Accessory for playing games with a portable electronic device

• US 8,939,838 B2
• Filed: 09/30/2008
• Issued: 01/27/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 09/30/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Original Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Inventors: Alten, Brett Gregory, Gadkari, Sanjay Sadanand
• Primary Examiner(s): GARNER, WERNER G
• Application Number:
  US12/242,221
• Publication Number:
  US 20100081505A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,310 Days
• Field of Search: 273148 R-148 B, 463 36- 37
• US Class Current: 463/37
• 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 game accessory to attach to a portable electronic device, the game accessory comprising:

a body;

a recess formed in the body and sized to physically receive an entire width or length of the portable electronic device;

a plurality of input controls positioned on the body outside of the recess such that the plurality of input controls may be actuated by a user while playing a game with the portable electronic device inserted in the recess;

first circuitry to communicate information relating to manipulation of the plurality of input controls to the portable electronic device;

second circuitry configured to authenticate the game accessory with the portable electronic device;

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

a battery configured to provide power to both the game accessory and the portable electronic device,

wherein the portable electronic device includes a screen,

wherein the game provides a graphics image on the screen,

wherein the game runs on a processor located on the portable electronic device.

2. The game accessory of claim 1 wherein the portable electronic device is a portable media player.

3. The game accessory of claim 1 wherein the input controls further comprise:

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

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

4. The game accessory of claim 1 further comprising:

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

5. The game accessory of claim 1 wherein the recess is configured to physically receive the portable electronic device such that a top side of the portable electronic device is parallel with a top side of the game accessory.

6. The game accessory of claim 1 further comprising:

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

7. The game accessory of claim 1 wherein the game accessory is a steering wheel.

8. The game accessory of claim 1 further comprising third circuitry configured to provide identification information to the portable electronic device, the identification information including one or more capabilities of the game accessory.

9. The game accessory of claim 1 wherein the plurality of input controls includes an alphanumeric input device.

10. The game accessory of claim 1 further comprising an accelerometer for providing an input to the game based at least in part on the accelerometer sensing movement of the game accessory.

11. The game accessory of claim 1 further comprising third circuitry to retain information about the game after the portable electronic device is removed.

12. The game accessory of claim 11 wherein the information about the game comprises a score.

13. The game accessory of claim 11 wherein the third circuitry comprises a non-volatile memory.