Patent Publication Number: US-8523674-B2

Title: Video game controller for multiple users

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Video games are a popular form of entertainment. In 2000, Sony estimated that one out of every four households in the United States had a Sony PlayStation. Since that time, the numbers have only increased with the more recent advent of the Nintendo Wii and Microsoft Xbox. 
     Video games consist of manipulable images (and usually sounds) generated by a video game console which are displayed on a television or other type of screen. The game itself is usually controlled and manipulated using a handheld device connected to the console known as a controller. The controller often contains a number of buttons and directional controls each of which has been assigned a purpose for interacting with and controlled the images on the screen. Recent controllers use a camera or infrared light to allow the players&#39; movements to control a game object. The display, speakers, console, and controls of a console can also be incorporated into one small object known as a handheld game console, such as a Nintendo DS. 
     Video games typically provide that each player manipulates their own or game controller which is connected to the game console by means of a wire, cord or now, more commonly, by means of wireless connection. The main function of the game controller is to control the movement or actions of the individual&#39;s playable body or object or to otherwise influence the events of the video game. Currently available games provide that each player&#39;s input on the controller or controllers is separately transmitted to the console which then generates a score based upon the ability of the player to manipulate the playable object. Camera or infrared game controllers may monitor multiple players whereby the players simultaneously play yet each player separately controls the movement or actions of their individual game object in competition against the other players. 
     While video games are a fun pastime, in some instances it may be desirable for people to play together towards a common goal, rather than playing a game against each other. For instance, one of the purposes of corporate retreats is for employees to participate in team building exercises and learn to work better together. Currently available video games do not fulfill this goal as they pit players against each other. It is therefore a goal of the present invention to provide a video game controller and system that allows players to physically manipulate a shared video game object or sprite cooperatively to achieve a common goal. 
     These and other objects of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description of the invention which follows. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to the invention, the applicant has provided a video game controller and apparatus in which two or more players physically manipulate the control device responding cooperatively to the kinesthetic feedback of the other player(s) to control the event in the video game or simulation. The game controller may be attached to or incorporated into or onto an elongated bar, triangle, square, or ball, for instance, so that two or more people can hold onto and response kinesthetically to simultaneously operate the game controller. Alternatively, the controller may be strapped or attached to the players directly through the use of a band, strap, belt, or similar device. 
     The invention is further directed to a device that may be used to adapt to an existing game controller so that it is of a size suitable for two or more players to use the controller for the purposes of the invention, or to alternatively allow the controller to be jointly attached to the players so they can jointly control the movement of the controller, and therefore also the game object. 
     By working together through orientation of the controller, the players can jointly manipulate the video game object on the screen and/or govern the play of the game. The invention has many applications, including for use by young, aged, and/or physically handicapped individuals who are unable to operate a controller alone. It is further useful for applications whereby teamwork is desired, such as corporate team-building exercises and games, couples&#39; counseling, traditional or special education school classrooms, etc. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing one embodiment of the controller of the invention designed for three players. The unit is a three person, on-axis controller. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing an alternative embodiment of the controller of the invention designed for four players. The unit is a four person, on-axis controller. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view showing an alternative embodiment of the controller of the invention designed for three players. The unit is a three person, off-axis controller. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing an alternative embodiment of the controller of the invention designed for four players. The unit is a four person, off-axis controller. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view showing an alternative ball-shaped embodiment of the controller designed for two or more players. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a device for adapting an existing controller for multiple-person play via the use of a belt of strap. 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram showing electrical circuit structure of this embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating how a potential multi-player controlled game of the present invention might appear. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a video game controller for cooperative use by multiple users. The controller is sized to be operated by two or more users. During play, the users in combination must physically manipulate the control device, responding cooperatively to the kinesthetic feedback of the other player(s) to control the events in the video game or simulation. The invention is intended to serve several purposes, including encouraging teamwork by two or more players to achieve a common goal. The invention also allows people that would otherwise be unable to physically handle or manipulate a video game controller alone to play with one or more other players who, as a team, are able to manipulate the controller and play the game. 
     The invention may include a single controller that is manipulated by all players in the form of a bar, rod, or other controller shaped in a manner that can be easily held, pushed, or otherwise maneuvered by two or more people. For instance, the controller can by two players in one or both of each player&#39;s hands. Or, the controller may be a ball or other device that can be pushed by two or more players on the floor or large surface. The latter type of device is especially advantageous for one or more players that have difficulty holding a conventional controller, such as persons that are wheelchair-bound. 
     While not intending to be limiting,  FIGS. 1-4  illustrate various possible embodiments of the controller of the invention. For instance,  FIG. 1  shows one potential embodiment of the controller in the shape of a T-bar  10  whereby up to three users can each hold onto one of the bars  12 ,  14  and/or  16 . The T-Bar includes an X axis  18  and Y axis  19  for sensing the orientation of the controller  10  in horizontal and vertical planes, respectively. 
       FIGS. 2-4  show similar alternative embodiments of the controller  20 ,  30 , and  40 , respectively, whereby the controller is either oriented on axis ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) or off axis ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ). The controllers of  FIGS. 2-4  also include an X axis  28 ,  38 , and  48 , respectively, and a Y axis  29 ,  39 , and  49 , respectively. 
       FIG. 5  further shows yet another possible embodiment whereby the outer portion of the controller  50  is in the shape of a ball that can be jointly manipulated by two or more players  52  and  54 , whereby a T-Bar device  56  having an X axis  58  and Y axis  59  is provided inside the ball  50  for sensing the orientation of the controller. A weight  57  is further included inside the ball  50  to help keep the ball  50  centered during play. 
     The controller may also, for instance, be attached to the players&#39; body (or body parts) such as through the use of connected waist bands, belts, headbands, a belt that surrounds and encompasses the users, ankle bands, leg straps, etc. so that the sensory collaboration of physical movement of the players will simultaneously influence the events in the game, as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     A prior art controller that is designed for only one person play for multiple person play may also be adapted for use in accordance with the invention. For instance, a regular controller may be inserted within or fitted inside a larger device to increase the gripping surface of the controller, thus allowing the controller to be more easily held by two or more players for simultaneous game play. The enlarging device may be made in a variety of colors, materials, and/or designs that are aesthetically pleasing to the players, and may further include features to improve the ability of players to hold onto the controller, such as surface ribbing or bumps, or even slots in which the players can rest their fingers. 
     For physically challenged individuals, the adapting device may be designed with accommodating features for weak or less functional fingers to help secure their fingers or hands to the controller through the device, such as with the inclusion of a glove, pocket, or even rings through which the player(s) can insert his/her fingers. These same types of features may further be included in the design of the controller made in accordance with the invention. The device may also optionally include cushioning or other features that may the device and controller more comfortable to hold. Such features are well known and understood by persons skilled in the art. 
     The adapting device should be designed in a manner for comfort and/or style while also allowing the users to control the game object through motion of the controller. For instance, if the controller employs buttons or a keypad, the adapting device must also allow the players access to the control buttons or keypad to control the game object. If the controller employs laser tracking, such as a Wii controller, then the adapting device must include an opening for the laser from the controller to communicate with the console or CPU. 
     In still another embodiment as shown in  FIG. 6 , the adapting device  60  may simply be a belt or strap that is wrapped around or otherwise attaches to the controller  62  and then also to at least one portion of each of the players  64  and  66  so that the movements of the players  64  and  66  control the movements of the controller,  62  and likewise the game object (not shown). In this regard, the device may be a “fanny pack” type device with a pocket or compartment in which the controller may be inserted while also including a belt for wrapping the device around the players. 
     With reference to  FIG. 7 , the invention should include conventional video game features that are well known in the art to enable the users through the controller (Multiplayer Control Unit (MCU))  70  to control a game object (not shown) on a video display unit  70 , such as a television or computer monitor. In this regard, the controller  70  may include a conventional housing  72  in which at least one accelerometer  74  is mounted and configured to measure the movement and orientation of the controller  70  along each of one (x), two (x and y) or three (x, y, and z) axe(s) over time. The accelerometer  74  is preferably a three-axis linear accelerometer that detects linear acceleration along each of an X axis, Y axis and Z axis. Alternatively, a one-axis or two-axis linear accelerometer may be used in another embodiment depending on the type of control signals desired. Any suitable accelerometer technology now existing or later developed may be used to provide the accelerometer  74 . 
     The accelerometer  74  communicates with a microprocessor  76 . The microprocessor  76  communicates with a port  78  which in turn is configured to communicate with a CPU  90  by wire (not shown) or via a wireless receiver  79 . The CPU  80  produces a video display signal which is used with the video display device  100  to display the video game. The CPU  80  may be part of a game console of any type, including Wii, Playstation, Xbox, etc., or part of a computer or lap top. 
     As already noted, the controller of the present invention includes a housing molded of plastic or metal, for example. The housing has a holding portion and is of a size capable of being held by at least one hand each of two or more adults and/or children. The shape of the housing is not limited to a rectangular shape but may also be in the shape of an oval, circle, rod, a t-bar (as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ), a cross (as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ), a ball (as shown in  FIG. 5 ), or the like. Likewise, its cross-section shape is not limited to a rectangle and may be a circle or other polygon 
     The adapting device of the invention is also not limited in terms of size or shape so long as it is also of a size capable of being held by at least one hand each of two or more adults and/or children, and may therefore also be of any polygonal shape or may also be a t-bar, for example. The adapting device must also include means by which to house or fasten the prior art controller within or on itself, such as by a strap, belt, or casing in which the controller sits in or is housed. As also already noted, the adapting device may simply consist of a strap or belt that attaches to the controller and also to the players so that the joint motion of the players causes the controller to move likewise. 
     The housing may optionally include a power switch to remotely turn on or off an electric power source to a game machine by a remote operation. For wireless use, a battery cover is conventionally detachably attached to the lower housing to form a holding portion in which batteries are stored. Thus, the controller may operate with a battery as a power source or by wired connection to the console. 
     As noted, the controller of the present invention can be used with a conventional video game console, such as Wii, Playstation, Xbox, etc., by merely connecting the connector of the controller to a predetermined port of the conventional video game console. Alternatively, the controller may be used with a computer PC or laptop. The above described controller sufficiently carries out the functions as a game operating device by itself. 
     In practice, two or more players jointly hold the controller of the invention in their hands and/or attach the controller to their bodies in some manner. During play of the video game, the players have to cooperatively work together to move the controller in a manner to achieve the desired motion of the object on the video game display. In this regard, the accelerometer will sense the orientation of the controller as the players cause it to move and transmit this information to the game console or CPU, which in turn will transmit this information to the video display, resulting in motion of the game object in a manner consistent with the movement and control the motion of the game object on the screen or display. More particularly, the accelerometer inside the controller senses the joint motion of the controller by the players and sends a signal to the game console or CPU which translates the cumulative motion from the controller to the motion of the object on the screen. 
     While the controller of the present invention may be adapted for use with conventional video games and video game consoles, there are certain types of games that are especially conducive for multiple person simultaneous play in accordance with the invention. Such a game is illustrated by  FIGS. 8A  and B which show a two-axis mountain-climber game  110  whereby the players (not shown) must simultaneously manipulate a controller  112  to move the game object  114 , in this case a mountain climber, up and down the mountain side  116  to obtain points. The players would collaboratively move the x-axis  113  of the controller  112  left or right to move the mountain climber  114  to the left or right side of the mountain  116  and/or move the y-axis  115  of the controller  112  up or down to move the mountain climber  114  up and down the side of the mountain  116 . Alternatively, with a one-axis controller (not shown) the players can move the mountain climber  114  up or down the mountain side  116  by raising or lowering the controller, respectively. 
     In another potential game envisioned especially for use with the invention (not shown), players draw a card that has on it a shape that the players must try to collaboratively draw on the screen. 
     While in the foregoing specification this invention has been described in relation to certain preferred embodiments thereof, and many details have been set forth for purposes of illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is susceptible to additional embodiments and that certain of the details described herein may be varied considerably without departing from the basic principles of the invention. 
     Having described the invention with reference to particular compositions, theories of effectiveness, and the like, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that it is not intended that the invention be limited by such illustrative embodiments or mechanisms, and that modifications can be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention, as defined by the appended claims. It is intended that all such obvious modifications and variations be included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. The claims are meant to cover the claimed components and steps in any sequence which is effective to meet the objectives there intended, unless the context specifically indicates to the contrary.