Optical sensors for cue ball detection

摘要

Two optical techniques for selective detection of a regular-sized, standard cue ball. Both techniques make it possible to distinguish a regular-sized, standard size cue ball from object balls within a standard set. The first technique is called the "optical density discrimination" technique. It is based on the fact that the optical density of the cue ball is significantly less than the optical density of the object balls. The second technique is called the "fluorescence discrimination" technique. It requires that the cue ball be manufactured with a fluorescent pigment in its outer surface during manufacture. Discrimination is then based on detecting the fluorescence of the cue ball.