Apparatus and method for timing video games
First Claim
1. A timing apparatus for a video game unit having a power supply, the timing apparatus comprising:
- interrupt means for interrupting power from the power supply;
timing means connected to the interrupt means for timing when the power supply is interrupted wherein the timing means is user programmable as to time of day that the video game unit is used.
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Abstract
A timing system for a video game unit. The video game timer is a stand alone device, that works independently of existing video game unit ROM and is adaptable for use on a console or hand held video game unit. The system has software controlled functions for easy redesign. The timer system interrupts the power supply of the video game unit and can be connected to any interface on the game unit when power is present. In a first and second preferred embodiments the timer is connected to a power input jack of the video game unit. In a third embodiment the timer is inserted into the slot that ordinarily holds the game cartridge. In a fourth embodiment the timer is inserted into the battery cover slot. The system can be accomplished in a microcontroller or as discrete electronic components. A method of timing the use of video games is also disclosed.
246 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A timing apparatus for a video game unit having a power supply, the timing apparatus comprising:
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interrupt means for interrupting power from the power supply; timing means connected to the interrupt means for timing when the power supply is interrupted wherein the timing means is user programmable as to time of day that the video game unit is used. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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8. A timing apparatus for a video game unit having a power supply, the timing apparatus comprising:
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interrupt means for interrupting power from the power supply and turning off the video game unit;
wherein the interrupt means is connected to a power carrying interface on the video game unit and wherein the power carrying interface is a game cartridge receiving slot;timing means connected to the interrupt means for timing when the power supply is interrupted and the video game unit turned off.
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13. A method for timing the use of video games on a video game unit, the video game unit having a power supply, the method for timing the use of video games comprising the steps of:
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providing an interrupt means for interrupting power from the power supply and turning power off to the video game unit, wherein the interrupt means is connected to a power carrying interface on the video game unit and wherein the power carrying interface is a game cartridge receiving slot; providing a timing means connected to the interrupt means for timing when power is interrupted from the power supply. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification