Video game kiosk apparatus and method

• US 20110195774A1
• Filed: 11/16/2010
• Published: 08/11/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 11/17/2009
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Christopher Gerding
• Original Assignee: Christopher Gerding
• Inventors: Gerding, Christopher
• Application Number:
  US12/927,523
• Publication Number:
  US 20110195774A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/29
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/213 comprising photodetecting means, e.g. cameras, photodiodes or infrared cells A63F13/219, A63F13/655 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/44 involving timing of operations, e.g. performing an action within a time slot
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/48 Starting a game, e.g. activating a game device or waiting for other players to join a multiplayer session
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/73 Authorising game programs or game devices, e.g. checking authenticity
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/75 Enforcing rules, e.g. detecting foul play or generating lists of cheating players
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/90 Constructional details or arrangements of video game devices not provided for in groups A63F13/20 or A63F13/25, e.g. housing, wiring, connections or cabinets
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1043 being characterized by constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/201 Playing authorisation given at platform level
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/535 for monitoring, e.g. of user parameters, terminal parameters, application parameters, network parameters
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/5513 involving billing
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/552 for downloading to client devices, e.g. using OS version, hardware or software profile of the client device
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/5586 for enforcing rights or rules, e.g. to prevent foul play
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/32 for games, toys, sports, or amusements
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3269 Timing aspects of game play, e.g. blocking/halting the operation of a gaming machine

Abstract

A video game apparatus is provided. The video game apparatus includes an enclosure having a monitor and at least one speaker and a home video game located in the enclosure. A computer processor located within the enclosure and communicating with the home video game, the processor enabling a charge-by-time play of the home video game. A remote management apparatus, located remotely from, and communicating with the computer processor, the remote management apparatus enabling operation of the video game apparatus for a specified time period.

Claims

1. A video game apparatus, comprising:

an enclosure comprising a monitor and at least one speaker;

a home video game located in the enclosure;

a computer processor located within the enclosure and communicating with the home video game, the processor enabling a charge-by-time play of the home video game; and

a remote management apparatus, located remotely from, and communicating with the computer processor, the remote management apparatus enabling operation of the video game apparatus for a specified time period.

2. The video game apparatus of claim 1, where the charge-by-time play establishes a specific time period for a player to play the home video game.

3. The video game apparatus of claim 1, where the remote management apparatus enables operation of the video game apparatus by obtaining a license having a specific duration.

4. The video game apparatus of claim 3, where the license duration is either six months or one year.

5. The video game apparatus of claim 1, further comprising game controllers that are slideably mounted to the enclosure.

6. The video game apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a movement detection apparatus, mounted on the enclosure and communicating with the computer processor, the movement detection apparatus enabling control of the home video game without use of the game controllers.

7. The video game apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a power supply located within the enclosure that provides power to the home video game.

8. A method of enabling a public use of a private video game system, the method comprising the steps of:

providing the private video game system in a public environment;

providing a temporary license to the private video game system, the temporary license enabling play of the private video game system in a public environment; and

remotely monitoring the private video game system to ensure compliance with the temporary license.

9. The method of claim 8, where the temporary license has a specific duration.

10. The method of claim 9, where the license duration is either six months or one year.

11. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of establishing a time period of play of the private video game system based on a received amount of currency.

12. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of establishing a time period of play of the private video game system based on a number of players.

13. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of decreasing a time period of play of the private video game system based on a number of players.

14. The method of claim 13, where the time period decreases when the private video game system determines two players are playing.

15. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of establishing a geographic territory for the temporary license.

16. The method of claim 8, further comprising the steps of:

remotely determining a geographic location of the private video game system; and

determining if the private video game system has a license to operate in the determined geographic area.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of shutting down the private video game system if the location of the private video game system does not correspond to the geographic area license.

18. A video game apparatus, comprising:

an enclosure comprising a monitor and at least one speaker;

a home video game located in the enclosure;

two game controllers slideably mounted to the enclosure;

a computer processor located within the enclosure and communicating with the home video game, the processor enabling a charge-by-time play of the home video game;

a movement detection apparatus, mounted on the enclosure and communicating with the computer processor, the movement detection apparatus enabling control of the home video game without use of the game controllers; and

a remote management apparatus, located remotely from, and communicating with the computer processor, the remote management apparatus enabling operation of the video game apparatus for a specified time period.

19. The video game apparatus of claim 18, where the charge-by-time play establishes a specific time period for a player to play the home video game.

20. The video game apparatus of claim 18, where the remote management apparatus enables operation of the video game apparatus by obtaining a license having a specific duration.