Hybrid Pinball Playfield Integrating Virtual Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pinball machines lack the ability to seamlessly integrate physical and virtual elements, limiting the interactive experience and game complexity by relying solely on mechanical interactions, which restricts the potential for advanced gameplay mechanics and user engagement.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a hybrid playfield system that uses electronic tracking systems to determine the position, speed, and direction of physical objects, allowing for the rendering of virtual objects and simulating interactions between physical and virtual elements, enabling dynamic changes in game elements and providing a more immersive experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pinball machines use only mechanical interactions, then the device structure remains simple and reliable, but the interactive experience and game complexity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines physical pinball elements with virtual graphical elements displayed on an electronic screen. The hybrid playfield merges the tangible ball and mechanical components with digital overlays, creating enhanced interactive experiences while maintaining the core mechanical pinball structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical interaction systems with a hybrid system that incorporates electronic displays and software-based game mechanics. Virtual objects and interactions are rendered on an electronic screen, substituting some mechanical complexity with electronic and software components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pinball machines integrate virtual elements on display, then game complexity and user engagement are enhanced, but the system requires electronic tracking and rendering components
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic display serves multiple functions: it displays virtual game elements, provides visual feedback for player actions, and creates immersive graphical environments. This multi-functional approach enhances game complexity while consolidating electronic requirements into a single versatile component.
3Ease of manufacture
If the playfield uses only physical targets, then the manufacturing and maintenance are straightforward, but the gameplay mechanics remain limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of physical targets and game elements displayed on the electronic screen. These graphical representations mirror and enhance the physical components, allowing for diverse gameplay mechanics without requiring complex physical manufacturing or modification of actual hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
Pinball machines with hybrid playfields. A method may include electronically determining a physical property of a physical object, the physical object allowed to move above a display disposed within a playfield of a pinball machine, and rendering a virtual object on the display in response to an evaluation of the physical property. Another method may include rendering a virtual object on an electronic screen, the electronic screen disposed within a playfield of the pinball machine, and changing an aspect of a physical object located within the playfield in response to the virtual object exhibiting a predefined property. Yet another method may include providing a list of one or more software applications via an electronic display arranged within the playfield of the pinball machine, allowing a user to select one of the one or more software applications, and executing the selected software application.