Video game controller with integrated status indicators

• US 20040224768A1
• Filed: 04/28/2004
• Published: 11/11/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 09/24/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Intec Incorporated (G Holdings Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Intec Incorporated (G Holdings Incorporated)
• Inventors: Hussaini, Saied, Iacovelli, Marc
• Application Number:
  US10/833,338
• Publication Number:
  US 20040224768A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/37
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/24 Constructional details thereof, e.g. game controllers with detachable joystick handles
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/285 Generating tactile feedback signals via the game input device, e.g. force feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/807 Gliding or sliding on surfaces, e.g. using skis, skates or boards
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1043 being characterized by constructional details

Abstract

A video game controller for interaction with a computer gaming unit. The video game controller comprises a hand held body, a plurality of buttons logistically positioned for manipulation by a user and the communication cable operatively connected to the hand held body and provided to transmit operation commands to the computer gaming unit in response to manipulation of the operation members by a user. The video game controller further comprises an integrated LED indicator light disposed in the hand held body of the controller for illuminating in response to a connection between a communication cable and the computer gaming unit. When the cable is inserted into a receptacle on a computer gaming unit and a connection is properly formed, a LED light formed in the hand held body of the controller will light in response to a voltage across a voltage supply line.

Claims

1. A video game controller for interaction with a computer gaming unit, said controller comprising:

a hand held body;

a plurality of buttons logistically positioned for manipulation by a user;

at least one communication cable operatively connected to said hand held body and provided to transmit operation commands to said computer gaming unit in response to manipulation of said operation members by said user; and

at least one indicator light illuminating in response to a connection between said communication cable and said computer gaming unit,

wherein said at least one indicator light is disposed in said hand held body.

2. The video game controller according to claim 1, wherein said communication cable includes:

a voltage supply line disposed within said communication cable;

a plug formed on a terminal end of said communication cable to facilitate connection of said voltage supply line between said computer gaming unit and said video game controller;

wherein said indicator light automatically illuminates in response to voltage flow across said voltage supply line when a proper connection is made between said plug and said computer gaming unit.

3. The video game controller according to claim 1, wherein said at least one indicator light is disposed beneath an exposed translucent material such that when said indicator light is illuminated, said light is visible to a user through said translucent material.

4. The video game controller according to claim 3, wherein said translucent material is one of a clear translucent material and non-clear translucent material.

5. The video game controller according to claim 3, wherein said translucent material is formed integrally with an external surface of said hand held body of said video game controller.

6. The video game controller according to claim 3, wherein said translucent material includes an opaque indicia disposed thereon.

7. The video game controller according to claim 6, wherein said opaque indicia is a logo of a company-manufacturer of said video game controller.

8. The video game controller according to claim 3, wherein said at least one indicator light is an LED visible through said translucent material.

9. The video game controller according to claim 3, wherein said translucent material is a colored translucent material.

10. The video game controller according to claim 8, wherein said LED is electrically connected to a voltage source disposed within said hand held body.

11. The video game controller according to claim 10, further comprising a switch electrically connected to said LED to selectively connect said LED to said voltage source.

12. The video game controller according to claim 1, further comprising a vibrating device activated in response to a frequency response signal for applying soothing and stimulating vibrations to a body of a user;

wherein said at least one indicator light is further illuminated in response to said frequency response signal.

13. The video game controller according to claim 12, wherein said at least one indicator light blinks in response to said frequency response signal.

14. A video game controller for interaction with a computer gaming unit, said controller comprising:

a hand held body;

a plurality of buttons logistically positioned for manipulation by a user;

at least one communication cable operatively connected to said hand held body and provided to transmit operation commands to said computer gaming unit in response to manipulation of said operation members by said user;

a vibrating device activated in response to a frequency response signal for applying soothing and stimulating vibrations to a body of a user; and

at least one indicator light illuminating in response to said frequency response signal,

wherein said at least one indicator light is disposed in said hand held body.

15. The video game controller according to claim 14, wherein said at least one indicator light is disposed beneath an exposed translucent material such that when said indicator light is illuminated, said light is visible to a user through said translucent material.

16. The video game controller according to claim 15, wherein said translucent material is one of a clear translucent material and non-clear translucent material.

17. The video game controller according to claim 15, wherein said translucent material is formed integrally with an external surface of said hand held body of said video game controller.

18. The video game controller according to claim 15, wherein said at least one indicator light is an LED visible through said translucent material.

19. The video game controller according to claim 15, wherein said translucent material is a colored translucent material.

20. The video game controller according to claim 14, wherein said at least one indicator light blinks in response to said frequency response signal.