Computer Peripheral Overlay

Abstract

An overlay for a video game controller including a plurality of acuatable input modules configured to communicate with and transfer information between one or more corresponding input modules incorporated into the video game controller. A user controls the actions of an element in a video gaming environment via manipulation of respective overlay input modules.

1 . An overlay for a computing device peripheral, comprising:
 a main body defining a plurality of openings;   a plurality of actuable overlay input modules positioned within the openings; and   an engagement mechanism formed with each of the overlay input modules;   wherein the body of the overlay is coupled to a portion of the computing device peripheral, and wherein a respective engagement mechanism is configured to actuate one or more actuable computing device peripheral input modules upon an actuation of a respective overlay input module.   
   
   
       2 . The overlay of  claim 1 , wherein a locking mechanism secures the overlay to the computing device peripheral. 
   
   
       3 . The overlay of  claim 1 , wherein the computing device peripheral is a handheld video game controller. 
   
   
       4 . The overlay of  claim 1 , wherein one or more overlay input modules include a mechanically actuable element. 
   
   
       5 . The overlay of  claim 1 , wherein one or more computing device peripheral modules includes a mechanically actuable element. 
   
   
       6 . The overlay of  claim 5 , wherein the computing device peripheral communicates with a computing device via a bidirectional communication medium. 
   
   
       7 . The overlay of  claim 1 , wherein the computing device peripheral communicates with a computing device via a bidirectional communication medium. 
   
   
       8 . An overlay for a video game controller, comprising:
 a main body defining a plurality of openings;   a plurality of actuable overlay input modules positioned in the openings; and   an engagement mechanism formed with each of the overlay input modules;   wherein the overlay is coupled to a portion of the game controller to form an overlay apparatus, and wherein a respective engagement mechanism is configured to actuate one or more actuable video game controller input modules upon an actuation of a respective overlay input module.   
   
   
       9 . The overlay of  claim 8 , wherein a locking mechanism secures the overlay to the computing device peripheral. 
   
   
       10 . The overlay of  claim 8 , wherein the overlay includes is a plurality of ergonomic surfaces. 
   
   
       11 . The overlay of  claim 8 , wherein the video game controller communicates with a computing device via a bidirectional communication medium. 
   
   
       12 . The overlay of  claim 8 , wherein the overlay is used to interface with a guitar simulation game environment. 
   
   
       13 . The overlay of  claim 8 , wherein the overlay further comprises an information relay aperture. 
   
   
       14 . The overlay of  claim 8 , wherein an engagement mechanism includes a first actuation surface, and wherein an actuation of an overlay input module translates into a mechanical force such that the first actuation surface actuates one or more video game controller input modules. 
   
   
       15 . The overlay of  claim 8 , wherein an engagements mechanism includes a lever arm and a second actuation surface, and an actuation of an overlay input module translates into a mechanical force such that the second actuation surface actuates one or more video game controller input modules. 
   
   
       16 . The overlay of  claim 8 , wherein the overlay further includes a curved surface such that one or more input modules of the game controller are accessible to a user. 
   
   
       17 . The overlay of  claim 8 , wherein the overlay is formed from a resilient plastic material. 
   
   
       18 . An overlay apparatus for controlling an element in a guitar simulation game environment, the overlay comprising:
 an overlay having a plurality of actuable overlay input modules extending in a longitudinal axis to simulate fret buttons of a guitar; and   a video game controller having a plurality of actuable controller input modules;   wherein the overlay is coupled to a portion of the video game controller to form the overlay apparatus; and   wherein an engagement mechanism formed with each of the plurality of the overlay input modules is configured to actuate one or more controller input modules upon an actuation of one or more of the overlay input modules, the actuation of the overlay input modules simulating depression of fret buttons within the guitar simulation game environment.   
   
   
       19 . The overlay apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein a locking mechanism secures the overlay to the computing device peripheral. 
   
   
       20 . The overlay apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the locking mechanism includes tabs that mate with a corresponding structure on the computing device peripheral.