One-player pool scoring system and method

Abstract

A method for scoring a one-player online pool game including setting a countdown timer to a predetermined amount prior to taking a pool shot, stopping the countdown time when a game ball is pocketed, and awarding a player with a score that is related to the time that remains on the countdown timer when the ball is pocketed.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 703,509, filed Jul. 29, 2005, entitled “One-Player Pool Scoring System and Method.”BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates generally to a pool scoring method for en electronic pool game, and more particularly to a one-player online pool scoring method that facilitates tournament play of such games. A number of novel tournament structures for electronic pool are also disclosed. [0004] 2. Related Art [0005] Conventional electronic pool and online pool games exist as two-player pool games. Scoring systems for conventional online two-player pool games are determined by the play of competing opponents. In an online two-player pool game such as straight pool, the player who scores the pre-determined point total for a game (e.g., 150 points) prior to his opponent, wins the game. In an online two-player pool game s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] It is an object of the invention to develop a one-player online pool scoring system and method. With a one-player pool game, players can then play pool online at anytime without having to wait to find a partner to play against. A further object is to provide a skilled based on-line game, adaptable for tournament structures, where a player may post a score that is dependant on the exercise of skill.

[0012] An alternative game may involve a structure where the score is based upon the fewest number of shots, or a combination of the fewest number o shots and the time elapsed to play the game. In yet a further alternatives, other pool games would be designed, such as rotation wherein each of the ball on the table would have to be sunk according to the number designated on the ball. Balls that are sunk out of order would be returned to the table at a predetermined location. The ball that is in line for play would be designated by additional graphics, such as providing additional contrast around the ball.

Problems solved by technology

Electronic two player pool is not particularly amenable to on-line play because is not It is not always possible for a person desiring to play pool to locate an opponent online.

One difficulty in developing such one player pool games results from the fact that the scoring systems for one-player pool games are most commonly determined by the play of competing opponents.

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