Gaming Chair Controller

Abstract

A gaming chair controller is operably mounted on a gaming chair having a light and a speaker. The gaming chair controller includes a light controller, a sound controller, and a display. The light controller is capable of controlling the light emitted by the light. The sound controller is capable of controlling the sound emitted by the speaker. The display is capable of displaying and changing the operating status of the light controller and the sound controller.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to Provisional Application No. 63 / 320,964, filed on March 17, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates generally to gaming furniture and more particularly to gaming chair controllers. Background Art

[0003] Playing video games is a popular recreational activity. Gaming chairs are often used when playing video games because gaming chairs not only allow people to sit comfortably while playing video games, but also allow people to move while playing video games.

[0004] Gaming chairs are often connected to gaming systems. This connection enables sounds associated with the video game being played to be emitted from speakers on the gaming chair. To further enhance the experience of a person playing a video game while sitting in a gaming chair, the gaming chair can vibrate and / or emit light at specific times during the video game being played. Summary of the invention

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a gaming chair controller operably mounted to a gaming chair that may include a light and a speaker. The gaming chair controller may include a light controller, a sound controller, and a display. The light controller is capable of controlling the light emitted by the light. The sound controller is capable of controlling the sound emitted by the speaker. The display is capable of displaying and changing the operating status of the light controller and the sound controller.

[0006] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to an intelligent gaming chair, which includes a gaming chair and a gaming chair control panel. The gaming chair may include a lamp and a speaker. The gaming chair controller may include a light controller, a sound controller, and a display. The light controller is capable of controlling the light emitted by the lamp. The sound controller is capable of controlling the sound emitted by the speaker. The display is capable of displaying and changing the operating status of the light controller and the sound controller.

[0007] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of using a smart gaming chair. The present invention provides a gaming chair, which includes at least one of a light and a speaker. A gaming chair controller is provided on the gaming chair. The gaming chair controller is used to control the operating state of at least one of the light and the speaker. The remote controller is used to control the operating state of at least one of the light and the speaker. The mobile communication device is used to control the operating state of at least one of the light and the speaker. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The accompanying drawings are used to provide a further understanding of the embodiments, are included in this specification and constitute a part of this specification. The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments and, together with the specification, are used to explain the principles of the embodiments. Other embodiments and many of the expected advantages of the embodiments become clearer and thus more easily understood by reference to the following detailed description. The elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale relative to each other. The same reference numerals represent corresponding similar parts.

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a gaming chair having a gaming chair controller according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 is a front view of a gaming chair controller according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 3 is a front view of an alternate configuration of the gaming chair controller.

[0012] Figure 4 is a front view of another alternative configuration of the gaming chair controller.

[0013] Figure 5 is a display on the gaming chair controller showing the selection of an equalizer mode game.

[0014] Figure 6 It is the display on the gaming chair controller after selecting the equalizer mode game.

[0015] Figure 7 is a display on the gaming chair controller showing the selection of audio mode stereo.

[0016] Figure 8 It is the display on the gaming chair controller after selecting the audio mode stereo.

[0017] Fig. 9 is a display on the gaming chair controller showing the selection of the custom mode.

[0018] Fig.10 It is the display on the gaming chair controller after selecting the custom mode.

[0019] Fig.11 is a display on the gaming chair controller that shows the selection of the light button.

[0020] Fig.12 It is a display of a color lighting selection screen on a mobile communication device.

[0021] Fig.13 A display that is a custom single color lighting selection screen on a mobile communication device.

[0022] Fig.14 It is the lighting brightness control screen display on mobile communication devices.

[0023] Fig.15 It is a display of a lighting mode customization screen on a mobile communication device.

[0024] Fig.16 It is a display of a custom illuminated screen on a mobile communication device.

[0025] Fig.17 It is a display of a music control screen on a mobile communication device.

[0026] Fig.18 It is a microphone recording and light custom screen display on a mobile communication device.

[0027] Fig.19 is a display of a settings screen on a mobile communication device.

[0028] Fig. 20 is a remote control for use in conjunction with one embodiment of a gaming chair controller. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a gaming chair controller for a gaming chair, such as Figure 1 10. Compared with the gaming chairs in the prior art, the present invention provides an enhanced tactile user experience for the person using the gaming chair.

[0030] The audio output of the gaming chair 10 can be customized to emphasize certain aspects of the sound, such as the sound of a video game being played. For example, increasing low-frequency audio can be used to enhance the ability of a person playing a video game to hear certain ambient sounds. Such adjustments can be made using predefined sound profiles. A user can create a customized sound profile, such as for use in conjunction with a particular video game.

[0031] Likewise, users can choose from predefined lighting profiles, or create custom lighting profiles for various situations, such as for use in conjunction with specific video games.

[0032] The present invention provides a number of options for controlling the operation of the gaming chair 10, such as using the gaming chair controller 24 (e.g. Figure 1 As shown), remote control (as Fig. 20 as shown) or mobile communication devices (such as Figure 12-19 shown).

[0033] By using multiple options for controlling the operation of the gaming chair 10, a failsafe is provided to the user so that the gaming chair 10 can continue to be used even if a problem occurs with one of the control options.

[0034] For example, if the user is sitting on the gaming chair 10 and cannot see the gaming chair controller 24, the remote control or mobile communication device can be used. Alternatively, if there is a problem with the battery in the remote control or mobile communication device, the gaming chair controller 24 on the gaming chair 10 can be used.

[0035] In some embodiments, each control option may include similar capabilities to control the operation of sound and lights on the gaming chair 10. In other embodiments, some control options may provide enhanced capabilities to control the operation of sound and lights on the gaming chair 10. For example, in some embodiments, the mobile communication device may provide enhanced capabilities to control audio or lights compared to the gaming chair controller 24 on the gaming chair.

[0036] The gaming chair controller 24 may also include alternative mechanisms for changing the sounds and / or lights, such as using a touch screen, pressing a button, or turning a knob, as described in more detail herein. Certain control options may be convenient to control while the user is sitting in the gaming chair 10, while other control options may be more appropriate when the user is looking at the gaming chair controller 24.

[0037] The gaming chair 10 may include a seat portion 20 and a back portion 22. Although not shown, the gaming chair 10 may include a base that supports the gaming chair above the ground. The gaming chair 10 may also include at least one armrest 26 attached to at least one of the seat portion 20 and the back portion 22.

[0038] Figure 2 One embodiment of a gaming chair controller 24 is shown, which generally includes a power switch 30 and a socket 32 ​​that can be used to connect to a power source. In one configuration, the gaming chair controller 24 includes a volume control knob 34, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that alternative mechanisms can be used to change the volume of sound emitted from the speakers in the gaming chair 10.

[0039] The gaming chair controller 24 includes a display 36. In one configuration, the display 36 has at least one display button that can be used to configure the operation of the gaming chair 10. The gaming chair controller 24 can also include a plurality of connectors, such as a headphone connector 38, an input connector 40, an output connector 42, and a USB connector 44.

[0040] The display 36 may also include a volume indicator. The volume indicator may display the current volume in at least one of a graphical format and a numerical format. The display 36 may also have a connection identifier to indicate the manner in which the gaming chair controller communicates with other devices (e.g., a gaming system). Examples of connections include Bluetooth and wired. The connection identifier may display the connection in at least one of an image and text.

[0041] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Other embodiments of the gaming chair controls 24 shown include a power switch 30 and a volume control knob 34. In addition to rotating the volume control knob 34 to change the volume emitted from the speakers in the gaming chair 10, the volume control knob 34 can also be pressed inward to select a function, as discussed in more detail herein.

[0042] Alternatively or additionally, the gaming chair controller 24 may include a select button 50, a left arrow button 52, and a right arrow button 54, which, in one configuration, are positioned below the display 36. The select button 50, the left arrow button 52, and the right arrow button 54 may be used to select different functions of the gaming chair controller 24, as will be discussed in greater detail herein.

[0043] and Figure 2 Similar to the illustrated embodiment, the gaming chair controller 24 may include at least one of an input connector 40, an output connector 42, and a USB connector 44. The gaming chair controller 24 may also include a menu or mode selection button 46.

[0044] Using the concepts of the present invention, the display 36 can have various configurations. In one embodiment, the display 36 is an LCD display. In addition to or as an alternative to the knob 34 using buttons 50, 52, 54, the display 36 can be a touch screen so that the person using the gaming chair 10 can navigate and change the functions of the gaming chair 10 by touching the display 36.

[0045] Press the "EQ MODE GAME" button on the display 36 (eg Figure 5 ), the Equalizer Game Mode command will be displayed (as shown Figure 6 With this monitor, you can select different equalizer modes, such as Game Mode, Music Mode, and Movie Mode.

[0046] The audio mode can enable or disable features such as DTS surround sound. Using this type of surround sound can improve the sound quality without requiring the gaming chair 10 to include additional speakers.

[0047] Audio modes offer alternative sound profiles enhanced for the content the user is consuming. In Game mode, the audio provides clearer stereo sound and low frequencies. In Movie mode, speech can be enhanced compared to background audio. In Music mode, treble and bass can be enhanced for a better music experience.

[0048] Press the "AUDIO MODE STEREO" button on the display 36 (eg Figure 7 The audio function menu will be displayed (as shown Figure 8). This display allows the selection of different audio configurations, such as switching from stereo to surround sound or privacy mode.

[0049] In Privacy Mode, the speakers are turned off and audio is transmitted through a connected gaming headset that provides voice and game audio. The speakers are turned off to provide a listening experience that does not distract from unused chairs in the room or elsewhere in the home.

[0050] Audio modes can be used to emphasize certain aspects of sound. For example, using surround sound, sounds coming from behind a person can be emphasized more than sounds coming from in front of the person. In a combat game, a person may want to pay special attention to the footsteps of an enemy approaching from behind.

[0051] Press the "CUSTOM" button on the display 36 (eg Fig. 9 ), a custom menu will be displayed (as shown Fig.10 Via this display, the bass and treble can be increased / decreased, for example, by moving a slider.

[0052] Press the "LIGHT" button on the display 36 (eg Fig.11 36), the gaming chair lighting can be turned on / off. In other embodiments, pressing the "LIGHT BUTTON" will display a lighting customization menu. Through this display, various aspects of the lighting can be changed, such as the color and brightness of the lighting on the display 36, or other aspects of the gaming chair 10. In some embodiments, the color is the background color of the display 36. In other embodiments, additional colors can be selected, such as the color that illuminates the gaming chair 10.

[0053] The display 36 may also include an error mode for troubleshooting when a function of the gaming chair 10 is not working properly. The error mode may display a code that technical support can use to help resolve the issue. The error mode may also display how the user can contact customer support, such as through a web page or phone number.

[0054] By using the error mode, manufacturers, distributors, and / or retailers can more quickly resolve issues related to the operation of the gaming chair 10. Such results not only reduce customer support costs (e.g., by avoiding returns), but also increase user satisfaction with the gaming chair because the user is able to resume use of the gaming chair more quickly than before.

[0055] In addition to using the controller panel 24 mounted to the gaming chair 10 to control the operation of the gaming chair 10, a mobile communication device (e.g., an application installed on the mobile communication device) may also be used to control the operation of the gaming chair 10. Although a wired connection may be made between the mobile communication device and the gaming chair 10, in many cases a wireless connection will be provided between the mobile communication device and the gaming chair 10. Examples of wireless communication technologies that may be used for communication between the gaming chair 10 and the mobile communication device 60 include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC.

[0056] The control panel 24 can be further enhanced by a low-latency Bluetooth audio connection, providing an audio signal that closely matches the visuals of the game or movie when viewed on the screen.

[0057] The mobile communication device can be used to view operating instructions for the gaming chair 10 by selecting a button on the mobile communication device. The mobile communication device can also be used to select a connection between the gaming chair 10 and a gaming system (not shown) on which an electronic game is being played.

[0058] The mobile communication device can also be used to graphically control operational aspects of the gaming chair, e.g. Figure 12-19 The user can change functions such as volume, treble, bass, light color, light brightness, and vibration intensity by pressing the corresponding area of ​​the display and sliding. Connecting the gaming chair 10 with a mobile communication device also enables the gaming chair 10 to be operably connected to other devices.

[0059] Mobile communication devices will be able to graphically connect to the gaming chair, e.g. Figure 12-19 In addition to controlling various aspects of the gaming chair 10, the mobile communication device may also be used to control other items such as a lighted table and a bed frame.

[0060] Compared to the gaming chair controller 24 on the gaming chair 10 , the mobile communication device can provide the user with enhanced capabilities to customize the sounds and lights of the gaming chair 10 .

[0061] Another benefit of the mobile communication device is that the user can customize the sounds and lights of the gaming chair 10 while sitting in the gaming chair 10, which is not usually possible through Figure 1 This is accomplished by the gaming chair controls 24 shown located on the side of the seat portion.

[0062] The mobile communication device will be able to connect to the gaming chair and be able to use the audio capabilities of the connected application to provide sound reactivity, allowing the lights in the gaming chair 10 to react to audio input from pre-recorded music or live microphone audio. Since most gaming chairs do not include a built-in microphone, the sound reactivity utilizes the microphone on most mobile communication devices.

[0063] Fig.12 A scene selection screen in a mobile application is shown where one can select a desired color from a color wheel and choose the brightness of the lighting.

[0064] Fig.13 A single color selection is shown where values ​​of red, green, and blue can be selected to be displayed on the gaming chair.

[0065] Fig.14 A circular brightness selection is shown, and the brightness can be changed by touching different areas around the circle.

[0066] Fig.15 Provides the ability to choose from a number of predefined color schemes. It is also possible to define new color lighting schemes. Fig.16 is another configuration to define a new lighting color scheme. The speed and brightness level of changing the color scheme can be selected. In some embodiments, there may be a large number of predefined color schemes, such as more than 200 lighting patterns.

[0067] Fig.17 The ability to control the music played on the gaming chair 10 is provided. In addition to controlling the song played, the speed at which the song is played can also be sped up or slowed down.

[0068] Fig.18 Provides the ability to control the microphone functionality on a mobile device to provide reactive lighting control to the gaming chair control panel that reacts to the ambient audio picked up by the phone's microphone.

[0069] Fig.19 is a settings screen that enables the change of various settings associated with the gaming chair 10, such as the RGB color classification mode, the rocking intensity of the chair, or the remote control used with the video game. For example, the RGB color classification mode can be changed from RGB (red, blue, green) to other color layouts, such as GBR (green, blue, red) and more options. The settings menu can also be used to change the skin of the display, select available rhythms, and view instructions for using the gaming chair and / or mobile applications, for example.

[0070] You can also use Fig. 20 The remote control 70 shown controls the operation of the gaming chair 10. In some embodiments, the remote control 70 is wirelessly connected to the gaming chair 10.

[0071] Examples of functions that may be controlled using the remote control 70 include turning the gaming chair on and off, muting and unmuting the microphone, muting and unmuting the speakers, increasing and decreasing vibration, increasing and decreasing bass, and increasing and decreasing volume.

[0072] Thus, the remote control 70 can provide the user with enhanced capabilities to customize the sounds and lights of the gaming chair 10 as compared to the gaming chair controller 24 on the gaming chair 10 .

[0073] Another benefit of the remote control is that the user can customize the sounds and lights of the gaming chair 10 while sitting in the gaming chair 10, which is not usually possible through Figure 1 This is accomplished by the gaming chair controls 24 shown located on the side of the seat portion.

[0074] In the foregoing detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings forming part of the specification, in which specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced are illustrated by way of illustration. In this regard, directional terms, such as "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "front", "tail", etc., are used with reference to the direction of the drawings. Since the components of the embodiments may be positioned in a plurality of different directions, the directional terms are used for illustrative purposes and are in no way limiting. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized for structural or logical changes without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the foregoing detailed description should not be considered limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0075] It is contemplated that the features disclosed in this application and the features described in the above applications incorporated by reference may be mixed and matched to suit a particular situation. Various other modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

1. A gaming chair controller operably mounted to a gaming chair having a light and a speaker, wherein the gaming chair controller comprises: a light controller capable of controlling the light emitted by the lamp; A sound controller capable of controlling the sound emitted by the speaker; and A display capable of displaying and changing the operating status of the light controller and the sound controller.

2. The gaming chair controller according to claim 1, wherein: The gaming chair controller comprises: at least one of a button and a display having a touch screen for changing the sound controller and the light controller; A power controller for turning the gaming chair on and off; an electrical outlet for supplying power to the gaming chair; and At least one of a headphone connector, a line-in connector, and a USB connector.

3. The gaming chair controller according to claim 1, wherein: The sound controller includes an equalizer selection mode displayed on the display to select a game mode, a music mode, and a movie mode according to an activity performed using the gaming chair.

4. The gaming chair controller according to claim 1, wherein: The sound controller includes an audio selection mode that is displayed on the display to change the audio configuration, including turning on stereo, turning on privacy mode, and adjusting surround sound.

5. The gaming chair controller according to claim 1, wherein: The sound controller includes a custom selection mode displayed on the display to change the bass level and the treble level according to the frequency.

6. The gaming chair controller of claim 1 further comprising controlling the operation of lights and speakers on the gaming chair using a mobile communication device connected to the gaming chair controller.

7. The gaming chair controller of claim 7, further comprising means for operably connecting the mobile communication device to at least one additional item of furniture.

8. The gaming chair controller of claim 1 further comprising a low latency audio connection capable of providing an audio signal that matches the visuals of a game or movie.

9. An intelligent gaming chair, comprising: a gaming chair including at least one of a light and a speaker; a gaming chair controller mounted to the gaming chair, wherein the gaming chair controller is capable of changing an operational state of at least one of the light and the speaker; a remote controller capable of changing an operational state of at least one of the light and the speaker; and A mobile communication device capable of changing an operational state of at least one of the light and the speaker.

10. The intelligent gaming chair according to claim 9, wherein: The gaming chair controller also includes: a touch screen display for changing an operational state of at least one of the light and the speaker; A power controller for turning the gaming chair on and off; an electrical outlet for supplying power to the gaming chair; and At least one of a headphone connector, a line-in connector, and a USB connector.

11. The intelligent gaming chair according to claim 10, wherein: The gaming chair controller further includes an equalizer selection mode displayed on the display to select a game mode, a music mode, and a movie mode according to an activity performed using the gaming chair.

12. The intelligent gaming chair according to claim 10, wherein: The gaming chair controller also includes an audio selection mode displayed on the display to change the audio configuration, including turning on stereo, turning on privacy mode, and adjusting surround sound.

13. The intelligent gaming chair according to claim 10, wherein: The gaming chair controller also includes a custom selection mode displayed on the display to change the bass level and the treble level.

14. The intelligent gaming chair of claim 9, further comprising operably connecting the mobile communication device to at least one additional furniture item to control the operation of at least one of a light and a speaker on the at least one additional furniture item.

15. The smart gaming chair of claim 9, further comprising a low latency audio connection capable of providing an audio signal that matches the visual aspects of a game or movie.

16. A method of using a smart gaming chair, comprising: providing a gaming chair including at least one of a light and a speaker; Arranging a gaming chair controller on the gaming chair; controlling an operational state of at least one of the light and the speaker using the gaming chair controller; controlling the operating state of at least one of the light and the speaker using a remote controller; and The operating state of at least one of the light and the speaker is controlled using the mobile communication device.

17. The method of using the smart gaming chair according to claim 16, further comprising selecting one of using a gaming chair controller, using a remote controller, and using a mobile communication device according to a location of a person controlling an operating state of at least one of the light and the speaker.

18. The method for using an intelligent gaming chair according to claim 16, further comprising selecting one of using a gaming chair controller, using a remote controller, and using a mobile communication device according to the operating states of the gaming controller, the remote controller, and the mobile communication device.

19. The method for using the intelligent gaming chair according to claim 16, wherein: The method further comprises: displaying an equalizer selection mode on the display; Using the equalizer selection mode to select a game mode, a music mode, and a movie mode; displaying an audio selection mode on the display; and Use the audio selection modes described to turn on stereo sound, turn on privacy mode, and adjust surround sound.

20. The method of using the intelligent gaming chair according to claim 16, further comprising: operably connecting the mobile communication device to at least one additional item of furniture having at least one of a light and a speaker; and The operating state of at least one of the light and the speaker on the at least one additional furniture item is controlled using the mobile communication device.

21. The method of using a smart gaming chair of claim 16, further comprising matching an audio signal with a visual display of a game or movie using a low latency audio connection.

22. The method of using an intelligent gaming chair according to claim 16, further comprising, when the intelligent gaming chair encounters an operation error, displaying a message related to the operation error on at least one of the gaming chair controller, the remote controller, and the mobile communication device.

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