Game controller connection system and method of selectively connecting a game controller with a plurality of different video gaming systems

Abstract

A game controller, according to the present invention, interacts with a plurality of different game processors including different gaming applications utilizing a communication link. The game controller includes a plurality of user-manipulable input devices, and at least one signal processor to receive and process signals associated with manipulations of the user-manipulable input devices and to communicate with a plurality of different game processors. The communication link includes a plurality of connection plugs, where at least two of the connection plugs are configured to connect with different game processors. In addition, the communication link may facilitate wired or wireless transfer of signals between the at least one signal processor and a selected game processor, where a wired transfer may employ an extension cable to cover greater distances.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Technical Field [0002] The present invention pertains to controllers for entertainment systems. In particular, the present invention pertains to a game controller connection system that is configured to selectively connect a game controller to a plurality of different video gaming systems. [0003] 2. Discussion of the Related Art [0004] Generally, video gaming systems employ controllers with one or multiple joysticks or other game controllers to enable a user to interact with a gaming application. A wide variety of video gaming systems are commercially available. Examples of different gaming systems include PlayStation 2 or PS2 available from Sony Corporation, XBOX available from Microsoft Corporation and GAMECUBE available from Nintendo Corporation. In addition, many personal computers with different operating systems (e.g., Microsoft WINDOWS and Apple Mac OS X) offer video gaming software and are further suitably configured to connect with joys...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to enable a single game controller to easily and effectively connect and communicate with a variety of different gaming systems while minimizing expense and eliminating the need for multiple adaptor components that must connect with the game controller to facilitate connection with different gaming systems.

[0013] According to the present invention, a game controller interacts with a plurality of different game processors including different gaming applications utilizing a communication link. The game controller includes a plurality of user-manipulable input devices, and at least one signal processor to receive and process signals associated with manipulations of the user-manipulable input devices and to communicate with a plurality of different game processors. The communication link includes a plurality of connection plugs, where at least two of the connection plugs are configured to connect with different game processors. In addition, the communication link facilitates transfer of signals between the at least one signal processor and a selected game processor when the selected game processor is connected with a respective connection plug.

[0014] The present invention provides several advantages. In particular, the present invention facilitates the connection of a single game controller to a wide variety of different gaming systems without the requirement of purchasing separate components (e.g., different adaptors or controllers with different connector configurations). The system is further designed to connect unique game controllers, such as exercise devices, with a wide variety of different video gaming systems.

Problems solved by technology

One problem associated with providing a universal game controller for use with different gaming systems is that there is not one common or standard connection port associated with the different video gaming systems.

In addition, some adaptors are difficult to obtain commercially for particular types of gaming systems.

Further, depending upon the number of different gaming systems to which the universal game controller is to be connected, adaptors can become cumbersome and can be easily misplaced.

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