DE102009044671A1 - Video game device has play machine body and one or multiple play control devices with integrated monitor unit, where control device has loudspeaker, microphone and digital camera - Google Patents

Abstract

The video game device has a play machine body and one or multiple play control devices (40) with an integrated monitor unit (41). Additional information is indicated on a monitor unit of the play control device. The control device has a loudspeaker (46), a microphone and a digital camera.

Description

The present invention relates to a video game device comprising at least one game machine body and one or more game control devices with an integrated monitor unit, wherein on the monitor unit of the game control device additional information is displayed, which are not displayed on a main monitor. In addition, a game control device with an integrated monitor unit, which is part of a video game device according to the invention is also part of the invention, wherein on the monitor unit of the game control device additional information is displayed, which are not displayed on a main monitor.

Video games are very popular nowadays. The user has the possibility of interacting with other players or artificial figures using a computer through the use of different input devices (game control devices). The input data is processed by a computer and with the help of so-called "game engines" reactions are calculated, which are displayed graphically and / or acoustically. When stationary stationary devices are used, the game play is displayed on an external monitor unit, which is usually a television set. For portable game consoles, controls, screen and speakers are firmly integrated into the device, so that the use of an external monitor unit can be completely dispensed with. To increase the mobility for stationary devices, game control devices are known from the prior art, which have an integrated monitor, so that here also can be dispensed with an external monitor ( US 2003/0220142 A1 and US 6,773,349 B2 ). The integrated monitor unit replaces an external monitor, since exactly the same information is displayed on it. In the US 2003/0220142 A1 It is also described how audio and / or video signals can be transmitted from the game machine body to the monitor unit of the game control device.

Mostly video games are played in the so-called single player mode. Here, a single player can influence the game situation and interacts with artificial characters, whose actions and reaction are calculated by the computer. In such games, however, there is some danger of social isolation when some users spend very large periods of time playing video games alone. Recently, however, more and more video game manufacturers offer games that can also be played in the so-called multiplayer mode. Here, several human players can play together or against each other. This is possible on the one hand on the same video game device to which a plurality of game control devices are connected. On the other hand, it is possible to connect multiple video game devices through a local area network or the Internet, so that players playing in completely different locations can still interact with each other. Interaction between the players is only possible to a certain extent and game-independent information can only be exchanged to a limited extent.

The object of the present invention is accordingly to provide a video game device with which multiplayer games can be made more efficient. Several players playing against or with each other should be able to interact with each other more precisely via audio and / or video signals. Each player should be able to present user-specific information that is only visible to that player. On the other hand, a video game device and a game control device are provided, with which a plurality of functions can be selected more quickly with the game control device.

The object is achieved by the video game device according to the invention, which comprises at least one game machine body and one or more game control devices with an integrated monitor unit, wherein on the monitor unit of the game control device additional information is displayed, which are not displayed on a main monitor.

In the video game device according to the invention, a main monitor is absolutely necessary because not the entire game play is displayed on the monitor unit of the game control device. As a main monitor, for example, a TV can be used or a computer monitor. It may also be possible to use a notebook or other device as a monitor unit.

The game machine body is the platform that serves as the basis for each video game. It is preferable to use a static platform in the form of an extra developed game console. Use of a PlayStation 2 or PlayStation 3 from Sony, an Xbox360 from Microsoft or a Wii from Nintendo, but also from future game consoles is possible. Alternatively, generic platforms such as personal computers (PCs) or even mobile phones can be used as a game machine body

The game controller is an input device dedicated to the controller of video games on a PC or game console. Preferably, this is a gamepad or a joystick. However, there are also a variety of specialized game controllers that are used in certain gaming genres, such as steering wheels, dance mats or lightguns. It is also possible to use universal input devices such as keyboard, mouse or touch screens as a game control device in certain games. Particularly preferably, the game control device according to the invention is a game pad, which is held with both hands and forms the usual control device for game consoles. Such a gamepad usually has on one side a directional pad and on the other side a variety of action buttons. In addition, a gamepad may have one or more analog sticks that can detect tilt angles and direction. However, the inventive concept of an integrated monitor unit in the game control device is not fixed to a specific gamepad, but can in principle be transferred to any gamepad. It can also be applied to programmable gamepads or devices with vibration effects.

The game control device according to the invention additionally has an integrated monitor unit. Preferably, this monitor unit is a colored liquid crystal display (LCD) with the appropriate drivers and circuitry necessary to display a video signal. Small high resolution color LCD monitors are well known in the art and are used, for example, in portable TVs, cell phones or digital cameras. The size of the LCD can vary and both 4: 3 aspect ratio and 16: 9 aspect ratios can be used. The monitoring unit according to the invention should be positioned on the game control device such that the image displayed is clearly visible to a player who holds the game control device in both hands.

It is a significant advantage of the invention that additional information is displayed on the monitor unit of the game control device, which are not visualized on the main monitor. This can be personal data that the other players should not see in a multiplayer mode. Thus, for the first time certain board games on game consoles playable, such as card games or board games. With the video game device according to the invention, it is now possible that each player playing cards or game pieces are displayed on his personal video game device on the integrated monitor unit without the other players "can look into the cards". However, additional information can also be displayed that can no longer be found on the main monitor or is hidden in elaborate menu structures and can therefore be accessed directly.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the game control devices with integrated monitor unit in addition to a speaker and / or a headphone jack and / or a microphone and / or a digital camera.

Speakers and / or headphones may be used to output acoustic signals generated by the game machine body. Here, user-specific signals can be transmitted and used as part of an audiovisual communication. In order to enable audiovisual telecommunication during game operation, a microphone and a digital camera may be integrated into the game control device. Especially with spatially separated players, it may well be desirable to additionally communicate with the other players via the game controller. The digital camera, which is preferably aimed at the face of the player, can record emotions and movements of the player, which can be displayed on other monitors on the monitor unit. In addition to this video information, audio information can also be transmitted so that the users can also talk to each other.

It is preferred if an electret microphone is used as the microphone for the game control device according to the invention, which is suitable for use in mobile devices due to the low power requirement of 1 mA. It has the advantages of an extremely compact design, a low price and a good signal quality and can be found in virtually every modern voice communication medium (such as mobile phones or headsets). As a digital camera, a miniature camera is preferably used, which is known from the prior art, and is used for example in mobile telephones, notebooks or personal digital assistants (PDAs). Particularly preferably, the camera is a web camera and / or network camera which can be connected directly via TCP / IP via Ethernet or WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network).

In a further advantageous embodiment, the monitor unit is detachably mounted on the game control device and additionally has a loudspeaker and / or a headphone jack and / or a microphone and / or a digital camera. In order to ensure a flexible use, the monitor unit is detachably mounted on the game control device and can at Need to be removed. This has the advantage that the game control device can be used without the monitor unit, if certain games, for example, did not support the functions of the monitor unit. The monitor unit should be designed so that it can be mounted on different game control devices, so that it can also be conveniently transported and mounted on another game control device, for example, a friend or acquaintance. It is particularly advantageous if the additional components of the game control device (loudspeaker, headphone jack, microphone, digital camera) are integrated directly in the monitor unit, so that the entire complex with the additional components can be removed. In the event that the monitor unit is not disassembled, it may be advantageous to fold it on the game control device, or to move by a rotary or sliding movement on the underside of the control device, so that this for further use the control device without monitor unit is not in the way.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, one or more game control devices are connected to the game machine body via a cable which transmits control signals and / or audio and / or video signals. In an alternative embodiment, information is transmitted via wireless communication between the gaming machine body and one or more game controllers, the transmitted information being control signals and / or audio and / or video signals. Wireless communication significantly increases the convenience of operation, since there are no more disruptive cables between the game machine body and the control devices. The wireless communication preferably takes place by means of transmission via wireless radio networks (WLAN), Blue tooth (Wireless Personal Area Network, WPAN) or by means of optical data transmission with infrared light (Infrared Data Association, IrDA).

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the additional information displayed on the monitor unit of the game control device is at least one of the following: user-specific video and / or audio information transmitted by other players Information about the gameplay, additional game parameters, alternative views of the gameplay. In a preferred embodiment, each player can choose what kind of information he wants displayed on his display. It is also possible that each player can switch between different representations during the game to retrieve different information.

User-specific video and / or audio information is preferably information transmitted by means of a digital camera and / or a microphone from one player to another player and reproduced by means of a monitor and / or loudspeaker. This allows audiovisual communication between the players, which is particularly advantageous in remote players connected via a network. It is particularly advantageous if different communication channels are established between which the player can choose.

Game History information, for example, in the video games of the Adventure or RPG genre, is the inventory and available weapons of the character. It may be particularly advantageous to select the items from the inventory directly on the monitor unit, or to change the available weapons quickly. This could be possible in an advantageous embodiment using a touch screen. Especially in fighting games, it may be advantageous to additionally visualize the state of health or the energy content of the character. In board games, for example, your own playing cards or game pieces can be displayed on the monitor unit, or the status of each player. In car racing, it may be desirable to present the damage of the vehicle or the status of the opposing vehicles. In sports games, the current score or health status of the player can be displayed.

Additional game parameters displayed on the monitor unit could, for example, be used to make a variety of settings that would otherwise only be accessible via the main menu. This has the advantage that the game play does not have to be interrupted in order to make the adjustments, but can be carried out during the game or during waiting times. In this case, it may be advantageous if the player determines in advance which parameters he wishes to have available quickly on the monitor unit. Player changes during sports games or vehicle changes in car racing games can be carried out particularly comfortably. In addition, instructions from the trainer or specific warnings or indications of obstacles or risks during the course of the game can be displayed. For video games of the genre Adventure, RPG or first person shooter, all information about the game character, interactions with other game characters or mission goals can be listed.

Alternative game views can be very helpful for gameplay in some game genres. If a game character moves in a virtual landscape, it can be very advantageous for orientation to display a map or a radar on the monitor unit, so that the own character, as well as possibly other players can be marked and better localized. This is particularly advantageous in video games of the genre adventure, role playing, first person shooter, strategy games or simulations. If desired, an alternate view from the back of the character (for example, a rear view mirror in a car racing game), or bird's eye view (for example, in combat games) may also be helpful. Thus, damage to the character or the vehicle used can be better represented. Likewise, opposing game pieces or the environment of the character can be displayed on the monitor unit. In a sports game, views may be displayed by the spectators or by the coach calling the character.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the monitor unit of the game control device is graphically divisible, so that various additional information can be displayed on different areas of the monitor unit. This allows the player to display various additional information simultaneously. For example, in multiplayer game play, it may be desirable to display multiple players on the monitor unit so that audiovisual communication between multiple players is simultaneously possible. It is also advantageous if the player can position different additional parameters or a plurality of alternative views on the monitor unit. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the monitor is horizontally and / or vertically divided into two or four areas to ensure a clear presentation.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the monitor unit has a button or switch, with which it can be turned off. If a player in between wants to do without the additionally displayed information, he can switch off the monitor unit, in addition to wireless communication links with the aim of saving battery life. Other controls can be added to the monitor unit to regulate the volume of the audio output, or switch between different communication channels or different game views.

In a preferred embodiment, the game machine body is a video game console or a computer and / or a network is provided for connecting a plurality of game machine bodies. The game control device is not specifically defined for a particular platform, but can be used in principle both with video game consoles for the use of console games or with a computer for the use of computer games. In order to make a multiplayer mode more efficient, it is advantageous if multiple game machine bodies are interconnected via a network. This can be a Local Area Network (LAN) or the Internet. It is also possible to use wireless radio networks, which are preferably WLANs or mobile radio networks such as GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) or UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System).

Also part of the invention is a game control device with an integrated monitor unit, which is part of a video game device according to the invention, wherein on the monitor unit of the game control device additional information is displayed, which are not displayed on the main monitor.

In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to drawings, wherein the invention is of course not limited to the embodiments shown. Showing:

1 : An advantageous embodiment of a game control device with integrated monitor unit in the form of a gamepad and

2 : a video game device according to the invention.

1 shows a gamepad as an advantageous embodiment of a game control device 40 with integrated monitor unit 41 , This is a gamepad for a video game console, with the usual controls such as the directional pad and various action buttons. The monitor unit 41 is removable mounted on the gamepad, and can therefore be dismantled if necessary. It is positioned so that all controls and action buttons can still be operated problem-free and is oriented so that the player holding the gamepad has a good view of the monitor. In addition, the game control device has an integrated camera 45 , which is aimed at the face of the player, so that the movements and emotions of the player can be recorded and displayed on the monitor unit of other players. The monitor unit 41 also has speakers 46 which can, for example, reproduce audio signals generated by the game machine body. Alternatively, these can be used for communication between the other players when other players speak into a microphone and these audio signals are played through the speakers.

In 2 is a video game device according to the invention 10 shown, which is used to play a card game. As a platform in this embodiment, a video game console 30 used. In addition, a main monitor is mandatory 20 needed, on the basic gameplay 22 is pictured. In this case, it is a card game and on the main monitor 20 Accordingly, a game table is displayed on which the individual players sit. Since this is a multiplayer game, there are several, in this case three, game controllers 40 connected via a cable so that each player can use their own game control device. Each of these control devices 40 has an integrated monitor unit 41 , on the additional information 42 . 43 . 44 not shown on the main monitor 20 you can see. In this case, on the monitor units of each player, the respective playing cards 42 . 43 . 44 pictured, which the player has available. Thus, each player can only see his playing cards and it is now possible to play card games or other board games with electronic tools.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 2003/0220142 A1 [0002, 0002]
• US 6773349 B2 [0002]

Claims (9)

Video game device comprising at least the following elements: • a game machine body, • one or more game control devices with an integrated monitor unit, characterized in that on the monitor unit of the game control device additional information is displayed, which are not displayed on a main monitor. Video game device according to claim 1, characterized in that one or more game control devices with integrated monitor unit additionally comprise the following elements: • a speaker and / or • a headphone jack and / or • a microphone and / or • a digital camera. Video game device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the monitor unit is detachably mounted on the game control device and comprises the following elements: • a speaker and / or • a headphone jack and / or • a microphone and / or • a digital camera. Video game device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more game control devices are connected to the game machine body via a cable which transmits control signals and / or audio and / or video signals. Video game device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that information is transmitted via a wireless communication between the game machine body and one or more game control devices, wherein the information transmitted to the control signals and / or audio and / or video Signals acts. Video game device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the additional information displayed on the monitor unit of the game control device is at least one of the following: • User-specific video and / or audio information transmitted by other players • user-specific gameplay information • additional game parameters • alternative views of the gameplay. Video game device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the monitor unit of the game control device is graphically divisible, so that various additional information can be displayed on different areas of the monitor unit. Video game device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is the game machine body is a video game console or a computer and / or a network for connecting a plurality of game machine bodies is provided. A game control device with an integrated monitor unit, characterized in that it is part of a video game device according to one of the preceding claims and on the monitor unit of the game control device additional information is displayed, which are not displayed on the main monitor.

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