U.S. patent application number 13/406742 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-29 for apparatus for personalized gaming environment.
The applicant listed for this patent is Timothy J. Brinlee. Invention is credited to Timothy J. Brinlee.
Application Number | 20130225300 13/406742 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49003466 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130225300 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brinlee; Timothy J. |
August 29, 2013 |
APPARATUS FOR PERSONALIZED GAMING ENVIRONMENT
Abstract
A personalized gaming system that provides and enclosed gaming
environment for a user. The gaming environment may include an
enclosure made from wood, fiberglass or other suitable material and
provide space for many common accessories in a convenient and
ergonomic manner. Thus, a user may be seated in a heated reclining
chair with adjustable foot rests and have a maneuverable keyboard
and mouse platform to be placed in a comfortable position for the
user. Further, lighting, sound, and climate control features allow
a user to personalize many other factors of the gaming experience.
Further yet, additional amenities allow for a user to have comforts
not typically associated with a gaming environment, such as a
beverage cooler and dispenser and extrinsic storage features. With
the addition of each feature, a more complete environment for
improving the gaming experience is realized.
Inventors: |
Brinlee; Timothy J.;
(Redmond, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Brinlee; Timothy J. |
Redmond |
WA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49003466 |
Appl. No.: |
13/406742 |
Filed: |
February 28, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/43 ;
463/48 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 13/52 20140902;
A63F 2300/301 20130101; A63F 13/26 20140902; A63F 13/28 20140902;
A63F 13/54 20140902; A63F 2300/308 20130101; A63F 2300/302
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/43 ;
463/48 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A gaming environment, comprising: an enclosure configured to
enclose a space; a seat disposed inside the enclosed space and
configured to position a user to use a gaming system; and at least
one control feature integrated with the gaming environment and
configured to control at least one feature associated with the
gaming system.
2. The gaming environment of claim 1, wherein the enclosure
comprises one or more materials from the group including: wood,
fiberglass, metal, polyextruded plastic, carpet, leather,
insulation, sound-proofing material, and ceramics.
3. The gaming environment of claim 1, wherein the enclosure further
comprises a lockable door for ingress and egress.
4. The gaming environment of claim 1, wherein the seat further
comprises an adjustable seat configurable to adjust a feature from
the group including, sitting height, sitting position, lean
position, head rest position, arm rest position, seat heating, seat
cooling, and foot rest position.
5. The gaming environment of claim 1, wherein the control feature
further comprises an audio control feature configurable to control
an audio feature from the group including: a stereo pair of
speakers, a 5.1 surround sound audio system, a 7.1 surround sound
audio system, an external audio input, and external audio output, a
microphone interface and a headphone interface.
6. The gaming environment of claim 1, further comprising a heating
unit and an air conditioning unit coupled to an environment control
configured to control an internal temperature of the gaming
environment.
7. The gaming environment of claim 1, further comprising at least
one light coupled to a lighting control configured to control an
internal light of the gaming environment.
8. The gaming environment of claim 1, further comprising a
controller mount having an adjustable mounting member.
9. The gaming environment of claim 8, wherein the controller
comprises a QWERTY keyboard.
10. The gaming environment of claim 8, wherein the controller
comprises a pointing device and the controller mount further
comprises an adjustable mouse platform.
11. The gaming environment of claim 8, wherein the controller
comprises a game console controller.
12. The gaming environment of claim 1, further comprising one or
more video displays mounted in a forward position with respect to a
seated user.
13. The gaming environment of claim 1, further comprising a feature
selected from the group including: a mattress mounted on top of the
enclosure, a tongue for towing the enclosure, a window disposed on
a wall of the enclosure, a ladder mounted to a side of the
enclosure, a bookcase, a shoe holder, and movement impeding
feet.
14. A computer system, comprising: a processor configured to
control a gaming system; a control bus coupled to the processor; a
first adapter coupled to the control bus and configured to allow
the processor to control an intrinsic game feature of a gaming
system; and a second adapter coupled to the control bus and
configured to allow the processor to control an extrinsic feature
with respect to the gaming system.
15. The computer system of claim 14, further comprising a network
adapter configured to communicatively couple the computer system to
a network.
16. The computer system of claim 14, wherein the gaming system
comprising a console gaming system.
17. The computer system of claim 14, wherein the intrinsic feature
further comprises a feature from the group including: audio
generated from the game; video generated from the game, tactile
output generated from the game, audio control input generated from
the user, and tactile control input generated from the user.
18. The computer system of claim 14, wherein the extrinsic feature
includes a feature from the group including: ambient temperature;
ambient light, ambient air quality; an interior camera, and
exterior camera, a gameplay timer; a user attention indicator; a
beverage cooler; a microwave, a licorice dispenser; and an
intercommunication system.
19. The computer system of claim 14, further comprising a video
controller coupled to the processor and configured to display video
on a first display intrinsic to the gaming system and to display
video extrinsic to the gaming system on a second display.
20. The computer system of claim 14, further comprising an audio
controller coupled to the processor and configured to play audio
signals through an audio output for audio that is intrinsic to the
gaming system and play audio signals on the first audio output for
audio signals that are extrinsic to the gaming system.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Video games and the video gaming industry have gained in
popularity in recent years. Further, the appeal and commercial
success of the video gaming industry is evident across many
demographics and generations. As a result, computers and gaming
consoles are becoming more and more specialized in an effort have
enough computing power to handle intensive graphics requirements as
well as online throughput. Further yet, many different kinds of
gaming accessories are available in an effort to improve the gaming
experience for users. Often times, a user may then set up a gaming
area of a home that includes a number of different gaming
accessories and gaming-focused amenities.
[0002] However, adding accessory after accessory to an area of a
home tends to make the area of the home cluttered and unusable for
other purposes. Additionally, external aspects of a home may impede
the gaming experience. Thus, the user's gaming experience may be
diluted or interrupted by ambient light, extrinsic sounds such as
telephones and doorbells, and other people that happen by. In an
industry that attempts to minimize extrinsic factors in a gaming
experience, some negative aspects of a conventional gaming
environment cannot be addressed with simple accessories.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] Aspects and many of the attendant advantages of the claims
will become more readily appreciated as the same become better
understood by reference to the following detailed description, when
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0004] FIG. 1 shows an isometric diagram of a personalized gaming
environment with a cutaway to show the interior of the environment
according to an embodiment of the subject matter discussed
herein.
[0005] FIG. 2 shows an isometric diagram of a personalized gaming
environment without a cutaway to show exterior features of the
environment according to an embodiment of the subject matter
discussed herein.
[0006] FIG. 3 shows block diagram of a computing environment and/or
control features of a gaming environment according to an embodiment
of the subject matter discussed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0007] The following discussion is presented to enable a person
skilled in the art to make and use the subject matter disclosed
herein. The general principles described herein may be applied to
embodiments and applications other than those detailed above
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present detailed
description. The present disclosure is not intended to be limited
to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope
consistent with the principles and features disclosed or suggested
herein.
[0008] By way of overview, the subject matter disclosed herein may
be directed to a personalized gaming system that provides and
enclosed gaming environment for a user. The gaming environment may
comprise an enclosure made from wood, fiberglass or other suitable
material and provide space for many common accessories in a
convenient and ergonomic manner. Thus, a user may be seated in a
heated reclining chair with adjustable foot rests and have a
maneuverable keyboard and mouse platform to be placed in a
comfortable position for the user. Further, lighting, sound, and
climate control features allow a user to personalize many other
factors of the gaming experience. Further yet, additional amenities
allow for a user to have comforts not typically associated with a
gaming environment, such as a beverage cooler and dispenser and
extrinsic storage features. With the addition of each feature, a
more complete environment for improving the gaming experience is
realized. These and other features are discussed in greater detail
below with respect to the FIGs.
[0009] FIG. 1 shows an isometric diagram of a personalized gaming
environment 100 with a cutaway to show the interior of the
environment according to an embodiment of the subject matter
discussed herein. In FIG. 1, the gaming environment 100 in this
embodiment is shown as a standalone box-like structure having a
door (the door is not shown because of the cutaway--see below with
respect to FIG. 2) for ingress and egress as well as an interior
seat 130 for a user. The seat 130 may be designed to provide a
comfortable seating position for a user to utilize a gaming system
such as a personal computer or gaming console such that several
other amenities and accessories are situated in the gaming
environment 100 for the benefit of a seated user. Additional
details about the seat 130 and other amenities and accessories are
described throughout the remainder of this detailed
description.
[0010] The gaming environment may include and overall exterior
shell referred to, hereinafter, as the enclosure 101. The enclosure
101 may be made from several different kinds of materials. The
material may be wood, fiberglass, polyextruded plastic or any other
composite material or combination of materials. Wood materials may
be used to enhance the overall look of the environment 100 and may
be painted or stained per user preference. Further, the materials
chosen may vary based upon the intended use of the environment 100.
For example, a more permanent deployment of the environment 100 may
use heavier and more ornate construction materials and may even
built in to a room or house as a quasi-permanent fixture. Other
deployments, such as a college dorm room or apartment, may utilize
lightweight materials such as fiberglass or poly-extruded plastics.
Custom materials, such as bronze or aluminum may also be used to
enhance aesthetics. Further, the exterior of the enclosure 101 may
be carpeted and/or painted to improve aesthetics. Further yet, the
interior of the enclosure 101 may also be carpeted or coated with
an acoustic dampening material suited to help contain audio within
the gaming environment 100.
[0011] In this cutaway view of FIG. 1, particular focus is now
directed to the interior features of the gaming environment 100. A
user may recline in a seat 130 inside the enclosure 101. Common
seat features may be included such as a seat 130 made from leather
or cloth. Further, the seat 130 may be adjustable in several
different manners. Common adjustments may be forward and backward
adjustment, incline or decline, lumbar support inflation and
deflation and rotate axis or orientation. Additional embodiments
may include a swivel or rocking seat feature. The seat 130 may be
heated and air-cooled. The seat 130 may include armrests that are
adjustable and removable. The seat may include a rumble seat that
may be coupled to an audio output of a gaming system such that the
seat is physically moved or shaken when an audio event happens in
the context of a game. The seat 130 may include footrests 135 that
are adjustable. The seat 130 may have a massaging function or a
vibration function. The seat 130 may also include head rests and
other head padding suited to provide additional comfort to a
user.
[0012] The user may be facing one or more viewing monitors 110a and
110b. If one monitor is used, the single monitor may have a width
as large as the forward wall of the enclosure 101. Such a dimension
may typically be 60 inches. Further, if two monitors are used,
common personal computer monitors at 23.4 inches (diagonal screen
measurement) may be used. If three or more monitors are used, other
suitable monitor sizes may be deployed. Further, the gaming
environment 100 may include a large primary monitor and a smaller
secondary and/or tertiary monitor.
[0013] A wide range of audio features may be included in the gaming
environment 100. The gaming environment 100 may include a center
channel speaker 120a mounted within or on the forward wall of the
enclosure 101. Further, the gaming environment 100 may include a
front-right speaker 120b and a front left speaker 120c mounted
within or on appropriate wall locations. Further yet, the gaming
environment 100 may include a rear-right speaker 120d and a rear
left speaker 120e mounted within or on appropriate wall locations.
With these five speakers, a typical surround sound audio system is
realized when an additional subwoofer 121 is added in a suitable
location, such as behind the seat 130 or within the seat as
discussed above with regard to the rumble-seat feature. Thus, a 5.1
surround system is attained for use with games that can utilize a
5.1 surround system.
[0014] Additionally, another embodiment may include a right speaker
120f and a left speaker (not shown because of the cutaway) that are
positioned at the 90 degree orientation with respect to a user's
head. These speakers may be used within the 5.1 surround system to
form a 7.1 surround audio system or may be used individually as a
stereo pair of audio speakers for games that only have a stereo
audio feature.
[0015] The gaming environment 100 may also include a single mono
speaker 122 for non-game use such as audio signals indicating a
cell phone ring for a phone that may be paired (via Bluetooth or
other wireless standard) with the gaming environment 100 or an
audible indication that a person on the exterior wishes to gain the
attention of the engaged user, e.g., a doorbell. Further, a
headphone jack 123 may be included for using more comfortable with
using a pair of headphones.
[0016] The gaming environment may include a number of accessories
and amenities that are designed to enhance the experience of
gameplay for a personal computing gaming environment, a console
gaming environment, or both. The following several paragraphs
discuss carious computing and console environment features.
[0017] In a first feature, a user may wish to have a controller or
keyboard 139 mounted in front of the seated user in a manner best
suited for the particular use. Thus, in one embodiment, a
controller (shown as QWERTY keyboard 139) mount may include a
platform or controller holder mounted on a swivel and/or swing arm
mount 141. A seated user may adjust a platform position to be best
suited for the user's needs. Some users may prefer the keyboard 139
higher, at mid-chest level while others may prefer lower, at the
laptop level. Further, the keyboard mount 141 may be adjusted
further left or right for particular user's choices. For example, a
hybrid computer/console game may have a game controller for action
scenes yet sill use a keyboard for additional control and game
access. A user, in this embodiment, may adjust a keyboard to be
easily reached off to the left while space right in front of the
user remains free for a wireless game controller. Further, the
mount 141 may be for different kinds of controllers, such as a
flight stick, a steering wheel, a guitar, or a rifle or pistol
controller. Ergonomic padding and arm rests may accompany the
controller mount 141 as well. Other controls mounted are also
contemplated such as musical keyboards, drum pads and drum
controllers for music games, foot controls like gas and brake
pedals for driving games, and dance pads.
[0018] In a second feature, a user may also wish to have an
additional controller resting on a fixed platform. In one
embodiment, a mouse platform 140 may be arranged near a user's
right had in a natural seated position. Further, such a mouse
platform 140 may include an ergonomic pad for wrist support as well
as an ergonomic pad from upper arm and elbow support. Such a
platform 140 need not be limited to the right side as left-hand
mouse users may prefer the mouse platform on the left side. Further
yet, the platform 140 may include a padded surface suitable for use
with a rolling ball type mouse or a reflective surface suited for a
laser-motion mouse. The mouse platform 140 may also be adjustable
in an up/down direction and in a tilt forward/backward manner.
[0019] Another feature of the interior of the gaming environment
100 in a space for mounting a computer tower 142 or gaming console
(only the computer tower 142 is shown for simplicity). The space is
situated to be easily accessed by a seated user such that a game
disc may be inserted or removed. Further, the space allotted for
the computer 142 or console may have power outlets, audio jacks,
USB ports, and gaming controller jacks easily accessed as well.
Additionally, integrated with or situated near the space for the
computer 142 or console may be additional mounting space for other
personal devices, such as a personal music player or a mobile
phone. Such additional space may include a mounting jack for
communicative interface and/or power recharging. Further, an
external audio input jack may be present such that music or video
from any engaged personal mobile device may be used with the view
screens and audio system of the gaming environment. In other
embodiments, a mounted microphone or microphone jack is also
present for games which may take advantage of user voice input.
[0020] The interior of the gaming environment 100 may also include
additional comfort features. In one embodiment, the interior may be
fully carpeted on the floor, roof, and all walls. Further, the
floor may include additional carpet padding and/or gel-filled
underlayment. Additional; power outlets and USB interfaces may be
located in convenient places throughout the interior. Further,
shelves and compartments for storing games, controllers, manuals
and batteries may be conveniently located throughout the interior
as well. Beverage holders including cooled and heated cup-holders
may be disposed in various convenient spaces as well. Further, a
small refrigerator and/or microwave may be placed in a convenient
location within the interior as well. As with any place of comfort
for humans, the ceiling of the gaming environment may be adorned
with a licorice dispenser for immediate retrieval and consumption
by a seated user.
[0021] In a final group of described interior features, various
manners of providing light in focused areas may be present within
the interior of the gaming environment. In one embodiment, a
courtesy light 155 may be controllable linked to the door for
ingress and egress. Thus, when the door is ajar, the courtesy light
may be illuminated. Further, a user may have easy access to one or
more reading lamps 156 suited to focus light toward a comfortable
reading position. Further yet, ambience lighting (not shown) of
various colors and levels may be present in a number of places
within the interior. Various spotlights (not shown) may also be
available for illuminating a keyboard controller or a user's
face.
[0022] FIG. 2 shows an isometric diagram of a personalized gaming
environment 100 without a cutaway to show exterior features of the
gaming environment 100 according to an embodiment of the subject
matter discussed herein. As was shown in FIG. 1, the gaming
environment includes an enclosure 101 that defines an interior
space (shown in detail in FIG. 1) from all exterior aspects both as
part of and separate from the gaming environment 100. These
exterior features are described in the next paragraphs.
[0023] The enclosure 101 may include walls that feature an
insulation material (not shown as it is within the walls of the
enclosure 101) suited to keep sound generated within the gaming
environment in the gaming environment. Such sound proofing also
keeps external sounds out of the interior of the gaming environment
100. Further, such insulation material helps maintain a desired
temperature inside the gaming environment. The gaming environment
may further include a controllable heater 220 have heating control
and a controllable air conditioning unit 221 to allow for interior
cooling control. Further, the combination of the heating unit 220
and air conditioning unit 221 may also provide forced air
ventilation for recycling the air within the gaming environment on
a regular basis. Depending upon other features within the gaming
environment, the gaming enclosure may include a sunroof 203 that
may be opened and closed by a seated user. Other windows may be
present such a rear window 202. Further, one or more doors 201 may
allow a user ingress and egress for the gaming environment 100. The
doors and windows may all be lockable both from the interior and
the exterior and may also include a power function for locking and
unlocking such locks.
[0024] The gaming environment 100 also includes a number of
different features that provide for greater functionality of the
gaming environment 100, especially in small living quarters such as
a dormitory room or apartment. Thus, the gaming enclosure 101 may
support a mattress 204 for sleeping on top of the gaming
environment 100. Additionally, the gaming environment 100 may
include a ladder 205 for easier access to the mattress 204. Having
a mattress 204 on top of the gaming environment 100 provides for a
more economic use of space when space may be at a premium in any
given area. Further space-saving features may include bookshelves
206 and or shoe-holders (shown as bookshelves 206). Further yet,
the gaming enclosure 101 may be supported on its base by rubberized
feet 207 to keep the entire gaming environment 100 from easily
moving about on tile and wood surfaces. The feet may alternatively
be lockable rolling wheels. Still further, the entire gaming
environment 100 may be in the form of a towable trailer unit having
a tongue for engaging a tow hitch on a vehicle as well as tires and
brake and turn signal indicators for legal use on public streets
should a user wish to easily transport the gaming environment form
location to location.
[0025] The gaming environment 100 may also include various
audio/video features for the exterior of the gaming environment
100. Thus, external speakers 240 and video screen 241 may exhibit
the same audio and video as view screens and audio speakers within
the gaming environment 100. This allows people outside of the
gaming environment 100 to view and hear the game being played by a
user inside the gaming environment 100. Further, such audio/video
features may include external inputs and outputs for connecting
external sources to operate with the screens and speakers of the
interior as well as connect the game audio and video to external
components such as additional external television screens and
stereo or surround audio systems. Additional indicators may be
present near the door 201. Such indicators may include an in-use
light 211 to indicate that a user in inside the gaming environment.
Further, the indicators may include a configurable timer 210 that
may show the number of hours/minutes in which the gaming
environment is in use. Such a use timer may indicate overall hours
across all games, overall hours for specific games, overall hours
since the latest gaming session has begun, or a countdown timer
until the gaming environment disables game play. Further yet, the
indicators may include a pushbutton 212 that may indicate to a user
engaged in gameplay that a person outside the gaming environment
100 wishes to gain the user's attention. This may be akin to the
doorbell feature discussed above.
[0026] Near the indicators may also be a keyed lock feature 213 for
the overall gaming environment 100. Thus, an owner of the gaming
environment 100 may have a physical key that must be engaged in
order for any functionality to be used. Such a keyed lock 213 may
also be a software based numeric keypad with a user code. Further,
an external view camera 214 may be mounted near the indicators to
show an engaged user on an internal view screen who may be standing
just outside the gaming environment 100.
[0027] FIG. 3 shows block diagram of a computing system 300 and/or
control features of a gaming environment 100 according to an
embodiment of the subject matter discussed herein. The computing
system may be a personal computer or gaming console as described
previously. Alternatively, the computing system 300 may be a
standalone controller within the gaming environment 100 suited to
control several different features of the gaming environment 100.
In either embodiment, control may be implemented over various
features and amenities as discussed further below.
[0028] The computing system 300 may include a central processor
coupled to a communication and control bus 310. The communication
and control bus 310 may, in turn, be coupled to one or more
components and modules for implementing functionality. As described
in the context of the computing system 300, a skilled artisan
understands that the blocks within this diagram may represent
hardware or software components and typically may only be a program
interface between the bus 310 and the actual devices and components
to be controlled. Further, these interfaces may also be classified
as interfaces and/or adapters that are associated with intrinsic
features of the gaming system, such as audio and video generated by
the gaming system and extrinsic features, such as ambient
temperature and ambient lighting of the gaming environment 100.
[0029] In a first group of interfaces, the computing system 300 may
include one or more video adapters. In this embodiment a first
display 315, a second display 316, and a third display 317 is
shown. These video adapters allow the computing system to control
the images displayed on one or more of the interior video displays
as described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2. Similarly, in a
second group of interfaces, the computing system 300 may also
include an audio control system 319 having a plurality of audio
adapters. As shown in this embodiment, a 5.1/7.1 surround sound
interface 320 is shown. Further, a headphone interface 321 is shown
as well as a microphone interface 322. These audio interfaces allow
the computer system 300 to send signals to and receive signals from
various audio componentry as discussed above with respect to FIGS.
1 and 2.
[0030] In another group of interfaces, the computing system 300 may
include an environmental control system 325 having one or
environmental control adapters. In this embodiment, an ambient
temperature controller 330 is shown. This allows the computer
system to adjust air temperature within the gaming environment by
heating (by using a heater as shown in FIG. 2) or cooling (by using
an air conditioner as shown in FIG. 2). Further, the temperature of
the seat itself may be controlled by a seat temperature controller
331. Thus, the seta may be heated or air-cooled as discussed above.
Further yet, a circulation controller 332 may provide a way for the
computer system 300 to circulate fresh air from the exterior of the
gaming environment into the interior of the gaming environment.
[0031] In yet another group of interfaces, the computing system 300
may include alighting control system 335 having one or more
lighting control adapters. In this embodiment, an ambient lighting
controller 340 is shown for enabling the computer system 300 to
adjust ambient light within the gaming environment. This may be
accomplished through any number of lights mounted in the interior
of the gaming environment. Further, the ambient lighting may be of
different colors as well as changing colors and intensity. Further
yet, the ambient lighting may also be linked to a game currently
being played such that light flash to music being played or will
match lighting conditions within the context of the game being
played (e.g., daylight when the game features a daylight scene and
little light if the game features a night time scene). Further yet,
courtesy/door light interface 341 may be used to illuminate a light
of the door opens or an individual that wishes to gain the
attention of a user inside. Still further, an additional control
lighting interface 342 may provide a way for the computer system
300 to illuminate other control light features such as a timer
light when allotted game play time has expired or specific lighting
for keyboards or controllers.
[0032] In yet another group of interfaces, the computing system 300
may include a power control system 355 having one or more power
control adapters. In this embodiment, overall environment power 360
is shown for enabling the computer system 300 to control and
maintain power within the gaming environment 100. This may be used
when a user is using a majority of the features of the gaming
environment, i.e., a user is playing a game. In another power
feature, the system may include an accessory power controller 361
for providing power to a select set of components. This may be used
if a user only wishes to engage the audio features of the gaming
environment 100 to play music using a portable music player, for
example. Further yet, the computer system 300 may include a power
control feature for taking advantage of a battery backup coupled to
the gaming environment. Such a battery controller 362 allows for
the computer system 300 to utilize a battery backup system in case
main power is lost during gameplay. This will allow a user enough
time to complete a critical part of a game and save/backup the game
in progress.
[0033] Other features of the computer system 300 include a control
adapter 370 for an interior camera. This may allow external users
to see the user when engaged in game play through an external view
screen and it may be a feature for control by the overall computer
environment 300. Similarly, the computer system 300 may include a
control adapter 372 for an exterior camera. This may allow an
engaged user to view outside of the gaming environment 100 to see
others that may have gathered to watch an external screen or if
people having a room where the gaming environment 100 is
located.
[0034] The computer system 300 may include network adapters for
connecting the gaming environment to a local-area network (LAN) or
a wide-area network (WAN). Thus, a wired network adapter 374 may be
coupled to a wired network through an RJ-45 connector via a CAT-5,
CAT5e, CAT6, etc. cable. Additionally, the computer system 300 may
include a wireless network adapter 376 for connecting to a wireless
network using various IEEE and networking standards. Still further,
additional adapters may be used (but are not shown) such as an
IEEE-1394 ("Firewire") adapter.
[0035] Still further modules that exhibit computer control features
may be present. Thus, all appliances discussed above (beverage
cooler, microwave, licorice dispenser) may also be communicatively
coupled to the computer system. Such a control module 378 may
provide a means by which a user may be alerted through the context
of a game that the amount of licorice on the licorice dispenser is
running dangerously low. Additional indictors, such as the
indicators described above with respect to FIG. 2, may be
communicatively and controllably coupled to the computer system via
an indicator control module 380. Such a set of indicators may
further include an intercom system for allowing an internal user to
communicate with an external individual.
[0036] While the subject matter discussed herein is susceptible to
various modifications and alternative constructions, certain
illustrated embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and have
been described above in detail. It should be understood, however,
that there is no intention to limit the claims to the specific
forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all
modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling
within the spirit and scope of the claims.
* * * * *