WO2020037335A1

WO2020037335A1 - A hand-held electronic device for managing a cricket match

Info

Publication number: WO2020037335A1
Application number: PCT/ZA2019/050042
Authority: WO
Inventors: Johannes David Hendrik BRONKHORST
Original assignee: Bronkhorst Johannes David Hendrik
Priority date: 2018-08-13
Filing date: 2019-08-07
Publication date: 2020-02-20

Abstract

A hand-held electronic device (10) for use in managing a cricket match includes a processor (12), means for entering when a ball has been bowled in the form of primary button (14) and a display screen (16) for displaying information. In use, each time that a ball has been bowled, the user enters this into the device (10) by pressing primary button (14). The processor (12) uses the value of the number of balls bowled to, for example, calculate how many overs have been bowled, how long the match has been in progress for, what the over rate per hour is, what the over rate should be to complete the match in the allocated time, when it is time for an interval, and so forth.

Description

A HAND- HELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE FOR MANAGING A CRICKET MATCH

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a hand-held electronic device and, more particularly, to a device to be used on the field by an umpire during a match of cricket for assisting the umpire with managing the game.

Background to the Invention

During a match of cricket, two umpires are present on the filed whilst another person off the field takes care of the scoring of the match. During matches played between international teams or local teams at a high level, there is an electronic scoreboard which displays the score as well as other information. At lower levels, there usually aren’t any electronic scoreboards.

As it is both useful and important for the umpires to keep track of information such as the overs bowled, the over rate, and the time played, the inventor believes, that a need exists for providing a hand-held electronic device to be used on the field by an umpire during a match of cricket for assisting the umpire with managing the game and carrying out his duties.

Summary of the Invention

According to the invention, there is provided a hand-held electronic device for use in managing a cricket match, the device including:

- a primary button for manually entering when a ball has been bowled;

- a processor for performing calculations based on the number of balls bowled; and

- a display screen for displaying information. The device may further include a clock.

The processor may be in the form of a micro-computer.

The processor may use the value of the number of balls that have been bowled to, for example, calculate how many overs have been bowled, what the over rate per hour is, what the over rate should be to complete the match in the allocated time, when it is time for an interval, and so forth.

Other data calculated by the processor may be accessed by a user when desired by navigating through a menu of the device that is accessible by depressing one or more secondary buttons, the menu options being displayed on the display screen.

The actual time as well as the time for which the match has been in progress may be displayed on the display screen simultaneously.

The display screen may be in the form of an LCD screen.

The display screen may constantly display how many overs have been bowled in total and how many balls of the current over have been bowled.

The secondary buttons may be used for entering data into the device such as, for example, when a wicket has been taken as well as for navigating through the menu displayed on the display screen.

In use, each time that a ball has been bowled, the user may enter this into the device by depressing the primary button.

The device may further include a connecting means for connecting the device to a database so as to transfer data from the device to the database and vice versa.

The connecting means may be in the form of a USB port. Alternatively, the device may be provided with a transmitter for wireless transmission (e.g. via Bluetooth^® or GSM) of said data to the database and of data from the database to the device.

Each device may have a unique code identifying it to the database. In addition, said unique code may be associated with a particular umpire.

Prior to a match commencing, the device may be connected to the database to download the applicable playing conditions such as, e.g. whether the match is a test match, a one day match, or a T20 match, the allocated match duration, the total time allowed for intervals, cricket rules, and the like from the database. Additional information such as, the names of the two teams, their captains and trainers may be entered or selected from the database by a user. In the event that a match needs to be suspended due to, for example, bad weather, this information may be entered into the device. When play is resumed, the device may calculate a new desired over-rate, remaining match time, interval times, and the like. It may use the DLS-method to calculate the target score for the team batting second in a limited overs cricket match interrupted by weather or other circumstances.

The device may include a battery to provide power to the processor, display screen, clock, etc. The battery may be a re-chargeable or replaceable battery.

The device may be provided with a sensor so that the display screen may only be active when the device is held in a substantially vertical position when in use.

The device may be sized and dimensioned to fit into a hand of the user. The device may include a water-tight housing in which the processor, display screen, battery, and so forth are housed. The housing may be manufactured from any suitable synthetic plastics material. The device may include optional features such as, for example, a thermometer, an audio speaker, and voice recorder, a vibration function to alert the user when a predetermined event occurs, a movement sensor, a light sensor, a SIM card slot, and the like. The features are however not critical to the functioning of the device.

Detailed Description of the Invention The invention will now be described by way of the following, non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawing.

In the drawing:-

Figure 1 shows a top schematic view of an embodiment of a hand-held electronic device for use in managing a cricket match. In the drawing, reference numeral 10 generally indicates an embodiment of a hand- held electronic device for use in managing a cricket match in accordance with the present invention. The device 10 includes a processor 12, means for entering when a ball has been bowled in the form of primary button 14 and a display screen 16 for displaying information.

In use, each time that a ball has been bowled, the user enters this into the device 10 by pressing primary button 14.

The device also includes a clock 18. The processor 12 is in the form of a micro- computer.

The processor 12 uses the value of the number of balls bowled to, for example, calculate how many overs have been bowled, what the over rate per hour is, what the over rate should be to complete the match in the allocated time, when it is time for an interval, and so forth. This information can be accessed by a user (not shown) when desired by navigating through a menu 20 displayed on the screen 16.

The clock 18 can be used to display the actual time as shown in Figure 1 as well as the time for which the match has been in progress on the screen 16. The screen 16 is typically an LCD screen.

The screen 16 constantly displays how many overs 22 have been bowled in total and how many balls 24 of the current over have been bowled.

The device 10 further includes a central button 26 that is used as an“Enter” button as well as four smaller buttons 28 that can be used to navigate around the screen 16 and the menu 20. Alternatively, the screen 16 can be a touch screen, thereby obviating the need for buttons.

The device 10 includes a connecting means (not shown) for connecting the device 10 to a database 30 so as to transfer data from the device 10 to the database and vice versa as indicated by arrows 32. The connecting means can be in the form of a USB port or the device 10 can be provided with a transmitter for wireless transmission (e.g. via Bluetooth® or GSM) of said data to the database 30 and of data from the database 30 to the device 10.

Each device 10 can optionally have a unique code identifying it to the database 30 and said unique code can be associated with a particular umpire. Prior to a match commencing, the device 10 is connected to the database 30 to download the applicable playing conditions such as, e.g. whether the match is a test match or an ODI, the allocated match duration, the total time allowed for intervals, cricket rules, and the like from the database. Additional information such as, the names of the two teams, their captains and trainers can be entered or selected from the database 30 by a user.

In the event that a match needs to be suspended due to, for example, bad weather, this information is entered into the device 10. When play is resumed, the device 10 re-calculates a new desired over-rate, remaining match time, interval times, and the like. It can also use the DLS-method to calculate the target score for the team batting second in a limited overs cricket match interrupted by weather or other circumstances.

The device 10 includes a battery (not shown) to provide power to the processor 12, screen 16, clock 18, etc. The battery is typically a re-chargeable or replaceable battery.

The device 10 is provided with a sensor (not shown) so that the screen 16 is only active when the device 10 is held in a substantially vertical position when in use. This serves to save battery life.

The device 10 is sized and dimensioned to fit into a hand of the user. The device 10 includes a water-tight housing 34 in which the processor 12, screen 16, battery, and so forth are housed. The housing 34 is manufactured from any suitable synthetic plastics material. A band (not shown) can be attached to the device 10 to allow attachment of the device 10 to a wrist of the user.

Working Example Below is a working example in point form of how the device 10 could be used during a cricket match by an umpire for managing the match:

• Load“new match file: using the menu.

• Answer setup questions and download necessary regulation updates from the database.

Select the opening bowler via the player list on the device. • Start match by saying the words“let’s play” OR click the match into action via button provided.

• Click the“count” button to count the bowler’s deliveries, one by one.

• Follow this sequence and let the normal flow of the match take place. · When a new bowler comes into the attack, select him/her from the player list by selecting menu>new bowler>select bowler>enter.

• If a wicket falls, select first the ball that is bowled and then select menu>event>wicket>enter.

• The device will now start a timer of 3 minutes that will end as soon as the new batsman arrives at the crease.

• Continue with normal flow of match.

• When it is time for drinks, the device will indicate drinks, and the players will leave the field for drinks. The device will stay on in the background and then prompt the umpire when drinks are completed via a vibration and display prompting.

• Play will resume as soon as the next ball is clicked by the umpire.

• Normal playing conditions will apply up until an unforeseen circumstance influences the conditions of the match.

• Scenario: Rain delays play. The umpire will select menu>event>rain delay. Once the rain delay is over, the umpire will have the option to select>end of delay and the device will give the umpire a result of its calculations. The subsequent playing conditions will now be altered according to the rules of the game that applies in these specific circumstances.

• Change of innings or end of session sequence: In the event that the final wicket has fallen or the batting side has“declared”, the device will end of the session by running a“change of innings” or“end of session sequence”. This sequence will store all events that happened during that specific session into a pre-programmed report. This will enable the umpire (and the teams) to analyse the session via graphical illustrations on the dashboard or mobile application. Everything from, average over-rate, session duration, events during session (like stoppages), intervals etc. will be available for analysis via a user-friendly platform.

• The same sequence will be run at the conclusion of a day’s play (longer formats), and when a match is completed.

• The data from a match will then be stored on the database and linked to the user’s /umpire’s profile.

It is to be appreciated, that the invention is not limited to any particular embodiment or configuration as hereinbefore described and/or illustrated.

Claims

1. A hand-held electronic device for use in managing a cricket match, the device including: a primary button for manually entering when a ball has been bowled; - a processor for performing calculations based on the number of balls bowled; and a display screen for displaying information.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the device includes a clock.

3. A device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the processor is in the form of a micro-computer.

4. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the processor uses the value of the number of balls that have been bowled to calculate one or more of: how many overs have been bowled, what the over rate per hour is, what the over rate should be to complete the match in the allocated time, and when it is time for an interval.

5. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actual time as well as the time for which the match has been in progress are displayed on the display screen simultaneously.

6. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein display screen constantly displays how many overs have been bowled in total and how many balls of the current over have been bowled.

7. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device includes one or more secondary buttons that are used for entering data into the device as well as for navigating through a menu displayed on the display screen.

8. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device includes a connecting means for connecting the device to a database so as to transfer data from the device to the database and vice versa.

9. A device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the connecting means is in the form of one of: a USB port and a transmitter for wireless data transmission.

10. A device as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, wherein each device has a unique code identifying it to the database.

11. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device includes a sensor so that the display screen is only active when the device is held in a substantially vertical position when in use.

12. A hand-held electronic device for use in managing a cricket match according to the invention, as hereinbefore generally described.

13. A hand-held electronic device for use in managing a cricket match as specifically described with reference to or as illustrated in the accompanying drawing.

14. A hand-held electronic device for use in managing a cricket match including any new and inventive integer or combination of integers, substantially as herein described