Automated Marble Race Obstacle Control for Variable Outcomes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional marble race systems are inefficient for regulated betting operators due to high manual work, repetitiveness, and unpredictability, lacking a controlled environment for frequent and varied gaming events.
Innovation Solution
A marble race system with controlled obstacles using actuators to generate variable obstacle forces, allowing for automated and frequent marble races with adjustable conditions, enabling betting opportunities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional marble race systems are used, then manual work is required for organizing races, but this increases operational complexity and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-organized marble races through automated obstacle control. The control unit automatically adjusts obstacle positions and forces based on pre-programmed scenarios, allowing the race to organize itself without manual intervention. This transforms the manual race organization process into an autonomous system that executes races based on stored configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control of obstacles with an automated control system. Instead of physically adjusting obstacles by hand, the control unit uses actuators to automatically position and adjust obstacles based on electronic control signals, substituting mechanical manual operation with electromechanical automation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional marble race systems are used, then races are repetitive with fixed conditions, but this reduces betting interest and engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces dynamic obstacle control where obstacle positions, forces, and configurations can be adjusted in real-time during races. The control unit can modify obstacle parameters dynamically based on race progress, creating varied and unpredictable race conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability transforms static, repetitive races into adaptive, engaging events with changing scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying obstacle forces, positions, and configurations through the control unit. Different race scenarios can be programmed with distinct parameter sets, allowing the same physical track to produce diverse race conditions by changing control parameters rather than physically rebuilding the track.
3Reliability
If conventional marble race systems are used, then outcomes are too random with little control, but this makes it difficult to provide meaningful betting opportunities
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor race progress and adjust obstacle forces accordingly. By sensing marble positions and race conditions, the system can modulate obstacle forces in response to real-time events, creating a controlled feedback loop that balances randomness with predictability. This allows betting operators to control outcome probabilities while maintaining engaging variability.
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
Provides a controlled environment for frequent marble races with variable outcomes, enhancing betting interest and efficiency by automating race organization and outcome prediction.
Implementation Method 1
the obstacle is configured to subject the marbles to an obstacle force, wherein the obstacle comprises an actuator for generating the obstacle force
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The invention relates to automated real-life events, e.g. performed with a marble race system. The marble race system comprises an obstacle with an obstacle force which can be controlled between a plurality of non-zero settings. The marble race system can e.g. hold completely automated marbles races based on a plurality of control parameters. The automated real-life event can be visualized to a user, wherein prior to the start of the automated real-life event a plurality of information parameters can be shown to the user, being based on the control parameters.