GAME CONTROLLING APPARATUS FOR PEDALING MOTION

• US 20090088248A1
• Filed: 09/25/2008
• Published: 04/02/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 09/25/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Andrew Stevens, Jeffrey Schox, Peter Hamady
• Original Assignee: Andrew Stevens, Jeffrey Schox, Peter Hamady
• Inventors: Stevens, Andrew, Hamady, Peter, Schox, Jeffrey
• Application Number:
  US12/238,145
• Publication Number:
  US 20090088248A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/36
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/02 Accessories input or output arrangements for electrical digital computers G06F3/00
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/211 using inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers or gyroscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/24 Constructional details thereof, e.g. game controllers with detachable joystick handles
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/245 specially adapted to a particular type of game, e.g. steering wheels
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/285 Generating tactile feedback signals via the game input device, e.g. force feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1037 being specially adapted for converting control signals received from the game device into a haptic signal, e.g. using force feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1043 being characterized by constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/105 using inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers, gyroscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/8082 Virtual reality

Abstract

A game controlling apparatus designed for using a pedaling (or winding) motion to control a video game. The game controlling apparatus preferably includes a platform element adapted to secure a game controller and at least a first handle and a second handle, each handle being capable of rotation about an axis of rotation relative to the platform element. The game controlling apparatus additionally may include an attachment mechanism adapted to secure the game controller to the platform. The first and second handle are preferably positioned on opposite sides of the platform element and on opposite ends of the platform element so that a pedaling motion while gripping the first and second handle will produce rotation of the game controller preferably about a centrally located point on the game controller.

Claims

1. A game controlling apparatus for using a pedaling motion with a video game, comprising:

a platform element adapted to secure a game controller; and

a first handle attached to the platform element and adapted to rotate about a first axis of rotation relative to the platform element, and a second handle attached to the platform element and adapted to rotate about a second axis of rotation relative to the platform element.

2. The device of claim 1 further comprising an attachment mechanism adapted to secure the game controller to the platform element.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the platform element is adapted to secure a game controller with motion-sensing capabilities.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein the platform element is adapted to secure a Wii Remote controller for the Nintendo Wii game console.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the first and second axis of rotation are coplanar and not collinear.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein the first and second controller are attached to the platform element on opposite surfaces and on opposite sides of the platform element.

7. The device of claim 5 further comprising a first resistance element adapted to resist the rotation of the first handle about the first axis of rotation, and a second resistance element adapted to resist the rotation of the second handle about the second axis of rotation.

8. The device of claim 7 wherein the first and second resistance elements have associated resistances, and the resistances are adjustable.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the resistances are adjustable by a game console.

10. The device of claim 8, wherein the first and second resistance elements have a clockwise resistance and a counter-clockwise resistance, and wherein the clockwise resistances and the counter-clockwise resistances are separately adjustable.

11. The device of claim 1 wherein the platform element is adapted to secure a wired game controller and to substantially align the wire of the game controller with an axis of rotation.

12. The device of claim 1 further comprising a controller communication element adapted to exchange information between the device and the game controller.

13. The device of claim 12 further comprising electronic buttons connected to the communication element and adapted to signal to the game controller button events.

14. The device of claim 13 wherein the controller communication element is an electrical connector that physically connects to the game controller.

15. An accessory for a motion-sensing game controller, in which the accessory is used to induce a continuous tumbling motion of the game controller and to provide exercise for a user, comprising:

a platform element that provides structural support to the accessory and includes an attachment mechanism to constrain the game controller in a substantially central location on the platform element; and

a first handle attached to the platform element and adapted to rotate about a first axis of rotation relative to the platform element; and

a second handle attached to the platform element and adapted to rotate about a second axis of rotation relative to the platform element;

wherein the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation are coplanar and not collinear such that the first handle and the second handle—

when gripped by the user and moved in a cyclical motion—

induce a continuous tumbling motion of the game controller.

16. The device of claim 15 further comprising a first resistance element adapted to resist the rotation of the first handle about the first axis of rotation and a second resistance element adapted to resist the rotation of the second handle about the second axis of rotation, wherein the first resistance element and the second resistance element cooperate such that—

when the first handle and the second handle are gripped by the user and moved in a cyclical motion—

the device provides exercise for the user.