Interactive playfield feature for pinball games
US5123647A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 26, 1991 |
| Grant date | Jun 23, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 26, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63F2009/2476
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The present invention is a computer-controlled interactive playfield feature for pinball games. The system microprocessor monitors activity on the playfield and controls the interactive playfield feature, directing the player's attention to specific targets and activities on the playfield. The playfield feature operates in conjunction with a speech synthesizer, which may be programmed to taunt and challenge game player, increasing player appeal. In a preferred embodiment, the interactive playfield feature is in the shape of a jocular human head. The mouth, eyelids and eyes are movable under microprocessor control. The mouth serves as a ball target. When the player successfully shoots the ball in the mouth, a solenoid ball ejector returns the ball to the playfield. The eyes may be programmed to follow the travel of the pinball on the playfield.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.