US 12,661,580 B2Granted

Method of operating game machine

AssigneePaokai Electronic Enterprise Co., Ltd.

InventorMing-Shan Wei

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Abstract

A method of operating a game machine including a grabbing device, a driving device, and a cabinet that defines an inner space is provided. The grabbing device includes a string and a claw. The method includes steps of: the driving device moving the grabbing device, in the inner space, horizontally from an original location to an upper location, and then releasing the string to lower the claw from the upper location to a lower location; when the claw reaches the lower location, the driving device outputting a first voltage to the grabbing device to perform a grabbing action; after performing the grabbing action, the driving device outputting a second voltage to the grabbing device for reducing grip strength of the claw for a predetermined time period; and the driving device outputting a third voltage to the grabbing device for increasing grip strength of the claw after outputting the second voltage.

Claims12

Dependent claims

A method of operating a game machine, the game machine including a grabbing device, a driving device, and a cabinet that defines an inner space, the grabbing device including a string having one end connected to the driving device, and a claw fixedly connected to the other end of the string, the inner space having a start zone and a playing field, the playing field allowing an object to be placed therein and having a main zone, and a drop zone between the start zone and the main zone, the method comprising steps of:

the driving device moving the grabbing device horizontally from an original location in the start zone to an upper location in the playing field, and then releasing the string to lower the claw from the upper location to a lower location in the playing field;
when the claw is lowered to the lower location, the driving device outputting a first voltage to the grabbing device for the claw to perform a grabbing action;
after performing the grabbing action, the driving device outputting a second voltage that is smaller than the first voltage to the grabbing device for reducing grip strength of the claw;
and
the driving device outputting a third voltage that is greater than the second voltage and smaller than the first voltage to the grabbing device for increasing the grip strength of the claw after outputting the second voltage for a predetermined time period,
wherein the step of the driving device outputting a second voltage includes:
randomly selecting one of a first condition where the claw is pulled back by substantially two-thirds of a length that is released by the string, a second condition where the claw is fully pulled back by the string to the upper location, and a third condition where the grabbing device is moved to the drop zone;
and
outputting the second voltage to the grabbing device upon occurrence of a selected one of the first, second and third conditions.

6 more elements

the driving device moving the grabbing device horizontally from an original location in the start zone to an upper location in the playing field, and then releasing the string to lower the claw from the upper location to a lower location in the playing field;
when the claw is lowered to the lower location, the driving device outputting a first voltage to the grabbing device for the claw to perform a grabbing action;
after performing the grabbing action, the driving device outputting a second voltage that is smaller than the first voltage to the grabbing device for reducing grip strength of the claw;
the driving device outputting a third voltage that is greater than the second voltage and smaller than the first voltage to the grabbing device for increasing the grip strength of the claw after outputting the second voltage for a predetermined time period;
the driving device moving the grabbing device horizontally along a boundary of the inner space from a first one of the four corners to a second one of the four corners that is adjacent to the first one of the four corners to obtain a first time period;
the driving device moving the grabbing device horizontally along the boundary of the inner space from the first one of the four corners to a third one of the four corners that is adjacent to the first one of the four corners and that is opposite to the second one of the four corners to obtain a second time period;
and
the driving device defining the drop zone based on the first time period and the second time period.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.