A method for determining the likelihoods of a cue sport player completing a run of shots for each of a plurality of non-break ball patterns is provided. The method initially involves operating a computer to retrieve a non-break ball pattern of the plurality of non-break ball patterns and to then facilitate the positioning of balls on a cue sport table in accordance with the non-break ball pattern. The positioning may be accomplished by use of a projector under control of the computer that projects ball positioning patterns on the sport table. The progress of the cue sport player through a run of the balls on the table is then monitored and the outcome of that progress, e.g. the number of balls in a run that are pocketed are recorded in association with the current non-break ball pattern. The procedure is repeated for further non-break ball patterns of the plurality of non-break ball patterns and the computer is then used to determine odds associated with runs for each of the non-break ball pattern based on the recorded outcomes.

A cue ball used for practice and play in pool or billiards. The cue ball is made with a plurality of concentric sphere layers or shells starting with a centermost opaque ball, followed by two or three spheres of differently colored semi-transparent polymer resins; then an outermost clear layer of polymer.

A method of providing feedback for a piece of cue-sport equipment, a cue ball or cue stick, during a game play first collect spatial positioning and orientation data from a plurality of measurement sensors that is integrated into the cue-sport equipment. Then, the collected data is analyzed to generate a virtual movement model of the cue-sport equipment as the virtual movement model includes a calculated impact force diagram, an animated travel path, and a calculated absolute orientation for the cue-sport equipment. Then, the player can view the virtual movement model through an external computing device to improve their cue-sport skills effectively and efficiently.

Cue sports tables are provided with associated automated sensor and positioning assemblies. This permits competitors to play each other on separate tables. The tables automatically sense ball positions on one table and communicate that to a positioner associated with another table. That positioner then automatically drives balls on that other table to a mimicking position. These systems also permit a shot to be replayed if desired.

A billiard rack is provided that includes a frame that extends around an interior space that is configured to receive a set of billiard balls resting on a bed of a billiard table. A bottom side of the frame includes a lower opening in which the upper portions of the set of billiard balls are able to extend therein. The frame also includes an inner wall having at least one cam surface that extends at least partially around the interior space and that tapers inwardly in directions from the lower opening to an upper opening. When the frame is placed on the set of billiard balls resting on the bed of the billiard table, the at least one cam surface is configured to contact all of the peripheral billiard balls of the set of billiard balls; and urge the set of billiard balls together without the rack contacting the billiard table.

The present invention relates to a device for inputting and controlling driving state information of a billiard ball for playing a billiard game in cyberspace and, more specifically, to a device for inputting and controlling driving state information of a billiard ball, in which an actual billiard ball is fixedly mounted on a standard table, wherein the billiard ball is mounted to be freely rotatable, and is hit by an actual billiard cue stick to receive the billiard ball's effecto information, rotation speed, and rotation direction, as well as driving state information for hitting strength and movement direction, and the received information is processed through driving state information processing software to display an image result reflecting the billiard ball's movement direction and movement amount on the actual billiard table, thereby making it possible to enjoy a billiard game in cyberspace as though a real game were being played.

Described herein are wireless billiard ball devices comprising a spherical housing and a circuit board mounted within the spherical housing, the circuit board having components for measuring the impact location of a billiard cue strike upon the surface of the spherical housing in reference to the relative orientation of the device with respect to gravity. The devices described herein do not require manual alignment by a player to measure impact location data. In other embodiments, the spherical housing is comprised of a bored hole, a potting material, and a circuit board mounted within the bored hole and secured in place with the potting material, the circuit board having components for measuring the impact location of a billiard cue strike upon the surface of the spherical housing in reference to the relative orientation of the device with respect to gravity.

This invention relates to a device for playing billiards or pool. The device allows having control over the cue ball after impacting the target ball what is generally called English. The invention presents different stackable layers that enable the player to perform the following billiard shots: a) two Draw Shots, b) one Stop Shot, c) one Stun Shot and d) two Follow Shots. The stackable layers connect to each other by magnets and securing knobs, and the device contains in the bottom layer a sliding panel to always place the cue ball in the center of the concave groove of the device. In addition, the device has a multiple rail spins labeled at its top layer guiding the player shooting the cue ball in different directions. In another embodiment the device contains a sole piece including a sliding panel to place the cue ball in the center of the concave groove of the device and multiple rail spins labeled at its top.

This invention relates to a device for playing billiards or pool. The device allows having control over the cue ball after impacting the target ball what is generally called English. The invention presents different stackable layers that enable the player to perform the following billiard shots: a) two Draw Shots, b) one Stop Shot, c) one Stun Shot and d) two Follow Shots. The stackable layers connect to each other by magnets and securing knobs, and the device contains in the bottom layer a sliding panel to always place the cue ball in the center of the concave groove of the device. In addition, the device has a multiple rail spins labeled at its top layer guiding the player shooting the cue ball in different directions. In another embodiment the device contains a sole piece including a sliding panel to place the cue ball in the center of the concave groove of the device and multiple rail spins labeled at its top.

A training device and method of use for positioning balls on the playing surface of cue sport game tables such as billiards is provided herein, to assist players in making practice shots to enhance their playing skills and techniques. The training device includes a central base and a pair of triangularly shaped ramps. The central base includes a rectangular bottom surface, first and second pentagonal side walls extending perpendicularly from the rectangular bottom surface. The pair of triangularly shaped ramps rotatably coupled to the central base on opposite sides of the first and second pentagonal side walls Each ramp includes first and second ramp edges extending acutely from a corner distal the central base. The pair of triangularly shaped ramps are configured to rotate about the central base between a first configuration associated with a first launch location and a second configuration associated with a second launch location.