U.S. Pat. No. 7,125,338

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED AND OTHER EMBODIMENTS

In the illustrated preferred embodiment, 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 drawings, there is shown a video gaming device in the form of a console1comprising a printer module2and Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) player module3. Connected to the console is an optional detachable controller module4as shown inFIG. 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 coupling5or mechanical interlocking.

The printer module2and DVD player module3are interconnected by means of connecting housing extensions6and7which hinge about pivots8as shown inFIG. 3. The lower connecting extension7preferably includes various input/output connectors and ports9for optionally connecting joysticks and other interactive 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 module3is able to accept storage means in the form of standard DVD game discs10as 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. 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 PCB11within the printer module2. The controller chip (also not shown) can be structured along the lines set out in Australian provisional application number PP7024, entitled ‘Image creation method and apparatus filed 9 Nov., 1998, the contents of which are again incorporated by cross reference. Batteries for driving the console are preferably located in the base of the DVD player module as shown by arrow12.

The printer module2is preferably constructed so as to simultaneously provide a closure for the DVD player module3. This is achieved by hinging the printer unit to the DVD module as shown. The printer module2comprises a base moulding14that is configured to fully enclose a DVD disk-receiving compartment15formed in the upper surface of the DVD player module3. The base moulding14is further configured to define an integral chassis structure16adapted on its under side to receive and locate an ink and paper cartridge18.

The upper surface of the chassis structure16is configured to support a printhead and ink distribution assembly19, print media feed mechanism20, and ink connecting hoses21, the latter linking ink outlet nozzles22on the chassis with ink inlet nozzles23provided on the printhead and ink distribution assembly19. The printer and DVD control PCB10is also supported on the chassis16and has flexible connections26extending therefrom to interconnect the DVD and printer control buttons27and28provided on a top cover moulding29.

Details of the printhead, ink distribution assembly and print media feed means are best illustrated inFIG. 8. The printhead, which is preferably in the form of a pagewidth ink jet printhead chip, is packaged with an ink distribution unit and printhead cover into a printhead module30. This module30is supported on a printhead chassis moulding32, and further includes a printhead capping mechanism33, paired drive rollers34and35, stepper motor36and an associated gear box37that engages the drive rollers34and35.

The preferred ink and paper cartridge is preferably in accordance with that described in the applicant's co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/436,508 the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In the alternate embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings the ink and paper cartridge comprises a casing40defining an upper print media storage region41adapted to hold a stack of paper cards or sheets42. A card-dispensing outlet is shown at43. The lower portion of the casing defines an ink supply region45that is separated internally into four sections each of which connect with piercable ink supply outlets46. Upon installation, these outlets46are pierced by formations in the underside of the base moulding so that ink flows from the cartridge to the outlet nozzles on the chassis16, via connecting hoses21, to the printhead and ink distribution assembly19.

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 DVD48is inserted into the DVD player module3. Appropriate controllers are then selected. These may be the detachable controller module1as shown inFIG. 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 game 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 that 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 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 can 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.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the present invention as shown without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. Accordingly, the present embodiment is to be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive.