Virtual Attendant Midway Game With Projectile Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The need for human attendants in midway-style games increases operational costs and introduces reliability issues due to labor availability and fidelity concerns, necessitating a solution for attendant-free game machines.
Innovation Solution
An electronic game machine equipped with sensors and a virtual attendant system that automates gameplay administration, including projectile detection, payment processing, and interactive guidance, eliminating the need for human oversight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If human attendants are used to administer midway-style games, then game administration and oversight are reliable, but operational costs increase and labor availability becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The game machine is equipped with sensors, displays, and automated control systems that enable it to administer itself without human attendants. The system automatically tracks player attempts, validates game actions, manages payments, and dispenses prizes, making the machine self-sufficient in performing all administrative functions previously requiring human labor.
Solution Approach 2:
Human attendants are replaced with an automated electronic system comprising sensors, microprocessors, displays, and control circuits. This mechanical-to-electronic substitution eliminates the need for human labor while maintaining reliable game administration through automated detection, validation, and control mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If human attendants are hired to oversee games, then player guidance and rule enforcement are maintained, but labor costs and staffing reliability issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
An automated virtual attendant system serves as an intermediary between the game machine and players. This electronic mediator provides player guidance, explains rules, validates actions, and enforces game protocols through displays, audio outputs, and sensor-based detection, replacing the human intermediary role while reducing operational complexity.
3Productivity
If automated sensor systems are implemented to detect player attempts, then labor costs are reduced, but system complexity and initial investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
Manual monitoring by human attendants is replaced with automated sensor systems that detect player attempts, track projectiles, and validate game actions. The sensor network, integrated with microprocessors and control circuits, automatically records and processes game data, eliminating the need for human labor while managing system complexity through integrated electronic architecture.
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 cost-effective and reliable operation of midway-style games by accurately tracking player attempts, providing interactive gameplay, and reducing labor dependency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor array configured to detect interruptions in a detection area located between the counter section and the target cabinet
Data Source
AI summary
An attendant-free midway-style electronic game machine. The game machine may be configured to detect when a projectile has been actuated towards the target. An electronic controller in electronic communication with said detector, may be configured to automatically end a game play session once a predetermined number of said game projectiles have been detected as having been actuated by a user toward said target. And, a virtual attendant display is provided, in electronic communication with a game controller, to greet and instruct and interact with players in playing the game.