Abstract: A prize dispensing hook assembly is provided for retaining a prize suspended from a base of a prize dispenser and releasing the prize therefrom at a predetermined release location. The hook assembly includes a hook structure mounted on the base for movement relative thereto. The hook structure is engageable with the prize in a prize retaining position and is disengagable from the prize in a prize releasing position corresponding to the predetermined release location. The biasing arrangement is continuously engaged with both the base and the hook structure, and provides a biasing force continuously urging an open of the hook structure into direct engagement with the base. An actuator arrangement is mounted within the prize dispenser and is provided with a movable release element which is selectively engageable with the hook structure to move the hook structure to the prize releasing position.

Abstract: A prize dispensing hook assembly is provided for retaining a prize suspended from a base of a prize dispenser and releasing the prize therefrom at a predetermined release location. The hook assembly includes a hook structure mounted on the base for movement relative thereto. The hook structure is engageable with the prize in a prize retaining position and is disengagable from the prize in a prize releasing position corresponding to the predetermined release location. The biasing arrangement is continuously engaged with both the base and the hook structure, and provides a biasing force continuously urging an open of the hook structure into direct engagement with the base. An actuator arrangement is mounted within the prize dispenser and is provided with a movable release element which is selectively engageable with the hook structure to move the hook structure to the prize releasing position.

Abstract: An arcade racing game includes a plurality of vehicles that move along a race track and derive power from the race track. The race track includes a series of concentric power supply coils embedded beneath the top surface of the race track. Each of the power supply coils receives a supply of power. Each vehicle operating on the race track includes a pickup coil that inductively receives current from the power supply coils. The induced voltage in the pickup coil is used to charge an internal power storage device and a drive motor within the vehicle.

Abstract: An amusement game and method that utilize an image sensing device to track and determine the position of a plurality of game objects on a playfield. The amusement game includes an image sensing device, such as a CCD or CMOS camera, that is positioned to view the playfield of the amusement game and track the movement of a plurality of game objects along the playfield. During game play, the control unit may control the movement of one or more of the game objects along the playfield. The control unit receives a series of sequential image scans from the image sensing device and determines the position and movement of the game objects along the playfield. Based upon the detected position of the game objects under computer control, the control unit modifies the control parameters of the game object during game play.

Abstract: An amusement game and method that tracks the movement of a game object utilizing an image sensing device that communicates with a control unit for the amusement game. The amusement game includes an image sensing device, such as a CCD or CMOS camera, that is positioned to view the playfield of the amusement game and track the movement of a game object along the playfield. The control unit receives a series of sequential image scans from the image sensing device and determines the position of the game object along the playfield. Based upon the detected position of the game object, the control unit modifies the operation of the game or awards player points.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a game of skill to provide awards or prizes to players of the game when the player has been successful in completing the game task. The game of skill is operated at a current skill level and the game monitors a rule parameter, such as a winning percentage or payout percentage, as the game is played. If the rule parameter exceeds a maximum limit, the difficulty level of the game is adjusted. Likewise, if the rule parameter is below a minimum limit, the difficulty level of the game is decreased. At each and every difficulty level, the player is able to succeed in winning the game of skill.

Abstract: A computer controlled toy car racing game that can be played by a plurality of players. If less than a maximum number of players is present at the beginning of a race, a computer controller operates the remaining race cars such that each race includes all of the race cars. The racing game includes numerous sensors positioned above the racing course that relay control commands to each of the race cars. If a race car is computer controlled or computer assisted, the control commands are created by the computer controller. If the race car is controlled by a player, the control commands include information from a throttle and steering wheel used by the player. Upon completion of a race, the computer controller controls each of the race cars to bring the race cars back to a point on the race course near the start/finish line.