Apparatus and Systems for Adding Effects to Video Game Play

Abstract

Apparatus and systems for adding effects to video game play where players swing or move a controller as part of the video game to simulate a bat, racquet, club or an implement striking an object displayed as part of the video game. The sound effect produced comes from a sliding member contacting a strike surface as part of the physical surroundings of the bat, racquet, club or implement attached to the apparatus or system to enhance the gaming experience.

1 . An apparatus for video gaming comprising:
 a housing having a strike surface and a magnet, the strike surface and the magnet separated by a channel;   a sliding member located within the channel, the sliding member being moveable within the channel between the magnet and the strike surface, the sliding member comprised of a material magnetically attracted to the magnet;   the housing adapted to be secured to an implement adjacent the strike surface, the implement being adapted to be swung by an individual when secured to the housing; and   the housing adapted to be secured to a controller such that when the housing is secured to the controller and the controller is swung from a first position to a second position, the sliding member moves in the channel from the magnet to contact the strike surface to produce sound of the sliding member contacting the strike surface at substantially the second position.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  where the sliding member is substantially spherical. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  where the sliding member is of a ferromagnetic material. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  where the sliding member moves between the magnet and the strike surface by centrifugal force. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  where the second position substantially coincides with the simulated striking of an object displayed on a screen as part of a video game. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  where the implement is a replica tennis racquet. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  where the implement is a replica baseball bat. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  where the implement is a replica golf club. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 5  where the object displayed on the screen is an image of a tennis ball. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 5  where the object displayed on the screen is an image of a baseball. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 5  where a golf ball is the object displayed on the screen represents a golf ball. 
     
     
         12 . A system for sound effects for video game play, comprising:
 an enclosure having a strike surface and a magnet;   a sliding member being moveable between the magnet and the strike surface within the enclosure, the sliding member comprised of a material magnetically attracted to the magnet;   the enclosure adapted to be secured to an implement adjacent the striking surface; and   the enclosure adapted to be secured to a hand held video game controller such that the enclosure and controller combination can be moved in a swinging motion from a first position to a second position such that the sliding member moves from the magnet to contact the strike surface to produce sound of the sliding member contacting the strike surface at approximately the second position.   
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12  where the sliding member is substantially spherical. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 12  where the sliding member includes ferromagnetic material. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 12  where the sliding member moves between the magnet and the strike surface by centrifugal force. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 12  where the second position approximately coincides with the simulated striking of an object as part of a video game. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16  where the implement is a replica sports racquet. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17  where the object is an image of a ball.