Mobile self-contained video game system with instantaneously selectable game cartridges

• US 4,516,777 A
• Filed: 11/21/1983
• Issued: 05/14/1985
• Est. Priority Date: 11/21/1983
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Robert J. Nikora
• Original Assignee: Robert J. Nikora
• Inventors: Nikora, Robert J.
• Primary Examiner(s): NOT, DEFINED
• Assistant Examiner(s): NOT, DEFINED
• Application Number:
  US06/553,540
• Time in Patent Office: 540 Days
• Field of Search: 273/148 B, 273/DIG. 28, 312/250, 312/7.2
• US Class Current: 463/46
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/54 involving acoustic signals, e.g. for simulating revolutions per minute [RPM] dependent engine sounds in a driving game or reverberation against a virtual wall
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/95 Storage media specially adapted for storing game information, e.g. video game cartridges
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/98 Accessories, i.e. detachable arrangements optional for the use of the video game device, e.g. grip supports of game controllers
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/206 Game information storage, e.g. cartridges, CD ROM's, DVD's, smart cards
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/6081 generating an output signal, e.g. under timing constraints, for spatialization

Abstract

A mobile self-contained video gaming system. The system internally stores a plurality of standard video game cartridges simultaneously and provides instantaneous external user selection of any game cartridge without power sequencing of the console electronics or physical extraction/insertion of the cartridges. The system includes a video monitor for viewing either color or monochrome game images, a video game console electronics unit, a cartridge storage and switching apparatus, a plurality of video game cartridges, multiple hand-held game controllers for providing player control inputs to the console electronics, audio separator and amplification circuits, a choice of speaker or earphone audio devices, an externally activated and lockable power switch, an audio device selector to disable conventional speaker use in "quiet" environments. The system is enclosed in a mobile housing which includes a height adjustment mechanism and a power cord take-up apparatus.

Claims

1. A mobile, self-contained video game system comprising:

a plurality of video game cartridges each containing program instructions for playing a video game;

a video game console including means to receive a single video game cartridge and means for generating video and audio signals as determined by the program instructions contained on a video game cartridge;

a cartridge magazine connected to the means for receiving a single video game cartridge for receiving the plurality of video game cartridges and for providing electrical connections between a selected one of the plurality of video game cartridges and the video game console;

a video display device for displaying the video signals generated by the video game console;

a housing having an upper portion which encloses and retains the video game console, the cartridge magazine, and the video monitor in predetermined locations within the housing and a lower portion;

means for selecting one of the plurality of video game cartridges from without the housing;

video game controllers connected through the housing to the video game console for controlling the operation of the video game console; and

,

a mobile base unit attached to the lower portion of the housing for providing means for transporting the video game system cross floor surfaces.

2. The video game system of claim 1 including means for providing an acoustic reproduction of the audio signals generated by the video game system.

3. The video game system of claim 2 wherein the means for producing an acoustic reproduction includes an earphone.

4. The video game system of claim 3 wherein the means for producing an acoustic reproduction further includes a speaker, and wherein means are provided for selectively activating the earphone alone, or both the earphone and speaker.

5. The video game system of claim 1 wherein the mobile base unit includes means for adjusting the height of the housing.