Abstract:
A console includes a face plate that is removably mounted to a console body by at least one clip. The face plate includes a power button for turning on the console. The face plate further includes a DVD slot that provides access to a DVD tray and a DVD ejection button mounted on the console body. The face plate may include additional features as desired. The ability to readily remove the face plate allows users to switch between a first face plate with a first set of graphics to a second face plate having a second set of graphics. Thus, a console is provided with increased user customizability.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates to the field of home entertainment, more specifically to the field of high performance consoles for use in home entertainment.  
         [0003]     2. Description of Related Art  
         [0004]     The use of microprocessors for the purpose of home entertainment such as playing video games is known. Prior to the advent of microprocessors, the playing of games required the use of dice and/or interaction with a game board. The introduction of the microprocessor changed the face of playing games by allowing game makers to create images on a television screen (which will be called a monitor) and through various input devices, let people interact with the images on the monitor.  
         [0005]     Initial efforts, while enjoyable to many, were somewhat crude with respect to the graphics displayed. Thus, an individual playing a game did not often feel as if part of the game but rather an outsider watching the poorly defined objects move around in response to input via a controller.  
         [0006]     As microprocessors increased in power, increasingly complex video games became possible. The graphical quality of video games also improved to the point that gaming has become relatively immersive. In addition, the increase in availability of higher speed connections to the Internet has allowed for game play over the Internet. Massively multiplayer online role playing games (“mmorpg”) where numerous individuals log onto a server and play in a virtual world have become popular, allowing many individuals to play the same game at the same time. Other online gaming involves team play or competitive play versus other players. For example, X-BOX LIVE™ provides an opportunity to play with or against friends in a variety of different gaming formats.  
         [0007]     As the number of people playing games increases, however, a certain amount of uniqueness is lost for any individual player playing a game. For instance, with millions of consoles sold and only a few primary manufactures, each console by each manufacture looks like all the other consoles sold by that manufacture. Thus, there are few variations in the design of consoles and the number of variations substantially comport with the number of manufactures. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide an individual with the ability to customize his or her console so that each individual can make a more personalized statement.  
         [0008]     Furthermore, individuals have a choice in deciding which console they purchase. As game producing companies increasingly offer the same game for all consoles, it would be beneficial to offer features such as an increased ability to customize the look of the console to make the console standout and encourage consumers to select one console over other less customizable consoles.  
         [0009]     Heretofore, few individuals have attempted to personalize their gaming console by decorating the console with paint and/or by attaching other accessories. While such attempts have allowed for a more personalized gaming console, the finished look can be less than professional and depends to a great deal on the artistic nature and abilities of the individual doing the decorating. Further, if the entire console is painted a certain amount of skill and care is required and the console is not available while it is being painted or drying. Additionally, if not properly prepared, the personalization can adversely impact the functionality of the console. It would be desirable to provide a means for individuals to readily personalize their console without having to have high levels of artistic ability or suffer less than professional operational and aesthetic results.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010]     In an embodiment, a gaming console includes console body and a face plate that removably attaches to the console body. The face plate has a plurality of openings that can allow for the insertion of media and memory units, for example. The face plate can include spring actuated doors that cover an opening and allow for access to a feature on the console body while providing dust protection. The face plate includes a plurality of retaining clips that allow the face plate to snap into place onto the console body while allowing a user to remove the face plate when desired. In this manner it is possible for a user to readily replace a standard face plate having a standard graphic design with a face plate that has a different graphic design. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]     The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limited in the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements and in which:  
         [0012]      FIG. 1  depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of a console with a face plate attached.  
         [0013]      FIG. 2  depicts an isolated isometric view of the face plate depicted in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0014]      FIG. 3  depicts an isometric view of the face plate in  FIG. 2  with the buttons and doors removed.  
         [0015]      FIG. 4  depicts an isometric exploded rear view of an embodiment of a face plate and a memory unit door.  
         [0016]      FIG. 5  depicts an isometric rear view of an embodiment of an infrared lens.  
         [0017]      FIG. 6  depicts an exploded isometric rear view of an embodiment of a binding button and the corresponding features of a rear side of a face plate.  
         [0018]      FIG. 7  depicts a partial exploded isometric rear view of an embodiment of an USB door.  
         [0019]      FIG. 8  depicts a rear view of an embodiment of a face plate with the doors and buttons attached.  
         [0020]      FIG. 9  depicts a partial exploded view of the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 8 .  
         [0021]      FIG. 10  depicts an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of a power button.  
         [0022]      FIG. 11  depicts a partial sectional view of an embodiment of a face plate. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0023]     As can be appreciated, consoles suitable for use in playing video games have increased in complexity and processing power. As the processing power has increased, the amount of heat generated by the console has also increased. Thus, consoles are carefully designed to allow for efficient and cost effective removal of heat from the processor and other heat generating components. At the same time, it is desirable to package the console in as small of an area as possible to reduce the footprint of the console. Thus, care must be taken when customizing the appearance of the console so as not to negatively affect the transfer of heat.  
         [0024]     Consoles are also designed with many input/output ports and user controls. In keeping with a compact and efficient design, these ports and controls are designed precisely and with shapes and clearances with their mating parts so as to clarify the usage or function of the port or control, to guide the operator, and to provide smooth and trouble free operation over the life of the console.  
         [0025]     It should also be noted that gaming consoles are not limited to playing games. Consoles include a powerful processor and are suitable for other types of home entertainment such as playing music and/or movies. Other uses are also possible such as allowing an individual to browse the Internet.  
         [0026]     Turning now to  FIG. 1 , an isometric illustration of an embodiment of a console is shown. The console  10  includes a console body  15  and a face plate  20  (also known as a bezel assembly). As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the console body  15  includes a DVD tray  25  and a DVD ejection button  30  that can extend through an opening in the face plate  20 .  
         [0027]     An infrared lens (“IR lens”)  40  is located below the DVD tray and is mounted to the face plate  20 . The IR lens  40  allows the user to control certain desirable features such as DVD movie playing functionality via a remote control infrared unit (not shown). Naturally, an IR receiver accepts the IR signal and processes it in a known manner so that the desired functionality can be provided.  
         [0028]     To the right of the IR lens  40  are two memory unit doors  50  that are also mounted to the face plate  20 . The two memory unit doors are mounted side-by-side along a longitudinal axis. The memory unit doors  50  allow a user to connect a memory unit (not shown) to a receptor (not shown) in the console body. In an exemplary embodiment, the memory unit doors are pivotally mounted and the memory unit doors pivot inward so as to allow for the potential of one handed insertion of the memory unit.  
         [0029]     To the right of the memory unit doors  50  is a wireless coupling button  60  that is also mounted to the face plate  20 . The wireless coupling button  60  can be a button, switch or some other control element. The wireless coupling button  60  allows a user to associate a particular wireless controller with the console. As can be appreciated, the ability to associate a particular controller to a particular console can be a useful feature if multiple wireless controllers are being used for multiple consoles where the controllers and consoles are in reasonably close proximity.  
         [0030]     To the far right, two USB game port doors  70  are mounted to the face plate  20 . The USB game port doors  70  allow the user to access USB ports on the console body while protecting the USB ports from undesirable dust accumulation.  
         [0031]     To the left of the USB game port doors  70 , a power button  80  is mounted to the face plate  20 . The power button  80  allows the user to turn the console  10  on and off by actuating the power button  80 . The power button  80  includes a translucent element  81  that is illuminated when the console is turned on. As depicted, ring of light  95  is disposed around the power button  80 . While aesthetically pleasing, it can be appreciated that the power button  80  and the ring of light  95  could be other shapes. For instance, the power button could be square or any other shape. The ring of light  95  could also be square or some other shape and also disposed outside of the power button, for instance in the chamfer area surrounding the power button  80 . Further, the shape of the ring of light  95  need not match the shape of the power button  80  and could be mounted on some other area of the face plate  20 . Numerous other shapes are possible and such configurations are within the skill of one of ordinary skill in the art.  
         [0032]     In an embodiment, the ring of light  95  is configured to include four sectors that can be separately illuminated so that each sector, which corresponds to an individual playing, can be illuminated when that individual is playing. In an embodiment, the ring of light will be illuminated when four individuals are playing. Other combinations are possible, thus a ring of light with 2, 3, 5 or even more sectors is also possible.  
         [0033]     It should be noted that the power button  80  is situated some distance from the DVD ejection button  30 . This arrangement, while not required, provides advantageous ergonomic benefits to the user. For instance, when using the console in a darkened environment, the user is less likely to accidentally press the wrong button. Thus, there is an advantage to having the DVD ejection button  30  located on one longitudinal side of the DVD tray  25  while locating the power button  80  adjacent the opposite longitudinal side of the DVD tray  25 . Thus, in an instance where a game could not fit on a single disk, it would possible for the user to swap disks without the fear of inadvertently pressing the power button  80 . Further, locating the DVD ejection button  30  near a side of the face plate  20  allows the user, if desired, to use the side of the console body as an alignment aid when activating the DVD ejection button  30 . It should be understood that the above longitudinal orientation could also be reversed and still provide similar functionality.  
         [0034]     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , an isometric view of the face plate depicted in  FIG. 1  is shown. Mounted to the face plate  20  are the IR lens  40 , the memory doors  50 , the wireless coupling button  60 , the USB game port doors  70 , the power button  80  and the ring of light  95 . As depicted, the DVD tray  25  and DVD ejection button  30 , being mounted to the console body, are not part of the face plate  20 .  
         [0035]     The face plate  20  includes a tray opening  100  defined by the intersection of top side  101 , bottom side  102 , right side  103  and left side  104 , the sides defining a DVD hole. In an exemplary embodiment, the sides  101 ,  102 ,  103  and  104  are joined together in a smooth manner that corresponds to the exterior dimensions of the DVD tray  25  and the DVD ejection button  30 . Adjacent the left side  104  is a chamfer  105  that is formed in the face plate  20 . The chamfer  105  allows for increased ease in locating the DVD ejection button  30  when the face plate  20  is installed. The chamfer can be generally circular in shape except for the region it intersects with the tray opening. The chamfer is located on one longitudinal side of the tray opening opposite the power button  80 . The chamfer  105  assists the user by providing visual and tactile clues that aid the user in actuating the DVD ejection button  30 . As can be appreciated, the chamfer  105  can be any number of shapes including square, triangular and the like. Thus, the circular shape of the chamfer  105  can be modified as desired.  
         [0036]     As depicted, the power button  80  and the ring of light  95  are surrounded by a chamfer  110 . The chamfer  110  can provide visual and tactile clues to assist the user in pressing the power button  80  when so desired. As depicted, the chamfer  110  is circular in shape and thus matches the outline of the power button. As can be appreciated, to be effective the shape of the chamfer  110  does not need to match the shape of the power button  80 . Thus, in an alternative embodiment not shown, the chamfer  110  could be triangular shaped and the power button  80  could be square shaped. Numerous other variations are possible.  
         [0037]     Turning now to  FIG. 3 , the face plate of  FIG. 2  is illustrated with the doors and buttons and the IR lens  40  removed. In addition to tray opening  100 , face plate  20  includes power button opening  120 , which is defined by a power button hole  121  in the face plate  20 , the power button hole  121  being circular in shape and defining the size of the power button opening  120 . As discussed above, power button hole  121  can be other configurations and could define a square shaped opening, for instance.  
         [0038]     USB game port opening  130  is defined by USB hole  131  on face plate  20 . Likewise, a wireless coupling opening  140  is defined by wireless coupling hole  141 . Naturally, the configuration of the respective holes can be modified so as to define different shaped openings as desired.  
         [0039]     Memory unit door openings  150  are defined by memory unit holes  151 . In an exemplary embodiment, the memory unit holes  151  are configured so that, in a manner discussed below, the memory unit holes  151  aid the user in inserting the memory unit into the appropriate receptor on the console.  
         [0040]     Finally, an IR opening  160  and an IR opening  170  provide a location for mounting the IR lens to the face plate  20 . The IR opening  160  is defined by a first IR hole  161 , the hole being circular in shape. The IR opening  170  is defined by a second IR hole  171  where the second IR hole  171  is key-hole shaped. The lack of symmetry between the IR opening  160  and the IR opening  170  and the corresponding configuration of the IR lens  40  advantageously acts to ensure that the IR lens  40  can only be inserted in the desired orientation. In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the diameter of the IR opening  160  and the IR opening  170  could be different so as to ensure proper orientation. In another exemplary embodiment, the shape of the IR lens  40  could be modified to fit an IR opening with a different shape as desired. Thus, while an IR lens  40  is not required, if provided it should aid in directing IR signals through the face plate  20 .  
         [0041]     Turning now to  FIG. 4 , an exploded isometric rear view of the memory unit opening  150  is depicted. The memory door opening  150  in face plate  20  is formed by the hole  151 . A memory unit door extension  152  extends from the rear of the face plate  20 . Tthe notches shown in memory unit door extension  152  could be eliminated. The memory unit door extension  152  aids in aligning the insertion of the memory unit, not shown, with the memory unit receptor mounted on the console, also not shown. As the memory unit must be inserted through the memory unit door opening  150 , the memory unit door extension  152  can force the memory unit, when inserted, to be properly orientated for insertion into the memory unit receptor. Thus, the hole  151  and the memory unit door extension  152  cooperatively work to assure proper insertion of the memory unit into the memory unit receptor.  
         [0042]     To further aid in this alignment, the memory unit door  50  can be pivotally attached to door retaining clips  51 . Support arms  54  are positioned in door retaining clips  51 . A spring  52 , mounted to memory unit door arm  53 , biases the memory unit door  50  toward the closed position. Thus, the memory unit door  50  swings upward and, in combination with the memory door extensions  152 , aids in aligning the memory unit during insertion so that the user can readily insert the memory unit into the memory unit receptor (not shown) located on the console body  15 .  
         [0043]     Looking next at  FIG. 5 , a rear isometric view of an embodiment of an IR lens is depicted. IR lens  40  includes a flange  41  that is mounted on lens extension  42  for use in providing alignment during assembly of the IR lens  40  to the face plate  20 . IR lens  40  also includes a staking extension  43 .  
         [0044]     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , wireless coupling button  60  includes a wireless coupling extension  61  that allows the wireless coupling button  60 , when pressed, to actuate a coupling switch mounted on the console body  15 . Wireless coupling button  60  also includes two openings  62  that mount to wireless coupling staking extensions  63  contained on the face plate  20 . Thus, when pressed, wireless coupling button  60  flexes and wireless coupling extension  61  is pressed into the coupling switch (not shown) mounted on the console body  15 .  
         [0045]     Turning to  FIG. 7 , an exploded view of an embodiment of USB game port door  70  and the associated interface mounted to the rear of face plate  20  is illustrated. USB game port door  70  includes a support axle  71  and a support flange  72 . Support axle  71  is configured to pivotally install within USB door receptacle  73 . Thus, USB game port door  70  is configured to mount support axle  71  on USB door receptacle  73 . In operation, the user can pull on lip  74  and then pivot USB game port door  70  out of the way so that a USB port located on the console body can be accessed.  
         [0046]     In an alternative embodiment, the USB game port door  70  can be a one piece door that can be removed from the face plate  20  and can be prevented from becoming separated from the face plate  20  with a lanyard. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the USB game port door  70  can simply slide out of the way, preferably into a recess in the face plate  20  that is configured to receive the USB game port door  70 . While other designs are possible, it is preferable that the USB game port door  70  cover the USB ports when the ports are not in use while still allowing ready access to the USB ports when so desired. Thus, in a first position, USB game port door  70  blocks access to the USB ports located on the console body and in a second position the USB game port door does not block access to the USB ports. It should be noted that while referred to in the plural, if included there may be one or more USB ports.  
         [0047]     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a rear view of an embodiment of the face plate  20  with the doors and buttons installed is provided. Clips  200  are configured to support and fasten face plate  20  to the console body  15 . In an embodiment, the clips  200  flex during installation of the face plate  20 , the clips  200  being configured to engage a retaining feature on the console body in a known manner.  
         [0048]     Power button  80  is mounted onto power button staking extensions  82  and includes a power button extension  81  that allows the power button  80 , when depressed, to actuate a power switch located on the console body. In an embodiment the power button  80 , the wireless coupling button  60  and the IR lens  40  can all be staked to face plate  20  via power button staking extensions  82 , wireless coupling staking extensions  63 , and IR staking extension  43 , respectively. Naturally, it is also possible to attach the power button  80 , the wires coupling button  60  and the IR lens  40  with other known methods of attachment such as using fasteners or adhesives. However, the use of staking allows for a cost effective method of attachment while minimizing the number of parts and/or the need to apply a coat of adhesive.  
         [0049]     Referring to both  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 8 , it can be appreciated that opening  140 , openings  150 , opening  160  and opening  170  are aligned so as to form a longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis formed by the tray opening  100 . Thus, the location of the DVD ejection button  30  is located on a first longitudinal axis formed by the tray opening  100  while the wireless coupling button  60  is located on a second longitudinal axis formed below the first longitudinal axis; the first and second axis&#39;s being substantially parallel. Having a first and a second longitudinal axis provides additional visual clues to the user of the console so that only the desired button or switch is actuated. Locating the DVD ejection button  30  and wireless coupling switch  30  on opposite positions along the two substantially parallel axis&#39;s further reduces the chance of an inadvertent pressing of either the ejection button  30  or the wireless coupling button  60 .  
         [0050]     Furthermore, locating the first longitudinal axis, along which the tray opening  100  extends, above the second longitudinal axis aids in the operation of the console  10 . When the DVD tray  25  is extended, the wireless coupling button  60  is located below the DVD tray  25  so that the wireless coupling button  60  is less likely to be actuated when a disk is placed in the DVD tray  25 . Therefore, the alignment of the first longitudinal axis above the second longitudinal axis reduces user error and provides improved ergonomics. As can be appreciated, the improved ergonomics provided by the face plate organization is beneficial for individuals who have relatively lower levels of control over the movement of their hands or during gameplay in a darkened room.  
         [0051]     Turning to  FIG. 9 , an isometric partially exploded view of the back of the face plate  20  and the installed components is provided. Face plate  20 , as shown, includes two clips  200 . The clips  200  can flex during installation and thus allow the face plate  20  to be readily installed or removed from the console body  15  while providing sufficient retaining force so that the face plate  20  does not become disengaged from the console body  15  without the application of force by the user.  
         [0052]     On one longitudinal side (i.e. the left as depicted) two USB game port doors  70  are configured to pivotally mount to the face plate  20 . A second alignment opening (not shown) can be placed on the console body between the USB game port opening  130  and the USB port on the console so as to assist the user in properly inserting the USB connector into the USB port.  
         [0053]     In an embodiment, the power button  80  includes a translucent ring  93  that provides the structure for the ring of light  95 . The translucent ring  93  is mounted over the power button staking extensions  82 . Flexible element  86  mounts on top of translucent ring  93 . Flexible element  86 , when fastened to face plate  20 , holds translucent ring  93  in position and provides a spring-like response to when the power button  80  is pressed by the user.  
         [0054]     Next,  FIG. 10  depicts an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of a power button  80 . As depicted, power button extension  81  is provided on flexible element  86  for interfacing with a switch located on the console body, the power button extension  81  initially in an at rest position. When a user presses on power button  80 , the exerted force tends to cause power button extension  81  to translate toward an activating position. In the process, spring elements  84 ,  85 ,  87  and  88  elastically deform. When the force is removed, the spring elements cause the power button extension  81  to move back to the at rest position.  
         [0055]     Referring to  FIG. 11 , a cross-sectional view of face plate  20  is provided. As can be appreciated, the face plate  20  has a certain radius. Thus, the front  21  of face plate  20  is concave about a center latitudinal axis. Conversely, the rear  22  of face plate  20  is convex about the center latitudinal axis. However, as is apparent from  FIG. 3 , the front  21  of face plate  20  is also convex about a center longitudinal axis and the rear  22  of face plate  20  is concave about the center longitudinal axis. Thus, the front  21  of face plate  20  has a compound curved surface.  
         [0056]     The curvature of the front  21  of the face plate  20  about the latitudinal axis helps focus the user&#39;s attention on the console. The curvature of the front  21  about the longitudinal axis helps make the console  10  look sleeker and more fashionable. Thus, while a particular radius is not crucial and the use of a spline rather than a pure radius is acceptable, the use of a curved front surface in general provides certain aesthetic benefits to the console  10  that make the console  10  more attractive and therefore more desirable. Naturally, the front  21  of the face plate  20  could be modified as desired so long as the rear  22  of the face plate  20  is configured to match the console body  15 .  
         [0057]     The present invention has been described in terms of preferred and exemplary embodiments thereof. Numerous other embodiments, modifications and variations within the scope and spirit of the appended claims will occur to persons of ordinary skill in the art from a review of this disclosure.