Smart volleyball antenna

Abstract

The invention relates to a volleyball antenna that integrates micro-cameras and a micro-computer with a touch screen, providing referees with the ability to view difficult and controversial phases in replay, having the goal of making accurate and correct decisions during the match.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Smart Volleyball Antenna

[0003] The present, invention pertains to the antenna used in volleyball matches., always in pairs, marking the imaginary vertical boundaries within which the ball is allowed to pass over the net during the game (diagram 1 ). The specifications of the antenna are defined by the International Volleyball Federation (FiVB).

[0004] In recent years., in volleyball-as in most sports-the need for controlling difficult phases using technical means has arisen. The solution adopted in volleyball Involves the placement of cameras-usually 12 to 20-around the playing area at predetermined points to record the phases. These are controlled by operators who communicate with the referees when a disputed phase occurs. This system (video challenge) has a very high cost of use due to the expensive equipment, the operators, and the personnel who set it up a few hours before the match. As a result., it is only used in major national or international competitions (championship finals, Olympic Games, etc.). However, disputed phases and the need for fair decisions by referees exist in all matches, regardless of category or significance.

[0005] The subject of the present invention is the integration of small-sized cameras (micro>cameras) into the volleyball antenna. The operation of the system is handled by the two referees (first and second), depending on the phases that fall under each one's jurisdiction, when a controversial phase arises. Each smart antenna carries a total of six micro-cameras (diagram 5, points C1 to C6) connected to a micro-computer with a touch screen, referred to in the diagrams as the Referee Screen (points RS, diagrams 3, 4, 5) as It is the control and interaction point for the referee with the smart antenna. The micro-computer provides control of the cameras and replay capabilities of the recorded phases.

[0006] The environment in which the smart antenna is installed and operates (volleyball court) is entirely controlled, with all elements known and measurable (diagram 1 ). We know the court’s dimensions, the width of the lines, the height of the net, the length of the antenna, the distance between the antennas, the number of players, the dimensions of the ball, etc. All these elements are known, stable, and already recorded in corresponding software variables, except for the height of the net. This is selected by the referees before the start of the match, as the rules specify different heights for men's matches (243 cm) and women’s matches (224 cm). Corresponding provisions exist in the rules for matches of other leagues for younger ages, (n each case, the referees select the type of match (men’s, women's, etc.), and the corresponding software variable is automatically updated with the correct value.

[0007] This allows us to know the exact height of each micro-camera. For example, in a men's match, the C1 camera (diagrams 3, 4, 5) has a height of 243 * 40 ® 283 cm, which results from the height of the men’s net (243 cm) plus 40 cm, which is the distance of C1 from the top of the net, as noted on page 4, where C1 is in the middle of the upper part of the antenna, which protrudes from the net and is 80 cm long. The heights of the C2 and C3 cameras are calculated in the same way (diagrams 3, 4, 5). Here it is 243 - 50 = 193 cm, meaning the height of the net minus 50 cm, which is the distance of the C2 and C3 cameras from the top of the net, as the side fins of the smart antenna are 100 cm long and the C2 and C3 cameras are positioned in the middle of the fins. The height calculation for the C4, C.5, and C6 cameras is easier. The C4 and C5 cameras have a height equal to the height of the net, as they are located on the top wire rope of the net. For the C6 camera, in the same example, the height is 243 - 100 = 143 cm, as it is placed at the lowest part of the net. As can be understood, the software of the microcomputer, having all the above data, can perform distance measurements or object detection (e.g., the ball) and add a layer with auxiliary indications and markings to each video replay. This is an additional distinct option in the software that the referee can recall whenever they find that the simple video replay does not help them make the right decision. Compared to the simple video replay option, this enhanced option is considered advanced video replay and is a separate option in the software. The advantage of the invention is that it provides the capability for video challenge in all matches, regardless of category, at a significantly lower cost than current systems, as no additional equipment is required. The cameras are integrated into the antennas, which are essential elements of the sport (necessary for conducting a match). The camera operation does not require additional personnel, as it is done by the referees themselves.

[0008] The current antenna (diagram 2) consists of two parts. The first part is placed on the net and is 100 cm long (the same length as the net). The width of the net, 5cm, is the same as the width of the court lines (diagram 1 ) and serves as a sleeve in which the antenna is encased. The second part is the main antenna, 180cm long, painted in 10cm stripes, usually in alternating white and red colors. One meter (100cm) of this is within the sleeve, while the remaining 80cm extends above the net, The smart antenna, on the other hand, is a single and compact construction, compliant with regulations, combining the previously separate two parts of the antenna into one solid piece. The upper section, the 80cm that protrudes above the net, incorporates a micro-camera (diagram 3, point C1 ) positioned in the middle, facing the opposite antenna to monitor activities that occur above the net (e.g., attacks, blocks, etc.). Continuation of this upper section is the lower section, 100cm long, consisting of two fins (diagram 5) made of the same material, which wrap around the net and connect to each other, stabilizing the single smart antenna at the correct position on the net throughout the match.

[0009] Each of the fins has a micro-camera in its middle (diagram 5, points C2, C3) that monitors the phases occurring along the sidelines. At the two ends of this lower section (100cm), there are two cables extending towards the net post (diagram 5). The upper cable is supported by the upper wire rope of the net and has two micro-cameras positioned (diagram 5, points C4, C5) at a forty-five-degree (45° ) angle to the net and 20cm away from the post, capturing a panoramic view of each side of the court. The cable ends at the micro-computer with the touch screen (diagram 5, point RS),

[0010] The lower cable is supported by the lower wire rope of the net and has a micro-camera (diagram 5, point C6), positioned 20cm away from the post, which monitors the phases that occur along the centerline of the court, below the net. Both cables are stabilized on the wire ropes of the net using adhesive tape.

[0011] During the match, the antennas record all phases, storing the respective files in the storage space of the micro-computer that each antenna carries, in the event of a disputed play, the coach can request a review for a specific violation (e.g.whether the ball was in or out), and the responsible referee - or both referees - selects the replay of the footage from the micro-cameras via the screen (RS) to correct or confirm the initial decision.

[0012] In cases where the referee can’t decide with the naked eye, they can choose the advanced video replay option, which provides additional useful information, measurements, and markings to achieve the best, possible depiction of the disputed play. In the rare case where even the advanced video replay does not help the referee, then they whistle for a replay of the phase, a phenomenon still quite common today.

Claims

CLAIMS 1 A volleyball antenna characterised by the fact that it incorporates micro-cameras and a micro-computer with a touch screen, which are interconnected to record the phases of the match in video files, allowing referees to recall in replay (video replay) to form a more accurate opinion and make the correct decision. This antenna is constructed -applying the regulations for the dimensions of the antenna, as defined by the International Volleyball Federation- as a single compact unit,, consisting of the upper cylindrical part, which has a micro-camera in the middle, and the lower part, forming two fins, each of which has a micro-camera in the middle. These fins are joined together with reusable adhesive tapes and feature two cable extensions with integrated micro-cameras, The lower extension has one micro-camera, while the upper extension has two micro-cameras and leads to the micro-computer with the touch screen.