Pool 300

The Pool-300™ game enables one or more players to utilize standard pool equipment/implements (i.e., cue sticks, balls and a pool table) or specially designed implements (for electronic gaming), to play an individual or league match comprising playing a sequence of M individual frames. For each of the M frames, ten (10) sequentially numbered balls are racked in different pre-assigned configurations, each with a different numbered ball being the head ball. A Pool-300™ Rules Sheet and Pool-300™ Score Sheet are provided to explain how the game is played and illustrate which configuration is to be utilized for each frame. Frame scores, based on the number of balls pocketed in each frame, are recorded for each frame, and a final tally of scores calculated as the player's score for the game. In a first of two innings of each frame, the rules require the players to pocket the balls in numerical/sequential order.

Skip to: Description  ·  Claims  · Patent History  ·  Patent History
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/225,462, filed on Jul. 14, 2009.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The illustrative embodiment of the present invention relates generally to the game of pool or billiards and specifically to a new method, system, and design for playing and scoring a game which utilizes similar equipment as utilized for playing the game of pool and/or billiards.

2. Description of the Related Art

The game of pool or billiards or snooker or its other implementations is commonly played with specific rule sets that determines how and/or in what order the balls may be sunk during play. “Nine ball” for example, requires the players strike the balls in numbered sequence. Often players may play a best of N games, where N is an integer number, and the player that wins the largest number of games wins. While this traditional method of play tests basic skill on a game to game level, each game is an individual game and loosing by one ball or 6 balls counts exactly the same. The mundane game play involved in these standard pool games tends not to attract new players to the game who seek more challenging methods to compete while having fun playing a game. This mundane game play is also not as attractive to gamers who prefer to play and/or enjoy playing standard skills games on their electronic mediums/devices.

SUMMARY

A method, system, electronic device game structure and/or configuration, and computer program product present a new game that is played with instruments/equipment utilized for playing pool or billiards. The Pool-300™ game enables one or more players to utilize standard pool equipment/implements (i.e., cue sticks and balls and a pool table) or specially designed implements (for electronic gaming), to play an individual or league match comprising playing a sequence of M individual frames (M being an integer number). For each of the M frames, ten (10) sequentially numbered balls are racked in different pre-assigned configurations, each with a different numbered ball being the head ball that is placed on the spot on the table. Multiple (L) innings are provided in each frame for the player to pocket the balls. A Pool-300™ Rules Sheet and Pool-300™ Score Sheet are provided to explain how the game is played and illustrate which configuration is to be utilized for each frame. Frame scores, based on the number of balls pocketed in each frame, are recorded for each frame, and a final tally of scores calculated as the player's score for the game. In a first inning of the frames, the rules require the players to pocket the balls in numerical order.

In one or more embodiments, multiple different ball rack configurations are provided, one per frame, for each Pool-300™ game. Each ball rack configuration is one of the M different pre-assigned configurations of initially racked balls that are required to complete M frames of the single Pool-300™ game. During game play and following the break of the racked balls, each of the one or more players are required to pocket the balls in a pre-specified order/sequence in order to obtain/receive scores for such ordered pocketing of the balls.

During play, the player attempts to pocket the balls in a set order during a first innings of each frame, and the player looses a turn and moves to the next inning when the correct ball is not pocketed or on a foul or scratch. During the next inning of the frame, the player may pocket the remaining balls in any order. Each of the one or more players achieves a score based on the player's ability to sink balls in the particular order for each frame within the L turns allotted per frame, and the scores for each frame are compiled over the sequence of M frames. At the end of the M frames, each of the one or more players receives a total score, which is calculated and/or tallied and/or compiled over the M frames played.

A maximum score is established based on the number of frames played (i.e., the value of M) in each Pool-300™ game, and the number of points allocated to each ball that is pocketed in the correct order. The relative skill of each of the one or more players can be determined by the final score tallied/compiled for that player relative to the maximum score achievable. In one embodiment, handicaps in scoring may be provided for less experienced players. In another embodiment, teams of players compete against each other and the teams combine the individual scores of each team member to determine the final team score relative to the other competing team(s).

The above summary contains simplifications, generalizations and omissions of detail and is not intended as a comprehensive description of the claimed subject matter but, rather, is intended to provide a brief overview of some of the functionality associated therewith. Other systems, methods, functionality, features and advantages of the claimed subject matter will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed written description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This invention is described with illustrative embodiments in the following specification with reference to the drawings, in which like numbers represent the same or similar elements, as follows:

FIG. 1 is an example score sheet by which one or more players may score each of their individual game scores to determine a final total score at the end of the M games played in the complete game, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an example score sheet by which one or more players may score each of their individual game scores to determine a final total score at the end of the M games played in the complete game, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example sequence of ball rack configurations utilized within a complete game of 10 frames, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4(A-C) provides an example set of Rules utilized to establish and score a game of Pool-300™ and a Pool-300™ league according to one embodiment;

FIG. 5 provides a flow chart of an example set of Rules utilized to establish and score a game of Pool-300™, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of the method of implementing the game in an electronic environment, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of the method by which the final frame of a game is played and scored according to one embodiment;

FIG. 8 is an example score sheet in which two players have recorded their individual game scores and tallied their final total scores after playing the M (10) games played in the complete game, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 9 depicts a data processing device and networked system within which an electronic version of the game and/or an electronic version of the score sheet may be presented according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of the method by which Pool-300™ software utility enables a player to register with the league and subsequently records his/her scores electronically according to one embodiment; and

FIG. 11 illustrated a gaming device with display monitor/screen and wireless and wired controllers and other gaming implements that are utilized to enable a player to play an electronically provided game of Pool-300™, according to one embodiment.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The illustrative embodiments described herein provide a method, system, game structure and/or configuration, and computer program product and scoring device are presented of a newly designed structure of a game generally designed around the game of pool. The Pool-300™ game provides a unique ball racking configuration, playing method and scoring methodology to enable one or more players to utilize standard pool equipment/implements (i.e., cue sticks, balls and a pool table) or specially designed implements (for electronic gaming), to play an individual or league match comprising playing a sequence of M individual frames. For each of the M frames, ten (10) sequentially numbered balls are racked in different pre-assigned configurations, each with a different numbered ball being the head ball. A Pool-300™ Rules Sheet and Pool-300™ Score Sheet (e.g., scoring sheet or electronic scoring device) are provided to explain how the game is played and scored and illustrate which configuration is to be utilized for each frame. Frame scores, based on the number of balls pocketed in each frame, are recorded for each frame, and a final tally of scores calculated as the player's score for the game. Each frame comprises at least two innings In a first inning of each frame, the rules require the players to pocket the balls in numerical/sequential order.

Pool-300™ is played with a cue ball and ten numbered object balls. While described with ten (10) balls, other embodiments are possible that utilized a different number of balls in alternate implementations of the game. According to the described embodiment and as illustrated on one or more of the Rules sheet, the Score sheet and/or other scoring mechanism (e.g., electronic scoring device) utilized, the ten balls are racked in different pre-assigned numeric configurations, with a different ball being the head ball that is placed on the spot when the balls are racked in each of the pre-assigned configurations at the start of the specific frame.

During game play and following the break of the racked balls, each of the one or more players are required to pocket the balls in a pre-specified order/sequence in at least the first innings of each frame in order to obtain/receive credit/scores for such ordered pocketing of the balls. In the described embodiment, the order is numerical, such that the player has to pocket the balls in ascending (1 to 10) or descending (10 to 1) order. With the described embodiments of Pool-300™, there is no requirement for the player to “call a pocket” or “call a shot”. Multiple (L) innings/turns are provided in each frame for the players to pocket balls, and for at least the first inning, the player looses a turn and has to move to the next inning when the correct ball is not pocketed or on a foul. In the described embodiment of the game, each player has at least two chances (innings) to score ten points in each frame. For the presented embodiments, two innings are played for each of the first M-1 frames, and two or three innings are played for the Mth frame. It is appreciated that alternative embodiments may provide for a different number (L) of turns per frame, and the scope of the invention extends to those alternate embodiments, regardless of the selected number of turns played for the particular game or by the particular player(s).

As described herein, Pool-300™ is a game of offense that involves pure ball-pocketing and position-play, with no defense involved. The illustrated and described embodiments provide that the game is a “points” game with each object ball having equal value, i.e., there is no “game ball”. Each ball legally pocketed counts one point. Alternate embodiments, particularly in an electronic version of the game, may provide different values or bonus points for sinking particular balls (e.g., the head ball for the current frame).

As introduced above, the game is played in “frames” with every competitor playing the same number of frames. The object of the game is to attain a higher total score than all other opponents after a predetermined number (e.g., M) of frames. In the illustrative and described embodiments, ten frames are provided per game, resulting in the highest score attainable being three hundred (300). It is appreciated, however, that a complete game may be any number of frames so long as all competitors play the same number of frames. Also, while multiple competitors may engage in the game, the game is not directly interactive. That is, unlike most standard pool games, a player never begins his or her frame with the opponent's “leave”. Each frame for each competitor begins with a new “rack” of ten numbered balls with the cue ball in the “kitchen”.

In the illustrative embodiment, a scoring system provided by the game tracks the ability of the one or more players to sink the balls in the pre-specified order for sinking balls. Each of the one or more players achieves a score based on the player's ability to sink balls in the particular order for each frame within the L turns allotted to each frame, and the scores for each frame are compiled over the sequence of M frames. At the end of the M frames, each of the one or more players receives a total score, which is tallied/compiled over the M frames played, so that the score achieved in each individual frame is important to the final score. A maximum score is established based on the number of frames played (i.e., the value of M) in each Pool-300™ game, and the number of points allocated to each ball that is pocketed in the correct order. The relative skill of each of the one or more players can be determined by the final score tallied/compiled for that player relative to the maximum score. In one embodiment, handicaps in scoring may be provided for less experienced players. Such handicaps may include providing a different value (e.g., 2 points) for each ball sunk in one or more of the innings of one or more of the frames player by the less experienced player. In one implementation, teams of players compete against each other and the teams combine the individual scores of each team member to determine the final team score relative to the other competing team(s).

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated an example score card or score sheet, which may be utilized to track the scoring of one or more players engaged in a Pool-300™ game. As provided by score sheet 100, a first column enables entry of the names of the players (or teams) participating in the Pool-300™ game. The name column 105 is followed by a series of scoring columns, numbered 1 through 10. Each scoring column is utilized to record the score of the respective frame of the M frames of the Pool-300™ game. In the top row of each scoring column, there is provided a specific arrangement/configuration/pattern (e.g., 110) indicating the arrangement for ordering the 10 balls utilized in the particular frame. With a 10 frame score sheet, ten different, unique arrangements are presented. The changes to the arrangement of the balls for each frame prevents higher skilled players from learning a single play pattern to sink the lower numbered balls on the break. Since each frame has a different arrangement of the balls, each frame has to be played differently. Within each scoring column, there are one or more boxes for recording the scores of each inning for that frame. With the electronic version of the game being more variable, the scoring column may have one, two, three or more boxes, depending on the specific implementation of the game being played. As provided by score sheet 100, there are ten (10) total frames in the Pool-300™ game. For score sheet 100, each frame is allocated a maximum total of 30 points (i.e., a player may score from zero points up to 30 points in each frame depending on how well the player completes the frame according to the pre-established rules for earning points while playing each frame). An expansive summary covering two example set of rules for different versions of Pool-300™ is provided below.

Referring again to FIG. 1, score sheet 100 also comprises a final score (or score tally) column 115 in which is provided a tally of the final score for the Pool-300™ game for the particular player on that row of scores. Where team play is recorded on a single score sheet, a total team tally entry may also be provided on the score sheet, in one embodiment. Score sheet 100 may be a paper score sheet, or some other physical manifestation of a score sheet, such as an erasable wall or hard board (when used in a public pool hall in which the single score sheet is erasable and thus reusable, for example). Score sheet may also be electronic, and may be a handheld electronic score sheet or a wall mounted or seat mounted or pool table mounted electronic score sheet. When an electronic score sheet is provided, other features related to the scoring may be implemented electronically. For example, the tabulation of total score and or team score may be electronically calculated and outputted within the relevant sections of the electronic score sheet. The electronically generated score sheet may then be uploaded to a central repository of scores for the league and/or establishment to enable alter access by league officials or the player(s). Additionally, a mechanism for printing one or more copies of the electronic score sheet via a printing device may be provided.

It should be understood that while only certain aspects of the illustrated embodiments are described as being capable of electronic implementation, the entire set of features, rules, et al., may be implemented via an electronic version of the game, and the features described herein and the coverage thereof are understood to apply to such electronic representations as well.

Also, while the example score sheet is illustrated as providing ten frames in the game, the features of the invention are also applicable to Pool-300™ games comprising of any number of frames from one to a finite number. The score sheet may thus contain a different number of columns. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates an alternate embodiment, which shows score sheet 200 that is adapted for league play. Score sheet 200 has only three (3) scoring columns for three frames per round of play. Score sheet includes entries for a Home team and a Visiting team, and name columns 105 for listing each team member. This shortened form of the game is more ideal for league type play where there are a larger number of players involved. Score sheet 200 has several different scoring entries, including a first round total score 220, a second round total score 221, a total combine score/points 223, and a team score 225. As with score sheet 100, score sheet 200 also presents the different arrangements of the balls for each frame played.

In other embodiments, multiple score sheets may be used to score games made up of more frames than provided for on a single score sheet. As a next alternative, only some of the columns in the printed score sheet may be used for a game comprising less number of frames than provided for on the score sheet. With the electronic implementation of the game (described in greater details below), the number of frames to be played by each of the players may be selected during set up of the game and the score sheet is then generated based on this received input from the player(s). It is therefore conceivable that a game may include a large number of frames that may be played over some extended period of time (e.g., 100 frames over 1 month).

Referring now to FIG. 3, there are illustrated the multiple configurations for racking the balls in the different frames of a Pool-300™ game comprising 10 frames. As shown, with this version/implementation of Pool-300™, only balls numbered 1 through 10 of the set of 15 balls are utilized to play the Pool-300™ games. Beginning with first rack configuration 110a through tenth rack configuration 110j, each configuration provides a specific, unique arrangement of the ten balls when racked. As illustrated, the configurations are arranged such that the first configuration provides a first arrangement of the balls with ball one (the ball with reference numeral 1 displayed thereon) located at the top of the configuration (referred to as the “head” ball), the second configuration provides a second arrangement of the balls with ball two (the ball with reference numeral 2 displayed thereon) located at the top of the configuration, and so on, up to the tenth configuration (in which ball 10 is located at the top). The ball located at the top of each configuration, the “head” ball, is placed on the “spot” when setting/racking the balls on the pool table for that frame in the game.

In one or more embodiments, multiple different ball rack configurations are provided, one per frame, in each Pool-300™ game. In a first embodiment illustrated herein by FIGS. 1 and 3, the racking configuration allows for each numbered ball to be sequentially placed in/on the head spot in ascending order, whereby numbered ball “1” is placed on the spot for the first frame, numbered ball “2” is placed on the spot for the second frame, and numbered ball “9” is placed on the spot for the ninth frame, and so on. As the frame number increases, the previous head ball is rotated to the end of the racking order. The remaining balls are then placed in sequentially order, in a round robin fashion, in a pyramid/triangular rack configuration, wherein the head ball is followed by two balls on the next row, three balls on the third row and four balls on the fourth row, according to the illustrative embodiment (a different rack configuration may be possible in alternate embodiments). In one embodiment, the racking configuration of the balls for each frame to be played is identified by the score sheet or scoring mechanism. Each ball rack configuration is one of the M different pre-assigned configurations of initially racked balls that are required to complete M frames of the single Pool-300™ game.

While the order of frame play is presented in numerical sequence, the features described herein are also applicable to random order of frame play, or reversed order, or any other order selected by the players or officials of the game (during league or competition play, for example). For example, the players may being with frame 10 and play back to frame 1 (where the frames are numbered according to the head ball and rack configuration), rather than beginning with frame 1. However, the last frame is played according to the rules established for playing the last frame. With an electronic version of the score sheet, a scramble may be implemented to allow the various rack configurations to be arbitrarily assigned by the executing utility generating the score sheet. Thus, in the electronic version of the game, a random selection of one of the ten rack configurations may be provided as a selectable option for the player. Additionally, even with the non-electronic play (i.e., real play) of the game, the player may select a random ordering of the rack configurations and then play the game with this random selection (which may be displayed electronically or printed on a printed score sheet provided to the player prior to the game being played).

According to one embodiment, utilizing the example score sheet of FIG. 1 with 10 frames per game, the rules by which a Pool-300™ game is played are as follows. First, the object of the game is for a player to score as many points as possible in ten frames. Scoring follows a specific format, which is described in detail hereinafter and generally provided within Rules Sheet 400 of FIG. 4, as well as the flow charts of FIGS. 5 and 6. For a Pool-300™ game, a perfect score is 300. As provided herein, it is appreciated that different perfect scores may be assigned based on the version of the game being played. For example Pool-300™ may provide a perfect score of 330, with 11 frames rather than 10 frames, each frame being assigned a maximum score of 30 points, or in the shortened form of the game (i.e., three frames, as illustrated by FIG. 3, a perfect score may be 90). Other versions of the “name” may be provided based on the actual final score, such that Pool-330 may be used to reference a game of Pool-300™ in which 11 frames are played for a total score of 330.

Pool 300™ provides many significant differences/variations between the actual rules and form of play from existing pool games and/or bowling games or any combination games that are scored similar to bowling or to billiards. These differences add to the uniqueness of Pool-300™ when compared to these other games. The following description of the Rules of play generally follows the Rules provided for in Rule Sheet 400 of FIG. 4(A-C). Rule Sheet 400 may be recreated/presented in written/printed form on any physical surface, including on paper or on a board (e.g., chalk board) or on an erasable wall in the establishment in which Pool-300™ games are being played. Rule Sheet 400 may also be provided in electronic form on a device having a processor, an output device, such as a display, and an executable application that provides a display of the rules when executed by the processor. Rule Sheet 400 may also be accessed via a website located on the Internet or other distributed network that is accessible to the players or interested persons. With this method of access, the person may enter a universal resource locator (URL) within a web browser on their electronic device (computer, smart phone, personal digital assistant, PDA, game machine, et al.) to access the location at which the rules may be accessible. In one embodiment, this location is the official website for Pool-300™ (e.g., pool-300.com) or a website for a third party promoter of the game (e.g., a Pool-300 league website or a pool website or a cue stick website). In one implementation, certain features of the game or an electronic version of the game may be downloaded from the website at which the rules are located.

The basic rules of play, which have been introduced above, includes the following, without limitation to expansions thereon or alternate embodiments thereof: (1) each player gets two chances (innings) to run ten balls in each frame. (2) Except for the final frame, the balls are racked only once per frame. (3) The final frame may sometimes (but not always) require up to three racks and three total innings. (4) During any first inning of each frame, the balls must be pocketed in numerical order. (5) During any second inning the balls may be pocketed in any order.

The object of the first inning is to pocket the ten object balls in numerical order without missing. In order to score a point and continue shooting the player must legally pocket the lowest numbered ball on the table. As one difference from other similarly scored games, any carom or combination is allowed, and the cue ball is not required to hit the lowest numbered ball first so long as the lowest numbered ball is pocketed. There are no “bad hits”. If all ten balls are legally pocketed during the first inning, the frame is scored as a “strike” and the strike is recorded within the particular frame (column) of the score sheet 100/200.

If a strike is not scored in the first inning of the frame, then the object of the second inning, in any frame, is to pocket the remaining balls in any order. To score a point and continue shooting, the player must legally pocket an object ball. That second inning score is then recorded in the second box/entry within the same frame (column) of the score sheet 100/200.

Except for the break, a shot scores (and afterward the player continues shooting) if the lowest ball on the table is pocketed and no fouls occur. If the lowest number ball is legally pocketed, any other balls pocketed on that shot (stroke) remain down and count. The next shot, following a legally pocketed ball (unless it is the last ball on the table) is taken from where ever the cue ball stops.

Also provided by the rules for league play, POOL-300™ leagues are played under the commonly known “cue ball foul only” rules. However, since there is not actually an opponent during play of each inning, players may be obligated to call fouls on themselves. Also, in one embodiment, when one object ball is inadvertently touched (moved) and the movement does not interfere with the outcome of the shot, then the player is obligated to place the inadvertently moved ball back as close as possible to the original position and is not accessed a foul. However, in certain embodiments, when more than one object ball is moved inadvertently that inadvertent movement of multiple object balls is considered a foul. Also during play with additional players, any observing player (on either of the two competing teams, if playing as teams) may call a foul.

Where applicable and where not contradicted or supplemented by these OFFICIAL POOL-300™ RULES, the GENERAL RULES of the OFFICIAL RULES OF THE BCA POOL LEAGUE, copyrighted 2009 by BCA Pool League, apply. A copy of these rules can be found at world-wide web address “playbca.com/Downloads/Rulebook/CompleteRulebook.aspx”, and relevant portions thereof are incorporated herein by reference.

According to one embodiment, and as provided for by the rules presented in Rule Sheet 400 and the flow charts, the balls must be racked according to the diagrams/patterns displayed on the version of the official score sheet being utilized fir recording score, e.g., score sheet 100 (FIG. 1). As provided by block 501 of the flow chart of FIG. 5, the method of playing the game begins with the player (or the computer or game device) racking the balls in the rack arrangement/pattern for the first frame. The first inning in each subsequent frame begins by the player (or computer or gram device) racking the balls according to the pattern designated for that frame on the official score sheet. As described above, the rack arrangement of the balls is different for each frame, and the “head” ball is placed on the spot. With the description of the illustrative embodiments, general scoring and/or methods of playing will remain similar to the scoring and playing methodologies described above for a M frame game. That is the game is described as beginning with frame 1 and continuing to last frame M, with two innings given for each of the first M-1 frames (unless a strike is recorded on the first inning) and a variable number 2-3 innings for frame M.

The first inning of each frame begins similar to a standard game of pool, where the player/shooter begins by breaking the rack of balls (block 503). The shooter breaks from behind the head string. Unless a foul occurs on the break, all balls pocketed remain down and count toward that inning However, pocketing a ball on the break is not required to continue the first inning of the frame. If the player scratches (fouls) on the break (505), the scratch is treated similar to a gutter ball in bowling. That is no points are awarded, and all balls pocketed are spotted on the table (506). Once the break is completed, the player takes the cue ball in hand and places the cue ball anywhere on the table to begin the first inning (507). Except for the break, during the first inning, the player has to pocket the balls in numeric order, and the player begins with the lowest number ball on the table in order to score and continue that turn (509). There are no “bad hits”, i.e., the player may hit any ball first. Thus, combinations and caroms (i.e., hitting any ball first) are allowed, provided the player pockets the lowest number ball remaining on the table. The player then continues shooting until all balls are legally pocketed (511) or the player misses the next lowest number ball or fouls on the shot (512). The first inning ends when: (1) all ten balls are legally pocketed without missing, (2) after the break, the shooter fails to pocket the lowest ball on the table, or (3) a foul is committed after the break. Thus, except on the break, if a miss or foul occurs, the first inning ends and no balls pocketed during that shot (stroke) count. In the described embodiments, there are no penalties attributed to fouls (i.e., fouls do not affect the players score). Once the first inning is completed, the player records his score within the score sheet, in the first square of that sheet. If the player sinks all of the balls in the first inning, the player records a strike (X) (513) and does not take a second inning (unless in the Mth frame). The player passes to the next player, or moves to the next frame (515) if playing by himself or on a separate table from a competing player. Otherwise the player records the number of balls legally pocketed in the appropriate box within the frame on the score sheet being played and moves on to the second inning (517).

The second inning begins by spotting any illegally pocketed ball from the last shot of the first inning (519). All other remaining object balls are left where they stopped during the last shot of the first inning The player commences playing the second inning with cue ball in hand and places the ball anywhere on the table (521). The player then commences to shoot at the balls in any order (i.e., not necessarily in numerical order) (523) until all balls are legally pocketed or a miss or a foul occurs (525). Thus, the second inning ends when: (1) the remaining object balls are all legally pocketed without missing, (2) the shooter fails to legally pocket an object ball, or (3) a foul is committed. The score for the second inning is the total number of balls legally pocketed during the inning If all of the remaining object balls are legally pocketed during the second inning, the frame is scored as a “spare” (527). If a miss or foul occurs (529), the second inning ends and no balls pocketed during that shot count. The number of legally pocketed balls is then recorded/entered in the appropriate box of the frame on the score sheet (531). A running tally of the total score across the frames played is then tabulated and entered/displayed (514).

In one embodiment, a player's frame begins with a newly racked set of ten numbered balls, with the head ball on the foot spot of the pool table and the back row of four balls parallel to the foot rail of the table. For each frame, the balls are arranged in the rack according to the pattern shown on the score sheet or according to some other predetermined arrangement. The player places the cue ball behind the head string and breaks the rack as in other pool games. The cue may legally contact any ball first. Regardless of whether or not a ball is pocketed on the break the player picks up the cue ball and places it anywhere on the table without disturbing or touching other balls. Any of the ten numbered balls pocketed on the break, when no foul is committed, remain down, and each ball counts as one point each toward the score for that frame.

In one embodiment, pocketing a ball on the brake is not required. However, any balls pocketed on the break do count, provided no fouls occur. After the break, the player may take the ball in hand, place the cue ball anywhere on the table, and continue to pocket the balls until (a) the lowest ball on the table is not pocketed or until (b) all ten balls are legally pocketed or until (c) a miss or a foul occurs. On a legal shot (i.e., one in which the lowest numbered ball on the table is pocketed and a miss or foul does not occur), all balls pocketed count towards the score, with a single point allocated to each ball pocketed. No penalty is assigned for a foul, except that a foul ends the turn for that player and no balls pocketed in that stroke are counted towards the player's score. In one embodiment, fouls are generally treated the same as fouls defined in the “OFFICIAL RULES OF BCA POOL LEAGUE”.

After the first “miss”, any balls that were pocketed on the “miss stroke” are re-spotted. The player records his/her first score. The object balls are left as they are on the table, and the player again takes the ball in hand to begin the player's second turn for that frame. The player also records the score for the second turn at that frame. Pocketing all the balls in the first turn is considered a “strike” and the score sheet is marked to indicate a strike in that frame. If the first turn results in a strike, the player does not get a second turn in that frame.

One variance in the game of Pool-300™ compared to most other pool games is that the game is not directly interactive. Each player/competitor begins each frame with a new “rack” of ten numbered balls, and the player then has L turns to complete the frame, where L is two (2) in the standard game format. Thus, a player never begins his or her frame with the opponent's “leave”.

Referring now to the flow chart of FIG. 6, which provides a description of the method for handling events that occur during the break, under the Rules (Rule Sheet 400). As previously introduced, the first inning in each frame begins by racking the balls according to the assigned pattern for that frame (601), and the shooter breaks from behind the head string (603). If the player fails to hit the rack on the break (605), the player gets another chance to execute the break shot from behind the head string (603). Thus, a failure to hit the rack does not constitute a break. This “failure to hit the rack re-try” applies even if the cue ball goes into a pocket or off the table.

If the player sinks the object ball, i.e., he/she does not miss (607), the balls that are sunk/pocketed on the break are added to the count for the innings (609). Failure to pocket an object ball on the break (i.e., a miss) (607) does not end the first inning of that frame. The breaker takes ball in hand and continues the first inning (611). When an unintentional foul occurs on the break (613), the foul does not end the player's first inning After an unintentional foul on the break, all balls pocketed are spotted, along the long string (615), and the same player takes ball in hand anywhere on the table to continue the first inning (611). Unless a foul occurs on the break, all balls pocketed remain down and count toward that inning (609).

The following describes the method by which scores are kept during the game generally, with specific references made to score sheet 200 (FIG. 2). For the first M-1 frames (M being the final frame of a game), the official score sheet has two small-squares within each frame. These two small-squares are utilized to record the result of each of the two innings of the frame M-1 frames that are played. The scores are then entered as follows.

    • In case of a strike, enter an X in the left-hand small-square and nothing in the right-hand small-square.
    • In case of a spare, enter the first inning score as a number in the left-hand small-square and a single diagonal line in the right-hand small-square.
    • In case of neither a strike nor a spare enter each inning's score as a number in the small-squares, the first inning in the left hand square and the second inning in the right hand square.

The lower part of each frame is reserved for the running total score including the score of that particular frame. These running total scores are calculated as follows:

    • In the case of a strike, the running total for that frame is equal to the previous frame's running total plus ten (for the strike) plus the scores of the next two innings Note: The running total for a strike frame cannot be entered until two subsequent innings are played and recorded. The two subsequent innings are played in the next frame or the next two frames.
    • In case of a spare, the running total entered in the frame is equal to the previous frame's running total plus ten (for the spare) plus the subsequent single inning However, the running total for this frame cannot be entered until one subsequent inning is played and recorded. The one subsequent inning is played in the next frame.
    • In case of an open frame (no strike and no spare), the running total entered in the frame is equal to the previous frame's running total plus the total of the two innings of this frame.

Referring now to FIG. 7, which specifically provides the method for evaluating and recording the scores for the Mth (final) frame. With the final frame, there are four possible scenarios which affect how the frame is played and the scores allocated: (1) A strike in each of the first two innings; (2) A strike in the first inning but not in the second inning; (3) A spare in the first two innings; and (4) An open frame during the first two innings (no strike and no spare).

Beginning at block 701, there is presented a first scenario in which the player records a strike in the first inning of the final frame. The player/device enters an X (10) in the left-hand small-square of score sheet 200 (703). The player/device then racks the balls and the player plays a second inning according to “first inning rules” (705). If the second inning is also a strike (707), the player again enters an X (10) in the middle small-square of score sheet 200 (709). The player/device then racks the balls and plays a third inning according to “first inning rules” (711). Then, the player enters the score of the third inning in the right-hand small-square of score sheet 200 (713). The running total entered in the final frame is then calculated (715) and equals the previous frame's total plus the total of the three innings of the final frame. The running total score and other portions of the score sheet may be displayed on a display screen/monitor when electronic scoring is provided.

Returning now to block 707, when the strike in the first inning is not followed by a second strike in the second inning of the final frame, then the player enters the second innings score (716) and plays a third inning according to “second inning rules” (717). The running total entered in the final frame is then calculated as being equal to the previous frame's total plus the total of the three innings of the final frame (715).

If at block 701, the player does not record a strike in the first inning, the player records the individual scores of the first two innings (721). If the first two innings of the final frame result in a spare (723), the player/device racks the balls and the player plays one more inning according to “first inning rules” (711) and records that score (713). The running total entered in the final frame is the calculated (715) as equal to the previous frame's total plus the total of the three innings of the final frame. However, if the player does not record a spare (i.e, the player records an open frame) after the first two innings of the final frame, then the player/device enters each of the two inning's score in the first two small-squares and zero in the third small-square of score sheet 200 (725). The running total entered in the final frame is then calculated as equal to the previous frame's total plus the total of the two innings of the final frame (727).

In each of the flow charts above, one or more of the methods may be embodied in a computer readable medium containing computer readable code such that a series of steps are performed when the computer readable code is executed on a computing device. In some implementations, certain steps of the methods are combined, performed simultaneously or in a different order, or perhaps omitted, without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, while the method steps are described and illustrated in a particular sequence, use of a specific sequence of steps is not meant to imply any limitations on the invention. Changes may be made with regards to the sequence of steps without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Use of a particular sequence is therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.

According to one aspect of the game, each player (or the league, when Pool-300™ is played in league format) maintains records (physical and/or electronic) of previous play, and the records are utilized to determine an average score for each/every player. The “average” may be stated as a ten frame average, in one embodiment (FIG. 1) or a three frame average, in another embodiment (FIG. 2), or an “M” frame average. Alternatively, the average could be stated as a per frame average, in another embodiment. In yet another embodiment, a “per frame average” is utilized to handicap competition of any number of frames. Also, according to one embodiment, based on average scores from previous play, each player or team of players may be handicapped to allow players of various skill levels to compete on a somewhat level basis, where the more advanced/skilled player does not always win the competition.

Thus, from the above rules and described methods, a complete frame of play in one embodiment of Pool-300™ provides the following sequence of actions of the player (or game device) and associated scoring by the player (or game device):

    • a. Rack the balls.
    • b. Break from behind the head string.
    • c. Take “ball in hand” anywhere on the table.
    • d. Shoot until all balls are legally pocketed or a miss or a foul occurs.
    • e. If all ten balls are pocketed without missing and no fouls occur then that is a perfect frame and is scored as a strike, and the player does not get a second turn in that frame.
    • f. If a miss or a foul occurs, then the player retrieves all balls that were illegally pocketed on that shot (stroke) and spots the retrieved balls on the long string. Then the player takes the cue ball in hand again anywhere on the table (without re-racking the balls) and tries to run the remainder of the balls without missing or fouling.
    • g. If the player pockets all the remaining balls, then the pocketing of the remaining balls is scored as a “spare”.
    • h. After the second ball in hand, if the player misses or fouls before legally pocketing all ten balls then the frame is scored as an open frame.

The above sequence of frame play continues until all players/competitors have played the pre-determined number of frames. The player with the highest total score including any predetermined handicap wins. While the above illustrative embodiments have been described from the perspective of one player completing the L number of turns in a frame, one possible variation of the game may allow two players playing as a team to actually alternate playing each turn of the frame(s) or each shot during a turn, rather than playing every turn or shot for their own individual frame(s). Other similar variations may be implemented in different versions of the game, and these variations fall within the scope of the invention and/or its equivalents.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example score sheet 100 following completion of a game of Pool-300™ with ten frames. As shown, two players have played a total of ten frames with each frame having a different head ball assigned within the racked configuration of balls. The rack pattern/configuration is provided by the respective ball arrangement provided above each column in which a frame score is recorded, and the patterns/configurations are similar to those illustrated by FIGS. 1 and 3. When the scores of each frame are tallied, the score sheet shows that the first player has compiled a total score of 221 (out of a possible maximum score of 300), while the second player compiled a score of 153. If both players were playing as a team, the team score would then be the sum of the two combined scores, i.e., 374 (out of a possible score of 600).

With reference now FIG. 9, there is depicted a block diagram representation of an example data processing system (DPS), as may be utilized within one embodiment. DPS 900 may be server, a personal computer, a portable device, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smart phone, and/or other types of electronic devices that may generally be considered processing devices that enable user interactions therewith. DPS 900 may also be a gaming device, such as a Wii® or Gameboy® or other gaming device that enables user interaction with executable software that implements certain aspects of the functional electronically provided components of the described embodiments. An example gaming device system is provided by FIG. 11, which is described below.

As illustrated by FIG. 9, DPS 900 comprises at least one processor or central processing unit (CPU) 910 connected to system memory 915 via system interconnect/bus 905 (or directly integrated on a single chip). Also connected to CPU 910 (perhaps via system bus 905) is Input/output (I/O) controller 920, which provides connectivity and control for input devices, of which pointing device (or mouse) 921 and keyboard 923 are illustrated. In the gaming environment, the I/O devices may take the form of any type of game controller or accessory, and such devices may include a pool cue with electronics inserted therein or attached thereto to detect the movement of the cue as the player operates/interacts with an electronic version of the Pool-300™ game (see FIG. 11). I/O controller 920 also provides connectivity and control for output devices, of which display 925 is illustrated. Additionally, a multimedia drive 927 (e.g., compact disk read/write (CDRW) or digital video disk (DVD) drive) and USB (universal serial bus) port 929 are illustrated, coupled to I/O controller 920. Multimedia drive 927 and USB port 929 enable insertion of a removable storage device (e.g., optical disk or thumb drive) on which data/instructions/code may be stored and/or from which data/instructions/code may be retrieved. DPS 900 also comprises storage 952/954 (internal/external), within/from which data/instructions/code (such as the scoring history of a player or league, the handicap of one or more players, the Rules of play, etc.) may also be stored/retrieved.

DPS 900 is also illustrated with a network interface device (NID) 950, by which DPS 900 may connect to one or more access/external networks 960, of which the Internet is provided as one example. NID 950 may be configured to operate via wired/or wireless connection to an access point of the network. Network 960 may be an external network such as the Internet or wide area network (WAN), or an internal network such as an Ethernet (local area network—LAN) or a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Connection to the external network 960 may be established via a web interface with one or more servers 965, which may also provide data/instructions/code (related to Pool-300™ game or Pool-300™ league play) for execution on DPS 900, in one embodiment.

In addition to the above described hardware components of DPS 900, various features of the invention are completed/supported via software (or firmware) code or logic stored within memory 915 or other storage (e.g., storage 952) and executed by CPU 910. Thus, for example, illustrated within memory 915 are a number of software/firmware/logic components, including operating system (OS) 930 (e.g., Microsoft Windows®, a trademark of Microsoft Corp, or GNU®/Linux®, registered trademarks of the Free Software Foundation and The Linux Mark Institute), and Pool-300™ gaming utility 945 (which executes on CPU 910 to provide specific Pool-300™ logic). Within or associated with Pool-300™ gaming utility 945 are Pool-300™ rules 935, Pool-300™ Score Sheet 937 and League membership and score information 939 (received via the method of FIG. 10, described hereafter). In actual implementation, Pool-300™ rules 935, Pool-300™ Score Sheet 937 and League membership and score information 939 may be a part of or incorporated within Pool-300™ gaming utility 945 to provide a single executable component, collectively providing the various functions required for enable execution of Pool-300™ game on DPS 900 or for providing access to Pool-300™ rules and league information to a user of DPS 100 or second DPS 965. With the latter implementation, DPS 900 operates as a server storing league and game information and DPS 900 is accessible via the network 960. For simplicity, Pool-300™ utility 945 is illustrated and described as a stand alone or separate software/firmware component, which provides specific functions, as described below.

In one embodiment, servers 965 includes a software deploying server, and DPS 900 communicates with the software deploying server (965) via network (e.g., Internet 960) using network interface device 950. Then, the Pool-300™ utility 945 may be deployed from/on the network, via software deploying server 965. With this configuration, software deploying server may perform some or all of the functions associated with the execution of Pool-300™ utility 945. Accordingly, DPS 900 is not required to utilize internal computing resources of DPS 900 to execute Pool-300™ utility 945. In one embodiment, the Pool-300™ utility 945 is downloaded as an application (“app”) on a mobile device and is provided by a content provider, such as Apple, Inc. or Google®.

CPU 910 executes Pool-300™ utility 945, which includes certain user interface features that may be graphical or textural. In at least one embodiment, Pool-300™ utility 945 generates/provides several graphical user interfaces (GUI) to enable user interaction with, or manipulation of, the functional features provided by Pool-300™ utility 945 when executed by CPU 910. Among the software code/instructions/logic provided by Pool-300™ utility 945, and which are specific to the invention, are: (a) code/logic for; (b) code/logic for; and (c) code/logic for. According to the illustrative embodiment, when CPU 910 executes XYZ utility 945, DPS 900 initiates a series of functional processes that enable the above functional features as well as additional features/functionality. These various features/functionalities have been described in greater above within the preceding descriptions, and illustrated by FIGS. 1-8.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the hardware components and basic configuration depicted in FIG. 9 may vary. The illustrative components within DPS 100 are not intended to be exhaustive, but rather are representative to highlight essential components that are utilized to implement the present invention. For example, different configurations of data processing systems/devices may be utilized containing other devices/components, which may be used in addition to or in place of the hardware depicted. The depicted example is not meant to imply architectural or other limitations with respect to the presently described embodiments and/or the general invention.

Jumping ahead to FIG. 11, there is illustrated an example gaming environment, in which user interactive aspects of the described embodiments may be advantageously implemented. Gaming environment comprises a gaming device (interchangeably referred to as a game console) 1115, which is coupled to a display device 1110, such as a television screen or computer monitor. In one embodiment gaming device 1115 may include a screen that is not a separate component therefrom. Gaming device 1115 includes mechanisms to enable a wired connection as well as a wireless connection (via wireless transceiver 1120) for communicating to one or more I/O or other devices. As shown, gaming device 1115 is connected to a controller 1130 via one of the wired or wireless connections. Controller 1130 includes one or more selectable affordances (e.g., buttons) for setting up gaming device 1115 and controlling certain of the functions of the various programs or games that may execute in gaming device/console 1115. It is appreciated that game console 1115 may itself have several selectable affordances for controlling the functions of game console 1115. Also connected by wireless communication interface is one or more playing implements of which cue stick 1105 is provided as an example. Cue stick 1105 may be a specially made cue stick with built in sensors and transceivers for use in playing electronic pool games, including Pool-300™. Cue stick 1115 may also be a regular cue stick that is enhanced for play by attaching a removable wireless (or wired) sensor 1107 to the body of the cue stick 1105.

Game console 1115 may execute Pool-300™ utility 945 (FIG. 9) or similar code specially designed for execution of game console 1115, in order to allow a user of cue stick 1105 to play a game of Pool-300™ on the electronic medium. With the Pool-300™ utility 945 executing thereon, game console 1115 generates graphical depictions of a pool table 1125 with balls on display 1110. Game console 1115 also presents a inning by inning or frame by frame score 1149 as well as other Pool-300™ information 1145 to enable the user to interact with and complete an electronic game of Pool-300™. League play via electronic medium is also supported in one embodiment, as game consoles are now able to access the internet and link several geographically dispersed users to a single shared environment. Game console 1115, controller 1130 and playing implements may take the form of any type of game controller or accessory, and such devices may include a pool cue with electronics inserted therein or attached thereto to detect the movement of the cue as the player operates/interacts with an electronic version of the Pool-300™ game.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the present invention may be embodied as a system, device, method or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system”, “device” Furthermore, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon.

Referring now to FIG. 10, there is illustrated one method by which a player or team is able to register via an electronic medium with the Pool-300™ league or Pool-300™ playing community. The process begins at block 1001 and proceeds to block 1003 at which Pool-300™ utility executes on a DPS or other device (e.g., a game console), via a processor of the device, and receives input from a player who wants to initiate league registration process. The execution of the Pool-300™ utility may be at the Pool-300™ domain server or some third party Pool-300™ registration service that is accessible via a computer terminal either at the local establishment (e.g., a pool hall computer) or via the Internet. The utility generates and displays a request for the player/team to enter identification information and other relevant information for registration, such as the team affiliation and geographic location (1004). The utility stores the received information in a league or Pool-300™ database (1005) and then generates a player/team profile from the information received and other internally stored parameters (1007). The utility then creates a unique user account for the player and/or team (1009). The team/player registration information is then forwarded to the local league manager or affiliated pool facility that coordinates the league play in the geographic area of the player/team (1011). The utility then allows localized access (as in a pool hall) to the player/team profile (1013). As the player/team engages in league play or individual play, the utility receives updates of the player/teams scores that are entered at the local terminals in the facilities at which the player/teams play (1015). Once this information is received, the utility automatically calculates and updates the player's/team's history and relevant information (e.g., handicaps, etc.) (1017) and stores the updated information as well as any changes to user preferences received in the league database (1019). The utility also occasionally transmits promotional information and other information to the player/team that is relevant to that player/team or the location in which the player/team is registered to play (1021). For example, the utility may inform the player/team of an upcoming tournament and the prizes being awarded for individual and team play. In at least one embodiment, this information may be forwarded to the local establishment at which the player/team plays and is then automatically displayed to the player/team when he/she/they next logs in to record scores for or play a next game of Pool-300™ at an affiliated location.

Aspects of the present invention are described above with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to various embodiments. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other devices to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, R.F., etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

As will be further appreciated, the processes in embodiments of the present invention may be implemented using any combination of software, firmware or hardware. As a preparatory step to practicing the invention in software, the programming code (whether software or firmware) will typically be stored in one or more machine readable storage mediums such as fixed (hard) drives, diskettes, optical disks, magnetic tape, semiconductor memories such as ROMs, PROMs, etc., thereby making an article of manufacture or computer program product in accordance with the invention. The article of manufacture/program product containing the programming code is used by either executing the code directly from the storage device, by copying the code from the storage device into another storage device such as a hard disk, RAM, etc., or by transmitting the code for remote execution using transmission type media such as digital and analog communication links. The methods of the invention may be practiced by combining one or more machine-readable storage devices containing the code according to the present invention with appropriate processing hardware to execute the code contained therein. An apparatus for practicing the invention could be one or more processing devices and storage systems containing or having network access to program(s) coded in accordance with the invention.

Thus, it is important that while an illustrative embodiment of the present invention is described in the context of a fully functional data processing system with installed (or executed) software, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the software aspects of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention are capable of being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that an illustrative embodiment of the present invention applies equally regardless of the particular type of media used to actually carry out the distribution.

While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular system, device or component thereof to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims, as well as any equivalents thereof. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A method for playing a point scoring, skills game involving a cue stick and balls as utilized in the game of pool, the method comprising:

racking a plurality of balls in a first configuration among multiple configurations that are pre-assigned for uniquely racking the plurality of balls, wherein the multiple configurations includes up to M configurations, where M is a number of frames to be played in a single game;
pocketing one or more of the plurality of balls in a first pre-defined order utilizing the cue stick and a cue ball;
assigning a score for each of the one or more plurality of balls that are pocketed in the first pre-defined order; and
recording the score within an entry of a score sheet corresponding to a number of the frame in which the score was received.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the point scoring skills game has a maximum score of X points attainable when all balls are pocketed within a first inning of each of the M frames and all balls are pocketed in a second inning of the Mth frame.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

playing a plurality of innings per frame, where the plurality of innings includes at least a first inning and a second inning;
wherein said pocketing in a first pre-defined order is required only in the first inning of the plurality of innings;
when the first inning is completed and there are balls remaining to be pocketed: pocketing, in any order, any remaining balls of the plurality of balls that are left on the table; and said recording includes recording both a first inning score and a second inning score as the score for the frame.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising:

when all the balls are pocketed during the first inning for each frame that is not the Mth frame, recording the score for the frame as a strike and bypassing the second inning

5. The method of claim 3, wherein, when a current frame is a last/final (Mth) frame of a game, the method further comprises:

when a strike is recorded in the first inning of the final frame: entering a corresponding score on the score sheet; re-racking the balls in the Mth configuration; and completing/playing a second inning according to first inning rules, wherein the balls are required to be pocketed in numerical/sequential order;

6. The method of claim 5, wherein:

when a strike is recorded in the second inning of the final frame, the method further comprises: entering a corresponding score on the score sheet; re-racking the balls in the Mth configuration; and completing/playing a third inning according to first inning rules, wherein the balls are required to be pocketed in numerical/sequential order; and
when a spare is recorded in the second inning of the final frame, the method further comprises: entering a corresponding score on the score sheet; re-racking the balls in the Mth configuration; and completing/playing a third inning according to second inning rules, wherein the balls are not required to be pocketed in numerical/sequential order and may be pocketed in any order;
when the strike in the first inning of the final frame is not followed by a second strike in the second inning of the final frame, then the method comprises: completing a third inning according to the second inning rules; and
calculating a running total in the final frame based on (or equal to) a previous frame's total plus the total of the three innings of the final frame.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein when the score of the first inning of the final frame is not a strike, the method comprises:

recording individual scores of the first two innings of the final frame; and
when the first two innings of the final frame results in a spare: completing a third inning according to “first inning rules”; and calculating a running total in the final frame based on (or equal to) a previous frame's total plus the total of the three innings of the final frame; and
when the first two innings of the final frame does not result in a spare, calculating a running total as equal to the previous frame's total plus the total of the two innings of the final frame.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is performed by an electronic device executing program code and which receives one or more inputs from a player of the game, which inputs initiate and control the various functions performed by the executing program code.

9. An electronic device comprising:

a processing module;
one or more input devices or receivers;
a software utility executing on the electronic device that enables one or more Pool-300™ gaming functionality from among:
racking a plurality of balls in a first configuration among multiple configurations that are pre-assigned for uniquely racking the plurality of balls, wherein the multiple configurations includes up to M configurations, where M is a number of frames to be played in a single game;
pocketing one or more of the plurality of balls in a first pre-defined order utilizing the cue stick and a cue ball;
assigning a score for each of the one or more plurality of balls that are pocketed in the first pre-defined order; and
recording the score within an entry of a score sheet corresponding to a number of the frame in which the score was received.

10. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein said gaming functionality further comprises:

generating a score sheet for entry of one or more player characteristics and scores for each frame to be played in the game;
visibly displaying the score sheet for view by a user of the electronic device;
responsive to a receipt of a request for Rules to play the game, retrieving one or more Rule Sheets and providing the one or more rule sheets.

11. The electronic device of claim 9, further comprising an associated player implement separate from the device and communicatively coupled to the device via a wireless or wired signal, wherein movement of the player implement is detected by the electronic device and generates a corresponding or opposing action on one or more balls electronically displayed on a display device of the electronic device.

12. A Scoring Table for use with a skills game involving a cue stick and balls as utilized in the game of pool, the Scoring Table comprising:

at least one column for entry of player identifying characteristics, such as a player name or nickname, player handicap, and player league status;
a plurality of scoring columns, each representing a separate frame of an M frame game, wherein each of the plurality of scoring columns are utilized to record numeric scores in one or more frames that comprise a single game; and
a plurality of graphical illustrations, one for each frame, indicating an arrangement of a plurality of balls that is to be utilized within the game for each individual frame, wherein the arrangement is a pre-defined, different arrangement for each frame.

13. The Scoring Table of claim 12, wherein the number of different arrangements of the balls comprises up to M arrangements.

14. The Scoring Table of claim 12, wherein each frame comprises:

at least two boxes for insertion of a single score representative of a score received in a respective innings of the frame; and
a total running score section for entry of a total score calculated across a current frame and each previous frame for which play has completed.

15. A league handbook for facilitating establishment of a league for playing a skills game involving a cue stick and balls as utilized in the game of pool, the handbook comprising a Scoring Table designed according to claim 12.

Patent History
Publication number: 20110034260
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 14, 2010
Publication Date: Feb 10, 2011
Inventors: Donald W. Owen , Eldon Royce Bunnell
Application Number: 12/836,542
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Billiards Or Pool (473/1); Accessory (463/47); 273/148.00R
International Classification: A63D 15/00 (20060101); A63D 15/20 (20060101);