GB2367884A - An illumination device for a portable video game device - Google Patents

An illumination device for a portable video game device Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2367884A
GB2367884A GB0200848A GB0200848A GB2367884A GB 2367884 A GB2367884 A GB 2367884A GB 0200848 A GB0200848 A GB 0200848A GB 0200848 A GB0200848 A GB 0200848A GB 2367884 A GB2367884 A GB 2367884A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
plug
port
recited
utility power
power jack
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB0200848A
Other versions
GB0200848D0 (en
Inventor
David Naghi
Gilbert Fregoso
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Technology Creations Inc
Design Rite LLC
Original Assignee
Technology Creations Inc
Design Rite LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US09/330,322 external-priority patent/US6186636B1/en
Priority claimed from US09/553,781 external-priority patent/US6260984B1/en
Application filed by Technology Creations Inc, Design Rite LLC filed Critical Technology Creations Inc
Publication of GB0200848D0 publication Critical patent/GB0200848D0/en
Publication of GB2367884A publication Critical patent/GB2367884A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V33/00—Structural combinations of lighting devices with other articles, not otherwise provided for
    • F21V33/0004—Personal or domestic articles
    • F21V33/0052—Audio or video equipment, e.g. televisions, telephones, cameras or computers; Remote control devices therefor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/90—Constructional details or arrangements of video game devices not provided for in groups A63F13/20 or A63F13/25, e.g. housing, wiring, connections or cabinets
    • A63F13/98—Accessories, i.e. detachable arrangements optional for the use of the video game device, e.g. grip supports of game controllers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/90—Constructional details or arrangements of video game devices not provided for in groups A63F13/20 or A63F13/25, e.g. housing, wiring, connections or cabinets
    • A63F13/92—Video game devices specially adapted to be hand-held while playing
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V33/00—Structural combinations of lighting devices with other articles, not otherwise provided for
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1632—External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/22—Illumination; Arrangements for improving the visibility of characters on dials
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/20—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterised by details of the game platform
    • A63F2300/204—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterised by details of the game platform the platform being a handheld device
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V21/00—Supporting, suspending, or attaching arrangements for lighting devices; Hand grips
    • F21V21/14—Adjustable mountings
    • F21V21/32—Flexible tubes
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
    • F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
    • F21Y2115/10—Light-emitting diodes [LED]

Abstract

An illumination device (5) for illumination of a portable video game device comprises an illuminator (9) in a flexible arm (7), plugs into and is powered through a utility power jack (4) of a portable electronic device (1) in a manner that power is derived from the port (6) of the portable electronic device to power the illumination device. The illumination device includes: a housing (10), a reflector (13), a diffuser or a magnifier (14), and a dimmer (15) to control the light intensity given off by the illuminator.

Description

AN APPARATUS FOR ILLUMINATING A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE THROUGH A UTILITY POWER JACK Field of the Invention The present invention is in the field of lighting devices for portable electronic or computing devices.
Background to the Invention Compact electronic devices with a viewing screen or keypads have become very common and quite popular. Such devices have been popular for a number of years in connection with hand-held, portable, battery-powered gaming devices. A well-known example of such a device, that has sold millions of units, is the GAME BOY@ device sold by Nintendo. More recently, other electronic devices have also included viewing screens, such as portable video cameras and cellular phones. And, of course, portable computers have long had viewing screens. Although the complexity and cost of such devices can vary greatly, it is common for such devices to use a generally flat, liquid crystal display screen.
Flat, liquid crystal display screens work very well in a well-lit area.
However, when such devices are used in dimly lit areas, or at night, it can be difficult, if not impossible, for a user to see anything in the viewing screen.
This problem is magnified when such a screen is used in a device that is meant to be portable, and especially when it is a small device.
If a portable device is sufficiently complex, and generally more expensive, such as a portable laptop computer, the device can include lighting within the actual device. An example of such lighting is a portable laptop computer with a backlit screen. However, this solution is not always economically practical, nor does it necessarily solve the problem in smaller devices. Also, if an electronic device does not have a viewing screen, then this option is not even available.
To solve this problem, especially in connection with hand-held, portable, battery-powered gaming devices, a number of different solutions have been proposed. Such solutions have typically included add-on devices with their own source of electrical power. These devices can be designed to fit onto the electronic device or be designed for use in connection with the electronic device. However, because such devices use their own source of electrical power, they tend to be rather bulky and heavy. In addition, the second source of electrical power increases cost and creates the possibility of another source of power failure.
Accordingly, there IS a long felt need for a simple, economical, device that can illuminate portable devices without the drawbacks associated with prior illumination devices.
US Patent No. 5615945 discloses a lighting device for use with a
computer having a plug for connection to the computer and an Incandescent light bulb Summary of the Invention The present invention is generally directed to an apparatus for illuminating a display screen of a handheld portable video game device having a utility port in electrical connection with a power source, comprising a plug for plugging the apparatus into the utility power jack or port, a body connected to the plug, and an illumination device attached to the body and to be electrically connected to the utility power jack or port through the plug and the body, wherein the illumination device is powered by the power source when the apparatus is plugged into the utility power jack or port and illuminates the display screen of the handhold portable video game device.
The present invention also provides a corresponding method.
Preferably, the illumination apparatus includes a plug that has a second utility power jack or port adapted to receive a second plug that is in electrical communication with the utility power jack or port.
The illumination device can be controlled by a dimmer.
Suitably, the illumination apparatus includes a plug that contains one or more support wings. These support wings can be used to prevent movement of the body in a certain direction, especially when they are located on opposite ends of the plug.
The illumination apparatus can include a flexible arm. This flexible arm can be adjusted as to adjust the height or angle of the illumination device relative to the portable electronic or computing device. In addition, other devices, such as a diffuser, a magnifier, a reflector, a dimmer, or a regulator for varying the intensity of light, can also be added to the illumination apparatus.
Further objects and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art in connection with the drawing and the detailed description of the preferred embodiment set forth below.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment Figure 1 illustrates how a preferred embodiment of the present invention can be used with a portable electronic game device, such as a GAME BOY@ device.
In the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 1, the electronic device 1 has a viewing screen 2, a power source and a utility power jack. The power source and utility power jacks are not visible and are shown generally as 3 and 4, because their location and configuration will vary depending upon the design of a given portable electronic device. The power source 3 may be selfcontained, such as batteries in a battery compartment. The power source 3 may or may not be augmented by a plug-in capability to a non-portable power source, such as a wall outlet.
The illumination apparatus, shown generally as 5, Includes a plug, shown generally as 6, for plugging the illumination apparatus 5 into the utility power jack 4 of the electronic device 1. The exact configuration of the plug 6 should be designed so as to mate with the utility power jack 4 and create a mechanical and electrical connection between the utility power jack 4 and the plug 6 when the apparatus 5 is plugged into the electronic device 1.
The illumination apparatus 5 also includes a body 7 and an Illumination device 8. The body 7 connects the illumination device 8 to the plug 6, and the body is preferably comprised of a flexible arm. The illumination device 8 is electrically connected to the utility power jack 4 through the plug 6 and the body 7 so that the illumination device 8 IS powered by the power source 2 when the illumination apparatus 5 is plugged into the electronic device 1. The electrical connection between the illumination device 8 and the plug 6 can be by any suitable means, such as by a wire (not shown). It is especially preferred that the body 7 can be adjusted, when the apparatus 5 is plugged into the utility power jack 4, to adjust the height and/or the angle of the illumination device 8 relative to the electronic device 1. In order to prevent the movement of the apparatus in a direction away from the electronic device, it is especially preferred to attach one or more support wings 16 to the plug 6.
These support wings 16 stabilize the plug 6 by providing surfaces that abut the electronic device 1 and thereby prevent rocking of the plug 6 in a plane of the support wings 16. They also make it less likely that the plug 6 will pull away from the electronic device 1 at the location of the support wings 16, thereby stabilizing the connection of the plug 6 to the electronic device 1.
The illumination device 8 is comprised of a light emitting diode ("LED") 9 housed in a case housing 10. The housing 10 can also include suitable electronics, such as a resistor 11, or a regulator (not shown) for varying the intensity of light given off by the LED. In an especially preferred embodiment, the LED 9 is a white light diode. The housing can also include additional features, such as a diffuser 14. The diffuser 14 can alternatively be replaced by a magnifier 14. Another additional feature that may be included is a reflector 13. The reflector 13 helps to concentrate light toward the object to be illuminated while also helping to minimize back-scatter of light generated by the illumination device. The reflector includes a mirrored surface on the bottom of the reflector for reflecting light away from the user. The housing 10 can also include an opaque surface at its end distant from the desired travel of light so as to minimize undesirable back-scatter of light toward a user's eye. It is especially preferred that the housing 10 include a dimmer 15. The dimmer 15 can be a variable resistor, or a potentiometer, connected to a user control, such as a dial.
When the plug 6 of the illumination apparatus 5 is plugged into the utility power jack 4 of the electronic device 1, it necessarily occupies the connection that the utility power jack 4 would otherwise provide to a user of the electronic device 1. Because a user of the electronic device 1 might need to connect some other device to the utility power jack 4, it is especially preferred that the plug 6 be constructed so as to include a second utility power jack 12. The second utility power jack 12 is adapted to receive a second plug and provide a mechanical and electrical connection for the second plug equivalent to that which is provided by the utility power jack 4. Thus, the second utility power jack 12 will provide electrical communication for the second plug with the utility power jack 4 when the second plug is plugged into the plug 6 and the plug 6 is plugged into the utility power jack 4.

Claims (16)

  1. CLAIMS 1. An apparatus for illuminating a display screen of a handheld portable video game device having a utility port in electrical connection with a power source, comprising a plug for plugging the apparatus into the utility power jack or port, a body connected to the plug, and an illumination device attached to the body and to be electrically connected to the utility power jack or port through the plug and the body, wherein the illumination device is powered by the power source when the apparatus is plugged into the utility power jack or port and illuminates the display screen of the handheld portable video game device.
  2. 2. An apparatus as recited in Claim 1 wherein the body is comprised of a flexible arm.
  3. 3. An apparatus as recited in either Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the body can be adjusted, when the apparatus is plugged into the utility power jack or port, to adjust the height of the illumination device relative to the device.
  4. 4. An apparatus as recited in any preceding claim wherein the body can be adjusted, when the apparatus is plugged into the utility power jack or port, to adjust the angle of the illumination device relative to the device.
  5. 5. An apparatus as recited in any preceding claim wherein the body further comprises a diffuser for diffusing light given off by the illumination device.
  6. 6. An apparatus as recited in any preceding claim wherein the body further comprises a magnifier.
  7. 7. An apparatus as recited in any preceding claim wherein the body further comprises a regulator for varying the intensity of light given off by the illumination device.
  8. 8. An apparatus as recited in any preceding claim wherein the plug has a second utility power jack or port to receive a second plug that is in electrical communication with the first utility power jack or port when the second plug is plugged into the second utility jack or port and the first plug is plugged into the first utility power jack or port.
  9. 9. An apparatus as recited in any preceding claim wherein the device has a non-backlit display screen.
  10. 10. A method of illuminating a display screen of a handheld portable video game device having a utility power jack or port in electrical connection with a power source, comprising providing an apparatus Including a plug for plugging the apparatus into the utility power jack or port, a body connected to the plug, and an illumination device attached to the body and to be electrically connected to the utility power jack or port through the plug and the body, coupling the plug of the apparatus with the utility jack or port of the device so as to power the illumination device, and illuminating the non-backlit display screen of the device with the illumination device.
  11. 11 A method as recited in Claim 10 wherein the body is comprised of a flexible arm
  12. 12. A method as recited In either Claim 10 or Claim 11 wherein the body further comprises a magnifier.
  13. 13. A method as recited in any one of Claims 10 to 12 wherein the body further comprises a diffuser for diffusing light given off by the illumination device.
  14. 14. A method as recited in any one of Claims 10 to 13 wherein the body further comprises a regulator for varying the intensity of light given off by the illumination device, and the method further comprises adjusting the regulator to regulate an intensity of light given off by the illumination device.
  15. 15. A method as recited in any one of Claims 10 to 14 wherein the plug has a second utility power jack or port adapted to receive a second plug that is in electrical communication with the first utility power jack or port when the second plug is plugged into the second utility power jack or port and the plug is plugged into the first utility power jack or port, and the method further comprises coupling a second plug to the second utility jack or port.
  16. 16. A method as recited in any one of Claims 10 to 15 wherein the device has a non-backlit display screen.
GB0200848A 1999-06-11 2000-06-02 An illumination device for a portable video game device Withdrawn GB2367884A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/330,322 US6186636B1 (en) 1999-06-11 1999-06-11 Apparatus for illuminating a portable electronic or computing device
US09/553,781 US6260984B1 (en) 1999-06-11 2000-04-21 Apparatus for illuminating a portable electronic or computing device through a plug-in connection to a utility power jack
GB0103035A GB2361298B (en) 1999-06-11 2000-06-02 An apparatus for illuminating a portable electronic device through a utility power jack

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0200848D0 GB0200848D0 (en) 2002-03-06
GB2367884A true GB2367884A (en) 2002-04-17

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB0200848A Withdrawn GB2367884A (en) 1999-06-11 2000-06-02 An illumination device for a portable video game device

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2367884A (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6680844B2 (en) * 2000-05-30 2004-01-20 Nexform, Inc. Lightweight, energy-efficient, detachable computer light

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5325280A (en) * 1990-07-11 1994-06-28 Curtis Manufacturing Company, Inc. Light apparatus for illuminating a compact computer video screen
US5615945A (en) * 1996-03-27 1997-04-01 Noopro Industrial Corporation Lighting device for use with computers
FR2754588A3 (en) * 1996-10-16 1998-04-17 Fouzar Miguel Goose-necked lamp to attache to keyboard connector on personal computer

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5325280A (en) * 1990-07-11 1994-06-28 Curtis Manufacturing Company, Inc. Light apparatus for illuminating a compact computer video screen
US5615945A (en) * 1996-03-27 1997-04-01 Noopro Industrial Corporation Lighting device for use with computers
FR2754588A3 (en) * 1996-10-16 1998-04-17 Fouzar Miguel Goose-necked lamp to attache to keyboard connector on personal computer

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
WPI ABSTRACT, No. 1998-243341 and FR 2754588 A3 (FOUZAR) *

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6680844B2 (en) * 2000-05-30 2004-01-20 Nexform, Inc. Lightweight, energy-efficient, detachable computer light

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WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)