Coin operated entertainment system

Abstract

This invention in certain example instances relates generally to coin-operated video entertainment systems. More particularly, certain exemplary aspects of the invention provide methods and/or systems for controlling access to a portable coin-operated interactive entertainment device that may be used to play video games and access other forms of entertainment as well as providing features via such portable coin-operated interactive entertainment devices.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A security system comprising a plurality of portable interactive entertainment devices, each said device comprising a transceiver configured to emit a signal indicative of its location, the security system further comprising:
 a transceiver located proximate to an entryway/exit of a location at which the portable interactive entertainment device is to be operated, the transceiver being configured to detect signals emitted by the portable interactive entertainment device;   distance determining programmed logic circuitry configured to determine a distance between the portable interactive entertainment device and the entryway/exit of the location in dependence on the signal; and   alarm programmed logic circuitry configured to raise an alarm in dependence on the distance,   wherein at least one characteristic of the alarm is determined by the alarm programmed logic circuitry in dependence on the distance.   
     
     
         2 . The security system of  claim 1 , further comprising a timer configured to determine an amount of time the portable interactive entertainment device is within a predetermined distance from the entryway/exit of the location. 
     
     
         3 . The security system of  claim 2 , wherein the alarm programmed logic circuitry is configured to wait a predetermined amount of time before raising an alarm. 
     
     
         4 . The security system of  claim 1 , further comprising a speaker configured to emit a noise at one of a plurality of intensities in dependence on a signal received from the alarm programmed logic circuitry. 
     
     
         5 . The security system of  claim 4 , wherein the speaker is provided to the portable interactive entertainment device. 
     
     
         6 . The security system of  claim 4 , wherein the speaker is external to the portable interactive entertainment device. 
     
     
         7 . The security system of  claim 1 , further comprising a strobe light configured to flash at one of a plurality of intensities in dependence on a signal received from the alarm programmed logic circuitry. 
     
     
         8 . The security system of  claim 1 , further comprising a camera configured to take a picture when the portable interactive entertainment device leaves a predetermined area, the picture being transmitted to an external device. 
     
     
         9 . The security system of  claim 1 , the portable interactive entertainment device further comprising a locking module that removably secures the respective portable interactive entertainment device to one of a plurality of stands that are separately distributed within a venue. 
     
     
         10 . The security system of  claim 1 , wherein the portable interactive entertainment device is configured to be used both as a remote interface to a jukebox provided at the location and/or as a stand-alone jukebox while within the location, in dependence on a mode chosen by a user. 
     
     
         11 . A digital jukebox operably connectable with a plurality of portable interactive entertainment devices, wherein said device is configured to be used both as a remote interface to the jukebox and as a stand-alone jukebox in a confined area in dependence on a mode chosen by a user of the jukebox. 
     
     
         12 . The digital jukebox of  claim 11 , the portable interactive entertainment device comprising a locking module that removably secures the respective portable interactive entertainment device to one of a plurality of stands that are separately distributed within a venue. 
     
     
         13 . The digital jukebox of  claim 11 , further comprising releasing programmed logic circuitry configured to release the portable interactive entertainment device from the jukebox when a valid deposit is provided to a deposit acceptor provided to the jukebox and/or the portable interactive entertainment device. 
     
     
         14 . The digital jukebox of  claim 11 , further comprising releasing programmed logic circuitry configured to release the portable interactive entertainment device from the jukebox when a signal is received from a remote control being operated by an authorized user. 
     
     
         15 . The digital jukebox of  claim 12 , further comprising releasing programmed logic circuitry configured to release the portable interactive entertainment device from a respective stand when a valid deposit is provided to a deposit acceptor provided to the jukebox and/or the portable interactive entertainment device. 
     
     
         16 . The digital jukebox of  claim 12 , further comprising a release circuit configured to release a given one of said portable interactive entertainment devices from a respective stand when a signal is received from a remote control being operated by an authorized user. 
     
     
         17 . The digital jukebox of  claim 11 , wherein the portable interactive entertainment device includes a speaker. 
     
     
         18 . The digital jukebox of  claim 17 , wherein the speaker is directional. 
     
     
         19 . The digital jukebox of  claim 11 , wherein each said portable interactive entertainment device is automatically deactivated upon being removed from the predefined area and after a series of warning messages have been displayed thereon.