Information display faceplate for a video game controller

Abstract

A faceplate for a video game controller used to convey instructional information to the user. The faceplate is designed to be attached and to be removed from the controller both quickly and easily. The faceplate can either mask the surface of a controller or house the controller in a jacket-like manner. The faceplate can attach to the controller either by adhering to the surface of the controller or attaching to a portion of the controller. Additionally, the faceplate can either mask the surface of the controller in a continuous manner or can contain holes to allow buttons and sections of the controller to protrude through the faceplate.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to the field of electronics and faceplate technology. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to faceplates for video game controllers that convey information relevant to the video game. BACKGROUND [0002] The video game industry is presently one of the largest and fastest growing entertainment industries in the world. Generally, video game systems require standard components necessary to operate and utilize the video game system. Specifically, video game systems require controller units that allow a user to interact with the video game and generate the actions of the game. These controllers are typically external to the video game system (either in wired or wireless communication with the system), or are an integrated part of the system. In addition, these controllers are available in various sizes and shapes that are geared toward specific games and / or systems. [0003] Many advances have been made to incr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] The present invention is designed to overcome the deficiencies in the art by providing a method and apparatus for providing visual graphics or information to a user of a video game system. A removable faceplate apparatus for a video game controller is disclosed that allows a user of the system to customize the controller. This enhancement assists the user to interact with the system. In addition, this enhancement allows a user to add a level of personalization to the controller.

Problems solved by technology

However, these improvements fail to assist players to improve game strategy and increase the player's knowledge of the game in order to enhance the user's interaction with the game system.

Due to the increasing number of video games offered to users and the complexity of these video games, it is difficult for users to remember and utilize the necessary combination of operations and buttons while playing the games.

This is particularly difficult for new users of video games that require fast and complex button combinations such as combat or sports games.

Therefore, it is nearly impossible for a new user to immediately acquire knowledge about the vast functions and combinations required for full functionality of a video game.

However, these primitive aids on the controllers, such as the letter designation ‘A’ or ‘B,’ do not convey enough information to use the controller properly or efficiently.

In addition, these designations are permanent and not readily changeable.

Although faceplate technology is known in the electronics industry, current faceplates typically act as a means to protect the electronic device and not as an informational aid for enhancing a user's interaction with the video game system.

For instance, faceplates manufactured for cellular phones and the like, are not designed to be informational or easily removed.

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