FREE KICK DISTANCE PROJECTING DEVICE

Abstract

Device (1) for showing a marking (A) in the form of a distance to be observed between a game apparatus (15), in particular a football, and participants on a playing field (22) of a sports facility (2), having a display device (3) for projecting light beams (L) representing the marking (A) onto the playing field (22), wherein the projected light beams (L) display the distance to be observed and can be projected in the shape of a circle, at least in sections, in particular at a distance of 9.15 m around the game apparatus (15) on the playing field (22), wherein the display device (3) is jointly movable with a transport device (8) that is movable above the sports facility (2).

Claims

1. A device (1) for displaying a marking (A) in the form of a distance to be kept between a game equipment (15), in particular a football, and a participant on a playing field (22) of a sports facility (2), comprising a display device (3) for projecting light beams (L) representing the marking (A) onto the playing field (22), wherein the projected light beams (L) display the distance to be kept and can be projected at least in sections in the shape of a circle, in particular at a distance of 9.15 m, around the game equipment (15) on the playing field (22), characterized in that the display device (3) is jointly movable with a transport device (8) that is movable above the sports facility (2).

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the display device (3) is, preferably detachably, fastened to the transport device (8).

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that a camera (7) for filming a football match on the playing field (22) is, preferably detachably, fastened to the transport device (8), wherein the transport device (8) and the camera (7) are forming a camera system (21) and the display device (3) is jointly movable with said camera system (21).

4. The device according to one of the claims 1, characterized by a display control device (4) which comprises a display mode (M.sub.A) in which the display device (3) can be controlled for projecting the marking (A) onto the playing field (22).

5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that the display control device (4) comprises a movement mode (M.sub.B) in which the movement of the transport device (4), preferably of the whole camera system (21), above the playing field (22) can be controlled.

6. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that the display control device (4) comprises an interface (5) to a camera system control device (6) of the camera system (21) movable above the playing field (22).

7. The device according to one of the claim 1, characterized in that the transport device (8) is part of the device (1).

8. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that the camera system (21) comprises a camera system control device (6), wherein the camera (3) of the camera system (21) is signally connected with the camera system control device (6).

9. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that the camera system control device (6) on the one hand comprises a recording mode (M.sub.F) in which the filming effected by the camera (7), preferably also movements of the camera (7) effected relative to the transport device (8), can be controlled and on the other hand comprises a movement mode (M.sub.B) in which the movement of the transport device (8) can be controlled.

10. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that the transport device (8) comprises: a carrier device (9) for the camera (7), at least two, preferably four, ropes (10) fastened to the carrier device (9), guide rollers (12) for the ropes (10) fastened above the playing field (22), preferably on a roof (11) of a stadium; and a drive device (13) for the ropes (10).

11. The device according to claim 1 comprising a detection device (14) for detecting the position (P.sub.15) of a game equipment (15) on the playing field (22).

12. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that the distance (D.sub.15) of the display device (3) to the game equipment (15) and/or the distance (D.sub.2) of the display device (3) to the playing field (22) can be detected with the detection device (14).

13. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that the detection device (14) can be controlled with the display control device (4).

14. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that in the display mode (M.sub.A) the light beams (L) can be projected onto the playing field (22) via the display device (3) in dependence of the position (P.sub.15) of the game equipment (15) detected by the detection device (14).

15. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that in the movement mode (M.sub.B) the display device (3), preferably fastened to the camera (7) or to the carrier device (9) of the transport device (8), is movable via the transport device (8) in dependence of the detected position (P.sub.15) of the game equipment (15).

16. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that the marking (A) corresponds to an adjustable or predetermined distance measure, preferably 9.15 m, wherein the distance measure is stored in a memory (16) of the display control device (4).

17. The device according to claim 1, characterized by a remote control (17) for operating the device (1), the remote control (17) preferably can be operated by a referee (R).

18. The device according to claim 17, characterized in that the remote control (17) comprises a position transmitter (18) via which the position (P.sub.17) of the remote control (17) on the playing field (22) can be signally transmitted to a receiver of the detection device (14) or can be detected by the detection device (14).

19. The device according to claim 17, characterized in that, preferably only, via the remote control (17) the position (P.sub.15) of the game equipment (15) can be detected on the playing field (22).

20. The device according to claim 19, characterized in that the remote control (17) is positioned on the game equipment (15) and at the same time a button on the remote control (17) is pushed by the referee (R), so that the position (P.sub.17) of the remote control (17) transmitted to the detection device (14) corresponds to the position (P.sub.15) of the game equipment (15).

21. The device according to claim 17, characterized in that the display mode (M.sub.A) and the movement mode (M.sub.B) can be activated via the remote control (17), wherein in the case of the activated display mode (M.sub.A) and the activated movement mode (M.sub.B) the movements of the transport device (8) can only be controlled via the remote control (17).

22. A method for projecting a marking (A) in the shape of a distance to be kept between a game equipment (15), in particular a football, and a participant on a playing field (22) of a sports facility (2), in particular with a device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the steps: mounting a display device (3) on a transport device (8) movable above the playing field (22) and projecting of light beams (L) representing the marking (A) at least in sections in the shape of a circle, preferably in a distance of 9.15 m, around the game equipment (15) onto the playing field (22) by the display device (3) which is mounted to the transport device (8).

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that—before the projecting—the position (P.sub.15) of the game equipment (15) is detected by a detection device (14) through the following steps: positioning a remote control (17) by a referee (R) on the game equipment (15), pushing a button of the remote control (17) when the remote control (17) is positioned on the game equipment (15), and transmitting the position (P.sub.17) of the remote control (17) to a receiver of the detection device (14) via a position transmitter (18) of the remote control (17) jointly forming the detection device (14), transmitting being triggered by pushing the button, wherein the transmitted position (P.sub.17) of the remote control (17) corresponds to the position (P.sub.15) of the game equipment (15).

24. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that—before projecting—the transport device (8) together with the display device (3) is moved into a position, preferably vertically, above the game equipment (15), wherein this movement is effected in a movement mode (M.sub.B) of a display control device (4) in dependence of the detected position (P.sub.15) of the game equipment (15).

25. The method according to claim 22, characterized by the further steps: determining the distance (D.sub.15) between the display device (3) and the game equipment (15), calculating the emitting angle (a) of the light beams (L) in dependence of the detected distance (D.sub.15) and projecting the marking (A) in a distance of 9.15 m around the game equipment (15) onto the sports facility (2).

26. Use of a movable transport device (8) arranged above a playing field (22) of a sports facility (2) for the mounting of a display device (3) for projecting of light beams (L) representing a marking (A) to be kept onto the playing field (22) of the sports facility (2), wherein the projected light beams (L) can be projected at least in sections in the shape of a circle, in particular in a distance of 9.15 m, around a game equipment (15) onto the playing field (22).

Description

[0041] As increasingly used in recent years in large stadiums, also in FIG. 1 a “flying” camera system 21 is schematically illustrated. This camera system 21 comprises a camera 7 which in turn is spatially movable by a transport device 8 above the playing field 22. The transport device 8 substantially comprises the carrier device 9 for the camera 7, at least three, preferably at least four, ropes 10 mounted to the carrier device 9 and the drive devices 13 (p. e. in form of motor-driven rope pulleys) for the ropes 10. These drive devices 10 can be arranged principally also on the stadium roof 11. Preferably, however, they are placed somewhere on the side of the playing field 22 and the ropes 10 are guided via guide rollers 12. Concretely, each guide roller 12 can be mounted to the stadium roof 11 via a holding device 19. Of course, also posts separate from the stadium roof 11 can be provided for the guide rollers 12.

[0042] A per se known camera system control device 6 can be used for the control of this camera system 21. It can be stored for example as a corresponding program on a computer. This computer then serves as an operating unit for the camera system 21. Preferably the camera system 21 is operated by staff member who is subordinated to a football broadcasting director. The camera system control device 6 comprises to logical components in form of operation modes. Such a mode is the recording mode M.sub.F in which the movements of the camera 7 relative to the transport device 8 and the camera-specific functions (zooming, focusing, etc.) are controlled. Corresponding signals 20.sub.F are emitted from the camera system control device 6 to the camera 7 or to a drive device (not shown) which moves the camera 7 relative to the carrier device 9. Moreover a movement mode MB is a logical part of the camera system control device 6, wherein in the movement mode M.sub.B the spatial movement of the camera 7 by the transport device 8 above the playing field 22 of the sports facility 2 is controlled. Corresponding signals 20.sub.B are emitted by the camera system control device 6 to the drive devices 13. For the spatial movement a three-dimensional coordinate system representing the space above the playing field 22 is stored in the camera system control device 6.

[0043] According to the invention a display device 3 is jointly movable with this transport device 8 above the playing field 22. Preferably this display device 3 is detachably fastened to the transport device 8. In order to enable a retrofitting of this display device 3 on an existing transport device 8 (or on an existing camera system 21) the device 1 comprises a display control device 4 together with an interface 5 to the camera system control device 6. Light beams L or laser beams can be projected to the surface of the playing field 22 by the display device 3. Concretely these light beams L project a circle or a part of a circle on the sports facility 2, which circle indicates a marking A in form of a distance about a game equipment 15 (football). This distance is 9.15 m and indicates how near to the game equipment 15 an opposing participant is allowed to be during a free kick. During a football match this new system can be used as follows:

[0044] Before the football match—if the display device 3 is retrofitted—the display device 3 is mounted detachably to the camera system 21, preferably to the carrier device 9 of the transport device 8 of the camera 7. Moreover the display control device 4 is signally connected to the camera system control device 6 via the interface 5.

[0045] If the display device 3 is already a part of the camera system 21 and is not retrofitted, the display control device 4 can immediately be integrated in the camera system control device 5. Thus, the control devices 4 and 6 form a logical control unit. However, there is still an internal mathematical-logical interface 5 between the display control device 4 and the camera system control device 6 in order to enable a linkage and a data transfer (position date of the camera system 21 in the coordinate system) especially during the display mode M.sub.M.

[0046] Independent whether the display device 3 is retrofitted, the display device 3 is normally inactive during the football match on the playing field 22. The display device 3, however, is always moving together with the camera system 21. The spatial movement of the camera 7 is carried out by the transport device 8. This movement is controlled by the movement mode M.sub.B of the camera system control device 6. In principle this movement mode M.sub.B can also be part of the display control device 4, which is indicated by the dotted line. In the movement mode MB corresponding signals 20.sub.B are emitted to the drive devices 13 of the transport device 8. During the football match filming with camera 7 is controlled by the recording mode M.sub.F of the camera system control device 6. Its operating is primarily to behoove a staff member of the television broadcaster.

[0047] If now a free kick is given by the referee R during the football match, the display device 3 is especially used in cases when the free kick is in the vicinity of the goal. For that reason this display device 3 is switch active via a remote control 17. This can be effected by a person who is specifically assigned for this. The easiest solution is that the referee R itself carries the remote control 17 and switches the display device 3 active, this means switches the display device 3 into the display mode M.sub.A.

[0048] As of this moment the display control device 4 signally connected (for example via radio) with the remote control 17 disposes all authorizations for the movement mode M.sub.B. This means, the movement mode M.sub.B of the transport device 8 is now executed in dependence of the display mode M.sub.A. Firstly, a position signal can be emitted to a receiver by a position transmitter 18 of the remote control 17 with the activation of the display mode M.sub.A, whereby the transport device 8 in the movement mode M.sub.B is moved in dependence of this first position signal in the direction of the referee R. Thereby, a rough-positioning of the display device 3 in the vicinity of the referee R and, thus, in the area of the free kick to be executed is reached. This prevents excessively long interruptions of the match.

[0049] Next, in the display mode M.sub.A the detection device 14 for detecting the position P.sub.15 of the game equipment 15 on the sports facility 2 is activated. There are several embodiments, wherein three examples are explained in the following.

[0050] According to a first variant a position transmitter can be arranged in or on the game equipment 15, which transmitter together with the corresponding receiver forms the detection device 14. The data of the position P.sub.15 of the position transmitter are then transmitted from the detection device 14 to the display control device 4.

[0051] A second variant provides that the detection device 14 comprises a game equipment identification system which for example via a separate camera scans the surface of the sports facility 2 for the game equipment 15. For that reason the detection device 14 can be mounted to the transport device 8 or can be placed, however, also elsewhere in the stadium. As soon as the detection device 14 has localized the game equipment 15, its position P.sub.15 is transmitted to the display control device 4.

[0052] According to a third and preferred variant it is provided that a position transmitter 18 is arranged in or on the remote control 17 which transmits its position P.sub.17 to a receiver. The transmitter and the receiver together form the detection device 14. Also here, the receiver can preferably be arranged on the transport device 8. In order to not only detect the position P.sub.17 of the remote control 17 but also the position P.sub.15 of the game equipment 15, the referee R is pressing a corresponding button (“game equipment position button”) of the remote control 17 in the moment when this remote control 17 is located on the game equipment 15. Thereby, the referee R “marks” the position P.sub.15 of the game equipment 15 via the remote control 17. Thus, the detection device 14 simultaneously detects the position P.sub.15 of the game equipment 15 from the position P.sub.17 of the remote control 17 and transmits a corresponding signal to the display control device 4.

[0053] As now the position P.sub.15 of the game equipment is known by the display control device 4, the movement mode M.sub.B is (again) activated. In this movement mode M.sub.B the transport device 8 is moved in dependence of the detected position P.sub.15 of the game equipment 15. Preferably the transport device 8 and especially the display device 4 is moved as exactly as possible to a coordinate system position vertically above the game equipment 15.

[0054] In order to subsequently project the marking A with the correct distance around the game equipment 15 on the playing field 22, again two variants are possible.

[0055] According to a first variant the distance D.sub.15 between the display device 3 and the game equipment 15 and/or the distance D.sub.2 between the display device 3 and the playing field 22 are/is initially determined. This can be effected for example via a distance sensor which is mounted in or on the display device 3 or by calculating the distance between the display device 3 and the position P.sub.15 of the game equipment “marked” by the referee R. Then, the emitting angle a of the light beams L is calculated in dependence of the measured or calculated distance D.sub.15 and/or the measured distance D.sub.2. For that reason an appropriate algorithm—based on the distance of 9.15 m stored in the memory 16—is stored in the display control device 4 so that by radiating the light beams L in the calculated emitting angel a α circle with the correct circle radius of 9.15 m is projected around the game equipment 15 on the playing field 22.

[0056] Preferably, however, a second variant is provided according to which the emitting angle a is set or pre-programmed one-time. As soon as the display control device 4 receives the signal of the position P.sub.15 or the game equipment 15, the display device 3 is moved to a preset distance exactly vertically above the game equipment 15. This means, each time the display mode M.sub.A is activated, the display device 3 is always moved to the same position relative to the game equipment 15. Hence, also the emitting angle a of the light beams L must always be the same and a one-time determining of the emitting angle a is sufficient to always project the circle with the correct circle radius of 9.15 m around the game equipment 15 on the playing field 22.

[0057] Subsequently, in order to actually project the marking A on the playing field 22, an appropriate signal 20.sub.A is transmitted from the display control device 4 to the display device 3 which thereupon emits the light beams L.

[0058] If now the marking A is projected on the playing field 22, the participants are encouraged to keep the displayed distance to the game equipment 15. If this is not happening in time or in a sufficient extent, the referee R can penalize the player for example with a yellow card. In order to not interrupt the match for a too long time, an additional aid for the referee R can be provided by projecting a countdown of p. e. 5 seconds on the playing field 22 directly in front of the wall via the display device 3. Thus, each participant can recognize how long he still has time to keep the projected distance.

[0059] In order to prevent that the game equipment 15 is removed from the position P.sub.15 after determining the position P.sub.15, a small point of light can be projected by the display device 3 onto the game equipment 15 or a small circle or pitch circle can be projected by the display device 3 directly around the game equipment 15 on the playing field 22.

[0060] As soon as all participants have reached the correct position the referee can again continue the match by a blow of his whistle. With the first movement of the game equipment 15 by the team in ball possession also the opposing participants are allowed to come nearer to the game equipment 15. With this continuation of the normal match also the display mode M.sub.A can be deactivated. This can be effected by the referee R itself. However, as the referee R has again to concentrate on the match after the free kick, it is preferably provided that another person is deactivating the display mode M.sub.A, for example via a second remote control 17. With the deactivation of the display mode M.sub.A the broadcast director has regained control over the movement mode M.sub.B. During the display mode M.sub.A the broadcast director, however, had at least the control over the recording mode MF of the camera 7.

[0061] The remote control 17 can be formed arbitrary. For the basic functionality there should be at least a “power button” and a “position button”. With the “power button” the display mode M.sub.A is activated. With the “position button” the position P.sub.15 of the game equipment 15 is marked as described above. Also a “switch-off button” can be provided. A display screen installed on the remote control 17 is also helpful. The progress or the current status of the display mode M.sub.15 can be visible via this display screen. For example also a signal—p. e. by a blinking or by vibration—can be outputted by the remote control 17. This signal indicates for the referee R that the marking A is projected correctly on the playing field 22. In addition a “countdown button” can be provided as well.

[0062] Thus, with the present invention a possibility is created in order to organize the match in the case of a free kick in a simple manner fairer and in particular faster without the necessity of providing complex additional display devices around the playing field and without limiting the decision-making power of the referee. Rather, according to the invention the transport device of “flying” camera systems anyway often used in stadiums function as movable carriers for a free kick distance projecting device (=display device) above the playing field.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0063] 1 device [0064] 2 sports facility anlage [0065] 3 display device [0066] 4 display control device [0067] 5 interface [0068] 6 camera system control device [0069] 7 camera [0070] 8 transport device [0071] 9 carrier device [0072] 10 ropes [0073] 11 stadium roof [0074] 12 guide rollers [0075] 13 drive devices [0076] 14 detection device [0077] 15 game equipment (football) [0078] 16 memory [0079] 17 remote control [0080] 18 position transmitter [0081] 19 holding device [0082] 20 signal [0083] 21 camera system [0084] A marking [0085] L light beams [0086] M.sub.A display mode [0087] M.sub.B movement mode [0088] M.sub.F recording mode [0089] P.sub.15 position of the game equipment [0090] P.sub.17 position of the remote control [0091] D.sub.2 distance to the playing field [0092] D.sub.15 distance to the game equipment [0093] R referee [0094] αemitting angle