Push type entertainment machine

Abstract

A push type entertainment machine comprises a game surface on which game pieces and one or more prizes are supported; a game piece pusher configured to move over the game surface to disturb game pieces and one or more prizes supported on the game surface; a transport system configured to transport the prizes falling from the edge; a first detection module configured to detect a prize falling from the edge at a first location; a second detection module configured to detect a prize at a second location; and the control unit is configured to receive the first detection result from the first detection module and the second detection result from the second detection module, and control the entertainment machine according to the first detection result and / or the second detection result.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a push-type amusement machine in which a game is played using a plurality of game pieces such as tokens or marbles and one or more prizes. Background Art

[0002] Push-type amusement machines have been around for many years and can be subdivided into traditional push-type amusement machines, in which the player is paid out game pieces in the form of tokens, and more recent variant push-type amusement machines, in which the tokens circulate in a closed loop of the machine and are reintroduced into the game via a hopper. For example, one such amusement machine is described in EP0755033.

[0003] Furthermore, it is known that prizes can be added to the game pieces to make the game more exciting. These prizes can be added as prize tokens of the same shape as the game pieces. According to another variant, the prizes have different shapes. The prizes can be paid to the players by a separate dispensing module, in which case the operator needs to regularly add new prizes to the machine. In an improved entertainment machine, the prizes circulate in a closed loop of the machine. Such an embodiment is disclosed in the applicant's European patent application EP3021298A1, which is incorporated herein by reference. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a push-type entertainment machine is provided. The entertainment machine comprises a game surface, a game piece pusher, a transportation system, a first detection module, a second detection module and a control unit. The game surface supports a plurality of game pieces such as tokens or marbles, and one or more prizes. The game piece pusher is configured to move over the game surface at successive time points to disturb a plurality of game pieces and one or more prizes supported on the game surface, and to allow one or more game pieces and / or prizes to fall from the edge of the game surface during movement of the game piece pusher. The transportation system is configured to transport prizes that fall from the edge. The first detection module is configured to detect prizes that fall from the edge at a first position in the transportation system, and the second detection module is configured to detect prizes at a second position in the transportation system, the second position being different from the first position. The control unit is configured to receive a first detection result from the first detection module and a second detection result from the second detection module, and to control the entertainment machine according to the first detection result and / or the second detection result.

[0005] By having a first detection module and a second detection module, prizes can be detected and tracked in an entertainment machine in an improved manner. More specifically, it can be determined that the prize is not lost or blocked somewhere in the entertainment machine.

[0006] Preferably, the control unit is configured to generate an alarm message when a first detection result of the first detection module indicates that a prize is detected, and a second detection result of the second detection module does not indicate that the same prize is detected within a predetermined time from the first detection result. Such an alarm message indicates that the prize may be lost between a first position where the prize is detected and a second position where the prize is not detected. Similarly, the control unit may be configured to generate an alarm message when only the second detection result of the second detection module indicates that a prize is detected and the first detection module has not previously detected the prize. This may indicate that the first detection module is faulty or has other problems.

[0007] Preferably, the control unit comprises an award module configured to award a number of prize points to the player if the control unit receives a first detection result indicating that a prize has been detected and a second detection result indicating that the same prize has been detected. These prize points may optionally be displayed on a display screen of the machine. For example, these prize points may be paid to the player, for example, via a ticket distribution module that prints a ticket indicating the number of prize points. If different types of prizes associated with different points are used, the detection module is preferably configured to detect the type of prize so that the corresponding number of points can be calculated therefrom.

[0008] Preferably, the transport system includes: a prize collection position, which is configured to collect at least one or more prizes that fall from the edge; a prize feeding position, which is configured to feed one or more prizes onto the game surface; and a prize transport mechanism, which preferably includes at least one of a lifting module and an Archimedean screw, and the prize transport mechanism is configured to transport one or more prizes collected in the prize collection position to the prize feeding position.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the first detection module is arranged to detect a prize between the edge of the gaming surface and the prize collection location or at the prize collection location, and the second detection module is arranged to detect a prize between the prize feed location and the gaming surface. In this way it can be determined that a prize is reintroduced onto the gaming surface.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the first detection module is arranged to detect a prize at a first position between an edge of the gaming surface and a prize collection location, and the second detection module is arranged to detect a prize at a second position downstream of the first position. For example, the second detection module may be arranged to detect a prize between an edge of the gaming surface and a prize collection location or at the prize collection location. Furthermore, the second detection module may be located in the prize transport mechanism.

[0011] It is worth noting that more than two detection modules may be arranged at any of the above-mentioned designated positions.

[0012] In the context of the present application, the control unit may be a central control unit or a distributed control unit comprising sub-control units located at different locations of the entertainment machine.

[0013] In a possible embodiment, the prize collection device is configured to collect one or more prizes and one or more game pieces that fall from the edge.

[0014] In another exemplary embodiment, the entertainment machine further includes a sorting and discharging mechanism configured to sort and discharge one or more prizes and game pieces that fall from the edge to a prize collection location and a game piece collection location. In this embodiment, the first detection module can be configured to detect prizes in a prize discharge channel between the sorting and discharging mechanism and the prize collection location.

[0015] The prize discharge channel may for example comprise an inclined surface and / or a conveyor belt. A controllable barrier device may also be provided in the discharge channel for temporarily blocking one or more game pieces and / or prizes, for example because the associated lifting module is not yet in the correct position.

[0016] Preferably, the control unit is configured to control the transportation system based on the first detection result and / or the second detection result of the first detection module and / or the second detection module, in particular based on the number of prizes detected by the first detection module and / or the second detection module, and optionally further based on player input.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, a guide is provided between the prize feeding position and the game surface, the guide being configured to guide one or more prizes from the prize feeding position to the game surface, wherein the guide is preferably an inclined surface, wherein the second detection module is configured to detect the prize on the guide. Optionally, the entertainment machine may further include a barrier device, the barrier device being configured to be in a closed position or an open position, and the barrier device being arranged along the guide to stop the movement of the prize on the guide in the closed position, and to allow the prize to pass in the open position. Optionally, the control unit may be configured to control the barrier device based on any one or more of the detection results of the first detection module and / or the second detection module, the player input, the state of the game, and the state of the transport mechanism.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the entertainment machine further comprises a barrier device, the barrier device being configured to be in a closed position or an open position, and the barrier device being arranged upstream of the prize collection position to stop the movement of the prize in the closed position and to allow the prize to pass in the open position. Optionally, the control unit may be configured to control the barrier device based on any one or more of the following: the detection result of the first detection module and / or the second detection module, the player input, the state of the game, the state of the transport mechanism.

[0019] According to another aspect, a push-type entertainment machine is provided, which includes a game surface, a game piece pusher, a transportation system, a guide, a detection module and a control unit. A plurality of game pieces (e.g., tokens or marbles) and one or more prizes are supported on the game surface. The game piece pusher is configured to move over the game surface at successive time points to disturb the plurality of game pieces and one or more prizes supported on the game surface, and to allow one or more game pieces and / or prizes to fall from the edge of the game surface during the movement of the game piece pusher. The transportation system is configured to transport prizes that fall from the edge, and includes: a prize collection position, which is configured to collect at least one or more prizes that fall from the edge; a prize feeding position, which is configured to feed one or more prizes onto the game surface; and a prize transportation mechanism, which is configured to transport one or more prizes collected in the prize collection position to the prize feeding position. The guide is disposed between the prize feeding position and the game surface, and is configured to guide one or more prizes from the prize feeding position to the game surface. The detection module is configured to detect the prize on the guide. The control unit is configured to receive the detection result from the detection module and control the entertainment machine according to the detection result. Preferably, the guide is an inclined surface.

[0020] Preferably, the prize transport mechanism comprises at least one of a lifting module and an Archimedean screw.

[0021] Preferably, the entertainment machine comprises another detection module, the other detection module being configured to detect prizes between the edge and the prize collection position. Optionally, the control unit is configured to receive a detection result from the other detection module and control the entertainment machine according to the other detection result.

[0022] Preferably, the entertainment machine comprises a barrier device, the barrier device being configured to be in a closed position or an open position, and the barrier device being arranged along the guide to stop the movement of the prize on the guide in the closed position and to allow the prize to pass in the open position. Optionally, the control unit is configured to control the barrier device based on any one or more of the following: a detection result of the detection module and / or another detection module, a player input, a state of the game, a state of the transport mechanism.

[0023] Preferably, the transport system further comprises: a game piece collection position configured to collect game pieces, the game piece collection position being different from the prize collection position; a game piece feeding position configured to feed game pieces; and a game piece transport mechanism configured to transport the game pieces collected at the game piece collection position to the game piece feeding position.

[0024] The preferred features or exemplary features mentioned below and above may be combined with the first aspect and / or the second aspect of the present invention.

[0025] Preferably, one or more prizes have a shape and / or size that is different from the shape and / or size of a game piece in the plurality of game pieces. Preferably, a prize is at least twice as large as a game piece. Preferably, the number of game pieces is at least 10 times the number of prizes, more preferably at least 100 times.

[0026] The prize is usually located on top of the game piece. The volume of the prize is preferably at least twice the volume of the game piece, more preferably at least four times. The prize is, for example, one or more of the following: an object with an indication (such as a color), an object associated with a corresponding number of credits (such as building blocks of different shapes and colors), etc. These can be, for example, rectangular, heart-shaped or star-shaped building blocks. There are preferably different types of prizes in the machine, and these prizes are associated with different numbers of credits. The number of game pieces is preferably at least 10 times the number of prizes, more preferably at least 100 times.

[0027] Preferably, the transport system is configured to circulate one or more prizes in a closed loop. Preferably, the transport system is configured to circulate a plurality of game pieces in a closed loop. The closed loop for the one or more prizes may be the same or different than the closed loop for the plurality of game pieces. Providing a transport system that circulates prizes and game pieces in a closed loop of the machine avoids the operator having to replenish prizes. An additional dimension is further imparted to the game as the player knows that the prize is reintroduced onto the game field.

[0028] The transport system is preferably configured to circulate all gaming pieces and prizes present in the machine in a closed loop, ie no gaming pieces or prizes are paid out to players.

[0029] Preferably, the prize transport mechanism includes a prize lifting module and a driving device, the driving device is used to move the prize lifting module vertically upward from the prize collection position to the prize feeding position and back, wherein the control unit is configured to control the driving device according to one or more of the following: the state of the game, the detection result, and the player input.

[0030] Preferably, the transport system further comprises: a game piece collection position configured to collect game pieces; a game piece feeding position configured to feed game pieces; and a game piece transport mechanism configured to transport game pieces collected at the game piece collection position to the game piece feeding position.

[0031] Preferably, the entertainment machine further comprises a sorting and discharging mechanism configured to sort and discharge one or more prizes and game pieces dropped from the edge into a prize collection position and a game piece collection position, respectively.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the game piece transport mechanism includes a hopper module configured to move the game pieces upward in orderly rows.

[0033] In another possible implementation, the game piece transport mechanism includes an Archimedean screw configured to move the game pieces upward in an orderly row.

[0034] In a possible embodiment, the game piece transport mechanism includes a swing arm, which is configured to move above the game surface and guide the game piece through the swing arm to an outlet of the swing arm, and the outlet of the swing arm is located above the game surface. In addition, the game piece transport mechanism may include a chute, which is configured to guide the game piece (preferably marbles) to an outlet of the chute, and the outlet of the chute is close to the game surface or close to a guide leading to the game surface.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, the prize transport mechanism is provided with a receiving device which can be placed in a first position for receiving at least one or more prizes in a prize collection position and can be placed in a second position for dispensing at least one or more prizes in a prize feeding position.

[0036] Preferably, the entertainment machine further comprises operating means controllable by a player and driving means for moving the receiving means from the first position to the second position, the operating means being optionally coupled to the driving means via the control unit.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the entertainment machine is a multi-player gaming machine having a plurality of gaming surfaces including the gaming surface, the plurality of gaming surfaces being arranged around a central area, wherein the prize collection location and the prize feed location are located one above the other in the central area.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more prizes include a prize having a transparent housing in which the valuable object and the identification device are arranged. Preferably, the identification device includes an RFID tag.

[0039] According to an exemplary embodiment, the machine comprises: a collection position configured to collect game pieces and prizes, and a feed position configured to collect game pieces and prizes. Preferably, a lifting module configured to jointly transport game pieces and prizes is provided between the collection position and the feed position. In this embodiment, the prizes and game pieces thus circulate together in a closed loop.

[0040] According to an exemplary embodiment, the machine comprises: a first collecting position configured to collect prizes without game pieces; a second collecting position configured to collect game pieces without prizes; a first feeding position configured to feed prizes; and a second feeding position configured to feed game pieces. Preferably, a first lifting module configured to transport prizes collected at the first collecting position is provided between the first collecting position and the first feeding position, and a second lifting module configured to transport game pieces collected at the second collecting position is provided between the second collecting position and the second feeding position. Thus, in this embodiment, two closed loops can be distinguished: one for prizes and one for game pieces.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, the first lifting module includes: a driving device for tilting or vertically moving the lifting module from a first collection position to a first feeding position and back; a control unit for controlling the driving device according to at least one of the state of the game, the detection results of one or more detection modules, and the player input.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, the second lifting module includes a hopper module configured to move the game pieces upward in an orderly row. In an exemplary embodiment, the machine includes a swing arm connected to the second location and configured to move above the game surface, the swing arm further configured to guide the game pieces through the swing arm to an outlet of the swing arm, the outlet of the swing arm being located above the game surface.

[0043] In an embodiment with a first collecting / feeding position and a second collecting / feeding position, the discharge channel may be provided with a first outlet connected to the first collecting position and a second outlet connected to the second collecting position. Therefore, it is preferred to provide a sorting and discharge mechanism in the discharge channel for discharging prizes to the first outlet and for discharging game pieces to the second outlet.

[0044] According to an advantageous embodiment, the transport system comprises: a first lifting module, which can be moved between a first collection position and a higher first feed position; and a drive device, which is used to move the lifting module from the first collection position to the higher first feed position and back, and the lifting module is configured to support one or more game pieces and / or prizes. Therefore, with such a lifting module, prizes and optional game pieces can be transported to the first feed position, and prizes and optional game pieces can be reintroduced to the game field from the first feed position. The first lifting module is preferably provided with a receiving device, which can be placed in a first position for receiving prizes and optional game pieces, and can be placed in a second position for distributing prizes and optional game pieces in the first feed position. The entertainment machine can also include an operating device controllable by a player and a drive device for moving the receiving device from the first position to the second position, the operating device being connected to the drive device, for example, by a control unit. In this way, the player will be able to determine the moment when the prize and / or game piece falls back to the game surface.

[0045] According to a possible embodiment, the transport system comprises an Archimedean screw having a lower end adjacent to the collection position and an upper end adjacent to the feed position. The screw thus acts here as a transport device for moving the game pieces and the prizes together upwards, wherein the screw is dimensioned such that both the prizes and the game pieces can be transported by the screw.

[0046] According to an advantageous embodiment, a guide is provided between the first, higher feed position and the game surface, the guide being configured to guide one or more game pieces and prizes from the first feed position to the game surface. The guide is preferably a downwardly inclined surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] The present invention will be further explained based on several non-limiting exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A , Figure 2 and Figure 3 A first embodiment of an entertainment machine is schematically shown with the lifting module in different positions; Figure 1B and Figure 1C Shows Figure 1A Variations of the embodiments of the invention; Figure 4 A second embodiment of the entertainment machine is schematically shown; Figure 5 A third embodiment of an entertainment machine is schematically shown; Figure 6 schematically shows a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an entertainment machine; Figure 7 and Figure 8 A third embodiment of an entertainment machine is schematically shown; and Fig. 9 An exemplary embodiment of the prize of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Figure 1A , Figure 2 and Figure 3 A first embodiment of a push-type amusement machine according to the present invention is shown, wherein the lifting module 22 is in different positions, see below. Figure 1A In an embodiment, the entertainment machine is a so-called multi-player gaming machine, for example a six-player entertainment machine with six game fields 6. Figure 1A , Figure 2 and Figure 3 Two playing fields or two playing surfaces 6 can be seen. Figure 1A , Figure 2 and Figure 3 6 is a schematic cross-section of the machine, and the skilled person will understand that the multiplayer gaming machine may be, for example, a two-player gaming machine, a three-player gaming machine, a four-player gaming machine, a six-player gaming machine, etc. It is also possible to provide only one gaming field 6, wherein the plurality of gaming machines are omitted. Figure 1A (as well as Figure 2 and Figure 3 )’s left or right half.

[0049] The entertainment machine comprises a game piece pusher 4 for each game surface 6. The game surface 6 is usually a horizontal surface on which a plurality of game pieces 3, such as marbles, and a plurality of prizes 11 are supported. If marbles are used for the game, the game surface 6 may, for example, be provided with corrugations. It should be noted that the game surface 6 is not necessarily horizontal and may also be placed at a slight tilt angle. The prizes 11 are usually much larger than the game pieces 3, and there are much fewer prizes 11 than the game pieces 3, for example, less than one prize 11 per 100 game pieces 3. The game piece pusher 4 is configured to move over the game surface 6 at successive points in time to disturb the plurality of game pieces 3 and prizes 11 supported on the game surface 6. During the movement of the game piece pusher 4, one or more game pieces 3 and / or prizes 11 may fall from the edge 16 of the game surface 6, see reference numerals 3' and 11'. The game piece pusher 4 may, for example, be a board (box) that moves back and forth on the game field 6 in the direction of the edge 16. In the case of a multi-player gaming machine, the game piece mover may also be a central plate or box that moves over the different gaming surfaces 6 of the multi-player gaming machine.

[0050] The entertainment machine also includes a transport system 20, which is configured to transport prizes that fall from the edge to a collection position 24 (as shown) or a discharge position (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the transport system 20 is configured to collect one or more game pieces 3 and / or prizes 11 that fall from the edge 16 to the collection position 24, so as to transport the one or more game pieces 3 and / or prizes 11 from the collection position 24 to a higher feed position 25, and to reintroduce the one or more game pieces 3 and prizes 11 from the higher feed position 25 onto the game surface 6. Preferably, the transport system 20 includes a first transport mechanism, here a lifting module 22, which is configured to transport the one or more prizes collected in the collection position 24 to the feed position 25. Figure 3 In the embodiment, the lifting module 22 is in the lower position, in which the game pieces 3 and / or prizes 11 that have fallen from the edge 16 enter the collection position 24. Figure 1A In the embodiment, the lifting module 22 is in a high position, in which the game pieces 3 and / or prizes 11 that have been transported upward can be reintroduced from the feeding position 25 to the game field 6. The transportation system 20, in particular the lifting module 22, can be controlled by the control unit 40, for example, according to one or more of the state of the game, the detection result (see below), the operator input, etc.

[0051] The entertainment machine also includes a user operating device 52 configured to be operated by a user. The user operating device 52 may include, for example, a button and a joystick. Optionally, one or more display screens 60 may be provided, for example, above and behind the game field 6 and / or on the side of the game field 6. One or more display screens 60 may be arranged generally within the field of vision of a player playing the game. For example, the player's points may be displayed on the display screen. In addition, when a prize is detected by one of the detection modules (see below), it may be displayed on the display screen. In addition, the movement of the prize through the machine may be seen on the display screen using the detection results of the detection module. In addition, an alarm message may be displayed on the screen, for example, when a prize is blocked or lost in the transport system 20 (see below).

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the transport system 20 includes a guide 23, such as a sloped surface, between the feed position 25 and the game surface 6. The guide 23 is configured to guide the game pieces 3 and / or prizes 11 from the feed position 25 to the game surface 6. However, the skilled person understands that the game pieces 3 and / or prizes 11 can also be dropped directly from the feed position 25 to the game surface. Optionally, a barrier device 30 can be provided, for example, arranged along the guide 23 or arranged at the feed position 25, and the barrier device 30 is configured to temporarily stop one or more game pieces 3 and / or prizes 11 in its closed position and allow one or more game pieces 3 and / or prizes 11 to pass through in its open position. The barrier device 30 can be controlled by the control unit 40, for example, according to one or more of the state of the game, the detection result (see below), the player input input through the user operation device 52, the state of the lifting module 22, etc.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the transport system 20 comprises a discharge channel 21 extending between the edge 16 of the playing surface 6 and a collection location 24. The discharge channel 21 has an inlet 21a into which one or more game pieces 3 and / or prizes 11 (see reference numerals 3' and 11') falling from the edge 16 fall, and an outlet 21b connected to the collection location 24. Optionally, a further barrier device 5, such as a door, may be provided between the outlet 21b and the collection location 24 for temporarily blocking one or more game pieces 3" and prizes 11". The further barrier device 5 may be controlled by the control unit 40, for example, depending on one or more of the state of the game, the detection result (see below), the player input via the user operating device 52, the state of the lifting module 22, etc.

[0054] In the embodiment shown, the lifting module 22 is provided with a base 26, on which a movable receiving device 27 is provided, for example a tiltable receiving device 27. A movable receiving device can be provided for each gaming surface 6. The receiving device 27 is configured to receive one or more gaming pieces 3 and / or prizes 11 in a receiving state and to discharge one or more gaming pieces 3 and / or prizes 11 in a discharging state. The receiving device 27 can be arranged such as Figure 3 The receiving status shown or Figure 1A The discharge state shown is controlled by the control unit 40, for example, based on one or more of the state of the lifting module 22, the state of the game, the detection results (see below), etc. Figure 3As shown, when the lifting module 22 is in the lower position, the barrier device 5 can be in the open position, whereby one or more game pieces 3 and / or prizes 11 enter the receiving device 27 at the collection position 24. The receiving device 27 can, for example, consist of a tiltable container with an open end, through which the game pieces and prizes can be received in the container. Once one or more game pieces 3 and / or prizes 11 are received, the lifting module 22 can be moved upwards, see Figure 2 , and the barrier device 5 is placed in the closed position. When the lifting module 22 reaches a high position corresponding to the higher feed position 25, the receiving device 27 can be tilted so that one or more game pieces 3 and / or prizes 11 are released and can be reintroduced onto the playing surface 6, for example via the optional guide 23. When the barrier device 30 is present, one or more game pieces and / or prizes can be stopped first, and then the barrier device 30 can be placed in the open position, for example, depending on one or more of the state of the game, the detection result (see below), the state of the lifting module 22, etc. The sequence of events can be controlled by the control unit 40.

[0055] Additionally or alternatively, the lifting module 22 may be combined with another control mechanism (not shown), such as a pusher mechanism, that is configured to move one or more game pieces and / or prizes in the lifting module 22 when the lifting module 22 is in a low position, and to eject one or more game pieces and / or prizes from the lifting module 22 when the lifting module 22 is in a high position.

[0056] The entertainment machine also includes a first detection module 12a and a second detection module 12b. The first detection module 12a is configured to detect a prize 11" dropped from the edge 16 at a first position of the transportation system 20. The second detection module 12b is configured to detect the prize 11" at a second position of the transportation system 20, the second position being different from the first position. The control unit 40 is configured to receive a first detection result from the first detection module 12a and a second detection result from the second detection module 12b, and control the entertainment machine according to the first detection result and / or the second detection result.

[0057] The first detection module 12a and / or the second detection module 12b may be, for example, an RFID reader module, and the prize 11 ″ may, for example, be provided with an RFID tag readable by the RFID reader module. However, other detection technologies may also be used. For example, a camera combined with object recognition software may be used in addition or alternatively. The first detection module 12a and / or the second detection module 12b may be the same or different.

[0058] Preferably, the control unit 40 includes a reward module 41, which is configured to reward the player with prize points if the control unit 40 has received a first detection result indicating that the prize 11" has been detected from the first detection module 12a and a second detection result indicating that the same prize 11" has been detected from the second detection module 12b.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, the first detection module 12a is arranged to detect prizes between the edge 16 of the playing surface 6 and the collection position 24, and the second detection module 12b is arranged to detect prizes between the feed position 25 and the playing surface 6. In this way, the control unit 40 can determine that prizes that fall from the edge are effectively reintroduced onto the playing surface 6, rather than being lost somewhere in the transport system 20. For example, if only the first detection result is received and the second detection result is not received, the control unit 40 can generate an alarm to notify the operator that there is a problem. In addition, by introducing this double check detection, it can be determined that prizes that fall from the edge 6 are detected. In addition, prizes can be tracked by a transport system 20 with more than one detection module.

[0060] exist Figure 1B In the illustrated alternative embodiment, the first detection module 12a and the second detection module 12c are positioned to detect prizes between the edge 16 of the playing surface 6 and the collection location 24 at a first location and a second location, respectively. The second location is positioned downstream of the first location.

[0061] exist Figure 1C In another alternative embodiment shown, the first detection module 12a is positioned to detect prizes between the edge 16 of the playing surface 6 and the collection location 24 , and the second detection module 12d is positioned in the lifting module 22 .

[0062] It should be noted that there may be more than two detection modules, and any combination of two or more detection modules 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d may be provided.

[0063] The control unit 40 is configured to detect the first detection module and / or the second detection module ( Figure 1A 12a and / or 12b in the embodiment of ; Figure 1B 12a and / or 12c in the embodiment of ; and Figure 1C The control unit 40 may control the transport system based on the first detection result and / or the second detection result of the first detection module and / or the second detection module in the embodiment of the present invention, and in particular control the transport system based on the number of prizes detected by the first detection module and / or the second detection module. For example, if one of the detection modules detects a prize and the other detection module does not detect a prize, the control unit 40 may generate an alarm.

[0064] In addition, Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 1C In the embodiment of the present invention, by providing different prizes 11 on the game surface 6 and on the top of the game piece 3, the game can be made more attractive to the player. These prizes 11 are preferably much larger than the game piece 3 so that they can be easily recognized by the user. The prize can, for example, have an easily recognizable shape and color. Compared with the solution of the prior art, in the embodiment according to the present invention, the prize 11 can be circulated in the so-called closed loop of the entertainment machine. In an exemplary embodiment, the game piece 3 and the prize 11 can therefore be circulated in the closed loop of the entertainment machine. The prize 11 is pushed over the edge 16 of the game surface 6 together with the game piece 3 and detected by the first detection module 12a and / or the second detection module 12b, 12c, 12d. The detection module 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d can work in conjunction with the reward module 41 of the control unit 40 to reward the player with a prize credit number according to the detected prize 11. After the prize 11 is detected, one or more game pieces 3 and the prize 11 can slide in the direction of the door 5, wherein the door 5 can be opened when the lifting module 22 is in the lower collection position 24. When the lifting module 22 reaches the lower position, the door 5 can be opened automatically by the control of the control unit 40, after which the one or more prizes 11 and / or game pieces 3 slide into the receiving device 27, and the lifting module 22 can be moved to the higher feeding position 25. At the higher feeding position 25, the receiving device 27 can be automatically tilted, and the one or more prizes 11 and / or game pieces 3 can slide over the ramp 23 to the playing surface 6. By moving the pusher 4, the one or more prizes 11 and / or game pieces 3 are located on the playing surface 6, and the cycle starts again.

[0065] An advantage of the embodiments of the present invention is that the closed loop transport system is configured to use any form of prize 11 and any type of game piece 3, such as marbles, the only condition being that the prize 11 must fit the receiving device 27 and the prize 11 can be detected by the detection modules 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d. The operator of the entertainment machine can present games that are attractive to the players and require little or no assistance to refill the entertainment machine and / or read the prize 11.

[0066] Figure 4 A second embodiment of the push-type amusement machine according to the present invention is shown. Figures 1A to 1CThe embodiment of the invention is similar to that of the invention, except that the lifting module consists of Archimedean screws 121, 122. In this embodiment, it is not necessary to provide a door 5, and the Archimedean screws 121, 122 act as receiving means for receiving one or more game pieces 3 and / or prizes 11. The game pieces 3 and prizes 11 are collected in a collection position 24 and transported upwards by the screw 121 rotating in the cylinder 122. When the prizes 11 and game pieces 3 reach the higher feed position 24, they can be transported back onto the playing field 6, optionally by means of a guide device, here a ramp 23. Optionally, a barrier device (not shown but similar to the invention) can be provided. Figure 1A The barrier device 30 is similar to the barrier device 30 of the embodiment of the present invention, for example, arranged along the guide 23 or arranged at the feeding position 25, and the barrier device 30 is configured to temporarily stop one or more game pieces 3 and / or prizes 11 in its closed position, and allow one or more game pieces 3 and / or prizes 11 to pass through in its open position. The barrier device 30 can be controlled by the control unit 40, for example, according to one or more of the state of the game, the detection result (see below), the player input input through the user operation device 52, the state of the Archimedean screws 121, 122, etc.

[0067] Figure 4 The entertainment machine includes a first detection module 12a, a second detection module 12b, a third detection module 12c and a fourth detection module 12d. However, any two of the detection modules 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d shown may also be used. In addition, in some embodiments, only the detection module 12b may be present. The corresponding detection modules 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d are configured to detect the prize 11" at the corresponding position of the transportation system 20. The control unit 40 is configured to receive a first detection result from the first detection module 12a, a second detection result from the second detection module 12b, etc., and control the entertainment machine according to the first detection result and / or the second detection result and / or the third detection result and / or the fourth detection result.

[0068] The detection modules 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d may for example be RFID reader modules and the prize 11 ″ may for example be provided with an RFID tag readable by the RFID reader module. However, other detection technologies may also be used. For example, a camera combined with object recognition software may be used in addition or alternatively. The detection modules 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d may be the same or different.

[0069] Preferably, the control unit 40 includes a reward module 41, which is configured to reward the player with prize points if the control unit 40 has received a first detection result indicating that the prize 11" has been detected from the first detection module 12a and a second detection result indicating that the same prize 11" has been detected from the second detection modules 12b, 12c, 12d.

[0070] In the illustrated embodiment, the first detection module 12a is arranged to detect prizes between the edge 16 of the playing surface 6 and the collection position 24, and the second detection module 12b is arranged to detect prizes between the feeding position 25 and the playing surface 6. In this way, the control unit 40 can determine that prizes that fall from the edge are effectively reintroduced onto the playing surface 6, rather than being lost somewhere in the transport system 20. For example, if only the first detection result is received and the second detection result is not received, the control unit 40 can generate an alarm to notify the operator that there is a problem. In addition, the detection module 12c can detect how many prizes enter the Archimedes screws 121, 122, while the detection module 12d can be used to check how the prizes pass through the Archimedes screws 121, 122. This allows the prizes 11 to be closely tracked through the transport system 20.

[0071] The control unit 40 is configured to control the transport system according to the first detection result and / or the second detection result and / or the third detection result and / or the fourth detection result of the first detection module 12a and / or the second detection module 12b and / or the third detection module 12c and / or the fourth detection module 12d, and in particular according to the number of prizes detected by the detection modules. For example, if one of the detection modules detects a prize and the other detection modules do not detect a prize, the control unit 40 may generate an alarm.

[0072] Figure 5 A third embodiment of an entertainment machine according to the present invention is shown, wherein the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components. In this embodiment, there is a prize collection position 24 configured to collect prizes 11, preferably not to collect game pieces 3, and a game piece collection position 64 configured to collect game pieces 3, preferably not to collect prizes 11. There is also a prize feeding position 25 configured to feed prizes 11 but not game pieces 3, and a game piece feeding position 65 configured to feed game pieces 3 but not prizes 11. Between the prize collection position 24 and the prize feeding position 25, there is a prize lifting module 22 configured to transport prizes 11 collected in the prize collection position; between the second collection position 64 and the second feeding position 65, there is a game piece lifting module 62 configured to transport game pieces 3 collected in the game piece collection position.

[0073] The prize lifting module 22 includes: a drive device (not shown) for moving the lifting module 22 vertically upward from the prize collection position 24 to the prize feeding position 25 and back; and a control unit 40 for controlling the drive device according to the game state (for example, when the player still has enough points). The game piece lifting module 62 includes a hopper module, such as an escalator hopper, which is configured to move the game pieces 3 from the game piece collection position 64 to the game piece feeding position 65 in an orderly row. A game piece counting device (not shown) can be optionally provided in the hopper module 62 for counting the number of game pieces. The counted number can then be transmitted to the control unit 40 to award additional points or credits to the player. Optionally, a swing arm 63 is provided at the game piece feeding position, which is connected to the game piece feeding position 65 and is configured to move above the game surface 6. The swing arm 63 is also configured to guide the game piece 3 through the swing arm 63 and reach the outlet 63a of the swing arm 63, which is located above the game surface 6. An operating device 52 such as a button and a joystick may also be provided so that the player can control the swing arm 63. In other embodiments, other guide devices may be provided instead of the swing arm to guide the game piece from the game piece feeding position 65 to the game surface 6.

[0074] The transport system 20 comprises a discharge channel 21 between the edge 16 of the playing surface 6 and the prize collection position 24 and the game piece collection position 64. The discharge channel 21 has an inlet 21a into which one or more game pieces 3 and prizes 11 falling from the edge fall, and a first outlet 21b and a second outlet 21c, the first outlet 21b being connected to the prize collection position 24, and the second outlet 21c being connected to the game piece collection position 64. A sorting and discharge mechanism 68 is provided in the discharge channel 21 for discharging prizes 11' to the first outlet 21b and discharging game pieces 3' to the second outlet 21c. The sorting and discharge mechanism 68 comprises, for example, a plurality of rollers spaced apart from one another, through which smaller game pieces fall downward in the direction of the game piece collection position 64, and over which larger prizes 11' are transported to the first outlet 21b. In a similar embodiment, the sorting and discharge mechanism 68 can be a grid whose dimensions are such that the game pieces can fall through the grid, while the prizes are located on the grid and are transported from there to the prize collection position 24.

[0075] One or more detection modules 12a, 12c may be arranged, for example, along the discharge channel 21, for example, the detection module 12a is located upstream of the sorting and discharge mechanism 68, for detecting one or more prizes 11 in the discharge channel 21 immediately after the prizes fall from the edge 16, and the detection module 12c is located downstream of the sorting and discharge mechanism 68, for detecting the prizes before they enter the prize lifting module 22. It should be noted that only one of the detection modules 12a, 12c may also be provided.

[0076] The prize lifting module 22 is provided with a receiving device 27, which can be placed in a first position to receive the prize 11 in the prize collection position 24, and can be placed in a second position to dispense the prize 11 at the prize feeding position 25. The driving device of the receiving device 27 can be controlled by the control unit 40. Optionally, the machine also includes an operating device 52 that can be controlled by the player and communicate with the control unit 40, so that the player can determine when the receiving device 27 is tilted. Optionally, it can be as Figure 1A In this case, the machine may further include an operating device 52 that can be controlled by the player and communicates with the control unit 40, so that the player can determine when the barrier device 30 is in the open position. Figure 1A As described above, another structure may be used instead of the tiltable receiving device to allow the prize to be moved into the prize lifting module 22 and removed from the prize lifting module 22 .

[0077] As combined Figure 1A As described above, a guide 23 may be provided between the prize feeding position 25 and the game surface 6, and another detection module 12b may be present along the guide 23 to detect prizes passing through the guide 23. Optionally, when a barrier device 30 is present, the detection module 12b may detect prizes waiting before the barrier device 30.

[0078] The skilled person will appreciate that the transport system 20 may also be implemented in other ways. Thus, the transport system may consist of a plurality of interconnected conveyor belts, wherein the lifting system may be, for example, an upwardly running conveyor belt. Figure 7 One of the advantages of the transport systems shown is that they are compact and can be integrated into a multiplayer gaming machine in a simple manner. Furthermore, two parallel lifting modules can be centrally arranged, a first lifting module for the game pieces 3 and a second lifting module for the prizes 11, wherein the game pieces 3 and the prizes are pre-sorted. Thus, an additional feed device controllable by the user can be provided, which allows influencing the reintroduction time of the game pieces 3 / prizes 11.

[0079] Figure 7 and Figure 8 A third embodiment of a push-type amusement machine according to the present invention is schematically shown, which is particularly useful when marbles are used as game pieces. Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the embodiment of the present invention, a gaming area of ​​a multi-player gaming machine is shown, for example, a six-player gaming machine with six gaming fields 6. The skilled person will appreciate that the multi-player gaming machine may be, for example, a two-player gaming machine, a three-player gaming machine, a four-player gaming machine, a six-player gaming machine, etc. It is also possible to provide only one gaming field 6.

[0080] The entertainment machine comprises a game piece pusher 4 for each game surface 6. The game surface 6 is usually a horizontal surface on which a plurality of game pieces 3, such as marbles, and a plurality of prizes 11 are supported. If marbles are used for the game, the game surface 6 may be provided with corrugations, for example. It should be noted that the game surface 6 is not necessarily horizontal and may also be placed at a slight tilt angle. The prizes 11 are usually much larger than the game pieces 3, and there are much fewer prizes 11 than the game pieces 3, for example, less than one prize 11 for every 100 game pieces 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the prizes 11 are square, round and heart-shaped objects of different colors, and are provided with an indication of the points associated with the prizes, for example, a blue square object is associated with 5 points, a green round object is associated with 10 points, and a red heart-shaped object is associated with 15 points. The game piece pusher 4 is configured to reciprocate over the game surface 6 in the direction of the edge 16 at successive points in time to disturb the plurality of game pieces 3 and prizes 11 supported on the game surface 6. During the movement of the game piece pusher 4, one or more game pieces 3 and / or prizes 11 may fall from the edge 16 of the playing surface 6, see reference numerals 3' and 11'.

[0081] The entertainment machine includes a transport system 20 having a closed transport loop for prizes 11 and a closed loop for game pieces 3. The transport system 20 includes a sorting and discharge mechanism 68 for discharging game pieces 3' into a game piece discharge channel 121 and discharging prizes 11' into a prize discharge channel 122. The sorting and discharge mechanism 68 may be an elongated grid with a suitable mesh size so that game pieces 3' fall through the grid 68 into the game piece discharge channel 121 and prizes 11' pass through the grid 68 into the prize discharge channel 122. The grid 68 extends along the edge 16 of the playing surface 6, and the game piece discharge channel 121 is located below the grid 68. The prize discharge channel 122 is located in front of the game piece discharge channel 121 so that prizes 11' passing through the grid 68 fall into the prize discharge channel 122. Typically, the mesh size is smaller than the size of the prizes 11 and larger than the size of the game pieces 3.

[0082] The prize discharge passage 122 has an outlet connected to the prize collection position 24. The game piece discharge passage 121 has an outlet connected to the game piece collection position 164. A prize lifting module 22 (see FIG. 2 ) is provided between the prize collection position 24 and the prize feeding position 25. Figure 8), the prize lifting module 22 is configured to transport the prizes 11 collected in the prize collection position 24. When the prize lifting module 22 is in a low position, the prizes 11 dropped from the edge 16 enter the prize collection position 24. When the prize lifting module 22 is in a high position, the prizes dropped from the edge 16 can be reintroduced from the prize feeding position 25 to the game field 6. A device such as a door 5 (see also) can be provided between the outlet of the prize discharge channel 122 and the prize collection position 24. Figure 1A ) is used to temporarily block one or more prizes. The prize lifting module 22 can be as described above for Figure 5 The implementation described in the embodiment can also be achieved by combining Figure 4 The described method is implemented. A game piece lifting module 162 is provided between the game piece collection position 164 and the game piece feeding position 165, and the game piece lifting module 162 is configured to transport the game pieces 3 collected in the game piece collection position 164. The game piece lifting module 162 may include an Archimedes screw 163. The Archimedes screw 163 acts as a receiving device for receiving one or more game pieces 3, preferably marbles. The game pieces 3 are collected in the game piece collection position 164 and transported upward by the screw 163 rotating in the cylinder 161.

[0083] exist Figure 8 In an embodiment, the transport system 20 includes a guide 23, such as a sloped surface, between the prize feed position 25 and the game surface 6. The guide 23 is configured to guide the game pieces 3 and / or prizes 11 from the corresponding feed position 25, 165 to the game surface 6. However, it will be appreciated by a skilled person that the game pieces 3 and / or prizes 11 may also be dropped directly from the corresponding feed position 25, 165 onto the game surface. Optionally, a barrier device (not shown but in conjunction with the guide device) may be provided. Figure 1A The barrier device is similar to the barrier device of the present invention, for example, arranged along the guide member 23, and the barrier device is configured to temporarily stop one or more prizes 11 in its closed position and allow one or more prizes 11 to pass through in its open position. The barrier device can be controlled by the control unit 40, for example, according to one or more of the state of the game, the detection result, the player input input through the user operation device 52, the state of the prize lifting module 22, etc. The game piece 3 can be introduced upstream and / or downstream of the barrier device.

[0084] When the game piece 3 reaches the top of the game piece lifting module 162, the game piece 3 can be transported back to the playground 6 via the chute 166, which is configured to distribute the game piece 3 onto the inclined surface 23. The game piece 3 slides or rolls on the inclined surface 23 on the playground 6 through the pusher 4. Optionally, a guide 167 can be provided at a certain distance above the inclined surface 23 to ensure that the game piece 3 follows the ramp 23 when moving toward the playground 6.

[0085] One or more detection modules 12a, 12c may be arranged along the prize discharge passage 122 after the sorting and discharge mechanism 68 for detecting one or more prizes 11 in the prize discharge passage 122. A further detection module 12b may be arranged to detect prizes on the guide 23, as described above in conjunction with Figure 1A The detection modules 12a, 12b, 12c may be, for example, RFID reader modules, and the prize 11 may be, for example, provided with an RFID tag that can be read by the RFID reader modules.

[0086] Compared to the solutions of the prior art, in the third embodiment, the prizes 11 can circulate in a closed loop of the entertainment machine via the prize discharge channel 122 and the prize lifting module 22, wherein the prizes can be detected in a reliable manner. The prizes 11 are pushed over the edge 16 of the playing surface 6 together with the game pieces 3, sorted by the grid 68 and detected in the prize discharge channel 122 by one or more detection modules 12a, 12c and / or by a further detection module 12b when reintroduced into the game from the prize feed position 25, see Figure 8 .

[0087] The detection modules 12a, 12b, 12c can work in conjunction with the award module 41 of the control unit 40 to award the player a number of prize points based on the detected prize 11. After the detection modules 12a and / or 12c detect the prize 11, the prize 11 slides in the direction of the door 5, wherein the door can be opened when the prize lifting module 22 is located in the low prize collection position 24. One or more prizes 11 slide into the prize lifting module 22, and the prize lifting module 22 moves to the higher prize feeding position 25. At the higher prize feeding position 25, one or more prizes 11 can slide over the ramp 23 to the game surface 6. By moving the pusher 4, one or more prizes 11 are located on the game surface 6, and then the cycle starts again.

[0088] The game pieces 3 circulate in a closed loop through the game piece discharge channel 121, the game piece lifting module 162, and the chute 166. The game piece lifting module 162 includes a drive device (not shown) for moving the game piece lifting module 162 vertically upward from the game piece collection position 24 to the game piece feeding position 165 and back. The control unit 40 can control the drive device of the game piece lifting module 162 according to the game state, for example, as long as the player still has enough points, the drive device can be started. The game piece lifting module 162 with a screw 163 is configured to move the game pieces 3 from the game piece collection position 164 to the game piece feeding position 165 in an orderly row. A game piece counting device (not shown) can be optionally provided for counting the number of game pieces. The counted number can then be transmitted to the control module (not shown) for awarding additional points or credits to the player. An operating device 52 such as a button and a joystick can also be provided for controlling the player to add game pieces 3 via the screw 163 and the chute 166.

[0089] In an exemplary embodiment, the control unit 40 may be configured to operate the prize lifting module 22 when a predetermined number of prizes (e.g., 5 prizes) are collected in the game piece collection position 24. When the predetermined number of prizes are collected, the door 5 is closed, and the prize lifting module 22 moves upward to dispense the prizes from the prize feeding position 25 back onto the game surface 26. The control unit 40 may also be connected to an operating device 52 such as a button and / or a joystick, and may be configured to control the addition of prizes and / or game pieces based on inputs entered by the player through the operating device 52. For example, each time the player presses a button, a game piece may be added to the game surface 6.

[0090] Fig. 9 An exemplary embodiment of a prize that can be used in an entertainment machine of the present invention is shown. Prize 200 includes a transparent housing in which there is a valuable object 202 and an identification device, such as an RFID tag 201. The advantage of including the valuable object 202 in the transparent housing is that the prize can be easily manipulated within the closed loop of the entertainment machine, and the player can see the real prize. By including the RFID tag 201, the prize 202 can be identified by an RFID reader (described as a detection device 12 in various embodiments), and the player can receive a ticket indicating the prize through the payment device of the entertainment machine. Then with the ticket, the player can claim the real prize.

[0091] The skilled person will also appreciate that in addition to two platforms (playground 6 and pusher 4), more than two platforms may be provided, one or more of which are movable.

[0092] at last, Figure 61 shows a schematic perspective view of a multiplayer gaming machine intended for six players and comprising six gaming surfaces 6. The gaming machine may also be Figures 1A to 1C As described in the first embodiment, or as Figure 4 As described in the second embodiment of Figure 5 As described in the third embodiment of Figures 7 and 8 The multiplayer game machine comprises a housing with six side walls 51, the upper part of which is in each case transparent, so that the associated game field 6 is visible. The side walls 51 are usually provided with operating devices 52 for adding game pieces 3 and / or prizes 11 to the game field 6 and / or for moving an additional arm (not shown) with which the game pieces 3 can be thrown onto the game field 6. These operating devices 52 can, for example, include buttons and joysticks. Figure 5 In an embodiment, the joystick and the button can be configured to move the swing arm. A display screen 60 is also provided above each game field 6. For example, the player's points can be displayed on the display screen. In addition, when one of the detection modules 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d detects a prize, it can be displayed on the display screen. In addition, the movement of the prize through the machine can be seen on the display screen using the detection results of the detection modules 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d. A payment module 53 is also provided in each side wall 51. The payment module 53 can, for example, be configured to purchase points using a payment means.

[0093] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and the skilled person will understand that many modifications and variations are conceivable within the scope of the invention, which is only defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A push-type entertainment machine, comprising: a gaming surface supporting a plurality of gaming pieces, such as tokens or marbles, and one or more prizes, a game piece mover configured to move over the game surface at successive points in time to disturb the plurality of game pieces and the one or more prizes supported on the game surface and to enable one or more game pieces and / or prizes to fall off an edge of the game surface during movement of the game piece mover; a transport system configured to transport a prize dropped from the edge; a first detection module configured to detect a prize falling from an edge at a first location in the transport system; a second detection module configured to detect the prize at a second location in the transportation system, the second location being different from the first location; as well as A control unit is configured to receive a first detection result from the first detection module and a second detection result from the second detection module, and control the entertainment machine according to the first detection result and / or the second detection result.

2. The entertainment machine according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit is configured to generate an alarm message when a first detection result of the first detection module indicates detection of a prize and a second detection result of the second detection module does not indicate detection of the same prize within a predetermined time from the first detection result.

3. The entertainment machine according to claim 1, wherein: The transport system includes: a prize collection position, which is configured to collect at least one or more prizes that fall from the edge; a prize feeding position, which is configured to feed one or more prizes onto the game surface; and a prize transport mechanism, which preferably includes at least one of a lifting module and an Archimedean screw, and the prize transport mechanism is configured to transport one or more prizes collected in the prize collection position to the prize feeding position.

4. The entertainment machine according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit includes a reward module configured to reward a number of prize points to a player if the control unit receives a first detection result indicating detection of a prize and a second detection result indicating detection of the same prize.

5. The entertainment machine according to claim 3, wherein: The first detection module is arranged to detect prizes between the edge of the gaming surface and the prize collection location or at the prize collection location, and wherein the second detection module is arranged to detect prizes between the prize feed location and the gaming surface.

6. The entertainment machine according to claim 3, wherein: The first detection module is arranged to detect a prize at a first position between the edge of the gaming surface and the prize collection position, and wherein the second detection module is arranged to detect a prize at a second position downstream of the first position.

7. The entertainment machine according to claim 6, wherein: The second detection module is arranged to detect prizes between the edge of the gaming surface and the prize collection location or at the prize collection location; or wherein the second detection module is located in the prize transport mechanism.

8. The entertainment machine according to claim 3, wherein: The prize collection device is configured to collect one or more prizes and one or more game pieces that fall from the edge.

9. The entertainment machine according to claim 3, further comprising a sorting and discharging mechanism configured to sort and discharge one or more prizes and game pieces dropped from the edge to the prize collection position and the game piece collection position, respectively.

10. The entertainment machine according to claim 9, wherein: The first detection module is configured to detect prizes in a discharge channel between the sorting and discharge mechanism and the prize collection location.

11. The entertainment machine according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit is configured to control the transportation system based on the first detection result and / or the second detection result of the first detection module and / or the second detection module, in particular based on the number of prizes detected by the first detection module and / or the second detection module, and optionally further based on player input.

12. The entertainment machine according to claim 3, wherein: A guide is provided between the prize feeding position and the game surface, the guide being configured to guide the one or more prizes from the prize feeding position to the game surface, wherein preferably the guide is an inclined surface, wherein the second detection module is configured to detect the prizes on the guide.

13. The entertainment machine according to claim 12, further comprising a barrier device, wherein the barrier device is configured to be in a closed position or an open position, and the barrier device is arranged along the guide member to stop the movement of the prize on the guide member in the closed position and allow the prize to pass through in the open position, wherein the control unit is configured to control the barrier device based on any one or more of the detection results of the first detection module and / or the second detection module, the player input, the state of the game, and the state of the transportation mechanism.

14. The entertainment machine according to claim 3, further comprising a barrier device, which is configured to be in a closed position or an open position, and the barrier device is arranged upstream of the prize collection position to stop the movement of the prize in the closed position and allow the prize to pass through in the open position, wherein the control unit is configured to control the barrier device based on any one or more of the detection results of the first detection module and / or the second detection module, player input, the state of the game, and the state of the transportation mechanism.

15. A push-type entertainment machine, comprising: a gaming surface on which a plurality of gaming pieces, such as tokens or marbles, and one or more prizes are supported, and a game piece mover configured to move over the game surface at successive points in time to disturb the plurality of game pieces and the one or more prizes supported on the game surface and to enable one or more game pieces and / or prizes to fall off an edge of the game surface during movement of the game piece mover; a transport system configured to transport prizes dropped from the edge; The transport system includes: a prize collection location configured to collect at least one or more prizes dropped from the edge; a prize feeding location configured to feed one or more prizes onto the gaming surface; and a prize transport mechanism configured to transport the one or more prizes collected in the prize collection location to the prize feeding location; a guide disposed between the prize feeding position and the gaming surface, the guide being configured to guide the one or more prizes from the prize feeding position to the gaming surface; a detection module, the detection module being configured to detect a prize on the guide; A control unit is configured to receive a detection result from the detection module and control the entertainment machine according to the detection result.

16. The entertainment machine according to claim 15, wherein: The guide is an inclined surface.

17. The entertainment machine according to claim 15, wherein: The prize transport mechanism includes at least one of a lifting module and an Archimedean screw.

18. The entertainment machine according to claim 15, comprising another detection module configured to detect prizes between the edge and the prize collection position, wherein the control unit is configured to receive a detection result from the another detection module and control the entertainment machine according to the another detection result.

19. The entertainment machine according to claim 15, further comprising a barrier device, wherein the barrier device is configured to be in a closed position or an open position, and the barrier device is arranged along the guide member to stop the movement of the prize on the guide member in the closed position and allow the prize to pass through in the open position, wherein the control unit is configured to control the barrier device based on any one or more of the following: the detection results of the first detection module and / or the another detection module, the player input, the state of the game, the state of the transportation mechanism.

20. The entertainment machine of claim 15, wherein: The transport system also includes: a game piece collection position, which is configured to collect game pieces, and the game piece collection position is different from the prize collection position; a game piece feeding position, which is configured to feed game pieces; and a game piece transport mechanism, which is configured to transport the game pieces collected at the game piece collection position to the game piece feeding position.

21. An entertainment machine according to any preceding claim, wherein: The one or more prizes have a shape and / or size that is different from the shape and / or size of a game piece in the plurality of game pieces; and / or wherein the prize is at least twice as large as the game piece, and / or wherein the number of game pieces is at least 10 times, more preferably at least 100 times, the number of prizes.

22. An entertainment machine according to any preceding claim, wherein: The transport system is configured to circulate the one or more prizes in a closed loop.

23. An entertainment machine according to any preceding claim, wherein: The transport system is configured to circulate the plurality of game pieces in a closed loop.

24. An entertainment machine according to claims 22 and 23, wherein: The closed loop for the one or more prizes is different from the closed loop for the plurality of game pieces.

25. The entertainment machine according to claim 3 or 15, wherein: The prize transport mechanism includes a prize lifting module and a driving device, wherein the driving device is used to move the prize lifting module vertically upward from the prize collection position to the prize feeding position and back, and wherein the control unit is configured to control the driving device according to one or more of the following: the state of the game, the detection result, and the player input.

26. An entertainment machine according to any preceding claim, wherein: The transport system also includes: a game piece collection position, which is configured to collect game pieces; a game piece feeding position, which is configured to feed game pieces; and a game piece transport mechanism, which is configured to transport the game pieces collected at the game piece collection position to the game piece feeding position.

27. The entertainment machine according to claim 3 or 15 and claim 26, further comprising a sorting and discharge mechanism configured to sort the one or more prizes and game pieces falling from the edge and discharge them to the prize collection position and the game piece collection position, respectively.

28. An entertainment machine according to claim 26 or 27, wherein: The game piece transport mechanism includes a hopper module configured to move the game pieces upward in orderly rows.

29. An entertainment machine according to claim 26 or 27, wherein: The game piece transport mechanism includes an Archimedean screw configured to move the game pieces upward in an orderly row.

30. An entertainment machine according to any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein: The game piece transport mechanism includes a swing arm configured to move above the game surface and guide the game piece through the swing arm to an exit of the swing arm, the exit of the swing arm being located above the game surface.

31. An entertainment machine according to any one of claims 26 to 30, wherein: The game piece transport mechanism includes a chute, which is configured to guide the game piece to an outlet of the chute. The game piece is preferably a marble, and the outlet of the chute is close to the game surface or close to a guide leading to the game surface.

32. An entertainment machine according to claim 3 or 15 and any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The prize transport mechanism is provided with a receiving device which can be placed in a first position for receiving at least one or more prizes in the prize collection position and in a second position for dispensing at least one or more prizes in the prize feeding position.

33. An entertainment machine according to the preceding claim, further comprising operating means controllable by a player and drive means for moving the receiving means from the first position to the second position, the operating means being coupled to the drive means, optionally via the control unit.

34. An entertainment machine according to claim 3 or 15 and any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The entertainment machine is a multi-player gaming machine having a plurality of gaming surfaces, including the gaming surface, the plurality of gaming surfaces being arranged around a central area, wherein the prize collection location and the prize feed location are located one above the other in the central area.

35. An entertainment machine according to any preceding claim, wherein: The one or more prizes include a prize having a transparent housing in which an object of value and an identification device are arranged.

36. An entertainment machine according to claim 35, wherein: The identification device includes an RFID tag.

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