AU2018408979A1

AU2018408979A1 - Lighting system for sports

Info

Publication number: AU2018408979A1
Application number: AU2018408979A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Dominic Michael; Alexander Wall
Original assignee: Connected Sports Tech Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Connected Sports Technologies Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2018-02-16
Filing date: 2018-08-14
Publication date: 2020-09-10
Also published as: WO2019157551A1

Abstract

A lighting system for use during sporting events, and particularly, a lighting system that provides enhanced crowd engagement during a sports match or game.

Description

LIGHTING SYSTEM FOR SPORTS

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting system for use during sporting events. In particular, the invention relates to a lighting system that provides enhanced crowd engagement during a sports match or game.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Many sports, for example, the various codes of football, cricket and hockey, are played in large stadiums or on large sports fields. Even for a particularly exciting game, it can be difficult to maintain spectator engagement. This is especially the case where the on-field action is taking place at a distant part of the stadium or field.

[0003] One option for addressing this problem is the provision of large screens which not only show the current play but are used for action replays. However, there still remains a need to enhance crowd engagement, or provide an enhanced spectator experience, whether the spectator is actually at a live event, or watching a broadcast event in a distant location (such as in a pub or at home).

[0004] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0005] The present invention is directed to a lighting system for use during sporting events, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0006] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a lighting system for use during sporting events, the system comprising:

(a) a plurality of light sources;

(b) at least one power source; and

(c) a control mechanism, wherein the at least one power source provides power to the plurality of light sources, and the control mechanism is in electronic communication with the plurality of light sources, such that the control mechanism operates to activate one or more of the plurality of light sources.

[0007] In an alternative form, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a method of enhancing spectator engagement during a sports event, the method comprising:

(a) providing a lighting system comprising (i) a plurality of light sources, (ii) at least one power source, and (iii) a control mechanism, wherein the control mechanism is in electronic communication with the plurality of light sources;

(b) connecting the at least one power source to the plurality of light sources to provide power to the plurality of light sources;

(c) operating the control mechanism to activate one or more of the plurality of light sources.

[0008] The plurality of light sources can be any suitable form. For example, each light source can be an individual light, or a light source can be in the form of a strip light. The plurality of light sources can comprise a combination of light sources such that the lighting system comprises individual lights and strip lights.

[0009] Each of the plurality of light sources can be any suitable light source, such as a fluorescent light or a light emitting diode (LED). The lighting system can therefore comprise a combination of different light sources. Preferably, each of the light sources is an LED, due to their energy efficiency, durability and light quality.

[0010] The light sources can be placed anywhere in the field of play. To maximise the opportunities for spectator engagement, it is preferable for the light sources to be placed in multiple locations.

[0011] The light sources can be placed on the ground. For example, on a cricket field, light sources can be placed at one or more of the following positions: multiple locations on the boundary; multiple locations around the circle dividing the infield from the outfield.

[0012] Alternatively, or in addition, the light sources can be placed on stadium

infrastructure. For example, the light sources can be placed at multiple locations on any grandstands or seating structures.

[0013] In a further alternative, or in addition, the light sources can be placed on any sports - specific equipment. Again, using cricket as an example, although the invention is by no means limited to use in cricket, light sources can be placed on one or more of the following pieces of equipment: the stumps; the bails; on the reverse of the bat.

[0014] Where the sport is football, such as, but not limited to, Australian Rules, Rugby League, or Rugby Union, light sources can be placed on the goal posts. On a soccer pitch, light sources can be placed on the goal posts and/or crossbars, or on the comer flags.

[0015] The at least one power source for providing power to the plurality of light sources can be any suitable power source known in the art. One or more of the light sources can be solar powered. A light source can alternatively be powered by a battery, preferably a rechargeable battery. The light sources can be a combination of solar powered or battery powered. The light sources can also be wired to an alternative power source, such as mains power. How each light source is powered and whether or not a combination of different power sources is used for light sources at a particular stadium or sports field will be dependent on the characteristics and ease of installation at the particular location.

[0016] Preferably, the control mechanism is a remote control mechanism. The remote control mechanism can comprise one or more remote control buttons, wherein each button is wirelessly connected to one or more of the light sources. Each remote control button can be programmed to activate the associated light sources in any particular way. For example a button could be programmed such that on pressing the button, the associated light sources light up in sequence, in unison or in any other desired pattern.

[0017] The remote control mechanism could alternatively, or in addition to, include a software program or mobile device application (‘app’). The software or app can be programmed such that the light sources can be controlled to light up in any desired sequence or pattern. In one embodiment, the software or app can be programmed to illuminate each light source in any desired colour. [0018] For example, where a goal (worth 6 points) is scored in Australian Rules football, the control mechanism could be programmed to illuminate light sources on the inner two goal posts. The colour of the light sources could be any particular colour, such as green to indicate success, the dominant colour of the scoring team’s jumper (and therefore indicative of the team’s colour), or a combination of colours. Illumination of the light sources on the inner two goal posts could be activated automatically, using sensors associated with the inner goal posts, or the illumination could be manually activated.

[0019] Where a behind (worth 1 point) is scored in Australian Rules football, the control mechanism could be programmed to illuminate light sources on the outer two goal posts. The colour of the light sources could be any particular colour, such as red to indicate not as good as a goal, the dominant colour of the scoring team’s jumper (and therefore indicative of the team’s colour), or a combination of colours. Illumination of the light sources on the outer two goal posts could be activated automatically, using sensors associated with the outer goal posts, or the illumination could be manually activated.

[0020] Other options for spectator engagement in Australian Rules football include, but are not limited to, a particular combination of lights/colours on the goal posts to signify the beginning of the game, the end of each quarter, and/or the end of the game.

[0021] Taking cricket as an alternative example, a particular combination of lights/colours on light sources at the boundary of the field and/or at the circle dividing the infield from the outfield could be used to signify the beginning of a match, a score, whether it be a‘4’ or a‘6’, when a batter reaches a half century, a century, and/or when a wicket is taken. Each type of event could be distinguished by a different combination of lights/colours to add to the spectator engagement.

[0022] Whilst specific examples have been given in relation to Australian Rules football and cricket, the invention is not intended to be limited to these two sports. The features of the invention are such that it can be applied to all sports that are played in a stadium or on a sports field.

[0023] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0024] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0026] Figure 1 is a top view of a cricket field showing the boundary line and the circle dividing the infield from the outfield, and the pitch.

[0027] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a sports field boundary pad fitted with a light source according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0028] Figure 3A is a transparent perspective view of a sports field boundary pad fitted with a light source and control module according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0029] Figure 3B is an exploded view of the sports field boundary pad, light source and control module of Figure 3 A.

[0030] Figure 4A is a transparent perspective view of a series of sports field boundary pads, each pad being fitted with a light source and control module according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0031] Figure 4B is a transparent perspective view of a series of sports field boundary pads, wherein each pad is fitted with a light source, and only alternative pads are fitted with a control module according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0032] Figure 5 is a transparent top view of a light source according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0033] Figure 6 A is a side view of the light source shown in Figure 5.

[0034] Figure 6B is a transparent side view of the light source shown in Figure 5.

[0035] Figure 7 is a bottom view of the light source shown in Figure 5.

[0036] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the light source shown in Figure 5.

[0037] Figure 9 is an exploded view of the light source shown in Figure 5. [0038] Figure 10 is a representation of an Australian Rules football goalpost with a light source according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0039] Figure 11 is a representation of Australian Rules football goalposts with light sources according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0040] Figure 12 is a representation of rugby goalposts with light sources according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0041] Figure 13 is a representation of an American football field goal structure with light sources according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0042] Figure 14 is a representation of a soccer goal structure with light sources according to an embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0043] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a lighting system for use during sporting events that provides enhanced crowd engagement is provided.

[0044] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the lighting system is used to provide enhanced crowd engagement during a cricket match. A top view of a cricket field 10 is shown in Figure 1, illustrating the boundary line 12, the circle 14 dividing the infield 16 from the outfield 18, and the pitch 20.

[0045] A perspective view of a portion of a sports field boundary pad 22 fitted with a light source 28 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 2. The boundary pad 22 can be used to mark the extent of any sports field. In the present Figures, the use of the boundary pad 22 is exemplified as marking the extent of a cricket field.

[0046] The boundary pad 22 has a hollow core 26 through which the boundary rope on a cricket field can pass, in order to secure the boundary pad 22 to the boundary rope. The boundary pad 22 has an LED 28 fixed to its uppermost surface. The LED strip 28 can be fixed to the boundary pad 22 using any suitable means, including adhesive or clips. The boundary pad 22 can further include an electronics control module 30 for controlling the LED strip 28. The electronics control module 30 is preferably fitted inside the boundary pad 22 to minimise damage of the module 30 from players, balls and/or the elements.

[0047] Typically, the boundary pad 22 is a continuous boundary delineating the extent of the cricket field, as shown by feature 12 in Figure 1. Returning to Figure 2, the LED strip 28 can be fixed to the entire boundary pad 22, allowing for the entire boundary to be lit. In various embodiments, different sections of the boundary pad 22 can be fitted with an LED strip 28, so that only portions of the boundary pad 22 can be lit.

[0048] A transparent perspective view of a sports field boundary pad 22 fitted with an LED strip 28 as the light source and a control module 30 for controlling the LED strip 28 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 3A. The sports field boundary pad 22 is shown with a boundary rope 27 passing through its centre. Although not shown in the Figure, the control module 30 includes a wireless receiver for wireless control of the control module 30 and thus wireless control of the LED strip 28.

[0049] An exploded view of the sports field boundary pad, light source and control module of Figure 3A is shown in Figure 3B with features numbered similarly.

[0050] A transparent perspective view of a series of sports field boundary pads 22 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 4A. Each sports field boundary pad 22 is fitted with an LED strip 28 and a control module 30 for controlling the LED strip 28. A boundary rope 27 passes through the centre of each sports field boundary pad 22. Although not shown in the Figure, the control module 30 includes a wireless receiver for wireless control of the control module 30 and thus wireless control of the LED strip 28.

[0051] A transparent perspective view of a series of sports field boundary pads 22, 22’ according to an alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 4B. Each sports field boundary pad 22, 22’ is fitted with an LED strip 28, 28’, but only alternative pads 22 are fitted with a control module 30 for controlling the LED strip 28. In this embodiment, each control module 30 controls two LED strips 28, 28’, the LED strip 28 of the associated sports field boundary pad 22, and the LED strip 28’ of an adjacent sports field boundary pad 22’.

[0052] A transparent top view of a light source 32 according to a further embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 5. The light source 32 is disc-shaped and can be made of any suitable material which is durable enough to be positioned on a sports field. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the disc-shaped light source 32 has a clear edge 34 so as to appear smaller when positioned on a grass sports field. Preferably, the top surface 36 of the disc-shaped light source 32 is a soft plastic such as a low-density polyethylene (LDPE), to lessen the risk of injury to players coming into contact with the light source 32. In an alternative embodiment, the top surface 36 is silicone rubber. In a further alternative embodiment, top surface 36 is a flexible polymer.

[0053] The base 38 of the disc-shaped light source 32 can be any suitable material, including metal or plastic. Preferably, the base 38 is made from a hard plastic and has mouldings to allow for positioning of electronics within the disc, between the base 32 and the top surface 36.

Suitable mouldings 40 are shown in the exploded view in Figure 9.

[0054] Returning to Figure 5, the mouldings 40 allow for the positioning of batteries 44 which provide power for the light 46. Although the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5 has three batteries 44 and one light 46, various embodiments are contemplated that have (i) a single battery 44 and a single light 46; (ii) a single battery 44 and a plurality of lights 46; (iii) a plurality of batteries 44 and a plurality of lights 46; or (iv) a plurality of batteries 44 and a single light 46.

[0055] A particularly preferred embodiment comprises at least one battery 44, a plurality of lights 46 and associated electronics, all encapsulated in a flexible polymer. This embodiment provides a soft surface for the disc 32 and thereby lessens the risk of injury to players coming into contact with the disc 32 and advantageously provides good diffusion of the light 46.

[0056] The base 38 can also have a spike that inserts into the ground to fix the disc 32 to a particular position on the field. Returning to Figure 1, disc-shaped light sources 32 can be positioned at intervals on the circle 14 on a cricket field. For example, disc-shaped light sources 32 can be positioned at intervals of about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 metres on the circle 14.

[0057] A side view of the light source 32 of Figure 5 is shown in Figure 6A. This view provides an indication of the low profile of the light source 32, which minimises interference to the players. The low profile of the light source 32 also minimises inadvertent interference and/or damage to the light source 32 by the players.

[0058] A transparent side view of the light source 32 of Figure 5 is shown in Figure 6B.

Like features of Figure 6A are numbered similarly. The transparent side view shows how the electronics and batteries 44 are positioned within the disc-shaped light source 32 between the base 32 and the top surface 36.

[0059] A bottom view of the disc-shaped light source 32 of Figure 5 is shown in Figure 7.

[0060] The transparent perspective view of the disc-shaped light source 32 of Figure 5 shown in Figure 8 provides a further illustration of how the electronics, batteries 44 and light 46 are positioned between the base 32 and the top surface 36. [0061] An exploded view of the disc-shaped light source 32 is shown in Figure 9. This view shows mouldings 40 on the base 38 that are used to position the electronics between the base 32 and the top surface 36. There are also mouldings 40 that act in cooperation with clip devices 42 to secure the top 36 to the base 38. Although the illustrated clip devices 42 are essentially male/female slip joint connections, any suitable means of securing the top 36 to the base 38 can be used.

[0062] A representation of an Australian Rules football goalpost 50 with a light source 52 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 10. The goalpost 50 has a light source 52 that extends the length of the post 50 and a battery 54 for providing power to the light source 52.

[0063] A representation of Australian Rules football goalposts 56 with light sources according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 11. The goal posts 58 and behind posts 60 have light sources that extend along the length of the posts.

[0064] A representation of rugby goalposts 64 with light sources according to an

embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 12. The uprights 66 and crossbar 68 have light sources that extend along the length of each upright 66 and the crossbar 68.

[0065] Figure 13 is a representation of an American football field goal structure 72with light sources according to an embodiment of the invention. The uprights 74 and crossbar 76 have light sources that extend along the length of each upright 74 and the crossbar 76.

[0066] Figure 14 is a representation of a soccer goal structure 80 with light sources according to an embodiment of the invention. The uprights 82 and crossbar 84 have light sources that extend along the length of each upright 82 and the crossbar 84.

[0067] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word‘comprising’ and its derivatives including‘comprises’ and‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0068] Reference throughout this specification to‘one embodiment’ or‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases‘in one embodiment’ or‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0069] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A lighting system for use during sporting events, the system comprising:

(a) a plurality of light sources;

(b) at least one power source; and

(c) a control mechanism,

wherein the at least one power source provides power to the plurality of light sources, and the control mechanism is in electronic communication with the plurality of light sources, such that the control mechanism operates to activate one or more of the plurality of light sources.

2. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein each light source is an individual light.

3. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein each light source is a strip light.

4. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of light sources comprises a combination of individual lights and strip lights.

5. The lighting system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each light source is a fluorescent light.

6. The lighting system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each light source is a light emitting diode (LED).

7. The lighting system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of light sources comprises a combination of fluorescent lights and LEDs.

8. The lighting system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the plurality of light sources are positioned at multiple locations on a sporting field.

9. The lighting system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the plurality of light sources are positioned on equipment utilized during a sports event.

10. The lighting system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the power source is solar power.

11. The lighting system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the power source is at least one battery.

12. The lighting system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the power source is mains power.

13. The lighting system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the power source is a combination of solar power and at least one battery.

14. The lighting system of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the control mechanism is a remote control mechanism.

15. The lighting system of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the control mechanism is a sensor mechanism.

16. The lighting system of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the control mechanism comprises wireless communication between the control mechanism and the plurality of light sources.

17. The lighting system of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the control mechanism enables the light sources to be activated in a desired sequence and/or pattern.

18. A method of enhancing spectator engagement during a sports event, the method comprising:

19. The method of claim 18, wherein each light source is an individual light.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein each light source is a strip light.

21. The method of claim 18, wherein the plurality of light sources comprises a combination of individual lights and strip lights.

22. The method of any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein each light source is a fluorescent light.

23. The method of any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein each light source is a light emitting diode (LED).

24. The method of any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the plurality of light sources comprises a combination of fluorescent lights and LEDs.

25. The method of any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the plurality of light sources are positioned at multiple locations on a sporting field.

26. The method of any one of claims 18 to 24, wherein the plurality of light sources are positioned on equipment utilized during the sports event.

27. The method of any one of claims 18 to 26, wherein the at least one power source is solar power.

28. The method of any one of claims 18 to 26, wherein the at least one power source is at least one battery.

29. The method of any one of claims 18 to 26, wherein the at least one power source is mains power.

30. The method of any one of claims 18 to 26, wherein the at least one power source is a combination of solar power and at least one battery.

31. The method of any one of claims 18 to 30, wherein the control mechanism is a remote control mechanism.

32. The method of any one of claims 18 to 30, wherein the control mechanism is a sensor mechanism.

33. The method of any one of claims 18 to 32, wherein the control mechanism comprises wireless communication between the control mechanism and the plurality of light sources.

34. The method of any one of claims 18 to 33, wherein the control mechanism enables the light sources to be activated in a desired sequence and/or pattern.