PoolTable

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Big rectangle. Green felt. Holes in the corners and in the middle of the long edges. A bunch of small solid balls. A study of dynamic physics.
 
Big rectangle. Green felt. Holes in the corners and in the middle of the long edges. A bunch of small solid balls. A study of dynamic physics.
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Now it has occured to me that there are a few ways that this basic concept can be expanded upon and played with...
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== The Table ==
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[[Image:Opticalpool.jpg|right|thumb|Image GIMPed by nemo]]
   
 
In more recent years, I've seen a trend in some clubs and high-end tables to have alternately coloured felt. Royal blue, white/cream, grey...
 
In more recent years, I've seen a trend in some clubs and high-end tables to have alternately coloured felt. Royal blue, white/cream, grey...
   
Recently I saw a table with a simple blue/white pattern (half each), and I got to thinking...
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Some time ago I saw a table with a simple blue/white pattern (half each), and I got to thinking...
   
 
'''Designs for pooltables'''
 
'''Designs for pooltables'''
* Geometric symbols, designs and equations
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* Geometric symbols, designs and equations (eg: atom smashing patterns from a particle accelerator would be neat and appropriate?
 
* Optical illusions (especially the ones that make parallel lines look curved or appear to be non-parallel)
 
* Optical illusions (especially the ones that make parallel lines look curved or appear to be non-parallel)
 
* Semi-transparent with lights underneath. (Disco floor pooltable!)
 
* Semi-transparent with lights underneath. (Disco floor pooltable!)
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** Thick Acrylic instead of slate and white felt? Note that slate is commonly used "due to its thermal stability and chemical inertness" --[[Wikipedia:Slate]]. Can acrylic compare?
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::: mr oCean: I would have some doubts about acrylic because it seems to crack quite easily. As an aside, though, if you couldn't get enough transparency with felt, you could use a clear silicone (or similar) cover to give the required friction, and that would also give a little impact resistance.
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** Detect the location of the balls and 'display' stuff on the table appropriately. (eg: ripples). This could be done either from above (projector) or below through the acrylic, using the felt as a screen
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** Ball detection would also enable other niftyness - for example, the movement of balls could trigger musical events. Your game of pool has it's own unique soundtrack.
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** Lasers below could be used to project sharp clear lines for 'training' type games, or other general fun.
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== The balls ==
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Another variation in play would be to use weighted balls. Basically - think of lawn bowls. Weighted balls would need to be visually marked appropriately, and would allow for the possibility of non-spin based curved rolling paths.
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== Links ==
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* [http://web.mit.edu/storborg/ddf/ Disco dance floor - could be used for the table?]
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* [http://www.microsoft.com/surface/ Microsoft Surface To detect objects]
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* [http://www.abc.net.au/catapult/stories/s2470061.htm Transparent pool table]
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** http://www.nottagedesign.com/
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* [http://www.geekologie.com/2009/09/crazy_80000_projection_pool_ta.php Projecting onto the pool table and dynamically creating it based on the pool ball positions]
   
http://www.nut.house.cx/~nemo/extras/pooltable/opticalpool.jpg
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[[Category:Bookmark]]
(GIMPing by nemo)
 

Latest revision as of 10:30, 9 October 2011

Everybody should be familair with Pool Tables. (or Billiard Tables).

Big rectangle. Green felt. Holes in the corners and in the middle of the long edges. A bunch of small solid balls. A study of dynamic physics.

Now it has occured to me that there are a few ways that this basic concept can be expanded upon and played with...

[edit] The Table

(thumbnail)
Image GIMPed by nemo

In more recent years, I've seen a trend in some clubs and high-end tables to have alternately coloured felt. Royal blue, white/cream, grey...

Some time ago I saw a table with a simple blue/white pattern (half each), and I got to thinking...

Designs for pooltables

  • Geometric symbols, designs and equations (eg: atom smashing patterns from a particle accelerator would be neat and appropriate?
  • Optical illusions (especially the ones that make parallel lines look curved or appear to be non-parallel)
  • Semi-transparent with lights underneath. (Disco floor pooltable!)
    • Thick Acrylic instead of slate and white felt? Note that slate is commonly used "due to its thermal stability and chemical inertness" --Wikipedia:Slate. Can acrylic compare?
mr oCean: I would have some doubts about acrylic because it seems to crack quite easily. As an aside, though, if you couldn't get enough transparency with felt, you could use a clear silicone (or similar) cover to give the required friction, and that would also give a little impact resistance.
    • Detect the location of the balls and 'display' stuff on the table appropriately. (eg: ripples). This could be done either from above (projector) or below through the acrylic, using the felt as a screen
    • Ball detection would also enable other niftyness - for example, the movement of balls could trigger musical events. Your game of pool has it's own unique soundtrack.
    • Lasers below could be used to project sharp clear lines for 'training' type games, or other general fun.

[edit] The balls

Another variation in play would be to use weighted balls. Basically - think of lawn bowls. Weighted balls would need to be visually marked appropriately, and would allow for the possibility of non-spin based curved rolling paths.

[edit] Links

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