Addressable LED Billiard Table Lighting for Interactive Gameplay
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Solution Overview
Problem
The game of billiards has seen little innovation over centuries and is losing popularity due to the allure of gaming systems and technology, necessitating an enhancement to attract players and maintain interest.
Innovation Solution
Implementing addressable multi-color LED strips along the bumpers of a billiards table, controlled by a system controller and user device, to enhance gameplay interaction through lighting commands such as call-your-shot, pattern, scorekeeping, and game modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional billiards table design is used, then the game maintains simplicity and ease of operation, but player engagement and attraction decline
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by using multi-color LED strips along the bumpers that can change colors and patterns in response to gameplay events, ball positions, and user interactions. This transforms the static traditional billiards table into a dynamic visual experience that enhances player engagement without fundamentally altering the core game mechanics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical scoring and signaling systems with an electronic LED-based system. Instead of using physical markers, lights, or mechanical indicators, the invention uses programmable LED strips controlled by a microcontroller to provide visual feedback, scoring displays, and interactive features, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while enhancing versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If interactive LED features are added to enhance gameplay, then player attraction and engagement improve, but the cost and complexity of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the LED strip system to perform multiple functions: visual scoring displays, ball position indicators, interactive lighting patterns, game state announcements, and ambient lighting. A single integrated LED system replaces what would traditionally require separate scoring devices, lights, and signaling mechanisms, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite enhancing interactivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-service through automated detection and response mechanisms. The microcontroller monitors ball positions, pocket detections, and gameplay events automatically, triggering appropriate LED responses without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by processing gameplay data and generating visual feedback autonomously, reducing the need for complex external control systems.
3Ease of operation
If traditional lighting is used on billiards table, then the table maintains simple structure, but the gameplay experience becomes boring and less appealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static traditional lighting to dynamic programmable LED lighting. The LED strips can change their illumination patterns, colors, and intensities in real-time based on gameplay events, ball positions, and user interactions. This dynamic lighting system enhances the gameplay experience by providing visual feedback and atmosphere without requiring complex mechanical lighting mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The LED system enhances gameplay enjoyment and interaction, making the game more engaging and attractive, encouraging regular use of pool tables and increasing player engagement.
Implementation Method 1
addressable multi-color LED strips
Implementation Method 2
Each of the LED strips may be electrically connected in series, and include a plurality of LEDs and a plurality of addressable pixels
Data Source
AI summary
A system for use with a billiards table may include addressable multi-color LED strips, a controller and a user device. The controller may be configured to send signals through the LED strips to control which one or more pixels are activated and one or more colors of light to be produced by corresponding one or more LEDs for the one or more activated pixels. The user device may communicate with the controller and may implement a program configured to enable a user of the user device to send lighting commands to the controller during gameplay. The lighting commands may indicate user-desired changes to lighting provided by the addressable multi-color LED strips. The controller may send corresponding signals to the addressable multi-color LED light strips to implement the changes to the lighting.