WO2000067862A1 - Video game device - Google Patents

Abstract

The aim of the invention is to provide a means of restricting the use of a video game device, especially by children, in terms of time. To this end, the invention provides a module (3) that is mechanically connected to a component (1, 2) of the device and is protected against unauthorized removal. Said module comprises a timer (26) that is protected against unauthorized adjustment. Once a variable playing time has ended, the timer interrupts the data stream of at least one device component (2) that is essential to the running of the game. In particular, the mechanical connection between the module and the relevant device component can be configured in such a way that it can only be released using a physical or virtual key.

Description

 Video game systems

The invention relates to a video game system of the type specified in the preamble of claim 1.

A video game system in the sense of the invention is a video game system that can be used in the private sector. It can be a system that can only be used for gaming or a system that can optionally be used as a video game system, but also for other purposes such as can be used to receive television programs or to play video films. It can be both a handheld device and a complex, multi-component, entertainment electronic system with a game console.

The uncontrolled use of video game systems by children is an almost unsolvable problem. Especially when children play unsupervised, there is a considerable risk that the specifications of the parents with regard to the usage times of a video game system are disregarded and the video game system is used beyond the permitted extent, because known video game systems offer no option, their usage times other than by removing one to effectively limit essential system components for the course of the game.

From DE 41 11 417 AI a video game system is known which essentially comprises the features of the preamble of claim 1, more precisely a video game system with an electrical control device which, after actuation, releases the operation of the video game system for a predetermined or preselected time period. The electrical trical control device can be arranged in a separate housing with a switched socket for connecting the power plug of the system to be checked. This socket can be locked so that the power plug cannot be removed without authorization. The release is preferably by inserting a coin and includes a timer and a freely programmable time memory.

However, it remains open how the timer is protected against unauthorized adjustment. Furthermore, the proposal is not suitable for systems to which the mains voltage is supplied via an IEC socket. It is even more important that stand-by operation is not possible and that when the system is shut down, the software or other device malfunctions can occur due to an interruption in the mains voltage.

The invention has for its object to provide a video game system of the type specified in the introduction, the times of use can be specified unmanipulatably, without this requiring intervention in the external power supply or power supply.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by the features specified in patent claim 1.

The term usage time here includes both absolute time, i.e. to understand a calendar time as well as a period of time. In both cases, the usage time can be divided into several time windows, which individually and / or add up restrict the use of the system.

The module can be secured either mechanically or electronically against unauthorized removal.

So in the video game system according to the invention Parents specify a maximum period of use and / or time window in which the use of the system is possible. After the set maximum period of use and / or outside the set time window, the use of the system is not possible, since the data stream is interrupted at least one of the system components essential for the course of the game.

There is thus an effective means available to limit the use of a video game system, even when potential users are not being monitored. Children, in particular, cannot remove the module from the system or change the timer of the module. The system cannot be manipulated.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mechanical connection between the module and the system component can be released by means of a preferably changeable, physical or mental key (claim 2).

Authorized persons can easily remove the module. For example, the connection can only be released using a special tool or by entering a number code.

The module can be in the data transmission line leading to the display (claim 3).

If the video game system has a chip compartment for a chip comprising a game program, the module can preferably be inserted into the chip compartment (claim 4). For example, the connection can comprise a combination lock (claim 3).

The module is preferably located in a data transmission line of the system component essential for the course of the game (Claim 4).

Chip compartments of video game systems may be lockable with a lid. Then the lid can be secured against unauthorized opening, so that additional securing of the module is unnecessary and the timer of the module is protected against unauthorized adjustment without additional measures. The cover can only partially cover the module.

The timer is advantageously protected against unauthorized adjustment by means of a preferably changeable, physical or mental key (claim 5).

For example, an input field used to program the timer is covered by a cover that can be removed using the key. The key can also be a numerical code, after which the programming function of the timer is released.

In order to draw the player's attention to the impending end of the game and to give him / her the possibility of ending the game properly, it is advisable for the module to give an optical and / or acoustic signal before the data flow is interrupted Signals generated (claim 6). This signal is generated a preferably adjustable time before the interruption of the data stream.

According to a special embodiment, the module transmits the electrical signal to a system component (claim 7), for example to the display of the video game system. An optical signal then appears on the display.

The module advantageously triggers an indication of the remaining playing time before the data stream is interrupted (Claim 8). The player (s) can divide the remaining playing time accordingly. For example, the remaining playing time can be shown on the display in the manner of a countdown. The remaining game time can also be displayed while the system is in use.

If both a maximum total playing time and certain time windows are set, in which an operation of the system is possible, it is expedient if the module comprises a playing time summer (claim 9). The module can then add the seasons and time slots and compare them with the maximum total usage time. The module can also have a memory for storing the seasons.

If necessary. the module can generate signals to display information and / or images / animations on the system display during game breaks and / or outside the set time windows and / or after the maximum useful life.

To program the timer, a user interface generated by the module can be shown on the system display. The programming can be done either via an input field of the module or via a remote control, as it is used for the operation of television sets or other electronic devices.

According to a special embodiment, the module can distinguish between a so-called game mode and a so-called sleep mode. The module measures the usage time only in game mode, in which the signal supplied via the data transmission line changes constantly, for example by generating moving images. In the idle mode, the signal delivered via the data transmission line does not change. This is for example, when a stationary picture is faded in (eg the title picture of the respective game). The module can therefore recognize and evaluate signal changes.

The module can have its own standby mode, which it falls into if no data stream is supplied. As soon as a data stream flows, the module switches to full operation.

The module can be mains powered or battery powered.

The module can preferably be retrofitted to existing devices.

The idea of the invention does not, moreover, presuppose that the data transmission between two or more system components takes place by wire. The present proposal is also applicable to systems with wireless transmission links.

Exemplary embodiments of a video game system according to the invention are shown schematically in simplified form in the drawing. It shows:

Figure 1 is a network powered video game system.

2a to d four further embodiments of a mains-powered video game system;

3 shows a battery-operated hand-held device;

Fig. 4 shows the connection area between a

Module and a system component;

5 shows a schematic structure of a module;

6 shows the schematic structure of an alternative tive embodiment of a module;

Fig. 7 shows the schematic structure of a further embodiment of a module.

FIG. 1 shows a video game system with a monitor, here a television 1, a game console 2 and a module 3 for limiting the usage time. The game console 2 is connected to the television set 1 via a data transmission line 4. The module 3, which can be retrofitted to existing devices, is located on the data transmission line 4. The module 3 is connected to the game console 2 and security means 6 prevent its unauthorized removal. The game console 2 has a power supply line 5, the television set 1 has a power supply line 8 and the module 3 has a power supply line 7. For this as well as for the other exemplary embodiments, the data transmission also takes place wirelessly, e.g. via radio or infrared.

After a set period of use has expired, the module 3 interrupts the data stream from the game console 2 to the television set 1, if necessary. signals generated by the module 3 can also be transmitted to the television set 1 after the interruption. For example, animations / images generated by module 3 can be shown on the screen of television set 1. If both certain time windows and a maximum total useful life are specified, the remaining useful life and / or the remaining time window are displayed on the screen.

The module is programmed via an input field of module 3, not shown here. The parameters entered are shown on a module 3 display (also not shown) or by means of a user interface that can be shown on the monitor. The exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2a differs from that according to FIG. 1 in that the module 3 is not located in the data transmission line 4 but is connected to the game console 2 at another point and is secured against unauthorized removal by means of the securing means 6. At the set times, the module 3 interrupts the data stream from this point, for example by emitting an electrical signal which controls a switch in the game console to interrupt the data stream.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2b, the module 3 is also located on the data transmission line 4. However, the module 3 is here connected to the television set 1 and securing means 6 prevent the former from being unauthorized removal.

In the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 2c and 2d, the module 3 is part of the game console 2 or of the television set 1. Security means, such as those of the exemplary embodiments described above, are therefore not required here.

As in the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 2a and 2b, the module 3 can have its own power supply line 7. However, it can also be battery-operated or can be supplied with voltage via the same mains lead as the game console (FIG. 2c) or the television set (FIG. 2d). The operating voltage for the module 3 can also be provided internally in the system via the data transmission line 4.

The module can also be used, for example, to interrupt the data transmission between a game console and a cordless joystick (not shown here). 3 shows various views of a handheld device, such as a video game system marketed by Nintendo under the name "GameBoy". The device comprises a device body 41 with a display 43 and a chip compartment 42. According to the prior art, a gaming chip is inserted directly into the chip compartment 42. In the device according to the invention, a module 3 for limiting the usage time is arranged in the chip compartment 42. The module 3 comprises its own chip compartment 25, into which a game chip 51 is inserted, and a timer which can interrupt the data flow between the game chip 51 and the device body 41. Module 3 has an input field 27 and a display 28. Module 3 is programmable via input field 27. The module 3 is fastened in the chip compartment 42 via a clip lock 9. The clip lock 9 engages in bores 11 of the device body 41 and is detachably connected to the module 3 via a combination lock 10, so that it can only be removed from the chip slot 42 by authorized persons is removable.

The timer of module 3 can only be activated after entering a user code, e.g. programmable via input field 27.

FIG. 4 shows an example of securing a module 3 against unauthorized removal. The module 3 is connected to a game console 2 via a securing piece 6. The securing piece 6 consists of an adapter piece 61, the ends of which engage in data transmission sockets 21 and 31 of the game console 2 or of the module 3 and which electrically connects the game console 2 and the module 3 to one another. The adapter piece 61 is secured via brackets 41 and 42, each of which a leg engages in a bore 22 of the game console 2 or a bore 32 of the module 3. The other leg of the bracket 41 and 42 is each slidably in a bore 62 and 63 of the adapter 61. The bracket 41 and 42 are by means of a Lock 71 of a combination lock 70 can be secured. 4b shows the arrangement of the safety device in the closed state. 4a shows the arrangement in the open state.

The adapter piece 61 and the bracket 41 can each be designed so that game consoles already available on the market, e.g. The game consoles sold under the names Playstation, Nintendo or Sega can be retrofitted with module 3, i.e. the adapter piece then fits into the corresponding socket of the existing game console and the bracket can engage in an existing (or subsequently introduced) hole in this game console. Obviously other constructions with the same effect can of course replace the bracket construction described.

5 shows a module 3 with a so-called weekly switching. The module 3 comprises an input module AT which e.g. is an alphanumeric keyboard, an access module ZM, a real-time clock EU and a switch mechanism SW1. Furthermore, the module 3 has a data stream input PORT 1 and a data stream output PORT 2. The module 3 is preferably arranged in the data transmission line of a game console (not shown here) and, for example, is secured against unauthorized removal as shown in FIG. 4. The input module can be used to specify any number of time windows for each day of a week, within which the game console can be operated. Operation of the game console is impossible outside the set time window, since the data stream of the game console, which is supplied via input PORT 1, is interrupted by module 3.

The module 3 shown in FIG. 6 differs from that according to FIG. 5 in that instead of a real-time clock, it has a so-called 24-hour module 24h and one for this designed switchgear SW2. A maximum service life of a game console can thus be set. After the useful life has elapsed, the module interrupts the data flow of the game console by means of the switch mechanism SW2.

The module 3 shown in FIG. 7 is a combination of the modules shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. It therefore includes both a weekly schedule and an operating time limiter. This module also includes an operating time number SW3, which sums up the operating times within different time windows until a maximum usage time specified in the switching value SW2 is reached. Outside the specified time and after the maximum usage time has expired, the module interrupts the data flow of the game console.

The module also includes a microprocessor, which takes over the control tasks, a display and an output unit (not shown) for optical and acoustic signals.

Claims

Patent claims 1.Video game system, with a module which is mechanically connected to at least one system component (1, 2) essential for the course of the game and is secured against unauthorized removal and includes a timer which is protected against unauthorized adjustment and which, after an adjustable period of use, stops using the System interrupts, characterized in that the module (3) lies in a data transmission line (4) of the system components (1, 2) essential for the course of the game. 2. Video game system according to claim 1, characterized in that the mechanical connection between the module (3) and the system component (1, 2) by means of a preferably changeable, physical or intellectual key. 3. Video game system according to claim 1 or 2, with a display (1), characterized in that the module (3) in the leading to the display (1) data transmission line (4). 4. Video game system according to one of claims 1 to 3, with a chip compartment (42) for a chip comprising a game program, characterized in that the module (3) in the chip compartment (42) can be used. 5. Video game system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the timer is protected against unauthorized adjustment by means of a preferably changeable, physical or geological key. Video game system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the module (3) generates an electrical signal for emitting an optical and / or acoustic signal before the interruption of the data stream. Video game system according to claim 6, characterized in that the module (3) transfers the electrical signal to a system component. Video game system according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the module (3) triggers an indication of the remaining playing time before the interruption of the data stream. Video game system according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the module (3) comprises a game time summer.