Method and apparatus for rating billiard shots and displaying optimal paths

摘要

A billiard ball tracking system is disclosed. According to the present invention, the system may be used to either instruct a player to improve his playing capabilities or to rate the comparative skills of two competing players. The system according to the present invention is provided with means to indicate a selected layout of cue ball and object balls and means for indicating a preferred shot. Once a player has designated a particular object ball and the desired movement of the ball on the playing surface of a pool table, the system will calculate the optimum paths of cue ball and playing ball in order for the playing ball to be pocketed as designated by the player. In the most preferred embodiment of the present system, the system will, through the use of a laser tracking system, accurately track the changing position of all of the playing balls on the playing surface of the pool table. The system is also capable of instructing a player as to the proper line of attach of a cue ball to a called playing ball by projecting a laser-generated image directly onto the pool table to outline the proper path of cue ball to called playing ball. The system according to the present invention may also include recording means to record a preceding series of shots or an entire match to be replayed later at the convenience of the pool player or players.