BBC NEWS Technology Smart pool table improves play

Scientists at Aalborg University in Denmark have devised a smart pool table. An overhead camera and laser placed above the interactive table watch the ball play, with a laser beam drawing shapes on the table pointing out the best shots. A virtual coach called James, connected to the table via a computer, will help you improve your play with a series of exercises. "People do not speak to pool tables so we came up with this personalised system and people are happy to talk to him," explained Mr Larsen. The technology behind James, who looks like a professional pool player, is the same Microsoft uses for its paperclip office assistant.