GB2293329A

GB2293329A - Games scoring device

Info

Publication number: GB2293329A
Application number: GB9519255A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christopher Norgrove Wilcox
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1994-09-22
Filing date: 1995-09-21
Publication date: 1996-03-27
Also published as: GB9419111D0; GB9519255D0

Abstract

A tennis or the like scoring device having first and second user operated input means (4 - 6), user observable display means 7 and control means, said first and second user operable means sending signals to the control means upon operation, the control means sending signals to the display means reflecting the input sequence of the first and second user input means and the device being portable for example by means of a wrist strap for wearing by a sports-person so as to enable them to keep score during a game. <IMAGE>

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO MONITORING EVENTS This invention is concerned with improvements in and relating to monitoring events, particularly, but not exclusively, monitoring of scores in sporting events.

Almost all games involve some form of score keeping, be they individual pursuits, such as golf, or team games,such as tennis. Whilst at the top level scorers or sophisticated scoring apparatus are made available to monitor the progress of such sports, most players are responsible for keeping score as they participate. This requirement imposes a number of problems as for many sports, particularly tennis and the like, the speed of the game necessitates memorising the score as it happens. This is distracting and prone to error. Even with more relaxed games, such as golf, adverse weather conditions, such as rain, can make score-keeping awkward.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable convenient unit for monitoring progress of events, such as sports.

According to a first aspect of the invention we provide a device having first and second user operated input means, user observable display means and control means, said first and second user operable means sending signals to the control means upon operation, the control means sending signals to the display means reflecting the input sequence of the first and second user input means and the device being portable.

In this way we provide a simple easily operated device for monitoring a sequence of events the device being readily available at the events location.

Preferably the signals reflect the sequence of events corresponding to a game, such as the respective winners of rallies in a ball game.

The portable nature of the device ensures that the device is readily available even to the casual player.

Preferably the device is carried by a participant in the event. Most preferably the device is worn on a limb of a participant, particularly the wrist.

Location of the device in this way ensures minimum disruption to the sequence of events through delay.

Preferably the first and second user operated input means are separate, most preferably separate buttons.

Alternatively a single input means can act as first and second user operated input means by employing a distinct sequence of input for each of the first and second user inputs.

The control means may provide the options for several different games or sports and/or different modes for a given sport. Thus the same control means may contain programmes for processing signals in relation to tennis, golf, badminton etc. Different mode possibilities may provide for stroke or match play in golf, different numbers of players or various other options required for conventional playing of a given sport.

Alternatively separate control means may be provided for different games. In this way control means may be sold separately to the device to enable a library of different games to be built up by the user as required. User exchangeable control means of this type offer enhanced versatility for the device.

Where different games or modes are provided the display may itself provide the various references to the meaning of the parts of the display.

Alternatively, these references may be provided on the device, for instance by way of a surround for the display means, a fascia. The fascia may be replaceable to change the references; different references being available for different sports. Once again this renders the device more versatile.

The device may be powered by any portable means such as batteries or solar power.

Where the device is worn on a limb of the operator it may be provided on a watch style strap of the conventional type. Alternatively, it may be provided with or incorporated in a wrist band type of arrangement, such as elasticated material.

The device may also provide a time-keeping function. This may be a stop watch action or conventional time of day display. The time display may be permanently displayed or selectable as a mode of operation. Hour and/or minute hands may be provided which move over the display means. Alternatively a digital watch function may be provided.

According to a second aspect of the invention we provide replaceable control means for use with a device in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

According to a third aspect of the invention we provide a replaceable unit or fascia carrying reference symbols for use with a device in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which: Figure 1 shows a device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; Figures 2a to 2f show a sequence of scores for the device of Figure 1; Figure 3a and 3b show a number of replacement fascias for the present invention; Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in Figure 1, one embodiment of the invention comprises a body portion 1 of the device having a fascia 2 and straps 3. The straps 3 are of the conventional watch strap type and are fastened by means of a conventional buckle (not shown) on the end of one strap and adjusted by means of a number of apertures, which cooperate with the buckle, in the other strap.

The body 1 is provided with first 4 and second 5 user operable buttons which are activated by pressing. The type of sport monitored or the mode of operation are controlled by a third button 6.

In operation the unit is switched on, for instance by pressing buttons 4 and 5 simultaneously. Power is provided to the device by a removable internally accommodated battery (not shown). The players then commence the game and after the first point, in this case for a game of tennis, the wearer presses the button corresponding to the player A or B, 7,8 respectively, who won that point. Thus as player B won, the pressing of the button presents the score display shown in Figure 1, that is 0 : 15 in points, 0 : 0 in games and 0:0 in sets. The scoring procedure continues in this way with the button corresponding to the points winner being pressed.

A typical sequence is shown in Figures 2a to 2f where the winning player sequence is Player A, B, A, A, A to take us from 30 : 15 to Player B, 5 games to 3 Player A, one set all: to 2 sets to 1 for Player A.

The "advantage" score is indicated by an LED or other means 16.

As well as providing for tennis scoring the device may be adapted to score for golf, Figure 3a or bowls, Figure 3b, by providing interchangeable fascias for the device. Thus a fascia suitable for use in golf would present the running total 10, the par figure 11, (including handicaps) and the strokes taken this hole so far 12. Again the information could be presented for two players or for four, using the mode button 6 to switch between pairs to effect scoring, or by providing four input buttons (not shown).

For bowls, Figure 3b, the displays could represent the number of ends gone 13, respective totals 14 and number of sets won 15.

As illustrated in Figure 4 a conventional time display may be provided. Thus hour 22 and minute 24 hands sweep over the display. A protective, transparent cover, for the hands is provided. The hands may be relatively thin, parallel to the face so as not to obscure the display or may be transparent in part.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A device having first and second user operated input means, user observable display means and control means, said first and second user operable means sending signals to the control means upon operation, the control means sending signals to the display means reflecting the input sequence of the first and second user input means and the device being portable.

2. A device according to claim 1 which is worn on a limb of a user, particularly the wrist.

3. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the signals reflect the sequence of events corresponding to a game.

4. A device according to any preceding claim in which the first and second user operated input means are separate buttons.

5. A device according to any preceding claim in which the control means provide the options for scoring several different games or sports and/or different modes for a given sport.

6. A device according to any of claims 1 to 5 in which separate control means are provided for different games.

7. A device according to claim 6 in which user exchangeable control means are provided.

8. - A device according to any of claims 5 to 7 in which the display provides the various references to the meaning of the parts of the display.

9. A device according to any of claims 5 to 7 in which the meaning of the various references is provided on the device, for instance by way of a surround or fascia for the display means.

10. A device according to claim 8 in which the fascia is replaceable to change the references.

11. A device according to any preceding claim in which the device is worn on a limb of the operator on a watch style strap.

12. A device according to any preceding claim in which the device provides a time-keeping function.

13. Replaceable control means for use with a device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A replaceable unit or fascia carrying reference symbols for use with a device according to any of claims 9 to 12.

15. A device substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.