REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to Provisional Applic. No. 63/320,964, filed on March 17, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates generally to gaming furniture. More particularly, the invention relates to a gaming chair controller.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Playing video games is a popular recreational activity. Gaming chairs are frequently used while playing video games because the gaming chairs enable the person to not only sit in comfort while playing the video games but also enables the person to move while playing the video games.

[0004] The gaming chairs are frequently connected to the gaming system. Such connection enables sounds associated with the video game being played to be emitted from speakers on the gaming chair. To further enhance the person’s experience while playing video games when sitting on the gaming chair, the gaming chairs may emit vibrations and/or illuminate lights at certain times while the video game is being played.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] An embodiment of the invention is directed to a gaming chair controller operably mounted to a gaming chair that can include a light and a speaker. The gaming chair controller can include a light control, a sound control and a display. The light control is capable of controlling emission of light from the light. The sound control is capable of controlling emission of sound from the speaker. The display is capable of displaying and changing an operational status of the light control and the sound control.

[0006] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a smart gaming chair that includes a gaming chair and a gaming chair control panel. The gaming chair can include a light and a speaker. The gaming chair controller can include a light control, a sound control and a display. The light control is capable of controlling emission of light from the light. The sound control is capable of controlling emission of sound from the speaker. The display is capable of displaying and changing an operational status of the light control and the sound control.

[0007] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method of using a smart gaming chair. A gaming chair is provided that includes at least one of a light and a speaker. A gaming chair controller is provided on the gaming chair. The gaming chair controller is used to control an operational status of the at least one of the light and the speaker. A remote control is used to control the operational status of the at least one of the light and speaker. A mobile communication device is used to controller the operation status of the at least one of the light and the speaker.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of embodiments and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments and together with the description serve to explain principles of embodiments. Other embodiments and many of the intended advantages of embodiments will be readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other.

Like reference numerals designate corresponding similar parts. [0009] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a gaming chair with a gaming chair controller according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0010] Fig. 2 is a front view of a gaming chair controller according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0011] Fig. 3 is a front view of an alternative configuration of the gaming chair controller.

[0012] Fig. 4 is a front view of another alternative configuration of the gaming chair controller.

[0013] Fig. 5 is a display on the gaming chair controller illustrating selection of equalizer mode game.

[0014] Fig. 6 is the display on gaining chair controller after the equalizer mode game has been selected.

[0015] Fig. 7 is the display on the gaming chair controller illustrating selection of audio mode stereo.

[0016] Fig. 8 is the display on the gaming chair controller after selection of the audio mode stereo.

[0017] Fig. 9 is the display on the gaming chair controller illustrating selection of custom mode.

[0018] Fig. 10 is the display on the gaming chair controller after selection of the custom mode.

[0019] Fig. 11 is the display on the gaming chair controller illustrating selection of the light button

[0020] Fig. 12 is a display of a color illumination selection screen on a mobile communication device [0021] Fig. 13 is a display of a custom single color illumination selection screen on the mobile communication device.

[0022] Fig. 14 is a display of an illumination brightness control screen on the mobile communication device.

[0023] Fig. 15 is a display of an illumination mode customization screen on the mobile communication device.

[0024] Fig. 16 is a display of a custom illumination screen on the mobile communication device.

[0025] Fig. 17 is a display of a music control screen on the mobile communication device.

[0026] Fig. 18 is a display of a microphone recording and lighting customization screen on the mobile communication device.

[0027] Fig. 19 is a display of settings screen on the mobile communication device.

[0028] Fig. 20 is a remote control for use in conjunction with an embodiment of the gaming chair controller.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] An embodiment of the invention is directed to a gaming chair controller for a gaming chair, which is illustrated at 10 in Fig. 1. The invention provides the person using the gaming chair with an enhanced tactile user experience as compared to prior art gaming chairs. [0030] It is possible to customize the audio output from the gaming chair 10 to emphasize certain aspects of the sound such as from the video game being played. For example, increasing low end audio can be used to enhance the ability of the person playing the video game to hear certain ambient sounds. Such adjustments are possible using predefined sound profiles. It is possible for the user to create customized sound profiles such as for use in conjunction with particular video games.

[0031] Similarly, it is possible for the user to select predefined lighting profiles or create custom lighting profiles for a variety of situations such as for use in conjunction with particular video games.

[0032] The invention provides multiple options for controlling the operation of the gaming chair 10 such as using the gaming chair controller 24 on gaming chair 10 (illustrated in Fig. 1), a remote control (illustrated in Fig. 20) or a mobile communication device (illustrated in Figs. 12-19).

[0033] Through the use of multiple options for controlling the operation of the gaming chair 10, users are provided with a failsafe such that it is possible to continue using the gaming chair 10 even if there is an issued with one of the control options.

[0034] For example, if the user is sitting in the gaming chair 10 and cannot see the gaming chair controller 24, it is possible to use the remote control or the mobile communication device. Alternatively, if there is an issue with the batteries in the remote control or the mobile communication device, it is possible to use the gaming chair controller 24 on the gaming chair 10.

[0035] In certain embodiments, each of the control options may include a similar ability to control operation of the sound and lighting on the gaming chair 10. In other embodiments, certain control options may provide an enhanced ability to control operation of the sound and lighting on the gaming chair 10. For example, in certain embodiments, the mobile communication device may provide an enhanced ability to control the audio or lighting as compared to the gaming chair controller 24 on the gaming chair.

[0036] The gaming chair controller 24 may also include alternate mechanisms for changing sound and/or lighting such as using a touchscreen, pressing buttons or turning a knob as is described in more detail herein. Certain control options may facilitate control while the user is sitting in the gaming chair 10 and other control options may be better suited for when the user is looking at the gaming chair controller 24.

[0037] The gaming chair 10 may include a seat portion 20 and a back portion 22. While not illustrated, the gaming chair 10 may include a base that supports the gaming chair above a ground surface. The gaming chair 10 may also include at least one armrest 26 attached to at least one of the seat portion 20 and the back portion 22.

[0038] An embodiment of the gaming chair controller 24, which is illustrated in Fig. 2, generally includes a power switch 30 and a receptacle 32 that may be used to connect to a power source. In one configuration, the gaming chair controller 24 include a volume control knob 34 but a person of skill in the art will appreciate that alternative mechanisms may be used to change the volume of sound emitted from the speakers in the gaming chair 10.

[0039] The gaming chair controller 24 includes a display 36. In one configuration, the display 36 has at least one displayed button that can be used in configuring the operation of the gaming chair 10. The gaining chair controller 24 may also include a plurality of connectors such as a headphone connector 38, an input connector 40, an output connector 42 and a USB connector 44.

[0040] The display 36 may also include a volume indicator. The volume indicator may display the current volume in at least one of a graphical format and a numeric format. The display 36 may also have a connection identifier to indicate that manner in which the gaming chair controller is communicating with other devices such as a gaming system. Examples of connections include Bluetooth and wired. The connection identifier may display the connection in at least one of an image and text.

[0041] Other embodiments of the gaming chair controller 24, which are illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, include a power switch 30 and a volume control knob 34. In addition to rotating the volume control knob 34 to change the volume emitted from the speakers in the gaming chair 10, the volume control knob 34 may be pressed inwards to select features as is discussed in greater detail herein.

[0042] Alternatively or additionally, the gaming chair controller 24 may include a select button 50, a left arrow button 52 and a right arrow button 54, which in one configuration are positioned below the display 36. The select button 50, the left arrow button 52 and the right arrow button 54 may be used to select different features of the gaming chair controller 24 is discussed in more detail herein.

[0043] Similar to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2, the gaming chair controller 24 may include at least one of an input connector 40, an output connector 42 and a USB connector 44. The gaming chair controller 24 may also include a menu or mode select button 46.

[0044] The display 36 may have a variety of configurations using the concepts of the invention. In one embodiment, the display 36 is an LCD display. In addition or as an alternative to using the knob 34 of the buttons 50, 52, 54, it is possible for the display 36 to be a touchscreen such that the person using the gaming chair 10 can navigate and change features of the gaming chair 10 by touching the display 36.

[0045] Pressing the EQ MODE GAME button on the display 36, as illustrated in Fig.

5, causes equalizer game mode commands to be displayed as illustrated in Fig. 6. From this display, it is possible to select different equalizer modes such as game mode, music mode and movie mode.

[0046] The audio mode may enable activation or deactivation of features such as DTS surround sound. Using this type of surround sound may enhance the sound quality without the need for the gaming chair 10 to include additional speakers.

[0047] The Audio modes provide alternative sound profiles that are enhanced for the content that is being consumed by the user. In game mode, audio provides clearer stereo audio and low end. In the movie mode speech may be enhanced as opposed to background audio. In music mode the treble and bass may be enhanced to provide a better experience for music.

[0048] Pressing the AUDIO MODE STEREO button on the display 36, as illustrated in Fig. 7, causes the audio features menu to be displayed as illustrated in Fig. 8. From this display, it is possible to select different audio configurations such as switching from stereo sound to surround sound or privacy mode.

[0049] In the privacy mode, the speakers are turned off and instead audio is routed through a connected gaming headset that provides voice and game audio. The speakers turn off to provide a listening experience that does not impact users elsewhere in the room or household who are not using the chair.

[0050] The audio mode may be used to emphasize certain aspects of the sound. For example, using the surround sound, the sounds coming from behind the person may be emphasized as compared to sounds coming from in front of the person. In a combat game, the person may want to be particularly aware of footsteps of enemies approaching from behind.

[0051] Pressing the CUSTOM button on the display 36, as illustrated in Fig. 9, causes the customization menu to be displayed as illustrated in Fig. 10. From this display, it is possible to increase/decrease the bass and treble such as by moving a slider.

[0052] Pressing the LIGHT button on the display 36, as illustrated in Fig. 11 , causes the gaming chair light to be turned on/off. In other embodiments, pressing the LIGHT BUTTON causes a light customization menu to be displayed. From this display, it is possible to change various aspects of the illumination such as illumination color and brightness on the display 36 or other aspects of the gaming chair 10. In certain embodiments, the color is the background color of the display 36. In other embodiments, additional colors may be selected such as the colors in which the gaming chair 10 is illuminated. [0053] The display 36 may also include an error mode that is used for troubleshooting when features of the gaming chair 10 are not correctly working. The error mode may display a code that can be used by technical support to help fix the problem. The error mode may also display how the user can contact customer support such as through as webpage or a telephone number.

[0054] Through the use of the error mode, it is possible for the manufacturer, distributor and/or retailer to more quickly resolve issues relating to the operation of the gaming chair 10. Such results not only reduce customer support costs such as by avoiding returns but also increase user satisfaction with the gaming chair because the user is able to resume use of the gaming chair more quickly than was previously possible.

[0055] In addition to controlling the operation of the gaming chair 10 using the controller panel 24 that is mounted to the gaming chair 10, it is possible to control the operation of the gaming chair 10 using a mobile communication device such as with an application that is installed on the mobile communication device. While it is possible for a wired connection between the mobile communication device and the gaming chair 10, in many instances, a wireless connection will be provided between the mobile communication device and the gaming chair 10. Examples of wireless communication techniques that may be used to communicate between the gaming chair 10 and the mobile communication device 60 include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFC.

[0056] The control panel 24 can be further enhanced with a low latency Bluetooth audio connection, providing an audio signal that closely matches closely with the visual of the game or movie when viewed on screen.

[0057] The mobile communication device may be used to view operating instructions for the gaming chair 10 by selecting a button on the mobile communication device. The mobile communication device may also be used to select the connectivity between the gaming chair 10 and the gaming system (not shown) on which the video game is being played.

[0058] The mobile communication device may also be used to control aspects of the operation of the gaming chair in a graphical manner as illustrated in Figs. 12-19. The user can change features such as volume, treble, bass, light color, light brightness and vibration intensity by pressing on the appropriate area of the display and sliding. Linking the gaming chair 10 to the mobile communication device also enables the gaming chair 10 to operably link to other devices.

[0059] The mobile communication device will be able to connect to the gaming chair in a graphical manner as illustrated in Figs. 12-19. In addition to controlling aspects of the gaming chair 10, it is possible to use the mobile communication device to control other items such as illuminated desks and bed frames.

[0060] The mobile communication device may be able to provide the user with an enhanced ability to customize the sound and lighting of the gaming chair 10 as compared to the gaming chair controller 24 on the gaming chair 10.

[0061] Another benefit of the mobile communication device is that the user can customize the sound and light of the gaming chair 10 while sitting in the gaming chair 10, which is typically not possible to do with the gaming chair controller 24 that is located on the side of the seat portion as illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0062] The mobile communication device will be able to connect to the gaming chair and be able to provide sound reactivity using the connected application’s audio features allowing lighting in the gaming chair 10 to react to audio input from pre-recorded music or live microphone audio. The sound reactivity utilizes the microphone that is found on most mobile communication devices as most gaming chair do not include a built-m microphone. [0063] Fig. 12 illustrates scene selection screen in the mobile application where it is possible to select a desired color from the color wheel and to select the brightness of the illumination.

[0064] Fig. 13 illustrates a single color selection where it is possible to select the values of red, green and blue to be displayed on the gaming chair.

[0065] Fig. 14 illustrates a circular brightness selection that can be changed by touching different areas around the circle.

[0066] Fig. 15 provides the ability to select from a number of pre-defined color schemes. It is also possible to define new color illumination schemes. Fig. 16 is another configuration for defining new illumination color schemes. It is possible to select the speed at which the color schemes are changed and the brightness level. In certain embodiments, there may be a large number of pre-defined color schemes such as more than 200 illumination patterns.

[0067] Fig. 17 provides the ability to control the music that is played on the gaming chair 10. In addition to controlling the songs that are played, it is possible to speed up or slow down the rate at which the songs are played.

[0068] Fig. 18 provides the ability to control the microphone function on the mobile device to provide reactive lighting control to the gaming chair control panel with lighting that reacts to ambient audio picked up by the phone microphone.

[0069] Fig. 19 is a setting screen, which enables changing a variety of settings associated with the gaming chair 10 such as the RGB color sorting pattern, the shake intensity of the chair or remote control that is used with the video game. For example, the RGB color sorting pattern may be changed from RGB (red, blue, green) to other color layouts such as GBR (green, blue, red) and many more options. It is also possible to use the setting menu to change the skin of the displays, the select available rhythms and to view instructions such as on the use of the gaming chair and/or the mobile application.

[0070] It is also possible to control the operation of the gaming chair 10 using a remote control 70 as illustrated in Fig. 20. In certain embodiments, the remote control 70 is wirelessly connected to the gaming chair 10.

[0071] Examples of features that may be controlled using the remote control 70 include turning on and off the gaming chair, muting and unmuting the microphone, muting and unmuting the speakers, increasing and decreasing vibration, increasing and decreasing bass, and increasing and decreasing volume.

[0072] The remote control 70 may thereby be able to provide the user with an enhanced ability to customize the sound and lighting of the gaming chair 10 as compared to the gaming chair controller 24 on the gaming chair 10.

[0073] Another benefit of the remote control is that the user can customize the sound and light of the gaming chair 10 while sitting in the gaming chair 10, which is ty pically not possible to do with the gaming chair controller 24 that is located on the side of the seat portion as illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0074] In the preceding detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “leading,” “trailing,” etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. Because components of embodiments can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The preceding detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0075] It is contemplated that features disclosed in this application, as well as those described in the above applications incorporated by reference, can be mixed and matched to suit particular circumstances. Various other modifications and changes will be apparent to those of ordinary skill.