System for converting a home video game to a coin-operated video game

• US 5,078,399 A
• Filed: 05/24/1990
• Issued: 01/07/1992
• Est. Priority Date: 05/24/1990
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: John R. Lennon Jr
• Original Assignee: John R. Lennon Jr
• Inventors: Lennon, John R. Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Coven, Edward M.
• Assistant Examiner(s): HARRISON, JESSICA
• Application Number:
  US07/528,249
• Time in Patent Office: 593 Days
• Field of Search: 194/241, 194/242, 194/230, 194/231, 194/219, 273/85 G, 273/1 E, 273/148 B, 273/DIG. 28, 273/434, 364/410
• US Class Current: 463/47
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/42 by mapping the input signals into game commands, e.g. mapping the displacement of a stylus on a touch screen to the steering angle of a virtual vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/44 involving timing of operations, e.g. performing an action within a time slot
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/493 Resuming a game, e.g. after pausing, malfunction or power failure
• 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: G07F 17/3202 Hardware aspects of a gaming system, e.g. components, construction, architecture thereof
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3211 Display means

Abstract

A conversion system is described for adapting a home-play electronic game to coin-operated play. The electronic game has at least one access port for communicating with a remote controller, the access port including DC level connections and a plurality of signal line connections. The game exhibits both Attract and Play modes, the Attract mode being operative when power is first applied to the game, but not when the Play mode is in progress. The conversion system comprises a replacement user control panel that includes a start indicator and game control signalling devices. A power supply and coin receipt indicator are also provided. A timer is responsive to a coin deposit to enable the operation of the start indicator for a predetermined time interval. A register is provided which is connected to the signal line ports of the game and provides thereto, signals from both the start indicator and game signalling devices. A player use timer is responsive to a player actuating at least one of the game control signalling devices to provide a determined time-use output. A reset circuit is responsive to the termination of the determined time-use output to interrupt power to the game to cause initiation of the attract mode.

Claims

1. A conversion system for adapting a home-play electronic game to coin-operated play, said electronic game having an access port for communicating with a remote controller, said access port including a DC level connection and signal line connections, said game further exhibiting both Attract and Play modes, said Attract mode being operative when power is initially applied to said game, said conversion system including a power supply and comprising:

control means including a user operable start indicator for providing a signal to commence said Play mode, and user manipulated game control signalling means;

a coin receipt indicator for signalling a coin deposit;

timing means responsive to said coin deposit signal for enabling said start indicator for a determined time interval;

register means for connecting signals from said start indicator and game control signalling means to said access port;

player use timer means responsive to a player actuating a said game control signalling means for providing a use-time output; and

reset means responsive to a termination of said use-time output for interrupting power to said game, to cause initiation of said attract mode.

2. The conversion system as recited in claim 1 wherein said conversion system power supply is connected as a power source for said game via said DC level connection in said access port.

3. The conversion system as recited in claim 1 wherein said player use timer means is responsive to user operation of said start indicator to commence said use-time output.

4. The conversion system as recited in claim 1 wherein said player use timer means is also responsive to user actuation of said start indicator to provide a use-time output, further comprising:

control means responsive to said use-time output in response to actuation of said start indicator for enabling said game control signalling means.

5. The conversion system as recited in claim 4, wherein said timing means applies a ground connection to said start indicator during said determined time interval.

6. The conversion system as recited in claim 5, further comprising:

a plurality of signal lines connecting said start indicator and game control signalling means to said register means; and

means connecting each said signal line to said player use timer means, whereby each signal appearing on a said signal line causes a restart of said use-time output.

7. The conversion system as recited in claim 6, wherein said control means is a

switch device connected between a common potential and said player use timer means, and responsive to said use-time output, for applying said common potential to said game control signalling means to thereby render it responsive to user actuation.

8. The conversion system as recited in claim 7, further comprising:

second switch means connected between a common potential and a DC level connection in said access port, and responsive to a signal from said reset means for disconnecting and subsequently reconnecting said common potential to said access port, whereby said game is caused to exhibit said Attract mode upon said reconnection.

9. The conversion system as recited in claim 8, further comprising:

audio means connected to said game and said switch means and enabled for operation when said switch means applies said common potential.