CA2834459A1

CA2834459A1 - Automated electronic goal detection system

Info

Publication number: CA2834459A1
Application number: CA2834459A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Don Comeau; Mike Primeau; Wayne Primeau
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-11-28
Filing date: 2013-11-28
Publication date: 2015-05-28

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system which electronically automates the detection or identification, announcement and recording of a sporting event goal. In an ice hockey application, the system is comprised of a set of side posts and a cross bar containing Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID) antennas protected by a face plate, which antennae act as goal sensing means. The RFID Antennas supply a signal to electronic processing means mounted on or in the cross bar. The electronic processing means records the goal and either a) provides an audible and visual indication of the goal on the goal net or, b) wirelessly transmits a goal notification signal to a computer network for remote processing of goal annunciation and recording. A puck or ball containing an embedded RFID Tag/s is activated when in proximity of the RFID
Antenna.

Description

prov application 28Nov2013docx.docx AUTOMATED ELECTRONIC GOAL DETECTION SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a system which electronically automates the detection or identification, announcement and recording of when a sporting event goal is successfully attained.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] There have been other attempts directed at electronic goal detectors.

[003] US Patent 561588 for an Electronic Goal Detection System is directed to a system utilizing a series of sensors placed around the interior perimeter of the front structure of the goal net. The puck or ball contains a pickup means.
Apparently, when the puck or ball enters the goal net, goal net sensors activate and identify the goal locally on the net both visually and audibly. This device apparently did not take into account a) make up of material worn by a goaltender, b) obstruction of the goaltender of a clear view of the puck or ball to the goal net sensors and c) the range of speed the puck or ball could be traveling at (near up 120 mph) - the system would have had difficulty maintaining a consistent means of triggering the sensors.

[004] US Patent 5748073 for an Electronic Goal Detector is directed to a system having a single sensor in each side post, a sensor in the post across the top of the goal net and a sensor imbedded in the playing surface between the two side goal posts. The length of the sensor matched the length of the post in which installed. The net sensors were powered remotely via cabling under the playing surface. The puck contained an imbedded active RFID Tag. Apparently, as the puck entered the goal net, the goal net sensors would activate identifying the goal remotely, off the playing surface, both visually and audibly. This device apparently did not take into account the environmental variation a) obstruction of the goal tender of a clear view of the puck to the goal net sensors b) the system would have difficulty maintaining a consistent means of triggering of the sensors with the range of speeds the puck could be traveling at (near still to 120 mph), and c) lack of control when the system would signal a successful goal i.e. could signal before a goal was attained or not signal a goal if the puck was traveling at a high rate of speed.

prov application 28Nov2013docx.docx SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[005] The present disclosure provides embodiments of an automated electronic goal detection system which provides accuracy in the detection and recording of sporting event goals. The system removes the dependency on human vision, attention and any bias (which could be present) when ruling on whether a goal was attained or not. It will resolve goal accuracy disputes between referees, players, team officials and fans.

[006] Electronic data is used to a) activate a local signal either visually and/or audibly to announce the goal or b) wirelessly send the data to a remote electronic device (computer network, smart phone etc.) to either visually and/or audibly to announce and record the goal; to ensure that all goals scored are accurately recorded.
Applications include such sporting events as hockey, lacrosse as well as other sports involving an object moving across a goal line or similar track.

[007] The electronic system will more accurately detect, signal and record if an object such as a puck or ball passes into a goal device. An automated electronic goal detection system will more objectively solve goal accuracy disputes than subjective reviews of questionable goals using expensive camera systems.

[008] The system in its basic terms comprises an RFID tag in a regulation size puck, lacrosse ball, football etc., the goal net comprised of dimensioned posts and bars and materials for receiving antennas and transmission means for signaling a goal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[009] The present invention may be further understood by reference to the description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 is an ice hockey net.

[0011] Figure 2 is Side Post Cut-Away (top down view) of a hockey net.

[0012] Figure 3 is a puck with an embedded RFID tag.

[0013] Figure 4 is a representative RFID tag.

prov application 28Nov2013docx.docx DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The description, which follows, and the embodiments described therein, is provided by way of illustration of an example, or examples of particular embodiments of principles and aspects of the present invention. These examples are provided for the purposes of explanation, and not of limitation, of those principles and of the invention.
For example, although references are made to an ice hockey net and puck, the system may also be used in association with lacrosse and other sports.

[0015] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 the Electronic Goal Detector (1) (EGD) is comprised of a set of side post (2) and cross bar (4) which contain Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID) Antennas (5) being protected by face plate (7) which act as goal sensing means of Electronic Goal Detector (1). The RFID Antennas supply a pulse signal to electronic processing means (3) mounted on the cross bar (4).
The electronic processing means (3) records the goal then either a) provides an audible and visual indication of the goal on the goal net or, b) wirelessly sends goal notice to a computer network for remote processing of goal annunciation and recording. A
puck (20) or ball which contains embedded RFID tag/s (30) are activated when in proximity of the RFID Antenna (5). The Electronic Goal Detector may be battery operated.

[0016] The post dimensions may be dimensioned larger to accommodate the antennas. The post , cross bars and other portions of the net may be constructed of materials (such as plastic) that will not interfere with detection of the RFID
tag or transmission of signals to the processing means.

[0017] The RFID Tag is typically 1/16" thick by 2 %" in diameter and constructed of metallic conductive material imbedded into a mylar laminate. The diameter of the laminate is trimmed and holes are punched in non-conductive places to allow rubber to flow together creating a superior bond.

[0018] The puck is constructed in a mold where hot rubber in a liquid form is poured into the mold to a depth of 1/8", an RFID Tag is inserted into the mold, more liquid rubber is poured to within 3/16 of desired height, another RFID Tag is inserted into the mold, liquid rubber poured to official puck height. The mold cools to near room temperature and then the puck is removed from the mold, tested for official dimensions, weight and that the RFID device operates correctly.

prov application 28Nov2013docx.docx

[0019] The system may optionally use goal net annunciation means or remote annunciation means.

[0020] The foregoing description and accompanying drawings have been presented for purposes of illustration. Although the above description and accompanying drawings relate to preferred or exemplified embodiments of the present system; the scope of the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the preferred or exemplified embodiments, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the disclosure. Any reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless specifically so stated, but rather one or more. All structural and functional equivalence to the elements of the embodiment described throughout the disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are intended to be encompassed by the disclosure and drawings.