Billiards Shot Training Device and Method

Abstract

A measurement device ( 16 ) and method for analyzing a billiards shot using an accelerometer ( 25 ) for generating acceleration data, an indication system ( 24 ), a microprocessor ( 26 ) for calculating statistical data, a power source ( 22 ), and a housing ( 20 ). The device ( 16 ), when powered, detects when the player has struck a billiards ball with a billiards cue. The microprocessor ( 26 ) then acquires acceleration data from the accelerometer ( 25 ) and outputs a signal if the data exceeds a predetermined threshold, thus alerting the player. The device ( 16 ) brings the player's attention to improper billiards cue movement, allowing the player to improve his or her stroke consistency.

1 . A measurement device ( 16 ) for analyzing a billiards shot, comprising:
 at least one accelerometer ( 25 ) operably secured to a billiards cue ( 2 );   a microprocessor ( 26 ) in communication with the accelerometer; and   an indicator.   
     
     
         2 . The measurement device ( 16 ) of  claim 1 , further comprising a power source ( 22 ). 
     
     
         3 . The measurement device ( 16 ) of  claim 1 , further comprising a housing ( 20 ). 
     
     
         4 . The measurement device ( 16 ) of  claim 3 , wherein the accelerometer ( 25 ) and microprocessor ( 26 ) are disposed within the housing ( 20 ). 
     
     
         5 . The measurement device ( 16 ) of  claim 4 , further comprising a power source ( 22 ). 
     
     
         6 . The measurement device ( 16 ) of  claim 1  wherein the indicator comprises a display ( 24 ). 
     
     
         7 . The measurement device ( 16 ) of  claim 1  wherein the indicator comprises an audible tone generator or speaker. 
     
     
         8 . The measurement device ( 16 ) of  claim 1  wherein the indicator comprises a vibration motor ( 27 ). 
     
     
         9 . The measurement device ( 16 ) of  claim 1  wherein the indicator is enclosed within the housing ( 20 ). 
     
     
         10 . The measurement device ( 16 ) of  claim 9  further comprising a power source ( 22 ). 
     
     
         11 . A method for analyzing a billiards shot, comprising:
 measuring the motion of a billiards cue ( 2 ) with an accelerometer ( 25 ) operably secured thereto;   analyzing the motion of the billiards cue ( 2 ) with a microprocessor ( 26 ) in communication with the accelerometer;   comparing the motion of the billiards cue ( 2 ) to a pattern; and   generating a notification depending on whether the motion of the billiards cue ( 2 ) conforms to the pattern.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising the step of providing a power source ( 22 ). 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising the step of providing a housing ( 20 ). 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the accelerometer ( 25 ) and microprocessor ( 26 ) are disposed within the housing ( 20 ). 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising the step of providing a power source ( 22 ). 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the notification is provided via a display ( 24 ). 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the notification is provided via an audible tone generator or speaker. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the notification is provided via a vibration motor ( 27 ). 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the notification is provided via an indicator enclosed within a housing ( 20 ). 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19  further comprising the step of providing a power source ( 22 ).