Systems and methods for adjusting game-play time of pinball machines

Abstract

A self-adjusting-difficulty feature for a pinball machine enables operators to set a desired game playtime. The difficulty of play, the chance of a ball draining or staying on the playfield, is adjusted through moving active features such as posts to different positions on the playfield. Thus the machine is made easier to play for a novice and tougher for an experienced player. The score given by playfield features is increased as the level of difficulty is increased. Thus, the novice and experienced player may play for a similar amount of time, the experienced player is more likely to get a higher score. Additionally, some playfield features may only be unlocked when the machine is set for a high level of difficulty.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 based on U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 443,393, filed Sep. 27, 2007, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]A. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to amusement games such as pinball and pachinko machines and, more specifically, to adjusting game play based on the current player's skill level.[0004]B. Description of Related Art[0005]As is well known, pinball games typically comprise an inclined playfield mounted in a game cabinet and supporting a rolling ball. Players control the game ball with flippers to score points by projecting the ball towards game features, such as targets, bumpers, and the like. Conventional pinball games provide the player with a predetermined number of game balls that are played on the game playfield.[0006]Over the years pinball machines have lost space in arcades and location-based entertainment ...

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