Automated system for playing billiards

Abstract

The present invention relates to an automated system for playing billiards, comprising a billiard table (1) equipped with its corresponding billiard balls (2) and a robot (3) with a manipulator for manipulating the billiard balls (2), which operates cooperatively with a camera and video analysis software system (4) and is connectable to a second system using wireless connection technology.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Automated system for playing billiards

[0003] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention, as the title of this descriptive document states, is an automated system for playing billiards. It is an innovation that offers advantages previously unknown within current techniques.

[0005] TECHNICAL SECTOR

[0006] The present invention falls within the sector of everyday needs, especially in sports, games, and entertainment, specifically in ball games, for example, bowling, bocce, petanque or lawn bowls, their facilities, bagatelle or similar games and billiards.

[0007] STATE OF THE ART

[0008] The present invention arises due to the limitation of not being able to play billiards in a real and physical environment when the players are geographically separated.

[0009] This is because billiards traditionally requires participants to be present in the same physical space, which has limited its accessibility to specific locations and those who can physically meet.

[0010] Accordingly, this invention provides an automated system for playing billiards that allows users to play virtually, competing against each other from any location, preserving the essence and fundamentals of the traditional game, offering an experience similar to playing in a physical environment.

[0011] Currently, there is no known automated system for playing billiards that presents structural and constitutive technical characteristics equal or similar to those described in this descriptive report, as claimed.

[0012] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is the creation of an automated system for playing billiards that provides a notable innovation within its field of application in the current state of the art, the characterizing details that make it possible being conveniently included in the final claims that accompany this description.

[0013] The present invention relates to an automated system for playing billiards, which comprises a billiard table equipped with its respective billiard balls and a robot that operates cooperatively with a system of cameras and video analysis software associated with a mobile application, to allow a player to play billiards remotely with another opponent in real time.

[0014] This invention solves the problem of the physical barrier in the game of billiards, allowing players to enjoy a game against an opponent anywhere in the world, with the only condition being internet access.

[0015] This initiative not only expands the possibilities of billiards, but also fosters connection and entertainment across physical barriers, allowing people to interact in a traditional game, no matter where they are.

[0016] This automated billiards system is beneficial because it allows players to compete in real-time billiards matches with opponents from anywhere in the world, overcoming the physical limitations of distance and fostering a global community of billiards enthusiasts and professionals.

[0017] The automated billiards system stands out for its ability to allow players to compete remotely in real time on a real billiards table, equipped with its respective balls and designed specifically for various game modalities, such as French, English and American billiards.

[0018] A crucial element of this system is a Cartesian robot, positioned near the playing area on offset plastic guides, equipped with a three-bladed gripper for precise manipulation of the billiard balls. This robot can execute controlled shots on the balls from any side of the table, thanks to a system of linear encoders and sensors for accurate positioning. The innovation is further enhanced by an advanced camera system and video analytics software, strategically mounted on the table or integrated into the robot, to cover all angles of play.

[0019] This system not only records and analyzes the ball movements, but is also connected to buttons that indicate a player change, a double shot, or a replay, improving interactivity and the flow of the game. These actions can also be automatically triggered based on images captured by cameras that detect the play. For example, in American pool, if the system detects a correct pocketed ball, the player's turn is repeated.

[0020] The entire system is linked to a mobile app or other communication system via a SIM or Wi-Fi connection, allowing players to connect and control the game from their mobile devices. This app offers features such as retrieving saved games and connecting with other users online.

[0021] Finally, a microprocessor coordinates the integrated operation of the robot, the camera system, and the mobile application, ensuring a smooth and synchronized gaming experience for remote players.

[0022] To use the automated billiards system, players connect via a mobile app to interact in real time. When a player physically strikes the ball on their table, the system replicates the opponent's movements on the table with the help of a robot, directly positioning the balls for the other player's next shot.

[0023] This process continues sequentially, and the game can be resumed at any time on any of the tables if it doesn't finish for any reason. To do this, the positions of the balls and the player whose turn it is are saved in memory, as well as any penalties or relevant game situations.

[0024] This system opens up new dimensions for the game of billiards, allowing not only remote play, but also the use of analytical and learning tools that were previously unavailable in the traditional context of billiards.

[0025] EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES To complete the description being made and in order to help in the better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, this descriptive report is accompanied, as an integral part thereof, by figures in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following have been represented.

[0026] Figure 1 shows, in perspective, the billiard table equipped with its respective billiard balls, the robot and the camera system of the automated billiards playing system.

[0027] Figure 2 shows, in perspective, the mobile application of the automated billiards playing system.

[0028] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION.

[0029] The present invention relates to an automated billiards playing system designed to allow players to participate in billiards games remotely and in real time. This innovative system is characterized by a billiards table (1) equipped with traditional billiard balls (2) and is distinguished by the incorporation of a robot (3) with a billiard ball manipulator (2), which works in synergy with an advanced camera system and video analysis software (4). This technological assembly is linked to a mobile application (5) or other remote communication computer system, thus facilitating an interactive and dynamic gaming experience for users who wish to compete against opponents in different geographical locations.

[0030] Generally, the billiard table (1) can be of any type, for example French, English or American billiards.

[0031] Generally, billiard balls (2) have particular designs that correspond to the type of billiard table (1) selected and the specific game mode, guaranteeing an authentic and personalized experience for each game.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the robot (3) incorporated in this system is a Cartesian robot, strategically positioned near the playing area, efficiently covering the entire area of ​​the billiard table (1), and comprising grippers (7) for precisely manipulating the billiard balls (2). The billiard balls (2) can be manipulated one by one, or picked up for later placement. In this second case, problems of placing a billiard ball (2) in a position where one from the previous shot remains are avoided.

[0033] Preferably, this robot is mounted on guides (6), which are plastic structures located on the sides of the table, equipped with positional recognition systems, such as linear encoders and sensors, to accurately determine the location of the balls during the game.

[0034] In another preferred embodiment, the robot (3) is designed with a manipulator consisting of two axes terminating in a gripper with three spoon-shaped blades, optimizing the grip and handling of the billiard balls (2). This design facilitates the execution of precise and controlled shots, as the robot (3) can be positioned on the opposite side of the billiard table (1) by activating a specific button, allowing players to make strategic plays.

[0035] In another embodiment, instead of clamps, the manipulator may have suction cups.

[0036] Typically, the implementation of video cameras and video analytics software (4) plays a crucial role in the system, as these tools are strategically positioned to capture all angles of play, enabling the recording and detailed analysis of every move made on the billiards table (1). This analytical capability not only enhances the gaming experience by allowing for objective verification of plays but also facilitates interaction through the mobile application (5), connecting players and spectators in a shared virtual environment. The video cameras can be positioned above the table, capturing every billiard ball (2).

[0037] Preferably, to further enrich the user experience, the system includes pushbuttons associated with the robot (3) and / or the video analysis system (4), which allow players to indicate turn changes, request replays or activate a double roll, adding an additional level of interaction and strategy to the game.

[0038] Typically, the system connects to mobile devices via wireless technologies such as SIM or Wi-Fi, giving users access to advanced application features like retrieving saved games. Ideally, a microprocessor is integrated into the robot (3), the camera system and video analysis software (4), and the mobile application (5) to ensure seamless synchronization between system components. This allows for smooth and efficient game management, offering an innovative and accessible remote billiards experience for players and enthusiasts worldwide.

[0039] In use, when a player makes a shot on their own pool table (1), the camera system and video analysis software (4) detects what has happened and the final position of the pool balls (2). The player takes all their turns, with the same action being performed by the camera system and video analysis software (4). When finished, they transmit the data to the robot (3) on the other pool table (1), which manipulates the pool balls (2) so that they are in the same position as on the initial table. The second player can then make their shot.

[0040] Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the manner of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to make its explanation more extensive so that any expert in the field may understand its scope and the advantages that derive from it, it being noted that, within its essentiality, it may be put into practice in other modes of embodiment that differ in detail from the one indicated as an example, and which will also achieve the protection sought provided that its fundamental principle is not altered, changed or modified.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. An automated billiards playing system, characterized by comprising a billiards table (1) equipped with its respective billiard balls (2) and a robot (3) with a manipulator of the billiard balls (2), which operates cooperatively with a camera system and video analysis software (4) and connectable to a second system by means of wireless connection technologies.

2. Automated system for playing billiards, according to claim 1, characterized in that the robot (3) is a Cartesian robot arranged in the vicinity of the playing area.

3. Automated system for playing billiards, according to claim 1, characterized in that the robot (3) is arranged on guides (6).

4. Automated system for playing billiards, according to claim 3, characterized in that the guides (6) are plastic structures on the sides of the billiard table (1).

5. Automated system for playing billiards, according to claim 1, characterized in that the robot manipulator (3) has two axes incorporating a three-bladed, spoon-shaped gripper (7) for grasping the billiard balls (2).

6. Automated system for playing billiards, according to claim 1, characterized in that the robot manipulator (3) has two axes incorporating suction cups.

7. Automated system for playing billiards, according to claim 4, characterized in that the robot (3) has a button configured so that the robot (3) is placed on the opposite side of the billiard table (1).

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