GAMING CHAIR CONTROLLER
A gaming chair controller operably mounted to a gaming chair having a light and a speaker. The gaming chair controller that includes a light control, a sound control and a display. The light control is capable of controlling emission of light from the light. The sound control is capable of controlling emission of sound from the speaker. The display is capable of displaying and changing an operational status of the light control and the sound control.
This application claims priority to Provisional Applic. No. 63/320,964, filed on Mar. 17, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe invention relates generally to gaming furniture. More particularly, the invention relates to a gaming chair controller.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONPlaying video games is a popular recreational activity. Gaming chairs are frequently used while playing video games because the gaming chairs enable the person to not only sit in comfort while playing the video games but also enables the person to move while playing the video games.
The gaming chairs are frequently connected to the gaming system. Such connection enables sounds associated with the video game being played to be emitted from speakers on the gaming chair. To further enhance the person's experience while playing video games when sitting on the gaming chair, the gaming chairs may emit vibrations and/or illuminate lights at certain times while the video game is being played.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAn embodiment of the invention is directed to a gaming chair controller operably mounted to a gaming chair that can include a light and a speaker. The gaming chair controller can include a light control, a sound control and a display. The light control is capable of controlling emission of light from the light. The sound control is capable of controlling emission of sound from the speaker. The display is capable of displaying and changing an operational status of the light control and the sound control.
Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a smart gaming chair that includes a gaming chair and a gaming chair control panel. The gaming chair can include a light and a speaker. The gaming chair controller can include a light control, a sound control and a display. The light control is capable of controlling emission of light from the light. The sound control is capable of controlling emission of sound from the speaker. The display is capable of displaying and changing an operational status of the light control and the sound control.
Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method of using a smart gaming chair. A gaming chair is provided that includes at least one of a light and a speaker. A gaming chair controller is provided on the gaming chair. The gaming chair controller is used to control an operational status of the at least one of the light and the speaker. A remote control is used to control the operational status of the at least one of the light and speaker. A mobile communication device is used to controller the operation status of the at least one of the light and the speaker.
The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of embodiments and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments and together with the description serve to explain principles of embodiments. Other embodiments and many of the intended advantages of embodiments will be readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding similar parts.
An embodiment of the invention is directed to a gaming chair controller for a gaming chair, which is illustrated at 10 in
It is possible to customize the audio output from the gaming chair 10 to emphasize certain aspects of the sound such as from the video game being played. For example, increasing low end audio can be used to enhance the ability of the person playing the video game to hear certain ambient sounds. Such adjustments are possible using predefined sound profiles. It is possible for the user to create customized sound profiles such as for use in conjunction with particular video games.
Similarly, it is possible for the user to select predefined lighting profiles or create custom lighting profiles for a variety of situations such as for use in conjunction with particular video games.
The invention provides multiple options for controlling the operation of the gaming chair 10 such as using the gaming chair controller 24 on gaming chair 10 (illustrated in
Through the use of multiple options for controlling the operation of the gaming chair 10, users are provided with a failsafe such that it is possible to continue using the gaming chair 10 even if there is an issued with one of the control options.
For example, if the user is sitting in the gaming chair 10 and cannot see the gaming chair controller 24, it is possible to use the remote control or the mobile communication device. Alternatively, if there is an issue with the batteries in the remote control or the mobile communication device, it is possible to use the gaming chair controller 24 on the gaming chair 10.
In certain embodiments, each of the control options may include a similar ability to control operation of the sound and lighting on the gaming chair 10. In other embodiments, certain control options may provide an enhanced ability to control operation of the sound and lighting on the gaming chair 10. For example, in certain embodiments, the mobile communication device may provide an enhanced ability to control the audio or lighting as compared to the gaming chair controller 24 on the gaming chair.
The gaming chair controller 24 may also include alternate mechanisms for changing sound and/or lighting such as using a touchscreen, pressing buttons or turning a knob as is described in more detail herein. Certain control options may facilitate control while the user is sitting in the gaming chair 10 and other control options may be better suited for when the user is looking at the gaming chair controller 24.
The gaming chair 10 may include a seat portion 20 and a back portion 22. While not illustrated, the gaming chair 10 may include a base that supports the gaming chair above a ground surface. The gaming chair 10 may also include at least one armrest 26 attached to at least one of the seat portion 20 and the back portion 22.
An embodiment of the gaming chair controller 24, which is illustrated in
The gaming chair controller 24 includes a display 36. In one configuration, the display 36 has at least one displayed button that can be used in configuring the operation of the gaming chair 10. The gaming chair controller 24 may also include a plurality of connectors such as a headphone connector 38, an input connector 40, an output connector 42 and a USB connector 44.
The display 36 may also include a volume indicator. The volume indicator may display the current volume in at least one of a graphical format and a numeric format. The display 36 may also have a connection identifier to indicate that manner in which the gaming chair controller is communicating with other devices such as a gaming system. Examples of connections include Bluetooth and wired. The connection identifier may display the connection in at least one of an image and text.
Other embodiments of the gaming chair controller 24, which are illustrated in
Alternatively or additionally, the gaming chair controller 24 may include a select button 50, a left arrow button 52 and a right arrow button 54, which in one configuration are positioned below the display 36. The select button 50, the left arrow button 52 and the right arrow button 54 may be used to select different features of the gaming chair controller 24 is discussed in more detail herein.
Similar to the embodiment illustrated in
The display 36 may have a variety of configurations using the concepts of the invention. In one embodiment, the display 36 is an LCD display. In addition or as an alternative to using the knob 34 of the buttons 50, 52, 54, it is possible for the display 36 to be a touchscreen such that the person using the gaming chair 10 can navigate and change features of the gaming chair 10 by touching the display 36.
Pressing the EQ MODE GAME button on the display 36, as illustrated in
The audio mode may enable activation or deactivation of features such as DTS surround sound. Using this type of surround sound may enhance the sound quality without the need for the gaming chair 10 to include additional speakers.
The Audio modes provide alternative sound profiles that are enhanced for the content that is being consumed by the user. In game mode, audio provides clearer stereo audio and low end. In the movie mode speech may be enhanced as opposed to background audio. In music mode the treble and bass may be enhanced to provide a better experience for music.
Pressing the AUDIO MODE STEREO button on the display 36, as illustrated in
In the privacy mode, the speakers are turned off and instead audio is routed through a connected gaming headset that provides voice and game audio. The speakers turn off to provide a listening experience that does not impact users elsewhere in the room or household who are not using the chair.
The audio mode may be used to emphasize certain aspects of the sound. For example, using the surround sound, the sounds coming from behind the person may be emphasized as compared to sounds coming from in front of the person. In a combat game, the person may want to be particularly aware of footsteps of enemies approaching from behind.
Pressing the CUSTOM button on the display 36, as illustrated in
Pressing the LIGHT button on the display 36, as illustrated in
The display 36 may also include an error mode that is used for troubleshooting when features of the gaming chair 10 are not correctly working. The error mode may display a code that can be used by technical support to help fix the problem. The error mode may also display how the user can contact customer support such as through as webpage or a telephone number.
Through the use of the error mode, it is possible for the manufacturer, distributor and/or retailer to more quickly resolve issues relating to the operation of the gaming chair 10. Such results not only reduce customer support costs such as by avoiding returns but also increase user satisfaction with the gaming chair because the user is able to resume use of the gaming chair more quickly than was previously possible.
In addition to controlling the operation of the gaming chair 10 using the controller panel 24 that is mounted to the gaming chair 10, it is possible to control the operation of the gaming chair 10 using a mobile communication device such as with an application that is installed on the mobile communication device. While it is possible for a wired connection between the mobile communication device and the gaming chair 10, in many instances, a wireless connection will be provided between the mobile communication device and the gaming chair 10. Examples of wireless communication techniques that may be used to communicate between the gaming chair 10 and the mobile communication device 60 include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFC.
The control panel 24 can be further enhanced with a low latency Bluetooth audio connection, providing an audio signal that closely matches closely with the visual of the game or movie when viewed on screen.
The mobile communication device may be used to view operating instructions for the gaming chair 10 by selecting a button on the mobile communication device. The mobile communication device may also be used to select the connectivity between the gaming chair 10 and the gaming system (not shown) on which the video game is being played.
The mobile communication device may also be used to control aspects of the operation of the gaming chair in a graphical manner as illustrated in
The mobile communication device will be able to connect to the gaming chair in a graphical manner as illustrated in
The mobile communication device may be able to provide the user with an enhanced ability to customize the sound and lighting of the gaming chair 10 as compared to the gaming chair controller 24 on the gaming chair 10.
Another benefit of the mobile communication device is that the user can customize the sound and light of the gaming chair 10 while sitting in the gaming chair 10, which is typically not possible to do with the gaming chair controller 24 that is located on the side of the seat portion as illustrated in
The mobile communication device will be able to connect to the gaming chair and be able to provide sound reactivity using the connected application's audio features allowing lighting in the gaming chair 10 to react to audio input from pre-recorded music or live microphone audio. The sound reactivity utilizes the microphone that is found on most mobile communication devices as most gaming chair do not include a built-in microphone.
It is also possible to control the operation of the gaming chair 10 using a remote control 70 as illustrated in
Examples of features that may be controlled using the remote control 70 include turning on and off the gaming chair, muting and unmuting the microphone, muting and unmuting the speakers, increasing and decreasing vibration, increasing and decreasing bass, and increasing and decreasing volume.
The remote control 70 may thereby be able to provide the user with an enhanced ability to customize the sound and lighting of the gaming chair 10 as compared to the gaming chair controller 24 on the gaming chair 10.
Another benefit of the remote control is that the user can customize the sound and light of the gaming chair 10 while sitting in the gaming chair 10, which is typically not possible to do with the gaming chair controller 24 that is located on the side of the seat portion as illustrated in
In the preceding detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “leading,” “trailing,” etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. Because components of embodiments can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The preceding detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.
It is contemplated that features disclosed in this application, as well as those described in the above applications incorporated by reference, can be mixed and matched to suit particular circumstances. Various other modifications and changes will be apparent to those of ordinary skill.
Claims
1. A gaming chair controller operably mounted to a gaming chair having a light and a speaker, wherein the gaming chair controller comprises:
- a light control that is capable of controlling emission of light from the light;
- a sound control that is capable of controlling emission of sound from the speaker; and
- a display that is capable of displaying and changing an operational status of the light control and the sound control.
2. The gaming chair controller of claim 1, wherein the gaming chair controller comprises:
- at least one of a button and the display having a touchscreen for changing the sound control and the light control;
- a power control for turning on and off the gaming chair;
- a power receptacle for providing power to the gaming chair; and
- at least one of a headphone connector, an input connector and a USB connector.
3. The gaming chair controller of claim 1, wherein the sound control comprises an equalizer selection mode that is displayed on the display to select a game mode, a music mode and a movie mode based upon an activity for which the gaming chair is being used.
4. The gaming chair controller of claim 1, wherein the sound control comprises an audio selection mode that is displayed on the display to change audio configurations including turning on stereo sound, turning on privacy mode and adjusting surround sound.
5. The gaming chair controller of claim 1, wherein the sound control comprises a custom selection mode that is display on the display to change bass and treble levels based on frequency.
6. The gaming chair controller of claim 1, and further comprising controlling operation of the light and the speaker on the gaming chair using a mobile communication device that is linked to the gaming chair controller.
7. The gaming chair controller of claim 7, and further comprising operably linking the mobile communication device to at least one additional furniture item.
8. The gaming chair controller of claim 1, and further comprising a low latency audio connection, which is capable of providing audio signals that match the visual of a game or movie.
9. A smart gaming chair comprising:
- a gaming chair comprising at least one of a light and a speaker;
- a gaming chair controller mounted to the gaming chair, wherein the gaming chair controller is capable of changing an operational status of the at least one of the light and the sound;
- a remote control that is capable of changing the operational status of the at least one of the light and the speaker; and
- a mobile communication device that is capable of changing the operation status of the at least one of the light and the speaker.
10. The smart gaming chair of claim 9, wherein the gaming chair controller further comprises:
- a touchscreen display for changing the operational status of the at least one of the light and the speaker;
- a power control for turning on and off the gaming chair;
- a power receptacle for providing power to the gaming chair; and
- at least one of a headphone connector, an input connector and a USB connector.
11. The smart gaming chair of claim 10, wherein the gaming chair controller further comprises an equalizer selection mode that is displayed on the display to select a game mode, a music mode and a movie mode based upon an activity for which the gaming chair is being used.
12. The smart gaming chair of claim 10, wherein the gaming chair controller further comprises an audio selection mode that is displayed on the display to change audio configurations including turning on stereo sound, turning on privacy mode and adjusting surround sound.
13. The smart gaming chair of claim 10, wherein the gaming chair controller further comprises a custom selection mode that is display on the display to change bass and treble levels.
14. The smart gaming chair of claim 9, and further comprising operably linking the mobile communication device to at least one additional furniture item for controlling operation at least one of a light and a speaker on the at least one additional furniture item.
15. The smart gaming chair of claim 9, and further comprising a low latency audio connection, which is capable of providing audio signals that match visual aspects of a game or movie.
16. A method of using a smart gaming chair comprising:
- providing a gaming chair comprising at least one of a light and a speaker;
- providing a gaming chair controller on the gaming chair;
- using the gaming chair controller to control an operational status of the at least one of the light and the speaker;
- using a remote control to control the operational status of the at least one of the light and speaker; and
- using a mobile communication device to controller the operation status of the at least one of the light and the speaker.
17. The method of using the smart gaming chair of claim 16, and further comprising selecting one of the using the gaming chair controller, the using the remote control and the using the mobile communication device based upon a location of a person controlling the operational status of the at least one of the light and the speaker.
18. The method of using the smart gaming chair of claim 16, and further comprising selecting one of the using the gaming chair controller, the using the remote control and the using the mobile communication device based upon an operational status of the gaming controller, the remote control and the mobile communication device.
19. The method of using the smart gaming chair of claim 16, wherein the method further comprises:
- displaying an equalizer selection mode on the display;
- using the equalizer selection mode to select a game mode, a music mode and a movie mode;
- displaying an audio selection mode on the display; and
- using the audio selection mode to turn on stereo sound, turn on privacy mode and adjust surround sound.
20. The method of using the smart gaming chair of claim 16, and further comprising:
- operably linking the mobile communication device to at least one additional furniture item having at least one of a light and a speaker; and
- controlling an operational status of the at least one of the light and the speaker on the at least one additional furniture item using the mobile communication device
21. The method of using the smart gaming chair of claim 16, and further comprising matching audio signals to a visual display of a game or a movie using a low latency audio connection.
22. The method of using the smart gaming chair of claim 16 and further comprising, when the smart gaming chair is experiencing an operational error, displaying a message relating to the operational error on at least one of the gaming chair controller, the remote control and the mobile communication device.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 17, 2023
Publication Date: Dec 14, 2023
Inventors: Gareth Case (Bradford), Robert McNae (Kenner, LA)
Application Number: 18/123,217