WO2012052731A1 - Gaming apparatus - Google Patents

Gaming apparatus Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2012052731A1
WO2012052731A1 PCT/GB2011/051400 GB2011051400W WO2012052731A1 WO 2012052731 A1 WO2012052731 A1 WO 2012052731A1 GB 2011051400 W GB2011051400 W GB 2011051400W WO 2012052731 A1 WO2012052731 A1 WO 2012052731A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
touch screen
media player
gaming apparatus
gaming
interaction means
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2011/051400
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Stuart Browning
Yann Le Bouedec
Original Assignee
Blue Sky Design Limited
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
Application filed by Blue Sky Design Limited filed Critical Blue Sky Design Limited
Publication of WO2012052731A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012052731A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • A63F13/30—Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers
    • A63F13/31—Communication aspects specific to video games, e.g. between several handheld game devices at close range
    • A63F13/02—
    • 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
    • A63F13/20—Input arrangements for video game devices
    • A63F13/21—Input arrangements for video game devices characterised by their sensors, purposes or types
    • A63F13/214—Input arrangements for video game devices characterised by their sensors, purposes or types for locating contacts on a surface, e.g. floor mats or touch pads
    • A63F13/2145—Input arrangements for video game devices characterised by their sensors, purposes or types for locating contacts on a surface, e.g. floor mats or touch pads the surface being also a display device, e.g. touch screens
    • 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
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
    • G06F3/039—Accessories therefor, e.g. mouse pads
    • 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
    • A63F13/20—Input arrangements for video game devices
    • A63F13/24—Constructional details thereof, e.g. game controllers with detachable joystick handles
    • A63F13/245—Constructional details thereof, e.g. game controllers with detachable joystick handles specially adapted to a particular type of game, e.g. steering wheels
    • 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
    • A63F13/80—Special adaptations for executing a specific game genre or game mode
    • A63F13/803—Driving vehicles or craft, e.g. cars, airplanes, ships, robots or tanks
    • 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
    • A63F13/80—Special adaptations for executing a specific game genre or game mode
    • A63F13/837—Shooting of targets
    • 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
    • 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
    • A63F2300/10—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 characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals
    • A63F2300/1043—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 characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals being characterized by constructional details
    • 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
    • A63F2300/10—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 characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals
    • A63F2300/1062—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 characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals being specially adapted to a type of game, e.g. steering wheel
    • 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
    • A63F2300/10—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 characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals
    • A63F2300/1068—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 characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals being specially adapted to detect the point of contact of the player on a surface, e.g. floor mat, touch pad
    • A63F2300/1075—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 characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals being specially adapted to detect the point of contact of the player on a surface, e.g. floor mat, touch pad using a touch screen
    • 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
    • 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
    • A63F2300/80—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 specially adapted for executing a specific type of game
    • A63F2300/8017—Driving on land or water; Flying
    • 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
    • A63F2300/80—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 specially adapted for executing a specific type of game
    • A63F2300/8035—Virtual fishing
    • 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
    • A63F2300/80—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 specially adapted for executing a specific type of game
    • A63F2300/8076—Shooting

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to gaming apparatus.
  • Portable media players are electronics devices capable of storing and playing digital media and software applications.
  • Digital media includes audio, visual, images, videos, songs, sound recordings and other digital data forms.
  • the media stored on digital media players are usually stored on hard drives, microdrives and flash memory.
  • gaming applications and software have been combined with digital media players such that media players can also be used as tools for playing interactive games.
  • touch screen media player includes but is not limited to mobile communications devices including hand held devices (i.e. devices intended to be held in one hand), tablet computing devices, telecommunications phones, cameras and other devices that use touch screen technology.
  • Touch screen media players generally have a large display area which acts as the interface. In a typical touch screen media player the touch screen occupies more than 75% of a major surface of the device.
  • a touch screen is an electronic visual display which acts to detect the touch or disturbance within the display area.
  • the Apple® i-phone is an example of a mobile phone which operates with touch screen technology. In order to operate the majority of applications on an i-phone or other touch screen device, the user is required to touch the display area with their finger. However, with other touch screen devices, touch tools are also used, for example, a stylus.
  • Media players are usually hand held and with a touch screen device providing an advantage over non-touch screen devices as the user is able to interact with the function that they want to operate directly.
  • a touch screen device comprises circuitry that is able to detect a change in state at the touch screen where it is touched.
  • touch screen media players have led to an increase in the development of gaming software and applications that are compatible with touch screen media players.
  • the complexities of such games range from simple shooting games where the user has to tap a screen to fire a weapon, to more complex games which require a higher thought process and a variation of how the user touches the display area. For example the user may be required drag their finger over the display screen which may potentially cause a different gaming operation to that if they were to double tap the touch screen.
  • touch screen devices that are able to detect multiple simultaneous touches as well as single touches.
  • Augmented reality is a term for a live direct or indirect view of a physical real-world environment whose elements are augmented by virtual computer generated imagery.
  • One way of creating such augmented reality is the use of the camera or video camera facility of a touch screen media player, whereby the camera is able to view the landscape ahead of it and transmit the image on to the touch screen display.
  • a gaming application or software can then be run allowing an overlay of computer generated images to set the scene for the game to be played.
  • the disadvantage of the user playing such gaming applications or software on touch screen media players such as mobile phones is that the reality element and fun are taken out of the user's/gamer's experience if they operate the touch screen by a simple tap of their finger, whilst holding the device in its normal operable position.
  • the user will have a limited gaming experience if the game relates to a typical 'shoot 'em up' since the touch screen media player is not held or is operated in an action which relates to the action of a gun.
  • a gaming apparatus comprising: a housing configured to retain a touch screen media player in an operable position; activation means; and interaction means configured to be operated by the activation means such that in use upon application of pressure to said activation means said activation means operates said interaction means to cause a contact of said interaction means with a touch screen of a said touch screen media player retained in said housing to control operation of a game implemented by gaming software running on the touch screen media player.
  • the activation means may be connectable with the interaction means.
  • the activation means and the interaction means are outside the housing.
  • the touch screen media player may be at the gun sighting and the activation and interaction means may comprise a trigger and hammer respectively.
  • apparatus according to the invention may comprise a chassis on which the housing is mounted and the activation means may be provided on a part of the chassis remote from the housing. In the case of a gun the handle and barrel would form the chassis.
  • a gaming apparatus for operation of a game, played on a gaming software of a touch screen media player comprising: a housing;
  • an activation means an interaction means; said housing being configured to maintain a touch screen media player in an operable position; said activation means is connectable with said interaction means; said interaction means is configured to be operated by said activation means; wherein upon application of a pressure to said activation means, said activation means operates said interaction means to cause a contact of said interaction means with a touch screen of a said touch screen media player to control operation of said game; said gaming apparatus shaped such that a said pressure can be applied to said activation means simultaneously to the gaming apparatus being gripped by a user; and said shape of said gaming apparatus represents a tactile user interface corresponding with the nature of the game represented by a said gaming software.
  • the apparatus may be shaped such that a said pressure can be applied to said activation means simultaneously to the gaming apparatus being gripped by a user.
  • the apparatus may be hand held and may be configured to accommodate a hand held media player.
  • the apparatus may comprise a mechanism linking the activation means and the interaction means. This mechanism may translate the movement of the activation means to movement of the interaction means.
  • the activation means may be operable by movement in one direction to cause movement of the interaction means in a different direction. For example the direction of movement of the activation means may be opposite to the direction of movement of the interaction means.
  • the activation means may be pulled towards the user to cause the interaction means to be moved away from the user, which would be suitable for example if the apparatus is in the form of a gun.
  • the direction of movement of the activation means may parallel to the direction of movement of the interaction means, either in the same or the opposite direction.
  • the activation means may comprise a trigger means.
  • the activation means may comprise a button means.
  • the interaction means may comprise a hammer means.
  • the apparatus is preferably configured such that the contact of the interaction means with the touch screen is configured to cause a change a state at the contact that is detectable by circuitry within the touch screen media player.
  • said application of pressure to said activation means creates a nonelectrical communication signal to cause contact of said interaction means with a screen of a said touch screen media to induce an operative effect on said touch screen media player.
  • said application of pressure to said activation means creates an electrical communication signal to said interaction means to cause contact of said interaction means with a screen of a said touch screen media player to induce an operative effect on said touch screen media player.
  • the activation means comprises a conductive surface to which pressure is applied in use
  • the interaction means comprises a conductive surface arranged to contact the surface of the touch screen on activation of the activation means, and the respective conductive surfaces are electrically connected. This may be a wired connection or some other conductive path may be provided in the apparatus. This configuration is particularly useful for use with a capacitive touch screen device.
  • said housing comprises a casing configured to maintain a touch screen media player.
  • the housing may comprise a gripping means for holding and maintaining a said touch screen media player in a fixed position.
  • the housing may be configurable to maintain a said touch screen media player in one or a number of positions relative to said gaming apparatus.
  • the interaction means may be configured to operate a resistive touch screen of a said media player.
  • the interaction means may be configured to generate a surface acoustic wave to operate a touch screen of a said media.
  • the interaction means may be configured to operate a capacitive touch screen of a said media player.
  • the interaction means may be configured to operate an infra-red touch screen of a said media player.
  • the apparatus may be configured to cooperate with a game running on the touch screen media player presenting fictional features on the touch screen, such that when the touch screen is contacted by the interaction means, features on the touch screen are caused to react to the contact.
  • kit comprising a computer readable medium comprising instructions which when implemented on a processor of a touch screen media player cause the player to run a game in which fictional features are presented on the touch screen and gaming apparatus as described above, in which the gaming apparatus and the game cooperate such that when the touch screen is contacted by the interaction means, features on the touch screen are caused to react to the contact.
  • said gaming apparatus is substantially composed of plastic.
  • said gaming apparatus is shaped as a toy gun.
  • said gaming apparatus comprised of a toy gun shape; wherein a sight of said toy gun configuration comprises said housing; said activation means comprises a trigger means, said interaction means comprises a hammer means and; upon application of a pressure to said trigger means, said trigger means operates said hammer means to cause a contact of said hammer means with a screen of a said touch screen media player to induce an operative effect on said touch screen media player.
  • the apparatus may comprise a steering wheel configuration; wherein a said activation means comprises a button, said interaction means comprises a hammer means and; upon application of a pressure to said button means, said button means operates said hammer means to cause a contact of said hammer means with a screen of a said touch screen media player to induce an operative effect on said touch screen media player.
  • a toy gun gaming apparatus for operation of a gaming software of a touch screen media player
  • said toy gun gaming apparatus comprising: a housing; a trigger; and an interaction means; wherein said housing is configured to maintain a said touch screen media player in an operable position; said trigger is connectable with said interaction means; said interaction means is configured to be operated by said activation means; and wherein upon application of a pressure to said trigger, said trigger operates said interaction means to cause a contact of said interaction means with a touch screen of a said touch screen media player to induce an operative effect on said touch screen media player, said toy gun gaming apparatus shape being configured such that a said pressure can be applied to said trigger simultaneously to the gaming apparatus being gripped by a user; and said toy gun gaming apparatus being further shaped to represent the tactile user interface corresponding with the nature of the game represented by a said gaming software.
  • the toy gun gaming apparatus may be hand held.
  • the activation means may comprise a trigger means.
  • the activation means may comprise a button means.
  • the said interaction means may comprise a hammer means.
  • the interaction means may be comprises a pin means.
  • the interaction means comprises a fuse means.
  • said application of pressure to said trigger creates a non - electrical communication signal to cause contact of said interaction means with a screen of a said touch screen media player to induce an operative effect on said touch screen media player.
  • said housing comprises a casing configured to maintain a touch screen media player.
  • the housing may be configured to frame the touch screen media player in use.
  • the housing includes a protective screen for the touch screen of the media player. This screen may protect the screen from the impact of the interaction means. Thus even in this embodiment the interaction means and the activation means are outside the housing.
  • said housing comprises a gripping means for holding and maintaining a said touch screen media in a fixed position.
  • said housing is configurable to maintain a said touch screen media player in one or a number of positions relative to said gaming apparatus.
  • said interaction means is configured to operate a resistive touch screen of a said media player.
  • said interaction means is configured to generate a surface acoustic wave to operate a touch screen of a said media.
  • said interaction means is configured to operate a capacitive touch screen of a said media player.
  • said interaction means is configured to operate an infra-red touch screen of a said media player.
  • said toy gun gaming apparatus is substantially composed of plastic.
  • Figure 1 illustrates schematically a side on perspective view of a gun gaming apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 illustrates schematically a top down view of a gun gaming apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 illustrates schematically a perspective view of a gun gaming apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 4 is a side elevation partly in cross section of a gun gaming toy showing an example of a mechanism providing an operational link between the activator or activation means and the interactor or interaction means.
  • Figure 5 illustrates schematically a front view of a steering wheel gaming apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • gun gaming apparatus 100 comprises handle 101 , actuator or activation means 102 and 103, housing 104, protective screen 105, interactor or interaction means 106, and barrel 107.
  • gun gaming apparatus 200 comprises housing window 201 , housing lock 202 and housing casing 203.
  • gun gaming apparatus 300 comprises, interaction means 301 , user operation 302 and mechanism housing or casing 303.
  • FIG 1 shows an illustration of a gaming apparatus where the apparatus is in the form of a gun gaming apparatus 100.
  • the gun configuration of the gaming apparatus would be particularly suitable to operate with touch screen media players and touch screen telecommunications phones with gaming software or applications which relate to shooting.
  • the form and shape of the gaming apparatus is not limited to guns, rather may take various other shapes which may relate to the type of software / application being run on the touch screen media player / touch screen mobile phone.
  • the gaming apparatus may take the shape of a steering wheel gaming apparatus 400.
  • the gaming apparatus as described with reference to figures 1 to 3, is suitable for only touch screen media players or touch screen telecommunications phones which have the capability of running gaming software, and such that the game of the gaming software can be substantially played, operated or controlled by operation of the touch screen by the user.
  • Touch screen telecommunications phones are a form of touch screen media players and will therefore be referred to herein simply as touch screen media player.
  • touch screen media player is a form of touch screen media players and will therefore be referred to herein simply as touch screen media player.
  • such software has uses beyond mere entertainment, such as in training.
  • the gun shown in the figures could be used in training users of weapons.
  • a gun is generally known as a device used to project something under pressure, and more specifically known as a weapon with a barrel from which a missile is discharged.
  • the gaming apparatus disclosed will be shaped as a gun, more specifically a toy gun. That is, the toy gun gaming apparatus will be an apparatus shaped as a gun and designed to be played with, that is a nonfunctioning replica of a gun.
  • the toy gun gaming apparatus will be suitable for children as well as adults.
  • the toy gun gaming apparatus may be shaped in any gun configuration for example but not limited to, a machine gun, a shot gun, a hand gun or the like.
  • a real gun configuration usually comprises a handle for a user to grip, a trigger such that the user can operate the gun, a barrel through which a missile is fired following operation of the trigger, and hammer or interaction means which is connected to the trigger such that once the trigger is operated buy the user, the pulling of the trigger causes the interaction means to interact with a missile, with resultant force of the interaction means firing the missile down the barrel and out of the gun.
  • Toy guns gaming usually comprise all of these components.
  • Toy gun apparatus 100 also comprises a trigger 102 and/or 103, a hammer 106, a handle 101 and a barrel 107, however the operation of the trigger 102 and/or 103 by the user causes the hammer 106 to apply a force of pressure to the touch screen of a touch screen media player (not shown).
  • Toy gun gaming apparatus 100 is not preferably configured to fire missiles from its barrel.
  • the toy gun gaming apparatus of figure 1 is not configured to fire missiles.
  • the toy gun gaming apparatus may be externally shaped to replicate real life guns.
  • the toy gun gaming apparatus is shaped to replicate the fantastical guns similar to those represented in games of gaming software.
  • An advantage of the gaming apparatus as illustrated in the figures is that the gaming apparatus is shaped to represent the tactile user interface corresponding with the nature of the game represented by the gaming software that the gaming apparatus operates via the touch screen media player.
  • the gaming apparatus as disclosed in the figures operate media players operated or partially operated by a touch screen and have a data storage capacity to store and run gaming software.
  • An advantage of the gaming apparatus disclosed, and more specifically the toy gun gaming apparatus 100 is that the user's gaming experience is increased by the tactile configuration of the gaming apparatus to replicate the action in the game being played.
  • the game of the gaming software being operated on the touch screen media player is that of a Mafia theme whereby the avitar or character in the gaming software that the user is operating has a machine gun which fires bullets
  • the gaming apparatus is shaped to be configured as a toy machine gun gaming apparatus, and the toy gun gaming apparatus has a trigger means
  • operation of the trigger means by the user will replicate the action of the character in the gaming software resulting in the trigger means 102 or 103 activating the interaction means 106 and therefore operating the touch screen media player such that the character in the gaming software fires the machine gun. Therefore, the user will have substantially replicated the tactile movement of the character in the game being played by the user.
  • the shaping of the gaming apparatus to replicate a feature or theme of a gaming software is advantageous, as this will inherently stimulate the somatosensory sensory system of the user particularly with respect to the sense of touch or tactility therefore increasing and enhancing the enjoyment as well as the perception of reality to the user.
  • toy gun gaming apparatus 100 is shaped such that activation means 102 and/or 103 comprises a trigger such as to replicate the trigger of a gun.
  • activation means 102 and/or 103 comprises a trigger such as to replicate the trigger of a gun.
  • the tactile feed back of pulling back the trigger creates a mechanical stimulation such that the users sense of touch by applying force to the trigger 102 and/or 103 causes a reality sensation to the user that the user is pulling the trigger of a gun which then corresponds to, for example, a gun being fired in the game of a gaming software itself.
  • the enhancement of users enjoyment or perception of reality may be increased further in a preferred embodiment whereby the toy gun gaming apparatus further comprises an electrical vibration source whereby the toy gun gaming apparatus vibrates upon operation of the activation means 102 and/or 103 by a user.
  • the toy gun gaming apparatus will enhance the haptic feedback gained from the game being played as a result of the sensory manipulation of the users sense of touch by toy gun gaming apparatus 100.
  • toy gun gaming apparatus 100 is used to operate a touch screen media player whilst the touch screen media player is running a "shoot 'em up" gaming software, the character being controlled the by the user in the gaming software will be carrying a gun such as to shoot other characters or objects in the gaming software.
  • the interaction means 106 Upon manipulation of the activation means 102 and/or 103, the interaction means 106 will operate the touch screen media player such that the interaction means 106 makes contact with the touch screen of a touch screen media player, therefore causing a signal to the touch screen media player such that the character in the gaming software fires their gun.
  • the toy gun gaming apparatus 100 may also comprise a vibration means. The vibration means may operate such that the toy gun gaming apparatus 100 will vibrate when the character in the gaming software fires their gun.
  • Interaction means 106 of toy gun gaming apparatus 100 is preferably shaped and configured to replicate the firing mechanism of a real gun.
  • the replica 102 and/or 103 firing mechanism could be that of a hammer, a firing pin, a fuse or any other gun firing mechanism.
  • the toy gun gaming apparatus 100 may comprise one or a number of activation means 102.
  • the gun gaming apparatus 100 is preferably made of plastic, or of the general material that children's toy replica guns are made out of due to the low manufacturing cost and durability. However some or all of the components of the gaming apparatus may be made of other materials such as rubber or metal.
  • the gaming apparatus is hand held.
  • the user of gun gaming apparatus 100 is able to grip and maintain hold of the gun gaming apparatus via handle 101 .
  • the user is required to apply pressure to either activation means 102 or 103.
  • the gaming apparatus may have one or a number of activation means.
  • the activation means may provide the same or a different operable effect on the gaming apparatus.
  • gun gaming apparatus 100 has activation means 102 and / or 103 in the form of a trigger in order to replicate the action of a gun.
  • the activation means 102 and / or 103 may be any other form of button, pullcord or the like.
  • the handle 101 it is preferential for the handle 101 to be located within the vicinity of the activation means 102 or 103 such that the user can grip and operate the gun gaming apparatus 100 simultaneously.
  • housing 104 is located at the sight of a gun, i.e. within the eyeline of the user, above the barrel of a gun. This is so that when the touch screen media player is stored in the housing, the user can view the display screen whilst the gun gaming apparatus 100 is being held.
  • housing 104 is in the form of a casing such that a touch screen media player / telecommunications phone can be encased within housing 104.
  • Touch screen media player / telecommunications phones are generally of an expensive nature, therefore it is preferred that the housing can partially or wholly protect the touch screen media player / telecommunications phone being housed.
  • housing 104 can be removed from gun gaming apparatus 100 such that the housing is interchangeable in order to accommodate for touch screen media players /
  • housing 104 comprises a protective screen 105 which fits above the display of the touch screen such that the touch screen is protected from scratches or damage, whilst still being able to respond to interaction of the touch screen with interaction means 106.
  • the housing 104 may be a two part compartment of which the touch screen media player / phone could fit in to and then the two parts could clip together.
  • housing 104 may be in the form of a vice, clamp, or clip for securing a touch screen media player to gun gaming apparatus 100.
  • the housing 104 may be connected to gun gaming apparatus 100 by means of a fixed connection or alternatively on a pivotable, ball and socket, or any other connection means adapted such that the housing 104 can be moved or swivelled in different positions to changed the angle of the housing 104 with respect to the main body of gun gaming apparatus 104.
  • interaction means 106 is in the form of a hammer.
  • Interaction means 106 may have a flat or pointed edge which is able to be intermittently touched against the touch screen display during operation.
  • the surface of the interaction means which touches the touch screen in use is covered with a buffer material such as foam so as to protect the surface of the touch screen.
  • the protective screen 105 is not essential.
  • the interaction means will be appropriate to the technology employed by the particular touch screen for which the apparatus is designed.
  • the surface which contacts the touch screen is conductive. This can be achieved through the use of conductive foam.
  • every time activation means 102 or 103 is operated by the user the interaction means 106 is caused to move from a non-touching state to a state of touching the touch screen or a state of manipulation of the touch screen to cause a signal to be sent to the touch screen media player / telecommunications phone.
  • every time activation means 102 or 103 is operated by the user, the interaction means 106 is caused to move from a touching state to a non touching state.
  • the housing for a touch screen media player of gun gaming apparatus 200 comprises a housing casing 203, housing lock 202 and housing window 201 .
  • the housing window is preferably positioned such that the housing casing 203 does not obscure the lens of a touch screen media player that has an in built camera or video camera facility. This allows for the gun gaming apparatus 200 to be operable during playing of augmented reality games.
  • housing lock 202 allows for a touch screen media player to be easily secured in and removed from the housing casing 203.
  • the housing casing would be composed of an anti-shock material so as to further protect the housed touch screen media player in case the user dropped the gun gaming apparatus 200.
  • gun gaming apparatus 300 as shown in figure 3, there is shown the gun gaming apparatus 300 in operation in a hand held configuration where by the user 302 is able to grip a handle of gun gaming apparatus 300 and activate the activation means simultaneously, preferably with one hand.
  • the mechanism for gun gaming apparatus 300 is located in mechanism housing 303.
  • the gaming apparatus mechanism (not shown in figure 3) of gun gaming apparatus 300 provides the operational link between the interaction means 106 and activation means 102 as shown in figure 1 .
  • the mechanism may be used to translate the actuation of an actuator into movement of the interactor to contact the touch screen.
  • the gaming apparatus mechanism when the activation means 102 is operated by the user i.e. the trigger is pulled, the gaming apparatus mechanism is activated which in turn causes the interaction means 106 to interact with the secured touch screen media player / telecommunications phone.
  • the mechanism of gun gaming apparatus 300 will be a non - electrical, mechanical apparatus.
  • the gun mechanism will comprise a spring loaded mechanism, an example of which will be described below.
  • the mechanism may also be that of a gear system or a cable system.
  • the mechanism may be any mechanical means which allows manipulation of the interaction means by actuation of the activation means.
  • the interaction means 106 may be coupled to the activation means 102 either directly or indirectly.
  • the mechanism for operation of gun gaming apparatus 300 maybe and electrical mechanism.
  • This maybe in the form a circuit, whereby closure of the circuit by the user operating activation means 102 generates an electrical signal which causes the interaction means to cooperate with the touch screen of a media player /
  • the gaming apparatus may be battery or solar powered in order to provide a power source.
  • Figure 4 is a cut away side elevation partly in cross section of a gun gaming toy showing an example of a mechanism providing an operational link between the activator or activation means and the interactor or interaction means.
  • the apparatus 100 of figure 3 comprises handle 101 , activator or activation means 102, housing 104 for touch screen media player and interactor or interaction means 106.
  • the activator 102, interactor 106 and media player housing 104 extend from apparatus casing 401 , shown in cross section.
  • the activator 102 is pivotably mounted in the casing 401 on a fixed pivot axis 402 so that the pivot axis is perpendicular to the direction of travel of the activator 102, i.e. the pivot axis extends transversely across the casing.
  • the interactor 106 is also pivotably mounted in the casing 401 on a fixed pivot axis 403 so that the pivot axis is perpendicular to the direction of travel of the activator 102, i.e. the pivot axis extends transversely across the casing 401 .
  • the interactor 106 and activator 102 may be mounted on respective spindles that extend internally from the casing 401 .
  • the spindles may be fixed to opposite walls of the casing or they may be attached to one wall only.
  • a push rod 404 is pivotably mounted to both the interactor 106 and activator 102.
  • One end of push rod 404 is attached to the activator 102 so as to be pivotable about axis 405 and the other end of push rod 404 is attached to the interactor 106 so as to be pivotable about axis 406. Both axes 405 and 406 extend transversely across the casing 401 .
  • the push rod 404 is not fixed with respect to the casing.
  • the trigger returns to its normal position as shown in figure 4 under the operation of a return spring 408 which has one end 408a fixed to the casing (or fixed with respect to the casing) and one end 408b fixed to the activator 102. In this normal or rest position there is a space between the interactor and the media player 450.
  • This particular mechanism is designed for use with a screen using capacitive sensing of touch. It will be suitable for a touch screen that uses sensing technology that detects a change in an electrical parameter at a point or area on the screen.
  • the activator 102 has a metal or other conductive pad 410 at the surface that will be contacted by the finger of the user in use; the interactor has a conductive pad 41 1 at the surface that will contact the touch screen in use and the pads 410 and 41 1 are electrically connected by wire 413.
  • the wire 413 may be carried in a plastic or other insulating tube. It may pass through the activator 102 and the interactor 106. Alternatively, depending on the availability of space in the casing 401 , it may be mounted inside the casing 401 on the outside of the activator 102 and the interactor 106 respectively.
  • the wire When the interactor is in contact with the screen or its protective cover, the wire carries electrical charge between the touch screen media player 450 and the activator 102.
  • the pad 410 may be a pad of electrically conductive foam so as to minimise impact damage to the screen of media player 450.
  • the pad 410 may also be formed from conductive foam although it is more likely that this pad would not have a resilient surface so that the apparatus would feel more realistic.
  • the trigger carries the conductive pad 410, the connecting wire 413 and the return spring 408.
  • the pad carried by the interactor When pulled it causes the pad carried by the interactor to contact the touch screen of media player 450 making a connection between the user and the screen.
  • the spring 408 pulls the activator back and therefore the interactor 106 to its rest position thereby breaking the connection since at this point pad 41 1 no longer contacts the screen of player 450.
  • Figure 5 shows an alternative gaming apparatus in the form of a steering wheel.
  • the steering wheel apparatus 500 of figure 5 comprises handle 501 , activator or activation means 502, additional activator or activation means 503, protective screen 504, housing or casing 505 and interaction means 506.
  • the steering wheel gaming apparatus 500 may comprise one or a combination of activators or activation means, including a button activation means 502 and / or a trigger activation means 503.
  • the user may grip the steering wheel gaming apparatus 500 around steering wheel handle 501 such that the users hand is in the operable vicinity of either activation means 502 or 503.
  • the activation means 502 and 503 can be located anywhere on the handle 501 .
  • the interaction means 506 is located at a position such that its free end is able to interact with touch screen of a media player / telecommunications phone, the media player / telecommunications phone being housed in the housing 505 and having a transparent protective screen 504.
  • the housing 505 will have a screenless window such that the display of a touch screen media player / telecommunications phone is visible to the user when encased in the housing 505.
  • a suitable linkage is provided to translate the operation of the button or trigger into contact between the interaction means 506 and the screen of the touch screen device 504. This could be a mechanical linkage equivalent to the one shown in figure 4.
  • the gaming apparatus may also be any other shape to enhance the realism and enjoyment of the tactile user interface of the game for which the gaming apparatus is being operated with for example, but not limited to, a wizard's wand, a steering wheel, a golf club or the like.
  • the embodiments as disclosed in figures 1 -4 disclose an interactive means whereby the interactive means is in the form of a hammer that is able to tap the screen of a touch screen media player
  • the interaction means may take any form which is able to provide an operative signal to the touch screen of media player.
  • the interaction means may comprise a vibration means, and infra-red signal or the like.
  • the gaming apparatus itself may have a vibratory effect when the activation means is operated by the user.
  • the housing 104 referred to in figure 1 maybe be adjustable in it positioning along the top of barrel of gun gaming apparatus 100. Alternatively the housing 104 may be positioned at the side of gun gaming apparatus 100.
  • the gaming apparatus may have a plurality of interactors or interaction means which may act to interact with the display screen of a touch screen media player either independently or simultaneously to cause multiple signals to be received by the touch screen.
  • the interaction means in the form of a hammer
  • the activation means may be operable to cause a dragging effect or tapping effect of the hammer on the display of the touch screen media player.
  • the principal of operating activation means which then causes a reaction at a touch screen is not limited to the field of gaming apparatus and is also applicable to other situations in which it would be useful to operate a touch screen device without actually having to touch it. There may be numerous situations in which it would be useful to be able to remotely control a touch screen device for example. One possibility is in underwater photography. Specific fields for application other than gaming include medical situations such as hospitals, where it might be useful to protect a media player by ensuring that it is not contacted by a human hand.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)
  • User Interface Of Digital Computer (AREA)

Abstract

A gaming apparatus for operation of a game, played on a gaming software of touch screen media player. The gaming apparatus comprises a housing, an activation means and an interaction means. The housing is configured to maintain a touch screen media player in an operable position, and the activation means is connectable with the interaction means. The interaction means is configured to be operated by the activation means, wherein upon application of a pressure to said activation means, said activation means operates said interaction means to cause a contact of said interaction means with a touch screen of a said touch screen media player to control operation of said game. The gaming apparatus shaped such that a said pressure can be applied to said activation means simultaneously to the gaming apparatus being gripped by a user. The shape of the gaming apparatus represents a tactile user interface corresponding with the nature of the game represented by the gaming software.

Description

GAMING APPARATUS
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to gaming apparatus.
Background to the Invention
Touch screen Media players and particularly portable media players are well known in the art. Portable media players are electronics devices capable of storing and playing digital media and software applications. Digital media includes audio, visual, images, videos, songs, sound recordings and other digital data forms. The media stored on digital media players are usually stored on hard drives, microdrives and flash memory. As well as digital media that can be played back, more recently, gaming applications and software have been combined with digital media players such that media players can also be used as tools for playing interactive games.
The generation of all-in-one devices for playing media and games has further transferred to the telecommunications world whereby telephones, and more particularly mobile telephones have been developed such that they can also act as interfaces for playing games, software, applications and media.
Due to significant advances in technology, a large number of media players have touch screen technology. These include tablet computing devices, telecommunications phones, cameras and more. Some such devices are hand held and some, such as phones, are designed to be held in one hand.
The expression "touch screen media player" as used in the following includes but is not limited to mobile communications devices including hand held devices (i.e. devices intended to be held in one hand), tablet computing devices, telecommunications phones, cameras and other devices that use touch screen technology.
Touch screen media players generally have a large display area which acts as the interface. In a typical touch screen media player the touch screen occupies more than 75% of a major surface of the device. A touch screen is an electronic visual display which acts to detect the touch or disturbance within the display area. The Apple® i-phone is an example of a mobile phone which operates with touch screen technology. In order to operate the majority of applications on an i-phone or other touch screen device, the user is required to touch the display area with their finger. However, with other touch screen devices, touch tools are also used, for example, a stylus.
Media players are usually hand held and with a touch screen device providing an advantage over non-touch screen devices as the user is able to interact with the function that they want to operate directly.
There are a number of touch screens which have been developed which all use slightly differing technology including but not limited to, a resistive touch screen, where the touch of the display screen causes and electrical current change, surface acoustic wave (SAW) technology which registers the change in ultrasonic waves passing over a display screen, capacitive technology which measures a change in capacitance and infra-red technology. In general a touch screen device comprises circuitry that is able to detect a change in state at the touch screen where it is touched.
The rise in popularity of touch screen media players has led to an increase in the development of gaming software and applications that are compatible with touch screen media players. The complexities of such games range from simple shooting games where the user has to tap a screen to fire a weapon, to more complex games which require a higher thought process and a variation of how the user touches the display area. For example the user may be required drag their finger over the display screen which may potentially cause a different gaming operation to that if they were to double tap the touch screen. There are now also available touch screen devices that are able to detect multiple simultaneous touches as well as single touches.
A relatively new type of gaming is that using augmented reality. Augmented reality is a term for a live direct or indirect view of a physical real-world environment whose elements are augmented by virtual computer generated imagery. One way of creating such augmented reality is the use of the camera or video camera facility of a touch screen media player, whereby the camera is able to view the landscape ahead of it and transmit the image on to the touch screen display. A gaming application or software can then be run allowing an overlay of computer generated images to set the scene for the game to be played. The disadvantage of the user playing such gaming applications or software on touch screen media players such as mobile phones is that the reality element and fun are taken out of the user's/gamer's experience if they operate the touch screen by a simple tap of their finger, whilst holding the device in its normal operable position. For example, the user will have a limited gaming experience if the game relates to a typical 'shoot 'em up' since the touch screen media player is not held or is operated in an action which relates to the action of a gun.
In consideration of the disadvantages described, there is a need for a device which enables a user to operate a touch screen of a media player such that the user has an increased reality experience of the software or application being played, without unduly restricting the usability of the touch screen in relation to the gaming software/application being played.
General
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided in the following gaming apparatus comprising: a housing configured to retain a touch screen media player in an operable position; activation means; and interaction means configured to be operated by the activation means such that in use upon application of pressure to said activation means said activation means operates said interaction means to cause a contact of said interaction means with a touch screen of a said touch screen media player retained in said housing to control operation of a game implemented by gaming software running on the touch screen media player.
The activation means may be connectable with the interaction means.
In some preferred embodiments the activation means and the interaction means are outside the housing. For example, if the apparatus is in the form of the gun the touch screen media player may be at the gun sighting and the activation and interaction means may comprise a trigger and hammer respectively. Thus apparatus according to the invention may comprise a chassis on which the housing is mounted and the activation means may be provided on a part of the chassis remote from the housing. In the case of a gun the handle and barrel would form the chassis.
More specifically there is provided a gaming apparatus for operation of a game, played on a gaming software of a touch screen media player comprising: a housing;
an activation means; an interaction means; said housing being configured to maintain a touch screen media player in an operable position; said activation means is connectable with said interaction means; said interaction means is configured to be operated by said activation means; wherein upon application of a pressure to said activation means, said activation means operates said interaction means to cause a contact of said interaction means with a touch screen of a said touch screen media player to control operation of said game; said gaming apparatus shaped such that a said pressure can be applied to said activation means simultaneously to the gaming apparatus being gripped by a user; and said shape of said gaming apparatus represents a tactile user interface corresponding with the nature of the game represented by a said gaming software.
The apparatus may be shaped such that a said pressure can be applied to said activation means simultaneously to the gaming apparatus being gripped by a user. The apparatus may be hand held and may be configured to accommodate a hand held media player.
The apparatus may comprise a mechanism linking the activation means and the interaction means. This mechanism may translate the movement of the activation means to movement of the interaction means. The activation means may be operable by movement in one direction to cause movement of the interaction means in a different direction. For example the direction of movement of the activation means may be opposite to the direction of movement of the interaction means. The activation means may be pulled towards the user to cause the interaction means to be moved away from the user, which would be suitable for example if the apparatus is in the form of a gun. The direction of movement of the activation means may parallel to the direction of movement of the interaction means, either in the same or the opposite direction.
The activation means may comprise a trigger means. The activation means may comprise a button means. The interaction means may comprise a hammer means. The apparatus is preferably configured such that the contact of the interaction means with the touch screen is configured to cause a change a state at the contact that is detectable by circuitry within the touch screen media player. In one embodiment said application of pressure to said activation means creates a nonelectrical communication signal to cause contact of said interaction means with a screen of a said touch screen media to induce an operative effect on said touch screen media player.
In another embodiment said application of pressure to said activation means creates an electrical communication signal to said interaction means to cause contact of said interaction means with a screen of a said touch screen media player to induce an operative effect on said touch screen media player.
In one embodiment the activation means comprises a conductive surface to which pressure is applied in use, the interaction means comprises a conductive surface arranged to contact the surface of the touch screen on activation of the activation means, and the respective conductive surfaces are electrically connected. This may be a wired connection or some other conductive path may be provided in the apparatus. This configuration is particularly useful for use with a capacitive touch screen device.
Preferably said housing comprises a casing configured to maintain a touch screen media player.
The housing may comprise a gripping means for holding and maintaining a said touch screen media player in a fixed position.
The housing may be configurable to maintain a said touch screen media player in one or a number of positions relative to said gaming apparatus. The interaction means may be configured to operate a resistive touch screen of a said media player.
The interaction means may be configured to generate a surface acoustic wave to operate a touch screen of a said media. The interaction means may be configured to operate a capacitive touch screen of a said media player.
The interaction means may be configured to operate an infra-red touch screen of a said media player.
It will be appreciated that the apparatus may be configured to cooperate with a game running on the touch screen media player presenting fictional features on the touch screen, such that when the touch screen is contacted by the interaction means, features on the touch screen are caused to react to the contact.
Thus there is also provided a kit comprising a computer readable medium comprising instructions which when implemented on a processor of a touch screen media player cause the player to run a game in which fictional features are presented on the touch screen and gaming apparatus as described above, in which the gaming apparatus and the game cooperate such that when the touch screen is contacted by the interaction means, features on the touch screen are caused to react to the contact.
Preferably said gaming apparatus is substantially composed of plastic.
Preferably said gaming apparatus is shaped as a toy gun.
Preferably said gaming apparatus comprised of a toy gun shape; wherein a sight of said toy gun configuration comprises said housing; said activation means comprises a trigger means, said interaction means comprises a hammer means and; upon application of a pressure to said trigger means, said trigger means operates said hammer means to cause a contact of said hammer means with a screen of a said touch screen media player to induce an operative effect on said touch screen media player.
The apparatus may comprise a steering wheel configuration; wherein a said activation means comprises a button, said interaction means comprises a hammer means and; upon application of a pressure to said button means, said button means operates said hammer means to cause a contact of said hammer means with a screen of a said touch screen media player to induce an operative effect on said touch screen media player. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a toy gun gaming apparatus for operation of a gaming software of a touch screen media player, said toy gun gaming apparatus comprising: a housing; a trigger; and an interaction means; wherein said housing is configured to maintain a said touch screen media player in an operable position; said trigger is connectable with said interaction means; said interaction means is configured to be operated by said activation means; and wherein upon application of a pressure to said trigger, said trigger operates said interaction means to cause a contact of said interaction means with a touch screen of a said touch screen media player to induce an operative effect on said touch screen media player, said toy gun gaming apparatus shape being configured such that a said pressure can be applied to said trigger simultaneously to the gaming apparatus being gripped by a user; and said toy gun gaming apparatus being further shaped to represent the tactile user interface corresponding with the nature of the game represented by a said gaming software.
The toy gun gaming apparatus may be hand held. The activation means may comprise a trigger means.
The activation means may comprise a button means. The said interaction means may comprise a hammer means. The interaction means may be comprises a pin means.
The interaction means comprises a fuse means.
Preferably said application of pressure to said trigger creates a non - electrical communication signal to cause contact of said interaction means with a screen of a said touch screen media player to induce an operative effect on said touch screen media player.
Maybe said application of pressure to said trigger creates an electrical communication signal to said interaction means to cause contact of said interaction means with a screen of a said touch screen media to induce an operative effect on said touch screen media player.
Preferably said housing comprises a casing configured to maintain a touch screen media player.
The housing may be configured to frame the touch screen media player in use.
The housing includes a protective screen for the touch screen of the media player. This screen may protect the screen from the impact of the interaction means. Thus even in this embodiment the interaction means and the activation means are outside the housing. Preferably said housing comprises a gripping means for holding and maintaining a said touch screen media in a fixed position.
Preferably said housing is configurable to maintain a said touch screen media player in one or a number of positions relative to said gaming apparatus.
Preferably said interaction means is configured to operate a resistive touch screen of a said media player.
Preferably said interaction means is configured to generate a surface acoustic wave to operate a touch screen of a said media. Preferably said interaction means is configured to operate a capacitive touch screen of a said media player.
Preferably said interaction means is configured to operate an infra-red touch screen of a said media player.
Preferably said toy gun gaming apparatus is substantially composed of plastic.
Brief Description of the Drawings
For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates schematically a side on perspective view of a gun gaming apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates schematically a top down view of a gun gaming apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates schematically a perspective view of a gun gaming apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a side elevation partly in cross section of a gun gaming toy showing an example of a mechanism providing an operational link between the activator or activation means and the interactor or interaction means.
Figure 5 illustrates schematically a front view of a steering wheel gaming apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description
There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventors. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the description.
Referring to figure 1 herein, gun gaming apparatus 100 comprises handle 101 , actuator or activation means 102 and 103, housing 104, protective screen 105, interactor or interaction means 106, and barrel 107.
Referring to figure 2 herein, gun gaming apparatus 200 comprises housing window 201 , housing lock 202 and housing casing 203.
Referring to figure 3 herein, gun gaming apparatus 300 comprises, interaction means 301 , user operation 302 and mechanism housing or casing 303.
It will be appreciated that features shown in connection with any one of the gaming apparatus 100, 200 and 300 can be used in combination with features of either of the other gaming apparatus.
Figure 1 shows an illustration of a gaming apparatus where the apparatus is in the form of a gun gaming apparatus 100. The gun configuration of the gaming apparatus would be particularly suitable to operate with touch screen media players and touch screen telecommunications phones with gaming software or applications which relate to shooting. However it should be considered the form and shape of the gaming apparatus is not limited to guns, rather may take various other shapes which may relate to the type of software / application being run on the touch screen media player / touch screen mobile phone. For example in alternate embodiment as illustrated in figure 4 the gaming apparatus may take the shape of a steering wheel gaming apparatus 400.
The gaming apparatus as described with reference to figures 1 to 3, is suitable for only touch screen media players or touch screen telecommunications phones which have the capability of running gaming software, and such that the game of the gaming software can be substantially played, operated or controlled by operation of the touch screen by the user. Touch screen telecommunications phones are a form of touch screen media players and will therefore be referred to herein simply as touch screen media player. However it should be noted that such software has uses beyond mere entertainment, such as in training. Thus the gun shown in the figures could be used in training users of weapons. A gun is generally known as a device used to project something under pressure, and more specifically known as a weapon with a barrel from which a missile is discharged.
Referring to figures 1 -3 and in a preferred embodiment, the gaming apparatus disclosed will be shaped as a gun, more specifically a toy gun. That is, the toy gun gaming apparatus will be an apparatus shaped as a gun and designed to be played with, that is a nonfunctioning replica of a gun.
In a preferred embodiment, the toy gun gaming apparatus will be suitable for children as well as adults.
The toy gun gaming apparatus may be shaped in any gun configuration for example but not limited to, a machine gun, a shot gun, a hand gun or the like. A real gun configuration usually comprises a handle for a user to grip, a trigger such that the user can operate the gun, a barrel through which a missile is fired following operation of the trigger, and hammer or interaction means which is connected to the trigger such that once the trigger is operated buy the user, the pulling of the trigger causes the interaction means to interact with a missile, with resultant force of the interaction means firing the missile down the barrel and out of the gun. Toy guns gaming usually comprise all of these components. Toy gun apparatus 100 also comprises a trigger 102 and/or 103, a hammer 106, a handle 101 and a barrel 107, however the operation of the trigger 102 and/or 103 by the user causes the hammer 106 to apply a force of pressure to the touch screen of a touch screen media player (not shown). Toy gun gaming apparatus 100 is not preferably configured to fire missiles from its barrel.
Preferably the toy gun gaming apparatus of figure 1 is not configured to fire missiles. The toy gun gaming apparatus may be externally shaped to replicate real life guns. Preferably, the toy gun gaming apparatus is shaped to replicate the fantastical guns similar to those represented in games of gaming software. An advantage of the gaming apparatus as illustrated in the figures is that the gaming apparatus is shaped to represent the tactile user interface corresponding with the nature of the game represented by the gaming software that the gaming apparatus operates via the touch screen media player. Preferably, the gaming apparatus as disclosed in the figures operate media players operated or partially operated by a touch screen and have a data storage capacity to store and run gaming software. An advantage of the gaming apparatus disclosed, and more specifically the toy gun gaming apparatus 100, is that the user's gaming experience is increased by the tactile configuration of the gaming apparatus to replicate the action in the game being played. For example, if the game of the gaming software being operated on the touch screen media player is that of a Mafia theme whereby the avitar or character in the gaming software that the user is operating has a machine gun which fires bullets, if the gaming apparatus is shaped to be configured as a toy machine gun gaming apparatus, and the toy gun gaming apparatus has a trigger means, then operation of the trigger means by the user will replicate the action of the character in the gaming software resulting in the trigger means 102 or 103 activating the interaction means 106 and therefore operating the touch screen media player such that the character in the gaming software fires the machine gun. Therefore, the user will have substantially replicated the tactile movement of the character in the game being played by the user.
The shaping of the gaming apparatus to replicate a feature or theme of a gaming software is advantageous, as this will inherently stimulate the somatosensory sensory system of the user particularly with respect to the sense of touch or tactility therefore increasing and enhancing the enjoyment as well as the perception of reality to the user.
Preferably, toy gun gaming apparatus 100 is shaped such that activation means 102 and/or 103 comprises a trigger such as to replicate the trigger of a gun. By replicating the trigger of a gun, when the user pulls on the trigger 102 and/or 103 in order to operate the interaction means 106 to contact with a touch screen of a touch screen media player the tactile feed back of pulling back the trigger creates a mechanical stimulation such that the users sense of touch by applying force to the trigger 102 and/or 103 causes a reality sensation to the user that the user is pulling the trigger of a gun which then corresponds to, for example, a gun being fired in the game of a gaming software itself.
The enhancement of users enjoyment or perception of reality may be increased further in a preferred embodiment whereby the toy gun gaming apparatus further comprises an electrical vibration source whereby the toy gun gaming apparatus vibrates upon operation of the activation means 102 and/or 103 by a user. In this respect, the toy gun gaming apparatus will enhance the haptic feedback gained from the game being played as a result of the sensory manipulation of the users sense of touch by toy gun gaming apparatus 100.
For example, if toy gun gaming apparatus 100 is used to operate a touch screen media player whilst the touch screen media player is running a "shoot 'em up" gaming software, the character being controlled the by the user in the gaming software will be carrying a gun such as to shoot other characters or objects in the gaming software.
Upon manipulation of the activation means 102 and/or 103, the interaction means 106 will operate the touch screen media player such that the interaction means 106 makes contact with the touch screen of a touch screen media player, therefore causing a signal to the touch screen media player such that the character in the gaming software fires their gun. In order to increase the tactile haptic feedback, in addition to the shape of the gaming apparatus being that of a gun gaming apparatus and the activation means 102 being configured and shaped to that of the trigger of a gun, the toy gun gaming apparatus 100 may also comprise a vibration means. The vibration means may operate such that the toy gun gaming apparatus 100 will vibrate when the character in the gaming software fires their gun. Interaction means 106 of toy gun gaming apparatus 100, is preferably shaped and configured to replicate the firing mechanism of a real gun. The replica 102 and/or 103 firing mechanism could be that of a hammer, a firing pin, a fuse or any other gun firing mechanism. The toy gun gaming apparatus 100 may comprise one or a number of activation means 102.
The gun gaming apparatus 100 is preferably made of plastic, or of the general material that children's toy replica guns are made out of due to the low manufacturing cost and durability. However some or all of the components of the gaming apparatus may be made of other materials such as rubber or metal.
In a preferred embodiment, the gaming apparatus is hand held. The user of gun gaming apparatus 100 is able to grip and maintain hold of the gun gaming apparatus via handle 101 . In order to operate gun gaming apparatus 100, the user is required to apply pressure to either activation means 102 or 103. The gaming apparatus may have one or a number of activation means. The activation means may provide the same or a different operable effect on the gaming apparatus. ln a preferred embodiment, gun gaming apparatus 100 has activation means 102 and / or 103 in the form of a trigger in order to replicate the action of a gun. However, the activation means 102 and / or 103 may be any other form of button, pullcord or the like. As the gun gaming apparatus is hand held and preferably operable by a single user, it is preferential for the handle 101 to be located within the vicinity of the activation means 102 or 103 such that the user can grip and operate the gun gaming apparatus 100 simultaneously.
Preferably, housing 104 is located at the sight of a gun, i.e. within the eyeline of the user, above the barrel of a gun. This is so that when the touch screen media player is stored in the housing, the user can view the display screen whilst the gun gaming apparatus 100 is being held.
In a preferred embodiment, housing 104 is in the form of a casing such that a touch screen media player / telecommunications phone can be encased within housing 104. Touch screen media player / telecommunications phones are generally of an expensive nature, therefore it is preferred that the housing can partially or wholly protect the touch screen media player / telecommunications phone being housed. In a preferred embodiment, housing 104 can be removed from gun gaming apparatus 100 such that the housing is interchangeable in order to accommodate for touch screen media players /
telecommunications phones of different shapes and sizes. Preferably, housing 104 comprises a protective screen 105 which fits above the display of the touch screen such that the touch screen is protected from scratches or damage, whilst still being able to respond to interaction of the touch screen with interaction means 106. The housing 104 may be a two part compartment of which the touch screen media player / phone could fit in to and then the two parts could clip together.
Alternatively, housing 104 may be in the form of a vice, clamp, or clip for securing a touch screen media player to gun gaming apparatus 100.
The housing 104 may be connected to gun gaming apparatus 100 by means of a fixed connection or alternatively on a pivotable, ball and socket, or any other connection means adapted such that the housing 104 can be moved or swivelled in different positions to changed the angle of the housing 104 with respect to the main body of gun gaming apparatus 104. Preferably, interaction means 106 is in the form of a hammer. Interaction means 106 may have a flat or pointed edge which is able to be intermittently touched against the touch screen display during operation. In a preferred embodiment the surface of the interaction means which touches the touch screen in use is covered with a buffer material such as foam so as to protect the surface of the touch screen.
It will therefore be appreciated that the protective screen 105 is not essential.
In all embodiments of the invention the interaction means will be appropriate to the technology employed by the particular touch screen for which the apparatus is designed. For example in the case of a screen that uses capacitive sensing it is preferred that the surface which contacts the touch screen is conductive. This can be achieved through the use of conductive foam. In a preferred embodiment, every time activation means 102 or 103 is operated by the user, the interaction means 106 is caused to move from a non-touching state to a state of touching the touch screen or a state of manipulation of the touch screen to cause a signal to be sent to the touch screen media player / telecommunications phone. Alternatively, every time activation means 102 or 103 is operated by the user, the interaction means 106 is caused to move from a touching state to a non touching state.
When the activation means is released by the user, the interaction means will then return back to its normal position.
Referring to figure 2, preferably the housing for a touch screen media player of gun gaming apparatus 200 comprises a housing casing 203, housing lock 202 and housing window 201 . The housing window is preferably positioned such that the housing casing 203 does not obscure the lens of a touch screen media player that has an in built camera or video camera facility. This allows for the gun gaming apparatus 200 to be operable during playing of augmented reality games.
Preferably housing lock 202 allows for a touch screen media player to be easily secured in and removed from the housing casing 203. In a preferred embodiment, the housing casing would be composed of an anti-shock material so as to further protect the housed touch screen media player in case the user dropped the gun gaming apparatus 200. Referring to gun gaming apparatus 300 as shown in figure 3, there is shown the gun gaming apparatus 300 in operation in a hand held configuration where by the user 302 is able to grip a handle of gun gaming apparatus 300 and activate the activation means simultaneously, preferably with one hand.
The mechanism for gun gaming apparatus 300 is located in mechanism housing 303. The gaming apparatus mechanism (not shown in figure 3) of gun gaming apparatus 300 provides the operational link between the interaction means 106 and activation means 102 as shown in figure 1 . The mechanism may be used to translate the actuation of an actuator into movement of the interactor to contact the touch screen.
Preferably, when the activation means 102 is operated by the user i.e. the trigger is pulled, the gaming apparatus mechanism is activated which in turn causes the interaction means 106 to interact with the secured touch screen media player / telecommunications phone. In a preferred embodiment the mechanism of gun gaming apparatus 300 will be a non - electrical, mechanical apparatus.
Ideally the gun mechanism will comprise a spring loaded mechanism, an example of which will be described below. However, the mechanism may also be that of a gear system or a cable system. The mechanism may be any mechanical means which allows manipulation of the interaction means by actuation of the activation means.
The interaction means 106 may be coupled to the activation means 102 either directly or indirectly.
Alternatively, the mechanism for operation of gun gaming apparatus 300 maybe and electrical mechanism. This maybe in the form a circuit, whereby closure of the circuit by the user operating activation means 102 generates an electrical signal which causes the interaction means to cooperate with the touch screen of a media player /
telecommunications phone. The gaming apparatus may be battery or solar powered in order to provide a power source.
Figure 4 is a cut away side elevation partly in cross section of a gun gaming toy showing an example of a mechanism providing an operational link between the activator or activation means and the interactor or interaction means. Like parts in figures 1 and 4 are indicated with like reference numerals. Thus, as with the gun gaming apparatus of figure 1 the apparatus 100 of figure 3 comprises handle 101 , activator or activation means 102, housing 104 for touch screen media player and interactor or interaction means 106. The activator 102, interactor 106 and media player housing 104 extend from apparatus casing 401 , shown in cross section.
The activator 102 is pivotably mounted in the casing 401 on a fixed pivot axis 402 so that the pivot axis is perpendicular to the direction of travel of the activator 102, i.e. the pivot axis extends transversely across the casing.
The interactor 106 is also pivotably mounted in the casing 401 on a fixed pivot axis 403 so that the pivot axis is perpendicular to the direction of travel of the activator 102, i.e. the pivot axis extends transversely across the casing 401 .
The interactor 106 and activator 102 may be mounted on respective spindles that extend internally from the casing 401 . The spindles may be fixed to opposite walls of the casing or they may be attached to one wall only. A push rod 404 is pivotably mounted to both the interactor 106 and activator 102. One end of push rod 404 is attached to the activator 102 so as to be pivotable about axis 405 and the other end of push rod 404 is attached to the interactor 106 so as to be pivotable about axis 406. Both axes 405 and 406 extend transversely across the casing 401 . The push rod 404 is not fixed with respect to the casing.
Thus when the activator is activated to rotate it in the anti-clockwise direction as shown, this is translated via the linkage comprising the push rod 404 to cause the interactor to be rotated in the clockwise direction to cause contact between the interactor and the screen of the media player 450 or a screen protecting the media player 450.
The trigger returns to its normal position as shown in figure 4 under the operation of a return spring 408 which has one end 408a fixed to the casing (or fixed with respect to the casing) and one end 408b fixed to the activator 102. In this normal or rest position there is a space between the interactor and the media player 450. This particular mechanism is designed for use with a screen using capacitive sensing of touch. It will be suitable for a touch screen that uses sensing technology that detects a change in an electrical parameter at a point or area on the screen. Thus the activator 102 has a metal or other conductive pad 410 at the surface that will be contacted by the finger of the user in use; the interactor has a conductive pad 41 1 at the surface that will contact the touch screen in use and the pads 410 and 41 1 are electrically connected by wire 413. The wire 413 may be carried in a plastic or other insulating tube. It may pass through the activator 102 and the interactor 106. Alternatively, depending on the availability of space in the casing 401 , it may be mounted inside the casing 401 on the outside of the activator 102 and the interactor 106 respectively. When the interactor is in contact with the screen or its protective cover, the wire carries electrical charge between the touch screen media player 450 and the activator 102.
The pad 410 may be a pad of electrically conductive foam so as to minimise impact damage to the screen of media player 450. The pad 410 may also be formed from conductive foam although it is more likely that this pad would not have a resilient surface so that the apparatus would feel more realistic.
It will be appreciated from the foregoing that the trigger carries the conductive pad 410, the connecting wire 413 and the return spring 408. When pulled it causes the pad carried by the interactor to contact the touch screen of media player 450 making a connection between the user and the screen. When the activator 102 is released the spring 408 pulls the activator back and therefore the interactor 106 to its rest position thereby breaking the connection since at this point pad 41 1 no longer contacts the screen of player 450.
Figure 5 shows an alternative gaming apparatus in the form of a steering wheel.
The steering wheel apparatus 500 of figure 5 comprises handle 501 , activator or activation means 502, additional activator or activation means 503, protective screen 504, housing or casing 505 and interaction means 506. Thus the steering wheel gaming apparatus 500 may comprise one or a combination of activators or activation means, including a button activation means 502 and / or a trigger activation means 503. The user may grip the steering wheel gaming apparatus 500 around steering wheel handle 501 such that the users hand is in the operable vicinity of either activation means 502 or 503. The activation means 502 and 503 can be located anywhere on the handle 501 . The interaction means 506 is located at a position such that its free end is able to interact with touch screen of a media player / telecommunications phone, the media player / telecommunications phone being housed in the housing 505 and having a transparent protective screen 504.
Alternatively the housing 505 will have a screenless window such that the display of a touch screen media player / telecommunications phone is visible to the user when encased in the housing 505.
A suitable linkage, not shown, is provided to translate the operation of the button or trigger into contact between the interaction means 506 and the screen of the touch screen device 504. This could be a mechanical linkage equivalent to the one shown in figure 4.
In all of the embodiments of the invention there may be implementations in which the interaction means is motor driven in response to operation of the activation means.
Numerous other possibilities will be apparent to one skilled in the art. Two specific examples of gaming apparatus have been described in the foregoing. The gaming apparatus may also be any other shape to enhance the realism and enjoyment of the tactile user interface of the game for which the gaming apparatus is being operated with for example, but not limited to, a wizard's wand, a steering wheel, a golf club or the like. Although the embodiments as disclosed in figures 1 -4 disclose an interactive means whereby the interactive means is in the form of a hammer that is able to tap the screen of a touch screen media player, the interaction means may take any form which is able to provide an operative signal to the touch screen of media player. For example, the interaction means may comprise a vibration means, and infra-red signal or the like.
In an alternative embodiment, the gaming apparatus itself may have a vibratory effect when the activation means is operated by the user.
The housing 104 referred to in figure 1 maybe be adjustable in it positioning along the top of barrel of gun gaming apparatus 100. Alternatively the housing 104 may be positioned at the side of gun gaming apparatus 100.
In an alternative embodiment, the gaming apparatus according to the present invention may have a plurality of interactors or interaction means which may act to interact with the display screen of a touch screen media player either independently or simultaneously to cause multiple signals to be received by the touch screen. When the interaction means in the form of a hammer, the activation means may be operable to cause a dragging effect or tapping effect of the hammer on the display of the touch screen media player.
It will be appreciated that the principal of operating activation means which then causes a reaction at a touch screen, such as the tapping of the touch screen by a mechanical device, is not limited to the field of gaming apparatus and is also applicable to other situations in which it would be useful to operate a touch screen device without actually having to touch it. There may be numerous situations in which it would be useful to be able to remotely control a touch screen device for example. One possibility is in underwater photography. Specific fields for application other than gaming include medical situations such as hospitals, where it might be useful to protect a media player by ensuring that it is not contacted by a human hand.

Claims

Claims
1 . Gaming apparatus comprising: a housing configured to retain a touch screen media player in an operable position; activation means; and interaction means configured to be operated by the activation means such that in use upon application of pressure to said activation means said activation means operates said interaction means to cause a contact of said interaction means with a touch screen of a said touch screen media player retained in said housing to control operation of a game implemented by gaming software running on the touch screen media player.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 shaped such that a said pressure can be applied to said activation means simultaneously to the gaming apparatus being gripped by a user.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 for use in conjunction with gaming software configured to run on a touch screen device in which
said shape of said apparatus represents a tactile user interface corresponding with the nature of a game represented said gaming software.
4. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said gaming apparatus is hand held.
5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the housing is configured to accommodate a hand held media player.
6. Apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising a mechanism linking the activation means and the interaction means.
7. Apparatus according to claim 6 in which the mechanism translates the movement of the activation means to movement of the interaction means.
8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the activation means is operable by movement in one direction to cause movement of the interaction means in a different direction.
9. Apparatus according to claim 8 in which the direction of movement of the activation means is opposite to the direction of movement of the interaction means.
10. Apparatus according to claim 8 or claim 9 in which the direction of movement of the activation means is parallel to the direction of movement of the interaction means.
1 1 . Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein said activation means comprises a trigger means.
12. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to10 wherein said activation means comprises a button means.
13. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein said interaction means comprises a hammer means.
14. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim configured such that the contact of the interaction means with the touch screen is configured to cause a change a state at the contact that is detectable by circuitry within the touch screen media player.
15. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein said application of pressure to said activation means creates a non - electrical communication signal to cause contact of said interaction means with a screen of a said touch screen media player to induce an operative effect on said touch screen media player.
16. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 -14 wherein said application of pressure to said activation means creates an electrical communication signal to said interaction means to cause contact of said interaction means with a screen of a said touch screen media player to induce an operative effect on said touch screen media player.
17. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14 in which the activation means comprises a conductive surface to which pressure is applied in use, the interaction means comprises a conductive surface arranged to contact the surface of the touch screen on activation of the activation means, and the respective conductive surfaces are electrically connected.
18. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said housing comprises a casing for a touch screen media player.
19. Apparatus according to claim 18 in which the housing is configured to frame the touch screen media player in use.
20. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the housing includes a protective screen for the touch screen of the media player.
21 . Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said housing comprises a gripping means for holding and maintaining a said touch screen media player in a fixed position.
22. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 20 wherein said housing is movable to maintain a said touch screen media player at multiple positions relative to said gaming apparatus.
23. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said interaction means are configured to operate a resistive touch screen of a said media player.
24. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 22 wherein said interaction means configured to generate a surface acoustic wave to operate a touch screen of a said media player.
25. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 22 wherein said interaction means are configured to operate a capacitive touch screen of a said media player.
26. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 22 wherein said interaction means are configured to operate an infra-red touch screen of a said media player.
27. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims configured to cooperate with a game running on the touch screen media player presenting fictional features on the touch screen, such that when the touch screen is contacted by the interaction means, features on the touch screen are caused to react to the contact.
28. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein said gaming apparatus is shaped as a toy gun.
29. A gaming apparatus according to claim28 wherein a sight of said toy gun configuration comprises said housing; said activation means comprises a trigger means, said interaction means comprises a hammer means; and
upon application of a pressure to said trigger means, said trigger means operates said hammer means to cause a contact of said hammer means with a screen of a said touch screen media player to induce an operative effect on said touch screen media player.
30. A gaming apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 27 wherein said gaming apparatus is shaped as a steering wheel.
31 . Apparatus as claimed in claim 30 wherein a said activation means comprises a button, said interaction means comprises a hammer means and;
upon application of a pressure to said button means, said button means operates said hammer means to cause a contact of said hammer means with a screen of a said touch screen media player .
32. A toy gun gaming apparatus for operation of a game, played on gaming software of a touch screen media player, said toy gun gaming apparatus comprising: a housing; a trigger; and an interaction means; wherein said housing is configured to retain said touch screen media player in an operable position; said interaction means is configured to be operated by said activation means; wherein upon application of a pressure to said trigger, said trigger means operates said interaction means to cause a contact of said interaction means with a touch screen of a said touch screen media player to control operation of said game; said toy gun gaming apparatus is shaped such that a said pressure can be applied to said trigger simultaneously to the toy gun gaming apparatus being gripped by a user; and said shape of said toy gun gaming apparatus represents a tactile user interface corresponding with the nature of the game represented by a said gaming software.
33. A toy gun gaming apparatus according to claim 32 wherein said gaming apparatus is hand held.
34. A toy gun gaming apparatus according to claim 32 or 33 wherein said trigger comprises a button means.
35. A toy gun gaming apparatus according to any of claims 32 to 34 wherein said interaction means comprises a hammer means.
36. A toy gun gaming apparatus according to any of claims 32 to 35 wherein said interaction means comprises a pin means.
37. A toy gun gaming apparatus according to any one of claims 32 to 36 wherein said interaction means comprises a fuse means.
38. A toy gun gaming apparatus according to any one of claims 32 to 37 wherein said application of pressure to said trigger creates a non - electrical communication signal to cause contact of said interaction means with a screen of a said touch screen media player or touch screen telecommunications phone to induce an operative effect on said touch screen media player.
39. A toy gun gaming apparatus according to any one of claims 32 to 38 wherein said application of pressure to said trigger creates an electrical communication signal to said interaction means to cause contact of said interaction means with a screen of a said touch screen media player or touch screen telecommunications phone to induce an operative effect on said touch screen media player.
40. A toy gun gaming apparatus according to any one of claims 32 to 39 wherein said housing comprises a casing configured to maintain a touch screen media player.
41 . A toy gun gaming apparatus according to any one of claims 32 to 40 wherein said housing comprises a gripping means for holding and maintaining a said touch screen media player in a fixed position.
42. A toy gun gaming apparatus according to any one of claims 32 to 41 wherein said housing configurable to maintain a said touch screen media player or touch screen telecommunications phone a one or a number of positions relative to said gaming apparatus.
43. A toy gun gaming apparatus according to any one of claims 32 to 42 wherein said interaction means configured to operate a resistive touch screen of a said media player.
44. A toy gun gaming apparatus according to any one of claims 32 to 43 wherein said interaction means configured to generate a surface acoustic wave to operate a touch screen of a said media player.
45. A toy gun gaming apparatus according to any one of claims 32 to 44 wherein said interaction means configured to operate a capacitive touch screen of a said media player.
46. A toy gun gaming apparatus according to any one of claims 32 to 45 wherein said interaction means configured to operate an infra-red touch screen of a said media player.
47. A kit comprising a computer readable medium comprising instructions which when implemented on a processor of a touch screen media player cause the player to run a game in which fictional features are presented on the touch screen and gaming apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the gaming apparatus and the game cooperate such that when the touch screen is contacted by the interaction means, features on the touch screen are caused to react to the contact.
PCT/GB2011/051400 2010-10-18 2011-07-22 Gaming apparatus WO2012052731A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB1017596.6A GB201017596D0 (en) 2010-10-18 2010-10-18 A gaming apparatus
GB1017596.6 2010-10-18
GB1104331.2 2011-03-15
GB1104331.2A GB2484759B (en) 2010-10-18 2011-03-15 A gaming apparatus

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2012052731A1 true WO2012052731A1 (en) 2012-04-26

Family

ID=43334016

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2011/051400 WO2012052731A1 (en) 2010-10-18 2011-07-22 Gaming apparatus

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (2) GB201017596D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2012052731A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2019241336A1 (en) * 2018-06-15 2019-12-19 Ivan Arbouzov Advanced gaming visualization system
CN113274718A (en) * 2021-06-03 2021-08-20 北京爱其科技有限公司 Gun based on augmented reality and implementation method of shooting type augmented reality

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2492968A (en) * 2011-07-15 2013-01-23 Blue Sky Designs Ltd Apparatus for generating vibrations to be detected by a portable media player
GB2502975B (en) * 2012-06-11 2019-11-27 Cathal John Osullivan A controller for a portable touchscreen device
WO2018007219A1 (en) * 2016-07-05 2018-01-11 Realfiction Aps Toy system arranged for presenting a mixed reality and a method of using said system

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1077135A (en) * 1913-06-05 1913-10-28 Edmundo Guerrero Mechanism for rotating and locking the cylinders of revolvers.
US20060256090A1 (en) * 2005-05-12 2006-11-16 Apple Computer, Inc. Mechanical overlay
US20090181737A1 (en) * 2003-12-11 2009-07-16 Eric Argentar Video Game Controller
US20100081505A1 (en) * 2008-09-30 2010-04-01 Apple Inc. Accessory for playing games with a portable electronic device
JP2010108464A (en) * 2008-10-29 2010-05-13 K Soft Enterprise Co Ltd Portable equipment

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6902483B2 (en) * 2002-04-01 2005-06-07 Xiao Lin Handheld electronic game device having the shape of a gun
JP4492481B2 (en) * 2005-08-16 2010-06-30 株式会社ニコン Camera housing
JP4989105B2 (en) * 2006-05-09 2012-08-01 任天堂株式会社 Game controller
US7909697B2 (en) * 2007-04-17 2011-03-22 Patent Catefory Corp. Hand-held interactive game
US8558796B2 (en) * 2009-05-07 2013-10-15 Headwater Partners Ii Llc Overlay keyboard for touch screen devices

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1077135A (en) * 1913-06-05 1913-10-28 Edmundo Guerrero Mechanism for rotating and locking the cylinders of revolvers.
US20090181737A1 (en) * 2003-12-11 2009-07-16 Eric Argentar Video Game Controller
US20060256090A1 (en) * 2005-05-12 2006-11-16 Apple Computer, Inc. Mechanical overlay
US20100081505A1 (en) * 2008-09-30 2010-04-01 Apple Inc. Accessory for playing games with a portable electronic device
JP2010108464A (en) * 2008-10-29 2010-05-13 K Soft Enterprise Co Ltd Portable equipment

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2019241336A1 (en) * 2018-06-15 2019-12-19 Ivan Arbouzov Advanced gaming visualization system
US10974134B2 (en) 2018-06-15 2021-04-13 Incyte Corporation Advanced gaming visualization system
CN112805075A (en) * 2018-06-15 2021-05-14 伊瓦·阿尔布佐夫 Advanced game visualization system
JP2021527548A (en) * 2018-06-15 2021-10-14 アルブーゾフ，イワン Advanced gaming visualization system
JP7381572B2 (en) 2018-06-15 2023-11-15 アルブーゾフ，イワン Advanced gaming visualization system
CN112805075B (en) * 2018-06-15 2024-04-16 伊瓦·阿尔布佐夫 Advanced game visualization system
CN113274718A (en) * 2021-06-03 2021-08-20 北京爱其科技有限公司 Gun based on augmented reality and implementation method of shooting type augmented reality

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201017596D0 (en) 2010-12-01
GB201104331D0 (en) 2011-04-27
GB2484759A (en) 2012-04-25
GB2484759B (en) 2012-11-21

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US9789391B2 (en) Method and apparatus for using a common pointing input to control 3D viewpoint and object targeting
US10564730B2 (en) Non-collocated haptic cues in immersive environments
WO2012052732A1 (en) Touch accessories for touch screen device
US9715278B2 (en) User interface device provided with surface haptic sensations
US20180341332A1 (en) Systems and Methods for a Shared Haptic Experience
US9134797B2 (en) Systems and methods for providing haptic feedback to touch-sensitive input devices
JP2019096347A (en) System and method for providing complex haptic stimulation during input of control gesture, and relating to control of virtual device
US8212820B2 (en) Virtual suction tool
JP5656382B2 (en) GAME PROGRAM AND GAME DEVICE
WO2012052731A1 (en) Gaming apparatus
CN106039704A (en) SMART SHELL for GAME CONTROLLER
AU2007317538A1 (en) Interfacing with virtual reality
KR20030009919A (en) Inputting device for computer game having inertial sense
US20090176571A1 (en) System for and method of operating video game system with control actuator-equipped stylus
US20140213365A1 (en) Gun-shaped game input handle of multi-functional mobile electronic device
JP5291305B2 (en) GAME PROGRAM AND GAME DEVICE
WO2018196552A1 (en) Method and apparatus for hand-type display for use in virtual reality scene
CN104656877A (en) Human-machine interaction method based on gesture and speech recognition control as well as apparatus and application of human-machine interaction method
JP6581341B2 (en) Information processing apparatus, information processing program, information processing method, and information processing system
CA3082508A1 (en) Controller with haptic feedback
GB2492968A (en) Apparatus for generating vibrations to be detected by a portable media player
US20050219214A1 (en) Computer mouse for video game
US12005346B2 (en) Simulation systems and methods including peripheral devices providing haptic feedback
CN215769661U (en) Emulation system including peripheral device providing haptic feedback
US11874964B1 (en) Glove

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 11757674

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 11757674

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1