WO2011044639A1

WO2011044639A1 - An audiovisual module with video projection for use with a games console

Info

Publication number: WO2011044639A1
Application number: PCT/AU2010/001373
Authority: WO
Inventors: Luceille Outhred; Kevin Soper
Original assignee: Digislide Holdings Limited
Priority date: 2009-10-15
Filing date: 2010-10-15
Publication date: 2011-04-21
Also published as: AU2010306417A1

Abstract

An audiovisual module to be mounted on top of a gaming console that has been designed to support and be in communication with a peripheral device, said module being a peripheral device and including a video projector, mono or stereo audio with integrated loudspeakers, a power source to drive the module, audio and video inputs for connection to the gaming console.

Description

An audiovisual module with video projection for use with a games console

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an audiovisual sound and projection system for use with a games console and in particular with a games console known under the trade mark Wii.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are a number of electronic gaming consoles that generally fall into two categories. The first category is small portable gaming consoles that include their own audio and video. The second category includes gaming consoles that require external audio and video. They are also typically much larger having substantial processing power, memory and storage. Accordingly they are typically not used as portable units and are generally permanently connected to an audiovisual device such as a television. With serious gamers having stored on such devices tens if not hundreds of games some people do indeed move them around as portable units. Unless they also carry with them audiovisual equipment they need to ensure that wherever they take their gaming console there is such equipment around, something that is certainly inconvenient and limits the location where the gaming console can be used.

Furthermore, if they do take their gaming console to say a friend's house they have no control of where the visual output of the game controller is, given that most televisions these days are wall mounted plasma or LCD televisions or of such a size that they are not easily movable. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to overcome the above-mentioned problems or to provide the public with a useful alternative.

The present invention successfully addresses these problems by providing for an audiovisual sound and projection system that is coupled to the gaming console so that it becomes integral with it and thus increases the portability of the gaming console.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the invention could be set to reside in an audiovisual module to be mounted on top of a gaming console that has been designed to support and be in communication with a peripheral device, said module being a peripheral device and including a video projector, mono or stereo audio with integrated loudspeakers, a power source to drive the module, audio and video inputs for connection to the gaming console. Preferably said gaming console is a Wii gaming console.

In preference said audiovisual module contains wings incorporating banks of infrared LEDs compatible with the infrared sensors of a Wii remote controller used by the Wii relative position determination system.

In preference said wings are hinged to allow for clamping around the sides of the Wii console when said module is mounted on top of the Wii console, and also for convenient mounting on a separate flat surface when this is preferred.

In preference said video projector is an independent stand-alone projector which docks into a docking station included as part of the audiovisual module.

In preference said video projector in said module is tiltable to allow for adjustment of the projected image.

In preference said audiovisual module is able to draw electrical power from said gaming console.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

Figure 1 illustrates the invention mounted on top of a Wii gaming console;

and

Figure 2 illustrates the invention in an "open" position when used separate from a Wii gaming console. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following detailed description of the invention refers to the

accompanying drawings. Although the description includes exemplary embodiments, other embodiments are possible, and changes may be made to the em bodiments described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same and like parts.

It is not intended to limit the invention for use with a Wii and it could equally well be used where appropriate with other games consoles. However the following description relates to use of the present invention with a Wii.

Figure 1 shows the audiovisual module 10 mounted on the top surface of a Wii console 20.

The Wii top surface is suitable for mounting the audiovisual module. The Wii also has a connector for connecting to various peripheral devices, including the audiovisual module described in this specification. These various peripheral devices typically include an electrical component, an electrical connector coupled to the electrical component for connecting to the Wii, and a housing. The housing of the audiovisual module 10 is designed so that when it is mounted on the top surface of the Wii it is aesthetically pleasing and mechanically stable. The module includes wings 11 which clamp around the sides of the Wii. The audiovisual module 10 includes a video projector 14 with a light source that is typically at least one LED, and a mono or stereo audio system with two loudspeakers 12. An internal rechargeable battery pack, such as a 5 V DC pack, is also provided that can run the projector or optionally the complete audiovisual module for limited time. An external recharging socket enables the battery to be recharged or to directly power the projector.

The Wii has audio and video output through standard connections and the audiovisual module includes audio and video inputs through standard connections 18. Standard leads are used to connect the two units (not shown for clarity). As an option the optical engine within the module can be tilted by several degrees to allow for image positing on the projection surface. To ensure that the audiovisual module is versatile it may also include other connection means such as computer video input. All aspects are designed to maintain the aesthetics of the Wii. Focus and optional elevation adjustment of the projector module is achieved by thumb wheels on opposite sides of the module.

The wings 11 of the audiovisual module 10 also includes two banks of infrared LEDs which sit behind windows 16. These LEDs are compatible with the infrared sensors of a Wii remote controller used by the Wii relative position determination system. The audiovisual module can also be mounted on a flat surface adjacent to the Wii. Figure 2 shows the audiovisual module 10 with its wings 11 folded out to support the module in stand alone situations.

The reader can now appreciate the advantage of the present invention. For the purposes of the specification the word "comprising" means

"including but not limited to", and the word "comprises" has a corresponding meaning. Also a reference within the specification to document or to prior use is not to be taken as an admission that the disclosure therein constitutes common general knowledge in Australia. Further advantages and improvements may very well be made to the present invention without deviating from its scope. Although the invention has been shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope and spirit of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatus.

Claims

1. An audiovisual module to be mounted on top of a gaming console that has been designed to support and be in communication with a peripheral device, said module being a peripheral device and including a video projector, mono or stereo audio with integrated loudspeakers, a power source to drive the module, audio and video inputs for connection to the gaming console.

2. An audiovisual module as in claim 1, wherein said gaming console is a Wii gaming console.

3. An audiovisual module as in claim 2, wherein said audiovisual module further comprises wings incorporating banks of infrared LEDs compatible with the infrared sensors of a Wii remote controller used by the Wii relative position determination system.

4. An audiovisual module as in claim 3, wherein said wings are hinged to allow for clamping around the sides of the Wii console when said module is mounted on top of the Wii console, and also for convenient mounting on a separate flat surface when this is preferred.

5. An audiovisual module as in claim 1, wherein said video projector is an independent stand-alone projector which docks into a docking station included as part of the audiovisual module.

6. An audiovisual module as in claim 5, wherein said video projector in said module is tiltable to allow for adjustment of the projected image.

7. An audiovisual module as in claim 1, wherein said audiovisual module is able to draw electrical power from said gaming console.