Roulette Ball Control via Opposing Ring Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing amusement machine ball game devices lack the dynamic experience of a roulette table due to a fixed number ring and non-removable ball, failing to provide the desired gaming pleasure.

Innovation Solution

A method that allows the ball to be automatically placed in a ball track and move opposite to a rotating number ring, with continuous speed reduction and synchronization at target positions, utilizing a pivotally arranged ball catch device for removal and reinsertion, and a control unit with motors and sensors for precise control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the number ring is fixed and the ball remains in the ball track, then the device structure is simple, but the gaming experience lacks roulette-specific pleasure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegaming experienceVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the number ring rotatable instead of fixed, and enabling the ball to be removed and reinserted into the ball track. This dynamic behavior mimics the roulette table experience where the ball is placed on a rotating wheel, creating the desired gaming pleasure while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through controlled movement mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the ball moves continuously in the ball track, then the device is simple to operate, but it lacks the synchronization with the rotating number ring

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveball movement controlVSAvoidsynchronization precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback control by using sensors to detect the position of the ball and the rotation of the number ring. The control unit processes this feedback information to adjust the ball's movement and synchronization timing, ensuring precise coordination between the ball's orbit and the number ring's rotation, which is essential for achieving accurate roulette-like gameplay.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Extent of automation

If the ball is automatically placed and moved, then automation is improved, but the manual removal and reinsertion capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveball placement automationVSAvoidmanual ball handling
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the ball conveyor device to serve multiple functions: it automatically places the ball in the ball track, enables manual removal of the ball by the player, and facilitates reinsertion of the ball. This multi-functional design maintains high automation for routine operations while preserving manual control capabilities when needed, balancing automation with player engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This method creates a roulette-like experience by allowing the ball to change direction and move synchronously with the number ring, enhancing user engagement through a gaming table-like feel and free ball movement.

Implementation Method 1

Below the ball track, a permanent magnet arranged on a double arm is moved parallel to the running surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

the ball can be removed from the ball track by means of a pivotally arranged ball catch device that can be actuated by an auxiliary force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2357622B1Method for operating a gaming device of an entertainment device
Publication Date: 2012.06.27 ADP GAUSELMANN GMBH
  • EP2357622B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2357622B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2357622B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The method involves activating drive units of a numeral collar (7) and a ball by a control unit such that the collar and the ball are rotated in opposite directions and an objective numeral for the ball is determined by a roulette control unit. Rotation direction and the velocity of the ball are synchronized with that of the collar when reaching a preset peripheral speed of the ball and reaching the objective numeral at the collar of the roulette control unit. A circulating twin arm with a permanent magnet is assigned to a ball guide trajectory (8) of a backlash device (5).