Video game controller with illuminated cable

Abstract

A light source is provided to illuminate a cable connecting a video game controller to a game console. A low power consuming LED in light communication with a side glowing fiber optic cable may be employed and integrated into the communication bundle extending between the controller and console. Alternately LED lights may be disposed at discrete points along the cable. A shield may also be disposed between the light cable and communication bundle to inhibit interference. The entire bundle is preferably wrapped in a clear or translucent material to allow light to emanate from the cable.

1 . An computer gaming system comprising: 
 a dedicated computer gaming console having a controller port a voltage source, and    a video game controller, said controller including 
 a hand held body having a plurality of operation members logistically positioned for manipulation by a user,  
 an integrated light source; and  
 at least one communication cable operatively connected between said hand held device and said controller port, said controller being provided to establish an electrical connection between said console and said hand held unit thereby transmitting both operation commands to said computer gaming system in response to manipulation of said operation members by said user and providing said voltage source of said console to said hand held unit, said communication cable having an illumination device powered by said voltage source of said gaming console and being directly connected to said integrated light source and emanating from at least one point along said communication cable thereby enhancing visibility of said communication cable, wherein said hand held body, integrated light source and at least one communication cable are all integrated within a single self contained assembly.  
   
   
   
       2 . The video game controller according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least one communication cable includes: 
 a bundle to transmit said operation data from said controller to said computer gaming system;    a fiber optic side glow cable running substantially along a length of said bundle and being in permanent communication with said light source; and    a light transmitting sheath covering said bundle and said fiber optic side glow cable.    
   
   
       3 . The video game controller according to  claim 2 , further comprising an LED light source disposed within said hand held body and in light communication with said side glow fiber optic cable to supply light through said side glow fiber optic cable.  
   
   
       4 . The video game controller according to  claim 3 , wherein said LED light source is electrically connected to a voltage source disposed within said hand held unit.  
   
   
       5 . The video game controller according to  claim 4 , further comprising a switch electrically connected to said LED light source to selectively connect said LED light to said voltage source.  
   
   
       6 . The video game controller according to  claim 2 , wherein said side glow fiber optic cable extends substantially along an entire length of said communication cable emitting light continuously along a length there along.  
   
   
       7 . The video game controller according to  claim 2 , wherein said light transmitting protective sheath is translucent.  
   
   
       8 . The vide game controller according to  claim 2 , wherein said translucent sheath is clear.  
   
   
       9 . The video game controller according to  claim 2 , wherein said fiber optic side glow cable includes a plurality of fiber optic side glow cables.  
   
   
       10 . The video game controller according to  claim 2  further comprising, an interference shield disposed between said fiber optic side glow cable and said bundle.  
   
   
       11 . A video game controller comprising: 
 a hand held body having a plurality of operation members logistically positioned for manipulation by a user,    a light source;    at least one communication cable operatively connected to said hand held device and provided to transmit operation commands to a computer gaming system in response to manipulation of said operation members by said user, said communication cable having at least an illuminating portion in direct and permanent communication with said light source and emitting light there from to enhance visibility of said communication cable; wherein said hand held body, said light source, and said at least one communication cable being a single integrated assembly.    
   
   
       12 . The video game controller according to  claim 11 , wherein said light emitting portion extends along a substantial length of said communication cable.  
   
   
       13 . The video game controller according to  claim 11 , wherein said communication cable includes a plurality of LED lights disposed at discrete points along said light emitting portion and said LED lights being electrically connected to a voltage source in said hand held unit.  
   
   
       14 . The video game controller according to  claim 13 , further comprising a switch electrically connected to said plurality of LED lights to selectively connect said LED light to said voltage source.  
   
   
       15 . The video game controller according to  claim 1 , wherein said communication cable includes: 
 a separate bundle to transmit said operation data from said controller to said computer gaming system; and    a light transmitting sheath covering said bundle and said plurality of LED lights.    
   
   
       16 . The video game controller according to  claim 13 , further comprising, an interference shield disposed between said fiber optic side glow cable and said bundle.