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. (end of abstract)

Agent: Venable LLP - Washington, DC, US
Inventor: Jack Pearson
USPTO Applicaton #: #20070026956 - Class: 473001000 (USPTO)
Related Patent Categories: Games Using Tangible Projectile, Billiards Or Pool

One-player pool scoring system and method description/claims

The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070026956, One-player pool scoring system and method.

Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims

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.

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