Video gaming device with pivotally mounted printer module

• US 7,654,905 B2
• Filed: 07/16/2007
• Issued: 02/02/2010
• 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:
  US11/778,559
• Publication Number:
  US 20080015025A1
• Time in Patent Office: 932 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 device includes a games console. The games console includes a disc reader module configured to load a game stored on a disc. A printer module is pivotally mounted relative to the disc reader module and is configured to print game information on print media. A controller module is configured to be engaged, in a releasable manner, with the printer module. The controller module is also configured to communicate wirelessly with the games console to enable control of the games console.

Claims

1. A video gaming device comprising:

a disc reader module configured to load a game stored on a disc;

a printer module for printing game information on print media, the printer module hingedly attached to the disc reader module and forming an openable closure for the disc reader module; and

a controller module engaged, in a releasable manner, with the printer module for communicating wirelessly with the games console to enable control of the games console.

2. A video gaming device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller module wirelessly communicate communicates with the console via a communications link.

3. A video gaming device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising I/O ports for interconnecting external devices.

4. A video gaming device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the I/O ports comprise a game joystick input port and a video output port.

5. A video gaming device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the printer module is snap fitted into the video gaming device.

6. A video gaming device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a digital versatile disc (DYD) player comprising the disc reader and configured to play a movie loaded on a DYD.

7. A video gaming device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a compact disc (CD) player comprising the disc reader and configured to play music loaded on a CD.

8. A video gaming device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller module comprises one of a mechanical interlocking and magnetic coupling means to permit releasable engagement of the controller module and the printer module by way of mechanical interlocking or magnetic coupling respectively.

9. A video gaming device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the printer module comprises a base molding, and the disc reader module comprises a disc receiving compartment, and the base molding of the printer module hingedly encloses the disc receiving compartment.

10. A video gaming device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the base molding defines a chassis structure for receiving an ink and paper cartridge.

11. A video gaming device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the chassis structure receives the ink and paper cartridge on a surface thereof facing the disc receiving compartment.

12. A video gaming device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the base molding is hingedly attached to the disc reader module such that insertion and removal of the ink and paper cartridge from the chassis structure is facilitated via a space between the base molding and the disc reader module.