The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 09, 1988
Filed:
Sep. 19, 1986
Lawrence E DeMar, Chicago, IL (US);
Williams Electronics Games, Inc., Chicago, IL (US);
Abstract
A microprocessor system monitors operation of an amusement device, such as a pinball machine, to detect inoperative switches and the like associated with game features, such as drop targets. Inoperability is assumed if the switch has not been activated after a statistically significant number of game plays. When an inoperative switch is detected, an audio/visual announcement is generated to advise the operator that repair is necessary. In addition, the microprocessor alters the game rule operation to compensate for the inoperative switches to avoid player dissatisfaction. The processor system includes a microprocessor and associated memory and interface devices for connecting the game elements to the processor system.