Machine-Use Tracking Switch With Mechanical Barcode Meter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pool tables lack efficient tracking of games played during free play, especially in league settings, and face issues with unauthorized use and maintenance costs due to uncontrolled free play periods, while ATMs suffer from employee theft and power loss tracking inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
An operation assembly with an electric relay, tracking device, and display assembly that tracks game play through electrical pulses, enabling precise control over game operations and payments, and includes a power storage system to prevent tripping hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If free play mode is enabled without tracking, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information occurs as game play counts and payment audits become impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual tracking methods with an automated electronic tracking system. The switch assembly electronically detects and records game play events, automatically updating the game play count stored in memory, eliminating the need for manual tracking while maintaining ease of operation during free play mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking system operates autonomously without requiring operator intervention. The switch assembly automatically detects when the ball gate is activated, the controller processes this signal, and the game play count is automatically incremented and stored, allowing the system to track usage independently during both paid and free play modes.
2Ease of operation
If door removal is used for free play access, then ease of operation is improved, but object-generated harmful factors increase due to unauthorized use and extended free play periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical door removal method with an electronic control system. The switch assembly and controller electronically manage free play access by detecting authorized events and controlling the ball gate activation, eliminating the need for physical door manipulation and preventing unauthorized use through electronic verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the switch assembly detects ball gate activation events and sends signals to the controller, which then updates the game play count and can enforce time limits. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that free play operates within authorized parameters and automatically stops when limits are reached.
3Productivity
If extensive free play is allowed, then productivity is improved through increased usage, but loss of energy increases due to excessive repair and maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking system provides continuous feedback on game play counts and usage patterns to operators. This information allows operators to monitor table utilization, identify excessive use patterns, and make informed decisions about maintenance scheduling and resource allocation, optimizing the balance between productivity and maintenance costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables operators to set predetermined time limits and game play quotas before free play sessions begin. By establishing these parameters in advance, the system can automatically enforce usage limits, preventing excessive play that would lead to premature wear and costly repairs while still allowing sufficient usage for productivity.
4Use of energy by stationary object
If power cords are run across floors to charge batteries, then use of energy by stationary object is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to tripping hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power cord from the floor environment by providing dedicated power access points integrated into the pool table structure or nearby infrastructure. This removes the hazardous floor-level cord from the play area, eliminating tripping risks while maintaining continuous power supply for battery charging and system operation.
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 effectively tracks game play and payments, reducing unauthorized use and maintenance costs, while ensuring accurate billing and minimizing power-related theft risks in ATMs.
Implementation Method 1
An operation assembly with an electric relay, tracking device, and display assembly that tracks game play through electrical pulses
Data Source
AI summary
An electro-mechanical device is disclosed. The electro-mechanical device has an electrical switch and a mechanical meter operably connected to the electrical switch. The mechanical meter includes at least one aperture. The mechanical meter includes at least one movable member having at least one of a plurality of barcodes or a plurality of characters. The at least one of the plurality of barcodes or the plurality of characters is selectively visible through the at least one aperture.