Coin Roulette Arcade Game Optical Scoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing arcade games lack a mechanism to accurately determine which player scores which target on a rotating playfield without external influence, and fail to provide a challenging and simultaneous multi-player experience.
Innovation Solution
A rotating playfield with circumferentially spaced holes of varying point values, a transparent housing, and optical sensors to detect coin trajectories, combined with a microprocessor to award points based on timing and proximity, allowing multiple players to participate simultaneously and adjust difficulty levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotating playfield with multiple targets is used, then the game becomes more engaging and challenging, but it becomes difficult to accurately determine which player scores which target
Solution Approach 1:
Optical sensors serve as intermediaries between the rotating playfield and the scoring system. Each sensor positioned at a target location detects when a coin passes through that specific location, providing accurate measurement of which player scored which target without requiring direct observation or manual judgment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual scoring or visual judgment with an automated optical detection system. The mechanical rotation of the playfield is combined with electronic sensors that automatically detect coin passages and trigger scoring, eliminating the need for human intervention in determining scores
2Reliability
If external influence is prevented by using a transparent housing, then game fairness is improved, but player interaction and visibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses transparent or translucent housing materials that allow light to pass through, enabling visual observation of the game mechanics while preventing physical interference. The transparency maintains game fairness by eliminating external influence while preserving player ability to observe and interact with the rotating playfield and targets
3Measurement precision
If the coin track is made narrow to guide the coin precisely, then scoring accuracy is improved, but the coin may get stuck and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The coin track is designed with varying widths along its length - narrow sections where precise guidance is needed for accurate target scoring, and wider sections where coins are deposited and where they can be easily retrieved. This local variation in track width provides both precision and reliability at different locations
4Productivity
If multiple players can play simultaneously, then game productivity is improved, but determining individual scores becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Optical sensors act as intermediaries that automatically detect and record which player's coin passes through each target location. The sensors provide unambiguous signals to the scoring system, enabling simultaneous multi-player gameplay without increasing complexity in determining individual scores
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex manual scoring procedures with automated electronic detection and recording. The optical sensors and microprocessor automatically track and attribute scores to individual players, enabling simultaneous gameplay while simplifying the scoring determination process
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
Ensures accurate scoring and simultaneous play by multiple players, eliminating external influence and increasing game difficulty through precise timing and mechanical oscillation of the coin track, enhancing player skill and luck elements.
Implementation Method 1
the track's width is narrow and sized to carry a coin or token under the influence of gravity down the track in a rolling manner
Implementation Method 2
each coin track is provided with an optical sensor disposed above the rotating playing field that detects the passage of a coin having a correct trajectory
Data Source
AI summary
An arcade game is disclosed having a rotating roulette type wheel with holes along a concentric circle of the upper face, and a coin track for carrying a coin from a player to the roulette type wheel at the position of the holes, which serve as targets. An optical sensor signals a microprocessor that a coin is entering the rotating playing field, and a second optical detector detects the nearest target and communicates a target value to the microprocessor. The microprocessor compares the timing of the coin passing through the coin track and the passage of the most proximal target, and awards the target value of the time between the two events is within a predetermined interval.