IP Library Granted Patent US 7,320,643
Granted Patent B1
US 7,320,643 · App. 11/695,763 · Granted Jan 22, 2008

Game controller simulating a musical instrument

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,320,643
App. No.
11/695,763
Granted
Jan 22, 2008
Kind
B1
Abstract

A simulated musical instrument may be used to alter the audio of a video game, the video aspects of video game, or both. Use of a controlled simulating a musical instrument allows a rhythm-action game can be enjoyed in a manner closer to a realistic state of playing an instrument.

Claims (14)

1. A game controller simulating a guitar comprising:

a body portion including a strum bar;

a neck portion extending outwardly away from the body portion;

a first plurality of fret buttons disposed on the neck portion; and

a second plurality of fret buttons disposed on the neck portion between the body portion of the game controller and the first plurality of fret buttons, and wherein each of the second plurality of fret buttons is connected in common with a corresponding one of the first plurality of fret buttons.

2. The game controller of claim 1 further comprising a vibrato bar disposed on the body portion.

3. The game controller of claim 1 wherein the first plurality of fret buttons comprises five fret buttons.

4. The game controller of claim 3 wherein the second plurality of fret buttons comprises five fret buttons.

5. The game controller of claim 4 wherein each of the second plurality of fret buttons has a color indicator matching a color indicator of a corresponding one of the first plurality of fret buttons.

6. The game controller of claim 1 wherein activation of one of the second plurality of fret buttons triggers a guitar effect in a game.

7. The game controller of claim 6 wherein the guitar effect is selected from the group consisting of a pick slide, a screech and feedback.

8. The game controller of claim 1 wherein each of the second plurality of fret buttons has a color indicator matching a color indicator of a corresponding one of the first plurality of fret buttons.

9. The game controller of claim 8 , wherein each of the color indicators comprises a colored stripe on a fret button.

10. The game controller of claim 1 , wherein the first plurality of fret buttons is separated from the second plurality of fret buttons by at least one fret not having a button.

Assignments (3)
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Oct 13, 2021
From: COLBECK PARTNERS II, LLC, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
To: HARMONIX MUSIC SYSTEMS, INC.; HARMONIX PROMOTIONS & EVENTS INC.; HARMONIX MARKETING INC.
Reel/Frame 057984/0087 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Jan 11, 2011
From: HARMONIX MUSIC SYSTEMS, INC.; HARMONIX PROMOTIONS & EVENTS INC.; HARMONIX MARKETING INC.
To: COLBECK PARTNERS II, LLC, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 025764/0656 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Nov 27, 2007
From: BROSIUS, ERIC; EGOZY, ERAN
To: HARMONIX MUSIC SYSTEMS, INC.
Reel/Frame 020157/0270 →