U.S. patent application number 12/033534 was filed with the patent office on 2008-08-21 for electronic value-operated and battery powered portable amusement device.
This patent application is currently assigned to MERIT INDUSTRIES, INC.. Invention is credited to James R. Stelzer.
Application Number | 20080200257 12/033534 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39707157 |
Filed Date | 2008-08-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080200257 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stelzer; James R. |
August 21, 2008 |
ELECTRONIC VALUE-OPERATED AND BATTERY POWERED PORTABLE AMUSEMENT
DEVICE
Abstract
A portable amusement device has a display and is configured to
operate at least one electronic game. The portable amusement device
is operated by a touchscreen and includes a battery and a currency
input. The portable amusement device is operable by a user upon
receipt by the currency input of at least one of coins, currency, a
credit card/debit card, and a Personal Identification Number (PIN).
An amusement system includes a portable amusement device configured
to operate at least one electronic game and having a display, a
touchscreen, and a battery. The system also includes a docking
station configured to receive the portable amusement device. The
docking station includes a currency input. The portable amusement
device is removable from the docking station only upon receipt by
the currency input of at least one of coins, currency, a credit
card/debit card, and a PIN.
Inventors: |
Stelzer; James R.; (Holland,
PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PANITCH SCHWARZE BELISARIO & NADEL LLP
ONE COMMERCE SQUARE, 2005 MARKET STREET, SUITE 2200
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103
US
|
Assignee: |
MERIT INDUSTRIES, INC.
Bensalem
PA
|
Family ID: |
39707157 |
Appl. No.: |
12/033534 |
Filed: |
February 19, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60890287 |
Feb 16, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2300/5586 20130101;
A63F 13/216 20140902; A63F 2300/403 20130101; G07F 17/3241
20130101; G07F 17/3218 20130101; A63F 13/92 20140902; G07F 17/32
20130101; A63F 13/2145 20140902; A63F 13/73 20140902; A63F 13/12
20130101; A63F 2300/405 20130101; G07F 17/3206 20130101; G07F
17/3237 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/42 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A portable amusement device having a display and being
configured to operate at least one electronic game, the amusement
device comprising: (a) a touchscreen on the display for operating
the portable amusement device; (b) a battery; and (c) a currency
input, the portable amusement device being operable by a user upon
receipt by the currency input of at least one of coins, currency, a
credit card/debit card, and a Personal Identification Number
(PIN).
2. The portable amusement device of claim 1, further comprising an
anti-theft system.
3. The portable amusement device of claim 2, wherein the anti-theft
system sounds an alert when the device is outside of a predefined
area.
4. The portable amusement device of claim 2, wherein the anti-theft
system deactivates the device when the device is outside of a
predefined area.
5. The portable amusement device of claim 1, further comprising at
least one communication port.
6. The portable amusement device of claim 5, wherein the at least
one communication port is a Universal Serial Bus (USB).
7. The portable amusement device of claim 1, wherein the currency
input is one of a magnetic stripe reader, a paper money slot, a
coin slot, and a keypad.
8. The portable amusement device of claim 1, wherein the device is
a thin client communicating to at least one of a local server and
an internet server.
9. The portable amusement device of claim 1, wherein the device has
Global Postitioning System (GPS) location capability.
10. The portable amusement device of claim 1, wherein the device
communicates wirelessly.
11. The portable amusement device of claim 1, wherein the device is
configured to select music to be played on a local music
system.
12. The portable amusement device of claim 1, wherein at least one
of music and video is selectable and playable on the device.
13. The portable amusement device of claim 1, wherein the device is
configured to order food.
14. The portable amusement device of claim 1, wherein the device is
configured to browse the internet.
15. The portable amusement device of claim 1, further comprising at
least one of an Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader, a bar
code reader, and a digital camera.
16. The portable amusement device of claim 1, wherein the device is
configured for at least one of messaging and voice
communication.
17. The portable amusement device of claim 1, wherein the device is
configured for at least one of head-to-head, cooperative, and
tournament play.
18. The portable amusement device of claim 1, wherein the device is
configured to alert the user that a table is available for
seating.
19. The portable amusement device of claim 1, wherein the device is
configured to provide to the user information regarding at least
one of a position of the user in a queue for being seated at a
table and an estimated time before a table will be available for
seating.
20. A system for providing entertainment to a user, the system
comprising: (a) a portable amusement device configured to operate
at least one electronic game, the device including a display, a
touchscreen, and a battery; and (b) a docking station configured to
receive the portable device, the docking station including a
currency input, the device being removable from the docking station
only upon receipt by the currency input of at least one of coins,
currency, a credit card/debit card, and a Personal Identification
Number (PIN).
21. The system of claim 19, wherein the currency input is one of a
magnetic stripe reader, a paper money slot, a coin slot, and a
keypad.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/890,287, filed on Feb. 16, 2007, entitled
"Electronic Value-Operated and Battery-Powered Portable Amusement
Device."
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] An embodiment of the present invention relates generally to
an electronic amusement device, and more particularly, to a
battery-powered portable electronic amusement device having an
input for receiving currency to initiate use of the portable
amusement device.
[0003] Amusement devices having electronic games for computers and
touchscreens or other types of amusement devices are generally well
known in the art. Amusement devices, such as game machines, which
allow a user to select games from a video display are well known in
the art, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,856,787
("Itkis"); U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,717 ("Houriet, Jr., et al."); U.S.
Pat. No. 5,743,799 ("Houriet, Jr., et al."), the entire contents of
which are incorporated by reference herein, each of which shows a
touchscreen for making a game selection from a menu of games. Such
game machines or amusement devices typically operate upon input of
currency (i.e., coin, token, paper money, credit/debit cards or the
like) and are installed in locations such as bars, restaurants,
airports, shopping malls, video arcades, casinos or the like. The
game choices may include card games, sports games, games of skill,
games of chance, action games, trivia games or the like.
[0004] Portable, battery-operated gaming devices are similarly
well-known in the art. Typically a game is selected by inserting a
corresponding cartridge into the device. Conventional portable
gaming devices are now occasionally equipped with a touchscreen or
touch pad, such as the Nintendo DS, commercially available from
Nintendo of America Inc., Redmond, Wash. Other devices, such as
PDAs, may also include games as an option to the user. These
devices are generally affordable to the average consumer and once
purchased along with one or more games may be played for free. Such
devices generally provide an advantage to the user over the
installed game machines described above. Portability allows a user
to remain in a seat to play a game rather than risk losing the seat
while standing at the game machine. There is no time spent waiting
for other users to finish their turns. The user is generally more
free to begin or cease play at his or her convenience. However, the
customer must supply the device, requiring transport to and from
the desired location, which may be inconvenient and subjects the
device to risk of loss or theft.
[0005] Additionally, revenue is lost when customers choose to play
their own portable gaming devices rather than the amusement devices
installed in public/private establishments. Providing common
portable gaming devices to customers is simply not an alternative.
The devices lack any mechanism for requiring accurate currency
input per game or accurate charging per minute used. The risk of
theft of such devices is also a concern.
[0006] It is desirable to provide a portable amusement device that
enables the collection of revenue in connection with its use, while
still affording the customer the advantages and convenience of
typical portable gaming devices.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Briefly stated, an embodiment of the present invention
comprises a portable amusement device having a display and being
configured to operate at least one electronic game. The portable
amusement device is operated by a touchscreen and includes a
battery and a currency input. The portable amusement device is
operable by a user upon receipt by the currency input of at least
one of coins, currency, a credit card/debit card, and a Personal
Identification Number (PIN). Additional features may optionally be
added, such as security mechanisms, for example.
[0008] Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a
system for providing entertainment to a user. The system includes a
portable amusement device configured to operate at least one
electronic game and having a display, a touchscreen, and a battery.
The system also includes a docking station configured to receive
the portable amusement device. The docking station includes a
currency input. The portable amusement device is removable from the
docking station only upon receipt by the currency input of at least
one of coins, currency, a credit card/debit card, and a PIN.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be
better understood when read in conjunction with the appended
drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are
shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It
should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to
the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a portable amusement
device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of a portable amusement
device docked in a docking station in accordance with another
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a portable amusement
device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;
and
[0013] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of wireless connectivity
and a security arrangement in accordance with preferred embodiments
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] Certain terminology is used in the following description for
convenience only and is not limiting. The words "right", "left",
"lower", and "upper" designate directions in the drawings to which
reference is made. The words "inwardly" and "outwardly" refer to
directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center
of the portable amusement device and designated parts thereof. The
terminology includes the above-listed words, derivatives thereof,
and words of similar import. Additionally, the words "a" and "an",
as used in the claims and in the corresponding portions of the
specification, mean "at least one." Further, the terms "coin" or
"currency" should not be construed as limiting and can be used
herein to mean all forms of coin and paper currency from any
country as well as proprietary tokens, game cards, credit cards,
debit cards, chits, or other representative forms of credit and/or
payment.
[0015] Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference
numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in FIG.
1 a first preferred embodiment of a portable amusement device 10.
The portable amusement device 10 includes a housing 12 and display
14. The housing 12 is preferably ruggedized to resist breakage when
dropped during normal use and may be waterproof and/or submersible
to prevent water damage in the event the portable amusement device
10 is accidentally splashed and/or submerged in liquid. Preferably,
the display 14 is a flatscreen, touchscreen display 14. The
touchscreen display 14 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), but
the touchscreen display 14 may utilize other touchscreen
technologies which provide a reduced depth, flatscreen display. A
controller U1 (see FIG. 3) is coupled to the display 14 to display
and control electronic games, music, video, multi-media
applications, or the like. The housing 12 may also include one or
more speakers 18 to facilitate audio output from the portable
amusement device 10 during use. The portable amusement device 10 is
preferably powered by a battery 32 (see FIG. 3). The battery 36 may
be a rechargeable battery such as a Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd),
Lithium-ion (Li-ion), or the like, or may not be rechargeable in
some applications.
[0016] The portable amusement device 10 includes a currency/value
input 16. Once a user enters credit and/or payment via the
currency/value input 16, the portable amusement device 10 is
activated for use. The currency/value input 16 may be one of a
magnetic stripe reader/writer (e.g. credit card reader), a paper
money slot, a coin slot, a keypad for the input of a PIN code, or
the like. The currency/value input 16 is preferably a magnetic
stripe reader, as shown in FIG. 1, in order to decrease the volume
and weight of the portable amusement device 10. Alternatively, the
currency/value input 16 may be a Radio Frequency Identification
(RFID) reader, a bar code reader, an indicia reader, or the like.
The currency/value input 16 may read smart cards, pre-stored value
cards, cellular phones, digital certificates, tokens, or the like,
and need not be limited to conventional currency or money.
[0017] The magnetic stripe reader 16 in FIG. 1 is situated on a
side of the housing 12. However, the currency/value input 16 may be
placed in any orientation on the portable amusement device 10 that
facilitates convenient use. Similarly, more than one currency/value
input 16 may be used on the portable amusement device 10 if
desired. Likewise, the function of the currency/value input 16 may
be realized through the touchscreen display 14 using, e.g., a
digital wallet or the like.
[0018] FIG. 3 shows diagrammatically various components that may be
incorporated into the portable amusement device 10 in accordance
with preferred embodiments of the present invention. The controller
U1 and associated memory U2 control operation of the portable
amusement device 10, including the operation of one or more
electronic games. The at least one game may optionally be stored on
a hard disk drive 34 housed within portable amusement device 10.
Preferably, the portable amusement device 10 is a "thin client",
meaning no hard disk drive 34 is located on the portable amusement
device 10. Instead, the games and other applications can be stored
on a local or remote server 24 (see FIG. 4) in communication with
the portable amusement device 10 via a Radio Frequency (RF) modem
26 and associated antenna 28. This configuration further reduces
the weight of the portable amusement device 10 and decreases the
strain on the battery 32 to allow for longer use.
[0019] As an alternative to storing applications on a local server
24, the portable amusement device 10 may be equipped with an
embedded web browser, thus allowing games and other applications to
be run from a remote internet server (not shown). As an additional
feature to the portable amusement device 10, the web browser may
also allow users to surf the internet to check e-mail or other web
sites.
[0020] The RF modem 26 and antenna 28 are preferably configured to
operate under Wi-Fi standards, such as an 802.11x wireless
standard, for communication to the local server. The RF modem 26
can also be utilized to optionally provide Voice over IP (VoIP),
allowing a user of the portable amusement device 10 to make phone
calls via the portable amusement device 10. A microphone 42 is
provided on the housing 12 that may be used in connection with the
speakers. Alternatively, the portable amusement device 10 may be
Bluetooth (Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG,
Inc., Bellevue, Wash.) enabled or infrared (IR) capable, allowing a
user to provide his or her own mobile phone headset or other
peripheral device as a means to place a phone call. The portable
amusement device 10 may also be enabled with an instant messaging
(IM) service for real-time communication with other users of the
portable amusement device 10 or other parties using the same IM
service. Wireless security is recommended, such as Media Access
Control (MAC) ID filtering, Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)
encryption, or more advanced techniques to prevent unauthorized
users from accessing the wireless network established specifically
for the portable amusement device 10.
[0021] The portable amusement device 10 may optionally include a
communication port 30, which is preferably a Universal Serial Bus
(USB) port. This communication port 30 enables users to upload or
download data from personal devices such as portable flash drives.
Often a user creates an "avatar" (a digital self-representation) or
personality for use during gameplay. The communication port 30 is
also useful for games that allow a user to accumulate skill points
or the like. A user may wish to keep a record of the acquired
points on a writable memory.
[0022] An alternative input mechanism 36 may also be provided. The
alternative input 36 may take the form of, for example, a bar code
reader, an RFID reader, a magnetic stripe reader, or the like. The
alternative input 36 may be used for identification purposes, such
as scanning information from a driver's license, credit card, or
other ID. Coupons or special game codes may also be entered in a
similar fashion. The alternative input 36 may also be a digital
camera for taking photographs. Photographs taken by the user may be
e-mailed, downloaded via the communication port 30, or sent to a
remote print station (not shown).
[0023] The portable amusement device 10 may also be used as a
pager. For example, a user may be notified via the portable
amusement device 10 that a table is available for seating or that a
message is waiting for the user. The page may be sent to the
display 14 to alert the user. However, this may interfere with the
user's gameplay. It is more preferable to page the user using
indicator lights 38 and/or a tactile element 40 (e.g., a
vibrational alert), thereby providing the least amount of
distraction to the user while still delivering the intended
message. The indicator lights 38 and tactile element 40 may also be
used to enhance gameplay. Additionally, the portable amusement
device 10 may be configured to provide information to the user
regarding table availability. For example, the portable amusement
device 10 may provide the position of the user in a queue for
receiving a table. Alternatively, the user may be provided with an
estimated time until a table will be available for seating. The
position and time are both preferably updated regularly to reflect
the most current status of the user's wait for a table.
[0024] As described earlier, the display 14 includes a touchscreen
functionality 44 to provide an interface between the user and the
controller U1. Aside from operating games, the portable amusement
device 10 can be used for other functions related to atmosphere or
convenience of the establishment where the portable amusement
device 10 is offered. For example, taverns often include a local
music system, such as a traditional or digital jukebox, to provide
musical enjoyment to the customers. The portable amusement device
10 may be configured to communicate with the local music system via
the local server or otherwise to enable the user to select music to
be played. Alternatively, the portable amusement device 10 may be
equipped to play the music through the speakers 18 rather than
throughout the whole establishment. The portable amusement device
10 can similarly enable video on demand services. The portable
amusement device 10 may also be used to place food or drink orders.
A kitchen or bartender can receive orders from the menu directly
along with a table number for delivery. Conversely, the portable
amusement device 10 may also be used to pay the bill at the end of
the meal via one of the inputs such as the currency/value input 16,
alternative input 36, and the like.
[0025] The portable amusement device 10 is preferably enabled to
allow multiple users with multiple devices 10 to play against one
another head-to-head or play cooperatively. Users can challenge one
another using features of the portable amusement device 10 such as
IM or VoIP as described above. Additionally, in the embodiment
where the games are stored on an internet server, a user of the
portable amusement device 10 may compete head-to-head with players
logged on remotely. The portable amusement device 10 is also
preferably tournament-enabled for tournament-style games, where
users may be rewarded based on scoring or the like.
[0026] FIG. 2 shows an alternative embodiment of the present
invention. The portable amusement device 10 is placed in a docking
station 20 and is locked in place. In addition to providing the
capability of recharging the battery 32 of the portable amusement
device 10, the docking station may also provide the method of
generating revenue. Rather than placing the currency/value input 16
on the portable amusement device 10, one or more currency inputs,
such as a magnetic stripe reader 161, may be placed on the docking
station 20. Removal of the portable amusement device 10 from the
docking station 20 for play is facilitated only by the tendering of
currency by the user to the input 161. The receipt of an
appropriate amount of currency by the docking station 20 releases
the lock on the portable amusement device 10. In FIG. 2, for
example, the docking station 20 is shown with the magnetic stripe
card reader 161 and a keypad 162. While it is preferred to have the
currency input 161 on the docking station 20 rather than on the
portable amusement device 10, thereby decreasing the size and
weight of the portable amusement device 10, it may be desirable to
incorporate a currency input on both the portable amusement device
10 and the docking station 20.
[0027] In various embodiments of the present invention, loss
prevention is preferable for permitting use of portable
value-operated devices. An anti-theft system may therefore be
included with the portable amusement device 10. Several examples
are shown in FIG. 4. Two portable amusement devices 101 and 102 are
shown in relation to local server 24. A theft alarm 46, illustrated
in FIG. 4 as having a blinking light associated with each portable
amusement device 10, is communicatively coupled to the server 24.
The server 24 establishes a wireless network area, represented by
the shaded circle.
[0028] While a portable amusement device such as 101 remains within
the physical area of the network, the theft alarm 46 remains
dormant for that portable amusement device 101. However, once a
user strays outside the network area with portable amusement device
102, or the server 24 is otherwise no longer able to communicate
with the portable amusement device 102, the theft alarm 46 is
activated, alerting personnel that theft may be in progress.
Alternatively, the portable amusement device 102 may be equipped to
deactivate when the portable amusement device 102 can no longer
communicate with the server 24, rendering the portable amusement
device 102 useless until returned. As yet another alternative, the
portable amusement device 10 may be equipped with Global
Positioning System (GPS) capability or RF capability to constantly
provide a location to personnel.
[0029] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
changes could be made to the embodiments described above without
departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is
understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the
particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover
modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention
as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *