US3728480A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Television gaming and training apparatus
Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corp
•
Filing: 1971-03-22
•
Granted: 1973-04-17
•
Expires: 1991-03-22
Abstract
Abstract The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method, in conjunction with standard monochrome and color television receivers, for the generation, display, manipulation, and use of symbols or geometric figures upon the screen of the television receivers for the purpose of training simulation, for playing games, and for engaging in other activities by one or more participants. The invention comprises in one embodiment a control unit, connecting means and in some applications a television screen overlay mask utilized in conjunction with a standard television receiver. The control unit includes the control means, switches and electronic circuitry for the generation, manipulation and control of video signals which are to be displayed on the television screen. The connecting means couples the video signals to the receiver antenna terminals thereby using existing electronic circuits within the receiver to process and display the signals. An overlay mask which may be removably attached to the television screen may determine the nature of the game to be played or the training simulated. Control units are provided for each of the participants. Alternatively, games, training simulations and other activities may be carried out in conjunction with background and other pictorial information originated in the television receiver by commercial TV, closedcircuit TV or a CATV station.
Inventors
- 👤 R Baer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 02:37
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63F; A63F13/00; A63F13/40; A63F13/42; G; G05; G05G; G05G9/00; G05G9/02; G05G9/04; G05G9/047; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/03; G06F3/033; G06F3/0354; G06F3/03542
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 50
Claim 1
Independent Claim
100 words
In combination with a standard television receiver, apparatus for generating ''''dots'''' upon the screen of the receiver to be manipulated by a participant, comprising: a control unit for generating signals representing the ''''dots'''' to be displayed, said control unit further including means for generating synchronizing signal to synchronize the television raster scan of said receiver and means for manipulating the position of the ''''dots'''' on the screen of said receiver; and means for directly coupling the generated signals only to said television receiver whereby said ''''dots'''' are displayed only upon the screen of said receiver being viewed by the participant.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
100 words
In combination with a standard television receiver, apparatus for generating ''''dots'''' upon the screen of the receiver to be manipulated by a participant, comprising: a control unit for generating signals representing the ''''dots'''' to be displayed, said control unit further including means for generating synchronizing signal to synchronize the television raster scan of said receiver and means for manipulating the position of the ''''dots'''' on the screen of said receiver; and means for directly coupling the generated signals only to said television receiver whereby said ''''dots'''' are displayed only upon the screen of said receiver being viewed by the participant.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
62 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein said control unit includes: a horizontal sync generator; a vertical sync generator; at least one dot generator coupled to said horizontal and vertical sync generators; means for generating an rf signal; and means for modulating said rf signal with an output signal from said dot generator, said modulated rf signal being coupled to said television receiver.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The combination of claim 2 wherein said horizontal sync generator includes an astable multivibrator and said vertical sync generator includes an astable multivibrator.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The combination of claim 2 wherein said ''''dot'''' generator includes horizontal and vertical delays and an AND gate coupling the outputs from said delays.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
71 words
The combination of claim 2 wherein said means for generating a modulated rf signal includes: means for summing the signal outputs from said horizontal sync generator, said vertical sync generator and said dot generator to provide a video signal; and means for modulating the video signal with a carrier signal the frequency of which is selected in accordance with which channel of the television receiver the ''''dots'''' are to be displayed.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The combination of claim 2 wherein said dot generator includes means for varying the position of the generated ''''dots'''' on the television receiver screen.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The combination of claim 2 wherein said control unit includes first and second dot generators coupled to said vertical sync generator and said horizontal sync generator.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
74 words
The combination of claim 7 wherein said means for generating a modulated rf signal includes: means for summing the signal outputs from said horizontal sync generator, said vertical sync generator and said first and second dot generators to provide a video signal; and means for modulating the video signal with a carrier signal the frequency of which is selected in accordance with which channel of the television receives the ''''dots'''' are to be displayed.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
The combination of claim 8 wherein each of said dot generators includes means for varying the position of the generated ''''dots'''' on the television receiver screen.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
34 words
The combination of claim 9 wherein said position varying means includes a control for varying the vertical position of each generated ''''dot'''' and a control for varying the horizontal position of each generated ''''dot''''.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The combination of claim 9 wherein said position varying means includes one control for varying the horizontal and vertical position of each generated ''''dot.''''
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
10 words
The combination of claim 11, said control being a joystick.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
41 words
The combination of claim 9, further including means for denoting coincidence when a ''''dot'''' generated by one of said dot generators is located in the same position on the television screen as a ''''dot'''' generated by another of said dot generators.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
57 words
The combination of claim 13 wherein said coincidence denoting means includes a coincidence detector and crowbar circuit coupled to said first and second dot generators such that coincidence of position of said ''''dots'''' will be indicated by having said first dot generator turned off causing disappearance on the screen of the television receiver of its respective ''''dot.''''
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
36 words
The combination of claim 14 wherein said coincidence detector and crowbar circuit includes a semiconductor switch and means for turning on said switch when a signal is received simultaneously from said first and second dot generators.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
20 words
The combination of claim 14, further including means for resetting said coincidence denoting meaNs after the ''''dots'''' are made noncoincident.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
14 words
The combination of claim 14, further including means operatively responsive to a displayed ''''dot.''''
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
36 words
The combination of claim 17, wherein said means responsive includes: means for sensing light; and means for actuating said coincidence denoting means when said light sensing means detects a ''''dot'''' displayed on the television receiver screen.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
26 words
The combination of claim 18 wherein said actuating means includes a switch which couples the output from said light sensing means to said coincidence denoting means.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
22 words
The combination of claim 19 wherein said light sensing means is a photosensitive element arranged within the barrel of a toy gun.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
59 words
The combination of claim 14 in which said television receiver is a color receiver, said combination further including a chroma generator having inputs from said horizontal sync generator and said coincidence denoting means and an output to said signal summing means, such that coincidence will also be indicated by a changing of background color of said television receiver screen.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
22 words
The combination of claim 21 wherein said chroma generator includes a control for varying the background color of the television receiver screen.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
30 words
The combination of claim 22 further including a wheel coupled to said control for varying background color which when spun will cause the background color to be of non-predetermined selection.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
24 words
The combination of claim 1, further including an overlay mask attached to the television receiver screen, said overlay mask having a predetermined pattern thereon.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
17 words
The combination of claim 1, further including means for automatically moving said ''''dots'''' about said television screen.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
26 words
The combination of claim 25, further including means for ''''shooting'''' at said moving ''''dots'''', said ''''shooting'''' means including light responsive means responsive to a displayed ''''dot''''.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
28 words
The combination of claim 1, further including means for ''''shooting'''' at said ''''dots,'''' said ''''shooting'''' means including light responsive means responsive to a displayed ''''dot'''' when aligned therewith.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
29 words
Television gaming apparatus as defined in claim 27, further including means for causing one of said ''''dots'''' to disappear when said ''''shooting'''' means receives light from a displayed ''''dot''''.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
37 words
Television gaming apparatus as defined in claim 27 in which said television receiver is a color receiver, further including means for causing the background color of said television screen to change color when a ''''hit'''' is made.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
13 words
The combination of claim 27 wherein said light responsive means includes a photocell.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
23 words
The combination of claim 1, further including means for receiving background information generated on the television receiver screen by a cooperative television station.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
103 words
In combination with a standard television receiver including horizontal and vertical deflection circuitry which is synchronized with horizontal and vertical synchronization signals, apparatus for generating ''''dots'''' upon the screen of the receiver to be manipulated by a participant, comprising: a control unit responsive to the horizontal and vertical synchronization signals for generating signals representing ''''dots'''' to be displayed, including means for manipulating the position of the ''''dots'''' on the screen of the receiver; and means for directly coupling the generated signals only to said television receiver whereby said ''''dots'''' are displayed only upon the screen of said receiver being viewed by the participant.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
103 words
In combination with a standard television receiver including horizontal and vertical deflection circuitry which is synchronized with horizontal and vertical synchronization signals, apparatus for generating ''''dots'''' upon the screen of the receiver to be manipulated by a participant, comprising: a control unit responsive to the horizontal and vertical synchronization signals for generating signals representing ''''dots'''' to be displayed, including means for manipulating the position of the ''''dots'''' on the screen of the receiver; and means for directly coupling the generated signals only to said television receiver whereby said ''''dots'''' are displayed only upon the screen of said receiver being viewed by the participant.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
32 words
The combination of claim 32, further including: means for receiving information generated by a cooperative television station; and means for applying the received information to said television receiver to be displayed thereby.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
20 words
The combination of claim 33 wherein said applying means includes means for moduLating said received information by said generated signals.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
48 words
The combination of claim 34 wherein said modulating means includes means for momentarily causing a reduction of signal strength of said received information when generated signals are being applied, whereby the generated ''''dots'''' are displayed at their particular position of the screen in place of the received information.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
16 words
The combination of claim 33, further including means synchronizing the generated signals with the received information.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
38 words
The combination of claim 36 wherein said synchronizing means includes: means for receiving a horizontal scan signal generated by the television station; and means for detecting a vertical synchronizing component provided on the screen of the television receiver.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
30 words
The combination of claim 37 wherein said means for receiving a horizontal scan signal includes a pickup coil and said means for detecting a vertical synchronizing component includes a photocell.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
16 words
The combination of claim 36 wherein said synchronizing means is mechanically coupled to the television screen.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
93 words
Apparatus for generating ''''dots'''' upon the screen of a television receiver to be manipulated by a participant, comprising: a control unit for generating signals representing the ''''dots'''' to be displayed, said control unit further including means for generating synchronizing signals to synchronize a television raster scan of a receiver and means for manipulating the position of the ''''dots'''' on the screen; and means for directly coupling the generated signals only to a single television receiver whereby said ''''dots'''' are displayed only upon the screen of the single receiver being viewed by the participant.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
93 words
Apparatus for generating ''''dots'''' upon the screen of a television receiver to be manipulated by a participant, comprising: a control unit for generating signals representing the ''''dots'''' to be displayed, said control unit further including means for generating synchronizing signals to synchronize a television raster scan of a receiver and means for manipulating the position of the ''''dots'''' on the screen; and means for directly coupling the generated signals only to a single television receiver whereby said ''''dots'''' are displayed only upon the screen of the single receiver being viewed by the participant.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus as in claim 40, further including means for ''''shooting'''' at said ''''dots,'''' said means including light responsive means responsive to a displayed ''''dot.''''
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
103 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein said control unit includes means for providing horizontal sync signals; means for providing vertical sync signals; a first RC network coupled to said means for providing horizontal sync signals; a second RC network coupled to said means for providing vertical sync signals; a first transistor coupled to said first RC network; a second transistor coupled to said second RC network; first pulse shaping means coupled to the output of said first transistor; second pulse shaping means coupled to the output of said second transistor; and an AND gate coupled to said first and second pulse shaping means.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
18 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein at least two ''''dots'''' are displayed on the screen of said receiver.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
90 words
Apparatus for use within a television receiver, which receiver includes horizontal and vertical deflection circuitry which is synchronized with horizontal and vertical synchronizing signals, said apparatus including means for generating ''''dots'''' upon the screen of said receiver to be manipulated by a participant, comprising: a control unit responsive to the horizontal and vertical synchronizing signals for generating signals representing ''''dots'''' to be displayed, including means for manipulating the position of the ''''dots'''' on the screen of said receiver whereby said ''''dots'''' are displayed only upon the screen of said receiver.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
90 words
Apparatus for use within a television receiver, which receiver includes horizontal and vertical deflection circuitry which is synchronized with horizontal and vertical synchronizing signals, said apparatus including means for generating ''''dots'''' upon the screen of said receiver to be manipulated by a participant, comprising: a control unit responsive to the horizontal and vertical synchronizing signals for generating signals representing ''''dots'''' to be displayed, including means for manipulating the position of the ''''dots'''' on the screen of said receiver whereby said ''''dots'''' are displayed only upon the screen of said receiver.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus as in claim 44 wherein said horizontal and vertical synchronization signals are received from a television station.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus as in claim 45 wherein said received synchronization signals are the standard synchronization signals generated by the television station.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-04-16 | 1976-10-16 | 1977-04-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-04-16 | 1980-10-16 | 1981-04-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-04-16 | 1984-10-16 | 1985-04-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |