Abstract: A game machine is provided with a controller control circuit including a data transfer control circuit. When the data in a first external RAM attached to a first controller is transferred to a second external RAM attached to a second controller, the data transfer control circuit transmits a predetermined command to the first controller. The data stored in the first external RAM is memorize through a data transfer control circuit. The data transfer control circuit then transmits a predetermined command to the second controller. In response thereto, the data stored in the internal RAM is transmitted to the second controller to be stored in the second external RAM.

Abstract: An electronic game apparatus which includes a playing board having a playing surface and playing areas and is capable of identifying game pieces and their position on the playing surface. First and second sets of parallel transmission lines are located beneath the playing surface of the playing board. The second set of parallel transmission lines is orthogonal to the first set of transmission lines. The first and second sets of transmission lines form intersecting points which are positioned proximate to a playing area of the playing surface. A source of electromagnetic energy has a plurality of predetermined different frequencies within a predetermined frequency range. A plurality of game pieces, each containing a resonant circuit having a predetermined resonant frequency, correspond to a frequency within a predetermined frequency range. A selector sequentially supplies electromagnetic energy at a selected frequency within the predetermined frequency range to the first set of transmission lines.

Abstract: An interfacing device for connecting the processing unit of a computer games system to an external data storage medium has a user-operable selection unit for generating a user-selected address and user-selected data. The user-operable selection unit may comprise user-operable switches or electronic latches that are set by a program in response to selections made by the user by means of a joystick, keypad or any other input device. An address comparison unit compares the user-selected address with the addresses from the processing unit, and a data switching device causes the user-selected data to be substituted for data in the storage medium whenever the compared addresses are the same. Instead of a user-operable selection unit, preselected addresses and preselected data may be stored in a ROM, which in one embodiment changes the way the computer interprets external memory and in another changes the computer's internal memory itself.

Abstract: By providing an interactive communication system whereby individuals are able to electronically select at least one possible outcome of a plurality of outcomes of a future event, individuals are able to participate in the outcome of that event and possibly share in a prize award associated with the event. In the preferred embodiment, individuals forming the home audience of a televized game show are able to electronically communicate a series of random numbers using their telephone to participate in possibly winning the prize awards of the show. In addition, both on-camera game participants and the studio audience also participate and have the ability to win prizes.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for educational games comprising a plurality of printed cards/boards, and a novel low-cost touch pad with interface cable to the personal computer game-port. When an eductional game is played, the player responds to computer questions/words/graphic object by pressing the corresponding answer in the printed card/board which is placed on top of the touch pad. This selection in terms of touched coordinates of the touch pad is sensed by the computer through the computer input/game port. Both computer generated sound and animation graphic pictures in terms of video games or others are used for either positive or negative feedback to the player. A variation of the same apparatus can be used for playing various computerized board games with a plurality of moving game pieces, and game boards by one or more players.