DESCRIPTION:The game system consists of a display panel
and three circular targets of differing sizes. The targets are located
on the backdrop of the inflatable structure. The game is played by
throwing passes at the distant targets. A pass is complete if the
ball hits one of the targets, and thereby advancing the position of the
ball on the electronic playing field on the display panel. The larger
target gives fewer yards, the smaller targets give more.
The display panel is located near the front of the inflatable structure, close to the game attendant and players. It displays the ball position; accumulated score; and remaining time for the game in progress. An announcer’s voice calls the yardage as it is accumulated, as well as calling TOUCHDOWN! When the ball crosses the goal line. A referee’s whistle signals the end of the game.  SETUP:The targets fit into pockets that have been sewn into the backdrop. On the back of each target is a two-position modular (“telephone”) connector. The targets are connected together in a “daisy-chain” fashion by plugging one of the short coiled cords into either one of the connector positions on the targets. The long coiled cable is plugged into either of the remaining connector positions with the other end going to the connector on the side of the display panel.It makes no difference which target is connected to which other target, nor which of the two connector positions on each target is used. The “point value” of each target is encoded into the target itself, and as long as the targets are “daisy-chained” together with a cable going from any one of them to the display box, the game will function properly. On the right-hand side of the display OPERATION:As mentioned in the SETUP section, the display panel is equipped with a small circular jack (located on the white modular connector panel.) The REMOTE START button (on a 6’ cable) may be plugged into this connector.The attendant may use the remote start button to start each new game. However, the game also has an “autostart” mode, in which the game starts automatically upon the first completed pass. Selection of these two different start modes is made automatically when the display panel receives AC power, ie. when the internal microcomputer is “booted up.” If the remote start cable is in place when the system is booted, it will be in the ATTENDANT START mode. If the cable is NOT in place when the game is booted, it will automatically boot into the AUTOSTART mode. In the ATTENDANT START mode, a game will start when
the attendant pushes the button on the end of the remote cable. In
the AUTOSTART mode, a new game commences automatically when the first pass
is completed.
SCORING:The targets are of three different sizes; 9” diameter, 12” diameter, and 15” diameter. The larger target will give the player either 5 or 10 yards; the mid-sized target will give the player either 15 or 20 yards; and the smaller target will give the player either 25 or 30 yards. The determination of which of the two possible values of each target is entirely random, and is intended to add the excitement of a small element of luck to the greatly over-riding element of skill.The game time is 30 seconds, timed either from the press of the attendant’s START button, or from the first completed pass. When the game starts, the ball is on the 20-yard line. As each pass is completed, the yardage gained is announced, and the ball position is moved down the field toward the goal line. When the ball reaches the goal line, a TOUCHDOWN! Is announced, and 7 points is added to the player’s score. The ball is then re-positioned on the 20-yard line and play continues until the clock expires. At that time the referee’s whistle is blown and the game is over. After a 3 second delay, a new game may be started.
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panel
are the connectors for the AC power plug, and the modular connector for
connecting the coiled target cable. Also located on the modular connector
panel is a small hole into which the remote start cable may be inserted.
(See “OPERATION” below.)