U.S. patent application number 12/417144 was filed with the patent office on 2009-10-08 for illuminated game controller.
Invention is credited to Howard Tripp.
Application Number | 20090253509 12/417144 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41133771 |
Filed Date | 2009-10-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090253509 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tripp; Howard |
October 8, 2009 |
ILLUMINATED GAME CONTROLLER
Abstract
An electronic game controller which includes a body having a
transparent outer surface, a front face and a rear surface,
controls disposed on the front face of the body, a graphic panel
disposed under the transparent outer surface of the front face, the
graphic panel comprising first, second and third discrete graphic
elements, an opaque housing within the body, the opaque housing
defining a cavity substantially open to the graphic panel, first,
second and third light sources disposed within the cavity, the
first light source disposed beneath the first discrete graphic
element, the second light source disposed beneath the second
discrete graphic element, and the third light source disposed
beneath the third discrete graphic element, an electronic circuit
operably connected to the light sources for selectively activating
and deactivating the light sources, and means for interfacing the
electronic game controller with an electronic game system.
Inventors: |
Tripp; Howard; (Plymouth,
MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CROMPTON, SEAGER & TUFTE, LLC
1221 NICOLLET AVENUE, SUITE 800
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55403-2420
US
|
Family ID: |
41133771 |
Appl. No.: |
12/417144 |
Filed: |
April 2, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61041811 |
Apr 2, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/37 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2300/1043 20130101;
A63F 2300/8047 20130101; G10H 1/0016 20130101; A63F 13/06 20130101;
G10H 2220/301 20130101; G10H 2220/141 20130101; A63F 2300/1062
20130101; A63F 13/245 20140902; A63F 13/814 20140902 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/37 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. An electronic game controller comprising: a body having a
transparent outer shell, a front face and a rear surface; controls
disposed on the front face of the body; a graphic panel disposed
under the transparent outer surface of the front face, the graphic
panel comprising first, second and third discrete graphic elements;
an opaque housing within the body, the opaque housing defining a
cavity substantially open to the graphic panel; first, second and
third light sources disposed within the cavity, the first light
source disposed beneath the first discrete graphic element, the
second light source disposed beneath the second discrete graphic
element, and the third light source disposed beneath the third
discrete graphic element; an electronic circuit operably connected
to the first, second and third light sources for selectively
activating and deactivating the first, second and third light
sources; and means for interfacing the electronic game controller
with an electronic game system.
2. The electronic game controller of claim 1 wherein the first
light source comprises an LED light source.
3. The electronic game controller of claim 2 wherein the first
light source comprises an LED rope.
4. The electronic game controller of claim 1 wherein the first
light source is spaced beneath the first discrete graphic element
at least 0.25 inches.
5. The electronic game controller of claim 1 further comprising a
first opaque baffle disposed in the cavity and configured to
substantially isolate the second discrete graphic element from
light from the first light source.
6. The electronic game controller of claim 1 wherein the body
defines a perimeter edge of a perimeter between the front face and
the rear surface of the body that is at least 0.25 inch from the
opaque housing such that the perimeter of the body is transparent
along at least 80% of the perimeter edge.
7. The electronic game controller of claim 6 wherein the
transparent portion of the perimeter is free from mechanical
fasteners.
8. The electronic game controller of claim 1 wherein the electronic
circuit is configured such that a first input triggers a first
predetermined sequence for the activation of first, second and
third light sources where each of the first, second and third light
sources is activated and deactivated during the first predetermined
sequence.
9. The electronic game controller of claim 8 wherein the electronic
circuit is configured such that a second input triggers a second
predetermined sequence for the activation of first, second and
third light sources where each of the first, second and third light
sources is activated and deactivated during the second
predetermined sequence.
10. The electronic game controller of claim 1 further comprising an
on/off switch operably connected to the first, second and third
light sources.
11. The electronic game controller of claim 1 further comprising a
detachable neck attached to the body, the detachable neck having a
set of controls operably connected to the electronic circuit, the
body and the neck forming a guitar shape.
12. An electronic game controller comprising: a body having a
transparent outer shell, a front face and a rear surface; controls
disposed on the front face of the body; a graphic panel disposed
under the transparent outer surface of the front face, the graphic
panel comprising first, second and third discrete graphic elements;
an opaque housing within the body, the opaque housing defining a
cavity substantially open to the graphic panel; first, second and
third light sources disposed within the cavity, the first light
source disposed beneath the first discrete graphic element, the
second light source disposed beneath the second discrete graphic
element, and the third light source disposed beneath the third
discrete graphic element; a detachable neck attached to the body,
the detachable neck having a set of controls operably connected to
the electronic circuit, the body and the neck forming a guitar
shape an electronic circuit operably connected to the first, second
and third light sources for selectively activating and deactivating
the first, second and third light sources; and means for
interfacing the electronic game controller with an electronic game
system, wherein the electronic circuit is configured such that a
first input triggers a first predetermined sequence for the
activation of first, second and third light sources where the first
input includes substantially simultaneous signals from the body
controls and from the neck controls.
13. The electronic game controller of claim 12 wherein the
electronic circuit is configured such that a second input triggers
the activation of only the first light source where the second
input includes substantially simultaneous signals from the body
controls and from the neck controls.
14. The electronic game controller of claim 13 wherein the
electronic circuit is configured such that a third input triggers a
predetermined sequence for the activation of first, second and
third light sources where each of the first, second and third light
sources is activated and deactivated during the predetermined
sequence where the third input includes substantially simultaneous
signals from the body controls and from the neck controls.
15. The electronic game controller of claim 12 wherein the first
and second discrete graphic elements form an image of a heart and
wherein the electronic circuit is configured to control the first
and second light sources by repeating, in sequence the steps of
activating the first light source for a predetermined amount of
time, deactivating the first light source and activating the second
light source for a second amount of time shorter than the first and
deactivating the first second light source to simulate a heart
beat.
16. An electronic game controller comprising: a body having a
transparent outer shell, a front face and a rear surface; controls
disposed on the front face of the body; a graphic panel disposed
under the transparent outer surface of the front face, the graphic
panel comprising first, second and third discrete graphic elements;
an opaque housing within the body, the opaque housing defining a
cavity substantially open to the graphic panel; first, second and
third light sources disposed within the cavity, the first light
source disposed beneath the first discrete graphic element, the
second light source disposed beneath the second discrete graphic
element, and the third light source disposed beneath the third
discrete graphic element; a detachable neck attached to the body,
the detachable neck having a set of controls operably connected to
the electronic circuit, the body and the neck forming a guitar
shape an electronic circuit operably connected to the first, second
and third light sources for selectively activating and deactivating
the first, second and third light sources; and means for
interfacing the electronic game controller with an electronic game
system, wherein the electronic circuit is configured to activate
the first, second and third light sources individually,
simultaneously and in predetermined sequences.
17. The electronic game controller of claim 16 wherein the
electronic circuit is configured to activate the first, second and
third light sources in response to inputs from the body controls
and the neck controls.
18. The electronic game controller of claim 16 wherein the
electronic circuit is configured to activate the first, second and
third light sources in response to substantially simultaneous
inputs from the body controls and the neck controls.
19. The electronic game controller of claim 18 wherein the neck
controls include first, second, third, fourth and fifth buttons and
wherein the electronic circuit is configured to activate the first,
second and third light sources in response to substantially
simultaneous inputs from the body controls and from two buttons of
the neck controls.
20. The electronic game controller of claim 19 further including at
least one discrete graphic element that is always lit when the
electronic game controller is powered.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/041,811 filed Apr. 2, 2008.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention pertains to a game controller having a graphic
image with discrete graphic elements that may be selectively
illuminated.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The computer and video gaming industry is a rapidly growing
market. Historically, new games were introduced on disk or
cartridge and the same controllers were used with every type of
game. One trend has been to introduce custom controllers with the
new games, such as guns for shooting games, dance pads for rhythm
games and musical instruments for music games. These custom
controllers make playing these games a much more immersive and
enjoyable experience for many of the users.
[0004] Game controllers shaped liked guitars are a large part of
the market for controllers for musical games. These controllers
typically have one or two sets of five buttons on the neck to allow
the user to simulate the fret fingering and a flipper bar on the
body of the controller to allow the user to simulate guitar
strumming. Some guitar shaped controllers have replaceable body
face plates to allow the user to customize the look of the
controller. There is thus on ongoing need for guitar shaped
controllers and other custom controllers to enhance the game
experience for the players and the audience.
SUMMARY
[0005] In view of the foregoing, one embodiment pertains to an
electronic game controller shaped like a guitar that provides an
enhanced user experience. The controller includes a body portion
and a neck portion. The body portion may have a clear outer shell
surrounding an opaque inner housing. The opaque inner housing may
define at least one cavity facing towards the front of the
controller. A graphic panel having discrete graphic elements is
disposed between the housing and the shell. The graphic panel is
opaque but may be back-lit to illuminate the graphic elements.
Discrete sources of light may be placed beneath each of the
discrete graphic elements, preferably spaced apart from the panel.
The discrete sources of light may be LEDs, LED ropes,
electroluminescent materials, incandescent bulbs or some other
suitable source of light. Illumination from a particular discrete
source of light may be limited to a particular discrete graphic
element by the placement of one or more baffles in the cavity of
the housing. The one or more baffles may be placed to block the
light from an adjacent discrete source of light from reaching a
discrete graphic element.
[0006] The game controller also includes suitable controls. For a
guitar shaped controller, these controls typically include fret
buttons on the neck, a flipper bar on the body to allow the user to
simulate strumming the guitar, a whammy bar and other buttons to
control the game. In some embodiments, all of these controls are
lit. For example, all of the controls may be lit by LEDs. In other
embodiments, some controls may be lit. For example, the flipper bar
and the fret buttons may be lit. In some embodiments, the controls
may light when pressed or otherwise actuated. In other embodiments,
the controls are lit while the controller is in use. In some
embodiments, an on/off switch is provided which allows the user to
turn the button lights as well as the discrete sources of light
described above on or off. In some embodiments, an on/off switch is
provided which controls only the discrete sources of light
described above. When the on/off switch is in the on position, the
discrete sources of light may be activated and deactivated as
described below.
[0007] In some embodiments, one or more of the controls are
connected to an electronic circuit that is configured to operate
the discrete sources of light. For example, in some embodiments,
the flipper bar and the fret buttons may be operably connected to
the electronic circuit. In other embodiments, all the controls may
be operably connected to the electronic circuit. In other
embodiments, none of the controls are connected to the circuit.
Each of the discrete sources of light is also connected to the
electronic circuit and may be activated or deactivated by the
circuit. In some embodiments, each of the discrete sources of light
is activated and deactivated according to a predetermined
arrangement. The discrete sources of light may be activated
sequentially, simultaneously, or in another desired arrangement. In
some embodiments, the discrete sources of light are activated in
response to input from the controls. For example, while a fret
button is pressed, one discrete source of light may be activated
and may be deactivated when the fret button is released. In another
example, when a fret button and a flipper bar are actuated
substantially simultaneously, a predetermined sequence of
activating and deactivating the discrete sources of light may be
triggered. Different predetermined sequences may be triggered by
the actuation of different combinations of buttons. A predetermined
sequence may involve a single discrete source of light or any
number of discrete sources of light in any combination of
sequential or simultaneous activation and deactivation. A
predetermined sequence may involve sequential activation of two or
more sources of light and simultaneous deactivation of two or more
sources of light, simultaneous activation of two or more sources of
light and sequential deactivation of two or more sources of light
and combinations thereof (the initial two or more sources of light
need not be identical to the later two or more sources of light).
Two or more predetermined sequences may be initiated simultaneously
or in an overlapping fashion where a first predetermined sequence
is not finished before a second predetermined sequence has
started.
[0008] The body of the controller preferably includes a transparent
shell over an opaque housing. The body may be shaped like an
electric guitar body, an acoustic guitar body or a bass guitar
body, as desired. The shell may include both front and rear
portions between which the housing is disposed. The body is
generally flat with a front face and a rear surface and a perimeter
or a side wall between the two. While generally flat, the
controller may include features such as a curved side wall that
includes a radius, bevel or chamfer along the perimeter. The front
face of the controller may also include a rake along the upper
portion of the body further from the neck that tapers that upper
corner away from the center of the body to provide a more
comfortable user experience. While of course the shell, being over
the housing, will always extend further than the opaque housing at
least by the thickness of the shell wall, in some embodiments, the
shell extends still further in the direction of the side wall or
perimeter. A gap may thereby be created between the housing and the
shell such that, when the controller is viewed from the front,
there is a transparent edge to the guitar body of 0.25, 0.4, 0.5
inch or more.
[0009] The housing includes means for powering the controller and
means for interfacing the controller with a game system. The means
for powering the controller may be an internal battery, a power
cord extending out from the body or a powered interface cord such
as a powered USB cord extending out from the body. A game system,
as used in this specification, means either a stand alone game
system that is typically connected to a home television or a
personal computer or the like. The means for interfacing the
controller with a game system may include an interface cord to plug
into an appropriate input on the game system or may include a
wireless interface system including a radiofrequency or infrared
transmitter and/or receiver with appropriate electronics. A
particular embodiment may be configured to interface with a
particular game system using a particular or proprietary interface
standard or may include one or more standards to allow interface
with a number of different game systems. The means for interfacing
may include, in some embodiments, means for connecting and mounting
a wireless game controller.
[0010] One embodiment pertains to an electronic game controller
including a body having a transparent outer shell, a front face and
a rear surface, controls disposed on the front face of the body, a
graphic panel disposed under the transparent outer surface of the
front face, the graphic panel comprising first, second and third
discrete graphic elements, an opaque housing within the body, the
opaque housing defining a cavity substantially open to the graphic
panel, first, second and third light sources disposed within the
cavity, the first light source disposed beneath the first discrete
graphic element, the second light source disposed beneath the
second discrete graphic element, and the third light source
disposed beneath the third discrete graphic element, an electronic
circuit operably connected to the first, second and third light
sources for selectively activating and deactivating the first,
second and third light sources, and means for interfacing the
electronic game controller with an electronic game system.
[0011] One embodiment pertains to an electronic game controller as
described above wherein the first light source comprises an LED
light source or an LED rope. One embodiment pertains to an
electronic game controller as described above wherein the first
light source is spaced beneath the first discrete graphic element
at least 0.25 inches. One embodiment pertains to an electronic game
controller as described above further comprising a first opaque
baffle disposed in the cavity and configured to substantially
isolate the second discrete graphic element from light from the
first light source. One embodiment pertains to an electronic game
controller as described above wherein the body defines a perimeter
edge of a perimeter between the front face and the rear surface of
the body that is at least 0.25 inch from the opaque housing such
that the perimeter of the body is transparent along at least 80% of
the perimeter edge, and the transparent portion of the perimeter
may be free from mechanical fasteners.
[0012] One embodiment pertains to an electronic game controller as
described above wherein the electronic circuit is configured such
that a first input triggers a first predetermined sequence for the
activation of first, second and third light sources where each of
the first, second and third light sources is activated and
deactivated during the first predetermined sequence. The electronic
circuit may be configured such that a second input triggers a
second predetermined sequence for the activation of first, second
and third light sources where each of the first, second and third
light sources is activated and deactivated during the second
predetermined sequence. One embodiment pertains to an electronic
game controller as described above that may include an on/off
switch operably connected to the first, second and third light
sources. One embodiment pertains to an electronic game controller
as described above which includes a detachable neck attached to the
body, the detachable neck having a set of controls operably
connected to the electronic circuit, the body and the neck forming
a guitar shape.
[0013] One embodiment pertains to an electronic game controller
including a body having a transparent outer shell, a front face and
a rear surface, controls disposed on the front face of the body, a
graphic panel disposed under the transparent outer surface of the
front face, the graphic panel comprising first, second and third
discrete graphic elements, an opaque housing within the body, the
opaque housing defining a cavity substantially open to the graphic
panel, first, second and third light sources disposed within the
cavity, the first light source disposed beneath the first discrete
graphic element, the second light source disposed beneath the
second discrete graphic element, and the third light source
disposed beneath the third discrete graphic element, a detachable
neck attached to the body, the detachable neck having a set of
controls operably connected to the electronic circuit, the body and
the neck forming a guitar shape, an electronic circuit operably
connected to the first, second and third light sources for
selectively activating and deactivating the first, second and third
light sources, and means for interfacing the electronic game
controller with an electronic game system, wherein the electronic
circuit is configured such that a first input triggers a first
predetermined sequence for the activation of first, second and
third light sources where the first input includes substantially
simultaneous signals from the body controls and from the neck
controls.
[0014] One embodiment pertains to an electronic game controller as
described above wherein the electronic circuit is configured such
that a second input triggers the activation of only the first light
source where the second input includes substantially simultaneous
signals from the body controls and from the neck controls. One
embodiment pertains to an electronic game controller as described
above wherein the electronic circuit may be configured such that a
third input triggers a predetermined sequence for the activation of
first, second and third light sources where each of the first,
second and third light sources is activated and deactivated during
the predetermined sequence where the third input includes
substantially simultaneous signals from the body controls and from
the neck controls.
[0015] One embodiment pertains to an electronic game controller as
described above wherein the first and second discrete graphic
elements may form an image of a heart and wherein the electronic
circuit is configured to control the first and second light sources
by repeating, in sequence the steps of activating the first light
source for a predetermined amount of time, deactivating the first
light source and activating the second light source for a second
amount of time shorter than the first and deactivating the first
second light source to simulate a heart beat.
[0016] An electronic game controller comprising a body having a
transparent outer shell, a front face and a rear surface, controls
disposed on the front face of the body, a graphic panel disposed
under the transparent outer surface of the front face, the graphic
panel comprising first, second and third discrete graphic elements,
an opaque housing within the body, the opaque housing defining a
cavity substantially open to the graphic panel, first, second and
third light sources disposed within the cavity, the first light
source disposed beneath the first discrete graphic element, the
second light source disposed beneath the second discrete graphic
element, and the third light source disposed beneath the third
discrete graphic element, a detachable neck attached to the body,
the detachable neck having a set of controls operably connected to
the electronic circuit, the body and the neck forming a guitar
shape, an electronic circuit operably connected to the first,
second and third light sources for selectively activating and
deactivating the first, second and third light sources, and means
for interfacing the electronic game controller with an electronic
game system, wherein the electronic circuit is configured to
activate the first, second and third light sources individually,
simultaneously and in predetermined sequences.
[0017] One embodiment pertains to an electronic game controller as
described above wherein the electronic circuit is configured to
activate the first, second and third light sources in response to
inputs from the body controls and the neck controls. One embodiment
pertains to an electronic game controller as described above
wherein the electronic circuit is configured to activate the first,
second and third light sources in response to substantially
simultaneous inputs from the body controls and the neck controls.
One embodiment pertains to an electronic game controller as
described above wherein the neck controls include first, second,
third, fourth and fifth buttons and wherein the electronic circuit
is configured to activate the first, second and third light sources
in response to substantially simultaneous inputs from the body
controls and from two buttons of the neck controls. One embodiment
pertains to an electronic game controller as described above
further including at least one discrete graphic element that is
always lit when the electronic game controller is powered.
[0018] One embodiment pertains to a lighted game controller shaped
like a drum or a drum set. The drum or drum set game controller may
include a drumhead component and a shell component. Graphics may be
disposed under either the drum head or shell to be lit by discrete
light sources as described above in either predetermined sequences
or when struck with drumsticks. The drum or drum set game
controller may also include discrete lights that emit beams
external to the controller to create light patterns around the drum
or drum set controller. Such lights may be controlled as described
above.
[0019] One embodiment pertains to lighted drumsticks for use with a
drum or drum set controller. Each drumstick controller may include
one or more discrete sources of light that either back-light one or
more graphic elements or solid color blocks disposed on the
controller or which shine out from the controller or a combination
thereof. Such a drumstick controller may be responsive to the
impact on the tip caused by use or may be responsive to changes in
angle or acceleration by inclusion of, for example, an
accelerometer.
[0020] One embodiment pertains to an accessory for a music game
such as an amplifier or a speaker. Such an accessory may include
one or more graphic panels as described above with corresponding
sets of discrete light sources disposed within to back-light the
discrete graphic elements as described above. Such an accessory may
follow one or more predetermined or random illumination sequences
or may be responsive to the volume or power level of the
accessory.
[0021] The above summary of some example embodiments is not
intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every
implementation of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The invention may be more completely understood in
consideration of the following detailed description of various
embodiments in connection with the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0023] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic front view of a game controller 10
in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the body 12
of a game controller in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention;
[0025] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic front view of a game controller 10
in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic front view of a game controller 10
in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; and
[0027] While the invention is amenable to various modifications and
alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of
example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should
be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit aspects
of the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the
contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents,
and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] For the following defined terms, these definitions shall be
applied, unless a different definition is given in the claims or
elsewhere in this specification.
[0029] All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the
term "about", whether or not explicitly indicated. The term "about"
generally refers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art
would consider equivalent to the recited value (i.e., having the
same function or result). In many instances, the term "about" may
be indicative as including numbers that are rounded to the nearest
significant figure.
[0030] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all
numbers within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75,
3, 3.80, 4, and 5).
[0031] Although some suitable dimensions ranges and/or values
pertaining to various components, features and/or specifications
are disclosed, one of skill in the art, incited by the present
disclosure, would understand desired dimensions, ranges and/or
values may deviate from those expressly disclosed.
[0032] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the
singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless
the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this
specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally
employed in its sense including "and/or" unless the content clearly
dictates otherwise.
[0033] The following detailed description should be read with
reference to the drawings in which similar elements in different
drawings are numbered the same. The detailed description and the
drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative
embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the
invention. The illustrative embodiments depicted are intended only
as exemplary. Selected features of any illustrative embodiment may
be incorporated into an additional embodiment unless clearly stated
to the contrary.
[0034] This application claims priority to provisional application
No. 61/041,811, filed Apr. 2, 2008 and entitled "Illuminated Game
Controller," which provisional application is hereby incorporated
by reference in its entirety in the present application.
[0035] Refer now to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts a first game
controller 10 in the shape of a guitar. Game controller 10 includes
a body 12 and a neck 14. Body 12 includes a front face (shown in
the figure) and a rear surface (not shown). A transparent perimeter
16 may substantially surround the body of the guitar. The perimeter
16 may include the whole side wall of the body, may include all
except where the neck is joined to the body or may include a
substantial portion of the side wide such as 80% or more.
[0036] The construction and further details may be better
understood by viewing FIG. 2, which is a diagrammatic cross
sectional view of body 12, together with FIG. 1. Body 12 has a
transparent outer surface, which may be formed from two pieces, a
front shell 17 and a rear shell 19. Both the front shell 17 and the
rear shell 19 include preformed openings for controls, battery
access and the like. Suitable materials for front shell 17 and rear
shell 19 may include clear acrylic or polycarbonate polymers. Front
shell and rear shell are preferably secured to each other using a
clear adhesive such as a clear UV curable adhesive, thermowelding
or another suitable fastening technique in which no fasteners or
screw bosses are visible through the perimeter 16.
[0037] A housing 36 is disposed within front and rear shells 17 and
19. The housing 36 defines one or more cavities that may house a
power supply, an electronic circuit 44 for controlling light
sources 40, and other electronics. The housing 36 includes
structural elements that allows one or more light sources 40 to be
mounted within the housing. Light sources 40 may be LED lights, LED
rope lights, LCD lights, electroluminescent lights or other
suitable source of lights. One preferred light source 40 is LED
rope lights, which may be easily shaped to provide custom light
source configurations. In one embodiment the light source emits a
white or natural light. In other embodiments, the light source may
emit lights have another color such as red, green, blue and the
like. In some embodiments, extra mounting spaces for light sources
40 are provides so that the location of the light sources within
the housing may be customized while using a common housing. The
housing is preferably sized to allow a perimeter 16 of the body 12
to be free from the housing and thereby transparent. The housing
may be sized to create a perimeter with of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5,
0.6, 0.7 or 0.8 inches.
[0038] The housing 36 is preferably substantially open towards the
front 34. The housing 36 may include supporting structures for
graphic panel 38, but should allow free illumination of the
discrete graphic elements as discussed below. Graphic panel 38 is
disposed between front shell 17 and housing 36. The housing 36
preferably accommodates the mounting of light sources 40 at a
distance from graphic panel 38, which distance may be approximately
0.2, 0.3. 0.4, 0.5, 0.6 or 0.7 inches to allow light from the light
source to spread out before shining through graphic panel 38.
[0039] As illustrated in FIG. 1, graphic panel 38 has a graphic
image 18 which includes discrete graphic elements 24, 26, 28 and
30. The graphic panel 38 may be printed using a four color printing
process or other suitable process to create a full color graphic
that can be illuminated from behind. The graphic panel of this
embodiment is shown as including four discrete graphic elements. It
can be appreciated that more or fewer discrete graphic elements may
be included in a particular design. Light sources 40 are configured
such that one or more light are disposed behind a particular
discrete graphic element. The light sources may be separated by
opaque baffles 42 to control the spread of light. In general, the
light sources 40 and the optional baffles are configured so the
discrete graphic elements may be discretely illuminated.
[0040] Game controller 10 also includes one or more controls 20 on
the body 12 and one or more controls 22 on the neck 14. Controls 20
and 22 are used to operate the game system and to play a game on
the game system.
[0041] Electronic circuit 44 is configured to control light sources
40 and is connected to a power supply and to light sources 40
(connections not shown). Electronic circuit 44 is preferably a
programmable circuit and may also be connected to one or more of
controls 20 and 22 and may include a switch (not shown) which
allows the user to power the circuit off. Electronic circuit 44 is
configured to selectively activate and deactivate individual light
sources 40. The control of light sources 40 may be in response to
inputs from one or more controls 20 and 22. A particular input,
from a control or from a combination of controls may trigger a
predetermined lighting sequence or a predetermined lighting
sequence may be randomly activated or may be active while the game
controller is on or in use. A predetermined lighting sequence may
involve the activation and deactivation of a single light source 40
or the simultaneous or sequential activation and deactivation of
two or more light sources 40. The predetermined sequences may
provide feedback or may provide an aesthetic experience. Two or
more predetermined sequences may be active during the same period
and may be started and/or ended simultaneously or sequentially. For
example, discrete graphic element 26 may be illuminated whenever
one or more controls 22 are pressed and discrete graphic element 28
may be illuminated whenever one or more controls 20 are pressed. In
another example, discrete graphic elements 24, 26, 28 and 30 may be
illuminated sequentially whenever one or more controls 22 are
activated essentially simultaneously with one or more controls 20.
It can be appreciated that a wide number of predetermined
configurations for illumination patterns are possible with this
embodiment.
[0042] When a different graphic element is used, the possibilites
expand still further. FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate game controllers 10
which include different graphic images 18 on body 12. Graphic image
18 of the game controller 10 in FIG. 3 includes discrete graphic
elements 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60 and 62. Each discrete graphic
element includes a light source that is located beneath it in the
housing. These light sources are connected to an electronic circuit
and may be controlled using predetermined sequences as discussed
above. Similarly, game controller 10 of FIG. 4 includes another
example graphic image 18, in which discrete graphic elements 60, 62
and 64 are enumerated. The discrete graphic elements may be
illuminated as described above.
[0043] Lights such as LEDs may be included in one or more of
controls 20 and 22. These lights may be active while the game
controller is on or in use or may be activated when the control is
pressed.
[0044] It is to be understood that, while, as a convention of this
description, certain features have been described with respect to
certain embodiments, it is contemplated that any of the features
described herein may be combined with any number of the other
features to produce a contemplated embodiment. In other words, any
combination of two or more of the features described herein is also
an embodiment described herein. Those skilled in the art will
recognize that the present invention may be manifested in a variety
of forms other than the specific embodiments described and
contemplated herein. Accordingly, departure in form and detail may
be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present
invention as described in the appended claims.
* * * * *