US 8,012,025 B2 · Video game controller hub with control input reduction and combination schemes

Abstract

A video game controller hub receives a number of control input sets from an equal number of video game controllers, and provides a preferably smaller number of control input sets to a video game console. Each of the control input sets provided to the video game console by the controller hub is used to control a distinct on-screen entity, e.g. vehicle, character, or team. A number of players therefore collectively control a single on-screen entity. The reduction in the number of control input sets is performed according to reduction and combination schemes that are preferably specified by the user to suit a particular video game. The reduction in the number of control input sets increases the number of players that may concurrently participate in a video game without requiring support from the video game console or software, and the collaborative nature of the control of on-screen entities provides for exciting variations in game play.

Claims4

Dependent claims

A video game controller hub, comprising:

means for receiving at least three control input sets from a corresponding number of video game controllers, each of said control input sets comprising a plurality of control inputs;
means for reducing said control input sets to one reduced control input set according to a reduction scheme;
said means for reducing said control input sets comprising a configuration interface for specifying said reduction scheme as a mapping of said control input sets received by said video game controller hub onto said one reduced control input set;
said interface operable by at least one user of said video game controller hub to indicate how said control input sets are to be combined to control one on-screen entity depicted on a display device;
said mapping comprising an averaging of each said plurality of control inputs constituting said control input sets onto said one reduced control input set;
and
means for providing said one reduced control input set to a video game console;
wherein said one reduced control input set determines an action of said corresponding on-screen entity;
and
wherein said number of video game controllers collectively control said corresponding on-screen entity.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Video game controller hub with control input reduction and combination schemes

Life of this patent

Video game controller hub with control input reduction and combination schemes

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims4