scoreboard

Abstract

A scoreboard (1) of two-team sport is provided; said sport provides a match score and a set score; the scoreboard (1) comprises a screen (2) defining a representation surface divided into six sectors (21) arranged on two rows and in three columns; a control card (3) configured to command a discretized activation of the sectors (21) defining a first screenshot wherein the team starting the point, the game score and the field portion of each one of said teams are represented; and a second screenshot wherein the set score is shown.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a scoreboard of the type specified in the preamble of the first claim.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to a scoreboard to be used in the sporting field, for example during a tennis match, to score the points of the match itself.

[0003] As it is known in the professional field scoreboards are used in which a specific employee scores the points of each team. For example, in tennis a board divided in two rows is used, one for each athlete / team. On each row, the scores of the various sets, the score of the game currently in progress and the indication of who should start the next phase of the game, in the order, are shown.

[0004] The described known art comprises some important drawbacks.

[0005] In particular, the boards known to date result to be particularly expensive, bulky and thus difficult to install. Consequently, they are adopted only in professional environment and they are not used in the amateur field where simplified scoreboards with a represented limited number of information are used.

[0006] Another drawback is represented by the limited number of information represented on a known scoreboard.

[0007] Moreover, the rules by which games are assigned can vary depending upon the type of game and of the selection made by the players. Therefore, the boards are difficult to be adapted to the specific selection of the players.

[0008] In this situation the technical task underlying the present invention is to devise a scoreboard capable of obviating substantially at least part of the mentioned drawbacks.

[0009] Within said technical task an important object of the invention is to obtain a scoreboard simple to install, unexpensive and then usable even for sports practiced at amateur level.

[0010] Another important object of the invention is to implement a scoreboard which can be easily adapted to several sports and several modes for counting the points within the same sporting discipline.

[0011] The technical task and the specified objects are achieved by a scoreboard as claimed in the enclosed claim 1. Examples of preferred embodiment are described in the depending claims.

[0012] The features and the advantages of the invention are explained hereinafter by the detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the enclosed drawings, wherein: Figure 1 shows, in scale, a set of the scoreboard according to the invention; Figure 2 illustrates, in scale, a second view of the set of Figure 1; and Figure 3 has, in scale, a second set of the scoreboard according to the invention.

[0013] In the present document, the measurements, values, shapes and geometrical references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism), when associated to words such as "about" or other similar terms such as "approximately" or "substantially", are to be meant as excluding measurement errors or inaccuracies due to production and / or manufacturing errors and, above all, excluding a slight deviation from the value, measurement, shape or geometrical reference thereto it is associated. For example, such terms, if associated to a value, preferably designate a deviation not higher than 10% of the value itself.

[0014] Moreover, when used, terms such as "first", "second", "higher", "lower", "main" and "secondary" do not identify necessarily an order, a relation priority or relative position, but they can be simply used to distinguish more clearly components different from each other.

[0015] Unless otherwise designated, "perpendicular", "transversal", "parallel" or "normal" or other terms of geometric positioning between geometric elements (for example axes, directions and straight lines) are to be meant with reference to their mutual geometric position between the corresponding projections. Said projections are defined on one single plane parallel to the one(s) in which said geometric elements lie.

[0016] The measurements and data reported in the present text are to be considered, unless otherwise indicated, as performed under International Standard Atmosphere ICAO (ISO 2533:1975).

[0017] Unless otherwise specified, as it results from the following discussions, it is considered that terms such as "treatment", "computer science", "determination", "calculation", or the like, relate to the action and / or processes of a computer or similar electronic calculation device which manipulates and / or transforms data represented as physical data, such as electronic quantities of registers of a computer system and / or memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within computer systems, registers or other devices for storing, transmitting or displaying information.

[0018] With reference to the Figures, the scoreboard according to the invention is designated as a whole with number 1 .

[0019] It is configured to represent the score of a match between two teams (it is specified that in this document the term team identifies, for sake of simplicity and clarity of exposition, both a team formed by several players and a team formed by one single player) and the regulation of the players on the field.

[0020] The scoreboard 1 is configured to represent the score of a sport divided into sets, that is divided into fractions and the victory is determined by the number of won fractions such as, for example, tennis or volleyball.

[0021] Consequently, the sport has a match score identifying the number of sets won by each team and a set score that is the score of one set. For example, in case of sport with set divided into games (for example tennis) the set score identifies the number of games won by each team; whereas in case of sport with set not divided into games (for example volleyball or table tennis) the set score identifies the points won by each team in one set.

[0022] It is highlighted that in case of sport with set divided into games, the sport provides also a game score identifying the points won by each team in one game. Preferably, it is configured to represent the score of a tennis match and then it provides match score, set score and game score.

[0023] Moreover, the sport provides a playing field (hereinafter simply field) divided into portions each one thereof manned at least in a majority and preferably exclusive manner by one team. In particular, each game portion can be divided into sub-portions.

[0024] The scoreboard 1 comprises at least a screen 2 .

[0025] Each screen 2 defines a representation surface divided into, preferably exactly, six sectors 21 .

[0026] The sectors 21 are arranged in a table and precisely on two rows and three columns. Then, three sectors in a first row and other three sectors in the second row, overlying the sectors of the first row along a direction parallel to the representation surface, can be identified.

[0027] The scoreboard 1 comprises a control card 3 of at least a screen 2. The card 3 is in data connection with the screen 2.

[0028] The control card 3 comprises a scoring rule database for each sport so as to allow to calculate the score variation of match, set and, if present, game for each assigned point.

[0029] Said rule database can include even the rules for varying the field portion and / or the rules for detecting the first team, that is which one of the teams starts to play the point and then starts the sporting activity for assigning the point.

[0030] The card 3 is configured to command the activation of the screen 2 and in particular a discretized activation of the sectors 21, that is to activate and command the various sectors independently from each other.

[0031] Said discretized activation of the sectors 21 advantageously allows to define a first screenshot representing first information, a second screenshot representing second information and optionally a third screenshot representing third information. Preferably, in the first screenshot the sectors 21 of a first column show the first team and optionally which player of the first team starts the point; the sectors 21 of a second column show the game score and then the number of sets won by each team (that is in the first row the sets won by a team and in the second row the sets won by the other team). In particular the sectors 21 of a second column the starting score of a set and in particular of a game (that is of 0 to 0); the sectors 21 of a third column show the field portion of each team (that is in the first row the field portion of a team and in the second row the field portion of the other team).

[0032] In the second screenshot the sectors 21 of the columns show at least the set score of the teams (that is in the first row the set score of a team and in the second row the set score of the other team). Suitably in case the sport provides a game score and then the set score defines the number of won games in one set; in the second screenshot the sectors 21 of the first and second column show said game score of the teams and the sectors 21 of the third column identify the set score of the teams.

[0033] In the possible third screenshot the sectors 21 of each column represent the set score of each set.

[0034] Additionally, the card 3 can be configured to command the de-activation of the screen 2 after a playing time elapsed since the last point was assigned (said assignment is described below).

[0035] Moreover, the card 3 can be configured to regulate the brightness of the screen.

[0036] In detail, it can comprise a twilight sensor configured to detect the amount of light present in an environment (for example the playing field) and then it can be configured to regulate the brightness of the screen depending upon said amount of light.

[0037] Additionally or alternatively, the card can regulate the brightness of the screen depending upon the power supply unit introduced below. For example, if the scoreboard 1 is battery powered, the card 3 commands a first brightness, if it is mains powered the card 3 commands a second brightness that is greater than the first one.

[0038] The scoreboard 1 comprises interface means 4 in data connection with the control card 3.

[0039] The interface means 4 is configured to command the assignment of the points won by each team. Thus, they can comprise a first command 41 for assigning points to a team and a second command 42 for assigning points to the other team.

[0040] The interface means 4 can include a supplementary command 43 .

[0041] The supplementary command 43 can be configured to command to the card 3 a screenshot variation and then to the screen 2 to reproduce the first, the second or, if provided, the third screenshot. Then, they select the screenshot.

[0042] Alternatively or additionally, the supplementary command 43 can be configured to define the first team and / or the field portion of each team and / or in case player of the first team starting the point.

[0043] Moreover, the interface means 4 can also comprise an additional command 44 for cancelling the erroneously assigned point.

[0044] In some cases, the interface means 4 can include even a selection command 45 configured to select the game and then the scoring rule in said rule database.

[0045] At last, the interface means 4 can include even a switching-on button, for simplicity not represented in figure, configured to command the switching-on of the scoreboard 1.

[0046] The scoreboard 1 can comprise a support 5 thereto control card 3 and screen 2 are constrained.

[0047] The support 5 can comprise a carter 51 defining a housing for card 3 and screen 2 by leaving in sight the representation surface and then the sectors 21.

[0048] The support 5 can comprise a base for sustaining the carter 51 and then at least card 3 and screen 2.

[0049] The base can be configured to constrain the carter 51 to an external body. For example, it can comprise means for anchoring the carter 51 to an external body (such as a wall) or a tripod or other similar instrument configured to rest the carter 51 to a resting surface such as a flooring.

[0050] Alternatively, the support 5 can be worn and then the base can be configured to constrain the carter 51 to a user such as for example a player. The base can thus comprise for example a constraint wrist strap.

[0051] In some cases the interface is constrained to the support 5 and in particular to the carter 51 so as to have the whole scoreboard 1 identified by only one device. Alternatively or additionally, the scoreboard 1 comprises at least a supplementary support 6 distinct from said support 5 and thereto an interface 4 is constrained. Preferably it comprises a supplementary support 6 for each interface 4. Consequently, the scoreboard 1 provides a first device 1a consisting of support 5, card 3, screen 2 and optionally means 4; and one or more second devices 1b each one thereof consisting of supplementary support 6 and means 4.

[0052] The supplementary support 6 can comprise a supplementary carter 61 thereto the interface means 4 is constrained; and a supplementary base 62 for sustaining the supplementary carter 61.

[0053] Preferably, the supplementary support 6 can be worn and then the supplementary base 62 can be configured to constrain the supplementary carter 61 to a user such as for example a player. The supplementary base 62 then can comprise for example a constraint wrist strap.

[0054] The scoreboard 1 can comprise at least a signaller 7 configured to emit a signal when each point is assigned.

[0055] The signaller 7 can be integrated in the support 5 and / or in the supplementary support 6.

[0056] The signaller 7 can be haptic and then it can perform an haptic emission that is it can emit a vibration. Alternatively or additionally it can be acoustic and / or optical and then it can perform an acoustic and / or optical emission.

[0057] The scoreboard 1 can comprise a connector 8 configured to put in data connection, preferably wirelessly, the card 3 and an external device.

[0058] The card 3 is then capable of transferring to an external device information such as for example the match score, the set score and / or the game score.

[0059] Said external device can be a remote server or a smartphone.

[0060] The scoreboard 1 can also comprise at least a power supply unit, such as a battery, of the scoreboard itself, in particular it can comprise a power supply unit for the first device 1a and a power supply unit for each second device 1b.

[0061] Said power supply unit, alternatively or additionally, can comprise means for connecting to an external power supply.

[0062] The operation of the scoreboard 1 described previously in structural terms is the following.

[0063] At first, the first device 1a and then the support 5, for example, are rested onto the ground through a tripod (that is the base) or they are placed on the sidelines and for example anchored to a wall or a net. Then at least a player wears a second device 1b provided with interface means 4.

[0064] As first thing, through the selection command 45 he / she selects the game and the scoring rule and subsequently uses the supplementary command 43 with which he / she selects the first team and / or the field portion of each team.

[0065] In this moment the point is started. Once the point is concluded, a user can easily assign the point by pressing the first command 41 or the second command 42.

[0066] It is highlighted that at the end of a game and then before starting each game the card 3 can command, suitably automatically, to put on video the first screenshot so as to display the arrangement of the teams and the first team. From the assignment of the first point until the conclusion of the game, the card 3 can command, suitably automatically, to put on video the second screenshot.

[0067] Preferably, once assigned one first point the card 3 can allow only to pass between the second and the third screenshot. Consequently, the first screenshot is then accessible only between the end of the game and the assignment of the first point. Moreover, during the match a user can access to the various pieces of information of the match and in particular to the various scores by simply acting on the supplementary command 43 thus selecting the screenshot.

[0068] The scoreboard 1 according to the invention achieves important advantages.

[0069] In fact, the scoreboard 1, thanks to the new division of the screen 2 into six sectors 21 and to the particular screenshots, allows to reduce the number of information to be represented in six by having all pieces of information required to play and to understand the state of the game by simply switching between the various screenshots.

[0070] In fact, the scoreboard allows to keep trace, in a simple and practical manner, of which one is the first team of each point and / or the field portion of each team. Such aspect is accentuated in case of first device 1a and second device 1b which also allows the single player to assign the points quickly.

[0071] Another advantage is the simplicity in installing the scoreboard 1.

[0072] An additional advantage is represented by the fact that the scoreboard 1, since it is capable of exchanging data with an external device (for example a remote server re) 11), allows to update quickly game statistics and scores by making accessible such pieces of information even to other entities of third parties as managers of the Playtomic ®< -like field reservations.

[0073] The invention may be subject to variants within the inventive concept defined by the claims. Within such scope all details can be replaced by equivalent elements and the materials, the shapes and the sizes can be any

Claims

1. A scoreboard (1) for two-team sport, said sport providing - a match score identifying the number of said sets won by said teams and - a set score; said scoreboard (1) being characterized in that it comprises - at least a screen (2) each one thereof defining a representation surface divided into six sectors (21); said sectors (21) being arranged on two rows and in three columns; wherein each one of said rows is associated to one of said teams; - a control card (3) of said screen (2); said control card (3) being configured to command a discretized activation of said sectors (21) by defining ∘ a first screenshot wherein ▪ said sectors (21) of a first one of said columns show which one of said teams starts the point, ▪ said sectors (21) of a second one of said columns show said match score and ▪ said sectors (21) of a third one of said columns show the field portion of each one of said teams; ∘ a second screenshot wherein ▪ said sectors (21) of said columns show said set score of said teams.

2. The scoreboard (1) according to claim 1, wherein said sport provides a game score and said set score defines the number of won games in said set; wherein in said second screenshot said sectors (21) of said first column and said second column show said game score of said teams; and wherein in said second screenshot said sectors (21) of said third column identify said set score of said teams.

3. The scoreboard (1) according at least to the preceding claim, wherein the control card (3) defines a third screenshot wherein said sectors (21) of each one of said columns represents the set score of each said set.

4. The scoreboard (1) according at least to a preceding claim, comprising interface means (4) in data connection with said control card (3).

5. The scoreboard (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said interface means (4) is configured to command to said control card (3) a screenshot variation of said screen (2).

6. The scoreboard (1) according at least to claim 4-5, wherein said interface means (4) is configured to command the point assignment.

7. The scoreboard (1) according at least to claim 4-6, comprising a support (5) thereto said control card and said screen are constrained.

8. The scoreboard (1) according to claim 7, wherein said interface means (4) is constrained to said support (5) and wherein said support (5) can be worn.

9. The scoreboard (1) according at least to claim 4-6, comprising a supplementary support (6) distinct from said support (5) and thereto said interface means (4) is constrained; wherein said supplementary support (6) can be worn; and wherein said interface means (4) is in wireless connection with said control card (3).

10. The scoreboard (1) according at least to a preceding claim, wherein in said first screenshot said sectors (21) of said second one of said columns show a score of 0 to 0.

Images