NXT Setup

Here is the layout of the NXT pinball machine. There are 6 NXT robots controlling the action on the pinball machine. Each NXT has it's own program and monitors touch or light sensors, two of the NXTs also operate motors.All of the NXTs have a 'demo' mode where they flash lights. When they are turned on and the program started the default to demo mode. Gameplay is started via a button press on the Flipper NXT. A 1 second flash to all of the NXTs via light sensor takes them out of demo mode.Bonus Bumper NXTThis robot in the middle of the machine has a pretty easy job. It monitors the three touch sensors immediately below it. When each is hit, it lights the lamp above using the motor port on the NXT. The lamps are 9v Lego lamps that are powered through an converter cable that comes standard with Mindstorms Education sets. Each lamp is worth 25 points and when all three are hit a bonus of 150 points is given. The bonus bumper NXT passes the score on to the Flipper NXT using a light sensor - each flash counts as 5 points.Flipper NXTThis NXT has the most complicated program of all the NXTs. First, it watches a light sensor that is directed at the Bonus Bumper NXT light sensor - each flash it reads as 5 points from the Bonus Bumper NXT. It also monitors the 4 touch sensors on the lanes above the flippers. Each sensor is worth 25 points and if both sensors on one side are scored than a bonus of 150 points is given. It passes all points on to the Master Score NXT via a light sensor - each flash is worth 5 points. The Flipper NXT also watches the touch sensor on the exit ramp at the bottom of the board. When a ball hits, it counts the ball as lost and returns the ball into play. After three balls it reports game over to the Master Score NXT with a 1 second flash. It resumes game play with NXT button press by passing a 1 second flash to the Master NXT and the Bonus Bumper NXT.Master Score NXTThe Master Score NXT receives scoring points from the Flipper NXT and the Score NXT (hundreds) via light flashes on the light sensors. Each flash is worth 5 points. It maintains the scoring number of each Score NXT and flashes a light sensor at each when they need to increment their digit. The Master Score NXT also lights a lamp to indicate when gameplay has begun.Score NXT (Tens)This robot has an easy job. It flashes three lamps in front of the scoring NXTs when in demo mode and monitors a light sensor coming from the Master Score NXT. On a one second flash it comes in and out of demo mode. Every other flash means to increment it's digit by one. Score NXT (Hundreds)This NXT monitors the four touch sensors in the 'garage' or 'lanes' at the top of the board, above the spinners. Each sensor is worth 25 points and when all four are scored a bonus of 150 points is scored. The lamps are flashed in sequence during demo mode. Like the (Tens) NXT it watches a light sensor coming from the Master Score NXT.Score NXT (Thousands)

The Score NXT (Thousands) powers the spinners at the middle and top of the board. When in demo mode the spinners are silent, but during gameplay they spin at random power levels (60-100) for 1 rotation. The spinners also occasionally spin in opposite directions for 3 rotations.