Propelling game device with rotating arm and game block propelling features

Abstract

A pusher-type gaming machine includes an electrically powered coin track assembly for introducing coins into the machine, the assembly having a track end that can be swept across a playing field, a base, a coin hopper for collecting and ejecting coins, and a track extending from the coin hopper to the track end opening, and a control switch for activating the coin hopper to push the coins through the track for dispensing from the track end onto a playing field on the gaming machine.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] The applicant claims the right to U.S. Application No. 63 / 239,708, filed on September 1, 2021. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a push-type gaming device having multiple game blocks, such as coins or tokens used in the game. Background Technology

[0004] Push-based gaming devices are known technology, encompassing the use of coins or tokens and their introduction into the gaming arena and payment to players as rewards. In embodiments, coins or tokens are circulated within a closed-loop system of the gaming device and reintroduced into the game using a coin hopper. Such gaming devices are described in documents such as EP0755033 and EP321298. Many traditional push-based games utilize gravity-feed devices to introduce coins onto the gaming arena table. The push mechanism creates interactive motion on the table, causing the coins to run along the surface and move towards the edge. Coins or prizes falling from the edge are awarded to the player through an access area. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A novel feature of the propulsion-type gaming device disclosed in this invention is that it allows for skill practice. In a first embodiment, the gaming device includes a gaming arena surface, a game block cart, and a game block transport system, allowing players to use the game block transport system to propel game blocks along a track on the gaming arena surface towards the gaming arena surface. The game block transport system includes a coin hopper and a resilient, assisted release device. Game blocks, such as coins or tokens, are supported by the gaming arena surface and can be operated by a pusher element. The pusher element is powered by a motor and has a reciprocating structure, moving across the gaming arena surface to allow the game blocks to travel along their own path.

[0006] When the pusher manipulates a game block, it moves it horizontally towards the edge of the game area and manipulates other game blocks on the game area surface, which may have fallen from their leading edge. Game blocks falling from their leading edge are either directed towards the player or detected and counted, and credited to the player. In an embodiment, the game block transport system uses a coin hopper to collect game blocks, moving game blocks falling from their leading edge towards an upright track and reintroducing them into the game. The coin hopper motor pushes coins into the lower entrance of the track and pushes adjacent coins sequentially along the length of the track. The track, starting from the coin hopper device, is located in the base housing of this device and extends vertically. It then rotates substantially horizontally across the game area. In an embodiment, the track and coin hopper are connected to the device base, and a motor is connected to the base, providing rotational motion for the entire device, causing the end of the track above the game area to sweep back and forth across the game area. The coin track component moves along with a member connected to a rotating wheel and a cam, and relies on the internal rotating wheel and cam member of the connected housing to cause the coin track to sweep back and forth across the game area. In an embodiment, the distal end of the coin track is provided with a retainer with elastic control. When it is in the first position, the retainer holds the game pieces in the track. When the coin hopper motor pushes a coin into the bottom of the track, sufficient force is applied to the adjacent coin strings, and eventually, the coin at the end of the track will push the retainer up to the first position at the end of the retainer arm, which can block the track path, thereby allowing the coin to be released from the end of the track. When the retainer arm rotates back to the first position, it will block the track again, and when the spring pulls the retainer arm back to its original position, it will apply force to the tail of the coin in the track, forcing the coin into its space towards the game area.

[0007] In one embodiment, the player can operate a switch to activate the coin hopper motor, periodically loading game blocks into the track, thereby enabling timed control of the release of game blocks from the end of the track during their sweeping motion. In this embodiment, the game block transport system comprises game blocks that fall into the edge and return to the game table for reintroduction, a chute for guiding the game blocks into the coin hopper, and the track. The disclosed rotatable game block transport system allows the player to time the release of one or more game blocks and also provides control over the direction of the game block release. The invention also provides a pleasant effect when game blocks are thrown or pushed into space within their predetermined area.

[0008] In one embodiment, the transmission system consists of coins or tokens circulating in a closed loop. All coins are held within the gaming device. When a coin falls onto the edge, it is counted by a coin detector, and a corresponding reward is given to the player, which may be in the form of a ticket, credit card, or electronic letter of credit. Rewards earned during gameplay can be selectively displayed on a screen showing the status information of the gaming device and other gaming devices. In other embodiments, coins or tokens may be distributed to player-accessible areas. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Based on representative embodiments, the present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

[0010] Figure 1 This is a top view of multiple player thrusters with six independent game areas according to the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Side view of the device's vertical surface.

[0012] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The enlarged top-down view shows a game arena and its player controls.

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

[0014] Figure 5 The image depicts a perspective view of the game block track extending into the horizontal arm segment of the thruster on the game field.

[0015] Figure 6 The description is an upright front view of the game block transport component, including the coin track and coin hopper.

[0016] Figure 7 This is an upright side view of the coin transport component, including the coin track and coin hopper.

[0017] Figure 8 This is an enlarged side view of the horizontal section of the coin track in the coin transport component.

[0018] Figure 9 This is an enlarged perspective view of the coin compartment located in the base of the push-type game device.

[0019] Figure 10 This is a circuit block diagram of a typical embodiment of the device. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Reference Figure 1The provided propulsion game device 101 has multiple player platforms, such as player platforms 101 and 102, which are arranged around a central axis. Figure 2 As shown, the gaming device includes displays 205 and 207. The game area includes transparent panels 210 and 211, and a player control console 214. Below the control console 214 is a channel panel 218, above which are the provided credit detector 218 and credit distributor 220. A robust base 228 provides stable performance for the device and reduces interference with the device.

[0021] Reference Figure 3 The player control console 214 includes a credit activation button 300 for starting the game, a horizontal arm control stop button 305, a thruster stop button 307, and a trigger control button 313. For example... Figure 3 The image shows the coin hopper entrance 310 and the edge 315 of the game area 317, upon which coins, tokens, and game blocks are collected. The standard coins, tokens, and game blocks used here are interchangeable, and the game blocks may include RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags.

[0022] Figure 4The description describes components of a player platform 400, including propulsion elements 410 and 414, which are substantially perpendicular to the game device walls, move along game fields 412 and 416, and hold coins or game blocks on their respective game fields. As propulsion element 410 moves through game field 412, coins and other game blocks can be pushed from edge bar 317 to game field 416. Coins and other game blocks on game field 416 are propelled by propulsion element 414, causing them to fall from edge 315 to distributor 420. Distributor 420 pushes coins along a predetermined path via a chute (not shown) to coin hopper inlet 480, or reintroduces them into the game via separate storage for the game device owner or via separate transfer devices (not shown) for coins sorted from different game blocks. In this embodiment, the auxiliary edge and distributor paths provided for coins are known in the art for the game device owner. The provided coin transfer 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 formed by its lower section 440 and upper section 443, with four sidewalls forming a rectangle. The track has two corresponding end walls and two corresponding side walls; the end wall dimensions are slightly larger than the width of the coin or token used, and the side wall dimensions are slightly larger than the diameter of the coin or token. Coins introduced into the bottom of the track by the coin hopper are loaded into the track and pushed sequentially along the track. Lights can also be installed along the track and activated at the start of the game. During operation, the coins guided by the coin hopper 456 are loaded into the bottom of the upright track section 440, thereby pushing the coins loaded at the bottom of the track along the length of the track until the coins are released from the horizontal track 443.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the coin transfer assembly 425 includes a rotating coin hopper consisting of collected coins and coins arranged in an orderly fashion to be inserted into a track. A horizontal track segment 443 extends laterally from the vertical track segment 440 onto game surfaces 416 and 412 that collect game blocks. In one embodiment, the end of the track is adjacent to the game area and guides the inserted coins into the game area. In a further embodiment, the end of the track may be below its surface and exert force on the coins, forcing them into its space toward the game area. The transfer assembly 425 is mounted on a base 490 and connected to a base plate 491 of a lower housing 475, enabling it to rotate about an axis 495. The rotational movement of the transfer assembly 425 is powered by a cam mechanism and a motor 485. As a pivot of the transfer assembly 425, the distal end of the track segment 443 sweeps back and forth in an arc across the top of its game surface 412. In one embodiment, the player can manipulate the track as follows: Figure 10The transmission component switch 1241 shown stops the rotation of its rotating arm at a selected location. In other embodiments, the player can prevent the vertical thruster from moving on its platform by activating the thruster switch 1240. For the stop switch, the activation and deactivation of the motor are controlled by the CPU, for example, allowing only one activation after a coin is introduced. This type of player control technology provides a skill element for the game.

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

[0025] like Figure 6 As shown, the coin hopper 456 includes a collection component 605 and a turntable 610, powered by a motor. Coins collected by the collection component 605 are introduced into the turntable 610 and aligned with it, and then pushed into the lower opening of the track 440 using short posts (not shown) extending from the surface of the turntable. As the coins are pushed from the coin hopper into the track opening (not shown), they pass through a detector 671 and generate a signal, which is then sent to a central processing unit to determine the number of coins that have entered the track.

[0026] Figure 7 The motor 707 is depicted. The motor drives the coin hopper turntable 610, which can be controlled by the player to insert one or more coins into the game area. The coin hopper is mounted on a bracket 705 and connected to a rotating base component 490.

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

[0028] Figure 9 This is an enlarged view of the lower portion of the coin transport assembly 425, illustrating the structure of its lower chassis base plate 491. The chassis 705 is connected to the base plate 490 and rotates on a pivot 495. The movement of the transport assembly 425 is powered by a motor 485, which includes a cam component to influence its rotational movement. Coins are arranged in an orderly alignment and driven by a turntable 610 to rise onto the track 440.

[0029] Figure 10 The diagram depicts a block diagram of the different units of the device shown in the embodiment. The central processing unit 1205 controls numerous unit functions, including receiving signals from a credit detector 1217, which may be a coin receiver, token receiver, RFID tag reader, magnetic stripe reader, or other chip reader. Credit receivers for recreational games are generally known in the art. If sufficient credit is detected, the credit switch 1219 is activated, allowing the game to proceed. With the credit switch 1219 activated, a certain number of coins or tokens can be distributed to the player for the game using a transmission system. With the credit switch activated, the coin hopper motor or game block release switch 1221 is also activated and remains activated until a predetermined number of coins distributed to the player are released from the track. To release or drop coins into a selected area, the player uses the control switch 1221 to activate the coin hopper motor 1230, using 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 keep the switch closed, and a series of coins will be ejected from the track in an orderly fashion. In other words, the player can press the switch once to allow a single coin to be tossed. In this embodiment, the player can also activate switch 1240, which will stop the thruster motor 1234, thereby providing assisted control and additional skill experience. When the thruster motor stops, the vertical sidewalls will not move across the game field. Otherwise, the thruster motor 1234 will cause the vertical thruster walls 410 and 414 to continue moving toward and away from their respective corresponding edges 317 and 315.

[0030] The objective of this game is to guide coins onto the game arena surface 412 and introduce them into its area as the vertical pusher wall 410 retracts. While the pusher is involved in this process, it can cause other coins near edge 317 to fall onto the secondary game arena 416. Next, the vertical pusher wall 414 causes any coins already introduced to move into the lower area of ​​the game arena, an area previously empty of coins, where other coins may be pushed away from edge 315.

[0031] The gaming device also includes a tilt sensor 1233, which is connected to the central processing unit 1205. If tilt is detected, the CPU will disable credit rewards. In one embodiment, coins that fall onto edge 315 are directed to a falling coin detector 1227 and fed into a coin chute, which guides the coins to a collection area connected to a coin hopper. At the end of the game, tickets are distributed corresponding to the number of coins detected falling from its edge. As described above, in a closed-loop system, once tilt is detected, the CPU will no longer provide tickets or credits corresponding to the number of coins detected by the falling coin detector 1227. The closed-loop system allows for stable operation and less maintenance, and can improve the introduction of circulating coins.

[0032] In another embodiment, the gaming device distributes coins or tokens that have fallen from the edge to the player via a chute. In this embodiment, the distributed coins are a reward to the player. The gaming device can further open or close the control channel gate 1230 using a CPU. When it detects tilting, the CPU 1205 sends a signal to close the channel control gate 1230 to prevent access. In this embodiment, any coins in the channel area are then directed to a coin hopper or security cabinet via a second chute and its control gate, which has the advantage of preventing theft of the gaming device by tampering.

[0033] In a further embodiment, the passageway door can be opened when the tag reader detects a prize with an RFID tag falling through the chute. This allows for the provision of high-value prizes to the game table, which may include coins or tokens with RFID tags, and a reading indicating the status or value of any additional rewards for the coins or tokens.

[0034] In a further embodiment, the second coin hopper can respond to a signal from the CPU to distribute coins or tokens into the player's passage area, wherein the CPU signal corresponds to the number of coins detected to have fallen from the edge. Other reward conditions, such as the detection of bonus RFID tags or both, may also apply. When the second coin hopper distributes coins or tokens, lights and speakers are activated to signal to the player that their passage area has been opened for distribution. In this regard, the CPU 1205 controls the display panels 1207 and 1209, which provide vivid visual displays as well as instructions and statuses related to the game. Figure 10 In the embodiment shown, CPU 1205 controls display 1209, which displays the game score, reflecting the number of coins accumulated during gameplay as they fall through the edge. Other game status information includes credit count or remaining time. In this embodiment, the gaming device also includes an audio speaker 1211 for sound effects and a lighting system 1213 to further provide visual display and signal effects.

[0035] In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a distribution platform and a distribution channel located on the side of the gaming area, used to collect coins that were not distributed to players but fell into a separate area belonging to the gaming device owner. In this embodiment, a coin detector is provided to detect coins falling into the distribution channel, and the data can be provided to the gaming device owner.

[0036] A coin detector 1225 is installed at the coin hopper exit to count the number of coins entering the track, reflecting the same number of coins released or deposited by the player from the end of the track. When the number of coins already credited to the player's credit limit is exhausted, the game block release switch 1221 closes.

[0037] During operation, the player provides credit proof to the system, the validity of which is detected by the credit detector 1217. If the credit test meets the requirements, 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 the game. In this embodiment, the player can then activate the pusher control switch 1240 to stop the pusher movement, or activate the transfer component 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, they can activate the coin game block release switch 1221 to start the coin hopper motor 1232. By keeping the switch on, the player can sequentially toss multiple coins. In other words, the coin release switch 1221 can control a single toss action. Once a predetermined number of coins have been released, the coin release switch 1221 and other control switches 1240 and 1241 will be turned off. If a player wins, the coins that fall from the edge are counted, and the CPU distributes the corresponding number of tickets or credits to the player. As an alternative embodiment, when a player wins, the coins falling from edge 317 are reflected, and the coins are introduced into the player's passage area by a second coin hopper. Although the terms coin and token are described as game blocks in the embodiment, it is understood that game blocks are other cylindrical shapes commonly used. Further, it is understood that other game blocks can be preferentially used, for example, the coin hopper can be designed in a spherical or cubic shape to accommodate coin capture, coin orientation, and item introduction into the track.

[0038] As described above, in this embodiment, the provided detector is connected to a distributor that detects coins falling from the edge. Once a coin has fallen onto the edge of the game table, it is immediately detected in its path, and the corresponding reward points can be redeemed for the player. In this embodiment, the distributor can distribute coins along a fixed path to a dispenser rotating arm in a closed loop. To detect RFID tags, objects with RFID tags are carried along their path to their separate channel and then reintroduced into the game by a lifting mechanism located above the edge of the game area. When a coin is detected, its display can be updated to notify the player of the coin usage status or other won rewards. The chute guiding the coins falling from the edge of the game area delivers them to the distributor, arranging the coins in a line, and then the coins are directed to a coin hopper or separate channel, which includes an inclined surface.

[0039] This invention allows for a morphological assimilation mode. In this mode, coins are continuously or periodically ejected from the coin hopper and introduced onto the track and the game table. In this morphological assimilation mode, when coins are introduced, they can be cyclically returned to the game table and the user, and can be tilted for gameplay after game conditions are checked.

[0040] In a further embodiment, the coin track assembly is connected to a game arena having a drop area, including an opening or pocket, capable of receiving coins and guiding them back to a coin hopper or player passage area via a coin chute.

[0041] This invention is not limited to the above embodiments, nor to modifications and variations made by those skilled in the art within the scope of this invention. The scope of this invention is defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A game console, characterized in that, The game console includes: A flat game surface, capable of supporting multiple game blocks. A game block propulsion element is configured to reciprocate, moving above a game surface to keep any game block on the surface. The game surface also includes a horizontal edge, and when the game block is propelled by the propulsion element, the game block can fall off the edge and proceed to a collection area. A transport component for moving the game blocks from the collection area to the game field. The transmission assembly includes an electric coin hopper and a track. The electric coin hopper is located below the game field and is designed to collect game blocks and orderly throw them onto the track. The track is adapted to collect the game blocks and has a proximal end extending from the coin hopper and a distal end defining an exit channel facing the game field. A control switch, used to activate the electric coin hopper, and A transmission component motor is configured to drive the transmission component to rotate, thereby causing the track exit channel to sweep in an arc above the playground; It also includes a biased spring-pivotable retainer at the end of the track, wherein, when in a first position, the retainer holds the game block in the track, and when the game block is pushed toward a stop member of the retainer, the stop member rotates upward to a second position to allow the game block to be released from the track; and, when the game block leaves the track, the spring pulls the retainer back to the first position caused by the stop member to act on the tail of the game block and push the game block through the exit channel.

2. The game console as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The coin hopper includes a rotating coin hopper.

3. The game console as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The game blocks include coins or tokens, or coins and tokens, and the transmission component is configured to circulate multiple of the coins, tokens, or combinations of both in a closed system.

4. The game console as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The transmission component is connected to the base member, which is connected to the motor to provide pivoting power.

5. The game console as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The far end of the track remains essentially horizontal.

6. The game console as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The game console also includes: a central controller; A first coin detector is used to detect coins passing from the coin hopper onto the track and send a signal to the central controller, reflecting the number of coins passing onto the track; and The player controls a switch to activate the coin hopper and move the game block into the near end of the track, forcing the game block to be released from the exit channel.

7. The game console as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The game console also includes: A detection device for detecting coins that have fallen from the edge; and A reward device for redeeming prizes, the prizes being equal to the number of coins detected falling from the edge.

8. A push-type game machine, characterized in that, The game console includes: A game table surface, which can support multiple game blocks; The game block propulsion element is configured to reciprocate on the game table surface, so that any game block remains on the game table surface; The game surface also includes a horizontal edge, and when the game block is moved by the propulsion element, the game block can fall off the edge and proceed to the collection area. A transport component for moving the game blocks from the collection area to the game field. The transmission components include a coin hopper and a track. The coin hopper is used to collect the game blocks and sequentially insert them into the track. The track is adapted to receive the game blocks, and the track includes a first track segment extending from the coin hopper to a second track segment extending over the game field. The track further includes a spring-biased pivotable retainer located at the end of the track. When in a first position, the retainer holds the game block within the track; and when the game block is pushed towards the stop surface of the retainer, the retainer pivots upwards to a second position, allowing the game block to be released from the track. The game console also includes a central controller and a control device for player input, the control device including a player game block release switch to allow the player to activate a motor to release the game block from the end of the track.

9. The game console as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The control device includes a stop switch to allow the player to temporarily halt the movement of the propulsion element.

10. The game console as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The second track segment is connected to a motor, which causes the track segment to sweep back and forth in the game area.

11. The game console as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The player control device includes a stop switch that allows the player to temporarily halt the movement of the second track segment.

12. A transmission component for moving game blocks from a collection area to an amusement park, characterized in that, The transmission assembly includes an electric coin hopper and a track. The electric coin hopper is adapted to collect the game blocks and sequentially eject them into the track. The track is defined by a bottom wall, two side walls and a top wall; the track is adapted to receive the game block and has a proximal end extending from the coin hopper and a defined exit channel distal end; A control switch is used to activate the electric coin hopper; as well as A transmission component motor, attached to the component and configured to drive the transmission component to pivot, thereby sweeping the rail exit channel in an arc. The rail exit channel also includes a spring-biased pivotable retainer located at the end of the rail; When in the first position, the retainer will keep the game block in the track; When the game block is pushed toward the stop member of the retainer, the stop member will pivot to a second position to allow the game block to be released from the track; When the game block 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 block and through the exit channel.

13. The transmission component as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that, The game blocks include coins, tokens, or a combination of coins and tokens; the track assembly is enclosed in a cabinet with a transparent window.

14. The transmission component as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that, The coin hopper motor control switch is located outside the cabinet, and a second control switch is also located outside the cabinet. The second control switch is used to activate and deactivate the transmission component motor.

Images