A variable color game device housing

Abstract

The utility model discloses a variable color game device shell belongs to game equipment accessory technical field, solves the problem of single visual feedback of existing game device shell color fixed, the shell body includes the shell body, and the shell body is equipped with electric control color change layer and electric connection part, and electric control color change layer can set up in the inside or outside of shell body, is used for under the control of electric signal and changes color, and electric connection part is electrically connected with electric control color change layer, is used for accessing power and control signal, the utility model discloses can cooperate with game device main part, realizes scene linkage color change or manual control, and electric control color change layer installation is flexible and durable, and electric connection part is compatible with multiple connection forms, and adapts multiple devices such as gamepad, steering wheel, improves the game immersion and user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of game device accessories, specifically relating to a game device shell that integrates electronically controlled color-changing technology and can change color according to changes in game scenes or states. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of the gaming industry, users' demands for gaming experiences are increasing, going beyond just the operational performance of gaming devices to include their visual appearance and scene adaptability. As the exterior component directly facing the user, the visual appearance of the gaming device directly impacts the user experience.

[0003] The casing colors of existing gaming devices are mostly fixed designs, achieving a single appearance only through spraying, film application, etc., and cannot be dynamically adjusted according to the game scene or device status. Although some gaming devices have indicator lights for status prompts, their functions are limited, only providing basic prompts such as power-on and operation, failing to create a gaming atmosphere or provide rich status feedback.

[0004] Electrochromic technologies (such as electrochromic and liquid crystal color-changing technologies) have been successfully applied in fields such as automotive glass and smart wearable devices. They can rapidly and reversibly control material color changes via electrical signals, offering advantages such as fast response, long lifespan, and rich color options. Applying this technology to gaming device casings can solve the problems of fixed colors and monotonous visual feedback in existing casings. It allows the casing to dynamically change color according to game scenarios (such as battles, storylines, and level transitions) or device status (such as charging, connection, and operating mode), enhancing game immersion and user personalization.

[0005] Therefore, developing a gaming device casing that can dynamically change color has become a new need that urgently needs to be addressed by those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0006] This invention aims to overcome the shortcomings of existing gaming device shells with fixed colors and limited visual feedback, by providing a color-changing gaming device shell. This shell can be applied to various gaming devices such as game controllers, controller charging docks, game pedals, game joysticks, gaming headsets, and game steering wheels. It can work in conjunction with the control module of the gaming device to dynamically change color according to changes in game scenes, states, and other factors, enhancing the gaming atmosphere, providing intuitive status prompts, and improving the user's personalized experience.

[0007] The above-mentioned objective of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution: a color-changing game device housing, comprising a housing body, wherein the housing body is provided with an electrically controlled color-changing layer and an electrical connection portion for electrical connection with an external control module; the electrically controlled color-changing layer is disposed in at least a portion of the housing body and is used to achieve color change under the control of electrical signals; the electrical connection portion is electrically connected to the electrically controlled color-changing layer and is used to connect to an external power source and receive control signals (including game scene signals, device status signals, and user manual operation commands) output by the external control module, providing working voltage and color control signals for the electrically controlled color-changing layer.

[0008] Furthermore, the electrical connection part is one or more combinations of wires, pin interfaces, USB interfaces, Type-C interfaces, or dedicated electrical connectors, used to achieve detachable or fixed electrical connection with the control module and power supply system of the main body of the game device.

[0009] Furthermore, the electrochromic layer is made of an electrochromic material, which is one of an electrochromic film, a liquid crystal color-changing film, or an electrochromic glass; it is preferably bonded, embedded, or coated on the inner side of the housing body (i.e., the inner surface of the housing, the side facing the main body of the game device), and can also be set on the outer side of the housing body (i.e., the outer surface of the housing) according to the usage requirements; wherein, when an electrochromic film is used, it is a multi-layer composite structure, which includes a transparent conductive layer, an electrochromic layer, an ion conduction layer, an ion storage layer, and a transparent conductive layer in sequence from the inside to the outside (based on the side bonded to the housing body, "inner" refers to the side facing the main body of the device when bonded to the inner side, and "inner" refers to the side facing the housing body when bonded to the outer side), forming a complete color-changing functional structure.

[0010] Furthermore, the transparent conductive layer is made of indium tin oxide (ITO), fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), or carbon nanotube thin film, with a thickness of 50-200 nm, for conducting current and ensuring light transmittance; the electrochromic layer is made of metal oxides such as WO3 and NiO or polythiophene-based organic materials, with a thickness of 100-500 nm, serving as the core functional layer for color change; the ion-conducting layer is made of Li⁺-doped polymer electrolyte or oxide electrolyte, with a thickness of 200-1000 nm, providing ion migration channels; the ion storage layer is made of metal oxides or organic materials complementary to the electrochromic layer, with a thickness of 100-400 nm, for storing ions and balancing charges.

[0011] Furthermore, the housing body is the main load-bearing structure of the housing, and is made of transparent PC (polycarbonate), PMMA (acrylic) or transparent ABS with a light transmittance of ≥85% (ensuring that the color change of the electrochromic layer can be clearly observed); if the electrochromic layer is set on the outside of the housing body, the outer surface of the housing body can be coated with an anti-scratch coating or an anti-fingerprint coating to improve durability; if it is set on the inside, the anti-scratch coating can be coated on the outer surface of the housing body.

[0012] Furthermore, the color-changing gaming device housing can serve as a gaming controller housing, controller charging base housing, gaming pedal housing, gaming joystick housing, gaming headset housing, gaming steering wheel housing, or other outer shell components of gaming devices.

[0013] The working principle of this utility model:

[0014] Once the housing is assembled onto the main body of the gaming device, it establishes an electrical connection with the control module and power supply system of the main body via an electrical connection unit. The control module of the main body of the gaming device can automatically generate control signals based on the game scene, device status, etc. (e.g., low health signal for the game character, charging signal for the device), and can also receive manual commands issued by the user through the operation buttons on the main body of the gaming device (e.g., color switching, custom color commands), and transmit the above control signals and operating voltage to the electrochromic layer through the electrical connection unit. Under the action of the voltage or current corresponding to the control signal, the internal electrochromic material of the electrochromic layer undergoes optical property changes (e.g., oxidation-reduction reaction), thereby realizing real-time, dynamic color switching. The user can observe the color change through the transparent housing body (when placed on the inside, light penetrates the housing body → electrochromic layer → reflected back to the user; when placed on the outside, light directly acts on the electrochromic layer → reflected back to the user), obtaining intuitive visual feedback.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0016] 1. Dynamic color changing enhances game immersion: It can work with the main control module of the game device to automatically change colors according to the game scene (such as battle, plot) and the status of the game device (such as charging, connection). It also supports manual operation by the user to switch colors, providing users with rich visual feedback, creating an environment that fits the game atmosphere, and significantly improving the game immersion.

[0017] 2. Multifunctional prompts enhance ease of use: The color-changing prompts provide intuitive indications of game status (such as character health and skill cooldown) and device status (such as charging progress and connection status), replacing the traditional single indicator light. This makes information transmission more efficient and easier to use.

[0018] 3. Wide protection range and strong adaptability: The core protection structure consists of "shell body + electronically controlled color-changing layer + electrical connection part". The "electrical connection part" covers a variety of connection forms, and the electronically controlled color-changing layer is compatible with both internal and external setting methods. It is not limited to a specific installation position and has a wider protection range. It can directly replace the ordinary shell of existing game devices and is compatible with a variety of game devices, with strong versatility.

[0019] 4. Flexible installation and durability: The inner setting method is preferred to protect the electronic color-changing layer from scratches and wear, extending its service life; the outer setting can be selected in special scenarios to meet different design requirements, and the installation is highly flexible.

[0020] 5. High durability and low maintenance cost: The electronically controlled color-changing material has a long service life, and there is no mechanical wear during color switching. The shell body is made of highly durable transparent material, which is less prone to damage compared with traditional color-changing methods. It has low maintenance costs and is environmentally friendly. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with their description, serve to explain the present invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the connection relationship between the present invention and the main body of the game device;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the electrochromic layer (electrochromic film) of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention assembled with a game controller;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention assembled on a game controller charging dock;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention assembled on a game pedal.

[0028] The attached diagram is labeled as follows: 1-Housing body (transparent PC / PMMA / ABS), 11-Scratch-resistant / fingerprint-resistant coating, 2-Electrochromic layer, 21-Transparent conductive layer, 22-Electrochromic layer, 23-Ion conduction layer, 24-Ion storage layer, 3-Electrical connection part (3a-Wire, 3b-Type-C interface, 3c-Pin interface, 3d-Shielded wire), 4-Game device main body, 41-Control module, 42-Power supply system, 43-Operation buttons (built into the game device main body). Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these descriptions are merely exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known structures and technologies are omitted in the following description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concept of this utility model.

[0030] Example 1: Color-changing game controller housing (electronically controlled color-changing layer on the inside)

[0031] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the color-changing game controller housing of this embodiment specifically includes:

[0032] Shell body 1: Made of transparent PC material, conforming to the appearance and ergonomic design of the game device body 4 (game controller body), with a light transmittance of ≥90%; the outer surface of the shell body 1 is coated with SiO2 anti-scratch coating 11 (thickness 5-10μm) to improve durability and feel; the shell edge is provided with a buckle structure for detachable assembly with the game controller body.

[0033] Electrochromic layer 2: An electrochromic film is attached to the inner side (inner surface, facing the main body 4 of the gaming device) of the housing body 1 with optical adhesive, covering the entire visual area of ​​the front of the housing (extending from the top function key area to the upper edge of the grip, covering the entire width of the housing on both sides). The layered structure of the electrochromic film is as follows: transparent conductive layer 21 (ITO material, 100nm thick) → electrochromic layer 22 (WO3 material, 200nm thick) → ion conduction layer 23 (Li⁺-doped polymer electrolyte, 500nm thick) → ion storage layer 24 (NiO material, 150nm thick) → transparent conductive layer 21 (ITO material, 100nm thick).

[0034] Electrical connection part 3: Two insulated wires 3a are used. One end is welded to the transparent conductive layer 21 of the electronic color-changing layer 2, and the other end is provided with a small terminal connector for precise connection with the wiring terminals of the control module 41 and the power supply system 42 inside the game device body 4 (game controller body) to realize electrical connection.

[0035] Work process:

[0036] 1. The housing body 1 is assembled to the main body 4 of the game device (game controller body) by edge buckle, ensuring that the housing fits tightly with the main body, and at the same time, it is linked with the control module 41, power supply system 42 and operation button 43 inside the main body through the electrical connection part 3 (wire);

[0037] 2. During game operation, the control module 41 of the main body of the game device 4 (the main body of the game controller) receives the game scene signal (such as entering the battle scene) sent by the game host, outputs the corresponding control signal, and transmits it to the electronically controlled color-changing layer 2 through the wire, driving it to change from the default transparent color to red, creating a battle atmosphere;

[0038] 3. When the game character's health drops below 30%, the control module 41 sends a signal again, and the electronically controlled color-changing layer 2 turns dark red to provide a direct reminder to the user;

[0039] 4. Users can press the operation button 43 (customizable function key) on the main body 4 of the game device (game controller main body) to issue a manual switching command. After receiving the command, the control module 41 generates a control signal, which is transmitted to the electronically controlled color-changing layer 2 through the wire to realize the cyclic switching of preset colors such as blue, green, and purple to meet personalized needs.

[0040] 5. The electronically controlled color-changing layer 2 on the inner side is protected by the main body 4 of the game device (the main body of the game controller) and the shell body 1, which prevents scratches and wear during daily use and extends the service life.

[0041] Example 2: Color-changing game controller charging base housing (electronically controlled color-changing layer on the inside)

[0042] like Figure 5 and refer to Figure 1-4 The core structure of the color-changing handle charging base housing in this embodiment specifically includes:

[0043] The housing body 1 is made of transparent PMMA material and is adapted to the appearance size of the game device body 4 (the main body of the game controller charging dock). The top has a placement groove that matches the outline of the game controller (for stable placement of the game controller). The front of the housing is a completely transparent area (light transmittance ≥85%, making it easy to observe the color of the electronically controlled color-changing layer). The outer surface is coated with an anti-fingerprint coating 11 to avoid leaving marks when the hands come into contact with it and to make it easy to wipe it daily.

[0044] Electronically controlled color-changing layer 2: It adopts a liquid crystal color-changing film and is attached to the inside of the housing body 1 (that is, the side of the housing facing the main circuit board of the charging dock) with optical adhesive, completely covering the transparent area on the front of the housing, ensuring that the user can clearly observe the color change from the front.

[0045] Electrical connection part 3: adopts a 4-pin connector 3c (the connector is a small connector, with 4 pins corresponding to the "positive and negative power supply" and "two control signals" respectively, ensuring independent and stable power supply and signal transmission); the connector 3c is fixed to the reserved mounting position inside the housing body 1. One end is soldered to the transparent conductive layer 21 of the electronic color-changing layer 2 through two insulated wires (connected to the positive and negative power supply and the positive and negative control signals respectively). The other end (pin end) is used to directly insert into the corresponding interface inside the game device body 4 (charging base body) during housing assembly, so as to realize the rapid docking of the electronic color-changing layer with the charging base control module and power supply system.

[0046] Work process:

[0047] 1. The housing body 1 (color-changing game controller charging base housing) is fixedly assembled to the game device body 4 (charging base body) by screws or buckles. During assembly, the 4-pin interface 3c on the inside of the housing body 1 will be inserted into the preset interface socket of the charging base body simultaneously. No additional wiring is required, realizing "power and signal transmission upon assembly".

[0048] 2. When the game controller is placed in the top recess of the charging dock and the power is turned on, the control module 41 (MCU that detects the charging current) of the charging dock body will monitor the charging status in real time:

[0049] 3. When charging current is detected (charging in progress), the control module 41 outputs a command through the "control signal pin" of the pin interface 3c to drive the electronically controlled color-changing layer 2 from the default transparent color to orange, visually indicating "charging in progress";

[0050] 4. When the controller is fully charged (charging current drops below the preset threshold of 0.1A), the control module 41 switches the signal and transmits it to the electronically controlled color-changing layer 2 through the pin interface 3c, so that it turns green synchronously to inform the user that charging is complete;

[0051] 5. The anti-fingerprint coating 11 reduces stains on the shell surface, and the electronically controlled color-changing layer 2 on the inside avoids direct contact with the outside world, extending the service life. At the same time, the "assembly-as-connection" design of the pin interface reduces the difficulty of production and assembly.

[0052] Example 3: Color-changing game pedal housing (electronically controlled color-changing layer is located on the outer side, on the housing panel)

[0053] like Figure 6 and refer to Figure 1-4 The core structure of this embodiment, the color-changing game pedal housing, specifically includes:

[0054] Shell body 1: Made of transparent ABS material, it fits the overall structure of the game device body 4 (game pedal body). The front of the shell has an independent rectangular panel area (non-stepping surface, located on the side or top of the pedal body for easy observation by the user). This panel area is transparent (light transmittance ≥85%) and the material has impact resistance and aging resistance, making it suitable for desktop / ground placement scenarios.

[0055] Electrochromic layer 2: Ultra-thin electrochromic glass is used and embedded on the outer side of the housing body 1 (outer surface of the panel area). The edge of the glass is fixed to the housing body 1 with sealant to prevent dust and liquid from entering. The outer side of the electrochromic glass is coated with a scratch-resistant and wear-resistant coating 11 (10μm thick) to resist daily contact wear.

[0056] Electrical connection part 3: A shielded wire 3d with an insulating sheath is used. One end is welded to the transparent conductive layer 21 of the electronically controlled color-changing layer 2, and the other end passes through the reserved wiring hole in the pedal housing and is electrically connected to the control module 41 (control circuit that receives game scene signals and brake / accelerator trigger signals) inside the pedal body. The shielded wire can reduce external electromagnetic signal interference.

[0057] Work process:

[0058] 1. Assemble the housing body 1 onto the pedal body using a combination of snaps and screws, ensuring that the panel area faces the angle that the user can observe, and reliably connect the shielded wire 3d to the control module 41 and the power supply system 42 to ensure stable signal transmission;

[0059] 2. Scene-linked color change: During game operation, the control module 41 of the pedal body not only receives local operation signals, but also synchronously receives game scene signals sent by the game console:

[0060] When entering the "Sprint Stage" scene, the game console sends the corresponding scene command, and the control module 41 drives the electronically controlled color-changing layer 2 to turn bright yellow, creating a tense sprint atmosphere.

[0061] When entering the "driving in rainy weather" scenario, the control module 41 switches the signal to make the electronically controlled color-changing layer 2 turn light blue, simulating the visual environment of rainy weather and enhancing the immersive experience of the scene.

[0062] 3. Operation feedback color change: When the user presses the pedal (accelerator / brake) to trigger the corresponding operation, the sensor on the pedal body transmits the signal to the control module 41. The control module 41 then outputs a signal based on the operation type.

[0063] When the "accelerator" is triggered, the electronically controlled color-changing layer 2 overlays a blue highlight effect on the scene color;

[0064] When the "brake" is triggered, a red warning effect is superimposed on the scene color. The combination of "scene color + operation color" not only fits the game atmosphere but also enhances the operation feedback.

[0065] 4. When the pedal is in standby or non-game state, the control module 41 controls the electronically controlled color-changing layer 2 to remain transparent to avoid unnecessary visual interference;

[0066] 5. The outer scratch-resistant and wear-resistant coating effectively resists daily wiping and minor impacts. The rigid structure of the electrochromic glass is adapted to long-term use needs, ensuring stable color changes without decay.

[0067] The above description is merely an embodiment of this utility model and does not limit the patent scope of this utility model. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the description and drawings of this utility model, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A color-changing game device housing, comprising a housing body (1), characterized in that: The housing body (1) is provided with an electronically controlled color-changing layer (2) and an electrical connection part (3) that is electrically connected to an external control module; the electronically controlled color-changing layer (2) is disposed in at least a part of the housing body (1) and is used to achieve color change under the control of electrical signals; the electrical connection part (3) is electrically connected to the electronically controlled color-changing layer (2) and is used to connect to an external power supply and receive control signals output by an external control module.

2. The color-changing game device housing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrical connection part (3) is one or more of the following: wire, pin interface, USB interface, Type-C interface or dedicated electrical connector.

3. The housing of a color-changing game device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrochromic layer (2) is one of electrochromic film, liquid crystal color-changing film or electrochromic glass, and is attached, embedded or coated on the inner or outer side of the housing body (1); when an electrochromic film is used, it is a multi-layer composite structure, which includes a transparent conductive layer (21), an electrochromic layer (22), an ion conduction layer (23), an ion storage layer (24) and a transparent conductive layer (21) from the inside to the outside.

4. The color-changing game device housing according to claim 3, characterized in that: The transparent conductive layer (21) is made of indium tin oxide, fluorine-doped tin oxide or carbon nanotube film, with a thickness of 50-200 nm; the electrochromic layer (22) is made of metal oxide or organic polymer, with a thickness of 100-500 nm; the ion conduction layer (23) is made of Li⁺-doped polymer electrolyte or oxide electrolyte, with a thickness of 200-1000 nm; the ion storage layer (24) is made of metal oxide or organic material complementary to the electrochromic layer (22), with a thickness of 100-400 nm.

5. The housing of a color-changing game device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing body (1) is made of transparent PC, PMMA or transparent ABS with a light transmittance of ≥85%; the surface of the housing body (1) may be provided with a scratch-resistant coating or an anti-fingerprint coating (11).

6. The housing of a color-changing game device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The color-changing gaming device housing can be a game controller housing, a game controller charging base housing, a game pedal housing, a game joystick housing, a game headset housing, or a game steering wheel housing.

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