U.S. patent number RE28,507 [Application Number 05/464,256] was granted by the patent office on 1975-08-05 for television gaming apparatus.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Sanders Associates, Inc.. Invention is credited to William T. Rusch.
United States Patent |
RE28,507 |
Rusch |
August 5, 1975 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Television gaming apparatus
Abstract
Apparatus and methods are herein disclosed for use in
conjunction with standard monochrome and color television
receivers, for the generation, display and manipulation of symbols
or geometric figures upon the screen of the television receivers
for the purpose of playing games. The invention comprises in one
embodiment a control unit, connecting means and in some
applications a television screen overlay mask utilized in
conjunction with a standard television receiver. The control unit
includes the control means, switches and electronic circuitry for
the generation, manipulation and control of video signals which are
to be displayed on the television screen. The symbols are generated
by developing current pulses proportional to predetermined portions
(slices) of horizontal and vertical sawtooth waves. The connecting
means couples the video signals to the receiver antenna terminals
thereby using existing electronic circuits within the receiver to
process and display the signals. An overlay mask which may be
removably attached to the television screen may determine the
nature of the game to be played. Control units may be provided for
each of the participants. Alternatively, games may be carried out
in conjunction with background and other pictorial information
originated in the television receiver by commercial TV,
closed-circuit TV or a CATV station.
Inventors: |
Rusch; William T. (Hollis,
NH) |
Assignee: |
Sanders Associates, Inc. (South
Nashua, NH)
|
Family
ID: |
27040905 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/464,256 |
Filed: |
April 25, 1974 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
Reissue of: |
828154 |
May 27, 1969 |
03659284 |
Apr 25, 1972 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/3; 315/377;
348/563; 345/157; 345/184; 348/553 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F
13/42 (20140902); A63F 13/00 (20130101); A63F
2300/203 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63F
13/00 (20060101); G08B 005/36 () |
Field of
Search: |
;340/324AD ;315/377 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Trafton; David L.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Etlinger; Louis Seligman; Richard
I.
Claims
I claim:
1. In combination with a standard television receiver, apparatus
for generating signals representing a symbol to be displayed on the
screen of said television receiver, comprising:
means for generating sync signals;
means for generating a first sawtooth wave;
means for generating a second sawtooth wave;
means coupled to said first sawtooth wave generating means for
generating first current pulses proportional to a predetermined
slice of said first sawtooth wave; including a first slicer having
first and second diodes connected back-to-back with one junction
thereof coupled to said first sawtooth wave generating means, a
capacitor coupled from the other junction to ground and means for
receiving a control signal at said other junction, and first means
for differentiating the output from said first slicer;
means coupled to said second sawtooth wave generating means for
generating second current pulses proportional to a predetermined
slice of said second sawtooth wave; including a second slicer
having third and fourth diodes connected back-to-back with one
junction thereof coupled to said second sawtooth wave generating
means, a capacitor coupled from the other junction to ground and
means for receiving a control signal at said other junction, and
second means for differentiating the output from said second
slicer;
a coincidence gate coupled to said first and second current pulse
generating means;
means for summing the output from said coincidence gate and said
sync signals;
an RF oscillator;
means for modulating the output of said RF oscillator with said
summed signal; and
means for applying said modulated signal to said receiver.
2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said first and second
differentiating means includes:
a first capacitor coupled from said first slicer to said
coincidence gate; and
a second capacitor coupled from said second slicer to said
coincidence gate.
3. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said coincidence gate
includes:
a transistor having first, second and third electrodes, said third
electrode being coupled to ground, with the output of said
coincidence gate obtained at said third electrode;
a voltage source;
a first resistor coupled from said second electrode to said voltage
source;
a second resistor coupled from said second electrode to ground;
and
a third resistor coupled from said third electrode to said voltage
source.
4. Apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said second resistor is
a variable resistor which adjusts the threshold of said coincidence
gate and thereby symbol size and shape.
5. Apparatus as defined in claim 4, further including means for
generating first and second control signals which determine said
predetermined slices, said control signals being coupled to said
first and second slicers.
6. Apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said first and second
control signal generating means includes:
first and second voltage source;
a first potentiometer coupled across said first voltage source, the
arm of said potentiometer being electrically coupled to said first
slicer;
a second potentiometer coupled across said second voltage source,
the arm of said potentiometer being electrically coupled to said
second slicer; and
means for adjusting the position of said arms to thereby vary said
control signals.
7. Apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said adjusting means
includes:
a first knob coupled to said arm of said first potentiometer;
and
a second knob coupled to said arm of said second potentiometer.
8. Apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said adjusting means
includes a joystick coupled to both arms of said
potentiometers.
9. In combination with a standard television receiver, apparatus
for generating signals representing a symbol to be displayed on the
screen of said television receiver, comprising:
a control unit including means for generating horizontal and
vertical signals representing the symbol to be displayed, means for
synchronizing a television raster scan, and means for manipulating
the position of the symbol on the screen, said manipulating means
including means for generating first and second control signals
coupled to said means for generating horizontal and vertical
signals, said control signal generating means including means for
.Iadd.automatically .Iaddend.causing the displayed symbol to travel
back and forth between two predetermined positions off-screen;
and
means for electrically coupling said control unit to said
television receiver.
10. In combination with a standard television receiver, apparatus
for generating signals representing a symbol to be displayed on the
screen of said television receiver comprising:
a control unit including means for generating horizontal and
vertical signals representing the symbol to be displayed, means for
synchronizing a television raster scan, and means for manipulating
the position of the symbol on the screen, said manipulating means
including means for generating first and second control signals
coupled to said means for generating horizontal and vertical
signals, said control signal generating means including means for
causing the displayed symbol to travel back and forth between two
predetermined positions; and
means for electrically coupling said control unit to said
television receiver;
wherein said means for causing said displayed symbol to travel
between two predetermined positions includes:
a bistable multivibrator having at least a first input and first
and second outputs;
a first resistor;
a first diode, the anode thereof being coupled to one side of said
first resistor with the cathode thereof being coupled to the first
output of said bistable multivibrator;
a second diode, the cathode thereof being coupled to the other side
of said first resistor with the anode thereof being coupled to said
second output of said bistable multivibrator;
a second resistor;
a third diode, the cathode thereof being coupled to one side of
said second resistor with the anode thereof being coupled to the
first output of said bistable multivibrator;
a fourth diode, the anode thereof being coupled to the other side
of said second resistor with the cathode thereof being coupled to
said second output of said bistable multivibrator;
a third resistor;
a fifth diode, the anode thereof being coupled to one side of said
third resistor with the cathode thereof being coupled to the first
output of said bistable multivibrator;
a sixth diode, the cathode thereof being coupled to the other side
of said third resistor with the anode thereof being coupled to said
second output of said bistable multivibrator;
a fourth resistor;
a seventh diode, the cathode thereof being coupled to one side of
said fourth resistor with the anode thereof being coupled to the
first output of said bistable multivibrator;
an eighth diode, the anode thereof being coupled to the other side
of said fourth resistor with the cathode thereof being coupled to
the second output of said bistable multivibrator;
means for applying triggering pulses to said first input of said
bistable multivibrator;
means coupling said third and fourth resistors for providing a
first control signal; and
means coupling said first and second resistors for providing a
second control signal.
11. Apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein said trigger applying
means includes a slow free-running bistable multivibrator.
12. Apparatus as defined in claim 11 wherein the output from said
slow free-running bistable multivibrator is also applied to a
second input of said bistable multivibrator.
13. Apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein said resistors are
variable.
14. Apparatus as defined in claim 10, further including:
a first RC network coupled to said means coupling said first and
second resistors; and
a second RC network coupled to said means coupling said third and
fourth resistors.
15. Apparatus as defined in claim 10, further including:
a first integrator coupled to said means coupling said first and
second resistors; and
a second integrator coupled to said means coupling said third and
fourth resistors.
16. Apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said first and second
control generating means includes means for generating a first
sinusoid and a second sinusoid phase displaced from said first
sinusoid whereby the symbol will traverse a path such as a circle,
ellipse "figure eight" etc.
17. Apparatus for generating signals representing a " hitting"
symbol and a "hit" symbol to be displayed on the screen of a
television receiver, comprising:
means for synchronizing a television raster scan;
means for generating electrical signals representing a hitting
symbol;
means coupled to said means for generating signals representing a
hitting symbol for generating first and second control signals to
vary the horizontal and vertical positions of said hitting
symbol;
means for ascertaining coincidence between a hitting symbol and a
hit symbol;
first means for differentiating a portion of the signal output of
said first control signal generating means upon coincidence between
said hitting symbol and said hit symbol;
second means for differentiating a portion of the signal output of
said second control signal generating means upon coincidence
between said hitting symbol and said hit symbol;
first means for integrating said first differentiated signal for
providing a first hit symbol control voltage;
second means for integrating said second differentiated signal and
for providing a second hit symbol control voltage;
a hit symbol generator having as control inputs thereto said first
and second hit symbol control voltages whereby said hit symbol
moves with a velocity proportional to the velocity of a hitting
when coincident therewith.
18. Apparatus as defined in claim 17 further including first and
second RC delay circuits coupled to said first and second
differentiating means, respectively.
19. Apparatus as defined in claim 18, further including means for
reversing the polarity of said first and second hit symbol control
voltages when the outputs of said first and second integrators
reach at least a first predetermined voltage level.
20. Apparatus as defined in claim 19 wherein said polarity
reversing means, includes:
a first and second comparators coupled to the outputs of said first
and second integrators, respectively;
means for applying reference signals to said first and second
comparators; and
means for reversing the polarity of the outputs of said
differentiators responsive to outputs of said comparators.
21. Apparatus as defined in claim 20, further including first and
second bistable multivibrators coupled to said first and second
comparators, respectively, the outputs of said bistable
multivibrators signifying the desired relative polarity of said
integrator outputs.
22. In combination with a standard television receiver, apparatus
for generating signals representing a first and second hitting
symbol and a hit symbol to be displayed on the screen of said
television receiver, comprising:
means for generating sync signals;
means for generating a first sawtooth wave;
means for generating a second sawtooth wave;
a first hitting symbol generator;
a second hitting symbol generator;
a hit symbol generator;
means for applying said first and second sawtooth waves to said
symbol generators;
means for generating first and second control signals for said
first hitting symbol generator;
means for coupling said first and second control signals to said
first hitting symbol generator;
means for generating third and fourth control signals for said
second hitting symbol generator;
means for coupling said third and fourth control signals to said
second hitting symbol generator;
means for generating fifth and sixth control signals for said hit
symbol generator;
means for coupling said fifth and sixth control signals to said hit
symbol generator;
means for coupling said first, second, third, and fourth control
signals to said means for generating fifth and sixth control
signals; and
means for coupling the outputs of said symbol generators and said
sync signals to the television receiver.
23. Apparatus as defined in claim 22 wherein said means for
generating fifth and sixth control signals includes:
first means for detecting coincidence between said first hit symbol
and said hitting symbol;
second means for detecting coincidence between said second hit
symbol and said hitting symbol;
a first monostable multivibrator coupled to said first coincidence
means;
a second monostable multivibrator coupled to said second
coincidence means;
first, second, third, and fourth gates having as inputs thereto
said first, third, second, and fourth control signals,
respectively;
means for coupling the output of said first monostable
multivibrator to said first and third gates;
means for coupling the output of said second multivibrator to said
second and fourth gates;
a first differentiator coupled to said first and second gates;
a second differentiator coupled to said third and fourth gates;
first sampling means coupled to said first differentiator;
second sampling means coupled to said second differentiator;
first and second OR gates, the outputs thereof being coupled to
said first and second sampling means, respectively, the inputs
thereof being coupled to both said monostable multivibrators;
first and second peak detectors coupled to said first and second
sampling means, respectively; and
first and second integrators coupled to said first and second peak
detectors, respectively, said fifth and sixth control signals being
derived at the outputs of said first and second integrators,
respectively.
24. Apparatus as defined in claim 23, further including:
third and fourth OR gates, each coupled to both said monostable
multivibrators;
a first and second bistable multivibrator, each having first and
second inputs, said first inputs taken at the outputs of said third
and fourth OR gates, respectively;
a first and second comparator, the outputs thereof being coupled to
second inputs of said first and second bistable multivibrators,
respectively;
said first and second comparators being coupled to said first and
second integrators, respectively;
means for generating reference voltages;
means for applying said reference voltages to said comparators;
and
first and second means for reversing the polarity of the outputs of
said peak detectors, said polarity reversing means coupled to the
outputs of said first and second bistable multivibrators,
respectively.
25. In combination with a standard television receiver, apparatus
for generating symbols upon the screen of the receiver to be
manipulated by at least one participant, comprising:
means for generating a hitting symbol, and
means for generating a hit symbol including means for ascertaining
coincidence between said hitting symbol and said hit symbol and
means for imparting a distinct motion to said hit symbol upon
coincidence.
26. The combination of claim 25 wherein said means for generating a
hitting symbol includes means for providing horizontal and vertical
control signals for varying the horizontal and vertical positions
of said hitting symbol.
27. The combination of claim 26 wherein said means for providing
horizontal control signals includes a voltage source, a
potentiometer coupled across said voltage source and an integrator
coupled to the arm of said potentiometer, said control signal being
derived at the output of said integrator.
28. The combination of claim 25 wherein said means for generating a
hit symbol includes means for providing horizontal and vertical
control signals for varying the horizontal and vertical positions
of said hit symbol.
29. The combination of claim 28 wherein said means for providing
horizontal control signals for said hit symbol includes means for
causing said hit symbol to move back and forth across the screen
when triggered.
30. The combination of claim 29 wherein said triggering means
includes a slow free-running multivibrator.
31. The combination of claim 29 further including means for
detecting coincidence between a hit symbol and a hitting symbol and
means for causing said hit symbol to change direction upon
coincidence.
32. The combination of claim 25 wherein said means for generating a
hit symbol further includes means for causing said hit symbol to
move away from a predetermined position of the screen with a
reflection angle equal to the incident angle at which said hit
symbol approached said predetermined position.
33. In combination with a standard television receiver, apparatus
for generating signals representing a symbol to be displayed on the
screen of said television receiver, comprising:
means for generating sync signals;
means for generating a first sawtooth wave;
means for generating a second sawtooth wave;
means coupled to said first sawtooth wave generating means for
generating first current pulses proportional to a predetermined
slice of said first sawtooth wave; including a first slicer having
first and second diodes connected back-to-back with one junction
thereof coupled to said first sawtooth wave generating means, a
capacitor coupled from the other junction to ground and means for
receiving a control signal at said other junction, and first means
for differentiating the output from said first slicer;
means coupled to said second sawtooth wave generating means for
generating second current pulses proportional to a predetermined
slice of said second sawtooth wave; including a second slicer
having third and fourth diodes connected back-to-back with one
junction thereof coupled to said second sawtooth wave generating
means, a capacitor coupled from the other junction to ground and
means for receiving a control signal at said other junction and
second means for differentiating the output from said second
slicer;
a coincidence gate coupled to said first and second current pulse
generating means;
means for summing the output from said coincidence gate and sync
signals;
means for applying the output of said summing means to the video
and sync circuits of said television receiver.
34. Apparatus as defined in claim 33, further including means for
disconnecting the video detector of said television receiver from
said video amplifier.
35. In combination with a standard television receiver, apparatus
for generating signals representing a first and second hitting
symbol and a hit symbol to be displayed on the screen of said
television receiver, comprising:
means for generating a first sawtooth wave;
means for generating a second sawtooth wave;
a first hitting symbol generator;
a second hitting symbol generator;
a hit symbol generator;
means for applying said first and second sawtooth waves to said
symbol generators;
means for generating first and second control signals for said
first hitting generator;
means for coupling said first and second control signals to said
first hitting symbol generator for changing the position
thereof;
means for generating third and fourth control signals for said
second hitting symbol generator;
means for coupling said third and fourth control signals to said
second hitting symbol generator for changing the position
thereof;
.[.means for applying the output of said spot generator to the
video amplifier of said television receiver..].
.Iadd.means for generating fifth and sixth control signals for said
"hit" symbol generator;
means for coupling said fifth and sixth control signals to said
"hit" symbol generator for changing the position thereof;
means for coupling said first, second, third and fourth control
signals to said means for generating fifth and sixth control
signals such that the motion of said "hit" symbol is dependent on
the position of a "hitting" symbol; and
means for coupling the outputs of said symbol generators to the
video amplifier of said television receiver. .Iaddend.
36. In combination with a conventional television receiver,
apparatus for generating signals representing a symbol to be
displayed on the screen of said television receiver,
comprising:
means for generating vertical and horizontal sawtooth
waveforms;
means for synchronizing said vertical and horizontal sawtooth
waveforms to the sync signals received in said television receiver
from a broadcast signal;
a spot generator including a first slicer having first and second
diodes connected back-to-back with one junction thereof coupled to
said vertical sawtooth generating means, a capacitor coupled from
the other junction to ground and means for receiving a first
control signal at said other junction, and first means for
differentiating the output from said first slicer, and a second
slicer having third and fourth diodes connected back-to-back with
one junction thereof coupled to said horizontal sawtooth generating
means, a capacitor coupled .[.form.]. .Iadd.from .Iaddend.the other
junction to ground and means for receiving a second control signal
at said other junction, and second means for differentiating the
output from said second slicer, and a coincidence gate coupled to
said first and second differentials; and
means for applying the output of said spot generator to the video
amplifier of said television receiver.
37. The combination of claim 36, wherein said means for generating
vertical and horizontal sawtooth waveforms includes means coupled
to the horizontal and vertical deflection circuits of said
television receiver.
38. Apparatus for generating symbols upon the screen of a cathode
ray tube, comprising:
a cathode ray tube;
means for generating horizontal and vertical sync signals;
means for generating first and second sawtooth waves;
means for generating a video signal proportional to predetermined
slices of said sawtooth waves including a first slicer having first
and second diodes connected back-to-back with one junction thereof
coupled to said vertical sawtooth generating means, a capacitor
coupled from the other junction to ground and means for receiving a
first control signal at said other junction, and first means for
differentiating the output from said first slicer, and a second
slicer having third and fourth diodes connected back-to-back with
one junction thereof coupled to said horizontal sawtooth generating
means, a capacitor coupled from the other junction to ground and
means for receiving a second control signal at said other junction,
and second means for differentiating the output from said second
slicer, and a coincidence gate coupled to said first and second
differentials;
a horizontal deflection circuit coupled to said cathode ray
tube;
a vertical deflection coupled to said cathode ray tube circuit;
means for coupling said video signal to the intensity input of said
cathode ray tube;
means for coupling said horizontal sync signals to said horizontal
deflection circuits; and
means for coupling said vertical sync signals to said vertical
deflection circuit.
39. Apparatus as defined in claim 38, further including means for
supplying high voltage to said cathode ray tube.
40. Apparatus as defined in claim 39 wherein said video signal
coupling means includes a video amplifier. .[.44..]. .Iadd.41.
.Iaddend.Apparatus for playing ping-pong type games by displaying
and manipulating symbols on the screen of a cathode ray tube,
comprising:
means for generating a first hitting spot;
means for generating a second hitting spot;
means for generating a hit spot;
means for changing the vertical position of said first hitting
spot;
means for changing the vertical position of said second hitting
spot;
means for causing said hit spot to move from an off-screen left
position to an off-screen right position and vice versa;
means for changing said off-screen right and off-screen left
positions;
means for denoting coincidence between said first hitting spot and
said hit spot;
means for denoting coincidence between said second hitting spot and
said hit spot;
means for causing said hit spot to change horizontal direction upon
coincidence between said hit spot and either of said hitting spots;
and
means for displaying said spots upon the screen of said cathode ray
tube.
. The apparatus of claim 41 further including means for causing
said hit spot to move on-screen subsequent to said hit spot moving
off-screen occurring when said hit spot does not make coincidence
with one of said
hitting spots when in vertical alignment therewith. 43. Apparatus
for playing a gun ping-pong type game on the screen of a cathode
ray tube, comprising:
means for generating a hit spot;
a first light sensitive gun;
a second light sensitive gun;
means for causing said hit spot to move from an off-screen right to
an off-screen left position and vice versa;
means for causing said hit spot to change direction when one of
said light guns receives a pulse of light energy from said hit
spot; and
means for serving said hit spot when said hit spot goes off-screen.
44. Apparatus for playing a baseball type game on the screen of a
cathode ray tube, comprising:
means for displaying a hit spot;
means for displaying a hitting spot;
means for adjusting the vertical position of said hitting spot;
means for serving said hit spot; and
means for varying the vertical position of said hit spot; and
means for denoting coincidence between said hit and said hitting
spot
whereby said hit spot will reverse directions. 45. Apparatus for
playing a hockey type game upon the screen of a cathode ray tube,
comprising:
means for displaying a first hitting spot;
means for displaying a second hitting spot;
means for displaying a hit spot;
means for controlling the position of said first and second hitting
spots;
means for controlling the position of said hit spot including means
for ascertaining coincidence between either of said hitting spots
and said hit spot and means for imparting a distinct motion to said
hit spot upon
coincidence. 46. Apparatus as defined in claim 45 wherein said
means for controlling said hit spot includes means for causing said
hit spot to move in the direction hit by a hitting spot and means
for causing said hit spot to bounce away from the sides of said
cathode ray tube when coincidence
therewith. 47. Apparatus for playing a simulated handball game upon
the screen of a cathode ray tube, comprising:
means for displaying a first symbol representing a first
player;
means for displaying a second symbol representing a second player;
and
means for displaying a third symbol representing a ball;
means for controlling the position of said first symbol on said
cathode ray tube;
means for controlling the position of said second symbol on said
cathode ray tube;
means for controlling the position of said third symbol on said
cathode ray tube;
said means for controlling the position of said third symbol on
said cathode ray tube including means for causing said third symbol
to change direction upon coincidence between either of said first
or second symbols and
means for causing said third symbol to bounce off three of said
four sides of said cathode ray tube upon coincidence therewith and
to go off-screen when coincident with said fourth side of said
cathode ray tube; and
means for serving said third symbol when it goes off-screen at said
fourth
side of said cathode ray tube. 48. Apparatus for generating signals
representing a symbol to be displayed on the screen of a television
receiver, comprising:
means for generating sync signals;
means for generating a first sawtooth wave;
means for generating a second sawtooth wave;
means coupled to said first sawtooth wave generating means for
generating first current pulses proportional to a predetermined
slice of said first sawtooth wave including a first slicer having
first and second diodes connected back-to-back with one junction
thereof coupled to said first sawtooth wave generating means, a
capacitor coupled from the other junction to ground and means for
receiving a control signal to said other junction, and first means
for differentiating the output from said first slicer;
means coupled to said second sawtooth wave generating means for
generating second current pulses proportional to a predetermined
slice of said second sawtooth wave including a second slicer having
third and fourth diodes connected back-to-back with one junction
thereof coupled to said second sawtooth wave generating means, a
capacitor coupled from the other junction to ground and means for
receiving a control signal at said other junction, and second means
for differentiating the output from said second slicer;
a coincidence gate coupled to said first and second current pulse
generating means;
means for coupling the output from said coincidence gate and said
sync
signals to a television receiver. 49. Apparatus for generating
signals representing a hitting symbol and a hit symbol to be
displayed on the screen of a television receiver, comprising:
means for generating synchronizing signals;
means for generating electrical signals representing a hitting
symbol;
means coupled to said means for generating electrical signals
representing a hitting symbol for generating first and second
control signals to vary the horizontal and vertical positions of
said hitting symbol;
first means for differentiating a portion of the signal output of
said first control signal generating means;
second means for differentiating a portion of the signal output of
said second control signal generating means;
first means for integrating said first differentiated signal for
providing a first hit symbol control voltage;
second means for integrating said second differentiated signal and
for providing a second hit symbol control voltage; and
a symbol generator having as control inputs thereto said first and
second hit symbol control voltages whereby said hit symbol moves
with a velocity proportional to the velocity of said hitting symbol
when coincident
therewith. 50. Apparatus for generating signals representing a
first and second hitting symbol and a hit symbol to be displayed on
the screen of a television receiver, comprising:
means for generating sync signals;
means for generating a first sawtooth wave;
means for generating a second sawtooth wave;
a first hitting symbol generator;
a second hitting symbol generator;
a hit symbol generator;
means for applying said first and second sawtooth waves to said
symbol generators;
means for generating first and second control signals for said
first hitting symbol generator;
means for coupling said first and second control signals to said
first hitting symbol generator;
means for generating third and fourth control signals for said
second hitting symbol generator;
means for coupling said third and fourth control signals to said
second hitting symbol generator;
means for generating fifth an sixth controls signals for said hit
symbol generator;
means for coupling said fifth and sixth control signals to said hit
symbol generator;
means for coupling said first, second, third, and fourth control
signals to said means for generating fifth and sixth control
signals; and
means for coupling the outputs of said symbol generators and said
sync
signals to a television receiver. 51. Apparatus for generating
symbols upon the screen of a television receiver to be manipulated
by at least one participant, comprising:
means for generating a hitting symbol; and
means for generating a hit symbol including means for ascertaining
coincidence between said hitting symbol and said hit symbol and
means for
imparting a distinct motion to said hit symbol upon coincidence.
52. The combination of claim 51 wherein said means for generating a
hitting symbol includes means for providing horizontal and vertical
control signals for
varying the horizontal and vertical positions of said hitting
symbol. 53. The combination of claim 52 wherein said means for
providing horizontal control signals includes a voltage source, a
potentiometer coupled across said voltage source and an integrator
coupled to the arm of said integrator, said control being derived
at the output of said
integrator. 54. The combination of claim 51 wherein said means for
generating a hit symbol includes means for providing horizontal and
vertical control signals for varying the horizontal and vertical
positions
of said hit symbol. 55. The combination of claim 54 wherein said
means for providing horizontal control signals for said hit symbol
includes means
for causing said hit symbol to move back and forth across the
screen. 56. The combination of claim 55 wherein said means for
causing said hit symbol to move back and forth across the screen
includes a slow
free-running multivibrator. 57. The combination of claim 55 further
including means for detecting coincidence between a hit symbol and
a hitting symbol and means for causing said hit symbol to change
direction
upon coincidence. 58. Apparatus for generating signals representing
a symbol to be displayed on the screen of a television receiver,
comprising:
means for generating sync signals;
means for generating a horizontal sawtooth wave;
means for generating a vertical sawtooth wave;
means coupled to said horizontal sawtooth wave generating means for
generating first current pulses proportional to a predetermined
slice of said horizontal sawtooth wave including a first slicer
having first and second diodes connected back-to-back with one
junction thereof coupled to said horizontal sawtooth wave
generating means, a capacitor coupled from the other junction to
ground and means for receiving a control signal at said other
junction, and first means for differentiating the output from said
first slicer;
means coupled to said vertical sawtooth wave generating means for
generating second current pulses proportional to a predetermined
slice of said vertical sawtooth wave including a second slicer
having third and fourth diodes connected back-to-back with one
junction thereof coupled to said vertical sawtooth wave generating
means, a capacitor coupled from the other junction to ground and
means for receiving a control signal at said other junction and
second means for differentiating the output from said second
slicer;
a coincidence gate coupled to said first and second current pulse
generating means;
means for summing the output from said coincidence gate and sync
signals;
means for applying the output of said summing means to the video
amplifier
of a television receiver. 59. Apparatus for generating signals
representing a first and second hitting symbol and a hit symbol to
be displayed on the screen of a television receiver,
comprising;
means for generating a first sawtooth wave;
means for generating a second sawtooth wave;
a first hitting symbol generator;
a second hitting symbol generator;
a hit symbol generator;
means for applying said first and second sawtooth waves to said
symbol generators;
means for generating first and second control signals for said
first hitting symbol generator;
means for coupling said first and second control signals to said
first hitting symbol generator;
means for generating third and fourth control signals for said
second hitting symbol generator;
means for coupling said third and fourth control signals to said
second hitting symbol generator;
means for generating fifth and sixth control signals for said hit
symbol generator;
means for coupling said fifth and sixth control signals to said hit
symbol generator;
means for coupling said first, second, third, and fourth control
signals to said means for generating fifth and sixth control
signals; and
means for coupling the outputs of said symbol generators to the
video
amplifier of a television receiver. .Iadd.60. Apparatus for playing
games by displaying and manipulating symbols on the screen of a
cathode ray tube comprising:
means for generating vertical and horizontal synchronization
signals;
means responsive to said synchronization signals for deflecting the
beam of said cathode ray tube to generate a raster on said
screen;
means coupled to said synchronization signal generating means and
said cathode ray tube for generating a first symbol on said screen
at a position which is directly controlled by a player;
means coupled to said synchronization signal generating means and
said cathode ray tube for generating a second symbol on said screen
which is movable;
means coupled to said first symbol generating means and said second
symbol generating means for determining a first coincidence between
said first symbol and said second symbol; and
means coupled to said coincidence determining means and said second
symbol generating means for imparting a distinct motion to said
second symbol in response to said coincidence. .Iaddend. .Iadd.61.
The apparatus of claim 60, further including:
means coupled to said synchronization signal generating means and
said cathode ray tube for generating a third symbol on said screen
at a position which is controlled by a player;
means coupled to said third symbol generating means and said second
symbol generating means for determining a second coincidence
between said third symbol and said second symbol; and
means coupled to said second and third symbol coincidence
determining means and said second symbol generating means for
imparting a distinct motion to said second symbol in response to
said second coincidence. .Iaddend. .Iadd.62. The apparatus of claim
61 further including means for causing said second symbol to travel
across said screen from one side of said raster to another side of
said raster in the absence of an occurrence of coincidence between
said second symbol and said first or third symbol after coincidence
of said second symbol with said third or first symbol.
.Iaddend..Iadd. 63. The apparatus of claim 61, further
including:
means for determining a third coincidence of a signal representing
said second symbol and a signal bearing a specific time
relationship with an edge of said raster; and
means coupled to said third coincidence determining means and said
second symbol generating means for altering the motion of said
second symbol in response to said third coincidence.
.Iaddend..Iadd. 64. The apparatus of claim 63 wherein said motion
altering means imparts to said second symbol a motion which is a
reflection of its motion immediately prior to its motion at said
third coincidence. .Iaddend.
Description
This invention relates to the subject matter disclosed in
application Ser. No. 126,966 filed Mar. 22, 1971, a continuation of
application Ser. No. 697,798 filed Jan. 15, 1968, now abandoned;
and application Ser. No. 713,862, filed Mar. 18, 1968, now U.S.
Pat. No. 3,497,829.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an apparatus and method by means of which
standard television receivers can be utilized as active rather than
passive instruments. This is accomplished in certain embodiments by
having participants manipulate controls of a control unit connected
to the television receiver to cause a symbol, such as a rectangle,
circle, ring, star, cross, spot or a plurality of spots, to be
displayed upon the television screen by means of which the
participants can play a variety of games, participate in simulated
training programs, as well as carry out other activities. By way of
example, modified versions of the well-known game of ping-pong may
be played by two participants by physically or electronically
placing an appropriate mask representing the net upon the screen of
the television receiver. Three displayed spots represent two
paddles and a ball wherein the ball is moved in a particular
direction when "hit" by a paddle.
Heretofore, color and monochrome television receivers have been
used generally by the home and other viewers as passive devices;
i.e., the television receiver is used only as a display means for
programming originating at a studio. The viewer is limited to
selecting the presentations available for viewing and is not a
participant to the extent that he can control or influence the
nature of, or add to the presentation displayed on the receiver
screen.
A standard receiver employed with auxiliary equipment to provide an
active form of home entertainment is described in a patent
application for "Television Gaming and Training Apparatus," Ser.
No. 126,966 filed Mar. 22, 1971 a continuation of Ser. No. 697,798,
filed Jan. 15, 1968, and assigned to the assignee of this
application. Since most homes are equipped with television
receivers, the only expense required to provide added family
enjoyment is the expense of a control unit of one type or
another.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide
apparatus and methods for displaying video signals on the screen of
a television receiver, where some or all of the video signals are
both generated and controlled by apparatus external to the
television receiver.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus and method wherein a standard color or monochrome
television receiver is utilized as an active instrument for playing
various types of games involving one or more participants.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device
whereby an individual may pit his alertness, skill, manual
dexterity and visual acuity against automatically controlled video
displays.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus which will generate spots such as squares, rectangles,
circles, rings, stars, etc. which may be controlled by one or more
participants for playing various types of games.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a cathode
ray tube apparatus for displaying symbols to be manipulated by
participants.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus which will allow one or more participants to actively use
a standard television set while receiving background and other
pertinent pictorial information from a cooperative commercial TV,
closed-circuit TV, or CATV station, thus combining or alternating
studio and home-generated information on the TV screen.
It is still another object of the present invention to allow the
use of standard TV set for gaming or other activities without the
need for any kind of internal electrical connection to the TV set
for the introduction of video and/or chroma signals, connections
being required to be made only to the externally-accessible antenna
terminals.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a
television gaming apparatus is provided for generating video
signals in accordance with the standardized television format,
which signals may be controlled by an individual operator by means
of a joystick or other manually operative means. The television
gaming apparatus comprises control apparatus having included
therein the necessary electronic circuits to produce video signals
which are compatible with standard television receivers.
The control apparatus has video signal control means mounted
thereon for each access and connecting means are provided for
coupling the video signals generated within the control box to the
television receiver.
By way of illustration, the television gaming apparatus can be used
for playing a game of ping-pong by providing on a TV screen two
spots which represent paddles. Means are provided for enabling the
players to control the vertical movement of the spots. Means are
also provided for generating on the screen of the television
receiver a third spot which represents the ping-pong ball, which
spot automatically moves from an off-screen left position on an
off-screen right position and vice versa unless "hit" by a paddle
spot whereupon the ball spot will change direction. The players
have further controls for changing the vertical position of the
ball spot.
Suitable overlays or presentations from a cooperative TV station
may be used in conjunction with said games to enhance the asthetic
appeal thereof .
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above-mentioned and other features and objects of this
invention will become more apparent by reference to the following
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
which:
FIG. 1 is a pictorial view illustrating the principle components of
an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 1A is a pictorial view illustrating an alternate embodiment
for the control unit of FIG. 1;
FIG. 2 is a sketch illustrating a typical TV screen and overlay
mask as employed in an embodiment of this invention;
FIG. 3 is a sketch illustrating the manner in which spots are
formed on a TV screen;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the spot generation;
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the preferred mode of generating spots
on a TV screen;
FIG. 6 is a plurality of sketches illustrating shapes of
representative spots;
FIG. 7 is a schematic of a sync/sawtooth generator employed in the
embodiment of FIG. 5;
FIG. 8 are schematics of circuits employed in the embodiment of
FIG. 5;
FIG. 9A is a schematic of potentiometer controls used to generate
slicer control voltages;
FIG. 9B is a schematic of joystick controlled potentiometers used
to generate slicer control voltages;
FIG. 9C is a schematic of joystick controlled
potentiometer-integrator control used to generate slicer control
voltages;
FIG. 10A is a schematic of a position flip-flop circuit used to
control spots in certain applications of this invention;
FIG. 10B are sketches of representative waveforms of the circuit of
FIG. 10A;
FIG. 11A is a block diagram of apparatus of controlling a "hit"
spot;
FIG. 11B is a sketch illustrating the manner in which the apparatus
of FIG. 11A controls a "hit" spot; .[.supplies.].
FIG. 11C is a schematic of the horizontal gated differentiator of
FIG. 11A;
FIG. 11D is a schematic of the bilateral switch, integrator and
wall bounce control of FIG. 11A;
FIG. 12A is a diagram of apparatus for a simulated ping-pong
game;
FIG. 12B is a sketch of a TV screen illustrating the manner of play
of the ping-pong game of FIG. 12A;
FIG. 12C is a sketch of a TV screen illustrating the manner of play
of a simulated hockey game using the apparatus of FIG. 12A;
FIG. 12D is a sketch of a TV screen illustrating the manner of play
of a simulated baseball game;
FIG. 13 is a sketch illustrating a class of games ("chase" games)
which can be played using the apparatus of this invention;
FIG. 14 is a diagram of apparatus for a siimulated hockey game;
FIG. 15A is a diagram of apparatus for the simulated handball
game;
FIG. 15B is a sketch of a TV screen illustrating the manner of play
of a simulated handball game using the apparatus of FIG. 15A;
FIG. 16A is a diagram of apparatus for a simulated pinball
game;
FIG. 16B is a sketch of a TV screen illustrating the manner of play
of a pinball game using the apparatus of FIG. 16A;
FIG. 17A is a diagram of apparatus for a simulated bowling
game;
FIG. 17B is a sketch of a TV screen illustrating the manner of play
of a bowling game using the apparatus of FIG. 17A;
FIGS. 18A-18C are block diagrams of "built-in" embodiments of the
invention;
FIG. 19 is a simplified block diagram of another embodiment of TV
gaming apparatus; and
FIG. 20 is an alternate embodiment of circuits employed in the
embodiment of FIG. 5.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The principal components of one embodiment of a television gaming
system configured according to the invention are illustrated in
FIG. 1 which is a pictorial view showing a television receiver 10,
a control unit 14 and means 12 for connecting control unit 14 to
receiver 10. The television receiver 10 employed can be any of the
standard commercially available models that are generally used for
home entertainment. Either a monochrome or color television set may
be used with the present invention since the basic principles of
the invention apply to both types. The connection means 12 is in
this embodiment a shielded cable, for example, shielded twin lead,
and is attached to the antenna terminals of receiver 10 in
conventional fashion.
Control unit 14 generates video signals shown as spots 20.sub.1,
20.sub.2 and 21. The spots 20.sub.1 and 20.sub.2 are positioned on
the receiver screen 18 by knobs 16.sub.1, 17.sub.1, and 16.sub.2,
17.sub.2, respectively. For clarity, the spot 21 is illustrated as
a circle and the spots 20 are illustrated as diamonds, however,
many shapes can be generated. In the devices to be described
hereinafter, circles are generally employed.
Knob 16 controls the vertical position of spot 20.sub.1 while knob
17 controls the horizontal position thereof. Thus, it can be seen
that the spot 20.sub.1 may be positioned at any point on the screen
by the proper manipulation of knobs 16 and 17. Spot 20.sub.2 is
positioned in like manner by knob 16.sub.1, 17.sub.1. In this
embodiment spot 21 is automatically positioned on screen 18 without
manual control. This will be described more fully hereinafter. A
reset switch 26 is shown on the control unit 14 and is used to
reset the picture on the television screen. For example, a game may
be played in which one spot is to be positioned over the other and
when this is accomplished one spot will disappear and the
background will change color. When games of this nature are played,
a reset means is required before play can be resumed. Reset switch
26 performs this function.
A knob 15 controls background color for color TV receiver
applications wherein a chroma generator is employed in the manner
set forth in said application Ser. No. 126,966. Alternatively,
control unit 14 may be broken up into a master control unit
containing the electronic circuits and individual control units
containing control knobs 16.sub.1, 17.sub.1, and 16.sub.2,
17.sub.2, whereby each participant may operate from a position away
from the other and so not to interfere with other players. This is
illustrated in FIG. 1A wherein control unit 14 is broken up into a
master control unit 27 and individual control units 22 and 23. The
master control unit 27 contains the electronic circuitry found in
control unit 14 and controls 26 and 15. Knobs 16, 17 and 16.sub.1,
17.sub.1 which position the spots 20.sub.1 and 20.sub.2 are
situated on individual control units 22 and 23 respectively.
The knobs 16, 17 may be combined into a single joystick permitting
control of the horizontal and vertical spot positioning by a single
control means.
Other spot position and control means (not shown) can be
incorporated into the control unit(s) and these will be described
hereinafter.
Rather than provide a separate control unit, the electronic
circuitry of the control unit could be built into the television
receiver as a constituent part thereof and the receiver sold as
both an active and passive home entertainment system. Control units
containing the actual manipulating controls can be provided as
above.
A typical sequence of steps to play a game using the present
invention would be as follows: 1. Attach connection means 12 to TV
set 10 at the antenna terminals thereof, if not already attached;
2. turn the TV set on: 3. select the proper channel on the set for
the control unit being used; 4. apply power to the control unit; 5.
attach a mask on the face of the TV screen; if required for the
game to be played; 6. begin the game.
Referring now to FIG. 2, a television screen 18 is illustrated
having three spots 24.sub.1, 24.sub.2, and 25 displayed thereon.
Spots 24 are "hitting" spots and spot 25 is a "hit" spot. Spots
24.sub.1 and 24.sub.2 represent, for example, hockey players while
spot 25 represents a hockey puck. An overlay mask 30 of some type
of transparent material such as plastic or the like, having some
type of pattern, picture or other illustration pertaining to the
particular game to be played is shown in a lifted position. Prior
to engaging in a game, the overlay mask 30 is temporarily attached
to television screen 18 and in such close proximity to it as not to
create any distortion when viewed with reference to spots 24 and
25. One type of overlay mask represents a hockey field to be used
for playing a modified game of hockey. Still another pattern could
represent a ping-pong table, baseball diamond, etc. These are but a
few of the many type games that can be adapted for use with the
present invention.
Alternatively, rather than employ overlay mask 30, the pattern to
be provided could be displayed directly on the screen 18. The
pattern could be broadcast by TV stations or alternatively could be
sent to a non-used channel over closed-circuit or CATV lines. It
could also be generated electronically in the video control
system.
The basic theory of TV gaming devices as described herein is now
set forth.
Referring to FIG. 3, at time zero the TV electron beam is at the
upper left of screen 18. It starts moving quickly to the right and
slowly downwards. Sixty-three and one-half (63.5) microseconds
later a 5 microsecond horizontal sync pulse is fed into the TV set,
causing the beam to fly back rapidly to the left of the screen. The
beam then moves to the right for 63.5 microseconds until the next
horizontal sync pulse causes the next flyback to the left. After
about 250 such horizontal scans (lines) the beam has progressed to
the bottom of the screen. A vertical sync pulse fed into the TV set
causes rapid (1 millisecond) vertical flyback to the top of the
screen and another cycle begins.
Now, still referring to FIG. 3, assume that the major portion of
the screen is dark (beam blanked) except for the areas shown as
SPOT 1 and SPOT 2. The spots are made by passing a (positive)
unblanking video signal to the TV set when, and only when, the
"beam" is passing over the areas of the spots. (Quotes are used
around beam because although there is no real beam when blanking is
in effect, the scanning signals occur and can be thought of as
still moving the "non-existent beam" in the scanning pattern).
The video (unblanking) signals required for spot generation as
described with the aid of FIG. 3. To derive SPOT 1, assume that a
pulse of width W.sub.H is generated T.sub.H1 microseconds after the
occurence of each horizontal sync pulse. Define these new pulses as
P.sub.H1 -- horizontal video pulse for SPOT 1. If these P.sub.H1
pulses were used as unblanking (video) in the TV set, the beam
would brighten whenever it had moved a distance equivalent to
T.sub.H1 from the left side of the screen. If would stay bright for
a length equivalent to W.sub.H and then darken. This would happen
all during the vertical scan and 250 bright little line segments of
width W.sub.H would appear to the eye as a vertical column (shown
shaded in FIG. 3).
Now, SPOT 1 vertical video pulses P.sub.V1 are made to be of width
W.sub.v and to occur T.sub.V1 milliseconds after the start of the
vertical sweep. W.sub.v is on the order of 63.5 microseconds,
permitting some 10 horizontal scans to take place with P.sub.V1 is
on. If P.sub.V1 were used alone as the unblanking (video) signal to
the TV set, ten lines the width of the set would be brightened
while P.sub.V1 was on and a bright horizontal bar of width W.sub.v
(shown shaded in FIG. 3) would be viewed.
As the last step in spot generation, SPOT 1 horizontal video pulses
(P.sub.H1) and vertical video pulses (P.sub.V1) are passed through
a coincidence gate. The gate has an output only when both P.sub.H1
and P.sub.V1 are on. The gate output becomes SPOT 1 video (unblank)
signal. From FIG. 3 it is obvious that the beam is now unblanked
only where the P.sub.H1 vertical shaded column and the P.sub.V1
horizontal shaded bar overlap. Thus, a bright spot SPOT 1,
comprised of about 10 small line segments, each W.sub.H wide, is
developed. SPOT 2 is developed in the like manner.
FIGS. 4 and 5 are block diagrams illustrating the manner in which
the signals discussed with respect to FIG. 3 are generated.
The timing for the television gaming system is established by a
horizontal sync/sawtooth generator 31 and a vertical sync/sawtooth
generator 32. The horizontal sync/sawtooth generator 31 generates a
series of negative horizontal sync pulses 33 having a repetition
rate equivalent to the standard horizontal scanning frequency used
in United States commercial television receivers and the vertical
sync/sawtooth generator generates a series of negative vertical
sync pulses 34.
The vertical snyc/sawtooth generator 31 also generates a 15.75 KHz
sawtooth wave 35 (refer now to FIG. 5). Sawtooth wave 35 has end
limits of +E and O. It is directly coupled to a SPOT 1 horizontal
slicer 36. A "slice" of the sawtooth ramp of length W.sub.H is
passed through the slicer. By varying voltage e.sub.H1, delay
T.sub.H1 can be varied for spot positioning from left to right of
the TV screen.
A 60Hz sawtooth 37 is generated by vertical sync/sawtooth generator
32 and is similarly sliced in a SPOT 1 vertical slicer 29, to give
ramp width W.sub.v and voltage controlled delay T.sub.V1. The two
sliced waves are differentiated by capacitors 38 and 39 which
connect to the low input impedance of a SPOT 1 coincidence gate 40.
Since the current through a capacitor is C de/dt, current pulses
appear only during the ramp portions of the sliced waveforms.
Although the slope of the vertical ramp is only about one two
hundred and sixtieth times that of the horizontal ramp (60
Hz/15,750 Hz), by making capacitor 39 approximately 260 times the
value of capacitor 38, current pulses i.sub.H1 and i.sub.v1 are
made equal in magnitude. Both i.sub.H1 and i.sub.V1 must be present
to exceed in magnitude the (negative) threshold of the gate thus
producing the SPOT 1 video signal.
If the invention is to be employed in conjunction with TV systems
having different frequencies (number of horizontal lines and
vertical flyback) then the vertical and horizontal sync/sawtooth
generators would be constructed at the different frequencies. This
would be particularly applicable in conjunction with foreign (other
than U.S.) TV systems.
Other spots are generated in similar fashion. For example, SPOT 2
horizontal slicer 41 is also coupled to the horizotnal
sync/sawtooth generator 31 and SPOT 2 vertical slicer 42 is also
coupled to vertical sync/sawtooth generator 32. The horizontal and
vertical slicers 41 and 42 are coupled to a SPOT 2 coincidence gate
43 by capacitors 44 and 45, respectively. All video spot signals
are fed to an OR gate and pulse shaper 46. The OR gate prevents
excessive brightening when spots are positioned on top of one
another. The pulse shaper is required because in the present
embodiment 6 volt sawtooth waveforms are used. With such low
voltage the slicing action is soft (rounding at beginning and end
of ramp slice). Consequently, the current pulses produced by
differentiation of the ramp slicers are rounded pulses. Without
shaping they produce a spot without sharply defined edges . . . the
edges just "fade out" gradually into the dark background. The
summer modulater and RF oscillator 28 are set forth in said patent
application Ser. No. 126,966. The RF signal presented to the
antenna terminals is detected and processed by the TV receiver in
the standard manner and displayed on the screen thereof. The output
from OR gate and pulse shaper 46 is applied to a summer which sums
all the signals presented thereto (including sync pulses from the
horizontal and vertical sync/sawtooth generators, outputs from
chroma generator, if used, etc.). This forms the composite video
signal. This signal is applied to a modulator and RF oscillator for
modulating the video information with the RF oscillator carrier to
generate the requisite modulated RF signal which is coupled to the
TV antenna terminals.
One of the objects of the present invention is a system to produce
a round spot which in some instances is more pleasant and
interesting than a square or rectangular spot, (especially for
"ball" games like ping-pong, baseball, etc.). This is achieved
(even with the pulse shaper which just gives the round spot sharply
defined edges) by the "round edges" of the current pulses going
into the coincidence gate. For example, the leading and trailing
edges of the current pulse i.sub.V1 are rounded. Thus any i.sub.H1
pulses which are added to i.sub.V1 at this time will have thinner
portions protruding below the gate threshold level than those
appearing during the full amplitude middle of i.sub.V1. Subsequent
pulse shaping of the pulses which "get past" the gate threshold
steepens their sides (for sharp spot edges) but doesn't change
their width. Thus the spot is narrower at top and bottom than it is
in the middle.
Some of the various spot shapes which can be generated are shown in
FIG. 6. Spots a, b and c are generated simply by varying the
coincidence gate threshold 53. (For an individual spot. Or, all
spots can be made to change shape together by changing the
amplitude and slope of the common sawtooth generators.)
Spots d and e are made either by changing sawtooth slope (thus
changing W.sub.H and W.sub.v), or by changing the slice amplitude
(again changing W.sub.H and W.sub.v).
Various other shapes (four pointed star, cross, etc.) can be
generated by simple adjustments of various component values or
voltages and by switching. All spots can be made hollow as
described hereinafter.
Referring now to FIG. 7, there is illustrated thereby schematically
one embodiment of the sync/sawtooth generators. A generator of this
type is described in detail in my co-pending patent application for
"Linear Sawtooth Generator" Ser. No. 713,862, filed Mar. 18, 1968,
now U.S. Pat. No. 3,497,829.
The SPOT 1 slicers 36, 29, the SPOT 1 coincidence gate 40 or the OR
gate and pulse shaper 46 are illustrated schematically in FIG. 8.
The horizontal 15.75 Hz sawtooth waveform 35 and the vertical 60 Hz
sawtooth wave 37 waveform are sliced in the slicers 36 and 29,
respectively. The slicers comprise means for generating a
predetermined slice of the sawtooth waveforms and in the present
embodiment include back-to-back diodes 47, 48, and 49, 50,
respectively. The input sawtooth waveforms are applied to the one
side of the diode pair, with the other side being capacitively
coupled via capacitors 51, 52, respectively to ground and being
supplied voltages e.sub.H1 and e.sub.V1, respectively. Diodes 47 -
50 are preferably germanium diodes because their low conduction
voltage drops permit the achievement of reasonably small spot size
(determined by sliced ramp duration) with a 6 volt sawtooth. The
capacitors 51, 52 serve to make delay control voltages e.sub.H1 and
e.sub.V1 appear as true voltage sources in cases where they come
from the sliders of relatively high impedance potentiometers. The
differentiating capacitors 38, 39 producing i.sub.H1 and i.sub.V1
are followed by the coincidence gate 40. Variable threshold level
is provided by a potentiometer 53 to produce desired spot size and
shape as mentioned hereinbefore.
Spot video signals are passed through a diode OR gate 54 of the OR
gate and pulse shaper 46. The "multi spot" OR'd video signal then
passes through a pulse shaper 55 which steepens the sides and
squares off the tops of the pulses, giving sharply defined spot
edges and uniform brightness over the area of the spot.
The pulse shaped video signal is then fed, along with the negative
horizontal and vertical sync signals (and chroma generator output,
if applicable) to the summer and RF oscillator as indicated in FIG.
4.
If desirable, the 60 Hz sync can be extracted from a photosensor
directed toward the front of the TV screen and horizontal sync can
be obtained from a pickup coil as described in said patent
application .Iadd.Ser. No. 126,966.Iaddend.. Spots can be generated
by using the video signal described above to short circuit or
"crowbar" the antenna terminals; the RF oscillator not being used.
These features are compatible with a cooperating TV or CATV station
as described in said patent application Ser. No. 126,966.
Referring now to FIG. 20, there is illustrated thereby another
embodiment of spot generation for TV gaming. This embodiment is
very much like the embodiment of FIG. 8, however, changes have been
made thereto for providing improved temperature and voltage
stability such that the spots generated will maintain their size to
a greater degree over wider temperature and voltage excursions.
The timing for the system is established by a horizontal
sync/sawtooth generator 210 and a vertical sync/sawtooth generator
211. These generators are like the generators 31, 32 illustrated in
FIG. 7, however, they use a higher Vcc voltage, in the instant
example, 9 volts.
The sawtooth outputs of the generators 210, 211 are applied to a
horizontal slicer 212 and vertical slicer 213, respectively. The
slicers 212, 213, are like the slicers 36, 29 of FIG. 8 with the
exception that silicon diodes are used in place of germanium diodes
for temperature stability. However, silicon diodes have a much
greater voltage drop and, therefore, the 9 volt sawtooth is used in
order to get a steeper sawtooth and thereby not increase spot size
which would occur if the 6 volt sawtooth of FIG. 8 was used.
The two sliced waves are differentiated, as before, by capacitors
214 and 215 and applied to a spot coincidence gate 216. The DC
voltage for the spot coincidence gate 216 is stabilized by a zener
diode 217. A diode 218 is also used for temperature compensation.
The principal change in spot coincidence gate 216 as contrasted to
spot coincidence gate 40 of FIG. 8 is the addition of a peak
detector 219 which detects the peak of the horizontal spot pulses
which ride on the vertical spot pulses and feeds this signal back
to appropriately bias the coincidence gate to maintain spot
size.
The OR gate 220, pulse shaper 221, summer 222 and RF oscillation
and modulator 223 serve the same functions as described with
respect to FIG. 8.
Prior to describing various games that can be played using the
present invention, several of the electronic functions which the
system is capable of providing are described herein. Many of these
depend strongly upon the voltage control positioning features of
the system.
The voltages e.sub.Hn, e.sub.Vn (illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 8)
control a spot's horizontal and vertical position. Changing
e.sub.Hn from 0 volts to, for example, +6 volts moves a spot across
the screen from off-screen right to off-screen left. A similar
change in e.sub.Vn moves a spot from off-screen bottom to
off-screen top.
In one embodiment, the e.sub.H and e.sub.V voltages are derived
from the slides of the potentiometer 56 and 57 which are connected
between ground, and for example, +6 volts (see FIGS. 9A). Knobs 16,
17 and 16, 17 of FIGS. 1 and 1A are attached to the potentiometers
controlling the positions of SPOT 1 and SPOT 2. If more than two
positioned spots are required, additional potentiometers and knobs
16.sub.n, 17.sub.n would be required in addition to spot horizontal
and vertical slicers and spot coincidence gates. Alternatively, two
potentiometers (one vertical, one horizontal) may be connected to a
single joystick 58 in order to provide the user single handed
control of position (see FIG. 9B).
If the control potentiometers 57, 58 are followed by integrators
59, 60, respectively, (see FIG. 9C) with e.sub.Hn and e.sub.Vn
obtained from the outputs of the integrators, a different type of
spot positioning is obtained. For example, with the two
potentiometers mechanically connected to a single joystick 58, the
spot will move as long as joystick 58 is away from its center
position. The speed of spot movement is proportional to the
distance the joystick is offset from its center position and the
direction of spot motion is determined by the angular position of
the joystick.
Whereas the simple H and V joystick of FIG. 9B gives direct control
in which the spot returns to center screen when the joystick is
returned to center, this "integrator joystick" of FIG. 9C merely
stops the spot wherever it happens to be when the joystick is
returned to center position.
The resulting "spongier" positioning action is much more
interesting for certain types of games such as chase, hockey
("spongy" motion simulates gliding skaters very well) soccer, car
racing, etc.
Referring now to FIG. 10A there is illustrated thereby yet another
arrangement for providing spot positioning voltages e.sub.Hn and
e.sub.Vn.
When the flip-flop 61 is set so that output 62 is high and output
63 is low, the voltage at point 64 can be varied from approximately
0 to +V volts (for example, 6 volts) by adjusting potentiometer 65
(Potentiometer 66 has no effect since it is disconnected from the
circuit by a pair of back biased diodes 67, 68). With flip-flop 61
in its other stable state, potentiometer 66 controls the voltage at
point 64 and potentiometer 65 is disconnected by a pair of diodes
69, 70.
If the delay control voltage lead for a spot (the e.sub.Vn or
e.sub.Hn input) is connected to point 64 the spot can be made to
move (rapidly) between two stable positions. The stable positions
being controlled by potentiometers 65 and 66.
For certain applications, rapid motion is not desirable. In these
cases an RC time constant provided by a resistor 71 and a capacitor
72 is added. The spot still moves between two stable positions but
gives the effect of moving fast when "kicked" or "hit" and then
gradually slowing down and finally stopping.
If the RC time constant is replaced by an integrator the spot will
move at constant velocity. Naturally, if two flip-flops are used
(one for horizontal and one for vertical) a spot can be made to
move to any one of four pot-controllable stable positions.
Typical waveforms taken at points 62, 63, and 64 are illustrated in
FIG. 10B. The trigger to flip-flop 61 can be the output from a
coincidence circuit or a "serve" flip-flop as will be described
hereinafter.
By changing the triggering sequence of two flip-flops different
paths are obtained. A slow free-running flip-flop is useful to
"serve" a ball which has gone off-screen when used in a ping pong
game, etc. This is described in greater detail hereinafter.
For playing games, two functionally different types of spots are
often generated, a hit spot and a hitting spot. The hit spot
simulates a ball, a hockey puck, etc. A hitting spot simulates a
paddle, a hockey stick, a golf club, a hand, etc. The uses for hit
and hitting spots will become readily apparent when various games
are described hereinafter.
Referring now to FIGS. 11A-11D, there is illustrated yet another
electronic function which is included in the present invention.
This electrical function provides the e.sub.H and e.sub.V spot
positioning voltages to a hit spot such as spot 73 in FIG. 11B.
These voltages, the outputs of the circuit of FIG. 11A, are applied
to the horizontal and vertical slicers of the hit spot generator.
The inputs to the circuit of FIG. 11A are the control voltages of a
hitting spot, for example, spot 74 or spot 77 of FIG. 11B. The
embodiment shown is for applications having two hitting spots which
could represent, for example, two ping-pong paddles in a simulated
ping-pong game.
The hitting spots horizontal control voltages are applied to a
horizontal gated differentiator 85 and the hitting spots' vertical
control voltages are applied to a vertical gated differentiator 86.
Each of the gated differentiators has as further inputs thereto
outputs from a pair of one shot multivibrators 81, 82. The
multivibrators 81, 82 are triggered by outputs from a pair of
coincidence detectors 83, 84, respectively. Coincidence detector 83
signifies coincidence between a first hitting spot, for example,
spot 74, and the hit spot, for example, spot 73. Coincidence
detector 84 signifies coincidence between a second hitting spot,
for example, spot 77, and the hit spot.
The gated differentiators 85, 86 provide pulses whose amplitudes
are proportional to the horizontal and vertical components of the
velocity of the hitting spot at the instant of contact between the
hitting and hit spots. The pulse width is that of the pulses from
the one shot multivibrators 81, 82. Accordingly, this causes the
hit spot to travel in the direction from which it was hit and at a
speed proportional to how "hard" it was hit.
A preferred embodiment of horizontal gated differentiator 85 is
shown in FIG. 11C. Vertical gated differentiator 86 is constructed
in like fashion. The differentiator is comprised of capacitors 190
and 191 and feedback amplifier 78. The input signals H.sub.1 and
H.sub.2 are coupled to the differentiator. A pair of switches, 75
and 76, follow the differentiating capacitors, 190 and 191. The
switches 75, 76 are normally closed. One or the other is opened by
a signal from either multivibrator 81 or 82 allowing the
differentiator to differentiate the input signal of the spot which
makes coincidence with the hit spot. The resistors 87, 88 prevent
shorting to ground of the desired signal when the other signal
switch 76 or 75 is closed. Resistor 89 is the differentiating
feedback resistor. The output pulse of this circuit can be positive
or negative depending upon the direction of the hitting spot when
it coincides with the hit spot. Using the preferred gated
differentiator of FIG. 11C, undesirable overshoots and preshoots
are avoided since the switching is accomplished following the
differentiating capacitors rather than before them.
Referring again to FIG. 11A, to provide the control voltages for
the hit spot, the signal dHn/dt must be integrated for a period of
time. If the signal is integrated for a period of time equivalent
to the relatively short pulse width of the one shot multivibrators,
the hit spot would move only during this time and this is too fast
a spot movement. Accordingly, it is desirable to "stretch" the time
of spot movement, by for example, providing an RC delay to the
dHn/dt signal. This would be a simple matter if dHn/dt and dVn/dt
were always one polarity. However, since dHn/dt and dVn/dt can be
either polarity a more complex arrangement is necessary.
When either hitting spot makes coincidence with the hit spot a
coincidence pulse from multivibrators 81 or 82 allows the bilateral
gates 92 and 93 to pass positive or negative dHn/dt and dVn/dt
pulses to stretching capacitors 94 and 95, respectively. After the
coincidence pulse ends, the bilateral gates return to their open or
high impedance state and the voltage on capacitors 94 and 95 delay
at a rate determined by the capacitors and resistors 106 and
107.
The stretched pulses at capacitors 94 and 95 are coupled to
integrators 90 and 91. The outputs of the integrators are voltages
e.sub.H and e.sub.V. These voltages become the control voltages for
the hit spot.
The resultant effect is that the hit spot moves in the same
direction in which the hitting spot is moving when coincidence is
made. If hit hard, the hit spot moves rapidly and far. If the
hitting spot is moving slowly at coincidence, the hit spot is
merely "nudged" a short distance and moves slowly.
In the embodiment illustrated, a wall-bounce feature is included.
When the hit spot is to travel, for example, along the line 102
(see FIG. 11B), switch 104 is open and switch 105 is closed and the
signal bypasses on inverter 108. When the hit spot reaches the edge
of the TV screen, it is desired that it "bounce" back as shown by
line 103 of FIG. 11B, simulating, for example, a puck bouncing off
the wall of a rink in a simulated hockey game or a billiard ball
bounding from a cushion. The hit spot bounces from the sides of the
screen with a reflection angle equal to the incidence angle. When
the spot reaches the edge of the screen, switch 104 closes and 105
opens. The signal from the bilateral gate is thus now applied to
the integrator via inverter 108. A horizontal or vertical wall
sensor 109, 110, as the case may be provides the requisite signal
to cause the switching of switches 104, 105 and 192, 193.
Note, in the event the wall bounce feature is not required, the
horizontal system of FIG. 11A may be modified by deleting switches
104, 105, inverter 108 and the horizontal wall hit sensor 109, like
components also being deleted from the vertical system.
The bilateral gate 92, integrator 90 and horizontal wall bounce
circuitry is shown in greater detail in FIG. 11D. Like circuitry is
also provided for the vertical portion of the system.
The differentiated signal pulse dHn/dt is applied to bilateral gate
92 which is comprised of a pair of transistors 180, 181. Signals
indicative of coincidence between a hitting and hit spot are
obtained from the two sides of the coincidence multivibrators and
are applied to the bases of the transistors as shown, negative
pulses turning 181 on and positive pulses turning 180 on. The
switches 104, 105 of FIG. 11A are comprised of transistors 182,
183, respectively. The output hitting spot control signal e.sub.H
is obtained at the output of integrator 90.
The output from integrator 90 is also applied to horizontal wall
hit sensor 109 which comprises a pair of zener diodes 242, 243
which cause the switching of a flip-flop 184 when voltage is
reached equivalent to off-screen voltage (for example, 0 volts or
+6 volts). Initially, flip-flop 184 is set to a given state upon
coincidence between either hitting spot and the hit spot by an
output from transistor 185 to insure correct direction of the hit
spot. If the flip-flop were in the wrong state, the hit spot would
move 180.degree. from the desired direction.
The circuits 186 and 187 are provided to prevent oscillation of the
flip-flop 184 and failure to flip correctly which can occur if the
hit spot approaches an off-screen position very slowly such that
only a poor rise time signal is available to trigger the
flip-flop.
With voltage control of a spot's horizontal and vertical position
it is obvious that its motion is similar to that of a spot on an
oscilloscope. Thus, the TV spot can be made to follow any path that
can be made on an oscilloscope.
One example of this is Lissajous patterns. Phase displaced
sinusoids used for horizontal and vertical positioning (applied as
the e.sub.H and e.sub.V inputs to the spot slicers) result in spot
paths of circles, ellipses, "figure eights," etc.
As previously mentioned, spot size and configuration may be
altered. For example, the shape of a spot can be changed to
simulate 3D effects (e.g., a bowling ball which gets smaller as it
rolls down the alley). This is accomplished by varying the
threshold potentiometer 53 of the coincidence gate of FIG. 8. This
can be readily accomplished electronically by a varying voltage
input.
In certain embodiments a hollow spot or ring may be desired and
this can be readily achieved by inverting the "non-square" pulses
at the base of shaper 55 of FIG. 8 and subtracting from the
original pulses to "hollow" them out.
Other electronic functions which may be generated are negative
video, pumping action, kaledioscope effects, even-odd spot
displacements and slave spots. These will now each be described in
detail.
In certain gaming applications such as simulated hockey it is
desirable to use a black spot (e.g. for a hockey puck). This is
accomplished by inverting the video signal.
Colored spots can be generated by applying the video signal to the
phase shifter portion of the chroma generator via, for example, a
variable resistor.
If a pulse generator running at an integral multiple of 15.750 kc
is synchronized with the horizontal sync signals and the pulses fed
to the video summation stage, a background of black and white
vertical columns is obtained. If the horizontal video signal from a
"spot" is used to synchronize the pulse generator, the columns can
be moved from side to side. Horizontal bars can be similarly
obtained with a 60 cps pulse generator.
Coincidence gating the vertical columns with the horizontal bars so
that the screen is brightened only where they cross one another
yields a "checkerboard" pattern of bright squares or rectangles on
a dark background; inversion of the signal of course give black
squares on a white background.
When the horizontal and vertical positioning voltages of a spot are
obtained from nominal quadrature sinusoids, various different
patterns are obtained as the sinusoid frequency and phase shift are
changed. Some patterns are stationary; others have motion; some are
a combination. The effect is somewhat similar to that of a
stroboscope or a kaleidoscope.
If the output of the photosensor is fed to a flip-flop the sensor
and directed toward a bright spot on the TV set; even-odd "spot
discernment" is obtained. This flip-flop is reset each time so that
side A is high. When the spot comes on, the flip-flop flips at the
60 cps vertical scan rate. If the spot remains on for an even
number of scans, side A of the flip-flop is high when the spot is
removed. If the spot is on for an odd number of scans, side A stays
low when the spot is removed. Thus, a coded spot, visually
identical to others, can be discerned electronically. The flip-flop
can, of course, ring a bell, light a light, etc.
Normally, the vertical and horizontal current pulses of a spot are
coincidence gates as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8 in the coincidence
gates 40 and 43.
If the vertical pulse of one spot is coincidence gated with its own
horizontal pulse and with the horizontal pulse of a second spot,
then a third spot appears. It is called a "slave" spot because its
horizontal position is controlled by one of the "real" spots and
its vertical position by the other. Obviously, with two real spots
two slave spots are easily generated.
The material which follows contains a description of typical games
which can be played using the electronic functions set forth above.
These games are only exemplary of the many games which can be
played and are set forth to merely illustrate some of the ways in
which the various electronic functions are combined.
One typical game is a simulated ping-pong game and this is
illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B.
The simulated ping-pong ball 13 is generated by spot 3 generator
114 which has inputs thereto from vertical sync/sawtooth generator
115 and horizontal sync/sawtooth generator 116 (of the type set
forth in FIG. 7). The spot generators are similar to those set
forth in FIG. 8. The control voltages for the horizontal slicers of
spot 3 generator 114 are derived from a flip-flop positioner 117 of
the type described in FIG. 10A. Flip-flop positioner 117 provides
control voltages at outputs 118, 119 which move the ball between
off-screen positions H.sub.L, V.sub.L, and H.sub.R, V.sub.R.
Flip-flop positioner 117 is controlled by a slow free-running or
"serve" flip-flop 120 and by the output from a coincidence detector
121. In one state flip-flop 122 will serve the ball from off-screen
left to off-screen right and in the other state from off-screen
right to off-screen left. The output from coincidence detector 121
is used to switch flip-flop states when the ball is hit by one of
the two simulated paddles. The serve flip-flop 120 is coupled to
both sides of flip-flop 122. With this arrangement, if a paddle
hits the ball first, the serve flip-flop cannot retrigger flip-flop
122 until the ball goes off screen on the other side of the
screen.
The inputs to coincidence detector 121 are the spot 1 (paddle 123)
video pulse, the spot 2 (paddle 124) video pulse and the spot 3
(ball .[.13.]. .Iadd.113.Iaddend.) video pulse which are derived
from the respective spot generators 125, 126 and 114. The video
pulses are obtained from the outputs of the coincidence gates of
the spot generators, for example, the output of coincidence gate 40
of the spot generator shown in FIG. 8.
The V.sub.R and V.sub.L off-screen positions of ball 113 are
controlled by players A and B, respectively, by adjustments of
potentiometers 125, and 126 via knobs 127 and 128,
respectively.
The vertical position of paddles A and B are determined by the
setting of potentiometers 129 and 130 which provide the vertical
control voltages to the vertical slicers of the spot 1 and spot 2
generators 125, 126, respectively. Knobs 131 and 132 control the
potentiometers 129, 130.
This simulated ping-pong game is played as follows:
The ball 113 is connected, with RC time constants 133, 134 to the
flip-flop 122 which moves the ball between off-screen positions
H.sub.L, V.sub.L, and H.sub.R, V.sub.R. The RC time constant
prevents instantaneous spot motion. Additionally, since the
resulting velocity is exponential in nature the spot starts fast
and slows down; by moving the potentiometers 134, 135 which control
H.sub.R and H.sub.L, in toward the screen the ball's motion is
fairly slow. Moving H.sub.R and H.sub.L out gives a faster
game.
Assume the ball is at H.sub.L, V.sub.L, it is served automatically
when the free-running flip-flop 120 flips. The ball proceeds
towards H.sub.R, V.sub.R. Player B moves paddle B vertically (by
turning knob 132 connected to potentiometer 130) to try to hit the
ball. If he misses it he loses a point as it goes off-screen right
(where it will be served automatically again by the free-running
flip-flop).
However, if he hits the ball it bounces off his paddle and starts
left toward H.sub.L, V.sub.L. Now he has control of its' flight,
and by adjusting V.sub.L with his other hand (by turning knob 128
connected to potentiometer 126) he can send the ball up or down and
even try to "wiggle" it around player A's paddle.
Player A controls the vertical motion of paddle A (by turning knob
131 connected to potentiometer 129) and, if he hits the ball, gains
control of its path by adjusting V.sub.R (by turning knob 127
connected to potentiometer 125).
Play can be made fast or slow by setting H.sub.L and H.sub.R
(potentiometer 135, 134) or by setting the paddles in different
horizontal positions (by adjusting potentiometers within the
generators 125, 126).
When color is used, the ball and paddles are white, the "table"
green. Overlays or TV or CATV backgrounds showing a lined table and
net enhance the effect. The game can be played by two man teams.
One man controls the paddle, the other man the path of the
ball.
By modification of the embodiment of FIG. 12, a game of gun
ping-pong can be played. In this embodiment the players use light
sensor guns instead of paddle spots to hit the ball back and forth.
An output from the light sensor is used to trigger flip-flop 122
instead of coincidence detector 121. The control knobs 131 and 132
are not required. Whereas, it is difficult for one man to aim a gun
and control a potentiometer, the game is best with two man teams.
One man shoots; his partner controls the ball's path. Or, if a
pistol is used a player can shoot with one hand and use a
potentiometer with the other. Or, a ramdom or pseudo-random
electronic change of V.sub.R and V.sub.L can be used.
Illustrative electronics for performing this "gun" function is
illustrated in said patent application 126,966. A light sensitive
cell is contained, for example, within the barrel of a gun and used
to trigger an SCR. A switch is provided for resetting same.
A simple hockey game can be played which uses the same mechanics
(FIG. 12A) as the above ping-pong games including the "automatic
serve" flip-flop (see FIG. 12C). The paddles (now "goalies") are
moved closer in toward center where the puck is moving faster.
If player B (with spot 138) hits the puck 137 it moves to the left
and he controls its path by moving V.sub.L. He trys to "wiggle" the
puck around goalie A (spot 139) and into the goal.
Player A controls V.sub.R after he hits the puck.
In color TV application, it is preferred to use white goalies, a
black puck (using negative video) and blue ice.
Again, this game is adaptable to two man teams, and even more if
more spots are used.
Another game which can be played using most of the system shown in
FIG.. 12A is a simulated baseball game. This is illustrated in FIG.
12D.
The pitcher controls the path of a ball 140 by adjusting knobs 127
and 128 connected to potentiometers 125 and 126 which, therefore,
controls V.sub.L and V.sub.R. The ball, therefore, goes from
position H.sub.L, V.sub.L to H.sub.R, V.sub.R.
Another knob (not shown) is connected to potentiometer 134 and
thereby permits speed control by the pitcher.
The batter tries to hit ball 140 by moving bat 141 (spot 2)
vertically by turning knob 132. Spot 1 is not required for this
game. If the batter connects, the ball will be hit left, back to
position H.sub.L, V.sub.L. If the batter misses, the ball will be
automatically returned as in the above games.
In an alternate embodiment, the free-running serve flip-flop 120
can be eliminated and a pushbutton set and reset of flip-flop 122
can be used for manual "pitch" and reset.
One class of games makes use of the electronic function illustrated
in FIG. 9C and is shown in FIG. 13. This class of games requires
one or more joystick controls 142 coupled to integrators 143. The
outputs from the integrators are applied to the horizontal and
vertical slicers of their respective spot generators. With this
set-up race games, etc., may be played. The somewhat sluggish
"spongy" effect of the integrator and the non-return to center
requires more skill of the players than a "straight control"
joystick.
Of course, appropriate backgrounds or overlays can be employed. A
third (or more) "obstacle" spot can be used. If a player hits it,
the coincidence pulse can be used to make all spots disappear or to
change screen color, etc., as described in said patent application
Ser. No. 126,966. For chase games, coincidence of the pursuer and
pursued can do the same thing.
A more sophisticated hockey game than that described with respect
to FIG. 12C may be played employing the circuits previously set
forth. This game is set forth in FIG. 14. The vertical and
horizontal sync/ sawtooth generators, the spot generators, the OR
gate and pulse shaper and the summer and RF oscillators serve the
same function as previously described. The control voltages to the
horizontal and vertical slicers of the spot 1 generator are
obtained from the outputs of a joystick integrator 144 of the type
illustrated in FIG. 9C and the control voltages for the slicers of
the spot 2 generator are obtained from the outputs of a second
joystick integrator 145.
The control signals for the horizontal and vertical slicers of the
spot 3 generator are obtained at the outputs 147, 148 of his spot
and wall bounce system 146. Hit spot and wall bounce system is
shown in detail in FIG. 11. The inputs to the system 146 are the
respective outputs of the joystick integrators 144 and 145.
With two players on joystick integrators 144, 145 and a puck which
moves "in direction hit," a realistic hockey game results. The
semi-sluggish response of the integrators gives an effect similar
to real hockey players gliding on ice. They can't stop or reverse
direction instantaneously. The puck can be nudged along if hit
easily of sent fast if hit rapidly. It may be noted here that the
"ball moves in direction hit" function derives the hitting from
differentiation of the hitting spot's positioning voltages. It
comes as a surprise to a player "standing still guarding his goal"
when the puck glides right through his stationary defending
spot.
If the puck is hit very hard, it may bounce off several sides of
the screen before stopping. With the sluggish joystick integrator
spots and the bounce from screen sides, a player must anticipate
the "bounce." He cannot usually go right after the puck, but must
move to a spot which he anticipates the puck will pass after
bouncing. This game may be simplified somewhat by deleting the wall
bounce feature in the manner hereinbefore described.
A simulated handball game is achieved when the player's spots are
on straight control joysticks without integrators (as shown in FIG.
9B). The hit spot with wall bounce system of FIG. 11 is employed to
supply the hit spot or ball generator's slicer control voltages
with one minor variation. One of the comparator reference voltages
is deleted so that the hit spot or ball will not bounce off the
bottom of the screen.
Wall bounce is used on screen top, right and left. Player A hits
ball. It must hit front (top) wall sometime during its flight.
Player B tries to hit ball. If he misses all, it disappears
off-screen bottom, he loses a point and ball is then automatically
served from off-screen after a certain length of time by using a
flip-flop arrangement like that shown in FIG. 10 in conjunction
with a slow free-running flip-flop for automatically triggering
same or a push button trigger for manual reset.
This handball game is illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B. The general
system electrons 149 is the same as shown in FIG. 12A. The control
voltages for the slicers of spot 1 generator are obtained from a
straight control joystick 150 (see FIG. 9B). Spot 1 generator
generates the spot 151 representing Player A. A second straight
control joystick 152 provides control voltages for Player B, spot
153. The ball or hit spot 154 is generated by spot generator 3 and
receives its slicer control voltages from a hit spot and wall
bounce system 155, which is similar to that of FIG. 11A; however,
comparator 111 does not have a 0 reference level so that the ball
will bounce off all the walls but the bottom one. A position
flip-flop 156 similar to that of FIG. 10A is used to return the
ball to the "playing area" but being triggered from a switch 157.
Alternatively, a slow free-running or serve flip-flop could be
employed as described hereinbefore.
FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate a simulated pinball game. The spot 3
or ball generator receives its vertical and horizontal slicer
control voltages from a pair of integrators 158 and 159. Note in
this application the spot 1 and 2 generator of general system 149
are not required. The player operates a joystick to cause ball 161
to move. The ball keeps moving as long as the joystick is off the
center position. The ball will bounce off the walls or edges of the
screen since a pair of comparators 162 and 163 will cause a pair of
flip-flops 164 and 165 to change the direction of the ball by
reversing the polarity of the signals applied to integrators 158,
159 in the manner previously described when discussing the circuit
of FIG. 11.
Various "scoring" spots are placed on the screen by overlays,
electronically, etc., as is a game end zone 167. Play is commenced
by a player "throwing" joystock 160 in some off center position and
removing his hand. Ball 161 then keeps moving. When it hits a side
wall it bounces, when it hits scoring spots points are scored. Play
continues until ball happens to go into "game end" zone 167.
Score is observed visually. However, the scoring spots can be
generated electronically by additional spot generators and score
made on occurrence of coincidence using a coincidence detector of
the type described hereinbefore.
A simulated bowling game illustrated in FIGS. 17A and 17B is played
by providing an "alley" 168 overlay or TV-CATV background. It
should go from one corner bottom screen to opposite corner top
screen, narrowing to give a 3-D effect. One or more spots
simulating bowling pins are at upper end of alley. One spot 169 is
illustrated. Player "bowls" a ball 170 by "throwing" a joystick
171. If pin (pins) are hit, they disppear. If missed, ball just
keeps going past them off the screen. Ball can be returned to start
point either with joystick or an instantaneous pushbutton reset
(not shown).
The joystick 171 is connected to potentiometers 172, 173 whose
outputs are connected via integrators 174, 175 to the control
voltage outputs to the horizontal and vertical slicers of the spot
3 generator of the generator system 149. If the ball 170 hits pin
169, coincidence detector and crow-bar circuit 176 causes the pin
to disappear. One embodiment of said coincidence detector and
crow-bar circuit is disclosed in said patent application Ser. No.
.[.697,798.]. .Iadd.126,966.Iaddend.. The ball would be made
smaller as it approaches the pins by using a varying voltage as the
voltage applied to the threshold set resistor. In this game the
vertical control voltage would be used.
The various games illustrated above are only a few of the multitude
of games which can be played using the concepts taught by this
invention. The electrical functions to generate various
configurations can be combined in any number of possible ways. For
example, a gold putting game can be played over a green background
using a black negative video hole. A small white spot can be used
as the golf ball and larger white spot used as the putter. The
putter spot can be controlled by a straight joystick of the type
illustrated in FIG. 9B. The ball can be controlled from circuitry
like that shown in FIG. 11A, preferably without the wall bounce
feature. The game can be further enhanced, if desired, by
coincidence pulse timing such that if ball is moving very slowly
when it hits the hole it will disappear. If the ball is moving very
fast, it will go right across the hole.
A simpler version would not require coincidence circuitry. If the
ball comes to rest over the hole, the ball's negative video signal
overrides the ball's video and blanks out the ball.
In another example, cushion billiards can be played. The player's
balls are on straight control joysticks (see FIG. 9B). Third ball
is hit using control of FIG. 11A. Wall bounce is used on all four
sides. Player hits a third ball. The latter must hit at least one
cushion first and then hit opponent's bail to score a point.
For skilled players, the third ball must hit two cushions first;
and the game can be elaborated to three cushion billiards.
Maze games can also be played using the various features. TV
screens are not large enough to permit a normal "line type" maze.
The "correct" path through the maze is too obvious. Therefore, a
"number maze" was devised. An overlay or background divided into
rectangles is used. A number is in each rectangle.
One of two players is designated as EVEN, the other as ODD. EVEN
moves his spot (or ring) so that the sum of his and opponent's
numbers is even. ODD moves so as to make the sum ODD.
The resulting coded pattern of moves enables the maze designer to
keep the two players on separate paths or on shared paths. The maze
paths are drawn first and the numbers and then inserted. Mazes can
be simple or complex, containing many false paths and dead ends.
Normally, moves are one space at a time horizontally or
vertically.
As a variation, if one player can land on the same number his
opponent occupies elsewhere, he takes an extra move. (ODD is
permitted to do this also even though in so doing he makes a
temporarily even sum).
Unless a large number of rectangles are used, the maze designer is
limited when trying to keep players on separate isolated paths.
Considerably more pattern flexibility results if one path can jump
across another. This is accomplished by jumps between identical
numbers with one space in between them. For example, if a player is
on a 2 and needs to move to an odd number such as 7, after he moves
to the 7 he can jump a space in horizontal or vertical directions
to another 7. Multiple jumps are permitted and can be incorporated
in the maze.
More intricate and interesting patterns can be laid out if a three
term sum is used, i.e., players make the sum of the two numbers
they occupy and the one they intend to move to be even or odd
accordingly.
An easier version of this is done with colors. The "code" available
to the designer is the same. If red and white rectangles are used,
for example, the "rule" for both players is simply "move to red,
unless both on red."
A simple "ghost" game can be played wherein a lettered background
or overlay is used. Players move spots to jointly spell a word.
Player ending a word loses a point.
A spell check game is played by putting letters in columns. Players
advance a column if they can add a letter to a jointly spelled
word. They drop back one or more columns if they can find an
appropriate letter only there.
As mentioned before, the control units or any parts thereof can be
built into a television receiver as a constituent part thereof
rather than be a separate unit and coupled to antenna terminals as
described above. In other embodiments some of the elements
contained in the gaming apparatus can be eliminated and replaced by
some of the functions which are already provided in conventional
television receivers.
FIGS. 18A through 18C are examples of television gaming apparatus
which can be built into a conventional television receiver.
Referring now to FIG. 18A, there is illustrated one embodiment of a
built-in television apparatus. The entire apparatus of FIG. 18A or
any parts thereof can be built into a television receiver 190. In
the manner described hereinbefore, the spots are provided by spot
generators 191 through 192. The spot generators receive inputs from
the vertical sync/sawtooth generator 115 and the horizontal
sync/sawtooth generator 116. The voltage control inputs to the spot
generators can be derived from a potentiometer or a potentiometer
in connection with an integrator or outputs of other spot
generators etc. In other words, the voltage control inputs can be
any and all voltage control inputs described hereinbefore.
The outputs from the spot generators are applied via an OR gate and
pulse shaper 193 to a summer 194. Summer 194 also receives the sync
outputs from the vertical sync/sawtooth generator 115 and the
horizontal sync/sawtooth generator 116. Summer 194 is different
from the summers previously described in that no RF oscillator or
separate modulator is required since the output therefrom is
coupled internally directly to the video circuitry of the TV
receiver 190.
The output from summer 194 is connected to, for example, a contact
203 of a switch 200. The center arm 201 of switch 200 is coupled to
the video amplifier 196 of the conventional TV receiver 190.
Another contact 202 of switch 200 is coupled to the video detector
of the conventional TV receiver 190. In this manner receiver 190
can be switched from the video detector or passive viewing mode of
operation (to receive broadcast programs) to the summer or active
mode of operation.
In certain embodiments, it is necessary to connect both contacts
202 and 203 to the video amplifier, where, for example, the active
mode TV receiver will be used in conjunction with broadcast
programs which broadcast background or other information. Broadcast
is used herein in the broadest sense to include programs generated
by a CATV station, programs generated by a closed-circuit TV
arrangement information generated by a video tape recorder and by a
slide projector. Many of the symbol generations herein described
can be superimposed upon backgrounds generated by a broadcast
station and games played in conjunction therewith.
Of course, the other systems previously described can also be built
into the TV receivers with the outputs therefrom applied to the
antenna input of the TV receiver.
Referring now to FIG. 18B, there is illustrated another built-in TV
gaming apparatus. In this embodiment the vertical sync/sawtooth
generator 115 and the horizontal sync/sawtooth generator 116 are
replaced by vertical sawtooth generator 197 and horizontal sawtooth
generator 198 which generate merely sawtooth waves rather than sync
pulses and sawtooth waves. The sawtooth generators 197 and 198 are
synchronized to the sync of the conventional TV receiver 190 by a
pair of outputs from a sync separator 199. In this embodiment a
separate summer 194 is not required since the sync pulses are
derived from the conventional receiver as broadcast by a
broadcasting station and thereby external sync pulses are not
required. Therefore, the input of contact 203 in this embodiment is
merely the output from pulse shaper 193.
In another embodiment of a built-in TV gaming apparatus (see FIG.
18C) the sawtooths required for spot generation are derived from
the vertical and horizontal yoke deflection circuits 204, 205
within the conventional TV receiver 190. Buffer circuits 206 and
207 change the current sawtooth of the deflection circuitry to
voltage waveforms and provide the proper polarity and amplitude
correction. Since the vertical and horizontal yoke deflection
circuitry are already synchronized, no external sync is required
nor is any additional internal connection required. Additionally,
any waveform generated within the conventional television receiver
can be utilized, where appropriate, for TV gaming symbol
generation.
In a further embodiment of this invention a unit is set forth which
is used solely for TV gaming and does not have capability to
receive broadcast programs. This is illustrated in the simplified
block diagram of FIG. 19.
The spots are provided, in the same manner as hereinbefore
described, by spot generators 191, 192 which receive sawtooth
inputs from the sync/sawtooth generators 115, 116 and also receive
voltage control inputs e.sub.V and e.sub.H. The outputs from the
spot generators 191, 192 are coupled to OR gate and pulse shaper
193.
The output from OR gate and pulse shaper 193 is applied to the
intensity input of a cathode ray tube 209 via a video amplifier
208. By appropriately selecting the parameters of the spot
generators, appropriate video pulse size can be developed and,
therefore, the video amplifiers eliminated.
The vertical sync pulses from vertical sync/sawtooth generator 115
are applied to the vertical yoke of CRT 209 via a vertical
deflection oscillator 224 and vertical amplifiers 225 in known
fashion.
The horizontal sync pulses from horizontal sync/sawtooth generator
116 are applied to the horizontal yoke of CRT 209 via horizontal
oscillator 226 and horizontal amplifiers 227 in known fashion. The
horizontal amplifier also supplies the high voltage to CRT 209 via
a high voltage rectifier 228.
Thus, it is to be understood that the embodiments shown are
illustrative only, and that many variations and modifications may
be made without departing from the principles of the invention
herein disclosed and defined by the appended claims.
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