Handheld electronic game with recharging function

Abstract

A handheld electronic game comprises a rotational body, an processor, a storage cell for powering the processor, a display screen for displaying images processed by the processor, and a number of keys for providing game-control input to the processor. A generator is electrically connected to the storage cell for applying voltage to and recharging the storage cell. There is also a flywheel rotatably with respect to the body, which is connected to the generator and provides a mass moment of inertia enabling rotation of the body relative thereto during dynamic rotational movement of the body.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to handheld electronic games with a battery recharging function. More particularly, although not exclusively, the invention relates to a handheld electronic game having a display screen and a keypad upon a body within which there is provided a power storage cell and a user-turned generator to charge the cell. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Modern handheld games having a keypad and a display screen are known. Such games can be played for hours on end-leading to eyestrain and other physical and / or sociological maladies due to a lack of motor activity and social interaction on the part of the player. [0003] Such games require disposable or rechargeable batteries. Disposable batteries present a environmental problems resulting from both manufacture and disposal. Rechargeable batteries place present similar environmental problems and in addition place a small demand on the mains grid when they are plugged into a wall outlet for recharging purposes...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] According to the invention, there is provided handheld electronic game comprising a rotational body, an processor within the body, a storage cell within the body for powering the processor, a display screen upon the body for displaying images processed by the processor, and a number of keys for providing game-control input to the processor. A generator is electrically connected to the storage cell for applying voltage to and recharging the storage cell. There is also a flywheel rotatably with respect to the body, which is connected to the generator and provides a mass moment of inertia enabling rotation of the body relative thereto during dynamic rotational movement of the body.

Problems solved by technology

Such games can be played for hours on end-leading to eyestrain and other physical and / or sociological maladies due to a lack of motor activity and social interaction on the part of the player.

Disposable batteries present a environmental problems resulting from both manufacture and disposal.

Rechargeable batteries place present similar environmental problems and in addition place a small demand on the mains grid when they are plugged into a wall outlet for recharging purposes.

Old-fashioned, physically oriented and socially interactive handheld games such as yo-yos and spinning tops provide a degree of entertainment, but cannot be used in certain circumstances, such as in crowded trains and buses where the more modern electronic games are often used by commuters for example.

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