Williams Electronics Games, Inc.

John T Trudeau

Michael Plitkins

Calin Pacurariu

Zofia Bil

Robert Aric Marshall

Edward F Hicks

Rainer Brodersen

Kenneth Pearce

Ernie Pizzarro

Ernie S Pizairo

A method may include generating a graphical user interface (GUI) that includes a canvas visually displaying a virtual audio environment representing an arrangement of speakers in a real-world audio environment. The virtual audio environment may include an audio object that represents sounds that are grouped together to provide a particular sound effect. The method may include obtaining, via the GUI, a selection of a particular audio object displayed in the virtual audio environment and user input relating to the audio properties associated with the selected audio object. The method may include performing an audio computation based on the user input and updating the selected audio object represented in the canvas. The method may include displaying, via the GUI, the updated audio object in the canvas.

Adjustment of audio systems and audio scenes

A multi-directional ball popper for a pinball game provides an unpredictable path for the game ball as it emerges from the popper. A pair of solenoid plungers are provided on the underside of the game playfield and aligned with respect to the ball position when it rests in a recess on the playfield. A centering plate is provided to ensure precise alignment of the ball with both of the plungers. A switch is provided in the ball popper to detect the presence of the game ball. An optional guide element is provided above the playfield in order to guide the ball to one of two elevated surfaces after the ball emerges from the popper.

Multi-directional ball popper for a pinball game

The invention consists of a pair of flippers located adjacent the bottom of the playfield. A pair of ramps or other similar ball conveyors are provided where each ramp delivers the ball directly to one of the two flippers. A third ramp is provided that connects the first ramp with the second ramp such that a ball riding on either the first or second ramps can bypass the flipper associated with that ramp and be conveyed via the third ramp to the opposite flipper. Automatically operated gates control the access of the ball to the third ramp such that the game can control to which flipper the ball is delivered.

Flipper feeder ramp

A planetary ball storage device for a pinball game according to the present invention consists of a horizontally disposed rotating wheel having a plurality of pinball receiving pockets arrayed on the periphery of the wheel. The game player, using the flippers, can direct a ball into an empty pocket when a pocket is in a ball receiving position after a predetermined game objective has been met. Balls are returned to the playfield by the utilization of a magnetic lifter arm controlled by the game microprocessor. The wheel is rotated by an electric motor and its position is detected by an optical switch assembly. A second optical switch assembly generates a signal to energize the magnetic lifter arm.

Ball storage device for pinball games

The visual display of the invention consists of a holographic display projected through the playfield. The display projects an image that is related to the playfield and is mounted on a flexible plate that is flexed by a rotating cam wheel. As the cam wheel flexes the plate mounted image appears to the player to move.

Holographic display for pinball games

A dual-path ramp for pinball games is formed of a single plastic member and has a plurality of entrances from the game playfield and exits back onto the playfield. The geometry of sides of the ramp is such that the ball, as it travels adjacent to one of the sides, is directed into a plurality of patterned grooves in the bottom surface of the ramp, which, in turn, direct the path of the ball back to the sides in a criss-cross pattern. In a second embodiment, ball guides, rather than grooves, are used to cause the ball to follow one side or the other of the ramp instead of criss-crossing back and forth.

Growing community of inventors

Bolingbrook, IL, United States of America

John T Trudeau