US 8,939,838 B2Granted

Accessory for playing games with a portable electronic device

AssigneeApple Inc.

InventorsBrett Gregory Alten, Sanjay Sadanand Gadkari

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Abstract

Circuits, methods, and apparatus that provide user interfaces for playing games on portable electronic devices. One example provides a game accessory having input controls for playing video, audio, and other types of games. The game accessory can have input controls, such as buttons, joysticks, and D-pads. Another example provides a game accessory having a thumb pad or keyboard. Other possible features include microphones, cameras and camera lenses, speakers, a second screen, rumble, and motion detection. The game accessory may have a recess sized to fit the portable electronic device. Inserts or removable adapters can be used to fit portable electronic devices having different sizes. The portable electronic device can be held in the accessory using sliding covers, clips, or other engaging members. In other examples, the accessory can communicate with another accessory for head-to-head game play. The accessory may include circuitry for power, identification, and authorization.

Claims13

Dependent claims

A game accessory to attach to a portable electronic device, the game accessory comprising:

a body;
a recess formed in the body and sized to physically receive an entire width or length of the portable electronic device;
a plurality of input controls positioned on the body outside of the recess such that the plurality of input controls may be actuated by a user while playing a game with the portable electronic device inserted in the recess;
first circuitry to communicate information relating to manipulation of the plurality of input controls to the portable electronic device;
second circuitry configured to authenticate the game accessory with the portable electronic device;
a connector insert to mate to a connector receptacle located on the portable electronic device, the connector insert and the connector receptacle forming a path for the communication;
and
a battery configured to provide power to both the game accessory and the portable electronic device,
wherein the portable electronic device includes a screen,
wherein the game provides a graphics image on the screen,
wherein the game runs on a processor located on the portable electronic device.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 12/242,221Filed 30 Sep 2008
Published: US 2010/0081505 A11 Apr 2010
Granted: 27 Jan 2015
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification22 codes

A63F 13/95
Constructional details or arrangements of video game devices not provided for in groups A63F13/20 or A63F13/25, e.g. housing, wiring,…
A63F 13/24
Input arrangements for video game devices: constructional details thereof, e.g. game controllers with detachable joystick handles
G06F 1/1632
For portable computers: external expansion units, e.g. docking stations
A63F 13/211
Characterised by their sensors, purposes or types: using inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers or gyroscopes