Movable optical target bank for a rolling ball game
AssigneeWilliam Electronics Games, Inc.
InventorsJohn R. Krutsch, Manu Jayswal
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A pinball game playfield feature includes a circular table which is rotated by a motor and linkage. Mounted on the table is a target housing having optical emitters disposed therein. Optical detectors are located in the table. Each emitter-detector pair forms a light beam which can be interrupted by a pinball to signal the game microprocessor for scoring or other purposes. Rotation of the table permits selectable positioning of the optical target bank.
Claims11
In a computer controlled rolling ball game including an inclined playfield, a ball and means for projecting the ball on the playfield, a playfield feature comprising:
- (a) a table mounted flush to said playfield for rotation in an opening therein and on which said ball can roll;
- (b) a target housing disposed on said table for movement therewith;
- (c) optical emitter and sensor means associated with said playfield feature extending between said housing and said table for creating at least one optical beam which can be interrupted by said ball, said sensor means including means for signalling said computer when a beam is interrupted;
- (d) means for rotating said table to change the position of the optical beam.
A playfield feature for a game having an inclined playfield and a ball which rolls on said playfield comprising:
- a) a table rotatably mounted to said playfield in an opening therein;
- b) a target housing disposed on said table for movement therewith;
- (c) optical emitter and sensor means associated with said playfield feature extending between said housing and said table for creating at least one optical beam, which can be interrupted by said ball, said sensor means including means for signalling when a beam is interrupted;
- (d) means for rotating said table to change the position of the optical beam.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.