Game System with Peg Board and Prize Dispenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional slot machines require real money to play and offer limited prize variety, making them unsuitable for areas with gambling restrictions and less appealing to players seeking non-monetary rewards.
Innovation Solution
A game system featuring a peg board with deflector pegs and exits, where players drop objects to potentially win prizes from a dispenser, which can include drinks or other items, depending on the exit the object passes through.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional slot machines use real money as prizes, then the gaming experience is simple and straightforward, but the appeal is reduced in areas with gambling restrictions and for players seeking non-monetary rewards
Solution Approach 1:
The gaming system is divided into separate functional modules: object introducer, peg board with deflector pegs, detectors at multiple exits, and prize dispenser. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple prize types through a standardized detection and dispensing mechanism, resolving the contradiction between prize variety and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The prize dispenser is designed to dispense multiple types of prizes (drinks, snacks, toys) through a single unified system. The detector system universally identifies object exits, and the prize dispenser universally dispenses different prize categories, enabling the system to provide diverse non-monetary rewards without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional slot machines use a single prize type (money), then the system is simple to operate, but the gaming experience becomes repetitive and less engaging
Solution Approach 1:
The gaming system automatically detects which exit the object reaches and autonomously dispenses the corresponding prize without requiring player input. This self-service mechanism maintains ease of operation (player simply drops the object) while enabling prize variety through automated detection and dispensing based on object position.
3Productivity
If the game system provides multiple prize options based on object position, then player engagement increases, but the system complexity increases due to multiple detectors and prize mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
Different exits on the peg board are assigned different prize types based on their local characteristics (position, difficulty to reach). Detectors at each exit locally detect object arrival and trigger corresponding prize dispensing. This local quality approach allows the system to provide differentiated prize experiences without requiring a completely centralized complex control 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
The game system provides an engaging, money-free gaming experience with varied prizes, addressing the limitations of traditional slot machines by offering a fun and rewarding alternative.
Implementation Method 1
an object introducer attached to the peg board and located above the deflector pegs, wherein the object introducer is configured to receive an object and drop the object onto the deflector pegs
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of deflector pegs attached to the peg board and oriented substantially horizontally... wherein one of the exits receives the object traversing over the peg board and deflected by the deflector pegs
Implementation Method 3
a detector coupled with a first prize exit of the plurality of exits and configured to generate a first winning signal when detecting the object traversing through the first prize exit
Implementation Method 4
the dispense portion is signally coupled with the detector and configured to dispense the predetermined prize to free fall after receiving the first winning signal from the detector
Data Source
AI summary
A game system according to the present disclosure includes a playfield and a prize dispenser. The playfield includes a peg board, a plurality of deflector pegs attached to the peg board, a plurality of exits located below the deflector pegs, and a detector coupled with a first prize exit and a second prize exit. The detect generates a first winning signal when detecting the object traversing through the first prize exit and a second winning signal when detecting the object traversing through the second prize exit. The prize dispenser includes a dispenser portion coupled with a prize source and configured to dispense a first prize after receiving the first winning signal from the detector and a second prize after receiving the second winning signal from the detector.