WO2008089504A1

WO2008089504A1 - Imaging systems and methods

Info

Publication number: WO2008089504A1
Application number: PCT/AU2007/000057
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lynton Barriball
Original assignee: TEN PIN PIX Pty Ltd
Current assignee: TEN PIN PIX Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2007-01-23
Filing date: 2007-01-23
Publication date: 2008-07-31
Anticipated expiration: 2009-07-23

Abstract

A sports activity system (10) for providing a memento (11) to a person undertaking a sports activity. The system (10) comprises a detector (14) and an imaging arrangement (18). The detector (14) is configured for detecting when an object (15) crosses a region (16) and the imaging arrangement (18) takes at least one image (20) in response to the detector (14) detecting the object (15).

Description

IMAGING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of imaging and, in one form to photography systems for sporting activities. In a particularly preferred form, the present invention relates to a ten pin bowling system for generating a memento, however it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to that use only. BACKGROUND ART

In sporting activities such as ten pin bowling and kayaking it is often desirable to provide people undertaking a sporting activity with a memento. For example in the case of ten pin bowling computer print outs are sometimes provided to patrons in the form of text based lists of bowling scores. These mementos are often discarded.

In the area of ten pin bowling in particular it would be advantageous to improve the entertainment provided during each game. Known methods of achieving this include visual displays when a person achieves a strike as well as the provision of illuminated lanes.

The discussion throughout this specification comes about due to the realisation of the inventors and/or the identification of certain prior art problems by the inventors.

Any discussion of documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention. It should not be taken as an admission that any of the material forms a part of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in the relevant art in Australia or elsewhere on or before the priority date of the disclosure and cfaims herein. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a sports activity system for generating an image, the system comprising: a detector configured for detecting when an object crosses a region; and an imaging arrangement for taking at least one image in response to the detector detecting the object.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a sports activity method for generating an image, the method comprising: detecting when an object crosses a region; and taking at least one image in response to detecting the object.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a ten- pin bowling system for generating an image, the system comprising: a detector for detecting a bowling ball crossing a path extending across a bowling lane; an imaging arrangement for taking at least one image of the bowling end of the bowling iane, in response to the detector detecting the bowling ball.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a detector arrangement wherein the detector comprises a sensor position to detect bowling balls travelling above the gutter at a particular location along a bowling lane.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a senor arrangement wherein the sensor is positioned in an area adjacent a gutter.]

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of taking an image comprising: sensing a bowling ball as the bowling ball moves along a bowling lane; and in response thereto taking an image.

Other aspects and preferred aspects are disclosed in the specification and/or defined in the appended claims, forming a part of the description of the invention. Preferred arrangements of the present invention have been found to result in a number of advantages, such as automatically capturing expected moments of action whereby persons participating in ten pin bowling are provided with a memento at the end of their game.

Preferred embodiments relating to horse jumping are able to provide spectators with images of their favourite riders jumping over particular jumps at particular moments in time. Preferred embodiments relating to kayaking are able to provide spectators with the ability to order images of close up action using suspended cameras over river courses.

Further preferred advantages of the present invention would be apparent to a person skilled in the art upon a reading of this specification as a whole. For example in one arrangement photographs include bowling scores and are provided in a themed format corresponding with the bowling establishment selling the photos. Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention wili become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. The present invention is expected to find wide application in a range of sporting activities. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further disclosure, objects, advantages and aspects of the present application may be better understood by those skilled in the relevant art by reference to the following description of preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and in which: Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a system according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is an illustrative top view the system shown in Figure 1 Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a system according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a perspective cut away view of a mounting arrangement according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a perspective cut away view of a mounting arrangement according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 6 is a block diagram of a method according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to Figure 1 there is shown a sports activity system 10 according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention. The sports activity system 10 is used in the provision a memento 11 to a person undertaking a sports activity, in the provision of the memento, an image 12 is captured of the person at an expected or predetermined moment in time.

The system 10 comprises a detector 14 and an imaging arrangement 18. The detector 14 is configured for detecting when an object 15 crosses a region 16, and the imaging arrangement 18 takes at least one image 20 in response to the detector 14 detecting the object 15.

With this arrangement the sports activity system 10 comprises a tenpin bowling system 22, schematically shown in Figure 2. In the system 22 the object 15 comprises a bowling ball 24 that is bowled by a person 25 along a bowling lane 27.

The detector 14 is provided in the form a light beam sensor 26 which forms part of a light beam unit 28. The light beam unit 28 further includes a light beam generator 30 and mirror 32. In operation the light beam generator 30 generates a light beam 31 that is directed onto the mirror 32 and reflected back towards the light beam sensor 26.

The tenpin bowling system 22 incfudes a transmission facility 34 for sending the image 20 taken to a bowling display unit 36 located adjacent the bowling end

38 of the bowling lane 27 and a generation facility 42 configured for printing the image 20, upon selection of the image 20 at a bowling console 44 located adjacent the bowling end 38 of the bowling lane 27, or nearby.

The imaging arrangement 18 is provided in the form of a unit 48 including a high quality digital camera 50. The imaging unit 18 is coupled to the light beam unit 28 such that when the bowling ball 24 crosses the light beam 31 provided by the light beam unit 28 the high quality digital camera 50 takes at least one image. In this embodiment only one image is taken, however in other embodiments images in the form of a video stream are taken using a high definition digital video camera.

In the case of bowling system 22 there is a slight delay between when the ball 24 crosses the light beam 31 and when the digital camera 50 takes the images. The delay is advantageously predetermined such that images are taken around the time that the bowling ball 24 has been released by the person 25.

This seeks to ensure that the person is likely to be captured in full follow through pose with the ball 24 also captured. As indicated above in particular embodiments there may be no delay. Further, multiple images may be taken in a video stream from the point at which or slightly after the bowling ball crosses the light beam 31. Thus, the system 22 advantageously allows for the generation of images of people undertaking the activity of ten pin bowling when, just moments after they have bowled the ball 24, In alternate embodiments the images are generated moments before or after the bowling ball knocks down the bowling pins located at the end of the bowling lane.

The camera 50 is placed at a prime location directed towards the bowling end 38 of the bowling lane 27 and the light beam unit 28 provides a triggering mechanism to trigger the camera 50 to capture a 'moment of action'. Although in this embodiment the camera 50 is suspended on the ceiling, in other advantageous embodiments the camera 50 is mounted on the wall.

The system 22 includes a transmission facility 52 in the form a wireless network for sending the images 20 to the bowling display unit 36 located above the bowling end 38 of the bowling lane 27. The transmission facility 52 is additionally adapted to send the images 20 to the bowling console 44 where the images 20 are made available for sale.

In this particular embodiment the images 20 are made available for sale using of an electronic transaction facility that attributes a sale value to the images and allows selection of one or more image with payment being made with cash or through an electronic funds transfer facility. A credit card facility is employed at the bowling console 44.

The generation facility 54 includes a colour printing arrangement 56 for printing an image sized and shaped to be inserted into a foldable card type mount of a predetermined size. The printing arrangement 56 is activated upon selection and payment of the image after which the mounted imaged can be collected from an attendant 58 at the main counter of the bowling establishment providing the bowling lane 27.

The transmission facility 52 operates on wireless technology whereby the light beam unit 28, imaging arrangement 48, console 44, display unit 36 are interconnected over a wireless network. Furthermore generation of the images 20 is advantageously integrated with the scoring system of the bowling lane 27 whereby a facility is provided whereby the colour printing arrangement 42 provides mounted mementos in the form of colour images of bowling action together with bowling scores and results. In another embodiment shown in Figure 3 there is provided a similar ten pin bowling lane system, that is system 60, which includes an Ethernet based transmission facility 62. In the system there are provided a sensor and reflector 64 mounted on a bowling lane. The sensor is electrically connected to a camera trigger box 66 connected to a digital camera 68. The digital camera 60 is mounted above a bowling lane and is connected via a USB extender arrangement 70 to a computer 72.

The computer 72 is connected to a first display device 74 that is mounted to a bowling console in front of a bowling lane, and another display device 76 located in an attended area 78. The attended area 78 is attended by a number of persons managing several bowling lanes

A point of sale terminal 80, located in attended area 78, is connected to the computer 72 and forms part of an electronic payment system. On confirmation of a sale the point of sale computer prints the image on a printer 82. The computers 72 and 80 and the printer 82 are connected via a network switch 84.

Advantageously the point of sale terminal 80 is connected to a number of detectors each mounted on respective bowling lanes in a bowling establishment.

Images when stored on the point of sale terminal 80 each correspond with a respective bowling lane. Several approaches for storing the images by bowling lane, and optionally playing order, are envisaged. One such approach is detailed below.

While the above embodiment relates to ten pin bowling other embodiments of the present invention relate to other sporting activities. For example one embodiment relates to the sport of show jumping in which is provided a system having sensors mounted on or near the jumps whereby different photographs are taken for touches, knockdowns and different jump heights.

The sensors may trigger cameras positioned at several predefined locations in show jumping arena. Images are preferably linked to the rider event numbers and the print outs are sold from mobile vans. Other embodiments relate to triathlons, marathons and other forms of athletics. Theses embodiment may have athlete triggers sensor mounted on finishing lines or other stages of particular course. Action photographs are preferably linked to athlete's event numbers and athlete numbers recorded on chips worn by the athletes. In one embodiment the sensors comprise RFID devices adapted to sense say RFID tags in the vicinity of the fishing line.

In the case of golf, golfer trigger sensors may be mounted in front or in the vicinity of the ball tee with cameras positioned next to driving range. On activation of a sensor, images are preferably displayed on monitors together with an image number for use when selecting an image. Prints may be sold at a retail area upon the request of images by particular image numbers. RFID tags may be attached to or be integral with golf club and/or golf balls.

With snow skiing, sensors may be mounted between slalom poles, with action photographs being taken by camera positioned along the slope. Images may be displayed at the bottom of the run.

Similarly in the case of kayaking, rower triggers sensors may be mounted between gates, with action photographs taken by cameras positioned on banks or suspended by say a crane mechanism extending over a river. Referring to Figure 4 there is shown a sensor mounting arrangement 86 according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The sensor mounting arrangement comprises a section cut inside a bounding portion 88 between gutters 90 of a side by side first 92 and a second 94 bowling lane. A reflector 96 is mounted on an opposite bounding portion between the second bowling lane 94 and a third bowling lane 98. The section is cut out of a timber spacer 99 and fitted inside to protect the sensor from being hit by a ball. Thus the mounting arrangement provides a sensor is positioned in an area adjacent a gutter.

In Figure 5 there is a shown another sensor mounting arrangement 100 in which a detector 102 is mounted on brackets at a height whereby a bowling ball in either gutter 104 of the bowling lane, will not trigger the detector 102.

. The manner of operation of the system 22 is described with regard to Figure 6. As shown in Figure 6 a customer bowls ball at block 200. At block 202 the ball crosses a beam extending between a sensor and a reflector. When beam is broken, an electrical current is generated by the sensor. At block 204 current from the sensor closes a relay in purpose built switch box. At block 206 the relay remotely triggers a digital camera and corresponding flash units. At block 207, custom software pulls the image file generated from the camera to a central computer. At blocks 207 and 210 the signal goes through a USB to Cat 5 conversion process. At block 214 an image is written to a central computer hard drive. Thereafter a file name is renamed from and old file name say. DSC2867.jpg to a nevy file name such as 7205.jpg where the first number (7) identifies the bowling lane number and the second number "205" represents an image count. Thus #7205 woufd represent photo #205 on lane 7. The image is stored at a central repository at block 216.

At block 218 the image is displayed on large monitors located so that the display is visible to all patrons. As represented at block 220 graphic artwork themed to the bowling establishment is added to the image by custom software and displayed on the large monitor. At block 222 the resultant image is displayed on a monitor at the bowling console corresponding to the lane which was photographed. In the resultant image the I. D. number (say 7205) is displayed on the monitor in the bottom left hand corner. Further, the monitor located at the bowling end of the lane displays the image so that the bowler can see their photo within seconds of bowling the ball.

At block 224 the image is made available to bowling centre staff whereby the staff are able to sell the photo to the bowler. The photograph can be located on the central computer using the unique ID number and the software automatically applies the graphic overlay (e.g. logo artwork) and prints the photograph. This occurs at block 226 where photographs are printed on a high quality Thermal Dye Sublimation Printer.

The printout is mounted in a themed photo folder and awaits collection by the bowlers, in embodiments, staff are able to provide enlargements, CD's, certificates and other products. Notably at block 228 the image number is printed on small receipt printer for collection by the bowler. This allows staff to locate the bowlers photographs without relying on the bowler to remember their unique ID number.

Thus it wili be seen that the embodiments described provide an automated way of triggering sports moment of action photography. The systems described provide value quality photo mementos to people undertaking sporting activities.

The arrangements detailed address a number of technical difficulties associated with capturing action sporting photographs in a number of sporting activities. For example it is often not possible for a photographer to stand in an appropriate position for capturing an expected event due to safety or other reasons. The systems and methods described may be stand alone or integrated with existing sporting systems such as say a bowling score system. While this invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification(s). This application is intended to cover any variations uses or adaptations of the invention following in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth.

As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit of the essential characteristics of the invention, it should be understood that the above described embodiments are not to limit the present invention unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Various modifications and equivalent arrangements are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention and appended claims. Therefore, the specific embodiments are to be understood to be illustrative of the many ways in which the principles of the present invention may be practiced. In the following claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover structures as performing the defined function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. For example, although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a naii employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface to secure wooden parts together, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw are equivalent structures.

"Comprises/comprising" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof." Thus, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words 'comprise', 'comprising¹, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

Claims

1. A sports activity system for generating an'image, the system comprising a detector configured for detecting when an object crosses a region; and an imaging arrangement for taking at least one image in response to the detector detecting the object.

2. A sports activity system as claimed in claim 1 including a transmission facility for sending the image to an interface; and a generation facility for outputtiπg the image.

3. A sports activity system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the generation facility includes an automated customisation facility for incorporating themed data.

4. A sports activity system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the themed data is associated with the venue of the sporting activity.

5. A sports activity system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the themed data is associated with the location from which the object originated.

6. A sports activity system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the generation facility is configured for outputting the image, upon selection of the image through the interface.

7. A sports activity system as claimed in claim 6 including an electronic transaction facility for associating payment with selection of the image.

8. A sports activity system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the imaging arrangement is configured to take the at least one image in a direction associated with the direction in which the object crossed the region.

9. A sports activity system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the imaging arrangement is configured to take at least one image of a location associated with the location from which the object originated.

10. A sports activity system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the image is of a person undertaking the activity.

11. A sports activity system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein in the sports activity comprises an activity selected from the group comprising ten pin bowling, horse riding, skiing and kayaking.

12. A sports activity method for generating an image, the method comprising: detecting when an object crosses a region; and taking at least one image in response to detecting the object.

13. A sports activity method as claimed in claim 12 including incorporating themed data.

14. A sports activity method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the themed data is incorporated into the image.

15. A sports activity method for generating an image as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein taking the at least one image comprises taking the image in a direction associated with the direction in which the object crossed the region.

16. A sports activity method for generating an image as claimed in claim 15, wherein taking the at least one image comprises taking at least one image of a location associated with the location from which the object originated.

17. A ten-pin bowling system for generating an image, the system comprising: a detector for detecting a bowling ball crossing a path extending across a bowling lane; an imaging arrangement for taking at least one image of the bowling end of the bowling lane, in response to the detector detecting the bowling ball.

18. A ten-pin bowling system as claimed in claim 17 including a transmission facility for sending the image to a bowling display unit located adjacent the bowling end of the bowling lane.

19. A ten-pin bowling system as claimed in claim 17 or 18 including a generation facility configured for printing the image, upon selection of the image through a bowling console located adjacent the bowling end of the bowling fane.

20. A ten-pin bowling system as claimed in claim 17, ,18 or 19 including an electronic transaction facility configured for selectively enabling selection or printing of the image.

21. A ten-pin bowling system as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 21 wherein the detector is arranged so that an image is taken only when the bowling ball is on surface of the bowling lane above the gutter.

22. A ten pin bowling method for generating an image, the method comprising: detecting when a bowling ball crosses a path extending across a bowling lane; and thereafter taking an image of the bowling end of the bowling lane, in response to detector detecting the bowling ball.

23. A ten pin bowling method as claimed in claim 22 including sending the image to a bowling display unit located adjacent the bowling end of the bowling lane.

24. A ten pin bowling method as claimed in any one of claims claim 22 or 23 including printing the image, upon selection of the Image through a bowling console located adjacent the bowling end of the bowling lane.

25. A ten pin bowling method as claimed in any one of 22 to 24 including selectively enabling selection of the image.

26. Apparatus adapted to generate an image, said apparatus including: processor means adapted to operate in accordance with a predetermined instruction set, said apparatus, in conjunction with said instruction set, being adapted to perform a method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

^■ 27. A computer program product including: a computer usable medium having computer readable program code and computer readable system code embodied on said medium for generating an image within a data processing system, said computer program product including: computer readable code within said computer usable medium for generating an image according to a method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

28. A method substantially as herein disclosed.

29. An apparatus and/or device substantially as herein disclosed.