EP2674205A1 - System for carrying out races with small animals - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has two separate race tracks (1) with time measurement unit for measuring time between start point (2a) and target point (3a). The camera assembly (4) and illumination unit (5) are provided for observing the race tracks. The processing and transmission unit (6) is connected with time measurement unit and camera assembly such that the video images from the camera assembly are transmitted to the receiver devices (7,8) for processing the race results.

Description

The invention relates to a system for carrying out races with small animals.

The object of the present invention was a system that allows a wide audience in a simple way, the observation of races and, where appropriate, an influence on non-race conditions itself.

The invention is characterized in that at least two separate, but equally executed, limited racetracks are provided for small animals, each with a Zeitnehmung between a start and a goal, further a camera assembly and optionally a lighting unit for observing the racetracks, as well as a processing and Transmitting unit, with which the Zeitnehmung and the camera assembly are connected, and which transmits the still and / or video images of the camera assembly and the times determined to receiving system access to the receiver devices preferably in real time, wherein in the processing unit, a database with data on at The animals used in the race and their race results are implemented and retrievable via the receiver devices.

According to a preferred embodiment, the system is characterized in that the start is provided with a receiving unit for control signals of the processing and transmitting unit for triggering the starting device.

A further optional feature of the invention is given by the fact that the receiver devices are mobile receivers and the still and / or video images of the camera arrangement as well as the determined times are transmitted wirelessly.

Alternatively or additionally, the receiving devices may be units connected via a data network.

Advantageously, a receiving and processing unit for data from the receiving devices is provided.

Another embodiment of the system is characterized in that means are provided for the unique identification of the animals, preferably subcutaneously applicable microchips.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the racetrack is a horizontally and / or vertically extending tube system of transparent material in dimensioning suitable for small animals, in particular for mice or rats.

In the following description, the invention based on concrete, but not limiting the scope of the invention embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings with a schematic, partially also perspective view of an embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail.

For example, in a miniature stadium (racecourse) as shown in the drawing figure races take place with small animals. Animals are not manipulatable and provide plenty of material for sensational racing experiences. In principle, many small animals can be provided in a wide variety of race formats and racing stages or racing places for the system according to the invention.

For example, for mice or rats are at least two - here six - separate, but equally executed, limited racetracks in the form of horizontal, straight tubes 1 of transparent and non-reflective material, such as acrylic or glass, provided between two before terrariums occupied with the animals in each race, ie a start-waiting box 2 and a target outlet box 3, extend, and also consist of this transparent material. The arrangement is preferably symmetrical.

Via a cleaning system, the race tubes 1 can be cleaned after the race, this cleaning system, for example, similar to aquariums, has a cleaning sponge controlled from the outside via a magnetic mechanism, in the tubes 1 can be introduced or integrated. The magnet is pulled past outside of a guide rail on the tube 1, the cleaning sponge with the opposite pole follows through the tube 1. The sponge also ensures that any animals remaining in the race tubes 1 are gently transported into the outlet box 3. The tubes 1 are preferably cleaned sequentially to avoid interference.

Furthermore, a Zeitnehmung between the actual start box 2a is provided with compartments for each one of the animals and the actual target box 3a, which target box 3a also compartments for one animal. The timekeeping, which preferably operates via light barriers, may contain, in addition to the timekeeping points at the start and finish, also intermediate timekeeping points in order to take intermediate times.

Between the waiting box 2 and each of the compartments of the launching box 2a and between each compartment of the target box 3a and the outlet box 3 there are short transition tubes which ensure that only one animal can enter a compartment at a time. The transition tubes also serve to animate the animals for fast crossing to promote the Rennfluss.

The entrance of the transition tubes as well as the entrances and exits of the start box 2a and the target box 3a are each equipped with gates, which are connected via a control device to a processing and transmitting unit 6. In this unit 6, a procedure is implemented which controls and tunes the opening and closing of the gates. Thus, in the preparation phase of a race, the gates to the transition tubes are opened via the software running in unit 6, the gates to the tubes 1 are closed. As soon as an animal enters a compartment of the start box 2a, the gate to the transition tube is closed and the respective compartment of the processing and transmission unit 6 is reported as ready. If, contrary to expectations, several animals should be in the same compartment, the gate is reopened. All doors are equipped with a photocell, which ensures that no animal can be trapped when closing and that also checks the passage of the gate. Should the light barrier fail, the gate can still not hurt the animal, as it opens immediately with slight resistance. This protection mechanism is programmed into the door system and requires no communication with the software in the processing unit 6.

Before each race a preparation phase takes place, in which the animals enter the starting boxes without manual intervention. The race preparation phase is over as soon as there is either an animal in each start box or the time limit has expired. It is therefore left to chance, which animals and how many animals participate in the race. Which animals can participate in a race is determined by which selection of animals is in the waiting box. All animals can be selected and the participation can be left to chance, but only as many animals as race tubes are selected and thus the possible participants are limited.

For the start of the race, either after occupying each compartment of the start box 2a or after the expiry of a time defined in the processing unit 6, the gates of all - occupied - compartments of the start box 2a and the target box 3a in the direction of race tube 1 are opened automatically and automatically. As soon as the animal has passed the first light barrier after leaving the compartment of the start box 2a, the gate between start box 2a and tube 1 is automatically closed, so that the animal can only leave the race tube 1 in the direction of the target box 3a. The gate between tube 1 and attached compartment of the target box 3a is automatically closed as soon as the animal enters it.

The timekeeping is also controlled by a software implemented in the processing unit 6.

In order to ensure the correct course of races and timekeeping, the animals can be clearly identified, preferably with subcutaneously applicable RFID microchips. These chips are read in the waiting box 2 and in the compartments of the start box 2a by means of corresponding readers and transmitted to a processing and transmitting unit 6 in order to assign all relevant data to the correct animal. For safety, the animals in the waiting box 2 and in the compartments of the start box 2a are also identified via an image recognition and these results are compared with the RFID data. The RFID mechanism is also used to determine that only one animal is in the respective compartment of the start box 2a.

Instead of the simple tubes 1, which extend between in each case a compartment of the start box 2a and target box 3a, a tube system composed of horizontal, vertical or arbitrarily inclined sections can also be provided. A start / stop system, which can be operated electronically from a distance, ensures the start of the race or the end of the race.

These racing games with live animals are preferred via the camera arrangement 4, optionally with lighting system 5, together with the data of the timekeeping and possibly further data from the processing unit 6 by a software integrated therein or by a transmission unit in communication with the processing unit 6 Video livestreams, including the times and race results provided to system users. For example, in PAL SD 16: 9 format, it will be filmed with multiple fixed cameras, then the H.264 master signal will be transferred to an encoding farm, where it will be converted in real time to various formats such as FLV, MP4 or WebM , The converted signals are transmitted, for example, to a streaming server and from there to the end devices of the audience. The transmission can be viewed on all common mobile terminals 7 and in connected mobile as well as conventional cable connections stationary terminals 8 browsers running various platforms, since the access to the system according to the invention software based on a cross-platform framework, supports many operating systems, for example, iOS, Android, BlackBerry, Bada, Symbian and generally JavaME. For example, mobile browsers and HTML 5 support Mobile Safari (iOS) and Android mobile browsers (Android). Apart from that, the following desktop browsers are supported on all operating systems on which they are available (including Windows, Mac OS and Linux): Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, Safari and Opera.

The evaluation of the racing result also takes place via the processing unit 6, in which the data of the timekeeping, at least target photos of the camera arrangement 4 and also the data for the identification of the animals are processed, stored and kept ready for retrieval by the terminals 7, 8.

Accompanying marketing measures via editorial systems can be provided and a database, preferably implemented in the processing unit 6, with game-relevant data (e.g., the lives of individual mice whose racing statistics, etc.) contain additional voltage to build or maintain.

Of course, these races can also be watched via social media networks. A bet on the animals in the social networks is basically free (no amount of money is to be paid). High score lists announce the result. A placement of bets with money can be offered depending on the legal situation or framework conditions of the social network.

Implemented via an integrated into the system receiving and processing unit, preferably also in the processing and transmitting unit 6 as an additional module, can be received from the users of the system via their terminals 7, 8 transmitted data. This may be provided for inclusion in the system, and possibly also for the placement of bets, including the setting of funds, if permitted by law in the respective country, preferably in conjunction with a mobile and online betting application. The possible placement of bets takes place on the one hand in the form of "funny money", ie virtual amounts of money that are placed by the players social networks, as well as in the form of real money use of legally regulated betting and gaming systems. If, for example, more animals are in the waiting box than the start box has 2a compartments, then it is not clear which animals run from the waiting box in the starting boxes and thus participate in the race, so that even a bet would be possible to predict which animals at all participate in the race.

In addition, however, other influence options or query options can be offered by the user. For example, users can bring in breeding suggestions for the animals used in the races themselves, take over sponsorships for individual animals and also compile races themselves. In addition, users can place sponsorship advertisements in the form of "in-game advertisment" both in the miniature racing stage and on the race course (golfer advertising). Sponsoring the animals themselves is also possible.

In addition to the live signal, there are ready-made recordings to fill breaks and preparation phases. These are selected by the software in the processing unit 6 according to an implemented algorithm which takes into account both the time to be bridged and the popularity of the recordings and the animals that concern them and their successes. The recordings are transmitted both to the mobile app and to the social media. Pre-made footage also includes trailers that can be transmitted during the preparation phase of the race.

In summary, in the processing unit 6 and its subsystems or connected systems, the following functionalities can be implemented: the creation of a racing event by identifying the participating animals and providing data on those animals, registering users observing the race, registering bets with player identification and Amount of the bet on an application in the terminal 7, 8, control of the course of the race event and its evaluation, providing the data on the finished race, calculation of profits and feedback to the players.

Claims (7)

A system for carrying out races with small animals, comprising at least two separate, but equally executed, limited racetracks (1), each with a timekeeping between a start (2a) and a target (3a), a camera arrangement (4) and optionally a lighting unit ( 5) for observing the racetracks (1), as well as a processing unit (6), with which the timekeeping and the camera assembly (4) are connected, and which automatically determines the time on the racetrack (1) for each animal, and the still and / or video images of the camera arrangement (4) as well as the determined times are automatically transmitted to receiver devices (7, 8) accessing the system, preferably in real time, wherein in the processing unit (6) a database with data about the at Race-deployed animals whose racing results, etc. implemented and on the receiver devices (7, 8) is retrievable. The system according to claim 1, wherein the start (2a), preferably also optionally provided devices for access control to the start (2a), is provided with a control device, which is connected to receive control signals from the processing unit (6), preferably automatic release of the starter. The system of claim 1, wherein the receiving devices are mobile receiving devices (7), preferably with access software implemented therein, and the still and / or video images of the camera assembly (4) and the determined times are transmitted wirelessly. A system according to claim 1, characterized in that the receiving devices are units (8) connected via a data network, preferably with access software implemented therein. A system according to claim 1, wherein a module for receiving and processing data from the receiving devices (7, 8) is provided in the processing unit (6). System according to claim 1, wherein means are provided for the unique identification of the animals, preferably subcutaneously applicable microchips. The system of claim 1, wherein the racetrack is a horizontally and / or vertically extending tube system (1) of transparent material in dimensioning suitable for small animals, in particular for mice or rats.

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