U.S. patent application number 13/358915 was filed with the patent office on 2012-07-26 for crane controller method and pcb.
Invention is credited to Gary Balaban, John Maurer.
Application Number | 20120190417 13/358915 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46544548 |
Filed Date | 2012-07-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120190417 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Balaban; Gary ; et
al. |
July 26, 2012 |
Crane Controller Method and PCB
Abstract
A controller provides a GUI for accessing a PCB. The controller
is used to retrieve information from the controller PCB and to also
program other information into it as well as perform diagnostics of
the game and machine. The owner of the crane machine can place an
object in the crane's claw and then enter a setup mode using the
PCB. The game will then proceed to, based on an algorithm, make its
own adjustments to properly set the strength of the crane's claw to
have the game play properly. The controller is equipped with a
wireless access point to allow the owner to remotely access and
control all of the same functions as from the controller. An owner
is able to program the value of the prize in the game along with
the desired amount of money to be collected, to maintain a
profitable win ratio.
Inventors: |
Balaban; Gary; (Old Bridge,
NJ) ; Maurer; John; (Whitehouse Station, NJ) |
Family ID: |
46544548 |
Appl. No.: |
13/358915 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61436458 |
Jan 26, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/9 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2009/2491 20130101;
A63F 9/24 20130101; A63F 2009/2407 20130101; G07F 17/3209 20130101;
G07F 17/3227 20130101; G07F 17/3223 20130101; G07F 17/3234
20130101; G07F 17/3297 20130101; A63F 2009/2488 20130101; G07F
17/3218 20130101; A63F 9/30 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/9 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method for controlling a crane machine comprising: providing a
PCB with a memory; accessing the PCB from a controller; retrieving
information from the PCB memory; programming information into the
PCB; performing diagnostics of the game and machine via the PCB;
establishing a setup mode using the PCB; making adjustments, based
on an algorithm, to properly set the strength of the crane's claw
to have the game play properly.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein, based on an algorithm, the PCB
makes its own adjustments to set the strength of the crane's
claw.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising: equipping the
controller with a wireless access point to allow the owner to
remotely to access and control the functions.
4. The method of claim 1 further comprising: providing remote
access to the controller via the Internet.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein access is provided by any mobile
electronic device with an Internet connection.
6. The method of claim 1 further comprising: programming the value
of the prize in the game along with the desired amount of money to
be collected, on average, to maintain a profitable win ratio.
7. The method of claim 1 further comprising status LEDs on the
controller to assist in diagnostics and status of physical parts of
the game itself.
8. The method of claim 1 further comprising a Hand Held Controller
Wand providing a graphical user interface (GUI) for accessing the
printed circuit board (PCB); the Hand Held Controller Wand is used
to retrieve information from the controller PCB and to program
other information into it as well as perform diagnostics of the
game and machine.
9. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of:
programming the value of the prize in the game along with the
desired amount of money to be collected, on average, to maintain a
profitable win ratio; and adjusting the crane's claw, to make it
weaker or stronger in a random fashion, to maintain these values as
a percentage.
10. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of:
providing adjustable price per play; providing the ability to set a
bonus play; providing the ability to adjustable play per credit;
providing the ability to keep track of money in and prizes out; and
providing digital music for game play via a SD memory card attached
to and accessed by the PCB.
11. A crane controller PCB device comprising: a PCB with a memory;
a controller, accessing the PCB memory; retrieving information from
the PCB memory; programming information into the PCB memory;
performing diagnostics of the game and machine via the PCB;
establishing a setup mode using the PCB; and making adjustments,
based on an algorithm, to properly set the strength of the crane's
claw to have the game play properly.
12. The device of claim 11, wherein, based on an algorithm, the PCB
makes its own adjustments to set the strength of the crane's
claw.
13. The device of claim 11 further comprising a wireless access
point connected to the controller allowing remote access and
control the functions.
14. The device of claim 13 wherein the wireless access point
provides remote access to the controller via the Internet.
15. The device of claim 14 wherein the wireless access point
provides remote access to the controller by any mobile electronic
device with an Internet connection.
16. The device of claim 11 further comprising: programming
information into the PCB memory, wherein programming the value of
the prize in the game along with the desired amount of money to be
collected, on average, to maintain a profitable win ratio.
17. The device of claim 11 further comprising one or more status
LEDs on the controller to assist in diagnostics and status of
physical parts of the game itself.
18. The device of claim 11 further comprising: a Hand Held
Controller Wand providing a graphical user interface (GUI) for
accessing the printed circuit board (PCB).
19. The device of claim 11 further comprising means for adjusting
the crane's claw, to make it weaker or stronger in a random
fashion, to maintain these values as a percentage.
20. The device of claim 11 further comprising a SD memory card
attached to and accessed by the PCB providing digital music for
game play.
Description
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0001] Not Applicable
SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM
[0002] Not Applicable
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0003] This application claims priority from U.S. Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/436,458, entitled "Crane Controller Method
and PCB", filed on 26 Jan. 2011. The benefit under 35 USC
.sctn.119(e) of the U.S. provisional application is hereby claimed,
and the aforementioned application is hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention relates generally to a crane game.
More specifically, the present invention relates to a crane game
featuring an electronic circuit board controller to properly set
the strength of the crane's claw to ensure the game play is
proper.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Many crane machines are know in the prior art. In the
current state of the prior art the owner of a machine must manually
set up the proper strength of the claw to have the game play
properly. The present invention allows the owner of the crane
machine to place an object in the crane's claw and then enter a
setup mode using a PCB. The game will then proceed to, based on an
algorithm, make its own adjustments to properly set the strength of
the crane's claw to have the game play properly.
[0006] Previously, this same adjustment has been done entirely
manually by the owner of the game by basically a series of trial
and error adjustments with two variable potentiometers. The present
invention takes the guesswork out of this critical adjustment and
saves the owner time and money.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention allows the owner of the crane machine
to place an object in the crane's claw and then enter a setup mode
using a PCB. The game will then proceed to, based on an algorithm,
make its own adjustments to properly set the strength of the
crane's claw to have the game play properly.
[0008] A Hand Held Controller provides a graphical user interface
(GUI) for accessing the printed circuit board (PCB). The Hand Held
Controller Wand is used to retrieve information from the controller
PCB and to also program other information into it as well as
perform diagnostics of the game and machine.
[0009] In an other embodiment, remote access to the controller via
the Internet is taught. The controller is equipped with a wireless
access point to allow the owner to remotely, over the Internet, to
access and control all of the same functions as from the Hand Held
Controller GUI from a PC, BLACKBERRY, IPHONE device, or other
electronic device with Internet access.
[0010] An owner is able to program the value of the prize in the
game along with the desired amount of money to be collected, on
average, to maintain a profitable win ratio. Status LEDs on the
controller are provided to assist in diagnostics and status of
physical parts of the game itself.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein an
form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention
and, together with the description, further serve to explain the
principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the
pertinent art to make and use the invention.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a flow chart illustrating the method of
controlling a crane game and PCB as taught by the present
invention;
[0013] FIG. 2a illustrates the first/title screen of the controller
GUI and the setup mode;
[0014] FIG. 2b illustrates the game counters menus as shown on the
controller GUI;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating the game counter method
of control as taught by the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the test menu method of
control as taught by the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the cash options method
of control as taught by the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating the claw options method
of control as taught by the present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 37 is a flow chart illustrating the sound option method
of control as taught by the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] In the following detailed description of the invention of
exemplary embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings (where like numbers represent like elements),
which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of
illustration specific exemplary embodiments in which the invention
may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient
detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the
invention, but other embodiments may be utilized and logical,
mechanical, electrical, and other changes may be made without
departing from the scope of the present invention. The following
detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting
sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by
the appended claims.
[0021] In the following description, numerous specific details are
set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the invention.
However, it is understood that the invention may be practiced
without these specific details. In other instances, well-known
structures and techniques known to one of ordinary skill in the art
have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the
invention. Referring to the figures, it is possible to see the
various major elements constituting the apparatus of the present
invention.
[0022] Now referring to the Figures, an embodiment of the Crane
Controller PCB is shown. In the current state of the prior art the
owner of a machine must manually set up the proper strength of the
claw to have the game play properly.
[0023] Now referring to FIG. 1, the present invention teaches a
method that set up the proper strength of the claw to have the game
play properly. In a first step an object is placed in the crane's
claw 101 and then, via a handheld controller 102, a setup mode is
entered 103. The game will then proceed to, based on an algorithm
104, make its own adjustments to properly set the strength of the
crane's claw to have the game play properly 105. An owner is able
to program the value of the prize in the game 106 along with the
desired amount of money to be collected, on average, to maintain a
profitable win ratio 107.
[0024] Now referring to 2a, the controller 201 and illustrative
display screen 202 are shown. From the main menu, a user can
restart the game controller, view the game counters, or test the
PCB system. FIG. 2b illustrates the controller with the game
counter title screen 208 of the controller 201 shown. The game
counter title screen 208 displays the number of plays 203, winds
204, cash in 205, and cash out 206. Status LEDs 209 on the
controller 201 are provided to assist in diagnostics and status of
physical parts of the game itself.
[0025] The controller 201 shown in FIGS. 2a-2b provides a graphical
user interface (GUI) for accessing the printed circuit board (PCB).
The controller 201 is used to retrieve information from the
controller PCB and to also program other information into it as
well as perform diagnostics of the game and machine.
[0026] Now referring to FIG. 3, to use the controller, a user
simply scrolls through the options by moving an arrow up and down
by pressing a button or scroll wheel and making a selection as
taught in the art for many controllers 301. Under the game counter
menu 302, the user can view lifetime statistics such as number of
plays 303, wins 304, and cash in 305 and whether money was entered
by coins or dollars 306, and lifetime money collected and winnings
paid out as a percentage 307.
[0027] Now referring to FIG. 4, from a test menu 401, the user can
test the flashers 402, gantry 403, claw 404, and stick 405, or all
system functions controlled by the PCB 406. The system returns can
return either an error code or function/no function notice 407.
[0028] Now referring to FIG. 5, the cash options 506 flow is
illustrated. When the cash options menu 501 is selected a user can
change the amount per play 502, the toy value 503, select whether
there is a New Jersey (NJ) bonus option 504, and the length of play
505.
[0029] Now referring to FIG. 6, the claw options menu 601 flow is
illustrated. In this menu the pickup percentage of the claw is set
602 as well as the claw carry percentage 603 for adjusting the claw
strength.
[0030] Now referring to FIG. 7, the sound options 701 menu flow is
illustrated. Under the sound options 701 the volume 702 can be
adjusted, attraction 703 can be set, and the sound can be turned on
or off under a play option 704.
[0031] Using the controller and PCB, the claw crane machine can be
programmed so that the prize cost is $1.00 and that it is desired
to collect $5.00 in play, on average, before a prize is won. The
game, via the PCB, will keep track of these numbers and adjust
itself and the crane's claw, to make it weaker or stronger in a
random fashion, to maintain these values as a percentage.
[0032] Other features: an adjustable price per play from
0.25-$100.00; the ability to set a bonus play as per NJ LCGGG laws
as discussed in FIG. 5 include; the ability to adjustable play per
credit; the ability to keep track of money in and prizes out; and
provide digital music for game play via a SD memory card attached
to and accessed by the PCB.
[0033] In another embodiment, remote access to the controller via
the Internet is taught. The controller is equipped with a wireless
access point to allow a user to remotely, over the Internet, access
and control all of the same functions as from the controller GUI
from a PC, BLACKBERRY, IPHONE device, or other electronic device
with Internet access.
[0034] Thus, it is appreciated that the optimum dimensional
relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variation
in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation,
assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one of
ordinary skill in the art, and all equivalent relationships to
those illustrated in the drawings and described in the above
description are intended to be encompassed by the present
invention.
[0035] Furthermore, other areas of art may benefit from this method
and adjustments to the design are anticipated. Thus, the scope of
the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their
legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.
* * * * *