The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 10, 1996
Filed:
Mar. 22, 1995
Bryan M Kelly, Almo, CA (US);
Matthew F Kelly, San Ramon, CA (US);
John G Kroeckel, San Leandro, CA (US);
Joseph J Haas, Pleasanton, CA (US);
Jayash J Lad, San Jose, CA (US);
Lazer-Tron Corporation, Pleasanton, CA (US);
Abstract
An arcade game including an object sensor for detecting a playing piece directed by a player. A target field receives the directed playing piece, and the sensor determines the identity and a final position of the playing piece at rest. A scoring mechanism provides a game score based on the identity and final resting position of the playing piece. Preferably, the playing piece, such as a ring or coin, engages one of multiple individual targets, such as bottles or receptacles. A return mechanism provides the playing piece to the player, and an award dispenser dispenses an award to a player based on the game score. The sensor includes a visual sensor and digital processor for validating and determining a final position of the moving playing piece by detecting visible light. The digital processor examines an image of the target field to determine and validate the identity of the playing piece, the trajectory of the playing piece, and the final position of the playing piece to determine the game score. The sensor and digital processor compensate for changing lighting conditions during game play.