Multi-Ball Roulette Wheel Launch Timing to Prevent Ball Collisions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roulette systems face challenges in launching multiple balls simultaneously without interference, leading to invalidated outcomes when subsequent balls attempt to land in the same pocket as a prior ball.
Innovation Solution
An automated roulette wheel system with a stationary rim and ball launcher that launches balls at offset times to ensure they circulate at different heights, using sensors to measure initial rotation velocity and adjust launch times to prevent collisions, and incorporates a movable cone to store balls in sub-pockets to maintain independent outcomes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple balls are launched simultaneously into the same annular track, then the number of selections per game cycle increases, but ball collisions occur causing invalidated outcomes
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the single annular track into multiple separate annular tracks, allowing multiple balls to circulate independently without colliding. Each track functions as an independent channel for ball circulation, eliminating interference between balls while maintaining simultaneous operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a two-dimensional single track to a three-dimensional multi-track structure with vertical stacking. Balls are launched at offset times to circulate at different heights (vertical dimension), allowing simultaneous circulation without collision while maintaining statistical independence of outcomes.
2Speed
If balls are launched at the same time, then game speed increases, but subsequent balls may land in the same pocket as prior balls
Solution Approach 1:
The system measures the initial rotation velocity of each launched ball and uses this information to calculate and adjust subsequent launch times. This preliminary measurement and adjustment ensures that balls are launched at offset times, allowing them to circulate at different heights and land in different pockets, preventing interference while maintaining high game speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors ball circulation and uses sensor data to adjust launch parameters in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures that even with simultaneous launches, balls maintain proper spacing and do not interfere with each other's pocket landing, preserving both speed and outcome validity.
3Reliability
If manual ball launching is used to prevent collisions, then ball interference is reduced, but game efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses automated ball launchers that measure initial rotation velocities and self-adjust launch times based on real-time conditions. This self-regulating mechanism maintains reliable collision prevention through multiple tracks and offset timing without requiring manual intervention, preserving both reliability and high game cycle efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical ball launching with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors to measure ball velocities and electronically adjusts launch timing. This substitution eliminates human reaction time limitations while maintaining precise collision prevention through the multi-track system with offset launches.
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
Ensures fair and uninterrupted gameplay by preventing ball collisions, allowing multiple balls to be launched simultaneously while maintaining statistical independence and enhancing game variety through various game types and lighting features.
Implementation Method 1
a ball launcher configured to launch one or more balls onto the automated roulette wheel
Implementation Method 2
friction between the roulette ball and the annular track and gravity cause the ball to lose momentum
Implementation Method 3
friction between the roulette ball and the annular track and gravity cause the ball to lose momentum. Upon losing sufficient momentum, the roulette ball exits the annular track and falls on to the roulette wheel
Implementation Method 4
sensors to measure initial rotation velocity and adjust launch times
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-Ball roulette gaming systems and apparatuses are disclosed. A gaming apparatus may include an automated roulette wheel, a ball launcher configured to launch a plurality of roulette balls onto the automated roulette wheel at a specified time during a roulette gaming event, a standalone cabinet, a plurality of player stations positioned around the standalone cabinet, and a controller operating the roulette wheel, the ball launcher, and a roulette gaming event, based on communications with the plurality of player stations. The standalone cabinet may include a top surface supporting the automated roulette wheel and a hollow interior portion housing the ball launcher. The play stations may each include a display providing an interactive graphical user interface.