GB2545232A

GB2545232A - A system for monitoring fencing bouts

Info

Publication number: GB2545232A
Application number: GB1521711.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Charles Mark Raymond; Rene Paul Alexander; Nicholas Paul Benjamin
Original assignee: Lpm Electronics Ltd
Current assignee: Lpm Electronics Ltd
Priority date: 2015-12-09
Filing date: 2015-12-09
Publication date: 2017-06-14
Also published as: GB201521711D0

Abstract

System and method for monitoring fencing bouts and assisting with the validation of recorded hits according to the rules of fencing. The system comprises a first set of one or more detectable markers 7 mountable, in use, on a first fencer 1 and a second set of one or more detectable markers 8 mountable, in use, on a second fencer. The system further comprises a detector 6 configured to monitor said detectable markers 7, 8 and provide an output notification identifying the respective movements of the markers. The detector 6 may be in the form of a scoreboard and may include a 3D sensing camera and a visual display means. The detectable markers may be positioned on the feet, arms or weapons of the fencers. The detectable markers 7, 8, can include motion detecting sensors that transmit information to the detector 6.

Description

A SYSTEM FOR MONITORING FENCING BOUTS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a system for monitoring fencing bouts and in particular a system for assisting a referee in determining the validity of recorded hits made during a bout in accordance with the rules of fencing.

Background of the Invention

Fencing is a fast-paced sport involving two opponents fighting with swords. Three main schools of fencing exist. The first is Foil, which is a light thrusting weapon. The second is Epee, which a heavier thrusting weapon. The third is the Sabre, which is a light cutting and thrusting weapon.

During its development as a sport the rules of fencing have been set out to determine how a fighter wins and loses points during a bout.

At the heart of the scoring rules of fencing is the requirement that a fencer makes a successful attack on a target region of his or her opponent, who in turn must defend the attack and, if possible, carry out their own offensive action.

The area of the target region varies across the different weapon categories. In the case of Foil the target region is the torso, neck and groin, but not the limbs. In contrast, with Epee the entire body of the opponent is the target. Finally, in the case of Sabre, the target region is made up of the entire body above the waist, with the exception of the hands.

In view of the specifically defined target regions, and due to the fast-paced movements involved in exchanges of sword-play, technology has been developed to monitor whether or not a touch made by a fighter on an opponent was on target (i.e. with the specified target region).

However the rules of fencing, particularly in the case of Foil and Sabre, require that when both fencers successfully record a touch on a target region of their opponent the rules of convention determine priority and thus who scores the point. The fencer who initiates the attack is said to have priority or ‘right of way’. ‘Right of way’ can be transferred if the attacker’s blade is not deemed to be continually threatening the target. This can occur when the attacker’s blade is lifted away from the target, blocked or knocked to the side by the defending fencer or if the fencer stops or changes direction.

It is the role of the referee to determine ‘right of way’ in situations where a double hit is recorded. Whilst ‘right of way’ is only applied in the schools of Foil and Sabre, the referee must also determine when a hit recorded by a fencer is invalid, as in situations where the fencer has strayed out of the fencing area or has passed their opponent.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention seeks to provide a monitoring system to assist a referee in determining whether a recorded hit on an opponent warrants the award of a point to the fencer in accordance with the rules of fencing.

To this end the present invention provides a system for monitoring fencing bouts comprising: a first set of one or more detectable markers mountable, in use, on a first fencer; a second set of one or more detectable markers mountable, in use, on a second fencer; and a detector configured to monitor said detectable markers and provide an output notification derived from the respective movements of the first and second set of detectable markers.

By monitoring the movement of the markers carried by each fencer the system can be used to notify the fencers, the referee or indeed any other observers of the relative movements of both fencers so that scoring hits can be validated without solely relying upon the split-second judgment of the referee.

It is appreciated that the system of the present invention greatly assists the referee in making judgement decisions on whether or not to award a point when a recorded hit has been achieved by one or more of the fencers.

The system also assists the referee in determining which fencer has ‘right of way’ by informing the referee which fencer moved to attack first.

Preferably both sets of detectable markers may include a marker mounted on the body of the respective fencer. Alternatively, or additionally, both sets of detectable markers may include a marker mounted on a foot and/or arm of the respective fencer. In this way any movement made by either fencer is detected and subsequently collected by the detector.

Preferably both sets of detectable markers may include a marker mounted on the respective fencer’s weapon. In addition to enabling the system to monitor which fencer attacks first, providing markers on each of the weapons also enables information regarding the location, speed and angle of the weapons. The weapons may be provided with additional sensors to help collect this information.

By enabling the collection of information about not only their movement, but also the location, speed and angle of the weapons, the system can monitor when ‘right of way’ may have transferred from the fencer who initiated the attack because of their failure to continuously threaten their target (i.e. the opposing fencer).

As detailed above, ‘right of way’ can be transferred when the defending fencer blocks the attacks of their opponent and commences an attack of their own. Thus collecting the above information from the weapons can enable the system of the present invention to provide clear guidance on who has ‘right of way’ when a hit is recorded.

It is envisaged that in the broadest sense of the present invention the system can employ detectable markers on either the fencer’s person or on their weapon. However, preferably markers are provided on both.

Preferably the detectable markers may be active and comprise a motion detecting sensor capable of transmitting sensed movement to the detector. It is envisaged that suitable sensor means may include an accelerometer and a gyroscope.

Preferably all the motion detecting sensors in each set may be capable of transmitting data directly to the detector.

Alternatively each set of detectable markers may comprise a central motion detecting sensor that collects information from the rest of the sensors in the set and transmits the information to the detector.

It is envisioned this arrangement enables the size of the non-central ‘slave’ sensors to be greatly reduced because they are not required to transmit over a large distance, but rather they must just communicate with the central motion detecting sensor, which can be larger.

Further preferably the central motion detection sensor may be mountable on the body of the fencer. In this way the increased size of the central sensor (relative to the ‘slave’ sensors) will not impede the movement of the fencers’ limbs and weapon.

Preferably the detectable markers may comprise a proximity sensor capable of detecting when a sensor from the opponent’s set of detectable markers moves in close proximity and transmitting the interaction to the detector. In this way further information regarding the relative positions of the fencers can be collected. This is considered particularly useful in determining whether a fencer has ‘passed’ another fencer on the piste, which can sometimes be an important consideration when determining whether a valid point has been scored.

Preferably at least some of the detectable markers may be passive and the detector actively tracks their movement. In this way the design of the detectable markers can be greatly simplified and their cost reduced.

Further preferably the detector may comprise a 3D sensing camera and the detectable markers are configured to heighten their visibility to the camera. In this way the camera can track the movement of each of the markers digitally.

Preferably the detector may comprise a visual means to display information collected about the movements of the fencers. In this way the referee can review the movements made by the fencers and use the information to make judgements on whether a valid point has been scored.

Preferably the detector may comprise a processor that compares the information collected from the first and second sets of detectable markers and outputs a signal to identify one or more of the following events: a) which fencer moved first; b) when a fencer passes their opponent; c) when a fencer leaves the fencing area; d) when there is a significant change in the pace or direction of movement of one or both fencers; e) when a fencer steps over one of the lines on the field of play; f) when a fencer’s back arm comes in front of their valid target area g) when a weapon is suddenly stopped moving in one direction, which indicates a hit or a block.

Further preferably the visual means of the detector may display when any of the identified events occurs so that the referee can quickly determine whether a valid point has been scored.

The present invention also provides a method of monitoring a fencing bout, said method comprising: mounting a first set of one or more detectable markers on a first fencer; mounting a second set of one or more detectable markers on a second fencer; providing a detector configured to monitor said detectable markers and provide an output notification derived from the respective movements of the first and second set of detectable markers.

It is envisaged that the preferable features of the system of the present invention can also be employed, in any combination, in the method of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will now be described with reference to a preferred embodiment shown in the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 shows two fencers in fighting position on a fencing piste; and

Figure 2 shows a closer view of a fencer provided with the detectable markers of the system of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The system of the present invention can be employed to assist in the validation of scoring hits across all weapons of fencing by either supplementing or replacing the referee’s role in deciding on when and to whom a point can be awarded for a recorded hit in accordance with the rules of fencing.

As detailed above, well established technology is provided to record when a fencer hits the target area of their opponent. Once a hit or hits have been recorded it is the role of the referee to decide whether the hit or hits are scoring hits.

At Foil and Sabre valid hits are only scored if a fencer has the ‘right of way’. This ‘right of way’ or priority is given if a fencer’s hand or foot moves first and the attack is made with a continuous movement of the sword towards the opponent.

In addition, the recorded hit can be annulled (i.e. not rewarded with a point) if the initial attacking movement stops or is halted by blocking /parrying. The referee therefore also has to determine if the attack as the blade extends and threatens the opponents valid target has been blocked or knocked to the side.

Furthermore, recorded hits may also be annulled or given against a fencer if they leave the fencing area or pass their opponent.

In view of these qualifying rules of a scoring hit, it is the task of the referee to watch both fencers at all times in order to decide and control what constitutes a valid, scoring hit. In particular, at both Foil and Sabre, the referee also has to make a decision on who initiated the attack and therefore has ‘right of way’.

The system of the present invention monitors the relative movement and positions of the fencers and their weapons so as to provide feedback that can be used to determine these key considerations more accurately and consistently than would otherwise be possible if a referee were to do it solely by observing the fencers fighting.

Figure 1 shows a pair of opposing fencers positioned to commence a fencing bout. Throughout the bout the fencers must remain on the piste 2 in order to achieve a valid scoring hit. Fencers that pass off the sides of the piste or beyond the end of the piste 5 cannot achieve a valid scoring hit.

Before each round commences the fencers 1 must position himself/herself behind the ‘on guard’ lines 4 located either side of the central line 3. Once both fencers have acknowledged their readiness the fight can begin.

Throughout the bout a scoreboard 6 keeps track of the scores and can also provide signals of when hits have been recorded on the target areas of the fencers.

In order to supplement the existing scoring system and to help determine whether recorded hits qualify as scoring hits worthy of a point, the present invention provides for detectable markers 7, 8, 10. The markers are either worn on the fencer’s person or incorporated into their weapon 9 (e.g. within the handle).

As will be appreciated from Figure 2, the markers can be located on the foot and in the handle of the weapon. These are preferable locations because they are the first to move when a fencer commences an attack. It is envisaged that in an alternative arrangement a marker may additionally or alternatively be located on the weapon hand /arm.

The positioning of the markers is selected to ensure that key movements, such as those of the fencer’s feet or weapon hand or those of the weapon itself, are captured with the help of detector.

Although not shown in the figures, it is envisaged that the weapon may be provided with additional sensor configured to collect information about the speed and angle of the weapon during a fight. These additional sensors can be used to supplement the information regarding movement, location, speed and angle of the weapons collected by the detector during a bout.

In the preferred embodiment the detector is incorporated into the scoreboard 6. However it is envisaged that the detector can also be provided as a separate, self-contained device that may or may not communicate with the scoreboard.

Turning now to Figure 2 the positioning of the detectable markers 7, 8 and 10 can be better appreciated. In the preferred embodiment each detectable marker is a self-contained motion detecting device capable of sensing both direction and speed of the motion imparted on the device. To this end it is envisaged that each device would comprise an accelerometer and a gyroscope.

Each fencer is provided with a set of motion detecting devices. The movement data collected by each set must therefore be transmitted to the detector so that the data can be processed to deliver an indication of, for example, which fencer initiated the attack and thus has priority (i.e. ‘right of way’).

Whilst it is appreciated that each of the motion detecting devices may be provided with the ability to transmit data to the detector it is considered preferable to have a central motion detecting device located on the body (typically the back), which receives movement data from one or more smaller ‘slave’ motion detecting devices located on the limbs or the weapon.

In this way the transmitting power requirements of the ‘slave’ motion detecting devices can be greatly reduced, which allows them to be smaller and thus less cumbersome. Instead, it is the central motion detecting device which, due to its positioning on the fencer’s back, can be larger to accommodate the necessary components (e.g. battery pack, antennae) to transmit a strong signal back to the detector.

Whilst it is considered preferable that the central motion detecting device transmits data back to the detector wirelessly, it is envisaged that a wired connection may be employed in a manner similar to the existing fencing wire arrangements used in the hit recording technology.

In its most basic form the detector of the present invention may simply compare the movement data received from each set of detectable markers and display a notification of which fencer moved first, thus helping establish ‘right of way’ in the case of a double-hit at Foil and Sabre.

However in the preferred embodiment the detector is provided with a processor programmed to analyse the movement data collected from each set of detectable markers with a view to providing guidance on a range of factors that are important to the determination of whether a recorded hit should be awarded a point in accordance with the rules of fencing.

In addition to ‘right of way’ other examples of relevant factors include when a fencer passes their opponent; when a fencer leaves the fencing area; and when a blade is suddenly stopped moving in one direction, which indicates a hit or a block.

It is envisaged that the detector can be programmed to periodically (e.g. every 1/5 of a second) check the relative positions of the detectable markers of each fencer, such that when a valid hit or hits are registered by the normal scoring apparatus the detector reviews the preceding period of time before the hit(s) and calculates all the necessary position and subsequent movements to see if the fencer had, and maintained, the ‘right of way’.

Similarly, in this way the detector can calculate if the fencer was on the fencing area or if the fencer passed their opponent.

In the case of determining whether a fencer passes their opponent it is envisaged that the central motion detecting device of each fencer’s set may additionally be provided with a proximity sensor capable of detecting when the opponent’s device comes close or even moves passed.

The data collected by such proximity sensors can then be used together with data collected by the accelerometer and a gyroscope, for example, to determine which fencer moved passed their opponent.

The decision of the detector can then be displayed, either on the scoreboard or on a separate display screen, possibly with pictorial images showing what occurred.

In the preferred embodiment the detectable markers actively monitor motion and feed it back to the detector, either directly or by way of a central transmitter. However it is also envisaged that the benefits of the present invention may also be achieved using passive detectable markers.

In the case of a passive system the detectable markers would take the form of one or more highly visible markers, typically of a highly reflective nature. The motion of the markers would then be monitored by the detector, which would take the form of a 3D sensing camera capable of motion capture.

The motion capture footage of the various moving detectable markers could then be processed by the detector to determine whether a recorded hit should be awarded a point in accordance with the rules of fencing (e.g. ‘right of way’, passing, etc).

It is appreciated that the passive system would potentially provide a cheaper alternative to using the more complex, and expensive, active detectable markers.

Claims

1. A system for monitoring fencing bouts comprising: a first set of one or more detectable markers mountable, in use, on a first fencer; a second set of one or more detectable markers mountable, in use, on a second fencer; and a detector configured to monitor said detectable markers and provide an output notification derived from the respective movements of the first and second set of detectable markers.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein both sets of detectable markers include a marker mounted on the body of the respective fencer.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein both sets of detectable markers include a marker mounted on a foot and/or arm of the respective fencer.

4. The system of claim 1,2 or 3, wherein both sets of detectable markers include a marker mounted on the respective fencer’s weapon.

5. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein said detectable markers comprise a motion detecting sensor capable of transmitting sensed movement to the detector.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein all the motion detecting sensors in each set transmit directly to the detector.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein a central motion detecting sensor collects information from the rest of the sensors in the set and transmits the information to the detector.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the central motion detecting sensor in each set is mountable on the body of the respective fencer.

9. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein said detectable markers comprise a proximity sensor capable of detecting when a sensor from the opposing set of detectable markers moves in close proximity and transmitting the interaction to the detector.

10. The system of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the detectable markers are passive and the detector actively tracks their movement.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the detector comprises a 3D sensing camera and the detectable markers are configured to heighten their visibility to the camera.

12. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the detector comprises a visual means to display the movements of the fencers.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the detector comprises a processor that compares the information collected from the first and second sets of detectable markers and outputs a signal to identify one or more of the following events: a) which fencer moved first; b) when a fencer passes their opponent; c) when a fencer leaves the fencing area; d) when there is a significant change in the pace or direction of movement of one or both fencers; e) when a fencer steps over one of the lines on the field of play; f) when a fencer’s back arm comes in front of their valid target area g) when a weapon is suddenly stopped moving in one direction, which indicates a hit or a block.

14. A method of monitoring a fencing bout using the system of any of the preceding claims, said method comprising: mounting the first set of detectable markers on a first fencer; mounting the second set of detectable markers on a second fencer; using the detector to monitor said detectable markers and provide an output notification derived from the respective movements of the first and second set of detectable markers.