Information display faceplate for a video game controller

Abstract

A faceplate for a video game controller used to convey instructional information to the user. The faceplate is designed to be attached and to be removed from the controller both quickly and easily. The faceplate can either mask the surface of a controller or house the controller in a jacket-like manner. The faceplate can attach to the controller either by adhering to the surface of the controller or attaching to a portion of the controller. Additionally, the faceplate can either mask the surface of the controller in a continuous manner or can contain holes to allow buttons and sections of the controller to protrude through the faceplate.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to the field of electronics and faceplate technology. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to faceplates for video game controllers that convey information relevant to the video game. BACKGROUND [0002] The video game industry is presently one of the largest and fastest growing entertainment industries in the world. Generally, video game systems require standard components necessary to operate and utilize the video game system. Specifically, video game systems require controller units that allow a user to interact with the video game and generate the actions of the game. These controllers are typically external to the video game system (either in wired or wireless communication with the system), or are an integrated part of the system. In addition, these controllers are available in various sizes and shapes that are geared toward specific games and / or systems. [0003] Many advances have been made to incr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] The present invention is designed to overcome the deficiencies in the art by providing a method and apparatus for providing visual graphics or information to a user of a video game system. A removable faceplate apparatus for a video game controller is disclosed that allows a user of the system to customize the controller. This enhancement assists the user to interact with the system. In addition, this enhancement allows a user to add a level of personalization to the controller.

[0011] Furthermore, the faceplates can allow a user to “customize” a controller by offering specific graphics, designs, or other user-developed content. In addition, the faceplate can be used for aesthetic or ornamental purposes. For example, the faceplate might add to the external shape of the video game controller and be in a decorative form. For example, the faceplate can be made of hard plastic material that is in the form of certain protruding objects such as animal horns, devil-type horns, figurines, toys, etc. Thus, the video game controller still maintains complete functionality, but has added characteristics.

[0013] In one alternative embodiment, the faceplate encloses the outer surface of the video game controller or a portion thereof via a “snap-on” type means. Specifically, the faceplate can attach to the outer surface of the controller and completely cover the video game controller. Alternatively, the faceplate can attach to a portion of the controller unit. For example, the faceplate may attach to any location on the video game controller, such as the top surface, the bottom surface, a side surface, or any combination thereof. For example, a hard-plastic faceplate can grip or “snap-on” to the sides of the video game controller. The “snap-on” faceplate is easily and quickly removable. In this embodiment of the invention, the faceplate can be manufactured of a soft plastic, a hard plastic, a thin metallic substance or other similar materials depending on the construction of the video game controllers. Typically, this “snap-on” faceplate is constructed to mirror the shape of the video game controller. In addition, the “snap-on” faceplate can be designed to increase the dimensions of the existing design of the video game controller. For example, handles or additional surfaces combined with the controller can improve the user's interaction with the controller by allowing a user to better grasp or interact with the functions of the controller. Furthermore, the increased surface area allows for additional instructional information, or the like, to be displayed to the user.

[0014] The aforementioned embodiment allows the “snap-on” faceplate to mask the entire outer surface of the video game controller, or portions thereof. In one example of this embodiment, the faceplate can be designed so that the video game controller does not protrude through the faceplate. As a result, users are not in direct contact with the video game controller but instead interact with the faceplate. For example, instead of interacting with the original manufacturer command buttons of the video game controller, the faceplate may be constructed to add data inputs to the controller. In addition, a video game controller may employ an auxiliary input means such as a common pin-type interface, USB-based interface, or other like interface, that can mate with the faceplate to allow for further data input. This construction allows for additions to the controller while still maintaining pre-existing functionality of the video game controller.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the faceplate is designed as a jacket-like mechanism to encompass the controller without the use of adhesive or “snap-on” type mechanisms while maintaining the existing functionality of the video game controller. The jacket-like faceplate acts as an encasing sleeve for incorporating the pre-existing controller unit. Typically, this thin membrane jacket-faceplate allows the components of the controller unit to be controlled by the user, as if the user was in direct contact with the controller, however, the controller is completely covered by the faceplate. When used as a jacket, the faceplate of the present invention provides added protection from typical damage caused by usage of the controller such as scratches, interactions with liquids, etc.

Problems solved by technology

However, these improvements fail to assist players to improve game strategy and increase the player's knowledge of the game in order to enhance the user's interaction with the game system.

Due to the increasing number of video games offered to users and the complexity of these video games, it is difficult for users to remember and utilize the necessary combination of operations and buttons while playing the games.

This is particularly difficult for new users of video games that require fast and complex button combinations such as combat or sports games.

Therefore, it is nearly impossible for a new user to immediately acquire knowledge about the vast functions and combinations required for full functionality of a video game.

However, these primitive aids on the controllers, such as the letter designation ‘A’ or ‘B,’ do not convey enough information to use the controller properly or efficiently.

In addition, these designations are permanent and not readily changeable.

Although faceplate technology is known in the electronics industry, current faceplates typically act as a means to protect the electronic device and not as an informational aid for enhancing a user's interaction with the video game system.

For instance, faceplates manufactured for cellular phones and the like, are not designed to be informational or easily removed.

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