Automated Game Wheel with Controlled Friction Deceleration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotating wheel systems for games of chance lack automation, making them costly and susceptible to collusion, while fully automated systems require controlled random outcomes to be acceptable to licensing authorities and appealing to players.
Innovation Solution
A rotating wheel system with a motor-driven central pulley and belt mechanism, controlled by a controller that uses friction and damping to precisely stop at a predetermined segment, simulating a random outcome while allowing user interaction through a user interface to give the impression of control, with motion and sound simulation to mimic traditional gameplay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the wheel system is fully automated with motor-driven rotation and electronic control, then operational costs are reduced and player collusion is eliminated, but the system complexity increases and licensing approval becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical spinning with an automated motor-driven system. The motor (71) rotates the game wheel (12) through a belt drive mechanism, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining the visual appearance of traditional mechanical spinning. This substitution achieves full automation and reduces operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a random number generator (RNG) to automatically determine the stopping segment without human intervention. The controller (62) manages the entire spinning process, from initiating rotation to controlling the deceleration and stopping at the predetermined segment, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for dealer involvement.
2Reliability
If the wheel system uses controlled random outcomes with predetermined stopping segments, then licensing approval is facilitated and game fairness is ensured, but the appearance of genuine randomness and player engagement may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by using a random number generator to select the predetermined stopping segment before the wheel spins. The controller then executes the spin and controls the deceleration to ensure the wheel stops at the pre-selected segment. This preliminary selection ensures game fairness while the controlled deceleration maintains the appearance of randomness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of wheel velocity dynamically during the spin. The motor controls the wheel to accelerate to a predetermined velocity, maintain it for a predetermined time, then decelerate to stop at the predetermined segment. This parameter control creates the appearance of random spinning while ensuring the outcome is predetermined and fair.
3Shape
If the pointer is made flexible to engage with pegs during rotation, then the traditional game appearance is maintained, but the precision of stopping control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The pointer is designed with flexibility to dynamically engage with the pegs during rotation, maintaining the traditional game appearance. The flexible pointer bends as pegs pass by during the spin, creating the visual effect of a real mechanical wheel. This flexibility allows the pointer to interact naturally with the pegs while the controller maintains precise control over the wheel's stopping position.
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
The system provides a cost-effective, secure, and player-appealing fully automated wheel system that ensures controlled random outcomes, reducing operational costs and player skepticism, while maintaining the traditional gameplay experience.
Implementation Method 1
A rotating wheel system is described that includes a game wheel having at least an outer face on a plane segmented into a predetermined number of distributed pie-shaped segments... A central pulley that is driven by a motor with a belt
Implementation Method 2
A pointer supported by the support structure is positioned at the top of the outer face and configured to engage the peg. The pointer is configured to flex when a peg engages the pointer with sufficient force.
Implementation Method 3
Deeleration of the game wheel to a controlled stop at the predetermined segment is controlled by preselecting a friction deceleration and a damping time constant
Implementation Method 4
Deeleration of the game wheel to a controlled stop at the predetermined segment is controlled by preselecting a friction deceleration and a damping time constant
Data Source
AI summary
A rotating wheel system includes face segments separated by posts positioned around a perimeter and a flexible pointer that interacts with the pegs as the wheel rotates. The system controls rotation of the wheel, randomly selects a segment at which to stop prior to the wheel being rotated based on a randomly selected friction deceleration and a randomly selected damping time constant, and controls rotation of the wheel to make it appear as though the wheel randomly stopped at the preselected segment. The system includes one or more player stations that are notified of the selected segment after the wheel is stopped. The system includes a second bonus wheel that is triggered when the selected segment is a trigger segment. The bonus wheel can be a physical wheel that is part of the wheel, a display that is part of the wheel, or displayed on a player station.