Abstract: This invention relates to a device for playing billiards or pool. The device allows having control over the cue ball after impacting the target ball what is generally called English. The invention presents different stackable layers that enable the player to perform the following billiard shots: a) two Draw Shots, b) one Stop Shot, c) one Stun Shot and d) two Follow Shots. The stackable layers connect to each other by magnets and securing knobs, and the device contains in the bottom layer a sliding panel to always place the cue ball in the center of the concave groove of the device. In addition, the device has a multiple rail spins labeled at its top layer guiding the player shooting the cue ball in different directions. In another embodiment the device contains a sole piece including a sliding panel to place the cue ball in the center of the concave groove of the device and multiple rail spins labeled at its top.

Abstract: A device for determining a lag winner in billiards and method of use are provided. The method disclosed includes placing a lag winner determination device such that the device is alongside a side rail of the billiards table and closer to a head rail of the billiards table than billiard balls used in the lag. The method further includes activating an illumination source within the lag winner determination device and moving the illumination source until it provides incident light to one of the billiard balls used in the lag. The method further includes determining the winner as a player that used the billiard ball that received the incident light from the illumination source.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method of high speed calculation of magnetic forces and collision detection between coin clusters in the graphical simulation of magnetic carom game, which has facilities of high speed calculation of magnetic forces, collision and dynamics in between the coins and coin clusters. Therefore, our invention is an interactive game simulation, which solves the problem of collision detection involving aggregates in an efficient manner.

Abstract: A billiard table for rebound training comprises a table top, four corner pockets located at the four corners of the table top, and two side pockets located at the center of the long sides of the table top, wherein a side pocket sight (2) is fixed at the location of a side pocket; a simulation pocket hole (3) is provided at the tail end of the side pocket sight (2); the length of the side pocket sight (2) is equal to the distance between the two side pockets on the table top; and a rotatable corner pocket sight (1) is provided at the location of a corner pocket, a movable marker (4) being provided on the rotatable corner pocket sight (1).

Abstract: A cue ball deflection path training aid used by beginning pool or billiards players to help them optimally position the cue ball for the next shot. The aid includes cue ball deflection grid attached or imprinted on a cue stick's top surface. The grid includes a main neutral line, a transverse line, and two diagonally aligned lines that converge to designate a center intersection point. The two diagonal lines are aligned at approximately 60 degrees from the transverse line. The grid is oriented on the cue stick so that the main neutral line is aligned with the cue stick's longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the grid is printed on an adhesive label attached to or near the cue stick's midline axis. During use, the player holds the cue stick so that lines of the grid are aligned with the aiming line or over the object ball path line.

Abstract: Position data is generated. The position data describes a respective current position of each of one or more game objects (e.g., billiard game objects) in relation to a playing surface (e.g., a playing surface of a billiard table) defining a boundary of a field of play of a game involving use of the one or more game objects in the field of play. A graphical interface image is displayed on the playing surface. Whether the position data in relation to the displayed graphical interface image satisfies an input instruction predicate is determined. In response to a determination that the position data satisfies the input instruction predicate, the input instruction is executed on a machine.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of playing billiards and in particular to a cue ball aiming or training device for learning to aim a cue ball to an object ball to drive the object ball in a desired direction. The aiming device provides an indication of the true point of aim for directing a cue ball to an object ball, to drive the object ball in a desired direction. In use, the aiming device is positioned on top of the object ball and has a direction indicator to point to the desired intended direction of the object ball and a strike point indicator to identify the true point of aim for the cue ball.

Abstract: A reflective billiard ball with a highly reflective surface, regardless of tint, of sufficient reflective qualities to allow the user to align the cue stick accurately with the axis of reflective billiard ball. The ball comprises a spherical convex mirror, where the reflected image is smaller than actual size because the light waves are diverged by the spherical shape. Further disclosed is an aiming device, to aid the user in aiming a cue ball towards an object ball so that the cue ball pushes the object ball into a desired pocket. Furthermore disclosed is a cue stick with a highly reflective surface, regardless of tint, of sufficient reflective qualities to allow the user to align the cue stick accurately with the axis of the disclosed reflective billiard ball. The reflective attribute extends from the tip of the cue stick to the butt of the cue stick.

Abstract: Position data is generated. The position data describes real-time positions of each of one or more billiard balls moving on a playing surface of a billiard table. Imagery is displayed on the playing surface. The imagery dynamically responds to the position data as the one or more billiard balls move on the playing surface.

Abstract: A training ball for pool type games. The training ball may comprise an array of visually coded bounded shapes disposed on the spherical exterior surface, wherein each one visually coded bounded shape has a characteristic visual coding such as color, and a diametrically opposed corresponding visually coded bounded shape having substantially identical characteristic visual coding, and wherein the array covers substantially all of the spherical exterior surface of the solid sphere. All of the visually coded bounded shapes display characteristic visual coding which is easily visually discernible from each adjacent one of the visually coded bounded shapes. In an associated method of play or practice, a player may visually hypothesize a straight line passing through the center of the training ball using the opposed similar visually coded bounded shapes, mentally set up a shot, and then execute that shot.

Abstract: A billiard rack design providing a perfect line-up of the balls with the diamonds on a pool table. When compression a ball in the corner of the slots makes for a perfect rack. The point on the removable markers (4) will line the rack up with the diamonds on the pool table. In addition by slightly tipping the rack before removing it from the balls, makes for an steady accurate rack, and will not the disturb the other rack balls. These racks may come in different sizes to fit for 6, 7, 8, 9 ball pool tables.

Abstract: A billiard cue stroke simulator includes a wireless acceleration sensing device and a computing system. The wireless acceleration sensing device measures acceleration of a billiard cue along two or more axes of a coordinate system during a stroke of the billiard cue and generates acceleration data including the acceleration data. Additionally, the wireless acceleration sensing device transmits a wireless communication signal including the acceleration data to the computing system. The computing system generates image data indicating movement of the billiard cue during the stroke of the billiard cue based on the acceleration data and displays the image data. In this way, the billiard cue stroke simulator simulates the stroke of the billiard cue.

Abstract: Position data is generated. The position data describes a respective current position of each of one or more billiard game objects in relation to a billiard table having a playing surface. A state of a billiards game being played is determined based on the position data. One or more perceptible effects associated with the determined state of the billiards game are selected. The one or more perceptible effects are produced in connection with the billiards game.

Abstract: A billiard glove and a method of forming a billiard glove including a first finger sheath, wherein the first finger sheath is configured to cover at least a portion of a first finger, a second finger sheath, wherein the second finger sheath is configured to cover at least a portion of a second finger; and a strip having a first portion and a second portion, wherein said first portion is affixed to the first finger sheath and the second portion is attached to the second finger sheath.

Abstract: MEASURE YOUR SHOT (M.Y.S.) is a methodology and technology of two billiard balls, each ball including nine (9) one quarter inch (¼?) lines scribed 360 degrees, the lines are scaled to diamonds on rails of a billiard table. With the aid of the diamonds and lines it becomes simple for a user and spectators to recognize the type of shot. The training balls provide a tool for improving a user's shot.

Abstract: A training ball for pool type games. The training ball may comprise an array of visually coded bounded shapes disposed on the spherical exterior surface, wherein each one visually coded bounded shape has a characteristic visual coding such as color, and a diametrically opposed corresponding visually coded bounded shape having substantially identical characteristic visual coding, and wherein the array covers substantially all of the spherical exterior surface of the solid sphere. All of the visually coded bounded shapes display characteristic visual coding which is easily visually discernible from each adjacent one of the visually coded bounded shapes. In an associated method of play or practice, a player may visually hypothesize a straight line passing through the center of the training ball using the opposed similar visually coded bounded shapes, mentally set up a shot, and then execute that shot.

Abstract: The present invention is a sport swinging, hitting and throwing assistance device that includes a cumber bun base belt that is wrapped around and secured to an athlete's waist and chest area while the athlete is swinging, hitting or throwing a piece of sports equipment, an arm loop that is attached to the cumber bun base belt by an expandable guide arm and receives the athlete's middle arm area that is inserted through the arm loop and a buckle. The device can also be a vest style base device that is wrapped around and secured to an athlete's torso or a panty style base device that is wrapped around and secured to an athlete's torso while the athlete is swinging, hitting, or throwing a golf club or other piece of sports equipment.

Abstract: MEASURE YOUR SHOT (M.Y.S.) is a methodology and technology of two billiard balls, each ball including nine (9) one quarter inch (1/4?) lines scribed 360 degrees, the lines are scaled to diamonds on rails of a billiard table. With the aid of the diamonds and lines it becomes simple for a user and spectators to recognize the type of shot. The training balls provide a tool for improving a user's shot.

Abstract: A system is provided for visually enhancing a game structure having a game surface and objects that move on the game surface. The system includes a projector that projects digital augmentation content or themed images onto the game surface, with the images including static and animated images. The system includes a tracking mechanism that generates tracking data from the game surface and game objects, with the tracking data defining positions of the game objects relative to the game surface. The system includes a controller that processes the tracking data to determine the positions of the game objects. The controller modifies the augmentation images in response to the determined positions of the game objects. The augmentation images include a video stream made up of a base image that is mapped to the game surface and an object enhancing image mapped to one of the game objects and its current position.

Abstract: A cue ball deflection path training aid used by beginning pool or billiards players to help them optimally position the cue ball for the next shot. The aid includes cue ball deflection grid attached or imprinted on a cue stick's top surface. The grid includes a main neutral l line, a transverse line, and two diagonally aligned lines that converge to designate a center intersection point. The two diagonal lines are aligned at approximately 30 degrees from the transverse line. The grid is oriented on the cue stick so that the main neutral line is aligned with the cue stick's longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the grid is printed on an adhesive label attached to or near the cue stick's midline axis. During use, the player holds the cue stick so that lines of the grid are aligned with the aiming line or over the object ball path line.

Abstract: A pool game system includes a pool table having a playing surface, rails and pockets, pool balls and at least one cue stick. A plurality of illuminating components are within the rails of the pool table. A plurality of contact sensors are each within the rails and pockets of the pool table. A computer within the pool table causes one illuminating component to flash when one contact sensor detects one pool ball propelled by the at least one cue stick, when in a first instance the pool ball bounces off a rail and when in a second instance the pool ball enters a pocket of the pool table.

Abstract: A game manager receives a request from a user to play a cue sport, which includes a table and a plurality of balls. The game manager retrieves user attributes corresponding to the user that include a user skill level. Next, the game manager detects ball locations for each of the plurality of balls, and determines one or more beginning shot opportunities based upon the user skill level and the plurality of ball locations. In turn, the game manager provides the beginning shot opportunities to the user.

Abstract: A device and assembly of devices for repetitively practicing a billiard shot including a body with a cavity and adhesive material applied to a lower surface of the body for selectively securing the body to the surface of the billiard table for flat placement thereon, the cavity has a dimension that is slightly greater than an outer diameter of a billiard ball, wherein the body has a substantially minute thickness for providing no more than a minimal impact to a travel of the billiard ball over the body and across the surface of the billiard table after the body is placed about the billiard ball and selectively secured on the billiard table surface with the adhesive material.

Abstract: A pool stroke training tool comprising: an elongated body, where said elongated body extends between a first end and a second end; a base along a bottom portion of said elongated body, where said base is wider than an upper portion of said elongated body; a spacer attached above said elongated body, where said spacer extends the length of said elongated body; and a slide bar attached at top of the spacer. In one particular embodiment, the pool stroke-training tool may include indentations along the length of the elongated body and along the base. Felt may be used as a cover for the slide bar. In another exemplary embodiment, the slide bar includes a first rise at a first height and a second rise at a second height.

Abstract: A kit and a method for providing training for pool game bank shots. The kit comprises a plurality of aiming posts and a plurality of base members. Each aiming post of the plurality of aiming posts comprises a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. Each base member of the plurality of base members comprises a hollow central portion for receiving the proximal end portion of an aiming post. The proximal end portion of the aiming post received in the hollow central portion of a base member enables the aiming post to assume an upright position. The aiming post of the plurality of aiming posts configured in the upright position and positioned at a pre-determined distance from a pool table provides an aiming point for aiming at least one of a cue ball and an object ball for executing a pool game bank shot.

Abstract: A method for practicing a billiard shot includes defining a position for each particular one billiard ball within the plurality of billiard balls on the surface of the billiard table, using a defined device having a defined body, selectively securing each device to the surface of the billiard table with each ball within the cavity of the corresponding device in its first position, taking a first billiard shot, replacing each of the two or more billiard balls to their first position on the surface of the billiard table, and taking a second billiard shot including the replaced two or more billiard balls.

Abstract: A training ball for pool type games. The training ball may comprise an array of visually coded bounded shapes disposed on the spherical exterior surface, wherein each one visually coded bounded shape has a characteristic visual coding such as color, and a diametrically opposed corresponding visually coded bounded shape having substantially identical characteristic visual coding, and wherein the array covers substantially all of the spherical exterior surface of the solid sphere. All of the visually coded bounded shapes display characteristic visual coding which is easily visually discernible from each adjacent one of the visually coded bounded shapes. In an associated method of play or practice, a player may visually hypothesize a straight line passing through the center of the training ball using the opposed similar visually coded bounded shapes, mentally set up a shot, and then execute that shot.

Abstract: Novice players who participate in billiards, pocket billiards or pocket pool will find this clip/fastener with wheel, ball bearing or rollers device/invention, in one form referred to as a “Junior Shark Guiding Wheel” helpful to protect the costly fabric covering for the playing table and will find that the device will assist them in developing their cue stroke.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for accurately positioning a robotic pool-playing device. The system comprises a computer controlled robotic positioning device, such as a gantry robot, that can position a cue over the pool table and place a shot. A global camera is mounted on the ceiling looking down at the table, and the acquired images are transmitted to the computer for analysis to determine the identity and locations of the balls within the table coordinate reference frame. The computer also automatically determines which ball to strike. An aspect of the invention is the use of a local camera, mounted on or near the robotic end-effector in a fixed relationship with the cue, to improve the positioning error of the robotic device prior to placing a shot.

Abstract: A pool game system includes a pool table having a playing surface, rails and pockets. A plurality of pool balls and at least one cue stick are provided. A plurality of illuminating components is within the rails of the pool table. A plurality of contact sensors are each within the rails and pockets of the pool table. A computer within the pool table causes one illuminating component to flash when one contact sensor detects one pool ball propelled by the at least one cue stick, when in a first instance the pool ball bounces off a rail and when in a second instance the pool ball enters a pocket of the pool table. A cue stick includes a battery, a control switch circuit, a crossed-hair slot and a built-in light emitting element in a forward end, to produce a red laser beam for identifying a path to a specific pocket on the playing surface of the pool table.

Abstract: A game manager receives a request from a user to play a cue sport, which includes a table and a plurality of balls. The game manager retrieves user attributes corresponding to the user that include a user skill level. Next, the game manager detects ball locations for each of the plurality of balls, and determines one or more beginning shot opportunities based upon the user skill level and the plurality of ball locations. In turn, the game manager provides the beginning shot opportunities to the user.

Abstract: The bank shot guide for billiards has at least one visible marking which may be disposed on a pool cue shaft, tape measure, floor, or floor accessory adapted to be easily observable by the shooter while setting up a pool shot on a pool table. The markings can be aligned along the length of the pool cue shaft, tape measure, floor, or floor accessory at predetermined distances to provide graphical symbols that can aid a player in calculating bank angle game parameters applicable to the game table being played on. The markings are designed to represent extensions of readily observable existing diamond markings typically located on the pool table side rails. Groups of the markings may be color coded and/or rotationally separated from each other to visibly display the appropriate group of markings applicable to a particular length of pool table being used.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to billiards, and more specifically, to systems and methods for providing a billiards stroke training device. In one embodiment, the invention includes a harness, a sleeve, a guide, the guide being coupled to the sleeve; and a post, the post being coupled to the harness, the post being configurable to limit motion of the guide, wherein the harness is configurable to being worn on an upper torso of a billiards player, wherein the sleeve is configurable to being worn on an arm of the billiards player, and wherein motion of the arm of the billiards player is limited to that provided for by the guide.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of playing billiards and in particular to a cue ball aiming or training device for learning to aim a cue ball to an object ball to drive the object ball in a desired direction. The aiming device provides an indication of the true point of aim for directing a cue ball to an object ball, to drive the object ball in a desired direction. In use, the aiming device is positioned on top of the object ball and has a direction indicator to point to the desired intended direction of the object ball and a strike point indicator to identify the true point of aim for the cue ball.

Abstract: A kit and a method for providing training for pool game bank shots. The kit comprises a plurality of aiming posts and a plurality of base members. Each aiming post of the plurality of aiming posts comprises a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. Each base member of the plurality of base members comprises a hollow central portion for receiving the proximal end portion of an aiming post. The proximal end portion of the aiming post received in the hollow central portion of a base member enables the aiming post to assume an upright position. The aiming post of the plurality of aiming posts configured in the upright position and positioned at a pre-determined distance from a pool table provides an aiming point for aiming at least one of a cue ball and an object ball for executing a pool game bank shot.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of playing billiards and in particular to a cue ball aiming or training device for learning to aim a cue ball to an object ball to drive the object ball in a desired direction. The aiming device provides an indication of the true point of aim for directing a cue ball to an object ball, to drive the object ball in a desired direction. In use, the aiming device is positioned on top of the object ball and has a direction indicator to point to the desired intended direction of the object ball and a strike point indicator to identify the true point of aim for the cue ball.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for practicing a billiard shot includes a body having an upper surface and a lower surface that is substantially parallel to the upper surface, an outer edge is defined by an outer diameter and a cavity is defined by an inner edge having an inner diameter, an inner diameter is slightly greater than an outer diameter of a billiard ball, wherein the lower and upper surfaces are defined between the inner and outer diameters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for practicing with a cue stick is provided. The method may include mounting an adapter to the outer surface of a cue stick such that at least one portion of the outer surface of the adapter: extends in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the cue stick; and extends adjacent at least a portion of the back half of the cue stick. The method may also include moving the cue stick to slide the outer surface of the adapter against at least one guide surface. Movement of the cue stick is in a direction that extends along the central longitudinal axis of the cue stick and a minimum distance between the central longitudinal axis of the cue stick, and the at least one guide surface in contact with the at least one portion of the outer surface of the adapter remains constant.

Abstract: A training ball for pool type games. The training ball may comprise an array of visually coded bounded shapes disposed on the spherical exterior surface, wherein each one visually coded bounded shape has a characteristic visual coding such as color, and a diametrically opposed corresponding visually coded bounded shape having substantially identical characteristic visual coding, and wherein the array covers substantially all of the spherical exterior surface of the solid sphere. All of the visually coded bounded shapes display characteristic visual coding which is easily visually discernible from each adjacent one of the visually coded bounded shapes. In an associated method of play or practice, a player may visually hypothesize a straight line passing through the center of the training ball using the opposed similar visually coded bounded shapes, mentally set up a shot, and then execute that shot.

Abstract: The shot training device is used as a training aid for learning to play pocket billiards. The device aids the student in learning the three major components of a shot for pocket billiards: pocketing the object ball, cue ball direction, and cue ball speed control. The device includes an object ball circle for placement of an object ball. The device also includes an imaginary cue ball circle for aiming the cue ball. The device further includes cut angle lines and cue ball path lines for determining a cut angle to the object ball and plotting a path of the cue ball after impact with the object ball. A kit and a method of training a user to play billiards are also disclosed.

Abstract: The Jump Buddy is a support for the hand to be used in the play of billiards, pool, or other similar games. It simplifies the learning and execution of a legal jump shot in these games, by supporting the bridge hand at the proper position and angle required. It is comprised of a ball and legs in a tripod configuration, such that an object ball can fit underneath it. Other uses of the Jump Buddy include masse' shots, and shots in which the ideal bridging position is blocked by another ball.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to billiards, and more specifically, to systems and methods for providing a billiards stroke training device. In one embodiment, the invention includes a harness, a sleeve, a guide, the guide being coupled to the sleeve; and a post, the post being coupled to the harness, the post being configurable to limit motion of the guide, wherein the harness is configurable to being worn on an upper torso of a billiards player, wherein the sleeve is configurable to being worn on an arm of the billiards player, and wherein motion of the arm of the billiards player is limited to that provided for by the guide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sports cue for improving the consistency of a player's shot. The sports cue includes a tapered length of material having a longitudinal axis therethrough, wherein the density of material above the longitudinal axis is less than that below the longitudinal axis to form a “bottom-heavy” cue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pool cue training device for assisting a player in determining cue movement so that the player can learn to control and minimize movement for better and more accurate shots. The invention comprises a laser capable of projecting a laser light in a dot or a line, attached to a mounting device for attaching the laser to a cue. The movement of the cue is determined by the difference between the initial position and final position after the striking motion.

Abstract: A billiards practice device has (a) a body defining a central portion sized and dimensioned to accept and closely retain a billiards ball; and (b) the body further defining a viewing port located such that, when the billiards ball is retained within the central portion, the lower portion of the billiards ball is visible to a user. In practice, the billiards practice device is used in combination with an elongate handle. In one embodiment, the elongate handle is provided by a cue stick which is attached to the billiards practice device, such as by being disposed in press fit within a bore defined in the body.

Abstract: A cue ball point of aim training device, comprising a target, a target positioning member, a transverse member, and a support structure provided for aiming a cue ball with respect to a given object ball. The base of the support structure, when positioned on the playing surface, resides to one side of a line bisecting the object ball along the desired direction of travel, and can remain in place during a shot on the object ball. The target, representing where the center of a cue ball needs to be to effectuate a desired trajectory for a given object ball, is positioned by the other components of the device in an opposite direction along the line of intended travel of the object ball. Through repeated use in practice, the cue ball point of aim training device may aid in improving one's skill in playing the game of billiards.

Abstract: The bank shot guide for billiards has at least one visible marking which may be disposed on a pool cue shaft, tape measure, floor, or floor accessory adapted to be easily observable by the shooter while setting up a pool shot on a pool table. The markings can be aligned along the length of the pool cue shaft, tape measure, floor, or floor accessory at predetermined distances to provide graphical symbols that can aid a player in calculating bank angle game parameters applicable to the game table being played on. The markings are designed to represent extensions of readily observable existing diamond markings typically located on the pool table side rails. Groups of the markings may be color coded and/or rotationally separated from each other to visibly display the appropriate group of markings applicable to a particular length of pool table being used.

Abstract: A cue stroke practice aid is used by a billiards player to improve the player's cue stroke by repetitiously practicing the stroke at varying skill levels until a consistent stroke is developed. The practice aid comprises an elongated housing with first and second openings at opposed ends. A slide assembly is positioned in the elongated housing. The slide assembly includes a shaft, equi-spaced rails extending axially from the shaft, cue guide arms and an adjusting knob. The adjusting knob is used to move the rails laterally within the housing. This has the effect of causing cue guide arms to radially expand or contract from the axis shaft to form a tubular cavity of a desired cross dimension. The opening defined by tips of the cue guide fingers provides a target for the billiards player to practice a stroke at a selected cross dimension according to an attainable skill level.

Abstract: Pool cue systems are disclosed which include at least one graphical icon on the pool cue shaft adapted to be observed within the shooter's peripheral vision while shooting pool. The icons are preferably aligned along the longitudinal axis of the pool cue shaft at predetermined distances indicative of game parameters, which are stroke lengths, bridge hand locations, and stroke speeds. The icons are adapted to enable easy peripheral observation of pool cue stick motion while shooting pool with the eyes focused on an object billiard ball. The icons may additionally be decorative. Methods of use, making, and doing business are integral to the pool cue systems.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of playing billiards and in particular to a cue ball aiming or training device for learning to aim a cue ball to an object ball to drive the object ball in a desired direction. The aiming device provides an indication of the true point of aim for directing a cue ball to an object ball, to drive the object ball in a desired direction. In use, the aiming device is positioned on top of the object ball and has a direction indicator to point to the desired intended direction of the object ball and a strike point indicator to identify the true point of aim for the cue ball.