1. Patent Liability Analysis
Group 10 – Extensible Digital Logic Educational Tool
Patent Liability Analysis

2. Block Diagram
Keyboard/Mouse
USB

3. Revist Implementation
The essential operation of the tool is the ability to raise and lower pin voltages and accept digital inputs on pins.
A framework that produces a configurable reactionary game can be played (Dance Dance Revolution/Guitar Hero)

4. Patent#5,076,584
Computer Game Controller with User-Selectable Actuation – 12/12/1990
The controllers are selectively actuated by a human user to produce a signal input which the computer game, or exercise equipment, will use to produce a desired effect…
Resolution: Alter nothing, follow legal due diligence. Patent has expired (14, 17, 20) [1]

5. Patent#US2008/ A1
Configurable User Interface for a Gaming Apparatus– 5/15/2007
Gaming venue operators have therefore continuously looked for new variations and types of games…” “In response to this need, suppliers of gaming devices and systems have attempted to provide the sought after variety. There has been a trend in recent years to provide increasing variation in the types of games offered on gaming machines…”
Resolution: Ensure the methodology of ‘providing sought after variety’ doesn’t clash with claims: “touch screen”

6. Patent#4,657,247
Video Game Apparatus with Automatically Adjusting Timing– 12/12/85
A video game apparatus which judges a game success if the operation timing of an operation member manipulated by a player in accordance with a displayed game image falls within an allowable time limit for game success set in a range setting unit.
Resolution: Alter nothing, follow legal due diligence. Patent has expired (14, 17, 20) [1]

7. Patent#US 6,227,968 B1
Dance Game Apparatus and Step-On Base for Dance Game– 7/21/1999
…the performance of a piece of music is not always required, and the present invention can also be applied to a game apparatus which performs only a stepping operation instruction by display, light, sound, audio, etc., from guidance means
Resolution: Ensure that our implementation does not embody ‘stepping’ operations. We do not directly infringe on this because we are not providing the external signaling platform.

8. Conclusion Examined 4 potential patent liabilities
Remediate two by legal due diligence due to expiration
Remediate last two by ensuring our development does not extend into the claimed methodologies

9. Questions? References [1] Georgia Tech Library, “Patent Facts”, 2009