EP2012886B1 - Monitoring device for a playing field - Google Patents

Abstract

A football pitch (12) has a play monitoring installation (10) that detects the passage of a football from the pitch through the touchline. The monitoring system consists of a camera monitoring the touch line, a laser emitter, a laser beam detector, and a central control system, a recording unit and an operator in touch with the referee.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a monitoring device for a playing field on which players operate a game with a ball according to predetermined rules, and for at least one monitoring person who has to monitor compliance with the rules.

STATE OF THE ART

To monitor the rules, for example, one referee and two linesmen are used in football matches. The referee must decide immediately after a match, whether the rules have been respected or not, for example, whether a foul exists, whether offside or if the ball has exceeded the line. If the referee, due to his spatially limited view in certain game situations, is unable to survey the overall situation, the linesman will assist him. Here, the linesman indicates by raising a flag, whether a rule violation in his opinion. However, this view is also subject to his subjective observations.

The organization of football matches in conjunction with the marketing of television and advertising has recently gained enormous economic importance. Therefore, the supervision of the rules to be observed during a football game is increasingly perceived as no longer up-to-date by the subjective impression of referees on the basis of hindsight-documented camera shots. Although the right to exist of referees is not denied, but requires that they increasingly make their decision based on objective correct foundations. However, the decision must be made urgently and locally.

In the WO 00/31560 A2 a monitoring device for a playing field is described in which in a grid-shaped pattern above the playing field distributed cameras are present, which are connected to an evaluation device. The cameras are stationary. They take the action on the field seen in a plan view. In addition, additional cameras are arranged at the edge of the field, which provide perspective images of the playing field. To capture the players, they are equipped with stickers or ribbons that have a reflective effect. The reflected waves are recorded by other cameras, which are also distributed in a grid pattern above the playing field. The grid-shaped distributed film cameras and the cameras that record the reflection beams are each formed as a unit. A locally available computer system evaluates the signals of the cameras receiving the reflected beams and converts these into position coordinates. In addition to the position, the speeds of the individual objects can be determined.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

Based on the cited prior art, the present invention has the object to provide a monitoring device of the type mentioned, the timely informed the arbitrators in their decision-making regarding the rule compliance on the basis of objective facts, the competence of the arbitrators or their decisions is not in question which can be economically implemented in a cost-effective manner, thereby advantageously utilizing existing technical means, ensuring easy operability and at the same time providing permanently reliable, timely information to the referees on the basis of an objectively analyzed view, allowing deployment for large uncovered playing fields should.

The monitoring device according to the invention is given by the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of claims dependent directly or indirectly from the independent claim 1.

• zumindest einer entlang des Spielfeldrandes verfahrbaren, bei Bedarf einen Messstrahl oder einen Messstrahlbereich aussendenden Messeinheit, mittels dessen sämtliche Spielfeldpunkte berechnet werden können,
• eine über eine Bedieneinheit ansteuerbare, mit der zumindest einer Überwachungsperson in Kommunikationsverbindung stehende, insbesondere am Spielfeldrand angeordnete, Steuer- und Auswerteinheit, die mit der Messeinheit in Kommunikationsverbindung steht, mittels derer die jeweilige Position der Messeinheit festlegbar ist und die die Mess- und Positionsdaten der Messeinheit erfasst,

• zumindest einer Kameraeinheit, die mit der Steuer- und Auswerteinheit in Kommunikationsverbindung steht und die das aktuelle Spielgeschehen aufnimmt und entsprechende Bildsignale an die Steuer- und Auswerteinheit abgibt,
• einer Anzeigeeinheit, die mit der Steuer- und Auswerteinheit in Kommunikationsverbindung steht und in Abhängigkeit der Signale der Steuer- und Auswerteinheit das aktuelle Spielgeschehen wiedergibt,
• wobei mittels der Steuer- und Auswerteinheit auf Grundlage der Signale der Messeinheit und der Bildsignale der Kameraeinheit jeweilige Spielsituation reproduzierbar, auswertbar und über die Anzeigeeinheit darstellbar und einer Analyse zuführbar ist,
• der Messstrahl als Laserstrahl, Infrarotstrahl, Ultraschallstrahl oder elektromagnetischer Strahl ausgebildet ist,
• eine Speichereinrichtung vorhanden ist, auf die die Steuer- und Auswerteinheit sämtliche Mess-, Bild-, Anzeige- und Berechnungsdaten speichert,
• die Steuer- und Auswerteinheit mit einer Großbildschirmanzeige in Kommunikationsverbindung steht und
• die Messeinheit innerhalb eines Schienensystems verfahrbar angeordnet sind.

The monitoring device according to the invention of the type mentioned above is characterized by the following features:

• at least one measuring unit which can be moved along the edge of the field of play and, if required, emits a measuring beam or a measuring beam range, by means of which all playing field points can be calculated,
• a controllable via an operating unit, with the at least one monitoring person in communication connection, in particular arranged on the edge of the field, control and evaluation, with the measuring unit in Communication connection is by means of which the respective position of the measuring unit can be fixed and which detects the measurement and position data of the measuring unit,

• at least one camera unit, which communicates with the control and evaluation unit in communication and which receives the current game action and outputs corresponding image signals to the control and evaluation unit,
• a display unit, which communicates with the control and evaluation unit in communication and reproduces the current game action as a function of the signals of the control and evaluation unit,
• wherein by means of the control and evaluation unit based on the signals of the measuring unit and the image signals of the camera unit respective game situation reproducible, evaluable and displayable via the display unit and an analysis can be fed,
• the measuring beam is designed as a laser beam, infrared beam, ultrasonic beam or electromagnetic beam,
• a memory device is provided on which the control and evaluation unit stores all measurement, image, display and calculation data,
• the control and evaluation unit communicates with a large screen display and
• the measuring unit are arranged movable within a rail system.

The monitoring device according to the invention is particularly suitable to be used for monitoring the rules when performing football matches.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the monitoring device according to the invention is characterized in that a memory device is present in which the complete game with all data (images, laser measurements, pulses, displays or the like data), in particular on a black box, recorded and then is archived (camera in surveillance device).

An (additional) camera observes the two persons in the car (monitoring device) so that they can not communicate.

To inform the viewers of the game regarding the decision currently being made by the monitoring person, the control and evaluation unit is in communication communication with a large-screen display.

A particularly advantageous development is characterized in that a projection unit is provided which projects the lines of the playing field onto the display unit, and the control and evaluation unit generates a visual display when a line is crossed by the ball. Through the projection unit, the entire playing field is measured and projected precisely on a screen. Since the ball is equipped with a chip or a sensor that displays the respective current position within the playing field, its position can always be displayed on the screen. If the ball exceeds a line delimiting the field, for example, it flashes. This can be, for example, a sideline, a goal line or the goal line itself.

In addition, it is possible that the monitoring device has further optical displays, which can indicate for example the surveillance person and also for the spectator, in which direction a throw-in must take place, whether a foul play is present, if there is an offside or if the ball is out or in the gate.

In addition, an acoustic display unit can be used.

A particularly preferred embodiment is characterized in that a vehicle carriage is present along the field side line, in which all units of the monitoring device according to the invention, namely measuring unit, control and evaluation unit with control unit and display unit are arranged.

Preferably, in this case, the measuring unit or vehicle vehicle is movably mounted in a rail system, which ensures a permanently reliable function. The corresponding drive units for the measuring unit or for the vehicle can be controlled directly or indirectly.

Particularly preferably, the movable measuring unit or vehicle vehicle is parallel spaced to the playing field longitudinal side.

In order to maintain the given structures in terms of monitoring (referees, two linesmen) further, a particularly advantageous embodiment of the monitoring device according to the invention is characterized by that two measuring units or two vehicle carriages are present which are diametrically opposite along a respective Spielfeldlängsrandhälfte movable.

If the entire equipment for the monitoring device according to the invention is incorporated in a movable unit or a vehicle, it is particularly advantageous to provide a lockable garage unit within which the vehicle when not in use can be arranged so that it is not needed regardless of weather conditions and protected against unauthorized Access or vandalism is present.

In an alternative embodiment, the vehicle car is designed so that it can accommodate in terms of volume at least one operator, in a specific embodiment, two operators (technicians, referees).

In order to reduce the risk of injury, a particularly advantageous embodiment has a vehicle car, which has circumferentially only rounded edges outside and in particular at least partially has padding.

An alternative embodiment is characterized in that further measuring units are present, which emit their measuring beam along the outer lines of the field and send a corresponding signal to the control and evaluation unit in full when one of the outlines of the ball is exceeded.

In addition, further camera units could be present, which are arranged in the area of gates, and deliver their recording signals to the control and evaluation unit for further evaluation.

In order to make the situation clearer in detail, in particular in the analysis and evaluation, according to a preferred embodiment of the monitoring device according to the invention further camera units are present, which record the game in a plan view and communicate with the control and evaluation unit in communication.

According to a preferred embodiment, the cameras may be programmed to automatically follow the ball, respectively. The size of the screen section the camera can be set individually. Either a fixed zoom factor per camera is programmed, or a variable zoom factor, depending on the distance to the ball.

A further advantageous embodiment of the monitoring device according to the invention is characterized in that the vehicle with all the units required for the monitoring device is movable on the playing field longitudinal edge, wherein the distance to a also on the playing field longitudinal edge moving supervisor during game operation is kept constant. For evaluation and analysis, this monitoring person can then address the monitoring device according to the invention in a timely manner and, after evaluation, communicate the corresponding information to the monitoring person (referee) who is on the playing field.

The vehicle can have at least one seat which is equipped with safety belts.

Furthermore, the vehicle can be designed as a closed and open vehicle unit.

With the monitoring device according to the invention, a mobile, mobile or stationary system for measuring and monitoring a limited field (for example football field) is provided. The transfer of the relevant data takes place with the interposition of a control and evaluation unit on a mobile, movable or stationary display aids (for example, monitor). The complete system can be manufactured mobile, stationary, self-propelled and for passengers. The individual components can be used as a whole or as building blocks, wherein each individual building block can be mobile, stationary or mobile and can be combined as desired.

The system or the monitoring device is used in particular for monitoring the football rules such as offside, fouling and monitoring of the lines and timely transmission of data to the supervisor (referee, linesman or the like) in optical and / or acoustic form. The transmission of the decision-relevant data can also be done by sending appropriate impulses to the supervisor.

In a preferred embodiment, a linesman activates the operating unit when playing a player, whereupon the measurement is triggered, for example, by a laser beam. The line optically represented by the laser beam on the display unit is immediately supplemented to the left and / or right by an auxiliary line, which is moved parallel to the next player. The players first touched by the shifted lines are displayed visually, differently colored or flashing. The guides remain standing upright on the monitor. This evaluation is possible because the control and evaluation unit electronically at any time can detect the position of the player or the ball.

According to the invention, an image transmission of the analysis data to a large screen is possible.

Preferably, a monitoring device per game half is installed on the long sides of the playing field, analogous to the current paths of a linesman.

The individual components of the monitoring device according to the invention can be designed in various sizes and designs.

1. 1. Am Spielfeldrand installiertes mobiles, fahrbares "Auge" (Messeinheit) zur Messung mittels Laserstrahl, beziehungsweise Bestimmung einer Hilfslinie, von der aus sämtliche Spielfeldpunkte elektronisch berechnet werden können. Auf Knopfdruck wird die Messung aktiviert und die Hilfslinie wandert auf dem Monitor (Anzeigeeinheit) bis zum nächsten Spieler und bleibt dort stehen. Sofern dieser Spieler nicht der gewünschte ist, wandert die Hilfslinie bei erneutem Knopfdruck, bis zum nächsten Spieler weiter. Übertragung der Daten/Messwerte auf den Monitor. Das "Auge" ist ohne scharfe Kanten und zusätzlich gepolstert.
2. 2. Anzeigeeinheit (Monitor) welches ebenfalls mobil, fahrbar oder stationär installiert werden kann. Der Monitor kann als Einheit mit dem "Messauge" zusammen oder getrennt gestellt werden. Die Anzeige/Messung kann anhand der Kameraaufnahme erfolgen, indem die Bilder auf den Monitor übertragen werden und zusammen mit den Messwerten des Laserauges ausgewertet werden. Das Spielfeld kann ebenso eingemessen und als festes Hintergrundbild auf dem Monitor sichtbar sein. Synchronisiert mit den Kameraaufnahmen kann die Messung und Anzeige der Hilfslinie direkt auf dem Monitor erfolgen.
3. 3. Fahrzeugwagen, auf welches das "Messauge" und/oder der Monitor installiert wird. Der Fahrzeugwagen ist eiförmig ohne scharfe Kanten und zusätzlich gepolstert. Parallel zur Außenlinie, in einem Abstand von ca. 1,0 m bis 1,5 m, wird eine im Boden versenkte Schienenanlage verlegt. Der Fahrzeugwagen kann als selbstfahrender Wagen oder für Mitfahrer, incl. der jeweils nötigen Sicherheitseinrichtungen, ausgestattet werden. Es können maximal zwei Personen (zum Beispiel Linienrichter und/oder Techniker) befördert werden.
   • Geschwindigkeit maximal 35 bis 40 km/h
   • Steuerung extern oder im Wagen mit Hebel oder Pedalen
   • Maße: Länge ca. 2,50 m zuzüglich Polsterung
     Breite ca. 1,50 m zuzüglich Polsterung
     Höhe ca. 1,50 m zuzüglich Polsterung
   
   Des Weiteren kann ein zusätzliches "Auge" (zusätzliche Messeinheit) am Wagen installiert werden, mit dem ein Fußball mit integriertem Chip separat erfolgen kann. Diese Daten werden an den/die im Fahrzeugwagen befindlichen Monitor(e) und/oder einen separaten Monitor übertragen. Bei Einsatz eines Balles mit integriertem Chip werden die Linien mit zusätzlichen Messaugen versehen, die bei überschreiten des Balles der Linien Impulse und Daten an die Station/Monitor übertragen.
4. 4. Zur zusätzlichen Kontrolle/Überwachung können oberseitig, über dem Spielfeld, insgesamt vier Kameras installiert werden, die jeweils ein Viertel des Spielfelds überwachen. Die Daten werden an den unter 2. genannten Monitor oder einen separaten Monitor übertragen. Zusätzlich können vier weitere Kameras auf den kurzen Spielfeldseiten, jeweils links und rechts des Tores installiert werden.

These are the following components:

1. 1. Mobile, mobile "eye" (measuring unit) installed at the edge of the field for measurement by means of a laser beam, or determination of an auxiliary line, from which all playing field points can be calculated electronically. At the touch of a button, the measurement is activated and the guide moves on the monitor (display unit) to the next player and stops there. If this player is not the one you want, the guide wanders to the next player by pressing the button again. Transfer of data / measurements to the monitor. The "eye" is without sharp edges and additionally padded.
2. 2. Display unit (monitor) which can also be installed mobile, mobile or stationary. The monitor can be used as a unit with the "measuring eye" be put together or separately. The display / measurement can be made on the basis of the camera image by transferring the images to the monitor and evaluating them together with the measured values of the laser eye. The playing field can also be calibrated and displayed as a solid background image on the monitor. Synchronized with the camera shots, the auxiliary line can be measured and displayed directly on the monitor.
3. 3. Vehicle wagon on which the "measuring eye" and / or the monitor is installed. The vehicle is egg-shaped without sharp edges and additionally padded. Parallel to the outline, at a distance of about 1.0 m to 1.5 m, a sunken rail system is laid. The vehicle can be equipped as a self-propelled car or for passengers, including the necessary safety equipment. A maximum of two persons (for example linesman and / or technician) can be carried.
   • Speed maximum 35 to 40 km / h
   • Control externally or in the car with lever or pedals
   • Dimensions: Length about 2.50 m plus padding
     Width about 1.50 m plus padding
     Height about 1.50 m plus padding
   
   Furthermore, an additional "eye" (additional measuring unit) can be installed on the car, with which a football with integrated chip can be made separately. These data are transmitted to the monitor (s) in the vehicle and / or a separate monitor. When using a ball with an integrated chip, the lines are provided with additional measuring eyes that transmit pulses and data to the station / monitor when the ball of the lines is exceeded.
4. 4. For additional control / monitoring, a total of four cameras can be installed on top of the field, above the playing field, each monitoring one quarter of the pitch. The data is transmitted to the monitor mentioned under 2. or a separate monitor. In addition, four additional cameras can be installed on the short sides of the field, to the left and right of the gate.

Further embodiments and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the features further listed in the claims as well as by the embodiments given below. The features of the claims may be combined in any manner as far as they are not obviously mutually exclusive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Fig. 1

stark schematisierte Darstellung einer Überwachungsvorrichtung, die am Spielfeldrand eines Spielfeldes zur Information der Überwachungsperson (Linien- und/oder Schiedsrichter) eingesetzt wird,

Fig. 2

schematische Draufsicht auf ein Spielfeld mit diametral gegenüber angeordneten Überwachungsvorrichtungen in integrierter Bauweise,

Fig. 3

schematische Draufsicht auf ein Spielfeld mit einer Überwachungsvor- richtung mit mobiler Messeinheit und stationärer Steuer- und Auswerteinheit (im oberen Bereich) und einer mobilen Steuer- und Auswerteinheit mit Messeeinheit (im Unteren Bereich) und

Fig. 4

schematische Darstellung der Anzeige einer Anzeigeeinheit bei Überprüfung einer Abseitsposition.

The invention and advantageous embodiments and developments thereof are described in more detail below with reference to the examples shown in the drawing and explained. The features to be taken from the description and the drawing can be applied individually according to the invention or to a plurality of them in any desired combination. Show it:

Fig. 1

highly schematized representation of a monitoring device which is used on the playing field edge of a playing field for the information of the monitoring person (line and / or referee),

Fig. 2

schematic plan view of a playing field with diametrically opposed monitoring devices in integrated construction,

Fig. 3

schematic plan view of a playing field with a monitoring device with mobile measuring unit and stationary control and evaluation unit (in the upper area) and a mobile control and evaluation unit with measuring unit (in the lower area) and

Fig. 4

schematic representation of the display of a display unit when checking an offside position.

WAYS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In Fig. 1 is highly schematic of a monitoring device 10 for a in Fig. 1 not shown in detail playing field shown with its essential components.

The monitoring device 10 has a measuring unit 20 which is movable along the playing field edge (arrows A). If necessary, the measuring unit 20 sends out a measuring beam 40 (for example a laser beam), which serves for an analysis of the respective game situation, which will be described below.

In order to ensure the mobility of the measuring unit 20, a drive unit 66 is present.

Furthermore, a central control and evaluation unit 22 is provided, which communicates with the measuring unit 20 in communication.

The control and evaluation unit 22 is also in communication with an operating unit 24 and at least one camera unit 26. Finally, a display unit 28 is connected to the control and evaluation unit 22, by means of which the respective game situation can be visually displayed.

The image signals emitted by the camera 26 are evaluated by the control and evaluation unit 22 and displayed on the display unit 28.

Via the operating unit 24 in conjunction with the control and evaluation unit 22, the drive unit 66 of the measuring unit 40 is actuated with respect to the position of the measuring unit 40 to be taken along the edge of the playing field.

In addition, in the control and evaluation unit 22 means, not shown, by means of which a communication to a supervisor 18 (referee) can be made.

The respective position of the measuring unit 20 is controlled so that it is always in the vicinity of the "last" man of a team in a half game. If, for example, a possible offside position is to be analyzed, the measuring beam 40 of the measuring unit 20 is activated at the moment of the ball delivery via the operating unit 24. At the same time, the control and evaluation unit 22 causes the current game situation to be fixed on the display unit 28. On the basis of the signals emitted by the measuring unit 20, the control and evaluation unit 22 projects auxiliary lines onto the display unit 28, by means of which the game situation can be analyzed. The exact procedure is described below with reference to the illustration of Fig. 4 described.

Finally, there is a memory unit 30 on which the control and evaluation unit 22 stores all relevant data of the measuring unit, the camera unit and possibly calculated data.

Furthermore, the control and evaluation unit 22 communicates with an additional visual display 36 and an additional acoustic display 38 in communication, which can be activated as needed.

A communication connection with a large-screen display 44 is also possible, so that the viewers can also be shown the respective play and analysis situation.

Finally, the control and evaluation unit 22 can communicate with further camera units 46, 48, which monitor, for example, the side outer lines or the transverse lines (goal lines).

In an alternative embodiment, it is also possible to build a communication connection to a football 52, the football having a sensor, in particular an integrated chip 54, so that the control and evaluation unit 22 calculate the position of the football 52 relative to the playing field and, for example can represent on the display unit 28.

In the embodiment described above, the measuring unit 20 is movable (arrow A), the other components of the monitoring device 10 are stationary, especially in the vicinity of the playing field edge.

In an alternative embodiment, the monitoring device 10 with all its required components is movable, in particular on a rail-guided vehicle car, available. This is in Fig. 1 schematically represented by the dashed line and the arrows B.

In Fig. 2 schematically a first embodiment of the monitoring device 10 is shown in a plan view, wherein two monitoring devices 10 are used, which are arranged diametrically opposite parallel to the playing field edge 42 of a playing field edge at the height of one half of the game field 12. The movable monitoring device 10 comprises all the components and at the same time provides space for accommodating a monitoring person and possibly a second person. The vehicle vehicle, not shown, of the monitoring device 10 is guided in a rail system 34. In the end region of the rail system 34 outside the playing field edge 42 there is a closable garage unit 32, within which the monitoring device 10 can be accommodated in the unneeded state.

In Fig. 3 schematically another embodiment of the monitoring device 10 is shown in the lower area, which has substantially the same structure as the monitoring device 10 according to Fig. 2 with the difference that the monitoring device 10 according to Fig. 3 (lower area) provides no recording volume for a person monitoring, but always moves at a predetermined distance C to another on the playing field edge 42 moving further monitoring person 64. If a game situation is to be analyzed, the measuring unit 20 is activated, the image display on the display unit 28 (see Fig.1 ) and the further monitoring person 64 can carry out further analyzes and transmit the result of the monitoring person 18 located on the playing field 12, in particular by radio.

In the upper area of Fig. 3 a monitoring device 10 is shown in which only the measuring unit 20 is displaceable in the rail system 34 and the other components of the monitoring device 10 are fixed in the middle of the playing field edge 42, spaced therefrom.

Also with the in Fig. 3 illustrated alternative solutions, it is possible to provide a respective diametrically opposite arranged on each half of the field monitoring device 10.

In Fig. 4 the analysis of a game situation regarding a possible offside position is shown as it is displayed on the display unit 28. On the field 12 is player 60 in a first team and player 62 of a second team.

The moment the ball-bearing player 60 plays the ball 52 to his opponent (arrow S), the control unit 24 (see FIG Fig. 1 ) in conjunction with the control and evaluation unit 22, the measuring unit 20 causes the measuring beam 40 to emit. At the same time, via the control and evaluation unit 22, the image on the display unit 28 as shown in FIG Fig. 4 fixed. The control and evaluation unit 22 then causes, based on the signals received from the measuring unit, that auxiliary lines 56 are displayed, first a first auxiliary line which is displaced up to the position of the player closest to the measuring beam 40 (arrow I in FIG Fig. 4 ). If the position of this player is not decisive, will be on another impulse of Control unit 24, the auxiliary line 56 on the then the auxiliary line 56 closest player further shifted until finally the decisive position with respect to the answer to the question of an offside position is reached (arrows II and III in Fig. 4 ). In the in Fig. 4 the situation presented is a clear offside position. Due to the monitoring device 10 according to the invention, this offside position can be immediately analyzed or detected and communicated to the monitoring person 18 on the playing field 12.

Claims (8)

1. Monitoring device (10) for a playing field (12), on which players (61, 62) partake in a game with a ball (16) according to prescribed rules, and for at least one overseer (18) who has to oversee the rules being abided by, with the following features:

   - at least one measuring unit (20) that can be displaced along the playing field edge (42), emit a measuring beam (40) or a measuring beam region when necessary and be used to calculate all points on the playing field,

   - a control and evaluation unit (22), which can be actuated by an operating unit (24), has a communication link to the at least one overseer (18) and in particular is arranged on the playing field edge, that has a communication link to the measuring unit (20), can be used to set the respective position of the measuring unit (20) and register the measurement and position data from the measuring unit (20),

   - at least one camera unit (26) that has a communication link to the control and evaluation unit (22), records the current play action and emits corresponding image signals to the control and evaluation unit (22),

   - a display unit (28) that has a communication link to the control and evaluation unit (22) and reproduces the current play action depending on the signals from the control and evaluation unit (22),

   - in which respective game situations can be reproduced, evaluated, displayed using the display unit and supplied for analysis by means of the control and evaluation unit (22) on the basis of the signals from the measuring unit (20) and the image signals from the camera unit (26),

   - the measuring beam (40) is embodied as a laser beam, infrared beam, ultrasound beam or electromagnetic beam,

   - a storage medium (30) is available, on which the control and evaluation unit (22) stores all measurement, image, display and calculation data,

   - the control and evaluation unit (22) has a communication link to a big-screen display (44) and

   - the measuring unit (20) is arranged such that it can be displaced within a rail system (34).
2. Monitoring device according to Claim 1, characterized in that,

   - in addition to the measuring unit (20), the control and evaluation unit (22) with an operating unit (24) and the display unit (28) are also arranged in a displaceable vehicle car (50).
3. Monitoring device according to one or more of the preceding claims,

   - characterized in that

   - the measuring unit (20) or vehicle car (50) is available in a displaceable fashion, spaced in parallel from a playing field edge.
4. Monitoring device according to Claim 3,

   - characterized in that

   - two measuring units (20) or two vehicle cars (50) are available, which, diametrically opposing one another, are available in a displaceable fashion along respectively one half of a longitudinal playing field edge.
5. Monitoring device according to one or more of Claims 2 to 4,

   - characterized in that

   - the vehicle car (50) can, in terms of volume, house at least one operator.
6. Monitoring device according to one or more of the preceding claims,

   - characterized in that

   - further measuring units are available, which emit their measuring beam along the boundary lines of the playing field and transmit a corresponding signal to the control and evaluation unit (22) when the entire circumference of the ball crosses one of the boundary lines.
7. Monitoring device according to one or more of the preceding claims,

   - characterized in that

   - further camera units (46) are arranged in the vicinity of goals, which have a communication link to the control and evaluation unit.
8. Monitoring device according to one or more of the preceding claims,

   - characterized in that

   - further camera units (48) are available, which record the play action as seen from above and have a communication link to the control and evaluation unit.

Images