Apparatuses and methods for detecting deviation of a ball from a path

Abstract

Apparatuses, methods, and associated devices to detect deviation of a ball from a path when spin is applied, providing an indication about whether a spin alignment compensation is optimally calibrated for deflection of the ball. An example apparatus includes a support structure and detection members. The detection members are coupled to the support structure and arranged to allow a ball to travel between the detection members. At least one of the detection members is movable relative to the support structure and moves upon collision with the ball. The movement of at least one of the detection members indicates that the ball has deviated from a straight path of travel through the detection members. A displacement of at least one of the detection members indicates the direction of deviation of the ball, and an amplitude of movement of the detection member indicates a degree of deviation of the ball.

1 . A device for detecting deviation of a ball from a path, the device comprising:
 a support structure; and   detection members coupled to the support structure and arranged to allow the ball to travel between the detection members, at least one of the detection members being movable relative to the support structure and configured to move upon collision with the ball, movement of at least one of the detection members indicating that the ball has deviated from a path of travel through the detection members.   
     
     
         2 . A device as in  claim 1  wherein the detection members are rotatable about the support structure and configured to rotate upon collision with the ball. 
     
     
         3 . A device as in  claim 1  wherein the support structure includes a substantially horizontal cross bar, and the detection members are coupled to the cross bar and hang downward from the cross bar. 
     
     
         4 . A device as in  claim 3  wherein the detection members swing freely with respect to the cross bar. 
     
     
         5 . A device as in  claim 3  wherein the detection members are configured to remain in a displaced position after colliding with the ball. 
     
     
         6 . A device as in  claim 3  further including a center alignment guide coupled to the cross bar to assist with placement of the ball to travel between the detection members. 
     
     
         7 . A device as in  claim 2  wherein the rotational axes of the detection members are substantially vertical. 
     
     
         8 . A device as in  claim 1  wherein the distance between the detection members is adjustable. 
     
     
         9 . A device as in  claim 1  wherein a displacement of at least one of the detection members indicates the direction of deviation of the ball from the path of travel between the detection members. 
     
     
         10 . A device as in  claim 1  wherein an amplitude of movement of at least one of the detection members indicates a degree of deviation of the ball from the path of travel between the detection members. 
     
     
         11 . A device as in  claim 1  wherein the deviation of the ball is caused by an implement striking the ball to propel the ball and to induce spin on the ball. 
     
     
         12 . A device as in  claim 11  further including a guide to assist the implement in striking the ball from a consistent angle. 
     
     
         13 . A device as in  claim 11  wherein the ball is a cue ball and the implement is a cue stick. 
     
     
         14 . A device for detecting deviation of a ball from a path, the device comprising:
 a support structure; and   sensors coupled to the support structure and arranged to allow the ball to travel between the sensors, the sensors being configured to detect deviation of the ball from a path of travel through the sensors.   
     
     
         15 . A device as in  claim 14  wherein the support structure includes a substantially horizontal cross bar, and the sensors are coupled to the cross bar and aimed downward from the cross bar. 
     
     
         16 . A device as in  claim 15  wherein the sensors include lasers. 
     
     
         17 . A device as in  claim 15  wherein the sensors include optical sensors. 
     
     
         18 . A device as in  claim 15  further including a center alignment guide coupled to the cross bar to assist with placement of the ball to travel between the detection members. 
     
     
         19 . A device as in  claim 14  wherein the distance between the sensors is adjustable. 
     
     
         20 . A device as in  claim 14  wherein a triggering of one of the sensors indicates the direction of deviation of the ball from the path of travel between the sensors. 
     
     
         21 . A device as in  claim 14  wherein the sensors are configured to measure a degree of deviation of the ball from the path of travel between the sensors. 
     
     
         22 . A device as in  claim 14  wherein the deviation of the ball is caused by an implement striking the ball to propel the ball and to induce spin on the ball. 
     
     
         23 . A device as in  claim 22  further including a guide to assist the implement in striking the ball from a consistent angle. 
     
     
         24 . A device as in  claim 22  wherein the ball is a cue ball and the implement is a cue stick. 
     
     
         25 - 32 . (canceled) 
     
     
         33 . A device for detecting deviation of a ball from a path, the device comprising:
 a support structure; and   multiple sets of detection members coupled to the support structure and arranged to allow the ball to travel between the detection members, each set of detection members including at least two detection members, at least one detection member of each set being movable relative to the support structure and configured to move upon collision with the ball, movement of at least one of the detection members indicating that the ball has deviated from a path of travel through the detection members.