Electronic game system

An interactive electronic game system (10) composed of at least one control unit (12) for receiving, monitoring, compiling and transmitting game data and information and several personal display units (14) for controlling game play and displaying game data and information. The personal display units (14) and the control unit (12) being in constant omni-directional communication. The personal display units (14) of the system having an aperture (100) formed therein, and capable of receiving and displaying game data and information in a direct view image and/or a virtual image.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention pertains to games, and in particular interactive 
electronic games having a control unit and individual player display 
units, together capable of receiving, monitoring, processing and 
displaying game data, through both direct view displays and/or virtual 
image displays. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
Electronic games are experiencing a surge in popularity in the current 
world of game entertainment. Electronic games can be found in both public 
establishments, such as video arcades, etc., as well as in private homes, 
in the form of handheld devices and computer games. Of concern in using 
games of this sort is the lack of social interaction between the players 
and the increased isolation generally found by those participating in the 
electronic games most commonly available on the market. 
Prior to this increase in the popularity of electronic games, board games 
experienced great appeal due to the level of social interaction required 
between the players. Board games had, and continue to have, the ability to 
create social interaction amongst its players through speaking, laughter, 
etc. due to the close proximity of the players. There exist the need to 
incorporate this type of social interaction into electronic games by 
creating an interactive electronic game, for example a multi-player 
interactive electronic card game, that is capable of compiling overall 
common knowledge game data and information through a control unit and 
displaying it to the individual players as either a direct view image 
through a centrally located display, or as a direct view or virtual image 
through a plurality of personal display units. Simultaneously, personal 
game data and information regarding the individual players is displayed as 
a virtual or direct view image through the personal display units. The 
control unit and all personal display units remain in constant 
omni-directional communication at all times. This interactive system of 
multiple display units creates social interaction amongst the players 
while playing the game. 
Of particular interest to players of electronic games are the access and 
compilation of individual player data, overall game data and the 
monitoring or viewing of this compilation of data. As previously stated, 
either the centrally located display, or the personal display units are 
capable of displaying overall game information that is accessible to all 
players. In addition, the personal display units display information 
regarding each individual player, and only information regarding the 
player in possession of that particular personal display unit. This allows 
for tactical game play, in that personal game data and information 
regarding each individual player is not common knowledge or known by the 
other competing players. 
The typical electronic games, currently available on the market are 
generally intended for individual play, or multiple player play, with only 
one player actually playing the game at a time, i.e., taking turns to 
input information into a control unit or otherwise "playing" the game. 
There does not exist the ability while playing electronic games of this 
sort for one player to input and receive information to and from a control 
unit, while simultaneously allowing additional players to input 
information, or observe overall game data and statistics for monitoring 
the game or determining tactical decisions through personal display units, 
in communication with a control unit. 
Thus, there is a need for an electronic game system that allows for 
multi-player interaction through the use of a control unit and a plurality 
of individual player display units, capable of displaying information 
through direct view images and/or virtual images. 
Accordingly, it is highly desirable to provide for an electronic game 
system that provides for player interaction using a plurality of display 
units and a control unit that in combination receive, monitor, compile and 
display game data and information. 
It is a purpose of the present invention to provide a new and improved 
interactive multi-player electronic game system. 
It is a further purpose of the present invention to provide a new and 
improved interactive multi-player electronic game system that utilizes a 
control unit and a plurality of personal display units to receive, 
monitor, compile and display game data. 
It is a still further purpose of the present invention to provide a new and 
improved multi-player electronic game system which allows each player to 
view overall game data and statistical information through a central 
display, or alternatively through an individual personal display unit, and 
personal game data through the individual personal display unit. 
It is yet another purpose of the present invention to provide a new and 
improved electronic game system that utilizes a control unit and a 
plurality of personal display units capable of displaying great amounts of 
information through the use of virtual image displays and/or direct view 
displays. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The above problems and others are substantially solved and the above 
purposes and others are realized in an electronic game system in which 
there exists a control unit for receiving, monitoring and compiling game 
data and statistics, in direct communication with a plurality of personal 
display units, for each individual player. Each personal display unit is 
capable of allowing the individual player to monitor the individual's 
personal game status as well as a means for obtaining additional data, 
help, clues, or in planning future tactical moves with regard to the game 
being played. Personal information received by each personal display unit, 
is unique to that unit and player, and is not received by the remaining 
units and players. Each personal display unit can additionally receive 
general overall game data and information compiled by the control unit. 
Alternatively, overall game data and information can be broadcast to all 
players by a centrally located direct view image display. Each personal 
display unit is linked to the control unit via a means for communication, 
which can be a wired or wireless, utilizing infra-red (IR) technology, 
radio frequency (RF) technology, vertical cavity surface emitting laser 
(VCSEL) technology, cellular links, optical links via fiber cable or other 
means for communication. 
As stated, there exist a common group view area or display, either viewed 
as a centrally located display, utilizing a direct view image, visible to 
all players for communicating game data and information on a general 
level, or through each personal display unit as a direct view or virtual 
image. In addition, there exist a private view area or display, provided 
on the personal display unit for each player, which utilizes either a 
direct view image, a virtual image or both for communicating personal or 
private game data and information unique to that player. 
The benefits of this type of electronic game structure, extend much further 
than solely promoting social interaction amongst the players, it aids the 
actual "playing" of the game by adding another dimension to the game, in 
that there can be constant "play" in action. One of the dynamics of 
electronic games is finding out new data discoveries. In playing a game 
using the electronic game system of the present invention, each player 
would be given a limited amount of information. At the start of the game, 
the common group view area, or display, contains "playing field" type 
information to define that particular game. This can be a deck of cards, 
face down, or can be a portion of a simulated world, in which the player 
can move. For example, the common view area shows the player whose turn it 
is, and the area surrounding that player. This image can be seen through a 
centrally located direct view image by all players of the game or, 
alternatively, on each player's personal display unit as a direct view or 
virtual image. As the player moves, game data changes. These data changes 
may be known by all players in the common view area or display, or only to 
the player moving on their personal display unit in the private view area 
or display, depending on the nature of the event. 
As an example, if the player is "building" an object, what they build, such 
as a railroad, bridge, building, hotel, etc., depending on the game, can 
be visible to the other players, but private information, like how much 
money they have or what they have learned, remains private, and would only 
be displayed on that players personal display unit. 
There exists great possibilities for interaction between players, such as 
privately proposed trades, alliances or exchanges of information that are 
very difficult to do, without the central computerized assistance this 
system provides in the form of the control unit. While others are taking 
their turns, individual players can check their inventory or condition, 
plan their next move, or communicate secretly with other players amongst 
their own personal display units. 
Electronic games played over a modem do not fill the need for interaction 
between players of electronic games, in that modem games are commonly 
expensive to play, and there is no common view area, separate and apart 
from individual personal view area. In addition, the human interaction 
dimension is lacking, such as laughter, teasing, and joy, due to the 
continued isolated locality in playing the game. Modem games, like other 
commonly known computer games, are in a sense, also unsociable in nature. 
The game system of the present invention, on the other hand, provides both 
types of viewing areas, a common group view area and a personal view area. 
This game system, composed of separate components, namely, a control unit 
or units, in combination with a plurality of personal display units, would 
allow a whole range of socially involving, but stimulating and challenging 
games. The social nature of this type of electronic game can lead to 
greater and greater acceptance of electronic games, because the fun is not 
at the expense of isolation. 
One of the possible applications of this type of interactive electronic 
game product is in card games. Specifically, a game in which each player 
uses a personal display unit, displaying an image of playing cards, either 
as a direct view image or a virtual image, instead of using actual playing 
cards. The personal display unit will show the player the cards he or she 
has been dealt, the options or choices the player has, the cards "on the 
table" for all players to see, and any other pertinent information the 
player may need. This type of personal viewing area or display can be 
displayed by the personal display unit either as a direct view image, 
giving only minimal information, and/or as a virtual image, containing 
vast amounts of information. The personal display unit can also have the 
capability to answer questions the player has, supply game rules, etc. The 
control unit, utilizing a microprocessor or a plurality of interfaced 
microprocessors, such as dual interfaced microprocessors, or alternative 
means for controlling, some of which are disclosed herein, controls the 
play, allowing players to successively take their turns, keeping track of 
their input, dealing the cards, updating each players personal display 
unit as play progresses as to what the other players have done, what cards 
are on the table, and possible play options. Players each take their turn 
by choosing from their options (determined by the particular game played) 
which could include discarding or obtaining more cards, laying cards on 
the table, calling trump, etc. 
The personal display units of the present invention are disclosed as being 
either handheld, head-mounted, or table-mounted, utilizing various image 
sources. Regardless of the type of mounting, display and image source, 
when a player looks into the viewing port of their personal display unit, 
they will see an image, either direct or virtual, dependent upon the 
display module. Images displayed will vary dependent upon the particular 
game being played, but may include images such as each individual's cards, 
play options, instructions, cards on the table, and/or any other pertinent 
information It should be understood that the example used throughout this 
disclosure is for a card game, but other types of games are anticipated by 
this disclosure, such as DOMINOES, YAHTZEE, variations thereof, action 
games, etc.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
During the course of this description, like numbers are used to identify 
like elements according to the different figures that illustrate the 
embodiments of the invention. 
The game system of the present invention may take on several different 
configurations dependent upon the type of microprocessors utilized and 
their computing power, the type of game software being utilized, as well 
as the intended complexity and cost of the final product. Disclosed are 
four configurations for a game system embodying the present invention. It 
should be understood that the embodiments disclosed are not meant to limit 
the configuration of the game system, but may be interchanged and/or 
combined with other configurations, and it is fully intended that all such 
changes in the disclosed embodiments come within the scope of the claims. 
Furthermore, it should be understood, that the basic game system as 
disclosed, is composed of at least one control unit in omni-directional 
communication with a plurality of personal display units. 
Referring specifically to FIG. 1, schematically illustrated is a first 
embodiment of the game system of the present invention composed of a 
plurality of separate components. Illustrated is game system 10, composed 
of a central control unit 12 and a plurality of personal display units 14. 
Personal display units 14 are configured to be in direct communication 
with central control unit 12. Central control unit 12 is preferably 
composed of a microprocessor and a means for communication with each 
personal display unit 14 (discussed presently). Alternatively, it is 
disclosed that central control unit 12 may be composed of a plurality of 
interfaced microprocessors, thereby permitting the simultaneous input and 
output of game data while executing game algorithms, or have contained 
within other means for controlling game play such as a microcontroller 
with additional RAM, or adaptation for interfacing with a computer and 
required software. Central control unit 12 acts as the overall game 
controller and communicates with each personal display unit 14 through the 
means for communication informing the players of game data and 
information. 
Referring specifically to FIG. 2, schematically illustrated is a second 
embodiment of the game system of the present invention. It should be noted 
that all components similar to the components illustrated in FIG. 1, are 
designated with similar numbers, having a prime added to indicate the 
different embodiment. Shown in FIG. 2 is game system 20 of the present 
invention composed of a plurality of personal display units 14', one of 
which contains a control unit (not shown), illustrated as personal display 
unit 22. Personal display units 14' and personal display unit 22 are all 
in direct communication with the control unit (not shown) contained in 
personal display unit 22. As in the previous embodiment, the central 
control unit is composed of a controlling microprocessor or alternative 
means, for receiving, monitoring, processing and compiling game data and 
information. Additionally, the central control unit has incorporated means 
for communicating with the plurality of personal display units 14' and 22. 
A third embodiment, schematically illustrated as FIG. 3, depicts game 
system 30 of the present invention composed of a plurality of personal 
display units 32, each having contained therein individual control units 
(not shown). It is disclosed, in that there are a plurality of control 
units present in this embodiment, that the control units will be 
programmed to recognize one specific control unit as a controlling control 
unit, thus responsible for receiving, monitoring, processing overall game 
data and information, and submitting signals to a common view display area 
and a personal view display area (discussed presently). 
A fourth embodiment, schematically illustrated as FIG. 4, having components 
similar to components illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, designated with 
similar numbers and having a double prime added to indicate the different 
embodiment, depicts game system 40 of the present invention composed of a 
plurality of personal display units 14" in communication with a control 
unit (not shown) embedded in a centrally located game board 42. Game board 
42 additionally may contain images 44 applicable to the game being played. 
It is disclosed that images 44 can be printed on game board 42, by some 
convenient method, or in the alternative can be individual embedded direct 
view image displays, capable of change in color and image depicted. In 
addition, it is disclosed to embed into game board 42 a centrally located 
direct view image display area 46 for the display of common view 
information, viewable by all players of the game. 
It should be understood that the control unit or units of the various 
embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in the preferred 
embodiment as being composed of at least one microprocessor having 
omni-directional means for communication with personal display units 14, 
14', 14", 22 and 32 of the respective embodiments. As previously stated, 
alternative means for controlling the game system are anticipated by this 
disclosure, e.g., a microcontroller having additional RAM, or means for 
interfacing with a computer and required software. It should be noted that 
the drawings all depict game systems having at least one control unit and 
four personal display units, thus four players. It should be understood 
that the game system of the present invention is adaptable to any number 
of players. It is anticipated that the personal display units can be 
marketed and sold in groupings and/or as additional units, capable of 
communication with other personal display units of similar type and 
configuration. 
Referring now to FIG. 5, illustrated is a schematic diagram of a control 
unit 50 of the present invention, configured as a separate component as 
described previously in the disclosed first embodiment. The preferred 
embodiment of control unit 50 is typically composed of a single 
microprocessor, designated as a central controller 52 capable of 
receiving, monitoring, processing and compiling game information, composed 
of a serial communications interface 55, a random access memory (RAM) 56, 
a central processing unit 57, a plurality of input/output ports 58, at 
least one means for inputting information 59, such as a trackball, mouse 
and/or keyboard, a timer 60 and serial peripheral interface 61 for 
controlling a display 62. In the alternative, it is disclosed that control 
unit 50 may contain a plurality of microprocessors, dependent upon the 
particular configuration of the game system and as previously discussed in 
the disclosed embodiments, monolithically integrated on a single 
semiconductor chip, interfaced so as to allow for the simultaneous input 
and output of game date while processing game algorithms. In interfacing a 
plurality of microprocessors, it must be determined how data will be 
transferred between the microprocessors, the partitioning of the input and 
output functions between the microprocessors and the determination of 
which microprocessor will provide supervisory function over the game 
devices. Additionally, control unit 50 would be composed of alternative 
means for controlling, such as dual microprocessors, a means for 
interfacing with a computer and required software, or a microprocessor 
with additional RAM, all of which would allow for a plurality of players 
to "play" simultaneously. For example, a second player would be able to 
input information while the microprocessor, or alternative means for 
controlling disclosed herein, was reading input data from a first player. 
The game would be updated continuously and simultaneously according to the 
input data received. In addition, the game displays, including both the 
common view display area, having a central display, and the personal view 
display area, would be updated continuously and simultaneously. 
Control unit 50 additionally contains a means for communication 54 to each 
personal display unit 14, 14', 14", 22 and/or 32 of the game system. Means 
for communication 54 are disclosed as being omni-directional, wired or 
wireless, preferably utilizing infra-red (IR) technology, radio frequency 
(RF) technology, vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) 
technology, or optical link technology utilizing fiber cable. It is 
additionally disclosed, that remote playing, eliminating the need for 
players to be in close proximity, yet utilizing the game system of the 
present invention, may be accomplished using wireless communication 
technology, such as conventional modem, cellular or satellite technology. 
Referring specifically to FIG. 6, schematically illustrated are display 
electronic components of the plurality of personal display units of the 
present game system. Specifically, illustrated is a schematic 
representation of the components contained within the personal display 
units of the present invention, generally referenced throughout this 
disclosure as personal display unit 14, 14', 14", 22 and/or 32. 
Represented are personal display unit controller 64, in communication with 
a means for inputting information 65 such as a keyboard, trackball and/or 
mouse, a RF encoder and decoder 66, linked to an antenna 67, and image 
display 68 and display electronics 69, each having multi-directional 
connections to receive and display game data and information. 
As previously stated, image display 68, for the common view display area 
and the personal view display area, may be a direct view image and/or a 
virtual image. Accordingly, it is disclosed to use a direct view image 
source commonly known in the art to create the direct view image display. 
Such sources can be, but are not limited to, those produced by a liquid 
crystal display (LCD), a laser projection, a plurality of light emitting 
diodes (LEDs), a plurality of organic LEDs, a field emission display 
(FED), a cathode ray tubes (CRT), an organic and an inorganic 
electroluminescent display, a plasma display and a vacuum fluorescent 
display (VFD). 
To create the virtual image display of the present invention, it is 
disclosed to utilize a miniature virtual display that may be configured in 
a variety of alternate ways. Specifically referring to FIG. 7, illustrated 
is a simplified diagram of a miniature virtual image display 70, which 
includes an image generation apparatus 71 for providing a complete image 
to a fixed optical system 72, which in turn produces a virtual image 
viewable by the operator through an aperture 73. Fixed optical system 72 
is constructed to magnify the entire complete image from image generation 
apparatus 71, without utilizing moving parts, so that the virtual image 
viewable through an aperture 73, is a complete frame, or picture, which 
appears to be very large and is easily discernible by the operator. By 
producing the virtual image from the very small complete image of the 
apparatus, fixed optical system 72 is relatively small and adds virtually 
no additional space requirements. Optical system 72 is preferably 
constructed with no moving parts, other than optional features such as 
focusing, zoom lenses, etc. Further, image generation apparatus 71 
requires very little electrical power to generate the complete image and, 
therefore, adds very little to the power requirements of personal display 
units 14, 14', 14", 22 and/or 32. 
Referring now to FIG. 8, image generation apparatus 71, of miniature 
virtual image display 70 of FIG. 7, previously discussed, includes 
semiconductor electronics such as a light emitting diode (LED) array 80 
driven by data processing circuits 82. Data processing circuits 82 
include, for example, logic and switching circuit arrays for controlling 
each LED in LED array 80. Data processing circuits 82 include, in addition 
to or instead of the logic and switching arrays, a microprocessor or 
similar circuitry for processing input signals 84 to produce a desired 
complete image on a device such as LED array 80. 
An LED array is utilized in this example because of the extremely small 
size that can be achieved and because of the simplicity of construction 
and operation. It will of course be understood that other image generating 
devices may be utilized for the miniature virtual image display, 
including, but not limited to, those previously stated for generating the 
direct view image, as well as a reflective spatial light modulator (RSLM), 
a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), and a direct retinal 
scan display (discussed presently). 
Referring again to FIG. 7, fixed optical system 72 of miniature virtual 
image display 70 is mounted in spaced relation from image generation 
apparatus 71 so as to receive the image from the surface and magnify it an 
additional predetermined amount. It will of course be understood that 
fixed optical system 72 may be adjustable for focus and additional 
magnification, if desired, or may be fixed in a housing for simplicity. 
Another specific miniature virtual image display that may be used in 
creating the virtual image display of the present invention is an optical 
waveguide virtual image display 90, illustrated in FIG. 9. As illustrated, 
an image generation apparatus 92, similar to that described in FIGS. 7 and 
8, is affixed to an inlet 93 of optical waveguide virtual image display 90 
for providing a complete image thereto. Light rays from the complete image 
at image generation apparatus 92 are directed angularly toward a 
predetermined area on a first side 94 where they are reflected back toward 
a second side 95 and towards a third side 96, generally along an optical 
path defined by sides 94, 95 and 96. Three diffractive lenses 97, 98 and 
99 are affixed to the sides at three predetermined areas, respectively to 
which the reflected light rays are directed. Diffractive lenses 97, 98 and 
99 provide the required amount of magnification so that a virtual image of 
a desired size is viewable at an aperture 100 defined by an outlet 101 of 
optical waveguide virtual image display 90. Additional information on this 
type of virtual image display can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,224,198, 
entitled "WAVEGUIDE VIRTUAL IMAGE DISPLAY", issued Jun. 29, 1993, assigned 
to the same assignee and incorporated herein by this reference. 
FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a direct retinal scan display 105, which 
might also be utilized for the virtual image display of the present 
invention. A laser 110, which may be any of the well known lasers 
including solid state lasers, such as vertical cavity surface emitting 
lasers (VCSEL), diode lasers, diode-pumped lasers, etc., supplies a light 
beam to a modulator 112. Modulator 112 impresses video information onto 
the light beam generally by modulating the intensity the light beam as, 
for example, by providing changes in the power level of laser 110. 
Depending upon the application, the modulation could be as simple as 
turning laser 110 off and on, which essentially translates into a digital 
system. Acousto-optic modulators are one of the preferred modulators for 
most applications, but other techniques, such as electro-optics and 
mechanical are completely feasible. 
The modulated light beam from modulator 112 is directed to a deflection 
system 114. A lens system 116 is used to focus the light beam from 
deflection system 114 into an eye 118. The focal length of lens system 116 
is chosen so the scanning system focal point is within the pupil of eye 
118 and the coherent beam focal point is at the retina of eye 118. 
Timing and control of modulator 112 and deflection system 114 is provided 
by electronics 120. Electronics 120 include a basic oscillator, or timer, 
which provides the timing signals to cause the sweeping and modulating to 
occur at the proper times. 
The purpose of deflection system 114 is to scan the modulated light beam on 
the retina of the eye 118, or "write" an image on the retina. There are 
many possible configurations for deflection system 114 and lens system 
116, depending upon the application of the display and how it is desired 
to form the image in eye 118. Additional information on this type of 
display is available in a copending U.S. patent application entitled 
"DIRECT RETINAL SCAN DISPLAY", Ser. No. 07/857,193, filed Mar. 24, 1992 
and assigned to the same assignee. While the direct retinal scan display 
does not technically generate a virtual image, the direct retinal scan 
display is included in the definition of a virtual image display for 
purposes of this disclosure because of the similarity thereto. 
Lastly, it is disclosed to utilize a very small liquid crystal spatial 
light modulator (LCSLM) (not shown) as the image source for the miniature 
virtual image display of the present invention in conjunction with a 
magnifying optical system. This can take the form of a projection display, 
in which light modulated by the liquid crystal is projected by the optical 
system onto a diffusing screen, or it can take the form of a virtual 
display, where the optical system creates a large virtual image of the 
small complete image created by the LCSLM. 
By using the LCSLM in a reflective mode, a reflective LCSLM is formed, 
which can be built onto a silicon substrate that contains the drive 
circuitry and other related electronics. 
Specifically, the integrated electro-optic package for reflective spatial 
light modulators, as disclosed in copending application entitled 
"INTEGRATED ELECTRO-OPTIC KAGE FOR REFLECTIVE SPATIAL LIGHT 
MODULATORS", Ser. No. 08/360,504, filed Dec. 21, 1994, assigned to the 
same assignee and incorporated herein by this reference, discloses an 
array of reflective spatial light modulator pixels formed on a substrate 
with a light polarizing layer positioned in overlying relationship to the 
array and an optical waveguide positioned adjacent the polarizing layer 
and having a light source mounted adjacent an end thereto so that light is 
directed into the optical waveguide and further having a plurality of 
diffraction gratings formed therein so that deflected light substantially 
evenly illuminates the array and allows passage of reflected light from 
the array back through the waveguide. The package further includes a light 
polarizing layer positioned in overlying relationship to the array of 
reflective spatial light modulator pixels so that deflected light from the 
optical waveguide passes through the polarizing layer and reflected light 
from the array passes through the polarizing layer. Electrical connections 
are made from the array, through leads in the waveguide and to external 
contacts. A diffuser is mounted in overlying relationship to the waveguide 
to form an image plane for reflected light from the array. This type of 
system can be used to create the image generation apparatus 71 of FIG. 7. 
As previously detailed, the image received by the personal display units of 
the present invention can be in the form of a direct view image and/or a 
virtual image. Referring specifically to FIG. 11, illustrated is an 
example of a virtual image 130 as seen through one of the personal display 
units 14, 14', 14", 22 and/or 32 of the present invention. There is 
depicted an aperture 132, generally located on the preferred embodiment of 
the personal display unit (discussed presently), through which the user 
would view the image received. Shown in this particular example is a split 
screen virtual image 130, displaying a private viewing game data and 
information area, generally referenced as 134, and a common viewing game 
data and information area, generally referenced as 136. As illustrated, 
private viewing area 134 shows in this particular card game example, the 
cards held by the player in control of that particular personal display 
unit. In addition, there is shown options that are open to the player in 
game play as well as a help "button" to aid the player in the game. The 
information displayed in private viewing area 134 is unique to that 
personal display unit and is not received by the other display units, 
thereby players, of the game. The lower portion of the screen, common 
viewing area 136, displays general game information available to all 
players. Information contained in common viewing area 136 can be 
information such as the cards "on the table", the previously discarded 
cards, and additional game scoring, etc. As previously stated, this 
information is simultaneously displayed to all players. Alternatively, 
this common viewing area 136 can be displayed as a direct view image (not 
shown), on either each personal display unit 14, 14', 14", 22 and/or 32, 
or centrally located, such as embedded in a game board (previously 
discussed) thereby permitting all players to view the information. 
Movement within the virtual image of the personal display units can be 
controlled either through motion sensing devices or manual controls. It is 
disclosed to have contained within the personal display units 14, 14', 
14", 22 and/or 32 of the present invention, a means for moving a cursor in 
the virtual image. This means for moving the cursor can be through various 
types of motion sensing devices and or manual controls. The player in 
control of a particular personal display unit would be able to input 
information by controlling the cursor in the virtual image. Further 
information on virtual image displays utilizing means for controlling the 
cursor within can be found in copending application entitled "MANUALLY 
CONTROLLABLE CURSOR AND CONTROL PANEL IN A VIRTUAL IMAGE", Ser. No. 
08/158,342, filed Nov. 23, 1993, assigned to the same assignee and 
copending application entitled "MOTION RESPONSIVE CURSOR FOR CONTROLLING 
MOVEMENT IN A VIRTUAL IMAGE APATUS", Ser. No. 08/557,402, filed Nov. 
13, 1995, assigned to the same assignee, both incorporated herein by this 
reference. 
As previously disclosed, personal display units 14, 14', 14", 22 and/or 32 
of the present invention can be of varying configurations. FIGS. 12-16 
illustrate various embodiments for personal display units 14, 14', 14", 22 
and/or 32. It should be understood that additional types of display units 
could be utilized, dependent upon the configuration of the game system of 
the present invention. 
Referring specifically to FIG. 12, illustrated is a simplified preferred 
personal display unit 140 of the present invention. Personal display unit 
140 may have contained within, a control unit (previously described) 
dependent upon the specific configuration of the game system. Personal 
display unit 140 is composed of a rigid housing 142, having formed therein 
a viewing aperture 144 for viewing a virtual image and/or direct image, 
depending upon the image being displayed. In addition, there is provided 
on the exterior of housing 142, a plurality of controls, namely control 
146 for focus adjustment and controls 147 for selecting specific choices 
and controlling the motion of the cursor when a virtual image is displayed 
through aperture 144. There is provided a power control switch 149 for 
controlling power to personal display unit 140. 
A second embodiment of a personal display unit of the present invention, is 
a head-mounted display unit, illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 and designated 
150 herein. As illustrated, head-mounted display unit 150 has provided a 
rotatably adjustable viewing aperture 152. In addition, as illustrated, 
there is provided a wire 154, leading to a communication or cursor control 
device (not shown) for communication to the control unit (not shown). It 
should be understood that alternative means for communicating to the 
control unit and/or moving the cursor within the virtual image display are 
anticipated by this disclosure, namely wireless communication and motion 
sensitive cursor control. 
Lastly, it is disclosed as yet another alternative embodiment for the 
personal display units of the present invention, to incorporate a 
table-mounted personal display unit with the game system, illustrated in 
FIGS. 15 and 16. Referring specifically to FIG. 15, illustrated is a 
rigidly supported table-mounted personal display unit 160. Table-mounted 
personal display unit 160 has provided, a plurality of supports 162 that 
suspend an "eyeglass-shaped" component 165, having formed therein a 
viewing aperture 166. There are provided a plurality of manual controls 
164 for controlling the cursor in the viewed virtual image. 
Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 16, table-mounted personal display 
unit 170 has provided a base support 172, having attached thereto an 
adjustable upright support 174. There is provided a viewing aperture 176, 
adjustable so as to properly align with the eye of the user, thus capable 
of viewing an image therein. Table-mounted personal display unit 170 has 
provided manual controls 178 for control of the cursor within the image 
viewed, and for power control to personal display unit 170. 
Thus various configurations of the game system of the present invention 
have been disclosed. The various embodiments have been disclosed in 
specific configurations for purposes of explanation, however, it should be 
understood that various aspects of the disclosed configurations may be 
interchanged and/or combined with each other as well as additional aspects 
and configurations and it is fully intended that all such changes in the 
disclosed configurations come within the scope of the claims. 
While we have shown and described specific embodiments of the game system 
and personal display units of the present invention, further modifications 
and improvement will occur to those skilled in the art. We desire it to be 
understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the 
particular forms shown and we intend in the appended claims to cover all 
modifications that do not depart from the spirit and scope of this 
invention.