Push type game device with rotating arm and game block pushing characteristic

Abstract

The invention provides a push type game machine which comprises an electric coin track assembly used for introducing coins, a track tail end is arranged in the assembly, and the track tail end can penetrate through a game field to sweep; the invention relates to a game machine, which comprises a base, a coin loading bucket for collecting and ejecting coins, a track extending from the coin loading bucket to an opening at the tail end of the track, and a control switch for activating the coin loading bucket to push the coins to pass through the track so as to throw the coins from the tail end of the track to a game field on the game machine.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] Applicants claim the benefit of U.S. application No. 63 / 239,708, filed on September 1, 2021. Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a push-type game device, wherein a plurality of game blocks are arranged, such as coins and tokens used for games. Background Art

[0004] The push-type game device is a known technology, including the coin, token used and introduced into the game field and the traditional arrangement paid to the player as a reward. In an embodiment, the coin or token adopts the coin bucket mode to circulate in the closed loop system of the game device and reintroduce it into the game. This type of game device is described in such as EP0755033 and EP321298. Many traditional push-type games utilize gravity feeding devices to introduce coins into the game field table. Push it to be built on the game field table to do interactive movement, so that the coin runs on its table and moves towards the edge direction. The coin or prize that falls from the edge is awarded to the player through an access area. Summary of the invention

[0005] The novel feature of the push-type game device disclosed in the present invention is that it allows skill practice. In a first embodiment, the game device includes a game field table, a game piece cart and a game piece transmission system, allowing players to use the game piece transmission system to push the game piece to move along the track position on the game field toward the game field table. The game piece transmission system includes a coin hopper and an elastic boost release device. The game piece, such as a coin or token, is supported by the game field table and can push the element to operate. The pushing element is powered by a motor and is a reciprocating structure. It moves across the game field table so that the game piece runs along its own path.

[0006] When the push element manipulates the game piece, it will move it horizontally toward the front of the edge of the game field, and manipulate other game pieces on the game field table, which may be game pieces that fall from its front edge. Game pieces that fall from its front edge will be directed to the player, or detected and counted, and the player will be given a credit record. In an embodiment, the game piece transmission system uses a coin hopper to collect game pieces, and the game pieces that fall from its front edge are extended and moved toward the vertical track and reintroduced into the game. The coin hopper motor pushes coins into the lower entrance of the track and pushes adjacent coins to be arranged in sequence along the length of the track. The track starting from the coin hopper device is located in the base chassis of the device and extends in a vertical direction. Then, it is basically turned in the horizontal direction of the game field. In an embodiment, the track and the coin hopper are connected to the base of the device, and the motor is connected to the base and provides rotational motion for the entire device, so that the end of the track located above the game field sweeps back and forth across the game field. The track component moves with it through a component connected to a rotating wheel and a cam, and relies on the rotating wheel and cam component inside the connected chassis to make the coin track sweep back and forth across the game field. In an embodiment, a retainer with elastic control is provided at the far end of the coin track. When it is in the first position, the retainer will hold the game blocks in the track. When the coin hopper motor pushes the coin into the bottom of the track, there is enough force applied to the adjacent coin strings. Eventually, the coin at the end of the track will push the retainer to the first position at the end of the retainer arm that can block the track path, thereby allowing the coin to be released from the end of the track. When the retainer rotating arm returns to the first position, it will block the track again, and when the spring pulls the retainer arm back to the original position, it will apply force to the tail of the coin in the track, forcing the coin to enter its space in the direction of the game field.

[0007] In an embodiment, a player can operate and activate a motor switch for loading a coin hopper to load a game piece into the track at a fixed time, thereby enabling the release of the game piece from the end of the track to be controlled at a fixed time during its sweeping motion. In an embodiment, a game piece transport system is composed of game pieces that fall into the edge and return to the game table to be reintroduced, a chute that introduces the game piece into the coin hopper, and a track. The disclosed rotatable game piece transport system allows a player to time the release of one or more game pieces, and also provides the player with control over the direction of the game piece release. The present invention also provides a pleasing effect when a game piece is thrown or pushed into a space in a predetermined area thereof.

[0008] In an embodiment, the transmission system is composed of coins or tokens circulating in a closed loop. Wherein, all coins are kept in the game device. When a coin falls on the edge, it will be counted by a coin detector and a corresponding reward will be provided to the player, and the reward form can be a bill, credit card or electronic letter of credit. The reward obtained during the game can be selectively displayed on the display screen of the game device and other game device status information. In other embodiments, the coins or tokens can be distributed to the player access area. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The present invention will be further described based on representative embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 is a top view of a multiple player thruster having six independent play areas in accordance with the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Side view of the device in upright position.

[0012] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partial top-down zoomed-in view of a game field and its player controls from above.

[0013] Figure 4 is a single platform perspective view of a thruster according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 5 Depicted is a perspective view of the horizontal arm section of the thruster extending from the playing field to the playing field.

[0015] Figure 6 Depicted is an upright elevational view of a playing piece transport assembly including a coin track and coin hopper.

[0016] Figure 7 It is an upright side view of the coin transport assembly including the coin track and the coin hopper.

[0017] Figure 8 It is an upright enlarged side view of a horizontal portion of a coin track section in a coin transport assembly.

[0018] Fig. 9 It is an enlarged perspective view of the coin hopper located in the base of the push-type game device.

[0019] Fig.10 It is a circuit block diagram of a typical embodiment of the present device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Reference Figure 1The push-type game device 101 provided has a plurality of player stations, such as player stations 101 and 102, which are arranged around a central axis. Figure 2 As shown in , the gaming device includes display screens 205 and 207. The gaming field portion includes transparent panels 210 and 211, and a player operating console 214. Below the operating console 214 is a channel panel 218, on which a credit detector 218 and a credit dispenser 220 are provided. A solid base 228 provides stable performance for the device and reduces interference with the device.

[0021] Reference Figure 3 The player operation console 214 includes a credit activation button 300 for game start, a horizontal arm control stop button 305, a thruster stop button 307 and a trigger control button 313. Figure 3 Shown is a coin hopper entrance 310 and an edge 315 of a game field 317, on which coins, tokens and game pieces are collected. Standard coins, tokens and game pieces used herein may be used interchangeably, wherein the game pieces may include RFID (radio frequency identification) tags.

[0022] Figure 4Described is the assembly of player station 400, comprises propulsion element 410 and 414, and it is substantially perpendicular to the wall of game device, moves along game field 412 and 416, and keeps coin or game piece on respective game field.When propulsion element 410 moves across game field 412, coin and other game piece can be pushed out of edge bar 317 to game field 416.Coin and other game piece on game field 416 are pushed by propulsion element 414, can make it fall from edge 315 to diverter 420.Diverter 420 pushes coin to coin hopper entrance 480 through chute (not shown) according to predetermined path, or is reintroduced into game by independent storage or the coin of different game piece sorting from different game piece through independent transmission device (not shown) of each separately.In embodiment, the coin of auxiliary edge and diverter path provided for game device machine owner is known in the art. The provided coin transport assembly 425 is located at the lower part of the chassis 475, and includes a coin hopper 456, an upright track section 440, and a horizontal track section 443. The track is composed of its lower section 440 and upper section 443, and the four side walls are formed into a rectangular shape. The track has two corresponding end walls and two corresponding side walls, and the end wall size is slightly larger than the width of the coin or token used; the side wall size is slightly larger than the diameter of the coin or token. The coin introduced by the coin hopper at the bottom of the track is loaded into the track by the coin hopper and pushed along the track in sequence. Lights can also be set along the track and turned on when the game starts. In operation, the coin guiding the coin hopper is loaded into the bottom of the upright track section 440 by the coin hopper 456, so that the coin loaded into the bottom of the track is pushed along the length of the track until the coin is released from the horizontal track 443.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the coin transport assembly 425 includes a rotating coin hopper, which is composed of collected coins and coins that are thrown into the track in an orderly manner. The horizontal track segment 443 extends laterally from the vertical track segment 440 to the game table 416 and 412 where the game pieces are collected. In an embodiment, the end of the track is adjacent to the game field and introduces the thrown coins into the game field. In a further embodiment, the end of the track can be lower than its surface and exert force on the coins, forcing them to enter its space towards the game field. The transmission assembly 425 is mounted on a base 490 and is connected to a base plate 491 of the chassis 475 below so that it can rotate around an axis 495. The rotational movement of the transmission assembly 425 is constructed by the power of a cam mechanism and a motor 485. As the pivot of the transmission assembly 425, the far end of the track segment 443 sweeps back and forth in an arc across the top of its game table 412. In an embodiment, a player can manipulate the like Fig.10The transport switch 1241 shown stops the rotation of its rotating arm at a selected point. In other embodiments, the player can stop the vertical propeller from moving on its table by activating the propeller switch 1240. For the stop switch, the activation and deactivation of the motor is controlled by the CPU, for example, it may only be allowed once after a coin is introduced. Such player control technology provided is required to provide a skill element for the game.

[0024] See also Figure 5 , the horizontal track section or horizontal arm 443 described is located above the game field table. The coin track includes a channel defined by the horizontal arm 443, and its size and shape are suitable for accommodating a single coin, token or similarly shaped game piece. When the coins are loaded into the bottom end of the track, adjacent coins are pushed through the track. At the end of the horizontal section 443 is a biased elastic retainer 505, which retains the coins in the track until sufficient force from adjacent coins is applied to the coins, causing the retainer 505 to rotate on the pivot 507, thereby rising to the position of the displacement stop member 510 and allowing the release of a coin. After the coin is released, the spring 509 pulls the retainer 505 back to the original position, and, when the stop member 510 quickly returns to its position, the coin is pushed out of the coin track.

[0025] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 4 , the coin loading hopper 456 includes a collecting component 605 and a rotating disk 610, and its power is provided by a motor. The coins collected by the collecting component 605 will be introduced into the rotating disk 610 and aligned with the coins, and the coins will be pushed into the lower opening of the track 440 by using a small short stake (not shown) extending from the surface of the rotating disk. When the coin is pushed from the coin loading hopper to the track opening (not shown), it will pass through the detector 671 and generate a signal, which will then be sent to the central processing unit, which determines the number of coins entering the track.

[0026] Figure 7 Depicted is a motor 707. The motor drives a hopper carousel 610, which can be controlled by a player to drop one or more coins into the gaming field. The hopper is mounted on a bracket 705 and is connected to a rotating base member 490.

[0027] Best practice example Figure 8 As shown in FIG, horizontal track segment 443 has a plurality of windows, such as windows 804 and 805, which allow coins, such as coins 808, 89, 810, and 811, to be inspected as they move through the track. Figure 8 , a coin 820 is shown in the process of being ejected from the end of the track, and the retainer 505 is shown partially lifted from its home or closed position. The retainer 505 has a pin 814 connected to the distal end of the side wall corresponding to the retainer stop element 185, which will prevent the coin from passing through when the retainer is in the home position.

[0028] Fig. 9 4 is an enlarged view of the lower portion of the coin transport assembly 425, illustrating the structure of the lower chassis base 491. The chassis 705 is connected to the base 490 and rotates on the pivot 495. The movement of the transport assembly 425 is powered by the motor 485, which includes a cam member to affect its rotational movement. The coins are orderly arranged and aligned, and are driven by the turntable 610 to rise to the track 440.

[0029] Fig.10 Depicted is a block diagram of the various units of the device shown in the embodiment. The central processing unit 1205 controls many unit functions, including receiving signals from a credit detector 1217, which can be a coin acceptor, a token acceptor, an RFID tag reader, a magnetic stripe reader or other chip reader. For entertainment games, credit acceptors are generally known in the art. If sufficient credit is detected, the credit switch 1219 will be activated and the game will be allowed to proceed. When the credit switch 1219 is activated, a certain number of coins or tokens can be distributed to the player using the transmission system to enter the game. When the credit switch is activated, the coin hopper motor or game piece release switch 1221 is also activated and remains activated until the predetermined number of coins that have been distributed to the player are released from the track. In order to release or release coins to the selected area, the player activates the coin hopper motor 1230 using the control switch 1221 and uses the turntable 610 to load coins into the bottom of the track, thereby forcing the coins out at the far end of the horizontal arm 443. The player can maintain the switch closed and a series of coins will be thrown out of the track in an orderly manner. In other words, the player can press the switch once to allow a single coin to be released. In an embodiment, the player can also activate switch 1240, which will stop the propeller motor 1234, thereby providing auxiliary control and additional skill experience. When the propeller motor is stopped, the vertical side wall will not move across the game field. Otherwise, the propeller motor 1234 will cause the vertical propeller walls 410 and 414 to continue to move toward and away from the respective corresponding edges 317 and 315.

[0030] The object of the game is to direct the coins onto the playing field surface 412 and introduce the coins into the area as the vertical pusher wall 410 retracts. As the pusher engages this process, other coins near the edge 317 may be caused to fall onto the second playing field 416. Next, the vertical pusher wall 414 causes any coins that have been introduced to the lower area of ​​the playing field that was previously free of coins and other coins may be pushed off the edge 315.

[0031] The game device also includes a tilt sensor 1233, which is connected to the central processing unit 1205. If tilt is detected, the CPU will close the credit award. In an embodiment, the coins dropped on the edge 315 will be directed to the dropped coin detector 1227 and imported into the coin chute, which guides the coins to the collection area connected to the coin hopper. When the game is over, the game will distribute tickets that match the number of coins dropped from its edge. As mentioned above, in a closed-loop system, the CPU will no longer provide tickets or their credit certificates that match the number of coins detected by the dropped coin detector 1227 after detecting its tilt. The closed-loop system allows stable operation and less maintenance, which can improve the introduction of circulating coins.

[0032] In another embodiment, the game device will distribute coins or tokens that have fallen from the edge to the player through a diversion trough. The coins distributed in the embodiment are rewards for the players. The game device can also further open or close the control channel control door 1230 by using the CPU. When it detects a tilt, the CPU 1205 will send a signal to close the channel control door 1230 to prevent its access. In an embodiment, any coin in the channel area will then be led to the coin hopper or security cabinet using the second chute and its control door, which has the advantage of preventing theft implemented by tampering means on the game device.

[0033] In a further embodiment, the access door can be opened when the tag reader detects that a prize with an RFID tag is dropped through the chute. This has the advantage of allowing high value prizes to be provided to the gaming table, which may include coins or tokens with RFID tags, and a readout meter that reflects the status or value of the additional prize of the coin or token.

[0034] In a further embodiment, the second coin hopper can distribute coins or tokens to the player's channel area in response to a signal from the CPU, where the CPU signal corresponds to the number of coins detected to have fallen from the edge. Other award conditions, such as detection of a bonus RFID tag or both, will be activated when the second coin hopper distributes coins or tokens to provide a signal to the player that his channel area has been opened for distribution. In this regard, the CPU 1205 controls the display panels 1207 and 1209, which provide a vivid display of images and instructions and status of the game state. Fig.10 In the embodiment shown in , CPU 1205 controls display 1209, which displays the game score, which reflects the number of coins that have fallen from its edge during the game. Other game status information may include credit counts or remaining time. In an embodiment, the game device also includes an audio speaker 1211 and a lighting system 1213 for sound effects to further provide visual display and signal effects.

[0035] In an embodiment, the gaming device includes a diversion platform and a diversion channel, which are located at the side of the gaming field and are used to collect coins that are not distributed to players but fall into an independent area of ​​the gaming device owner. In an embodiment, a coin detector is provided to detect coins that fall into the diversion channel, and its data can be provided to the gaming device owner.

[0036] The coin detector 1225 at the coin hopper outlet counts the number of coins entering the track, which reflects the same number of coins released or dropped by the player from the end of the track. When the number of coins that have been counted into the player's credit limit is exhausted, the game piece release switch 1221 is closed.

[0037] In operation, the game player provides a credit certificate to his system, which is checked for validity by the credit detector 1217. The credit check meets its requirements, and the CPU activates the credit switch 1219. In a preferred embodiment, the credit switch is also illuminated and the game status display 1209 is updated to reflect the credit count or the number of coins available for play. In an embodiment, the player can then activate the pusher control switch 1240 to stop the pusher movement, or activate the transmission member switch 1241 to stop the rotational movement between the working arms to control the coin introduction area of ​​the game field 412. When the player is satisfied with the position of the pusher and horizontal arm 443 in the area, the coin game piece release switch 1221 can be activated to start the coin hopper motor 1232. By keeping the switch open, the player can drop multiple coins in sequence. In other words, the coin release switch 1221 can operate a single drop action. When a predetermined number of coins have been released, the coin release switch 1221 and the other control switches 1240 and 1241 will be closed. If the player wins, the coins falling from the edge will be counted and the CPU will distribute the corresponding number of tickets or credit certificates to the player. As an alternative embodiment, when the player wins, it is reflected by the coins falling from the edge 317, and the coins are introduced into the player channel area by the second coin hopper. Although the terms coins and tokens are described as game pieces in the embodiments, it is understood that the game pieces are other cylindrical shapes that are commonly used. It is further understood that other game pieces can be used preferentially, for example, to capture coins, orient coins and introduce items into the track, the coin hopper is designed to be a spherical or cubic shape that is adapted thereto.

[0038] As described above, in an embodiment, the detector provided is connected to a diverter that detects coins falling from the edge. When a coin has fallen on the edge of the game table, it is immediately detected in its path, and the corresponding bonus points can be exchanged for the player. In an embodiment, the diverter can distribute coins to the ejector rotating arm in a closed loop according to a fixed path. In order to detect the RFID tag, the object with the RFID tag is brought to its independent channel through its path, and then reintroduced into the game by a lifting mechanism above the edge of the game field. When a coin is detected, its display can be updated to inform the player of the coin usage status or other rewards won. The chute that guides the coins that fall from the edge of the game field is sent to the diverter and the coins are arranged in a row. Then, the coins are led to the coin hopper or independent channel, which includes an inclined surface.

[0039] Embodiments of the present invention allow for a morphological assimilation mode, wherein coins are continuously or periodically thrown from a coin hopper and introduced to the track and game surface. In the morphological assimilation mode, when the coin is introduced, it can be looped back to the game surface and the user, and after the game conditions are checked, it can be tilted to play the game.

[0040] In a further embodiment, the coin rail assembly is connected to a gaming machine having a delivery area including an opening or pocket that can receive coins and direct the coins back to a hopper or player access area via a coin chute.

[0041] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, nor is it limited to modifications and variations made by those skilled in the art upon understanding the scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A gaming machine, characterized in that: The gaming machine comprises: a flat game surface capable of supporting a plurality of game pieces, a game piece propulsion element configured to reciprocate, the reciprocating motion being to move over the game surface to retain any game piece on the game surface, wherein the game surface further comprises: a horizontal edge, and when the game piece is moved by the propulsion element, the game piece can fall over the edge and pass to the collection area, a transport assembly for moving the game pieces from the collection area to the game field, The transmission assembly includes an electric coin loading hopper and a track. The electric coin hopper is located below the game field and is suitable for collecting game blocks and throwing the game blocks into the track in an orderly manner, and The track is adapted to collect the game pieces and has a proximal end extending from the coin hopper and a distal end defining an exit passage, the exit passage facing the game field, and a control switch for activating the electric coin loading hopper, and A transmission assembly motor is configured to drive the transmission assembly to rotate the transmission assembly so as to cause the track exit passage to sweep in an arc above the playground.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that Also included is a track exit passageway further comprising a spring-biased pivotable retainer at the end of the track, wherein the retainer retains the game piece in the track when in a first position, and when the game piece is pushed toward a stop member of the retainer, the stop member rotates upward to a second position to allow the game piece to be released from the track; and when the game piece leaves the track, the spring will pull the retainer back to the first position caused by the stop member to act on the tail of the game piece and push the game piece through the exit passage.

3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein: The coin loading hopper comprises a rotary coin loading hopper.

4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein: The gaming pieces include coins or tokens, or coins and tokens, and the transport system is configured to circulate a plurality of the coins, tokens, or a combination of coins and tokens in a closed system.

5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein: The transmission assembly is connected to a base member, and the base member is connected to the motor to provide pivoting power.

6. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein: The distal end portion of the rail is kept substantially horizontal.

7. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein: The game console also includes: a central controller; A first coin detector, for detecting coins passing from the coin loading hopper to the track and sending a signal to a central controller, reflecting the number of coins passing into the track; and A player controlled switch is used to activate the coin hopper and move the game piece into the proximal end of the track, forcing the game piece to be released from the exit channel.

8. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein: The gaming machine further comprises: detection means for detecting coins falling from said edge; and A reward device is used to redeem a prize, the prize corresponding to the number of coins detected to have fallen from the edge.

9. A push-type game machine, characterized in that: The gaming machine comprises: A game table capable of supporting a plurality of game pieces; a game piece advancing element configured to reciprocate on the game surface to retain any game piece on the game surface; wherein the game surface further comprises a horizontal edge and, when the game pieces are moved by the propulsion element, the game pieces are capable of falling over the edge and passing to the collection area, a transport assembly for moving the game pieces from the collection area to the game field, The transmission assembly includes a coin loading hopper and a track. The coin hopper is used to collect the game blocks and put the game blocks into the track in sequence, and The track is adapted to receive the game pieces, the track comprising a first track segment extending from the coin hopper to a second track segment extending above the game field, wherein the track further comprises a spring-biased pivotable retainer at an end of the track, wherein the retainer will retain the game piece in the track when in a first position; and when the game piece is pushed against a stop surface of the component, the component will pivot upward to a second position allowing the game piece to be released from the track, The gaming machine also includes a central controller and player input controls including a player piece release switch to allow a player to activate the motor to release the piece from the end of the track.

10. The gaming machine according to claim 13, wherein: The player controls include a stop switch to allow a player to temporarily stop the movement of the propulsion element.

11. The entertainment game according to claim 13, characterized in that: The second track segment is connected to a motor that causes the track segment to sweep back and forth across the play field.

12. The gaming machine according to claim 14, wherein: The player controls include a stop switch that allows a player to temporarily stop movement of the second track segment.

13. A transport assembly for moving said game pieces from a collection area to an entertainment game field, characterized in that: The transmission assembly includes an electric coin loading hopper and a track. The electric coin hopper is suitable for collecting the game blocks and throwing the game blocks into the track in sequence. The track is defined by a bottom wall, two side walls and a top wall; the track is adapted to receive the game piece and has a proximal end extending from the coin hopper and a distal end defining an exit passage; A control switch for activating the electric coin loading hopper; and A transmission assembly motor is attached to the assembly and is configured to drive the transmission assembly to pivot so that the track exit channel sweeps in an arcuate manner.

14. The track assembly according to claim 17, wherein: The track exit channel also includes a spring-biased pivotable retainer located at an end of the track; when in a first position, the retainer will retain the game piece in the track; When the game piece is pushed toward the stop member of the holder, the stop member will pivot to a second position to allow the game piece to be released from the track; When the game piece leaves the track, the spring pulls the retainer back to the first position, causing the stop member to move to the tail of the game piece and through the exit passage.

15. The track assembly according to claim 17, wherein: The game blocks include coins, tokens, or coins and tokens; the track assembly is enclosed in a cabinet with a transparent window.

16. The track assembly according to claim 19, wherein: The coin hopper motor control switch is located outside the cabinet and also includes a second control switch located outside the cabinet, and the second control switch is used to activate and stop the transmission component motor.

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