Video game device with automatic standby mode
US4579338A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 14, 1983 |
| Grant date | Apr 1, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 14, 2003 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63F2300/636
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.