Amusement device having time-based operating modes
View Patent ↗An amusement device has a display and an input device and includes a memory and a controller. The memory stores a plurality of games and a system control program. The controller is operatively coupled to the memory, the input device and the display. The controller controls the display based upon the system control program retrieved from the memory and based upon inputs from the input device. The controller is configured to grant a user a block of time for accessing the amusement device; permit the user to selectively retrieve from the memory and play a first game from the plurality of games during the block of time; and permit the user to selectively retrieve from the memory and play a second game from the plurality of games that is different than the first game during the block of time.
1. A table-top, counter-top, or table-mounted amusement device comprising:
(a) a frame having a base for contacting or connecting to a table or counter;
(b) a touchscreen display disposed within the frame and configured to accept touch input from a user;
(c) a currency accepter mounted to or disposed in the frame;
(d) a memory that stores a system control program;
(e) a communications driver disposed in the frame; and
(f) a controller disposed within the frame and operatively connected to the memory, the communications driver, the touchscreen display, and the currency accepter, the controller controlling the display based upon the system control program retrieved from the memory and based upon inputs received by the touchscreen display, the controller being configured to:
(i) grant a user a block of time during which the user is permitted to selectively retrieve and play one of a plurality of electronic games and retrieve and play at least one other of the plurality of electronic games, each of the plurality of electronic games being different from the others and providing a score that does not affect the block of time granted, and
(ii) determine a total amount of a payment or credit owed for the block of time for inclusion as a line item on a food and/or beverage check presented to the user.
2. The amusement device of claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to, when not in use by the user, display an attract screen on the touchscreen display.
3. The amusement device of claim 2 , wherein the attract screen shows at least one of game demonstrations or advertisements.
4. The amusement device of claim 1 , wherein, prior to the granting of the block of time, the controller is configured to display a user message indicating that attendant authorization is required.
5. The amusement device of claim 1 , wherein the currency accepter is a credit card reader.
6. The amusement device of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of electronic games are stored in the memory.
7. A method of providing entertainment to a user, the method comprising:
(a) providing the user with a table-top, counter-top, or table-mounted amusement device having a touchscreen display configured to accept touch input from the user, a currency accepter, a memory that stores a system control program, a communications driver, and a controller operatively connected to the memory, the communications driver, the touchscreen display, and the currency accepter, the controller controlling the display based upon the system control program retrieved from the memory and based upon inputs received by the touchscreen display;
(b) granting, by the controller in the amusement device, a block of time during which the user is permitted to selectively retrieve and play one of a plurality of electronic games and retrieve and play at least one other of the plurality of electronic games, each of the plurality of electronic games being different from the others and providing a score that does not affect the block of time granted;
(c) determining, by the controller in the amusement device, a total amount of a payment or credit owed for the block of time; and
(d) including the total amount as a line item on a food and/or beverage check.