Apparatuses and methods for detecting deviation of a ball from a path
a technology of deviation and deviation, applied in the field of apparatus and methods for detecting deviation of balls from paths, can solve the problems of distorted alignment from the desired path of balls, difficult to predict the exact path of balls such as squirt, and inability to precisely measure the degree of deflection of cues
Inactive Publication Date: 2018-01-18
ESB LABS INC
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Benefits of technology
The patent describes apparatuses and methods for detecting when a ball deviates from its intended path of travel, particularly when spin is applied. The apparatuses include detection members that allow the ball to pass through and detect its deviation. The detection members may move or rotate when the ball collides with them, and the movement or alignment of the detection members indicates the direction and degree of deviation of the ball. The distance between the detection members can be adjusted to accommodate different size balls or the precision of deviation detection. The methods include capturing video of the ball and analyzing it to determine its deviation, and guiding a cue stick to induce spin on the ball and quantifying its characteristics. The technical effects of the patent include improved accuracy in detecting ball deviation and improved precision in guiding cue sticks.
Problems solved by technology
This adjustment causes a distorted alignment from the desired path of the ball.
This deflection of the cue ball is commonly referred to as “squirt.” Squirt makes it very challenging to predict the exact path of any such billiard shot.
However, the precise degree of deflection (squirt) of a cue is not a performance property that is customized, measured, or explicitly revealed to others by cue stick manufacturers.
Method used
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[0033]A description of example embodiments of the invention follows.
[0034]As described above, when a cue stick impacts a cue ball off-center to, for example, induce spin on the ball, the cue stick, due to its different mass relative to the mass of the ball, displaces the ball at an angle directed away from the spin being applied. This redirection of the ball line away from the cue stick aiming line is referred to as a deflection of the cue ball, also known as “squirt.” The deflection (or squirt) makes it challenging to predict the exact path of the ball. To complicate matters further, a spinning ball interacts with the table bed causing it to curve slightly back toward the original aiming line—an effect that reduces, or cancels, part of the original squirt. Unless the cue stick is significantly elevated, this “swerve” effect is barely noticeable over short distances and even less noticeable at faster speeds. It should be noted that the phenomena of cue ball swerve is related to the ...
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Apparatuses, methods, and associated devices to detect deviation of a ball from a path when spin is applied, providing an indication about whether a spin alignment compensation is optimally calibrated for deflection of the ball. An example apparatus includes a support structure and detection members. The detection members are coupled to the support structure and arranged to allow a ball to travel between the detection members. At least one of the detection members is movable relative to the support structure and moves upon collision with the ball. The movement of at least one of the detection members indicates that the ball has deviated from a straight path of travel through the detection members. A displacement of at least one of the detection members indicates the direction of deviation of the ball, and an amplitude of movement of the detection member indicates a degree of deviation of the ball.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 362,186, filed on Jul. 14, 2016. The entire teachings of the above application are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND[0002]While playing billiard games (e.g., carom billiards, snooker, pool, etc.), as a matter of strategy, players often desire or are required to apply sidespin (spin along the z-axis, or vertical axis) onto a cue ball. This spin is commonly referred to as “English” and is referred to herein as “spin.” In order to apply spin, one must adjust one's aim in order to strike the cue ball with a cue stick on one side or the other of the ball's vertical center. This adjustment causes a distorted alignment from the desired path of the ball. Upon impact of the cue stick striking the cue ball off-center, both the cue stick and the cue ball deflect away from each other to varying degrees, depending on the relative masses between them. The deflected ball is redirected on a...
Claims
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IPC IPC(8): A63D15/00A63D15/20A63D15/10
CPCA63D15/006A63D15/105A63D15/20
InventorLEE, IRA
OwnerESB LABS INC