ACCESSORY FOR PLAYING GAMES WITH A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE

• US 20100081505A1
• Filed: 09/30/2008
• Published: 04/01/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 09/30/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Original Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Inventors: Gadkari, Sanjay Sadanand, Alten, Brett Gregory
• Granted Patent: US 8,939,838 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/36
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/211 using inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers or gyroscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/213 comprising photodetecting means, e.g. cameras, photodiodes or infrared cells A63F13/219, A63F13/655 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/2145 the surface being also a display device, e.g. touch screens
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/215 comprising means for detecting acoustic signals, e.g. using a microphone
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/23 for interfacing with the game device, e.g. specific interfaces between game controller and console
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/235 using a wireless connection, e.g. infrared or piconet
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/24 Constructional details thereof, e.g. game controllers with detachable joystick handles
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/58 by computing conditions of game characters, e.g. stamina, strength, motivation or energy level
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/92 Video game devices specially adapted to be hand-held while playing
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/95 Storage media specially adapted for storing game information, e.g. video game cartridges
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1025 details of the interface with the game device, e.g. USB version detection
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1031 using a wireless connection, e.g. Bluetooth, infrared connections
• 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 2300/1075 using a touch screen
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1081 Input via voice recognition
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1087 comprising photodetecting means, e.g. a camera
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/204 the platform being a handheld device
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/65 for computing the condition of a game character
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations

Abstract

Circuits, methods, and apparatus that provide user interfaces for playing games on portable electronic devices. One example provides a game accessory having input controls for playing video, audio, and other types of games. The game accessory can have input controls, such as buttons, joysticks, and D-pads. Another example provides a game accessory having a thumb pad or keyboard. Other possible features include microphones, cameras and camera lenses, speakers, a second screen, rumble, and motion detection. The game accessory may have a recess sized to fit the portable electronic device. Inserts or removable adapters can be used to fit portable electronic devices having different sizes. The portable electronic device can be held in the accessory using sliding covers, clips, or other engaging members. In other examples, the accessory can communicate with another accessory for head-to-head game play. The accessory may include circuitry for power, identification, and authorization.

Claims

1. A hand-held game accessory to physically receive a portable electronic device to enhance the playing of games, the game accessory comprising:

a recess to physically receive at least a substantial portion of the portable electronic device;

a plurality of input controls that may be actuated by a user while playing a game;

first circuitry to communicate with the portable electronic device, the communication relating to the actuation of a plurality of input controls; and

second circuitry to retain information about a game after the portable electronic device is removed.

2. The game accessory of claim 1 wherein the plurality of input controls that may be actuated by a user while playing a game, further comprises one or more of:

a button that may be actuated while playing the game to provide an input to the game; and

a directional input device that may be actuated during the playing of a game to provide directional input data to the game;

third circuitry responsive to an actuation of the button; and

fourth circuitry responsive to an actuation of the directional input.

3. The game accessory of claim 1 wherein the game accessory is configured to connect to a portable media player.

4. The game accessory of claim 1 further comprising a connector insert for mating with a connector receptacle located on the portable media player to form a path for the communication, wherein the connector insert rotates to allow the game accessory to physically receive the portable electronic device.

5. The game accessory of claim 2 wherein the second circuitry comprises non-volatile memory and the information comprises a score.

6. A game accessory to attach to a portable electronic device, the game accessory comprising:

input controls to provide inputs to a game program;

circuitry to communicate information relating to the manipulation of the control inputs to the portable electronic device; and

a connector insert to mate to a connector receptacle located on the portable electronic device, the connector insert and connector receptacle forming a path for the communication;

wherein the game program provides a graphics image on a screen of the portable electronic device.

7. The game accessory of claim 6 wherein the input controls further comprise:

a control button that may be manipulated by a user to provide an input to the game program;

a directional input that may be manipulated by a user to provide directional input data to the game program.

8. The game accessory of claim 6 further comprising a non-volatile memory, wherein the non-volatile memory stores data for the game program after the portable electronic device is removed.

9. The game accessory of claim 6 further comprising:

one or more clips for physically restraining the portable electronic device in the game accessory.

10. The game accessory of claim 6 wherein the game program runs on a processor located on the portable electronic device.

11. A game accessory to be mounted by a portable electronic device, the game accessory comprising:

a physical mounting structure adapted to receive the portable electronic device such that the game accessory and portable electronic device form an integral physical unit;

one or more input controls responsive to a tactile input; and

a wireless transmitter for communicating with the portable electronic device during gaming.

12. The game accessory of claim 11 wherein the game accessory recess is configured to physically receive a portable media player such that a top side of the portable media player is substantially flush with a top side of the game accessory.

13. The game accessory of claim 11 further comprising:

a cover for securing the portable electronic device in the game accessory.

14. A movable game accessory to couple to a portable electronic device, the portable electronic device comprising an accelerometer, the game accessory comprising:

a recess to receive the portable electronic device so as to form an integral physical unit wherein the display of the integral physical unit is the display the screen of the electronic device;

wherein a movement of the movable gaming accessory provides an input to a game of the electronic device based at least in part on the accelerometer sensing the movement.

15. The movable gaming accessory of claim 14 wherein the movable gaming accessory is a steering wheel.