Smart Volleyball Antenna

Abstract

The present invention relates to a volleyball antenna integrating a microcamera and a microcomputer with a touchscreen, the goal of which this volleyball antenna provides referees with the ability to replay and review difficult and controversial situations, thereby enabling them to make highly accurate and precise decisions during a match.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an antenna that is always used in pairs in volleyball games. This antenna indicates a virtual vertical boundary line that allows the ball to pass over the net during the game (Figure 1). The specifications of the antenna are defined by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB).

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in volleyball - as in most sports - there has been a need to control difficult situations using technical means. The solution adopted in volleyball involves the placement of cameras (usually 12 to 20) at predetermined points around the playing area to record the situation. These are controlled by an operator who communicates with the referee when a controversial situation occurs. This system (video challenge) is very costly to use due to the expensive equipment, the operator, and the personnel required to install it several hours before the game. As a result, it is only used in major domestic or international tournaments (final championships, Olympics, etc.). However, the need for controversial situations and fair decisions by the referee exists in all games, regardless of category or importance.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] The subject of the present invention is the integration of a small camera (micro camera) into a volleyball antenna. The operation of the system is handled by two referees (first and second) based on the situations belonging to the jurisdiction of each referee when a controversial situation occurs.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] Each smart antenna holds a total of six microcameras (Figure 5, points C1-C6), which are connected to a microcomputer with a touchscreen. This touchscreen is the control and interaction point for the referee with the smart antenna, and is therefore referred to as the referee screen (point RS, Figures 3, 4, and 5) in the diagram. The microcomputer provides camera control and playback functions for recorded scenes.

[0005] The smart antenna is installed, and the environment in which it operates (volleyball court) is fully controlled, with all elements known and measurable (Figure 1). We know the dimensions of the court, 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 of these elements are known, stable, and already recorded in the corresponding software variables, except for the net height. The net height is selected by the referee before the start of the match, as the rules specify different heights for men's matches (243 cm) and women's matches (224 cm). The corresponding regulations exist in the rules for matches in other leagues for even younger age groups. In any case, the referee selects the type of match (men's, women's, etc.), and the corresponding software variables are automatically updated to the correct values.

[0006] This allows us to know the exact height of each microcamera. For example, in a men's match, the height of camera C1 (Figures 3, 4, 5) is 243 + 40 = 283 cm, which is obtained by adding 40 cm (the distance of C1 from the top of the net) to the height of the men's net (243 cm), as noted on page 4 (C1 is at the center of the top of an antenna that protrudes from the net and is 80 cm long). The heights of cameras C2 and C3 are calculated in a similar manner (Figures 3, 4, 5). Here, it is 243 - 50 = 193 cm, which means subtracting 50 cm (the distance of cameras C2 and C3 from the top of the net) from the height of the net. This is because the length of the side fins of the smart antenna is 100 cm, and cameras C2 and C3 are located at the center of the fins. Calculating the heights of cameras C4, C5, and C6 is even simpler. Cameras C4 and C5 are positioned on the wire rope at the top of the net, and therefore have a height equal to the height of the net. In the same example, camera C6 is positioned at the bottom of the net, and therefore has a height of 243-100=143cm.

[0007] To make it understandable, the microcomputer software possessing all of the above data may perform distance measurement or object detection (e.g., a ball) and add a layer with auxiliary displays and markings to each video playback. This is an additional, separate option in the software and can be invoked whenever the referee determines that simple video playback is not helpful in making the correct decision. Compared to the simple video playback option, this improved option is considered an advanced video playback and is a separate option in the software. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The advantage of this invention is that it provides video challenge functionality for all matches, regardless of category, at a significantly lower cost than current systems, as no additional equipment is required. The camera is integrated into the antenna, which is an essential element of the sport (necessary for conducting a match). Camera operation is performed by the referee themselves, thus requiring no additional personnel. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the dimensions of each element of a volleyball court. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a photograph of the current antenna. [Figure 3] Figures 3 to 5 are schematic diagrams showing the arrangement of the microcamera and referee screen in the volleyball antenna of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figures 3 to 5 are schematic diagrams showing the arrangement of the microcamera and referee screen in the volleyball antenna of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figures 3 to 5 are schematic diagrams showing the arrangement of the microcamera and referee screen in the volleyball antenna of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The current antenna (Figure 2) consists of two parts. The first part is positioned on the net and is 100 cm long (the same length as the net). The width of the net (5 cm) is the same as the width of the court line (Figure 1) and functions as a sleeve into which the antenna can be placed. The second part is the main antenna, which is 180 cm long and is usually painted with alternating white and red stripes 10 cm wide. Of this, 1 meter (100 cm) is inside the sleeve, and the remaining 80 cm extends above the net.

[0011] On the other hand, the smart antenna is a single, compact structure that complies with regulations, combining two previously separate antenna parts into a single solid component. The upper section (80 cm protruding above the net) incorporates a micro-camera (Figure 3, point C1), which is centrally located and faces the opposite antenna to monitor activities occurring above the net (e.g., attacks, blocks). Following this upper section is the lower section, which is 100 cm long and consists of two fins (Figure 5) made of the same material that wrap around the net and connect to each other, stabilizing the single smart antenna in the correct position on the net throughout the match.

[0012] Each fin has a micro-camera (Figure 5, points C2, C3) at its center to monitor the action occurring along the sidelines. At the two ends of this lower section (100 cm) are two cables extending towards the net posts (Figure 5). The upper cable is supported by the net's upper wire rope and has two micro-cameras (Figure 5, points C4, C5), which are positioned at a 45-degree angle (45°) to the net and 20 cm away from the posts, capturing a panoramic view of each side of the court. The cable terminates at a microcomputer with a touchscreen (Figure 5, point RS).

[0013] The lower cable is supported by the lower wire rope of the net and has a micro-camera (Figure 5, point C6), which is positioned 20 cm away from the support post and monitors the action occurring along the center line of the court below the net. Both cables are stabilized on the net's wire rope using adhesive tape.

[0014] During the game, the antennas record every moment and store each file in the storage space of the microcomputer held by each antenna. In the case of a disputed play, the coach may request a review of the specific violation (e.g., whether the ball was in or out), and the umpire (or both umpires) may choose to play back the video from the microcamera via the screen (RS) to correct or confirm the initial decision.

[0015] If a referee cannot make a decision visually, they may opt for advanced video playback options that provide additional useful information, measurements, and markings to achieve the best possible depiction of the disputed play. In the rare cases where even advanced video playback is insufficient to assist the referee, they will blow the whistle to restart the play, which remains a very common occurrence even today.

Claims

[Claim 1] A volleyball antenna characterized by the fact that it incorporates a microcamera and a microcomputer with a touchscreen, the microcamera and the microcomputer with a touchscreen being interconnected to record game situations in video files, which referees can then recall (replay) to form more accurate opinions and make correct decisions. The antenna conforms to the regulations for antenna dimensions set forth by the International Volleyball Federation and is configured as a single compact unit, comprising an upper cylindrical section with a microcamera at its center and a lower section consisting of two fins, each fin having a microcamera at its center, forming the two aforementioned fins. These fins are joined together with reusable adhesive tape and feature two cable extensions integrating microcameras. The lower extension has one microcamera, while the upper extension has two microcameras and is connected to a microcomputer with a touchscreen.

Images