U.S. patent application number 11/068703 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-31 for prize dispensing device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Frank J. Pellegrini. Invention is credited to Timothy M. Kostelancik, Frank J. Pellegrini.
Application Number | 20060194630 11/068703 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36932554 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060194630 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pellegrini; Frank J. ; et
al. |
August 31, 2006 |
Prize dispensing device
Abstract
The invention relates to systems and methods for automating
prize selection and distribution, namely in the arcade industry. In
one embodiment, a prize dispensing device is configured to be
backwards-compatible with existing redemption and amusement game
standards. In another embodiment, the prize dispensing device
comprises a plurality of chambers allowing for the automated
distribution of prizes. In yet another embodiment, the device
comprises a removable section for containing prizes allowing for
the quick replacement and restocking of prizes to be
distributed.
Inventors: |
Pellegrini; Frank J.;
(Elburn, IL) ; Kostelancik; Timothy M.; (Palatine,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BANNER & WITCOFF, LTD.
TEN SOUTH WACKER DRIVE
SUITE 3000
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Assignee: |
Frank J. Pellegrini
Elburn
IL
|
Family ID: |
36932554 |
Appl. No.: |
11/068703 |
Filed: |
February 28, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3244 20130101;
G07F 17/40 20130101; G07F 17/3262 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/025 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A prize dispensing device, comprising: an interface module that
receives ticket dispensing information; a translation module that
translates the ticket dispensing information to prize dispensing
information; and a housing for containing prizes having at least
one chamber, wherein at least one prize is dispensed from the
chamber upon receiving prize dispensing information.
2. The prize dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the translation
module further comprises a controller to determine which available
prize to distribute based on a user's performance.
3. The prize dispensing device of claim 2, wherein the controller
further determines the amount of time the chamber dispenses a
prize.
4. The prize dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the housing
comprises at least two chambers for encasing prizes and an adapter
plate having at least one opening, the plate being in movable
communication with a distal end of the chamber; wherein upon
receiving information relating to prize dispensing the adapter
plate is positioned so that an opening is aligned with one of the
chambers, thereby dispensing at least one prize.
5. The prize dispensing device of claim 4, wherein the adaptor
plate is in rotational communication with the housing.
6. The prize dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the ticket
dispensing information comprises pulses.
7. The prize dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the ticket
dispensing information comprises information obtained from counting
notches in the tickets.
8. A method for dispensing prizes, the method comprising the steps
of: (a) retrofitting a machine having a ticket dispensing device
with an interface module that receives ticket dispensing
information from the machine; (b) translating the ticket dispensing
information to prize dispensing information; and (c) dispensing at
least one prize, wherein the prize dispensed is determined by the
prize dispensing information.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the interface module is
configured to fit onto the ticket dispensing device.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein fitting the interface module
onto the ticket dispensing device prevents the dispensing of
tickets.
11. A computer-readable medium having computer-executable
instructions for performing steps comprising: (a) receiving ticket
dispensing information; (b) translating the ticket dispensing
information to prize dispensing information; (c) analyzing the
prize dispensing information to determine which prize to dispense;
and (d) causing the dispensing of at least one prize based upon the
prize dispensing information.
12. The instructions of claim 11, further comprising the steps of:
(e) detecting the presence of a ticket dispensing device on a
machine; and (f) if a ticket dispensing device is present,
disabling the dispensing of tickets.
13. The instructions of claim 11, further comprising the step of:
(e) comparing the prize dispensing information with an inventory to
determine if a first prize is available, wherein if the first prize
is unavailable, a second prize is dispensed.
14. The instructions of claim 11, further comprising the steps of:
(e) comparing the prize dispensing information with an inventory to
determine if user is eligible for more than a single prize; and (f)
allowing the user to select which prize the user is eligible to
receive, wherein the selected prize is dispensed.
15. A prize dispensing device comprising: an interface module that
receives information relating to ticket dispensing; a translation
module for translating the ticket dispensing information to prize
dispensing information, the translation module comprising
computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions to
determine which available prize to distribute based on a user's
performance; and a housing for containing prizes having at least
one chamber, wherein at least one prize is dispensed from the
chamber upon receiving prize dispensing information.
16. The prize dispensing device of claim 15, wherein the housing
comprises at least two chambers for encasing prizes and an adapter
plate having at least one opening, the plate being in movable
communication with a distal end of the chamber; wherein upon
receiving information relating to prize dispensing the adapter
plate is positioned so that an opening is aligned with one of the
chambers, thereby dispensing at least one prize.
17. A gaming apparatus comprising: a housing, the housing
comprising a control unit having computer-readable medium having
computer-executable instructions; a display device in communication
with the control unit and configured to an output from the
computer-executable instructions; a user interface configured to
allow a user to provide a user input; a ticket dispenser configured
to dispense tickets; an interface module that receives ticket
dispensing information from the ticket dispenser; a translation
module that translates the ticket dispensing information to prize
dispensing information; and a housing for containing prizes having
at least one chamber, wherein at least one prize is dispensed from
the chamber upon receiving prize dispensing information.
18. The gaming apparatus of claim 16, wherein the interface module
prevents the ticket dispenser from dispensing tickets.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to redemption devices in the arcade
industry. More specifically, aspects of the invention relate to
systems and methods for automating prize selection and
distribution.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Generally, ticket dispensers are used wherever tickets can
be used as a means for exchange of goods and/or services. One
popular field for using tickets and ticket dispensers is the field
of arcade games. Players of amusement games, such as arcade and
redemption devices, can win tickets based on a final score or goals
associated with a game. The tickets can be redeemed for prizes
offered at the arcade.
[0003] Historically, tickets were manually counted by an arcade
employee. More recent systems have replaced manual tabulation with
a "ticket eating" mechanism. Generally, an operator manually
inserts tickets into a machine that counts the tickets. The tickets
are quantified by a physical feature on the tickets. For example,
in some systems, each ticket has a notch that is counted as it is
inserted, yet in more modem systems the tickets have more complex
identifying mechanisms, such as a bar code. Upon being counted the
tickets are destroyed and the user is issued a receipt for the
number of inserted tickets that may be presented to redeem
prizes.
[0004] These systems still require the presence of an employee to
insert the tickets into the machine and to issue a voucher for the
tickets to the consumer, thereby not reducing costs of producing
and stocking the tickets and employee work time. While some modem
arcade games have replaced the ticketing system with a prize
delivery system, the majority of amusement games on the market
still utilize the ticket system to distribute a prize to a player.
It goes from the foregoing, therefore, there exists a need for an
automated prize dispensing system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In one embodiment, a prize dispensing device is configured
to be backwards-compatible with existing redemption and amusement
game standards. In another embodiment, the prize dispensing device
comprises a plurality of chambers allowing for the automated
distribution of prizes. In yet another embodiment, the device
comprises a removable section for containing prizes allowing for
the quick replacement and restocking of prizes to be
distributed.
[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a prize dispensing
device in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a prize dispensing
device in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram for a method of dispensing
prizes in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary prize dispensing housing
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 5 illustrates an arcade-style game having an exemplary
prize redemption device according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a prize dispensing
device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
configured to be connected to existing machines and convert ticket
dispensing information to prize dispensing information. The device
100 comprises an interface module 102 that receives information
relating to dispensing tickets. The interface module 102 may be
configured to receive an input from existing ticket dispensing
redemption games. For example, existing redemption or amusement
games may reward a user by dispensing tickets in accordance with
the user's performance. Several existing redemption games utilizing
tickets having notches wherein the notches on the tickets trigger a
quantifying mechanism during distribution to ensure an accurate
distribution of tickets. The interface module 102 of one embodiment
of the present invention is configured to be coupled with the
existing infrastructure of the gaming apparatus wherein tickets are
not dispersed but rather the quantified notches are tallied as
points. In other existing redemption games, tickets may be
dispensed in accordance with the number of pulses received. In
embodiments designed for configuration with these redemption games,
the interface module 102 is configured to count the number of
pulses. In yet further embodiments, the interface module 102 is in
communication with existing third-party arcade-style games that are
not equipped with ticket-distributing capabilities. The interface
module 102 may be configured to communicate with the game
concerning the user's performance, such as for example, the highest
score received, the hardest level accomplished or the amount of
time playing the game.
[0012] The prize dispensing device also comprises a translation
module 104 for translating the ticket dispensing information to
prize dispensing information. The translating process performed in
the module 104 depends on the embodiment. For example, if the
interface module 102 is coupled to a redemption game that sends
pulses as ticket dispensing information, the translation module 104
will quantify the pulses and convert the information into
information relating to which prize is appropriate to dispense. The
translation module may further comprise a controller 106 for
controlling the prize distribution process. The controller 106 may
comprise a memory and/or an electronic media device for storing and
executing computer readable information or an algorithm to
determine which available prize to distribute based upon the user's
performance. For example, a sample program could be configured to
not dispense a prize when no signal is received or when a value
under a predetermined limit is received. Different values could be
assigned to the dispensing of different prizes. For example, one
possible computer-executable instructions may comprise an algorithm
concerning dispensing prizes where a first prize would dispense if
the value received from the translation module 104 was between a
value of zero (0) and a predetermined value (Y), whereas a second
prize of greater value would dispense upon the translation module
104 sending a value that is between Y+1 and a second predetermined
value (Z).
[0013] In yet other embodiments, the controller 106 may be
configured to determine the duration of time the chambers are open,
and thus the number of dispensed prizes. For example, a final value
calculated at the translation module 104 may signal the
distribution of prizes for a fixed amount of time. This may be
useful in the distribution of small prizes such as candy, where the
amount of candy distributed is a function of the time. Optionally,
the amount of an opening exposed during distribution may be
controlled by the controller 106, and may be a function of the
amount of points received the by user. For example, an input
signaling 10 points may reveal a passageway for the distribution of
candy that is only a fraction of a passageway that may be created
for an input received signaling 20 points.
[0014] While the exemplary embodiment has separate interface and
translation modules, it is within the scope of the invention to
have one module that acts as an interface and translation module.
Yet in further embodiments, there are multiple interface and/or
translation modules for connecting a plurality of amusement games
to the prize dispensing device that may have different ticket
dispensing configurations.
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a prize dispensing
device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The
device 200 comprises computer-readable medium having
computer-executable instructions 202, wherein the instructions
relate to the distribution of prizes based upon a ticket dispensing
input. The ticket dispensing input is received in at least one
ticket dispensing input interface (204, 206). Multiple interfaces
may be used, for example, an interface to receive a pulse input
204, may be used on the same device with an interface to receive
notch input 206. This configuration would be especially
advantageous where multiple gaming devices having different ticket
dispensers are in communication with the prize dispensing
device.
[0016] The exemplary embodiment utilizes controls (208, 210, 212)
and optionally displays (214, 216, 218) to adjust the number of
prizes dispensed from the device as well as to adjust the computer
readable instructions relating to dispensing the prizes. For
example, using the above example where a first prize would dispense
if the value was between a value of zero (0) and a predetermined
value (Y), whereas a second prize of greater value would dispense
upon the translation module 104 sending a value that is between Y+1
and a second predetermined value (Z), the user could determine the
values for Y and Z. For example, to configure the instructions to
dispense a first prize if the ticket value was between zero (0) and
five (5), the user would use control 208 to input to the processor
202 that the user is adjusting the value for the first prize. In
the exemplary embodiment, display 214 would display a "1". The user
would then use control 210 to set the first range (zero), which may
displayed on display 216. Similarly, using control 212, the user
may set the second range for the selected prize to dispense, which
will be displayed in display 218. While the illustrate embodiment
utilizes controls (208, 210, 212) where the user presses buttons to
raise or lower the displayed range, other embodiments may use a
dial or even an electronic mechanism to adjust the range of tickets
needed to dispense the selected prize. Indeed, any user input
interface that may be configured to adjust the range of dispensed
tickets is contemplated by the invention.
[0017] The processor 202 is also in communication with at least one
prize dispensing mechanism (220, 222, 224), wherein based upon an
input from a ticket dispensing input interface 204, 206, the
processor 202 determines which prize dispensing mechanism is
activated. The prize dispensing mechanism may be configured to
mechanically dispense a prize, such as for example through a motor
driver (226, 228, 230), an electronic interface (232, 234, 236), or
a combination thereof. The prize dispensing mechanism may also
comprise an inventory display 238 that registers the number of
prizes dispensed for each prize dispensing mechanism.
[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram for a method of dispensing
prizes in a system according to one embodiment of the present
invention. In the exemplary method, ticket dispensing information
is first received (step 302). This step may be performed by
interface module 102 or other suitable means. Optional step 304 may
also determine the presence of a ticket dispenser in the system,
wherein the ticket dispenser may optionally be disabled at step
306. Upon receipt of ticket dispensing information, step 308
translates the ticket dispensing information to prize dispensing
information. Step 308 may be performed by translation module 104,
or other suitable means known in the art. Step 310 analyzes the
prize dispensing information to determine the appropriate prize to
be dispensed. An optional step, such as step 312, may be
incorporated to ensure the appropriate prize is present in the
inventory. This may be done for example by coordinating inventory
display 308 with the dispensing process. Upon the determination
that the appropriate prize chosen in step 310 is not available,
step 314 may determine another prize to distribute. This
determination may be based on a myriad factors including, but not
limited to past user selection, monetary value, or size of the
prize. Alternatively, step 316 may be included to determine if the
prize dispensing information indicates multiple prizes are
available. If multiple prizes are available to a user, step 318 may
be initiated to allow the user to select the prize to be dispensed.
After a user selection of a prize, step 320 will dispense the
chosen prize. If step 316 is not incorporated, step 320 then
distributes the appropriate prize chosen at 310 or 312. The prize
may be dispensed from housing as illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary prize dispensing housing,
such as housing 108, according to one embodiment of the present
invention. The illustrated redemption housing 400 comprises a
plurality of associated chambers 402, 404 for housing prizes. In
one embodiment, the chambers are cylindrical to prevent lodging of
the encased prizes, however, other configurations are contemplated
in the present invention. For example, the distribution of boxed
prizes may require the use of rectangular chambers. In further
embodiments of the invention, each chamber is of a different
configuration to allow the distribution of multiple prizes of
different dimensions. The chambers 402, 404 may further be
partially encapsulated by a housing 406 (not shown). The housing
406 may serve to minimize theft or wear and tear on the chambers.
In further embodiments, a protective housing 406 is in rigid
communication with the chambers 402, 404 and may include a handle
or other carrying mechanism to allow the efficient removal and
transfer of the chambers. Alternatively, a band or series of bands
may encompass and/or bind the chambers 402, 404. In one
contemplated use of the prize dispensing device 400, proximate
portion of the chambers 402, 404 are in communication with an
adapter plate 408. The adaptor plate may allow the use of chambers
having multiple configurations to be utilized, or adapter plate 408
may be configured to ensure only the appropriate chambers having
prizes of a known value may be fitted to the device.
[0020] In yet further embodiments, the device may include a
plurality of adapter plates to be configured to receive a plurality
of different configurations of chambers. The adaptor plates may
have a plurality of openings for the distribution of prizes. For
example, adapter plate 408 has two substantially round openings. In
use, chambers 402 and 404 are aligned with an adapter plate, for
example plate 408, wherein the openings of the adapter plate are
aligned with chambers 402 and 404 such that prizes within the
chambers will be distributed upon the alignment of the openings
with the chambers.
[0021] In one embodiment, dispensing the prize, such as for
example, alignment of the chamber (i.e., 403) with an adaptor plate
(i.e., 408) may occur through the translation module 104, wherein
the translation module 104 will receive an input from the interface
module 102 that is in communication with a redemption game, wherein
the translation module 104 will send information to align at least
one opening of adapter plates, the opening being dependant on the
information received. For example, an opening under chamber 102 can
be aligned through the translation module 104 upon the winning or
selection of a prize worth 1 point and whereas an opening under
chamber 104 will align upon the selection of a prize worth 2
points.
[0022] In other embodiments, multiple adapter plates can be in
communication with a plurality of chambers, each holding a prize of
the same value. In such embodiments, prizes of similar value but of
different shapes and/or sizes may be restocked without the concern
of mixing with prizes of greater or lesser value. In these
embodiments, the adapter plates may be notched, grooved, or
otherwise configured to only accept pre-determined chambers that
are shaped to house prizes of a known value. In other embodiments,
the translation module interface 104 may receive an input to
automatically trigger an opening based upon the performance of the
user of a redemption game. In yet another embodiment, a user's
performance will enable the user to determine which opening is
triggered, thus dispensing a desired prize.
[0023] In yet other embodiments, the duration of time the openings
are triggered, and thus the number of dispensed prizes, is
determined by the optional controller 106 associated with the
translation module 104. For example, the controller may be
configured to permit an input through the translation module 104
signaling 10 points to trigger an opening to distribute prizes for
20 seconds, but an input signaling 20 points may trigger for 5
seconds. Optionally, the amount of opening exposed during
distribution may be a function of the amount of points received the
by user. This may be useful in the distribution of small prizes
such as candy. For example, an input signaling 10 points may
trigger an opening to reveal a passageway for the distribution of
candy that is only a fraction of a passageway that may be created
for an input received signaling 20 points.
[0024] While the embodiments have been described in relation to an
adapter plate aligning with a chamber to release prizes, what has
been described above is merely illustrative of the application of
the principles of the invention. Indeed, the present invention is
not limited to adapter plates having opening, but may be applied to
a broad application of housings that may dispense prizes. Those
skilled in the art can implement other systems, configurations,
arrangements, and methods without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention.
[0025] An exemplary prize redemption device configured for use with
an arcade-style game in FIG. 5. The arcade video game 500 includes
a control unit 505, a user controller 510, and a display 515.
Within this cabinet, the user controller 510 and the display 515
are connected to the control unit 505. A central processing unit
520 in the control unit 505 may execute any gaming program stored
on a hard disk 525, or other storage media, to create a visual
representation on the display 515. The central processing unit 520
may also execute user-defined instructions stored in a random
access memory 530. During game play, the user controller 510 is
operated by a user to cause the control unit 505 to vary the visual
representation on the display 515. Optionally, the configuration
may include additional input/output sources (see, e.g. 535), such
as, for example, LAN, WLAN, or interfaces, as known in the art. The
video game 500 may also comprise a ticket dispenser 540 for
dispensing tickets based upon a user input received at the user
controller 510 or input/output source 535. A ticket dispensing
device interface module 545 is in communication with the ticket
dispenser 540. The exemplary ticket interface module 545 is encased
in the video game 500, however, it may be external or integrated
within another housing. The interface module 545 may be similar or
identical to interface module 102. The interface module 545 may
further be associated with a translation module 104 and controller
106 for dispensing of prizes based upon ticket dispensing
information.
[0026] While the exemplary arcade-style game has a separate ticket
dispensing device and interface module, it is within the scope of
the invention to have one module that acts as a ticket dispensing
device, an interface module and a translation module. Yet in
further embodiments, there are multiple interface and/or
translation modules for connecting a plurality of amusement games
to the prize dispensing device that may have different ticket
dispensing configurations.
* * * * *