JPH06304334A - Timer device for game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To perform the control of the use time of a house television game. CONSTITUTION:A display device 15 displaying a plurality of time limit menus, a setting switch 16 selecting one of the menus, a timer means performing the connection and opening of an AC code 11 and a plug socket 13 for a game machine according to the menu selected by the setting switch 16 and a key switch 17 permitting or prohibiting the setting of the menu to the timer means are provided to the case 14 provided with the AC code 11 and the plug socket 13 for the game machine. After the menu is set to the timer means, the resetting of the menu is prohibited by the key switch 17 and the extension of the game time of the television game machine connected to the plug socket 13 for the game machine can be prevented.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a timer device for a game machine, which imposes a restriction on the use time of the game machine and provides support for adolescents to escape from an unhealthy situation such as being absorbed in the game all day long. In particular, the present invention relates to a timer device for a game machine in which the setting of the time limit can be easily selected with one touch from a plurality of time limit menus prepared beforehand.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A game machine, for example, a home-use video game machine (hereinafter referred to as a game machine) is shown in FIG.
A game console body 1 in which a microcomputer is housed,
An operation switch 2 called an operation pad connected to the main body 1, an AC adapter 3 connected to a DC input of the main body 1, and a game cassette 4 in which a game program stored in the main body 1 is stored, A computer displayed on the TV screen by connecting the power plug of the AC adapter 3 connected to the main body 1 to a power line outlet and connecting the main body 1 to a home TV with a connection cable and mounting a game cassette on the main body 1 The operation switch 2 is operated according to the image to play the game.

In this home-use game machine, the game cassette 4 causes a number of attractive games such as a shooting game with a sense of speed and a role-playing game with an interesting storyline to be exciting to both children and adults one after another. It is supplied, and once the game is started, there is a problem that it gets stuck on the screen, forgetting the time and getting absorbed in the game.

[0004] In particular, it has been conventionally said that adolescents with poor self-management ability cannot control themselves and play games all day, adversely affecting their developing mind and body.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to enable time management of a game machine so that the game machine does not adversely affect the physical and mental development of adolescents.

[0006]

In order to solve the above problems, a plug or an AC connected to a power line outlet is used.
One of the codes, a case provided with an outlet for a game machine to which a power plug of the game machine is connected, and a time limit menu consisting of a plurality of game times provided in the case and capable of using the game machine. A display device to be displayed, a setting switch for selecting one from the time limit menu displayed on the display device, and either a case plug or an AC cord and a game according to the time limit menu selected by the setting switch. A timer means for connecting to and disconnecting from a machine outlet, and a key switch for permitting or prohibiting the setting of the time limit menu by the setting switch on the timer means.

At this time, the power plug of the game machine connected to the above-mentioned outlet for the game machine is fixed to or released from the case by interlocking with the operation of permitting or prohibiting the time limit menu to the timer means by the key switch. A configuration in which a plug holder is provided can also be used.

Further, instead of the above-mentioned game machine outlet, a DC power source that is turned on / off by a timer means may be provided, and the DC power may be supplied from the DC power source to the game machine.

The power plug of the game machine includes an AC adapter in which the power plug and the AC / DC converter are integrated.

[0010]

In the timer device for a game machine constructed as described above, the key switch allows the selection of the time limit menu to the timer means by the setting switch, connects the plug of the game machine to the case, and sets the setting switch. Allows you to select one of the game console usage time menus from the multiple time limit menus displayed on the display,
Set to timer means. At this time, since the selection of the time menu is made by looking at the display device, it can be surely made accurately and easily by anyone.

Next, after the selection of the time menu to the timer means by the setting switch is prohibited by the key switch, the key of the key switch is stored by the administrator, for example, the parents.

When using the game machine, the plug of the case or the plug of the AC cord is connected to the power line outlet. Then, the timer means starts clocking, and the energization of the game machine is managed by the time limit menu.

At this time, for example, even if the player tries to reselect the time-limited menu with the setting switch in order to extend the game time, the resetting of the time-limited menu in the timer means is prohibited by the key switch, so that the game time cannot be extended. .

At this time, in the case where the plug holder for fixing the power plug of the game machine to the case by the key switch is provided, the power plug of the game machine is removed from the case and directly connected to the power line outlet to play the game. It is possible to manage by the timer device for game machines.

Further, the timer means turns ON / OF.
In the case of a DC power supply provided with a F, a DC / AC converter such as an AC adapter is removed from the game machine by directly supplying DC power from the game machine timer device to the power line outlet and the game machine. The game machine cannot be played by directly connecting it to the game machine, and the game machine timer device can manage the game machine.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The timer device for a game machine of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is a game machine to which an AC cord 11 connected to a power line outlet 10 and a power plug (hereinafter referred to as an AC adapter) 3 of the game machine are connected. Case 14 provided with a power outlet 13, a display device 15 provided on the top surface of the case, a setting switch 16, a key switch 17 provided on the side surface of the case, and a plug holder 18 provided at the rear end of the case. As shown in FIG. 2, the display device 15 is connected to the timer means 19, and the timer means 19 and the setting switch 16 are connected via the key switch 17 as shown in FIG. Connected.

The display device 15 displays a time limit menu such as a plurality of game times in which the game machine can be used per day, a game time in which the game machine can be continuously used at one time, or the current time. In this embodiment, an LCD display is used as a display in order to reduce power consumption.

The setting switch 16 is the menu switch 2
0 and a set switch 21, and a set switch 2
In the case of 0, the time limit menu is displayed on the display device 15 which is displaying the time by operating the switch, and the displayed menu is set in the timer means 19. The menu switch 20 is a selection switch for sequentially displaying the time limit menus one by one on the display device 15, and the timer means 19 is activated each time the switch is operated.
The menu is read from and displayed.

The key switch 17 has a handle itself as a key, and when the key is inserted into the key hole and turned, the contact of the internal switch mechanism is closed, and the key switch 17 is turned on and set switch connected to the key switch 17. 21 and the menu switch 20 are connected to the timer means 19, and the timer means 19 is permitted to set the time limit menu. On the other hand, when the key is turned in the opposite direction, the contact of the internal switch mechanism slides in the opposite direction and opens, turning off, the set switch 21 and the menu switch 20 are opened with the timer means 19, and the time setting menu is displayed. Is prohibited. Further, the key switch 17 is provided with a locking mechanism that works in conjunction with the switch mechanism, and when the key switch 17 is turned off by the locking mechanism, the plug holder 18 can be fixed to the case.

As shown in FIG. 1, the plug holder 18 is provided with a code hole, the power cord of the game machine is inserted into the code hole, and the AC adapter 3 of the game machine is connected to the outlet 13 for the game machine. In this state, the holder main body that covers the rear end face of the case and the engaging hook provided on the main body are fitted into the insertion hole provided at the rear end of the case 14, and the fitted hook is The key switch 17 is fixed by being engaged with a sliding rod by a locking mechanism. Therefore, by removing the key after fixing the holder 18 and storing it, the AC adapter 3 can be removed from the game machine outlet 13 and directly connected to the power line outlet 10 so that the game cannot be played.

The timer means 19 is, for example, a clock for performing a timer operation in units of 24 hours, a memory in which a plurality of time limit menus are stored, a timer counter for measuring time, input / output processing, display, etc. The time limit menu stored in the memory is provided with a processing device for performing the processing, a relay circuit 22 for connecting or disconnecting the AC cord 11 and the outlet 13 for the game machine, and a timer is generated by operating the set switch 21 and the menu switch 20. When set on the counter, it activates the relay circuit 22 according to the selected time limit menu. This timer means 1
For example, a one-chip microcomputer or the like can be used for 9.

In addition, the timer device for other game machines includes
A buzzer 23 for notifying the operation of the timer means 19 by sound and a timer 24 for displaying a clock, and a dry battery 24 for driving a part of the timer means 19 and the display device 15 for menu display and menu setting. Is provided, and an LED 25 that indicates that the dry battery 24 has run out is also provided.

A switch 26 for time adjustment, which is connected to the timer means 19, is provided on the upper surface of the case.

This embodiment is configured as described above, and its operation will be described next by describing a method of setting the time limit menu.

In this timer device for game machines, in order to adjust the time and select the time limit menu, the lid of the battery case on the back side of the case is opened and the dry battery 24 is set. When the display device 15 is activated and the time is displayed, the current time is set by the time setting switch 26.

Next, the key is inserted into the key switch 17 and turned to turn it on to put the plug holder 18 into the case 1.
4 and connect the AC adapter 3 of the game machine to the game machine outlet 13 of the case 14. And
The set switch 21 is operated to switch the display of the display device 15 to the display of the time limit menu, and the menu switch 2
The time limit menu is read from the memory of the timer means 19 by 0 and displayed sequentially.

The displayed time limit menu is, for example, every time the menu switch 20 is pressed, No. 1 1 hour ON …… 30 minutes break No. 22 hours ON …… 30 minutes break No. 3 3 hours ON …… 30 minutes break No. 4 4 hours ON ... 30 minutes break, like a cycle mode in which the game is repeated for 30 minutes after 1 to 4 hours and the cycle is repeated. 5 2 hours / per day ... STOP No. 6 3 hours / per day ... STOP No. 7 4 hours / per day ... STOP No. 8 5 hours / per day ... STOP No. 9 unlimited ... Like the buzzer warning, the daily mode in which the game time of 2 to 5 hours ends and the daily game time ends is repeatedly displayed on the display device 15, for example, 00:00.

In addition, the No. of the time limit menu. 1 to
In the menu of No. 4, the buzzer 23 is sounded 5 minutes before the break, and the end of the game time is notified. In the menu of 5-8, STOP
5 minutes before, the buzzer 23 sounds and the end of the game time is notified.

Further, in No. In the menu of 8, the buzzer 23 sounds every 2 hours to call attention.

No. In the menus 1 to 8, the setting is continued even if the day changes, and No. Menus 5 to 8 are initialized when the clock reaches midnight.

From the time-limited menus displayed in this order, the display device 15 is caused to display a menu that is likely to be executed depending on the contents of the game and the individual differences in playing the game. When the menu selection is completed by displaying on the display device 15 in this way, the set switch 21 is operated to set the selected menu in the timer means 19, and then the plug holder 18 is moved to the rear end of the case 14. It is attached to the part and locked with the key switch 17. Then remove the key and store it by a guardian.

In this way, the timer device for a game machine in which the time limit menu has been set and mounted on the game machine, when the AC cord 11 of the case 14 is connected to the power line outlet 10 when the game machine is used, The timer means 19 starts clocking, the relay 22 operates according to the set time limit menu, and the usage time of the game machine is restricted.

At this time, even if the set switch 21 and the menu switch 22 are operated in an attempt to extend the game time, the setting is prohibited by the key switch 17, so that the menu cannot be changed. Also, at this time,
Pull out the AC adapter of the game console from the case 14,
Since the AC adapter 3 of the game machine is fixed to the case 14 by the plug holder 18 even if it is directly connected to the power line outlet 10, it cannot be pulled out and the game time is regulated according to the set time limit menu. .

On the other hand, for example, when the game changes or the person who uses the game machine changes and wants to change the game time, insert a key into the key switch 17 to turn it on,
The setting of the time-limited menu by the set switch 21 and the menu switch 20 is permitted, and the menu is reset.

As described above, this game machine timer device allows the preset time limit menu to be displayed on the display device 15 and selected by the two setting switches 16 of the set switch 21 and the menu switch 20. Therefore, unlike a VTR that uses a plurality of switches to set the timer, no complicated operation is involved, and anyone can easily set the timer without making a mistake.

Further, the set time limit menu cannot be changed by the key switch 17.

FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment. The second embodiment is
It shows an example of a DC power supply 30 provided in the case 14 instead of the game machine outlet 13 of the case 14 of the game machine timer device of the first embodiment. ON / OFF of this DC power source 30 is controlled by the timer means 19. By providing such a DC power source 30, the AC adapter 3 is removed from the game machine, and the game machine is used for the game machine. By disabling operation without the timer device, regulation by the timer device for game machines can be performed.

FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment. This third embodiment is an AC cord 11 provided in the case 14 of the first embodiment.
Instead, the case 14 is provided with the plug terminal 31 directly, and the plug terminal 31 is directly inserted into the power line outlet 10 for use so that no installation place is required.

In the embodiment, the plug holder has a box shape covering the AC adaptor, but the present invention is not limited to this. Any shape such as a belt shape can be used as long as the plug can be fixed.

Further, in the embodiment, the case where the game timer device of the present invention is used in the video game machine is described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and any game machine using an AC power source can be used. Of course, it can be used for anything.

[0042]

[Effect] The present invention is configured as described above, and since the setting menu cannot be changed by the key switch, time management of the game machine can be performed.

At this time, the game time is set by displaying a preset time limit menu on the display device, so that the setting can be performed easily and surely.

Further, in the case where the plug holder is provided, it is possible to prevent the power plug of the game machine from being inserted or removed, so that the time management of the game machine can be better performed.

Further, in the case where a direct current power source is provided in place of the outlet for the game machine, direct current power can be supplied to the game machine so that the game machine cannot operate without the timer device. Can be done easily.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a partial schematic diagram of a second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a side view showing a third embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a home video game device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 3 AC Adapter 10 Power Line Outlet 11 AC Cord 13 Outlet for Game Console 14 Case 15 Display Device 16 Setting Switch 17 Key Switch 18 Plug Holder 19 Timer Means 20 Menu Switch 21 Set Switch 30 DC Power Supply 31 Power Plug Terminal

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A timer device for a game machine connected between a game machine and a power line outlet, the plug or AC being connected to the power line outlet.
One of the codes, a case provided with an outlet for a game machine to which a power plug of the game machine is connected, and a time-limited menu of a plurality of game times provided in the case and capable of using the game machine. A display device to be displayed, a setting switch for selecting one from the time limit menu displayed on the display device, and either a plug of the case or an AC cord according to the time limit menu selected by the setting switch, A game machine timer device comprising timer means for connecting to and disconnecting from a game machine outlet, and a key switch for permitting or prohibiting setting of a time limit menu by a setting switch on the timer means. 2. A plug holder for fixing or releasing a power plug of a game machine connected to the outlet for the game machine in the case in association with an operation of permitting or prohibiting a time limit menu to the timer means by the key switch. The timer device for a game machine according to claim 1, further comprising: 3. A direct current power source that is turned on / off by a timer means in place of the above-mentioned game machine outlet,
The game machine timer device according to claim 1, wherein the DC power is supplied from the DC power supply to the game machine.