U.S. patent application number 11/494471 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-01 for one-player pool scoring system and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to Tournament Games, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jack Pearson.
Application Number | 20070026956 11/494471 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37651115 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070026956 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pearson; Jack |
February 1, 2007 |
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.
Inventors: |
Pearson; Jack; (Lebanon,
TN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VENABLE LLP
P.O. BOX 34385
WASHINGTON
DC
20043-9998
US
|
Assignee: |
Tournament Games, Inc.
Lebanon
TN
|
Family ID: |
37651115 |
Appl. No.: |
11/494471 |
Filed: |
July 28, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60703509 |
Jul 29, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2300/643 20130101;
A63F 2300/407 20130101; A63F 2300/558 20130101; A63F 13/12
20130101; A63F 13/46 20140902; A63F 2300/8011 20130101; A63F
2300/61 20130101; A63F 2300/64 20130101; A63D 15/20 20130101; A63F
2300/638 20130101; A63F 13/812 20140902 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/001 |
International
Class: |
A63D 15/00 20060101
A63D015/00 |
Claims
1. A method for scoring a one-player online pool game, comprising:
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.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the player is awarded
negative score for pocketing a queue ball.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, if the player pockets
multiple balls at the same time, the player is awarded a score that
equal to the time that remains on the countdown time when the balls
are pocketed multiplied by the numbers of balls pocketed.
4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: designating
at least one of the pockets on the pool table for bonus points; and
awarding the player bonus points when the a ball is pocketed in the
at least one designated pockets.
5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising; designating
at least one of the game balls on the pool table for bonus points;
and awarding the player bonus points when the at least one
designated game ball is pocketed.
6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: designating
at least one of the pockets on the pool table for bonus points;
designating at least one of the game balls on the pool table for
bonus points; and awarding the player bonus points when the at
least one designated game ball is pocketed in the at least one
designated pockets.
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 such as eight ball, one player must
pocket balls of the group numbered 1 through 7 (solid colors),
while the other player has 9 thru 15 (stripes). The player
pocketing his group first and then legally pocketing the 8-ball
wins the game. In an electronic two-player pool game such as nine
ball, if a player pockets any ball on a legal shot, he remains at
the table for another shot, and continues until he misses, fouls,
or wins the game by pocketing the 9-ball. A match ends when one of
the players has won the required number of games.
[0006] Electronic pool as referred herein are games that allow a
player to orient a virtual cue with respect to a cue ball and then
control the cue to strike the ball. In conventional electronic
games, in addition to the orientation and speed that the cue hits
the virtual ball, a player can also control the location that the
cue tip hits the virtual cue ball to also provide simulated top
spin, back spin or side spin on the ball. The cue ball then moves
on the table and may interact with the other virtual balls on the
table and the sidewalls of the table according to a predetermined
algorithm.
[0007] 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. In addition,
some on-line players would prefer to play against a computer rather
than an actual competing player. Accordingly, it may be desirous to
develop online pool games for one player. 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. What is needed,
then, is a one-player online pool scoring methods. Such a scoring
methods would provide interesting games for one-player pool and
enable the creation of tournaments for play.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[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.
[0009] In an embodiment of the invention, an online pool scoring
method includes the use of a count down timer. When a single player
pockets a ball, the player is awarded the points that remain on the
timer.
[0010] In alternative embodiments of the inventions, certain balls
may be selected to provide a bonus if the ball is pocketed within a
predetermined time. Likewise, certain pockets may be and a player
may be awarded bonus point if a ball is sunk in the selected pocket
before a predetermined time period has elapsed.
[0011] The invention also involves these scoring methods in
tournament structures wherein, a player may select entered a
structure tournament with predetermined criteria. For instance a
tournament may be limited to a conventional pool game wherein the
object is to sink all the balls on table as rapidly as possible.
The balls may be oriented in conventional triangular arrangements
or other arrangements. The number of balls in the games may also
altered.
[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.
[0013] Tournament structure could include maiden tournaments where
the players that are eligible are those that have not previously
won a tournament. In addition, a player's skill could be gauged by
their participation in tournaments. For example, the player's score
could be rated against other scores in tournament and a value or
class be assigned to the player. In an additional embodiment,
tournaments are structured to be limited to a certain class of
players.
[0014] Further objectives and advantages, as well as the structure
and function of preferred embodiments will become apparent from a
consideration of the description, drawings, and examples.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the
invention will be apparent from the following, more particular
description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein like reference
numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or
structurally similar elements.
[0016] FIG. 1 depicts a screen display of an exemplary embodiment
of a pool scoring method according to the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 depicts a screen display of an exemplary embodiment
of a pool scoring method according to the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 3 depicts a screen display of an exemplary embodiment
of a pool scoring method according to the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 depicts a screen display of an exemplary embodiment
of a pool scoring method according to the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 5 depicts a screen display listing the a series of on
line, one player pool tournaments available for play.
[0021] FIG. 6. depicts a screen shot containing information
relating to a particular tournament and players scores that have
been entered.
[0022] FIG. 7 depicts a screen shot available with a window display
that provides summary information regarding a particular
tournament.
[0023] FIG. 8 depicts a screen shot of a game having nine balls
oriented in a star-shaped configuration at the break.
[0024] FIG. 9 depicts an alternative break orientation.
[0025] FIG. 10 depicts a further orientation of the ball prior to
the break.
[0026] FIG. 11 depicts yet another orientation of balls prior to
the break.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] Embodiments of the invention are discussed in detail below.
In describing embodiments, specific terminology is employed for the
sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be
limited to the specific terminology so selected. While specific
exemplary embodiments are discussed, it should be understood that
this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in
the relevant art will recognize that other components and
configurations can be used without parting from the spirit and
scope of the invention. All references cited herein are
incorporated by reference as if each had been individually
incorporated.
[0028] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, to score a
one-player online pool game, a countdown timer is used. In such an
embodiment, the timer may begin counting down when the player takes
his or her first shot. The timer may continue to count down until
the player pockets a ball. When the player pockets a ball, the
timer stops and the player receives, as a score, a number of points
that is equal to the value remaining on the timer. If there are
multiple balls on the pool table, the timer may restart and the
player may continue to attempt to shoot the remaining balls into
the pockets. When the player pockets a second ball, the timer stops
and the player receives, as a score, a number of points that is
equal to the value remaining on the timer. This score may be added
with the previous score to render a total score. In an exemplary
embodiment of the invention, if the timer expires (i.e., reaches
zero or some other predetermined floor amount such as 10), the
player will continue to attempt to pocket a ball without the timer
continuing to count down.
[0029] An exemplary embodiment of the invention will now be
described by way of the following example. Assume that there are
three game balls to be pocketed. The player begins by breaking the
game balls, and for this example, assume that the player does not
pocket any of the game balls on the break. When the player, using a
mouse or a keyboard, for example, initiates the breaking of the
three game balls, a count down timer begins counting down from
e.g., 1000. In this example, the countdown timer may count down ten
points per one second of real time. In other words, after ten
seconds, the timer may read 900. On the second shot, the player
pockets one of the balls. At that point, the timer reads 850. When
the shot is made, the timer stops and 850 points are added to the
player's score.
[0030] Immediately after the points are awarded, the timer resets
itself to 1000 and begins counting down again. After several
misses, the timer has expired and the player has still not pocketed
one of the remaining two balls. In this example, when the timer
expires, it remains at 10. Once the player pockets one of the
balls, 10 points are added to the players score, giving the player
a total score of 860 points.
[0031] Immediately after the points are awarded, the timer resets
itself to 1000 and begins counting down again as the player
attempts to pocket the final remaining ball. On the first shot, the
player pockets the final ball. At that point, the timer reads 940.
When the shot is made, the timer stops and 940 points are added to
the player score, giving the player a total score of 1800 points
for the game.
[0032] FIG. 1 depicts an example of a screen display of an online
pool interface 100 that can be used for one-player online pool
games according to the present invention. Online pool interface 100
may include pool table 101, aiming interface 106, timer 107, shot
counter 108, points indicator 109 and total score indicator 110. In
an exemplary embodiment of the invention, pool table 101 may
include game balls 102, queue ball 103, queue stick 104, and
pockets 105a-f. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, online
pool interface 100 may illustrate the beginning of a three-ball
one-player pool game.
[0033] Play of the game proceeds by aligning the target indicator
120 to any location on the playfield 101. A player may also control
the speed that the cue hits the ball by altering the gauge 125. The
angle that the cue hits the ball may be altered by adjusting the
degree controller 127. After the target indicator is aligned, the
mouse activates the shot and the cue hits the cue ball in the
direction that has been targeted. The target indicator and shot
controller features are disengaged until all balls come to rest on
the table. An exit game feature 130 is also provided than enable
the player to end a game at any time. The high score is posted so
that a player can determine the relative skill that that will be
required to win the game as he plays.
[0034] One advantage of the game is a built in browser that contact
the tournament site to receive input relating to the. After
receiving input, the play may proceed using the data on the
preexisting pool program that resides and executes on a player's
personal computer. When the game is complete, the browser then once
again automatically contacts the tournament games website and
communicates information relating to the play of the game. If a
winning score is posted, the computer can receive additional
information relating to the play of the game that will help
determine if the play was fairly executed. Next the information
from the game is compared to the other information posted for the
tournament that was selected.
[0035] FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary screen display of an online pool
interface 200 that can be used for one-player online pool games
according to the present invention. In the exemplary embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 2, using queue ball 203, the player pocketed
two balls (not shown) at the same time. In an exemplary method for
scoring a scenario where multiple balls are pocketed on the same
shot, to determine the points awarded for the shot, the time
remaining on the timer 207 may be multiplied by the number of balls
pocketed. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, because two balls
were pocketed at once, the amount remaining on the timer 207 (i.e.,
643) is multiplied by two to determine a total of points awarded
(i.e., 1268) on the points indicator 209 for that shot. This total
may then be added to the total score and reflected on score
indicator 210.
[0036] In one embodiment of the invention, the scoring system may
also account for player faults, such as when a player pockets the
cue ball (i.e., a scratch). A FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary screen
display of an online pool interface 300 that can be used for
one-player online pool games according to the present invention. As
shown in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, only the
three game balls 302 remain on table 301 because the player has
pocketed the queue ball (not shown). To account for the player
pocketing the queue ball, in an exemplary embodiment of the
invention, regardless of the time remaining on the timer, the
player may be awarded negative points (i.e., -500 points). As shown
in FIG. 3, when timer 307 stops, points indicator 309 does not
reflect the value of the timer (i.e., 803), but instead shows
negative points awarded (-500) for the scratch. This total may then
be added to the total score and reflected on score indicator
310.
[0037] In a further embodiment of the invention, when a player
pockets both the queue ball and a game ball, negative points may
also be awarded. FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary screen display of an
online pool interface 400 that can be used for one-player online
pool games according to the present invention. As shown in the
exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, only two game balls 402
remain on table 401 because the player has pocketed the queue ball
(not shown) and one of the game balls (not shown). To account for
the player pocketing the queue ball, in an exemplary embodiment of
the invention, regardless of the time remaining on the timer, the
player may be awarded negative points (i.e., -500 points). As shown
in FIG. 4, when timer 407 stops, points indicator 409 does not
reflect the value of the timer (i.e., 985), but instead shows
negative points awarded (-500) for the scratch. This total may then
be added to the total score and reflected on score indicator 410.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the negative points
(-500) may be subtracted from the value of the timer (i.e., 985).
In such an embodiment, an adjusted score (i.e., 485 points) may be
added to the total score and reflected on score indicator 410.
[0038] In further embodiments of the invention, alternative scoring
methods may be employed for a one-player online pool game. For
example, a random-timed "hot pocket" may be designated which would
enable the player to score bonus points if a ball was pocketed in
that pocket while it is "hot." Similarly, a randomly-designated
"hot ball" may enable the player to score bonus points if the hot
ball was made while the ball was "hot." A visual indication is
provided on the ball or pocket to signal that bonus points are
awarded for sinking the particular ball or sinking a ball in a
particular pocket. In still a further embodiment, a player may be
awarded, double-bonus points if he or she is able to pocket a "hot
ball" in a "hot pocket" while both the ball and pocket are "hot."
IN yet a further embodiment the value of the bonus may be displayed
on the ball or pocket and the value decreases to zero as time
elapses.
[0039] Now referring to FIG. 5, a screen display is provided that
is maintained by the website that identifies a number of
tournaments that are available for play and identifies details
regarding the game such as the type of pool game, the number of
balls, the cost of the game and the prizes that are awarded, and
the current leader of the game. A player can select one of these
tournaments and begin play. FIG. 6 is a screen display providing
detailed information regarding a particular tournament including
the scores of the top 25 players that have entered the particular
tournament. As reflected in the "skill level" field, certain
tournaments may be limited to individuals with certain skill levels
that are determined by previous play experience. For example, the
server tracks the play of each particular player and using an
algorithm establishes a skill level based upon the players past
performance.
[0040] Now referring to FIG. 7, yet a further screen display is
presented that includes a drop down window that provides details
regarding an active tournament and, the player had previously
entered the tournament, the player's best score.
[0041] FIG. 8 depicts a screen shot of a particular playfield prior
to the initiation of a game. As seen in FIG. 8, the balls on the
table are oriented in a star configuration and the score, the
number of points and the number of shots are all at zero. FIG. 9
depicts and alternative embodiment of a play field in a tournament
with 15 balls in a triangular pattern that is reversed from the
conventional orientation. As indicated in the upper right hand side
of the frame, the high score of the particular tournament is 17,
112. FIGS. 10 and 11 depict yet a further screen displays with the
balls in yet another initial orientation. The number of types of
possible ball orientation is essentially limitless. Player's
participating in a particular tournament may be provided the same
sequence of ball orientations, or in an alternative embodiment, be
provided with random ball racks.
[0042] As referred to above, one aspect of the invention provides
for different rules governing entry of a particular tournament. For
example a tournament may only have 10 players and as a condition of
entry none of the player must have previously won a tournament. In
alternative rule set, all of the player must have never finished in
a tournament in a position that awards a cash prize. Tournaments
may be organized for different entry fees and different awards.
Certain tournaments may only allow highly skilled player to
compete, while other tournaments may be limited to less skilled
players.
[0043] The program that implements the play of the game may reside
on the player's personal computer. Play is initiated by downloading
the particular rule set and initial ball orientation and proceeds
until all balls are pocketed. Next a built in browser contacts the
website and automatically uploads the score. A central server then
processes the information and then posts the players score along
with an update of all the scores in the particular tournament. In
further contemplated variations, the dynamics or physics of the
game may be altered such as simulating balls and bumpers on the
pool table that are more elastic or less elastic. The game may be
played in slow motion and other special effects may be provided,
including sounds such as applause for pocketed shots, or other
sounds for shots that are missed. In yet a further tournament
refereed to as a "sprint game", play for all entries begins at a
predetermined time and the first player to reach a predetermined
score wins the tournament. In a contemplated "no clock" tournament,
the winner may be the player that pockets all the balls with the
fewest shots. In yet another tournament, the winner is the player
that pockets all the balls in the least amount of time. In each of
the tournaments there may be multiple racks of balls or just a
single rack.
[0044] The embodiments illustrated and discussed in this
specification are intended only to teach those skilled in the art
the best way known to the inventors to make and use the invention.
Nothing in this specification should be considered as limiting the
scope of the present invention. All examples presented are
representative and non-limiting. The above-described embodiments of
the invention may be modified or varied, without departing from the
invention, as appreciated by those skilled in the art in light of
the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, within
the scope of the claims and their equivalents, the invention may be
practiced otherwise than as specifically described.
* * * * *