CA1153115A - Electronic pinball game - Google Patents

Electronic pinball game

Info

Publication number
CA1153115A
CA1153115A CA000361584A CA361584A CA1153115A CA 1153115 A CA1153115 A CA 1153115A CA 000361584 A CA000361584 A CA 000361584A CA 361584 A CA361584 A CA 361584A CA 1153115 A CA1153115 A CA 1153115A
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
lamps
way mirror
micro
pinball machine
sequences
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired
Application number
CA000361584A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Arthur L. Brey
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Bally Manufacturing Corp
Original Assignee
Bally Manufacturing Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Bally Manufacturing Corp filed Critical Bally Manufacturing Corp
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA1153115A publication Critical patent/CA1153115A/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07FCOIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/3286Type of games
    • G07F17/3297Fairground games, e.g. Tivoli, coin pusher machines, cranes
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63FCARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F7/00Indoor games using small moving playing bodies, e.g. balls, discs or blocks
    • A63F7/02Indoor games using small moving playing bodies, e.g. balls, discs or blocks using falling playing bodies or playing bodies running on an inclined surface, e.g. pinball games
    • A63F7/025Pinball games, e.g. flipper games
    • A63F7/027Pinball games, e.g. flipper games electric

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Pinball Game Machines (AREA)
  • Arrangements Of Lighting Devices For Vehicle Interiors, Mounting And Supporting Thereof, Circuits Therefore (AREA)
  • Control Of Indicators Other Than Cathode Ray Tubes (AREA)
  • Illuminated Signs And Luminous Advertising (AREA)

Abstract

ELECTRONIC PINBALL GAME
ABSTRACT

A pinball machine controlled by a micro com-puter including a micro processing unit. A display means in the pinball machine comprises an infinity box including a one-way mirror, a two-way mirror disposed in spaced, parallel relation to the one-way mirror, and a plurality of lamps disposed in the space between the two mirrors. A plurality of switch means are provided for energizing respective lamps, the micro processing unit being connected to the plurality of switch means so as to actuate the plurality of switch means in a predeter-mined sequence whereby the lamps are energized in the pre-determined sequence.

Description

~53~S
The present invention relates to an electronic pinball machine and, more particularly, to a display in the electronic pinball machine.
In recent years pinball machines have utilized micro computers to drive the solenoids on the playing field as well as the indicator lamps to indicate the score. In certain computerized or electronic pinball machines, the micro processor has also been used to drive sound making devices whereby different sounds are produced in response to different game related functions. This sound effect has enhanced the enjoyment of the player.
It is an object of the present invention to provide, in an electronic pinball machine, a display means wherein visual effects are employed to enhance the amusement of the player. Another ob~ect is the provision in an electronic pinball machine of an infinity box display having lamps therein which are lit at a speed or in a predetermined sequence in response to a game related function.
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a pinball machine controlled by a micro-computer and comprising a plurality of playfield switches, actuatable by a pinball to provide respective signals to the micro-computer.
The micro-computer is programmed to provide predetermined sequences of output signals in response to actuation of respective playfield switches. The machine further comprises a display comprising an infinity box, a one-way mirror disposed in the box, a two-way mirror disposed in the box in spaced relation to the one-way mirror, a plurality of lamps disposed between the mirrors to provide multireflected light images 1 csm/~, llS~s~15 thereof through the two-way mirror and a plurality of switch means responsive to the micro-computer output signals and connected to energize respective lamps of the plurality of lamps in sequences corresponding to the predetermined sequences.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention wil] become apparent by reference to the following description and accompanying drawing wherein`the single figure is a diagrammatic drawing of an electronic pinball machine with a display constructed in accordance with the present invention.
Generally, in accordance with the present invention, an electronic pinball machine 10 is controlled by a micro computer 12 including a micro processing unit 14. The micro processing unit 14 is connected so as to control the energization of a plurality of lamps 16 in an infinity box 18.
The infinity box 18 includes a one-way mirror 20 disposed in the box 18, a two-way mirror 22 disposed in the box 18, in spaced, parallel relation to the one-way mirror 20, the plurality of lamps 16 being - la -csm~

, , .

31~5 di.sposed in the space between the two mirrors. The output of the miero processing unit 14 is eonneeted to a plurality of switch means 24, whieh energize respeetive lamps 16 so as to aetuate the plurality of switch means 24 in a predetermined sequenee whereby the lamps 16 are energized in the predetermined sequence.
More specifically, the electronic pinball machine 10, in accordance with the present invention, includes the micro eomputer 12 which may be of the type disclosed in United States Letters Patent No. 4,198,051, whieh issued April 15, 1980 and is assigned to the assignee of the present applieation. Another miero eom-puter whieh also may be used is employed in an eleetronie pinball game manufactured and sold by Bally Manufaeturing Corporation under the designation mode]. No. 1152-E KISS.
The micro eomputer 12 is eontrolled by switches 26 on the playfield of the pinball machine 10 and by other switches (not shown) on the machine, The micro computer 12 generally includes the micro processing unit 14, which may be a Motorola 6820/6821, a clock (not shown), a plurality of read only memories (not shown), random access memories (not shown), and peripheral interface adaptors tnot shown).
Four output leads 28 from the micro processing unit 14 are employed as a lamp address and are connected in parallel to a plurality of binary to one of sixteen deeoders 30. The deeoders 30 may be a type MC14514CP.
The number of decoders 30 used depends on the number of outputs needed for the number of lamps 16 and, in the illustrated embodiment, three counters are employed to energize thirty-two lamps. The specific one of the three binary deeoders 30 is seleeted by three output leads 32 from the miero processing unit 14, which serve as lamp data, and are respectively eonneeted to the binary decoders 30. The binary decoders 30 are turned on by a strobe pulse applied to eaeh decoder through a lamp ~iS3115 stxobe lead 34 from the micro processing unit 14.
As shown in the drawing, the outputs of the decoders 30 are connected respectively to the gates of a plurality of switching means 24 which, in the illustrated embodiment, are SCR's. An SCR may be provided for each of the lamps 16, or for each diagonally opposite pair of lamps 16. The cathodes of the SCR's 24 are connected in parallel to ground and the anodes of the SCR's 24 are con-nected to the respective lamps 16 in the infinity box 18.
The infinity box 18 is mounted so as to form the front of the back box of a pinball machine 10. It includes the one-way mirror 20 which is rectangular in shape and is mounted to the rear of a rectangular frame 36. The one-way mirror 20 may be etched to permit viewing of suitabie artwork tnot shown) mounted on the rear surface of the one-way mirror or to permit viewing of scoring registers (not shown).
The plurality of lamps 16 are mounted in spaced relation along each side of the frame 36, the bulb of the lamp extending inwardly of the frame. In the illustrated embodiment, eight lamps 16 are provided along each side of the frame 36. A lamp may be eliminated if it would be positioned opposite an etched portion of the one-way mirror 20. The two-way mirror 22, which is rectangular in shape, is mounted on the front of the frame 36 in spaced relation to the one-way mirror 20. The trans-mission factor of the two-way mirror 22 is determined by the amount of light which one desires to pass through the two-way mirror 22. For higher aInbient light, the trans-mission factor should be higher. A forty-five percent transmission factor may be used.
The spacing between the one-way mirror 20 and the two-way mirror 22 is determined by the desired illusion of depth of the lighted lamps subject to view by the player. The larger the spacing, the greater the illusion of depth. In the illustrated embodiment, a -~5~ 5 spacing of one and one-half inches is employed. The number of repetitions of the lighted lamps subject to v:iew of the player is determined by the brilliance of the light source and the combined reflectivity of the two mirrors.
The program of the micro computer 12 is written in a conventional manner so that different sequencesof the lighting of the lamps 16 are obtained in accordance with the actuation of playfield switches 26.
In one embodiment, one lamp on each side of the box 18 is energized at a time. l'he far left lamp on the upper side, the upper lamp on the right side, the far right lamp on the bottom side and the lower lamp on the left side are initially energized. The lamps on each side are then energized in sequence for equal time intervals and the sequence is repeated when the last lamp on the .side is lit so as to produce a clockwise rotational effect of multireflected lights. The program may also be written to sequentially energize the lamps so as to pro-duce a counter-clockwise rotational effect of multi-reflective lights. The speed of energization of the lamps, and thus the rotational effect, is increased upon the occurrence of a certain event sensed by the playfield switches, such as the striking of a certain bumper by the ball during play, and is increased further upon the striking of another bumper. This movement of multi-reflected lights which increases in accordance with the skill of the player enhances the amusement of the player.
A different program may be written so that two lamps on each side of the box, adjacent the midpoint of the side, are lit. The lamps are then energized in sequence for predetermined time intervals in directions away from the midpoint and, when the last lamps on the side are lit, the sequence is repeated. The speed of the outward movement of the m~ltiref]ected lights is increased as additional playfield switches or harder hit playfield . .
.

1~53~5 switches are actuated. The different sequencesmay be provided in the same pinball game with a particular sequence being selected by a different type of play related function.
In another embodiment, a panel (not shown) of insulating material is disposed directly behind the artwork on the one-way mirror 20. A plurality of lamps (not shown) are mounted on this panel, some of which or all of which are controlled by the micro processor unit 1~ in the above described manner. This provides a move-ment of the repetitive effect of the images contained in the artwork.
Various changes and modifications may be made in the above described electronic pinball game without deviating from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Various features of the present invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims (5)

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A pinball machine controlled by a micro-computer and comprising a plurality of playfield switches, actuatable by a pinball to provide respective signals to the micro-computer, the micro-computer being programmed to provide predetermined sequences of output signals in response to actuation of respec-tive said playfield switches, and a display comprising an infinity box, a one-way mirror disposed in said box, a two-way mirror disposed in said box in spaced relation to said one-way mirror, a plurality of lamps disposed between the mirrors to provide multireflected light images thereof through said two-way mirror, and a plurality of switch means responsive to said micro-computer output signals and connected to energize respective lamps of said plurality of lamps in sequences corresponding to said predetermined sequences.
2. A pinball machine in accordance with Claim 1 having said lamps disposed around the periphery of at least one of said mirrors.
3. A pinball machine in accordance with Claim 1 wherein said mirrors are substantially rectangular in shape, said plurality of lamps are disposed along the rectangular sides of at least one of said mirrors, and at least one said sequence is such that lamps along each of the respective said sides are energized in fixed relationship to each other.

csm/
4. A pinball machine in accordance with any of Claims 1, 2 and 3, wherein some of the sequences of output signals actuate said plurality of switch means at respectively different sequential speeds as determined by actuation of different ones of the plurality of playfield switches.
5. A pinball machine in accordance with any of the Claims 1, 2 and 3, wherein some of the sequences of output signals actuate said plurality of switch means in respectively different sequences as determined by actuation of different ones of the plurality of playfield switches.

csm/
CA000361584A 1979-11-09 1980-10-06 Electronic pinball game Expired CA1153115A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US9299379A 1979-11-09 1979-11-09
US92,993 1979-11-09

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA1153115A true CA1153115A (en) 1983-08-30

Family

ID=22236169

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA000361584A Expired CA1153115A (en) 1979-11-09 1980-10-06 Electronic pinball game

Country Status (13)

Country Link
JP (1) JPS5676971A (en)
AU (1) AU534986B2 (en)
BE (1) BE886088A (en)
CA (1) CA1153115A (en)
DE (1) DE3038337A1 (en)
DK (1) DK440480A (en)
ES (1) ES496634A0 (en)
FR (1) FR2469768A1 (en)
GB (1) GB2061738B (en)
IT (1) IT1127908B (en)
LU (1) LU82922A1 (en)
NL (1) NL8006117A (en)
SE (1) SE8007441L (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4448417A (en) * 1982-04-22 1984-05-15 Bally Manufacturing Corporation Pinball game with simulated projectile display
DE68914385D1 (en) * 1988-10-17 1994-05-11 Elton Fabrications Game machines.

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4093232A (en) * 1975-05-13 1978-06-06 Bally Manufacturing Corporation Player operated game apparatus
GB2029067A (en) * 1978-08-10 1980-03-12 Brown A Decorative display device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
IT8050043A0 (en) 1980-10-30
ES8201022A1 (en) 1981-12-01
DK440480A (en) 1981-05-10
JPS5676971A (en) 1981-06-24
LU82922A1 (en) 1981-03-26
AU6358380A (en) 1981-05-14
ES496634A0 (en) 1981-12-01
GB2061738A (en) 1981-05-20
DE3038337A1 (en) 1981-05-21
IT1127908B (en) 1986-05-28
BE886088A (en) 1981-03-02
NL8006117A (en) 1981-06-01
AU534986B2 (en) 1984-02-23
SE8007441L (en) 1981-05-10
FR2469768A1 (en) 1981-05-22
GB2061738B (en) 1983-06-02

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