Prize dispensing device

Abstract

The invention relates to systems and methods for automating prize selection and distribution, namely in the arcade industry. In one embodiment, a prize dispensing device is configured to be backwards-compatible with existing redemption and amusement game standards. In another embodiment, the prize dispensing device comprises a plurality of chambers allowing for the automated distribution of prizes. In yet another embodiment, the device comprises a removable section for containing prizes allowing for the quick replacement and restocking of prizes to be distributed.

1 . A prize dispensing device, comprising: 
 an interface module that receives ticket dispensing information;    a translation module that translates the ticket dispensing information to prize dispensing information; and    a housing for containing prizes having at least one chamber, wherein at least one prize is dispensed from the chamber upon receiving prize dispensing information.    
   
   
       2 . The prize dispensing device of  claim 1 , wherein the translation module further comprises a controller to determine which available prize to distribute based on a user's performance.  
   
   
       3 . The prize dispensing device of  claim 2 , wherein the controller further determines the amount of time the chamber dispenses a prize.  
   
   
       4 . The prize dispensing device of  claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises at least two chambers for encasing prizes and an adapter plate having at least one opening, the plate being in movable communication with a distal end of the chamber; wherein upon receiving information relating to prize dispensing the adapter plate is positioned so that an opening is aligned with one of the chambers, thereby dispensing at least one prize.  
   
   
       5 . The prize dispensing device of  claim 4 , wherein the adaptor plate is in rotational communication with the housing.  
   
   
       6 . The prize dispensing device of  claim 1 , wherein the ticket dispensing information comprises pulses.  
   
   
       7 . The prize dispensing device of  claim 1 , wherein the ticket dispensing information comprises information obtained from counting notches in the tickets.  
   
   
       8 . A method for dispensing prizes, the method comprising the steps of: 
 (a) retrofitting a machine having a ticket dispensing device with an interface module that receives ticket dispensing information from the machine;    (b) translating the ticket dispensing information to prize dispensing information; and    (c) dispensing at least one prize, wherein the prize dispensed is determined by the prize dispensing information.    
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the interface module is configured to fit onto the ticket dispensing device.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein fitting the interface module onto the ticket dispensing device prevents the dispensing of tickets.  
   
   
       11 . A computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for performing steps comprising: 
 (a) receiving ticket dispensing information;    (b) translating the ticket dispensing information to prize dispensing information;    (c) analyzing the prize dispensing information to determine which prize to dispense; and    (d) causing the dispensing of at least one prize based upon the prize dispensing information.    
   
   
       12 . The instructions of  claim 11 , further comprising the steps of: 
 (e) detecting the presence of a ticket dispensing device on a machine; and    (f) if a ticket dispensing device is present, disabling the dispensing of tickets.    
   
   
       13 . The instructions of  claim 11 , further comprising the step of: 
 (e) comparing the prize dispensing information with an inventory to determine if a first prize is available, wherein if the first prize is unavailable, a second prize is dispensed.    
   
   
       14 . The instructions of  claim 11 , further comprising the steps of: 
 (e) comparing the prize dispensing information with an inventory to determine if user is eligible for more than a single prize; and    (f) allowing the user to select which prize the user is eligible to receive, wherein the selected prize is dispensed.    
   
   
       15 . A prize dispensing device comprising: 
 an interface module that receives information relating to ticket dispensing;    a translation module for translating the ticket dispensing information to prize dispensing information, the translation module comprising computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions to determine which available prize to distribute based on a user's performance; and    a housing for containing prizes having at least one chamber, wherein at least one prize is dispensed from the chamber upon receiving prize dispensing information.    
   
   
       16 . The prize dispensing device of  claim 15 , wherein the housing comprises at least two chambers for encasing prizes and an adapter plate having at least one opening, the plate being in movable communication with a distal end of the chamber; wherein upon receiving information relating to prize dispensing the adapter plate is positioned so that an opening is aligned with one of the chambers, thereby dispensing at least one prize.  
   
   
       17 . A gaming apparatus comprising: 
 a housing, the housing comprising a control unit having computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions;    a display device in communication with the control unit and configured to an output from the computer-executable instructions;    a user interface configured to allow a user to provide a user input;    a ticket dispenser configured to dispense tickets;    an interface module that receives ticket dispensing information from the ticket dispenser;    a translation module that translates the ticket dispensing information to prize dispensing information; and    a housing for containing prizes having at least one chamber, wherein at least one prize is dispensed from the chamber upon receiving prize dispensing information.    
   
   
       18 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the interface module prevents the ticket dispenser from dispensing tickets.