Abstract: A process is disclosed for displaying a plurality of objects on a video display screen. A video computer system (VCS) includes a microprocessor unit (MPU), a television interface adapter (TIA) having first and second high-resolution player graphics capabilities, a video display screen in the form of a television set, operator controls, and a video game cartridge in the form of read-only memory (ROM) which contains digital program information including the steps of the present process stored in preselected address locations. The present process uses a first set of data for a high-resolution player graphics original and multiple resets of an associated player graphics register to display greater than three copies of the player graphics original on a single given horizontal scan line of the video display screen. As a result, the remaining high-resolution player graphics original is available to create other high-resolution player graphics copies on the same series of horizontal scan lines.

Abstract: A device useful in allowing two or more video gaming devices to be placed in a common cabinet, thus reducing floor space requirements and thereby improving profit yield per square foot in a gaming establishment or casino. Cabinet configuration includes mirror image cabinet halves, each of which includes a recess in which a game actuating handle may be located. The recess thereby eliminates the need for spacing of gaming device cabinets, when placed side by side. Mirror image configuration allows the games to be placed facing in any desired direction. Cooperation of a baffle and collar electromagnetically isolates a cathode ray tube (CRT) display in each gaming device one from the other to prevent display interference with and from the CRTs. Thus, the invention allows the placement of independent video displays in close proximity, preferably within a common cabinet.

Abstract: In a video game apparatus, a first joystick and a second joystick each contain a stick, a game start key and a mode select key. A control circuit controls the video game apparatus in the following manner. In a one-player mode as selected, only the output signal from the joystick whose start key is operated, is supplied to the main frame of the video game apparatus. In a two-player mode as selected, the output signal from the joystick whose start key is operated is supplied to the main frame. In turn, a game is started. With the progression of the game, the output signals from the first and second joysticks are alternately applied to the main frame.

Abstract: A game machine has indicia which indicate the proper time to control visible moving symbols. The indicia comprise lights or sounds to make a player recognize the proper time when predetermined prize-winning symbol or combination of symbols will occur on one or a plurality of rotatable reels in a stopped position of the reels as controlled by the player.

Abstract: An apparatus for simulating running games wherein figurines are propelled about a track to simulate races and field events. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the figurines are guided along slots in the track and have electric motors that are powered by control signals supplied from conductive strips paralleling the track. The control signals are preferrably supplied by a foot control unit that is operated by alternating foot motions of the user. With such an arrangement running games can be simulated which permit the physical dexterity and strategy of the user to affect the outcome of the contest.

Abstract: An electronic game machine having a single dealer machine for dominating a game procedure and a plurality of player machines responsive to the single dealer machine for playing the game procedure in conjunction with the single dealer machine. The single dealer machine includes a first data processing unit, a first memory, a first panel display, and a first power source. Each of the plurality of player machines includes a second data processing unit, a second memory, a second panel display, a second power source, a manual control unit, and a coin handling unit. The game procedure is shared by the first data processing unit and each of the plurality of second data processing units so that a game may be played between a single player unit and the dealer machine or any number of player units and the dealer machine.

Abstract: A system for simultaneously interactively training a plurality of students at student stations which may be remote from one another is described. A videodisc player capable of accessing any portion of a videodisc on which has been recorded instructional materials is coupled to a television monitor at each student station. Each student station also comprises a microcomputer into which the student inputs his or her response to the situations presented on the television monitor by the videodisc player. In one embodiment, selected video signals from the videodisc on the videodisc player are digitized and stored in a computer memory. These stored video signals may represent simulated outcomes corresponding to the reponses of the students.

Abstract: The Automatic Bowling Position Indicator (ABPI) of the present invention provides assistance to a bowler in order to achieve better scores by helping him to position himself on the approach. The positioning is dependent on variables such as whether the bowler is right or left handed, bowls a straight or hook ball, and the pins left standing. The invention assists the bowler directly in the area where the bowler makes his approach by providing a lighted indication of where to place his feet and by providing a lighted place over which the ball should pass. In addition, a group or team of bowlers is able to enter their bowling characteristics and have the present invention automatically advance and operate, thereby providing assistance throughout the game without further intervention.

Abstract: A system for detecting the position of a light responsive pen with respect to a TV display wherein successive frames of a video recording are encoded by placing a lighted area in a different place on each such successive frame. Then, by determining the frame number of the frame appearing when there is a response from the light pen, the position of the pen is identified and an appropriate system response is initiated and controlled.

Abstract: A roulette game is provided wherein a ball is thrown from a rotary disk onto the ball rotating passageway and is successively subject to actions of the magnetic forces of a series of electromagnets arranged along the ball rotating passageway and gradually increases its speed. After the ball has been thrown, the direction of rotation of the rotary disk is reversed so that the rotating direction of the rotary disk is opposite to the rolling direction of the ball. After a predetermined time period has passed and the electromagnets are deenergized and the rotary disk coasts, the ball loses speed and moves from the rotating passageway onto the rotary disk and is finally caught and stopped in one of a multiplicity of pockets. Therefore, the roulette gaming apparatus gives an actual feeling which is substantially the same feeling as will be obtained when players play an actual roulette game.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image display system comprising a video information memory, storing video information in the form of a perspective view, a reading circuit for reading out the video information stored in the video information memory while scrolling the stored video information in an oblique direction with respect to the perspective view, and a display for displaying in perspective the read out video information in such a way that the displayed picture is obliquely scrolled as time elapses.

Abstract: A video entertainment system includes a central station (10) that is connected to a plurality of remote display terminals (12) through a data link (14). Each of the display units (12) has a display (16), a currency receptacle (18) for receiving currency to activate the system and a currency dispenser (20) to provide a reward to the player. The players at each of the remote display terminals (12) are presented with an identical query or situation, instructions on how to respond to that query or situation and various select subjective responses. All of the players then individually select a response which is then transmitted to the central station (10). These responses are then analyzed and the proper winning selected response determined by some algorithm that compares all responses or set of responses. All of the remote terminals are provided with information regarding which response was the proper response.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display unit (20) includes a main housing (21), a mirror housing (22) and a sub housing (23) which are successively connected with each other in a rotatable manner. The main housing (21) is provided on both sides with a pair of rearwardly extending arms (24 and 25), so that engaging projections (27) of the sub housing (23) are slidably engaged with sliding guide grooves (28) of the arms (24 and 25). Thus, the display unit (20) can be selectively brought into a folded condition in which the mirror housing (22) and the sub housing (23) are superposed along the arms (24 and 25) with the engaging projections (27) slid frontwardly and an opened condition in which the mirror housing (22) is downwardly inclined and the sub housing (23) is opened from the mirror housing (22). The sub housing (23) is provided with a liquid crystal display panel (38) adapted for transmission of light.

Abstract: A toy laser weapon such as a pistol utilizes a flash unit to generate a burst of high intensity light. A collimating device collimates the light into a beam simulating a laser beam. A target vest can be worn by the person that is the target of the simulated laser pistol and includes a target area of fluorescent material that indicates a hit when the light beam from the toy laser pistol strikes the target area. Also, a sound generator can be provided to emit a sound when the burst of light occurs. An exemplary circuit for use with the light pistol is also part of the invention.

Abstract: A batting practice trainer includes a laser oscillator placed in a sensor unit configured to resemble a home plate. Three beams are emitted from the sensor unit in a predetermined pattern, so that the height, speed, and angle of elevation of a swinging bat may be calculated from the passage of the bat across the beams. This is accomplished without interferring with the batters' swing or substantially modifying the bat.

Abstract: Apparatus for diagnosing the; locus of a swing, such as a golf swing, from back-swing through ball impact to follow-through by an arm pivotally mounted near the inner end in a base member attachable to a person's body and attachable at the outer end to a club shaft, the inner end being slidingly connected to crossed members rotatably mounted at their ends in the base member to operate rotatable variable resistors which produce voltage change signals which are transmitted to a computer with readout or recording device so that the loci of the swing can be observed.

Abstract: An electronic football game includes an insulating housing supporting a microprocessor control circuit, a plurality of user-operable keys, and a display. The user operable keys facilitate information input to the microprocessor system. The display includes a perspective view of a portion of a football field as it would be seen by a ball-carrier including a pair of merging sideline markers, an end zone, a goal standard, and several yardage markers. A plurality of illuminatable defensive player characters are arranged in three rows facing a stationary ball-carrier positioned in the center foreground of the display. Consistant with the perspective view, the defensive players in the second and third rows are progressively smaller than those of the first row. Under the control of the microprocessor, apparent movement of the stationary ball-carrier is depicted by moving the entire defensive player character illumination pattern in the direction opposite to the intended ball-carrier motion.

Abstract: A one-dimensional memory storage device, such as a video disc, is utilized to store graphic image symbols for video game displays. The storage device is organized so that the graphic symbols may be retrieved rapidly enough to give the visual impression that the entire display, including background or scene depiction, is changing in response to the player-manipulated controls. The memory organization scheme utilized establishes a plurality of jump sequences. The particular sequence being utilized to withdraw graphic symbol information from memory is determined by the physical movement of a player-operated control device, i.e., a joystick. Certain frequently used scenes, such as explosions, or bullet or rocket trajectories, for example, are generated separately by a fixed image producer.

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, .Iadd.an apparatus .Iaddend.connecting .[.means.]. .Iadd.the control unit to the television receiver .Iaddend.and in some applications a television screen overlay mask utilized in conjunction with a standard television receiver. The control unit includes the control .[.means.]. .Iadd.circuitry.Iaddend., switches and .Iadd.other .Iaddend.electronic circuitry for the generation, manipulation and control of video signals which are to be displayed on the television screen. The connecting .[.means.]. .Iadd.apparatus selectively .Iaddend.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to .[.an apparatus and.]. .Iadd.a .Iaddend.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 elements and in some applications a television screen overlay mask utilized in conjunction with a standard television receiver. The control 10 unit includes the control, switches and electronic circuitry for the generation, manipulation and control of video signals which are to be displayed on the television screen. The connecting elements couple the video signals to the receiver antenna terminals thereby using existing electronic circuits within the receiver to process and display the signals.