Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to crane games, pusher games, push-out games and the like. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to crane and/or pusher games which are operable to output tickets, gifts and/or cards upon the winning of a prize.

Background to the Invention

Crane games (including grab games) are well known in the art, and comprise an assortment of prizes distributed within a container, and a user operable crane (or claw), which is operable to be moved within said container, in an attempt to pick up one or more prizes. The prizes themselves are often toys, to be won and kept by the user, or items which can be redeemed for a set number of tickets or points. In conventional crane games, the goal is to pick up and move the desired prize into an open chute, through which the prize falls, and is subsequently collectable by the user. Where the prize is an item which can be used to obtain tickets or points, the item must usually be ‘traded in’ for those tickets. The item will subsequently be returned to the machine for future users. One problem with these conventional crane games is that, as users win prizes, the number of remaining prizes decreases, and as such the appeal to potential future users is diminished. Further, it becomes more difficult for later users to win a prize, owing to the smaller number of prizes remaining. As such, it is required that operators refill the machines on a regular basis, in order to maintain the appeal of the machines to potential users. This is time consuming, and can lead to the prizes being distributed in recognisable patterns, which again reduces the appeal to potential users.

Similarly, pusher games are well known in the art, and commonly comprise a playing surface on which prizes or tokens rest in use, and a pusher, where the pusher and playing surface are movable relative to each other. The pusher may typically comprise a substantially upright surface, and the playing surface may comprise a substantially horizontal surface and the relative motion can move the prizes or tokens on said playing surface. Ultimately, prizes or tokens can be pushed off a falling edge of the playing surface as winnings to be collected by the user. Push-out games are also known in the art, and typically comprise a vertical board comprising a plurality of through holes, in which prizes are placed. A user operable pusher is movable in the vertical and horizontal directions behind the board. The game is played by having a user move the pusher behind the board in order that upon activation of the pusher, should the pusher be sufficiently aligned with one of the through holes in the board, prizes are pushed out of the board by the pusher, and fall into a reservoir for collection by a user.

Further, where the prizes are items which are redeemable for tickets, it may be the case that some users do not redeem the item for the tickets, and instead keep the item itself. This leads to prizes permanently leaving the game environment, which over time requires replenishment. This adds cost to the operator, and further reduces appeal to potential users, on account of the lower number of prizes and tickets available to be won.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate some of these issues in known crane and/or pusher games.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game apparatus comprising: a prize reservoir operable to hold one or more prizes; a prize selector to move one or more prizes from the prize reservoir to a holding area a prize identifier comprising an optical detection unit operable to identify winning prizes in said holding area from the external appearance of the prize; and a prize return mechanism operable to move identified winning prizes from said holding area to the prize reservoir.

The provision of a prize return mechanism allows for the prize reservoir to be refilled without operator input. This reduces the downtime of the machine, and maintains the appeal to the user, as the prize reservoir is not depleted for any prolonged period of time. Further, the game apparatus being a closed system prevents prizes being removed from the game environment. This removes the need for replenishment of the prize stock over time.

The game apparatus may comprise an award output unit. The award output unit may be operable in response to the prize identifier to output an award to a user. The value of an award may be determined in response to the identified prize. In some embodiments, the award value is denominated in credits. In some embodiments, the award unit may comprise a ticket dispensing unit operable to dispense one or more tickets. The issued tickets may correspond to the credit value of the award. In such embodiments, a store of pre-printed tickets may be provided enabling one or more pre printed tickets to be dispensed as an award. In other embodiments, the award output unit may comprise a printer and the tickets may be printed on demand. In some embodiments, the award output unit may be additionally or alternatively operable to output award credits to a linked device over a suitable data connection. The linked device may be an operator control unit operable to enable management of operations of multiple devices in a particular location. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the linked device may be a user device such as a smartphone, smartwatch, wristband, or the like.

Each prize may have a like form or each prize may have a different form. Each prize may have any suitable form. Examples of suitable prize forms include but are not limited to rings, balls or the like.

Each prize may have a predetermined value. The credit value of each prize may be displayed on the prize. Alternatively, the credit value may not be displayed on the prize. This adds another element of skill to the game, and provides further user engagement, as the user must figure out and remember the credit values of the prizes.

There may be prizes of various values within the prize reservoir. There may be multiple prizes of each value within the prize reservoir. There may be equal numbers of prizes having each different value. The number of prizes having higher values may be lower than the numbers of prizes having lower values. Certain prizes may be given a random value. In such cases, the award output unit is operable to assign a random credit value to that prize upon identification. The random value may be assigned from a pre-set range of allowable random values.

The external appearance of the prize may include an identifying feature. The identifying feature of a prize may correspond to its value. In particular embodiments, the identifying feature may be a colour or shape of the prize. As such, the colour or shape of a prize may correspond to a certain credit value. In some embodiments, the identifying feature may comprise text or a code, including but not limited to one dimensional or two-dimensional barcodes.

The optical detection unit may comprise a camera operable to capture images of winning prizes within the holding area and a processing unit operable to process said images in relation to prize identifying features.

The prize selector may operate automatically. In other embodiments, the prize selector may be user operable. In such embodiments, the apparatus may comprise user input means. The user input means may be a dedicated user input for this purpose. The user input means may comprise any combination of a joystick, buttons, and or dials. The skilled person will understand that there are many possible variations of suitable user input means.

In some embodiment, the prize reservoir may comprise an open topped container. In such embodiments, the prize selector may comprise a crane. The crane may be operable to move in three dimensions. The crane may comprise a claw. The claw may comprise at least two fingers operable to close around a prize. The fingers may be operable to close in response to user input.

Alternatively, the crane may comprise a magnet. The magnet may be operable to pick up a prize due to magnetic attraction. The magnet may be an electromagnet. The electromagnet may be operable to turn on (and thus attract and pick up prizes) in response to user input. Alternatively, the magnet may be a permanent magnet.

In such embodiments, user input means may comprise claw directional controls and/or claw activation controls. In particular, the claw directional controls may comprise a joystick to control the horizontal movement of the crane, and a pair of buttons to control the vertical movement of the crane.

In some embodiments the prize reservoir may comprise a playing surface upon which prizes rest. In such embodiments, the prize selector may comprise one or more pushers. The or each pusher may be moveable between a first position and a second position so as push one or more prizes over a falling edge into the holding area.

In a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the prize reservoir may comprise a substantially vertical board. The board may comprise a plurality of substantially horizontal through holes. The through holes may be sized and shaped so as to retain prizes.

In these embodiments, the prize selector may be a pusher operable to push one or more prizes out of the through holes so as to fall into the holding area.

The holding area may be separated from the prize reservoir. The holding area may be separated from the prize reservoir by means of a raised wall. Additionally or alternatively, the holding area may be vertically displaced from the prize reservoir.

In some embodiments, all prizes in the holding area are identified as winning prizes. The holding area may comprise a surface. The prize identifier may be disposed adjacent the holding area in order to identify the or each prize in the holding area.

In other embodiments, only a subset of prizes in the holding area are identified as winning prizes. In some such embodiments, the holding area may additionally comprise a winning area and only prizes in the winning area are winning prizes. This provides for additional player interest and excitement.

The winning area may comprise a surface. The winning area may be below the holding area. The prize identifier may be disposed adjacent the winning area in order to identify the or each prize in the winning area.

A transfer mechanism may be provided to transfer prizes from the holding area to the prize return mechanism. The transfer can take place directly. In embodiments comprising a winning area, the holding area may comprise a receiving area into which prizes are received from the prize selector and the transfer mechanism may be operable to transfer all or a subset of prizes in the receiving area to the winning area. In some embodiments, the holding area may additionally comprise an intermediate area between the receiving area and the winning area. In such embodiments, the transfer mechanism may be operable to transfer all or a subset of prizes in the receiving area to the intermediate area and/or transfer mechanism may be operable to transfer all or a subset of prizes in the intermediate area to the winning area.

The transfer mechanism may comprise one or more playing surfaces and one or more pushers, each pusher movable relative to at least one playing surface between at least a first position and a second position. In embodiments where all prizes are identified as winning prizes, the holding area may comprise a first surface and one or more pushers may be operable to push each prize in the holding area over a falling edge to enable collection by the transfer mechanism.

In embodiments where only a subset of prizes in the holding area are identified as winning prizes, the receiving area may comprise a first playing surface and the winning area may comprise a second playing surface positioned below the first playing surface, the one or more pushers arranged such that some prizes received in the receiving area are pushed by the one or more pushers over a falling edge to the winning area. In some embodiments, the receiving area may be defined by as that portion of the first playing surface that can be occluded by relative motion between the pusher and the first playing surface and the intermediate area may be defined as that portion of the first playing surface that may not be occluded. Prizes in the receiving area will thus be moved to the intermediate area under the influence of the pusher and when sufficient prizes are in the intermediate area, movement of additional prizes from the receiving area to the intermediate area causes some prizes already in the intermediate area to be pushed over the falling edge to the winning area.

In some embodiments, the falling edge may comprise a lip. The lip may be angled upward relative to the playing surface. This can help support prizes partially positioned over the falling edge, and/or results in prizes falling over the falling edge in groups rather than singly, which adds an element of unpredictability and excitement.

In some embodiments where there is more than one pusher, each pusher may push in the same direction or pushers may push in different directions. In such embodiments, the pushers may be provided adjacent to one another or separated from one another.

The playing surface, in use, may be substantially level. This aids the possibility of prizes being moved across the surface under influence of relative motion between the pusher and playing surface. The playing surface may be substantially horizontal. This can aid prizes remaining in position on the surface unless under the influence of the pusher.

The winning area may be arranged so that the or each prize comes to rest in a collection section of the winning area. The collection section may be adapted to permit prizes to enter individually or in batches. The collection section may be adapted to facilitate collection by the prize return mechanism.

The prize return mechanism may comprise one or more receptacles operable to collect prizes from the holding area or winning area, as appropriate. The receptables may be operable to deposit collected prizes at the prize reservoir or at a prize reservoir input. Each receptacle may be arranged to collect and deposit more than one prize. In suitable embodiments, each receptacle may be formed by a pair of curved arms, in which the prizes sit.

The prize return mechanism may comprise a transport apparatus operable to transport the one or more receptacles from the holding area or winning area to the prize reservoir or a prize reservoir input. The transport apparatus may comprise a belt upon which the one or more receptacles are mounted and one or more powered rollers operable to drive movement of the belt.

The prize reservoir input may comprise a chute having a first end operable to receive deposited prizes from the transport apparatus and a second end in or adjacent to the prize reservoir. Deposited prizes may slide or roll through the chute into the prize reservoir.

The prize return mechanism may return each prize to the reservoir after it has been identified. Alternatively, the prize return mechanism may return multiple prizes in the winning area in batches. In these embodiments, the batches may be returned when a predetermined number of prizes have been identified in the winning area. Alternatively, the batches may be returned after a predetermined time period after the identification of a prize.

In some embodiments, the prize reservoir may be provided with an agitator. The agitator may be operable to mix the prizes within the prize storage area. Typically, the agitation may be random or substantially random. This would therefore ensure the prizes are mixed appropriately before the prize selector operable to select one or more prizes from the prize reservoir.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a crane game apparatus comprising: a prize reservoir operable to hold one or more prizes; a crane operable in response to user input to pick one or more prizes from the prize reservoir, move said picked prizes to a holding area, and release said picked prizes within said holding area; a prize identifier comprising an optical detection unit operable to identify prizes in said holding area from the external appearance of the prize; and a prize return mechanism operable to move identified prizes from said holding area to the prize reservoir.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pusher game apparatus comprising: at least one prize reservoir operable to hold one or more prizes; a pusher operable to move one or more prizes from the prize reservoir to a holding area, a prize identifier comprising an optical detection unit operable to identify prizes in said holding area from the external appearance of the prize; and a prize return mechanism operable to move identified prizes from said holding area to the prize reservoir. The apparatus of the second aspect and third aspect of the present invention may incorporate any or all of the features of the first aspect of the present invention as desired or as appropriate.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a crane game apparatus comprising: a prize reservoir operable to hold one or more prizes; a crane operable in response to user input to pick one or more prizes from the prize reservoir, move said picked prizes to a receiving area; a transfer mechanism comprising a pusher operable to transfer a subset of prizes in the receiving area to a winning area; and a prize identifier comprising an optical detection unit operable to identify prizes in said winning area from the external appearance of the prize.

The apparatus of the fourth aspect of the present invention may incorporate any or all of the features of the first aspect of the present invention as desired or as appropriate.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may comprise a prize return mechanism operable to move identified prizes from said winning area to the prize reservoir. In other embodiments, the apparatus may comprise a winning prize transfer mechanism to transfer prizes from the winning area to a prize storage chamber. The wining prize transfer mechanism may comprise a turntable or conveyor belt.

The prize storage chamber may be provided adjacent the winning area. The prize storage chamber may comprise an open topped container. An example of a suitable container would include but is not limited to a basket, a box or the like. The container may be sized and shaped so as to hold multiple prizes.

The prize storage chamber may be removable from the apparatus. The chamber may be removable through an access aperture. This can facilitate removal of winning prizes by a player or an operator. The player may thus be able to take away winning prizes for redemption or retention as appropriate. In some embodiments, the aperture may be closed by a lockable door this can prevent prizes from being removed except by an authorised operator. The operator may therefore refill the prize reservoir with prizes from the prize storage chamber, as required. Detailed Description of the Invention

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 is a front view of a game apparatus in a first state; Figure 2 is a corresponding view to Figure 1, with the apparatus in second state; Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view along the line A- A of Figure 1, with the apparatus in a first state;

Figure 4 is a corresponding view to Figure 3, with the apparatus in a second state; and Figure 5 is a block diagram of an alternative apparatus Figure 6 is a front view of a further alternative apparatus Figure 7 is a side view of another alternative apparatus.

Referring to Figures 1 and 3, there is provided a game apparatus 1. The apparatus 1 comprises a prize reservoir 2. The prize reservoir 2 is substantially cuboidal, with an open top. A number of prizes 3 are contained within the prize reservoir 2. Each prize 3 has the form of a ball. Each prize 3 is provided with an identifying feature (not shown). In this embodiment, the identifying feature is the colour of the prize 3. In this embodiment, the colour of each prize 3 is associated with that prize’s 3 credit value.

The apparatus comprises a prize selector in the form of a crane 4. The crane 4 is placed above the prize reservoir 2. The crane 4 is moveable in three dimensions response to user input. In this embodiment, the crane 4 comprises a claw 4a, which comprises four mechanically operable fingers, although the skilled man will appreciate that different numbers of mechanical fingers may be used in alternative embodiments. The claw 4a is sized so such that at least two of the fingers close around a prize 3 upon an appropriate user input.

The apparatus 1 comprises, on its outer surface, a user input means 5. The user input means 5 is connected to the crane 4 in order to control the movement of the crane 4. The user input means 5 comprises a joystick 5a, which controls the movement of the crane 4 in the horizontal plane. The user input means 5 also contains a pair of buttons 5b operable to control the vertical movement of the crane 4, and claw activation unit in the form of a button 5c, which is operable to close the fingers of the claw 4a.

A holding area 6 is placed adjacent the prize reservoir 2. The holding area 6 comprises a surface 7. The surface 7 is horizontal, and is vertically displaced from the lower surface of the prize reservoir 2. The wall 8 of the prize reservoir 2 which is adjacent the holding area 6 extends vertically above the surface 7, so as to form a barrier 9 between the surface 7 and prize reservoir 2.

The holding area 6 comprises a prize identifier 10 operable to identify any prizes 3 placed upon the surface 7. The prize identifier 10 is an optical detection unit, such as a camera, operable to determine the colour of any prize 3 placed on the surface 7. The skilled man will appreciate that the prize identifier 10 may be operable to detect other external identifying features of the prize in alternative embodiments.

In this embodiment, the optical detection unit is placed adjacent the surface 7, in order to determine the colour of the prize 3. In other embodiments, the optical detection unit may be placed in the surface 7 itself. In such embodiments, the optical detection unit may be provided with an illumination means to ensure detection of the colour of the prize 3 is possible.

The prize identifier 10 is operably connected to a ticket dispensing unit 11. Typically, this might be via an award output unit as is described in more detail in relation to figure 5. The ticket dispensing unit 11 is operable to output tickets to a user. The number of tickets corresponds to the colour of the prize 3 detected by the prize identifier 10.

The apparatus 1 comprises transfer mechanism in the form of a pusher 12. The pusher 12 is operable to move between a first and second position upon a suitable instruction from a pusher control unit (not shown in figures 1-4). The first position is arranged such that none of the surface 7 is occluded by the pusher 12, and in the second position, the entirety of the surface 7 is occluded by the pusher 12. The second position forms an edge of the surface 7. The pusher 12 operates to push any prizes 3 on the surface 7 over this edge, and off the surface 7 entirely. When the pusher 12 reaches the second position, it immediately moves back into the first position, to allow further prizes 3 to be placed onto the surface 7.

The holding area 6 also comprises a collection section 13. The collection section 13 is placed below the edge of the surface 7 from which prizes 3 are pushed. The collection section 13 comprises a floor arranged to urge the prizes 3 in the collection section 13 towards a collection section 13a of the collection section 13.

The apparatus 1 comprises a prize return mechanism 14. The prize return mechanism 14 comprises a belt 15. The belt 15 is continuous, and placed around a pair of rotating axles 16. One of the axles 16 is placed vertically above the other, such that the belt 15 forms a vertical conveyor which runs continuously.

A number of receptacles 17 are placed at evenly spaced intervals around the belt 15. The receptacles 17 comprise a pair of arms 18 spaced apart a distance that allows for a prize 3 to be retained between the arms 18. The collection section 13a of the collection section 13 comprises a pair of recesses 19 arranged to allows the arms 18 to pass through the holding section 13, and thus pick up the prizes 3.

The prize return mechanism 14 comprises a chute 20 arranged adjacent the top of the belt 15. The chute 20 comprises a surface which has a slightly negative gradient and extends from the top of the belt 15 to a position vertically above the prize reservoir

2.

In use, a user may operate the apparatus 1 by using the joystick 5a, and buttons 5b, 5c in order to pick up a prize 3 from the prize reservoir 2, as shown in Figures 2 and 4. The user may then operate the crane 4 in order to move the prize 3 to the holding area 6. The prize 3 is then placed upon the surface 7, where the colour of the prize 3 is read by the prize identifier 10. The prize identifier 10, upon detection of the colour of a prize 3, outputs an instruction to a ticket dispensing unit 11. The instruction comprises information on the number of tickets to be dispensed by the ticket dispensing unit 11.

After the prizes 3 have been identified, the pusher 12 moves to its second position, and thereby pushes any won prize 3 into the collection section 13. The prizes within the collection section 13 are urged toward the collection section 13 a, where they come to rest.

As the belt 15 moves, the arms 18 of the receptacles 17 pass through the recesses 19 within the collection section 13, and retain any prizes 3 within the collection section 13. As the belt 15 continues to move, the prizes 3 retained within the receptacles 17 are displaced vertically from the collection section 13, and lifted toward the top of the belt 15.

As the receptacles 17 move over the top of the uppermost axle 16, the prize retained the in the arms 18 fall into the chute 20. This prize 3 roll down the chute 20 and eventually reach the end of the chute 20, at which point it falls back into the prize reservoir 2. This prize 3 can subsequently be re-picked by the user as desired, wherein the above illustrated process repeats.

Turning now to figure 5, there is shown a block diagram of the key control components of an apparatus 1 according to the present invention. The apparatus 1 comprises a prize identifier 10 in the form of an optical detector, which is operably connected to a pusher control unit 101.

The pusher control unit 101 is operably connected to pusher 12, in order to move the pusher 12 between a first and second position, on receipt of an appropriate instruction from the prize identifier 10.

An award output input unit 102 is operably connected to the prize identifier 10. On identification of a prize (not shown), the prize identifier 10 communicates to the award output unit 102 the credit value associated with the prize read by the prize identifier 10. This may be achieved by looking up a credit value associated with a particular prize colour detected by the prize identifier 10. The award output unit 102 is connected to ticket dispensing unit 11. The ticket dispensing unit 11 is operable to dispense the number of tickets associated with the credit value received by the award output unit 102.

Optionally, as is illustrated in this embodiment, the award output unit 102 is also operable to communicate the credit value to a linked device 103 via a suitable data connection. An example of such a linked device 103 is a smartphone. This can allow a user to redeem the credit value directly without requiring tickets to be printed.

Turning now to Figure 6, there is provided a game apparatus 200. The game apparatus 200 comprises a prize reservoir in the form of a playing surface 201. The apparatus 201 comprises a pusher 202.

The pusher 202 has a lower surface disposed adjacent the playing surface 201. The pusher 202 is movable between a first position, and a second position. A front surface of the pusher 202 occludes none of the playing surface 201 when the pusher 202 is in the first position. The first position is placed opposite a falling edge 203 of the playing surface 201.

In its second position, the pusher 202 extends over the playing surface 201 in the direction of the falling edge 203, so as to occlude a portion 201a, referred to as the occluded area, of the playing surface 20 las it oscillates between the first and second position. The portion of the playing surface 201 which is not occluded by the pusher 202 is the intermediate area 201b. When the pusher 202 reaches the second position, it immediately moves back into the first position.

A number of prizes 204 are distributed upon the playing surface 201. Each prize 204 has the form of a ball. Each prize 204 is provided with an identifying feature (not shown). In this embodiment, the identifying feature is the colour of the prize 204. In this embodiment, the colour of each prize 204 is associated with that prize’s 204 credit value.

The pusher 202 periodically occludes the occluded area 201a, thus moving any prizes 204 therein into the intermediate area 201b. The movement of the prizes 204 from the occluded area 201a to the intermediate area 201b will cause movement of some of the prizes 204 already in the intermediate area 201b towards the falling edge 203. This may cause prizes 204 to fall from the falling edge 203, into a holding area 205. Some prizes 204 in the intermediate area 201b will not be moved a significant distance toward the falling edge 203.

The holding area 205 comprises a prize identifier 206. The prize identifier 206 is operable to identify any prizes 204 in the holding area 205. In this embodiment, the prize identifier 206 is an optical detection unit (not shown) operable to determine the colour of any prizes 204 in the holding area 205. The skilled man will appreciate that other types of prize identifier may be used in alternative embodiments, for instance the shape of the prize 204.

In this embodiment, the optical detection unit is placed adjacent one of the walls of the holding area 205, in order to determine the colour of the or each prize 204 therein. In other embodiments, the optical detection unit may be placed in a wall of the holding area 205 itself. In such embodiments, the optical detection unit may be provided with an illumination means to ensure detection of the colour of the or each prize 204 is possible.

The prize identifier 206 is operably connected to a ticket dispensing unit 207. Typically, this might be via an award output unit as is described in more detail in relation to figure 5. The ticket dispensing unit 207 is operable to output tickets to a user. The number of tickets corresponds to the colour of the or each prize 204 detected by the prize identifier 206.

The holding area 205 comprises a floor arranged to urge the prizes 204 in the holding area 205 towards a collection section 205a of the winning area 205.

The apparatus 200 comprises a prize return mechanism 208. The prize return mechanism 208 comprises a belt 209. The belt 209 is continuous, and placed around a pair of rotating axles 210. One of the axles 210 is placed vertically above the other, such that the belt 209 forms a vertical conveyor which runs continuously.

A number of receptacles 211 are placed at evenly spaced intervals around the belt 209. The receptacles 211 comprise a pair of arms 212 spaced apart a distance that allows for a prize 204 to be retained between the arms 212. The collection section 205a of the winning area 205 comprises a pair of recesses (not shown) arranged to allows the arms 212 to pass through the floor of the collection section 205a, and thus pick up the prizes 204.

The prize return mechanism 208 comprises a chute 213 arranged adjacent the top of the belt 209. The chute 213 comprises a surface which has a slightly negative gradient and extends from the top of the belt 209 to a position vertically above the playing surface 201.

In use, the pusher 202 moves automatically between its first and second positions, thereby moving some of the prizes 204 on the playing surface 201. Some of these prizes pass over the falling edge 203 of the playing surface 201, and into the winning area 205.

The colour of these prizes 204 is then read by the prize identifier 206. The prize identifier 206, upon detection of the colour of a prize 204, outputs an instruction to a ticket dispensing unit 207. The instruction comprises information on the number of tickets to be dispensed by the ticket dispensing unit 206.

After the prizes 204 have been identified, the prizes 204 are urged toward the collection section 205a of the winning area 205, where they come to rest.

As the belt 209 moves, the arms 212 of the receptacles 211 pass through the recesses within the collection section 205a of the winning area 205, and retain any prizes 204 within the collection section 205a of the winning area 205. As the belt 209 continues to move, the prizes 204 retained within the receptacles 211 are displaced vertically from the winning area 205, and lifted toward the top of the belt 209.

As the receptacles 211 move over the top of the uppermost axle 210, the prize 204 retained the in the arms 212 fall into the chute 213. This prize 204 rolls down the chute 213 and eventually reaches the end of the chute 213, at which point it falls back onto the playing surface 201. This prize 204 can subsequently be re-won by the user as desired, wherein the above illustrated process repeats.

Turning now to Figure 7, there is shown a game apparatus 300. The apparatus 300 comprises a prize reservoir (not shown) which holds prizes 301. The apparatus 300 comprises a crane 302 movably placed above the prize reservoir. The crane 302 is operable to pick prizes 301 from the prize reservoir, and move them to a receiving area 303a. Subsequently, a subset of the prizes moved to receiving area 303a are moved to a winning area 306 under the influence of a transfer mechanism 304.

The receiving area 303a is part of a larger playing surface 303 additionally comprising an intermediate area 303b. The transfer mechanism 304 comprises a pusher 304 is movably placed adjacent the playing surface 303. The pusher 304 is operable to move between a first position and a second position. In Fig.7, the pusher 304 is in its second position. The receiving area 303a is defined as the portion of the playing surface 303 which can be occluded by the pusher 304. The remainder of playing surface 303 is defined as the intermediate area 303b. As the pusher 304 moves between its first and second positions, any prizes 301 in the receiving area 303a are moved to the intermediate area 303b.

The playing surface 303 comprises a falling edge 305. The falling edge 305 is placed on an opposing side of the intermediate area 303b to the receiving area 303a. As prizes 301 are moved into the intermediate area 303b under the influence of the pusher 304, some are pushed over the falling edge 305.

The prizes 301 pushed over the falling edge 305 are retained in the winning area 306. The winning area 306 comprises a prize identifier 307 comprising an optical detection unit operable to identify the prizes 301 in the winning area 306. In some embodiments, a prize return mechanism as shown in the earlier embodiments may be provided to return prizes from winning area 306 to the prize reservoir.

In the embodiment of figure 7, placed adjacent the winning area 306 is a turntable 308. The turntable 308 is operable to rotate, and move prizes 301 from the winning area 306 to a prize storage area 309. The prize storage area 309 is operable to collect prizes 301 which have been won by a user. An operator (not shown) can then return the prizes 301 in the prize storage area 309 into the prize reservoir.

The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.