Abstract:
The present invention relates to a video game adapter system for housing a home video game system and its required monitor or television, and converting to at least one arcade style feature. Multiple game systems can be housed within the cabinet to allow for even a greater variety of games to be played. Additionally, other audio-visual components may be housed within the cabinet of the present invention such as, for example, a Digital Video Disc (“DVD”) player, Compact Disc (“CD”) player, radio receiver, VCR, and/or an audio cassette player to make the cabinet into a full range entertainment center. The invention allows multiple game systems to be connected simultaneously to a universal control device, game systems and games can be selected quickly and easily.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention generally relates to a video game adapter system, which allows multiple home video game systems to be adapted to an arcade style game.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    In the video game industry, home video game systems have become more and more popular since their inception, due to increased graphical capabilities, low price, and the availability of a large selection of games. This is contrasted to the arcade style video game units, which provide only one dedicated game per cabinet. Purchasing an arcade game for the home environment therefore becomes impractical. On the other hand, home game systems also tend to create clutter around the home television the system is connected to, with games and controllers typically left out after play.  
           [0003]    At the same time, arcade style video games offer a number of attractive features, such as arcade style controllers and joysticks, which are not found in a home game system. The arcade games also may have a stereo system for enhancing the sound of the game. Other possible unique features may include a vibrating seat or the like, and an angled screen, which allows players to remain close to the game. All of these features enhance the experience of playing the video game.  
           [0004]    Although the home video game units allow for a broader range of video games to be played by the unit, it would desirable to have arcade style features, and the ability to consolidate and hide the games, game system and controllers, when not in use. It would also be worthwhile to provide a system, which allows multiple game systems to be used with an independent set of controllers, preferably using arcade style controls. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a video game adapter system that allows home video game systems to be converted to include arcade style video game features.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0005]    The present invention allows for the housing of a home video game system and its required monitor or television within a cabinet, which can be converted to an arcade style game when desired. Multiple game systems and/or a computer, can be housed within the cabinet to allow for even a greater variety of games to be played. Additionally, other audio-visual components may be housed within the cabinet of the present invention such as, for example, a Digital Video Disc (“DVD”) player, Compact Disc (“CD”) player, radio receiver, VCR, and/or an audio components such as a cassette player to make the cabinet into a full range entertainment center that also contains arcade style features.  
           [0006]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a video game adapting system that allows for use of a home video game system with at least one arcade style feature.  
           [0007]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a cabinet that houses a television or monitor that may be automatically tilted at different angles to allow for regular television viewing, sit-down or stand-up play of a video game system.  
           [0008]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a cabinet for housing and organizing a home video game systems and required television or monitor that can also house additional entertainment systems such as DVD players, CD players, audio receivers, or other video game systems.  
           [0009]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an arcade style control panel that works with multiple game systems simultaneously without interference or signal crossing between game systems. This system provides quick selection of game system, and may use the arcade style control modules, and audio systems for the desired game system.  
           [0010]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a quick way to select and change the game for a game system, such as by use of a device such a CD Changer that expedites and automates game swapping.  
           [0011]    It is a further object of the invention to provide a wireless control device, being compatible with multiple game systems. The wireless control device may therefore allow the arcade style controls to be used in a control module which is selectively removable from the system according to the invention for providing wireless control from a remote location from the game cabinet.  
           [0012]    It is another object of the present invention to create a simple method to allow selective control of play using a home game system, such as by use of a timing device that enables and disables game controllers and/or other components of a home game system.  
           [0013]    It is another object of the present invention to integrate arcade style features into traditional cabinets, such as arcade machines, bars, countertops, armoires, and other traditional pieces of furniture. This may include using a drawer design to hide arcade style controls until desired, or a direct mounting of the arcade style controls on any surface.  
           [0014]    These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent when considering the following detailed description and drawings of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]    [0015]FIG. 1 is a front view of the video game and entertainment cabinet according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 1A is a front exploded view of an alternative form of the video game and entertainment cabinet according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 2 is a side view of the television tilt mechanism of the present invention with the television tilted downwardly;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 3 is a side view of the television tilt mechanism of the present invention with television in the upright and level position;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 4 is a rear view of the television tilt mechanism of the present invention with the television tilted downwardly;  
         [0020]    FIGS.  5 A- 5 C are side views of an alternate embodiment of the tilt mechanism;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 6 is a schematic of an example of an electrical connection between the arcade style controllers, the video game system and the television or monitor;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 7 is alternative example of an electrical connection between the arcade style controllers and the video game system;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 7AFIG. 16 is a schematic representation of a wireless control device compatible for use with multiple game systems according to the invention;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 8 is an example of the use of a CD changer in association with one or more video game systems;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 9 is an alternative example of the use of a CD changer in association with one or more video game systems;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 10 is a rear view of a CD changer for use with the arcade style video game and entertainment cabinet of the present invention;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 11 is a side view of a slide out drawer of the arcade style video game and entertainment cabinet of the present invention;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 12 is an example of the arcade style controller on a pull out drawer that is installed in a typical bar/countertop;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 13 is a schematic of how a timer device could be attached to the power of a home game system and the controls of a home game system;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 14 is an overview of a game selection switching board that allows several game systems to be connected, simultaneously, to a single control device, such as the arcade style control board, joysticks, and buttons;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 15 is a depiction of possible applications for an arcade style controller plate that is used to give arcade style control to multiple types of cabinets;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of a wireless control device compatible for use with multiple game systems according to the invention 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0033]    Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.  
         [0034]    In FIG. 1, there is shown generally at  10 , an embodiment of the video game adapting system and entertainment cabinet of the present invention. The system  10  may be of any suitable configuration, and is shown in this embodiment, as an arcade style video game cabinet. The cabinet includes two sides  16  and  18 , a front  17  and a top and back (not shown) in a normal fashion. The front  17  of the cabinet may have an opening  11 , which allows for viewing of the screen  12  of the television or monitor which is housed within the system  10 . As will be described in more detail hereafter, the screen  12  may be tiltable within the cabinet to different viewing positions. Opening  13  allows access to television buttons and controls. The cabinet and other components of the system may be configured as a knock down assembly, which is assembled by the user to facilitate shipping and handling. The system  10  may be stand alone or configured to be supported on a tabletop or other surface. Cabinet front  17  may also have a control platform  14  built therein. The control platform  14  has several apertures and openings formed within it for placement of various game controls  20 , described in detail below. As seen in FIG. 1A, the platform  14  may be configured to be removable from the cabinet for play at a remote location, either through a wire or wireless connection. Below platform  14  may be located drawers for placement and housing of the various video game systems and other electronic components, accessories, games and the like used with the video game and entertainment system. In the example shown in FIG. 1 there is an power control panel  22 , a middle drawer  24  and a lower drawer  26  placed below control platform  14 . Additionally, there is a side drawer  28  placed adjacent to the drawers  24  and  26 . As seen in FIG. 1A, there may also be provided a drawer  29 , which may house a keyboard  31  for a computer or game system housed in the cabinet. Game systems  33  may also be housed within this additional drawer if desired. To allow access to these systems, the drawer  29  may be slid to an outwardly extended position. As a further alternative to the drawers  24  and  26  of the FIG. 1 embodiment, shelving  35  may be provided in the cabinet as seen in FIG. 1 a  if desired. It is to be understood that the configuration of the drawers/shelving as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 1A are examples only and that various storage compartment configurations are contemplated by the present invention. Cabinet  10  is constructed from rigid materials such as, for example furniture grade wood, laminated materials, plastic, metal or any other suitable material.  
         [0035]    As also shown in FIG. 1, the cabinet  10  may be configured to house one or more speakers  30  and  32 . As seen in FIG. 1A, speakers  30  and  32  may be assembled in an upper storage compartment, which may be used for other accessories or the like. The placement of the speakers in the front  17  of cabinet  10  is for example only, as speakers  30  and  32  could be placed at different locations in cabinet  10  to achieve the best sound. Furthermore, additional speakers, either housed within cabinet  10  or satellite speakers, could be used in association with the video game and entertainment cabinet  10  of the present invention. For example, an integrated or external seat could be provided for use with the system  10 , being connected to the system for interactive game playing, similar to some arcade style games. A vibration or movement system, and speakers could be provided with the seat in such an example.  
         [0036]    Within cabinet  10  is provided a television/monitor support system  34 , which allows for positioning and support of a television/monitor of a predetermined size. In the example shown, a cabinet of this type may house a standard size TV, such as a 25″ screen or any other suitable size. The support system  34  also provides selective angular movement or tilting of the television/monitor  35  to allow for optimal viewing of the television or monitor  35  in alternative uses. When playing video games, the user may be positioned to use the controls on control platform  14 . In this position, the support system  34  enables the TV/monitor  35  to be tilted backward to an optimized position for playing. While watching television or other video formats, the support system  34  enables the TV/monitor  35  to be tilted forwardly from a horizontal position to facilitate viewing of the TV/monitor depending upon where the user is positioned. As will be described in more detail hereafter, the present invention also provides for wireless controllers which may be used from a position remote from cabinet  10 , for which the alternative positioning of TV/monitor  35  will facilitate proper viewing. Turning to FIGS.  2 - 5 , the support system  34  is shown in more detail. The television/monitor support system  34  provides support for television/monitor  35  via a platform  52 . Platform  52  is selectively pivotable to allow television/monitor  35  to be variably positioned.  
         [0037]    To facilitate use of the TV/monitor support system, the TV/monitor  35  may be selectively positioned within an independent housing or box-like structure, which can be easily slid into proper position with respect to platform  52  of the support system  34 . Alternatively, the TV/monitor  35  may be positioned directly upon platform  52 . In either case, it is desirable to secure the TV/monitor  35  thereto to prevent movement of the TV  35  during repositioning of the support system  34 .  
         [0038]    The front of platform  52  is pivotally attached to the base  56  of the television/monitor support system  34 . At the back of platform  52  is a peg  46  which is engaged by a notch  44  formed in the support bracket  42  to lock platform  52  in the downwardly tilting position. Support bracket  42  is pivotally attached to the cabinet  10  by a pivot bolt  48  located at the lower end of support bracket  42 .  
         [0039]    The television support system also includes cylinders  40  and  41  which raise and lower platform  52  when desired. Cylinders  40  and  41  are attached at their upper ends to brackets  36  and  37 , which are attached to the sidewalls  16  and  18  of cabinet  10 . Cylinders  40 ,  41  are attached to brackets  38 ,  39  secured to the lateral edges of platform  52 . Cylinders  40 ,  41  may be either hydraulic or pneumatic as necessary to raise and lower platform  52  and television  35 .  
         [0040]    In operation, when it is desired to view television  35  in the upright position, the operator causes support bracket  42  to be forced toward the back of cabinet  10 , in order to remove peg  46  from notch  44 . This can be done, for example, by a solenoid affixed adjacent to support bracket  42 . After peg  46  is no longer within notch  46 , cylinders  40 ,  41  operate to raise platform  52  and television  35 .  
         [0041]    After platform  52  and television  35  have been raised to the horizontal position, spring  50  pulls support bracket  42  back into its normal position. When it is desired to utilize television  35  in the downwardly tilting position, cylinders  40 ,  41  are extended. As platform  52  and television  35  are lowered, peg  46  comes into contact with the curved upper portion of support bracket  42 , which forces support bracket  42  rearwardly. As platform  52  and television  35  come to rest on base  56 , peg  46  is locked into place in notch  44 .  
         [0042]    In FIGS. 5A, 5B and  5 C, an alternative embodiment of the tilt mechanism is shown for variably positioning the TV/monitor  35 . In FIG. 5A, the TV/monitor  35  is positioned horizontally on platform  53 . The platform  53  extends into engagement with a latch mechanism  43  having a plurality of stops  45  and  47  for engaging platform  53 . As seen in FIG. 5A, platform  53  engages stop  45  when positioned in the horizontal viewing position. The platform  53  in turn is supported on a pivotable shelf  55  including a front pivoting section  57 . There may also be provided an adjustable front panel  59 , which may be secured in position around the front face of the TV/monitor opening to effectively conceal portions of the TV/monitor  35  except for the viewing screen. The front panel  59  may be secured in position by means of hook and loop fasteners or other appropriate fastening system as desired. To prevent movement of the TV/monitor  35  during repositioning, an adjustable strap  49  may be used for securing TV  35  in position. There may also be provided an adjustable brace  51 , which is selectively secured in position relative to a back surface of the TV/monitor  35 . As seen in FIGS. 5B and 5C, the entire support system is then pivotable between a back tilt position as shown in FIG. 5B and a front tilt view as shown in FIG. 5C. As in the previous embodiment, a suitable actuating mechanism such as a knob  54 A to selectively reposition to latch  43 . Movement of knob  54 A causes pivoting of latch  43  about pivot point  48  to selectively release platform  53  from engagement therewith. The platform  53  is then reengaged in association with stop  47  in the back tilt view position as shown in FIG. 5B, or is not engaged by the latch  43  in the front tilt view as shown in FIG. 5C. In the front tilt view, a stop bracket  61  secured in association with cabinet  10  will engage platform  53  as shown in FIG. 5C. The angled faces above each of the stops  45  and  47  of latch  43  thereafter facilitating repositioning of the platform  53  in association with one of the stops as the platform  53  is moved from the front tilt view from the horizontal or back tilt views.  
         [0043]    In FIG. 6 there is shown one manner in which the arcade style controls may be electrically connected with the home video game system. The control panel  60 , which includes authentic arcade controls is connected to a circuit board  64  by a 25-pin wire harness  62 . Circuit board  64  is electrically connected to the home video game system  68  by a wiring harness that fits a game controller port standard with the game system  68 . The game system  68  is then electrically connected with the television or monitor  35 , housed within system  10 , likewise by the wiring harness, which is provided by the game system manufacturer. Control panel  60  is permanently mounted to the cabinet of system  10  in a cutout formed in platform  14 , or is mounted in controller box  70  which is easily removable from platform  14  (shown in FIG. 1) of system  10 , as an example. The circuit board  64  is configured to connect the controllers on control panel  60 , to the game system  68 , to replace the hand-held controllers of the home game system and use the arcade style controllers. The user can also switch back to use of the hand-held controllers when desired, which is achieved by a switchbox or by changing controllers.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment for electrically connecting the arcade style video game controls to the home video game system and television. Control panel  80  is connected to a mounting plate  84  located on the rear side of the controller box. At the mounting plate  84  may be attached a 25 pin extension wiring harness  86  that allows the controller box to be removed and extended from the platform  14  of system  10 . A 25 pin extension wiring harness  86  is connected to a printed circuit board  90  which has the controller codes programmed therein. The printed circuit board  90  is connected to the game system  94  by a cable similar to those provided with the home video game system  94 . These modular controllers may then be moved away from system  10 , to allow play similar to the use of the hand-held controllers, but using the arcade style controls. Circuit board  90  can be easily replaced with an alternative circuit board that contains controller codes for game systems introduced in the future.  
         [0045]    Alternatively, a wireless controller module may be provided. As seen in FIG. 7A, a wireless system according to an embodiment of the invention provides a combination of devices which function together to make a video game controller both wireless and compatible with multiple video game systems. The controller module  80 , providing a set of buttons and joysticks generally designated  81 , which are electrically connected to a printed circuit board  90 . The printed circuit board  90  is in turn connected to a cable and plug  91 , which is designed to connect to a first game system S 1  through a port C 1  on the game system S 1 . Instead of this normal connection, the video game controller  80  becomes wireless by adding RF transmitting capabilities. The connection  91  is instead made to a RF transmitter  93  containing an integrated circuit with firmware, and RF hardware for transmitting an RF signal dependent upon use of the control systems  81 . A battery power supply  95  may be used to power the RF transmitter or other suitable source. Associated with the game system S 1 , a RF receiver  96 , capable of communicating with the transmitter  93  through RF hardware and firmware, is connected to the game system S 1  through a plug  91 B. The receiver  96  and transmitter  93  communicate via RF signals, and the video game controller  80  operates as it would with a hardwired connection yet allowing the controller  80  to be freely moved within the general vicinity of the game system S 1 .  
         [0046]    The controller  80  is also usable to control operation of a second game system S 2 , having a port C 2  identical to the port C 1  on game system S 1 . Such an additional game system may be connected to the controller  80  by adding an additional receiver  96 A. The second receiver  96 A receives the signals from the transmitter  93 , and game system S 2  is operated thereby. Two or more game systems having identical plugs C 1  and C 2  can therefore be operated by adding a receiver  96  or  96 A using video controller  80 , without having to unplug one system and plug in the other.  
         [0047]    As a further feature of the video game controller system  80 , any other alternative game system may be adapted to work therewith. As shown in FIG. 7A, a further game system S 3  may be adapted to use with the controller  80  by means of a converter or adapter  97  having a plug  97 A configured to match output port C 3  associated with game system S 3 . The adapter  97  further includes an output port  97 B to match plug  91 D associated with the receiver  96 B. Similarly, for a game system S 4 , an adapter  98  may connect the input port C 4  to the receiver  96 C for control of game system S 4 .  
         [0048]    Thus, connecting multiple game platforms (S 1 , S 2 , S 3 , S 4 ) simultaneously, without having to physically switch any wires, or electrical connections, allow the user to simply change the system which the controller operates. A receiver is added to the individual game systems for use with the single video game controller  80 . If the signals from the transmitter  93  associated with controller  80  require conversion for operation of an alternative game system, an adapter is provided for coupling therewith. If two or more game systems were to be operating at the same time, which may be possible using multiple monitors within the cabinet  10 , it may be possible that interference between RF signals from the transmitter  93  and the respective receivers of the multiple game systems S 1 -S 4  could cause problems. The transmitter  93  and receiver  96  may therefore be configured to communicate on independent frequencies to separate control signals for each game system and avoid such interference. A switch  99  may be used to select transmitter options on transmitter  93 , to which the independent receivers  96 ,  96 A,  96 B, and  96 C are selectively matched via a switch positioned thereon.  
         [0049]    With respect to the above controller system, it should be recognized that the forms of connection as described are only one possible form, and other hardwired or suitable connections are contemplated. It should also be recognized that for game systems supporting multiple players, a plurality of video game controllers would be connected to the game system similarly. Also, if the controller systems  80  are adapted to proved interactive features, both transmitter  93  and receiver  96  may be configured as transceivers to both send and receive RF signals between these components.  
         [0050]    As an alternative example of wireless control, FIG. 7 shows another form of wireless communication and connection method as an example, relating to an infrared wireless link. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, an infrared adapter  89  is connected to the mounting plate  84  and a second infrared adapter  88  is attached to the printed circuit board  90 . Through the infrared light waves generated by adapter  89  the movements selected by the operator at the controls are received by adapter  88  and communicated to circuit board  90 .  
         [0051]    Now referring to FIG. 8 there is shown the optional CD changer feature used in conjunction with the arcade style video game and entertainment cabinet of the present invention. A CD or DVD changer  100  equipped with a Universal Serial Bus or other high-speed data port, such as a firewire port, is housed within cabinet  10 . CD changer  100  is connected via a high speed data cable to one of many home video game systems or home computers, such as for example, MICROSOFT XBOX, SONY PLAYSTATION 2, MACINTOSH/APPLE computers, IBM PC and compatible computer systems, or any other system equipped with high speed data transfer support. The video game system  104  is connected to a television  106  and a stereo receiver  108  housed within cabinet  10  (not shown). Optionally, television  106  and receiver  108  are connected to CD changer  100  directly via AV cables  110  and  112 , respectively. Cable  110  and cable  112  are necessary if game system  104  is not present and the CD changer  100  is to function without high-speed data transfer. Optionally, CD changer  100  may be connected to an extra controller, a keyboard or a mouse to allow the operator to select and/or control the CD and the associated video game encoded on the CD. CD changer  100  may also be controlled through controllers connected to game system  104 . Furthermore, a remote control may be utilized for selection of a CD from CD changer  100 .  
         [0052]    The multidisc changer can hold compact discs, DVD&#39;s and/or other discs encoded with digital audio, video, video game and movie data. The disc changers have fast load times which enhances video game systems. The disc changer operates on its own without game support, however licensed technology for onboard game support is optional. The disc changer also prevents the discs from becoming damaged, decreases game change time, and may act as a central hub for use by all game, video and audio components.  
         [0053]    Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown another optional arrangement of a multidisc CD changer. In this arrangement, a CD changer  120  is connected to the controls  124 , such as a keyboard, mouse or arcade style game controllers, and a television or monitor  122 , just as the previously described arrangements. The CD changer  120  acts as a data hub, which allows for connection to multiple game systems  128 ,  130 ,  132 ,  134  via high-speed data and AV cables  127 ,  129 ,  131  and  133 . These game systems may be, for example, a MICROSOFT XBOX, a PC based computer system, a MACINTOSH computer system and a SONY PLAYSTATION 2 video game system. CD changer  120  holds all formats of compact discs and digital video discs for each of the selected game systems. CD changer  120  selects the game system to be utilized by knowing the disc format and matching the disc with the correct game system. CD titles are displayed on television  122  and are selected using controls  124  or game system controllers  128 A-D. CD changer  120  may also contain switching technology, such as that illustrated in FIG. 14, which allows a single controller to operate all game systems and CD changer  120 , thereby using separate controllers  128 A-D becomes unnecessary. CD changer  120  may also have audio and video inputs for each of the video game systems, which enables the overall system to control audio and video selection by disc format.  
         [0054]    As shown in FIG. 10 there is shown a possible arrangement of the back panel of a CD changer  135  used in association with the arcade style video game and entertainment cabinet of the present invention. The back panel is provided with a number of ports  136  for data, audio, and video input and output. Standard ports for input could include composite audio and video ports, S-Video ports, SVGA ports, RGB ports, and other such ports for obtaining audio and video data from game systems. The audio and video of the desired input is then outputted through similar ports  137 , which are connected to a television or monitor. A high-speed data hub may also exist on the rear panel. This data hub  138  functions to send and receive data to and from the selected game system via high-speed data cables. In the case where the data port does not send or receive game control data, separate controller ports may exist on the rear panel to connect to the controller ports  139  of these game systems. In this manner, a single controller connected to CD changer  135  could control any game system in which it is connected. As mentioned previously, CD changer  135  may function as a central hub to organize various data discs and to expedite game swapping. CD changer  135  may also control the power to the game systems or other components via switched AC plugs  141 .  
         [0055]    In FIG. 11, there is shown an optional feature of a drawer  140  placed within cabinet  10  of the present invention. Drawer  140  is provided with a male runner  144  on each side of drawer  140 , which fits within a female runner  142  affixed to the sides  16 ,  18  of cabinet  10 . Drawer  140  has a face  146  which pivots about hinge  148  to rest underneath the bottom of drawer  140 . Hiding the arcade style controllers in cabinet  10  makes the cabinet an entertainment center that turns into an arcade machine. This drawer could also be installed, for example, in a bar under the countertop connected to a television/monitor on or behind the bar as shown in FIG. 12. This further increases the versatility of the cabinet  10  of the present invention, as this allows operators to utilize their home video game systems as originally designed, in addition to being able to control the game system through of the arcade style game controllers.  
         [0056]    Turning to FIG. 12, as previously mentioned, the system according to the invention may be configured in a different housing or cabinet construction as desired. In FIG. 12, such an alternative arrangement is shown to include a bar type of structure  150  which is situated at a remote position with respect to a television/monitor  152 . A drawer  154  may house a plurality of controllers  156  for operation of game systems coupled to TV/monitor  152 . The controller  156  may again provide arcade style controls and game play in an environment in which such systems are not normally used. As an alternative, the TV/monitor  152  could be built into the bar assembly  150  and/or the game systems may be housed therein.  
         [0057]    In FIG. 13, a control system for controlling operation of the game systems according to the invention is shown. The control system allows the user to enable play of a game system in a selective or controlled manner. In this way, a parent can control usage by their children, or a commercial enterprise could control usage by patrons or the like. A switch  162  is coupled to a timer module  166 . The timer module  166  in turn is connected to a hand held controller  168  which contains a circuit board for coding operation of the joysticks and buttons on the controller  168 . Timer module  166  is connected to game system  164  via harness  169 , which has a connector identical to cable  168 A compatible with game system  164 . The user may then select a time for switch activation on timer module  166  using dipswitches and controls  160 , triggered by switch  162  such that when such time has elapsed, as indicated by numerical indicator  165 , the controller  168  will be disabled, thereby rendering the game system inoperative. The timer module  166  could optionally trigger the power to the game system to momentarily turn off, thereby resetting the home game system, as shown in AC power control  167 . In this way, a parent could limit the time which children spend playing the game systems or a system for charging for game play could be established based upon the control of the timer module and ultimately of the game systems based upon the usage time. If desired, the control over operation of the game system could be integrated with a coin or token activator, requiring deposit of a coin or token to allow play. Alternative mechanisms for controlling operation of the game systems to selectively permit operation thereof are contemplated, and could be triggered to the occurrence of certain events within a game scenario, such as with arcade games, or could be controlled in some other manner as desired. FIG. 13A depicts the timer module  166  connected to control panel  80  and circuit board  172 . In this alternative configuration, the timer module  166  does not need to connect directly to the game system  164  as it disables circuit board  172  directly, which is connect to game system  164  via harness  169 A.  
         [0058]    As previously mentioned with respect to a wireless controller, the present invention provides for coupling and operation of multiple game systems without reconfirming wiring or hookups. As seen in FIG. 14, game systems  1 ,  2 ,  3  . . . are coupled to a switching board  170  which the user may set to select a particular game system. The switching board  170  is in turn coupled to a game system board  172 , which would contain all controller conversion data for each of the game systems to which it is connected. The game system board  172  is therefore desirably made expandable to allow other game systems to be attached thereto while providing proper controller conversion data to the joysticks and buttons associated with the controller attached thereto. This switching assembly demonstrates a basic nonwireless solution that simply switches all necessary contacts to the desired game system. The switching board  170  requires the necessary firmware for each game system for proper operation.  
         [0059]    In FIG. 15, the arcade style control module generally indicated at  180  may comprise suitable controls  182  mounted on a mounting plate  184  and an interchangeable graphic legend  183 . The mounting plate  184  may in turn be selectively mounted to a controller box  70  or other housing by a suitable attachment system, such as screws, bolts, hook and loop fasteners or the like, for a combined result similar to controller  156 . Alternatively, the mounting plate  184  could be mounted directly to an arcade cabinet  10  as described in earlier embodiments, such as directly to platform  14  or to another surface as generally indicated at  188 . Attachments to the cabinet or other surface at  188  may also be accomplished by suitable fastening mechanisms. In this manner, the arcade style control panel may be easily moved and reconfigured for alternative uses, providing flexibility to the use of the controllers.  
         [0060]    Although the principles, preferred embodiments and preferred operation of the present invention have been described in detail herein, this is not to be construed as being limited to the particular illustrative forms disclosed. It will thus become apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications of the preferred embodiments herein can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.