EP3453430B1 - Method and system for timing a basketball game - Google Patents

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a method of timing a basketball game.

The invention also relates to a system for timing a basketball game for implementing the method.

Background of the invention

In a sports competition, such as a game of basketball, it is known to use electronic devices, in particular for the detection of a ball entering the basketball hoop. These devices include sensor elements for detecting any passage of a bale into the basket, for example from above.

We can cite as such the patent application WO 2016/057535 A1 , which precisely describes a basketball hoop with means for detecting any ball passing through said hoop from above. For this detection, the net of the basket comprises a conductive element capable of extending with the net when the ball enters the basket. The electrical property of this conductive element can change in particular with an increase in its resistivity. This conductive element is connected to a detection circuit. An electrical variation profile of the element as the ball passes through the net can be determined. This conductive element can be a conductive elastomer material. A communication unit is also provided for the transmission of a detection signal from the detection circuit to a processing station. However, the detection assembly is not intended to stop a timing time when the ball passes through the basket, which constitutes a drawback.

In the patent US 5,418,517 , an apparatus is described for establishing the score during a basketball game. A paddle is provided under the basketball hoop ring to detect entry of the ball. The flexing of the paddle controls a switch to primarily set the score in an electronic box with score display. It is planned to determine the different baskets made during the game, and it is also determined a time left by a clock of shots for the basket and the percentage of shots made. However, the device is not designed to stop a timing time when the ball passes through the basket, which is a drawback.

The patent FR 2 643 824 B1 describes a device for detecting and signaling goals scored in a basketball game. At least one signal transmitter is disposed on the entrance ring of the basketball hoop and at least one signal receiver is also disposed opposite the corresponding transmitter on the ring. Without any ball entering the basket, the receiver receives the signal from the transmitter. On the other hand, when a ball enters the basket, an interruption in the reception of the signal by the receiver makes it possible to detect the entry of the ball. Interruption of the signal picked up therefore enables visual or audible information to be activated. However, the detection device is not designed to stop a timing time when the ball passes through the basket, which constitutes a drawback.

The patent US 6,389,368 B1 discloses an apparatus for detecting basketball hoop shots to establish a hoop score and statistics. The apparatus includes a visual sensing device disposed on the basket attachment panel in conjunction with a computer processing device. This visual detection device is a sensor with several pixels to capture the position of the ball at the start of the shoot and the moment of the shot. passage through the basketball hoop and for transmitting signals relating to a difference in light intensities to the processing device to determine the position of the ball and its passage through the net of the basket. A vibration sensor is further installed on the backboard of the basketball hoop to provide information of the contact of the ball in the hoop of the basketball hoop. However, the detection device is not designed to stop a timing time when the ball passes through the basket, which constitutes a drawback.

During the timing of a game of basketball, and in the time interval mainly of the last two minutes of play, a player of a team manages to score, that is to say to score a basket. The top of the ball passes through the hoop of the basketball hoop, and so play ends. The table officials are responsible for making the decision when to stop play, not the referee. Therefore, even the referee's whistle signal may not be taken into account to stop a game time. During a game, it may still be expected that the game commissioner will require the assistant scorer to add the time to play. the game clock. Under these conditions, the pace of the game is slowed down at a critical point in the game. It is therefore necessary to find a solution which guarantees precise stopping of play as soon as the ball passes through the hoop of the basketball hoop, which is an object of the invention.

The patent application WO 2010/146586 A2 describes a system for timing in particular a basketball game. It includes several sensors arranged near the basketball hoop and at different levels to successively supply a detection signal to a controller for stopping the playing time. However, the set of sensors is difficult to implement because it uses pressure or motion sensors, which is a drawback.

The patent application WO 2015/143314 A1 a basketball performance management system. Several sensors are used and located near the basketball hoop to determine successful goals or missed. An electronic camera can also be provided to view and record in particular the ball launcher. A sensor can be composed of an LED and a photodiode placed on the same side on an arm for fixing the ring of the basket to the panel or in an opposite position of the fixing of the ring so that the light generated by the LED diode is reflected on the ball and picked up by the photodiode on its return. However, nothing is provided to make it possible to time a basketball game with optical or visual detection of the passage of the ball through the basketball hoop, which constitutes a drawback.

The patent application US 2017/0098125 A1 describes a system and method for managing objects in a sports space, such as basketball. At least one camera and a depth sensor are placed on a hoop hoop holding arm to determine the passage of the ball through the basketball hoop. However, nothing is provided to make it possible to time a basketball game with optical or visual detection of the passage of the ball through the basketball hoop, which constitutes a drawback.

Summary of the invention

The aim of the invention is therefore to overcome the drawbacks of the above-mentioned state of the art by proposing a method for timing a basketball game. To do this, at least one optical sensor is arranged near or on the basketball hoop to detect a ball entering the hoop during the game to stop playing time. A visual ball detector is also provided comprising a ball. or more kinetic-type cameras to detect the movement and depth of the ball in the basketball hoop.

To this end, the invention relates to a method for timing a basketball game, which comprises the characteristics defined in independent claim 1.

Particular steps of the timing process are defined in dependent claims 2 to 5.

An advantage of the timing method is that optical detection by an optical ball detector in the basket and visual detection by computer processing is provided so as to detect the passage of the ball through the hoop of the basketball hoop. in order to provide a detection signal to a timing device for stopping playing time. The optical ball detector is at least one optical sensor disposed on the basketball hoop or on a connection support of the hoop to a basketball backboard or even on said basketball backboard to detect the passage of the ball in the hoop of the basket. Visual detection consists of one or more kinetic type cameras (Kinect®) with motion and depth recognition, as well as an integrated infrared system.

Advantageously in a simple design of the timing system, the optical ball detector comprises at least one optical light sensor and a light source opposite the sensor, which can be arranged on a surface of the hoop of the basketball hoop or integrated. in the basketball hoop. The light source arranged opposite and diametrically opposite the optical sensor provides during the game a light ray picked up by the optical sensor. The passage of the ball through the hoop of the basketball hoop temporarily interrupts the reception of light by the optical sensor. This makes it possible to provide a detection signal following the reception or non-reception of the light beam to the timing device to stop the playing time.

Advantageously, to precisely detect the passage of the bale through the basket, the optical sensor of the optical bale detector can be associated with a color camera, an infrared camera or a LIDAR defined device. The LIDAR device is also capable of determining the distance from the sensor to the ball in two-dimensional or three-dimensional space. Under these conditions, it is not necessary to use an additional light source placed on the hoop of the basketball hoop.

Accurate timing of a basketball game is a fundamental building block in modern basketball. The featured timing system connects at least one optical sensor for optical detection and visual motion and depth detection with the timing device and helps improve the quality of the game by removing potential human error.

Advantageously, there is ease of mounting and calibrating the bullet detector in the basket in conjunction with the timing device. This helps deliver game interruptions quickly and accurately.

To this end, the invention also relates to a system for timing a basketball game, which comprises the characteristics defined in independent claim 6.

Embodiments of the timing system are defined in dependent claims 7 to 17.

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1 représente un schéma bloc des composants d'un système de chronométrage d'une partie de basketball selon l'invention,
• la figure 2 représente schématiquement une vue tridimensionnelle d'un panier de basketball avec différents composants électroniques de détection d'une balle dans le panier selon l'invention,
• la figure 3 représente schématiquement une vue de côté d'un panier de basketball fixé à un panneau monté sur un poteau de fixation avec un détecteur optique de balle en liaison avec le dispositif de chronométrage du système de chronométrage selon l'invention, et
• la figure 4 représente schématiquement une vue du positionnement des caméras de type cinétique du détecteur visuel pour la détection de mouvement et de profondeur selon l'invention.

The aims, advantages and characteristics of the method and of the system for timing a basketball game according to the invention will appear better in the following description of at least one non-limiting embodiment illustrated by the drawings in which:

• the figure 1 represents a block diagram of the components of a timing system for a basketball game according to the invention,
• the figure 2 schematically represents a three-dimensional view of a basketball hoop with various electronic components for detecting a ball in the hoop according to the invention,
• the figure 3 schematically shows a side view of a basketball hoop fixed to a panel mounted on a fixing post with an optical ball detector in connection with the timing device of the timing system according to the invention, and
• the figure 4 schematically shows a view of the positioning of the kinetic type cameras of the visual detector for the detection of movement and depth according to the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

In the following description, all the elements of a system for timing a basketball game, which are well known to those skilled in the art in this technical field, will only be described in a simplified manner.

The figure 1 represents the different elements of a timing system 1 for timing a basketball game. The timing system essentially comprises a timing device 2, and a ball detector 3, 4. The ball detector comprises an optical ball detector 3 for detecting a ball entering a basketball hoop during the game and a visual ball detector. movement and depth of the ball 4. At the start of a basketball game, the timing device 2 is activated and a time is counted in the timing device 2, which comprises a processing or calculation unit with timing software with an oscillator defining a time base. The optical ball sensor 3, which is placed near or on a surface of the hoop of the basketball hoop, can be activated at the start of the game by the timing device 2 or can be switched on, independently of the device. timing 2, by manual control or remote control. The visual ball motion and depth detector 4 can also be activated at the start of the game. As soon as a ball during the game is detected entering the basketball hoop, the ball detector 3, 4 transmits a data or detection signal to the timing device 2 to stop playing time.

As shown schematically in figure 4 , the timing system 1 is provided with the visual ball detector 4, which comprises one or more cameras 41 of the kinetic type (Kinect®) positioned in different places for the detection and recognition of the movements of the ball 20 through the net 11 of basketball basket 10. This visual detection is associated with a digital processing, which validates the passage of the bale 20 in the basket 10.

The timing system 1 can also include an input terminal 6, which is activated to control the playing time, in particular by officials. The timing device is therefore linked to the input terminal for checking the playing time. However, it can also be imagined that the timing device 2 is integrated into the input terminal 6, which can be placed on a table. game next to the playing field. The timing system 1 may further include one or more remote control devices 5 to wirelessly control the timing device by means of a portable object, by a game official, and a unit time control 7 by the action of a whistle from a game referee, which is connected to the timing device. Of course, this time control unit can consist of an electronic referee's whistle capable of transmitting a radiofrequency signal to the timing device signaling stoppages of play.

The optical ball detector in the basket 3 can be connected by cable or electric wire or by means of wireless communication to the timing device 2. The optical ball detector 3 essentially comprises at least one optical sensor arranged near or on the basketball hoop. This optical sensor can be a light sensor, which is made up of at least one light-receiving diode or one pixel, or an array of light-receiving diodes or pixels. With a visual bullet detector 4, the optical sensor can be a kinetic type camera with computer processing of bullet movement and depth.

The optical sensor of the optical ball detector 3 can also be a color camera, an infrared camera or a device defined LIDAR so as to take different images of the ball as it passes through the basketball hoop and be able to transmit the data signal relating to the images to the timing device 2. This LIDAR device makes it possible to capture the light and its intensity in order to determine the distance from the sensor to the ball in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional space. The optical bale detector in the basket 3 can also include a light source facing a simple optical light sensor as explained below with reference to figures 2 and 3 . The detection signal of the optical ball detector 3 and / or the visual ball detector 4 is paramount in stopping the playing time when the ball enters the basket in relation to the stop signal by a referee's whistle or by a official table.

The figures 2 and 3 show a simplified embodiment in a three-dimensional view of a basketball hoop with the optical ball detector 3 and a side view of a basketball hoop attached to a panel mounted on a fixing pole with the optical ball detector bullet 3 and a visual bullet detector 4 shown in figure 4 .

The figure 4 shows a simplified embodiment in a three-dimensional view of an assembly of a basketball hoop fixed to a panel 13, which may be partly transparent. The basketball backboard 13 is also connected by at least one bar 14 to a fixing post 15, which is generally fixed vertically at the edge of the basketball court. A score display board 16 with a visual ball detector 4, which is composed of one or more cameras 41 of the kinetic type can be mounted on the post 15. The bar (s) 14 and the post 15 are generally made of material. metallic. The cameras 41 can also be placed on the bar 14 and / or on the panel 13. For the proper functioning of the kinetic type cameras, they should preferably be positioned at a distance of less than 3 m from the basketball hoop and arranged for viewing. towards the basketball hoop.

It can be defined that the basketball hoop can be part of the timing system. The optical ball detector 3 and the visual ball detector 4 are linked to the timing device 2 of the timing system. The dimensions and positioning of the components shown on the figures 2, 3 and 4 are not precisely observed and they can, of course, be arranged in other places according to the invention.

The basketball hoop comprises a ring 10 through which the ball 20 must pass from above to score a goal, and a net 11 attached to the inner or outer periphery of the hoop 10 to accommodate the ball entering through the hoop. The ball 20 completely crosses the net 11 open at the bottom. The ring 10 is connected to a basketball backboard 13 by a connection support 12. The ring 10, the connection support 12 and the panel 13 are made of strong impact resistant material. The basketball backboard 13 is further connected by bars 14 to a fixing post 15, which is generally fixed vertically at the edge of the basketball court. The bars 14 and the post 15 are generally made of metallic material. Of course, two basketball hoop sets are placed on either side of the playing field for a game of basketball.

The optical bullet detector 3 comprises in particular at least one optical sensor 31 disposed on a surface of the ring or partly integrated in the ring with a visible light receiving portion on or in the ring 10 of the basketball hoop. This optical sensor 31 can be placed in a first position on a surface of the ring or in the ring 10 on the periphery of the ring from the fixing of the ring 10 to the connection support 12. Of course it can also Consideration may be given to placing the optical sensor 31 directly on the connection support 12 or also in contact with the basketball backboard 13. In this case, it may be an optical sensor in the form of a camera as indicated above. .

To the figures 2, 3 and 4 , the optical sensor 31 of simple design is shown to be fixed near the connection support 12 with its light receiving surface preferably directed towards the center of the ring 10 of the basket. At least one camera of the kinetic type of the visual detector 4, not shown, can also be placed on the basket or the panel holding it.

The optical bullet detector 3 can further comprise at least one light source 32 disposed on a surface of the ring 10 or partly integrated in the ring. The light source 32 may be placed at a second position on or in the ring 10 around the perimeter of the ring from the attachment of the ring 10 to the connection support 12. Preferably, the light source 32 is disposed. in a position diametrically opposed to the optical sensor 31 on the same surface of the ring and facing said optical sensor 31.

The light source 32 is necessarily dependent on the technology used of the optical sensor 31. This light source 32 can be a light-emitting diode for emitting a ray R of defined color, such as infrared, in the direction of the optical sensor 31 or a light-emitting diode. source of emission of a laser beam. The optical sensor 31 is thus able to capture the emission of light generated by the light source if no ball passes through the ring 10 of the basketball hoop.

The visual movement and depth detector 4 must be associated with the optical bullet detector 3. The visual detection and its computer processing can independently validate the passage of the ball in the basket by the associated kinetic type technology (Kinect®).

The optical bullet detector 3 comprises an acquisition unit, not shown, but which can be integrated into the structure of the optical sensor 31, to receive a light detection signal from the optical sensor. A detection signal processing unit can also be provided in the optical ball detector 3 and / or in a visual ball detector 4 or in the timing device 2, or form part of the acquisition unit directly. The processing unit executes algorithms detecting that a ball passes through the ring 10 of the basket. Data communication can be carried out from the optical ball detector 3, in particular from the optical sensor 31 to the timing device 2. The Data communication can relate to the detection of a ball, which passes through the ring 10 of the device. basketball hoop during the game, to stop the playing time in the timing device 2. The optical ball detector 3 can therefore be connected to the timing device 2 by cable or electric wire passing through the panel 13, the bars 14 and pole 15, or by means of wireless communication by radio frequency signals.

The processing unit can also be located close to the optical sensor 31, in particular on the connection support 12 of the basketball hoop. This processing unit can also be placed directly in the timing device 2, as part of the timing software.

The aim of the optical bullet detector 3 and the visual detector 4 for visual recognition by one or more kinetic-type cameras is to detect the moment when the ball 20 enters the ring 10 and the moment when the upper part of the ball is at or below the ring, and already partly in the net 11. The optical sensor 31 detects the light from the light source 32 as long as no object is placed between the optical sensor 31 and the light source 32. On the other hand, as soon as the lowest part of the bale 20 penetrates from above into the ring 10 of the basket, the optical sensor 31 no longer detects the light coming from the light source 32 and informs the processing unit or the timing device.

Subsequently, in order to be able to stop the playing time in the timing device 2, the optical sensor 31 must again detect the ray R of light from the light source 32. It detects the ray R of light again after the upper part of the ball 20 is at or below the ring 10 of the basket, where the optical sensor 31 and the light source 32 are located. A detection signal is supplied to the timing device 2, which takes into account the new light detection of the optical sensor after the start of the non-reception of light in order to stop the playing time. The timing device 2 includes timing software, which can detect the instant of the non-reception. reception of the ray R of light by the optical sensor and then the reception again of the ray R of light, to stop the playing time. This means, that the ball 20 has entered the ring 10 of the basket and a goal is also counted.

The acquisition unit of the optical bullet detector 3 linked to the optical sensor 31 can also measure a difference in light intensities in order to be able to detect the reception or non-reception of the ray R of light from the light source 32 in order to get rid of ambient light. For more measurement precision, provision can also be made to place at different positions on a surface of the ring 10, several optical sensors 31 and several light sources 32 of different color. Each optical sensor is opposite and diametrically opposed to a respective light source. Data communication with the timing device 2 is performed from the optical ball detector 3 in relation to the detection of each optical sensor 31.

It is planned for the timing system 1 to associate a visual detection by kinetic type cameras (Kinect®) by detection of movement and depth in order to detect the passage of the ball in the ring of the basket.

It should also be noted that, in the case of wireless communication of data or commands with the timing device 2, the optical ball detector 3 and / or the visual ball detector 4 can be activated by the timing device. 2 at any time before or during playing time.

It should also be noted that a step of calibrating the optical ball detector 3 and / or the visual ball detector 4 can be provided after the installation of the timing system and before the start of the counting of playing time of the device. timing 2. Calibration is necessary if only an optical sensor is used, such as a camera or a LIDAR device or a visual detection system by at least one kinetic type camera (Kinect®) . The calibration steps are on the one hand the detection of the edge of the ring via the shape adaptation and on the other hand the detection of the volume on the basis of the detected shape. Regarding the operating time, there is object detection, such as bullet, with presence in the detected volume, and pattern recognition to ensure the accuracy of the detected object, which passes through the basket ring. As indicated above, information from several optical sensors combining various technologies can be used to improve the measurement accuracy, as well as one or more kinetic type cameras (Kinect®) for visual detection.

From the description which has just been given, several variants of the method and of the system for timing a basketball game can be designed by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the claims. The optical light sensor may include two light receiving surfaces arranged vertically on top of each other so as to allow differentiation of the light. direction of passage of a ball through the basketball hoop during the game. If an optical sensor and a light source are used, the latter may emit a light beam intermittently or by flash. Several optical sensors and several light sources can be placed on an upper and / or lower surface of the hoop of the basketball hoop to also allow the direction of the ball to pass through the hoop to be determined. Visual motion detection is combined with optical detection to detect the passage of the ball through the basket.

Claims (17)

1. Method for timing a basketball match using a timing system (1) comprising a timing device (2) linked to at least one optical ball detector (3) and linked to at least one visual ball detector (4) for detecting a ball (20) in a basketball hoop, the optical ball detector (3) comprising at least one optical sensor (31), which is positioned near or on the basketball hoop, and the visual ball detector (4) comprising one or more kinetic cameras (41) for detecting the motion and the depth of the ball in the basketball hoop,
   the method comprising the steps of:

   - starting to count game time by activating the timing device (2),

   - capturing, using the optical sensor (31), the passage of the basketball ball (20) into a rim (10) of the basketball hoop from above the hoop, and visually detecting, by way of at least one kinetic camera (41), the motion of the basketball ball (20) passing into the rim (10) of the basketball hoop through information processing, and

   - transmitting at least one signal detecting the passage of the ball (20) into the basketball hoop from the optical ball detector (3) and from the visual detector (4) to the timing device (2) in order to stop game time.
2. Timing method according to Claim 1, wherein a processing unit is provided in the optical ball detector (3) and in the visual ball detector (4), or in the timing device (2) for processing the data signal, characterized in that the processing unit processes the data signal by way of timing software in order to determine the moment when the ball passes into a rim (10) of the basketball hoop in order to stop the game time.
3. Timing method according to Claim 2, wherein there is provision for a step of calibrating the optical ball detector (3) and the visual ball detector (4) before the timing device (2) starts to count game time, and the calibration consists in detecting an edge of the rim (10) of the basketball hoop on the basis of the shape of the hoop and in detecting the volume of the basketball hoop on the basis of the detected shape.
4. Timing method according to Claim 1, wherein the optical ball detector (3) comprises at least one optical sensor (31) and at least one light source (32) intended to supply a ray of light (R) in the direction of the optical sensor (31), the optical sensor (31) and the light source (32) being positioned level with a rim (10) of the basketball hoop with the light source (32) facing the optical sensor (31) in a diametrically opposite position, characterized in that the optical sensor (31) detects the entry of the ball (20) into the rim (10) of the basketball hoop through the absence of reception of the light signal (R) and supplies a detection signal for the timing device (2) in order to stop the game time.
5. Timing method according to Claim 4, wherein the optical sensor furthermore detects the moment when the ball is level with or below the rim (10) of the basketball hoop through reception of the light signal (R) following the absence of reception of the light signal from the light source, so as to supply a detection signal to the timing device (2) in order to stop the game time.
6. Timing system (1) for implementing the method for timing a basketball match according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the timing system (1) comprises a timing device (2) linked to at least one optical ball detector (3) and linked to at least one visual ball detector (4) for detecting a ball (20) in a basketball hoop, the optical ball detector (3) comprising at least one optical sensor (31), which is positioned near or on the basketball hoop, and the visual ball detector (4) comprising one or more kinetic cameras (41) for detecting the motion and the depth of the ball in the basketball hoop, and in that the optical ball detector (3) and the visual ball detector (4) are intended to transmit at least one signal detecting the passage of the ball (20) into the basketball hoop (10, 11) to the timing device (2) so as to stop game time.
7. Timing system (1) according to Claim 6, characterized in that the optical sensor (31) is intended to capture the passage of the basketball ball (20) into a rim (10) of the basketball hoop from above the hoop in order to transmit the detection signal to the timing device (2) in order to stop the game time.
8. Timing system (1) according to Claim 6, characterized in that a processing unit is provided in the optical ball detector (3) and in the visual ball detector (4) or in the timing device (2) for processing the data signal, the processing unit being intended to process the data signal by way of timing software in order to determine the moment when the ball passes into a rim (10) of the basketball hoop in order to stop the game time.
9. Timing system (1) according to Claim 6, characterized in that the optical ball detector (3) comprises at least one optical sensor (31) and at least one light source (32) intended to supply a ray of light (R) in the direction of the optical sensor (31), in that the optical sensor (31) and the light source (32) are configured to be positioned level with a rim (10) of the basketball hoop with the light source (32) facing the optical sensor (31) in a diametrically opposite position, characterized in that the optical sensor (31) is configured to detect the entry of the ball (20) into the rim (10) of the basketball hoop through the absence of reception of the light signal (R) and to supply a detection signal for the timing device (2) in order to stop the game time.
10. Timing system (1) according to either of Claims 8 and 9, characterized in that the optical sensor (31) is intended to be situated in a first position on the rim (10) of the basketball hoop or on a connection fitting (12) for connecting the basketball hoop to a basketball backboard (13) or on the basketball backboard (13).
11. Timing system (1) according to Claim 10, characterized in that the light source (32) is intended to be situated in a second position on a surface of the rim (10) identical to a surface of the rim (10) where the optical sensor (31) is situated, in that the first position where the optical sensor (31) is situated is in the direction of the connection fitting (12) for the basketball hoop, whereas the second position where the light source (32) is situated is a position on the surface of the rim diametrically opposite the first position where the optical sensor (31) is situated.
12. Timing system (1) according to Claim 11, characterized in that the optical ball detector (3) comprises a plurality of optical sensors (31) intended to be situated at various positions on a surface of the rim (10), and a plurality of light sources (32), in that each optical sensor (31) is intended to be situated on the rim (10) facing and diametrically opposite a respective light source (32), which is configured to supply a ray of light (R) in the direction of the corresponding optical sensor (31).
13. Timing system (1) according to Claim 12, characterized in that the optical ball detector (3) is configured to transmit a detection signal from each optical sensor (31) to a processing unit in the optical ball detector (3) for transfer to the timing device (2), or in the timing device (2), in order to determine a stoppage in play.
14. Timing system (1) according to Claim 12, characterized in that each light source (32) is a light-emitting diode or an emission source of a laser beam.
15. Timing system (1) according to Claim 14, characterized in that the ray of light (R) generated by each light source (32) is of a different colour.
16. Timing system (1) according to Claim 6, characterized in that the optical sensor (31) comprises at least one photoreceptive diode or an array of photoreceptive diodes.
17. Timing system (1) according to Claim 6, characterized in that the visual ball detector (4), which comprises one or more kinetic cameras (41), is configured to transmit at least one detection signal from each camera (41) to a processing unit in the visual ball detector (4) for transfer to the timing device (2), or in the timing device (2), in order to determine a stoppage in play.

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