Television gaming apparatus

Claim 2

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-toback 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.

Claim 3

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.

Claim 4

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.

Claim 5

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.

Claim 6

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.

Claim 7

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.

Claim 8

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.

Claim 9

Apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said adjusting means includes a joystick coupled to both arms of said potentiometers.

Claim 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 off-screen; and means for electrically coupling said control unit to said television receiver.

Claim 11

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 off-screen; and means for electrically coupling said control unit to said television receiver.

Claim 12

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.

Claim 13

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.

Claim 14

Apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein said trigger applying means includes a slow free-running bistable multivibrator.

Claim 15

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.

Claim 16

Apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein said resistors are variable.

Claim 17

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.

Claim 18

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.

Claim 19

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.

Claim 20

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.

Claim 21

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.

Claim 22

Apparatus as defined in claim 17 further including first and second RC delay circuits coupled to said first and second differentiating means, respectively.

Claim 23

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.

Claim 24

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.

Claim 25

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.

Claim 26

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.

Claim 27

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.

Claim 28

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.

Claim 29

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.

Claim 30

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.

Claim 31

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.

Claim 32

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.

Claim 33

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.

Claim 34

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.

Claim 35

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.

Claim 36

The combination of claim 29 wherein said triggering means includes a slow free-running multivibrator.

Claim 37

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.

Claim 38

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.

Claim 39

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.

Claim 40

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.

Claim 41

Apparatus as defined in claim 33, further including means for disconnecting the video detector of said television receiver from said video amplifier.

Claim 42

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.

Claim 43

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.

Claim 44

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 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.

Claim 45

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 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.

Claim 46

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.

Claim 47

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.

Claim 48

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.

Claim 49

Apparatus as defined in claim 38, further including means for supplying high voltage to said cathode ray tube.

Claim 50

Apparatus as defined in claim 39 wherein said video signal coupling means includes a video amplifier.

Claim 51

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.

Claim 52

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.

Claim 53

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.

Claim 54

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.

Claim 55

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.

Claim 56

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.

Claim 57

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.

Claim 58

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.

Claim 59

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.

Claim 60

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 coincident therewith.

Claim 61

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.

Claim 62

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.

Claim 63

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.

Claim 64

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.

Claim 65

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.

Claim 66

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.

Claim 67

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 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 a television receiVer.

Claim 68

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 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 a television receiVer.

Claim 69

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.

Claim 70

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.

Claim 71

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.

Claim 72

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.

Claim 73

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.

Claim 74

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.

Claim 75

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.

Claim 76

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.

Claim 77

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.

Claim 78

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.

Claim 79

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.

Claim 80

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.