Pinball Actuator Flexible Link Playfield Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pinball machines lack the ability to seamlessly integrate physical and virtual elements within the playfield, limiting the complexity and engagement of gameplay.
Innovation Solution
The integration of physical objects coupled to actuators via flexible links, allowing these objects to interact with pinballs within the playfield under control, while also utilizing a tracking system to determine the pinball's location and movement, enabling interactions with virtual objects displayed on an electronic display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If physical objects are integrated with actuators via flexible links to interact with pinballs, then gameplay engagement and immersion are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the pinball machine into distinct functional modules: actuators (motors, solenoids, plungers) that generate motion, flexible links (wires, ropes, cables) that transmit motion, and physical objects (flippers, slingshots, targets) that interact with the ball. This modular segmentation allows independent optimization of each component while maintaining overall system versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
Flexible links serve as intermediaries between actuators and physical objects, enabling remote actuation of flipper mechanisms and slingshots. This intermediary approach allows the actuator to be positioned separately from the physical object, providing design flexibility and reducing direct mechanical complexity at critical interaction points.
2Adaptability or versatility
If physical objects are suspended above the playfield and coupled to non-playable areas, then integration of virtual and physical elements is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Physical objects are suspended in the third dimension above the playfield surface rather than being mounted directly on it. This vertical positioning allows objects to interact with the ball while clearing the electronic display area, enabling seamless integration of virtual and physical elements without interfering with each other's functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a hybrid environment where virtual objects on the electronic display correspond to and interact with physical objects in three-dimensional space. This copying approach allows the virtual representation to mirror the physical object's position and behavior, enhancing integration while simplifying the control logic through direct correspondence.
3Measurement precision
If a tracking system is implemented to determine pinball location and movement, then interaction precision between physical and virtual elements is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking system continuously monitors the pinball's position and movement, providing real-time feedback to the control system. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of virtual object positions and actuator commands, ensuring precise interaction between physical and virtual elements while maintaining game logic integrity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This integration creates a more immersive gameplay experience by allowing physical and virtual elements to interact, enhancing player engagement and extending gameplay possibilities.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator may include a motor or plunger having an electromagnetic coil or solenoid
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for deploying components within pinball machines. In some embodiments, a device may include a physical object coupled to an actuator via a flexible link, the physical object configured to interact with a pinball within a playfield of a pinball machine under control of the actuator. In other embodiments, a pinball machine may include a physical object configured to directly or indirectly interact with a pinball during a pinball game, the physical object coupled to an area within a playfield of the pinball machine other than a playable surface accessible to the pinball during a pinball game, the physical object suspended above the playable surface. In yet other embodiments, a pinball machine may include a plastic playfield cover configured to cover a playfield of the pinball machine, the plastic playfield cover configured to provide a player with access to one or more physical objects within the playfield.