GB2574411A - A proximity registering apparatus - Google Patents
A proximity registering apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2574411A GB2574411A GB1809153.8A GB201809153A GB2574411A GB 2574411 A GB2574411 A GB 2574411A GB 201809153 A GB201809153 A GB 201809153A GB 2574411 A GB2574411 A GB 2574411A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- unit
- proximity
- target
- sensor
- throwing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 230000005294 ferromagnetic effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000002441 reversible effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002860 competitive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005672 electromagnetic field Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005670 electromagnetic radiation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003116 impacting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007373 indentation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000036963 noncompetitive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002035 prolonged effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002459 sustained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B63/00—Targets or goals for ball games
- A63B63/007—Target zones without opening defined on a substantially horizontal surface
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
- A63F9/02—Shooting or hurling games
- A63F9/0204—Targets therefor
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B67/00—Sporting games or accessories therefor, not provided for in groups A63B1/00 - A63B65/00
- A63B67/06—Ring or disc tossing games, e.g. quoits; Throwing or tossing games, e.g. using balls; Games for manually rolling balls, e.g. marbles
- A63B67/066—Ring or disc tossing games, e.g. quoits; Throwing or tossing games, e.g. using balls; Games for manually rolling balls, e.g. marbles using balls on a horizontal playing ground, e.g. petanque
- A63B67/068—Devices used therewith for measuring distance or difference in distance
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
- A63F9/02—Shooting or hurling games
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/80—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
- A63B2225/50—Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
- A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
- A63B71/0619—Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
- A63B71/0622—Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
- A63F9/24—Electric games; Games using electronic circuits not otherwise provided for
- A63F2009/2401—Detail of input, input devices
- A63F2009/2436—Characteristics of the input
- A63F2009/2442—Sensors or detectors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
- A63F9/24—Electric games; Games using electronic circuits not otherwise provided for
- A63F2009/2448—Output devices
- A63F2009/245—Output devices visual
- A63F2009/2451—Output devices visual using illumination, e.g. with lamps
- A63F2009/2454—Output devices visual using illumination, e.g. with lamps with LED
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
- A63F9/24—Electric games; Games using electronic circuits not otherwise provided for
- A63F2009/2448—Output devices
- A63F2009/245—Output devices visual
- A63F2009/2457—Display screens, e.g. monitors, video displays
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Biophysics (AREA)
- User Interface Of Digital Computer (AREA)
- Controls And Circuits For Display Device (AREA)
Abstract
A proximity registering apparatus for game-playing or the like comprises a base unit 1 and a throwing device 1010, wherein the device 1010 is arranged to be thrown towards the unit 1 and the apparatus is arranged to register an alert when the device 1010 approximates the unit 1, and registers how close the device 1010 and unit 1 approximate. It may be envisaged that the unit 1 is, at least in part, a target arranged for placement on a ceiling. The throwing device 1010 may be a ball. The apparatus may include a display unit 2. The unit 1 may include a central proximity sensor 3.
Description
A PROXIMITY REGISTERING APPARATUS
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a proximity registering apparatus, in particular apparatus for registering proximity of a throwing device such as a ball to a unit, or target; for game playing in particular but not exclusively.
Background
Increasing numbers of games or competitive or non-competitive past-times are available for people in many societies, with increasing digitalisation a significant factor.
However many users find that more simplistic and physical games or past-times are preferable, through nostalgia or a wish for more tangible or physically involving and sociable games.
As an example team sports are increasingly popular, as are board games. However both of these have problems, either requiring a significant number of other players, or a significant amount of space.
Prior Art
GB 2 526 338 (GROVES) discloses a game apparatus which comprises an elongate housing comprising at least one target area; the target area comprises a non-contact sensor which outputs a signal when a ball is detected within a detection area; the game apparatus also includes an indicator. The sensor may be an infrared sensor or an ultrasonic sensor; the sensor and indicator are preferably located within a recess in a longitudinal surface of the housing and the housing may be flexible. The apparatus may include a power source, a controller and an interface for connection to a display or user interface.
US 2006 0 183 576 (LINDSEY et al) discloses an electronic recording device that has an impact-activated playback function and a body adapted to allow the device sustained repeated physical impacts without damage to its internal components. In operation, a user records a message and then puts the device in motion by, for example, throwing or dropping it. The device plays back the message automatically upon impacting something. The message can any suitable type of recordable content, including audio content such a voice, music, noise, or any other sound and/or visual content, such as graphics, images, video or the like.
DE 4 327 433 (NAUL) discloses an arrangement for registering hits (strikes) during sporting activities, having a hit surface which has contact-sensitive sensors, the invention proposes a playing ball with an electrically conductive surface and sensors on the hit surface which are connected to two different electric terminals and are arranged alternately and at a distance from each other. In this way it is achieved that not every pressure loading of the hit surface leads to the indication of a hit, but that only contacts of the hit surface by the playing ball lead to an indicated hit. The arrangement according to the invention can therefore also be used in the case of sports in which teams act in the immediate vicinity of the hit surfaces.
The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.
Summary of the Invention
According to the present invention there is provided a proximity registering apparatus comprising a base unit and a throwing device, wherein the device is arranged to be thrown towards the unit and the apparatus is arranged to register an alert when the device approximates the unit, and registers how close the device and unit approximate.
In some embodiments the unit comprises a two-part unit, comprising a target unit and a display unit. In such embodiments therefore the target unit is arranged to act as a target for the device, and may comprise sensors for registering proximity of the device and the display unit may be arranged to display information relating to games or sensor activity at the target unit. The target unit and display unit may comprise wireless or wired connectivity.
In this way a user is enabled to play a game whereby they are enabled to either keep a record, or be informed in real-time about proximity statistics.
In some embodiments the unit, and/or device, may comprise a visual display means which enables display of images or numbers so as to demonstrate to the user the distance of the device from the unit at a closest point during a throw.
In some embodiments the apparatus comprises wireless connectivity, for example intermachine operability such as Bluetooth (RTM). In this way the apparatus may comprise or be enabled to comprises in use personal electronic equipment such as a computer or smartphone. In this way the equipment may be enabled to tabulate or compose statistics or game rounds or comparisons with the apparatus, for example enabling remote network play.
In some embodiments the apparatus may thereby be enabled to communicate with a third-party piece of electronic equipment, for example a mobile telephone such that the user is enabled to download statistics or data or upload controls.
In some embodiments the device comprises one or more proximity sensors arranged to recognise when the device approaches a structure.
The sensor or sensors may comprise an electromagnetic field or a beam of electromagnetic radiation (infrared, for instance), and look for changes in the field or return signal. The target of the proximity sensor may be the unit or the device. According to construction of the device/unit different proximity sensor targets demand different sensors. For example, a capacitive proximity sensor or photoelectric sensor might be suitable for a plastic target; an inductive proximity sensor for a metal target.
In some embodiments therefore the unit comprises one or more proximity sensors arranged to recognise when a structure approaches the unit.
In some embodiments the unit comprises an alert arranged to provide an alert upon identification by the sensor(s) when the unit and device are close.
In some embodiments the device comprises an alert arranged to provide an alert upon identification by the sensor(s) when the unit and device are close.
In some embodiments both the device and unit comprise alerts.
The alert may comprise an audible or visual alert, which may be local to the unit or device. For example the unit may be arranged to sound an alarm when the device touches the unit, or the device comes too close to the unit.
In some embodiments the device and unit may comprise a ferromagnetic or electromagnetic attraction. For example in some embodiments the attraction may be active if the device comes too close. For example the apparatus may be arranged to punish users who touch the device to the unit, for example by a prolonged period of electromagnetic attraction.
In some embodiments the device or unit may comprise a sleep mode, which may be disengaged by the target being within nominal range. In this way, for example the unit may be located permanently on an inaccessible location such as a ceiling.
A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:
Brief Description of Figures
Figures 1 show isometric views of embodiments of a target unit and a display unit respectively, with a standard throwing device such as a ball forming an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;
Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the target unit as shown in Figure 1a;
Figure 3 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the display unit as shown in Figure 1b;
Figure 4 shows an isometric exploded view of the target unit shown in Figure 1a;
Figure 5 shows a reverse isometric exploded view of the target unit shown in Figure 1a;
Figure 6 shows an isometric exploded view of the target unit shown in Figure 1b;
Figure 7 shows a reverse isometric exploded view of the target unit shown in Figure 1b;
And
Figures 8 to 11 show sketch views of further embodiments of the apparatus according to the present invention, subject to later formalisation or removal as appropriate.
Detailed Description of Figures
With reference generally to the figures there is generally shown embodiments of the apparatus comprising a proximity registering apparatus comprising a base unit and a throwing device, wherein the device is arranged to be thrown towards the unit and the apparatus is arranged to register an alert when the device approximates the unit, and registers how close the device and unit approximate.
In particular reference to the embodiment shown in Figure 1 there is shown an embodiment of the apparatus 99 comprising a standard ball device 1010 for throwing, and a two part unit comprising a target unit 1 for placement on a ceiling, wired in use to a display unit 2, which display unit 2 is arranged to be placed on a wall, and comprises controls 7, 8 for game recording, setup and data access.
In this way any form of throwing device may be utilised and the electronics are housed in relatively longer-lasting units.
The units may be electrically wired to a mains electrical source, as in the pictured embodiment of the apparatus, or may be battery powered.
The display unit 2 comprises two sets of controls 7, 8 which may be pre-programmed or multi-purpose, so as to allow a user to set a variety of game controls, styles and setups, and so as to allow for interaction with respect to data obtained from use, as well as for example enabling resets of statistics or data.
The display unit 2 further comprises a printed circuit board 18, and a light emitting diode display screen 4 which shows the options for the game, data or the controls.
In some embodiments as pictured the display unit may comprise an alert means, for example with reference to data received from the target unit and processed locally.
In some embodiments as pictured the target unit may comprise an alert means, for example with reference to proximity of the device in use.
The target unit comprises a light emitting diode annular ring 14, surrounding and to highlight the proximity sensor 15, which is located centrally in a substantially circular disc-like target device housing 5, in a conical indentation 16 to define a preferred approach for the device, having a slot 17 for the sensor sensing.
The housing 5 comprises a screw thread formation 11 and adhesive strips 12 for securing on a ceiling.
The display unit 2 comprises a rectangular housing 9 held together with screws 10 and two self-adhesive wall securement tabs 13.
With reference to embodiment shown in Figures 8 and 9, wherein Figure 9 shows an exploded view of the throwing device and a charging dock as shown in Figure 8, and in reference to the embodiment shown in Figure 10, there are shown embodiments which comprise bespoke throwing devices, comprising circuitry and the proximity sensors. Such devices may form the apparatus wherein a target unit may be a thirdparty provided unit such as an adhesive sticker.
With reference to the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the apparatus further comprises a charging dock, such that the device may be charged when the apparatus is not in use. Advantageously embodiments such as this are less intrusive in the user’s space when not in use, and may be more portable.
With reference to the embodiment shown in Figure 10 the apparatus comprises a bespoke target unit configured for use with two electro-magnetic sensing coils.
The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.
Claims (9)
1. A proximity registering apparatus comprising a base unit and a throwing device, wherein the device is arranged to be thrown towards the unit and the apparatus is arranged to register an alert when the device approximates the unit, and registers how close the device and unit approximate.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the throwing device is a known ball, available separately.
3. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the unit comprises a target unit and a display unit.
4. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the unit comprises a central proximity sensor.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the sensor is surrounded by a light source.
6. Apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising wireless connectivity.
7. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the throwing device comprises a proximity sensor.
8. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the unit comprises a third-party provided unit.
9. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the unit comprises a ferromagnetic plate and the device comprises an electro-magnetic sensing coil.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1809153.8A GB2574411A (en) | 2018-06-05 | 2018-06-05 | A proximity registering apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1809153.8A GB2574411A (en) | 2018-06-05 | 2018-06-05 | A proximity registering apparatus |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB201809153D0 GB201809153D0 (en) | 2018-07-18 |
| GB2574411A true GB2574411A (en) | 2019-12-11 |
Family
ID=62872758
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1809153.8A Withdrawn GB2574411A (en) | 2018-06-05 | 2018-06-05 | A proximity registering apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2574411A (en) |
Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KR20030066283A (en) * | 2002-02-01 | 2003-08-09 | 온스그래픽(주) | Throwing game machine |
| WO2004071596A1 (en) * | 2003-02-14 | 2004-08-26 | Talis Bachmann | Game of skill |
| US20060267286A1 (en) * | 2005-05-27 | 2006-11-30 | Hickey Charles P | Game set including projectiles with internal distance measuring means |
| US20070078018A1 (en) * | 2005-09-30 | 2007-04-05 | Norman Kellogg | Golf range with automated ranging system |
| WO2012137231A1 (en) * | 2011-04-08 | 2012-10-11 | Bertoli Giacomo | Impact board with individually damped movable panel inserts |
-
2018
- 2018-06-05 GB GB1809153.8A patent/GB2574411A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KR20030066283A (en) * | 2002-02-01 | 2003-08-09 | 온스그래픽(주) | Throwing game machine |
| WO2004071596A1 (en) * | 2003-02-14 | 2004-08-26 | Talis Bachmann | Game of skill |
| US20060267286A1 (en) * | 2005-05-27 | 2006-11-30 | Hickey Charles P | Game set including projectiles with internal distance measuring means |
| US20070078018A1 (en) * | 2005-09-30 | 2007-04-05 | Norman Kellogg | Golf range with automated ranging system |
| WO2012137231A1 (en) * | 2011-04-08 | 2012-10-11 | Bertoli Giacomo | Impact board with individually damped movable panel inserts |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB201809153D0 (en) | 2018-07-18 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |