Patent ID: 6279906
Filing Date: 2001-08-28
Classification: A63F

Abstract:
A video game controller system comprising:(a) a base unit comprisinga plurality of input devices operable by a user for generating control data in a common output format; andcommon output means coupled to said plurality of input devices for outputting said control data in said common output format, said output means comprising a common output connector, said common output connector comprising a plurality of metal output contacts suitable for transferring electrical signals comprising control data;(b) a plurality of interchangeable, independent video game interface adapters, each interface adapter comprising:common input connector means for connecting to said base unit common output connector, comprising a plurality of metal input contacts suitable for mechanical connection to said plurality of metal output contacts on said common output connector, and for receiving said electrical signals comprising control data therefrom in said common output format, said common input connector means being mechanically connectable to and disconnectable from said base unit common output connector such that different ones of said plurality of video game interface adapters may be independently mechanically interconnected to the base unit as desired;means for translating said control data received in said common output format to control data in one of a plurality of different platform-specific formats, each of which are different than said common output format; the platform-specific format for each one of said plurality of video game interface adapters being different from each other, andsecond output means for outputting said control data in said platform-specific format, said second output means comprising a platform-specific output connector.