GB2112588A

GB2112588A - Video game

Info

Publication number: GB2112588A
Application number: GB08216321A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Roar Dahl Knudsen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1981-12-29
Filing date: 1982-06-04
Publication date: 1983-07-20
Also published as: IT1151586B; IT8221742A0; NO814460L

Abstract

An arrangement for a video game, wherein all wiring connections which are of importance for the game function of the game are guided to at least one multiconnector (3, 4). A replaceable terminal block (1) is arranged between the multiconnector(s) and logic board (2) for the functions of the game. The operator's panel (6) may be connected to multiconnector (4) which is connected to the main multiconnector (3), so that the operator's panel, which has function- operation buttons for several different games, can be replaced if necessary when replacing the logic board and terminal block. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFiCATION Video game The present invention relates to a video game.

Video games are usually constructed and built up around a specific logic board, which means that substantial rebuilding work must be performed on the game itself in order to change the nature of the game, i.e., its function.

Thus, even through a game's popularity may have lessened and the earnings from the game reduced as a result, it has not been economical to change the game, since it would cost just about as much to change the existing game as to purchase a new one. The object of the present invention is to provide a means whereby the above drawback may be remedied. This is provided in accordance with the invention in that all of the wire connections which are of importance for the game functions of most games are guided to at least one multiconnector and that a replaceable terminal block is provided between the multiconnector and the logic board containing the game functions for the respective types of games.

As a result of this arrangement on a video game, it is possible to change the type of game without having to purchase a new game, or sending the game back to the manufacturer, or performing time-consuming rebuilding work; the only operation necessary is to replace the terminal block and the logic board which contains the functions for the game.

With the aid of the present invention, therefore, it is possible to change the game without having to call in an expert technician; one only has to pull the board and the current supply wire out of a socket and plug in the two new units.

Such games are usually provided with an operator's panel which is adequate for several different games, but in accordance with the invention the operator 5 panel can also be made as a plug-in unit to permit its replacement with a different control panel, if necessary.

The invention will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawing, which is a schematic circuit diagram for a video game apparatus.

The main game unit 18 consists of a display means 14 which can be a TV monitor.

The display means 1 4 is connected to a transformer 1 5 for current supply which on one side is connected to the power network 1 7 and on the other side to a current supply board 9. The board 9 contains rectifier circuitry and current-stabilizing circuitry and the like which are necessary for operation of the display means 14 and the logic functions for the various games. Also connected to this board, via a plug connection 10, is a coin-slot device. The coin-slot device may be of any known per se type. The coin-receiver device is connected for actuating the game device in a conventional manner. The board 9, via plug-in connections, is connected to the main multiconnector 3, and the display means 1 4 is also connected via plugs 12, 1 3 to the main multiconnector.The operator's panel is also connected to the main multiconnector. All connections between the display means, the panel and the sound-producing device 19, which may be a loudspeaker and which is connected to the main multiconnector 3, occur via the terminal block 1 and the logic board 2. The logic board 2 contains all the necessary electronic function connections and connecting wires between the various units in the game device 1 8 for producing the desired game. Also connected to the main power network 1 7 is a light device 1 6 which produces light at the various light points around the display screen in a manner known per se.

The terminal block 1 consists of two contacts disposed in a frame, cooperating on one side with the main multiconnector 3 and on the other side with the connector tongue on the logic board plug. The plugs on the terminal block are mutually interconnected with wires so that the respective connection points on the logic board will be connected to the respective current supply points, panel operation points and display points, and to the sound-producing device.

The operator's panel can be connected to a multiconnector 4 which is connected to the main multiconnector 3 so that the operator's panel 6, which has function-operation buttons for several different games, can be replaced if necessary when replacing the logic board 2 and terminal block 1. In this connection, additional wiring is provided between the multiconnector 4 and the main multiconnector 3, so that also further function buttons or function indicators may be added.

1. An arrangement for a video game, in which all wiring connections are of importance for the game functions of most games are led to at least one multiconnector, and a replaceable terminal block is arranged between the multiconnector and the logic board for the game functions of various types of games.

2. An arrangement according to Claim 1, in which a main multiconnector is provided for the logic board and a further multiconnector is provided for connection with the operator's panel for the game.

3. An arrangement according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which the terminal block is different for each of the different logic boards corresponding to the function of the game.

4. An arrangement according to any of Claims 1 to 3, in which the operator's panel

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFiCATION Video game The present invention relates to a video game. Video games are usually constructed and built up around a specific logic board, which means that substantial rebuilding work must be performed on the game itself in order to change the nature of the game, i.e., its function. Thus, even through a game's popularity may have lessened and the earnings from the game reduced as a result, it has not been economical to change the game, since it would cost just about as much to change the existing game as to purchase a new one. The object of the present invention is to provide a means whereby the above drawback may be remedied. This is provided in accordance with the invention in that all of the wire connections which are of importance for the game functions of most games are guided to at least one multiconnector and that a replaceable terminal block is provided between the multiconnector and the logic board containing the game functions for the respective types of games. As a result of this arrangement on a video game, it is possible to change the type of game without having to purchase a new game, or sending the game back to the manufacturer, or performing time-consuming rebuilding work; the only operation necessary is to replace the terminal block and the logic board which contains the functions for the game. With the aid of the present invention, therefore, it is possible to change the game without having to call in an expert technician; one only has to pull the board and the current supply wire out of a socket and plug in the two new units. Such games are usually provided with an operator's panel which is adequate for several different games, but in accordance with the invention the operator 5 panel can also be made as a plug-in unit to permit its replacement with a different control panel, if necessary. The invention will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawing, which is a schematic circuit diagram for a video game apparatus. The main game unit 18 consists of a display means 14 which can be a TV monitor. The display means 1 4 is connected to a transformer 1 5 for current supply which on one side is connected to the power network 1 7 and on the other side to a current supply board 9. The board 9 contains rectifier circuitry and current-stabilizing circuitry and the like which are necessary for operation of the display means 14 and the logic functions for the various games. Also connected to this board, via a plug connection 10, is a coin-slot device. The coin-slot device may be of any known per se type. The coin-receiver device is connected for actuating the game device in a conventional manner. The board 9, via plug-in connections, is connected to the main multiconnector 3, and the display means 1 4 is also connected via plugs 12, 1 3 to the main multiconnector.The operator's panel is also connected to the main multiconnector. All connections between the display means, the panel and the sound-producing device 19, which may be a loudspeaker and which is connected to the main multiconnector 3, occur via the terminal block 1 and the logic board 2. The logic board 2 contains all the necessary electronic function connections and connecting wires between the various units in the game device 1 8 for producing the desired game. Also connected to the main power network 1 7 is a light device 1 6 which produces light at the various light points around the display screen in a manner known per se. The terminal block 1 consists of two contacts disposed in a frame, cooperating on one side with the main multiconnector 3 and on the other side with the connector tongue on the logic board plug. The plugs on the terminal block are mutually interconnected with wires so that the respective connection points on the logic board will be connected to the respective current supply points, panel operation points and display points, and to the sound-producing device. The operator's panel can be connected to a multiconnector 4 which is connected to the main multiconnector 3 so that the operator's panel 6, which has function-operation buttons for several different games, can be replaced if necessary when replacing the logic board 2 and terminal block 1. In this connection, additional wiring is provided between the multiconnector 4 and the main multiconnector 3, so that also further function buttons or function indicators may be added. CLAIMS

4. An arrangement according to any of Claims 1 to 3, in which the operator's panel has function-operation buttons for several different games, so that when replacing the logic board and the terminal block, the operator's panel need not also necessarily be replaced.

5. An arrangement for a video game, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

6. A video game provided with an arrangement as claimed in any preceding Claim.

7. The features herein described, or their equivalents, in any novel selection.