Abstract: A pinball game playfield feature includes a circular table which is rotated by a motor and linkage. Mounted on the table is a target housing having optical emitters disposed therein. Optical detectors are located in the table. Each emitter-detector pair forms a light beam which can be interrupted by a pinball to signal the game microprocessor for scoring or other purposes. Rotation of the table permits selectable positioning of the optical target bank.

Abstract: A ball accelerator mechanism employs one or more electromagnetic coils in combination with sensor elements to accelerate a rolling ball made of ferro-magnetic material. As a ball approaches the coil, it operates the sensor applying a DC current pulse to the coil. As the ball enters the coil, it is magnetically accelerated until it clears the sensor at which time the current is turned off. The length of the current pulse is thus a function of ball velocity. Preferably to maximize acceleration, the width of the coil is an integral multiple of the ball diameter.

Abstract: A player-operated control system for pinball games includes a plurality of switch assemblies by which the game player communicates information regarding the course of play to a controlling microprocessor. The software in the microprocessor alters the course of play according to the player's command.