Abstract: A video game device for use with a conventional television receiver includes microprocessor-based game control circuitry for generating audio and video signals in accordance with a series of digital instructions contained in a removable game cartridge. A signal provided by an RF generator within the game device is modulated by the audio and video signals to produce an RF output signal for application to the television receiver. A switch responsive to the presence of a game cartridge in the game unit supplies electrical power to the game control circuitry independently of power supplied to the RF generator. The switch reacts to disengaging movement of the game cartridge to remove power from the cartridge during such movement to prevent electrical damage to the cartridge and game control circuitry. Current continues to be supplied to the RF generator in the absence of the cartridge to prevent objectionable audio and video noise signals from appearing at the output of the television receiver.

Abstract: Apparatus which discourages the use of unauthorized program software with proprietory computer hardware. The computer hardware reads a DATA TABLE from a specified location in separable software and displays the content of that table in human recognizable form. The displayed data is then compared with reference data which is stored in the proprietory hardware. The hardware blocks further execution of programs contained in the separable software if the displayed data and reference data are not congruent. In a preferred embodiment the display is material which can only be legally used with the permission of the manufacturer or proprietory of the hardware; for example; a registered trademark or copyrighted material.