Abstract: A method for determining the likelihoods of a cue sport player completing a run of shots for each of a plurality of non-break ball patterns is provided. The method initially involves operating a computer to retrieve a non-break ball pattern of the plurality of non-break ball patterns and to then facilitate the positioning of balls on a cue sport table in accordance with the non-break ball pattern. The positioning may be accomplished by use of a projector under control of the computer that projects ball positioning patterns on the sport table. The progress of the cue sport player through a run of the balls on the table is then monitored and the outcome of that progress, e.g. the number of balls in a run that are pocketed are recorded in association with the current non-break ball pattern.

Abstract: A system and method augments electronic gaming results using a timer that includes areas indicating a modifier added to the success/failure of an electronic gaming result. A player(s)/user(s) may influence the outcome of their own and/or others success/failure by timing a trigger during a countdown within the timer. Depending on the area of the timer within which the player(s)/user(s) trigger, a percentage modifier is added to the success/failure of a player's result.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reception device, which comprises an operation device which is used to perform a variety of operations, a camera device which is used to take dynamic images for the peripheral area of the operation device, and a control device analyzing the action of the personage presented in the peripheral area according to the dynamic images of the peripheral area taken by the camera device and performing a control to cause the operation device to perform the operation corresponding to the analysis result.

Abstract: A billiard table top lighting apparatus provides substantially uniform lighting across the surface of a billiard table surface. The frame may support one or more cameras, one or more motion sensors, one or more microphones, and/or one or more computing devices to enable any of a variety of innovative features. Such features could include automatic game play recording from one or more perspectives, merged video track storage for replay, review, and analysis, automatic lighting and dimming control, control of the apparatus from any mobile device, automatic provision of a shot clock, and the like.

Abstract: A system and method augments electronic gaming results using a timer that includes areas indicating a modifier added to the success/failure of an electronic gaming result. A player(s)/user(s) may influence the outcome of their own and/or others success/failure by timing a trigger during a countdown within the timer. Depending on the area of the timer within which the player(s)/user(s) trigger, a percentage modifier is added to the success/failure of a player's result.

Abstract: The adjustable rack assembly for arranging billiard balls includes a first member that may be positioned on a billiard table. A band is operationally coupled to the first member. A second member is coupled to the band. The second member is movably coupled to the first member. The second member may arrange the billiard balls between the first and second members.

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: Described herein are methods for playing a rotation game on a pool table, and methods for scoring and racking rotation games described herein.

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: Cue sports tables are provided with associated automated sensor and positioning assemblies. This permits competitors to play each other on separate tables. The tables automatically sense ball positions on one table and communicate that to a positioner associated with another table. That positioner then automatically drives balls on that other table to a mimicking position. These systems also permit a shot to be replayed if desired.

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: The portable pool table device provides extreme portability by way of disassembly. The table is divided into four separable sections that are selectively assembled as chosen. The affixed sections provide half circle cutouts and half circle cutout shapes for removable pocket attachment. The sections are ideally affixed together by lateral clamps. The felt-atop-rubberized-layer playing surface is removably installed atop the sections upon assembly. The removable side braces and end braces also provide outer brace playing surfaces along with angled bumpers as are used in other pool tables in the art.

Abstract: A playing surface for a gaming table includes a composite sheet including concrete and at least one fiber component. The composite sheet has a density of approximately one to two grams per cubic centimeter (1-2 g/cm3).

Abstract: A new type of pool game which can account for different levels of player skill and also be enjoyable for more than two players, teams or participants. The game can be played on conventional pool, snooker or billiard tables and includes plurality of balls including at least one cue ball and a plurality of object balls of which at least three types of object ball are identifiable.

Abstract: A racking frame kit including a storage container housing three shaped side members that can assembled into an equilateral triangular enclosure for receipt of a group of balls in a compressed position. The racking frame providing a portable device that allows pool players to obtain the repeatability necessary from location to location. The kit further provides for the tightening of the formation of balls to obtain the maximum transfer of energy from a cue ball impact which will allow a predictable and disperse spread of balls across a playing surface. Various embodiments include a latching release, a magnet release, a tongue & groove release, and an elastic band.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for providing remote access to games that were designed for a single-machine experience. A game that has a single world state is executed in a virtualized environment in one or more computing devices. One or more input events are provided to the game based at least in part on input data from multiple clients that are controlling the game. A video signal generated by the game is encoded into a media stream, and at least a portion of the media stream is sent to each of the clients.

Abstract: A rotary game table includes a combination game table, two side support members, and at least one cross member. The combination game table includes one type of game on one side and another type of game on the other side. The at least one cross member is terminated on each end by a single side support member. The combination game table is pivotally retained by one side support member on each end thereof. A locking device is used to pivotally constrain rotation of the combination game table. At least one table cross member is used to internally brace the combination game table with at least one air passage formed therethrough. In another embodiment, a substantially U-shaped side member is attached to one cross member and one end of the two side support members. In another embodiment, a collapsible support is used to increase rigidity of the side support members.

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.

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: One embodiment of a circular flat token having a unique design on the top of the base, a unique design on the bottom of the base, and sides that are low in profile which can be placed on a billiards table to sequence participation in a point of sale activity. Other embodiments are described and shown.

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 latch mechanism for a multi-function game table including a confinement component and a latch component. The game table has a framework and a tablet rotatably connected to the framework. The confinement component is connected to tablet of the game table. The latch component is connected to the framework of the game table and corresponds with the confinement component. A base of the latch component has a through passage corresponding with a channel of the confinement component. A switch of the latch component is located in the through passage of the base and has a manipulation member and a shut member. The manipulation member is pivotally connected to the base, and the shut member is connected to and extends outwardly from the manipulation member moving with the manipulation member. When the manipulation member pivots inside the base, the shut member is selectively inserted into the channel of the confinement component.

Abstract: The improved billiard rack is an invention that allows a user to quickly and easily rack or position a set of billiard balls without the inconvenience or necessity of actuating an auxiliary ball positioning device. The rack includes NEOPRENE or the like compressible members that cause a compressive load to be placed upon a group of billiard balls when the rack is positioned on a set of balls which further causes the group of balls to be tightly and properly grouped or racked. The rack further includes angled walls that provide for removal of the rack from a group of balls without the walls colliding with the balls. The rack further includes feet upon which the rack may be rotatingly removed from a set of balls by rotating the rack in an upwards rearwards rotation motion away from the group of balls. The feet preferably include alignment marks that may be aligned with corresponding marks on a playing surface so as to properly, accurately, and consistently position the rack.

Abstract: A billiard equipment storage structure, mainly includes: a bearing bracket, including a receiving space with a hand pulling portion; and a foldable extension mechanism, including two movable frames opposite to each other. Each movable frame has a upper fixing plate, a foldable stretching arm and a lower fixing plate coupled to each other in sequence, where the upper fixing plate is configured under a billiard table, and the lower fixing plate is connected to the bearing bracket. Whereby, the storage structure can be folded and suspended to hide under the billiard table, receive billiard equipment neatly so as to save storage space, and achieve the complete protection of billiard equipment and the convenience of taking them out for play anytime.

Abstract: A billiards cue holder includes a body that defines at least one receiving groove sized to receive a billiards cue. In some aspects, each receiving groove includes a portion positioned toward the body at a receiving angle, which may increase a contact area with a cue leaned into the receiving groove. In some aspects, the body includes a mounting face that includes a concave portion. The concave portion is elastically deformable relative to a mounting surface to provide a holding force between the holder and the mounting surface. In some aspects, the holder comprises an elastomer material have a Shore A durometer between about 15 and about 55. Additionally, a method for securing a billiards cue in the holder includes positioning the holder on a mounting surface, applying pressure to deform a concave portion of a mounting face, and leaning a cue into the receiving groove.

Abstract: A cue stick tip tool includes a shaper that can contour the tip to a nickel or dime radius by using an abrasive formed within a hollow shaper body. Also included is a ferrule guide surface leading to abrasive material usable to trim a side of the cue tip while holding the ferrule clear of the abrasive material to avoid scuffing the ferrule. Another included tool has a concave cylindrical grid of upstanding pointed spikes that can be rolled over the cue tip to make a pattern of chalk holding indentations in the cue tip. The tool package preferably also includes a conical recess for burnishing a side of the cue tip, arcs to measure nickel and dime radii of the cue tip, and a container holding a chalk block and talcum powder—all arranged to be carried on a belt clip.

Abstract: An arrangement adapted to be used with conventional billiard tables for greater utilisation, versatility and/or application of said tables, said arrangement including, a multiplicity of billiard tables located at a variety of separate locations, a means to register and allow for communication between a plurality of players, such that said players need not necessarily play upon the same table nor be located at the one location, said players intended to compete against other registered players, or approve upon personal individual skill level, a timer such that competition between players or improvement of personal standings of an individual is based upon timing of pocketing a set of balls or part thereof upon the respective billiard table by said, timer, a means for having time results of the or each player transferred to a central database wherein individual player's times and standings may then be acknowledged.

Abstract: Sets of white and colored billiard balls each displaying unique indicia of rank or type of ball are provided for playing chess, checkers and backgammon on a standard billiards table. Each of the games has a uniquely appropriate series of rules for playing such games in a billiards table environment keyed to the indicia marked on each of the billiard balls.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for playing pool on a pool table is disclosed. A raised stand is located on the pool table and pool balls are hit into an indentation on the raised stand. For example, a plurality of pool balls is arranged in a starting position on the playing surface of the pool table. The plurality of pool balls is comprised of an object ball and a plurality of different sets of pool balls. Players alternate turns wherein each player attempts to hit balls from a set of pool balls assigned to that player into pockets in the pool table using a pool cue and a cue ball.

Abstract: A card game with a set of different playing cards or a multiple thereof wherein each playing card is linked to a ball from the pool billiard game, possibly with the exception of the cue ball. In addition to the playing cards the card game can also contain action cards as for instance turn cards, cards that indicate missing a turn, fault cards and jokers. A number of different playing cards can be linked to balls from eight-ball pool billiard. Each playing card can carry a picture of a ball from eight-ball pool billiard with which the card is linked. A combination of pool billiard with such a card game is described, which makes it possible to play pool billiard also with more than two players.

Abstract: 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.

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 billiard table and billiard ball storage compartment with mating connectors are disclosed. In one embodiment, a billiard table is provided comprising a frame comprising a first connector, a playing surface supported by the frame, and a billiard ball storage compartment comprising a second connector, wherein the second connector is configured to mate with the first connector when the billiard ball storage compartment is moved into a first position with respect to the frame. In exemplary embodiments, the billiard ball storage compartment comprises a ball storage box and/or a ball receiver box.

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 game is played on a billiard type table using balls with indicia of chess pieces. A cue stick is used to strike the balls following rules of movement that vary with the indicia on the ball to be moved. Game rules control movement and pocketing of balls are representative of the movement and capture of chess pieces, but are modified for use on a billiard table. The game is also adaptable to other playing surfaces including electronic displays.

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: The invention provides a leveling apparatus that cooperates with a game table leg by vertically translating the leg, wherein the apparatus is actuated near the top of the leg.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to play a football contest which is realistically simulated on a pocket billiard table surface; comprising of a plurality of billiard balls having football field, football and player indicia thereon to be placed on said supporting surface and selectively driven into pockets by a hand held device such as a cue stick. The apparatus includes a set of ten billiard balls representing field yard line balls, football/goal-line ball, a cue ball and an offensive center player ball. Each ball is associated with a specific player i.e.; field yard line balls and goal-line/football ball for the offense to pocket, and center ball and football/goal-line ball to be pocketed by the defense. Players take turns on playing on offense and defense. A winner is declared when all drives have been completed and to the player with the most points.

Abstract: A ball separator for separating the balls of a first ball game from the balls of a second ball game. The ball separator includes a housing having an inlet for receiving the balls and in which a ball receiving part of the housing is movable between a first position in which at least one outlet is provided for dispensing balls under gravity to a first receptacle and a second position in which at least one outlet is provided for dispensing balls under gravity to a second receptacle. An actuator is provided to move the ball receiving part of the housing between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A billiards cue holder includes a body that defines at least one receiving groove sized to receive a billiards cue. In some aspects, each receiving groove includes a portion positioned toward the body at a receiving angle, which may increase a contact area with a cue leaned into the receiving groove. In some aspects, the body includes a mounting face that includes a concave portion. The concave portion is elastically deformable relative to a mounting surface to provide a holding force between the holder and the mounting surface. In some aspects, the holder comprises an elastomer material have a Shore A durometer between about 15 and about 55. Additionally, a method for securing a billiards cue in the holder includes positioning the holder on a mounting surface, applying pressure to deform a concave portion of a mounting face, and leaning a cue into the receiving groove.

Abstract: Q Ball consists of at least some of the following: a tabletop attached to a base and having pockets and bumper rails, touch screen visual display units, and a felt surface. Q Ball also utilizes cue and object balls, break lines and a center dot on the felt surface, color emblems on the edges of the table, and a rack. Two or more players alternate turns attempting to pocket object balls by striking a cue ball into the object balls. Whenever a player pockets the appropriate object ball, he attempts to answer a trivia question from the touch screen visual display units. If he is successful, he gets to shoot again. The winner is the player that pockets all of the appropriate object balls first.

Abstract: A system to allow quick setup of a support structure and connected playing surface with rapid leveling of the playing surface for playing billiards. One embodiment of the invention allows the playing surface to be mounted to a support structure that can be converted to a couch. This embodiment can be placed in residential housing in rooms such as dens, family rooms, or living rooms. Another embodiment of the invention allows the playing surface when mounted to legs rigidly connected to a floor to be used on a concrete patio, a garage with a concrete floor or on a wooden deck.

Abstract: A universal ratings system for pocket billiards players uses the break inning as the baseline or foundation for measuring each player's ability and for deriving an average value therefrom that determines a numerical rating for each player, with ratings system applicable to billiard games such as Eight-Ball, Nine-Ball, and Ten-Ball, with the number of scored breaks, and minimum scored breaks, requisite for determining a rating being between 10 and 200, and each particular break inning count resulting and determined from the number of object balls left on the table prior to a miss, scratch, or foul which actions terminate that particular break inning for the respective billiard game.

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: Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a game table, such as a billiards table, with lights. Preferred embodiments and features provide for lights mounted around the periphery of a game table or mounted on the sides of a game table. The lights may be internally or externally powered from the table. Certain preferred embodiments provide one or more power sources mounted to the game table to power the lights. Other preferred embodiments provide one or more solar panels to recharge the power source(s) mounted to the game table. In some preferred embodiments, the game table includes indirect lighting, such as downward or outward facing lights mounted on the sides or apron of a billiards table. In an alternate preferred embodiment, rope lights are mounted around the periphery of a table.

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: A method of gaming comprising: providing a table game of the type where a player seeks to sink one or more balls of a set of balls in one or more pockets of the table by striking the balls with a cue ball in accordance with the rules of the table game; receiving a wager from a player additional to any amount required to play the table game, the wager entitling the player to receive at least one bonus associated with an event if the player achieves the event; and electronically monitoring play of the table game to determine whether the player achieves the event and the bonus should be awarded to the player.

Abstract: The instant application discloses a variety of embodiments for a method and apparatus relating to games of pool. One embodiment for a method of playing pool may comprise a first player and a second layer shooting a cue ball at object balls. In the embodiment the first layer will shoot to break a rack of object balls. After breaking the rack of the object balls, the first player may shoot a pre-determined number of ten shots where the player attempts to pocket as many balls as possible.