Gaming Apparatus Pneumatic Ball Shuffling for Jackpot Determination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gaming apparatus for chance games, such as lotteries, are inefficient in generating jackpots in a single step and lack the psychological thrill for players and viewers, requiring manual intervention and lengthy procedures for consecutive games.
Innovation Solution
A gaming apparatus with a larger number of balls and a computer-controlled system that automatically shuffles and separates balls to determine jackpot values, allowing for multiple game selections and record-keeping, with features like pneumatic air flow and adjustable post movement for varied game experiences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual jackpot units are created consecutively one at a time using known apparatus, then the game is exciting, but the game duration becomes lengthy
Solution Approach 1:
The jackpot creation process is segmented into multiple independent phases: initial ball shuffling phase, separation phase where balls are divided into groups, and reading phase where jackpot values are determined. This segmentation allows the system to create multiple jackpot units simultaneously rather than sequentially, reducing overall game duration while maintaining randomness through controlled phase transitions
Solution Approach 2:
Balls are pre-shuffled and pre-positioned in the container before the actual jackpot determination begins. The system performs preliminary randomization of all balls, then uses controlled air flow to separate them into groups that will form the jackpot. This preliminary action ensures randomness is established before the final jackpot values are read, maintaining reliability while enabling faster execution
2Reliability
If manual intervention is used to operate the apparatus for each jackpot unit, then the procedure can be controlled, but the operation becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is equipped with automatic control systems including air flow control mechanisms and timer devices that autonomously manage the ball shuffling, separation, and jackpot determination processes. The system self-regulates air pressure and flow duration to achieve consistent randomization and separation results without manual intervention, maintaining reliability through programmed control sequences
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with automated control systems. Electronic controllers manage air flow valves, timing sequences, and ball separation mechanisms. This substitution eliminates the need for operators to manually intervene for each jackpot unit while maintaining precise control over the randomization and determination processes through electronic regulation
3Reliability
If the apparatus is configured for public presentation of jackpot generation, then transparency is achieved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent container is divided into distinct visible zones: a main shuffling chamber where balls are randomized, separation regions where balls are divided into groups, and display areas where jackpot values are shown. This spatial segmentation allows each functional phase to be visually observed independently, maintaining transparency while organizing the complex process into manageable, observable segments
Solution Approach 2:
Air flow acts as an intermediary medium that enables ball movement and separation while remaining invisible to observers. The controlled air current randomly moves balls during shuffling and separates them into groups during the determination phase, providing the mechanical action needed for jackpot creation without adding visual complexity to the transparent display
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
Enables faster and more thrilling jackpot creation with automated processes, reducing manual intervention and allowing for diverse game options, enhancing player engagement and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Pressurised air flow makes the balls move within the space at random... air flow under increased or decreased pressure within said tube presses a random ball present in the vicinity of the opening of the tube
Data Source
AI summary
Gaming apparatus including balls for a game of chance with a housing having at least a partly transparent space with balls. Each individual ball indicates one unit of jackpot value and the number of balls is higher than the number of units making up a jackpot. It further includes at least one tube for blowing in pressurized air to the space, a control unit, a member for the creation of air flow under pressure and a member for raising and sinking of posts. The bottom of the space is provided at least in one part with at least one recess, so that all static balls always lie in a group within the recess. Vertically movable posts with a bearing on the top for only one ball are located within the recess. Air flow blown into the space moves the balls at random and after air flow is discontinued, balls stop in groups in the recess at the bottom, the posts are raised and each selects one ball, the value units of which make up each jackpot.