Video game console pedestal and multi-media hub

Abstract

A case of a size to match a respective gaming console application (with a main box assembly and removable / replaceable front facade) providing a pedestal base for the gaming system and storage or retention of additional elements and functions. The case itself carries storage in discrete pockets for gaming system accessories such as remote control devices and memory cards. Gaming console game controllers are stored and displayed in a rod and badge feature, the badge of which lights from within when assembled to the rods. The badge and its its jewel element are removable and replaceable allowing customization and collection of various styles and designs. The case carries front and rear Universal Serial Bus (USB) hub features, as well as rear ethernet features, for expansion of the gaming console's Multi-Media capabilities with respect to both in / out devices, wired controllers, local area network communication, and external data access and storage. Power from the USB hub also serves as multiple recharging points for the recharging of battery-operated (wireless) game controllers.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to videogame consoles and, more particularly, to a companion unit for display, storage, and recharging of system and system accessories and for expansion of system data and multi-media capabilities. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Modern gaming systems come with numerous controls and accessories but provide nowhere to store or display them for the prevention of hazzards, damage, or for easily locating them when needed. Gaming systems are also turning towards the HTPC media center paradigm (Home Theatre Personal Computer) but have very few input and output options for media and outboard devices. A companion unit is required to fill this void, for safe storage and display of the controls and accessories and to expand the scope and possibillities of the gaming systems as multi-media centers. [0003] This is a new field. Gaming systems have always had contollers and accessories, which have forever been scattered around the us...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a case of a size to match a respective gaming console application with a main box assembly and removable / replaceable front facade. Said case forms a pedestal base for the gaming system and stores, displays, or retains additional gaming system accessory elements and controller equipment. The case itself carries storage in discrete recesses for gaming system accessories such as remote control devices and memory cards. Gaming console game controllers are stored and displayed in a rod-and-badge feature, the badge of which lights from within when assembled to the rods, the badge and its jewel element are removable and replaceable allowing customization and collection of various styles and designs. The case carries front and rear Universal Serial Bus (USB) hub features, as well as rear Ethernet features, for expansion of the gaming console's Multi-Media capabilities with respect to both in / out devices, local area network communication, and external data access and storage. Power from the USB hub also serves as multiple recharging points for the recharging of battery-operated (wireless) game controllers.

Problems solved by technology

Modern gaming systems come with numerous controls and accessories but provide nowhere to store or display them for the prevention of hazzards, damage, or for easily locating them when needed.

Gaming systems are also turning towards the HTPC media center paradigm (Home Theatre Personal Computer) but have very few input and output options for media and outboard devices.

Gaming systems have always had contollers and accessories, which have forever been scattered around the user's living environment—but the turn of new gaming systems towards HTPC multi-media capabilites has created a new area of potential problems and limitations for the user to be addressed in addition to the previously scattered controllers and accessories.

A few attempts have been made into the area but none so complete and elegant as required.

They provide no storage nor recharging for the system's controllers, and no means of improving system functionality through networking or multi-media data hub switching and expansion.

The horizontal storage design from Intec provides two pop-out drawers for storage of small flat items and has video selector buttons for choosing among different display devices but it does not store larger system accessories, does not store, display, or recharge game controllers, and has no multi-media data hub or network capabilities.

The video-switching design from Joytech provides several video source translators and outputs, it can function in a vertical or horizontal orientation, but provides no storage nor display of system accessories, no recharging of system controllers, and no networking or multi-media data hub switching and expansion.

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