U.S. patent application number 10/527873 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-22 for goal detection equipment for football.
Invention is credited to Gabriele Cruciani.
Application Number | 20060135297 10/527873 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 11437460 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060135297 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cruciani; Gabriele |
June 22, 2006 |
Goal detection equipment for football
Abstract
For the realization of the industrial project above mentioned,
look at all the phases for creating the electronic bladder. Ten
different versions have been invented to lodge the microsensors, up
to the enough quantity, or the pressure system itself. Pictures
(1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), show how the electronic
sensors of survey and transmission can be lodged. Pictures (9),
(10), show the cobweb that can be created in the center of the
bladder to lodge the pressure microsensors, the metallic surveying
microsensors, or the infrared rays ones. Picture (11) shows the
lodging of the electronic surveying system under the grass cover,
that immediately transmits any signal noticed to the chronometer or
bracelet in endowment to the central referee or to his
collaborators. Always in the figure (11) the signs show as: (A) the
electronic football is going to enter the goal line, (B) half of
the electronic football over the goal line, (C) the electronic
football has (B) gone beyond the goal line. The referee immediately
receives communication of the happened goal.
Inventors: |
Cruciani; Gabriele; (San
Benedetto del Tronto, IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PAUL A. FATTIBENE;FATTIBENE & FATTIBENE
2480 POST ROAD
SOUTHPORT
CT
06890
US
|
Family ID: |
11437460 |
Appl. No.: |
10/527873 |
Filed: |
January 22, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
January 22, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IT03/00019 |
371 Date: |
July 19, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/570 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 43/00 20130101;
A63B 71/0669 20130101; A63B 2220/80 20130101; A63B 2220/89
20130101; A63B 2220/13 20130101; A63B 63/00 20130101; A63B 2220/51
20130101; A63B 2220/83 20130101; A63B 2220/805 20130101; A63B
71/0605 20130101; A63B 63/004 20130101; A63B 2024/0037 20130101;
A63B 2220/806 20130101; A63B 2024/0046 20130101; A63B 2243/0025
20130101; A63B 2225/305 20130101; A63B 2225/50 20130101; A63B
24/0021 20130101; A63B 2220/833 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/570 |
International
Class: |
A63B 43/06 20060101
A63B043/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 17, 2002 |
IT |
AP02 A 000010 |
Claims
1. An electronically detectable ball usable for a ball game,
comprising: a bladder, an external covering enclosing said bladder,
and a sensor, at least a portion of which is integrated into said
bladder.
2. The electronically detectable ball of claim 1, wherein said
portion of the sensor comprises a plurality of individual sensor
elements.
3. The electronically detectable ball of claim 1, further
comprising supporting means for supporting at least said portion of
the sensor.
4. The electronically detectable ball of claim 1, further
comprising an electronic sensor located within said external
covering.
5. The electronically detectable ball of claim 1, wherein said
sensor comprises a plurality of sensor elements in an inner space
enclosed by said bladder.
6. The electronically detectable ball of claim 5, wherein one of
said plurality of sensor elements is accommodated by a pocket fixed
to an inner surface of said bladder.
7. The electronically detectable ball of claim 5, wherein one of
said plurality of sensor elements is accommodated by a pocket
formed by a portion of said bladder.
8. The electronically detectable ball of claim 5, wherein one of
said plurality of sensor elements is positioned in said inner space
by a filling material.
9. The electronically detectable ball of claim 1, wherein said
sensor is configured to be responsive to pressure and/or infra-red
radiation and/or to a metal detector.
10. A sensor system for detecting a position of an electronically
detectable ball, the system comprising: a transceiver configured to
detect an electronically detectable ball, and a support structure
configured to support said transceiver at a predefined area of a
game field.
11. The system of claim 10 wherein said transceiver is configured
to detect said electronically detectable ball with a spatial
resolution that is equal to or less than a diameter of said
electronically detectable ball.
12. The system of claim 10, further comprising an indicator means
configured to indicate, when said electronically detectable ball is
within a specified region of said predefined area.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein said indicator means comprises
a mobile display means configured to wirelessly communicate with
said indicator means.
14. The system of claim 10 wherein the electronically detectable
ball comprises: a bladder; an external covering enclosing said
bladder; and a sensor, at least a portion of which is integrated
into said bladder.
Description
[0001] The invention described herein concerns the field of sports
equipment. Namely, it consists of both mobile and ground-based
equipment with magneto-acoustic DR anti-tampering electronic
systems (DOUBLE RESONATOR 58 KHZ) of any type. Both soccer and
5-a-side football are very popular sports, played on suitable
pitches with a lawn or synthetic green. In both football and
5a-side football the referee cannot assign scores if he has not
seen the ball cross the goal-line.
[0002] In recent examples, the referees in football matches have
not called a goal even when the football had gone over the goal
line for about 80 cm. As per football regulations, a goal is scored
when the football crosses the goal line, i.e. the 12-cm-thick line
going from the right post to the left one, forming a rectangular
area called the goal area (length=mt 7.32; height: mt 2.44).
[0003] The industrial invention entitled "Electronic Sports
Equipment--A New Fully-Fitted Football Ground" was devised to give
certain, immediate and unobjectionable notice of the goal to the
referee, who might have missed to see it, either for an oversight
or because his view was covered by the players standing before him,
or else for other unintentional mistakes. Whatever the reason, the
fact that a goal has not been called is detrimental to either team;
the present invention would eliminate all grounds for doubts on the
referee's bad faith or uncertainties. As shown in the drawings, the
"axonometric plan" (sheet no. 1) describes all the possible
electronic options to be adapted to this invention. Drawing no. 2
shows the full equipment located behind the goal as well as its
possible position. The components may be placed in different
horizontal and vertical positions at different distances. The
electronic components may be located in either radio detection
raceways or special transparent devices of suitable materials,
avoiding all the fibers that may be dangerous for the goalkeeper
and nearby attendants. The Electronic Football Detection Area
starts at 30 cm inside the goal line, that is, outside the football
ground. This favours electronic detection because the goalkeeper or
other players sometimes lean against the post or run inside the
goal area while playing. As shown in pictures 3, dwg no. 2, the
drawing of the detection area includes three circles which
represent the football entering the goal. Pictures A represents the
football entering the goal. In this case the referee should call a
scored goal; should be fail to do so, the scored goal would be
immediately detected by the electronic system and the referee and
his co-operators would be informed by means of a VIBRACALL signal
or a LED fitted in their wrist or pocket watches, whichever they
prefer.
[0004] Pictures B shows that the football has not crossed the white
goal line; thus, it is not Possible to call a goal. However,
referees may sometimes make mistakes because their View is hindered
when the ball is stopped by the goalkeeper or a back player
defending the ball from the opponents.
[0005] Pictures C shows a football that has not even started to
cross the goal line; this means that a goal can not be called.
However, goals are sometimes called, either because of an action by
the forward players or because the referee and his co-operators
cannot see the action properly. This leads to enraged objections on
behalf of the football teams and their supporters. The mistakes
made by referees are discussed for weeks after the match and their
actions are questioned, not to mention the damage done to the
football ground facilities by the team supporters.
[0006] Drawing no. 3 shows the "Electronic Goal Detection System".
This system is useful to Prevent an unfortunately common mistake
that has occurred several times in the past few years. Pictures 4
shows the electronic detection systems to be fitted horizontally,
whereby the component which is to detect the football when crossing
the line (see Pictures 3, item A) is located underground behind the
goal line, with no damage to the device or the goal area, as shown
in the front view (Drawing no. 4, enclosed herewith) in its
different options to be adopted for the correct detection of the
football crossing the line, as shown in A.
[0007] All the proposed solutions are acceptable. The electronic
devices may be located either Separately or assembled together in
order to achieve the required aim, i.e., inform the referee when a
goal is scored, in real time and with no mistake, by means of the
relevant watch which adopts the same system (as shown in the
enclosed pictures) in different versions: round, rectangular,
square and pocket watches.
[0008] The detection sensors may be either passive (as in this
case) or active (in future implementations). The sensors included
in the description attached to the application are verifiable and
suitable to this purpose.
Technical Report:
Electronic Cabin of the Fourth Official
[0009] The electronic cabin is defined as an exclusive location
pertaining to the fourth official, Who may replace the referee at
any time during an official match, e.g., in case the Referee is
injured, even temporarily, or for any other reason. This is an
enclosed space whose transparency ensures a perfect view, comfort
and safety.
[0010] The technical characteristics described herein are devised
to offer the best possible conditions to the person operating in
the cabin. Its size is limited to avoid any hindrance to the view
of the football ground. It is a pleasant-looking structure with
reduced encumbrance. The steel and aluminium frame is lightweight
and made of components which are easy to carry and assemble. Its
adjustable cover protects the cabin from any weather which may
hamper the fourth official's correct view. Its surface is a
suitable space for possible sponsors.
[0011] The clear panels, which are inspired by squash courts, are
made of LEXSAN or other Plastic material which offers suitable
strength and transparency.
[0012] The roofing may be closed on the sides only, or also
frontally, if necessary. Access is through side doors without any
metal parts.
[0013] The back wall is screened, which may offer a suitable space
for sponsors. The base gives stability to the structure and
separates the internal electronic equipment From the football
ground, besides providing room for the required power cable. The
interior of the cabin is furnished with a desk for two operators
and computers, two seats and a small filing cabinet where documents
and any other necessary objects may be stored. However, the cabin
may be built of bigger size to house several operators, should it
be required to ensure maximum operational certainty and
reliability. The top band consists of LEDS of different colours,
displaying the decisions of the fourth official or ordinary
information concerning player changeovers during the game. Finally,
electronic detectors (or cameras) are located which, together with
the electronic system, give support information to the fourth
official who may check the referee's decisions and correct his
mistake. For example, when fouls occur within the penalty area,
whereby a player is sent off the field or a penalty is kicked,
these fouls are sometimes overlooked and a penalty is not called,
whereas by placing three fixed cameras behind the goals and one
behind the corner flag post, football teams would no longer be
damaged and malicious fouls would be punished. Thanks to the
intervention of the fourth official, this device would help solve
many instances that are unpunished today because the referee and
his cooperators do not act promptly. All the technical
specifications of the project are shown in the enclosed drawings
and pictures A, B, C, D, E. Width is 2 mt, length is 2.5 mt and the
roof may be open to 2.41,84. The cabin may vary in size up to a
12-mt length. It may also be adopted as benches for both teams, so
that there are consistent designs and dimensions all over the
football ground. The fourth camera is to be located at an 8-mt
distance from the corner flag post and behind the linesman, thus
allowing the fourth official to call an offside more correctly. Off
sides often cause objections against the referee's official
decisions during and after Football matches.
[0014] Referees may make mistakes due to an oversight or because
they move across the field to reach a better position and cannot
decide immediately, whereas the fourth official may immediately
signal his autonomous decision to the referee. So the device would
enable the referee to be immediately informed by means of the
receiver located in the stopwatch or through the VIBRACALL or
displayed on the cabin. This device would then give great
advantages in terms of ethical behaviour and peacefulness, with no
occasions that may lead to damage to property, injuries and
casualties. The decisions made by the referees would then be
displayed in real time on the advertising screens that may now be
found in many football grounds.
[0015] The camera behind the corner flag post may be located inside
the post so that, in case of an oversight by the referee and the
linesmen, the fourth official might decide on any case. For
example, if the football has gone over the line but has curved
going back into the field, then the linesman may be mistaken and
objections may arise, especially if a goal is scored as a
consequence of the same action. In such cases, a wide-range camera
might solve this problem.
[0016] If there is fog, a football match could be suspended because
the linesmen inform the Referee that they cannot see properly when
the football goes over the goal line or the side line, the
equipment may help overcome this difficulty (see enclosed drawing)
by configuring the football ground with red light dots. Another
possible solution is to place an underground parallel line beside
the side lines, at a distance equal to the circumference of the
football. It would be made of synthetic material and include a red
(or other suitable colour) neon light, which would become visible
to the linesmen both in the event of fog or occasional snowfall
which would cover the lines. The line is 12 cm wide and as long as
required, and houses a battery neon light which is safe in any
weather conditions and for all participants, whether supporters,
attendants, operators and players. The only necessary operation is
powering the battery to create an underground, connected parallel
line, which would allow completing the match even in case of a
snowfall, as the heat generated by the neon light would melt the
snow falling on the line during the match. The distance of the
buried neon light would enable the linesmen to decide whether the
football has gone over the line.
Electronic Football Description
[0017] This football consists of hexagons and pentagons and is much
alike an ordinary football, used by football teams all over the
world. The only difference is that it includes several sensors
signalling when the football has gone over the 12-cm goal line
described above, marked at the end of the football ground, which
would mean that a goal has been scored as soon as the football has
crossed all the white line.
[0018] The sensors may be electronic sensors, pressure or metallic
detection ones, or infrared detection sensors as well. One or more
sensors may be applied and adapted in suitable position in the
bladder or in the inside volume of the ball.
[0019] Their position has to be chosen to guarantee:
[0020] The correct detection of the ball crossing the goal line
and/or the moment when the Player kicks it; [0021] the correct
director indirect transmission to the referee of the signal that
the above mentioned situations have occurred.
[0022] The Sensor may be fixed to the bladder or in each position
in the internal volume of the Ball in one of the following ways or
in a combination of some of them:
[0023] 1 sticking or direct fixing any part of the Sensor on any
internal surface of the ball (example in picture 1);
[0024] 2 sticking or fixing of any container or support of the
Sensor of any shape and size (example in picture 4);
[0025] 3 insertion of the Sensor in a pocket or marsupium
integrated in the bladder, or fixing/sticking of the pocket or
marsupium which contains the sensor to the bladder (example in
picture 5);
[0026] 4 all the systems above listed may be realized adapting or
not the sensor surface to the support one or vice versa (example in
picture 3);
[0027] 5 fixing of the Sensor on the internal surface of the ball
through one or more supports whose ends/extremities are stuck or
fixed in any way to the support surface (example in picture 6); the
fixing of the sensor to the support may be obtained in any of the
different methods listed in point 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6;
[0028] 6 fixing of the Sensor in any way to the internal volume of
the ball through partial or total filling of it, with material of
any density and chemical nature, single or composite, expanded,
flexible or compact, not fixed to the surface of support or fixed
to it in any way (example in picture 7);
[0029] 7 fixing of the Sensor through one or more straps of any
shape and size, drawn in the bladder through openings made in it,
or created during the phase of press, or applied after the press by
sticking or fixing them in any way to any part of the internal
surface of the ball (example in picture 8).
[0030] The football becomes neither heavier nor bigger, as the
sensors weigh under 10 gr. The sensors are of different sizes and
frequencies, and are all used for the purpose envisaged by the
industrial patent herein, i.e., to transmit all the solutions to
the receivers, VIBRACALL watches, advertising displays and any
possible further applications, that May be found in the future
through worldwide research studies.
[0031] They may be located either vertically or horizontally,
provided they are not bent when fitted in, otherwise their function
to signal when the football has crossed the goal line may be
hampered.
[0032] The distances of the ULTRA Post Dual Transceiver may vary.
They may be set behind the goal, i.e., at the back of the
goalkeepers who are not disturbed by their presence, as they may be
set in different positions and spaced both horizontally and
vertically according to what are thought to be the best detection
positions, to be decided during set-up.
[0033] The best location for the Ultra Post Dual Transceiver
according to the current Conditions is under the lawn and behind
the goal, as shown in the attached drawing, where they are located
horizontally. For detection purposes, they are to be located at a
122-cm distance from the lawn level and above, to detect the
passive sensor located inside the football bladder. Its special
detection positions, on the directions of the hexagons and the
pentagons of the football, signal in real time that a goal has been
scored, informing the referee and his cooperators through their
stopwatches.
[0034] The sensors are located at various distances along the full
height (2.44 mt) and length (7.32) of the goal, thus forming an
invisible detection grid behind the goalkeeper.
[0035] Starting from a 34.300-cm distance, adding the diameter of
the football and the goal line, The Ultra Post Dual Transceivers
may be located at approx. 60-cm intervals, until Reaching a
distance that is though to be sufficient, up to 3 mt from the goal
line and behind the goalkeepers.
[0036] In order to fully cover the goal, you may locate 4
autonomously operating Ultra Post Dual Transceivers in a line. They
may operate separately or jointly.
[0037] According to the industrial patent design described herein,
any equipment currently manufactured worldwide may be used for
detection purposes. Any adaptable systems may be used to detect a
football crossing the goal line and allow the referee to call a
goal in real time and with no mistakes.
[0038] The sensor signals a goal each time a football crosses the
goal line, so that the referee may no longer avoid calling a goal
for whatever reason, including when a back player or the goalkeeper
kick the ball back.
* * * * *