Method and device capable of automatically and randomly detecting hockey colors to increase game score interestingness

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device capable of automatically and randomly detecting the color of a hockey ball to increase game score interestingness, the device mainly comprises a ball serving device, an inlet detecting device, a game machine table body, an outlet detecting device and a main board device, the inlet detecting device is arranged at a ball inlet part close to a track outlet, and the outlet detecting device is arranged at a ball outlet part close to the track outlet. An inlet detection device is arranged at the position close to the ball outlet, an outlet detection device is arranged at the position close to the ball outlet, and the inlet detection device and the outlet detection device are respectively connected with the main board device in series through a signal line, so that the game machine table body can detect which colors of hockey balls are more when the hockey balls with different colors enter the ball groove at the beginning of a game. The main board device automatically sets the hockey balls with more colors to be mainly added with multiples or added scoring colors, so that when a consumer plays a game, the opportunity and interestingness of irregular scoring multiples of the hockey game machine can be increased.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method and apparatus for automatically and randomly detecting hockey ball colors to increase the scoring fun of a game. More specifically, it relates to a method that automatically and randomly sets the scoring for each game based on the color of the hockey ball that appears most frequently when it enters the game. Through the coordinated operation of an entrance detection device, a mainboard device, and an exit detection device, the game can be randomly set to award multipliers or bonuses to hockey balls of a particular color that appear most frequently when entering the game. During the game, once a hockey ball enters the ball slots on either side of the table, the exit detection device automatically detects whether the ball is the color set by the mainboard device for that game. If it is, the score is multiplied or awarded; otherwise, only 1 point is awarded. This increases the overall scoring and fun of the game, making it a unique, interesting invention that enhances the enjoyment and benefits of playing. Background Technology

[0002] With advancements in technology, increased work pressure, and heightened mental stress, people are placing greater emphasis on stress-relieving activities, especially arcade games that offer both relaxation and exercise benefits. Currently, tabletop hockey machines are popular among consumers. These machines utilize buoyancy to keep the hockey ball floating on the table, and players use a batting grip to hit the ball into the opponent's scoring area. Each successful shot into the scoring slot on one side of the machine scores one point. However, the single-color machine's one-point scoring system is gradually losing its appeal. Therefore, improving the scoring and gameplay of hockey machines, and finding ways to attract consumers' attention and interest, are areas the industry is actively seeking to address.

[0003] In view of this, the inventor, based on his many years of research and development experience in related fields, conducted in-depth research on the aforementioned deficiencies and actively sought solutions based on the aforementioned needs. After a long period of hard work and multiple tests, he finally completed this invention, which solves common shortcomings and enhances its unprecedented progressiveness and practicality. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the main objective of this invention is to provide a "method and apparatus for automatically and randomly detecting hockey ball colors to increase the fun of scoring in the game". This method determines which color hockey ball is used as the basis for multipliers or bonuses when a goal is scored in each game. An entrance detection device at the ball inlet automatically detects and counts the various colors of hockey balls entering from the track exit, transmitting the count to the mainboard device. The mainboard device then automatically determines the color of the hockey ball used for scoring in that game to determine the multiplier or bonus, thereby increasing the unique gameplay and fun of the game machine.

[0005] A secondary objective of this invention is to provide a "method and apparatus for automatically and randomly detecting the color of a hockey ball to increase the fun of scoring in a game". When hockey balls of various colors enter the ball inlet slots on the left and right sides of the game machine body, the color of the hockey ball is detected by an outlet detection device installed on the ball outlet between the inclined track device and the track. If the hockey ball is the color set by the main board device, it scores points by multiplication or bonus; otherwise, it scores only 1 point. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the operation of the present invention.

[0007] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the present invention.

[0008] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional combined state of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the action of a hockey puck entering the inlet and being detected by the inlet detection device, where it is displayed in individual colors in each lane groove.

[0010] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the action of a hockey puck entering the inlet slot on the side of the main body of the invention and being detected by the outlet detection device.

[0011] Explanation of key component symbols:

[0012] 1. Ball inlet

[0013] 101 Fairway

[0014] 102-ball slide

[0015] 2. Entry detection device

[0016] 3 motherboard devices

[0017] 301 scored 1 point

[0018] 302 times bonus

[0019] 303 signal line

[0020] 4 ball outlet

[0021] 5 Exit Detection Devices

[0022] 6-ball serving device

[0023] 601 Cross Plate

[0024] 602 orbit

[0025] 603 Track Exit

[0026] 604 Fairway Exit

[0027] 7. The main body of the arcade machine

[0028] 701 ball inlet groove

[0029] 702 orbit

[0030] 703 Inclined Track Device

[0031] 8-field hockey Detailed Implementation

[0032] In order to provide a more detailed and clear understanding of the purpose, effects and structural features of the present invention, the following preferred embodiments are described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Please refer to the following first. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, this invention is a method for automatically and randomly detecting the color of a hockey ball to increase the fun of scoring in a game. It mainly comprises a ball-launching device 6, an entrance detection device 2, a game machine body 7, an exit detection device 5, and a mainboard device 3. The steps include:

[0034] First, through the cross disc 601 in the ball-launching device 6 installed in the main body of the game machine 7, the hockey balls 8 of various colors are randomly and sequentially rotated and transmitted to the track 602 and continue upward. At this time, the hockey balls 8 of various colors will fall downward from the track exit 603.

[0035] Next, the hockey balls 8 of various colors falling down from the track exit 603 will slide into the track groove 101 through the ball inlet 1. At the same time as they slide down, they will be detected by the entrance detection device 2 set at the ball inlet 1. The entrance detection device 2 will automatically detect the color of the hockey ball 8 that has slid down, and the information of the detected color will be automatically transmitted to the main board device 3 through the signal line 303 for counting and recording.

[0036] As hockey balls of various colors 8 continuously slide down from the inlet 1, they automatically and sequentially pass over the hockey balls 8 at the bottom of the lane 101 and fill the lane 101 to the left. During this process, each hockey ball of a different color is first detected by the inlet detection device 2 located at the inlet 1 to determine its color (please refer to [reference needed]). Figure 4 As shown), the detected color information will be automatically transmitted to the motherboard device 3 via signal line 303 for counting and recording.

[0037] When all colors of hockey balls 8 stop entering the lane 101, the entrance detection device 2 will send a message to the main board device 3 indicating that there are no colors. At this time, the main board device 3 will automatically count which color has the most balls and use the number of balls of that color as the basis for setting the score multiplier or bonus of 301 for scoring in this game. If a hockey ball of a different color is scored, only 1 point will be awarded.

[0038] Once the game starts (please refer to the following) Figure 5 As shown), all the hockey balls 8 of various colors located in the ball lane groove 101 will automatically fall onto the table of the game machine body via the ball slide 102. At this time, the consumer can play the collision game and knock the hockey ball 8 into the ball inlet groove 701 on the left and right sides of the game machine body 7. The hockey ball 8 will then slide into the inclined track device 703. Due to the structure of the inclined track device 703, the hockey ball 8 will automatically stand upright regardless of the angle at which it enters and roll downwards in sequence. When it rolls into the ball outlet 4 of the track 702 and continues to roll downwards, The hockey puck 8 will roll past the exit detection device 5 located near the exit port 4. At this time, the exit detection device 5 will immediately detect the color of the hockey puck 8 and transmit the information to the main board device 3 via a signal line (not shown in the figure). The main board device 3 will then interpret the information. If the color detected by the exit detection device 5 is the color set by the main board device 3 at the beginning of the game, the score of the hockey puck that scores the goal can be multiplied or increased by 301 points. Conversely, if it is not the color set for the game, only 1 point can be scored.

[0039] Therefore, after completing the above steps, the method and device of the present invention, which can automatically and randomly detect the color of hockey balls to increase the fun of scoring, will automatically and randomly determine the score multiplied or increased when a hockey ball of a certain color is hit in each game, based on the various colors of hockey balls 8 at the ball inlet 1. This will increase the attention and interest of consumers. Since there are many hockey balls falling on the table of the game machine, consumers do not know which color hockey ball will have a scoring effect when it hits the ball inlet slot 701. This will result in a score that is different from the consumer's preconceived notions when the hockey ball 8 is hit, but rather a score that increases by multiples or more, thus bringing fun to consumers when playing.

[0040] Please refer to the following first. Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the present invention is a device that can automatically and randomly detect the color of hockey balls to increase the fun of scoring in the game. It mainly comprises a ball-serving device 6, an entrance detection device 2, a game machine body 7, an exit detection device 5, and a main board device 3. The ball-serving device 6 is installed in the rear center of the game machine body 7. The bottom of the ball-serving device 6 has a cross disc 601 that can pass hockey balls 8 of different colors into the track 602 and continuously upward. At this time, hockey balls 8 of various colors will slide from the track exit 603 to the ball inlet 1. As the hockey balls 8 of various colors continue to slide from the ball inlet 1, the hockey balls 8 of various colors will automatically and sequentially cross over the hockey balls 8 placed at the bottom layer of the lane 101 and automatically and sequentially fill the lane 101 on the left.

[0041] The entrance detection device 2 is a device capable of detecting colors. It is installed at the ball inlet 1 below the track exit 603 of the ball-serving device 6. It can detect the color of the hockey balls 8 that pass by and connect the information of the color of the hockey balls 8 to the main board device 3 via a signal line 303. At the same time, the information of the detected color will be automatically transmitted to the main board device 3 via the signal line 303 for counting and recording.

[0042] When all colors of hockey balls 8 stop entering the lane 101, the entrance detection device 2 will send a message to the main board device 3 indicating that there are no colors. At this time, the main board device 3 will automatically count the number of different colors and use the count of the color with the most balls as the basis for setting the score for the game. This will determine whether the ball with the most balls of that color will be scored with a multiplier or bonus (301) or only 1 point (302).

[0043] The game machine body 7 has a tabletop (not shown) with a ball-serving device 6 installed in the center of the rear of the machine body 7. The tabletop has a ball-entry slot 701 on each of the left and right sides. Each ball-entry slot 701 is equipped with a slanted track device 703 and a track 702 connected to the slanted track device 703. The track 702 extends rearward to a suitable position above the cross plate 601 of the ball-serving device 6, so that the hockey ball 8 entering the track 702 can automatically fall into the ball-serving device 6. This allows for automatic circulation so that hockey balls 8 of various colors can pass through the cross plate 601 again and enter the track 602 again to the ball-entry port 1 of the track outlet 603.

[0044] Export detection device 5 (please refer to the relevant documentation) Figure 5 As shown), the hockey puck 8 of various colors is located near the ball outlet 4 at the junction of the inclined track device 703 and the track 702. It can be used to detect when the hockey puck 8 of various colors rolls past the ball outlet 4. The color of the hockey puck 8 entering the ball inlet slot 701 can be detected by the outlet detection device 5 to determine whether it is the color of the hockey puck 8 that the main board device 3 has set in the game to add points or bonuses 301.

[0045] The motherboard device 3 is installed inside the game machine body 7. It can be connected in series with the entrance detection device 2 and the exit detection device 5 via the signal line 303, and can receive information on the color of the hockey ball detected by the entrance detection device 2 and the exit detection device 5 respectively.

[0046] During operation, once the game begins, numerous hockey balls 8 of various colors placed in the ball track 101 will slide down together via the ball slide 102 onto the tabletop of the game machine. The player can then engage in a knocking game, aiming to knock the hockey ball 8 into the ball inlet slots 701 on the left and right sides of the game machine body 7. The hockey ball 8 will then slide into the inclined track device 703. Due to the structure of the inclined track device 703, regardless of the angle at which the hockey ball 8 enters, it will automatically stand upright and roll downwards in sequence. Once it enters the ball outlet 4 of the track 702, it continues to roll downwards... As the hockey puck rolls downwards, it passes the exit detection device 5 set on the track 702. At this time, the exit detection device 5 will immediately detect the color of the hockey puck 8 and then transmit the information to the main board device 3 through the signal line (not shown in the figure). The main board device 3 will then interpret the information. If the color detected by the exit detection device 5 is the same as the color set by the main board device 3 at the beginning of the game, the score of the hockey puck of that color will be multiplied or increased by 301. Conversely, if it is not the color set for the game, only 1 point will be awarded.

[0047] However, the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the patent scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent structural changes made by applying the scope of the present invention and the claims are similarly included within the scope of the present invention and are hereby stated.

Claims

1. A method for automatically and randomly detecting the color of a hockey ball to increase the fun of scoring in a game, characterized in that, The steps include: Step 1: First, install the entrance detection device at the exit of the ball-serving device's track, near the ball inlet; Step 2: First, the cross disc in the ball-launching device installed in the main body of the game machine randomly and sequentially rotates and transmits the hockey balls of various colors into the track and continues upward. At this time, the hockey balls of various colors will fall down from the track exit and slide into the ball lane through the ball inlet. At the same time as they slide down, they will be detected by the inlet detection device set at the ball inlet. The inlet detection device will automatically transmit the information of the color of the hockey ball detected to the main board device through the signal line for counting and recording. Step 3: As hockey balls of various colors continue to slide down from the inlet, they will automatically pass over the hockey balls at the bottom of the lanes and fill the lanes on the left in sequence. During the process of the hockey balls of various colors filling the lanes on the left in sequence, each hockey ball of a different color will first be detected by the inlet detection device at the inlet. The detected color information will be automatically transmitted to the mainboard device for statistics and recording via the signal line. Step 4: When all the hockey balls of various colors stop entering the lane, the entrance detection device will send a message to the main board device that there are no colors. At this time, the main board device will automatically count which color has more balls and will automatically use the hockey balls of that color as the basis for setting the score for the game. The player who scores with a hockey ball of that color will only get 1 point. Step 5: Once the game begins, all hockey balls of various colors not in the lane slots will automatically fall onto the tabletop of the game machine via the ball slide. The player can then engage in a knocking game, aiming to knock the hockey ball into the ball inlet slots on the left and right sides of the machine. The hockey ball will then slide into the inclined track device, where its structure ensures that regardless of the angle at which it enters, it will automatically stand upright and roll downwards in sequence. As it rolls into the ball outlet of the track and continues rolling downwards... The hockey puck will roll past the exit detection device located near the exit point. The exit detection device will immediately detect the color of the hockey puck and transmit this information to the mainboard device via a signal line. The mainboard device will then interpret the information. If the color detected by the exit detection device is the color set by the mainboard device at the start of the game, the hockey puck that scores the goal will receive a higher score through multiplication or bonus. Conversely, if it is not the color set for the game, it will only receive 1 point. Through the above steps, during each game, the score will be automatically multiplied or increased based on the different colors of the hockey balls entering the slots. This increases the attraction of consumers and enhances their interest in playing. Since there are many hockey balls falling on the table of the game machine, consumers have no idea which color hockey ball will score points when it hits the slot. This results in a score that is different from consumers' preconceived notions, but rather a multiplier or multi-point increase in score, thus bringing more fun to consumers when playing.

2. A device for automatically and randomly detecting the color of hockey balls to increase the scoring fun of the game, mainly comprising a ball-launching device, an entrance detection device, a game machine body, an exit detection device, and a main board device. The ball-launching device is located at the rear center of the game machine body. At the bottom of the ball-launching device is a cross disc that transmits hockey balls of different colors into the track and upwards. The hockey balls of various colors slide from the track exit towards the entrance. As the hockey balls of various colors continue to slide from the entrance, they automatically and sequentially cross over the hockey balls placed at the bottom layer of the lane. The hockey pucks automatically fill the lanes on the left in sequence. The game machine body, which can accommodate the ball-launching device, is located in the rear center of the game machine body. It has a tabletop, and each of the left and right sides of the tabletop has a ball-inlet slot. Each ball-inlet slot is equipped with a sloping track device and a track integrated with the sloping track device. The track extends rearward to an appropriate position above the cross plate of the ball-launching device, so that the hockey pucks entering the track can automatically fall into the ball-launching device, so that the hockey pucks of various colors can be automatically cycled again to enter the track again through the cross plate and reach the ball-inlet of the track exit. The characteristic is: The entrance detection device is a color-detecting device installed at the ball inlet below the exit of the ball-serving device's track. It detects the color of various colored hockey balls passing by and transmits this information to the mainboard device via a signal line. Simultaneously, the detected color information is automatically transmitted to the mainboard device for counting and recording. When all colored hockey balls stop entering the lane, the entrance detection device, having detected no more balls, transmits a "no color" message to the mainboard device. At this point, the mainboard device automatically counts the number of balls of a particular color and uses this count as the scoring criterion for the game. This count determines whether scoring with the most balls of that color results in a multiplier, bonus, or only 1 point. An exit detection device is installed near the ball exit at the junction of the inclined track device and the track. It can be used to detect when hockey balls of various colors roll past the ball exit. The exit detection device can also detect whether the color of the hockey ball entering the ball entry slot is the color that the main board device has set in the game to multiply or add points. The motherboard device is located inside the game machine and can be connected in series with the entrance detection device and the exit detection device via signal cables. It can receive information about the color of the hockey ball detected by the entrance detection device and the exit detection device respectively. With the aforementioned structure, once the game begins, numerous hockey balls of various colors placed in the lane grooves will slide down together onto the tabletop of the game machine via ball slides. The player can then engage in a knock-down game, aiming to knock the hockey ball into the ball-entry slots on the left and right sides of the game machine. The hockey ball will then slide into the inclined track device, and due to the design of this inclined track device, it will automatically stand upright regardless of the angle at which it enters, and roll downwards in sequence. When it rolls into the ball-exit opening of the track... As the hockey puck continues to roll downwards, it will pass the exit detection device set on the track. At this time, the exit detection device will immediately detect the color of the hockey puck and transmit this information to the main board device through the signal line. The main board device will then interpret the information. If the color detected by the exit detection device is the one set by the main board device at the beginning of the game, the score of the hockey puck of that color will be multiplied or increased. Conversely, if it is not the color set for the game, only 1 point will be awarded.

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