CA2770465C - Scale for playing surface in sport of curling - Google Patents
Scale for playing surface in sport of curling Download PDFInfo
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- CA2770465C CA2770465C CA2770465A CA2770465A CA2770465C CA 2770465 C CA2770465 C CA 2770465C CA 2770465 A CA2770465 A CA 2770465A CA 2770465 A CA2770465 A CA 2770465A CA 2770465 C CA2770465 C CA 2770465C
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Abstract
A scale for use in the sport of curling provides a visual gauge to determine the amount of curl in the lateral direction of curling stones thrown longitudinally along the sheet of ice during a curling match. When providing a video feed of a curling match, the position of the curling stones and a skip's broom relative to a lateral scale may be determined electronically and graphically represented on the video feed in real time.
Description
SCALE FOR PLAYING SURFACE IN SPORT OF CURLING
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a scale for use in the sport of curling which provides a visual gauge to determine the amount of curl in the lateral direction of curling stones thrown longitudinally along the sheet of ice during a curling match.
In one embodiment, the scale is set in the sheet of ice together with other markings forming the playing surface in the sport of curling. In a further embodiment the scale is shown with a graphical representation of a curling rock being thrown on a video display.
BACKGROUND
In the sport of curling, players typically throw stones in a longitudinal direction along a sheet of ice from a throwing area to a target area with some rotation being provided to the curling stone such that the curling stone follows a curved path which displaces the stone over a prescribed lateral distance between the initial location where the stone was targeted and the final resting position of the stone. The player known as the skip which typically places the target curling broom at which the curling stones are directed attempts to predict the prescribed lateral distance resulting from the curling rotation of the curling stones so that the target broom can be placed laterally offset from the desired placement of the stone by the appropriate amount.
Because of the differences in speed of the curling stone in the longitudinal direction depending upon the type of shot being made and the differences in ice conditions, estimating the prescribed lateral distance can be very subjective. Although experienced curlers can estimate the prescribed lateral distance well from learned experience, it is often difficult for beginners or those who have difficulty in visually measuring and calculating the lateral distance from the previous shots to properly
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a scale for use in the sport of curling which provides a visual gauge to determine the amount of curl in the lateral direction of curling stones thrown longitudinally along the sheet of ice during a curling match.
In one embodiment, the scale is set in the sheet of ice together with other markings forming the playing surface in the sport of curling. In a further embodiment the scale is shown with a graphical representation of a curling rock being thrown on a video display.
BACKGROUND
In the sport of curling, players typically throw stones in a longitudinal direction along a sheet of ice from a throwing area to a target area with some rotation being provided to the curling stone such that the curling stone follows a curved path which displaces the stone over a prescribed lateral distance between the initial location where the stone was targeted and the final resting position of the stone. The player known as the skip which typically places the target curling broom at which the curling stones are directed attempts to predict the prescribed lateral distance resulting from the curling rotation of the curling stones so that the target broom can be placed laterally offset from the desired placement of the stone by the appropriate amount.
Because of the differences in speed of the curling stone in the longitudinal direction depending upon the type of shot being made and the differences in ice conditions, estimating the prescribed lateral distance can be very subjective. Although experienced curlers can estimate the prescribed lateral distance well from learned experience, it is often difficult for beginners or those who have difficulty in visually measuring and calculating the lateral distance from the previous shots to properly
2 place the target broom.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a playing surface in the sport of curling comprising:
a sheet of ice which is elongate in a longitudinal direction between a throwing area at a front end and a target area at a rear end; and a plurality of markings set into the sheet of ice comprising:
a concentric set of target rings defining a house in the target area at the rear end;
a scale in the target area which extends in a lateral direction perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the sheet of ice, the scale comprising a plurality of indicia at evenly spaced positions in the lateral direction.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a scale for use in a playing surface in the sport of curling in which the playing surface comprises a sheet of ice which is elongate in a longitudinal direction between a throwing area at a front end of the sheet of ice and a target area at a rear end of the sheet of ice, the scale comprising:
a flexible substrate which is elongate in a first direction and which is arranged to be set in the sheet of ice such that the first direction is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; and a plurality of indicia printed on the flexible substrate at evenly spaced positions in the first direction.
The scale according to the present invention can be regularly used as a reference to more easily visually measure the prescribed lateral distance that curling stones move between the target broom and the actual final resting place of the curling
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a playing surface in the sport of curling comprising:
a sheet of ice which is elongate in a longitudinal direction between a throwing area at a front end and a target area at a rear end; and a plurality of markings set into the sheet of ice comprising:
a concentric set of target rings defining a house in the target area at the rear end;
a scale in the target area which extends in a lateral direction perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the sheet of ice, the scale comprising a plurality of indicia at evenly spaced positions in the lateral direction.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a scale for use in a playing surface in the sport of curling in which the playing surface comprises a sheet of ice which is elongate in a longitudinal direction between a throwing area at a front end of the sheet of ice and a target area at a rear end of the sheet of ice, the scale comprising:
a flexible substrate which is elongate in a first direction and which is arranged to be set in the sheet of ice such that the first direction is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; and a plurality of indicia printed on the flexible substrate at evenly spaced positions in the first direction.
The scale according to the present invention can be regularly used as a reference to more easily visually measure the prescribed lateral distance that curling stones move between the target broom and the actual final resting place of the curling
3 stone due to the curved curling path of the stone. The skip of a curling team can thus further reference the scale to more appropriately place the target broom on subsequent shots being made.
The scale may extend through a longitudinal centre of the house, adjacent a front end of the house, adjacent a rear end of the house, or any combination thereof.
Preferably the scale includes a plurality of the indicia per foot of length in the lateral direction. For example the indicia may be spaced apart by 1 inch, centimetre or 1 millimetre.
The indicia preferably comprise numbers in numerical order. The numbers may be in ascending order from one end of the scale to an opposing end of the scale, or alternatively the numbers may be in ascending order from a lateral centre of the house towards each of two opposing ends of the scale.
The scale preferably spans a width in the lateral direction which is greater than the house.
When the scale comprises a flexible substrate which is elongate in a first direction and which is arranged to be set in the sheet of ice such that the first direction is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the plurality of indicia may be printed on the flexible substrate such that a background of the flexible substrate is lighter in color than the indicia.
In further embodiments, there may also be provided a longitudinal scale which extends in the longitudinal direction of the sheet of ice. The longitudinal scale preferably also comprises a plurality of indicia at evenly spaced positions in the longitudinal direction.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a
The scale may extend through a longitudinal centre of the house, adjacent a front end of the house, adjacent a rear end of the house, or any combination thereof.
Preferably the scale includes a plurality of the indicia per foot of length in the lateral direction. For example the indicia may be spaced apart by 1 inch, centimetre or 1 millimetre.
The indicia preferably comprise numbers in numerical order. The numbers may be in ascending order from one end of the scale to an opposing end of the scale, or alternatively the numbers may be in ascending order from a lateral centre of the house towards each of two opposing ends of the scale.
The scale preferably spans a width in the lateral direction which is greater than the house.
When the scale comprises a flexible substrate which is elongate in a first direction and which is arranged to be set in the sheet of ice such that the first direction is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the plurality of indicia may be printed on the flexible substrate such that a background of the flexible substrate is lighter in color than the indicia.
In further embodiments, there may also be provided a longitudinal scale which extends in the longitudinal direction of the sheet of ice. The longitudinal scale preferably also comprises a plurality of indicia at evenly spaced positions in the longitudinal direction.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a
4 scale system for use in the sport of curling in which the playing surface comprises a sheet of ice which is elongate in a longitudinal direction between a throwing area at a front end of the sheet of ice and a target area at a rear end of the sheet of ice and has a width in a lateral direction which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the system comprising:
a tracking tool arranged to determine a lateral position in the lateral direction of the sheet of ice of a curling stone on the sheet of ice relative to a lateral scale substantially representing a width of the playing surface in the lateral direction;
and a controller arranged to generate real time display information representing the lateral scale and the lateral position of the curling stone on the scale as the lateral position of the curling stone varies as the curling stone is thrown along the sheet of ice in the longitudinal direction such that the display information is arranged to be displayed on a video display in real time.
The tracking tool and controller are particularly suited for use in television broadcasts of the sport of curling to provide spectators watching a video feed with an additional perspective of the curling match.
The controller may be arranged to generate the display information representing the scale and the lateral position of the curling stone on the scale on a portion of a video monitor or as an overlay onto a real time video stream.
In some embodiments the tracking tool comprises a sensor arranged to electronically locate the lateral position of the curling stone relative to the sheet of ice.
Alternatively, the tracking tool may perform simply by analyzing the video captures from a camera having a known position and orientation relative to the sheet of ice. In this instance, the track preferably includes: i) an input arranged to receive a real time video stream comprised of sequential video frames of a curling stone thrown along the sheet of ice in the longitudinal direction; and ii) a video image analyzing tool arranged to identify in real time within each video frame a location of the lateral scale relative to the sheet of ice and a location of the curling stone relative
a tracking tool arranged to determine a lateral position in the lateral direction of the sheet of ice of a curling stone on the sheet of ice relative to a lateral scale substantially representing a width of the playing surface in the lateral direction;
and a controller arranged to generate real time display information representing the lateral scale and the lateral position of the curling stone on the scale as the lateral position of the curling stone varies as the curling stone is thrown along the sheet of ice in the longitudinal direction such that the display information is arranged to be displayed on a video display in real time.
The tracking tool and controller are particularly suited for use in television broadcasts of the sport of curling to provide spectators watching a video feed with an additional perspective of the curling match.
The controller may be arranged to generate the display information representing the scale and the lateral position of the curling stone on the scale on a portion of a video monitor or as an overlay onto a real time video stream.
In some embodiments the tracking tool comprises a sensor arranged to electronically locate the lateral position of the curling stone relative to the sheet of ice.
Alternatively, the tracking tool may perform simply by analyzing the video captures from a camera having a known position and orientation relative to the sheet of ice. In this instance, the track preferably includes: i) an input arranged to receive a real time video stream comprised of sequential video frames of a curling stone thrown along the sheet of ice in the longitudinal direction; and ii) a video image analyzing tool arranged to identify in real time within each video frame a location of the lateral scale relative to the sheet of ice and a location of the curling stone relative
5 to the lateral scale. Preferably the controller is then arranged to generate the display information representing the scale and the lateral position of the curling stone on the scale as graphical representation overlaid onto the video stream in real time.
Preferably the controller is arranged to generate the display information such that the scale is graphically represented and the lateral position of the curling stone is graphically represented as an icon movable along the scale.
When the system further includes a broom locating tool arranged to locate a lateral position of a broom of a skip relative to the scale, preferably the controller is arranged to generate the display information such that the display information includes a representation of the lateral position of the broom.
The broom locating tool may comprise a sensor arranged to electronically locate the lateral position of the broom.
Preferably the controller is arranged to generate the display information such that the scale is graphically represented and the lateral position of the broom is graphically represented as an icon movable along the scale.
The display information preferably also includes a representation of a lateral position of a center line of the playing surface.
Various embodiments of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is plan view of the playing surface according to a first
Preferably the controller is arranged to generate the display information such that the scale is graphically represented and the lateral position of the curling stone is graphically represented as an icon movable along the scale.
When the system further includes a broom locating tool arranged to locate a lateral position of a broom of a skip relative to the scale, preferably the controller is arranged to generate the display information such that the display information includes a representation of the lateral position of the broom.
The broom locating tool may comprise a sensor arranged to electronically locate the lateral position of the broom.
Preferably the controller is arranged to generate the display information such that the scale is graphically represented and the lateral position of the broom is graphically represented as an icon movable along the scale.
The display information preferably also includes a representation of a lateral position of a center line of the playing surface.
Various embodiments of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is plan view of the playing surface according to a first
6 embodiment.
Figure 2 is a plan view of the scale according to a first embodiment.
Figure 3 is a plan view of the scale according to a second embodiment.
Figure 4 is a plan view of the playing surface according to a further embodiment.
Figure 5 is schematic representation of a video frame from a video camera feed of a curling match in the sport of curling incorporating the scale system of the present invention therein; and Figure 6 is a schematic representation of the scale system according to Figure 5.
In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to the accompanying figure there is illustrated a lateral scale generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The lateral scale 10 is particularly suited for use on the playing surface 12 in the sport of curling.
More particularly, the lateral scale 10 is suited for use with a playing surface comprising a sheet of ice 14 extending in a longitudinal direction between a front end 16 and a rear end 18. When throwing the curling stones in a first direction along the sheet of ice, the front end comprises a throwing area and the rear end functions as a target area. Typically the sheet of ice permits throwing of stones in the opposing second direction by providing the rear end with all of the features of the throwing area and the front end with all of the features of the target area also to permit playing in either direction. The features of the playing surface as initially described herein relate to throwing of the stones in the first direction from the front end 16 to the
Figure 2 is a plan view of the scale according to a first embodiment.
Figure 3 is a plan view of the scale according to a second embodiment.
Figure 4 is a plan view of the playing surface according to a further embodiment.
Figure 5 is schematic representation of a video frame from a video camera feed of a curling match in the sport of curling incorporating the scale system of the present invention therein; and Figure 6 is a schematic representation of the scale system according to Figure 5.
In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to the accompanying figure there is illustrated a lateral scale generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The lateral scale 10 is particularly suited for use on the playing surface 12 in the sport of curling.
More particularly, the lateral scale 10 is suited for use with a playing surface comprising a sheet of ice 14 extending in a longitudinal direction between a front end 16 and a rear end 18. When throwing the curling stones in a first direction along the sheet of ice, the front end comprises a throwing area and the rear end functions as a target area. Typically the sheet of ice permits throwing of stones in the opposing second direction by providing the rear end with all of the features of the throwing area and the front end with all of the features of the target area also to permit playing in either direction. The features of the playing surface as initially described herein relate to throwing of the stones in the first direction from the front end 16 to the
7 rear end 18.
In the first direction, a first set of hacks 20 is located at the front end 16 to define a starting position of a person throwing a curling stone. A first hog line 22 is spaced from the front end to define a throwing area between the hacks 20 and the hog line 22. The hog line defines the point where the thrower must release the curling stone as it is thrown towards the target area. A second hog line 24 is located nearer to the rear end of the sheet of ice but is spaced therefrom so as to define the target area between the second hog line 24 and a back line 26 at the rear end of the sheet of ice.
A set of concentric rings 28 including a 12 foot diameter ring, an 8 foot diameter ring, a 4 foot diameter ring, and a central button circle. The set of rings 28 are adjacent to the back line 26 and spaced from the second hog line 24 so as to define the house area where points are counted. A tee-line 30 typically extends in a lateral direction so as to be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction to the sheet of ice so that the tee-line extends through the longitudinal center of the rings 28. The first and second hog lines and the back line are also oriented in the lateral direction so as to be parallel to one another.
Optionally, a center line extends longitudinally across the sheet of ice through the lateral center of the set of rings 28. The various markings including the hog lines, the back line, the tee-line, and the set of rings can all be set in the ice in the form of tape or paint and the like.
The lateral scale 10 comprises a flexible substrate 32 which is elongate in a first direction. The substrate is a flat strip of material, for example plastic or a woven cloth material which is non-elastic to maintain an accurate length. The material is suitable for being set in the sheet of ice between layers of ice as the ice is
In the first direction, a first set of hacks 20 is located at the front end 16 to define a starting position of a person throwing a curling stone. A first hog line 22 is spaced from the front end to define a throwing area between the hacks 20 and the hog line 22. The hog line defines the point where the thrower must release the curling stone as it is thrown towards the target area. A second hog line 24 is located nearer to the rear end of the sheet of ice but is spaced therefrom so as to define the target area between the second hog line 24 and a back line 26 at the rear end of the sheet of ice.
A set of concentric rings 28 including a 12 foot diameter ring, an 8 foot diameter ring, a 4 foot diameter ring, and a central button circle. The set of rings 28 are adjacent to the back line 26 and spaced from the second hog line 24 so as to define the house area where points are counted. A tee-line 30 typically extends in a lateral direction so as to be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction to the sheet of ice so that the tee-line extends through the longitudinal center of the rings 28. The first and second hog lines and the back line are also oriented in the lateral direction so as to be parallel to one another.
Optionally, a center line extends longitudinally across the sheet of ice through the lateral center of the set of rings 28. The various markings including the hog lines, the back line, the tee-line, and the set of rings can all be set in the ice in the form of tape or paint and the like.
The lateral scale 10 comprises a flexible substrate 32 which is elongate in a first direction. The substrate is a flat strip of material, for example plastic or a woven cloth material which is non-elastic to maintain an accurate length. The material is suitable for being set in the sheet of ice between layers of ice as the ice is
8 formed.
A plurality of evenly spaced indicia 34 is printed on the flexible substrate such that the indicia are evenly spaced apart in the first direction along the full length of the substrate. The overall length of the substrate is greater than the diameter of the house such that when the substrate is set into the ice to extend in the lateral direction, the lateral scale is wider in the lateral direction than the outermost 12 foot diameter ring 28 of the rings defining the house.
The indicia include suitable markings at evenly spaced positions together with printed numbers associated with the markings for measuring distance in the lateral direction. Typically the background color of the substrate is very light in color, for example white, with the indicia being darker printing on the lighter background for optimal visibility and to minimize heat absorption.
As shown in Figure 1, the preferred location for the lateral scale is to sit the flexible substrate 32 in the sheet of ice at the location of the tee-line 30. In this instance the lateral scale protrudes outwardly beyond the set of rings at both laterally opposed ends of the lateral scale. Additional markings may be provided on the lateral scale corresponding to the intersection of the rings with the lateral scale so that the borders of the rings are still visible when overlaid by the flexible substrate of the lateral scale.
As shown in Figure 2, in some instances the printed numbers of the lateral scale start at one of the ends of the substrate and increase in numerical order across the full length of the lateral scale to the opposing end of the substrate. The markings preferably are spaced near enough together on the lateral scale so as to locate several markings for each linear foot. For example the markings may be spaced apart by one millimetre, one centimetre, or one inch, or any other consistent
A plurality of evenly spaced indicia 34 is printed on the flexible substrate such that the indicia are evenly spaced apart in the first direction along the full length of the substrate. The overall length of the substrate is greater than the diameter of the house such that when the substrate is set into the ice to extend in the lateral direction, the lateral scale is wider in the lateral direction than the outermost 12 foot diameter ring 28 of the rings defining the house.
The indicia include suitable markings at evenly spaced positions together with printed numbers associated with the markings for measuring distance in the lateral direction. Typically the background color of the substrate is very light in color, for example white, with the indicia being darker printing on the lighter background for optimal visibility and to minimize heat absorption.
As shown in Figure 1, the preferred location for the lateral scale is to sit the flexible substrate 32 in the sheet of ice at the location of the tee-line 30. In this instance the lateral scale protrudes outwardly beyond the set of rings at both laterally opposed ends of the lateral scale. Additional markings may be provided on the lateral scale corresponding to the intersection of the rings with the lateral scale so that the borders of the rings are still visible when overlaid by the flexible substrate of the lateral scale.
As shown in Figure 2, in some instances the printed numbers of the lateral scale start at one of the ends of the substrate and increase in numerical order across the full length of the lateral scale to the opposing end of the substrate. The markings preferably are spaced near enough together on the lateral scale so as to locate several markings for each linear foot. For example the markings may be spaced apart by one millimetre, one centimetre, or one inch, or any other consistent
9 spacing.
In an alternative arrangement shown in Figure 3, the numerical indicia may start at the centre line where a zero is located such that the numbers increase in numerical order from the centre in both directions towards each of the two opposed outer ends of the lateral scale.
As shown in Figure 4, although the lateral scale preferably remains oriented in the lateral direction, the position of the lateral scale in the longitudinal direction can be varied from the tee-line location of Figure 1 to an alternative location at the front end or the back end of the house. In yet further arrangements multiple lateral scales may be provided such that a scale may be located at one or more of the following locations: in the guard area between the house and the hog line, at the front of the house, at the T-line 30, or at the back line 26 at the rear of the house.
In addition to the lateral scale 10 described above, there may also be provided a longitudinal scale 50 for use together with or independently of the lateral scale. As shown in Figure 1, the longitudinal scale 50 is positioned along the centre line to span the full length of the sheet of ice between the opposing back lines 26.
The longitudinal scale 50 is preferably substantially identical to the lateral scale in that it comprises a flexible substrate with numeral indicia printed thereon, preferably in the format of the embodiment of Figure 2, so as to be arranged to be set into the ice in a similar manner.
Turning now of Figures 5 and 6 a further embodiment of the scale system 100 is illustrated also for use in indicating the lateral position of a curling stone when the curling stone is captured on a video feed. The system 100 displays both a lateral position of a curling stone and of a skip's broom on a scale 102 which appears as an overlay onto a realtime video stream 104. The system 100 is thus particularly suited for use in television broadcasts of the sport of curling to provide spectators watching a video feed with an additional perspective of the curling match.
The system includes a curling stone tracking tool 106 arranged to determine a lateral position in the lateral direction of the sheet of ice of a curling stone 5 on the sheet of ice as the lateral position of the curling stone varies as the curling stone is thrown along the sheet of ice in the longitudinal direction. More particularly, the stone tracking tool is arranged to determine a lateral position of the curling stone relative to a lateral scale substantially representing a width of the playing surface in the lateral direction.
In an alternative arrangement shown in Figure 3, the numerical indicia may start at the centre line where a zero is located such that the numbers increase in numerical order from the centre in both directions towards each of the two opposed outer ends of the lateral scale.
As shown in Figure 4, although the lateral scale preferably remains oriented in the lateral direction, the position of the lateral scale in the longitudinal direction can be varied from the tee-line location of Figure 1 to an alternative location at the front end or the back end of the house. In yet further arrangements multiple lateral scales may be provided such that a scale may be located at one or more of the following locations: in the guard area between the house and the hog line, at the front of the house, at the T-line 30, or at the back line 26 at the rear of the house.
In addition to the lateral scale 10 described above, there may also be provided a longitudinal scale 50 for use together with or independently of the lateral scale. As shown in Figure 1, the longitudinal scale 50 is positioned along the centre line to span the full length of the sheet of ice between the opposing back lines 26.
The longitudinal scale 50 is preferably substantially identical to the lateral scale in that it comprises a flexible substrate with numeral indicia printed thereon, preferably in the format of the embodiment of Figure 2, so as to be arranged to be set into the ice in a similar manner.
Turning now of Figures 5 and 6 a further embodiment of the scale system 100 is illustrated also for use in indicating the lateral position of a curling stone when the curling stone is captured on a video feed. The system 100 displays both a lateral position of a curling stone and of a skip's broom on a scale 102 which appears as an overlay onto a realtime video stream 104. The system 100 is thus particularly suited for use in television broadcasts of the sport of curling to provide spectators watching a video feed with an additional perspective of the curling match.
The system includes a curling stone tracking tool 106 arranged to determine a lateral position in the lateral direction of the sheet of ice of a curling stone 5 on the sheet of ice as the lateral position of the curling stone varies as the curling stone is thrown along the sheet of ice in the longitudinal direction. More particularly, the stone tracking tool is arranged to determine a lateral position of the curling stone relative to a lateral scale substantially representing a width of the playing surface in the lateral direction.
10 According to a first embodiment, the tracking tool may be a sensor arranged to electronically locate the lateral position of the curling stone.
For example, existing sensors in the handle of a curling stone which are used for detecting a hogline violation may also be sensed by auxiliary sensors which can determine the lateral position of the curling stone. Alternatively, GPS or RF type sensors may be used to locate the lateral position of the curling stone as it is displaced longitudinally during a curling shot.
The system can also include a broom locating tool 108 arranged to locate a lateral position of the broom of the skip. According to a first embodiment, the broom locating tool may also be a sensor arranged to electronically locate the lateral position of the broom using GPS or RF signals for example. Alternatively, the broom locating tool may be manually input into the system by an operator of the system.
A controller 110 is arranged to display the scale onto a portion of a suitable video monitor display screen 112 or video stream such that the scale substantially represents a width of the playing surface in the lateral direction. The controller is also arranged to display the scale and the lateral positions of the curling
For example, existing sensors in the handle of a curling stone which are used for detecting a hogline violation may also be sensed by auxiliary sensors which can determine the lateral position of the curling stone. Alternatively, GPS or RF type sensors may be used to locate the lateral position of the curling stone as it is displaced longitudinally during a curling shot.
The system can also include a broom locating tool 108 arranged to locate a lateral position of the broom of the skip. According to a first embodiment, the broom locating tool may also be a sensor arranged to electronically locate the lateral position of the broom using GPS or RF signals for example. Alternatively, the broom locating tool may be manually input into the system by an operator of the system.
A controller 110 is arranged to display the scale onto a portion of a suitable video monitor display screen 112 or video stream such that the scale substantially represents a width of the playing surface in the lateral direction. The controller is also arranged to display the scale and the lateral positions of the curling
11 stone and the skip's broom on the scale. More particularly, the controller generates real time display information representing the lateral scale and the lateral position of the curling stone on the scale as the lateral position of the curling stone varies as the curling stone is thrown along the sheet of ice in the longitudinal direction such that the display information is arranged to be displayed on a video display in real time. The controller is thus able to generate the display information on a portion of a video monitor or as an overlay onto the real time video stream.
In the preferred embodiment, the controller is arranged to display the lateral position of the curling stone as a first icon 114 movable along the scale in realtime and the broom as a second icon 116, also movable along the scale.
Typically a lateral position of a center line of the playing surface is also displayed on the scale by suitable indicia 118.
In an alternative embodiment of the tracking tool, minimal sensing equipment is required at the playing surface area as the location of the curling stone relative to the lateral scale can instead be determined by analyzing a real time video stream comprised of sequential video frames of a curling stone thrown along the sheet of ice in the longitudinal direction. In this instance the tracking tool includes an input arranged to receive the real time video stream and a video image analyzing tool arranged to identify in real time within each video frame a location of the lateral scale relative to the sheet of ice and a location of the curling stone relative to the lateral scale. The video stream in this instance is typically captured from a camera positioned to be laterally centered at one end of the sheet of ice either at ice level or spaced above the sheet of ice to be directed at a downward inclination towards the ice. In either instance, the camera is typically directed substantially in the longitudinal direction of the sheet of ice to capture images of the curling stone as it is displaced
In the preferred embodiment, the controller is arranged to display the lateral position of the curling stone as a first icon 114 movable along the scale in realtime and the broom as a second icon 116, also movable along the scale.
Typically a lateral position of a center line of the playing surface is also displayed on the scale by suitable indicia 118.
In an alternative embodiment of the tracking tool, minimal sensing equipment is required at the playing surface area as the location of the curling stone relative to the lateral scale can instead be determined by analyzing a real time video stream comprised of sequential video frames of a curling stone thrown along the sheet of ice in the longitudinal direction. In this instance the tracking tool includes an input arranged to receive the real time video stream and a video image analyzing tool arranged to identify in real time within each video frame a location of the lateral scale relative to the sheet of ice and a location of the curling stone relative to the lateral scale. The video stream in this instance is typically captured from a camera positioned to be laterally centered at one end of the sheet of ice either at ice level or spaced above the sheet of ice to be directed at a downward inclination towards the ice. In either instance, the camera is typically directed substantially in the longitudinal direction of the sheet of ice to capture images of the curling stone as it is displaced
12 longitudinally along the ice towards the camera.
The controller in this instance may then be arranged to generate the display information representing the scale and the lateral position of the curling stone on the scale as graphical representation overlaid onto the video stream in real time such as an auxiliary scale 102 separate from the sheet of ice or as an in situ scale 102' aligned with the sheet of ice as shown in Figure 5. In the instance of an auxiliary scale 102 which is graphically represented, the lateral position of the curling stone is graphically represented as the icon 114 movable along the scale.
According to a second embodiment of the broom locating tool 108, the lateral position of the broom of the skip relative to the scale can also be determined with the image analyzing tool such that the controller is arranged to subsequently generate the display information to include a representation of the lateral position of the broom. When the scale is graphically represented, the lateral position of the broom can also be graphically represented as an icon movable along the scale.
Since various modifications can be made in my invention as herein above described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of same made within the spirit and scope of the claims without department from such spirit and scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.
The controller in this instance may then be arranged to generate the display information representing the scale and the lateral position of the curling stone on the scale as graphical representation overlaid onto the video stream in real time such as an auxiliary scale 102 separate from the sheet of ice or as an in situ scale 102' aligned with the sheet of ice as shown in Figure 5. In the instance of an auxiliary scale 102 which is graphically represented, the lateral position of the curling stone is graphically represented as the icon 114 movable along the scale.
According to a second embodiment of the broom locating tool 108, the lateral position of the broom of the skip relative to the scale can also be determined with the image analyzing tool such that the controller is arranged to subsequently generate the display information to include a representation of the lateral position of the broom. When the scale is graphically represented, the lateral position of the broom can also be graphically represented as an icon movable along the scale.
Since various modifications can be made in my invention as herein above described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of same made within the spirit and scope of the claims without department from such spirit and scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.
Claims (10)
1. A scale system for use in the sport of curling in which a playing surface of the sport comprises a sheet of ice which is elongate in a longitudinal direction between a throwing area at a front end of the sheet of ice and a target area at a rear end of the sheet of ice and has a width in a lateral direction which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the system comprising:
a tracking tool arranged to determine a lateral position in the lateral direction of the sheet of ice of a curling stone on the sheet of ice relative to a lateral scale substantially representing a width of the playing surface in the lateral direction;
and a controller arranged to generate real time display information representing the lateral scale and the lateral position of the curling stone on the lateral scale as the lateral position of the curling stone varies as the curling stone is thrown along the sheet of ice in the longitudinal direction such that the display information is arranged to be displayed on a video display in real time.
a tracking tool arranged to determine a lateral position in the lateral direction of the sheet of ice of a curling stone on the sheet of ice relative to a lateral scale substantially representing a width of the playing surface in the lateral direction;
and a controller arranged to generate real time display information representing the lateral scale and the lateral position of the curling stone on the lateral scale as the lateral position of the curling stone varies as the curling stone is thrown along the sheet of ice in the longitudinal direction such that the display information is arranged to be displayed on a video display in real time.
2. The system according to Claim 1 wherein the controller is arranged to generate the display information representing the scale and the lateral position of the curling stone on the scale on a portion of a video monitor.
3. The system according to Claim 1 wherein the controller is arranged to generate the display information representing the scale and the lateral position of the curling stone on the scale as an overlay onto a real time video stream.
4. The system according to any one of Claims 1 through 3 wherein the tracking tool comprises a sensor arranged to electronically locate the lateral position of the curling stone relative to the sheet of ice.
5. The system according to Claim 1 wherein the tracking tool comprises:
an input arranged to receive a real time video stream comprised of sequential video frames of a curling stone thrown along the sheet of ice in the longitudinal direction; and a video image analyzing tool arranged to identify in real time within each video frame a location of the lateral scale relative to the sheet of ice and a location of the curling stone relative to the lateral scale; and wherein the controller is arranged to generate the display information representing the scale and the lateral position of the curling stone on the scale as graphical representation overlaid onto the video stream in real time.
an input arranged to receive a real time video stream comprised of sequential video frames of a curling stone thrown along the sheet of ice in the longitudinal direction; and a video image analyzing tool arranged to identify in real time within each video frame a location of the lateral scale relative to the sheet of ice and a location of the curling stone relative to the lateral scale; and wherein the controller is arranged to generate the display information representing the scale and the lateral position of the curling stone on the scale as graphical representation overlaid onto the video stream in real time.
6. The system according to any one of Claims 1 through 5 wherein the controller is arranged to generate the display information such that the scale is graphically represented and the lateral position of the curling stone is graphically represented as an icon movable along the scale.
7. The system according to any one of Claims 1 through 6 further comprising a broom locating tool arranged to locate a lateral position of a broom of a skip relative to the scale, wherein the controller is arranged to generate the display information such that the display information includes a representation of the lateral position of the broom.
8. The system according to Claim 7 wherein the broom locating tool comprises a sensor arranged to electronically locate the lateral position of the broom.
9. The system according to Claim 7 wherein the controller is arranged to generate the display information such that the scale is graphically represented and the lateral position of the broom is graphically represented as an icon movable along the scale.
10. The system according to any one of Claims 1 through 9 wherein the display information includes a representation of a lateral position of a center line of the playing surface.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3023910A CA3023910C (en) | 2011-03-02 | 2012-03-02 | Scale for playing surface in sport of curling |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US201161448397P | 2011-03-02 | 2011-03-02 | |
| US61/448,397 | 2011-03-02 |
Related Child Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3023910A Division CA3023910C (en) | 2011-03-02 | 2012-03-02 | Scale for playing surface in sport of curling |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2770465A1 CA2770465A1 (en) | 2012-09-02 |
| CA2770465C true CA2770465C (en) | 2019-02-12 |
Family
ID=46787414
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3023910A Active CA3023910C (en) | 2011-03-02 | 2012-03-02 | Scale for playing surface in sport of curling |
| CA2770465A Expired - Fee Related CA2770465C (en) | 2011-03-02 | 2012-03-02 | Scale for playing surface in sport of curling |
Family Applications Before (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3023910A Active CA3023910C (en) | 2011-03-02 | 2012-03-02 | Scale for playing surface in sport of curling |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (2) | CA3023910C (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN109120869B (en) * | 2018-11-07 | 2024-09-06 | 深圳市道通智能航空技术股份有限公司 | Double-light image integration method, integration equipment and unmanned aerial vehicle |
-
2012
- 2012-03-02 CA CA3023910A patent/CA3023910C/en active Active
- 2012-03-02 CA CA2770465A patent/CA2770465C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA3023910A1 (en) | 2012-09-02 |
| CA3023910C (en) | 2020-08-18 |
| CA2770465A1 (en) | 2012-09-02 |
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