CN117202972A

CN117202972A - Device for determining ball impact in a corner between a wall and the ground

Info

Publication number: CN117202972A
Application number: CN202280030818.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: B·布兰德斯
Original assignee: Redpuan Private Ltd
Current assignee: Redpuan Private Ltd
Priority date: 2021-04-30
Filing date: 2022-04-08
Publication date: 2023-12-08
Also published as: BE1029356A1; MX2023012563A; BR112023022342A2; EP4329901A1; WO2022229756A1; BE1029356B1; CL2023003226A1; CA3211732A1; US20240207710A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for determining the order in which a ball hits a first wall and a second wall, the device comprising at least two sensors and a processing unit, wherein a first sensor provides a first sensor area and wherein a second sensor provides a second sensor area, wherein the first sensor area is at least partially arranged at a first distance from the first wall and at least partially arranged in a playing field and the second sensor area is at least partially arranged at a second distance from the second wall and at least partially arranged in the playing field, wherein the minimum distance between the first sensor area and the second sensor area is not more than 150% of the diameter of the ball.

Description

Device for determining ball impact in a corner between a wall and the ground

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a device for determining the impact of a ball at a corner between a wall and the ground, more particularly for determining the order in which the ball impacts a first wall and a second wall, said walls at least partially defining a playing field of a ball playing field. More specifically, the device relates to a cage tennis court for detecting a so-called "bolawo (Bola Huevo)" condition.

Background

Cage tennis (pad) is a racket and ball game, similar to tennis, that requires playing a ball with a racket on a net. It is a mixture of tennis and squash. As shown in fig. 1, the cage tennis court has concrete or glass walls (back and side walls) three meters high. There is a rail (metal) of 12 meters length on both sides and at least one door in the middle.

In cage tennis, the ball must be struck against the opposing half of the net, but cannot first hit one of the walls. The purpose is to prevent the opponent from striking the ball back. However, when a ball first hits the ground and then hits one of the walls, the ball is still in play.

The term "bolteur" is used when a ball is struck toward a border or base line and bounces off a corner between a vertical wall of a glass or rail and the ground, without knowing whether the ball hits the wall or the ground first. This may be a back wall or a side wall. This is an abnormal but frequent situation that can cause suspicion and unsafe feelings, and typically causes discussions between players to determine if this is a valid point.

The following logical explanation will be generally considered. If the ball bounces off a corner in a direction higher than the direction of the incoming ball, it first hits the ground. If the ball bounces back from the corner in a direction lower than the direction of the incoming ball, it will first hit the glass or the fence.

As shown in fig. 2, a second application method for determining whether a ball hits a wall first or the ground is based on observing the direction of rotation of the ball as it bounces off a corner.

If the ball bounces off a corner with a spin, as shown in fig. 2, the counterclockwise arrow from the point of view of use concludes that the ball is first touched and thus correctly struck. Conversely, when the ball bounces off a corner and rotates, as indicated by the clockwise arrow from the perspective employed in fig. 2, it is concluded that the ball first hits the wall and is thus erroneously struck.

It is understood that neither of these methods is truly convincing and results in discussions that have serious consequences for judges in professional and official games, particularly in terms of sponsorship and ranking, etc.

Known systems for detecting balls, as applied in tennis balls, show the disadvantage that they require complex and/or intensive data processing or video images. Other systems require sensors within the ball.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a solution that addresses at least one of the above and other drawbacks. In particular, the present invention aims to provide a solution in a simple way and with little need for data processing.

To this end, the invention relates to a device for determining the order in which a ball hits a first wall and a second wall, the walls at least partially delimiting a playing field of a ball playing field, wherein the first wall is for example a glass wall or a rail, and the second wall is for example a ground, the device comprising at least two sensors and a processing unit, wherein the first sensor provides a first sensor area, for example a first sensor wire or a sensor strip, and wherein the second sensor provides a second sensor area, for example a second sensor wire or a sensor strip, wherein the first sensor area is at least partially arranged at a first distance from the first wall and at least partially arranged in the playing field, and wherein the second sensor area is at least partially arranged at a second distance from the second wall and at least partially arranged in the playing field, wherein the minimum distance between the first sensor area and the second sensor area is not more than 150% of the ball diameter.

The sensor area relates to the volume of space in which the presence of an object activates the sensor. The volume of space may be a line or a band, but may also be a cone or any other shape.

For readability, a sensor line or sensor strip will be used hereinafter instead of the term sensor area. These terms also refer to the sensor area unless it is explicitly stated that it relates to a narrower interpretation.

When it is detected that the ball passes through the sensor area, the sensor generates a detection signal, which is transmitted to the processing unit.

The processing unit may receive the detection signals and is designed such that it may determine the order of reception of the detection signals and generate the output signals according to the determined order.

It is important to recognize that it is not necessary to measure contact with the wall nor the moment at which the ball hits the wall.

If the sensor wire or the sensor strip is located at a distance from the wall, the "moment of contact" of the ball with the sensor wire or the sensor strip is measured.

Since in this case the sensor wire or sensor strip is arranged in mid-air, rather than on a tangible element, we will generally refer to the ball passing through the sensor wire or sensor strip.

The first distance between the first sensor line or the first sensor strip and the first wall and the second distance between the second sensor line or the second sensor strip and the second wall and the relative distance between the first sensor line or the first sensor strip and the second sensor line or the second sensor strip are deliberate and chosen such that an indirect measurement still provides a correct and reliable assessment of the sequence of moments of contact of the ball with the wall.

The object of the invention is to determine the order in which a ball hits a first and a second wall. When the ball passes or contacts the sensor wire or sensor strip, the sensor will detect an interruption of the sensor signal.

In the case of sensor zones involving sensor strips, this means substantially flat strips with constant or variable width, which of course may be provided parallel to or on the wall, but may also be provided at different angles.

Preferably, the minimum distance between the two sensor wires or strips is less than or equal to the diameter of the ball. It is thus possible to detect explicitly whether a ball bouncing at a corner of two walls (e.g. at a corner of a vertical wall and the ground) hits the ground first and then hits the vertical wall or vice versa.

For example, in a cage tennis court, the vertical wall may be the vertical glass rear wall behind the playing field, i.e., the wall away from the net.

Alternatively, in a cage tennis court, the vertical wall may also be a vertical side wall on the playing surface side, for example. The bottom portion of the side wall is made of glass and the bottom portion is made of a fence.

Thus, it is possible to detect the "bolawo rest" condition explicitly.

In a particular embodiment, as in the case of a flat strip, the strip is positioned parallel to the relevant wall.

In particular embodiments, the sensor lines or bands disposed proximate the ground are disposed parallel to the edges or bottom lines of the playing field.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least two sensors comprise at least one of the following sensors:

an optical or motion sensor;

a pressure sensor;

a vibration sensor.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the sensors is an optical sensor based on laser technology, whereby a laser line or a laser band is generated. In a preferred embodiment, the laser line is not visible to the naked eye.

In another preferred embodiment, the at least one sensor is a pressure sensor based on a pressure sensitive conductive plate, thereby producing a pressure sensitive strip. The first distance (d 1) between the first wall and the pressure sensor is thus equal to zero, or the second distance (d 2) between the second wall and the pressure sensor is thus equal to zero.

Preferably, the first sensor is a pressure sensor and the second sensor is an optical sensor.

Thus, the pressure sensor is arranged on the wall and the optical sensor is arranged at a distance d2 above the ground.

This has the advantage that the error margin in this embodiment can be as small as possible. In this way, the "blind spot" between the first sensor and the rear wall is reduced to zero.

The borders and bottom lines of the playing field may be provided with sensor lines by sensors arranged at corners of the field. Other arrangements are also within the scope of the invention. In particular arrangements, the sensor lines may be sent through one or more continuous edges and/or bottom lines via sensors through one or more reflectors or mirrors disposed in corners of the playing field. Thus, fewer sensors are required.

In a preferred embodiment, the processing unit generates different output signals depending on whether the first sensor or the second sensor detects a signal, in other words, whether the ball hits the first wall or the second wall.

In a further preferred embodiment, the processing unit generates different output signals depending on at least two detection signals, namely a first signal of the first sensor when the ball hits the first wall and a second signal of the second sensor when the ball hits the second wall.

Thus, the processing unit may determine the order of the two signals.

The associated sensor detects whether the ball hits the wall when the ball is stopped or passed through the associated sensor wire or band. In that case, the sensor will generate a detection signal.

In a preferred embodiment, the processing unit generates an output in the form of a visual signal or sound based on the detected or generated signal.

In another preferred embodiment, at least two sensors may perform intelligent measurements, such as height measurements of the trajectory of an incoming and bouncing ball. Such intelligent measurement facilitates possible error correction or additional measurement parameters. Thus, the processing unit may apply error correction or process additional measurement parameters.

Error correction may be important to exclude offset measurements. Such measurements may be caused by false detection of particles, especially gravel, sand, grass blades, dust, etc. Such particles may be blown up by the impact of the ball on the ground, or they may be present on the ball and detached upon impact. Preferably, the error margin of the sensor is such that only sufficiently large elements are detected.

Error correction or additional measurements may be performed with software, additional sensors and/or camera monitoring and processed in a processing unit.

In alternative embodiments, the sensor may determine the detection time, e.g. one tenth or one hundredth of a second, and determine the order of impact of the balls by comparing the detection times.

Preferably, the processing of the signal is done in real time or within an acceptable time frame. This means that the player does not have to wait too long for the output of the processing unit.

The sensor and the processing unit provide a certain accuracy for measurement/detection and processing.

If the processing unit is unable to determine a well-defined order within the accuracy range, or if the sensor detects an unacceptable margin of error, a specific output signal may be generated. In this case, the ball must be re-played once

The processing unit may comprise software for visualizing the line of the ball in case of "bolawo". This may be used, for example, as an output by a viewer. This can be done in a simple manner or more realistically and based on additional measurements and/or calculations.

For example, by detecting the break time of the sensor wire, additional information can be obtained, such as which portion of the ball has passed the wire. A shorter interruption generally indicates that a small portion of the ball has passed the line.

In another embodiment, the processing unit has Artificial Intelligence (AI). The inputs to such AI algorithms include the detected signals, but may also include additional measurement data such as the angle of impact and rebound, the speed of the ball, etc. Based on certain saved ball conditions and ball trajectories, the algorithm can learn and quickly identify new conditions.

Preferably, the arrangement of the sensors and/or other measuring devices will be done in a calibrated manner.

The processing unit includes software for processing signals of the one or more output signals detected by the at least two sensors. The output may include an audio signal or a visual signal, such as an LED. The output may also be in the form of statistical information and information based on intelligent measurements.

In a preferred embodiment, the wall or first wall of the playing field is a side wall of concrete, glass or a fence and the second wall is a surface of artificial grass, concrete or gravel.

By means of the intentional arrangement of the sensor wires or sensor strips with respect to each other and with respect to the wall, it is possible to use the measured data to determine whether the ball was correctly or incorrectly struck. The processing of the data may be accomplished with additional intelligence from the processing of the measurement data.

The strips may, but need not, be parallel to the nearby walls.

Preferably, the first sensor line or sensor strip is arranged at a first distance from the first wall, e.g. 0 to 3cm. Similarly but possibly with a deviation in distance, the second sensor line or sensor strip is preferably arranged at a second distance of between e.g. 0 and 3cm from the second wall.

In a particular embodiment, at least two sensors are provided at each corner of the playing field for monitoring the first and second walls of the playing field edge or bottom line. In another embodiment, at least two sensors are arranged on two diagonal corners of the playing field, whereby a sensor unit with the necessary sensors is provided on each corner, which sensor unit monitors the edges and bottom lines of the relevant corners of the playing field.

In another particular embodiment, the side walls of the playing field may be provided with additional detection means for detecting "off-the-spot games" whereby players may leave the conventional playing field to play balls.

This may be achieved by providing one or more additional sensor lines or sensor strips along the side wall or in front of the door opening, for example, which are mounted at a certain height, for example between 20 and 120 cm, whereby the processing unit can determine whether the athlete is leaving the field.

The processing unit may also issue a signal indicating that the athlete has left the playing field and that an "off-field game" situation is involved.

In a particular embodiment, the playing field is a caged tennis court and the apparatus can detect a "bolawo rest" condition whereby the first wall is a vertical side or rear wall and the second wall is the ground.

For example, the device may be provided on a cage tennis or squash playing field.

Drawings

For a better display of the features of the invention, hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the device according to the invention are described, by way of example without any limiting nature, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a cage tennis court;

fig. 2 shows how it is determined whether the ball hits the wall first or the ground;

figures 3-7 schematically show the "bolawo rest" situation shown according to the different phases of the incoming ball;

fig. 8 schematically shows a preferred embodiment of an apparatus for a cage tennis court according to the present invention;

fig. 9 shows another embodiment of the device according to the invention;

fig. 10 shows an alternative preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a cage tennis court as described in the introduction. Fig. 2 shows how it is determined in practice whether the ball hits the wall first or the ground.

Figures 3-7 schematically show the "bolawo" situation according to the different phases of the incoming ball.

Fig. 3A shows a "bolawo rest" situation in which the ball 2 is hit to the furthest area of the course and will bounce there, for example on a border or bottom line in a corner (cross line) 10 between the glass wall 3 and the ground 4.

An embodiment using a sensor line is shown here in its simplest form of presentation. However, this example may also be implemented with a sensor strip or area, such an embodiment being shown in fig. 10.

As shown in more detail in fig. 3B, the intersection line 10 between the vertical wall 3 and the ground 4 is provided with a first sensor line 8 and a second sensor line 9, whereby the first distance d1 between the first sensor line 8 and the glass wall 3 is at most 3cm and the second distance d2 between the second sensor line 8 and the ground 4 is at most 3cm.

The minimum distance d3 between the two sensor wires 8, 9 is not more than 150% of the ball diameter, preferably not more than the ball diameter. These limits also determine the height of the first sensor wire 8 relative to the ground and the distance of the second sensor wire 9 relative to the vertical wall.

The distance determinations d1, d2 and d3 are explicit to detect whether a ball is effectively played on the crossing 10 (or bottom/edge) of the field.

In this example, both sensor lines 8, 9 are parallel to the intersection 10 between the vertical wall 3 and the ground 4, provided that the bottom line/side line of the playing field, more specifically the ball in/out, is determined, parallel to said intersection 10.

In the first case, as shown in fig. 4, the ball 2 first hits the ground 4. The sensor line 9 is interrupted so that the second sensor 7 generates a first detection signal. The ball 2 then springs further towards the vertical wall 3 as shown in fig. 5. The sensor line 8 is now interrupted, so that the first sensor 6 generates a second detection signal. The ball 2 then bounces onto the course.

Based on the first and second detection signals of the sensor, the processing unit determines the order in which the balls hit the wall. In this case, the affirmative output signal is generated by the processing unit. This may result in, for example, a green LED lamp being lit at the level of the net. This is an effective ball and the game can continue. The green LED display processing unit evaluates the "bolawo rest" condition. In another alternative, no signal is output after a valid ball, the game may simply continue.

In the second case, as shown in fig. 6, the ball 2 first hits the glass wall. The sensor line 8 is interrupted such that the first sensor 6 generates a first detection signal. The ball 2 then springs further towards the ground 4, as shown in fig. 7. The sensor line 9 is now interrupted, so that the second sensor 7 generates a second detection signal. The ball 2 then rebounds back to the course. In this case the processing unit will generate a negative output signal.

In this case, for example, a red LED indicator light would illuminate on a net post or other location, which is clearly visible to each player. This is an invalid ball.

Fig. 8 schematically shows a preferred embodiment of the device for a cage tennis court according to the invention.

In each corner of the cage tennis court, there are arranged two sensors 6,7, one for the sensor line 8 at a first distance d1 from the glass wall 3 and one for the sensor line 9 at a second distance d2 from the ground 4. The two sensors 6,7 provide two sensor lines parallel to the bottom line or edge line. In this way, the pitch is completely delimited by the sensor lines that detect the "bolawo rest" condition.

The two sensors 6,7 may be combined in one unit, if relevant. Thus, four such units are required for a cage tennis court.

Other arrangements are also possible, wherein only one cell is used per sensor line, whereby it is transmitted by reflection to the relevant bottom line and side line.

In yet another embodiment, a third sensor line may be added at about 1m from the ground. This is because in the game, it is allowed to pick up the ball outside the cage, which is the case for the so-called "off-the-spot game". In this case the software is arranged not to generate an "invalid" signal when said third line is interrupted.

Fig. 9 shows a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, in which the first and second sensor wires 8, 9 are replaced by first and second sensor strips 11, 12. The first sensor strip 11 is arranged at a first distance d1 from the first wall or glass wall 3 and the second sensor strip 12 is arranged at a second distance from the second wall or ground 4. In this example, the sensor strips are arranged parallel to the wall.

The embodiment shown in fig. 10 shows an apparatus according to the invention, wherein the first sensor 6 is a pressure sensor to form a sensor strip 11 and the second sensor 7 is an optical sensor to form a sensor line 9.

The pressure sensor is based on a pressure-sensitive conductive plate that is so to speak mounted on the first wall 3.

Thus, the distance d1 between the first wall 3 and the first sensor 6 is equal to zero. The distance d2 between the second wall 4 and the second sensor 7 is between 0 and 3cm, in this case 2 cm.

It should be appreciated that different types of sensors may be used in the same device.

Alternatively, the invention may also relate to a device for determining the order in which a ball hits a first wall and a second wall, similar to the device described in the claims, but with a sensor detecting vibrations and being arranged against or connected to the relevant wall, and with a processing unit containing software to distinguish between vibrations of the ball and the wall near the corner and other vibrations, all of which enable the device to determine the order of contact with the wall near the corner.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described as examples and shown in the drawings, but the device according to the invention as defined by the claims may be implemented according to different variants without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claim (modification according to treaty 19)

1. Device (1) for determining the order in which a ball (2) hits a first wall (3) and a second wall (4), the walls (3, 4) at least partly defining a playing field (5) of a ball playing field, the device comprising at least two sensors (6, 7) and a processing unit, wherein the first sensor (6) provides a first sensor area (8, 11) and wherein the second sensor (7) provides a second sensor area (9, 12), characterized in that at least a part of the first sensor area (8, 11) is arranged at a first distance (d 1) from the first wall (3) and at least a part is arranged in the playing field (5) and the second sensor area (9, 12) is at least partly arranged at a second distance (d 2) from the second wall and at least partly in the playing field (5), wherein the first sensor area (8, 11) and the second sensor area (9, 12) are arranged at least partly at a distance (d 2) from the largest diameter of the ball (150) between the first sensor area (8, 11) and the second sensor area (3).

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the minimum distance (d 3) between the two sensor wires (8, 9) or strips (11, 12) is smaller than or equal to the diameter of the ball (2).

3. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flat belts (11, 12) are positioned parallel to the relevant wall.

4. A device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said at least two sensors (6, 7) comprise at least one of the following sensors:

an optical or motion sensor;

a pressure sensor;

a vibration sensor.

5. The device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the at least two sensors (6, 7) comprise at least one optical sensor (6, 7) based on laser technology, whereby a laser line (8, 9) or a laser band (11, 12) is generated.

6. The device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the at least two sensors (6, 7) comprise at least one pressure sensor (6, 7) based on a pressure-sensitive conductive plate, whereby a pressure-sensitive strip (11, 12) is produced, and whereby the first distance (d 1) between the first wall (3) and the pressure sensor is equal to zero, or whereby the second distance (d 2) between the second wall (4) and the pressure sensor is equal to zero.

7. The device (1) according to any of the preceding claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the first sensor (6) is a pressure sensor and the second sensor (7) is an optical sensor.

8. The device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the processing unit generates different output signals depending on whether the first sensor (6) or the second sensor (7) first generates a detection signal.

9. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the processing unit generates different output signals based on at least two detection signals, namely a first signal of the first sensor (6) and a second signal of the second sensor (7).

10. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processing unit determines the order of the two signals.

11. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said processing unit generates an output in the form of a visual signal or an audio signal depending on the detected or generated signal.

12. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least two sensors (6, 7) perform intelligent measurements.

13. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the processing unit processes error correction or additional measured parameters.

14. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the processing unit comprises software for processing signals detected by the at least two sensors (6, 7) in one or more outputs, which may be selected from the group comprising: acoustic signals, visual signals, statistical information, and information based on intelligent measurements.

15. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wall (3, 4) is a sports field wall, wherein the first wall (3) is a side wall made of concrete, glass or a fence, and the second wall (4) is a surface of artificial grass, concrete or gravel.

16. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first sensor line (8) or sensor strip (11) is arranged at a first distance of at most 3cm from the first wall (3), and the second sensor line (9) or sensor strip (12) is arranged at a second distance of at most 3cm from the second wall (4).

17. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two sensors (6, 7) are provided at each corner of the playing field (5), a first wall (3) and a second wall (4) for monitoring the edges or bottom line of the playing field.

18. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least two sensors (6, 7) are arranged at two diagonally opposite corners of the playing field (5), whereby at each corner a sensor unit with necessary sensors (6, 7) is arranged for monitoring the borderline and the bottom line delimiting the relevant corner of the playing field (5).

19. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the playing field (5) is a cage tennis court and that the device can detect a "bolsuwa" situation, wherein the first wall (3) is a vertical side or rear wall and the second wall (4) is the ground, wherein at least two sensors (6, 7) are provided in each corner of the playing field (5) for monitoring a side line or a bottom line (10) via two sensor lines (8, 9), whereby a signal of an invalid ball is emitted when the ball (2) interrupts the sensor line (8) at a distance from the vertical wall (3) first and subsequently interrupts the sensor line (9) at a distance from the ground (4).

20. Device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is arranged in a cage tennis or squash playing field (5).

Claims

1. Device (1) for determining the order in which a ball (2) hits a first wall (3) and a second wall (4), the walls (3, 4) at least partly delimiting a playing field (5) of a ball playing field, wherein the first wall (3) is for example a glass wall or a grating, the second wall (4) is for example a ground, the device comprising at least two sensors (6, 7) and a processing unit, wherein the first sensor (6) provides a first sensor area (8, 11), for example a first sensor line (8) or a sensor belt (11), and wherein the second sensor (7) provides a second sensor area (9, 12), for example a second sensor line (9) or a sensor belt (12), characterized in that the first sensor area (8, 11) is at least partly arranged at a first distance (d 1) from the first wall (3) and at least partly arranged in the playing field (5), for example a first sensor line (8) or a sensor belt (11), and wherein the second sensor (7) provides a second sensor area (9, 12), for example a second sensor line (9) or a sensor belt (12), at least partly arranged at the second sensor area (8, at least partly at the first sensor area (2) and at the second sensor area (8) 12 The minimum distance (d 3) between the balls (2) is not more than 150% of the diameter of the balls.

4. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said at least two sensors (6, 7) comprise at least one of the following sensors:

an optical or motion sensor;

a pressure sensor;

a vibration sensor.

12. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least two sensors (6, 7) perform intelligent measurements, such as height measurements of the trajectory of an incoming and bouncing ball therein.

14. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the processing unit comprises software for processing signals detected by the at least two sensors (6, 7) in one or more outputs, such as sound signals, visual signals, statistical information and information based on intelligent measurements.

20. Device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device is provided in a playing field (5), such as a cage tennis or squash.