System to detect and bypass inoperative game features in an amusement device
AssigneeWilliams Electronics Games, Inc.
InventorLawrence E. DeMar
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A microprocessor system monitors operation of an amusement device, such as a pinball machine, to detect inoperative switches and the like associated with game features, such as drop targets. Inoperability is assumed if the switch has not been activated after a statistically significant number of game plays. When an inoperative switch is detected, an audio/visual announcement is generated to advise the operator that repair is necessary. In addition, the microprocessor alters the game rule operation to compensate for the inoperative switches to avoid player dissatisfaction. The processor system includes a microprocessor and associated memory and interface devices for connecting the game elements to the processor system.
Claims10
A control system for detecting and bypassing inoperative game features of an amusement device comprising:
- (a) memory means for storing values, each value representative of the operative state of one game feature;
- (b) means for periodically altering said representative values to cause them to reach a final value indicative of an inoperative state;
- (c) means for detecting operation of each of said game features;
- (d) means for initializing the corresponding representative value stored in said memory means to prevent it from reaching said final value if a game feature operates during game play;
- and
- (e) means responsive to a game feature having a representative value equal to said final value for bypassing said game feature to permit game players to obtain the award normally associated with successfully operating said game feature.
A method for detecting and bypassing inoperative game features in an amusement device comprising the steps of:
- (a) storing in a memory values representative of the operative state of each game feature to be detected;
- (b) periodically altering said representative values to cause them to reach a final value indicative of an inoperative state;
- (c) detecting operation of each of said game features;
- (d) initializing the corresponding representative value stored in said memory each time a game feature is operated during game play to prevent it from reaching said final value;
- (e) bypassing a game feature if its representative value equals said final value to permit game players to obtain the award normally associated with successfully operating said game feature.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.