Attachment for Game Controller and Controller Assembly

• US 20110306424A1
• Filed: 06/10/2011
• Published: 12/15/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 06/14/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Incorporated (Sony Group Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Incorporated (Sony Group Corp.)
• Inventors: Kazama, Kouichi, Fukikoshi, Ryo, Goto, Sayuri
• Granted Patent: US 8,298,090 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/37
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/211 using inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers or gyroscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/245 specially adapted to a particular type of game, e.g. steering wheels
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/837 Shooting of targets
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/98 Accessories, i.e. detachable arrangements optional for the use of the video game device, e.g. grip supports of game controllers
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/8076 Shooting

Abstract

An attachment (4) comprises an attached portion (42) that is attachable to, and detachable from, the outer circumferential surface of a game controller (2) and a grip (41) to be held by a user. The attached portion (42) is formed such that the front end (42e) thereof is positioned further rearward than the light emitting part (21) when the attached portion (42) is attached to the game controller (20). According to the attachment (4), it is possible to prevent deterioration in recognition of the light emitting part by the image capturing unit.

Claims

1. An attachment for a bar-shaped game controller including a light emitting part at a front end thereof, comprising:

a grip for being held by a user; and

an attached portion attachable to, and detachable from, an outer circumferential surface of the game controller, wherein

the attached portion is formed such that a front end thereof is positioned more rearward than the light emitting part when the attached portion is attached to the game controller.

2. The attachment according to claim 1, wherein the grip is formed to extend in a bending direction relative to a longitudinal direction of the game controller when the attached portion is attached to the game controller.

3. The attachment according to claim 1, wherein the attached portion is formed to extend forward along the outer circumferential surface of the game controller when the attached portion is attached to the game controller.

4. The attachment according to claim 3, wherein

the light emitting part of the game controller is substantially spherical, and

the front end of the attached portion is formed in an arc shape that surrounds a central line of the game controller.

5. The attachment according to claim 3, further comprising:

a cover arranged opposite the attached portion, for covering the game controller, wherein

the attached portion and the cover are formed to together have a cylindrical shape capable of accommodating the game controller.

6. The attachment according to claim 5, wherein a front part of the cover and a front part of the attached portion are formed to together have a cylindrical shape becoming thinner toward the front.

7. The attachment according to claim 5, wherein the cover is formed separately from the attached portion and so as to be attachable to, and detachable from, the attached portion.

8. The attachment according to claim 3, wherein

the game controller includes

a bar-shaped main body, and

a coupling portion positioned between the main body and the light emitting part and coupling the main body and the light emitting part, and

the attached portion is formed such that the front end thereof is positioned more rearward than the coupling portion when the attached portion is attached to the main body.

9. The attachment according to claim 5, wherein

the game controller includes a bar-shaped main body, and

the cover and the attached portion extend along an outer circumferential surface of the main body to a foremost part of the outer circumferential surface.

10. The attachment according to claim 1, wherein the attached portion has a projection formed thereon to be inserted in a concave formed on the outer circumferential surface of the game controller.

11. The attachment according to claim 1, wherein

the game controller incorporates a built-in sensor for detecting movement of the game controller, and

the grip is formed to be positioned more rearward than the sensor when the attached portion is attached to the main body.

12. A controller assembly, comprising:

a bar-shaped game controller including a light emitting part at a front end thereof; and

an attachment for the game controller, wherein

the attachment includes

a grip for being held by a user, and

an attached portion attachable to, and detachable from, an outer circumferential surface of the game controller, and

the attached portion is formed such that a front end thereof is positioned more rearward than the light emitting part when the attached portion is attached to the game controller.