GAMING CONTROLLER SYSTEM

• US 20140274394A1
• Filed: 03/13/2013
• Published: 09/18/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 03/13/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: BBY Solutions Incorporated (Best Buy Co., Inc.)
• Original Assignee: BBY Solutions Incorporated (Best Buy Co., Inc.)
• Inventors: Willis, Matthew
• Granted Patent: US 8,905,845 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 13/235 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: G06F 1/1626 with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1656 Details related to functional adaptations of the enclosure, e.g. to provide protection against EMI, shock, water, or to host detachable peripherals like a mouse or removable expansions units like PCMCIA cards, or to provide access to internal components for maintenance or to removable storage supports like CDs or DVDs, or to mechanically mount accessories mounting of accessories to a computer display G06F1/1607; display hoods G06F1/1603; cooling arrangements for portable computers G06F1/203
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0202 Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the input device
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0338 with detection of limited linear or angular displacement of an operating part of the device from a neutral position, e.g. isotonic or isometric joysticks
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/041 Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means

Abstract

A tablet computer interface with additional motion based sensors and tactile controls.

Claims

1. A gaming system comprising:

a. a tablet computer; and

b. a gaming cradle mechanically coupled to said tablet computer and electronically connected via a Bluetooth controller.

2. A gaming cradle for a tablet computer of the type having a touch screen interface, the gaming cradle comprising:

a. a first and second tubes overlapping and forming a telescopic assembly;

b. a thumb lever pivotally mounted in said tube assembly to protrude through at least one overlapping hole in said telescopic assembly;

c. a left handle and a right handle;

each of said handles coupled to said telescopic assembly, for grasping said tablet computer;

d. first and second elastomeric pads attached to said handles for frictional engagement with said tablet computer.

e. at least one of a button, a switch, and a joystick located on at least one of said grips;

f. a cable connecting the left handle and the right handle;

g. an electronics package having a Bluetooth transmitter; and

h. a battery providing power to the electronics package located in at least one of said grips, whereby switch activation is transmitted to said tablet computer.