U.S. patent application number 10/381581 was filed with the patent office on 2004-02-26 for amusement machine.
Invention is credited to Crompton, Gordon James.
Application Number | 20040036224 10/381581 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 9900149 |
Filed Date | 2004-02-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040036224 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Crompton, Gordon James |
February 26, 2004 |
Amusement machine
Abstract
A coin pusher amusement machine with a playfield 2, coin pusher
4 and win chute 21 is provided with a robotic arm 5 for taking
items from reservoir 6 and placing them as desired on the playfield
2 and/or in the win chute 21.
Inventors: |
Crompton, Gordon James;
(Kent, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
William M Lee Jr
Barnes & Thornburg
P O Box 2786
Chicago
IL
60690-2786
US
|
Family ID: |
9900149 |
Appl. No.: |
10/381581 |
Filed: |
March 26, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
September 25, 2001 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB01/04279 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/454 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3297
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/454 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/30 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 26, 2000 |
GB |
0023562.2 |
Claims
1. An amusement machine comprising: a playfield; a coin projection
device for projecting coins onto the playfield; a coin pusher which
is moveable relative to the playfield; a reservoir; and a robotic
arm for automatically picking up and dispensing objects from the
reservoir onto the playfield, the robotic arm being provided with a
grabber at its distal end for picking up objects and releasing
them.
2. An amusement machine according to claim 1 further comprising a
plurality of play stations each located in front of a corresponding
section of the playfield, wherein the robotic arm is arranged to
deliver objects to any of the sections of the playfield.
3. An amusement machine according to claim 2 wherein the robotic
arm is mounted above the reservoir, the playfield is located around
the reservoir and a plurality of play stations each including a
separate win chute and coin input are provided around the periphery
of the playfield.
4. An amusement machine according to any preceding claim wherein
the robotic arm is pivotally mounted on a substantially vertical
pivot axis and includes at least two joints allowing flexing of the
arm about a substantially horizontal axis.
5. An amusement machine according to any preceding claim further
comprising a win chute located at the periphery of the playfield
wherein objects falling down the chute are accessible from outside
the amusement machine.
6. An amusement machine according to any preceding claim further
comprising a controller that is triggered by a predetermined event
to control the robotic arm to pick up an object from the reservoir
and deliver it to a predetermined location.
7. An amusement machine according to any preceding claim wherein
the coin pusher is eccentrically mounted for rotation relative to
the playfield.
8. An amusement machine according to claim 7 wherein the coin
pusher is an eccentrically mounted disc.
9. An amusement machine according to any of claims 1 to 6 wherein
the coin pusher reciprocates across part of the playfield to
disturb the distribution of the coins on the playfield surface.
10. An amusement machine according to claim 9 wherein the coin
pusher is a moveable stage mounted above and adjacent to the
playfield.
11. An amusement machine according to any of claims 1 to 6 wherein
the coin pusher comprises a rod and stage movable relative to each
other.
12. An amusement machine according to any preceding claim wherein
the coin pusher is rotatable around a substantially vertical
axis.
13. An amusement machine according to any preceding claim wherein
the playfield is rotatable around a substantially vertical
axis.
14. An amusement machine according to any preceding claim
comprising two or more coin pushers.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to amusement machines, in
particular to an amusement machine of the coin pusher type.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Coin pusher amusement machines are well known. Such machines
include a horizontal playfield on which a large number of coins are
distributed. The pattern of coins on the playfield is periodically
disturbed by a coin pusher, which may be in the form of a movable
stage which periodically sweeps across part of the playfield
surface. Coins are pushed to the edge of the playfield and some may
be pushed over the edge into a "win chute". From this they pass
into a receptacle and may be recovered by the user of the machine,
or may otherwise trigger the release of a prize or reward for the
user. The user is able to introduce additional coins onto the
playfield via coin slots or other conventional means. The object of
the user of the machine is to introduce additional coins onto the
playfield surface with the hope that a larger number of coins will
be pushed over the edge into the win chute. In such conventional
machines the playfield is stationary and the coin pusher is
moveable over the playfield surface. This is a highly competitive
field for which there is a continual need to develop games which
will keep the user interested and result in more of these amusement
machines being sold.
[0003] GB 2226766 discloses a coin pusher amusement machine having
a vertically extending tube for depositing one of a stack of
cylindrical boxes on a play area. However, this arrangement lacks
flexibility, both in that the tube only delivers cylindrical boxes
and in that the tube only deposits the boxes in one location.
STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is
provided an amusement machine comprising a playfield, a coin
projection device for projecting coins onto the playfield, a coin
pusher which is moveable relative to the playfield, a reservoir and
a robotic arm for automatically dispensing objects from the
reservoir onto the playfield.
[0005] The term "robotic arm" is used in the present specification
to refer to a controlled arm of the type used, for example on
industrial robots, and should not be understood to require any form
of artificial intelligence on the part of the arm controller.
[0006] In the present invention, a user may cause coins to be
projected from the coin projection device onto the playfield either
directly or indirectly. The robotic arm automatically dispenses
objects, such as coins or prizes, onto one of more of the
playfield, coin pusher and win chute (see below) in response to
some predetermined event such as a win or a random event which, for
example, may occur when the number of coins on the playfield
increases beyond a threshold amount. This predetermined or random
event introduces a further element of chance and surprise into this
form of amusement machine.
[0007] The coin pusher may co-operate with the playfield, in use,
to alter the distribution of coins on the playfield surface,
whereby some of the coins are pushed over an edge of the playfield
surface.
[0008] A win chute may be provided to catch coins or prizes falling
off the edge of the playfield. The win chute may be directly
accessible by the user; alternatively, coins, tokens or other items
falling into the win chute may cause corresponding coins, tokens
and items to be provided to a user from a separate supply.
[0009] Thus, in some instances the coins are passed through a
hopper before being paid to the user or may trigger the release of
a prize. There may be openings provided on the playfield surface
itself leading to chutes to enable coins to be retained within the
machine either to fill up hoppers which may be recovered by the
user or directed to a cashbox. The coin pusher surface may also be
part of the playfield surface and support coins in play.
[0010] By using a robotic arm it is possible to pick up and deliver
objects not merely to a single predetermined location but to any of
a number of locations, for example including different locations on
the playfield or into the win chute. The objects may have a variety
of different shapes and sizes. The arm may be controlled by an arm
controller that may be reprogrammed easily without requiring a new
machine.
[0011] The amusement machine may include a number of play stations
to allow a number of users to play at the same time. The play
stations may be arranged around the playfield in a square, hexagon,
circle, or any other convenient arrangement. This allows a number
of players to play together on the amusement machine. The
flexibility of the robotic arm allows objects to be moved from a
reservoir to the playfield in a location in front of any of the
play stations rather than requiring separate supplies for each play
station. Objects may be provided randomly to the playfield or the
location to which the robotic arm delivers the item may be
determined as required. For example, the robotic arm may distribute
objects to locations on the playfield corresponding to a play
section where a large number of credits have been input.
[0012] The robotic arm may be moveable in multiple directions, with
both rotational and pivotal movement. The robotic arm may be a
multiple jointed arm. The arm may be mounted on a central
substantially vertical pivot axis at its and have at least two
joints. The joints may allow movement about substantially
horizontal axis. Alternate arrangements are possible. For example,
the arm may be mounted on a track to provide motion along the
track, or include a telescopic component. The distal end of the arm
may be provided with a grabber, preferably hinged to the arm. It
should be noted that the grabber preferably reliably picks up
objects and places them where required, in contrast to the grabbers
of crane-type prize dispensing games which are often arranged to
provide some element of chance.
[0013] The robotic arm may conveniently be mounted above the
reservoir. In embodiments, the playfield underneath and/or around
the reservoir and a number of play stations each with a coin input,
win chute and any other required controls may be provided at the
periphery of the playfield.
[0014] Preferably, the coin pusher and playfield are moveable
relative to each other. The playfield may be moveable and the coin
pusher may be stationary.
[0015] The reservoir may be a single central reservoir, or hopper,
visible to player so that the players can see which prizes may be
won. The use of a robotic arm delivery system permits an open
hopper of attractive shape to be used, since there is no need for
the hopper to itself incorporate a delivery system.
[0016] In the context of this specification, the term "coins"
should be understood as including any similar discs, tokens, medals
or the like.
[0017] In a preferred example, the amusement machine comprises a
coin pusher eccentrically mounted for rotation relative to the
playfield. Preferably, the coin pusher is an eccentrically mounted
disc. Eccentric mounting of the coin pusher means that the shape of
the peripheral coin-pushing edge of the coin pusher constantly
changes, so that the distribution of coins on the playfield is
disturbed, coins are gradually urged by the coin pusher towards a
peripheral edge of the playfield and, occasionally, depending on
the amount of coins on the surface, some coins will be pushed over
a edge of the playfield.
[0018] In another preferred example, the amusement machine
comprises a horizontal playfield and a coin pusher which
reciprocates across part of the playfield to disturb coins
distributed on it. Preferably, the coin pusher is a coin pusher box
or a moveable stage mounted above and adjacent to the
playfield.
[0019] In yet another preferred example, the amusement machine
comprises a coin pusher having a rod and a stage moveable relative
to each other, wherein the periodic movement of the rod and/or the
stage across the playfield disturbs coins on the playfield.
[0020] The amusement machine of the present invention may be a
multi-player game where the playfield is divided into different
sections to allow a number of users to play the game.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] Examples of the present invention will now be described in
detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0022] FIG. 1 is an example of an amusement machine in accordance
with the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a simplified side elevation of an amusement
machine according to the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control mechanism for the
robotic arm according to the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 4 is another example of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a further example of the present invention;
and,
[0027] FIG. 6 is a further example of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] The coin pusher amusement machine shown in to FIG. 1
includes a cabinet I within which a rotatable circular playfield 2
having a flat horizontal upper surface and defined by a peripheral
edge. As will be described below, coins are distributed on the
upper surface of the playfield.
[0029] The machine may be adapted for use by, for example, up to
six players when housed in a hexagonal cabinet (not shown) or up to
eight players. A play station 16 is provided for each player, on
each side of the cabinet, around the periphery of a corresponding
section 12 of the playfield 2. A coin projection device 3 is
present on each play station 16 for the projection of coins by the
users onto the playfield 2 surface. The coin projection device
comprises a coin firing mechanism, a coin insert 20 and may also
comprise a playfield stop button. There is also a coin pusher 4
positioned above the playfield and a robotic arm 5 positioned above
the coin pusher. Coins are introduced through coin slot 20 on each
play station 16.
[0030] FIG. 2 is a side elevation showing a coin pusher 4
positioned above and adjacent to the playfield 2 which is moveable
with respect to the playfield 2. When the coin pusher 4 moves the
distribution of the coins on the playfield surface is altered.
There is a robotic arm 5 positioned above the coin pusher 4 which,
in response to a predetermined or random event, automatically
dispenses a coin or prize onto the playfield. The coins or prizes
are held in a reservoir, in the form of a central bowl 6. Suitable
predetermined events which trigger the movement of the robotic arm
include random events such as a win or the detection that the
number of coins on the playfield has increased above a
predetermined threshold level.
[0031] The robotic arm can operate in a number of axes. It can
rotate through 360 degrees about a vertical axis 18. The arm is
split into two members which are pivotally hinged about joints 19
and each member may be controlled independently and hence provide a
plurality of positions. The movement is controlled by stepper
motors, which extend or retract the arm into the position
required.
[0032] The addition of coins onto the playfield 2 by the user
together with the movement of the coin pusher 4 and playfield 2 may
cause some coins or objects to be pushed over the edge of the
playfield into a win chute 21 and these coins may either trigger
the release of a prize or the user may be able to obtain these
coins directly. Additionally, the user may obtain a prize dispensed
onto the playfield by the robotic arm 5 if a predetermined/random
event dispenses a prize onto the playfield and subsequently pushed
over the edge of the playfield 2 or if the prize is placed directly
into the win chute 21.
[0033] Coins introduced into slot 20 may be directly directed by
coin projection device 3 onto the playfield 4. Alternatively,
insertion of a coin into slot 20 may cause another coin or coins to
be introduced onto the playfield 4.
[0034] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the control mechanism for the
robotic arm. There are a defined number of sections 12 to the
amusement machine, the number of sections 12 dependant on the
number of players the amusement machine is designed for and each
section 12 has a respective play station 16 control board 11. The
control boards 11 can receive an external signal 12 which results
in the activation of the robotic arm controller 13 to provide
controlled movement of the robotic arm grabber 15. The external
signal which initiates the arm into action may be generated by a
counter which detects the number of coins on the playfield. Such an
external signal may also include a series of lights or light tower
visible to the user, which may light up according to the amount of
coins entered or randomly flash at different sections. If a coin is
entered when a particular section is illuminated, this will
activate the control board for that particular section and hence
the robotic arm controller 13 may cause the robotic arm 5 to
deliver a prize from the reservoir 6 to the playfield 2 in that
section. In an alternative method a switch may be activated by, for
example, a coin passing through an aperture or by directly hitting
a moving target. This sends a signal to the robotic arm controller
13 via control board 11 for that section 12 and initiates the arm
into action for that particular section.
[0035] FIG. 4 is directed to a further embodiment of the invention
where the coin pusher is a movable stage 7 which reciprocates
across the playfield surface and periodically sweeps across the
playfield 2 and depending on the distribution of coins on the
playfield occasionally coins will be swept off the playfield
surface 2 into the win chute.
[0036] FIG. 5 is directed to a further embodiment of the present
invention wherein the coin pusher is an eccentrically mounted disc
8 positioned above and adjacent to the playfield 2. The disc 8 is
rotatable with respect to the playfield 2 and due to the eccentric
mounting of the coin pusher the distribution of the coins on the
playfield constantly changes and coins are pushed to the peripheral
edge of the playfield. Depending on the amount of coins on the
playfield surface some of these coins may be pushed over the edge
into a win chute. The embodiment of FIG. 5 has six sections 12 and
accordingly six play stations in contrast to the four play stations
of FIG. 1.
[0037] FIG. 6 is directed to a further embodiment of the present
invention wherein the coin pusher is a rod 9 and stage 10 moveable
relative to each other and positioned above the playfield 2. The
coin pusher reciprocates across the playfield and depending on the
distribution of the coins on the coin pusher and playfield coins
are occasionally pushed over the edge of the playfield and into the
win chute.
[0038] The invention is not intended to be limited to the
arrangements of the above embodiments, which are provided purely by
way of example. In particular, the use of the term "coin" is not
intended to refer only to coins that may be used as legal tender,
but as mentioned above the term is intended to include tokens,
medals, discs, or other shapes, whether flat or three dimensional.
Furthermore, where only a single component is described it will be
appreciated that in general a plurality of such components may be
provided, and the use of the term "a", singular nouns and singular
verbs are not intended to exclude the plural.
[0039] Coins introduced into slot 20 may be directly directed by
coin projection device 3 onto the playfield 4. Alternatively,
insertion of a coin into slot 20 may cause another coin or coins to
be introduced onto the playfield 4.
[0040] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the control mechanism for the
robotic arm. There are a defined number of sections 12 to the
amusement machine, the number of sections 12 dependant on the
number of players the amusement machine is designed for and each
section 12 has a respective play station 16 control board 11. The
control boards 11 can receive an external signal 12 which results
in the activation of the robotic arm controller 13 to provide
controlled movement of the robotic arm grabber 15. The external
signal which initiates the arm into action may be generated by a
counter which detects the number of coins on the playfield. Such an
external signal may also include a series of lights or light tower
visible to the user, which may light up according to the amount of
coins entered or randomly flash at different sections. If a coin is
entered when a particular section is illuminated, this will
activate the control board for that particular section and hence
the robotic arm controller 13 may cause the robotic arm 5 to
deliver a prize from the reservoir 6 to the playfield 2 in that
section. In an alternative method a switch may be activated by, for
example, a coin passing through an aperture or by directly hitting
a moving target. This sends a signal to the robotic arm controller
13 via control board 11 for that section 12 and initiates the arm
into action for that particular section.
[0041] FIG. 4 is directed to a further embodiment of the invention
where the coin pusher is a movable stage 7 which reciprocates
across the playfield surface and periodically sweeps across the
playfield 2 and depending on the distribution of coins on the
playfield occasionally coins will be swept off the playfield
surface 2 into the win chute.
* * * * *