Lidar Goal Line Detection System Using Backscattered Laser Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current goal line detection technologies are costly, require modifications to the goal cage, are sensitive to climatic and lighting conditions, and cannot accurately detect partial or complete goal line crossings without additional equipment or material installations.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing at least one lidar scanning a vertical plane behind the goal line with a laser beam, processing signals to detect the presence and position of a ball relative to the goal line, which is insensitive to environmental conditions and does not require modifications to the goal cage or additional equipment, using a processing unit to determine if the ball has crossed the goal line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If stereovision or magnetic field technologies are used, then goal line detection accuracy is improved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from complex multi-camera or magnetic field systems and implements it using a single lidar device positioned behind the goal line, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/video-based detection systems with optical laser-based lidar technology, enabling more precise and reliable goal line detection through time-of-flight measurements rather than image processing
2Reliability
If magnetic field sensors are embedded in the goal cage, then detection capability is improved, but installation complexity and field modification requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing sensors in the goal cage as conventional systems do, the patent inverts the approach by positioning the lidar behind the goal line, eliminating the need for goal cage modifications while maintaining detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The lidar system uses the natural backscatter of light from the ball itself to detect goal line crossings, requiring no additional sensors or modifications to the ball or goal structure
3Loss of information
If video cameras are used for detection, then visual information is captured, but sensitivity to lighting and climatic conditions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive optical video cameras with active laser-based lidar systems that emit their own light source, making detection independent of ambient lighting conditions and significantly reducing sensitivity to environmental factors
Solution Approach 2:
The lidar system uses periodic laser pulse emission with precise timing measurements to detect ball position, creating a robust detection method that is unaffected by continuous environmental variations in lighting or weather
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides an affordable, reliable, and accurate method for detecting complete or partial goal line crossings, applicable to various sports, with high scanning frequencies and multiple lidars enhancing robustness and accuracy, and can be integrated with cameras for additional scene information.
Implementation Method 1
When the laser beam encounters an obstacle, it is backscattered into one or more return beams by said obstacle
Implementation Method 2
The lidar emits a laser beam scanning the detection plane. When the laser beam encounters an obstacle, it is backscattered into one or more return beams by said obstacle. At least part of the backscattered signals are sent back to the lidar and then processed by the processing unit so as to detect the presence and the position of an obstacle in the detection zone
Data Source
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for detecting the crossing of a goal line (3) of a goal frame (1) by a ball, a vertical goal line plane (P) being defined from a rear edge of the goal line (3). The system comprises: - a lidar (4) arranged to scan, by means of a laser beam (L) and according to a rotation movement, a detection plane (P1) arranged behind the goal and parallel to the goal line plane (P), said detection plane being separated from the goal line plane by a distance (d) smaller than the diameter (D) of the ball, said lidar generating a measurement signal, and - a processing unit (5) for processing said measurement signal so as to detect the presence of a ball inside a zone (D1) of the detection plane and to determine the position of the ball relative to the goal line.