WO1997041649A1 - A system for using a microphone with an object at a sporting event - Google Patents
A system for using a microphone with an object at a sporting event Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1997041649A1 WO1997041649A1 PCT/US1997/006565 US9706565W WO9741649A1 WO 1997041649 A1 WO1997041649 A1 WO 1997041649A1 US 9706565 W US9706565 W US 9706565W WO 9741649 A1 WO9741649 A1 WO 9741649A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- transmitter
- microphone
- base
- baseball
- baseball base
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B7/00—Radio transmission systems, i.e. using radiation field
- H04B7/02—Diversity systems; Multi-antenna system, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas
- H04B7/04—Diversity systems; Multi-antenna system, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas using two or more spaced independent antennas
- H04B7/08—Diversity systems; Multi-antenna system, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas using two or more spaced independent antennas at the receiving station
Definitions
- the present invention is directed to a system for using a microphone in an object at a sporting event.
- the present invention is directed to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.
- the present invention provides for a system for using a microphone with an object on the playing field at a sporting event.
- the system roughly described, includes a microphone and a transmitter, both of which are mounted to the object.
- the object is adapted to be attached in a fixed position to the playing field.
- the system also includes an antenna connected to the transmitter for transmitting an RF signal to a receiver.
- the transmitter, the antenna and the microphone are mounted within the object such that they do not obtrusively protrude outside the object and interfere with the view or play of the sporting event.
- the present invention can be used with various objects at various sporting events.
- One embodiment of the present invention includes a base for use during a baseball game.
- the base includes a base body, a transmitter disposed within the base body, and a microphone disposed within the base body and connected to the transmitter.
- One alternative includes an antenna connected to the transmitter and a grill covering the microphone.
- the transmitter and the microphone can be individually covered with protective coverings in order to shield these devices from dust and/or moisture.
- a second embodiment baseball base has an outside surface and a channel along a portion of the outside surface.
- the microphone is located in the channel.
- the channel is at least partially filled with a non-noisemaking substance. Placing the microphone in a channel on the outside surface of the base helps prevent the microphone from detecting noises due to the compression of the base when the base is stepped on by a player.
- the second embodiment baseball base includes a shell, a pad inside the shell and a baseplate.
- the channel housing the microphone is in the shell.
- the system also includes a transmitter which is connected to the microphone.
- the system includes a protective box secured to the baseplate and a cover removably attached to the protective box. Sealing material is placed between the cover and the protective box.
- the transmitter is housed within the protective box such that the transmitter is protected from moisture and dust.
- each transmitter transmits an RF signal at a different frequency.
- the transmitter frequencies are selectable from a predetermined set of frequencies.
- a mixer can be used to choose which, if any, of the audio signals are to be inserted into the broadcast signal for television/radio broadcast.
- FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a first embodiment baseball base according to the present invention.
- Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the baseball base of Figure 1.
- Figure 3 is a view of the bottom of the baseball base of Figure 1.
- Figure 4 is a view of the bottom of a second embodiment baseball base.
- Figure 5 is a side view of the baseball base of Figure 4.
- Figure 6 is a top view of the protective box depicted in Figure 4.
- Figure 7 is a side view of the protective box depicted in Figure 4.
- Figure 8 is a block diagram of a system which can use the baseball base of the present invention.
- Figure 1 shows a baseball base 10 which utilizes the current invention.
- Base 10 can be used as first base, second base or third base. It is also contemplated that the principles of the current invention could be used in a pitcher's mound, home plate or other object on the field at a sporting event.
- Base 10 which is of the standard dimensions and feel of regulation baseball bases, includes a base body 11 having a top surface 12 and four side surfaces
- Dotted line 18 represents a cavity 34 (see Figure 2) inside base 10.
- transmitter 20 is an RF transmitter.
- Transmitters which utilize other spectrums are also within the spirit of the present invention.
- One example of an RF transmitter suitable for this application is the SK250 UHF tunable transmitter sold by Sennheiser. The frequency range of the SK250 is 450-
- Transmitter 20 is powered by three AA batteries. Alternatively, transmitter 20 can be powered by a NiCad or other suitable battery. Transmitter 20 is approximately 4.6" x 2.4" x 0.7.” In the embodiment of Figures 1-3, transmitter 20 is completely covered by a plastic sleeve in order to protect against moisture and dust.
- Antenna connector 22 connects transmitter 20 to antenna 23, which is a whip antenna that is supplied with the SK250. Antenna 23 extends into base body 11. Other antennas that fit unobtrusively within base 10 can also be used; for example, a flat mesh antenna, a ribbon style antenna, a dipole antenna made from a flexible material and other antennas can be used. The inventors contemplate that alternative transmitters may not need an external antenna.
- Microphone connector 24 connects transmitter 20 to microphone 26. Microphone 26 is miniature high quality microphone. Examples of microphones suitable for this application includes the MKE 2, MKE 102 and MKE 104 all sold by Sennheiser, or other similar microphones.
- Microphone 26 is approximately 3/16 of an inch in diameter with a length of 1/4 of an inch, and is mounted so that the front of microphone 26 is flush with side 14.
- An optional protective coating can be placed in front of microphone 26 to protect microphone 26 from dust and moisture.
- One example of a suitable protective covering is a latex membrane.
- the inventors note that a protective coating in front of the microphone could effect the performance of the microphone.
- Mounted in front of microphone 26 is a square shaped grill 28, having sides approximately 1/4 of an inch long. Although grill 28 is mounted on surface 14, part of surface 14 is carved out and grill 28 is thin so that it appears to be flush with surface 14.
- microphone 26 can be mounted in a slightly recessed position so that grill 28 can be mounted flush with surface 14.
- grill 28 is the same color as surface 14.
- Transmitter 20 and microphone 26 are shown by dotted lines in Figure 1 because they are not visible when looking at base 10 from a perspective view.
- Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of base 10 which shows how the components are mounted in base 10.
- the interior of base body 11 is made of a foam compound or any other suitable material.
- Inside base 10 is a cavity 34. Cavity 34 is open at its bottom so that if base 10 is turned upside down, cavity 34 can be accessed.
- baseplate 36 is defined by baseplate 36 and the ground.
- Baseplate 36 is a metal structure that has four sides and a top, similar to an upside down square cup. The edges between the sides and the top are rounded.
- each side of baseplate 36 is a metal side plate.
- Figure 2 shows side plate 38 and side plate 40.
- Transmitter 20 is mounted to baseplate 36 using a retaining bar 30 and a tye wrap 32.
- Retaining bar 30 is an extruded aluminum channel used to support the rear end of transmitter 20 and to seal the plastic sleeve covering transmitter 20.
- Tye wrap 32 is a plastic band that cannot be loosened without breaking after it has been tightened and secured.
- Two holes (35 and 37) are drilled through baseplate 36 so that tye wrap 32 can be threaded around transmitter 20, through one of the holes 35 in baseplate 36, through interior 29 and out the other hole 37 in baseplate 36; thereby, holding transmitter 20 securely against baseplate 36.
- the holes (35 and 37) in baseplate 36 have a diameter of 3/8 of an inch and include rubber grommets.
- tye wrap 32 is shown wrapped around the length of transmitter 20, it can also be wrapped around the width of transmitter 20 instead of or in addition to the length.
- the arrangement shown in Figure 2 allows for access to the transmitter for programming, repair, etc.
- Other mounting schemes can be used to secure transmitter 20 to baseplate 36 including schemes that do not use tye mounts or retaining bars. Additionally, transmitter 20 can be secured within bases that do not have a baseplate. 1649 PC17US97/06565
- Microphone 26 sits inside interior 29.
- One method for positioning microphone 26 is to drill a hole from cavity 34 into interior 29 and inserting the microphone into the drilled hole.
- FIG. 3 shows the bottom of base 10. Microphone 26 is shown dotted because it is inside base 10 and cannot be seen from the bottom of base 10.
- FIG. 3 shows the side plates 38, 40, 42 and 44 which were referenced above with respect to Figure 2.
- the side plates are Vi inch wide and have a length equal to a side of the baseplate. Note that there is a 1/4 inch gap between the side plates and the baseplate 36.
- the side plates are used for support in the base.
- the current invention will work with bases that do not have side plates.
- Figure 4 shows a view of the bottom of a second embodiment baseball base 200, which is of standard dimensions and feel of regulation baseball bases.
- a baseball base that can be modified (as described below) to utilize the present invention is the Jack Corbett model baseball base from Hollywood Bases, Inc.
- the outside surface of baseball base 200 is defined by a rubber shell or cover 202. which surrounds the top and sides of baseball base 200.
- Shell 202 has a large opening on the bottom of the base which provides access to metal baseplate 204. Enclosed within shell 202 and above baseplate
- 204 is a pad or cushion (not shown in the drawings). When a player steps on base 200, the pad compresses.
- Baseplate 204 is attached to shell 202 using bars 206, 208, 210 and 212. Each of the bars has three holes which line up with holes in shell 202. Screws 216 are threaded through the holes in bars 208, 210, 212 and 214 and the corresponding holes in shell 202; thereby, securing baseplate 204 to shell 202.
- Welded to the center of baseplate 204 is a metal post support 220. Mounted to post support 220 is a metal mounting post 222, which is used to secure baseball base 200 to the playing field.
- Carved in the bottom of shell 202 is channel 230. Housed inside channel 230 is a microphone 232. Microphone 232 can be the same type as microphone 26, or another microphone of suitable size and quality. Microphone 232 is encapsulated with a non-noisemaking gel that absorbs vibration.
- a suitable gel is Vibration Abso ⁇ tion Gel
- a non-noisemaking substance is used so that if the substance is compressed or subject to another force, it will not create a sound which will be detected by microphone 232. If microphone 232 is placed within the pad, the microphone may detect the sound of air rushing out of the pad when a runner steps on the base and the pad compresses. The gel is applied so that it does not interfere with the microphone's ability to detect sounds. Channel 230 is also filled with silicone to secure the microphone in place. Since rubber shell 202 is traditionally white, a white silicone should be used. The silicone is applied so that it does not block the front of microphone 232 and does not interfere with the microphone's ability to detect sounds.
- Base 200 has an outside surface. A majority of the outside surface of base 200 is rubber shell 202. Other portions of the outside surface include exposed portions of baseplate 204. Channel 230 is carved out of rubber shell 202; therefore, channel is along a portion of the outside surface of the base.
- Bases using structural arrangements other than a shell can still have an outside surface for locating the channel.
- Figure 5 is a side view of the baseball base 200. As can be seen from Figure 5, the outside surface of base 200 includes a top surface 240, a bottom surface 242 and four side surfaces (one side surface 244 is shown in Figure 5).
- Bottom surface 242 corresponds to the surface shown in Figure 4. As can be seen from Figure 4, microphone 232 does not protrude from outside surface 244. As can be seen from Figure 5, microphone 232 does not protrude from outside surface 242.
- rubber shell is one continuous rubber member. In one embodiment, bottom surface 242 is not completely flat. Thus, microphone 232 may protrude from a first part of the bottom surface while not protruding a second part of the surface. In order for the base to be properly positioned on the ground, it is advantageous for microphone 232 to not protrude from the lowest part of bottom surface 242.
- a visible outside surface is defined as the portions of the outside surface that are visible when the base is installed on the playing field.
- mounting post 222 is in the ground and bottom surface 242 is not visible.
- the only outside surfaces that are visible when base 200 is installed in the ground are the side surfaces and top surface 240.
- Base 200 also includes a protective box 250 attached to baseplate 204 via screws 252 and 254 (see Figure 4).
- Protective box 250 is used to hold transmitter 264 (see Figure 6) and protect transmitter 264 from contaminants, while allowing easy access to transmitter 264 for maintenance pu ⁇ oses.
- protective box 250 is mounted such that a portion of protective box
- Protective box 250 is below the surface of baseplate 204 and a portion is above the surface of baseplate 204.
- Protective box 250 includes two holes 256 and 258 (depicted as dotted lines in Figure 6) that allow wires to be threaded from the inside of protective box 250 to the outside of the box.
- RF transmitter 264 which is connected to microphone 232 by wire 260.
- Wire 260 is connected to the transmitter, threaded through hole 256 in protective box 250, placed behind baseplate 204 and shell 202, and connected to microphone 232 through a hole in channel 232 of shell 202. Because a view of wire 260 is blocked by baseplate 204, wire 260 is shown as a dotted line.
- antenna 262 Also connected to transmitter 264 via hole 258 is also a wire.
- Transmitter 264 can be the same type of transmitter as transmitter 20, or another suitable alternative that fits within the base and can properly transmit the signal from the microphone.
- Cover 262 Removably attached to protective box 250 is a cover 262. It is advantageous that cover 262 be removably attached to box 250 so that transmitter 20 can be easily accessed for maintenance pu ⁇ oses.
- Cover 262 is removably attached to protective box 250 via four screws 266.
- Cover 262 is machined such that it has four small holes next to larger holes. In Figure 5 the small hole is filled by screws 266 and the larger is denoted by reference numeral 268. Screws 266 are threaded through the small holes in cover 262 and into holes 270 in protective box 250.
- Cover 262 can be removed from protective box 250 by loosening (but not necessarily removing) screws 266, sliding cover 262 in the direction of arrow 272 and lifting cover 262 such that the heads of screws 266 pass through large holes 268.
- Protective box 250 and cover 262 are preferably made of PVC; however, other materials may also be suitable (e.g. aluminum, etc.).
- cover 262 can be removably attached to protective box 250 using butterfly hinges that fold down to become at least partially flush with the top surface of cover 262.
- the butterfly hinges act as a quick release which may be easier to use than the four screws.
- An additional alternative includes using a zeuss fastener or quarter turn quick disconnect fastener.
- FIG. 6 shows a top view of protective box 250 after cover 262 has been removed.
- transmitter 264 Inside protective box 250 is transmitter 264.
- a tab 276 By pulling on tab 276, transmitter 264 can be removed from protective box 250.
- Transmitter 264 has a control panel 278, which includes switches to turn on, change the gain of and change the frequency of the transmitter.
- connectors 280 and 282. At one end of transmitter 264 are connectors 280 and 282.
- Connector 282 couples transmitter 264 to antenna 262, which passes through hole 258.
- rubber sealing material 284 Surrounding wire antenna 262 and abutting hole 258 is rubber sealing material 284 which is used to prevent contaminants (e.g. water, dust, etc.) from entering hole 258.
- Connector 280 couples transmitter 264 to wire 260.
- Wire 260 passes through hole 256.
- Sealing material 286 abuts both sides of hole 256 and lines the inside of hole 256.
- An example of an appropriate sealing material is rubber; however, other suitable sealing materials may be used.
- Surrounding wire 260 and abutting sealing material 286 is a second sealing material 288.
- Sealing material 288 can also be rubber.
- a third sealing material 290 surrounds wire 260 and abuts both connector 280 and sealing material 288. Sealing material 290 is siinilar to sealing material 284. The sealing materials 286, 288 and 290 are used to prevent contaminants from entering protective box 250.
- Figure 7 is a side view of protective box 250, looking at side 294.
- Figure 7 shows baseplate 204 as a dashed line. A rectangle is cut out of baseplate 204 so that protective box 250 can be inserted through the cut out rectangle. As can be seen, a portion of protective box 250 is below baseplate 204 and a portion is above baseplate 204. Protective box 250 is secured to baseplate 204 using screws 252 and 254 which secures lip 292 of protective box
- Protective box 250 to baseplate 204.
- Protective box 250 also includes ledge 294 which is in contact with baseplate 204.
- sealing material 252 Between cover 262 and protective box 250 is sealing material 252.
- a suitable sealing material is a neoprene gasket.
- Figure 8 is a block diagram of one exemplar system 300 which can be used with three baseball bases 302b, 304b and 306.
- the three bases can utilize the technology described above with respect to base 10 or base 200. It is assumed, but not necessary, that base 302b is first base, base 304b is second base and base 306b is third base. Note that there is no difference between the bases other than that each base is programmed to transmit on a different frequency. Each base transmits its signal on a different frequency so that the signal can be distinguished. Furthermore, different sets of frequencies may be used in different cities because the spectrum allocation can vary on a city by city basis.
- System 300 includes three receivers 302r, 304r and 306r. Receiver 302r is tuned to receive the signal from base 302b via antenna 308. Receiver 304r is tuned to receive the signal from base 304b via antenna 310. Receiver
- 306r is tuned to receive the signal from base 306b via antenna 312.
- Many suitable RF receivers can be used.
- One exemplar receiver is the EM203 multi ⁇ channel receiver system sold by Sennheiser.
- the EM203 includes a chassis that houses three receivers. Each of the receivers sends a signal to mixer 316.
- Various alternatives include having the receivers filter, amplify or perform other operations on the received signal prior to transmission to mixer 316.
- a receiver can simply transmit the received signal to mixer
- some suitable receivers may not need an external antenna.
- Mixer 316 receives the signals (314, 318 and 320) from the three receivers (302r, 304r and 306r) as well as other audio sources (depicted by lines
- the other audio sources can include additional receivers, microphones, tape decks, disc players, etc.
- Mixer 316 transmits one or more of the audio signals it receives, via signal 326, to broadcast or recording equipment.
- the output 326 can be added to the audio portion of a television signal or can be sent to headphones for the announcers to hear.
- Mixer 326 can be operated to ignore all of the audio input, output one of the inputs or output a combination of inputs. 649 PC17US97/06565
- the system 300 can be used in conjunction with television or radio broadcasts during a baseball game.
- a microphone will pick up sounds from the field of play.
- the audio signal from the microphone is sent by a transmitter to one of the receivers which passes the signal to mixer 316.
- An operator of mixer 316 can choose to ignore or use the audio signal from a particular microphone. For example, if the operator can see that there is no action near third base, then the operator may choose to ignore any audio from the microphone inside third base.
- the operator may also listen to the audio signal from the third base microphone and decide whether to use the signal based on what can be heard.
- mixer 316 When the operator uses mixer 316 to select the audio signal from one or more microphones, those audio signals can be broadcasted with the television signal or radio signal so that viewers/listeners can hear the sounds of the game as if the viewer/listener had a front row seat. Since the microphone and transmitter are housed within the base, do not protrude from a visible surface of the base, and do not alter the size, shape or feel of the base, there is no distraction to the players and fans at the stadium.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU28051/97A AU2805197A (en) | 1996-04-26 | 1997-04-24 | A system for using a microphone with an object at a sporting event |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US63855296A | 1996-04-26 | 1996-04-26 | |
US08/638,552 | 1996-04-26 | ||
US08/837,808 US5963849A (en) | 1997-04-22 | 1997-04-22 | System for using a microphone in a baseball base |
US08/837,808 | 1997-04-22 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO1997041649A1 true WO1997041649A1 (en) | 1997-11-06 |
Family
ID=27093116
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US1997/006565 WO1997041649A1 (en) | 1996-04-26 | 1997-04-24 | A system for using a microphone with an object at a sporting event |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
AU (1) | AU2805197A (en) |
WO (1) | WO1997041649A1 (en) |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5080356A (en) * | 1985-04-15 | 1992-01-14 | Green Paul G | Base for baseball and softball |
US5161250A (en) * | 1990-04-12 | 1992-11-03 | Play Action Inc. | Single use radio device and method for using the same |
US5493697A (en) * | 1993-08-27 | 1996-02-20 | May; Randall L. | Communications system for the game of football including player-carried transmitter and side lines speakers for overcoming spectator noise |
-
1997
- 1997-04-24 AU AU28051/97A patent/AU2805197A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1997-04-24 WO PCT/US1997/006565 patent/WO1997041649A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5080356A (en) * | 1985-04-15 | 1992-01-14 | Green Paul G | Base for baseball and softball |
US5161250A (en) * | 1990-04-12 | 1992-11-03 | Play Action Inc. | Single use radio device and method for using the same |
US5493697A (en) * | 1993-08-27 | 1996-02-20 | May; Randall L. | Communications system for the game of football including player-carried transmitter and side lines speakers for overcoming spectator noise |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2805197A (en) | 1997-11-19 |
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