CN101616718A - Sports officiating simulation device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention discloses the device that is used to simulate the sports officiating experience.Described device comprises the medium that are used to show game content; Be used to receive first input unit of first input signal, wherein when receiving first input signal, stop temporarily or suspend showing game content; And be used to monitor the timer of the Preset Time section that shows game content.

Description

Sports Referee Simulator

technical field

The present invention relates to simulation devices, and more particularly to simulation devices that allow a user to act as a sports referee during a game.

Background technique

Each sport is governed by its own set of rules. During a sporting event, one or more persons called referees administer the game according to enforced rules. Sports at every level—elementary, middle school, high school, collegiate, amateur, and professional—require referees to keep games played safely and soundly. Referees who function in the games we love come from all walks of life and have different knowledge, abilities, skills and experience.

During a game, no matter the sport, spectators generally expect the referee in charge of a particular game to do a better job, make fewer mistakes and control the game in a more efficient manner. The frustration felt by the spectators is particularly strong if the referee makes an important decision and/or affects the outcome of the game. Sometimes referees perform so poorly that spectators think they can perform their duties better than referees who are trained and paid for their service.

The erratic performances seen by spectators, sometimes very poorly, can be attributed at least in part to the way referees learn their skills. The traditional way for referees to learn their skills is through learning the appropriate rules as well as experience and lessons gained on actual refereeing work. The learning curve for new referees is difficult because of the limited number of games that referees can serve each season, and it takes a long time for new referees to become proficient.

Due to the limited number of actual games played each season in which referees of a particular sport practice their skills and become proficient, there is a clear need for a device that can simulate the experience of sports refereeing that would enable referees to be commissioned through training in game-like conditions sport-specific abilities, and to understand and determine penalties in actual play. The present invention provides such a device. The present invention provides a device for sports referees to improve their skill level by simulating the situations and conditions they will encounter in actual games. By increasing the level of competence of sports referees, this invention improves the overall face of our beloved sport.

Contents of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device capable of generating simulated experiences of sports referees and others that allows sports referees to enhance and/or improve refereeing skills without having to officiate an actual game.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device that facilitates learning the rules of a particular sport, such a device being particularly useful for persons who have no or limited access to a particular sport and wish to learn more about that sport or how it is played.

Detailed ways

The term "referee" as used herein refers to a person who administers the game and enforces the rules during a game (such as a football game, basketball game, baseball game, hockey game, soccer game, boxing game, rugby game, etc.) . The terms "referee", "judge", "sports referee", etc. are considered synonymous with the term "referee".

The term "foul" as used herein refers to a violation of the rules in a particular game. Terms such as "violation", "violation" are synonymous with the term "foul".

The term device is used herein to refer to a "computing system" or other system that operates in a manner similar to a computer or device having a processor or memory capable of performing the described simulations. The term personal computing device includes various models made by manufacturers such as, but not limited to, Dell computers, Gateway computers, Apple computers, etc., and also includes electronic game consoles, such as Microsoft Corporation's X-Box, Sony Corporation's Playstation, Sony Corporation's PSP , Nintendo's Gameboy, etc. Another example of a suitable personal computing device is a television with a set-top box or TiVo. The term "computing system" as used herein includes telephones, especially mobile and cellular telephones.

As used herein, the term "display" includes displaying video, graphics and/or generating audio content. Video content can be displayed on a screen, such as a TV screen, computer screen, etc. Audio content can be presented through one or more speakers, as well as simultaneously with video content displayed on the screen.

The present invention is an apparatus for simulating the experience of a sports referee comprising (a) a medium on which game content is displayed and (b) a first input device capable of receiving a first input signal.

According to the invention, the inventive device includes media on which game content can be displayed. The media may be visual media such as a screen, audio media such as speakers, and the like.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, game content is recorded from previously played sports games. Game content can be from any sport, such as but not limited to football games, basketball games, baseball games, hockey games, soccer games, boxing games, tennis games, etc. Competition content can come from any level of the sport, including minor league, high school, collegiate or professional play.

It is envisioned that game content will be provided by an athletic league, such as the National Basketball Association, National Football Association, National Hockey League, American Football League, or through a collegiate association, such as the NCAA.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, multiple camera angles have been used to film a sports event providing content for the game. For example, the game content of a football game can be composed of cameras in one or more goal areas (i.e. goal area camera angles), cameras on one or more sidelines (i.e. sideline camera angles), cameras above the stadium (i.e. overhead camera angles) ) cameras, etc. Thus, in this embodiment, the camera angle of the displayed game content can be changed to give the user (who views the game content or uses the present invention a "user") a different vantage point. Display of game content is not limited to scenes from any particular camera angle.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the camera angles of the displayed game content may be changed during the simulation. For example, when a "camera angle change signal" such as a camera angle change from the goal area to the sideline camera angle is received, the camera angle of the displayed content changes. According to the present invention, the device includes a "camera angle change input device" to receive a camera angle change signal. The camera angle change input device may be the same as or different from the first input device.

The following is introduced for illustrative purposes. The device of the present invention displays game content on media from sideline camera angles. The device of the present invention receives a camera angle change signal that changes the camera angle of displayed visual content. For example, the game content being displayed is from the sideline camera angle, and the displayed game content is changed to the goal area camera angle when the camera angle change signal is received.

When game content is from a sporting event that has been played at some point in the past, the original content includes footage involving the referees serving the game. The effectiveness of the present invention may be reduced if referees in the original sporting competition are visible and/or have evidence of their participation during the present invention's display of game content. Thus, in a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the game content of the invention is edited prior to display to remove referees or evidence of their presence in the original sports game that would negatively affect the simulation. In this embodiment, the penalties made during the actual game and related activities (ie, raising flags, blowing whistles, administering penalties, etc.) are edited out of the game content and are not visible or perceptible when the game content is displayed.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, game content is edited to improve the simulation. For example, portions of the displayed content may be digitally enhanced to sharpen the video image or to scale up the video (so that athletes in the video content appear larger and make their movements more recognizable).

In accordance with the present invention, the inventive device stores and/or accesses game content in a number of ways. In a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus of the present invention receives game content transmitted from a server or similar equipment via the Internet or other means. A server or similar device may be located at the same location as the apparatus of the present invention or remote from the apparatus of the present invention. In this embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention receives the game content transmitted from the server or other devices, and the devices and methods known in the art are used to receive the game content.

There are various methods in the art for sending and receiving digital and analog signals. An example of a suitable data transmission system for transmitting and receiving game content is an on-demand system used by cable operators like Comcast Corporation. Another example of a suitable method is described in US Patent No. 5,130,792 issued to USA Video Corporation (Dallas, Texas).

In the embodiments described above, the device may display the game content immediately upon receipt, or store the game content for future display in a conventional manner.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the device of the invention stores game content. For example, game content is stored on a hard drive or similar device. Game content may originate from a server, disc or other device, and be subsequently transmitted and stored on the device of the present invention.

A subscription model can be used to grant access to a server or similar device and to regulate the transmission of game content from the server/other device. Internet-based subscription systems such as TiVo are well known in the art.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus of the present invention utilizes a digital video disc (DVD) or similar storage device to store game content. At the appropriate time, the device of the present invention reads the DVD and displays the game content.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the inventive apparatus uses a conventional digital video recorder (DVR) to store game content in digital form. When appropriate, the inventive device communicates with the DVR and displays game content. An example of a DVR system is described in US Patent No. 6,674,960 to Forgent Networks, Inc. (Austin, Texas).

According to the invention, the inventive device comprises first input means. When displaying game content, the first input device may receive a first input signal. When receiving the first input signal, the device of the present invention stops or pauses displaying the game content. The device of the present invention adopts devices and methods known in the art to receive the first input signal. The first input signal typically indicates that a foul has been observed.

The first input signal may be generated by a first input device, such as a keyboard, a joystick or other similar devices known in the art. In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the first input device is a whistle or other device capable of producing sound.

In the practice of the present invention, the various input and output devices mentioned herein may be connected using input/output connectors and ports known in the art. Various input/output devices may communicate with the device of the present invention by any suitable means, such as but not limited to wireless systems such as Bluetooth and cables.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the inventive device comprises a second input device capable of receiving a second input signal, which may be the same as or different from the first input device. The second input signal may be generated by a second input device. The second input signal can be generated and received using devices and methods known in the art.

The second input signal may be generated by a second input device, such as a keyboard, joystick or other similar device. The second input device may be the same or a different device than the first input device.

The second input signal typically indicates a specific foul. The term "specific foul" refers to, for example but not limited to, the type of foul, the offending player, etc. For example, types of fouls in a football game may include blocking fouls, tripping behind, pulling on an opponent's mask, rough handling of a passer, offside, and the like. For example, types of fouls in a basketball game may include double dribbles, blocking, charging, walking, and the like.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the second input device is a sensor capable of detecting and interpreting motion. For example, sensors can detect and interpret specific body movements. For example, if someone makes a physical movement related to a blocking foul in soccer, the sensor will interpret that movement accordingly and generate an appropriate signal.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, stopping or pausing display of game content until a first input signal is received may also be a second input signal. After receiving the input signal, displaying the game content is restarted. Ideally, the game content is displayed at the next point in the game so that there is a smooth transition from the point where the first input signal was received (a foul was observed). Displaying the game content continues until the device receives another first input signal or it is time to display the game content. The inventive device includes a timer for monitoring a preset time period for displaying game content and stopping the display when the time period expires.

Before starting to display the contest content, a time period for displaying the contest content is usually determined. In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the period of time is 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, etc. The time period may be the entire length of the game (ie from start to finish). There is no limit to the time period during which contest content is displayed.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the device of the invention comprises means for calculating a score. Scoring is calculated after the time period in which game content is displayed has expired. The scoring is based on evaluating the first input signal or the first and second input signals. Because the first and second input signals represent penalties made by the user during the relevant time period, actual penalties (i.e., those observed by the authority or institution rather than the user) were made in the game content displayed during the relevant time period. control to determine the proposed penalty), evaluate this information. The score may indicate the user's level of ability to officiate a particular game.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the calculated score is displayed on the media and/or is transmitted audibly after the time period expires and the score has been calculated.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, a score is generated based on (a) the number of correct decisions, (b) the number of erroneous decisions, and/or (c) the number of inappropriate decisions within a specified time period. A correct sentence as used herein is a punishment duly made. For a correct decision, two conditions must be met: (1) the foul did (approximately) appear in the displayed play content when the first input signal was received, and (2) the foul (e.g., blocking foul) was properly determined determined to be a blocking foul, not a mask foul).

"Correct judgment", "incorrect judgment" and "inappropriate judgment" are explained below. The basis and details of the fouls actually appearing in the displayed content refer to the judgment of authoritative persons or institutions.

In this example, the game content shown is from a football game and shows blocking fouls. The game content is displayed on the medium of the device of the present invention. A first input signal is received approximately by the first input device when a blocking foul occurs in the displayed game content. Therefore, the first condition for a correct decision is satisfied. A foul has approximately occurred when the first input signal is received.

Next, the second input device receives a second input signal indicating that the observed foul is a blocking foul. Both conditions for a correct call are met in this example because the foul is properly determined. If the second input signal does not indicate that a blocking foul was observed, both requirements for a correct call are not met. This would constitute improper judgment.

If approximately no foul occurs in what is displayed when the first input signal is received, the condition represents a wrong decision. When the first input signal is received, approximately no foul has occurred.

As used herein, an improper decision means that the first condition of a correct decision (ie, the approximate foul occurred when the first input signal was received) is met, while the second condition (a foul is properly identified) is not met. If the second input signal had indicated an action violation rather than a blocking foul, then the call is an improper call.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the device of the invention includes means for rewinding and replaying game content. Rewinding and replaying game content can be accomplished using equipment and techniques known in the art.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the apparatus of the invention includes means for accessing a database and the like containing rules for a particular sport (referred to herein as a rules database) using devices and techniques known in the art for retrieving the contents of databases. This allows retrieval of specific rules to be executed and displayed on the media. An example of a suitable system for storing and retrieving information is the server-based document editing and retrieval system known in the industry as the SABER system. The rules database can be stored and accessed in a manner similar to game content.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the rules database includes the rules of the National Football Association. In another embodiment, the rules database includes rules of the Virginia High School Football Athletic Association. In yet another embodiment, the rules database contains rules of the National Basketball Association.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the device of the invention comprises means using known equipment and techniques to access a database or similar system containing video content for appropriate tricks (trick database). This allows retrieval of specific tricks to be performed and displayed on the media. In a non-limiting example, the database or similar system contains video content illustrating appropriate techniques for adjudicating according to the rules of the National Football League.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the inventive device comprises means for accessing information on national or international referee regulations. The device of the present invention can access this information and display it on the media. In this embodiment, a database or similar system of refereeing charters for various sports nationally or globally is searchable. Based on user information, such as zip code or other information, the device can display contact information for sports refereeing charters in the desired region. In the same way, a person using the present invention who is interested in becoming a sports referee can be directed to a local sports referee organization in his area.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention utilizes one or more software programs or similar programs. Accordingly, apparatus of the present invention includes apparatus using such software. Software can be written to a DVD or other programmable device known in the art so that the software can be read and executed by the apparatus of the present invention. The device of the present invention is not limited to any particular computing platform, such as a personal computer using the Windows operating system, Sony's PSP, Microsoft's X-Box, and Nintendo's Gameboy. The device of the present invention can be any platform.

In accordance with the present invention, the inventive apparatus processes (transmits, receives, etc.) various input and output signals using devices and methods known in the art.

Apparatus for implementing the invention may include one or more video and/or graphics systems for receiving compressed and uncompressed graphics and video and for processing the received graphics and video into a displayable format. The graphics display system may be any system capable of processing video input signals, which may include, for example, NTSC, PAL and SECAM signals, or any other conventional type of analog signal. Digital signals can be decoded into MPEG signals or other formats of digital video output.

Suitable methods of processing audio and video signals are well known in the art. A suitable method is described in US Patent No. 6,728,312 to Forgent Networks Corporation.

While the content of the game is from a football match, we now describe the implementation of the present invention. In practicing the invention, the inventive device includes at least one screen on which game content is displayed. The content of the game is drawn from an earlier recorded football match, the original content of which has been edited so that the content of the game is shown without the markings or signs of the referee administering the actual game. At some point during the display of the game content, the first input means of the apparatus of the present invention receives a first input signal. The displayed game content then stops or pauses.

The first input signal indicates that a foul has been observed. Next, a second input signal indicative of the particular foul observed is received by the second input device. For example, the second input signal may indicate that the foul occurred is one of: blocking foul, back tripping, illegal procedure, mask foul, and the like.

After receiving the second input signal, displaying the game content resumes after the point at which the first input signal was received. The device of the present invention continues to display the game content until another first input signal is received or the display time period expires. The inventive device calculates and displays a score at the point at which the time period expires.

If another first input signal is received before the time period for displaying the game content expires, the inventive device repeats the process described above upon receipt of the first input signal.

The present invention also includes a system having the above described means and other means such as a first input device and a second input device.

While the content of the game is from a basketball game, we now describe the implementation of the present invention. In practicing the invention, the inventive device includes at least one screen on which game content is displayed. The content of the game is from an earlier recorded basketball game, the original game content has been edited to display the content of the game without the markings or signs of the officials administering the actual game. At some point during the display of the game content, the first input means of the apparatus of the present invention receives a first input signal. The displayed game content then stops or pauses.

The first input signal indicates that a foul has been observed. In a next step, the second input means of the apparatus of the present invention receives a second input signal indicative of the particular foul observed. For example, the second input signal may indicate that the foul that occurred was one of: double dribble, walking foul, blocking foul, charge and the like.

After receiving the second input signal, displaying the game content resumes after the point at which the first input signal was received. The device of the present invention continues to display the game content until another first input signal is received or the display time period expires. The inventive device calculates and displays a score at the point at which the time period expires.

If another first input signal is received before the time period for displaying the game content expires, the inventive device repeats the process described above upon receipt of the first input signal.

The device of the present invention can be used as a simulator or training tool for referees and aspiring referees of all levels. The present invention also provides referees and aspiring referees with the opportunity to test their knowledge and mastery of the rules of a particular sport. The device of the present invention can also be used to introduce a person unfamiliar with a sport to the rules of that sport and possibly develop it into a lifelong fan.

Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed in the foregoing specification. Such modifications are considered to be included within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the particular embodiments detailed above are illustrative only and not limiting of the scope of the invention as fully defined by the claims and any and all equivalents thereof.

Claims (18)

1, be used to simulate the device of sports officiating experience, this device comprises:

(a) be used to show the medium of game content;

(b) be used to receive first input unit of first input signal, wherein when receiving first input signal, stop temporarily or suspend showing game content; And

(c) be used to monitor the timer of the Preset Time section that shows game content.

2, device according to claim 1, wherein athletic competition record game content from carrying out in the early time.

3, device according to claim 2, wherein game content is from football match, Basketball Match, baseball game, hockey tournament or Association football match.

4, device according to claim 1, wherein first input signal is produced by first input equipment.

5, device according to claim 1, wherein foul has been observed in the indication of first input signal in game content.

6, device according to claim 1 further comprises second input unit that is used to receive second input signal.

7, device according to claim 6, wherein second input signal representative observed concrete foul in shown game content.

8, device according to claim 6, wherein second input signal is produced by second input equipment.

9, device according to claim 1 further comprises camera angle change input unit.

10, device according to claim 2, thereby any judge that the shown game content deletion of its inediting occurs in real racetrack.

11, device according to claim 1 further comprises being used for by the device of internet reception from the content of server or similar devices.

12, device according to claim 1 further comprises the device that is used to count the score.

13, device according to claim 1 further comprises the device that is used to retrieve and show information.

14, device according to claim 13, wherein said information are specific rules.

15, device according to claim 13, wherein said information are specific skills.

16, device according to claim 13, wherein said information are specific judge's tissues.

17, device according to claim 13, wherein said information are any combinations of specific rule, specific skill and specific judge's tissue.

18, device according to claim 1, wherein this device is selected from computer, electronic game machine and phone.