Video game chair
A video game chair comprises a game console interface for receiving a vibration feedback signal from a game console; lighting; and a lighting controller for controlling the lighting based on the vibration feedback signal. The game console interface may be capable of connecting wirelessly with the game console. The vibration feedback signal may represent an intensity of vibration. The lighting may include at least one set of LEDs positioned under the video game chair for generating ground lighting. The lighting controller may flicker the lights at an intensity based on the vibration feedback signal. The lighting may include at least two sets of colored lights, and the lighting controller may control lighting of the sets of lights based on the vibration feedback signal. Each set of colored lights may be a different color. The lighting controller may flicker the lights when the vibration feedback signal exceeds a threshold.
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
TECHNICAL FIELDThis invention relates generally to chairs, and more particularly provides a video game chair.
BACKGROUNDVideo games are a popular form of entertainment for adults and children. Today, people spend billions of dollars a year on video game consoles, video games, video game accessories, and video game paraphernalia.
Most video game players sit on a sofa, which is typically kept at a distance from the television set and speakers. To improve the video game experience, some players lie on the floor or use floor seats closer to the television. However, the floor and most floor seats are uncomfortable.
Therefore, a system and method that improve the video game experience and improve comfort are needed.
SUMMARYOne embodiment of the present invention provides a video game chair, comprising a game console interface for receiving a vibration feedback signal from a game console; lighting; and a lighting controller for controlling the lighting based on the vibration feedback signal. The game console interface may be capable of connecting wirelessly with the game console. The vibration feedback signal may represent an intensity of vibration. The lighting may include at least one set of LEDs positioned under the video game chair for generating ground lighting. The lighting controller may flicker the lights at an intensity based on the vibration feedback signal. The lighting may include at least two sets of colored lights, and the lighting controller may control lighting of the sets of lights based on the vibration feedback signal. Each set of colored lights may be a different color. The lighting controller may flicker the lights when the vibration feedback signal exceeds a threshold.
Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method in a video game chair having a game console interface and lighting, comprising receiving a vibration feedback signal from a game console; and controlling lighting based on the vibration feedback signal. The step of receiving the vibration feedback signal may include receiving a wireless signal. The vibration feedback signal may represent an intensity of vibration. The step of controlling the lighting may include controlling at least one set of LEDs positioned under a video game chair for generating ground lighting. The step of controlling the lighting may include flickering the lights at an intensity based on the vibration feedback signal. The step of controlling the lighting may include controlling at least two sets of colored lights, and the lighting controller may control lighting of the sets of lights based on the vibration feedback signal. Each set of colored lights may be a different color. The step of controlling the lighting may include flickering the lights when the vibration feedback signal exceeds a threshold.
Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides a video game chair comprising means for receiving a vibration feedback signal from a game console; and means for controlling lighting based on the vibration feedback signal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. 9(a)-9(g) are tables illustrating the pin-out connection signals of
The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications to the embodiments are possible to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to these and other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles, features and teachings disclosed herein.
This application hereby incorporates by reference patent application Ser. No. 10/770,960, entitled “Video Game Chair,” filed on Feb. 3, 2004, by inventors Real and Florez.
The back portion 110 may recline to a variety of positions, possibly using a lever 155 (see
The chair 100 may have armrests 130. As shown, each armrest 130 may be repositioned along the vertical axis or removed completely. Other embodiments may enable the armrests to swing about a pivot point (e.g., see pivotable armrests 1305 and pivot point 1310 of the video game chair 1300 shown in
The chair 100 may include two speakers 140 located in the back portion 110 of the chair 100. As shown, the back portion 110 may have flanging portions 150 on the left and right sides of the upper section of the back portion 110. The flanging portions 150 may be positioned on the back portion 110 at a height approximate the average teenager's ears and may angle inward to direct sound towards the person sitting in the chair 100.
For convenience, the video game chair 100 may have game controllers (not shown in
The chair 100 may have an component interface and configuration panel 160 on one side of the seat portion 105. The panel 160 may enable game controllers connections, game console connections, volume control, vibration control, lighting control, external audio source connections, etc. Additional details of the panel 160 and controls thereon are described below, and especially with reference to
The video game console 210 executes the video game. Today's video game console 210 manages video operations, audio operations, game controller operations joystick, buttons, directional pads, etc.), and vibration feedback operations. In system 200, the video game console 210 forwards video and audio signals to the television 215, and sends the vibration feedback signal to the chair subsystem 205. The chair subsystem 205 may connect to the audio-out port in the television 215 to obtain the audio signals. In another embodiment, the audio signals can be sent directly from the game console to the chair subsystem 205. Any game controller signals (e.g., initialization signals) from the game console 210 intended for the game controllers 220 can be sent to the game controllers 220 directly or via the chair subsystem 205.
In one embodiment, the chair subsystem 205 communicates with the game controllers 220 to obtain user play, and transmits the game controller signals to the game console 210. In another embodiment, the game controller signals may be sent directly to the game console 210 without going through the chair 100. In one embodiment, generic game controllers 220 may be used. In another embodiment, game controllers 220 specific to the game console 210 may be used. In yet another embodiment, game controllers 220 specific to different game console 210 may be used. For example, PS2 game controllers 220 may be used for an Xbox 360 game console 210.
During game play, the game console 210 sends the vibration feedback signal to the chair subsystem 205. In one embodiment, instead of forwarding the vibration feedback signal to the game controllers 220, the chair subsystem 205 converts the vibration feedback signal to in-chair motor control signals and forwards the in-chair motor control signals to the in-chair vibration motors 225. The in-chair vibration motors 225 cause the chair to vibrate in a similar manner that the game controllers 220 would have vibrated. In another embodiment, the vibration feedback signal may also be sent to the game controllers 220, so that they vibrate in addition to the in-chair vibration motors 225. In yet another embodiment, the user may be able to select whether the game controllers 220 and/or in-chair motors 225 vibrate.
Today's game consoles 210 provide a vibration feedback signal that includes two motor control voltage signals, such that the level of each motor control voltage signal controls the intensity of the vibration of a corresponding motor in the game controllers 220. It will be appreciated that one motor in the game controller 220 provides a lightweight vibration and the other provides heavyweight vibration. In one embodiment, different vibration motors 225 in the chair 100 can be set to vibrate at intensities based on the motor control voltage signals from the game console 210. The vibration motors 225 may have a knob to reduce the strength of the intensities of vibration of the in-chair motors 225 (e.g., all at once, each motor independently, etc.). In another embodiment, based on the vibration feedback signal, alternative or different combinations of motors 225 may vibrate. For example, a vibration feedback signal of low intensity vibration (e.g., above a noise threshold and below a medium-level threshold) may be translated to have the seat vibrate. A vibration feedback signal requesting medium intensity vibration (e.g., above the medium-level threshold and below a high-level threshold) may be translated to have the back vibrate. A vibration feedback signal requesting high intensity vibration (e.g., above the high-level threshold) may be translated to have the seat and back vibrate. In another embodiment, the vibration feedback signal may select a different vibration program mode, e.g., pulse, rolling, all on, etc.
To add a third zone of vibration, the chair subsystem 205 may be configured to compare whether one or both motor control voltage signals from the game console 210 exceed a threshold or thresholds. If both voltages exceed, then the chair subsystem 205 may activate a third vibration motor 225. The third vibration motor 225 may vibrate at a single intensity or may vibrate at an intensity based on how much each or both the motor control voltage signals exceed the threshold or thresholds.
It will be appreciated that, as video game companies increase the complexity of the vibration feedback signal, various other combinations may also be possible. For example, if the vibration feedback signal indicates that a player is being hit lightly in the head, the headrest 135 may vibrate at low intensity. If the feedback signal indicates that the player is being hit in the stomach with high intensity, the back portion 110 may vibrate at high intensity. If the feedback signal indicates that the player is about to die, then all vibration motors 225 may vibrate at high intensity. Many other possible embodiments exist.
The chair subsystem 205 may also control lighting 245. Lighting 245 may include sets of LEDs 165/170/175 (see
The chair subsystem 205 receives the audio signals, whether via the game console 205 or the television 215, and transmits them to the chair speakers 230 and/or to the headphones 235. An external audio source 240, e.g., an iPod, may be connected to the chair subsystem 205. During game play, the audio signals from the external audio source 240 may be transmitted to the chair speakers 230 and/or headphones, instead of the audio signals from the game console 210. When not playing a video game, the person may still be able to sit in the chair 100 and listen to the external audio source 240 via the in-chair speakers or headphones 235. When listening to music from an external audio source 240, the chair subsystem 205 may cause the lighting 245 to flicker, possibly to the beat of the music.
The chair subsystem 205 may also be connected to a telephone line 255 (via a landline or a cellular telephone). Upon receiving a telephone call, the chair subsystem 205 may send the telephone ring signal to the in-chair speakers and/or headphones 235 in addition to or instead of the audio signals from the video game or external audio source 240. If the player pauses the video game, the chair subsystem 205 may still send the telephone ringer signal to the in-chair speakers 230 and/or headphones. A button in the panel 160 (see
During a telephone call, the chair subsystem 205 may capture outgoing audio signals via microphone 250, and may playback incoming audio signals to the in-chair speakers 230 and/or headphones 235. If playback is not paused and the telephone is answered, the chair subsystem 205 may still transmit the outgoing signals captured by the microphone 250, and may playback the incoming telephone signals along with the audio signals from the game console 210 or external audio source 240 to the in-chair speakers 230 and/or headphones 235. Configuration and/or manufacturer presets may cause the video game audio signals to reduce in volume, so that the telephone ringer and/or telephone call can be better heard. To improve the clarity of outgoing voice signals, a directional microphone 250 may be aimed at a position estimated to be the mouth of the average-size teenager. Further, the chair system 200 may use additional microphones for real-time filtering of external game play or other ambient noises.
The chair 100 may enable the user to activate the vibration motors 225 without game play. The chair 100 may enable the user to select from various vibration programs, e.g., rolling motions, pulse, all on, etc. and vibration intensities.
The system manager 305 obtains configuration information from the panel 160. As stated above, the configuration information may include volume controls, vibration controls, lighting controls, audio input controls, telephone controls, etc. Based on the configuration information, the various components of the chair subsystem 205 may be activated, deactivated, combined, modified, etc.
The game console interface 310 is hardware, software and/or firmware that enables communication with the game console 210. The game console interface 310 may enable wired and/or wireless communication. The game console interface 310 may have a game console connection port in panel 160.
The game controllers interface 315 is hardware, software and/or firmware that enables communication with the game controllers 220. The game controllers interface 315 may enable wired and/or wireless communication. The game controllers interface may have game controllers connection ports in panel 160.
The vibration motors controller 320 is hardware, software and/or firmware that enables control of the vibration motors 225. The vibration motors controller 320 enables turning various program modes of the vibration motors 225 on or off, whether during or not during game play. The vibration motors controller 320 enables intensity control of the vibrations of the vibration motors 225 in response to vibration feedback signal from the game console 210. The vibration motors controller 320 may be capable of being configured for alternative vibration responses, e.g., motor selection, motor intensity, motor program mode, etc., based on the vibration feedback signal. The vibration motors controller 320 may be controlled and/or configured by knobs, buttons, switches, levers, etc. in panel 160.
The audio controller 325 is hardware, software and/or firmware that obtains incoming audio signals and forwards them to the in-chair speakers 230 and/or headphones 235. The audio-out controller 325 may receive audio signals from the game console 210 (possibly via the television audio-out port), audio signals from the external audio source 240, audio signals from the telephone module 345 (described below), and/or the like. Configurations in panel 160 or manufacturer presets may determine selection of audio signals to be transmitted to the speakers 230 and/or headphones 235, audio power of each of the signals to be sent at any given time, etc.
The lighting controller 335 is hardware, software and/or firmware that enables control of the lighting 245. The lighting controller 335 enables turning various program modes of the lighting 245 on or off, whether during or not during game play. The lighting controller 335 enables intensity control of the flickering of the lighting 245 in response to vibration feedback from the game console 210. The lighting controller 245 may be capable of being configured for alternative lighting responses, e.g., color selection, flicker intensity, flicker program mode, etc., based on the vibration feedback signal. The lighting controller 335 may turn the flickering of lighting 245 on, e.g., only when the vibration feedback signal exceeds a threshold or thresholds. The lighting controller 335 may be controlled and/or configured by knobs, buttons, switches, levers, etc. in panel 160.
The demo module 340 is hardware, software and/or firmware that enables a pre-programmed demo of the chair 100. The demo module 340 may include a recorded program that is played back through the speakers in coordination with control of vibration motors 225, lighting 245, etc. The demo may be initiated via a control on panel 160.
The telephone module 345 is hardware, software and/or firmware that enables the chair 100 to operate as a telephone. The telephone module 345 monitors the telephone line 355 (landline or cellular telephone) for telephone calls. Upon detection of an incoming call, the telephone module 345, possibly in coordination with the audio controller 325, sends a ringer signal to the speakers 230 and/or headphones 235. Upon answering a call, the telephone module 345 monitors and transmits incoming audio signals from the microphone 250 to the telephone line 255. The telephone module 345 also monitors and transmits incoming audio signals from the telephone line 255 to the speakers 230 and/or headphones 235. The telephone module 345 may also conduct noise filtering. The telephone module 345 may also enable outgoing calls. In another embodiment, the telephone module 345 includes a Bluetooth-enabled earpiece that is capable of communicating with a cellular or other Bluetooth-enabled telephone. Upon receiving or initiating a telephone call, the Bluetooth-enabled telephone module 345 may use the in-chair microphone 250 and in-chair speakers 230 and/or headphones 235 to communicate via the cellular or other telephone. Configuration of the telephone module 345, answering incoming telephone calls, dialing outgoing telephone calls, etc. may be controlled via panel 160.
Controller format translation module 350 is hardware, software and/or firmware that enables using game controllers 220 from one brand of game console 210 with another brand of game console 210. Translation may be automatic. Alternatively, identification of game controller information and game console information may be provided at panel 160.
The data storage device 430 and/or memory 435 may store an operating system 440 such as the Microsoft Windows XP, Linux, the IBM OS/2 operating system, the MAC OS, or UNIX operating system and/or other programs 445. It will be appreciated that a preferred embodiment may also be implemented on platforms and operating systems other than those mentioned. An embodiment may be written using JAVA, C, and/or C++ language, or other programming languages, possibly using object oriented programming methodology.
One skilled in the art will recognize that the computer system 400 may also include additional information, such as network connections, additional memory, additional processors, LANs, input/output lines for transferring information across a hardware channel, the Internet or an intranet, etc. One skilled in the art will also recognize that the programs and data may be received by and stored in the system in alternative ways. For example, a computer-readable storage medium (CRSM) reader 450 such as a magnetic disk drive, hard disk drive, magneto-optical reader, CPU, etc. may be coupled to the communications bus 420 for reading a computer-readable storage medium (CRSM) 455 such as a magnetic disk, a hard disk, a magneto-optical disk, RAM, etc. Accordingly, the computer system 400 may receive programs and/or data via the CRSM reader 450. Further, it will be appreciated that the term “memory” herein is intended to cover all data storage media whether permanent or temporary.
In this embodiment, the iBox subsystem 505 controls game console communication (possibly using a game console interface 310), vibration feedback operations (possibly using a vibration motors controller 320), audio operations (possibly using an audio controller 325), lighting operations (possibly using a lighting controller 335), telephone operations (possibly using a telephone module 345), and game controller translation operations (possibly using a controller format translation module 350). The iControl subsystem 510 may control game controller communication (possibly using a game controllers interface 315). The iDemo subsystem 515 may control demo playback (possibly using a demo module 345).
The iBox subsystem 505 may include a USB port 525 to connect with a PS3 or an Xbox game console 210 and/or a 9-pin port 520 to connect with a PS2 game console 210. The iControl subsystem 510 may include a USB port 535 to connect with PS3 or Xbox game controllers 220 and/or a 9-pin port 540 to connect with PS2 game controllers 220.
The iBox subsystem 505 may be connected to three vibration motors 225, which may include three sets of vibration motor circuits, namely, MOT_A circuit 550, MOT_B circuit 555 and MOT_C circuit 560. Each of these circuits may control a set of motors 225, e.g., three to four motors. MOT_A circuit 550 may control motors 225 in the seat portion 105, MOT_B circuit 555 may control motors 225 in the back portion 110, and MOT_C circuit 560 may control motors in the headrest 135. Alternatively, a circuit may control different (possibly overlapping) combinations of motors 225 and/or may control different intensities to the same motors 225.
By dividing the functionality, the different subsystems 505, 510 and 515 can be placed into different regions of the chair 100. For example, the iBox subsystem 505 may be placed near the game console connector, e.g., near panel 160. The iControl subsystem 510 may be placed near the game controller connections, e.g., in the armrests 130. And, the iDemo subsystem 515 may be placed in a hidden location, e.g., on the underside of the seat portion 105.
The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is by way of example only, and other variations and modifications of the above-described embodiments and methods are possible in light of the foregoing teaching. Although the network sites are being described as separate and distinct sites, one skilled in the art will recognize that these sites may be a part of an integral site, may each include portions of multiple sites, or may include combinations of single and multiple sites. The various embodiments set forth herein may be implemented utilizing hardware, software, or any desired combination thereof. For that matter, any type of logic may be utilized which is capable of implementing the various functionality set forth herein. Components may be implemented using a programmed general purpose digital computer, using application specific integrated circuits, or using a network of interconnected conventional components and circuits. Connections may be wired, wireless, modem, etc. The embodiments described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting. The present invention is limited only by the following claims.
Claims
1. A video game chair, comprising:
- a game console interface for receiving a vibration feedback signal from a game console;
- lighting; and
- a lighting controller for controlling the lighting based on the vibration feedback signal.
2. The video game chair of claim 1, wherein the game console interface is capable of connecting wirelessly with the game console.
3. The video game chair of claim 1, wherein the vibration feedback signal represents an intensity of vibration.
4. The video game chair of claim 1, wherein the lighting includes at least one set of LEDs positioned under the video game chair for generating ground lighting.
5. The video game chair of claim 1, wherein the lighting controller flickers the lights at an intensity based on the vibration feedback signal.
6. The video game chair of claim 1, wherein the lighting includes at least two sets of colored lights, and wherein the lighting controller controls lighting of the sets of lights based on the vibration feedback signal.
7. The video game chair of claim 6, wherein each set of colored lights is a different color.
8. The video game chair of claim 1, wherein the lighting controller causes the lighting the flicker when the vibration feedback signal exceeds a threshold.
9. A method in a video game chair having a game console interface and lighting, comprising:
- receiving a vibration feedback signal from a game console; and
- controlling lighting based on the vibration feedback signal.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the receiving the vibration feedback signal includes receiving a wireless signal.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein the vibration feedback signal represents an intensity of vibration.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein the controlling the lighting includes controlling at least one set of LEDs positioned under a video game chair for generating ground lighting.
13. The method of claim 9, wherein the controlling the lighting includes flickering the lights at an intensity based on the vibration feedback signal.
14. The method of claim 9, wherein the controlling the lighting includes controlling at least two sets of colored lights, and wherein the lighting controller controls lighting of the sets of lights based on the vibration feedback signal.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein each set of colored lights is a different color.
16. The method of claim 9, wherein the controlling the lighting includes flickering the lighting when the vibration feedback signal exceeds a threshold.
17. A video game chair, comprising:
- means for receiving a vibration feedback signal from a game console; and
- means for controlling lighting based on the vibration feedback signal.
Type: Application
Filed: May 8, 2006
Publication Date: Nov 8, 2007
Inventors: Richard Florez (Pittsburg, CA), Raymond Duran (Brentwood, CA), William Colias (Vacaville, CA)
Application Number: 11/430,596
International Classification: A47C 7/72 (20060101);