Abstract:
A mask is mounted on a video game controller to enhance the interaction of its graphics with the game player and the graphic effect of the game. The controller has a curved contour and the shape of the mask matches the contour so the mask its over the surface of the controller. The mask also has openings or windows for providing access to the buttons/rollers for operating the controller. Attachment means secures the mask to the controller. Locating means positions the mask so the openings or windows therein remain aligned with the buttons/rollers. Preferably, graphics in the form of game instructions and/or game related theme imagery are applied to the surface of the mask. To increase the surface area of the mask for the graphics it can be provided with an integral overhang or a separate visor.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/738,625 filed Dec. 17, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/728,717 filed Dec. 5, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/371,402 filed Feb. 21, 2003. The contents of these applications are all incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     This invention relates to video games, and more particularly to an accessory for a video game controller.  
         [0003]     Video games have created a new culture that consumes video game players. An important part of the success of a video game is its graphics and the interaction of the graphics with the game players.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     According to the invention a mask is mounted on a video game controller to enhance the interaction of its graphics with the game player and the graphic effect of the game. The controller has a curved contour and the shape of the mask matches the contour so the mask fits over the surface of the controller. The mask also has openings or windows for providing access to the buttons/rollers for operating the controller.  
         [0005]     A feature of the invention is attachment means for securing the mask to the controller.  
         [0006]     Another feature of the invention is locating means for positioning the mask so the openings or windows therein remain aligned with the buttons/rollers.  
         [0007]     Preferably, graphics in the form of game instructions and/or game related theme imagery are applied to the surface of the mask. To increase the surface area of the mask for the graphics it can be provided with an integral overhang or a separate visor. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0008]     The features of specific embodiments of the best mode contemplated of carrying out the invention are illustrated in the drawings, in which: 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     In  FIGS. 1A and 1B  a mask  10  is shaped to match the curved contour of a video game controller such as a Microsoft X-BOX (not shown). Mask  10  has openings  12 ,  14 , and  16  that are in registration with the control buttons/knobs on the controller, which are accessible to a game player when mask  10  is mounted on the controller. Depending on the circumstances, mask  10  could be made of a rigid or non-rigid material, such as plastic, metal, rubber, cardboard, etc.—for example, a non-rigid plastic for a form-fitting mask, cardboard for a relatively low priced mask, and metal for a space age mask. As discussed in more detail below, graphics in the form of game instructions, game related theme imagery, advertisements, and/or textured surfaces are preferably printed, molded into, or otherwise applied to the exposed surface of mask  10   
         [0010]     In  FIGS. 2A and 2B  mask  10  is mounted on a video game controller  18 , represented in broken lines. Note that an overhang at the front of mask  10  extends beyond the front of controller  18  in cantilever fashion to expand the surface area or “real estate” available for graphics. (In this embodiment, mask  10  must be made of a material with sufficient rigidity and strength to support itself when cantilevered.) Since controller  18  has a curved contour, mask  10  has means for attachment to controller  18 . In  FIGS. 2A and 2B  the attachment means are spring tabs  20  that are distributed around the periphery of mask  10 . When mask  10  is fitted on controller  18 , tabs  20  are deformed by the periphery of controller  18  and retained there by the return spring force. In this embodiment mask  10  has locating posts  22 , which retain the back of controller  18  against the back of mask  10  and align (See post  22  bearing against the top surface of controller  18  in  FIG. 2B .)  
         [0011]     Many other types of attachment means could be used, some of which are illustrated in other disclosed embodiments. For example, if mask  10  is non-rigid, it can wrap around the surface of controller  18  so it must be peeled off to remove. Or mask  10  could be retained by static electrical attraction.  
         [0012]     In  FIG. 3  mask  10  is represented in broken lines overlying controller  18 . The control buttons/knobs on controller  18  are accessible through openings  12 ,  14 , and  16 .  
         [0013]     In  FIG. 4 , a mask  24  is designed for an X-BOX S controller. Openings  26 ,  28 , and  30  provide access to the control buttons/rollers on the X-BOX S controller.  
         [0014]     In  FIG. 5 , graphics are applied to an area  32  the mask of  FIG. 2A . It is particularly advantageous to apply game instructions as the graphics in area  32  for ease of reference by the game player during game play. The graphics could also include advertisements and images relating to the theme of the game. Further, instead of being concentrated in area  32 , game instructions and/or labels identifying the function of control buttons/rollers could be distributed at different locations on mask  10 .  
         [0015]     In  FIGS. 6A and 6B  a mask  9  has different attachment and locating means and openings  34 ,  36 , and  38  for access to the buttons/rollers on a Nintendo GAMECUBE controller  17 . Specifically, stops  40  on mask  9  serve to position mask  9  relative to controller  17  and together with deformed spring tabs  20  to retain mask  9  on controller  17 .  
         [0016]     In  FIG. 7  mask  11  has a single opening  42  that provides access to all the buttons/rollers. A spring tab  44  together with stops  46  and  48  on mask  11  retain a Sony PLAYSTATION controller  21 . A beam  50  supports the overhang of mask  11  so it does not sag. Graphics are displayed in areas  52  and  54 .  
         [0017]     In  FIGS. 8A and 8B  the outline of controller  21  is shown in broken lines relative to mask  11 . In  FIG. 8A  the position of the buttons/rollers can be seen inside opening  42 . In  FIG. 8B  the overhang of mask  11  and how it partially covers the handles of controller  21  are illustrated.  
         [0018]     In  FIGS. 9A and 9B  a mask  56  has a separate visor  58  that covers the front of an X-BOX S controller  60 . As shown in  FIG. 9A  controller  60  has slots  62  and  64  adapted to receive memory cartridges. As shown in  FIG. 9B , visor  58  covers slots  62  and  64  when visor  58  is installed on the front of controller  60 . Graphics (not shown) are displayed on the surface of visor  58 .  
         [0019]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  show one embodiment of the attachment and locating means for visor  58  in the form of spring arms  64  and  66  and a stop  68  on visor  58  A memory cartridge  65  is disposed in slot  62 . When visor  58  is slid into position at the front of controller  60 , as represented by arrows  69  in  FIG. 9A , spring arms  64  and  66  are spread out by memory cartridge  65  and movement of visor  58  into slot  62  is limited by stop  68 . Spring arms  64  and  66  retain visor  58  on controller  60  and against mask  56  ( FIG. 9A ).  
         [0020]      FIG. 11  illustrates typical graphics on a mask  68  for a game called FULL SPECTRUM WARRIOR. The colors on  FIG. 11  represent the colors on the buttons/rollers of the controller. Note the game functions in proximity to the respective buttons/rollers and the images relating to the game theme in the background.  
         [0021]      FIG. 12  illustrates typical graphics on a mask  70  for a game called HUT &amp; RUN. Note the game functions in proximity to the respective buttons/rollers and the images relating to the game theme in the background.  
         [0022]     Generally, the attachment means is a spring mechanism that is deformed when mounted on controller  18  so the return force of the mechanism retains mask  10  on controller  18 . Instead of the illustrated attachment means, the elasticity of mask  10  could be used, i.e., mask  10  could be stretched when mounted on controller  18  and retained by the return force exerted by mask. Alternatively, a separate mechanism could be used to retain mask  10  on controller  18 . Although it is preferable to have the attachment means on mask  10 , they could be on controller  18  instead.  
         [0023]     The controller could be designed to feedback to the game player stimulation relating to events occurring during game play. For example, during a dangerous situation the handle or a button could be heated or vibrated. Many other ways can be designed to impart to the game player sensations relating to the game player&#39;s actions during game play.  
         [0024]     The described embodiments of the invention are only considered to be preferred and illustrative of the inventive concept; the scope of the invention is not to be restricted to such embodiments. Various and numerous other arrangements may be devised by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. For example, instead of providing openings for access to the buttons/rollers the mask could have windows that permit the buttons/rollers to be operated from outside the controller.  
         [0025]     Attached as Appendix A is an outline of a number of alternatives to the described embodiments.  
         [0000]     GAMESKIN™ Disclosure  
         [0026]     1. Controller Mechanical 
        a. Attachment Mechanisms 
            i. Snaps     ii. Adhesives     iii. Other 
                1. Suction     2. Velcro     3. Preinstalled or applied magnets     4. Use screws from controller     5. Cover more of controller—Total or almost completely encompass controller 
                    a. Multiple parts or hinged snapping door    
                   
               
            b. Materials 
            i. Plastic 
                1. Flexible/Rigid     2. Varied wall sections—Thick and very thin wall sections would allow for flexible sections    
                ii. Rubber 
                1. Soft/Hard     2. Neoprene     3. Latex    
                iii. Metal 
                1. Sheet or perforated    
                iv. Foam, Styrofoam, Paper,     v. Dual or multiple materials 
                1. Co-molded     2. Over-molded     3. Snap-together sections    
               
            c. Finish/Texture 
            i. In Mold Texture 
                1. Simulate Basketball, Baseball, Football, scales, webbing, rough, smooth    
                ii. Secondary Manufacturing Process 
                1. Total or specific areas have process to alter look and/or feel     2. Nextel or Rubber paint, gooey, rough, slimy, smooth, scaly, webbed, etc.     3. Heat/Cold sensitive areas    
                iii. Consumer Application 
                1. Stick on texture areas     2. Detents or snap in sections for consumer alter texture or item—web, ears, horns, antenna     3.    
               
            d. Novelty 
            i. Glow In the Dark—GAMESKINS™ can illuminate in the dark     ii. Gel filled for squishiness or push gel from area in pocket to reveal message    
            e. Design 
            i. Current designs     ii. Solo Visor—GAMESKIN™ can attach via the top of a controller and anchor via the memory cartridge slots.     iii. Completely cover keys with thin, flexible material     iv. Other    
               
 
         [0071]     2. Electrical/Technical 
        a. Visual 
            i. LED     ii. Light Pipe     iii. Laser?   
            b. Sound 
            i. A small microphone and speaker can also be imbedded.     ii. Voice from another player     iii. Hint voice 
                1. Preloaded, consumer recorded or downloaded     2. Can be prompted to give hint     3. Password opened for cheat magazine    
                iv. Voice altering—“LLLUUKE”    v. Non-electrical sound makers    
            c. Feedback 
            i. Pain, heat, cold based on input     ii. Ooze blood, oil, green alien blood, wormy stuff    
            d. Communication 
            i. Keyboard 
                1. Extra keys are molded into skin     2. Extra keys could interface with game or separate environment—chat, call friend, take photo     3. Pure keyboard just to allow chat during “Live” stuff     4. Keyboard could unlock hint—get code from . . .    
                ii. Communicate with PC/Internet     iii. Video Screen—GAMESKIN™ can house an LCD video enabled screen via the visor to allow players to visually see and communicate with fellow players. A small microphone and speaker can also be imbedded.     iv. CCD Camera takes picture of player     v. Come on—Bluetooth?   
               
 
         [0098]     3. Graphical/User Interface 
        a. Top side printing 
            i. Silk Screened—GAMESKIN™&#39;s would have graphics and instructional content permanently printed onto the material.     ii. Etched, raised    
            b. Underside 
            i. Printing, sticker     ii. Holder for additional things 
                1. Pocket, snaps, rails     2. Stickers, booklet, CD/DVD, cards    
               
            c. Electronic Displays 
            i. LCD or other type of electronic display     ii. Content could be refreshed, interchangeable and updated via an internal computer chip within the skin or via an Internet connection relaying information through the OS to the Skin.     iii. Project image 
                1. Laser light pointer     2. Project words on TV or walls    
               
            d. Changeable Printed controls 
            i. Reference Card Enabled GAMESKIN™ “Slip In&#39;s”—Attachable reference cards that would attached via the visor.     ii. Alligator Clips—These clips can attach to the controller and hold a reference card     iii. Secondary coating—scratch off to next level     iv. Additional stickers are applied     v. Rotate wheel or slide bar to expose new commands     vi. Rub heat sensitive ink    
            e. Stickers with texture for button location, they would be put on buttons or different areas of the skin 
            i. User doesn&#39;t have to look down     ii. Spiky sticker on shoot button     iii. Dots next to pause button    
               
 
         [0124]     4. Other 
        a. Attachable Items 
            i. Toys     ii. Light saber    
            b. Food/Candy     c. Smells     d. View window for secrete codes 
            i. Hold window to ad, game or web page to display additional info    
            e. Transformer—folds into other object     f. Super cheep version could be sticker or cardboard