Arcade game with gift card writer

Abstract

An arcade target game uses an extendable extraction device to enter a tube of cards in a horizontal direction. The prizes are protected by the tube's outer wall that limits successful attempts to those tries that avoid the wall. A vacuum source allows the extraction device to capture the prize if the extraction device successfully enters the tube. The extraction device's effective radius can be adjusted by extending projections that reduce the tolerance between the disk and the tube's outer wall.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application in a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 751,090, filed Jun. 25, 2015, incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Crane-type or “claw machine” arcade games are popular amusement devices often provided in game arcades, stores, or other public places. In these types of games, prize objects are provided within the game itself and are viewable by a player through transparent glass enclosure or the like. Upon the insertion of a coin or other monetary input into the game, the player controls a mechanical claw or extraction device with a joystick, buttons, toggle switch, or other control to maneuver the extraction device over a prize. The claw or extraction device is then lowered toward the prize upon activation either automatically by a controller such as a computer or manually by the player, depending on the particular game. The claw or extraction device is then either a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a game system that can safely store a large number of cards without constantly refilling them. The system uses a magnetic card writer that only writes on the card if the player's attempt at the game is successful. This prevents unauthorized access to the cards and ensures that even if a thief pilfers a card from the game, it would be worthless without the game writing a value onto the card.

Problems solved by technology

A processor can be programmed to only write on the card's magnetic strip if a player's attempt at the game is deemed successful, so even if a thief was to pilfer a card from the game it would be worthless without the game writing a value onto the card.

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