A tracking apparatus for a machine having an operation assembly is disclosed. The tracking apparatus has an electric relay configured to be connected to the operation assembly, a tracking device that is connected to the electric relay, and a display assembly that is selectively connected to the electric relay. The display assembly is configured to transfer an electrical pulse from the display assembly to the tracking device via the electric relay. The operation assembly performs an operation when the electrical pulse is transferred to the tracking device. The tracking device counts the electrical pulse.

A tracking apparatus for a machine having an operation assembly is disclosed. The tracking apparatus has an electric relay configured to be connected to the operation assembly, a tracking device that is connected to the electric relay, and an electronic payment device that is connected to the electric relay. The electric relay is configured to transfer a first electrical pulse from the operation assembly to the tracking device. The electric relay is configured to transfer a second electrical pulse from either the electronic payment device or the operation assembly to the tracking device. The relay transfers the first electrical pulse or the second electrical pulse when the operation assembly performs an operation.

A tracking apparatus for a machine having an operation assembly is disclosed. The tracking apparatus has an electric relay configured to be connected to the operation assembly, a tracking device that is connected to the electric relay, and an electronic payment device that is connected to the electric relay. The electric relay is configured to transfer a first electrical pulse from the operation assembly to the tracking device. The electric relay is configured to transfer a second electrical pulse from either the electronic payment device or the operation assembly to the tracking device. The relay transfers the first electrical pulse or the second electrical pulse when the operation assembly performs an operation.

Systems and methods for a skill-based games are provided with the present disclosure. A plurality of targets each are displayed and moved about a playfield shown on a display of an amusement system according to one or more non-random, learnable sequences or patterns. Upon receipt of an input at one or more of player controls of a player station of the amusement system, a game play is initiated and an object is directed along the playfield from the player station. If the object engages a target of the plurality of targets, the game play is ended and it is determined whether a threshold criterion for obtainment of the target has been met. An award is distributed to the player station if the threshold criterion for obtainment of the target has been met. Other aspects also are described.

A display signal associated with a pinball machine display is received. The display signal is interpreted. A network message is transmitted via a network interface based at least in part on the interpretation of the display signal.

A network message is received via a network interface. A maintenance signal associated with the network message is submitted via a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is coupled to a pinball machine coin door panel driver board.

A display signal associated with a pinball machine display is received. The display signal is interpreted. A network message is transmitted via a network interface based at least in part on the interpretation of the display signal.

A network message is received via a network interface. A maintenance signal associated with the network message is submitted via a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is coupled to a pinball machine coin door panel driver board.

The present invention generally relates to a compact multi-user gaming system, and specifically to a multi-user gaming system in the form of a gaming table, provided with an integrated automated mechanical gaming machine visibly viewable by the users during a gaming operation. The invention also relates to a corresponding control method and a computer program product.

The present invention generally relates to a compact multi-user gaming system, and specifically to a multi-user gaming system in the form of a gaming table, provided with an integrated automated mechanical gaming machine visibly viewable by the users during a gaming operation. The invention also relates to a corresponding control method and a computer program product.

A pool table has a removable dining surface and a gravity-based ball-return system located transversely between end legs of the pool table. Balls that have been pocketed during a game on the table's playing bed are commonly collected in one of inclined two gullies that connect together multiple pockets. The gullies are peripheral to the table and directly beneath pockets that are, preferably, either side of a central longitudinal axis of the table. The ball return system includes a stacked arrangement of runners that receive a pocketed ball from a cascading drop at the end of each gully. Once into the stack, a ball separation device identifies and selectively separates a cue ball from object balls, with the cue ball directed downwards towards a free-return box while object balls are directed along a different downward path. Object balls are then retained behind a ball retainer and release mechanism which, when in a release position, causes delivery of all object balls to a ball picking slot at an end of the pool table common with the free-return box. Pool table depth is therefore minimized while space under the table's bed is maximized to accommodate seating.

A pool table has a removable dining surface and a gravity-based ball-return system located transversely between end legs of the pool table. Balls that have been pocketed during a game on the table's playing bed are commonly collected in one of inclined two gullies that connect together multiple pockets. The gullies are peripheral to the table and directly beneath pockets that are, preferably, either side of a central longitudinal axis of the table. The ball return system includes a stacked arrangement of runners that receive a pocketed ball from a cascading drop at the end of each gully. Once into the stack, a ball separation device identifies and selectively separates a cue ball from object balls, with the cue ball directed downwards towards a free-return box while object balls are directed along a different downward path. Object balls are then retained behind a ball retainer and release mechanism which, when in a release position, causes delivery of all object balls to a ball picking slot at an end of the pool table common with the free-return box. Pool table depth is therefore minimized while space under the table's bed is maximized to accommodate seating.