System and method for controlling the operation of an entertainment unit

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to entertainment systems, and more particularly to a system for, among other things, operating an entertainment unit (including, but not limited to, a pool table, foosball table, or the like.) Embodiments of the present invention also include a method of controlling game play at an entertainment unit.

Entertainment units in commercial establishments are often operated on a pay-for-play basis. For instance, a pool table in an establishment may be coin operated, whereby the pool table includes a coin acceptor. In order to begin playing a game of pool, a player typically inserts coins into the coin acceptor located on the pool table. More specifically, the player may place coins into a coin slide and then push the coin slide into the coin acceptor. After an amount of currency sufficient for game play to commence is inserted into the coin acceptor, a gated holding rack that retains the colored pool balls within the pool table is opened, thereby releasing the colored pool balls into a storage compartment. The pool balls are then placed on the playing surface of the pool table in order to begin play. However, the inclusion of a coin acceptor and a gated holding rack with a pool table may increase the costs associated with purchasing and maintaining of each pool table. Similarly, the specialized pool tables that have coin acceptors and the required gated holding rack may limit the selection of suitable pool tables.

Additionally, pay-for-play entertainment units, such as a pool tables, among others, typically include a coin acceptor, but not a bill acceptor. This is because the use of a bill acceptor requires increased power and space. One of the obstacles to providing power to such bill acceptors is that many of these entertainment units require unobstructed access from all sides of the entertainment unit for game play. For example, a pool table usually requires a generous amount of floor space surrounding all sides of the table for game play. Further, electrical wires or cabling passing from the pool table to a wall outlet are obtrusive and pose tripping problems.

Entertainment units, such as pool-tables, may also use a battery to supply electrical power to the bill acceptor. However, because a bill acceptor may continuously drain battery power, even when the bill acceptor is not in use, a relatively large battery is typically required for operation. Moreover, the continuous drain of battery power by the bill acceptor typically necessitates the relatively frequent replacement of the large battery, thereby increasing operation costs.

Embodiments of the present invention provide for a system and method for controlling play at a pay-for-play entertainment system. According to certain embodiments, the entertainment system may include an entertainment unit, for example a pool table, at least one game play light source, and a remote activation unit. The remote activation unit may include a central processing unit and a currency acceptor. After sufficient currency for game play has been inserted into the remote activation unit, the remote activation unit may allow the game play light source associated with the entertainment unit to be played to be turned to an on condition. When in an on condition, the game play light source may illuminate at least a portion of the entertainment unit. However, at the end of the purchased game play, or at a predetermined time thereafter, the remote activation unit may act so that the illumination of the game play light source is turned off.

Embodiments of the present invention also provide a game play detection apparatus and an auxiliary light and/or a speaker. The game play detection apparatus may be operably mounted or connected to the entertainment unit. Further, the game play detection apparatus may include a sensor and a transmitter. According to certain embodiments, the game play detection apparatus may also include a processor. The sensor may detect game play activity at the entertainment unit. Such detected game play may be communicated to the processor. The central processing unit, or other processor, may then communicate a signal through the transmitter that is received by the remote activation unit, and which indicates that game play has been detected. A processor at the remote activation unit may then determine whether the detected game play is occurring during a period of unauthorized game play, i.e. during a period in which there is no, or insufficient, existing game play time or game play credits. More specifically, periods of unauthorized game play may occur when a player attempts to engage in game play at the entertainment unit when no payment has been made or received for such game play. Alternatively, the processor associated with the game play detection apparatus may determine whether the detected game play activity is authorized. If the detected game play is unauthorized, the remote activation unit may operate at least one auxiliary light source or a speaker. The auxiliary light source may interfere with player\'s ability to continue the unauthorized game play or may alter employees or patrons at the facility of the player engaging in unauthorized game play. Likewise, the speaker may emit noise, such as chatter noise, among other sounds, that may interfere with the player\'s ability to enjoy, or draw attention to, the unauthorized game play.

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings, certain embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified representation of an entertainment system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The entertainment system 100 may include an entertainment unit 102 and a remote activation unit 104. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the entertainment unit 102 is a pool table 106. It however is understood that embodiments of the present invention may be used with a variety of other types of entertainment units 102, including, but not limited to, foosball tables, hockey-based games, or darts, among others.