Method and system for timing a basketball match

Abstract

A system for timing a basketball match includes a timing device linked to an optical ball detector and/or linked to at least one visual ball detector for detecting a ball in a basketball hoop. The optical ball detector includes an optical sensor positioned near or on the basketball hoop, and the visual detector includes at least one kinetic camera for detecting the motion of the ball in the basketball hoop with processing of the signal. A method for timing the basketball match, using the system, includes starting to count game time by activating the timing device, capturing, using the optical sensor and/or the kinetic camera, the passage of the basketball ball into a rim of the basketball hoop, and transmitting at least one signal detecting the passage of the ball into the basketball hoop to the timing device in order to stop game time.

Claims

1. A method for timing a basketball match using a timing system comprising a timing device linked to at least one optical ball detector and/or linked to at least one visual ball detector for detecting a ball passing through a basketball hoop, the basketball hoop including a rim and a net, the at least one optical ball detector comprising at least one optical sensor, which is positioned near or on the basketball hoop, and the at least one visual ball detector comprising one or more kinetic cameras for detecting the motion and the position of the ball with respect to the basketball hoop, the method comprising: starting to count game time by activating the timing device, capturing, using the at least one optical sensor, the passage of the basketball ball into the rim of the basketball hoop from above the hoop, and/or visually detecting, by way of the one or more kinetic cameras, the motion of the basketball ball passing into the rim of the basketball hoop through information processing, and transmitting at least one signal detecting the passage of the ball into the basketball hoop from the at least one optical ball detector and/or from the at least one visual detector to the timing device in order to stop game time.

2. The timing method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one optical ball detector comprises the at least one optical sensor, which is a colour camera or an infrared camera, the at least one optical sensor comprising a unit for acquiring the images taken by the camera in order to supply a data signal relating to the taken images, and wherein a processing unit is provided in the at least one optical ball detector and/or in the at least one visual ball detector, or in the timing device for processing the data signal, wherein the processing unit processes the data signal by way of timing software in order to determine the moment when the ball passes into the rim of the basketball hoop in order to stop the game time.

3. The timing method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one optical ball detector comprises at least one optical sensor and at least one light source intended to supply a ray of light in the direction of the at least one optical sensor, the at least one optical sensor and the at least one light source being positioned level with the rim of the basketball hoop with the light source facing the at least one optical sensor in a diametrically opposite position, wherein the at least one optical sensor detects the entry of the ball into the rim of the basketball hoop through the absence of reception of the light signal and supplies a detection signal for the timing device in order to stop the game time.

4. The timing method according to claim 3, wherein the at least one optical sensor furthermore detects the moment when the ball is level with or below the rim of the basketball hoop through reception of the light signal following the absence of reception of the light signal from the light source, so as to supply a detection signal to the timing device in order to stop the game time.

5. A timing system for timing a basketball match, comprising: a timing device linked to at least one optical ball detector and/or linked to at least one visual ball detector for detecting a ball in a basketball hoop that includes a rim and a net, the at least one optical ball detector comprising at least one optical sensor, which is positioned near or on the basketball hoop, and the at least one visual ball detector comprising one or more kinetic cameras for detecting the motion and the position of the ball with respect to the basketball hoop, wherein the at least one optical ball detector and/or the at least one visual ball detector are intended to transmit at least one signal detecting the passage of the ball into the basketball hoop to the timing device so as to stop game time.

6. The timing system according to claim 5, wherein the at least one optical sensor is intended to capture the passage of the basketball ball into the rim of the basketball hoop from above the hoop in order to transmit the detection signal to the timing device in order to stop the game time.

7. The timing system according to claim 5, wherein the at least one optical sensor is a colour camera or an infrared camera, wherein the at least one optical sensor comprises a unit for acquiring the images taken by the camera, which unit is intended to supply a data signal relating to the taken images, and wherein a processing unit is provided in the at least one optical ball detector and/or in the at least one visual ball detector or in the timing device for processing the data signal, the processing unit being intended to process the data signal by way of timing software in order to determine the moment when the ball passes into the rim of the basketball hoop in order to stop the game time.

8. The timing system according to claim 5, wherein the at least one optical ball detector comprises at least one optical sensor and at least one light source intended to supply a ray of light in the direction of the at least one optical sensor, wherein the at least one optical sensor and the light source are configured to be positioned level with the rim of the basketball hoop with the light source facing the at least one optical sensor in a diametrically opposite position, wherein the at least one optical sensor is configured to detect the entry of the ball into the rim of the basketball hoop through the absence of reception of the light signal and to supply a detection signal for the timing device in order to stop the game time.

9. The timing system according to claim 7, wherein the at least one optical sensor is intended to be situated in a first position on the rim of the basketball hoop or on a connection fitting for connecting the basketball hoop to a basketball backboard or on the basketball backboard.

10. The timing system according to claim 8, wherein the at least one light source is intended to be situated in a second position on a surface of the rim identical to a surface of the rim where the at least one optical sensor is situated, wherein a first position where the at least one optical sensor is situated is in a direction of a connection fitting for the basketball hoop, whereas the second position where the at least one light source is situated at a position on the surface of the rim diametrically opposite the first position where the at least one optical sensor is situated.

11. The timing system according to claim 10, wherein the at least one optical ball detector comprises a plurality of optical sensors intended to be situated at various positions on a surface of the rim, and a plurality of light sources, wherein each optical sensor of the plurality of optical sensors is intended to be situated on the rim facing and diametrically opposite a respective light source, which is configured to supply a ray of light in the direction of the corresponding optical sensor.

12. The timing system according to claim 11, wherein the at least one optical ball detector is configured to transmit a detection signal from each optical sensor of the plurality of optical sensors to a processing unit in the at least one optical ball detector for transfer to the timing device, or in the timing device, in order to determine a stoppage in play.

13. The timing system according to claim 11, wherein each of the at least one light source is a light-emitting diode or an emission source of a laser beam.

14. The timing system according to claim 13, wherein the ray of light generated by each of the at least one light source is of a different colour.

15. The timing system according to claim 5, wherein the at least one optical sensor comprises at least one photoreceptive diode or an array of photoreceptive diodes.

16. The timing system according to claim 5, wherein the at least one visual ball detector, which comprises one or more kinetic cameras, is configured to transmit at least one detection signal from each camera to a processing unit in the at least one visual ball detector for transfer to the timing device, or in the timing device, in order to determine a stoppage in play.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The aims, advantages and features of the method and of the system for timing a basketball match according to the invention will become more apparent from the following description of at least one nonlimiting embodiment illustrated by the drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the components of a system for timing a basketball match according to the invention,

(3) FIG. 2 schematically shows a three-dimensional view of a basketball hoop with various electronic components for detecting a ball in the hoop according to the invention,

(4) FIG. 3 schematically shows a side view of a basketball hoop attached to a backboard installed on a support pole with an optical ball detector linked to the timing device of the timing system according to the invention, and

(5) FIG. 4 schematically shows a view of the position of the kinetic cameras of the visual detector for motion and depth detection according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(6) In the following description, all of the elements of a system for timing a basketball match that are well known to those skilled in the art in this technical field will be referred to only in a simplified manner.

(7) FIG. 1 shows the various elements of a timing system 1 for timing a basketball match. The timing system essentially comprises a timing device 2 and a ball detector 3, 4. The ball detector may comprise an optical ball detector 3 for detecting a ball entering into a basketball hoop during the match and/or a visual ball motion and depth detector 4. At the start of a basketball match, the timing device 2 is initiated and a time is counted in the timing device 2, which comprises a processing or calculating unit having timing software with an oscillator defining a time base. The optical ball detector 3, which is preferably situated near or on a surface of the rim of the basketball hoop, may be activated at the start of the match by the timing device 2 or may be initiated, independently of the timing device 2, by a manual command or a remote command. The visual ball motion and depth detector 4 may also be activated at the start of the match. As soon as, during the game, a ball is detected entering into the basketball hoop, the ball detector 3, 4 transmits a data or detection signal to the timing device 2 in order to stop the game time.

(8) As shown schematically in FIG. 4, it is possible to equip the timing system 1 with the visual ball detector 4, which comprises one or more kinetic cameras 41 (Kinect) positioned at various locations in order to detect and recognize movements of the ball 20 through the net 11 of the basketball hoop 10. This visual detection is associated with digital processing, which confirms the passage of the ball 20 into the hoop 10.

(9) The timing system 1 may also comprise an entry terminal 6, which is put into operation in order in particular for the officials to control the game time. The timing device is therefore linked to the entry terminal in order to control the game time. However, it may also be contemplated for the timing device 2 to be integrated into the entry terminal 6, which may be positioned on a game table next to the court. The timing system 1 may also comprise one or more remote control devices 5 in order for a match official to wirelessly control the timing device by way of a portable object, and a unit for controlling the time 7 by way of a referee's whistle, which unit is linked to the timing device. Of course, this unit for controlling the time may consist of an electronic referee's whistle capable of transmitting a radiofrequency signal to the timing device signaling stoppages in play.

(10) The optical ball detector in the hoop 3 may be linked by an electrical wire or cable or by way of wireless communication to the timing device 2. The optical ball detector 3 essentially comprises at least one optical sensor positioned near or on the basketball hoop. This optical sensor may be a light sensor, which is formed of at least one photoreceptive diode or one pixel, or of an array of photoreceptive diodes or pixels. With a visual ball detector 4, the optical sensor may be a kinetic camera with ball motion and depth information processing.

(11) The optical sensor of the optical ball detector 3 may also be a colour camera, an infrared camera or a LIDAR device, so as to take various images of the ball at the moment when it passes into the basketball hoop and be able to transmit the data signal relating to the images to the timing device 2. This LIDAR device makes it possible to capture light and the intensity thereof in order to determine the distance from the sensor to the ball in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional space. The optical ball detector in the hoop 3 may also comprise a light source facing a simple optical light sensor, as explained hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. The detection signal of the optical ball detector 3 and/or of the visual ball detector 4 is decisive in stopping the game time when the ball enters into the hoop with respect to the signaling of a stoppage by a referee's whistle or by a match official.

(12) FIGS. 2 and 3 show a simplified embodiment, in a three-dimensional view, of a basketball hoop with the optical ball detector 3 and a side view of a basketball hoop attached to a backboard installed on a support pole with the optical ball detector 3 and/or a visual ball detector 4 shown in FIG. 4.

(13) FIG. 4 shows a simplified embodiment, in a three-dimensional view, of an assembly of a basketball hoop attached to a backboard 13, which may be partly transparent. The basketball backboard 13 is also linked, by at least one bar 14, to a support pole 15, which is generally installed vertically at the edge of the basketball court. A score display panel 16 with a visual ball detector 4, which is formed of one or more kinetic cameras 41, may be installed on the pole 15. The bar(s) 14 and the pole 15 are generally made of metal. The cameras 41 may also be positioned on the bar 14 and/or on the backboard 13. In order for the kinetic cameras to operate correctly, they preferably have to be positioned at a distance of less than 3 m from the basketball hoop and positioned so as to see in the direction of the basketball hoop.

(14) It may be defined that the basketball hoop may form part of the timing system. The optical ball detector 3 and/or the visual ball detector 4 are linked to the timing device 2 of the timing system. The dimensions and the position of the components shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 are not complied with accurately, and they may of course be positioned at other locations according to the invention.

(15) The basketball hoop comprises a rim 10 through which the ball 20 has to pass from above in order to score a basket, and a net 11 attached at the inner or outer periphery of the rim 10 in order to receive the ball coming through the rim. The ball 20 passes completely through the net 11, which is open at the bottom. The rim 10 is linked to a basketball backboard 13 by a connection fitting 12. The rim 10, the connection fitting 12 and the backboard 13 are made of solid impact-resistant material. The basketball backboard 13 is also linked, by bars 14, to a support pole 15, which is generally installed vertically at the edge of the basketball court. The bars 14 and the pole 15 are generally made of metal. Of course, two basketball hoop assemblies are situated at each side of the basketball court for a basketball match.

(16) The optical ball detector 3 comprises in particular at least one optical sensor 31 positioned on a surface of the rim or partly integrated into the rim, with a visible light reception portion on or in the rim 10 of the basketball hoop. This optical sensor 31 may be situated at a first position on a surface of the rim or in the rim 10 on the perimeter of the rim from the attachment of the rim 10 to the connection fitting 12. Of course, it may also be contemplated to situate the optical sensor 31 directly on the connection fitting 12 or also in contact with the basketball backboard 13. In this scenario, this may involve an optical sensor in the form of a camera, as indicated above.

(17) In FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the optical sensor 31 of simple design is shown to be attached close to the connection fitting 12 with its light reception surface preferably directed towards the centre of the rim 10 of the hoop. At least one kinetic camera of the visual detector 4, not shown, may also be situated on the hoop or the backboard holding it.

(18) The optical ball detector 3 may also comprise at least one light source 32 positioned on a surface of the rim 10 or partly integrated into the rim. The light source 32 may be situated at a second position on or in the rim 10 on the perimeter of the rim from the attachment of the rim 10 to the connection fitting 12. Preferably, the light source 32 is positioned in a position diametrically opposite the optical sensor 31 on one and the same surface of the rim and facing said optical sensor 31.

(19) The light source 32 is mandatorily dependent on the technology used in the optical sensor 31. This light source 32 may be a light-emitting diode for emitting a ray R with a defined colour, such as in infrared, in the direction of the optical sensor 31 or an emission source of a laser beam. The optical sensor 31 is thus capable of capturing the light emission generated by the light source if no ball passes through the rim 10 of the basketball hoop.

(20) The visual motion and depth detector 4 may, compulsorily or not, be associated with the optical ball detector 3. The visual detection and the information processing that it involves may independently confirm the passage of the ball into the hoop using the associated kinetic (Kinect) technology.

(21) The optical ball detector 3 comprises an acquisition unit, which is not shown but may be integrated into the structure of the optical sensor 31, for receiving a light detection signal from the optical sensor. A detection signal processing unit may also be provided in the optical ball detector 3 and/or in a visual ball detector 4 or in the timing device 2, or directly form part of the acquisition unit. The processing unit executes algorithms that detect a ball passing through the rim 10 of the hoop. A data communication Data may be performed from the optical ball detector 3, in particular from the optical sensor 31, to the timing device 2. The data communication Data may relate to the detection of a ball, which passes through the rim 10 of the basketball hoop during the game, in order to stop the game time in the timing device 2. The optical ball detector 3 may therefore be linked to the timing device 2 by an electrical wire or cable passing through the backboard 13, the bars 14 and the pole 15, or by way of wireless communication via radiofrequency signals.

(22) The processing unit may also be situated close to the optical sensor 31, in particular on the connection fitting 12 of the basketball hoop. This processing unit may also be positioned directly in the timing device 2, as part of the timing software.

(23) The aim of the optical ball detector 3 and/or the visual detector 4 for visual recognition using one or more kinetic cameras is to detect the moment when the ball 20 enters into the rim 10 and the moment when the upper part of the ball is level with or below the rim and already partly in the net 11. The optical sensor 31 detects the light from the light source 32 as long as there is no object positioned between the optical sensor 31 and the light source 32. By contrast, as soon as the bottom part of the ball 20 enters the rim 10 of the hoop from above, the optical sensor 31 no longer detects the light coming from the light source 32 and informs the processing unit or the timing device of this.

(24) Thereafter, in order to be able to stop the game time in the timing device 2, the optical sensor 31 has to detect the ray R of light coming from the light source 32 again. It detects the ray R of light again once the top part of the ball 20 is level with or below the rim 10 of the hoop, where the optical sensor 31 and the light source 32 are located. A detection signal is supplied to the timing device 2, which takes into account the new light detection of the optical sensor after the start of the absence of reception of light in order to stop the game time. The timing device 2 comprises timing software, which is able to detect the instant of the absence of reception of the ray R of light by the optical sensor and then the renewed reception of the ray R of light in order to stop the game time. This means that the ball 20 has entered the rim 10 of the hoop, and a score is also recorded.

(25) The acquisition unit of the optical ball detector 3 linked to the optical sensor 31 may also measure a difference in luminous intensities in order to be able to detect the reception or the absence of reception of the ray R of light from the light source 32 so as to overcome ambient light. For greater measurement accuracy, there may also be provision to situate a plurality of optical sensors 31 and a plurality of light sources 32 of different colours at various positions on a surface of the rim 10. Each optical sensor faces and is diametrically opposite a respective light source. A data communication with the timing device 2 is performed from the optical ball detector 3 in relation to the detection of each optical sensor 31.

(26) There may be provision for the timing system 1 to associate, or not to associate, visual detection by kinetic cameras (Kinect) by motion and depth detection in order to detect the passage of the ball into the rim of the hoop.

(27) It should also be noted that, in the case of wireless communication of data or commands with the timing device 2, the optical ball detector 3 and/or the visual ball detector 4 may be activated by the timing device 2 at any moment before or during the game time.

(28) It should also be noted that there may be provision for a step of calibrating the optical ball detector 3 and/or the visual ball detector 4 after the timing system is installed and before the timing device 2 starts to count game time. Calibration is necessary if just one optical sensor is used, such as a camera or a LIDAR device or a visual detection system using at least one kinetic camera (Kinect). The calibration steps are firstly the detection of the edge of the rim by shape matching and secondly the detection of the volume on the basis of the detected shape. With regard to the operating time, there is detection of an object, such as the ball, with presence in the detected volume, and shape recognition in order to ensure the accuracy of the detected object that passes through the rim of the hoop. As indicated above, the information from a plurality of optical sensors combining varied technologies may be used to improve measurement accuracy, as well as one or more kinetic cameras (Kinect) for visual detection.

(29) From the description that has just been given, numerous variants of the method and of the system for timing a basketball match may be conceived by those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the claims. The optical light sensor may comprise two light reception surfaces positioned vertically on top of one another so as to make it possible to discern the direction in which a ball passes into the basketball hoop during the match. If an optical sensor and a light source are used, said light source may emit a ray of light intermittently or in a flash. A plurality of optical sensors and a plurality of light sources may be situated on an upper and/or lower surface of the rim of the basketball hoop so as also to make it possible to determine the direction in which the ball passes into the basketball hoop. The visual motion detection may be associated with or be used independently of the optical detection for detecting the passage of the ball into the hoop.