US Patent 9604129 Pinball machine with animated playfield components and automatic level detection

Pinball machines with animated playfield components and automatic level detection are described. In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a method may include changing a visual appearance of a surface of a physical object within a pinball machine, the physical object configured to physically interact with a pinball during a pinball game. In another illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a pinball machine may be configured to receive leveling information detected by one or more accelerometers, the leveling information selected from the group consisting of: pitch, roll, and yaw. In yet another illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a pinball machine may be configured to periodically or continuously receive leveling information detected by one or more accelerometers during a pinball game, and then discourage the player from applying force to the pinball machine in response to the leveling information meeting a value and/or encourage a player to apply force to the pinball machine.