Arcade Game RFID Prize Tracking Rotary Reader
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Solution Overview
Problem
Crane-style arcade games face challenges in efficiently and economically managing various types of prizes, particularly with the degradation and loss of ticket-based prizes, which require frequent replacement.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an enclosed prize chamber with RFID-tagged prizes and a rotary unit that reads and records point values, allowing prizes to be stored within the game housing and preventing user access, ensuring accurate tracking and minimizing prize loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tickets are provided as physical prizes for players to collect and redeem, then players can accumulate and redeem tickets for prizes, but the tickets can be lost, stolen, or misplaced and require frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical tickets with RFID tags that contain digital copies of ticket information. The RFID tags are attached to prizes instead of giving physical tickets to players, eliminating the problems of loss, theft, and misplacement while maintaining the ticket redemption functionality through electronic tracking and validation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If physical tickets are handled by users and stored outside the machine, then players can collect and redeem tickets, but the tickets degrade quickly and require frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical handling of physical tickets with an electronic RFID system. RFID tags are read by scanners when prizes are dispensed, and ticket information is stored and validated electronically, eliminating physical degradation while maintaining flexible ticket collection and redemption capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If an RFID reader is positioned to read tags on captured prizes, then accurate tracking of prize values is achieved, but the reader may not read all tags if prizes are not properly positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotary mechanism that periodically rotates to bring different portions of captured prizes into the reading position of the RFID reader. This rotational movement ensures that all RFID tags on prizes are sequentially positioned near the reader, guaranteeing complete and accurate reading of all prize values regardless of initial prize orientation.
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
This solution enhances prize management by preventing ticket loss, maintaining prize integrity, and automating point tracking, thereby reducing operational costs and increasing player engagement through secure and efficient prize handling.
Implementation Method 1
An RFID reader associated with the opening in the floor reads the RFID tag on a captured prize as the captured prize is moved past the RFID reader
Implementation Method 2
The motor is configured to rotate the hub assembly and the one or more arms to move the captured prize about the rotary table
Implementation Method 3
a sloped portion of the rotary guide base configured to funnel a captured prize to the aperture
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A crane-style arcade game has an enclosed prize chamber wherein the prizes comprise RFID tags with assigned point values, an RFID reader reads the RFID tag on a captured prize as the captured prize is moved past the RFID reader. A recording device is connected to the RFID reader to record the assigned point values of the RFID tags of captured prizes read by the RFID reader. A rotary table mechanism is used to move a captured prize past the RFID reader and then to a storage area below the enclosed prize chamber.