U.S. patent application number 12/284471 was filed with the patent office on 2010-02-25 for gaming peripheral including rotational element.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.. Invention is credited to Thomas Marshall Miller, IV.
Application Number | 20100048301 12/284471 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41696898 |
Filed Date | 2010-02-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100048301 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Miller, IV; Thomas
Marshall |
February 25, 2010 |
Gaming peripheral including rotational element
Abstract
A gaming peripheral for use during play of an electronic video
game includes a board member and a rotational element extending
from a bottom surface of the board member. The board member is
rotatable about any of three mutually orthogonal axes, by a user
standing on a top surface of the board member and applying a force
to the rotational element which is contacting an opposing surface,
such as the ground. The board member includes a rotation
determination element for generating data representative of the
rotation of the board member about any of the three axes. The
rotational element and the rotation determination element can be
disengageably engaged with the board member, such that a
conventional, standalone board member, for example, a skateboard,
is readily convertible between the gaming peripheral and the
standalone skateboard.
Inventors: |
Miller, IV; Thomas Marshall;
(Los Angeles, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LERNER, DAVID, LITTENBERG,;KRUMHOLZ & MENTLIK
600 SOUTH AVENUE WEST
WESTFIELD
NJ
07090
US
|
Assignee: |
Sony Computer Entertainment America
Inc.
Foster City
CA
|
Family ID: |
41696898 |
Appl. No.: |
12/284471 |
Filed: |
September 22, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61189385 |
Aug 19, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/39 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/0334 20130101;
G06F 3/0338 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/39 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A gaming peripheral for operation with a game console, the
peripheral comprising: a board extending lengthwise between
opposing ends and including a top surface and a bottom surface; a
rotational element extending from the bottom surface of the board
and including a contact surface for contacting an opposing surface
during play of a game on a console; and a controller unit
including: a detector for detecting rotation of the board about any
one of three mutually orthogonal axes, wherein the rotation of the
board is caused by applying a force to the board for moving a
portion of the contact surface contacting the opposing surface in
relation to the opposing surface or for changing a portion of the
contact surface contacting the opposing surface from a first
portion of the contact surface to a second portion of the contact
surface; and a wireless communication unit for wirelessly
transmitting data representative of the detected rotation to the
game console during play of the game.
2. The gaming peripheral of claim 1, wherein the rotational element
is detachably engageable to the bottom surface of the board.
3. The gaming peripheral of claim 2, wherein the bottom surface of
the board defines threaded apertures and the rotational element
defines apertures alignable, respectively, with the apertures in
the bottom surface of the board, wherein the rotational element is
engageable with the board by alignment of the apertures of the
board with the corresponding apertures of the rotational
element.
4. The gaming peripheral of claim 3, wherein the board is a
standalone skateboard engageable to a wheel unit defining apertures
for receiving screws for securing the wheel unit to the board at
the apertures in the bottom surface of the board, wherein the
apertures in the rotational element have a spacing configuration
matching a spacing configuration of the apertures in the wheel
unit.
5. The gaming peripheral of claim 2, wherein the bottom surface of
the board includes a first mating element and the rotational
element includes a second mating element, wherein the first mating
element is detachably mateable with the second mating element.
6. The gaming peripheral of claim 1, wherein the controller unit is
detachably engageable to the board.
7. The gaming peripheral of claim 6, wherein the controller unit
includes a first mating element for detachably mating with a second
mating element on the top or bottom surface of the board.
8. The gaming peripheral of claim 1, wherein the controller unit
includes an input button for receiving user input, wherein the
wireless unit is for transmitting data representative of the
received user input to the game console during play of the
game.
9. The gaming peripheral of claim 1, wherein the board is shaped as
a skateboard.
10. The gaming peripheral of claim 1, wherein the contact surface
of the rotational element has an arcuate shape.
11. The gaming peripheral of claim 10, wherein the contact surface
of the rotational element includes a substantially planar
portion.
12. The gaming peripheral of claim 1, wherein the detector is
positioned adjacent to or at one of the ends of the board.
13. The gaming peripheral of claim 1, wherein the controller unit
extends from the bottom surface of the board.
14. The gaming peripheral of claim 1, wherein the controller unit
includes a protective covering.
15. A gaming peripheral for operation with a game console, the
peripheral comprising: a board extending lengthwise between
opposing ends and including a top surface and a bottom surface; a
rotational element extending from the bottom surface of the board
and including a contact surface for contacting an opposing surface
during play of a game on the console; and a tracking element
extending from the top surface of the board for use in tracking
rotation of the board about any one of three mutually orthogonal
axes, wherein the rotation of the board is caused by applying a
force to the board for moving a portion of the contact surface
contacting the opposing surface in relation to the opposing surface
or for changing a portion of the contact surface contacting the
opposing surface from a first portion of the contact surface to a
second portion of the contact surface.
16. The gaming peripheral of claim 15, wherein the tracking element
is a tracking ball detachably engageable from the board and
reflective of optical energy signals.
17. The gaming peripheral of claim 15, wherein the tracking element
is positioned adjacent to or at one of the ends of the board.
18. A method for playing a video game comprising: providing a
gaming peripheral including a board having a top surface and a
bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface includes a rotational
element including a contact surface for contacting an opposing
surface during play of the game, wherein the peripheral includes a
rotation determination element for generating data representative
of rotation of the board about any of three mutually perpendicular
axes; applying a force to the board for moving a portion of the
contact surface contacting the opposing surface in relation to the
opposing surface or for changing a portion of the contact surface
contacting the opposing surface from a first portion of the contact
surface to a second portion of the contact surface, thereby causing
the board to rotate about at least a first of the axes; generating
rotation data representative of the rotation of the board about the
first axis using the rotation determination element; and using the
rotation data at a gaming unit during play of the video game.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the rotation determination unit
includes an accelerometer unit for generating the rotation data,
the method further comprising: wirelessly transmitting the rotation
data to the gaming unit.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein the rotation determination unit
includes a tracking element for reflecting optical energy signals,
wherein the rotation data is generated based on the reflected
optical energy signals.
21. The method of claim 18 further comprising: determining at the
gaming unit, based on the rotation data, whether the rotation of
the board corresponds to a predetermined activity; and modifying
play of the game at the gaming unit based on the determination.
22. The method of claim 18, wherein the board includes a user
contact input element, the method further comprising: detecting a
user contacting the input element during play of the game; and
wirelessly transmitting data representative of the detected user
contact with the input element to the gaming unit.
23. A method for playing an electronic video game using a
skateboard, wherein the skateboard includes front and back wheel
units disengageably engageable to a bottom surface of the
skateboard, the method comprising: disengaging the front and back
wheel units from the skateboard; engaging a rotational element to
the skateboard at a location on the bottom surface of the
skateboard at which the back wheel unit is engageable to the
skateboard; engaging to the skateboard a controller unit having
wireless communication capabilities and for detecting rotation of
the skateboard about any of three mutually perpendicular axes; and
during play of the game, wirelessly transmitting, from the
controller unit, data representative of detected rotation of the
skateboard about at least a first of the axes.
24. The method of claim 23 further comprising: after play of the
game, disengaging the rotational element and the controller unit
from the skateboard.
25. A device for providing input to a game comprising: a board
means having a bottom surface and a top surface; a rotational means
extending from the bottom surface of the board means and including
a contact surface for contacting an opposing surface during play of
a game; wherein the board means is rotatable about any of three
mutually perpendicular axes, by moving a portion of the contact
surface contacting the opposing surface in relation to the opposing
surface or causing a portion of the contact surface contacting the
opposing surface to change from a first portion of the contact
surface to a second portion of the contact surface; and means for
determining rotation of the board about at least one of the
axes.
26. The device of claim 25, wherein the rotational means is
disengageable from the board means.
27. The device of claim 20, wherein the rotation determination
means is disengageable from the board means.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of
U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/189,385 filed Aug. 19, 2008,
the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Some peripherals for gaming software include motion sensing
devices that transmit, to a gaming console, information
representative of rotation of the peripheral about an axis. For
example, a peripheral having the configuration of a skateboard may
be manipulated by a user to cause rotation of the skateboard about
an axis, and data representative of the rotation of the peripheral
is transmitted from the peripheral to the gaming console for use
during play of a game on the gaming console.
[0003] In the prior art, board-shaped peripherals typically include
a board fixedly mounted to a base unit, which is electronically
hardwired to a gaming console. The user, when standing on the
board, can cause the board to rotate in pitch or yaw, in accordance
with play of a boarding game, such as a game involving
skateboarding, wakeboarding, surfboarding, snowboarding, etc., on
the console. The electronics in the peripheral detects the rotation
of the board in pitch or yaw, and then transmits the rotation
information over the hardwire connection to the game console.
[0004] The goal for gaming peripherals is to simulate, as closely
as possible, real life events that may be part of a game, and also
to be pleasing to, and provide for ease of use by, a user. In
currently known board-shaped peripherals, however, the board is
fixed to a base unit which is bulky and relatively large in size.
The size of the base unit makes such peripheral more suitable and
desirable for use in a gaming arcade, than in a home with a home
gaming console. In addition to the relatively large size of prior
art board-shaped peripherals, the requirement for a physical
interconnection of the base unit with the game console, and also
the lack of any capability for the user to rotate the board in
roll, as well as in yaw and pitch, during game play, limit the
attractiveness of such board-shaped peripherals, and thus the
attractiveness of games that can be played with such board-shaped
peripherals.
[0005] Therefore, there exists a need for a gaming peripheral
having the shape of a board, such as a skateboard, which can be
rotated in roll, yaw and pitch during play of a game, and also
which is easily used by and pleasing to a user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a gaming
peripheral for operation with a game console includes a board
extending lengthwise between opposing ends and including a top
surface and a bottom surface; a rotational element extending from
the bottom surface of the board and including a contact surface for
contacting an opposing surface during play of a game on a console;
and a controller unit. The controller unit includes a detector for
detecting rotation of the board about any one of three mutually
orthogonal axes. Rotation of the board is caused by applying a
force to the board for moving a portion of the contact surface
contacting the opposing surface in relation to the opposing
surface, or for changing a portion of the contact surface
contacting the opposing surface from a first portion of the contact
surface to a second portion of the contact surface. The controller
unit further includes a wireless communication unit for wirelessly
transmitting data representative of the detected rotation to the
game console during play of the game. In one embodiment, the
rotational element desirably is detachably engageable to the bottom
surface of the board.
[0007] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a gaming
peripheral for operation with a game console includes a board
extending lengthwise between opposing ends and including a top
surface and a bottom surface; a rotational element extending from
the bottom surface of the board and including a contact surface for
contacting an opposing surface during play of a game on the
console; and a tracking element extending from the top surface of
the board for use in tracking rotation of the board about any one
of three mutually orthogonal axes. Rotation of the board is caused
by applying a force to the board for moving a portion of the
contact surface contacting the opposing surface in relation to the
opposing surface, or for changing a portion of the contact surface
contacting the opposing surface from a first portion of the contact
surface to a second portion of the contact surface. In one
embodiment, the tracking element is a tracking ball detachably
engageable from the board and reflective of optical energy signals.
In another embodiment, the tracking element is positioned adjacent
to or at one of the ends of the board.
[0008] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method
for playing a video game includes providing a gaming peripheral
including a board having a top surface and a bottom surface. The
bottom surface of the board includes a rotational element including
a contact surface for contacting an opposing surface during play of
the game. The peripheral further includes a rotation determination
element for generating data representative of rotation of the board
about any of three mutually perpendicular axes. The method further
includes applying a force to the board for moving a portion of the
contact surface contacting the opposing surface in relation to the
opposing surface, or for changing a portion of the contact surface
contacting the opposing surface from a first portion of the contact
surface to a second portion of the contact surface, thereby causing
the board to rotate about at least a first of the axes; generating
rotation data representative of the rotation of the board about the
at least first axis using the rotation determination element; and
using the rotation data at a gaming unit during play of the video
game.
[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method
for playing an electronic video game uses a skateboard having front
and back wheel units disengageably engageable to a bottom surface
of the skateboard. The method includes disengaging the front and
back wheel units from the skateboard; engaging a rotational element
to the skateboard at a location on the bottom surface of the
skateboard at which the back wheel unit is engageable to the
skateboard; engaging to the skateboard a controller unit having
wireless communication capabilities and for detecting rotation of
the skateboard about any of three mutually perpendicular axes; and
during play of the game, wirelessly transmitting, from the
controller unit, data representative of detected rotation of the
skateboard about at least a first of the axes.
[0010] In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, a
device for providing input to a game includes a board means having
a bottom surface and a top surface; a rotational means extending
from the bottom surface of the board means and including a contact
surface for contacting an opposing surface during play of a game;
and means for determining rotation of the board about at least one
of the axes. The board means is rotatable about any of three
mutually perpendicular axes, by moving a portion of the contact
surface of the rotation means contacting the opposing surface in
relation to the opposing surface, or causing a portion of the
contact surface of the rotational means contacting the opposing
surface to change from a first portion of the contact surface to a
second portion of the contact surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a system diagram in accordance with an aspect of
the present invention.
[0012] FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic, bottom and top views,
respectively, of a board-shaped peripheral in accordance with an
aspect of the present invention.
[0013] FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C are perspective, front and top views,
respectively, of a rotational element in accordance with an aspect
of the present invention.
[0014] FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective and front views,
respectively, of a rotational element in accordance with another
aspect of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a skateboard-shaped peripheral
in accordance with another aspect of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a skateboard-shaped peripheral
in accordance with another aspect of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a flow chart in accordance with an aspect of the
invention.
[0018] FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C are perspective views of an exemplary
board of a peripheral in accordance with an aspect of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, a system 10 in accordance with one
aspect of the invention comprises a game console 12, a display 14,
a peripheral 16 and other components typically present in game
consoles. The system is used by a user.
[0020] The game console 12 preferably includes a processor 18 and
memory 20. Memory 20 stores information accessible by processor 18,
including instructions 22 for execution by the processor 18, and
data 24 which is retrieved, manipulated or stored by the processor
18. The memory 20 may be of any type capable of storing information
accessible by the processor; by way of example, hard-drives, ROM,
RAM, CD-ROM, DVD, write-capable memories, and read-only
memories.
[0021] The instructions 22 may comprise any set of instructions to
be executed directly (e.g., machine code) or indirectly (e.g.,
scripts) by the processor 18. The terms "instructions," "steps" and
"programs" may be used interchangeably herein. The functions,
methods and routines of the program in accordance with the present
invention are explained in more detail below.
[0022] Data 24 may be retrieved, stored or modified by processor 18
in accordance with the instructions 22. The data 24 may be stored
in any manner known to those of ordinary skill in the art such as
in computer registers, in records contained in tables and
relational databases, or in XML files. The data may also be
formatted in any computer readable format such as, but not limited
to, binary values, ASCII or EBCDIC (Extended Binary-Coded Decimal
Interchange Code). Moreover, any information sufficient to identify
the relevant data may be stored, such as descriptive text,
proprietary codes, pointers, or information which is used by a
function to calculate the relevant data.
[0023] Although the processor and memory are functionally
illustrated in FIG. 1 as within the same block, it will be
understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the processor
and memory may actually comprise multiple processors and memories
that may or may not be stored within the same physical housing. For
example, some of the instructions and data may be stored on a
removable DVD, CD-ROM and others within a read-only computer chip.
Some or all of the instructions and data may be stored in a
location physically remote from, yet still accessible by, the
processor. For example, some or all of the instructions may be
downloaded or accessed over a network (not shown). Similarly, the
processor may actually comprise a collection of processors which
may or may not operate in parallel.
[0024] All or a portion of the instructions 22 may comprise game
instructions 30, which may be a specific to a particular game, such
as a video game involving skateboarding, snowboarding,
wakeboarding, surfboarding, etc.
[0025] As noted above, system 10 may comprise additional components
typically found in a game console or computer system such as a
display 14 (e.g., an LCD screen), microphone, modem (e.g.,
telephone or cable modem), camera, speakers, and all of the
components used for connecting these elements to one another.
Accordingly, the console is preferably capable of outputting audio
and video signals for rendering by displays and speakers or the
like. Game console 12 preferably communicates with the Internet via
a modem or some other communication component such as a network
card.
[0026] The game console may comprise a dedicated gaming system,
such as a SONY PLAYSTATION. The game console may also comprise any
device capable of processing instructions and transmitting data to
and from humans and other computers or devices, including general
purpose computers, network computers lacking local storage
capability, PDA's with modems and Internet-capable wireless phones,
digital video recorders, cable television set-top boxes or consumer
electronic devices.
[0027] Peripheral 16 includes a board member 40 on which a user can
stand, a rotational element 42 for contacting an opposing surface,
such as the ground, when the user stands on the board member 40 and
is playing a game, and elements for detecting user input 44.
[0028] The user input 44 can include a detector 46 for detecting
rotation of the board member 40 about any one of three mutually
perpendicular axes. The detector 46 can be an inertial sensing
device, such as an accelerometer.
[0029] Referring to FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C, which shows an exemplary
embodiment of the board member 40 which can be used in a peripheral
in accordance with one aspect of the invention, rotation of the
board member 40 about any one of three mutually orthogonal axes x,
y and z is caused by a user applying forces to the board member 40,
with respect to an exemplary rotational element 130, while a
portion of a contact element 133 of the rotational element 130
which is spaced from a bottom surface 40A of the board member 40 is
maintained in contact with an opposing surface 70, such as the
ground. The contact element 133 includes a substantially planar
portion 135 that is parallel to the bottom surface 40A of the board
member 40, arcuate portions 137A, 137B extending away from opposite
ends of the portion 135 and towards the bottom surface 40A, and
anterior and posterior edges 129A, 129B. The board member 40, which
extends lengthwise between a front end 60 and a back end 64,
includes or is attached to the detector 46 (not shown in the
Figure), which is desirably positioned at or adjacent the front end
60. The detector 46 desirably is positioned as far as possible from
the rotational element 130 to maximize the accuracy with which the
detector 46 can detect rotation of the board member 40 about any of
the three mutually orthogonal axes x, y and z. The detector 46
generates data representative of the detected rotation of the board
member 40 (i) about the z-axis or in yaw, where the movement of the
board member 40 follows dashed line ZZ as shown in FIG. 8C; (ii)
about the y-axis or in pitch, where the movement of the board
member 40 follows dashed line YY as shown in FIG. 8A; and (iii)
about the x-axis or in roll, where the movement of the board member
40 follows dashed line XX as shown in FIG. 8B. Referring to FIG.
8C, rotation of the board member 40 in yaw can occur when the
portion of a surface of the contact element 133 contacting the
opposing ground 70 remains substantially unchanged and is moved
clockwise or counter-clockwise in relation to the ground 70.
Referring to FIG. 8A, rotation of the board member 40 in pitch can
occur by causing a transfer of the area of contact of the contact
element 133 with the opposing ground 70 from a surface area of the
portion 135 to the anterior edge 129A or the posterior edge 129B.
Referring to FIG. 8B, rotation of the board member 40 in roll can
occur by causing a transfer of the area of contact of the contact
element 133 with the opposing ground 70 from a surface area of the
portion 135 to a surface area of the portion 137A or the portion
137.
[0030] Referring again to FIG. 1, the user input 44 may include
buttons 48 on or attachable to the board member 40 that a user can
depress during game play. The buttons 48 may be on the top surface,
the bottom surface or both the top and bottom surfaces of the board
member 40.
[0031] The peripheral 16 also includes a processor 50 for receiving
and processing signals from the other elements, such as the input
buttons 48 and the detector 46. It will be understood that the
processor 50 may also comprise a controller for relaying, such as
wirelessly to the console 12, and translating as necessary, signals
from the buttons 48 and the detector 46.
[0032] The peripheral 16 is in communication with the console 12
via a communication link 60, which desirably is wireless or,
alternatively, may be wired.
[0033] In one aspect of the invention, the rotational element 42 is
detachably engageable from the bottom surface of the board member
40. Alternatively, the rotational element 42 is permanently fixed
to the bottom surface of, or integrated into, the board member
40.
[0034] In another aspect of the invention, the user input 44 and
the processor 50 are combined into a single controller unit that is
detachably engageable from the board member 40. In one embodiment,
the processor 50, the input buttons 48 and the detector 46 are
integrated into a single wireless component, such as existing in
the SONY PS3 Six Axis Controller, which is detachably engageable
from the top or bottom surface of the board member 40. In another
embodiment, one or more of the processor 50, the input buttons 48
and the detector 46 are integrated into, or permanently fixed to,
the board member 40.
[0035] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an exemplary peripheral 100 in
accordance with an aspect of the current invention. The peripheral
100 includes a board 140 having a bottom surface 142, a top surface
144, a front end 160, a back end 164 and sides 162. The board 140
desirably is a standalone skateboard including front and back wheel
units (not shown) engageable to the bottom surface 142 at threaded
apertures 147 and 148, respectively. The apertures 148, which are
closer to the end 164 than the end 160 of the board 140, desirably
are sized and spaced from one another to match the size and
spacing, respectively, of apertures of a standard back wheel unit
which is attachable to a conventional, standalone skateboard.
[0036] The peripheral 100 further includes the rotational element
130, as described above in the text accompanying the description of
FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C, which is capable of being engaged with, or
disengaged from, the bottom surface 142 of the board 142. Further
referring to FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C, in one embodiment the rotational
element 130, which desirably is made from metal or a heavy duty
plastic, includes a mounting base 131 including apertures 136
extending therethrough, and a post 132 interconnecting the base 131
to the contact element 133. The contact element 133 extends
lengthwise between ends 138 and 139. The apertures 136 are
desirably sized and spaced to correspond to the size and spacing,
respectively, of the apertures 148 in the bottom surface 142 of the
board 140.
[0037] In a further embodiment, at least a portion of outer surface
134 of the contact element 133 desirably is covered with or formed
from a layer of rubber material, such as PLASTI-DIP, to provide a
cushioned area that avoids the contact element 133 from damaging an
opposing surface, such as flooring of a home, when the peripheral
100 is used with rotation element 130. In another embodiment,
protective cushioning material, such as made of rubber, is
configured, such as in the form of a shoe, to be fittable over the
contact element 133 so as to encase the contact element 133.
[0038] To engage the element 130 with the board 140, the base 131
is positioned facing and over the bottom surface 142 of the board
140, and the lengthwise dimension of the contact element 133
extending between the ends 138 and 139 is arranged perpendicular to
the dimension of the board 140 extending between the front and back
ends 160, 164. The apertures 148 in the bottom surface 142 are then
aligned with the corresponding apertures 136 in the base 131 of the
rotational element 130. The same screws as used to secure the back
wheel unit to the board 140 desirably may be used to engage the
rotational element 130 to the board 140, at the respectively
aligned apertures 136, 148. Disengagement of the rotational element
130 from the board 140 is simply achieved by removing the screws
from the apertures 136, 148.
[0039] In one embodiment, the portion 135 of the contact element
133, which is opposite the base, is substantially planar and also
co-extensive with the base 131. The planar portion 135 preferably
has a width of about one inch and a length of about one and
one-half inches. In addition, the arcuate portions 137A, 137B of
the contact element 133 extend away from opposite ends of the
portion 135 and towards the base 131. The portions 137A, 137B have
a length and curvature, such that the portions 137A, 137B terminate
at the respective end portions 138, 139 adjacent the sides 162 of
the board 140.
[0040] In addition, the peripheral 100 includes a controller unit
150 having wireless communication capabilities and including the
input buttons 48, the detector 46 and the processor 50. The
controller unit 150 includes an attachment unit 152 that the user
can operate to engage the controller unit 150 to, or disengage the
controller unit 150 from, the board 140. The controller unit 150
may be engaged to the top surface 142 of the board 144, as shown in
FIG. 2B. Alternatively, the controller unit 150 may be engaged to
the bottom surface 142, so as to provide that the user can place
his feet anywhere on the entirety of the top surface 142 during
game play.
[0041] In one embodiment, the attachment unit 152 is a resilient or
adjustable clip that can be slid over the end 160 of the board 140,
and then be adjusted so as to secure the controller unit 150 to the
opposite sides 162 of the board 140 adjacent the end 160. As
desired, the attachment unit 152 may be manipulated by the user to
disengage the controller unit 150 from the board 140, such as when
the user desires to use the board 140 as a conventional
skateboard.
[0042] Further referring to FIG. 7, an operation in accordance with
a variety of aspects of the invention will now be described with
reference to the exemplary peripheral 100 as illustrated in FIGS.
2A and 2B. A user initially converts the board 140, which desirably
constitutes a conventional standalone skateboard, into the
peripheral 100, before game play on the console 12 is commenced. To
perform the conversion, the user removes the screws that secure the
front wheel unit of the skateboard 140 (not shown) to the bottom
surface 142 at the apertures 147, and the screws securing the back
wheel unit to the bottom surface 142 at the apertures 148. The
rotational element 130 is then positioned so that the longer
dimensions of the contact element 133 and the board 140 are
perpendicular to each other and the apertures 136 are aligned with
corresponding apertures 148. The same screws that were removed from
the board 140 when disengaging the back wheel units from the board
140 are then threaded through the aligned apertures 136, 148 to
engage the rotational element 130 to the bottom surface 142 of the
board 140. Then, the user manipulates the attachment unit 152 to
engage the controller unit 150 to the top surface 144 of the board
140, such that the buttons 48 face away from the top surface 144.
The board 140, including the engaged rotational element 130 and the
engaged controller unit 150, now constitutes the peripheral 100,
and is ready for use during play of a video game including a board,
such as game simulating a player riding a skateboard.
Alternatively, the peripheral 100 including the board 140 may be
used during play of a game involving a surfboard, snowboard,
wakeboard, or like boards.
[0043] To play the game, the board 140 is placed with the top
surface 144 facing the user and a portion of the contact element
133 contacting the opposing ground or floor. The user then places
one foot on a portion of the top surface 144 adjacent the back end
164 and his other foot on a portion of the top surface between the
end 160 and the rotational element 130. The planar portion 135 of
the contact element 133 provides that the user can, with relative
ease, stand on the board 140 and maintain the board 140 balanced
and stable on the rotational element 130, such that no portion of
the board 140 is in contact with the ground. After the user is
standing on the board 140 with the board 140 balanced on the
rotational element 130, the user begins game play.
[0044] During game play, the user can shift his weight on the board
140 in relation to the rotational element 130, so as to apply
various forces on the board 140. The applied forces may cause the
portion of the contact element 133 contacting the ground to remain
in contact with the ground while moving in relation to the ground,
such that the board 140 rotates in yaw, similarly as discussed
above and illustrated in FIG. 8C for the board member 40.
Alternatively, the applied forces may cause a portion of the
contact element 133 contacting the ground to change from a first
portion to a second portion, such that the board 140 rotates in
pitch or roll, or both pitch and roll, similarly as discussed above
and illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B for the board member 40.
Depending on how the user shifts his weight on the board 140 in
relation to the rotational element 130 and, in particular, to the
portion of the contact element 133 contacting the ground, the board
140 may be caused to rotate in yaw, pitch or roll, or in any
combination thereof. The detector 46 detects the rotation of the
board 140 in yaw, pitch and roll during game play, and the
controller unit 150 wirelessly transmits data representative of the
detected rotation to the console 12.
[0045] In addition, during game play, the user, who is standing on
the board 140, may reach down with his hand and depress the
button(s) 48, for example, to complete a boarding maneuver
indicated on the display 14 as providing bonus points. The
controller unit 150 wirelessly transmits data representative of the
user contacting the button(s) 48 to the console 12 during game
play.
[0046] Depending on the user input received from the peripheral 16,
the console 12 modifies or adjusts game play. For example, if the
detected rotation of the board 140 corresponds to a special
rotation, for example, a rotation in yaw performed within a
predetermined time interval during play of a game, the console 12
awards bonus points to the user or suitably alters game play.
Similarly, if the console 12 determines that the input button 48
was depressed at a particular time during game play, the console 12
awards bonus points to the user or suitably alters game play. The
console 12 continues to process user input applied to the
peripheral 100 as long as a game is being played.
[0047] Once game play has ended, or the user no longer desires to
play a game, if the user desires to use the board 140 as a
conventional skateboard, the user simply removes the screws
attaching the rotational element 130 to the board 140, operates the
attachment unit 152 to disengage the controller unit 150 from the
board 140, and then reattaches the front wheel and back wheel units
to the bottom surface 144 of the board 140. The board 140 is now
ready for use as a conventional standalone skateboard by the
user.
[0048] In another aspect of the invention, the user input 44 can
include a tracking element 49 which can be used in conjunction with
a camera system to determine the rotation of the board 140. The
tracking element 49, for example, may be tracking ball having a
surface reflective of optical energy signals which is attached to
the top surface 144 of the board 140 at or adjacent the end 160.
Optical energy signals that are reflected from the tracking element
49 during game play can be detected, such as by a camera system,
and then processed for generating data representative of the
rotation of the board 140. In an alternative embodiment, the
tracking element 49 is a part of the top surface 144 of the board
140.
[0049] In a further embodiment, the controller unit 150 includes a
protective covering or casing 159, which protects the components in
the unit 150 from becoming damaged based on contact with the ground
or a user's foot during game play.
[0050] In another aspect of the invention, referring to FIGS. 4A
and 4B, a rotational element 200 is a solid block of material, such
as wood or plastic, including an arcuate contact portion 202 for
contacting the ground, and a surface 204 opposite the contact
portion 202 for attachment to the bottom surface of a board. In one
embodiment, the contact portion 202 has the configuration of a
half-sphere. The surface 204 can be attached to the bottom surface
of a board member, such as by use of an adhesive. Alternatively,
other conventional devices for disengageable engagement of two
elements to each other, such as mateable elements, can be used to
provide that the surface 204 of the rotational element 200 can be
readily engaged with, and disengaged from, the bottom surface of
the board member.
[0051] In another aspect of the invention, conventional
disengageable engagement devices, such as mateable elements, also
can be attached to or included in the controller unit 150 and a
surface of a board to provide that the controller unit 150 is
engageable with, and disengageable from, a board by a user, with
relative ease.
[0052] FIG. 5 illustrates a peripheral 300 in accordance with
another aspect of the present invention. The peripheral 300
includes a board 302 on which a user can stand and which the user
can cause to rotate about any of three mutually perpendicular axes,
such that the board 302 can rotate in yaw, pitch and roll. The
peripheral 300 further includes a gear box unit 304 mounted on a
base 306. The gear box unit 304 is coupled to a bottom surface 308
of the board 302 and includes gears coupled to electronics that are
operable to selectively control when and how the board 302 can be
moved by the user. The gear box unit 304, in one embodiment,
includes a processor acting as a controller unit for the peripheral
300. Based on control signals received at the peripheral 300 from
the console 12 during game play, the gear box unit 304 permits
certain rotation of the board 302 at certain times during game
play, so as to control when the user can cause the board 302 to
rotate in yaw, roll or pitch. A controller unit 150 engaged with
the board 302, similarly as in the peripheral 100, transmits to the
console 12 data representative of detected rotation, and also
depression of the input buttons 48 by the user, during game
play.
[0053] FIG. 6 illustrates a peripheral 400 according to another
aspect of the invention. The peripheral 400 includes a board 402
having a front end 413, a back end 415 and a top surface 411. The
bottom surface of the board 402 is fixed to a fabric sheet 403 of a
trampoline 404 on which a user would stand during conventional use
of the trampoline 404. The board 402 is engaged to the sheet 403 at
portions 407 and 409 of the bottom surface of the board 402. The
board 402 desirably has the shape of a conventional skateboard and
the portions 407, 409 correspond to the locations on a conventional
skateboard at which front and back wheel units (not shown)
ordinarily are attached to the skateboard. The detector 46, the
input buttons 48 and the processor 50 are integrated into the top
surface 411 of the board 402 adjacent the front end 413 of the
board 402. Similarly as described above for the other peripherals,
user input, such as causing the board 404 to rotate in yaw, pitch
or roll, is detected by the detector 46, and data representative of
the detected rotation is transmitted from the peripheral 400 to a
game console during game play.
[0054] Although the invention herein has been described with
reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that
these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and
applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be
understood that numerous modifications may be made to the
illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *