WO1993006894A1

WO1993006894A1 - Players/object relationship controller for sports activities

Info

Publication number: WO1993006894A1
Application number: PCT/FR1991/000771
Authority: WO
Inventors: Claude Courty
Original assignee: Claude Courty
Priority date: 1990-10-09
Filing date: 1991-10-01
Publication date: 1993-04-15
Also published as: EP0560791A1; FR2667510B1; FR2667510A1

Abstract

Device and its variants intended for use in particular in sports activities for counting up or counting down, for cordless transmission, display, recording and storing data characterizing the time and space relationship between one or more players and one or more mobile objects (1) such as a ball, puck, etc. or fixed objects such as a marker, post, etc., comprising a transmitter (2) located in the object (1) and a chronometer-receiver (3) worn by each player. An optional receiver located at a certain distance from the transmitters (2) and chronometer-receivers (3) may be used for repetition of the data captured and recorded by the chronometer-receivers (3).

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION Manager of the object player relationship during sports activities

DESCRIPTION The present invention relates to a device intended for the exercise of sports games which can be practiced individually or in a team and associating objects traditionally used for this exercise, such as ball, ball, puck, beacon, milestone, etc. to electronics. The device object of the invention is intended to automatically manage the relationship, in space and time, between one or more players and one or more of said objects, when they use them in the exercise of their practices. The device comprises, on the one hand a wave emitter, most often radioelectric, provided with its energy source, rechargeable or not, housed within the object used by the player, such as a ball for example , and a receiver of said waves, associated with a recording timer carried by each player.

When the distance separating a player from said object is substantially equal to or less than a determined value, the coded signal broadcast by the transmitter is picked up by the receiver, which is provided with means for recognizing said code. The exchange of this signal between the transmitter and the receiver is automatically interrupted when the distance separating the player from the object equipped with the transmitter again becomes greater than said determined value.

If devices exist, intended for the observation and measurement, during the game and by the player himself, of various parameters of interest in many playful and sporting activities, they are limited to counting, display, recording and memorization of data relating to the single player or to the only object used by him and not to their relationship in space and time. This is particularly the case of devices such as chronometers, pedometers, pulsometers, etc., having as their object the separate and punctual measurement of the number, intensity, speed, etc.

REPLACEMENT SHEET specific reactions of a player or the object used by that player.

The wireless transmission of a signal between a transmitter housed in a golf ball and a receiver carried by a player has been devised with the aim of facilitating the search for said ball when it is lost (cf. document DE- A-3,732,762), but this device is limited to the detection and localization of the stray bullet. He is unable to distinguish one ball from another and to sum the times during which the receiver is at a predetermined distance from the ball, of which he only indicates the distance and the direction.

The device obj ^" and of the invention proposes to manage this relationship in space and time, between the player and the object used by the latter, in particular in the practice of a new sports game made possible by the device object of the invention and consisting in driving a ball from one point to another of a course, in a minimum of time and shoots and / or manual throws. This application of the device obj ^' and the invention ¬ tion, chosen to expose said invention, is not limiting and many variants are possible, including outside the sports field.

In the example chosen, the game is for a j ^"oueur playing alone and having for this, on the one hand to a flask equipped with a transmitter and the other a receiver associated with a stopwatch ré¬ recorder - the receiver Chrono - his wrist, belt, etc .. ^'to drive the ball from one point to another of a free route or imposed, with the aid according to conventions. feet and / or hands, in a minimum of time and manual shots and / or throws.

The ground on which the game is played is more or less uneven and strewn with obstacles liable to constitute as many difficulties to be overcome by the player to complete his journey between a starting point and a previously fixed arrival point.

The player may or may not be free to determine his itinerary; if it is not imposed on him, he determines it according to the state of the ground, the number of obstacles to be crossed, their degree of difficulty, his own physical form, etc. The game can also be practice on installa¬ tions such as ash, lawn football, basketball, rugby, cricket ground, ^• golf, etc .. just for that stake to be defined paths.

The player's score, which he can compare to his own score as resulting from a previous game or to that of another player who operated under comparable conditions, is obtained by adding the time he spent to complete his course and that during which he found himself, during the game, in contact or in the immediate vicinity of his ball, both of these times being most often expressed in seconds; this second proximity time is also called penalty time.

The device which is the subject of the invention, making it possible in particular to count or count down, record, display and memorize this penalty time, comprises: on the one hand a transmitter, broadcasting waves which can advantageously but not only be radioelectric, installed inside the balloon, protected from any aggression which could harm its normal operation and more particularly from shocks, humidity, etc. on the other hand a wave receiver from said transmitter. This receiver, whose start and stop are controlled by the player is carried by the latter, most often on the wrist. It is associated with a chronometer-recorder and therefore called "chrono-receiver". Said chrono-receiver has the function of picking up the signals broadcast by the transmitter installed in the balloon and of recording, by displaying and storing it, the duration of capture of these signals, said capture taking place only in the limits of a predetermined distance separating the chrono-receiver from the transmitter and therefore substantially from the balloon containing it, in all directions relative to the latter. The signals broadcast by the transmitter are accompanied by a code allowing their capture by the only chrono-receiver carried by the player, said chrono-receiver being equipped with means for recognizing this single code.

Upon entering the zone inside which he is thus penalized, the player is alerted by a 5 audible and / or visual signal diffused by his chrono-receiver. The intensity and / or frequency of this signal is then increase, inside said penalty zone, to an extent inversely proportional to the distance separating the transmitter fitted to the ball from the chrono-receiver carried by the player.

The main advantages and characteristics of the invention appear from the following description, which refers to the attached drawing which is in no way limiting. For a good understanding of the object of the invention ^r device, this drawing depicts the balloon (1) to be of the cen¬ area partially represented by the dashed sector (4), the beam (6) is conventionally set at a few meters and at the limit as well as inside which the chrono-receiver (3), adjusted accordingly, picks up the signals broadcast by the transmitter (2) installed substantially at the center of gravity of the balloon ( 1).

Conversely, the reception by the chrono-receiver (3) of the signals broadcast by the transmitter (2) is automatically interrupted when the distance separating the transmitter (2) from said chrono-receiver (3) becomes greater again. to that conventionally fixed and according to which the elements of the device were adjusted at the stage of their manufacture. A code, specific to each transmitter (2), allows its recognition by the chrono-receiver (3) which cannot receive signals broadcast by another transmitter. Several chrono-receivers (3) can on the other hand pick up signals diff ed by the same transmitter (2), provided that they have been adjusted accordingly to the code of said transmitter. This constitutes a variant of the invention allowing use of the device of which it is the object for the practice of a team game.

The signals diffused by the transmitter (2) equipping the balloon and picked up by the chrono-receiver (3), trigger and maintain throughout the duration of their reception, the chronometric function of the chrono-receiver (3 which permanently totals and displays the duration of reception of these signals in the window (9) The time between the start and the end of a course is also displayed in window (8) and the player's score is equal to the sum or the difference between the two times According to a variant of the invention, the score is represented by a single digit appearing in a single display window in which the journey time is registered, the progress of which is accelerated during the presence of the chrono-receiver ( 3) in the reception area of the signals broadcast by the transmitter (2).

According to another variant of the invention, only the time of presence of the chrono-receiver (3) in the zone for picking up the signals broadcast by the transmitter (2) is totalized and displayed. ^' The player's journey time is then observed elsewhere, by means other than those resulting from the device which is the subject of the invention.

According to game conventions, the time of presence of the receiver (3) in the radius (6) for picking up signals broadcast by the transmitter (2) can be added to or subtracted from the travel time. In the first case the best score is indicated by the lowest figure and in the second case by the highest figure.

Recording the time of presence of the chrono-receiver (3) at a distance from the transmitter (2) substantially equal to or less than that fixed is accompanied by the transmission, at the chrono-receiver (3) d '' an audible and / or visual signal whose intensity and / or frequency vary in a measure inversely proportional to the distance between the chrono-receiver (3) and the transmitter (2), in order to discourage taking over of the ball by the player.

According to another variant of the invention, the device is adapted to the practice of a team game. According to this variant, each member of the team is equipped with a chrono-receiver (3) capable of receiving the broadcast signals. by the transmitter (2) equipping the balloon (1) being communicated to them and the score of said team is the sum of the scores of cun of its members. Unlike the individual game, the chrono-receiver (3) is not started and stopped manually by each player but automatically, at the start and end of the game. To this end, the chrono-receiver (3) is provided with means of receiving, in addition to the signals emitted by the transmitter (2) equipping the balloon (1), those coming from two transmitters having the function, for one route and for the other the stop of the chrono-receiver of each team member. The first of these transmitters, located at the starting point of the course, broadcasts a signal, associated with a recognition code, activating, at the same time as resetting its display windows, the chrono-receiver of each player when it passes close to the starting point, when it comes into play. The function of these transmitters, broadcasting a signal also accompanied by a recognition code, has the function of stopping the receiver chrono worn by each player during of its passage near the end point, at the end of the route, without resetting the display windows to zero, which will take place during a next departure, under the effect of the transmitter pre for this purpose . Triggering and stopping of the chrono-receivers thus take place automatically. According to another variant of the invention, the device can be adjusted to inflict a penalty on players when they move away from their ball rather than when they approach it. The recording by the chrono receiver (3) of the signals used by the transmitter (2) then takes place beyond and not below a predetermined mined distance between said transmitter and chrono-receiver.

According to another variant of the invention, the device offers the possibility of recording the number of physical contacts between the ball and the player, or an instrument or an accessory carried by the latter. The account of manual shoots or throws can thus be carried out during a game, using an appropriate sensor associated with the transmitter (2) equipping the ball (1) and means of reception and recording. corresponding signals by the chrono-receiver (3) worn by the player.

In the same way, the intensity of these shoo can also be taken into account and give rise to recording. The ball (1), shown in section, is generally round and of color adapted to the degree of ease or difficulty desired for its search, taking into account the environment in which the game is played. The emitter (housed therein within a volume usually made of expanded polystyrene foam or polyurethane foam, forming the substantially spherical core (5) coated with a flange (7), inflatable and provided with the valve (10) or made of a foam of elasticity comparable to that of said strand (7) once it has solidified. This strand (7) occupies the free space between the core (5 and the casing (1) and wedge , under the effect of its inflation pressure or its elasticity, the core (5) and its contents substantially at the center of gravity of the balloon.

The transmitter (2) and its energy source can also be introduced and arranged substantially at the center of gravity of a balloon (1) whose internal volume is made up entirely of elastic foam, by an incisio made in the envelope of said balloon and closed by bonding once the operation has been carried out.

The transmitter (2) and the chrono-receiver (3) are each equipped with their energy source, most often consisting of a rechargeable battery. In order to avoid having to extract the transmitter (2) and / or its energy source from the balloon, this recharging is carried out using an induction loop connected to the mains or to any other source. supply and supporting the ball when i is not used. When the energy source of the emitter (2) is not rechargeable, the envelope (1) of the ballo has an opening kept normally closed, in particular lacing, allowing access to the core (5) as well as 'to the energy source of the transmitter (2) for its exchange.

The energy source specific to the chrono-receiver (3) is exclusively rechargeable by an induction loop in order to avoid any risk of interruption of the function. said chrono-receiver during the game, by disconnection of its energy source.

The transmitter (2) and / or its energy source can also be extracted from the balloon, when its internal volume 5 is made entirely of elastic foam, by an incision made in its envelope, said incision serving for the reintroduction of 1 ' transmitter (2) and / or its energy source within the balloon and then being closed by gluing. The game being called to be played on land whose dimensions can prevent direct observation and monitoring of the player (s) operating there, a secondary receiver, optional, allows to capture in real time and record remotely , either directly from the transmitter fitted to each ball, or from the receivers carried by the players, the signals translating the score of each of them, under their respective code.

According to another variant of the invention, the emitter (2) equips a set of fixed objects (1) such as terminals, beacons, etc. The transmitter with which each of said fixed objects (1) is equipped differs permanently uses a coded signal specific to it and allowing identification. The chrono-receiver (3), provided with means for recognizing said codes, equipping a player with the aim of traversing a route marked out with said objects (1), records the signal, accompanied by its particular code, broadcast by the transmitter fitted to each of the fixed objects (1). Since the chrono-receiver (3) is provided with additional means for storing the data thus collected when passing near each of the fixed objects (1), it can be read by various appropriate means, at the end of iti ¬ naire, in order to indicate, a posteriori, in particular the order and the time of passage of the player within the limits of proximity predetermined with respect to said fixed objects (1). Such an application of the device which is the subject of the invention relates in particular to orienteering.

According to other variants of the invention, the balloon is replaced by a ball, a puck, a disc, etc. or any other object capable of being moved by one or several players, using their feet and / or their hands, using, if necessary, accessories such as racket, club, mallet, bat, etc. These accessories, as well as gloves and / or shoes worn by players, can be fitted with all or part of the elements making up the device which is the subject of the invention, with a view to exchanging signals between transmitter and chrono-receiver under the effect of contacts between ball, ball , puck, disc, etc. on the one hand and on the other hand racket, club, bat, mallet, etc. or gloves, shoes, clothing and clothing accessories worn by the players. The technologies and methods which can be used for the production of the device which is the subject of the invention and its accessories are mainly electronic and low power radio transmission. However, the transmission, the count. the recording and storage of all or part of the data in question can be obtained by other methods such as electrical contacts and pulses, infrared radiation, ultrasound, mechanical contacts, etc.

In most sports, the relationship between ball, ball, beacon, etc. and players is usually monitored and analyzed by observers such as judges, referees, etc. as is the determination of the score players, the device object of the invention allows an objective self-observation of its behavior and its results by each player.

It is from this concept that the device which is the subject of the invention, while being applicable to traditional playful and sporting practices, allows the exercise of new sports in which the participation of players takes on new aspects. .

Among these new sports, the one described by way of example, has simple and easy-to-remember rules making it accessible to practitioners of all ages and physical conditions, such reasons adding to the appeal of activity that can be closely linked to the natural environment.

The device which is the subject of the invention as well as the objects such as ball, ball, beacon, etc. with which it is intended to be associated and their optional accessories such as special clothing in particular, thus makes it possible to glimpse the practice of new sports which can be compared to golf. , at. football, handball, rugby, cross-country, etc. with all socio-cultural and economic consequences.

In addition to traditional and new sports which it can be useful for or whose emergence it can determine, the device which is the subject of the invention is applicable to any field when a random proximity time between any two subjects, mobile l one and / or the other must be measured, transmitted, received, memorized, displayed, etc.

Claims

claims

1. Device intended mainly for the practice of fun and sporting activities, characterized in that it consists, on the one hand of a fixed or mobile object (1) in which is placed a transmitter (2) of most often radio waves of low power, with its energy source, rechargeable or not, and on the other hand, at least one receiver of said waves carried by each player and provided with means suitable for recording automatically the signals from said transmitter (2), only when the receiver (3) is at a predetermined and adjustable distance from the transmitter (2), in all directions relative to the latter.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the signals broadcast by the transmitter (2) are accompanied by a code allowing recognition and recording exclusively by one or more receivers (3) provided means for recognizing said code.

3. Device according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the recording means of the receiver (3) are display means (8) & (9) and memo¬ risation of a counting or counting down the time of reception by the receiver (3) of the signals transmitted by the transmitter (2).

4. Device according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the activation and / or deactivation of the recognition and recording means with which the receiver (3) is provided, is automatically accompanied by the transmission, at the level of said receiver (3), of a visual and / or sound signal, the intensity and / or frequency of which vary as a function of the distance separating the receiver (3) from the transmitter (2).

5. Device according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the constituent elements of the receiver (3) are wholly or partly integrated into any accessory or clothing worn by the player, or used by the latter to move the object (1) when it is mobile.

6. Device according to claims 1 to 5. characterized in that it comprises counting means physical contact between the object (1) and the player or an instrument or accessory carried by the latter.

7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the counting of said physical contacts is accompanied by taking into account their intensity.

8. Device according to claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the display of a counting or decomp¬ tation of the duration of transmission of the signals exchanged between the transmitter (2) and the receiver (3) as well as possibly counting and the intensity of the physical contacts between l ^r ob ^" and (1) and the player or an instrument or accessory carried by the latter are repeated on a secondary receiver located at any distance from the transmitters (2) and 9. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the object (1), equipped with the transmitter (2), is more particularly a balloon made up of a substantially spherical central part, most often made of expanded polystyrene or polyurethane foam, forming the core (5) containing the emitter (2) and coated with a tube (7) inflatable by means of the valve (10) or made of a foam with an elasticity comparable to that of said tube (7) once inflated , occupying the free space between the core (5) and the casing (1) and wedging, under the effect of its inflation pressure or its elasticity, the core (5) and its content (2), substantially at ball center of gravity.

[received by the International Bureau on April 16, 1992 (04/16/92); claim 4 deleted; claim 1-3 as amended; claims 5-9 amended and renumbered 4-8 (3 pages)]

1. Device, intended mainly for the practice of a new sports game based on the management of the relationship in time and space between a ball, or any other similar object of use such as ball, puck, disc, etc. and at least one player, characterized in that it results from the combination, most often of a ball (1), inside which is placed a transmitter (2) of signals, radioelectric or other, provided with its energy source, with at least one receiver (3) of said signals.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the signals exchanged between the transmitter (2) and the receiver (3), can be accompanied by a particular code distinguishing said device from any other device resulting from the combination of the same elements .

3. Device according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the receiver (3) is provided with counting and / or downcounting, recording, totalization, storage and display means (8) (9) reception time by the receiver (3) of the signals transmitted by the transmitter (2).

4. Device according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the constituent elements of the receiver (3) are wholly or partly integrated into any accessory or clothing worn by each player or used by the latter to move the ball (1) or any other similar object of use such as ball, puck, disc, etc. 5. Device according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises means for counting physical contacts between the ball (1), or any other similar object of use such as puck ball, disc, etc. - and a player or an instrument or accessory carried by the latter.

6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the counting of said physical contacts is accompanied by taking into account their intensity. 7. Device according to claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the display of a counting or counting down of the duration of transmission of the signals exchanged between the transmitter (2) and the receiver (3) as well as possibly the counting and the intensity of physical contact between the ball (1), or any other similar object of use such as a puck ball, disc, etc. and the player or an instrument or accessory carried by the latter are repeated on a secondary receiver located at any distance from transmitters (2) and receivers C3).

8. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the balloon (1), or any other object of similar use such as ball, puck, disc, etc., equipped with the transmitter (2), consists a central core (5), providing the transmitter (2) with a first level of protection against shock, humidity, etc., most often made of expanded polystyrene or polyurethane foam and coated with a flange (7), inflatable by means of the valve (10), or of a material such as a foam with an elasticity comparable to that of said tube once inflated, occupying the free space between the core (5) and the envelope (1) and wedging, under the effect of their volume or their inflation pressure, the core (5) and its content (2), substantially in the center of gravity of the balloon or any other similar object of use.

DECLARATIONS ACCORDING TO ARTICLE 19 (13 April 1992)

The documents cited in the subject search report, on the one hand, and the patent application PCT / FR91 / 00771 as well as its claims 1, 2 and 4, on the other hand, state:

. of the same fundamental techniques that constitute: the transmission of radioelectric or other signals, electronics and chronometry.

. various devices tending to deprive the invention which is the subject of said patent application of its inventiveness.

However:

. none of the documents cited relates to equipment specifically intended for the practice of a new sports game requiring the use of a ball or any other similar object of use such as a ball, puck, disc, etc. a particular concept motivates the statement of claim 8 in the appendix.

. none of the devices or means relating to the inventions cited in the research report has the object of, or allows, the practice of the original game or of its variants, as described in the patent application in reference, a practice requiring implementation specific equipment, most often resulting from the combination of a balloon provided with a transmitter and at least one receiver. See new claim 1.

. none of the documents cited mentions a device made up of the above elements, equipped with means suitable for identifying all of these elements and distinguishing it from other assemblies of identical design. See new claim 2.

. none of the cited documents mentions a receiver to which a stopwatch is controlled so as to allow the counting, accumulation, memorization and display of the time during which a signal, in particular radioelectric, is exchanged during any part of any game or exercise, between a transmitter and at least one receiver with the means to perform these functions. See new claim 3.

In conclusion, in order to better specify the subject of the reference patent application, taking into account the relevance of the documents cited in the search report, the original claims are replaced by the set of new claims attached.

These new claims correspond to the description and drawings accompanying the PCT patent application FR / 91/00771 of 01.10.1991.