WO2018215812A1 - A wireless field marker for sports, field, ground and traffic use - Google Patents
A wireless field marker for sports, field, ground and traffic use Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2018215812A1 WO2018215812A1 PCT/IB2017/052989 IB2017052989W WO2018215812A1 WO 2018215812 A1 WO2018215812 A1 WO 2018215812A1 IB 2017052989 W IB2017052989 W IB 2017052989W WO 2018215812 A1 WO2018215812 A1 WO 2018215812A1
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- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- marker
- base
- processing
- field
- button
- Prior art date
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Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01F—ADDITIONAL WORK, SUCH AS EQUIPPING ROADS OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLATFORMS, HELICOPTER LANDING STAGES, SIGNS, SNOW FENCES, OR THE LIKE
- E01F9/00—Arrangement of road signs or traffic signals; Arrangements for enforcing caution
- E01F9/60—Upright bodies, e.g. marker posts or bollards; Supports for road signs
- E01F9/688—Free-standing bodies
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C19/00—Design or layout of playing courts, rinks, bowling greens or areas for water-skiing; Covers therefor
- A63C19/06—Apparatus for setting-out or dividing courts
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01F—ADDITIONAL WORK, SUCH AS EQUIPPING ROADS OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLATFORMS, HELICOPTER LANDING STAGES, SIGNS, SNOW FENCES, OR THE LIKE
- E01F9/00—Arrangement of road signs or traffic signals; Arrangements for enforcing caution
- E01F9/60—Upright bodies, e.g. marker posts or bollards; Supports for road signs
- E01F9/604—Upright bodies, e.g. marker posts or bollards; Supports for road signs specially adapted for particular signalling purposes, e.g. for indicating curves, road works or pedestrian crossings
- E01F9/615—Upright bodies, e.g. marker posts or bollards; Supports for road signs specially adapted for particular signalling purposes, e.g. for indicating curves, road works or pedestrian crossings illuminated
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01F—ADDITIONAL WORK, SUCH AS EQUIPPING ROADS OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLATFORMS, HELICOPTER LANDING STAGES, SIGNS, SNOW FENCES, OR THE LIKE
- E01F9/00—Arrangement of road signs or traffic signals; Arrangements for enforcing caution
- E01F9/60—Upright bodies, e.g. marker posts or bollards; Supports for road signs
- E01F9/623—Upright bodies, e.g. marker posts or bollards; Supports for road signs characterised by form or by structural features, e.g. for enabling displacement or deflection
- E01F9/654—Upright bodies, e.g. marker posts or bollards; Supports for road signs characterised by form or by structural features, e.g. for enabling displacement or deflection in the form of three-dimensional bodies, e.g. cones; capable of assuming three-dimensional form, e.g. by inflation or erection to form a geometric body
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C2203/00—Special features of skates, skis, roller-skates, snowboards and courts
- A63C2203/14—Lighting means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C2203/00—Special features of skates, skis, roller-skates, snowboards and courts
- A63C2203/22—Radio waves emitting or receiving, e.g. remote control, RFID
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Geometry (AREA)
- Traffic Control Systems (AREA)
Abstract
An improved marker for sporting, field, ground and traffic applications with added functionality comprising a base for supporting and containing programmable hardware and wireless communications means for enabling a user or device to communicate with and control the functions of the marker that contains one or more peripheral instruments.
Description
A WIRELESS FIELD MARKER FOR SPORTS, FIELD, GROUND AND TRAFFIC USE
Field of Invention
The present invention relates to markers for sports, field, ground and traffic applications.
Background
There are many examples of markers placed on the ground to indicate a position, place or route. Existing markers are typically made of either plastic or rubber and come in various shapes, colours and sizes. The present invention is directed to improved markers for sports, field, ground and traffic uses.
Field markers are of assistance in sporting applications for activities such as exercise, training, drills and games. Field markers can be used by coaches, trainers and participants to indicate playing areas, boundaries, goals, targets, courses, lines and positions. Field markers come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours.
Ground markers are useful to land users and land management authorities to indicate how they may use a particular area of land, to section off particular areas of land, to indicate hazards or prescribe instructions to users or other third parties.
Traffic markers are of assistance in traffic management applications for reasons such as indicating to pedestrians and other road users how they may use a particular section of a roadway or path and can be used by traffic authorities to indicate detours, hazardous locations and for overall traffic and roadway management and control.
Existing markers are limited in their use and function because they typically provide only a static indication of a position, place or route. The information that the marker signifies must be changed manually. Existing markers cannot emit or be programmed to emit light, sound, or display images. Persons, objects or devices cannot interact with, program, communicate with or customise existing markers without physically interacting with them. There has hitherto been no approach which provides the additional functionality of markers to measure, receive, collect, store, and transmit information.
It would be advantageous therefore to provide a marker that addresses at least some of the limitations of the prior art. It would be advantageous for markers to be interactive, programmable, and customisable to meet the objectives and requirements of the user. It would be advantageous to provide a marker that could receive, store and transmit information, from the marker's environmental surroundings and by input from a local or remote person or device. It is an object of the present invention to provide a marker that addresses the previously described limitations and provide enhanced capability and function when compared to prior art markers.
Summary of the Invention According to the first aspect of the present invention there is provided:
an improved marker comprising a base for supporting and containing programmable hardware and wireless communications means for enabling a user or device to communicate with and control the functions of the marker.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention the base contains processing hardware to program and integrate a selection of peripheral instruments.
In especially preferred embodiments the marker contains one or more of the following peripheral instruments:
(a) a human interface device, for example, a button;
(b) a wired communications device, for example, a universal serial bus;
(c) a light displaying device, for example, an integrated display;
(d) an image projecting device for example, a laser;
(e) a noise amplification device, for example a speaker;
(f) a location detection device, for example, a global positioning system;
(g) an acceleration measurement device, for example, an accelerometer;
(h) a sound detection device, for example, a microphone;
(0 a motion detection device, for example, a motion detector;
(j) a power supply, for example, a battery;
(k) devices that facilitate the measurement, receipt, collection, storage or transmission of information;
(1) devices that facilitate user interaction, programming or customisation.
In other preferred embodiments the processing hardware enables the measurement, receipt, collection, storage and/or transmission of information received and emitted by the peripheral instruments.
In preferred embodiments of the invention the base housing is shaped to resemble a cone, dome, cylinder or other aesthetically pleasing and useful shape including, for example, being shaped to resemble cricket stumps, goal posts, or other field, ground or traffic markers.
Drawings
Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the marker according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 shows a top view of the marker according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Description
The use of markers is well known in sporting, field, ground and traffic applications however existing markers have limited functionality. The present invention seeks to introduce added and enhanced functionality to markers for these uses. Some of the advantages which the present invention has over the prior art include:
(1) The marker system is customisable in order to compliment and more comprehensively address the user's objectives;
(2) The marker provides a versatile lighting, display or sound system to signal persons in many different ways;
(3) The marker has a programmable interface whereby persons or devices can interact with the device;
(4) The marker is a remotely programmable device that can be activated, modified or disabled by a user at a distance;
(5) The marker is an interactive and portable marker system which can replace static field, sports, ground or traffic markers.
Figure 1 depicts a perspective view of a marker 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The cone shaped marker 10 in Figure 1 is orientated in an upright position with the base of the cone resting on the ground. Figure 2 depicts the marker 10 of Figure 1 in a top down view.
Marker 10 has a base 1 which provides structural integrity and supports the internal hardware and peripheral instruments contained within or mounted upon the marker. Base 1 acts as a protective cover and housing to prevent damage to the hardware and peripheral instruments. Base 1 has a diameter suitable to enable the marker to sit and remain in an upright position upon a variety of surfaces, and a low centre of gravity to prevent the marker from tipping over. Base 1 is capable of housing any number and combination of peripheral instruments to suit the particular application required by the user. Base 1 provides the user with the ability to customise the marker in a variety of different ways to suit its intended use.
Button 6 is an interface device consisting of a round protrusion at the apex of base 1 and actuated via a mechanical or piezoelectric switch or touch switch. Button 6 has a diameter suitable to enable it to cover the apex of the conical base 1. Button 6 has the shape suitable that it is not likely to cause injury or damage to anyone or anything that impacts it. In the case where button 6 is a mechanical switch, it may be depressed by applying pressure to the top of the button. Button 6 will spring back into its original position once pressure is removed. When button 6 is in a depressed state, an electronic signal indicating the depression will be sent to and received by the hardware.
Button 6 provides a means for users to physically interact with the marker, such as by indicating that the user has reached the marker. Button 6 is advantageous because the physical interaction with the button is received as an electronic signal that can actuate another feature of the marker. The signal initiated by button 6 can be recorded and wirelessly transmitted by the marker's processing and communications hardware 8.
Light 2 is a light emitting device, for example, a circular strip covering the circumference of the apex of conical base 1. Those skilled in the art will recognise that light 2 may be shaped as desired by the
user without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Light 2 is proximal to the apex of conical base 1, and inferior to button 6. Light 2 is preferably located superior to other peripheral instruments, such as speakers 3, laser 4, and sensor 5, in order to ensure that users can easily perceive the light. Light 2 is superior and superficial to internal hardware such as the power module 7, and processing and communications hardware 8.
Light 2 provides a means for the marker to signal persons within visible range of the marker at any position around the circumference and above the device. Light 2 can wirelessly receive information, can be programmed and remotely controlled to emit light of varying colours and intensity by the processing and communications hardware 8. Light can be programmed to emit a series of visible signals of varying colour and intensity to enhance the depth and breadth of information being transmitted to users. The sequence can be recorded and stored and may be wirelessly transmitted by the marker's processing and communications hardware 8. Users and devices, in addition, can remotely communicate with and control light 2 on the marker via the processing and communications hardware 8.
Speaker 3 is a noise amplification device which may be positioned in up to four locations around the conical base 1. Speaker 3 either single or in multiples may be set within the base 1 inferior to light 2 and button 6, and proximal to the laser 4. Speakers 3 are superior to the sensor 5, and superior and superficial to power module 7 and processing and communications hardware 8. Figure 1 depicts two speakers 3, one on either side of the laser 4 on the horizontal plane. Figure 2 depicts four speakers 3, dispersed evenly around the diameter of the circular shaped base 1.
Speakers 3 emit noise of varying pitch and volume to signal persons at any position around the device. The speakers 3 can be used to signal persons at a great distance from the marker, irrespective of whether or not the marker is within visible range. Speakers 3 can wirelessly receive information, be programmed and remotely controlled to emit sound of various pitch, volume, and type by the processing and communications hardware 8. Speakers 3 are advantageous because the pitch, volume, and type of sounds emitted is registered and wirelessly transmitted by the marker's processing and communications hardware 8. Users and devices can remotely communicate with and control speakers
3 on the marker 1.
Laser 4 is a projecting device preferably positioned inferior to button 6 and light 2, and superior to sensor 5, processing and communications hardware 8 and power module 7. Figure 1 depicts the laser
4 between two speakers 3 and Figure 2 depicts laser 4 at a position of the same diameter from the centreline as speakers 3. Those skilled in the art will recognise that the position and configuration of the peripheral components and internal hardware may be altered according to the user's requirements without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. In use, laser 4 can emit light and display images to signal persons at any position around the marker. Laser 4 can display any image or any series of images to its external environment. Laser 4 can wirelessly receive information, be programmed and remotely controlled to display images or a series of images by the processing and communications hardware 8. Images displayed by laser 4 are registered and wirelessly transmitted by the marker's processing and communications hardware 8. In preferred embodiments of the invention, users and devices can remotely communicate with and control laser 4 on the marker 8.
Sensor 5 in Figures 1 and 2 is a motion detector. In some embodiments the sensor may be a global positioning system, an accelerometer, a sound recording device or any other device that facilitates the measurement, receipt, collection, storage or transmission of information. Additionally, sensor 5 may include any number of devices that facilitate user interaction, programming and customisation. In some embodiments of the invention, a number of additional sensors can be positioned on base 1 to record different types, vectors or amplitudes of motion.
The peripheral components of marker 10 can be positioned in or upon the base 1 according to the user's requirements and preferred functionality dependent upon the set task and type of measurement required. Referring to Figure 1, sensor 5 is inferior to button 6, light 2, speakers 3, and laser 4. Sensor 5 is adjacent to the power module 7 and processing and communications hardware 8. Referring to Figure 2, sensor 5 is at or about the position of the same diameter from the centreline as the power module 7 and processor and communications module 8.
In use, sensor 5 detects and records motion from the environment. Sensor 5 can wirelessly receive information, be programmed and remotely controlled to collect data by the processing and communications hardware 8. Data collected by sensor 5 is recorded, stored and wirelessly transmitted by the marker's processing and communications hardware 8. Users and devices can remotely communicate with and control sensor 5.
The marker 10 has internal hardware including power module 7 and processing and communications hardware 8 which are preferably affixed to the internal aspect of the base 1 to protect delicate circuitry at a position approximately medial to the portion of base 1 which rests upon the surface and apex where button 6 is located, however, the position of the power module 7 and processing and communications hardware 8 can be adjusted according to the user's requirements and design specifications. Figure 1 depicts the processing and communications hardware 8 inferior to the button 6, the light 2, the speakers 3, and the laser 4. The processing and communications hardware 8 is adjacent to the sensor 5. Referring to Figure 2, the processing and communications hardware 8 is at or about the same position of the same diameter from the centreline as sensor 5.
The processor and communications hardware 8 is indicated superior to the power module 7 in Figures 1 and 2 however may be located beneath, adjacent or distally to power module 7. The power module 7 and processing and communications hardware 8 share the same gateway through the housing of base 1 so proximity in location is preferred and in certain embodiments may be advantageous as it enables the internal hardware components to occupy the least amount of available space within the base 1. In use, the processing and communications hardware 8 integrates and provides control over the peripheral instruments. In the preferred embodiment, the peripheral instruments shown in Figures 1 and 2 are button 6, light 2, speaker or speakers 3, sensor 5, and power module 7. The number, type and configuration of the peripheral instruments is entirely customisable depending upon the user application.
In use, the processing and communications hardware 8 controls the functionality of button 6, light 2, speakers 3, laser 4, sensor 5 and power module 7. Processing and communications hardware 8 integrates the power module and peripheral instruments into a controllable and functioning marker system. Processing and communications hardware 8 registers, records and wirelessly transmits information obtained by the peripheral instruments. Processing and communications hardware 8
provides a means through which persons and other devices can wirelessly receive information, program and remotely control the functions of the peripheral instruments of the marker 10.
Power module 7 shares the same gateway through the housing of base 1 with the processing and communications hardware 8. Referring to Figure 1, power module 7 is inferior to button 6, light 2, speakers 3, laser 4 and processing and communications hardware 8. Referring to Figure 2, power module 7 and processing and communications hardware 8 are at or about the same position of the same diameter from the centreline as sensor 5.
In use, power module 7 provides power to the processing and communications hardware 8 and peripheral instruments. Power module 7 can be customised to meet the needs of the user. In the present embodiment, the power module 7 provides battery power to enable the device to work remotely from a power supply. In other embodiments, power module 7 may be any source of power, including a module for integration of solar power, or any other source of power and may be located either within the base 1, to make use of wireless charging such as via Near Field Communications or upon its outer surface. For example, in the case of solar power source, the power source 7 would be located on the outer surface of the base 1 to facilitate the capture of photons for storage and conversion to electrical current.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the examples provided above are not intended to be limiting and that other embodiments of the invention and fall within the scope of the disclosure herein set out are possible without departing from the scope of invention.
In the claims which follow, and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the apparatus and method as disclosed herein.
Claims
1. An improved marker comprising a base for supporting and containing programmable hardware and wireless communications means for enabling a user or device to communicate with and control the functions of the marker.
2. The marker of claim 1 wherein the base contains processing hardware to program and integrate a selection of peripheral instruments.
3. The marker of claim 1 or 2 containing one or more of the following peripheral instruments:
(a) a human interface device, for example, a button;
(b) a wired communications device, for example, a universal serial bus;
(c) a light displaying device, for example, an integrated display;
(d) an image projecting device for example, a laser;
(e) a noise amplification device, for example a speaker;
(f) a location detection device, for example, a global positioning system;
(g) an acceleration measurement device, for example, an accelerometer;
(h) a sound detection device, for example, a microphone;
(i) a motion detection device, for example, a motion detector;
(j) a power supply, for example, a battery;
(k) devices that facilitate the measurement, receipt, collection, storage or transmission of information;
(I) devices that facilitate user interaction, programming or customisation.
4. The marker of claim 2 or 3 wherein the processing hardware enables the measurement, receipt, collection, storage and/or transmission of information received and emitted by the peripheral instruments.
5. The marker of any of the preceding claims wherein the base housing is shaped to resemble a cone, dome, cylinder or other aesthetically pleasing and useful shape including, for example, being shaped to resemble cricket stumps, goal posts, or other field, ground or traffic markers.
6. The marker of claim 1 or 3 wherein the power supply can be charged wirelessly.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IB2017/052989 WO2018215812A1 (en) | 2017-05-20 | 2017-05-20 | A wireless field marker for sports, field, ground and traffic use |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IB2017/052989 WO2018215812A1 (en) | 2017-05-20 | 2017-05-20 | A wireless field marker for sports, field, ground and traffic use |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2018215812A1 true WO2018215812A1 (en) | 2018-11-29 |
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ID=64396274
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IB2017/052989 WO2018215812A1 (en) | 2017-05-20 | 2017-05-20 | A wireless field marker for sports, field, ground and traffic use |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| WO (1) | WO2018215812A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20210187354A1 (en) * | 2019-12-18 | 2021-06-24 | Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc. | Electronic athletic training system |
Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7951045B1 (en) * | 2008-07-03 | 2011-05-31 | Jason Brader | Multi-functional athletic training system |
| US20160271447A1 (en) * | 2015-03-18 | 2016-09-22 | Telemetrio LLC | Smart athletic training system |
| WO2017041141A1 (en) * | 2015-09-11 | 2017-03-16 | Velocity Sports Research Pty. Ltd. | Remote activated sports device and system |
-
2017
- 2017-05-20 WO PCT/IB2017/052989 patent/WO2018215812A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7951045B1 (en) * | 2008-07-03 | 2011-05-31 | Jason Brader | Multi-functional athletic training system |
| US20160271447A1 (en) * | 2015-03-18 | 2016-09-22 | Telemetrio LLC | Smart athletic training system |
| WO2017041141A1 (en) * | 2015-09-11 | 2017-03-16 | Velocity Sports Research Pty. Ltd. | Remote activated sports device and system |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20210187354A1 (en) * | 2019-12-18 | 2021-06-24 | Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc. | Electronic athletic training system |
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