Skill crane games and other amusement vending machines having display devices and other interactive features

Abstract

Skill crane games and other amusement vending machines having display devices and other interactive features to enhance game play are disclosed herein. A skill crane game configured in accordance with one embodiment includes at least one prize positioned within a transparent enclosure. The skill crane game further includes a user-operated joystick operably coupled to a prize selecting device and a display device, such as a video screen, positioned within the enclosure. In one embodiment, the skill crane game allows a player to select a prize from multiple prizes displayed on the video screen, and the prize selecting device then obtains the prize for the player. In another embodiment, the skill crane game allows the player to play a video game on the video screen before attempting to obtain a prize with the prize selecting device. If the player wins the video game, the skill crane game can award prizes, such as bonus time, that affect the subsequent attempt to obtain a prize.

1 . An amusement machine comprising:
 an enclosure having a transparent portion;   at least one prize positioned within the enclosure and visible from outside the enclosure through the transparent portion;   a prize selecting device movably positioned within the enclosure;   a user-operable controller operably coupled to the prize selecting device; and   a display device operably coupled to the user-operable controller, wherein the display device displays at least two options selectable by the user using the user-operable controller, wherein a first option includes purchasing a prize to be automatically delivered to the user by the prize selecting device, and wherein a second option includes playing a game displayed on the display device using the user-operable controller.   
   
   
       2 . The amusement machine of  claim 1  wherein the game includes at least one game prize that if won by the user affects a subsequent attempt by the user to select a prize using the prize selecting device, and wherein the second option further includes, at the conclusion of the game play, allowing the user to attempt to select a prize using the prize selecting device. 
   
   
       3 . A method of providing entertainment, the method comprising:
 providing a vending machine having at least one prize, a user-operable controller, a prize selecting device for selecting a prize and a display device displaying at least two options selectable by the user using the user-operable controller, wherein a first option includes purchasing the prize to be automatically delivered to the user by a prize selecting device, and wherein a second option includes playing a game displayed on the display device using the user-operable controller;   receiving a selection of an option from the user using the user-operable controller; and   if the user selected the first option, then:
 displaying a prize price of the prize on the display device; 
 receiving payment of the prize price from the user; and 
 automatically delivering the prize to the user using the prize selecting device. 
   
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising:
 if the user selected the second option, then:
 displaying a game price of playing the game on the display device; 
 receiving payment of the game price from the user; 
 displaying the game on the display device, wherein the game includes at least one game prize that if won by the user affects attempted selection of a prize by the user using the prize selecting device; 
 allowing the user to play the game; 
 at the conclusion of the game play, allowing the user to attempt to select a prize using the prize selecting device; and 
 if the user won a game prize, then affecting the user's attempted selection of a prize in accordance with the game prize won. 
   
   
   
       5 . An amusement machine comprising:
 means for enclosing one or more prizes;   means for selecting a prize;   means for manipulating the means for selecting a prize;   means for displaying at least two options selectable by a user, wherein a first option includes purchasing a prize to be automatically delivered to the user by the means for selecting a prize, and wherein a second option includes playing a game displayed on the means for displaying.   
   
   
       6 . The amusement machine of  claim 5  wherein the game includes at least one game prize that if won by the user affects a subsequent attempt by the user to select a prize using the means for selecting a prize, and wherein the second option further includes, at the conclusion of the game play, allowing the user to attempt to select a prize using the means for selecting a prize.