Abstract:
A combination pool cue stick and controller is provided which includes a housing adapted to move over a flat surface. The housing includes a receptacle member adapted to receive a pool cue, sensing means in the receptacle member to sense the position and movement of the pool cue, and circuit means receiving and processing this information for input into a computer having appropriate compatible software to display the effects of the pool cue activity.

Description:
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 08/903,100 filed Jul. 30, 1997 and related Ser. No. 09/176,825 filed Oct. 22, 1998. 
    
    
     SPECIFICATION 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to computer pool games and in particular, to a computerized pool cue and controller to simulate the action and feel of using a pool cue. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Devices and systems are known to simulate leisure activities such as golf, pool or billiards and fishing. For example, 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 U.S. Pat. No. 
                 Inventor (s) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 3,091,466 
                 Speiser 
               
               
                   
                 3,508,440 
                 Murphy 
               
               
                   
                 3,633,007 
                 Sanders 
               
               
                   
                 3,633,008 
                 Sanders 
               
               
                   
                 4,086,630 
                 Speiser, et al. 
               
               
                   
                 5,066,008 
                 Rivera 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     U.S. Patent No. 3,091,466 to Speiser discloses a computer-type golf game which consists of an impact screen element and photocell units. Upon impact of a golf ball upon the screen, the screen is distorted from its normally planar condition to permit at least one of the photocell units to generate a signal which will indicate the completion of flight of the golf ball. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,508,440 to Murphy discloses a golf game consisting of a detecting means for when the ball has been hit from a tee and a location means for determining when the ball has reached a predetermined locale, and a computing means for providing information relative to the trajectory of the flight of the ball hit from the tee. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,633,007 to Sanders discloses a golf game computer having an improved drag circuit to provide a representation of the instantaneous velocity of the golf ball. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,633,008 to Sanders discloses a golf game computer having a bounce and roll generator. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,086,630 to Speiser et al. discloses a computer type golf game having a visible fairway display, whereby attained yardage as indicated by the computer activates the progression of slides to a projection position to simulate a different area on the fairway. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,066,008 to Rivera discloses an electronic voice and control system for billiards which keeps score and is connected to audio and visual input/output elements. The system includes sensors at each of the pockets of the billiard table and open switches designed to close when a ball enters a particular pocket so that various aspects, players scores, “scratch”, etc., can be indicated. In a preferred embodiment, each one of the object balls is coated with a magnetic material so that a magnetic sensing means can sense when the particular ball has entered a pocket. 
     In addition, a fishing rod and reel electronic game controller is disclosed in my U.S. Pat. No. 5,542,672 which issued Aug. 6, 1996. 
     Among the known devices and systems, there is no disclosure of a pool cue in combination with a joy stick and mouse to provide a user with the “feel” of the resistance encountered when using a pool cue. 
     OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a computerized pool cue and controller for a user to play a game of pool or billiards (hereinafter referred to as “pool”) and experience the feel of actually using the pool stick through software simulation. The actual motion of the pool stick provides the simulation of playing a game of pool and signals the results of a cue stroke by software simulation. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a device which permits the user to move the pool cue and select different forms of “English” to be applied to a pool ball. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide the controller as a modification of a computer mouse. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a computerized pool cue and controller which uses standard mouse and keyboard commands to control the software for the system. 
     A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a housing adapted to move over a flat surface, the housing including a stalk extending upwardly from the housing and supporting a tapered tubular or ring-like member adapted to receive a pool cue, sensing means in the housing, the stalk and the tubular member to sense the position and movement of the pool cue and send this information to circuitry which processes the information for input into a computer, which in turn uses appropriate compatible software to display the effects of the pool cue activity. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference may be had to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments taken in connection with the drawings, of which: 
     FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a computerized pool cue mounted for use with a controller according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the computerized pool cue and controller of the present invention being used for a game of pool; 
     FIG. 3 is a partial cross sectional view of the pool cue according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a partial cross sectional view of the controller according to the present invention; and 
     FIGS. 5A-5C are top, right and left side views, respectively, of the controller according to the present invention. 
     FIGS. 6-12 include views of a second embodiment of the pool cue controller according to the present invention, of which: 
     FIG. 6 is a generalized schematic representation of the pool cue controller, 
     FIG. 7 is a right side elevational view thereof; 
     FIG. 8 is a front view thereof; 
     FIG. 9 is a left side elevational view thereof; 
     FIG. 10 is a top plan view thereof; 
     FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view thereof; 
     FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a system of operation of the present invention; and 
     FIGS. 13 (shown over FIGS. 13A and 13B) and  14  (shown over FIGS. 14A and 14B) are schematics for the pool cue controller according to the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention indicated generally at 10 includes a computerized cue stick  12  (hereinafter “cue”) and a controller  14  as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The mounting of the cue  12  with the controller  14  and the coaction therewith is shown in FIG.  1 . FIG. 2 shows the hand and finger placement employed to use the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, it is apparent how similar the grasping and manipulation of the cue  12  and controller  14  resembles actually holding a cue stick and supporting it with the opposite hand to effect a pool “shot”. FIGS. 3-5C show with more particularity the elements of the computerized cue  12  and controller  14  according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 shows the cue  12  of the present invention. The cue  12  is constructed to be of regulation length, although the cue can be constructed to other lengths depending upon the arm length and “reach” of the user. The cue  12  is manufactured from known materials, such as wood, plastic or graphite components. The cue tapers from an end  16  or butt portion toward a tip  18  to contact a pool ball (not shown). 
     The cue  12  can be constructed as two separate portions with a forward portion  20  having a threaded bolt  22  to releasably engage a threaded insert  24  of a rear portion  26 . The bolt  22  is preferably at least 1½ inches long and ⅜″ wide. 
     A coating  28  is applied to a select area of the forward portion  20 . The coating  28  is similar to the rubber compound used to manufacture a ball of a computer mouse. The coating  28  extends continuously along the forward portion  20  of the cue  12  for a predetermined length. The rear  26  or gripping portion of the cue  12  is provided with the conventional rubber grip  30  to facilitate control of the cue stick  12  during game play. 
     The dimensions of the cue  12  in FIG. 3 are designed to accommodate the arm length of the user, with preferred dimensions as follows: 
     D 1 =38 inches 
     D 2 =19 inches 
     D 3 =17 inches 
     D 4 =1 inch 
     D 5 =1 inch 
     D 6 =½ inch 
     D 7 =1 inch 
     Other dimensions for the elements D 1 -D 7  discussed above are also suitable for the invention. 
     Referring to FIG. 4, the controller  14  of the present invention is shown without the cue  12  mounted thereto. The controller  14  includes a case  32  to house elements of the controller  14 . The case  32  is composed of plastic, light alloys or other composite materials, and has an upper surface  34  and a lower surface  36 . 
     A stalk or arm  38  with opposed upper end  40  and lower end  42  extends through the case  32  from between the lower surface  36  and the upper surface  34 , so that the upper end  40  protrudes from the upper surface  34  of the case  32 . The stalk  38  is rotatably mounted within the case  32  with the lower end  42  seated in a mounting  44  at a bottom  46  of the case  32 . A tension spring  48  is disposed at the mounting to contact and bias the stalk mount. A support  50  for the stalk is disposed at the interior of the case  32  to encircle an exterior surface of the stalk  38  proximate to where the stalk  38  protrudes from the upper surface  34  of the case  38 . The support  50  also functions as a stop to prevent the stalk from being extracted from the housing. 
     A control ring  52  is mounted to the upper end  40  of the stalk  38 . The control ring  52  includes a passageway  54  in which the cue  12  is received for reciprocating movement. A first optical reader  56  is mounted in the control ring  52  to sense movement of the cue  12  through the control ring  52 . A second optical reader  58  is mounted to the exterior surface of the stalk  38  and is activated by the rotational movement of the stalk  38  about its longitudinal axis. 
     A first control button  60  is mounted to extend from a right or thumb side (see also, for example, FIG. 5B) of the case  32 . A second control button  62  is mounted to a finger or left side (see also, for example, FIG. 5C) of the case  32 . Referring to FIG. 4 a third control button  64  is mounted at the lower end  42  of the stalk  38  and is activated by pressure exerted on the tension spring  48  at the bottom  46  of the case  32 . 
     Still referring to FIG. 4, a subassembly to signal further movement of the case  32  along the X and Y axis, and any angle therebetween, is generally indicated at 65 and arranged at the interior of the case  32 . The subassembly includes a circumferentially shaped wall  66  forming a chamber  68  having an opening  70  in communication with an exterior of the case  32  at the bottom  46  of the case. A spherical member, such as a mouse ball  72  is rotatably mounted in the chamber  68 , such that a portion of the ball  72  extends through the opening  70  to contact and support the case  32  for movement over an underlying surface (not shown). A third optical reader  74  is mounted to the circumferentially shaped wall  66  to generate signals responsive to movement of the mouse ball  72  along the X axis. A fourth optical reader  76  is also mounted to the circumferentially shaped wall  66  to generate signals responsive to movement of the mouse ball  72  along the Y axis. 
     A circuit board  78  is mounted at the interior of the case  32 . Wiring  80  interconnects the circuit board  78  with the elements aforementioned. An aperture  82  is formed at a rear of the case  32  through which a lead  84  for a communications port plug  86  extends for connection to the circuit board  78 . 
     In FIGS. 5A-5C, views of the case  32  for the controller  14  according to the present invention are shown. The first and second control buttons  60 , 62  are shown, respectively, extending from their respective sides of the case  32 . The right or thumb side of the case  32  in FIG. 5B is formed with a first depressed region  88  from which the first control button  60  protrudes for activation. The first depressed region  88  cradles the user&#39;s thumb and provides comfort when holding the case  32 . The first region  88  permits the user to activate the first control button  60  with practically any portion of the thumb. 
     The finger or left side of the case (FIG. 5C) is similarly provided with a second depressed region  90  from which the second control button  62  protrudes for activation. The second depressed region  90  also provides for increased ergonomics and comfort for the user&#39;s fingers, as well, permitting a substantial portion of the user&#39;s finger to depress and actuate the second control button  90 . The first and second control buttons  60 , 62  and control ring  52  enable simulation of the movement of the cue  12 , as well as the “English” that the user can effect on the game ball. 
     Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, a preferred series of dimensions for the controller  14  are as follows: 
     D 8 =2½ inches 
     D 9 =1¼ inches 
     D 10 =3½ includes 
     Although the dimensions indicated for D 8 -D 10  are preferred, other dimensions can be employed for the case  32  of the controller  14  of the present invention depending upon the size, strength and dexterity of the user&#39;s hand. 
     In operation, the cue  12  is fitted through the control ring  52  to activate the first optical reader  56 . As the cue  12  is moved, the coating  28  contacts and activates the optical reader  56 . The case  32  is grasped and moved along the X and Y axes, as well as movements therebetween, so that the user is in effect using a combination computer mouse and a joy stick. This permits the cue  12  to be tilted through a variety of angles to effect the necessary “English” to control the pool ball. 
     The user then observes a display device  122 , shown in FIG. 12, such as a computer screen for the computer into which the plug  86  is connected. Movement of the case  32  along the X and Y axes translates into movement as shown on the computer screen with respect to game balls on the computer screen. As the user maneuvers the case  32  and the cue  12  associated therewith, the user views the computer screen to align the tip  18  of the cue  12  with respect to the ball to be hit, either off another ball or into a pocket of the pool game simulated on the computer screen. Movement of the cue  12  by the user through the control ring  52  is sensed by the optical reader  56  so that the user actually sees movement of the cue on the computer screen, and in particular, the tip  18  of the cue  12  with respect to the intended contact with a game ball. 
     The control ring  52  for the cue  12  and the third control switch  64  at the bottom  46  of the case  32 , and the X and Y optical readers  56 , 58  are interconnected for coaction as follows. The first optical reader  56  in the control ring  52  is actuated when the control ring  52  is pushed downward against the surface underneath the case  32  to depress the third control switch  64  at the bottom  46  of the case  32 . This action transmits a SHOOT command to the system software. As the third control switch  64  is being depressed, the X and Y optical readers  56 , 58  are disabled, i.e. since the user is performing a shot on the game ball, there is no reason that further movement would occur along the X and Y axis or any angle therebetween. After the SHOOT command, the user relieves the pressure on the control ring  52  so that the first and second (X and Y, respectively) optical readers  56 , 58  are again actuated for a subsequent shot at the game ball. Rotation of the stalk  38  is used as a fine adjustment for aiming the cue  12  prior to taking a shot. That is, after the case  32  is moved by the user with his hand to effect the optimum position for the cue  12  to contact the game ball, the stalk  38  is rotated to mimic the finite adjustments of the human wrist to perfect the shot. 
     When the second control button  62  at the finger side of the case  32  is depressed (the left mouse button), a ZOOM command is generated to the computer. When pressure is released from the second control button  62 , aiming control is again available to the user. 
     Use of the computerized pool cue and controller of the present invention  10  provides the user with a “virtual pool” simulation incorporating standard mouse and keyboard commands to control the software. 
     Preferably, the control ring  52  for the cue  12 , the stalk  38  and the third control button  64  will substitute for the control functions frequently used with the S key and X mouse movement as shown in the following chart. The preferable keyboard commands for controlling the system software for the invention with conventional keyboards is as follows: 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Keystroke 
                 = 
                 Command 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 A 
                 Aim Cue 
               
               
                 S 
                 Shoot Ball 
               
               
                 E 
                 Move Cue Tip on Ball (English) 
               
               
                 Left Mouse Button Hold 
                 Zoom in and Out 
               
               
                 B 
                 Raise Butt of Cue (Masse&#39; Shots) 
               
               
                 CTRL 
                 Toggle Fine Tune Aiming 
               
               
                 V 
                 Change View 
               
               
                 M 
                 Move Ball 
               
               
                 C 
                 Move Center Point of View 
               
               
                 X 
                 Snap to Overhead View 
               
               
                 F 
                 Vary Tracking Force Lines 
               
               
                 H 
                 Select Ball to Move 
               
               
                 SHIFT 
                 Toggle Amplify (Used for First 
               
               
                   
                 Rack Break) 
               
               
                 L 
                 Toggle Table Lines ON/OFF 
               
               
                 O 
                 Overhead View 
               
               
                 R 
                 Replay Last Shot 
               
               
                 T 
                 Tracking Lines 
               
               
                 U 
                 Undo 
               
               
                 Z 
                 Zip to Results 
               
               
                 ESC 
                 Main Menu 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     FIGS. 6-11 show a second embodiment  14   a  of the pool cue controller. The controller  14   a  is ergonomically shaped to facilitate gripping and accurate shooting of the pool cue  12  and provides for a comfortable grip of the device. The controller  14   a  includes many of the elements of the controller  14  and operates in a similar manner. 
     FIG. 12 represents a system block diagram  100  for the invention which includes optical reader elements that provide for cue reciprocation  102  and rotation  104 . A circuit board  106  interconnects elements  102 , 104  for cue reciprocation and rotation, respectively, with mouse X  108  and mouse Y  110  ball movements. Control switches  112 , 114 , 116  are connected to the circuit board  106 . Computer software  118  connected to the circuit board  106  is controlled at a keyboard  120 . A display device  122  such as a computer monitor is connected to the computer software  118 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 6-11, the pool cue stick slides over a slot  92  in the upper controller. Mounted inside of the base of the controller slot is an optical reader roller  94 . The pool cue coated surface  28  slides over this roller which sends a rotation signal  104  to the computer software simulation  118  through circuit board  106  and communications port plug  86 . Various microswitch buttons are programmed to control several software functions. The two control switch buttons  112 , 114  mounted on the front of the controller, FIG. 8, are actuated by the forefinger or thumb for stroking the cue stick to obtain reciprocation signal  102 . When either is depressed, the normal mouse ball optical readers  108  and  110  on the bottom of the controller are disabled and the slot optical reader is enabled. The other two buttons  116  on the left side, FIG. 9, allow the user to control table zoom in and out and cue tip rotation allowing different types of English or spin. Underneath the controller is a recessed switch  124 , FIG. 11, that allows the user to reverse the optical reader to enable both left and right handed players to use the controller. 
     FIGS. 13 and 14 show schematic representations of the wiring for the pool cue controller  10  according to the present invention. 
     The present pool cue stick and cue controller thus modifies standard mouse technology to provide a product having a real feel of the game of pool. The user can play the pool software simulation with the true motions employed in playing the actual game of pool. 
     It will be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make many variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims herein.