WO2008117102A1

WO2008117102A1 - A games console comprising a detachable projector

Info

Publication number: WO2008117102A1
Application number: PCT/IB2007/001917
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gert Frederik Meyer
Original assignee: Gert Frederik Meyer
Priority date: 2007-03-27
Filing date: 2007-07-09
Publication date: 2008-10-02
Also published as: WO2008117103A1; WO2008117098A1; WO2008117101A1; WO2008117100A1

Abstract

A games console is provided having a projector integral therewith. In one embodiment the projector is detachable from the games console. In a further embodiment the projector is adjustably secured to the games console.

Description

A GAMES CONSOLE COMPRISING A DETACHABLE PROJECTOR

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a games console.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Games consoles are becoming increasingly popular. These are devices on which electronic games can be played by one or more players. The games are typically contained in a software format and can be selectively loaded onto a console to produce video or graphic images.

Two types of games console are available. The first includes a stand alone unit which is connected to a television set or other display device with the images displayed on the television or display. Examples of this type of games console include the Sony PlayStation, Microsoft Xbox and Nintendo Wii. Game controllers are connected to the unit through cables or wireless means such as Bluetooth transceivers. The second type includes portable, hand held units which incorporate a display, usually a colour LCD display, and finger operated controls on the unit itself. Examples of this type of games console include the Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP), Nintendo GameBoy, Nintendo DS, Nokia N-Gage, Tiger Gizmondo and Tapwave Zodiac. An inconvenience with the stand alone units is the need to have a television or display available in order to play a game. With portable units the screen is generally too small to permit full enjoyment and the graphic detail that a large screen television allows. It is also difficult or impossible for more than one person to play a game on such units.

In this specification, "game" shall have its widest meaning and shall include and software or firmware capable of being interpreted by a processor of a games.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to provide a games console which at least partially alleviates some of the abovementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with this invention there is provided a games console having a projector integrally secured thereto and configured to project images from a game running on the console.

Further features of the invention provide for the projector to be adjustably secured to the games console to enable a user to select a projection area; for the projector to be adjustable through at least one motor; and for the projector to be detachable. Still further features of the invention provide for the projector to be detachably secured to the games console and configured to permit information to be transmitted between the games console and the projector.

Further features of the invention provide for the games console to be in wired or wireless communication with the projector; for the projector to be paired to the games console; and for each of the projector and games console to have a processor.

Still further features of the invention provide for each of the projector and games console to have a power supply, preferably one or more batteries; for the each of the projector and the power supply to include means for recharging the or each battery; and for the batteries to be rechargeable through wired or wireless means.

Yet further features of the invention provide for the games console to be a portable games console; for the games console to have a display, preferably an LCD display, integral therewith; for images to be switchable between the projector and the display, alternately simultaneously directed to both; further alternately for each of the display and projector to present different images or perspectives of the game.

Further features of the invention provide for at least one game controller to be connectable to the games console; for a further games console to be connectable to the games console to enable two or more players to partake in a game; and for images to be selectably directed to one of the projector, the display and both the projector and display.

Yet further features of the invention provide for the projector to have a speaker associated therewith; for the speaker to form part of a surround sound system; and for the projector to be adjustably secured to a base. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a games console having a projector integral therewith;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a portable games console having a projector integral therewith; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the portable games console and projector in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the portable games console and projector in Figure 2 with a further games console connected thereto; and Figure 5 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a portable games console;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the projector in Figure 5; and Figure 7 is an elevation of a further embodiment of a projector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A games console (1) is shown in Figure 1 and, in this embodiment, is of the stand alone type having a box-like body (2) in which is housed a dedicated electronics designed to play video games. These include a processor (not shown), RAM (not shown), hard disk drive (not shown) and DVD player (3) through which games can be loaded onto the console (1) from appropriate games media (not shown). The body (2) also includes ports (5) for connecting the console (1) to a television or a computer monitor (not shown). A wireless transceiver (not shown), in this embodiment a Bluetooth device, is provided for connecting to games controllers (7) and other peripheral devices such as a remote control unit (8). A power supply (9) connectable to mains power is also provided.

The games console (1) thus far described is of conventional form and the features well known in the art.

According to the invention, the games console (1) includes a projector (12) integral therewith which enables images to be projected onto a screen (not shown) or other surface. In this embodiment the projector (12) is secured in an upper corner (14) of the body (2) in a ball and socket mounting (16) which enables the projector (12) to be adjusted relative to the body (2). Motors (not shown) operated though controls (18) on the body (2) and remote control unit (8) are connected to the mounting (16) to permit the projector (12) to be remotely adjusted by a user (not shown).

The projector (12), in this embodiment, makes use of laser technology, such as the PicoP unit supplied by Microvision, and obviates the need for a television or other separate display unit as it permits images from a game being played on the games console (1) to be projected onto a screen (not shown) or other surface, including a wall or ceiling (not shown). The games console (1) transmits the necessary information to the projector (12) in the same fashion as it would to a television connected thereto. The projector (12) also permits a larger image to be projected than may typically be obtained on a television or other display unit.

As the projector (12) is adjustably secured to the games console (1) it enables a user to select or change a projection area without having to move or adjust the body (2). Also, by providing the games console (1) with a projector greatly facilitates its use as it obviates the need for a television or display unit, these often being more difficult to move about than the games console (1 ) itself. It will be appreciated, however, that many other embodiments of a games console exist which fall within the scope of the invention particularly as regards the type of projector and the manner and position in which it is secured to the games console. For example, the projector can operate using any suitable technology including LED's and high intensity bulbs or globes. Also, the projector could be detachable from the games console in a manner similar to that described below. Furthermore, the games console can have any suitable shape and features, including motion sensitive games or remote controllers and the ability for the games or remote controllers to operate by pointing at specific areas of a projected image. The latter "point and shoot" feature is a particularly useful in combat or other shooting games.

A second embodiment of a games console (20) is shown in Figures 2 and 3 and is, in this embodiment, of the portable type having an elongate body (22) providing a pair of hand grips (24) at opposite ends with finger operated controls (26) associated with each. A colour liquid crystal (LCD) display (28) is centrally located in the body and a slot (30) provided for receiving media (32) on which is stored games and the like. In this embodiment the games media (32) is a memory card. Thus far the games console (20) is of conventional configuration.

According to the invention the games console (20) includes an integral projector (30) secured in a small, box-like housing (31) which is, in this embodiment, detachable from the body (22). A complementary socket (33) is provided in the body (22) in which the housing (31) is releasably secured by securing formations (34). These may be disengaged to release projector (30) by depressing a button (36) on the body (22).

The body (22) has a set of contacts (not shown) in the socket (33) which cooperate with corresponding contacts (37) on the projector (30) through which communication occurs with the projector (30) secured in the body (22). However, both the body (22) and the projector (30) also include wireless communications means (38, 39) for communicating when the projector (30) is separated from the body (22). In this embodiment, both use a Bluetooth wireless communication protocol which is automatically activated upon removal from the body (22) and deactivated once the devices are secured together.

The Bluetooth devices (38, 39) of the projector (30) and the body (22) are paired to ensure secure communication between the two and to obviate difficulties with similar devices being used in proximity to these.

The body (22) and projector (30) also each include a processor (40, 42). These are configured to operate in tandem to enhance processing speeds. They could also be configured to provide redundancy or be or be configured to operate sequentially. The latter may be useful where bandwidth is limited and initial processing takes place in the body and the final processing takes place in the projector.

The body (22) and projector (30) are also each provided with a power supply (44, 45), in this embodiment batteries, and both are supplied with individual charging ports (not shown) for receiving external chargers. It is foreseen that a wireless charging facility, such as that provided by Powercast, could also be used. Whilst secured to the body (22), however, the battery (45) is charged through the contacts (37).

The body (22) further includes a transceiver (50) for communicating with a telecommunications network (52), such as the Internet. In this embodiment the transceiver utilizes the Wi-Fi protocol, but could also be a GSM, 3G, satellite or similar transceiver. This enables the user of the games console (20) to browse the Internet, also known as web browsing, and to download games from a remote location (54). An infrared transceiver (60) is also provided in the body (22) to enable communication with similarly equipped peripheral devices.

The housing (31) of the projector (30) is provided with three flexible legs (65) hingedly secured to its bottom (67) in a triangular configuration. The legs (65) can be moved from a stowed condition in which they are secured in complementary slots (68) in the bottom (67) to an operative condition in which the form a tripod for the housing (31). Being flexible they allow permit the position of the housing (31) to be easily adjusted. In this embodiment the legs (65) are secured in the slots (68) against a bias by a detent (not shown) which is released through operation of a button (70) on the bottom (67).

A speaker (75) is also provided in the housing (31) and is operable by the processor (42).

In use, the projector (30) can be detached from the body (22) and the legs (65) deployed and suitably adjusted to ensure that the projector (30) correctly projects onto a screen (80) or other surface, such as a wall. In detaching the projector (30) from the body (22) it is automatically activated and the Bluetooth connection initiated as described above. Hereafter a game can be played on the games console (1) in the normal manner using the controls (26) whilst the images of a game are projected onto the screen (80) through information transmitted between the two over the Bluetooth connection. The projector greatly enhances the size and quality of images which in turn enhances the entertainment value of the games console. The further advantage offered by this arrangement is that the body (22) can be moved about whilst playing without affecting the image being projected.

Providing the speaker (75) in the projector housing (31) allows a surround sound effect to be achieved and games software can adapted to maximize the benefits of this feature. It is also envisaged that the games console may be provided with further detachable speakers, preferably wirelessly connected thereto, to further enhance the surround sound effect.

A further advantage is apparent from Figure 4. As shown, a separate games controller (80) also having a Bluetooth device (82) can be connected to the games console (20). The games controller (80) is of the type used with stand alone games consoles and only includes a processor (84), finger controls (85) and batteries (86). It does not have a display or the capability of loading and playing games itself. With the games controller (80) connected to the games console (20) two players can play a game whilst viewing the projected images. This greatly enhances the value of the games console (20). Previously it was only possible for two or more players to jointly play a game if both had fully functioning games consoles as the displays of such devices are too small and the hand movements too frequent to allow even simple games to be played using only a single display. The games console of the invention allows large images to be projected from a stationary platform and thus permits simple games controllers to be used together with the games console. This in turn allows for a large costs saving and extends the utility of the games console.

Where is it not possible to conveniently project and image using the projector (30), such as in a motor vehicle, the display (28) can be used in conventional fashion. However, when used secured in the socket (33), the projector (33) will preferably communicate with the games console (20) through the contacts (37) rather than the Bluetooth connection.

It will be appreciated that many other embodiments of a games console exist which fall within the scope of the invention, particularly as regards the configuration of the body and the projector and the feature associated with these. The games console may thus, for example, be provided with added functionality to enable media, such as videos, music files and television, to be played thereon. Also, any suitable wireless or wired communication means can be used between the projector and body and any suitable display can be used, not necessarily an LCD display, should one be desired.

As shown in Figure 5 and 6, the games console (90) can have a "clam shell" configuration with the screen (91) and body (92) hingedly attached to each other. Also in this embodiment, the projector (95) has a disc-like shape and is securable in a complementary socket (97) adjacent the screen (92). Referring also to Figure 7, the housing (99) of the projector (95) includes a pair of discs (100, 101) movably joined along complementary inclined surfaces (103, 104) so as to be both slidable (106) and rotatable (107)with respect to each other. The lower disc (101) forms a base with the projector (95) secured in the upper disc (100). Moving the discs (100, 101) relative to each other permits adjustment of the projection area of the projector (95) relative to surface (not shown) on which the base (101) is supported.

Alternatively, as shown in Figure 7, the projector (110) can be secured in a housing (112) which is secured by a ball and socket mounting (114) to a base (116) to be adjustable with respect to the base (116).

Further alternatively, the projector housing could simply be provided with a threaded socket to receive a tripod which itself could be housed in the body of the games console.

The games console could communicate with with other similar games consoles in wireless fashion, through for example a Wibree device, to enable two or more players to play a game. In such an event both or all players can either play on single projector can have individual player views on separate projectors or even use the projector to project a global game image with individual player views being displayed on their LCD screens. Providing the projector integral with the games console but detachable therefrom promotes portability and ease of use as it obviates the need to carry separate units about and to link the two each time it is required to use them. Clearly any suitable means of attaching or detaching the projector and the body can be used. It is envisaged though that the projector will be capable of connecting independently to other devices, such as mobile telephones and computers, should it be required. Also, the games console and projector could be capable of remote control by a suitably configured mobile telephone, or even through voice commands.

It is further envisaged that the projector will be capable of projecting images for more than one player at a time, preferably in different projection areas. This may be achieved using a single projector or more than one projector in a single housing. Thus, each player will be able to view a game from their player perspective on separate projection areas.

Furthermore, the projector can communicate with the games console through a wireless connection which does not require close proximity of both units. For example, the projector could communicate with the games console through a communications network, using a GSM, WiFi or other suitable connection, thus enabling the projector and games console to be separated by large distance. Equipping games controllers with similar capabilities would enable games to be played at a remote location form the games console.

Claims

1. A games console having a projector integral therewith, characterised in that the projector is detachable from the games console and configured to project images from a game running on the games console.

2. A games console as claimed in claim 1 in which the projector is in wired or wireless communication with the games console.

3. A games console as claimed in claim 2 in which the projector is in wireless communication with the games console.

4. A games console as claimed in claim 3 in which the projector is paired to the games console.

5. A games console as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which each of the projector and games console include a processor.

6. A games console as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which each of the projector and the games console have a power supply.

7. A games console as claimed in claim 6 in which each power supply includes one or more batteries.

8. A games console as claimed in claim 7 in which each of the projector and the games console include means for recharging the or each battery.

9. A games console as claimed in claim 8 in which the recharging means operates in wired or wireless fashion.

10. A games console as claimed in any one of the preceding claims which is a portable games console.

11. A games console as claimed in claim 10 in which the games console has a display integral therewith.

12. A games console as claimed in claim 11 in which the display is an LCD display.

13. A games console as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12 in which images are selectively switchable between the projector, the display and both the projector and the display.

14. A games console as claimed in any one of the claims 11 to 13 in which each of the display and projector present different images of the game.

15. A games console as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the projector has a speaker associated therewith.

16. A games console as claimed in claim 15 in which the speaker forms part of a surround sound system.

17. A games console as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the projector is adjustably secured to a base.

18. A games console as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which at least one game controller is connectable to the games console.

19. A games console as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which at least one further games console is connectable to the games console to enable two or more players to partake in a game.

20. A games console as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the projector can communicate with peripheral devices.

21. A games console as claimed in any one of the preceding claims which includes one or more detachable speakers.

22.A games console as claimed in claim 21 in which the or each speaker communicates wirelessly with the games console.

23.A games console as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the projector is adjustably secured thereto to enable a user to select a projection area.

24.A games console as having a projector integral therewith, characterised in that the projector is adjustable to enable a user to select a projection area.

25.A games console as claimed in claim 24 in which the projector to be adjustable through at least one motor.

26.A games console as claimed in claim 25 which includes controls for operating the or each motor.

27.A games console as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 26 which is a stand alone games console.

28.A games console as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 27 in which the projector is detachable therefrom.