input
devices may be assigned the gaming functions of any desired
controller input devices. The game controller may further include
various input or other exercise mechanisms to control the video
game and provide further exercise for a user.
[0034] The game controller may include any quantity of any
conventional or other types of input devices (e.g., buttons,
slides, joysticks, track type balls, etc.) disposed at any
locations and arranged in any fashion. The game controller may
include any quantity of any types of signal source devices to
generate signals in accordance with input device manipulation
(e.g., variable resistors or potentiometers, switches, contacts,
relays, sensors, strain gauges, etc.). The signal sources may
correspond with any quantity of axes for an input device. Any input
devices may be implemented as force sensing or isometric devices,
while the input devices may be assigned to any suitable game
functions. The game controller may include any quantity or
combination of force sensing input devices and motion input
devices.
[0035] The game processor may be implemented by any quantity of any
personal or other type of computer or processing system (e.g.,
IBM-compatible, Apple, Macintosh, laptop, palm pilot,
microprocessor, gaming consoles such as the XBOX system from
Microsoft Corporation, the PLAY STATION 2 system from Sony
Corporation, the GAMECUBE system from Nintendo of America, Inc.,
etc.). The game processor may be a dedicated processor or a general
purpose computer system (e.g., personal computer, etc.) with any
commercially available operating system (e.g., Windows, OS/2, Unix,
Linux, etc.) and/or commercially available and/or custom software
(e.g., communications software, application software, etc.) and any
types of input devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, microphone, etc.).
The game processor may execute software from a recorded medium
(e.g., hard disk, memory device, CD, DVD or other disks, etc.) or
from a network or other connection (e.g., from the Internet or
other network).
[0036] The processor of the exercise device or game controller may
be implemented by any quantity of any conventional or other
hardware (e.g., microprocessor, controller, etc.) and/or processing
circuitry (e.g., logic, gates, etc.). The game controller processor
may arrange data representing measurements by sensors and other
information into any suitable data packet format that is
recognizable by the game processor or host computer system
receiving data packets from the game controller. The data packets
may be of any desired length, include any desired information and
be arranged in any desired format. Any suitable number of any type
of conventional or other displays may be connected to the game
controller or game processor to provide any type of information
relating to a particular computer session. A display may be located
at any suitable location on or remote from the game controller.
[0037] It is to be understood that software of the exercise device
or game controller (e.g., processor, etc.) may be implemented in
any desired computer language, and could be developed by one of
ordinary skill in the computer and/or programming arts based on the
functional description contained herein. Further, any references
herein of software performing various functions generally refer to
computer systems or processors performing those functions under
software control. The functions of the game controller processor
may be distributed among any quantity of software and/or hardware
(e.g., additional processors, etc.) modules in any fashion. The
functions of the game controller processor and game processor may
be distributed in any fashion among any quantity of processors or
processing systems.
[0038] The terms "upward", "downward", "top", "bottom", "side",
"front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "vertical", "horizontal",
"height", "width", "length", "forward, "backward", "left", "right"
and the like are used herein merely to describe points of reference
and do not limit the present invention to any specific orientation
or configuration.
[0039] The present invention exercise device or game controller is
not limited to the gaming applications described above, but may be
utilized as a peripheral for any processing system, software or
application.
[0040] From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that
the invention makes available a novel rotary game controller and
method of facilitating user exercise during video game play,
wherein a rotary type of game controller or exercise device enables
users to interact with a video game based on user exercise.
[0041] Having described preferred embodiments of a new and improved
rotary game controller and method of facilitating user exercise
during video game play, it is believed that other modifications,
variations and changes will be suggested to those skilled in the
art in view of the teachings set forth herein. It is therefore to
be understood that all such variations, modifications and changes
are believed to fall within the scope of the present invention as
defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *