Patent Publication Number: US-2023149800-A1

Title: Attendant-free game machine

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a non-provisional patent application that makes a priority claim to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/280,108, filed Nov. 16, 2021, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully restated herein. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The application relates to electronic game machines and, more particularly, to midway-style electronic game machines. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Amusement parks, theme parks, carnivals, family entertainment centers, festivals, fairs (e.g., county or state fairs), and the like often feature one or more areas with clusters of carnival games, amusement rides, and other similar types of entertainment attractions. These areas are commonly known as a “midway.” 
     One popular type of carnival game that is often played in midways is the game of skill that involves having players test their aim at hitting a target by launching, shooting, or throwing some sort of projectile like a ball, dart, or weapon. Some games of this type are the “Cross Bow Shoot”, the “Milk Bottle” game, or the “Balloon and Dart” game. Basketball shooting games can also be considered in this genre as well. Collectively, these types of games can be considered “midway-style games.” 
     Midway-style games generally require an attendant to administer and oversee the game. Among other things, the attendant can receive payment from players, keep score, and distribute prizes. Crucially, attendants can also prevent players from cheating by keeping track of the number of authorized attempts a player has taken and denying any unauthorized attempts. Players of midway-style games generally pay for a limited number of attempts or a limited timeframe to make as many attempts as possible. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that the need for an attendant can be a major drawback to the commercialization of midway-style games. To hire an attendant is to incur labor costs, and that&#39;s only if staffing is reliable. Therefore, what is needed is a way to play midway-style games without an attendant. The present disclosure relates to a midway-style electronic game machine capable of doing so. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Disclosed are game machines that include game projectiles, one or more structural portions that may define a lower cabinet and a target cabinet, a controller, and at least one detector. 
     In one embodiment, the game machine includes a lower cabinet that includes a counter section and an elongated ramp section, with the ramp section extending backwards relative to the counter section. The game machine also includes a target cabinet located on top of the ramp section and spaced a distance from the counter section. The game machine further includes at least one sensor array configured to detect interruptions in a detection area located between the counter section and the target cabinet. 
     In another embodiment, the game machine includes a lower cabinet that includes a counter section and an elongated ramp section, with the ramp section extending backwards relative to the counter section. The game machine also includes a target cabinet located on top of the ramp section and spaced a distance from the counter section. The game machine further includes a first sensor array configured to detect when an interruption occurs in a first detection area located between the counter section and the target cabinet. The game machine yet further includes a second sensor array configured to detect when an interruption occurs in a second detection area located between the first detection plane and the target cabinet. 
     In yet another embodiment, the game machine includes a lower cabinet that includes a counter section and an elongated ramp section, with the ramp section extending backwards relative to the counter section. The game machine also includes a target cabinet located on top of the ramp section and spaced a distance from the counter section. The target cabinet includes a forward-facing side, a target disposed on the forward-facing side, and a made-shot sensor operatively connected to the target for detecting when a player has made a successful attempt. The game machine further includes at least one sensor array configured to detect interruptions in a detection area located between the counter section and the target cabinet. 
     Other examples of the disclosed game machine will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a front perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a midway-style electronic game machine; 
         FIG.  2    is a top perspective view of the machine of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a rear perspective view of the machine of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a front view of the machine of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a side view of the machine of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  6    is front perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of a midway-style electronic game machine; 
         FIG.  7    is a front perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of a midway-style electronic game machine; 
         FIG.  8    is a front perspective view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a midway-style electronic game machine; 
         FIG.  9    is a front perspective view of a sensor array and housing; 
         FIG.  10    is an exploded front perspective view of the sensor array and housing of  FIG.  13   ; 
         FIG.  11    is a top view of the sensor array housing of  FIG.  10   ; 
         FIG.  12    is a front view of the sensor array and housing of  FIG.  10   ; 
         FIG.  13    is a front view of a first exemplary embodiment of a sensor array unit; 
         FIG.  14    is an electronic circuit diagram for the sensor array unit of  FIG.  13   ; 
         FIG.  15    is a front view of a second exemplary embodiment of a sensor array unit; and 
         FIG.  16    is an electronic circuit diagram for the sensor array unit of  FIG.  14   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific examples described by the disclosure. Other examples having different structures and operations do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure. Like reference numerals may refer to the same feature, element, or component in the different drawings. 
     Illustrative, non-exhaustive examples, which may be, but are not necessarily, claimed, of the subject matter according the present disclosure are provided below. Reference herein to “example” means that one or more feature, structure, element, component, characteristic and/or operational step described in connection with the example is included in at least one embodiment and/or implementation of the subject matter according to the present disclosure. Thus, the phrase “an example” and similar language throughout the present disclosure may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same example. Further, the subject matter characterizing any one example may, but does not necessarily, include the subject matter characterizing any other example. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 5   , the present disclosure provides an exemplary embodiment of a midway-style electronic game machine apparatus  100  (herein, the “machine”). The machine  100  preferably includes a first structural portion or lower cabinet  20 , a second structural portion or target cabinet (referred to generally with ref. no. 50 but shown in the FIGS. as 50A-D), and in a preferred embodiment a frame  60 . The lower cabinet  20  may include forward counter section  30  and a rear ramp section  40 . The ramp section may be elongated, extending relative to the counter section  30 , and define an upward slope from front to rear. The target cabinet  50  is located towards the rear of the lower cabinet  20 , which in some embodiments may be the highest point along the ramp section  40 . The frame  60  is located above the lower cabinet  20  and defines a passing lane  62  between the counter section  30  and the target cabinet  50  (best shown in  FIG.  4   ). Players can position themselves in a user play position in front of the counter section  30  and attempt to hit a target (referred to generally with ref. no. 52 but shown in the FIGS. as 52A-D) included on or defined in the target cabinet  50  by throwing, shooting, or otherwise launching/actuating game projectiles through the passing lane  62 . After hitting the target cabinet  50 , the projectiles can then fall onto the ramp section  40  and roll down to the counter section  30  back to the player. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the machine  100  may define a gather area  42  on the ramp section  40  where projectiles can gather after a player has launched or thrown them through the passing lane  62 . The gather area  42  may include a gate  44  that obstructs the flow of projectiles down the ramp section  40 , thereby preventing them from reaching the counter section  30 . The gate  44  may extend across the width of the ramp section  40 . The gate  44  may be configured to pivot upwards to stop projectiles from traveling down the ramp section  40  (e.g., after a certain number of authorized attempts has been made or after a certain amount of time has elapsed), and may pivot downwards (until it is flush with the top surface of the ramp section  40 ) to permit gathered projectiles to travel to the counter section  30 . The machine  100  may also include a guard  46  positioned above the gate  44  to prevent players from reaching in and taking projectiles out of the gather area  42 . 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that although the gate  44  shown in  FIGS.  1 - 5    is considered exemplary, it is not meant to be limiting. It is contemplated that different types of gates, including gates that are not integrated into the ramp section or gates that do not pivot upwards and downwards may also be utilized. Variations such as these will not result in a departure from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the counter section  30  of the machine  100  may include a payment device  32  for receiving payment from a player. The payment device  32  may be configured to verify if the correct amount has been presented. The payment device  32  is not limited to any particular type of currency and can be configured to operate with, for example, coins, bills, and/or cards. In a preferred embodiment, the payment mechanism  32  may include a card reader for receiving payment. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the counter section  30  of the machine  100  may include a game start device  36 . The game start device  36  may comprise a user-actuatable means such as a push button or a touch screen. A player may engage the game start device  36  to begin play of the machine  100 . In example, a player may engage the game start device  36  to cause the gate  44  to pivot downwards and release projectiles. A predetermined number of game projectiles for a game play session, may be provided to the user, and accessible at a user game play position to begin the game play session. 
     In exemplary embodiment, the counter section  30  of the machine  100  may include a reward dispenser for dispensing rewards earned for playing the game machine. For example, the reward dispenser may be a ticket dispenser that is configured to dispense tickets that the player can later redeem for prizes. These tickets can be of any size, shape, or variety. It is contemplated that the machine  100  does not need to be limited to any particular type of reward dispenser, and that different types of reward dispensers may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the machine  100  may be provided with netting or caging  64  attached to the frame  60  that surrounds the target cabinet  50  and the passing lane  62  (e.g.,  FIGS.  6 - 8   ). The netting or caging  64  may thereby catch projectiles that ricochet off the target cabinet  50  and prevent the projectiles from ricocheting away from the machine  100 . 
     The machine  100  is not limited to any particular kind of game projectile. Rather, it is contemplated that there may be a wide variety of projectiles that are suitable for use with the machine  100 . Exemplary projectiles may include, balls, basketballs, darts, bean bags, and/ any other kind of projectile that is typically used in carnival or arcade games. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  6 - 8   , the machine  100  is not limited to any particular design for the target cabinet  50 . Rather, the target cabinet  50  can include any type or combination of structures and objects that would be fun to launch/actuate a projectile at. The target cabinets  50 A- 50 D shown in  FIGS.  1  and  6 - 8    are each designed with a mind towards replicating the play experience of various attendant midway-style games.  FIG.  1   , for example, includes a generally upright cabinet  50 A positioned at the highest point along the ramp section  40 , furthest away from the counter section  30 , that has a front-facing side featuring a plurality of targets for a player to aim at (here, a 4×4 grid of balloon illustrations  52 A). The embodiments of  FIGS.  6  and  7    are similar except that they have different kinds of targets—knock-down dolls  52 B in  FIG.  7    and a basketball hoop  52 C in  FIG.  8   . The embodiment of  FIG.  8    is likewise similar, but includes a slanted cabinet  50 D and a vertical row of circular openings  52 D for targets. The target cabinets  50 B,  50 D of  FIGS.  6  and  8    feature an interior space for collecting projectiles from successful attempts, and a lower opening  56  that projectiles may pass through before traveling down the ramp section. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the machine  100  may also include one or more made-shot sensors integrated into the target cabinet  50  and connected to a target  52 . These made-shot sensors (or more broadly, “success sensors”, meaning any sensor known to those of ordinary skill in the art that detects a successful encounter by a user actuated game projectile with a target) may be configured to detect when a player successfully causes a game projectile to pass through a target opening, or successfully hit a target  52  (e.g., when a dart hits a balloon, or when a basketball passes through a hoop, or other carnival or arcade game contests known to those of ordinary skill in the art). 
     In exemplary embodiments, the machine  100  may include a display  54  integrated into the target cabinet  50  to convey information to the player. For example, the display  54  may present information such as number of attempts remaining, number of successful attempts, amount of time remaining, high scores, and the like. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the machine  100  may include speakers  56  integrated into the target cabinet  52  for playing audio (e.g., music and/or sounds) to enhance the interactive aspect of the machine (e.g., by providing audio feedback). 
     As shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   , the machine  100  includes one or more control units  34  that may each comprise any suitable configuration of computing components and circuity (e.g., processors, memory, RAM, power supply, wireless communication protocols, etc.) required to enable the functions described in this disclosure, as well as the coordination and control of the various electronic components described in this disclosure, either individually or in coordination with one another (e.g., payment device  32 , game start device  36 , reward dispenser, gate  44 , made-shot sensors, display  54 , speakers  56 , sensor arrays  66 , etc.). 
     One issue with midway-style games, both here with the machine  100  and in traditional midway-style games, is the issue of players taking unauthorized attempts. This can occur if a player “rebound” (i.e., recaptures) a projectile that ricochets back to the player (e.g., through the passing lane) after an unsuccessful attempt and the player tries again. This can also occur if the player somehow secures an extra projectile, for instance, through underhanded means. Preventing such illicit player behavior is one reason why an attendant is usually required for midway-style games. 
     It is an object of the present invention to remove the need for an attendant. Towards that end, the machine  100  includes one or more detectors that may be in the form of sensor arrays  66  positioned near the passing lane  52  that are configured to detect the presence, movement, and direction of game projectiles passing through a detection area (e.g., passing lane  52 ). 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , the present disclosure provides an exemplary embodiment of a sensor array configuration. Here, the machine  100  includes two opposing sensor array housings  68  vertically attached to the frame  60  near the counter section  30 . The sensor array housings  68  house a plurality of sensor arrays  66  that are oriented facing the passing lane  52 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  9 - 12   , the present disclosure provides an exemplary embodiment of a sensor array configuration and housing  70 , which may be representative of the sensor arrays  66  and housings  68  shown in  FIG.  1   . Here, the housing  72  is elongated in shape and features a two-piece design—an inner piece  74  that faces the passing lane  52 , and an outer piece  76  that faces away from the passing lane  52 . The outer piece  76  and inner piece  74  each include flanges  78  that enables the housing  72  to clamp onto the frame  60  when the two pieces  74 ,  76  are fitted together. The outer piece  76  includes a center portion  86  where the sensor arrays  90  may be mounted. The inner piece  74  includes a center portion  84  that defines an opening  82  for receiving the sensor arrays  90  and enabling the transmission and receipt of signals. In preferred embodiments, the opening  82  of the inner piece  74  may also be provided with a window  80  for added protection for the sensor arrays  90  (best shown in  FIGS.  6 - 8   ). 
     Referring to  FIG.  10   , the outer piece  76  may have two linear sensor arrays  90  mounted to it. The sensor arrays  90  may be oriented parallel to one another and may extend along the length of the housing  72 . By this design, the machine  100  of  FIG.  1    would have four sensor arrays  66  in total between the two housings  68 . 
     Each sensor array  90  comprises a printed circuit board (PCB)  92  with a plurality of sensor components  94  (e.g., transmitters and receivers) installed on it. It is generally contemplated that the sensor arrays need not be limited to any particular type of sensing technology, and that any suitable type of sensor component may be installed. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor array may include infrared sensor components. 
     The sensor array PCB can be a single PCB or a collection of several smaller PCBs. In the embodiment shown, the sensor array includes three sensor array units  96  aligned in a row, each having eight equally spaced sensor components  94  attached thereto. It is contemplated that the length of any sensor array can be lengthened or shortened as needed by either adding or removing one or more of these sensor array units  96 . 
     Referring back to  FIG.  1   , in this embodiment each sensor array  66  is configured to operate with the sensor array  66  directly opposite to it (i.e., in the opposite housing  68 ). For example, a sensor array in one housing may include sensor components that are all transmitters; and the sensor array in the opposite housing may include sensor components that are all receivers. In effect, this sensor array configuration would result in two parallel detection planes (i.e., the “detection areas”) located between the two housings  68 , each comprising a vertical cross-section of the passing lane  62 . By detecting interruptions in these detection planes, the sensor arrays  66  may be able to detect the presence, movement, and direction of projections passing through the passing lane  62 . One way of doing so may involve determining a sequence in which the sensor arrays detect interruptions in the detection planes (i.e., which one detects the same interruption first indicates which direction a projectile&#39;s trajectory follows through the passing lane  62 ). If, for example, the counter-side detection plane gets interrupted first followed by an interruption in the target-side detection plane, then that may indicate that a player has thrown a projectile from the counter section towards the target cabinet. If the reverse is true, then that may indicate that a projectile has inadvertently ricocheted back towards the counter section from the target cabinet (and can thereby be properly accounted for). 
     In exemplary embodiments, the sensor array(s)  66  may be operatively connected to a control unit  67  (or electronic controller) in communication with the detector(s), which may be configured to count the number of projectiles that pass though the passing lane  52  and automatically end a game play session once a user has actuated the predetermined number of game projectiles toward the target. This can be for either direction (i.e., either from the counter section  30  to the target cabinet  50  or from the target cabinet  50  to the counter section  30 ). In a preferred embodiment, however, the sensor array(s)  66  and a control unit may be configured to count the projectiles moving in the direction of the player to the target cabinet  50 , and not count the projectiles that move in the reverse direction (from the target cabinet  50  back to the player). It is contemplated that this functionality may enable the machine  100  to detect and recognize a correct number of attempts that a player is authorized to make, while disregarding any unauthorized attempts. It is contemplated that by this functionally, an attendant is no longer need for the administration of midway-style games. 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS.  1 - 5   , the sensor arrays are linear and arranged vertically relative to the passing lane. Although this configuration is considered exemplary, it is not meant to be limiting. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the sensor arrays may be linear and oriented horizontal relative to the passing lane. Alternatively, the sensor arrays may be curved or arc-shaped, thereby resulting in circular or ovoid detection planes. Variations such as these will not result in a departure from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     The embodiment of  FIGS.  1 - 5    features an opposing sensor array configuration wherein one sensor array functions as a transmitter and the other sensor array functions as a receiver (with the two sensor arrays collectively generating a detection plane). It is contemplated that single sensor array confirmations may also be utilized. Such a sensor array configuration may include, for example, a single sensor array that is equipped with both transmitting and receiving components such that an opposing second sensor is not required. Variations such as this will not result in a departure from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     The embodiment of  FIGS.  1 - 5    features a sensor array configuration featuring parallel rows of sensor arrays which results in parallel detection planes. It is contemplated that senor array configurations that cover non-parallel detection areas may also be utilized. These sensor array configurations may entail, for example, non-liner arrangements of transmitters and receivers. Variations such as these will not result in a departure from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  13  and  14   , the present disclosure provides an exemplary embodiment of a sensor array unit  98 .  FIG.  17    shows a schematic diagram for this sensor array unit  98  and  FIG.  19    shows an electronic circuit diagram for the same. Here, all of the sensor components are infrared transmitters. An exemplary sensor component that may be utilized in this design can include, for example, the TSAL-6200 available from Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. of Malvern Pa. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  15  and  16   , the present disclosure provides an exemplary embodiment of a sensor array unit  99 .  FIG.  18    shows a schematic diagram for this sensor array unit  99  and  FIG.  20    shows an electronic circuit diagram for the same. Here, all of the sensor components are infrared receivers. An exemplary sensor component that may be utilized in this design can include, for example, the TSMP-6000 available from Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. of Malvern Pa. Any embodiment of the present invention may include any of the features of the other embodiments of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments herein disclosed are not intended to be exhaustive or to unnecessarily limit the scope of the invention. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the present invention so that others skilled in the art may practice the invention. Having shown and described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will realize that many variations and modifications may be made to the described invention. Many of those variations and modifications will provide the same result and fall within the spirit of the claimed invention. It is the intention, therefore, to limit the invention only as indicated by the scope of the claims.