Video gaming with integral printer device

• US 7,118,481 B2
• Filed: 08/08/2003
• Issued: 10/10/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 11/09/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Limited
• Original Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Limited
• Inventors: Silverbrook, Kia, King, Tobin Allen
• Primary Examiner(s): Sager, Mark
• Application Number:
  US10/636,194
• Publication Number:
  US 20040033834A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,159 Days
• Field of Search: 463/1, 463/30, 463/36, 463 43- 44, 463/46, 273/148.R, 340/323.R, 347/2, 347/20, 347/42, 347/49, 347/65, 347108-109
• US Class Current: 463/30
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/95 Storage media specially adapted for storing game information, e.g. video game cartridges
• 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 2300/204 the platform being a handheld device
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/206 Game information storage, e.g. cartridges, CD ROM's, DVD's, smart cards
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 13/00 Devices or arrangements of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, specially adapted for supporting or handling copy material in short lengths, e.g. sheets
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/01 Ink jet
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 3/36 for portability , i.e. hand-held printers or laptop printers B41J3/4075 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 3/445 Printers integrated in other types of apparatus, e.g. printers integrated in cameras
• 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 1/1696 the I/O peripheral being a printing or scanning device
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/21 Combinations with auxiliary equipment, e.g. with clocks or memoranda pads
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/724 User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00127 Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0063 Constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0082 Image hardcopy reproducer H04N2201/0091 - H04N2201/0094 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/112499 with sample on test slide
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/113332 with conveyance of sample along a test line in a container or rack

Abstract

A video gaming console (and corresponding method of printing gaming information onto a substrate) is configured to accept gaming data on a detachable CD-ROM, cartridge or the like. A user plays the game via a controller device. At predetermined points in the game, such as a certain level being achieved or a task being completed, an integral printing apparatus prints gaming images. Enhanced interactivity is achieved.

Claims

1. A video gaming device, including a casing that includes a receptacle for accepting detachable storage means and a lid pivotably connected to the casing for closing the receptacle, the lid incorporating a printer apparatus including a printhead, ink supply unit, and print media feed mechanism, said printer apparatus being adapted to print one or more gaming images derived from said detachable storage means, the lid further incorporating one or more control buttons on an exterior surface of said lid for controlling operation of said printer and a print media exit slot through which printed print media is dispensed.

2. A video gaming device according to claim 1 including an integral internal print media supply unit.

3. A video gaming device according to claim 2, wherein said print mrdia is in the form of sheets of paper or card.

4. A video gaming device as claimed in claim 3, wherein said sheets are substantially business card size.

5. A video gaming device according to claim 2, wherein the print media and ink supply unit are housed in a replaceable cartridge assembly.

6. A video gaming device according to claim 5, wherein said cartridge includes a print mrdia feed roller device for interacting with the print media feed mechanism to feed media from the cartridge to the printhead as required.

7. A video gaming device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said printhead comprises an inkjet printhead.

8. A video gaming device as claimed in claim 7, wherein said ink jet printhead comprises a pagewidth array of ink ejection nozzles configured to selectively eject ink by means of a series of actuators.

9. A video gaming device as claimed in claim 8, wherein said actuators are thermal bend actuators.

10. A video gaming device as claimed in claim 7, wherein said printhead is a microelectromechanical system ( MEMS) printhead.

11. A video gaming device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said detachable storage means comprises a Digital Video Disk (DVD) executable by a DVD player module.

12. A video gaming device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said detachable program storage means comprises a compact disk-read only memory (CD-ROM).

13. A video gaming device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said detachable program storage means comprises a semiconductor memory cartridge.

14. A video gaming device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said communication means comprises a wireless communication system.

15. A video gaming device as claimed in claim 1, including a detachable controller module incorporating a variety of interactive control devices.

16. A video gaming device as claimed in claim 15, wherein said controller module is releasably connected with said console by means of a magnetic coupling.