| Information display faceplate for a video game controller -> Monitor Keywords |
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Information display faceplate for a video game controllerRelated Patent Categories: Amusement Devices: Games, Including Means For Processing Electronic Data (e.g., Computer/video Game, Etc.), HousingInformation display faceplate for a video game controller description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060211498, Information display faceplate for a video game controller. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
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 increase player comfort, such as controllers with additional gripping, controllers that provide movement and vibrations that correlate with the actions of the game being played, controllers that provide airflow to a user's hand, etc. 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. [0004] 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. Typically first time users must repeatedly refer back to an instruction manual to learn how the buttons and combination of buttons interact to perform the actions in the video games. In addition to game-specific button combinations, video games have multiple characters operated by unique button combinations as well. Often, these combinations change dependent on the level of the game, characters of a game, type of game, etc. 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. [0005] In order to assist user's in understanding the gaming operations and the interaction of the controllers with the video game system, the video game industry has developed various different types of controllers for each system and/or game. Often, the controllers have numbers, simple lettering associated with specific buttons, or color schemes to assist users with interacting with a 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. [0006] 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. In fact, faceplates of this type merely act to protect the LCD screen of the cellular telephone from typical user wear and tear. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [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. [0008] In the preferred embodiment, the faceplate is constructed of a plastic-type composition and comprises an attachment mechanism for adhering to the surface of a video game controller either permanently or in removable form. Since controllers are usually made of a hard plastic, metal, or a combination thereof and come in a plurality of sizes and shapes, in order to adhere to the controller the faceplate can be offered in any form that is controller and/or game specific. [0009] The faceplate of the present invention is primarily designed to convey information to the user of the video game controller, such as instructional information about a particular game, a situation within a game, a specific character in a game, or the like. For example, the instructional information could provide a specific sequence of buttons that need to be pushed for an action, task, or function to be performed. [0010] The faceplate can also convey marketing or advertising information, such as information related to a specific sports franchise or commercial product. For instance, for a basketball video game, the faceplate can provide NBA team-specific or NBA player-specific logo, picture, or other recognizable marking. [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. [0012] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bottom surface of the faceplate adheres to the top portion of the outer surface of a video game controller, or a portion thereof. This adhesive mechanism may include any one or more substances that keep the faceplate substantially in contact with the video game controller while in use. Adhesive means include any plurality of different substances such as glues, viscid substances, static adhesives, or any other similar substance. The adhesive means are designed to allow the faceplate to be removable and reusable. However, the adhesive means may provide permanent, or nearly permanent, adhesion to the surface of the video game controller. Alternatively, the faceplate may not have adhesive means but may be placed on top of the video game controller without completely adhering to the controller, while providing reference to the functions of the controller unit. [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. [0015] Alternatively, the faceplate may consist of apertures that allow for the buttons and other sections of the video game controller to protrude through the faceplate. Thus, users of the invention are in direct contact with the portions of the video game controller protruding through the faceplate. [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. [0017] This jacket faceplate consists of a flexible opening that allows the video game controller to be easily placed within the faceplate. Generally, the faceplate has a zipper, a snap button, a hook and loop fastener portion, or other similar opening and closing mechanisms that allow access to the enclosure for placing the video game controller within the faceplate or for removing the video game controller from the faceplate. [0018] While use of the faceplate of the present invention is primarily described in conjunction with a video game controller, these embodiments are only intended to provide a basic description of the present invention. As a result, it should be obvious to one skilled in the art that the faceplate of the present invention should not be specifically limited to the aforementioned embodiments. As discussed further in the following detailed description, the faceplate disclosed in the present invention can also be utilized with a variety of additional electronic devices. For example, these devices might include cellular telephones, remote controllers, personal digital assistants ("PDA's"), or any other similar electronic device that requires a combination of buttons, or button-like components for allowing a user to interact with the electronic device or controller. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0019] A further understanding of the present invention can be obtained by reference to the embodiments as set forth in the illustrations of the accompanying drawings. Although the illustrated embodiments are merely exemplary of systems for carrying out the present invention, both the organization and method of operation of the invention, in general, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, may be more easily understood by reference to the drawings and the following description. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of this invention, which is set forth with particularity in the claims as appended or as subsequently amended, but merely to clarify and exemplify the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed. [0020] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following drawings in which: Continue reading about Information display faceplate for a video game controller... Full patent description for Information display faceplate for a video game controller Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Information display faceplate for a video game controller patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Information display faceplate for a video game controller or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Player actuated input for a gaming machine Next Patent Application: Communication terminals with a tap determination circuit Industry Class: Amusement devices: games ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Information display faceplate for a video game controller patent info. 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