Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
12136Z3
The present invention pertains to gaming apparatuses,
and more particularly to a gaming apparatus which employs
means for randomly selecting a winner from a field of entrants,
determining the winner, and providing a payout based on such
selection, the selection of a winner being detected by sensing
means which do not contact the randomly moving elements which
dictate the selection and the selection being accomplished while
the mechanism which actually causes the selection being visible to
the user.
rhe attraction to games of chance, whether they
incorporate a means for wagering or not are well known. This
attraction centers, in many instances, on the user trying to
predict an outcome of a randomized event. Typical of such gaming
devices are those commonly known as slot machines, for instance
the apparatuses shown in U.S. Patents 2,010,487 issued to
Hochriem on August 6, 1935; 4,240,635 issued to Brown on
December 23, 1980; and 4,335,809 issued to Wain on June 22, 1982.
Hochriem shows a mechanical slot machine and Wain and Brown
show electronic slot machines. Random or pseudorandom generation
of data, which determines a winner in Brown or Wain, cannot be
visualized by the user since it is accomplished by an algorithm.
While a spinning wheel may be simulated by the displays of these
apparatuses, this is merely to enhance the attractiveness of the
play and is not an actual visualization of the mechanism
employed to accomplish the random determination by the algorithm.
Similarly, in Hochriem the mechanical interaction of the elements
thereof determines the random selection of the position of the
indicia on the wheels thereof, but the mechanism by which the
random selection is accomplished is not visible to the user. While
30 the excitement provoked through the use of these apparatuses is
well known, such intrigue and excitement is limited to predicting
an outcome and the user is not a participant or an observer in
the random selection of a winner.
Similarly, U.S. Patent 1,995,137 issued to Woolard on
March 19, 1935 discloses an apparatus wherein a winner is
selected based upon mechanical interaction of several components.
Specifically, Woolard discloses a plurality of electrically driven
elements, driven by an eccentric drive, which obtain particular
~.~
12136Z3
positions dependent upon the effect of the driving of the
elements. The rotation is arbitrarily stopped after a
preselected time and the relative position of the elements
is judged to determine the winner. Visualization of the
mechanism which provides a sequencing, i.e., the eccentric
drive, does not correlate with the position of the movable
elements and thus the positional location of the elements
is not truly random but is periodically varied to
correspond in part to the eccentricity of the cam.
Furthermore, the outcome of the contest does not correlate
to the activity visualized by the user during the
selection process.
In an obvious attempt to enhance the excitement
of play of gaming machines, several references teach
apparatuses which permit user input to vary the outcome
thereof. Because of user input, the skill and acumen of
the player is brought to bear on the ultimate outcome.
Such references include U.S. Patents 1,912,324 issued to
Trasch on May 30, 1933; 1,971,062 issued to Burton on
August 21, 1934; 2,010,966 issued to Sieden on ~ugust 13,
1935; and 2,188,619 issued to Bernhardt on January 30,
1940.
Trasch teaches a coin operated game wherein a
plurality of discs are randomly moved on a pair of
rotating turntables. Through player input, the randomly
moving discs are forced into a preselected position by the
player. Although incorporating random movement, the
random movement does not dictate the outcome of the play
of the game. The outcome is instead determined by user
input and manipulation of the structure of the apparatus
to force one of the randomly moving discs into a
preselected position.
The patent to Burton shows a gaming apparatus
wherein coins are dropped into a structure of rotating
columns. As the columns rotate, the user manipulates
structure of the apparatu~ to try to open trap doors at
the bottom of the columns to produce a payout. Here
,
~:13~Z3
again, the determination of the outcome is user
controlled.
In the same manner, the patent to Sieden teaches
a game of skill wherein balls are rolled down inclines and
are trapped in holes to actuate circuits. The trapping of
the balls in holes is accomplished through skillful
manipulation of the components of the apparatus by the
player. In a similar manner, the patent to Bernhardt
shows a plurality of electrically driven elements that are
powered both by user varying of an input signal and a
second input signal which is beyond the control of the
user and which is varied by an eccentric mechanism that
interacts with a rheostat. No random sequencing is
therefore shown.
While games of skill do provide significant
interaction and represent one manner to enhance excitement
over blind random selection, as in the aforediscussed slot
machines, many complications can arise with such
apparatuses such as to the manner in which they can be
used, the frequency of repairs necessary, and their
suitability for licensed gaming establishments.
The present invention provides a significant
advance in the gaming art by setting forth a novel
construction which enhances user enjoyment and excitement
by permitting visualization by the user of the actual
mechanism which randomly determines the outcome thereof.
Despite all the activity in the gaming arts for better
than 75 years, no one has shown or suggested the use of a
mechanism which will permit the user to watch the random
3~ selection of a winner and which will accept bets by the
player and provide a payout based on the selection process
and the bets placed~
One embodiment of the present invention
accomplishes this by providing a gaming apparatus which
includes accepting means for accepting wagers from the
user as to the order in which a group of movable elements
will reach the bottom of an inclined surface or surfaces,
the inclined surface or surfaces having interposed thereon
~L2i3623
- 3a -
a plurality of deflection means which cause randomization
of the outcome of the game in regard to the final arrival
order oE the movable elements and which includes means for
determining such outcome and for making a payout based
upon the outcome reconciled with the wagers placed.
Because of the employment of the particular configuration
of deflection means which causes randomization, the user
or users can actually watch the random selection taking
place as real time action and, over a preselected
~, .
... ,.~r~
1213623
period of time, will be afforded the excitement, anxiety, satisfac-
tion, and possibly disappointment as the various movable elements
travel over the inclined plane and either take a lead or fall
behind relative to other movable elements and specifically in
regard to the movable element selected by the user. Such an
enhancement in a random selection gaming device has been
heretofore unknown.
The general idea of rolling marbles or the like down
an incline which includes deflection pins is shown in U.S.
Patents 271,530 issued to Spang on January 30, 1883; 503,318
issued to Hawkes on August 15, 1893; 1,374,844 issued to Flatow
on April 21, 1921; and 1, 531,401 issued to Kawai on March 31,
1925. However, none of these references show or suggest use of an
inclined plane with deflection means in a wagering type gaming
apparatus which includes means for accepting wagers from a user
and means for determining the outcome of the wagers. It is clear
therefore that despite the teachings of inclined planes with
deflection means in the toy type amusement device art those of
ordinary skill in the art in constructing wagering type gaming
apparatuses, despite their intense desire to create new and more
exciting gaming apparatuses have not, over a significantly long
period of time, found it obvious to incorporate such teachings in
wagering type gaming apparatuses.
A major drawback in games such as those shown in
Spang, Hawkes, Flatow, and Kawai is that it is extremely likely
a rolling marble, ball, or the like will "hang up" or be caught
on one of the deflection pins or similar means thereof causing one
entrant to not finish a race. While this is of insignificant
consequence in a toy type game it is totally unacceptable in a
30 self-supervising gaming apparatus. The present invention over-
comes this problem by providing specific means for precluding the
snagging or hanging up of one of the movable elements thereof on
the deflection pins or the like provided, therefore providing a
significant advance over known devices.
In general, other marble racing toys are shown in
U.S. Patents 2,001,366 issued to Mittelman on May 14, 1935 and
1,018,956 issued to Bebon on February 27, 1912. Rolling of
marbles in single tracks are shown in U.S. Patents 3,883,137
3623
-- 5 --
issued to sengtson on May 13, 1975 and 3,451,678 issued
to Gehrts on June 24, 1969. Other games which include
rolling objects on sloped surfaces are shown in U.S.
Patents 4,153,250 issued to Anthony on May 8, 1979; and
3,711,094 issued to Coffman on January 16, 1973. Anthony
teaches a gravity type racing game wherein user input
determines the outcome and Coffman teaches a rolling ball
game apparatus wherein rubber band deflectors are provided
to enhance a random outcome. Rubber bands are mounted on
a single inclined surface at various locations thereon.
U.S. Patent 930,164 issued to Eberman on ~ugust
3, 1909 generally shows the use of deflection pins on an
inclined surface in a pinball type game and U.S. Patent
1,571,188 issued to Diegel on February 2, 1976 shows a
multileveled inclined surface which provides a plurality
of openings into which marbles or the like can be trapped.
After the marbles are trapped in the openings they are
removed and stop locks are disposed therein.
In revîewing the aforenoted games which employ
inclined ~urfaces and deflection pins or the like for
effecting the order in which marbles or the like arrive at
a finish point, it is to be noted that none of these
apparatuses show or suggest means for determining the
order in which the marbles or the like arrive at a finish
point through noncontact detection and for accomplishing
some wagering related activity subsequent to such a
determination.
According to the present invention, there is
provided a game apparatus for play by a uRer comprising, a
group of spherical movable elements each having a visible
identification characteristic, accepting means for
accepting wagers from the user as to the order in which at
least one of the group of elements will arrive at a
designated finishing position, visible inclined path means
between a designated starting position and the designated
finishing position, the movable elements traveling the
path means free of any user influence while the movable
elements are visible, the path means including stepped
36Z3
- Sa -
portions, user independent randomization means including
an upstanding pin mounted on the inclined path means
within a distance of approximately twice the diameter of
one of the movable elements from one of the stepped
portions and a semi-spherical crown mounted on the
inclined path means between one of the stepped portions
and the upstanding pin such that a movable element
traveling from the designated starting position to the
designated finishing position passes over the stepped
portion and the crown and then encounters the pin
associated therewith to alter the speed and direction of
travel of the movable elements thus causing the mova~le
elements to arrive at the finishing position in a user
independent random sequence solely as a result of the
interaction of the movable elements and the randomization
means, and determination means for determining the outcome
of the wagers as a result of the sequence of finishing.
~ ~ .
~2~3~2
--6--
According to the present invention, there is further
provided a gaming apparatus for play by a user comprising a
group of movable elements each having a visible identification
characteristic; accepting means for accepting wagers from the
user as to the order in which at least one of the group of
elements will arrive at a designated finishing position; path
means proximate to which each of the movable elements travels
between a designated starting position and a designated finishing
position; randomization means associated with the path means for
causing the movable element to arrive at the finishing position in
a user independent random sequence as a result of the interaction
of the movable elements and .he randomization means, the elements
being visible during the random sequencing; and determination
means for determining the outcome of the bets as a result of the
sequencing of the movable elements.
According to the present invention, there is still
further provided a game apparatus wherein movable elements roll
down an inclined surface comprising an inclined surface having
an upper and lower end; a plurality of deflecting pin means
associated with the inclined surface for altering the paths of the
movable elements as the movable elements roll from the upper end
to the lower end of the inclined surface; and precluding means
for precluding the movable elements from being stopped by the
pin means when rolling from the upper end to the lower end of
the inclined surface.
According to the present invention, there is still
further provided a game apparatus wherein movable elements roll
down a plurality of inclined surfaces comprising a plurality of
successive elongated inclined surfaces; and randomization means
for causing the movable elements to arrive at the lowermost
portion of the last inclined surface in random sequence as a
result of the impactive interaction of the movable elements and
the randomization means, the randomization means being disposed
adjacent to the uppermost portion of each of the plurality of
successive elongated inclined surfaces adjacent to the lowermost
portion of an adjacent elongated inclined surface.
12136Z3
In order that the present invention may be
more fully understood, an embodiment will now be
described, by way of example, with reference to the
accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred
embodiment of the present invention incorporating the
principles thereof therein;
FIG. ~ is a top plan view of successive inclined
surfaces;
FIG. 3 is a partially broken away perspective
view of a starting gate;
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view taken
substantially along the lines 4---4 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 i5 a partially broken away fragmentary
perspective view of the apparatus, which identifies the
sequences oE the rolling elements;
FIG. 6 is a partially broken away side view of a
recycling and restarting mechanism;
FIG. 7 i~ an enlarged fragmentary view of a pin,
crown, and step arrangement;
FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view taken
substantially along the lines 8---8 of FIG. 7
FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the interaction of
various components;
FIG. 10 iS a block diagram of the electronic
means for identifying particular balls; and
FIG. 11 i~ a graphic representation of the color
versus reflecting characteristic.
The present gaming apparatus provides for play
by a user which permits one or more users to wager on a
random outcome event. ~ particularly notable feature is
found in the user or users being able to observe the
phe~omenon which creates the random outcome while the
elements thereof undergo this randomization.
Specifically, a plurality of inclined planes are provided
which provide randomizing obstructions and flexible walls
such that when a plurality of movable elements such as
marbles or the like are rolled down the successive
~13623
- 7a -
inclined planes, the first marble to reach a preselected
location at the bottom of the last inclined plane does so
on a
: .
jJ, ::,
~2~36Z3
-8-
random basis. The order in which the marbles or the like reach
the preselected location is detected by detector means that
differentiates the different colors of the marbles. Based on the
finishing order of the marbles, the wagers are reconciled with
this order and a return, if earned, is paid.
The previously described general arrangement can be
enhanced by various types of graphics and themes as desired.
For instance, the apparatus may be cast in a horse racing motif
where suitable graphics and horse racetrack structure is
incorporated in the basic apparatus. Similarly, the apparatus
may be employed in a car racing environment with the marbles or
the like representing race cars and the inclined surfaces on
which the marbles roll being provided with car racetrack scenery.
Such enhancements do not alter the essential character of the
device, may be so elaborate as to include musical accompaniment
or the like, and are within the principles and scope of the
present invention.
Referring now to the figures, and more particularly to
FIG. 1 thereof, there is illustrated a gaming apparatus 10 which
20 incorporates the principles of the present invention therein.
Apparatus 10 includes a display case 12 forming a viewable
compartment 14 therein at the upper portion thereof. The lower
portion of the display case 12 is provided to house the balance of
the apparatus which does not necessarily have to be visible to
the user.
Disposed within the visible compartment 14 is a
track 16 which comprises a plurality of successive inclined
surfaces 18, 20, 22, and 24. The successive inclined surfaces 18
through 24 provide inclined upper surfaces having large planar
30 portions on which a plurality of marbles 26 can roll. A starting
gate mechanism 28, hereinafter discussed in conjunction with
FIG. 3, is provided at the uppermost end of the successive
inclined surface 18 and a finish order mechanism 30, hereinafter
discussed in conjunction with FIG. 5, is provided at the lowermost
end of the successive inclined surface 24. The various details and
features of the track 16 will be hereinafter discussed in con-
junction with FIGS. 2 through 8. Also disposed within the
viewable compartment 14 of the gaming apparatus 10 is a video
~Z13623
g
display 32, the screen 34 of which is visible to the user
through a window 36 provided on the face of the display
case 12.
Mounted on the display case 12, and accessible
to the user or users is a token slot 38 of a token
accepting means 40, hereinafter described keyboard 42 of
a wagering input device 44; a token delivery chute 45 and
an activation arm 46 which is part oE the game start input
device 48, illustrated in FIG. 9. Suitable instructions
50 are also provided to describe to the user or users the
functioning of the gaming apparatus 10 and the manner in
which wagers can be made.
It is to be understood that the particular shape
and configuration of the display c~se 12 and the location
of the user accessible components mounted thereon have
been shown merely for purposes of illustration and that
various other configurations may be employed, as desired,
within the principles and scope of the invention. For
instance, the video display 32 may be provided on top of
the display case 12 or may be otherwise situated and the
display case 12 can be differently shaped. In addition,
the activation arm 46 may be differently located or
otherwise configured, for instance as a switch, as
desired.
The general operation of the gaming apparatus
will be described in conjunction with FIG. 9, but first a
detailed description of the mechanical aspects of the
track 16 and the mechanisms associated therewith will be
described.
Referring now to FIG. 2, a top view of the track
16 is illustrated therein. The track 16 is seen to
comprise the successive inclined surfaces 18, 20, 22 and
24. The uppermost end 52 of the successive inclined
surface 18 has disposed adjacent thereto the starting gate
mechanism 28. The lowermost end 54 of the successive
inclined surface 18 laterally abuts the uppermost end 56
of the successive inclined surface 20. Similarly, the
lowermost end 58 of the successive ;nclined surface 20
- ` 12~36~3
-- 10 --
abuts the uppermost end 60 of the successive inclined
surface 22 and the lowermost end 62 of the successive
inclined surface 22 abuts the uppermost end 64 of the
successive inclined surface 24. The lowermost end 66 of
5 the successive inclined surface 24 is disposed underneath
the portion of the successive inclined surface 18 adjacent
to the uppermost end 52 thereof. As a result of this
configuration, a successive path of travel is provided
wherein, when the marbles 26 are released by the starting
10 gate mechanism 28, the marbles 26 can successively travel
from the inclined surface 18 to the inclined surface 20
then to the inclined surface 22 and finally to the
inclined surface 24.
Each of these successive inclined surfaces 18
15 through 24 are constructed of Lexan or the like and
comprise a plurality of overlaid planar sections which
create steps in the inclined surfaces 18 through 24 and
associated stepped portions in the proximity of the step.
For example, and indicative oE the construction of
20 successive inclined surfaces 20, 22, and 24, the
successive inclined surface 18 includes a first planar
section 70 overlaid by a second planar section 72 which in
itself is overlaid by a third planar section 74. A
combination of the first, second, and third planar
25 sections 70 through 74 presents an inclined surface which
is stepped as aforedescribed. Although a particular
manner of providing such a stepped construction has been
hereinbefore described, it is to be understood that those
of ordinary skill in the art may use other methods and
30 constructions for producing the stepped arrangement. For
instance, the track 16 could be cast or manufactured as a
uniform structure.
Adjacent to the stepped portions of each of the
successive inclined surfaces 18 through 24 are a plurality
35 of pins 76, crowns 78, and steps 80. The purpose of the
pins 76, crowns 78, and steps 80, and the stepped portions
*
Trade Mark
~2~36;~:3
of the successive inclined surfaces 18 through 24 are to
randomize the movement of the marbles 26 as they roll down
the track 16. The arrangement and relationship of the
pins 76, crowns 78, steps 80, and stepped portions of the
successive inclined surfaces 18 through 24 will be
hereinafter discussed in conjunction with FIGS. 7 and 8.
Nonetheless, its is to be understood that these components
may be arranged in different locations around the track 16
and at different positions on the successive inclined
surfaces 18 through 24 as desired.
The term "marbles" as used herein is meant to be
descriptive of any movable element which can proceed,
under influence of gravity, around the track 16. In the
preferred embodiment, the marbles comprise nonmagnetizable
steel balls which are encapsulated with colored nylon or
the like, the purpose of which will be hereinafter
discussed. Of course, the marbles must be uniform in size
and weight if a truly random outcome is to be provided.
The successive inclined surfaces 18 through 24
are each rectangular in shaped as illustrated and are
positioned such that the longitudinal axis of each are
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the adjacent
inclined surfaces. Specifically, the longitudinal axis of
the successive inclined surface 18 i8 substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the successive
inclined surface 20, the longitudinal axis of the
successive inclined surface 20 is substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the successive
inclined surface 22 and the longitudinal axis of the
successive inclined surface 22 is substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the successive
inclined surface 24. The inclined surfaces 18 through 24
can be supported and maintained in position by any
suitable mountings.
The lateral edges of the successive inclined
surfaces 18 through 24 are bounded by upstanding walls 82
which serve to keep the marbles 26 on the track 16. One
lZ~36Z3
of the walls 82 of the successive inclined sur~ace 20
includes a semi-resilient portion 84 adjacent to the
uppermost end 56 of the successive inclined surface 20
facing the lowermost half 54 of the successive inclined
surface 18. The purpose of the semi-resilient portion 84
is to further randomize movement of the marbles 26 when
they first arrive upon the successive inclined surface 20~
As the marbles 26 travel down the successive inclined
surface 18, they are propelled into the semi-resilient
surface 84 and bounce thereoff. This bouncing causes
various collisions between the marbles 26, and the walls
82 causing a randomization of travel. By employing this
randomization means any distance advantage a marble may
have by travelling around the inside of the track 16
rather than the outside of the track 16 is avoided.
In a similar manner, a semi-resilient portion 86
is provided in the wall 82 associated with the successive
inclined surface 22 adjacent to the uppermost end 60
thereof and facing the lowermost end of the successive
inclined surface 20. Also a semi-resilient portion 88 is
provided in the wall 82 associated with the successive
inclined surface 24 ad~acent to the uppermost end 64
thereof and facing the lowermost end 62 of the adjacent
successive inclined surface 22. Of course, it is to be
understood that other randomization means may be employed
as are well known to those skilled in the art. The semi-
resilient portions 84 through 88 can be constructed of any
suitable material such as plastic, natural or synthetic
rubber, or the like, the degree of resiliency of these
portions being selected and matched to the nature and
weight of the marbles 26 and the desired deflection
required. It is also to be understood that the track 16
may be configured other than as shown, for instance the
track could be rounded, could be one long section rather
than several, and could provide various undulations as
desired so long as somewhere between the uppermost portion
of the track 16 and the lowermost portion of the track 16,
the marbles 26 undergo a randomization.
~" ~
lZ~36Z3
- 12a -
The starting gate mechanism 28 is located
adjacent to the uppermost end 52 of the successive
inclined surface 18 and includes a starting gate 90
controlled by a starting gate release 92. The starting
gate release 92 incluaes a suitable means, such as a
solenoid drive or the like, for reciprocating the starting
gate above and below the successive inclined surface 18,
such mechanisms being well known. With reference to FIG.
4, it can be seen that the starting gate 90, when above
the successive inclined surface 18, precludes passage of
the marbles 26 and, when lowered into the position shown
in phantom permits passage of the marbles 26. The
starting gate release 92 is controlled as further
described in conjunction with FIG. 9.
Just above the starting gate 90 on the inclined
surface 18 are a plurality of marble troughs 94 into which
the marbles 26 are placed by recycling mechanism 96,
hereinafter described in conjunction with FIG. 6.
Although a particular starting gate 90 and starting gate
release 92 is illustrated, of course differently
conEigured starting gates may be employed within the
principles and scope of the invention. The troughs 94
serve to evenly space the marbles 26 laterally and to
permit them
~Z136Z3
to begin their travel absent interaction with each other. It
should be understood that while eight marbles 26 and troughs 94
are illustrated that a different number may be employed as
desired.
Shifting to the finish of the marble race, a finish
order mechanism 30 is disposed adjacent to the lowermost end 66
of the inclined surface 24 shown in FIG. 2, and as further
illustrated in FIG. 5. The finish order mechanism 30 must cause
the marbles 26 to fall into a substantially V-shaped conduit 98
one at a time. The finish order mechanism includes a pair of
upstanding walls 100 which form a V-shaped guide configuration.
Disposed through the inclined surface 24, adjacent to the vertex
of the walls 100, is an opening 102 sized to permit the marbles 26
to fall one at a time therethrough. In addition, the opening 102
is located as illustrated and is of sufficient size such that the
marbles 26 cannot arrive at the vertex of the walls 100 side by
side causing a jam. Various other configurations for the finish
order mechanism 30 are possible so long as the marbles 26 are
provided to the substantially V-shaped conduit 98 one at a time.
Mounted on the substantially V-shaped conduit 98 are
a light source 104 for interaction with a reflected light
detector 106 and a light source 108 for interaction with an
interrupted light detector 110. Apertures 112 are provided and are
disposed through the substantially V-shaped conduit 98 to permit
shining of the light sources 104 and 108, respoctively, on the
reflected light detector 106 and the interrupted light detector 110
as further illustrated in FIG. 10.
Ignoring for the moment the operation of the
detectors 106 and 110, after the marbles 26 travel the length of
the V-shaped conduit 98, which is sloped, they fall into a sloped
V-shaped conduit 114 disposed at right angles to the V-shaped
conduit 98. The V-shaped conduit 114 permits the marbles 26 to
roll therealong and to be delivered into a lift element 116 of the
recycling mechanism 96, as further illustrated in FIG. 6. A
substantially V-shaped conduit is employed for conduit 98 because
it allows for precise positioning of the marbles 26 relative to the
reflected light detectors 106 and 110 so that their respective
operations can be accomplished. An alternate configuration can be
12136Z3
- 14 -
provided so long as the positioning of the marbles 26 is
adequate for the interruption and reflected light
detection functions to be accomplished.
The recycling mechanism 96 is provided to move
the marbles 26 from their finished position back to
positions on the troughs 94 for play of another game.
Recycling mechanism 96, as illustrated in FIG. 6, includes
a drive means having two pairs of upper and lower arms 120
and 122 pivotally affixed to the lift element 116, as also
shown in FIG. 5. The drive means 118, when activated,
causes the arms 120 and 122 to move the lift element 116
vertically until the marbles are slightly above the level
of the marble troughs 94. The upper arms 120 are then
extended and the pivotally affixed lift element 116 is
caused to tilt forcing the marbles 26 therefrom onto the
marble troughs 94. The upward movement of the arms 120
and 122, and the extensive movement oE the arms 120, can
be accomplished by any suitable drive means well-known in
the art. Additionally, other construction such as a
carousel configuration or other lifting can be employed to
transport the marbles 26 from their finish position back
to the marble troughs 94 for replay of the gaming
apparatus 10.
As previously mentioned, the marbles 26 are
precluded from "hanging up" or being caught by the pins 76
through interaction of the pins 76 with the crowns 78 and
steps 80, as well as the stepped portions of the
successive inclined surfaces 18, 20, 22, and 24. With
reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, which are representative of
the variously located pins 76, the pins 76 are seen to be
substantially cylindrical in shape and the crowns 78 are
seen to be semi-spherical in shape. The stepped portions
of the inclined surfaces 18 through 24 provide a sharply
defined vertical edge 124. The steps 80 provide a curved
but vertically disposed edge 126.
The crowns 78 are spaced from the associated
pins 76 a distance which is less than the radius of the
marbles 26. The distance between the crowns 78 and the
~213623
- 15 -
edges 124 and 126, respectively, of the steps 80 or the
steps found by the sections of the inclined surfaces 1
through 24 is also less than the radius of the marbles 26.
The distance between the edges 124 and 126 respectively,
of the stepped portions of the inclined surfaces 18
through 24 and the steps 80 and the associated pins 76 is
greater than the radius of the marbles 26. As a result,
the marbles cannot "hang up" on or be caught by the pins
76 because the rolling contact between the surfaces
thereof and the spherical surface of the marbles 26
precludes such an event. The marbles 26 cannot be caught
by the crowns 78 because of the interaction of the edges
124 or 126 and the spherical and semi-spherical surfaces,
respectively, of the marbles 26 and the crowns 78. As a
result, a configuration is provided wherein the marbles 26
are deflected to cause the aforedescribed desired
randomization but are not subject to jamming, a condition
which would defeat the use of the configuration of the
present apparatus as a self-supervised gaming apparatus.
While the pins, crowns, and steps are shown in a
particular positional relationship it is to be understood
that one of ordinary skill in the art could modify such
relationship within the principles and scope of the
invention. Furthermore, it is to be understood that these
components could be constructed of various materials and
could be appropriately modified as desired. While the
elements 76 have been characterized as pins, it is to be
understood that this terminology is to be broadly
interpreted and includes elements variously called
bumpers, deflectors, knobs, etc.
Keeping in mind the aforegoing description of
the general operation of the present invention and the
specific mechanical details relating to the track 16 and
travel of the marbles 26 therearound, the details of the
electrical circuitry of the present invention will be
discussed with specific reference to FIG. 9. The heart of
the electrical system of the present invention is a system
control miceoprocessor 128. The system control
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microprocessor 128 reacts to various control devices by
accepting signals from various peripheral devices which
sense certain conditions and also controls various
peripheral devices to behave in response to observed
conditions and a selected operational routine. The
configuration of such a computer system with peripheral
input devices and which outputs signals to trigger
different mechanisms is well known in the art.
Although it i8 contemplated that the desired
system would be produced on a dedicated microprocessor
chip, it is equally possible to program an existing
general purpose computer system to perform the desired
functions. For instance, any of the smaller
microprocessor computers such as the Apple , the IBM PC,
etc. can readily be employed to accept input signals and
to perform desired functions in resp~nse to those signals
and provide outlet signals for controlling remote devices.
For example, there presently are interfaces and programs
which, when sensing certain stimulus through detectors,
will cause the activation or deactivation of electrical
devices. A typical application of such programs is in
security surveillance and for supervision of various
manufacturing apparatuses. Because of the widespread
knowledge available in regard to such basically simple
systems, no further disclosure as to the operation and
programming of such systems shall be contained herein.
The system control microprocessor 128 receives
inputs from the token accepting apparatu~ 40, the game
start input device 48, the wagering input device 44, and
from a marble identification circuit 130 hereinafter
de~cribed in conjunction with FIGS. 10 and 11. Control
signal~ are sent from the system control microprocessor
128 to a payout mechanism 132, as token delivery chute 45
of which is illustrated in FIG. 1, and the recycling
mechanism 96. In addition, a video display signal,
generated through means well known in the art, is provided
to the video display 32.
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In operation, the user can enter his wager into
the wagering input device 44 via the keyboard 42 thereof.
Depending upon the environment in which the gaming
apparatus lO is cast 7 as previously discussed, the
wagering might take different forms. The wagering could
be for the winning of the race by a specific marble or
could, if the game was cast in a horse racing environment,
be for choosing various combinations of different
finishing times. For instance, e~actas, trifectas, etc.
could be accepted by the wagering input device 44. The
amount of the wagers is controlled by the tokens inserted
into the token slot 38 of the token accepting apparatus 40
which sends a signal corresponding to the amount deposited
to the system control
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microprocessor 128. Apparatuses which provide signals upon
deposit of tokens and which distinguish different tokens are well
known in the art and will not be herein discussed. The term
"token" as used is meant to apply to privately minted objects
which are exchanged for money as well as actual currency. The
wager and the amount thereof is displayed on the video
display 32 by the system control microprocessor 128. It is to be
understood that the possibility of more than one individual
wagering on each race or the same individual making different
10 wagers on the same race can also be accommodated and that the
payout can be of the progressive type if desired.
Next, the user would pull the activation arm 46 of the
game start input device 48, this signaling the system control
microprocessor 128 to activate the starting gate mechanism 92 to
open the starting gate 90. The marbles 26 are then released and
travel around the track 16 as previously noted. When the
marbles 26 reach the finish order mechanism 30 they are passed
one at a time through the substantially V-shaped conduit 98 for
identification by the marble identification circuit 130. The marble
20 identification circuit 130 provides a signal to the system control
microprocessor 128 for each marble 26, the signals varying in
intensity to correspond to the particular marble identifications.
By looking at these signals, the system control microprocessor 128
supplies the finishing sequence of the marbles 26 and can then
calculate the payout to be made by the payout mechanism 132.
Delivery of tokens or the like by a payout mechanism is well
known in the art. At the same time the payout mechanism 132 is
activated, the system control microprocessor 128 can also display
the amount of the payout on the video display 32.
The system control microprocessor 128 also can
selectively send a signal to the recycling mechanism 96 to cause
the marbles 26 to be transported to their starting position as
desired. The recycling mechanism can be employed at the end of
each race or can be activated upon acceptance of a wager.
The marble identificaticn unit 130 is illustrated in
FIG. 10 and is constructed of standard and widely available
components well-known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The
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marble identification unit 130 may be a dedicated unit or the
control features can be combined in the same computer system as
the system control microprocessors 128. The unit 130 inc:ludes the
previously mentioned light source 10~ and associated reflected
light detector 106 and light source 108 and associated interrupted
light detector 110. The light sources 104 and 108 and
detectors 106 and 110 are disposed proxima te to the substantially
V-shaped conduit 98 such that the light beam provided by the
light source 108 is interrupted when a marble 26 rolls down the
10 V-shaped conduit 98 and such that the light from the light
source 104 is reflected by the marbles 26, onto the reflected light
detector 106, when the marbles 26 are disposed in a preselected
position along the conduit 98. The marbles 26 are each covered
with a differently colored material, preferably white, yellow, red,
orange, green, blue, gray, and black. The reflectivity of these
colors are different as illustrated in FIG. 11.
The marble iden-tification unit 130 measures the peak
value of the reflected light and transforms it into digital signals
that are stored by the identification microprocessor 138 to be used
20 to determine the color of a passing marble. The actual peak
value of the reflectivity of the marbles 26 is not measured but
instead, the relative peak electrical value produced by each
marble 26 is compared and in that manner the marbles 26 are
identified through these comparisons. Although absolute values of
the reflectivity of the marbles 26 are not used in determination of
their color, they can be used for calibration circuits or the like.
Because relative values are used, several distinct advantages are
provided .
First of all, aging of the reflected light source does
30 not become a critical factor in determining the color of the
marbles 26. When aging occurs, the relative values of each
marble lowers proportionally. In addition, foreign matters such as
soil and dust which can collect on the reflected light source and
detector will attenuate the signal of the marbles 26 equally.
Similarly, soil or marks on the marbles 26 themselves which
attenuate their peak values do not cause any problems as long as
the values do not go beyond the ranking dictated by evaluation
of the relative values. Because of the relative ranking of
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reflectivity, modera-te drift in the electronic circuitry which
causes the absolute reflectivity values of the marbles 26 to
change will not cause errors. Such drift can be associated with
temperature, humidity, or component aging. A further positive
characteristic is that selection of the color of the marbles 26 is
not particularly critical since exact colors do not have to be
matched to match absolute values. Finally, circuit design is
simpler because drift, noise, and environmental stability is less
critical .
The marble identification unit 130 recognizes the colors
of the marbles 26 while they are rolling. I his presents a distinct
advantage in that the cycle time from one race to another is not
delayed while the marble colors are recognized. In addition, the
need for a multiplicity of detectors to measure stationary marbles
is avoided.
The marble identification unit 130 is generally in a
standby mode until provided with a restart signal 136 provided
by the system control microprocessor 128 shown in FIG. 9. Prior
to this initialization, the light sources 104 and 108 are not
20 activated to extend their life. When the start of the race begins,
an identification microprocessor 138 looks for an interrupt signal
from the interrupted light detector 110. The interrupted light
detector 110 is an infrared phototransistor that is physically
aimed at an infrared emitting LED in the light source 108. When
a passing marble 26 blocks the path of light from the light
source 108 to the light detector 110, its output drops to almost
zero. This lack of output current is changed to a corresponding
voltage level shift, via a current to voltage translator 140. The
voltage signal is then fed to the identification microprocessor 138
30 and provides the interrupt signal thereto.
Once the marble 26 stops interrupting the light
source 108, the output from the interrupted light detector 110
resumes and the identification microprocessor 138 will therefore be
in a non-ball recognition state.
The reflected light detector 106 is an infrared photo-
transistor that is operated in a linear and stable mode as a
current generator. In this application, the reflected amount of
light from the passing marbles 26 will produce a proportional
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reflected light signal which is coupled to a current to voltage
convertor 142. rhe reflected light is initiated from an infrared
LED disposed in the light source 104. A reflected light signal
provided by the reflected light detector 106 is in the form of a
current that is constantly being changed to a usable voltage by
the current to voltage convertor 142 and then which is amplified
by an amplifier 144. The current to voltage converter 142 and the
amplifier 144 have variable parameters in that the current to
voltage convertor 142 has adjustable gain and the amplifier 144
10 has a base line adjustment, both well known in the art. These
variable parameters are mechanically adjusted when the system is
initially set up to match certain tolerances of the gain and
leakage current specifications of the phototransistor reflected
light detector 106 -to produce similar operating signals from one
unit to another. The gain adjustment on the current to voltage
convertor 142 is initially set to produce a specified overall
circuit gain. The base line adjustment of the amplifier 144 is
used to compensate for leakage current of the phototransistor of
the reflected light detector 106 and to establish a specified
20 reference voltage or base line for ambient light or a no marble
condition. When a marble 26 passes under the reflected light
detector 106, the voltage signal is increased from the base line
voltage to a peak voltage and its amplitude is established by the
amount of light reflected and multiplied by the overall circuit
gain .
The adjustable parameters of the current to voltage
converter 142 and amplifier 144 can be automatically adjusted as
s~ecified by the identification microprocessor 138 via error calibra-
tion circuitry 154. Specified absolute values would be compared to
30 the relative race results after each race and the compensating
adjustments to the gain and base line can be made as necessary.
The output of the amplifier 144 is fed to an analog to
digital convertor 146 of conventional design. The voltage signal
from the amplifier is in the form of an analog signal which must
be converted to a digital signal before it can be stored in the
identification microprocessor 138. This is accomplished when the
analog to digital converter 146 is requested to do so by the
identification microprocessor 138 via a conventional handshaking
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routine. The speed of the analog to digital converter 146
to complete its task is governed by an oscillator 148.
When the analog to digital converter 146 is finished with
its task, a digital signal, that is proportional to its
analog input, is sent to the microprocessor 138. This
signal input is compared to a reference voltage 1~0 to
establish the incremental value, in binary form, for each
conversion associated with each marble 26. The reference
voltage 150 must be fairly stable and noise-free.
Peak values of the data supplied by the analog
to digital converter 146 are stored in the memory of the
identification microprocessor 138 until all the marbles 26
have passed the reflected light detector 106. At the end
of the race, the relative comparisons are made by the
microprocessor 138 to determine the results of the race
and are provided as an output 152. The output 152 is
coupled to the system control microprocessor 128, as shown
in FIG. 9, so that its functions can be accomplished.
If for some reason the data collected from the
marbles happens to fall outside the predefined boundaries
set forth in the aforenoted program, the identification
microprocessor 138 provides an alarm signal 154 to the
system control microprocessor 128 to shut down the system
and trigger an alarm 156.
The interrupted light detector 110 and light
source 108 are employed to signal the microprocessor 138
that a marble 26 is going down the conduit 98 to show that
data should be taken from that moment until the marble has
passed and the peak value has been stored so that the
microprocessor 138 does not have to be concerned with the
finish time of the marbles 26 or the increment of time
between the marbles 26. The identification microprocessor
138 just has to wait until a trigger from the interrupted
light detector 110 is supplied.
As each marble 26 passes past the reflected
light detector 106, a signal is generated that slopes
positive as the marble 26 reaches its peak and then slopes
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negative as the marble 26 continues to pass by the
reflective sensor. The reflected signal of the same
colored marble will always reach the same peak value for
each game no matter how fast the marble 26 is travelling.
This is why the microprocessor 138 will sample the data of
a passing marble 26 until its peak has been detected and
stored. By detecting only the peak of the marble's
reflection, the speed of the marble 26 becomes of small
concern since the sampling of data is on a higher order of
magnitude than the marble's actual speed of travel.
Although a specific configuration electrical
circuit has been shown to accomplish the detection of the
identifying characteristic of the marbles 26 it is to be
understood that other suitable means may be substituted
therefor within the principles and scope of the present
invention.
It will be understood that various changes in
details, materials, arrangement of parts and operational
conditions which have been herein described and
illustrated in order to explain the nature of the
invention may be made by those skilled in the art within
the principles and scope of the invention.
