Video game console incorporating a printer apparatus

VIDEO GAME CONSOLE INCORPORATING A PRINTER APPARATUS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to printing devices and more particularly to printing device applications and associated componentry such as print media cartridges and the like.

Specifically, the present invention relates to a video game console device including:

means to receive video game storage media for execution by said console;

a processor for executing said video games stored on said storage media;

connectors to enable operational interaction from control devices during execution of said video games; and a printer module including a printhead, ink supply unit, and print media feed means;

said printer apparatus being operatively associated with said processor to print out on to print media images relevant to said video games.

Background of the Invention

The invention has been developed in the preferred forms to utlize drop-ondemand inkjet printing technology and are described hereinafter on this basis. However, in most instances the inventive aspects are equally applicable to systems utilizing other preferably compact printing systems.

Disclosure of the Invention

The invention relates to a video game console device including: means to receive video game storage media for execution by said console; a processor for executing said video games stored on said storage media; connectors to enable operational interaction from control devices during execution of said video games; and a printer module including a printhead, ink supply unit, and print media feed means; said printer apparatus being operatively associated with said processor to print out on to print media images relevant to said video games.

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In one embodiment of the invention, the video game console device includes an integral internal print media supply unit. The print media is in the form of sheets of paper or card and images are printed out on substantially business card size sheets of paper or card. In another embodiment, the print media and ink supply unit are housed in a replaceable cartridge assembly and the cartridge includes a print media feed roller device that interacts with a print media feed mechanism provided within the console.

In one embodiment of the invention, printhead of the video game console device comprises an inkjet printhead wherein the inkjet printhead comprises a pagewidth array of ink ejection nozzles which eject ink by means of a series of actuators, wherein said actuators are thermal bend actuators. In another embodiment the printhead is formed by a MEMS processing technique.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the storage media comprises a Digital Video Disk (DVD) executable by a DVD player module. In some embodiments the storage media comprises a CD-ROM. In another embodiment, the storage media comprises a semiconductor memory cartridge.

In one embodiment of the invention, the video game console device includs a detachable controller module incorporating a variety of interactive control devices, wherein the controller module is releasably connected with the console by means of a magnetic coupling.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Preferred examples of the inventions will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment video game console according to the invention with detachable controller module, illustrating a printed card being ejected from the integral printer;

Fig. 2 is a front perspective view of the console comprising printer module and DAD module with the top controller module removed;

Fig. 3 is a rear perspective of the console shown in figure 2;

Fig. 4 is a front view of the console shown in figures 2 and 3;

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Fig. 5 is a side view of the console assembly shown in figure 4;

Fig. 6 is an exploded front perspective view of the console assembly shown in figures 2 to 6;

Fig. 7 is a front perspective view of the console with the printer module top cover removed;

Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the printer apparatus including the printhead, print media feed mechanism and printhead ink distribution assembly but excluding the ink supply;

Fig. 9 is a front perspective view of the console showing the printer module in the raised position for insertion of the print media and ink supply cartridge; and

Fig. 10 is a schematic view of the assembly shown in figure 9 illustrating insertion of a DVD into the DVD player module.

Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to figures 1 to 10 of the accompanying drawings.

In the illustrated preferred embodiment according to the inventive aspect, there is provided a video game player which includes an integral printer which is able to print out, preferably on business card sized cards, information which enhances the interactivity of the video game.

Turning to the figures, there is shown a video game console 1 comprising a printer module 2 and Digital Video Disk (DVD) player module 3. Connected to the console is an optional detachable controller module 4 as shown in figure 1. The detachable controller module can communicate with the console by any suitable means including wireless systems such as “Bluetooth” or cable etc. and can be releasably secured to the console by any suitable means including magnetic coupling 5, see figure 2 or mechanical interlocking.

The printer module 2 and DVD player module 3 are interconnected by means of connecting housing extensions 6 and 7 which hinge about pivots 8 as shown in figure

3. The lower connecting extension 7 preferably includes various input/output connectors and ports 9 for optionally connecting joy sticks and other interactive /2 devices. A video outlet port is also provided for connection with standard video type devices as is common in the art. Further ports can also be provided for an external power source or other devices such as sound systems to be interconnected to the console.

The DVD player module 3 is able to take standard DVD games disks as is becoming popular in the industry. The DVD player is interconnected to a high end processor (not shown) which can be constructed along similar lines to standard high end video game processors or along the lines of that discussed in PCT Patent Application No. PCT/AU98/00544 (WO 99/04368), the contents of which are specifically incorporated herein by cross reference. The processor in turn utilizes memory for standard video game functions and interacts with the print controller chip which is also preferably housed with the high end processor on PCB 11 (figure 6) within the printer module 2. Batteries for driving the console are preferably located in the base of the DVD player module as shown by arrow 12.

The printer module 2 is preferably constructed so as to simultaneously provide a closure for the DVD player module 3. This is achieved by hinging the printer unit to the DVD module as shown. The printer module 2 comprises a base molding 14 that is configured to fully enclose a DVD disk receiving compartment 15 formed in the upper surface of the DVD player module 3. The base molding 14 is further configured to define an integral chassis structure 16 adapted on its under side to receive and locate an ink and paper cartridge 18.

The upper surface of the chassis structure 16 is configured to support a printhead and ink distribution assembly 19, print media feed mechanism 20, and ink connecting hoses 21, the latter linking ink outlet nozzles 22 on the chassis with ink inlet nozzles 23 provided on the printhead and ink distribution assembly 19. The printer and DVD control PCB 10 is also supported on the chassis 16 and has flexible connections 26 extending therefrom to interconnect the DVD and printer control buttons 27 and 28 provided on a top cover molding 29.

Details of the printhead, ink distribution assembly and print media feed means are best illustrated in figure 8. The printhead, which is preferably in the form of a pagewidth inkjet printhead chip, is packaged with an ink distribution unit and /2 printhead cover into a printhead module 30. This module 30 is supported on a printhead chassis molding 32, and further includes a printhead capping mechanism 33, paired drive rollers 34 and 35, stepper motor 36 and an associated gear box 37 that engages the drive rollers 34 and 35.

In the alternate embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings the ink and paper cartridge comprises a casing 40 defining an upper print media storage region 41 adapted to hold a stack of paper cards or sheets 42. A card dispensing outlet is shown at 43. The lower portion of the casing defines an ink supply region 45 which is separated internally into four sections each of which connect with piercable ink supply outlets 46. On installation, these outlets 46 are pierced by formations in the underside of the base molding so that ink flows from the cartridge to the outlet nozzles on the chassis 16, via connecting hoses 21, to the printhead and ink distribution assembly 19.

In yet another embodiment, the printer unit and print media container can be snap fitted into the console.

In use, the console is connected to a video device and a DVD 48 is inserted into the DVD player module 3. Appropriate controllers are then selected. These may be the detachable controller module 1 as shown in figure 1, or alternatively other external interactive controllers. The printer can then be operated during execution of the program in the DVD either manually or automatically as discussed in more detail below.

It will be evident to those skilled in the art that the preferred embodiment provides for a video games system enabling print on demand cards. These cards can be utilized for a number of purposes. Firstly, the video game can, at certain predetermined levels, print out a series of'brag cards'. These can provide a high resolution picture which can only be achieved at a certain point in the game. The brag cards can be personalised with the game players name, score, chosen character, accumulated wealth or objects, etc. The cards could also include a photographic likeness where the video game arrangement includes an optional image sensor (not shown). With such an option, the brag cards could also be personalised with a photographic likeness mapping on to 3D characters etc.

The DVD player can be adapted to play standard DVD movies in addition to /2 being configured to read CD-ROMs so as to provide information from encyclopaedias, maps etc provided by other CD-ROMs or DVD disks. In this manner, images from DVD movies and information from such CD-ROM or DVD repositories can be printed out. It should be noted that while the preferred form uses a DVD player or drive, the interactive programs may be stored on CD-ROM or on semiconductor memory cartridges, the latter being popularly used with pocket sized prior art video game devices.

Additionally, although the preferred embodiment described is designed for optional use with non portable external display and control devices, the game storage medium, controls, game processor, screen, audio and printer may all be housed in the same housing, and this may be pocket sized if required.

Where educational software is provided, the printer can be utilized to print out standard award certificates or diplomas upon reaching various levels. Such a system provides for an ideal incentive for children utilizing the system to become further involved in educational software running on the system. The utilization of the printer also allows parents to monitor children in the utilization of the device through, for example, the demanding of certain information or diploma certificates being printed out at various steps before the device is able to be utilized as a game playing machine. The arrangement can be synergistic between the game playing and educational software, where the educational software prints out a code or clue for utilization by the user in playing the games. Of course, many other interactive uses can be provided.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated that it can be embodied in many other forms.

Material which is outside the scope of the claims does not constitute part of the claimed invention.