Abstract:
A pachinko-style game wherein one or more game pieces are invisibly directed to traverse a predetermined winning or non-winning path. Unlike traditional random pachinko games, the present invention only appears to be random. By strategically subjecting a magnetic game piece to magnetic forces, the game piece can be controlled such that a prize award is known prior to releasing the game piece into a field of game barriers. Translatable magnets adjacent an underside of a game surface allow an unlimited number of paths to be created by raising and lowering alternate magnets in different combinations. In the manner described, the results of the present invention may be regulated and therefore placed into casino environments.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a method of predetermining the results of maze-type games, including pachinko and pinball, while retaining the appearance of complete randomness. More particularly, magnetic forces allow a game operator to predefine a path that one or more game pieces will travel thereby allowing exact win/loss percentages to be calculated in advance of game play. Based on the ability to predefine win/loss percentages, the present invention may be used as a primary or secondary gaming machine or as an amusement type game. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
     With the proliferation of gambling in the United States and foreign jurisdictions, there is an increased desire for the creation of new entertaining games. Over the years pachinko has been a popular wagering and amusement game. Pachinko involves dropping a ball into an at least partially vertical playing surface having pins extending therefrom. The pins alter the path of the ball until the ball eventually falls into one of a plurality of slots at the bottom of the playing surface. The slots have assigned values indicating what a player has won when a ball falls into that particular slot. If practiced correctly, conventional pachinko game outcomes are random and odds can be calculated from standard distribution and/or long trials. 
     By way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,016,879 (the &#39;879 Patent) describes a plurality of pachinko mazes arranged side-by-side to be played in a manner associated with a typical slot machine. To that end, a disc or the like is dropped into each of three side-by-side pachinko mazes wherein the slots are each assigned a particular gaming indicia (i.e. plums, cherries, oranges). A player is then paid according to a pay table based on the three indicia outcome. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,301,942 (the &#39;942 Patent) describes a game similar to pachinko. However, rather than a plurality of slots at the bottom of the playing surface, a coin rest pedestal is placed upon which a coin must rest in order to win the game. In addition, the game is watertight to allow it to be filled with fluid to further alter the path of a dropped coin. 
     As with all pachinko games, the &#39;879 and &#39;942 Patents disclose games with random outcomes. The present invention introduces certainty into such a random system. Magnets are the invisible force behind creating the certainty of the present invention. The prior art includes games utilizing magnets to alter the direction of gaming pieces. 
     For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,039,099 (the &#39;099 Patent) describes a square table game having pockets in each corner. The object of the game is to direct the game chips into the pockets by utilizing a larger primary chip. To increase the difficulty of the game, each chip is fashioned with opposing magnets on upper surfaces thereof. Therefore, certain first game chips repel certain second game chips thereby increasing the difficulty of maneuvering the chips into the pockets. 
     Certainly magnets may be used to increase the level of difficulty but the prior art fails to suggest or teach a method of predetermining the outcome of a game with magnetic forces. An object of the present invention is to fill the void in the prior art by using magnetic forces to direct one or more game pieces to a final location. Moreover, the predetermined outcome must appear to be random. Although various maze type games may practice the present invention, pachinko provides an ideal vehicle for describing the present invention. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An object of the present invention is to provide a means for predetermining a final location of one or more gaming pieces-prior to the one or more gaming pieces being put in motion. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a primary or secondary gaming machine that allows the programming of exact, indisputable and repeatable predefined win/loss percentage outcomes. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a predetermined game outcome that appears random to a player. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide game recall in order to resolve potential and ordinary disputes by indicating the results of a predetermined number of games as well as the ability to physically recreate the previous game. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a means for tracking the game pieces to insure that they are traveling according to a predetermined path or paths; or arriving at a predetermined location; or to evaluate tilt conditions. 
     Accordingly, a preferred embodiment of the present invention consists of a generally flat and vertical game surface having a plurality of hollow barriers extending therefrom. Each barrier can be polarized by introducing a magnet into a space defined by the barrier. The game surface is enclosed to prevent a magnetic game piece from exiting the gaming area. Moreover, the enclosure defines a space of nominal size above the game surface—such as an ant farm—to prevent the magnetic game piece from flipping over. A series of slots are arranged at the bottom, sides or other exits of the game surface and function to catch the game piece as its departs from the field of magnetic and non-magnetic barriers. A player is awarded depending on the preassigned value of the slot into which the game piece lands. 
     The polarity of the magnetic game piece and the magnets used to polarize the barriers must be the same to insure that the game piece is controlled by the repulsive effects of the now magnetic barriers. Both the magnetic game piece and magnetic barriers are preferably flat isotropic discs or rings which prevent the disc or rings from flipping over during motion. Thus, by strategically creating magnetic barriers about the gaming surface, an operator can insure that the magnetic game piece traverses a predefined path, or arrives at a predefined location, while appearing to follow a random path. In this manner, accurate game odds can be calculated or created so that a game implementing the present invention may be regulated by gaming bodies and therefore attractive to casinos. The game may be implemented as a primary game or secondary game. 
     The magnetic barriers are created by extending a magnet from behind the game surface into the space defined by the barrier. On the other hand, the magnet may be set flush with the game surface thereby eliminating its effect on the magnetic game piece. In a preferred method, the magnets are extended and retracted, with respect to the game surface, by means of a linear motor concealed behind the game surface. 
     The present invention may be used to create an unlimited number of “plurality of pins” games as well as other traversal “start-at-X” and “end-at-Y” games. For example, the created magnetic barriers and non-magnetic barriers can be arranged in a pinball fashion. In any arrangement, the final position of the magnetic game piece is predetermined such that an operator knows where the game piece will land and what award, if any, the player will receive. 
     Means for confirming that the magnets have been raised to create magnetic barriers and to track the game piece includes multiple Hall-effect sensors arranged adjacent each magnet within each barrier. Such tracking means provide operators with confirmation of game integrity and may also be used to trigger ancillary game events such as passing lights, pinball type bumper and pinball type flippers. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 shows a pachinko-like game surface utilizing the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 shows an alternative pachinko-like game surface utilizing the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 shows a single magnetic game barrier and its field of strength; 
     FIG. 4 shows cross-sectional view of a game surface of the present invention 
     FIG. 5 shows a second alternative pachinko-like game surface utilizing the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 shows a third alternative pachinko-like game surface; 
     FIG. 7 shows a top view of a magnetic barrier having multiple sensor devices arranged adjacent thereto; and 
     FIG. 8 shows a side view of the magnetic barrier having multiple sensor devices arranged adjacent thereto. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference is now made to the figures wherein like parts are referred to by like numerals throughout. FIG. 1 shows a game surface  1  having a plurality of hollow barriers which are either magnetic barriers  5  or non-magnetic barriers  10 . In addition, the game surface  1  includes slots  15  and side walls  20 . The magnetic barriers  5  are illustrated in black with hypothetical magnetic fields  6  emanating therefrom. A magnetic game piece  25  having an opposite polarity to the magnetic barriers  5  is shown near a top of the game surface  1 . The magnetic fields  6  of the magnetic barriers  5  create an invisible channel such that the game piece  25  must land in slot  16  identified as a winning slot. Although the magnetic barriers  5  are shown in black, in practice, a player is unable to discern the difference between magnetic barriers  5  and non-magnetic barriers  10  since integral magnets  7  (shown in FIG. 4) are concealed by each identical looking barrier. Therefore, the manner in which the game piece  25  traverses the field of magnetic barriers  5  and non-magnetic barriers  10  appears to be random. FIG. 4 shows in detail the method and device used to create and eliminate magnetic barriers  5 . 
     Both the magnets  7  and the magnetic game pieces  25  are disk-like in shape to facilitate control of the game piece  25 . Additionally, disk-like magnetic devices create a magnetic field  6  in a 360° range. Even though the particular size of the magnets  7  is not critical to the present invention, it is suggested that one inch diameter magnets are beneficial since they are commercially available at low cost and facilitate barriers of an eye-pleasing size. 
     A transparent game surface cover (not shown) prevents the game piece  25  from exiting the game area. The cover is sufficiently near the game surface  1  to further prevent the magnetic game piece  25  from flipping over and interrupting the interaction between the magnetic barriers  5  and the magnetic game piece  25 . FIG. 2 shows an alternative embodiment whereby the game piece  25  follows one of two paths to either slot  17  or slot  18  identified as winning slots. Any number of predetermined paths can be created to guarantee a true sense of randomness for players. Moreover, while only one game piece  25  is shown, multiple simultaneously played game pieces may be utilized. 
     FIG. 3 shows a more detailed top view of a single magnetic barrier  5  and its corresponding magnetic field  6 . A plurality of non-magnetic barriers  10  surround the magnetic barrier  5  in a generally circular arrangement. A game piece  25  may collide with any number of the non-magnetic barriers  10 , but the magnetic field  6  of the magnetic barrier  5  prevents the game piece  25  from passing into the circular area defined by the plurality of non-magnetic barriers  10 . This particular arrangement, and unlimited others, facilitate the appearance of randomness. 
     Now referring to FIG. 4, a cross-sectional view along the game surface  1  shows a linear motor  30  arranged to drive an elongated arm  31  that is joined to an under-side of a magnet  7 . The linear motor  30  allows the magnet  7  to be raised into a cavity  11  of the barrier  5  thereby forming a magnetic barrier  5 . Similarly, the magnet  7  may be lowered to create the opposite effect. Each of the barriers of the game surface  1  may include an identical arrangement allowing an unlimited number of paths to be created. In all instances, the operator will know, prior to placing the game piece  25  into the field of barriers, which slot or possible slots will catch the game piece  25 . 
     The magnets  7  and the game piece  25  are preferably samarium cobalt or neodymium having strengths in the range of 9,000 to 12,000 gauss. It has been determined that a gauss range of 9,000 to 12,000 is ideal to provide the appearance of randomness. Weaker and/or stronger magnets may also be used dependent on the spacing of the barriers. The spacing of the barriers, particularly the magnetic barriers  5 , must allow the game piece  25  to pass through the predetermined pathways without being stopped or impeded by a magnetic eddie. Experimentation with neodymium magnets of varying size indicates that a disk-like magnet diameter to spacing should be approximately 0.4 to maximize the effectiveness of the movement of the game piece  25 . 
     FIG. 5 illustrates a second alternative version of a game surface  1  of the present invention. This configuration eliminates the slots  15  (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) and replaces them with cups  35  spaced throughout the plurality of barriers. Should the game piece  25  land in a cup  35 , a player wins a predetermined award. Again, one or more of the barriers are filled with a magnet  7  to invisibly direct the game piece  25  into one of the cups  35 . In an alternate version, the cups  35  may be used in conjunction with the slots  15  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. 
     Now referring to FIG. 6, a pinball-style pachinko arrangement generally denoted by reference numeral  40  is shown utilizing the present invention. In such a design, a game piece  25  is propelled into a field of barriers, including cups  35 , triangular deflectors  36  and circular deflectors  37 . A limitless number of shapes and sizes of deflectors and barriers are available. Again, the important aspect is the ability of an operator to invisibly control the direction of the game piece  25 . 
     FIG. 7 shows a top view of a sensing system for tracking the path of a game piece  25 . Based on the tracked path, the sensing system can trigger certain events and provide a means for verifying the integrity of the game. Three sensors  45 - 1 ,  45 - 2 ,  45 - 3  are radially spaced adjacent each magnet  7  and within a barrier. The sensors  45 - 1 ,  45 - 2 ,  45 - 3  are preferably Hall-effect sensors of the kind manufactured by Allegro Microdevices and having part number UQK5140K. Hall-effect sensors are integrated circuits designed to detect magnetic fields. As such devices are known in the art, their operation is not discussed in great detail herein. The three sensors  45 - 1 ,  45 - 2 ,  45 - 3  are arranged so that sensor  45 - 1  is used to detect the position of magnet  7  while the two remaining sensors  45 - 2 ,  45 - 3  detect the passage of the magnetic game piece  25 . Hall-effect sensors sense magnetic fields in a particular direction as indicated by sensor areas  46 - 1 ,  46 - 2 ,  46 - 3  corresponding to the sensors  45 - 1 ,  45 - 2 ,  45 - 3 . Therefore, once magnet  7  is raised into barrier  5 , it interrupts the sensing area  46 - 1  such that sensor  45 - 1  senses its presence. In a similar fashion, sensor areas  46 - 2 ,  46 - 3  face outwardly and substantially oppositely from the barrier  5  and detect the passage of the game piece  25  on either side of the barrier  5 . FIG. 8 shows a side view of the arrangement of FIG.  7 . While Hall-effect sensors have been described herein, other sensors including those utilizing light beams or similar frequency-based waves could be used to accomplish the same objective. 
     The sensors  45 - 1 ,  45 - 2 ,  45 - 3  may be used to trigger lights or other game effects as the game piece  25  passes each barrier. The sensors  45 - 1 ,  45 - 2 ,  45 - 3  may also alert the operator of the position (e.g. raised or lowered) of each magnet  7  thereby insuring that the game piece  25  follows a prescribed path. Should a particular magnet  7  not be in the correct position the operator can investigate to determine whether the linear motor  30 , or other game part, is in need of repair or to determine whether a player may be altering the path of the magnetic game piece  25 . Everyday casino safeguards guarantee that players will not cheat games utilizing the present invention. 
     It is also possible to utilize the detection of the magnetic game piece  25  to trigger other magnets  7  on the game surface  1  to raise and lower so that the game piece is directed properly. In other words, barriers located near the top of the game surface  1  may be pre-activated while lower located barriers are dependent on the detection of the game piece  25  as it traverses the upper portion of the game surface. 
     Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to a preferred embodiment, additional variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and defined in the following claims.