Air Hockey Puck Color Detection for Randomized Bonus Scoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air hockey game machines with single-colored pucks and fixed scoring of 1 point per goal lack excitement and engagement, failing to attract consumer interest.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism that automatically and randomly determines a dominant puck color for multiplication or addition scoring by integrating entrance and exit detection devices with a motherboard to enhance game fun, using a puck serving device to randomly distribute colored pucks and detect their colors for scoring adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If air hockey game machines use single-colored pucks with fixed scoring of 1 point per goal, then the game structure is simple and easy to operate, but the game becomes boring and loses consumer attraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the scoring system changeable and unpredictable. The dominant color is randomly determined at the start of each round, and the detection devices randomly identify whether scored pucks match the dominant color. This dynamic scoring mechanism (1 point for non-matching, 3 points for matching) transforms the static game into an exciting, variable experience that maintains consumer attraction while preserving operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the scoring parameter dynamically based on puck color detection. Instead of a fixed 1-point scoring system, the patent introduces variable scoring (1 or 3 points) based on whether the scored puck matches the randomly determined dominant color. This parameter change enhances game excitement and consumer attraction while maintaining the simplicity of the basic game operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If air hockey game machines introduce multiple colored pucks with random color detection and variable scoring, then game fun and consumer interest are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical scoring mechanisms with optical detection devices and electronic control. Instead of using mechanical systems to track and score pucks, the patent employs detection devices that optically identify puck colors and an electronic control system that automatically applies the appropriate scoring (1 or 3 points). This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while enhancing game fun through random color detection and variable scoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically determine the dominant color, detect scored puck colors, and calculate scores without human intervention. The detection devices and electronic control work autonomously to identify matching pucks and apply the correct scoring multiplier, reducing the need for manual scorekeeping and simplifying the overall system operation despite the enhanced scoring mechanics.
3Adaptability or versatility
If air hockey game machines implement automatic color detection and random dominant color selection, then scoring variability and game enjoyment are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing detection devices and electronic control systems that can handle multiple functions: determining the dominant color, detecting scored puck colors, identifying matches, and calculating variable scores. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be multiple separate systems into integrated components, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining the desired scoring variability and game enjoyment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical detection to create a digital copy or representation of the puck color information. Instead of physically tracking each colored puck through the game, the detection devices capture optical signals from the pucks and convert them into detectable data. This copying mechanism simplifies the manufacturing requirements by replacing complex physical tracking systems with lighter optical and electronic components that can accurately identify puck colors and enable variable scoring.
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
Enhances game enjoyment by providing unexpected score multipliers or adders, increasing overall scores and maintaining consumer interest through unpredictable scoring outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
This type of game machine uses air buoyancy to make the air hockey pucks float on the tabletop
Implementation Method 2
the exit detection device can automatically detect whether the color of the entered puck is the dominant color set by the motherboard device
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for automatically and randomly detecting the color of hockey pucks to enhance the fun of gaming and scoring includes: a ball serving device, an entrance detection device, a game machine main body, an exit detection device, and a motherboard device; at the puck entrance portion near the track exit of the puck serving device, a puck entrance detection device is installed; at the connection point between the inclined track device and the track inside the puck entrance slot holes on the left and right sides of the tabletop of the game machine main body, i.e., at the position near the puck exit portion, an exit detection device is installed; and both the entrance detection device and the exit detection device are connected to the motherboard device through a signal wire.