Amusement Machine Crane Game Thermal Printer Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional claw crane machines have a low success rate due to factors like player skill, depth perception, and machine configuration, and they lack flexibility in prize dispensing and payout control, leading to inefficiencies and waste in ticket and coupon distribution.
Innovation Solution
A coin-operated amusement device combining a crane game with a thermal printer that allows players to play multiple games, including a traditional crane game, a game of chance with flashing lights, and a simulated slot machine, with adjustable winning percentages and payouts, and the thermal printer dispenses tickets or coupons that can be redeemed online or locally, reducing waste and increasing relevance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional crane game is used, then players can attempt to pick up prizes, but the success rate is low due to player skill and depth perception limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera system and image processing unit as intermediaries between the player and the crane mechanism. The camera captures real-time images of the play area, and the image processing unit analyzes depth and distance, providing augmented reality overlays that guide the player's aiming and timing, thereby compensating for human limitations in depth perception and skill
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical crane control system with an integrated digital system that uses camera capture, image processing, and display technology. This substitution transforms the manual skill-based operation into a system-assisted operation where digital processing enhances the player's ability to successfully pick up prizes
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional ticket dispensing is used, then prizes can be distributed, but there is waste and lack of flexibility in ticket and coupon distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic prize dispensing system where the type of prize awarded (physical prize, ticket, or coupon) is determined in real-time based on game outcomes and player choices. The system can dynamically adjust what is dispensed from the prize mechanism, allowing flexible distribution of different prize types without waste from pre-printed unused tickets
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines and dispenses the appropriate prize type without requiring manual intervention or pre-prepared tickets. The prize mechanism itself serves the function of both storage and intelligent dispensing, reducing waste by only producing or releasing prizes that are actually awarded
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple games are combined in one machine, then player engagement increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a unified control system and shared hardware platform that can support multiple different game modes. The same camera system, image processing unit, and prize mechanism serve multiple game functions, allowing the machine to offer variety without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the game software into modular components that can be independently configured and activated. Different game modes are implemented as separate software modules that share common hardware resources, allowing easy addition or removal of game types without redesigning the entire system
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 multiple game options, reduces operator service time, and allows for targeted and flexible coupon printing, increasing revenue streams by promoting local business partnerships and minimizing waste.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal printer for dispensing tickets or coupons
Data Source
AI summary
Coin operated amusement device including a crane game, a game of chance, and a simulated slot machine in combination. The Amusement device also includes a credit card swipe component for accepting payment. The credit card swipe component can also accept and player cards commonly issued by casinos and other merchants for playing machines in their locations for payment and storing or crediting winnings. The amusement device also includes a thermal printer for generating and printing tickets for location/retailer specific coupons or other awards that can be used at the location, online, or with other merchants in a specific area.