Oskar's jukebox puzzle
This page features a software implementation of Jukebox, a mechanical puzzle by Oskar van Deventer, see photo below. The object is to insert coloured coins in the correct order into the juke-box (at the top) such that they drop out into the right baskets at the bottom. All red coins should drop into the left red basket and all blue coins should drop into the right blue basket. The switches flip the coins left and right. Can you drop the coins into the correct coin baskets and keep the music playing? (†)
You have an unlimited supply of coins to play with but only get a point for each coin dropped correctly. You lose one point for a wrong coin. You win if you score 40 or more. You lose if you insert 40 or more wrong coins.
Aim
Drop the coins into the basket of matching colour.
Controls
Use Start to start with the easiest challenge.
Use Previous to go to an easier challenge.
Use Next to go to a harder challenge.
Use Reset to restart the current challenge.
Use Drop-list to select a challenges.
Use Slider to adjust the animation speed.
Movement
Insert coins as follows:
Click on the coin that you want to insert, or...
Key-press a number (1 for a red coin 2 for a blue coin) or...
Key-press the left (red coin) and right (blue coin) arrow keys.
The picture to the right is a mechanical prototype of the Jukebox puzzle designed by Oskar. The specific challenge illustrated is challenge no.10 Mission Impossible.
A version of this puzzle was also built for the Delft Science museum (2011). Here is a YouTube video with an excellent demonstration from Oskar himself.
concept, applet & maze designs - © Oskar van Deventer - 2005
hosted with permission from Oskar van Deventer