AU2018101018A4

AU2018101018A4 - This invention relates to 360 degree cameras for installation in tennis net posts and tennis net posts incorporating such 360 degree cameras to allow for the provision of 360-degree broadcasts from the perspective of the location of the tennis net posts during a tennis match.

Info

Publication number: AU2018101018A4
Application number: AU2018101018A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Kip McManamey
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-07-24
Filing date: 2018-07-24
Publication date: 2018-08-23
Anticipated expiration: 2026-07-24

Abstract

This invention relates to 360 degree cameras for installation in tennis net posts and tennis net posts incorporating such 360 degree cameras to allow for the provision of 360-degree broadcasts from the perspective of the location of the tennis net posts during a tennis match. U) F

Description

This invention relates to 360 degree cameras for installation in tennis net posts and tennis net posts incorporating such 360 degree cameras to allow for the provision of 360-degree broadcasts from the perspective of the location of the tennis net posts during a tennis match.

(51) International Patent Classification(s)

G03B 17/00 (2006.01) (21) Application No: 2018101018 (22) Date of Filing: 2018.07.24 (45) Publication Date: 2018.08.23 (45) Publication Journal Date: 2018.08.23 (45) Granted Journal Date: 2018.08.23 (71) Applicant(s)

Kip McManamey (72) Inventor(s)

McManamey, Kip (74) Agent / Attorney

Kip McManamey, 17/31 Queen St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, AU

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ABSTRACT

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Figure 1

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EDITORIAL NOTE

There are 5 pages in the description only.

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360 DEGREE CAMERA SYSTEM FOR INSTALLATION IN TENNIS NET POSTS

Field of the Invention

Background to the Invention

360-degree video cameras can be provided within sporting court fixtures to provide viewers with an on-court perspective of the match. One such example is a net postcam or net post 360-degree camera designed to be positioned within a tennis net post either side of the net.

Such 360 degree cameras provide viewers with a unique and close up view of the action occurring on the tennis court, particularly when a rally extends in duration, thereby enhancing the viewer's experience of the tennis match.

Current arrangements provide only for two dimensional broadcasts. The camera angles and shots are fixed and there is no interaction avaible for the viewer of the broadcast.

The viewing public is starting to appreciate the benefits of 360-degree broadcasts or digital consumption.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a 360-degree camera system for providing a 360-degree broadcast from the tennis net post.

Summary of the Invention

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a 360-degree camera system for installation in a tennis net post comprising net posts, the system including: at least two video 360 degree cameras;

at least two net posts each having a hollow configured to receive the 360-degree cameras;

a transmitter and cabling for transmitting data captured by the 360-degree cameras to a remote receiver; and a processor for processing the content captured by the 360-degree cameras to provide a 360-degree broadcast, a cooling fan in the base of the post to distribute cool air from the base of the post up and around the camera to ensure operating during extended use and

2018101018 24 Jul 2018 elevated solar exposure

In a preferred embodiment, at least two 360-degree cameras are installed in adjacent net posts where the camera in each post enable viewing of both ends of the court.

Each 360-degree camera may include a short focal length lens in order to provide a wide angle view of any action occurring on a court end in close proximity to the net posts in which the 360-degree cameras are installed. Alternatively, each 360-degree camera includes a long focal length lens in order to provide a view of any action occurring on a court end distal from the net posts in which the 360-degree cameras are installed.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing a 360-degree broadcast of any action occurring on a tennis court having two ends, a court comprising at least two net posts each having a hollow configured to receive a 360-degree camera and a net post opening on a court facing surface of the net post being located at each end of the tennis court, the method including the following steps:

installing 360-degree cameras in each of the two net posts;

capturing video data from each net post location;

transmitting the data captured by each 360-degree camera to a remote receiver; and processing the data to provide a 360-degree broadcast, finally maintaining operational temperatures within the post to ensure consistent and ongoing operation of the camera.

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Brief Description of the Drawings

It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention in greater detail by reference to the accompanying figures which facilitate understanding of the method according to this invention. The particularity of the figures and the related description is not to be understood as superseding the generality of the broad identification of the invention as given in the attached claims.

Figure 1 is a diagram showing the components involved in the net post and camera set up including the net cord joining the posts. The net has been removed for clarity.

Figure 2 is a close up image of the winding mechanism to apply tension to the net cord and the ability for the lever to removed.

Figure 3 is a close of the net post camera and it's sitting within the net post relative to the exterior capping and the net cord mechanism.

Figure 4 is a diagram of the net cord tensioning system within the net post, including it's tension locking system.

Figure 5 are diagrams representing the cooling mechanisms integrated into the post to keep the camera's cool.

Detailed Description

Referring firstly to Figure 1, the diagram illustrates the net posts that have been designed within International Tennis Federation (ITF) regulations whereby the height shall be 3 ¹/₂feet or 1.07m. The diameter shall not be more than 6 inches or 15 cm square or 6 inches 15 in diameter.

Housed within the post is a 360 degree camera system noted as 1.2 and 1.8 in Figure 1. The camera is integrated in the post in such a way that the cord 1.12 in FIGURE 1 and the mechanism used to tension the cord, in FIGURE 4, can function within breaching the ITF regulations.

The camera is housed at the top of the post and is surrounded by a removable cap 1.3 in FIGURE 1. The cord is directed around the camera by a pully, 1.5 in FIGURE 1, on an axle, 1.1 in Figure 1. The height of the pulley relative to the top of the post has been designed to ensure that the post is no more the 2.5 cm higher than the cord as it exits the post per ITF regulations.

Tensioning of the cord is achieved by pulling the spring loaded locking mechanism out, 1.4 in Figure 1, to release the internal cogs, detailed in Figure 4. A user inserts a lever, 1.7 in Figure 1, into the socket and winds on the tension to the appropriate level.

The net below the cord is attached to the post by the stays on the side of the post, 1.10 in

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Figure 1.

Cabling to the camera and cooling can is fed through the hole at the base of the post via cutaway, 1.9 in Figure 1.

A collar has been integrated to the base of the post, 1.11 in figure 1, to ensure the post remains at the ITF mandated correct height.

In order to reduce the heat within the post where the camera operates, the post has been coated in a heat retardant paint has an internal fan drawing air from the base up of the post and out through a vent, as marked as 5.4 in Figure 5.

Referring now to Figure 2, in order to meet the ITF regulations relating to net post design and cord tension, the design incorporates a removable tensioning lever. Tension is maintained by an internal cog system as illustrated in Figure 4. To release the tension, a spring-loaded lock, 2.3 in Figure 2, is pulled outward thereby allowing the cogs to spin freely.

To increase tension, the lever, 2.1 in Figure 2, is inserted in the socket 2.2 in Figure 2 and rotated. As the cogs turn, tension is increased.

Referring now to Figure 3, the camera is housed within the top of the post and can be accessed as required. Access is provided, by depressing the lever 3.3 in Figure 3. This removes the cap , 3.1 in Figure 3 and allows for maintenance of the camera of the net cord.

The cap contains cut aways to enable the camera , 3.4 in Figure 3, enough field of view to capture the 360 video.

Referring to figure 4, the tensioning system comprises of 2 cogs, 4.2 and 4.3 in Figure 4 and an axle that can be locked off with a spring loaded finger 4.7 in Figure 4. When the finger is engaged, the axle can only be turned one way to increase tension.

To release, a ring pull, 4.6 in Figure 4, is pulled outward, thereby releasing the finger from the one way axle and allowing the cogs to move freely. The ring pull is spring loaded, per 4.8 in Figure 4, and snaps back in place when released thereby preventing loss of further tension.

Referring to Figure 5, this figure articulates the cooling features of the design. In 5.1 of Figure 5, the cross-sectional view identifies the housing to a cooling fan. The cooling fan, 5.2 in Figure 5, draws air upward from the vent, 5.3 in Figure 5, and promotes the cool air upward. This air flow is pushed out the top of the post at the vent marked 5.4 in Figure 5. The airflow supports a traditional convection airflow and cools the camera as it passes over the device and out of the post.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many alternative,

2018101018 24 Jul 2018 modifications and variations in light of the foregoing description are possible. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternative, modifications and variations as may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as disclosed.

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EDITORIAL NOTE

There is 1 page in the claims only.

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Claims

The claims defining the present invention are as follows:

1. A 360-degree camera system for installation in a tennis net post comprising;

net posts, the system including: two videos360-degree cameras at least two net posts each having a hollow configured to receive one of the at least two 360-degree cameras and a net post opening on a court facing surface of the net post; a transmitter for transmitting data captured by the 360-degree cameras to a remote receiver; and a processor for processing the data captured by the 360-degree cameras to provide a 360-degree broadcast.
2. 360-degree camera system according to claim 1, wherein the at least two 360-degree cameras are installed in adjacent net posts.
3 360-degree camera system according to claim 1, further including a mounting for supporting a 360-degree camera and the associated cooling device within the hollow,

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Figure 1

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FIGURE 2

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FIGURE 3

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FIGURE 4

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FIGURE 5