{
  "patent_number": "US 8702514",
  "country": "US",
  "title": "How Nintendo's Wii U GamePad Controller Attachment Works",
  "original_title": "Controller device and controller system",
  "summary": "A patent describing a modular gaming controller system where a tablet-like screen can be snapped into a larger frame with physical grips and buttons.",
  "what_it_does": "The patent details a modular controller system consisting of a primary tablet-like device with a screen and an additional 'grip' frame. The frame features two parallel, bar-shaped handles and a central support section that holds the tablet in place. When attached, the system allows the user to hold the grips while the screen remains in a vertical orientation. It also includes specific mechanical engagement tabs that lock the tablet into the frame, ensuring the device remains stable during gameplay.",
  "what_it_does_not_cover": [
    "Does not cover controllers that lack a detachable display device.",
    "Does not cover generic tablet stands that do not include integrated game operation sections (buttons/sticks).",
    "Does not cover handheld devices where the grips are permanently fixed and cannot be removed.",
    "Does not cover wireless communication protocols themselves, only the system configuration."
  ],
  "filed": "2011-08-10",
  "granted": "2014-04-22",
  "expires": null,
  "status": "active",
  "holder": "Nintendo Co Ltd",
  "holder_url": "https://patentbrief.org/company/nintendo-co-ltd",
  "inventors": [
    {
      "name": "Fumiyoshi Suetake",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/fumiyoshi-suetake"
    },
    {
      "name": "Takafumi Nishida",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/takafumi-nishida"
    },
    {
      "name": "Hitoshi Tsuchiya",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/hitoshi-tsuchiya"
    },
    {
      "name": "Noboru Wakitani",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/noboru-wakitani"
    },
    {
      "name": "Yositomo GOTO",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/yositomo-goto"
    },
    {
      "name": "Hiroki Ikuta",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/hiroki-ikuta"
    },
    {
      "name": "Masato Ibuki",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/masato-ibuki"
    },
    {
      "name": "Shinji Yamamoto",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/shinji-yamamoto"
    },
    {
      "name": "Yuji Hori",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/yuji-hori"
    },
    {
      "name": "Daisuke Kumazaki",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/daisuke-kumazaki"
    },
    {
      "name": "Kenichiro Ashida",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/kenichiro-ashida"
    },
    {
      "name": "Naoya Yamamoto",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/naoya-yamamoto"
    },
    {
      "name": "Akiko Suga",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/akiko-suga"
    },
    {
      "name": "Junji Takamoto",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/junji-takamoto"
    }
  ],
  "times_cited": 11,
  "tags": [
    "consumer_electronics",
    "gaming"
  ],
  "abstract": "An example controller system includes a terminal device, and an input device as an additional device configured to be attachable to and detachable from the terminal device. The terminal device includes a generally plate-shaped housing, and an LCD 51 provided on the front side of the housing. The input device includes an operation section such as a stick, a bar-shaped first grip portion, and a support portion. The support portion detachably supports the terminal device so that the screen of the LCD is in a generally vertical direction when the first grip portion is in the vertical direction.",
  "url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/8702514/wii-balance-board",
  "markdown_url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/8702514/wii-balance-board/md",
  "google_patents_url": "https://patents.google.com/patent/US8702514",
  "relatedPatents": []
}