Multi-Player Claw Machine With Unified Coin Slot Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-layer claw machines require players to carefully identify and insert coins into specific slots corresponding to individual prize spaces, making it inconvenient for multiple players to operate simultaneously and reducing player interest.
Innovation Solution
A multi-player claw machine design with a unified coin slot connected to a single coin acceptor, featuring multiple controllers and claw units corresponding to separate prize spaces, allowing simultaneous operation by multiple players through a central processing unit that manages playable values and claw unit movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple coin slots are provided corresponding to each prize space, then players can insert coins into specific slots for individual prize spaces, but it increases manufacturing costs and makes operation inconvenient for multiple players
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple coin slots into a single unified coin slot, and multiple coin acceptors into a single coin acceptor. This consolidation allows multiple players to insert coins simultaneously into one slot without needing to identify specific slots for different prize spaces, thereby improving ease of operation while reducing device complexity and manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The single coin slot and coin acceptor serve multiple functions by accepting coins from multiple players for different prize spaces simultaneously. The system universally handles coin insertion for all four prize spaces through one integrated interface, eliminating the need for dedicated coin slots for each prize space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If four separate controllers are provided for each prize space, then each player can control a specific claw unit, but it increases device complexity and manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple controllers into a single integrated controller that can selectively control different claw units. Instead of providing four separate controllers, one unified controller with multiple selection modes allows multiple players to operate simultaneously, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability for multi-player gameplay.
Solution Approach 2:
The single controller serves multiple functions by being able to control any of the four claw units corresponding to different prize spaces. This universal controller design allows the system to support multiple players simultaneously without requiring separate dedicated controllers for each prize space.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-player claw machine includes a coin slot, a first controller, a second controller, a third controller, and a fourth controller. The first controller has a first joystick configured to actuate a first claw unit. The second controller has a second joystick configured to actuate a second claw unit. The third controller has a third joystick configured to actuate a third claw unit. The fourth controller has a fourth joystick configured to actuate a fourth claw unit. The coin slot is connected to a coin acceptor. The coin acceptor is able to generate a playable value. Any one of the first controller, the second controller, the third controller and the fourth controller can be actuated to play a game.