ES2253945A1 - Personal mini electronic scoreboard for use during tennis practice, has compact digital screen and microprocessor of low power consumption integrated into electronic circuit in portable case - Google Patents

Abstract

The scoreboard has a compact digital screen and a microprocessor of low power consumption integrated into an electronic circuit in a portable case. Various scoreboard functions are activated with the press of a push button, and are remote-controlled in coordinated manner using radio frequencies or receiver set-up.

Description

Electronic personal tennis minimarker.

Object and field of the invention

The purpose of this application as your stated indicates, refers to a small electronic marker of personal type framed in the sports practice of tennis, to the which basically provides autonomy by the player / s (hereinafter generically called "player") in the control of the score. The main keys of the invention are centered in portability, coordination of operation, simplicity, operation, accessibility, and reduced cost of the device thanks to its size and implementation of the electronics in its execution, which They make it possible.

Prior art

The existence of a history of any device with similar characteristics, in which the player has the ability to take control of the score by itself same thanks to a small electronic device that fits Some part of your body. Control is not only limited to one of the players but also their coordination is possible interactive with another similar device carried by a second person.

Performing a retrospective about different ideas about sports markers, a variety of instruments, both mechanical and electrical, for different sports, including tennis, but that in the field of prior art have been found in the market no cases coincide in the attributions that derive from simultaneously applying the concepts of personal portability and electronic execution in their conception. On the other hand, there are a series of published documents related to markers with the following
references:

(Publication No.) EU0914843, EU0492342, EU8404610,  ES1029122, ES1029464 and ES1006777.

It is unknown that there is a relative background to the development of an apparatus of the above characteristics whose operation is coordinated with another similar one, remotely and No physical union between them.

It is proven that in the vast majority of There are no markers for practicing this sport, without Doubt for the not negligible cost they entail. Those who have them need the intervention of a third person (arbitrator for general rule) or physical displacement of any of the players for activation. In most cases it is the own memory of the players that takes control of the punctuation, with the clear disadvantages that this supposes:

Deconcentration about the game, forgetfulness, confusion, discrepancies, ...

If possible its coordinated use in interactive operation with a second device, the information can be arranged for two people and controllable from two distanced and mobile points. The development of the application is of so that there are no alterations in the marker without the other apparatus and player be informed.

Description of the invention

The invention constitutes a control solution the score by the player with minimal effort, thanks to the adaptation of the device on some part of your body, preferably the wrist. A mechanical action consisting of pressing a single button updates the result shown by the apparatus, without the need for physical displacement each time one of The players get somewhat. It also replaces the effort memoristic to remember the situation of the marker or the need of a third person to carry out this task.

From a functional point of view, the minimarker shows the result at any moment of the match according to the rules of the game, namely: points of the game in progress (0: 0; 15: 0; 30: 15; etc) and advantages, games won by each player (3: 5; 6: 5; ...) and similarly with mushrooms and tiebreakers ("death sudden ").

The device allows modification or correction of the score as well as the zeroing of the markers.

While its advantages and purpose are focused to serve during tennis practice, that goal does not prevent the device from having additional functions that provide other information, such as showing the time, date, temperature, heart beat, etc.

Optionally its use is possible coordinated with a second device with the same characteristics carried by a second person, usually the opposing player or a referee Communication is via electromagnetic waves. From this way both the information and the control over the score it is achieved from two spaced points and not materially united. In this coordinated mode of operation, the update of the result occurs in both devices, and can be carried out of the "manager-slave" mode or "manager-manager" according to the desired conception For their develpment.

Under the operating mode "slave-manager" information is updated only from one of the devices, however being visible in both of them. The signal transmission is unidirectional, exercising one the sender function and the other receiver.

With the operating mode "manager-manager" there is no hierarchy of government, which means that either one can change and visualize the result, existing in this case some system of bidirectional transmission.

Both devices act as emitter and receiver in each cycle of change in the marker. With this provision the update does not occur as long as the change signal sent does not receive a response, there is an auxiliary system that informs the user of the correct execution of the cycle of update of both markers. Physically the minimizer is Small in size, similar to a wristwatch, and is formed by a motherboard of electronic circuitry, a frequency transmitter, a receiver, a power battery, the screen, the keypad, the encapsulation and a device subjection. The set is light and easy to carry, not resulting uncomfortable during sports. It is made with weather resistant materials.

The electronic circuitry is integrated in the same printed circuit motherboard, where the rest are housed of electronic components, basically semiconductor materials that perform functions of transistors, resistors, capacities and Conveniently interconnected inductances.

The battery allows operating autonomy of the device with respect to any external power supply energetic Its type, size and quantity will be conditioned by energy consumption, mainly from the screen and microcontroller used. It is located in the part Rear for easy replacement.

The screen physically constitutes the element central, responsible for making the information visible to player.

It is electronic and is divided into two parts same, where the corresponding information is located for each One of the two players.

The light contrast between the wallpaper and the digits is enough to be easily readable in conditions of strong exterior brightness.

The keypad is the only means of interaction between the scoreboard and the user player. So much for his physical appearance as by the one of its function this is classified in two types: One main, easily accessible for frequent use during use of the device Another secondary, less accessible, for zeroing functions, configuration changes, corrections, change of operating mode, on and off, etc. The main keypad consists of larger push buttons, distinguishable from each other by touch and sight. These push buttons can be simplified and replaced by just one If it is multiple movement. In that case the assignment to one or another player of the function is done intuitively thanks to the  relative movement of the button in relation to the screen, when The button is activated. In the case of two buttons the assignment to one or another player of the function when you click on any of they are achieved intuitively thanks to the provision relative between them and the screen, being interposed between the two, or because of its distinct geometric shape, distinguishable touch. This avoids the need to look at the marker if so It is only intended to score a new point for any of the players. The main keypad is made of a material resistant to wear, not unpleasant to the touch and waterproof.

The encapsulation has the basic purpose of protect from other shocks and external agents the rest of mentioned items. It is anatomically shaped, depending on the part of the body where it is mounted. Its material is weatherproof, Not allergic to skin and waterproof. It is divided in two parts removable to allow access to the components it protects, being simple in the part where the battery is housed For easy replacement. The front part can accommodate a transparent protective cover for the screen. It is in this same face where the corresponding holes are housed to house The main keypad.

Other details and features of the current request will be revealed in the course of the description given below, in which somewhat schematic the preferred details are represented.

These details are given by way of example, referring to a possible case of practical realization, but It is not limited to the details set out there; therefore this description should be considered from a point of view illustrative and without limitations of any kind on the scope of the present.

Description of the drawings

Figure 1 shows one of the forms which can preferably be used to carry the marker, subject in this case to the wrist.

Figures 2, 3 and 4 are a front view, rear and side respectively of the external appearance of the apparatus.

Figure 5 is an explosion of the main elements that make up the marker inside, as well as a relative disposition between them.

Figure 6 shows the detail of the tracks of the final serograph of the motherboard, the internal element that serves as support and electronic interconnection for the rest of The electronic elements.

Preferred embodiment

As shown in the figures, its size is thought to be carried by the player during the game, in this case attached to the wrist through a bracelet chain (2) (fig 1 and 2).

The central part of the device consists of the digital information screen (3) (fig 2 and 5) and the keypad of control (4) (fig 2, 4 and 5) being in a less accessible place the secondary keypad, in this case with a single button (5) (fig 2, 3, 4 and 5). The electronic display (3) (fig 2 and 5) is made of glass LCD liquid with low energy consumption. To the detriment of the battery autonomy a technology screen can be used LED diodes, matrix or 7 segments. It is extra flat and goes connected to the motherboard (7) (fig 5).

The main or command keypad is formed in this case by 2 pushbuttons (4) (fig 2, 4 and 5) of the key type, one concave and other convex, so that during the activation its function is easily associable to one of the two players.

Another alternative constructive form that will achieve this same purpose would be to interpose the screen (3) (fig 2 and 5) between the two pushbuttons (4) (fig 2, 4 and 5), one remaining in the top and the other in the bottom. This way there would be neither need the player to look at the keyboard for the assignment of points during the game, by easily finding referenced by touch the main buttons (4) (fig 2.4 and 5) in relation to the screen (3) (fig 2 and 5). Nor would it be a different constructive form of the keys is necessary.

An even simpler third embodiment would be the using a single push button (4) (fig 2, 4 and 5) of movement multiple, of the micro type dial switch, so that it activate by moving it to one side or another in relation to the screen (3) (fig 2 and 5) in the similar assignment of points, returning to its resting position automatically for greater comfort.

Both main buttons (4) (fig 2, 4 and 5) as a screen (3) (fig 2 and 5) they are located with this typology construction on the top of the base plate (7) (fig 5), which being serographed on both sides allows for less space assemble the necessary electronic components (8) (fig 5). He EPROM microprocessor and surface mount program memory (11) (fig 5) are placed in their most protected part. Battery (9) (fig 5) proposed is in this case a button, because of size, although if it is preferred to increase the autonomy of the apparatus in detriment to its size you can use a battery of the type flat cell or a classic cylindrical 9v.

The transmitter and receiver (10) (fig 5) are type of coded radio frequency, of sufficient power to cover a coverage radius of at least 50 m without obstacles. The signal is generated each time one of the push buttons is pressed change of marker (4) (fig 2, 4 and 5), varying its code frequency according to the key pressed. They are placed in their part rear, leaving enough space for the battery (9) (fig 5).

The preferred execution communication mode for this application would be the one of "manager-manager", already described in part with anteriority. There is in this case an auxiliary system to inform to the user of the correct execution of the update cycle of Both markers. This auxiliary system can be physical (by a vibration or similar) or acoustic preferably, as a buzzing, "beep", etc., which may be different even according to the change in the scoreboard has affected one or the other of the players.

The package (1,6) (fig 3, 4 and 5) proposed is removable, the upper part (1) being fixed (fig 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5) with the lower one (6) (fig 3, 4 and 5) by means of 4 screws (12) (fig 3 and 5). The top cover (1) (fig 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5) is designed with two openings, one to show the screen (3) (fig 2 and 5) and the other to allow access to the main buttons (4) (fig 2, 4 and 5). The union of the bracelet (2), (fig 1 and 2) to Marker is done by its ends (1) (fig 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5), hinged for that purpose.

On the lower cover (6) (fig 3, 4 and 5), of smaller size and accessibility than the main buttons (4) (fig 2,4 and 5) there is a small button (5) (fig 2, 3, 4 and 5) of the type underminiaturized, pressure driven, the corresponding to the secondary function keypad, for zeroing, configuration changes, corrections, change mode operation, on and off, etc.

The encapsulation (1,6) (fig 3, 4 and 5) can be made of ABS plastic, PP polypropylene, steel metallic stainless or any other that offers protection guarantees and sufficient insulation for all interior components described.

The final result shown in Figure 5 a once mounted it has an approximate size of 50 x 40 x 20 mm (length x width x thickness).

It is not considered necessary to extend this description so that any subject matter expert understands the scope of the invention and the advantages thereof drift

It is stated for the appropriate purposes that in the object that constitutes the present application may be introduced all those variations and modifications of detail that the circumstances and practice could advise, as well as the use of new circuit integration systems, electronic components or encapsulation techniques result of technological advance, as long as with the variants that introduce do not alter or modify the essence that is summarized in the following claims.

Claims (6)

1. Electronic personal tennis minimizer, characterized by a digital display (3) and microprocessor (11) of reduced dimensions and consumption, for integration into an electronic circuit (8) whose detachable encapsulation (1,6) is designed to be carried by the player through a clamping device (2) during the practice of the game. 2. Electronic personal tennis marker according to claim 1, characterized by a main keypad (4) in which the buttons have the same function but assigned to each player. The assignment to one or another player of the function of the main keypad is achieved intuitively thanks to the relative arrangement between pushbuttons (4) and screen (3), which can be interposed between them. 3. Electronic personal tennis minimizer according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the assignment to one or another player of the function of the main button (4) is achieved intuitively thanks to the different shape of the buttons (4). 4. Electronic personal tennis minimizer characterized in that the assignment to one or another player of the function of the main keypad (4) is achieved intuitively thanks to the relative movement of the button (4) in relation to the screen (3), when It is activated. 5. Electronic personal tennis minimizer according to claim 1, characterized in that the update of the controllable score is coordinated and interactive from another similar marker and remotely, without any physical union between them. 6. Electronic personal tennis minimizer according to claims 1 and 5 characterized by an auxiliary acoustic or physical system that informs the user of the correct execution of the update cycle of both markers.