GB2483859A

GB2483859A - A device for supporting imaging apparatus on a goal post

Info

Publication number: GB2483859A
Application number: GB1015804.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Parden; John Darbyshire; Gareth Griffiths
Original assignee: GOALMINDER Ltd
Current assignee: GOALMINDER Ltd
Priority date: 2010-09-21
Filing date: 2010-09-21
Publication date: 2012-03-28
Also published as: GB201015804D0; GB201021339D0; WO2012038746A1

Abstract

A support apparatus 10 comprising a goalpost engaging portion 12 and an imaging device supporting portion 14. There may be a goalpost 20 and net which have cooperating projections and recesses 22 to attach them and the support apparatus 10 may have means 12 and 40 to attach it to the net engaging element of the goalpost 20 and the goalpost engaging element of the net. A slide fit or interference fit may be used and means may be provided to lock the support apparatus in place. The device may be narrower than the goalpost 20 it is attached to and of a similar length. A plurality of cameras may be included which may fit in recesses in the support apparatus. The imaging devices 30 may be arranged to provide images of a goal line to provide confirmation if a goal has been scored.

Description

Support Apparatus The present invention relates to support apparatus, in particular to support apparatus for supporting imaging devices with goalposts.

In a game of football (soccer), a goal has only properly been scored if all of the football crosses the plane formed by the goal line, the vertically upright goalposts and the horizontal goalpost referred to as the crossbar. It is often difficult to determine if the football has crossed that plane since the event may happen very quickly and/or the referee's view may be obscured by the presence of one or more players. The use of video cameras located on the perimeter of a football pitch may assist in determining whether a goal has been scored, but disadvantages arise because there are typically a number of players very close to the ball, which frequently results in the view of the referee and the cameras being obscured.

To address the above problem GB 2 342 050 describes a goalpost surveillance system in which a plurality of imaging devices capture images viewed along a portion of the plane of a mouth of goalposts, and images of the imaging devices are combined to more easily enable determination of whether a goal has been scored. In GB 2 342 050 the imaging devices are located within the goalposts, which requires relatively involved manufacturing or installation operations, and does not facilitate easy fitting/removal particularly to existing goalposts.

It is an aim of example embodiments of the present invention to address at least one disadvantage of the prior art, whether identified herein or otherwise. In particular, it is an aim of example embodiments of the present invention to facilitate incorporation of imaging devices such those described in GB 2 342 050 with goal structures.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a support apparatus comprising: a goalpost engaging portion for engaging the support apparatus with a goalpost; and an imaging device supporting portion.

Suitably, the goalpost engaging portion of the support apparatus comprises a projection arranged to cooperate with a recess of a goalpost to hold the support apparatus in engagement with the goalpost. In alternative embodiments the goalpost engaging portion of the support apparatus comprises a recess arranged to cooperate with a projection of a goalpost to hold the support apparatus in engagement with the goalpost. Suitably the projection comprises a slide-in fit with the recess. Suitably, the projection comprises an interference fit with the recess. Suitably, the projection comprises a twist-in, toggle fit or button-like fit with the recess. Suitably, the projection and recess are of complementary shape. Suitably, in cross section the recess comprises a relatively narrower opening than the width of a projection arranged within the recess away from the opening, to thereby in use restrict, preferably prevent movement of the projection out of the opening. Suitably, the goalpost engaging portion of the support apparatus is of constant cross section along its length. Suitably, the goalpost engaging portion of the support apparatus is provided in one, two or more than two discrete parts aiong the iength of the support apparatus. Suitabiy, the projection slide-fits into the recess in one direction and slides in another direction relative to the recess to lock in place. Suitably, the goalpost engaging portion of the support apparatus comprises an extrusion. Suitably, the goalpost engaging portion of the support apparatus comprises a metallic material, suitably aluminium or an alloy thereof. Suitably a locking component is provided on the support apparatus and/or goalpost to lock the support apparatus in place relative to the goalpost, e.g. to prevent sliding of the relative to the other.

Suitably, the goalpost engaging portion of the support apparatus comprises a goal-net-like fitting, i.e. a fitting of the type found on goal-nets for fitting goal-nets to goalposts. Suitably the goalpost engaging portion of the support apparatus is suitable for engaging a goal-net engaging portion of a goalpost without modification to the goalpost. Suitably, the goalpost engaging portion of the support apparatus is arranged to slide into or over a goal-net engaging portion of a goalpost.

Suitably, the support apparatus further comprises a goal-net supporting portion.

Suitably, the goal-net supporting portion of the support apparatus comprises a recess arranged to cooperate with a projection of a goal-net to hold the goal-net in engagement with the support apparatus. In alternative embodiments the goal-net support portion of the support apparatus comprises a recess arranged to cooperate with a projection of a goal-net to hold the goal-net in engagement with the support apparatus. Suitably the projection comprises a slide-in fit with the recess. Suitably, the projection comprises an interference fit with the recess.

Suitably, the projection comprises a twist-in, toggle fit or button-like fit with the recess.

Suitably, the projection and recess are of complementary shape. Suitably, in cross section the recess comprises a relatively narrower opening than the width of a projection arranged within the recess away from the opening, to thereby in use restrict, preferably prevent movement of the projection out of the opening. Suitably, the goal-net supporting portion of the support apparatus is of constant cross section along its length. Suitably, the goal-net supporting portion is provided in one, two or more than two discrete positions along the length of the support apparatus. Suitably a locking component is provided on the support apparatus and/or the goal-net to lock the support apparatus in place relative to the goal-net, e.g. to prevent sliding of one relative to the other. Suitably, the goal-net supporting portion comprises an extrusion. Suitably, the goal-net supporting portion comprises a metallic material, suitably aluminium or an alloy thereof.

Suitably, the goal-net supporting portion comprises a goalpost-like fitting, i.e. a fitting of the type found on goalposts for fitting goal-nets thereto. Suitably the goal-net supporting portion is suitable for engaging a goalpost engaging portion of a goal-net without modification of the goai-net. Suitabiy, the goaJ-net supporting portion is arranged to siide over or into a goalpost engaging portion of a goal-net.

Suitably, the goal-net supporting portion of the support apparatus and the goalpost engaging portion of the support apparatus are of complementary shape to one another.

Suitably, the goal-net supporting portion of the support apparatus and the goalpost engaging portion of the support apparatus are arranged on separate, preferably opposed sides of the support apparatus. Suitably, the goal-net supporting portion of the support apparatus and the goalpost engaging portion of the support apparatus are arranged generally parallel to one another.

Suitably, the support apparatus is of generally constant external cross section along its length. Suitably, the support apparatus is externally generally symmetrical about a plane of symmetry that passes through the goalpost engaging portion. Suitably, the support apparatus is generally shaped such that with the goalpost engaging support portion in use engaging the support apparatus with a goalpost, the support apparatus generally covers a face of, preferably a rear face of the goalpost. Suitably, the support apparatus is generally shaped such that with the goalpost engaging support portion in use engaging the support apparatus with a goalpost, the support apparatus presents a surface aligned with and preferably extending in the plane of a face of the goalpost extending from the front of the goalpost to the rear of the goalpost. Here the "rear" of the goalpost is that side which is closest to the in-goal area. Suitably, the support apparatus is of generally the same length as a goalpost with which it is to be used. Suitably, the support apparatus is generally the same width as a goalpost, or a smaller width than a goalpost, or extends from the goalpost engaging portion a sufficiently small distance in a transverse direction relative to a goalpost with which it is to be installed, so as when in use the support apparatus does not extend beyond the goalpost into the plane of the goal.

Suitably, the imaging device support portion is arranged to support one or more imaging devices at or near to an exterior surface of the support apparatus. Suitably, the imaging device support portion is arranged to support one or more imaging devices at or near to a corner portion of the support apparatus and/or along an edge portion of the support apparatus.

Suitably, the imaging device support portion is a recess such that in use an imaging device supported therein is contained within the envelope defined by support apparatus. Suitably, the imaging device support portion is a recess such that in use provision of an imaging device therein completes an outer surface, preferably a planar outer surface of the support structure.

Suitably, the imaging device support portion is arranged such that with the support apparatus in use with a goalpost an imaging device supported by the support apparatus is oriented with field of view that includes a goal-line associated with the goalpost. Suitably, the imaging device support portion is arranged such that with the support apparatus in use with a goaipost an imaging device supported by the support apparatus is positioned at or near the plane of the goal line. Suitably, the imaging device support portion is arranged such that with the support apparatus in use with a goalpost an imaging device supported by the support apparatus is positioned at or proximate to an interface between the support apparatus and the goalpost.

Suitably, the support apparatus comprises one or more imaging devices, preferably video cameras, supported by the imaging device supporting portion. Suitably, the one or more imaging devices are built into the support apparatus. Suitably, the imaging devices have overlapping fields of view. Suitably, the support apparatus comprises one or more imaging output interfaces associated with the one or more imaging devices.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit comprising: a support apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention; and one or more of: a goal-net, a goalpost; an imaging device.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a goal comprising a goalpost, a support apparatus and a goal-net.

Suitably, the support apparatus is that of the first aspect of the present invention.

Suitably, the support apparatus is an interface compiling the goal-net to the goal post.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a support method comprising supporting an imaging device with a goalpost by engaging a support apparatus with the goalpost, and engaging the imaging device with the support apparatus.

Suitably, the support method further comprises supporting a goal-net on the goalpost by engaging the goal-net with the support apparatus. Suitably, the support apparatus is that of the first aspect of the present invention.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawing in which: Figure 1 shows a partial sectional view of a goalpost, support apparatus and imaging device according to an example embodiment of the invention.

As shown in Figure 1, a support apparatus 10 is in use supported by a goalpost 20. The support apparatus 10 is arranged to support an imaging device 30. The support apparatus 10 further provides a goal-net supporting portion 40 to receive and support a goal-net (not shown). Figure 1 shows the support apparatus in transverse cross section, and this cross sectional view can be interpreted in a number of ways according to the orientation of the goalpost 20 and the support apparatus 10. One interpretation is that the goalpost 20 is a horizontally extending crossbar, that the cross section is in a vertical plane and that the Figure shows what would be seen looking in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the crossbar. In this interpretation the plane of the goal is adjacent the goal post 20 toward the bottom of the Figure. The rear of the goalpost 20 meets the front of the support apparatus 10 at the region labelled "A", and this interface defines the rear extent of the goal line and the plane of the goal.

Another interpretation is that the goalpost 20 is a vertically extending goalpost, that the cross section is one in a horizontal plane and that the Figure shows what would be seen looking vertically down the direction of the longitudinal axis of the goalpost 20. In this interpretation the plane of the goal is adjacent the goal post 20 toward the bottom of the Figure, and the goalpost would normally be referred to as a goalkeeper's right hand post. The front of the goalpost is to the left of the Figure, the rear of the goalpost 20 meets the front of the support apparatus 10 at the region labelled "A", and this interface defines the rear extent of the goal line and the plane of the goal. An adaptation of Figure 1 with front of the goalpost to the left of the Figure and the imaging device support portion arranged proximate to the region labelled "B" would represent a corresponding plan view of a goalkeeper's left hand post, with the plane of the goal adjacent the goal post 20 toward the top of the Figure.

The goalpost engaging portion 12 of the support apparatus 10 comprises a projection that cooperates with a recessed portion of the goalpost 20 to hold the support apparatus 10 in engagement with the goalpost 20. The recessed portion of the goalpost 20 is normally used as a goal-net supporting portion 22 of the goalpost 20, into which a goal-net (not shown) can be slid in order to couple the goal-net to the goalpost 20. However, as shown the support apparatus 10 takes the place of a goal-net in the goal-net supporting portion 22 of the goalpost 20.

The complementary fit of the goalpost engaging portion 12 of the support apparatus 10 with the goal-net supporting portion 22 of the goalpost holds the support apparatus 10 firmly in place with the goalpost 20. The coupling between the support apparatus 10 and the goalpost is further reinforced by the interface and mutual contact between the rear of the goalpost 20 with the support apparatus 10. In this embodiment the interface is formed in the plane between regions A and B shown in Figure 1.

Positioning the support apparatus 10 with the goalpost 20 as shown puts the imaging device supporting portion 14 very close to the rear of the goalpost 20, meaning in turn that the imaging device 30 is located proximate to the plane of the goal and the rearmost extent of the goalpost 20. This enables the field of view of the imaging device 30 is able to include the goal line, thereby accurately enabling the imaging device 30 to be used in determining whether a goal has been scored. Multiple imaging devices 30 may be provided in the support apparatus 10, to work together or independently in determining whether a goal has been scored, for example by collecting video or other images of the goal line and the relative position of the ball. The support apparatus may conveniently further comprise one or more imaging output interfaces associated with the one or more imaging devices 30.

The support apparatus 10 conveniently further comprises the goal-net supporting portion 40. The goal-net supporting portion 40 shown in Figure 1 is of generally the same shape as the goal-net supporting portion 22 of the goalpost 20. This is to enable the goal-net supporting portion 22 to receive and support a goal-net, in the same way as the goal-net supporting portion 22 of the goalpost 20 receives the goalpost engaging portion 12 of the

support apparatus 10 in the description above.

The dimensions of the support apparatus, in particular the transverse width, i.e. the width across the rear of the goalpost 20, and also the relative positions of the dimensions transverse edges of the support apparatus 10 are predetermined according to the dimensions of the goalpost with which the support apparatus is to be used in this way the imaging device can be placed in the same plane as the side of the goalpost 20. Furthermore the transverse side of the support apparatus 10 presents a continuous surface aligned with the transverse face of the goalpost 20 that extends from the front of the goalpost 20 to the rear thereof. This means that the support apparatus 10 and any imaging device 30 do not adversely interfere with the ball on its way into the goal, and the support apparatus does not extend into the playing area or present a danger to players any more so than the danger presented by the goalpost 20 itself.

Methods of fitting the support apparatus to a goalpost, and fitting imaging devices to the support apparatus will be apparent from the description of the apparatus given above.

Although the embodiments described herein have been described with reference to slide-in fitting of the support apparatus and the goal-net, it is to be understood that the goalpost engaging portion and goal-net supporting portion of the support apparatus may take other forms corresponding to goal-net-like fittings, such as hook, clip, button or press fittings.

The support apparatus is conveniently formed by extrusion, for example of an aluminium alloy.

The support apparatus described herein provides a cheap, reliable and easy to use means for supporting one or more imaging devices or the like into a goalpost, without interfering with the existing structure or normal operation of the goalpost.

Although the support apparatus has been described in relation to football (soccer), the support apparatus can equally be used in other comparable sports such as hockey.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public 1 5 inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A support apparatus comprising: a goalpost engaging portion for engaging the support apparatus with a goalpost; and an imaging device supporting portion.
2. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the goalpost engaging portion of the support apparatus comprises a projection arranged to cooperate with a recess of a goalpost to hold the support apparatus in engagement with the goalpost.
3. The support apparatus of claim I or 2, wherein the goalpost engaging portion of the support apparatus comprises a recess arranged to cooperate with a projection of a goalpost to hold the support apparatus in engagement with the goalpost.
4. The support apparatus of claim 2 or 3, wherein the projection comprises a slide-in fit 0 with the recess. r
5. The support apparatus of claim 2 or 3, wherein the projection comprises an interference fit with the recess. a)

0
6. The support apparatus of claim 2 or 3, wherein the projection comprises a twist-in, toggle fit or button-like fit with the recess.
7. The support apparatus of any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the projection and recess are of complementary shape.
8. The support apparatus of any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein in cross section the recess comprises a relatively narrower opening than the width of a projection arranged within the recess away from the opening, to thereby in use prevent movement of the projection out of the opening.
9. The support apparatus of any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the projection slide-fits into the recess in one direction and slides in another direction relative to the recess to lock in place.
10. The support apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the goalpost engaging portion of the support apparatus is of constant cross section along its length.
11. The support apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the goalpost engaging portion of the support apparatus is provided in one, two or more than two discrete parts along the length of the support apparatus.
12. The support apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the goalpost engaging portion of the support apparatus comprises an extrusion.
13. The support apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the goalpost engaging portion of the support apparatus comprises a metallic material, suitably aluminium or an alloy thereof.
14. The support apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a locking component provided on the support apparatus and/or goalpost to lock the support apparatus in place relative to the goalpost, e.g. to prevent sliding of one relative to the other.
15. The support apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the goalpost engaging portion C of the support apparatus comprises a goal-net-like fitting, i.e. a fitting of the type found on goal-nets for fitting goal-nets to goalposts.
16. The support apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the goalpost engaging portion of the support apparatus is suitable for engaging a goal-net engaging portion of a goalpost without modification to the goalpost.
17. The support apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the goalpost engaging portion of the support apparatus is arranged to slide into or over a goal-net engaging portion of a goalpost.
18. The support apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a goal-net supporting portion.
19. The support apparatus of claim 18, wherein the goal-net supporting portion of the support apparatus comprises a recess arranged to cooperate with a projection of a goal-net to hold the goal-net in engagement with the support apparatus.
20. The support apparatus of claim 18, wherein the goal-net support portion of the support apparatus comprises a recess arranged to cooperate with a projection of a goal-net to hold the goal-net in engagement with the support apparatus.
21. The support apparatus of claim 19 or 20, wherein the projection comprises a slide-in fit with the recess.
22. The support apparatus of claim 19 or 20, wherein the projection comprises an interference fit with the recess.
23. The support apparatus of claim 19 or 20, wherein the projection comprises a twist-in, toggle fit or button-like fit with the recess.
24. The support apparatus of any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the projection and recess are of complementary shape.
25. The support apparatus of any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein the recess comprises a relatively narrower opening than the width of a projection arranged within the recess away from the opening, to thereby in use prevent movement of the projection out of the opening.
26. The support apparatus of any one of claims 19 to 25, wherein the goal-net supporting portion of the support apparatus is of constant cross section along its length.
27. The support apparatus of any one of claims 19 to 26, wherein the goal-net supporting o portion is provided in one, two or more than two discrete positions along the length of the support apparatus.
28. The support apparatus of any one of claims 19 to 27, further comprising a locking component provided on the support apparatus and/or the goal-net to lock the support apparatus in place relative to the goal-net, e.g. to prevent sliding of one relative to the other.
29. The support apparatus of any one of claims 19 to 28, wherein the goal-net supporting portion comprises an extrusion.
30. The support apparatus of any one of claims 19 to 29, wherein the goal-net supporting portion comprises a metallic material, suitably aluminium or an alloy thereof.
31. The support apparatus of any one of claims 19 to 30, wherein the goal-net supporting portion comprises a goalpost-like fitting, i.e. a fitting of the type found on goalposts for fitting goal-nets thereto.
32. The support apparatus of any one of claims 19 to 31, wherein the goal-net supporting portion is suitable for engaging a goalpost engaging portion of a goal-net without modification of the goal-net.
33. The support apparatus of any one of claims 19 to 32, wherein the goal-net supporting portion is arranged to slide over or into a goalpost engaging portion of a goal-net.
34. The support apparatus of any one of claims 19 to 33, wherein the goal-net supporting portion of the support apparatus and the goalpost engaging portion of the support apparatus are of complementary shape to one another.
35. The support apparatus of any one of claims 19 to 34, wherein the goal-net supporting portion of the support apparatus and the goalpost engaging portion of the support apparatus are arranged on separate, preferably opposed sides of the support apparatus.

0
36. The support apparatus of any one of claims 19 to 34, wherein the goal-net supporting portion of the support apparatus and the goalpost engaging portion of the support apparatus are arranged generally parallel to one another.
37. The support apparatus of any preceding claim, of generally constant external cross o section along its length.
38. The support apparatus of any preceding claim, externally generally symmetrical about a plane of symmetry that passes through the goalpost engaging portion.
39. The support apparatus of any preceding claim, generally shaped such that with the goalpost engaging support portion in use engaging the support apparatus with a goalpost, the support apparatus generally covers a face of, preferably a rear face of the goalpost.
40. The support apparatus of any preceding claim, generally shaped such that with the goalpost engaging support portion in use engaging the support apparatus with a goalpost, the support apparatus presents a surface aligned with and preferably extending in the plane of a face of the goalpost extending from the front of the goalpost to the rear of the goalpost.
41. The support apparatus of any preceding claim, of generally the same length as a goalpost with which it is to be used.
42. The support apparatus of any preceding claim, generally the same width as a goalpost, or a smaller width than a goalpost, or extends from the goalpost engaging portion a sufficiently small distance in a transverse direction relative to a goalpost with which it is to be installed, so as when in use the support apparatus does not extend beyond the goalpost into the plane of the goal.
43. The support apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the imaging device support portion is arranged to support one or more imaging devices at or near to an exterior surface of the support apparatus.
44. The support apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the imaging device support portion is arranged to support one or more imaging devices at or near to a corner portion of the support apparatus and/or along an edge portion of the support apparatus.

0
45. The support apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the imaging device support portion is a recess such that in use an imaging device supported therein is contained within the envelope defined by support apparatus.
46. The support apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the imaging device support o portion is a recess such that in use provision of an imaging device therein completes an outer surface, preferably a planar outer surface of the support structure.
47. The support apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the imaging device support portion is arranged such that with the support apparatus in use with a goalpost an imaging device supported by the support apparatus is oriented with field of view that includes a goal-line associated with the goalpost.
48. The support apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the imaging device support portion is arranged such that with the support apparatus in use with a goalpost an imaging device supported by the support apparatus is positioned at or near the plane of the goal line.
49. The support apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the imaging device support portion is arranged such that with the support apparatus in use with a goalpost an imaging device supported by the support apparatus is positioned at or proximate to an interface between the support apparatus and the goalpost.
50. The support apparatus of any preceding claim comprises one or more imaging devices, preferably video cameras, supported by the imaging device supporting portion.
51. The support apparatus of claim 50, wherein the one or more imaging devices are built into the support apparatus.
52. The support apparatus of claim 50 or 51, comprising a plurality of imaging deviceshave overlapping fields of view.
53. The support apparatus of claim 50, 51 or 52 comprises one or more imaging output interfaces associated with the one or more imaging devices.
54. A kit comprising: a support apparatus according to any preceding claim; and one or more of: a goal-net, a goalpost; an imaging device.
55. A goal comprising a goalpost, a support apparatus and a goal-net, wherein the support apparatus is that of any one of claims 1 to 53.
56. The goal of claim 55, wherein the support apparatus is an interface coupling the goal-o net to the goal post.
57. A support method comprising supporting an imaging device with a goalpost by engaging a support apparatus with the goalpost, and engaging the imaging device with the support apparatus.
58. The method of claim 57, further comprising supporting a goal-net on the goalpost by engaging the goal-net with the support apparatus.
59. The method of claim 57 or 58, wherein support apparatus is that of any one of claims I to 53.
60. A support apparatus, kit, goal or method substantially as herein described, with particular reference to the accompanying drawings.