Interactive playfield feature for pinball games

#The present invention relates generally to playfield features for pinball games, and more particularly to a multifunction interactive playfield feature for such games.

#Pinball games, as commonly known, consist of an inclined playfield and a plurality of features arranged on the playfield. A player uses flippers or similar means to direct a pinball at the playfield features such as targets or ramps in order to score points. Even though a variety of pinball game features are currently in use, constant addition of novel and exciting features is desirable to attract the greatest possible number of players to a particular pinball game.

#Conventional pinball games have playfield features that respond to contact by the pinball. These playfield features lack the capability to communicate with the game player and direct attention toward specific activities on the playfield. A playfield feature having the capability to interact with the game player is desirable.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pinball game having the interactive playfield feature of the present invention installed thereon.

#FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the interactive playfield feature of the present invention.

#FIG. 3 is a front view of the interactive playfield feature of the present invention with the covers removed.

#Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a pinball game 10 having an interactive playfield feature 12 mounted on an inclined playfield 14. A spring-loaded plunger 13 is provided to allow the player to propel the ball onto the playfield 14. The playfield is equipped with a plurality of conventional playfield features, such as bumpers, ramps, and other targets, all of which have ball-activated sensors associated therewith. While mechanical switches and optical switches are commonly used for this purpose, it is within the contemplation of the invention that any means for signalling the presence of the ball may be substituted therefor. The game player may direct skill shots at these targets by controlling a set of flippers 15.

#When the sensors are activated by the pinball during the course of play, points are awarded to the player. The use of pinball actuated switches for this purpose is well known in the art. As will be fully described hereinafter, the system microprocessor uses the input from these sensors to determine the position of the pinball on the playfield. This information is used to control the interactive playfield feature 12.

#FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the interactive playfield feature of the present invention. FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are also useful in explaining the construction of the present invention. The mechanical and electrical components comprising the interactive playfield feature are supported by a metal frame 16, which is secured to the playfield 14. A wooden panel 18 is secured within the frame 16, forming its bottom. The panel 18 has a centrally disposed aperture 20 for receiving the pinball during game play.