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Multiple image positioning control system and method
United States Patent 4,016,362
Inventors: Bristow; Stephen D. (San Jose, CA); Mayer;
Steven T. (Auburn, CA).
Assignee: Atari, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA).
Appl. No.: 626,665
Filed: Oct. 29, 1975
Abstract
A system and method utilizing a single motion control
circuit or comparator for controlling the display of
a plurality of moving images on a video screen. At the
outset of each frame, position data for the images is
arranged according to the order at which the images are
to appear in that frame. In one embodiment, numbers
corresponding to the distance between successive images
along the path of the beam are stored, and pulses
corresponding to the position of the beam are counted
to determine when the position of the beam corresponds
to the locations at which the images are to be
displayed. In a second embodiment, the image location
data is compared with signals corresponding to the
position of the beam to determine when it reaches the
locations at which the images are to be displayed.
Animated video image display system and method
United States Patent 4,045,789
Inventors: Bristow; Stephen D. (San Jose, CA).
Assignee: Atari, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA).
Appl. No.: 626,664
Filed: Oct. 29, 1975
Abstract
System and method for producing an animated image of a
moving object on a video display screen wherein digital
data for a plurality of progressively different images
of the object is stored in a memory and read out during
successive frames of the picture. The data from the
memory is combined with data corresponding to the
position at which the image of each frame is to be
displayed on the screen, and the images are displayed
in accordance with the combined image and location data.
Video image positioning control system
United States Patent 4,054,919
Inventors: Alcorn; Allan E. (Campbell, CA).
Assignee: Atari Incorporated (Los Gatos, CA).
Appl. No.: 613,050
Filed: Sept. 15, 1975
Abstract
For controlling the direction and rate of movement of
an image on a raster scan display, a first set of
counters is arranged to generate digital pulses for use
as horizontal and vertical sync pulses for use in
conjunction with a video adder for controlling the
image on the display. Means, such as a second set of
counters, driven by another clock means, provides an
output which is compared to that of the first named
counters to provide information signals to the video
adder for controlling the location and movements for
the image being displayed.
Interactive video/telephone transmission system
United States Patent 4,071,697
Inventors: Bushnell; Nolan K. (Los Gatos, CA); Keenan;
Joseph F. (San Jose, CA).
Assignee: Atari, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA).
Appl. No.: 724,013
Filed: Oct. 18, 1976
Abstract
An interactive purchasing system employs a station
transmitting signals adapted to be received by a
plurality of television receivers at a number of
viewing stations via a given television channel. In one
application, the signals represent information relating
to associated merchandise in various stores. A viewer
uses keyboard controls to scan the "pages" of
advertising on a video display and to indicate a
selected purchase. A telephone coupling arrangement
provided at each viewing station is adapted to
cooperate with a telephone in placing a call via the
telephone selectively to one of a plurality of stores.
Means are further provided at each viewing station for
selecting merchandise to be purchased including means
serving to operate a conventional telephone at the
viewing station to call the particular stores related
to the selected merchandise and to register a request
to purchase the selected merchandise.
Hand held communication aid for the dumb
United States Patent 4,075,621
Inventors: Salmon; D'Miles E. (San Jose, CA).
Assignee: Atari, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA).
Appl. No.: 739,149
Filed: Nov. 5, 1976
Abstract
A hand held communication aid for the dumb includes a
casing, containing a keyboard, which is easily held in
one hand and the keyboard positioned to be operated by
the other hand of the user or "speaker". The end of the
casing has a visual light emitting diode type alpha-
numeric display unit facing the reader who would be
standing opposite the user. Provision is also made for
connecting this unit into a telephone system.
Audio activated video display
United States Patent 4,081,829
Inventors: Brown; Robert J. (Palo Alto, CA).
Assignee: Atari, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA).
Appl. No.: 716,765
Filed: Aug. 23, 1976
Abstract
An interface unit for providing visual color display of
objects on an unaltered TV receiver which are directly
associated with the music on an audio source. Audio
energy is derived from separate channels of a stereo
system. This audio information is presented on the
screen in the form of objects in various arrangements.
Color is derived based on the zero crossing rate of
each channel. Each channel has its own color associated
with it. Objects may be solid, or rings, or one may be
"subtracted" one from the other. If desired, the
different arrays may be selected automatically in a
random manner. A spectral color modulator using phase
shifted techniques is incorporated.
AGH NOTE:
*********
The development of the Atari Video Music (a 70s
version of the Jaguar Virtual Light Machine) probably
led to this patent.
Hand held control unit
United States Patent D247,746
Inventors: Hall; Randy K. (Santa Clara, CA).
Assignee: Atari, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA).
Appl. No.: 734,981
Filed: Oct. 22, 1976
Abstract
The ornamental design for a hand held control unit, as
shown and described.
Joystick with attached circuit elements
United States Patent 4,091,234
Inventors: Bristow; Stephen D. (Santa Clara, CA).
Assignee: Atari, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA).
Appl. No.: 782,976
Filed: Mar. 30, 1977
Abstract
An improved joystick having an operating shaft mounted
on a base with a ball and socket joint and a plurality
of circuit elements directly actuated by the operating
shaft. The circuit elements vary in impedance in
correspondence to the displacement of the operating
shaft so that the displacement of the operating shaft
is converted into corresponding electrical signal.
Television display alignment system and method
United States Patent 4,099,092
Inventors: Bristow; Stephen D. (San Jose, CA).
Assignee: Atari, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA).
Appl. No.: 715,290
Filed: Aug. 18, 1976
Abstract
System and method in which correction signals are
computed and applied individually and automatically to
eliminate aberrations produced by non-linearities in
the deflection amplifiers, yoke and cathode ray tube of
a television display. During a programming period,
alignment signals are applied to the deflection circuits
in place of the normal scan signal, and the position of
the beam on the screen is monitored. When the beam is at
predetermined points, the correction signals are
computed, and these signals are stored. During normal
operation of the television system, the correction
signals are addressed in accordance with the beam scan
signals, and the correction signals are combined with
the scan signals to maintain the beam on the desired path.
System and method for automatic alignment of gun
with video display
United States Patent 4,099,719
Inventors: Dean; David W. (Campbell, CA); Bristow; Stephen D.
(San Jose, CA).
Assignee: Atari Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA).
Appl. No.: 791,833
Filed: Apr. 28, 1977
Abstract
A system and method for operator alignment of a pointing
device with a video target display wherein the gun is
mounted to be deflected horizontally and vertically for
aiming at all portions of the video display includes a
first variable device coupled to the gun to provide a
varying electric output therefrom in response to
horizontal deflection of the gun and a second variable
device coupled to the gun to provide a varying electric
output in response to vertical deflection of the gun.
These outputs control the positioning of an image of a
shot on the video display. Each end of the operative
range of electric outputs for each variable device is
determined by comparing each output successively with
each of a series of steps with the gun first pointed to
one position of the display and then pointed to another
position of the display. This operative range can then
be divided equally into a predetermined number of shot
positions on the display. In this way a given increment
of displacement of the gun within the preestablished
operative range can be accurately associated with a
related increment of displacement on the display.
Game method and apparatus for sensing the position
of an object with respect to its receptacle
United States Patent 4,102,532
Inventors: Van Jepmond; Howard K. (Menlo Park, CA);
Milner; Ronald E. (Grass Valley, CA).
Assignee: Atari, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA).
Appl. No.: 738,669
Filed: Nov. 4, 1976
Abstract
An electrical circuit for sensing the position of an
object with respect to its receptacle. Within the
receptacle is mounted a light emitting diode (LED) that
generates coded pulses of light. The pulses are sensed
by a photodetector mounted on the object. The circuit
further includes a clock, gates and a D-flip-flop that
together determine whether the photodetector is sensing
the coded pulses from the light emitting diode. The
light emitting diode and the photodetector are
positioned such that the photodetector only senses the
coded pulses when the object is located within the
receptacle.
Apparatus for providing facial image animation
United States Patent 4,104,625
Inventors: Bristow; Stephen D. (Los Altos Hills, CA);
Bushnell; Nolan K. (Woodside, CA).
Assignee: Atari, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA).
Appl. No.: 758,714
Filed: Jan. 12, 1977
Abstract
An image animation apparatus includes a rotating disk
having film negatives mounted around its periphery each
film negative having a different facial expression on
it. By use of an associated microprocessor which
responds to certain control inputs the sequence of
facial expressions can be selected by activating a
flash tube at the proper time to project the image on
the face of a featureless mannequin to cause the
sequence of facial expressions to correspond to spoken
phonemes which are synchronized with the facial
expressions. Alternatively, instead of a rotating disk
a matrix of optical cells can be selectively flashed.
In addition, the image forming film negative associated
with each optical cell can either contain a complete
facial expression or a portion such as the eyes,
mouth or eyebrows with the simultaneous activation of,
for example, three cells producing a complete facial
expression.
Potentiometer joystick
United States Patent 4,107,642
Inventors: Crummett; James G. (San Jose, CA).
Assignee: Atari, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA).
Appl. No.: 768,280
Filed: Feb. 14, 1977
Abstract
A joystick comprising a control handle within which is
located an inclination sensitive potentiometer. The
potentiometer includes an elongate resistance element
and an electrically conductive liquid wiper. Movement
of the potentiometer causes the wiper to flow along the
resistance element and to vary the output resistance of
the potentiometer.
Apparatus for continuous variation of object size on
a raster type video screen
United States Patent 4,107,665
Inventors: Mayer; Steven T. (Auburn, CA); Milner;
Ronald E. (Grass Valley, CA).
Assignee: Atari, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA).
Appl. No.: 809,314
Filed: Jun. 23, 1977
Abstract
Apparatus for continuous variation of object size on a
raster type video screen in a television game. The
input of a voltage controlled oscillator is varied by a
game controller. The output of the oscillator drives
horizontal and vertical counters at rates corresponding
to the object size. These counters provide respectively
horizontal and vertical addresses to a picture
generator read only memory. The faster the counters are
incremented the smaller the object; and with regard to
the vertical address, horizontal lines of the picture
are actually skipped in order to reduce the size of the
object.
Method and apparatus for generating moving objects on
a video display screen
United States Patent 4,112,422
Inventors: Mayer; Steven T. (Auburn, CA); Milner;
Ronald E. (Grass Valley, CA).
Assignee: Atari, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA).
Appl. No.: 749,725
Filed: Dec. 13, 1976
Abstract
A method and apparatus for generating moving objects
for a video game display. Common apparatus including a
microprocessor with RAM provides vertical motion for
all objects and separate horizontal position counting
hardware horizontal motion for each object. The
microprocessor operating on a horizontal line pair
basis drives a parallel to serial converter which
stores one eight bit line portion of the object to be
displayed which in turn is connected to a shift
register. When the converted data is read out to the
video display by action of the appropriate horizontal
position hardware, it is recirculated to provide a
repeat on the next horizontal line of the identical
data. An effective one line moving resolution is
obtained by utilizing another shift register for a one
line delay by means of a switch which is set by a latch
driven by the microprocessor.
Joystick controller mechanism operating one or plural
switches sequentially or simultaneously
United States Patent 4,124,787
Inventors: Aamoth; Gerald R. (Santa Clara, CA);
Hayashi; John K. (San Mateo, CA).
Assignee: Atari, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA).
Appl. No.: 776,527
Filed: Mar. 11, 1977
Abstract
A joystick controller assembly for generating switch
closures in response to X-Y manual movements includes
an elongate lever arm or handle disposed to be tipped
through an operating arc in any direction from the axis
of the handle for closing switches. Individual springs
coupled between the lower end portion of the handle
move operating arms which press against and activate
related switches carried on a printed circuit board for
indicating the direction of movement of the handle.
Game table for booth installation
United States Patent 4,133,530
Inventors: Takaichi; Peter L. (San Jose, CA);
Graybeal; Andrew W. (Palo Alto, CA).
Assignee: Atari, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA).
Appl. No.: 836,093
Filed: Sept. 23, 1977
Abstract
A game table for combination use in a booth as a video
game and for service of food or drink and the like. The
game includes a frame above which a table top is
pivotally mounted for movement between open and closed
positions. A video monitor and components of the game
control circuit are mounted within the frame for ready
access when the table top is open. Control panels which
carry manually-operated control elements are hingeably
mounted on opposite sides of the frame to permit the
panels to be opened for servicing. The table top
includes a transparent panel which, when the top is
closed, overlies the monitor and the control panels so
that individuals seated at the booth can manipulate the
control elements and at the same time view the controls
as well as the monitor. A coin box projects from the
frame above the plane of the table for convenient access.
Chroma generation system
United States Patent 4,139,863
Inventors: Tuma; Wade B. (Campbell, CA).
Assignee: Atari, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA).
Appl. No.: 802,579
Filed: Jun. 1, 1977
Abstract
A chroma generation system provides the six major
discrete colors in a NTSC color television system.
This is achieved simply and inexpensively by a pair of
resonant circuits which shift a fundamental color
subcarrier signal by lead and lag relationships to
provide yellow and magenta colors, respectively, and
also provides the proper magnitudes so that when the
vectors are combined, a red signal results. The
fundamental color signal when inverted provides the
complements of the foregoing colors to thus provide the
six different discrete saturated colors.
TV game cartridge and method
United States Patent 4,149,027
Inventors: Asher; James C. (San Jose, CA); Hardy;
Douglas A. (Portola Valley, CA).
Assignee: Atari, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA).
Appl. No.: 801,240
Filed: May 27, 1977
Abstract
A cartridge for shielding a portable electronic micro-
circuit and for connecting the circuit into a TV game.
The apparatus includes a circuit board that is protected
within a housing from static electricity and is adapted
for connection with an electrical connector on a TV
game. The housing includes two parallel members for
moving aside a protective shield on the electrical
connector and thereby permitting engagement of the
circuit board with the connector in the game.
Video image generator
United States Patent 4,167,019
Inventors: Shepperd; David M. (Santa Clara, CA).
Assignee: Atari, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA).
Appl. No.: 867,276
Filed: Jan. 5, 1978
Abstract
A video image generator for producing a background
image giving the visual appearance of an ocean on a
raster type video screen. The image generating
circuitry includes means for producing background
patterns in successive scan frames of the raster to
provide a visual appearance of forward movement.
Apparent lateral movement is also provided by shifting
the image horizontally. Such visual movement is
provided in response to motion control signals
associated with video games or the like.
AGH NOTE
********
Might this be a patent for parallax scrolling?
Ball rollover switch assembly
United States Patent 4,180,267
Inventors: Harrop; Geoffrey A. J. (Saratoga, CA).
Assignee: Atari, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA).
Appl. No.: 868,672
Filed: Jan. 11, 1978
Abstract
A ball rollover switch assembly for use in an amusement
game having a playfield. A microswitch is mounted below
the playfield and carries an operating blade which
extends below a slot formed in the playfield. A
translucent actuator body is mounted on the free end of
the blade and is formed with a nose which projects
upwardly through the slot. The blade of the switch in
its raised position holds the actuator body so that an
upper portion of the nose projects above the playfield.
A ball moving across the playfield rolls over the nose
to depress the body and move the blade to a lowered
position for actuating the switch. Light from a source
below the playfield is transmitted through the body to
create an illumination effect.
Light actuated shooting arcade game
United States Patent 4,192,507
Inventors: Rains; Lyle V. (San Jose, CA); Bristow;
Stephen D. (Los Altos Hills, CA); Patak;
Richard J. (Cupertino, CA).
Assignee: Atari, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA).
Appl. No.: 966,429
Filed: Dec. 4, 1978
Abstract
A shooting arcade game where several players each with a
rifle may shoot at several common targets. A multiplexer
provides for sequentially connecting a score display
associated with each rifle to the targets the
multiplexer also enabling the rifle only during the
unique and dedicated time period that the associated
score display is connected to the targets. An associated
loudspeaker for each rifle is also provided.
Joystick controller
United States Patent 4,275,611
Inventors: Asher; James C. (San Jose, CA).
Assignee: Atari, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA).
Appl. No.: 025,122
Filed: Mar. 29, 1979
Abstract
An electrical control device having a joystick or lever
manually movable in the X and Y directions to actuate a
pair of electrical components having respective
rotatable shafts. The controller includes a housing
having a top cover provided with an opening through
which the lever extends. The lower end of the lever is
pivotally mounted in a socket on the bottom of the
housing and a ball joint is carried by the lever
intermediate its ends. The ball joint is pivotally
coupled to a control plate shiftable in the housing
beneath the top cover, the plate being biased into an
equilibrium position by a number of leaf springs
normally engaging respective side margins of the plate.
The plate has a pair of slots in its lower surface,
the slots being mutually perpendicular and vertical
projections on the outer ends of a pair of bell cranks
are shiftably received within respective slots in the
plate. The bell cranks are coupled to the rotatable
shafts of respective electrical components so that,
when the plate is moved in any one of a number of
different directions upon manual movement of the lever,
one or both of the rotatable shafts of the electrical
components are rotated to actuate the components.
Adaptive microcomputer controlled game
United States Patent 4,285,517
Inventors: Morrison; Howard J. (Deerfield, IL).
Assignee: Marvin Glass & Associates (Chicago, IL).
Appl. No.: 010,938
Filed: Feb. 9, 1979
Abstract
An adaptive game utilizes a microprocessor for
generating a random audible or visual stimulus which
must be responded to by a plurality of players. The
response generally requires the players to estimate a
time interval, a number of events, a tone frequency or
the like. The microprocessor then correlates play with
one or more players by determining the appropriateness
of a player's response, assigning a score to the
response and keeping score. In addition, the
microprocessor senses the level of skill of the players
by observing the score of the highest scoring player
and adjusting the level of difficulty in accordance with
the value of the highest score.
Data processing system with programmable graphics
generator
United States Patent 4,296,476
Inventors: Mayer; Steven T. (Auburn, CA); Miner;
Jay G. (Sunnyvale, CA); Neubauer;
Douglas G. (Santa Clara, CA); Decuir;
Joseph C. (Mountain View, CA).
Assignee: Atari, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA).
Appl. No.: 001,497
Filed: Jan. 8, 1979
Abstract
A microprocessor based data processing system including
a microprocessor, a memory unit, and display unit is
provided with a programmable graphics generator that
transfers graphics information from the memory unit to
the display unit in response to and control of a set of
display instructions also stored in the memory unit. The
graphics generator includes a first addressing unit for
sequentially accessing the display instructions from the
memory unit; a control unit for receiving, storing and
decoding such instruction and for issuing supervisory
and control signals in response to the binary state of
each instruction; a second addressing unit for accessing
graphics information from the memory unit in response to
the supervisory signals from the control unit; and a
third addressing unit for accessing movable object
graphics stored in the memory unit.
Method and system for generating moving objects
on a video display screen
United States Patent 4,324,401
Inventors: Stubben; David R. (Milpitas, CA); Rains;
Lyle V. (San Jose, CA).
Assignee: Atari, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA).
Appl. No.: 003,445
Filed: Jan. 15, 1979
Abstract
A number of moving objects and stationary playfield
objects are generated on a video display screen by
sharing memory and circuitry on both a physical and
time-share basis. Video graphics data for playfield and
motion objects is stored in a read-only memory (ROM).
An object attribute memory, which may be updated at any
time, is scanned during each horizontal retrace interval
to provide information used to selectively read moving
object video data from the ROM and assemble and store a
complete horizontal line of moving object video graphics
data in a separate staging memory. During active scan
time of the horizontal video display line, the assembled
line of moving object video data is accessed from the
staging memory and communicated to the display screen
via appropriate video circuitry to produce the video of
the moving objects. At the same time, the object
attribute memory is accessed for playfield object
information which, in turn, is used to address the video
graphics ROM to produce the actual video image of
playfield objects. The video image of playfield objects
so obtained is also communicated to the display screen
through the video circuits.
Dual floppy disc machine
United States Patent 4,339,778
Inventors: Wise; Eugene H. (Grass Valley, CA).
Assignee: Atari, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA).
Appl. No.: 139,534
Filed: Apr. 11, 1980
Abstract
A single device for driving a pair of floppy discs,
preferably the smaller mini floppy discs, is disclosed
herein and identified as a dual floppy disc machine. A
drive motor is coupled to a pair of rotatable spindles
mounted side by side. The spindles receive respective
floppy discs thereon, and are driven at a speed not to
exceed 50 rpm, much lower than the speed of conventional
floppy disc machines. A pair of read/write heads are
provided which have a capacity of reading no more than
20,000 bits per second, again well below conventional
rates but sufficient for the speeds used in the present
invention. A single carriage has both read/write heads
mounted thereon in spaced relationship, and is moveable
along an axis bisecting a line connecting the centers
of the spindles. As a result, the read/write heads are
moveable in unison radially relative to the respective
spindles. A stepping motor is coupled to the carriage to
move the carriage along its axis. The pair of floppy
discs are clamped to their respective spindles, and the
read/write heads are biased against the respective discs
so that both discs can be utilized.
Bank switchable memory system
United States Patent 4,368,515
Inventors: Nielsen; Carl J. (Saratoga, CA).
Assignee: Atari, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA).
Appl. No.: 261,301
Filed: May 7, 1981
Abstract
A decoding circuit is coupled to the signal lines that
communicate address signals to a memory unit. When a
predetermined address is communicated, the decoding
circuit produces a supplemental signal that is coupled
to the memory unit and used to select one of a
plurality of groups of memory locations. The
communicated address signals specify the memory
location of the selected group to be accessed.
Electronic game apparatus using a three-dimensional
image
United States Patent 4,421,317
Inventors: Hector; Roger D. (San Jose, CA); Jenkins,
Jr.; Harry H. (Menlo Park, CA).
Assignee: Atari, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA).
Appl. No.: 222,839
Filed: Jan. 6, 1981
Abstract
An electronic game includes a base having an opening;
at least one three-dimensional image stored on a plate,
typically a hologram; a light source for each image; a
microcomputer; and player controls. Illumination of the
plate by the light source projects a three-dimensional
image seen during play of the game. In some versions
light emitting diodes are provided to supplement the
three-dimensional image being displayed.
Method and apparatus for generating line segments
and polygonal areas on a raster-type display
United States Patent 4,425,559
Inventors: Sherman; David L. (Sunnyvale, CA).
Assignee: Atari, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA).
Appl. No.: 155,345
Filed: Jun. 2, 1980
Abstract
A method and apparatus utilizes information describing
linear line segments in terms (1) the horizontal scan
line scan at which the line segment originates, (2) the
horizontal position within the line of the point of
origin, (3) the direction of the line segment, and (4)
the horizontal scan line at which the line segment
terminates to generate line segment information on a
raster-scan type video display. The line segments can
be combined to form polygonal areas that are capable of
movement and changes in size or shape on the display.
Memory cartridge for video game system
United States Patent 4,432,067
Inventors: Nielsen; Carl J. (Saratoga, CA).
Assignee: Atari, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA).
Appl. No.: 406,650
Filed: Aug. 9, 1982
Abstract
A decoding circuit is coupled to the signal lines that
communicate address signals to a memory unit. When a
predetermined address is communicated, the decoding
circuit produces a supplemental signal that is coupled
to the memory unit and used to select one of a plurality
of groups of memory locations. The communicated address
signals specify the memory location of the selected
group to be accessed.
Apparatus for scrolling a video display
United States Patent 4,445,114
Inventors: Stubben; David R. (Milpitas, CA).
Assignee: Atari, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA).
Appl. No.: 193,699
Filed: Oct. 3, 1980
Abstract
A video game includes apparatus for scrolling playfield
objects appearing on the display unit of the game. The
apparatus selectively offsets the address used to
access an addressable random access memory containing
data indicative of the TV picture displayed. The random
access data, when accessed, is used to address a video
data memory which provides the building block
components of the video display. Further scrolling
effect is obtained by selectively delaying the video
data communicated to the video display unit.
Slave processor with clock controlled by internal
ROM & master processor
United States Patent 4,467,412
Inventors: Hoff; Morgan P. (Santa Clara, CA).
Assignee: Atari, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA).
Appl. No.: 264,261
Filed: May 18, 1981
Abstract
A graphical display of a video game is provided with
"first person views" of game play, by generation of
simulated three-dimensional perspectives. A slave
computational unit relieves a master microprocessor of
arithmetic and logical operations necessary for
coordinate transformations required to generate the
desired video image vectors. Within the slave unit,
decoded addresses from the master unit initiate access
of microinstructions, from a ROM, which control a
dedicated ALU which performs the transformation
calculations. When the tasks are finished, the slave
processor's clock is turned off by microcode from the
slave's own ROM. The results of the slave's
computations are retrieved by the master processor and
inserted into vector instructions to drive a CRT.
Controller unit for video game
United States Patent 4,469,330
Inventors: Asher; James C. (San Jose, CA).
Assignee: Atari, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA).
Appl. No.: 337,881
Filed: Jan. 7, 1982
Abstract
A combination keyboard/joystick controller is provided
in which a joystick shaft is pivotally mounted on one
end. The shaft passes through elongated apertures in
two parallel plates. Each plate is capable of moving
along an axis in response to joystick movement along
that axis, and each plate is coupled to a potentiometer
which therefore provides an analog output indicative of
joystick movement along the two axes.
Also provided is a keyboard mounted on a flex circuit.
An array of keys including a conductive material
cooperate to cause electrical contact between traces on
the flex circuit.
AGH NOTE:
*********
They must be referring to the 5200 joystick here.
Video display system with multicolor graphics
selection
United States Patent 4,471,465
Inventors: Mayer; Steven T. (Auburn, CA); Miner;
Jay G. (Sunnyvale, CA); Neubauer;
Douglas G. (Santa Clara, CA); Decuir;
Joseph C. (Mountain View, CA).
Assignee: Atari, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA).
Appl. No.: 495,314
Filed: May 16, 1983
Abstract
A microprocessor based data processing system including
a microprocessor, a memory unit, and a display unit is
provided with a programmable graphics generator that
transfers graphics information from the memory unit to
the display unit in response to and control of a set of
display instructions also stored in the memory unit.
The graphics generator includes a first addressing unit
for sequentially accessing the display instructions
from the memory unit; a control unit for receiving,
storing and decoding such instruction and for issuing
supervisory and control signals in response to the
binary state of each instruction; a second addressing
unit for accessing graphics information from the memory
unit in response to the supervisory signals from the
control unit; and a third addressing unit for accessing
movable object graphics stored in the memory unit.
Digital-analog conversion for shaft encoders
United States Patent 4,496,936
Inventors: Kramer; Dan H. (Sunnyvale, CA).
Assignee: Atari, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA).
Appl. No.: 385,134
Filed: Jun. 4, 1982
Abstract
Apparatus for producing an analog signal--having a
relative amplitude that is indicative of the direction
and rate of rotation of a shaft--from a pair of pulse
streams provided by a shaft encoder coupled to the
shaft. The invention includes circuitry for comparing
the phase relationship between the signals to determine
direction, for generating a digital pulse of a fixed
pulse-width for each pulse contained in one of the
pulse streams, and integrating the time or inverted
form of the digital pulse, depending upon the determined
direction, to produce the analog signal.
Multi-player, multi-character cooperative play
video game with independent player entry and departure
United States Patent 4,738,451
Inventors: Logg; George E. (Los Altos, CA).
Assignee: Atari Games Corporation ().
Appl. No.: 865,387
Filed: May 20, 1986
Abstract
A multi-player, multi-character video game where the
game rules force the players to cooperate in
negotiating the maze at least until the characters
reach a portion of the maze where a specific objective
is located. Certain limited resources to change the
attributes of the characters or to increase their
longevity are displayed in a maze. The players may
compete to obtain possession of these limited resources
when the characters have cooperated in their movements
sufficiently to move to the location of the limited
resources. Cooperation among the characters is forced
by forcing all characters active in the game to remain
visible in the displayed window. Players may enter the
game at any time, and they may leave the game at any
time without affecting the status of the game or the
status of the other characters in the game. All active
players may simultaneously, independently control their
characters so long as they do not attempt to move their
characters outside the currently displayed window.
AGH NOTE:
*********
Gauntlet must have been responsible for this patent.
Invertible hand-held electronic game apparatus
United States Patent 4,969,647
Inventors: Mical; Robert J. (Foster City, CA);
Morse; David S. (Saratoga, CA); Needle;
David L. (Alameda, CA).
Assignee: Atari Corporation (Sunnyvale, CA).
Appl. No.: 360,385
Filed: Jun. 2, 1989
Abstract
An invertible, hand-held, electronic game apparatus
having a manually engageable housing, a display screen
mounting in the housing, an electronic circuit
electrically connected to drive the display screen, and
a control switch assembly mounted for manipulation by
at least one hand of the player while holding the
housing. The control switch assembly includes a joypad
and fire buttons which are positioned on the housing to
permit rotation or inverting of the housing and
operation of the switches in a rotated position.
Inversion of the housing and operation of the switches
is possible when the images are vertically or
horizontally oriented. In the preferred form, the
control switch assembly includes a joypad on one side
of the display screen and two pairs of functionally
duplicate fire buttons symmetrically positioned about a
central plane of the housing on an opposite side of the
screen. The back of the housing is formed with
protruding convex surfaces to facilitate gripping.
AGH NOTE:
*********
The abstract must be referring to the Lynx handheld
gaming system.
Control device such as a steering wheel for video
vehicle simulator with realistic feedback forces
United States Patent 5,044,956
Inventors: Behensky; Max L. (Hayward, CA);
Moncrief; Rick L. (Santa Clara, CA);
Durfey; Erik J. (Los Gatos, CA);
Loper, III; Milton H. (Mountain View, CA).
Assignee: Atari Games Corporation (Milpitas, CA).
Appl. No.: 296,472
Filed: Jan. 12, 1989
Abstract
An apparatus and method for simulating the forces
acting on the steering wheel or other control device of
a vehicle. The apparatus uses an electrical motor
coupled to a steering wheel in the preferred
embodiment. The electrical motor is driven by a
computer running software which received data regarding
the real world forces which would be acting upon a real
steering wheel in a car under similar conditions. A
software driver coupled to a position-sensing
transducer on the steering wheel calculates the
steering wheel position and velocity and sends this
data to a model process not forming part of the
invention. The model process then calculates the
conditions affecting the simulated vehicle and outputs
data reflecting the real world forces which would
affect the steering wheel of the actual car under
similar conditions. This data is used to calculate a
force number which in turn drives a driver amplifier
and motor combination coupled to the steering wheel of
the simulated vehicle to simulate the forces that the
driver of a real vehicle would feel.
AGH NOTE:
*********
This patent is almost certainly related to the
Hard Drivin' coin-op video game.
Gearshift for a vehicle simulator having a solenoid
for imposing a resistance force
United States Patent 5,197,003
Inventors: Moncrief; Rick L. (San Jose, CA);
Behensky; Max L. (Hayward, CA); Durfy;
Erik J. (Los Gatos, CA); Aknin; Jacques D.
(San Carlos, CA).
Assignee: Atari Games Corporation (Milpitas, CA).
Appl. No.: 865,782
Filed: Apr. 7, 1992
Abstract
An apparatus for creating a realistic feel for a
simulated gearshift includes a simulated gearshift for
a simulated transmission in a simulated vehicle and has
a gearshift lever and a simulated shift pattern for
simulating the look and movements through an actual
shift pattern of an actual gearshift in a actual
vehicle. A pivoting mechanical coupling couples the
gearshift lever to a housing for allowing the gearshift
lever to pivot about at least two axes. A solenoid is
coupled to the pivoting mechanism and has a control
signal input for receiving a control signal that
controls the amount of force applied to the pivoting
mechanism to cause resistance to movement by the shift
lever along at least one of the axes. A control
computer generates to apply an amount of force to the
pivoting mechanical coupling which simulates the actual
forces which would be felt by said operator in making
the corresponding movement of the gearshift in an
actual vehicle.
AGH NOTE:
*********
This patent is almost certainly related to the Hard
Drivin' coin-operated video game.
Shaker control device
United States Patent 5,203,563
Inventors: Loper, III; Milton H. (Mountain View, CA).
Assignee: Atari Games Corporation (Milpitas, CA).
Appl. No.: 674,076
Filed: Mar. 21, 1991
Abstract
A device for causing the steering wheel of a video-
based vehicle simulator to selectively vibrate during
predetermined periods of the video sequence includes a
frame which is rigidly attached to the steering wheel.
A cylindrical electrical motor is mounted on the frame,
and a first shaft is attached to one base of the motor
and extends outwardly from the motor. Also, a second
shaft is attached to and extends outwardly from the
other base of the motor, and the second shaft is
coaxial with the first shaft. The two shafts can be
rotated by the rotor of the motor. Each shaft has a
weight attached to the shaft. These weights are
attached to their respective shafts radially
asymmetrically with respect to the axis of the shafts.
One weight is attached to its shaft on one side of the
axis of the shafts, and the other weight is attached to
its shaft on the side of the axis which is opposite
from the first weight. A microprocessor is electrically
connected to the motor to selectively energize the
motor during predetermined periods of the game
sequence. When the motor is energized, the rotation of
the weights causes the motor to vibrate. The vibration
of the motor is transferred through the frame to the
steering wheel.
AGH NOTE:
*********
This patent is almost certainly related to the Hard
Drivin' coin-operated video game.
Vehicle simulator including cross-network feedback
United States Patent 5,299,810
Inventors: Pierce; Mark S. (Palo Alto, CA); Loper,
III; Milton H. (Mountain View, CA);
Harper; Dennis D. (Campbell, CA);
Akers; David S. (Fremont, CA); Lee;
Samuel (San Jose, CA).
Assignee: Atari Games Corporation (Milpitas, CA).
Appl. No.: 902,482
Filed: Jun. 23, 1992
Abstract
A vehicle simulator has tandem surfaces for supporting
first and second users, who "drive" respective first
and simulated vehicles through a simulated space. A
solenoid is mounted underneath each surface for
selectively impacting the associated surface to give the
user the sensation of having his simulated vehicle hit
by a projectile.
Each user sits in front of a video monitor, and each
monitor is electrically connected to a computer. Each
computer has a "map" of a simulated space stored in its
electronic memory, and the computers are linked through
a common RAM. The computers cause their monitors to
display a changing video image of the simulated space
to model motion of the simulated vehicles through the
space, in response to signals from controls that can be
manipulated by the operators.
Each user controls a trigger which can be pushed to
initiate the motion of a simulated projectile through
the simulated space toward the user's vehicle. The
computer of the shooter sends a signal to the RAM to
indicate that s hot has been initiated. The computer of
the user being shot accesses the common RAM each game
cycle to determine whether a shot has been fired, and
if so, computes whether the shot has "hit" the
associated vehicle. If the computer determines that a
"hit" has occurred, the computer activates the solenoid
of the seat of the user being shot to thump the seat
and thereby model the effects of a hit on the vehicle.
AGH NOTE:
*********
This patent is almost certainly related to the Hard
Drivin' coin-operated videogame.
Scaling processor for raster images
United States Patent 5,363,119
Inventors: Snyder; Douglas E. (Sunnyvale, CA); Lee;
Samuel (San Jose, CA).
Assignee: Atari Games Corporation (Milpitas, CA).
Appl. No.: 006,170
Filed: Jan. 15, 1993
Abstract
A system and method for scaling raster images. Digital
pictures are stored in a run length encoded (RLE)
format. Object specifiers include a picture index and
a scale factor. A line fill state machine, or blitter,
scales a raster scan line asynchronously of raster
scan synchronization signals. A bit slice processor
controls the operation of the blitter and vertical
scaling. The growth or shrink scaling is performed
about a pre-selected center of mass. A double buffered
frame buffer allows one frame buffer to be read while
the other is written.
Method for coloring a polygon on a video display
United States Patent 5,415,549
Inventors: Logg; G. Edward (Los Altos, CA).
Assignee: Atari Games Corporation (Milpitas, CA).
Appl. No.: 673,633
Filed: Mar. 21, 1991
Abstract
A helicopter flight simulator having improvements in
visual cues and modeling. The unique visual cues
include terrain following shadows and hazing, the
latter approximating a set of atmospheric conditions.
The unique modeling features include a user selectable
zoom, horizontal and vertical ground avoidance, and an
autorotation model.
AGH NOTE:
*********
The coin-op game Steel Talons was undoubtedly
responsible for this patent.
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