Abstract:
A method is disclosed for initiating game play on a pay-for-play parlor game, such as a pool table having a playing surface, rails, pockets, a ball holding rack that retains pool balls, and an internal activation-sensing unit. The method includes depositing a game play fee into a remote activation assembly, remotely transmitting an activation signal once the game play fee is deposited, receiving the activation signal at the internal activation-sensing unit, and providing access to the pool balls upon said receiving step. A method is also disclosed for automatically scoring a pool-based game including detecting detectable devices embedded within the pool balls.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application relates to and claims priority benefits from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/434,222 entitled “Improved Pool Table,” filed Dec. 17, 2002, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to parlor games, and more particularly to an improved system and method of activating a pay-for-play parlor game, and automatically calculating a score of a pool-based game. 
   Coin operated pool tables (or pay-for-play pool tables) are widely used for a variety of pool games, such as eight ball, nine ball, snooker, and the like. Typically, a player hits a cue ball with a pool cue in an attempt to knock the cue ball into solidcolored and striped numbered balls. Depending on the rules of the particular pool game, a player “scores” by sinking the appropriate balls into pockets of the pool table. 
   In order to begin playing a game of pool, a player typically inserts coins into a coin acceptor located on the pool table. Once an amount sufficient to play a game is inserted, a holding rack that retains the colored balls within the pool table is opened, thereby allowing a player to access the balls. The balls are then placed on the playing surface of the pool table in order to begin play. 
   Typical pay-for-play pool tables only include a coin acceptor, but not a bill acceptor. This is because the use of a bill acceptor requires increased power and space. One of the obstacles to providing power to such bill acceptors is that most pool tables require unobstructed access from all sides of the table for game play. Further, a pool table usually requires a generous amount of floor space surrounding a table for game play. Electrical wires or cabling passing from the pool table to a wall outlet are obtrusive and pose tripping problems. 
   Additionally, typical pool games are manually scored. Scoring games manually, however, may be inexact due to human error. Further, keeping track of scoring represents one more thing to be cognizant of during a game, and may be distracting to a player. 
   Thus, a need exists for a system and method of activating a pay-for-play pool table that is more efficient and user-friendly. Further, a need exists for a system and method of automatically scoring a pool game. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Embodiments of the present invention provide a pool table system that allows a user to play pool upon receipt of a playing fee. The system includes a pool table having a playing surface, rails, pockets, a ball holding rack that retains pool balls, and an activation-sensing unit, and a remote activation assembly having a processor operatively connected to a currency acceptor, which is adapted to receive coins and bills. 
   The remote activation assembly transmits an activation signal that is received by the activation-sensing unit within the pool table when the processor detects receipt of the playing fee, and wherein said activation-sensing unit is operable to allow a user to access said pool balls when said activation-sensing unit receives the activation signal. The remote activation assembly may be mounted on a wall, or it may be supported by a floor. Additionally, the remote activation assembly and activation-sensing unit may include antennae that wirelessly receive power signals from a commercial radio station 
   The activation-sensing unit may be operatively connected to a gate positioned at an end of the holding rack. The activation-sensing unit acts to open the gate when the activation-sensing unit receives the activation signal. The currency acceptor is adapted to receive coins and bills. 
   Embodiments of the present invention also provide a method for initiating game play on a pay-for-play pool table having a playing surface, rails, pockets, a ball holding rack that retains pool balls, and an internal activation-sensing unit. The method includes depositing a game play fee into a remote activation assembly, remotely transmitting an activation signal once the game play fee is deposited, receiving the activation signal at the internal activation-sensing unit, and providing access to the pool balls upon the receiving step. 
   Embodiments of the present invention also provide a pool table system that is configured to automatically score a pool-based game. The system includes a pool table having a playing surface, rails, pockets, and pool balls, wherein each of the pool balls includes a detectable feature. The system also includes a scoring processor, and a ball detection sensor in communication with the scoring processor. 
   The ball detection sensor is positioned such that the pool balls pass by the ball detection sensor after the pool balls enter the pockets. The ball detection sensor detects the detectable feature as the pool balls pass by the ball detection sensor. The ball detection sensor relays a data signal to the scoring processor as the pool balls pass by said the detection sensor. 
   Each of the detectable features outputs a unique signal for each of the pools balls. The embedded detectable device may include at least one of an antenna, microchip, metallic security tag, magnet, and an ultrasonic emitter. Optionally, the detectable feature may be a unique marking, such as a bar code, number, color scheme/configuration or the like, that is detected by an optical sensor. The scoring processor distinguishes among the pool balls based on the data signals received. 
   Embodiments of the present invention also provide a method of automatically scoring a pool-based game played on a pool table having a playing surface, rails, pockets, and pool balls having embedded detectable devices therein. The method includes locating a ball detection sensor at a position where the pool balls pass after the pool balls enter the pockets, detecting the embedded detectable devices within the pool balls as the pool balls pass by the ball detection sensor, and relaying a data signal based on the detecting to a scoring processor. 
   Additionally, embodiments of the present invention provide a method of manufacturing a pool game system that is configured to automatically score a pool-based game, wherein the pool game system comprises a pool table having pool balls positioned over a playing surface bounded by rails and pockets. The method includes embedding detectable devices within the pool balls, wherein each of the pool balls includes one embedded detectable device that outputs a signal that is unique from output signals of other detectable devices embedded in other pool balls. The method also includes disposing ball-detecting sensors configured to detect the detectable devices at a position where the pool balls pass after the pool balls enter the pockets. 
   Further, embodiments of the present invention provide a pay-for-play parlor game system that enables game play upon receipt of a playing fee. The system includes a game unit having a playing surface and an activation-sensing unit, and a remote activation assembly. The remote activation assembly includes a processor operatively connected to a currency acceptor. The remote activation assembly transmits an activation signal that is received by the activation-sensing unit when the processor detects receipt of the playing fee. The activation-sensing unit is operable to allow a user to initiate game play when the activation-sensing unit receives the activation signal. The game unit may be a pool table, a foosball table, an air hockey table, a basketball-based game, a football based game, a hockey-based game (such as table hockey), and other such games commonly found in bars and arcades. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a simplified representation of a pool system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a schematic diagram of a remote activation assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a flow chart for a method of activating a pool system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a pool ball according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a simplified representation of a ball return and scoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a flow chart for a method of providing a pool table system that is capable of automatically scoring a game of pool according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a remote activation assembly according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
     The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings, certain embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the attached drawings. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIG. 1  illustrates a simplified representation of a pool system  10  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system  10  includes a pool table  12  supported by a floor  14 , and a remote activation assembly  16  mounted on a wall  18 . Optionally, the remote activation assembly  16  may be an upright, stand-alone unit supported by the floor  14 , or mounted to the underside of the pool table  12 . 
   The pool table  12  may be a standard pool table including a felt playing surface (not shown) bounded by rails  20  (or bumpers) and pockets  22 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , a cue ball  24  is positioned on the playing surface. The pool table  12  also includes a ball retention compartment, or holding rack,  26 . The ball retention compartment  26  is connected to the pockets  22  through internal pathways (not shown) that allow numbered striped and colored balls  28  to pass from the pockets  22  into the ball retention compartment  26 . A gate  30  is positioned at an outlet  32  of the ball retention compartment  26 . 
   The gate  30  is normally in a closed position so that the balls  28  are retained within the ball retention compartment  26  and not allowed to pass into the ball delivery passage  34  (which is within the main body of the pool table  12 ). The ball retention compartment  26  may be sloped slightly downward, so that when the gate  30  is opened, the balls  28  pass into the ball delivery passage  34  by way of gravity. The ball delivery passage  34  is connected to an access area  36 , at which a player may remove the balls  28  from the pool table  12  and proceed to place them on the playing surface in order to play pool. 
   The gate  30  is operatively connected to an opening device  38 , such as a solenoid, latch, clasp, or the like, that is configured to open and close the gate  30 . The opening device  38  is in turn electrically connected to an activation-sensing unit  40  through wiring  42 . The activation-sensing unit  40  includes a processor  44 , or other such device capable of sensing a received signal and acting thereupon, electrically connected to a receiving antenna  46  and the opening device  38 . The activation-sensing unit  40  wirelessly receives signals, such as radio frequency (RF) signals from the remote activation assembly  16  by way of the receiving antenna  46 . The processor  44  analyzes the received signals to determine whether to open the gate  30  in order to allow play to begin. That is, the remote activation assembly  16  sends an activation signal to the activation-sensing unit  40  instructing the activation-sensing unit  40  to open the gate  30  to allow players to gain access to the balls  28  through the access area  36 . If the remote activation assembly  16  does not send an activation signal to the activation-sensing unit  40 , the gate  30  remains closed. 
     FIG. 2  illustrates a schematic diagram of a remote activation assembly  16 . The remote activation assembly  16  includes a main body  48  housing a central processing unit  50  therein. The central processing unit (CPU)  50  is electrically connected to a bill acceptor  52 , a coin acceptor  54 , a play activation button  56 , and a transmitting antenna  58 , through internal wiring  60 . While the transmitting antenna  58  is shown external to the main body  48 , the transmitting antenna  58  may be housed within the main body  48  (similarly, the receiving antenna  46  of the activation-sensing unit  40  may be housed within a main body of the activation-sensing unit  40 ). 
   The remote activation assembly  16  is powered by way of the transmitting antenna  58  receiving radio signals from a commercial radio station. Further, the activation-sensing unit  40  may be powered by way of the receiving antenna  46  receiving radio signals from a commercial radio station. Optionally, a capacitor of sufficient storage size may be housed within the activation-sensing unit  40  in order to provide power. Further, a capacitor may be housed within the main body  48  of the remote activation assembly  16  and electrically connected to the CPU  50 . Alternatively, the remote activation assembly  16  may be electrically connected to a standard electrical outlet, or it may be battery powered. 
     FIG. 7  illustrates a remote activation assembly  120  according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The remote activation assembly  120  includes a solar cell  122  that is in electrical communication with the CPU  124 . The remote activation assembly  120  may be powered through solar power. The solar cell  122  may be mounted at various positions of the remote activation assembly and may be electrically connected to an internal power reservoir, the coin/bill acceptor, and the like. Similarly, the activation-sensing unit  40  may also be electrically connected to, and receive power from, a solar cell. 
   Referring again to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a player inserts currency into the remote activation assembly  16  through the bill acceptor  52  and/or the coin acceptor  54 . Once the currency is input into the remote activation assembly  16 , the CPU  50  determines the amount entered. If the input amount is sufficient for game play, the CPU  50  sends an activation signal to the activation-sensing unit  40  through the transmitting antenna  58  when the play button  56  is depressed. The activation-sensing unit  40  then opens the gate  30 , thereby causing the balls  28  to pass to the access area  36 . If the input amount is insufficient for game play, the CPU  50  does not send an activation signal to the activation-sensing unit  40 . 
     FIG. 3  illustrates a flow chart for activating a pool system  10  according to an embodiment of the present invention. At  62 , a player inputs currency into the remote activation assembly  16 . At  64 , the remote activation assembly  16  determines whether the input amount is sufficient for game play. If the amount is sufficient, the remote activation assembly  16  transmits an activation signal to the activation-sensing unit  40 , which is housed within the pool table  12  at  66 . If, however, the amount is insufficient, the remote activation assembly  16  does not transmit an activation signal to the activation-sensing unit  40  at  68 . 
   The activation-sensing unit  40  opens the gate  30  at  70  once it receives the activation signal. At  72 , the balls  28  then pass to the access area  36  where a player may then remove the balls  28  from the pool table  12  and place the balls  28  on the playing surface. 
     FIG. 4  illustrates a pool ball  28  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The pool ball  28  may be any pool ball (e.g., an 8-ball, 9-ball, cue ball, and the like). Embedded within the ball  28  is a detectable device  74 . The detectable device  74  may be a transmitting or receiving antenna or microchip, a metallic security tag, a magnet, an ultrasonic emitter or sensor, or various other such devices capable of transmitting or receiving a signal in relation to a corresponding detector (e.g., a receiving or transmitting antenna, an electromagnetic sensor, an ultrasonic detector, and the like). Preferably, the detectable device  74  is a radio frequency coded antenna embedded within each ball  28  during a ball manufacturing process. 
   In order to ensure smooth and even movement of the pool ball  28 , the detectable device  74  is preferably symmetrically positioned about the center of gravity of the pool ball  28 . Optionally, the detectable device  74  may be various shapes and sizes and may be embedded within the pool ball  28  at various positions. 
     FIG. 5  illustrates a simplified representation of a ball return and scoring system  76  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system  76  is located within the main body of the pool table  12 . The system includes a series of tubes, channels or the like (hereinafter “tubes”)  78 . The tubes  78  connect the pockets  22  to the ball retention compartment  26 . 
   Ball sensors  80  are positioned over a portion of the tubes  78 . Optionally, each pocket  22  may include a ball sensor  80 . While two ball sensors  80  are shown, the system  76  may include more ball sensors  80 . Optionally, the system  76  may include one ball sensor  80  located over the tube  78 ′ that connects directly to the ball retention compartment  26 . The sensors  80  are in communication with a central processing unit (CPU)  82 , which is in turn in operative communication with a scoring display  84 . The sensors  80  relay ball sensing data to the CPU  82  when the balls  78  pass through the sensors  80 . The CPU  82  then analyzes the ball sensing data and displays scoring information based on the ball sensing data on the scoring display  84 . 
   The sensors  80  may be radio frequency sensors that sense a radio frequency output of a detectable device  74  within a particular ball  28  as it passes through (or proximate) a sensor  80 . Optionally, the detectable device  74  may be a magnet and the sensors  80  may be an electromagnetic sensing unit that detects the electromagnetic field produced by the magnet within the ball  28  as it passes through (or proximate) the sensor  80 . Optionally, the sensors  80  may be configured to detect ultrasonic frequencies output by the detectable devices  74 . Various types of detection systems may be used with various types of signal output devices known in the art. Each detectable device  74  may output a specific signal, such as a particular radio frequency. Thus, each ball  28  may include a detectable device  74  outputting a unique signal. 
   Alternatively, the balls  28  may be detected through optical sensors. Each ball  28  may include a particular distinguishing mark located somewhere on its outer surface. For example, the detectable device may be a bar code located on the surface of a ball  28 . The distinguishing mark may also be the number on the ball and/or ball color or color configuration (e.g., striped or solid). Each ball may include a unique distinguishing mark that is distinct from marks on other balls. Each distinguishing mark may be associated with a particular ball. The sensors  80  may be optical sensors, such as laser, infrared emitters, or the like. The optical sensors may be capable of reading bar codes, numbers, and/or ball colors, stripes, and the like. The unique signal output may be the distinguishing mark that is detected by the optical sensor. 
   Regardless of the type of signal output by a ball  28  (e.g., an RF signal, a distinguishing mark, and the like), the CPU  82  correlates the unique signal with a particular ball  28 . For example, the  8  ball may output a signal at a first radio frequency, while a cue ball may output a signal at a second frequency, and the  9  ball may output a signal at a third radio frequency, and so on. The CPU  82  distinguishes between balls  28  through the detection of different signals. 
     FIG. 6  illustrates a flow chart for a method of providing a pool table system that is capable of automatically scoring a game of pool according to an embodiment of the present invention. At  86 , pool balls  28  are manufactured with embedded detectable devices  74 . Each detectable device  74  outputs a unique signal that is different than any other detectable device  74 . Each ball  28  is associated with a unique signal that is output by a detectable device embedded within the particular ball  28 . 
   A pool table is manufactured having at least one ball sensor  80  positioned proximate a ball return line at  88 . As the pool balls  28  pass through the ball return line, the ball sensor(s)  80  relays a data signal indicative of the detectable device embedded within the pool ball  28  to a CPU  82  as the ball  28  passes by the ball sensor(s)  80  at  90 . The CPU  82  then analyzes the received data signal and associates the received data signal with a particular pool ball  28  at  92 . The CPU  82  then updates a game score based on the received data signal on a score display  84  at  94 . 
   While the systems and methods discussed above relate to standard pool tables, embodiments of the present invention may be used with various types of pool-type games, including, but not limited to, billiards, snooker, and bumper pool. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention may also be used with foosball tables, basketball and football based games in which a player throws balls at a hoop and/or target, air or table hockey games, or various other parlor games commonly found in bars and arcades. 
   Thus, embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for activating a pool table through a remote activation device. The remote activation device may accept coins or bills. Further, embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for automatically scoring a game of pool. 
   While the invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.