Fun Uses For Software
May 26, 2008
I just returned from a family vacation where we cruised on Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas. The ship had two pool tables that were self-leveling. As the ship rocked, the pool tables' computers updated their positions in real-time to counteract the motion of the ship. I played and observed others, dozens of times, and it was always perfect.
You can see a video of it in action here: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=oRhfcXxM79U
The sign next to the pool table said it's computer controlled, uses sensors that check the level, and an accelerometer to counteract inertia and momentum (keeping it level isn't enough). It also mentioned that it's based on the same software used on off-shore oil platforms to keep them level in rough seas.
It's interesting to see how even complex real-time software can be used to have fun!
However, I'm sorry to say, it did nothing to improve my game :-(
-EJB
