Video gaming apparatus with connected player and printer modules

• US 7,387,573 B2
• Filed: 10/13/2005
• Issued: 06/17/2008
• 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 ALAN
• Application Number:
  US11/248,434
• Publication Number:
  US 20060030411A1
• Time in Patent Office: 978 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 463/46
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/00 Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions gaming systems which provide a financial reward G07F17/32
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/235 using a wireless connection, e.g. infrared or piconet
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/28 responding to control signals received from the game device for affecting ambient conditions, e.g. for vibrating players' seats, activating scent dispensers or affecting temperature or light controlling the output signals based on the game progress A63F13/50
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/655 by importing photos, e.g. of the player
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/85 Providing additional services to players
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/95 Storage media specially adapted for storing game information, e.g. video game cartridges
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1031 using a wireless connection, e.g. Bluetooth, infrared connections
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/202 the game platform being a DVD player
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/206 Game information storage, e.g. cartridges, CD ROM's, DVD's, smart cards
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/302 specially adapted for receiving control signals not targeted to a display device or game input means, e.g. vibrating driver's seat, scent dispenser
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/57 details of game services offered to the player
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/695 Imported photos, e.g. of the player
• 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 13/103 for the sheet feeding section
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/01 Ink jet
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17503 Ink cartridges
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17513 Inner structure
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17553 Outer structure
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 29/026 Stackable
• 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 1/1632 : External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• 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

Abstract

A video gaming apparatus includes a player module for reading media storage elements. A printer module is connected to the player module such that the printer module defines a closure for the player module. The printer and player modules are displace able relative to each other between an open condition to facilitate replacement of media storage elements and a closed position for operation.

Claims

1. A video gaming apparatus that comprises

a player module for reading media storage elements;

and

a printer module connected to the player module such that the printer module defines a closure for the player module, the printer and player modules being displaceable relative to each other between an open condition to facilitate replacement of media storage elements and a closed position for operation.

2. A video gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the player and printer modules are hinged together to be pivoted with respect to each other between the open and closed positions.

3. A video gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the player module is configured to accept the media storage elements in the form of discs carrying digital media.

4. A video gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 3, in which the printer module includes a chassis with an ink distribution assembly mounted on the chassis and a printhead mounted on the ink distribution assembly to receive ink from the ink distribution assembly, an ink supply arrangement being connected to the ink distribution assembly.

5. A video gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 4, in which the printhead is in the form of a page width ink jet printhead integrated circuit that is packaged together with the ink distribution assembly into a printhead module mounted on the chassis.

6. A video gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 5, in which the printhead module includes a capping mechanism to cap the printhead integrated circuit and a drive mechanism to feed sheets of print media through the printhead module.

7. A video gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 5, in which the chassis is configured to receive a print cartridge containing print media and ink to be engaged with the printhead module to feed both print media and ink to the printhead module.