Apparatus and method for timing video games

• US 5,964,661 A
• Filed: 11/22/1996
• Issued: 10/12/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 11/24/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Samuel D. Dodge
• Original Assignee: Samuel D. Dodge
• Inventors: Dodge, Samuel D.
• Primary Examiner(s): ONEILL, MICHAEL W
• Application Number:
  US08/753,320
• Time in Patent Office: 1,054 Days
• Field of Search: 463/24, 463/29, 463/44, 463/47, 273/148 B, 364/410, 364/707, 395/750.03, 395/750.01, 395/750.02, 395/750.04, 395/750.05, 395/750.06, 395/750.07, 395/750.08, 348/5.5, 348/1, 348/725, 348/819
• US Class Current: 463/24
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/44 involving timing of operations, e.g. performing an action within a time slot
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/45 Controlling the progress of the video game
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/73 Authorising game programs or game devices, e.g. checking authenticity
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/92 Video game devices specially adapted to be hand-held while playing
• 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 2300/201 Playing authorisation given at platform level
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/204 the platform being a handheld device
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/206 Game information storage, e.g. cartridges, CD ROM's, DVD's, smart cards
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/63 for controlling the execution of the game in time

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.

Claims

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.

2. The timing apparatus for a video game unit as defined in claim 1 wherein the interrupt means is connected to a power carrying interface on the video game unit.

3. The timing apparatus for a video game unit as defined in claim 2 wherein the power carrying interface is a power input jack.

4. The timing apparatus for a video game unit as defined in claim 1 wherein the video game unit is a hand held unit.

5. the timing apparatus for a video game unit as defined in claim 1 wherein the video game unit is a console unit.

6. The timing apparatus for a video game unit as defined in claim 1 wherein the interrupt means and the timing means are accomplished by a microcontroller.

7. The timing apparatus for a video game unit as defined in claim 1 wherein the interrupt means and the timing means are accomplished by discrete electronic components.

9. The timing apparatus for a video game unit as defined in claim 2 wherein the power carrying interface is a battery interface.

10. The timing apparatus for a video game unit as defined in claim 1 wherein the timing means is user programmable to a plurality of variable play times.

11. The timing apparatus for a video game unit as defined in claim 1 wherein the timing means is user programmable as to duration of play time.

12. The timing apparatus for a video game unit as defined in claim 1 wherein the timing means is user programmable by means of input to a keyboard.

8. 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 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.

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:

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.

14. The method for timing the use of video games as defined in claim 13 wherein the power carrying interface is a battery interface.

15. The method for timing the use of video games as defined in claim 13 wherein the power carrying interface is a power input jack.

16. The method for timing the use of video games as defined in claim 13 wherein the video game unit is a hand held unit.

17. The method for timing the use of video games as defined in claim 13 wherein the video game unit is a console unit.

18. The method for timing the use of video games as defined in claim 13 wherein the interrupt means and the timing means are accomplished by a microcontroller.

19. The method for timing the use of video games as defined in claim 13 wherein the interrupt means and the timing means are accomplished by discrete electronic components.

20. The method for timing the use of video games as defined in claim 13 wherein the interrupt means and the timing means are software controlled.