AU2019336264B2

AU2019336264B2 - Cricket wicket apparatus

Info

Publication number: AU2019336264B2
Application number: AU2019336264A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Jon Eric RUTGERS
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-09-07
Filing date: 2019-08-31
Publication date: 2021-04-01
Anticipated expiration: 2039-08-31
Also published as: WO2020047580A1

Abstract

Provided is a cricket wicket apparatus (10) comprising cricket stumps (12) each having a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) (14) arranged along a length thereof, as well as a base (16) configured to operatively receive and support said cricket stumps (12). The base (16) defines a display portion (18) and an input portion (20), with a scoring input (22) arranged at the input portion (20) and configured to receive user input on a progress of a cricket game. A display (24) is arranged at the display portion (18) and configured to display a progress score of the game. A processor (26) includes at least one impact sensor (28) configured to sense impact with the stumps, with the processor (26) arranged in signal communication with the scoring input (22) and display (24) to receive the user input and determine the progress score for display. The processor (26) is further configured to selectively energise the stump LEDs (14) in a predetermined manner depending on the determined progress score and/or sensed stump impact.

Description

CRICKE T WICKE T APPARATUS

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to the sport of cricket, in general, and more specifically to a cricket wicket apparatus for use in playing a game of cricket.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0003] Cricket is a well-known sport and leisure activity. In the sport of cricket, the wicket is one of the two sets of three stumps and two bails at either end of the pitch. The wicket is guarded by a batsman who, with his bat, attempts to prevent the ball from hitting the wicket.

[0004] Informal or backyard cricket is a popular past-time in many parts of the world. Due to the popularity of backyard cricket, cricket wickets are often improvised out of a rubbish bin, a body board, a chair, a cooler box, etc. or any other item that can double as a wicket. In recent years, inventions have also seen the light of day comprising dedicated cricket wickets featuring magnets, or electronic alarms when the wicket is struck. These inventions generally seek to increase the enjoyment and/or play of the game of cricket.

[0005] Applicant has identified a shortcoming in the art of existing cricket wickets, particularly used for informal cricket playing, to improve an experience of cricket players and increase enjoyment of informal cricket. The current invention was conceived with this shortcoming in mind.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to an aspect of the invention there is provided cricket wicket apparatus comprising:

cricket stumps each having a plurality of light emitters arranged along a length thereof;

a base configured to operatively receive and support said cricket stumps, the base defining a display portion and an input portion;

a scoring input arranged at the input portion and configured to receive user input on a progress of a cricket game;

a display arranged at the display portion and configured to display a progress score of the game; and

a processor arranged in signal communication with the scoring input and display and configured to receive the user input and to determine the progress score for display, said processor configured to selectively energise the stump light emitters in a predetermined manner according to the determined progress score.

[0007] Typically, the apparatus includes at least one impact sensor configured to sense an impact with the stumps, the processor configured to selectively energise the stump light emitters in a predetermined manner when such impact is sensed.

[0008] Typically, the light emitters comprise light emitting diodes (LEDs) .

[0009] Typically, each stump is manufactured from a resilient and translucent material with the LEDs arranged therein at predetermined positions along a length thereof, so that selective energising of individual LEDs facilitates display of the progress score and/or sensed stump impact.

[0010] Typically, the LEDs comprise RGB (red, green, blue) , tri-colour or multi-colour LEDs able to display different colours according to requirements.

[0011] In one example, the processor is configured to display the progress score for individual teams as a column graph represented by individual stumps, e.g. a first team's score is represented by a predetermined number of LEDs energised in one stump, with a second team' s score represented by a predetermined number of LEDs energised in another stump, such LED representations comparatively determined by the processor.

[0012] Typically, the processor is configured to energise the LEDs according to a predetermined sequence when stump impact is sensed .

[0013] Typically, the impact sensor comprises a sensor located in an upper portion of a stump where a bail is operatively receivable, movement of said bail sensed as stump impact.

[0014] Alternatively, or additionally, the impact sensor may comprise a Reed switch located in the base, a stump, a bail or the like .

[0015] Typically, the display portion of the base is defined on a surface operatively facing a batsman during play, with the input portion defined on an opposite side of the base facing away from the batsman towards a wicket keeper. Variations hereon are possible and within the scope of the invention. [0016] Typically, the display comprises a digital display, such as a seven-segment display, an LCD display, a dot matrix display, or the like.

[0017] Typically, the display is configured to display the progress score comprising runs scored, wickets taken, overs bowled, number of runs being chased, and/or any suitable aspect or statistic known in the art of cricket.

[0018] In an embodiment, the processor is configured to selectively energise the stump light emitters to graphically represent runs scored, wickets taken, overs bowled, number of runs being chased, and/or any suitable aspect or statistic known in the art of cricket.

[0019] Typically, the scoring input comprises a plurality of buttons actuatable via, for example, a foot or hand of a user.

[0020] Typically, the scoring input comprises buttons selected from a group consisting of an 'out' button, a 'six' button, a M' button, a Ί' button, an 'over' button, an 'innings' button and a 'reset/undo' button.

[0021] Typically, the processor is programmed to determine the progress score based on the rules of cricket and the received user scoring input.

[0022] In one example, the processor is programmed to determine the progress score based on the sensed stump impact.

[0023] Typically, the processor is configured to display the determined progress score according to the rules of cricket and the received user scoring input. [0024] Additionally, the processor is configured to display the determined progress score according to the sensed stump impact.

[0025] Typically, the apparatus includes an audio emitter arranged in signal communication with the processor configured to generate sound effects based on the received user scoring input, the determined progress score and/or the sensed stump impact. In one example, the processor may be configured to emit music for entertainment purposes.

[0026] In one example, the processor includes a Bluetooth or similar transceiver configured to operatively communicate with a remote electronic device in order to receive music for emission via the audio emitter and/or transfer data to the remote electronic device .

[0027] Typically, the apparatus includes suitable energising means for energising the processor, display, LEDs, audio emitter, etc., e.g. a rechargeable battery, or the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic component layout representation of a cricket wicket apparatus in accordance with an aspect of the invention;

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic front perspective view representation of one embodiment of a cricket wicket apparatus in accordance with an aspect of the invention; and

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic rear perspective view representation of the cricket wicket apparatus of Figure 2. DE TAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention to the skilled addressee. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. In the figures, incorporated to illustrate features of the example embodiment or embodiments, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout.

[0029] With reference now to the accompanying figures, there is exemplified one embodiment of a cricket wicket apparatus 10. Such apparatus 10 generally comprises a processor 26, an LED array 14 arranged as part of cricket wicket stumps 12, at least one impact sensor 28, a scoring input 22, a display 24, an audio emitter 30, a transceiver 32, and some manner of energising means 34.

[0030] Apparatus 10 includes base 16 which is configured to operatively receive and support the cricket stumps 12 and also defines display portion 18 and input portion 20. The base 16 may receive the stumps 12 via suitable apertures, which may include an interference fit to secure the stumps 12, suitable magnets, and/or the like. Apparatus 10 further includes scoring input 22 which is arranged at the input portion 20 and is configured to receive player or user input on a progress of a cricket game. Further included is display 24 which is arranged at the display portion 18 of base 16 and is configured to display a progress score of the game .

[0031] Apparatus 10, as interactive cricket stumps, has been devised to address the need or want of players being able to keep score easily during a game of social or informal cricket. The display or scoreboard 24 has been designed to be manufactured within the display portion 18 or a front face of the base 16 which operatively support the stumps 12, typically including suitable bails 12.1. This arrangement allows a majority of the players to be able to see the score during the game of cricket. The base 16 includes a scoring input 22 as a selection of buttons found on the input portion 20 of the base 16. These buttons make updates to the scoreboard and are designed for a player, typically a wicket keeper, to use a foot, hand or finger during the game.

[ 0032 ] Processor 26 typically includes at least one impact sensor 28 which is configured to sense impact and/or displacement of the stumps 12 or bails 12.1. The processor 26 is also arranged in signal communication with the scoring input 22 and display 24 to receive the user input via the scoring input 22 and to determine the progress score for display. The processor 26 is further configured to selectively energise the stump LEDs 14 in a predetermined manner depending on the determined progress score and/or sensed stump impact. Processor 26 may comprise any suitable processor or microcontroller configured to receive input, perform logical and arithmetical operations on a suitable instruction set, and provide output, as well as transitory and/or non-transitory electronic storage.

[ 0033 ] A preferred embodiment of the cricket wicket apparatus 10 comprises cricket stumps 12, each having a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 14 arranged along an inner length thereof. The LEDs (or similar light emitters) are generally individually addressable, as described herein. In one example, each stump 12 is manufactured from a resilient and translucent material with the LEDs 14 arranged therein at predetermined positions along a length thereof, as shown. In this manner, selective energising of individual LEDs facilitates display of the progress score and/or sensed stump impact. Typically, the LEDs comprise RGB (red, green, blue) , tri-colour or multi-colour LEDs able to display different colours according to requirements. The stumps 12 may also include foam padding, or the like, wherein the LEDs are arranged to minimise potential impact damage thereto, or the like.

[0034] In one example, the processor 26 is configured to display the progress score for individual teams of players as a column graph represented by individual stumps 12, e.g. a first team's score is represented by a predetermined number of LEDs energised in one stump, with a second team' s score represented by a predetermined number of LEDs energised in another stump, such LED representations comparatively determined by the processor.

[0035] For example, at the start of team 2's innings, team l's score will be shown in the 'to win' section of the display 24 as well as in the form of a column graph within one of the stumps 12. At a change-over point of innings, an animation is set to occur. The runs scored by team 1 in the 'runs' section of the display 24 will count down whilst the 1 stump displaying team l's column graph will fill up at the same time. This will be accompanied by sound effect, as described in more detail below. One stump will show this graphing of team l's score initially by having all of its LED's on in the colour red. Team 2 will have another stump to graph their score in the same manner. Team 2's score will be indicated in the colour blue and will go up as runs are scored and updated to the display 24. The processor 26 at the beginning of team 2's innings will calculate how many runs need to be scored to illuminate each LED within team 2's stump according to how many runs team 1 scored. This function allows a 360-degree view of the relative scores compared to each other.

[0036] The LEDs 14 are generally illuminated in different colours and with different animations during different scenarios, e.g. when an Out' button (as part of scoring input 22, shown in figure 3) is pressed, all three stumps 12 may pulse red for 3 seconds, or the like. Accordingly, the processor 26 is generally configured to energise the individual LEDs 14 according to a predetermined sequence when stump displacement is sensed, or the like. The LEDs 14 may also be used to display or indicate any scoring aspect or scoring statistic of the game of cricket, as required .

[0037] Typically, the impact sensor 28 comprises a light sensor located in an upper portion of a stump 12 where a bail 12.1 is operatively receivable, movement of said bail sensed as stump impact and/or displacement. In one example, the impact sensors 28 are located in the top of the two outside stumps 12 and sense when a bail 12.1 has been dislodged. This automatically notifies the processor 26 that a bail 12.1 has been displaced, such as when a cricket ball has hit the wickets, or the like. The 'wickets' portion of the display 24 is then updated to reflect this wicket along with an LED display.

[0038] In one example, the impact sensors 28 may be turned off if a bail 12.1 has been lost or misplaced and is not available. To enable this function, the Ί run' button may be held down whilst the processor 26 is turned on or energised, for example, which will deactivate the relevant bail/impact sensor 28 for the game. This deactivation or a sensor 28 may be indicated to the players by 3 seconds of flashing red lights in the top of each stump, or the like.

[0039] In one example, the impact sensors 28 operate by using passive light sensors that vary the voltage on analogue input pins of a microprocessor based on light sensed at the top of the stump. The microprocessor then compares the voltage read at the bails to the voltage read by an ambient light sensor and will activate when the bails or impact sensors 28 approaches a threshold close to that of the reading of the ambient sensors, or the like. Similarly, other sensor arrangements are possible and within the scope of the present invention, such as Reed switches located in the base 12, a stump 12, a bail 12.1, infrared sensors, contact switches, pressure switches, tilt switches, electromagnetic resonance detectors, acoustic sensors, capacitive sensors, resistive sensors, inertial switches and/or the like.

[0040] The display portion 18 of the base 16 is typically defined on a surface operatively facing a batsman during play, with the input portion 20 defined on an opposite side of the base 16 facing away from the batsman towards a wicket keeper, or the like. In other embodiments the display and input portions 18 and 20 may be defined on other surfaces of the base 16, as per requirements. The skilled addressee will also appreciate that the base 16 may define interference fit or similar apertures (not shown) wherein the stumps 12 or bails 12.1 (or even a cricket ball) may be stored when not in use.

[0041] The display 24 typically comprises a digital display, such as a seven-segment display, a dot matrix display, or the like. The display 24 is generally configured to display the progress score comprising runs scored, wickets taken, overs bowled and the number of runs being chased, and/or any suitable or desirable aspect of statistic, as is well-known in the art of cricket.

[0042] Accordingly, the scoring input 22 generally comprises a plurality of buttons actuatable via a foot of a player or user. In one example, the scoring input 22 comprises buttons selected from a group consisting of an 'out' button, a 'six' button, a M' button, a Ί' button, an 'over' button, an 'innings' button and a 'reset/undo' button, with the buttons useable to primarily update the display 24 to keep score during a game of cricket. [0043] The 'Out' button typically adds a wicket to the wickets column. In one example, when the 10^th wicket for team 1 has been taken and the 'Out' button pressed this tells the microprocessor to transfer team l's score to the 'To Win' column as well as make the calculations for the column graph functionality. Likewise, when team 2 loses their 10^th wicket the 'out' button will tell the microprocessor to calculate and declare a winner. The pressing of the 'out' button is also accompanied by an LED display on the stumps 12. The '6' button adds 6 runs to the score, generally accompanied by an LED display, and the '4' button similarly adds 4 runs to the score with the Ί' button adding 1 run to the score.

[0044] The 'Over' button typically adds 1 over to the 'over' section of the display 24, with the 'Undo/Reset' button useable to undo a last (or multiple) entry or adjustment made to the display 24, for example, or if this button is held in for 3 seconds then the game is reset. The 'Undo/Reset' button is generally physically different to the other buttons as in it is set within the base 16 to prevent accidental pressing by a misplaced foot, etc.

[0045] Similarly, the 'Innings' button is used to declare the end of a team's batting. Most social games of cricket don't have 10 players per side so when the last batter for team 1 is out, then the 'innings' button is pressed and this will tell the microprocessor to send the score to the 'to win' section of the display 24. When the 'innings' button is pressed during team 2's innings, the microprocessor will generally calculate and declare a winner, as per the rules of cricket.

[0046] The processor 26 is generally programmed to determine the progress score based on the rules of cricket and the received user scoring input. The processor 26 is also programmed to determine the progress score based on the sensed stump impact. As a result, the processor 26 is generally configured to display the determined progress score according to the rules of cricket and the received user scoring input along with the sensed stump impact.

[0047] As mentioned above, apparatus 10 typically includes an audio emitter 30 which is arranged in signal communication with the processor 26 and is configured to generate sound effects based on the received user scoring input, the determined progress score and/or the sensed stump displacement, e.g. when a button is pressed, or the like. In one example, apparatus 10 includes two speakers located within the base 16 on either side, or the like. The speakers 30 will play sound effects and are triggered either by a button being pressed or a bail being dislodged. In one example, the processor 26 may be configured to emit music for entertainment purposes. A large number of different sound effects may be stored within the microprocessor and are categorised and set to randomly play for certain button activations or dislodgement of bails, etc. Typically, as is known in the art, the processor 26 includes non-transitory memory for storing of sound effects, instruction sets, progress score, rules of cricket, received user scoring input, and/or the like. For example, should energising means 34 fail or be interrupted, i.e. depleted battery, the last progress score etc. can be saved, or the like.

[0048] In a further example, the processor 26 includes a Bluetooth or similar transceiver 32 configured to operatively communicate with a remote electronic device, such as a mobile phone, in order to receive music for emission via the audio emitter 30. Similarly, transceiver 32 may also be used to exchange suitable information with a remote electronic device. For example, transceiver 32 may be used to share the progress score and/or received user input to an app on a mobile phone, which may be shared on social media etc., as will be appreciated by the skilled addressee, or the like. Apparatus 10 also typically includes suitable energising means 34 for energising the processor 26, display 24, LEDs 14, etc., e.g. a rechargeable battery, or the like .

[0049] Applicant believes is particularly advantageous that the present invention provides for apparatus 10 able to keep score during a game of cricket, as well as provide visible indication of such score and wicket taking typically visible to all the players. In particular, Applicant believes it particularly advantageous that apparatus 10 includes a novel LED display integrated into the stumps 12, whereby a cricket score can be shown in an interactive and easily-visible manner, as well as events of the game displayed in new and interesting ways.

[0050] Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features, and wherein specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. In the example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail, as such will be readily understood by the skilled addressee.

[0051] The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the", and/or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the claimed subject matter) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising, " "having, " "including, " and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter.

[0052] It is to be appreciated that reference to "one example" or "an example" of the invention, or similar exemplary language (e.g., "such as") herein, is not made in an exclusive sense. Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter are described herein, textually and/or graphically, for carrying out the claimed subject matter.

[0053] Accordingly, one example may exemplify certain aspects of the invention, whilst other aspects are exemplified in a different example. These examples are intended to assist the skilled person in performing the invention and are not intended to limit the overall scope of the invention in any way unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Variations (e.g. modifications and/or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventor (s) expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor (s) intends for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

Claims

1. Cricket wicket apparatus comprising:

2. Apparatus of claim 1, which includes at least one impact sensor configured to sense an impact with the stumps, the processor configured to selectively energise the stump light emitters in a predetermined manner when such impact is sensed.

3. Apparatus of either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the light emitters comprise light emitting diodes (LEDs) .

4. Apparatus of claim 3, wherein the LEDs comprise RGB (red, green, blue) , tri-colour or multi-colour LEDs able to display different colours according to requirements.

5. Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein each stump is manufactured from a resilient and translucent material with the light emitters arranged therein at predetermined positions along a length thereof, so that selective energising of individual light emitters facilitates display of the progress score and/or sensed stump impact.

6. Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the processor is configured to display the progress score for individual teams as a column graph represented by individual stumps as comparatively determined by the processor.

7. Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the processor is configured to energise the light emitters according to a predetermined sequence when stump impact is sensed.

8. Apparatus of any of claims 2 to 7, wherein the impact sensor comprises a sensor located in an upper portion of a stump where a bail is operatively receivable, movement of said bail sensed as stump impact.

9. Apparatus of any of claims 2 to 8, wherein the impact sensor comprise a Reed switch located in the base, a stump, and/or a bail.

10. Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the display portion of the base is defined on a surface operatively facing a batsman during play, with the input portion defined on an opposite side of the base facing away from the batsman towards a wicket keeper.

11. Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the display comprises a digital display, such as a seven-segment display, an LCD display, a dot matrix display, or the like.

12. Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the display is configured to display the progress score comprising runs scored, wickets taken, overs bowled, number of runs being chased, and/or any suitable aspect or statistic known in the art of cricket.

13. Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the processor is configured to selectively energise the stump light emitters to graphically represent runs scored, wickets taken, overs bowled, number of runs being chased, and/or any suitable aspect or statistic known in the art of cricket.

14. Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the scoring input comprises a plurality of buttons actuatable via a foot and/or hand of a user.

15. Apparatus of claim 14, wherein the scoring input comprises buttons selected from a group consisting of an 'out' button, a 'six' button, a M' button, a Ί' button, an 'over' button, an 'innings' button and a 'reset/undo' button.

16. Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the processor is programmed to determine and/or display the progress score based on the rules of cricket, the received user scoring input and/or the sensed stump impact.

17. Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 16, which includes an audio emitter arranged in signal communication with the processor configured to generate sound effects based on the received user scoring input, the determined progress score and/or the sensed stump impact.

18. Apparatus of claim 17, wherein the processor includes a Bluetooth or similar transceiver configured to operatively communicate with a remote electronic device in order to receive music for emission via the audio emitter and/or transfer data to the remote electronic device.

19. Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 18, which includes suitable energising means for energising the processor, display, light emitters, and/or audio emitter.