Amusement Prize Identifier With Gravity-Oriented RFID Tag Reading
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Solution Overview
Problem
The gaming industry faces challenges in attracting younger players who are accustomed to skill-based amusement games, as traditional slot and video poker machines are less engaging, and there is a need for gaming devices that ensure fairness and reliability to avoid player dissatisfaction and regulatory issues.
Innovation Solution
A gaming device incorporating an amusement-type prize collection mechanism with a movable claw or crane, equipped with an RFID tag in a spherically-shaped container to ensure reliable reading, and a prize collection detector using optical sensors and RFID readers to accurately identify and award prizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional slot and video poker machines are used, then the gaming device is simple and reliable, but player engagement is low and the device cannot attract younger players
Solution Approach 1:
The gaming device is divided into separate functional modules: a prize collection mechanism (crane/claw system), an RFID identification system, and a prize verification system. This segmentation allows the device to incorporate complex interactive elements while maintaining reliability through modular design, where each component can be independently optimized and verified.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical slot reels and video poker hands with an RFID-based identification system. Instead of relying on mechanical randomness, the system uses RFID tags on prizes combined with optical sensors and RFID readers to verify prize collection, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while enhancing player engagement through skill-based interaction.
2Ease of operation
If skill-based gaming is implemented to attract younger players, then player engagement improves, but the risk of malfunction and unfairness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates multiple feedback mechanisms: RFID readers continuously monitor for tags in the prize collection area, optical sensors detect the presence and orientation of prizes, and the system provides real-time feedback to players about their progress and successful collections. This feedback loop ensures fairness by verifying each action and providing transparent confirmation, reducing the risk of malfunction perception.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary verification actions before prize distribution. The RFID reader and optical sensor system perform preliminary checks to ensure the correct prize is collected and properly oriented before the game concludes. This preliminary action prevents unfair outcomes by verifying conditions in advance, maintaining reliability while preserving skill-based engagement.
3Measurement precision
If RFID tags are fixed in prizes, then the identification system is simple, but the tag cannot be reliably read if the prize orientation is unknown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic positioning of the RFID tag within the prize container. Instead of a fixed tag position, the container is designed to rotate or reposition the tag automatically during the collection process. This dynamic mechanism ensures the tag assumes an optimal reading orientation relative to the RFID reader, improving identification accuracy without requiring complex manual positioning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The prize container is designed with a spherical or cylindrical geometry that allows the RFID tag to rotate freely within the container. This curved geometry ensures that regardless of the container's initial orientation, the tag can assume a horizontal or optimal reading position, thereby improving RFID read reliability while maintaining simple container design.
4Measurement precision
If optical sensors and RFID readers are used for prize detection, then prize identification is accurate, but the system complexity and potential for malfunction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is designed with multi-functionality where the optical sensors and RFID readers serve multiple purposes: detecting prize presence, verifying prize orientation, confirming prize collection, and providing player feedback. This universal approach improves detection accuracy while reducing overall system complexity by consolidating multiple functions into a single integrated detection subsystem.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances player engagement through skill-based gameplay while ensuring fair and reliable prize distribution, addressing the limitations of traditional casino-style games by integrating a reliable prize identification system.
Implementation Method 1
The RFID tag container has a spherically-shaped interior which allows the RFID tag to slide or rotate to a horizontal position under the force of gravity, regardless of the orientation of a prize with which the container, and thus the RFID tag, is associated.
Implementation Method 2
an RFID reader configured to read the RFID tag when the prize is moved to the prize collection area and the RFID tag is in the reading position
Implementation Method 3
The prize collection area may include an optical sensor configured to detect the presence of the prize on the tray
Data Source
AI summary
An amusement-type prize-play device includes a housing which defines a prize area for containing prizes for winning as a result of play of the device, at least one prize comprising a container and an RFID tag movably disposed in the container so as to assume a reading position within the container regardless of an orientation of the prize. The device further includes a prize collection area, a moveable prize play mechanism for use in attempting to capture at least one of the prizes and move the prize to the prize collection area, a player input device including a device for receiving input from a player to control said movable prize play mechanism, and an RFID reader configured to read the RFID tag when the prize is moved to the prize collection area and the RFID tag is in the reading position.