WO2009140717A1

WO2009140717A1 - Sporting or amusement apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2009140717A1
Application number: PCT/AU2009/000587
Authority: WO
Inventors: Clare Heasly
Original assignee: Vot Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Vot Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2008-05-19
Filing date: 2009-05-12
Publication date: 2009-11-26
Anticipated expiration: 2010-11-19
Also published as: AU2018202421A1; GB2471636A; AU2009250323A1; AU2022201361A1; AU2020201389A1; GB201019347D0; NZ589146A; AU2016204874A1

Abstract

According to the present invention, there is provided a goal assembly including: a frame (11 ) defining the border or mouth of the goal; a controller (13); at least one scoring sensor (17) for detecting passage of a ball past the frame and into the goal, the sensor then providing a signal to the controller (13); and a visual display system including one or more light source (14 or 14'); the visual display system being activated by the controller (13) so as to provide a visual display. Preferably, the visual display incorporates a changing or non-static light pattern on part or all of the frame (1 1 ) or a post (12) or surface on which the frame is disposed. As well as the visual display system, the goal assembly may incorporate an audio transmitter (20) which is activated by the controller (13) so as to provide an audio transmission. The frame (11 ) may, for example, be a hoop (such as the ring of a netball goal or the hoop section of the basket of a basketball goal) or the frame forming the mouth of a soccer goal.

Description

SPORTING OR AMUSEMENT APPARATUS

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to sporting or amusement apparatus, and in particular a netball, basketball or soccer goal assembly with interactive features. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

There are many examples of sporting equipment (such as the equipment used on netball or basketball courts) which incorporate coaching features, or features to enhance player or spectator interest.

United States Patent No. 5,684,453 entitled "Basketball Training Apparatus" discloses electronic basketball training apparatus which incorporates a switch sensor in the net to sense when a goal is made, and laser beam sensors on the floor to locate the player's position. The apparatus computes statistics and results from the information provided by the sensors, so as to evaluate the player's performance. It can instruct the player by means of automated commands, and display or print off results and statistics. For example, the apparatus's display unit can provide an automatically varying display of visual representations in accordance with the player's results and statistics and, at the end of a training session, the player's statistics can be printed off so as to provide the player with feedback and encourage better play.

United States Patent No. 6,280,352 entitled "Apparatus and Method for Performing Timed Basketball Drills" discloses apparatus incorporating a basketball goal assembly and one or more goal return unit(s). A transmitter provides an encoded signal from the basketball goal assembly or the ball return unit(s) to a timer/counter. The timer/counter senses, processes, stores and displays a number of results or statistics, including the number of goals scored.

United States Patent No. 6,389,368 entitled "Basketball Goal Sensor for Detecting Shots Attempted and Made" discloses basketball score-keeping apparatus incorporating sensors or other detection devices for detecting and tracking a player's shooting characteristics. For example, the apparatus can track the trajectory of a basketball being shot at a goal, and can also track a player's shooting statistics. The apparatus may incorporate a display.

United States Patent Application No. 2005/0130772 entitled "Automated Ball Game Training and Playing System" discloses a ball game system for training and/or play comprising one or more playing area(s) suitably large to accommodate running and jumping players. The system includes a basketball hoop, an automatic ball feeder and sensors for monitoring the positions and trajectories of one or more players and/or balls on the playing area(s). The sensors provide to a computer system position and trajectory information relating to the player(s) and ball(s) on the playing area(s). In particular, a scoring sensor provides information as to whether a ball has passed through the hoop. From that information, the computer creates a visual display and/or audio output reflective of player performance. Visual display options include a visual display of the player's statistics, and audio output options include simulated crowd noise and training instruction in response to the player's measured performance. A camera may be incorporated for recording the player's performance.

International (PCT) Patent Application No. WO2004/009188 entitled "Apparatus for a Competitive Game involving a Basketball and Basketball Basket" discloses apparatus for measuring the performance of a basketball player aiming balls at a basket hoop alternately from different throwing zones. Photoelectric barriers measure the player's running performance and his/her height of jump during the throw. The baskets scored are also measured by sensors positioned on the basket hoop. A computer system evaluates the player's performance, and provides feedback to the player.

The present invention provides sporting or amusement apparatus with interactive features to add to its value as a coaching aid, and to enhance player or spectator interest. In particular, the present invention provides sporting or amusement apparatus which utilises audio and/or visual aids to stimulate and enhance play, instruction or training. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a goal assembly including:

(a) a frame defining the border or mouth of the goal;

(b) a controller;

(c) at least one scoring sensor for detecting passage of a ball past the frame and into the goal, said sensor then providing a signal to the controller; and

(d) a visual display system including one or more light source; the visual display system being activated by the controller so as to provide a visual display, and the visual display incorporating a changing or non-static light pattern on part or all of the frame or a post or surface on which the frame is disposed.

The frame may, for example, be a hoop (such as the ring of a netball goal or the hoop section of the basket of a basketball goal) or the frame forming the mouth of a soccer goal. In a second aspect, the present invention provides a goal assembly including:

(a) a substantially vertical post;

(b) a hoop disposed on the post;

(c) a controller;

(d) at least one scoring sensor for detecting passage of a ball through the hoop, and then providing a signal to the controller; and

(e) a visual display system including one or more light source; the visual display system being activated by the controller so as to provide a visual display, and the visual display incorporating a changing or non-static light pattern on part or all of the post and/or hoop. In a third aspect, the present invention provides a goal assembly including:

(a) a frame defining the border or mouth of the goal;

(b) a controller;

(c) at least one scoring sensor for detecting passage of a ball past the frame and into the goal, said sensor then providing a signal to the controller;

(d) a visual display system including one or more light source, and being activated by the controller so as to provide a visual display; and

(e) an audio transmitter activated by the controller so as to provide an audio transmission.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a goal assembly including:

(a) a substantially vertical post;

(b) a hoop disposed on the post;

(c) a controller;

(d) at least one scoring sensor for detecting passage of a ball through the hoop, and then providing a signal to the controller;

(e) a visual display system including one or more light source, and being activated by the controller so as to provide a visual display; and

(f) an audio transmitter activated by the controller so as to provide an audio transmission.

In a preferred embodiment, the goal assembly incorporates a hoop defining a substantially circular opening through which a ball passes in order to score a goal. The hoop can, for example, be the ring of a netball goal or the hoop section of the basket of a basketball goal. The hoop is preferably disposed on a substantially vertical goal post or on a generally flat surface such as a wall or board.

Alternatively, in the first and third aspects of the invention, the goal assembly can incorporate a soccer goal.

The scoring sensor(s) are disposed at any convenient location so as to enable the sensor(s) to detect when a goal is scored. In a preferred embodiment, they are located on the frame itself.

Alternatively, where a net is associated with the goal (e.g. in the case of basketball or soccer), the sensor(s) may be attached to the net. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a pictorial diagram illustrating a goal assembly according to the present invention, as used in the game of netball;

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the interaction of the various components of the goal assembly of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3A is a side view of a pictorial representation of a complete sporting system in use, the sporting system being according to the present invention and incorporating illuminated features; and

Figure 3B is a view from above of a pictorial representation of the complete sporting system of Figure 3A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The goal assembly will now be described in terms of preferred embodiments, which are illustrative, but not restrictive, of the present invention.

This goal assembly 10, depicted diagrammatically in Figures 1 and 2, is an entertainment and training tool which uses electronic audio and visual aids to stimulate and enhance both entertainment and training or instruction in the game of netball. Its design is based on a standard netball goal post.

A hoop 11 of standard dimensions is mounted at a regulation height from ground level on a substantially vertical post 12. The terms "standard dimensions" and "regulation height" relate to any requirements specified in the rules of the relevant game (in this case, netball).

The goal assembly incorporates a controller, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) 13, to control its many features.

These features may include, for example: • An array of light sources 14 on post 12; • A message/scoring display 15;

• A beacon 16;

• Scoring sensor(s) 17, which are conveniently located on or proximal to hoop 11 ;

• Audio detector(s) 18 (not shown in Figure 1 );

• Image recorder(s) such as a video camera 19; and

• Audio transmitter(s) 20.

Preferably, the apparatus will incorporate an automated electronic scoring system, in which the CPU 13 controls the message/scoring display 15, being an electronic Scoreboard (e.g. an LED numerical or alpha-numeric display), such that the score changes automatically in response to information/data received from scoring sensor(s) 17.

In a version of the apparatus which is adapted for two-team play, two goal post units are linked together. When a team scores, light sources 14 on one or both of the goal posts are activated to turn the goal post(s) the team colour(s) of the scoring team. In particular, when one team scores, the light sources 14 on the other goal post can be activated to turn that goal post the team colour(s) of the scoring team.

The sporting or amusement apparatus of this version may, for example, be a portable netball court, shaped similarly to a traditional netball court.

As shown in Figure 2, the apparatus of the present invention may also include one or more external CPU's 21. These external CPU's allow for additional external scoreboards 15', and for audio transmissions and video displays to be provided and controlled based on the information/data received and processed from one or two goal post units (for example, in the case of a goal assembly to be used for two-team play). These external message/scoring displays 15', external audio transmitters 20' and external video displays 22 can, for example, be provided at any desired remote location (for example, in the vicinity of spectator seating, for the convenience of spectators).

The apparatus of the present invention may further include one or more external hard drive (not shown), which may be used to store images recorded by an image recorder such as video camera 19.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 1 , at least the front surface (i.e. the side facing play) of post 12 is provided with an array of segmented light emitting diodes (LED's) 14 or other light sources. These LED's can, for example, be lit up in the team colour(s) of a team in play. The LED's can be set to flash on and off, and can be activated sequentially, to form a light sequence moving or "chasing" up and down the post. The rate at which the LED's flash or "chase" up and down the post can be controlled by the CPU 13, in response to audience or player input (as detected by one or more audio detector 18) or in response to a goal (as detected by one or more scoring sensor 17).

The hoop 11 may also be illuminated, for example by LED lighting 14'. This lighting may be static except for when a player scores a goal, at which time lights can be activated to flash intermittently or in a sequence so as, for example, to "chase" around the hoop.

The message/scoring displays 15,15' may conveniently be LED panels, which can function as scoreboards providing numerical or alpha-numeric displays on the post 12, and also at any desired remote location (for example, in the vicinity of spectator seating, for the convenience of spectators). Scoring sensor(s) 17, such as a micro-switch inside the hoop 11 , will provide a signal to CPU 13 to automatically change the score displayed on the scoreboards 15,15'.

An image recorder, such as a video camera 19, can be placed at any convenient location. For example, video camera 19 can be mounted at or proximal to the top of the post 12. This video camera can be used to take video footage of the players. Footage can be stored on the hard drive of an external CPU 21 , and played back as an aid to coaches, or to assist in instructing players/coaches. The footage can also be transmitted directly to external video displays 22, for the convenience of coaches and/or for the convenience and entertainment of spectators.

An audio transmitter 20, for example an audio board, can be placed at any convenient location. For example, it can be incorporated in the base of post 12. The audio transmitter can play (and repeatedly replay) pre-recorded music programs or themes, or music programs or themes transmitted from an external source. Vocal messages, for example messages of encouragement such as "great shot", "try again" etc., can be periodically transmitted through the audio transmitter 20, or may be transmitted in response to the scoring of a goal. These vocal messages may be pre-recorded or transmitted directly (e.g. by a coach or commentator) to audio transmitter 20 for re-transmission to players or spectators. For the convenience and entertainment of spectators, external audio transmitter(s) 20' can provide similar audio transmissions at any desired remote location (for example, in the vicinity of spectator seating).

An additional feature which may be incorporated is an audio detector 18, such as a sound-sensitive meter, which communicates with the CPU 13 so as to (for example) increase the intensity level of lighting on a post 12, or the rate at which lights flash or "chase" up and down the post, in response to audio input such as the cheering of spectators. CPU 13 and external CPU's 21 (if present) allow multiple goal assemblies to be linked to electronic scoreboards 15, 15' and to each other. For example, for two-team play, two goal posts 12 at opposite ends of a playing arena (such as a netball court) may be linked in this way, allowing appropriate visual displays and/or audio transmissions to be provided individually on each post.

Similarly, the lighting levels of two goal posts 12 at either end of the playing arena can be individually controlled, depending upon such factors as sound levels (e.g. spectator cheering), state of play or the score.

The following is a description of how a goal assembly according to the present invention may be used as a training aid, and to encourage player participation and enjoyment. It should be noted that this description is merely an example of one of the many possible ways in which the sporting or amusement apparatus of the present invention can be utilised.

At the start of play, light sources 14 (preferably, a segmented array of LED's) illuminate the goal post 12 in a single colour indicative of one of the teams at play. Light sources 14' (preferably LED's) similarly illuminate the hoop 11 in a single colour. Video camera 19 relays images (e.g. images of players) to be shown on video screens 22 and/or stored on an external hard drive. Beacon 16 is switched off, the audio transmitter 20 is silent, and the LED scoreboards 15, 15' indicate a zero score.

During play, and before any goals have been scored, the LED's 14 will illuminate goal post 12 with flashing lights or a changing pattern of colours flashing in sequence or "chasing" up and down the length of the post. Video camera 19 continues to relay images (e.g. images of players) to be shown on video screens 22 and/or stored on the external hard drive. Beacon 16 is switched off, and the LED scoreboards 15, 15' indicate a zero score. The audio transmitter 20 provides sound effects such as the sound of cheering or words of encouragement ("have a shot" etc.). Hoop 11 is illuminated in a single colour by LED's 14'.

During play, when a goal is scored, this is detected by scoring sensor(s) 17, such as a micro-switch inside the hoop 11. The LED's 14 illuminate goal post 12 with flashing lights in the team colour(s) of the team which scored the goal. These lights flash in sequence or "chase" up and down the length of the post. Video camera 19 relays images to be shown on video screens 22 and/or stored on the external hard drive, and can be set to provide action replays (i.e. to repeat images of, for example, the 5 seconds prior and after the goal was scored) on screens 22. Beacon 16 is switched on and flashing. The LED scoreboards 15, 15' display the updated score. The audio transmitter 20 provides sound effects such as the sound of cheering or words of encouragement ("great shot" etc.). Hoop 11 is illuminated in flashing lights by LED's 14'.

The sporting or amusement apparatus of the present invention may form part of a complete concept sporting system. For example, as illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B, the apparatus may be combined with such additional features as the use of a glowing/fluorescent ball 23, illuminated/fluorescent lines 24 on the playing arena, the wearing of illuminated/fluorescent uniforms 25 by the players etc. In a particularly preferred embodiment, these various features of illumination are combined to provide an illuminated court or rink 26 (e.g. an illuminated netball or basketball court or rink) forming part of a complete illuminated sporting system.

In a further preferred embodiment, the playing arena may incorporate video walls on the perimeter.

In order to facilitate better understanding of the invention, the present invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments, and with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted therein. It should however be appreciated that various modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the invention. Therefore, the invention should be understood to include all such modifications within its scope.

Claims

1. A goal assembly including:

(a) a frame defining the border or mouth of the goal;

(b) a controller;

2. A goal assembly according to Claim 1 , wherein the frame is a hoop.

3. A goal assembly according to Claim 1 , wherein the frame forms the mouth of a soccer goal.

4. A goal assembly including:

(a) a substantially vertical post;

(b) a hoop disposed on the post;

(c) a controller;

(d) at least one scoring sensor for detecting passage of a ball through the hoop, and thereupon providing a signal to the controller; and

(e) a visual display system including one or more light source; the visual display system being activated by the controller so as to provide a visual display, and the visual display incorporating a changing or non-static light pattern on part or all of the post and/or hoop.

5. A goal assembly according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, further including an audio transmitter activated by the controller so as to provide an audio transmission.

6. A goal assembly including:

(a) a frame defining the border or mouth of the goal; (b) a controller;

7. A goal assembly according to Claim 6, wherein the frame is a hoop.

8. A goal assembly according to Claim 6, wherein the frame forms the mouth of a soccer goal.

9. A goal assembly including:

(a) a substantially vertical post;

(b) a hoop disposed on the post;

(c) a controller;

10. A goal assembly according to Claim 2, 4, 7 or 9, wherein the hoop is the ring of a netball goal or the hoop section of the basket of a basketball goal.

11. A goal assembly according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, wherein the visual display system includes an electronic Scoreboard.

12. A goal assembly according to Claim 11 , wherein the score shown on the electronic Scoreboard changes automatically in response to information or data transmitted from the scoring sensor(s) to the controller and processed by the controller.

13. A goal assembly according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, wherein the light source(s) include light emitting diodes (LED's).

14. A goal assembly according to any one of Claims 1 to 13, further including at least one image recorder.

15. A goal assembly according to Claim 14, wherein the image recorder(s) are video camera(s).

16. A goal assembly according to Claim 14 or 15, further including video display screens for displaying material recorded by the image recorder(s).

17. A goal assembly according to any one of Claims 1 to 16, wherein the visual display system includes an array of light sources which is activatable by the controller to provide a light sequence moving along part or all of the frame, hoop or post of the goal assembly.

18. A goal assembly according to any one of Claims 1 to 17, wherein the visual display system includes light sources in the team colour(s) of a team of players.

19. A goal assembly according to any one of Claims 1 to 18, further including at least one audio detector.

20. A goal assembly according to any one of Claims 1 to 19, substantially as described herein and with reference to any of Figures 1 , 2, 3A and 3B.

21.A combination of two goal assemblies according to any one of Claims 1 to 20, adapted for two- team play, and wherein the two goal assemblies are linked together.

22.A combination of two goal assemblies according to Claim 21 wherein, when one team scores a goal, the light sources on one or both of the goal assemblies are activated to turn the goal assembly / assemblies the team colour(s) of the scoring team.

23.A combination of two goal assemblies according to Claim 21 or 22 wherein, when one team scores a goal, the light sources on the other goal assembly are activated to illuminate that goal assembly in the team colour(s) of the scoring team.

24.A combination of two goal assemblies according to any one of Claims 21 to 24, substantially as described herein and with reference to either of Figures 3A and 3B.