VIDEO GAME DEVICE WITH INTERCHANGEABLE BODY, INTERCHANGEABLE CONTROLLER, AND METHODS OF USE

• US 20090088250A1
• Filed: 07/29/2008
• Published: 04/02/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 07/29/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: EB Carlson Marketing Incorporated
• Original Assignee: EB Carlson Marketing Incorporated
• Inventors: Grimault, Clotilde, Carlson, Edwin B., Rhodes, David W., Gant, Evan Isaac Timerding, Mittersinker, Gregor
• Application Number:
  US12/181,747
• Publication Number:
  US 20090088250A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/37
• 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 13/218 using pressure sensors, e.g. generating a signal proportional to the pressure applied by the player
• 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 13/24 Constructional details thereof, e.g. game controllers with detachable joystick handles
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/245 specially adapted to a particular type of game, e.g. steering wheels
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/814 Musical performances, e.g. by evaluating the player's ability to follow a notation
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1025 details of the interface with the game device, e.g. USB version detection
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1043 being characterized by constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1056 involving pressure sensitive buttons
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1062 being specially adapted to a type of game, e.g. steering wheel
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1087 comprising photodetecting means, e.g. a camera
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/8047 Music games

Abstract

An improved video game device that is operable with a variety of music-oriented video game platforms that can provide, among other things, improved responsiveness and directional sensitivity, as well as the ability to interchange video game bodies and/or game platform controllers.

Claims

1. A video game device, comprising:

an electronic subassembly comprising a controller, the controller comprising a selected video game platform adapted to interface with a game console;

a body comprising a region configured and dimension to receive at least a portion of the controller;

at least one game actuator device electrically coupled to the controller and adapted to trigger a gaming action upon actuation; and

a source of power disposed in the controller.

2. The video game device of claim 1, wherein the electronic subassembly is detachably connected to the body.

3. The video game device of claim 1, wherein the controller is detachably connected to the body.

4. The video game device of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a guitar body and the electronic subassembly comprises a neck detachably coupled to the controller and a head detachably coupled to the upper end of the neck.

5. The video game device of claim 4, further comprising:

a detecting region disposed on the body; and

one or more sensors disposed in the detecting region and coupled to the controller;

wherein the one or more sensors are adapted to trigger a gaming action upon actuation.

6. The video game device of claim 5, wherein the one or more sensors are selected from the group consisting of light sensors, transducers, capacitative sensors, pressure sensors, and combinations thereof.

7. The video game device of claim 5, further comprising a strum bar disposed at the detecting region and a special function actuation device disposed adjacent to the strum bar.

8. The video game device of claim 1, wherein the region is recessed.

9. A video game device, comprising:

an electronic subassembly comprising a controller, the controller comprising a selected video game platform adapted to interface with a game console;

a body comprising a region configured and dimension to receive at least a portion of the controller;

at least two spaced apart sensors electrically coupled to the controller and defining a detecting region, the at least two spaced apart sensors adapted to trigger a gaming action upon interruption of a signal between the at least two spaced apart sensors; and

a source of power disposed in the controller.

10. The video game device of claim 9, further comprising a raised region disposed between the at least two spaced apart sensors.

11. The video game device of claim 9, wherein the at least two spaced apart sensors comprise an optical sensor.

12. The video game device of claim 11, wherein the optical sensor comprises a photo-emitter spaced apart from a photo-receiver.

13. The video game device of claim 12, wherein the optical sensor comprises a pair of photo-emitters spaced apart from a pair of photo-receivers.

14. The video game device of claim 13, wherein the controller is adapted to trigger a gaming action upon actuation of the pair.

15. The video game device of claim 13, wherein the controller is adapted to determine the direction of a user'"'"'s strumming motion from the signals generated by the pair of photo-emitters.

16. The video game device of claim 9, wherein the at least two spaced apart sensors comprise Hall effect sensors.

17. The video game device of claim 9, wherein the region is recessed.

18. A video game device, comprising:

an electronic subassembly comprising a controller, the controller comprising a selected video game platform adapted to interface with a game console;

a body comprising a region configured and dimension to receive at least a portion of the controller;

a strum bar;

a special function actuation device disposed on the controller; and

a source of power disposed in the controller.

19. The video game device of claim 18, wherein the special function actuation device is disposed adjacent to the strum bar.

20. The video game device of claim 18, wherein the special function actuation device is spaced apart from the strum bar by about ⅛

inch to about 1 inch.

21. The video game device of claim 18, wherein the region is recessed.