GB2526338A

GB2526338A - A ball game apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2526338A
Application number: GB1409088.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Timothy John Groves
Original assignee: AUTOMATION 4 Ltd
Current assignee: AUTOMATION 4 Ltd
Priority date: 2014-05-21
Filing date: 2014-05-21
Publication date: 2015-11-25
Anticipated expiration: 2034-05-21
Also published as: GB2526338B; GB201409088D0

Abstract

A game apparatus 5 comprises an elongate housing 10 comprising at least one target area 11; the target area 11 comprises a non-contact sensor 12 which outputs a signal when a ball is detected within a detection area 13; the game apparatus also includes an indicator 14. The sensor 12 may be an infra red sensor or an ultrasonic sensor; the sensor 12 and indicator 14 are preferably located within a recess in a longitudinal surface of the housing 10 and the housing 10 may be flexible. The apparatus may include a power source, a controller and an interface for connection to a display or user interface.

Description

A BALL GAME APPARATUS

BACKGROUND

Known apparatus for playing a football game typically comprises a surface with targets which a player can hit with a football. Pressure sensors detect when the football has hit the targets. An example of a football game with a tethered ball and targets is described in US 2010/0304809 Al.

A disadvantage of such games is that they require a large amount of apparatus.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the invention provides a game apparatus comprising: an elongate housing comprising at least one target area, the target area comprising: a sensor configured to detect the presence of a ball within a detection area of the sensor, the sensor being configured to detect in a non-contact manner and to output a signal when a ball is detected; and an indicator.

The sensor may be an infra red sensor or an ultrasonic sensor.

The detection area may extend perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the housing.

The detection area may extend forwardly of the housing.

The detection area may extend above the housing.

The detection area may extend at an angle to a base of the housing.

The indicator may be capable of displaying different colours.

The indicator may comprise a plurality of indicator elements.

The elongate housing may have a longitudinally extending outer surface and the sensor and the indicator may be positioned within a region of the housing which is recessed with respect to the longitudinally extending outer surface of the housing.

The sensor and the indicator may be mounted on a surface which is angled with respect to a base of the housing.

The elongate housing may comprise a plurality of target areas spaced along the housing.

The elongate housing may have a height less than 25mm and a width less than 25mm.

The elongate housing may have at least one flat side configured to rest on a floor.

The apparatus may further comprise a support device for fitting to the elongate housing.

The apparatus may further comprise a power source for the sensor and the indicator.

The elongate housing may be flexible about a longitudinal axis of the housing.

The apparatus may further comprise a controller configured to receive a signal from the sensor indicative of whether a ball was detected at the target area.

The controller may be configured to turn on the indicator if the ball is detected at the target area to indicate that the target area was successfully hit.

The controller may be configured to selectively turn on the indicator at the target area.

The apparatus may further comprise an interface configured to connect the controller to the housing.

The interface may be configured to carry an electrical supply to the housing.

The apparatus may further comprise an interface configured to connect the controller to a display.

The apparatus may further comprise an interface configured to connect the controller to a user interface.

An advantage of at least one embodiment is that considerably less apparatus is required. This allows the football game to be quickly deployed at a location. It also allows the game to be packed up in a short period of time. A further advantage is reduced cost.

An advantage of at least one embodiment is that no target surface is required.

An existing wall or other surface can be used as a target at the location where the game is deployed. This can save the need to provide, as part of the apparatus, a structure which serves as the target. Alternatively, a temporary structure can be deployed to provide a surface as a target. The temporary structure, or an overlay for an existing structure, can include graphical indications of target areas.

An advantage of at least one embodiment is that no special floor with embedded sensors is required.

The functionality described here can be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processing apparatus, or by a combination of hardware and software.

The processing apparatus can comprise a computer, a processor, a state machine, a logic array or any other suitable processing apparatus. The processing apparatus can be a general-purpose processor which executes software to cause the general-purpose processor to perform the required tasks, or the processing apparatus can be dedicated to perform the required functions. Another aspect of the invention provides machine-readable instructions (software) which, when executed by a processor, perform any of the described methods. The machine-readable instructions may be stored on an electronic memory device, hard disk, optical disk or other machine-readable storage medium. The machine-readable medium can be a non-transitory machine-readable medium. The term non-transitory machine-readable medium" comprises all machine-readable media except for a transitory, propagating signal.

The machine-readable instructions can be downloaded to the storage medium via a network connection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 schematically shows a ball game apparatus; Figures 2A-2C show a target area on a housing of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a housing deployed at the base of a wall; Figures 4A show a housing mounted in a support; Figure 5 shows an example game using housings deployed in a playing area; Figure 6 shows an example game using a housing deployed on a support; Figure 7 shows an example game using a housing mounted to a wall; Figure 8 shows a flexible housing; Figure 9 shows an example interface connecting the controller to the housings; Figure 10 shows another example interface connecting the controller to the housings; Figure 11 shows a controller communicating with an external computing device; Figure 12 shows an example method performed by the controller; Figure 13 shows another example of the game apparatus; Figure 14 shows processing apparatus for a computer-based implementation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 schematically shows an example of a game apparatus 5 for playing a ball-based game. The apparatus 5 comprises one or more elongate housings 10.

The elongate housing 10 can be deployed at any desired position within a playing area. For example, the elongate housing 10 can be deployed at the base of a wall or at a position spaced away from a wall. The elongate housing 10 comprises at least one target area 11 at a position along the length of the housing 10. The apparatus 5 comprises a controller 30. The apparatus may also comprise a display 40 and a user interface 50. Although Figure 1 shows the controller 30, display 40 and user interface as separate units, these may be combined into a single unit, or into two units. An interface 20 connects the controller 30 to the housing 10. The interface 20 can carry power to the housing 10. The interface 20 can carry signals to and from the housing 10.

The housing 10 can comprise a single target area 11, or a plurality of target areas 11 as shown in Figure 1. The target areas 11 can be positioned at regular intervals along the length of the housing 10, or the target areas 11 can be positioned at irregular intervals.

Figures 2A and 2B show an example of a target area 11 in more detail. The target area 11 comprises a sensor 12 configured to detect the presence of a ball within a detection area 13. The sensor 12 is configured to detect in a non-contact manner and to output a signal when a ball is detected. The term "detect in a non-contact manner" means that the sensor does not rely on a ball physically hitting the sensor, such as a pressure sensor. Instead, the sensor can detect the presence of a ball using, for example, an infrared (IR) sensor or an ultrasonic sensor. These sensors typically comprise a transmitter 12A (e.g. an IR source) which emits a signal and a receiver 12B (e.g. an IR receiver) which receives a signal. If a ball is located within the detection area, the receiver 123 will receive a signal reflected by the ball. If a ball is not located within the detection area, the receiver 12B will not receive a signal. Logic at the sensor 12 can output a signal indicative of whether a ball was detected within the detection area 13 of the sensor. For example, the logic may determine if the amplitude of the signal received at receiver 12B is above a threshold value. An example range of the sensor 12 is around 100mm, although other ranges are possible.

The detection area 13 may extend perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the housing 10. The detection area may extend forwardly of the housing. The detection area may extend above the housing. In the example of Figure 2A the detection area extends forwardly of the housing and above the housing. The sensor can detect a ball as it rolls along the ground or flies above the ground.

Each target area 11 also comprises an indicator 14. The indicator 14 can comprise a plurality of indicator elements. In the example of Figures 2A and 2B there is a cluster of four indicator elements 14A-14D surrounding the sensor 12. The number of indicator elements can be any desired number. For example, there can be as few as one indicator element, or any number of indicator elements »=1.

The controller 30 can be configured to selectively cause the indicator 14 at the target area to illuminate and to receive a signal from the sensor 12 indicative of whether a ball was detected at the target area. The controller 30 can be configured to determine whether a ball is detected at the target area while the indicator 14 is illuminated. An indicator 14 may be capable of displaying a single colour, or may be capable of displaying a range of different colours. An indicator comprising an RGB array of LED5 or bulbs is an example of an indicator which is capable of displaying a range of colours. If there is a set of indicator elements at a target area, the indicator elements may be of different colours (e.g. a green indicator element and a red indicator element). Different colours may have different meanings. For example: an illuminated green indicator element may indicate a target is available for selection; an illuminated led indicator element may indicate a target was successfully hit.

In the example shown in Figures 2A-2C the target area of the housing is a recess in the housing 10. The elongate housing 10 has a longitudinally extending outer surface and the sensor 12 and the indicator 14 are positioned within a region of the housing which is recessed with respect to the longitudinally extending outer surface of the housing 10. The recess comprises a face 16 which is mounted at an angle to a base 17 of the housing. The sensor 12 and indicator 14 are mounted on the angled face 16. This configuration provides protection for the sensor 12 and indicator(s) 14 from a ball. This configuration provides the sensor 12 with a field-of-view which is angled towards the direction from which a ball will arrive. Also, this configuration causes the indicator 14 to be angled towards a player, making it easier for a player to see the indicator.

Figure 3 shows a housing 10 deployed on a floor at the base of a wall. The field-of-view 13 of the sensor 12 is shown angled towards the direction of arrival of the ball 8. In this example, the housing 10 has exterior dimensions (height, depth) such that a football 8 (typical diameter 220mm) does not come into contact with the housing 10. For example, the housing 10 can have a height of around 25mm and a depth of around 25mm. The housing may have other dimensions, e.g. 15mm x 20mm.

An advantage of the arrangement shown in Figure 3 is that it can be used with an existing surface (e.g. wall) serving as a target. This avoids the need to provide a target at the location where the game is deployed.

Another example of the housing is shown in Figures 4A-4C. This has a sensor 12 and an indicator 14 on the top face of a housing having a square or rectangular cross-section. The housing 10 can be deployed by itself, or it can be mounted in a support device. Figure 4A shows a housing 10 mounted in a support device 61. The support device 61 can have a channel for receiving the housing 10. The support device 61 can have an angled profile on one side, or both sides, of the channel. The support device 61 may be a conventional anti-trip device. Figure 4B shows a support device 61 with an angled profile on each side of a central channel. This can be used where the housing is to be deployed within a playing area away from a wall. Figure shows a support device 62 with an angled profile on one side of a channel. This can be used where the housing is to be deployed within a playing area at the base of a wall.

In each of the examples described herein, the housing can have a square, rectangular, or other shaped cross-section. The housing can have the form of a tube.

In another example, the housing may have a generally U-shaped profile. The housing may be formed of metal, plastic or other suitable synthetic material. The housing can be robust enough to take a direct hit and withstand the ball being rolled over it the housing in situations where the bar is deployed in an exposed position away from the base of a wall. The housing may have a base which can allow the housing to rest stably on a floor surface. Alternatively, the housing 10 may be used in connection with an additional device (e.g. clip-on feet or an anti-trip device) which provides support and/or protection for the housing.

In a further example, the sensor 12 and indicator 14 may be located on different parts of the housing 10 at the target area 11, or the sensor 12 and indicator 14 may be directed differently. For example, the sensor 12 may be directed upwards and the indicator 14 may be directed at an angle to a base of the housing or forward-facing.

Figure 5 shows an example of a playing area defined by four housings 10.

Each housing can be of the type shown in Figures 4A-4C. In use, indicators at target areas of the housings 10 can be selectively illuminated and sensors at the target areas output signals indicative of whether the target was hit. The playing area can be defined by any suitable number of housings, such as a pair of housings 10 on opposite sides of the playing area such that a user must aim at targets on alternate sides of the playing area.

Figure 6 shows an example of a housing 10 positioned on a structure 64. The housing 10 can detect when a ball passes within a detection area around each target area on the housing 10.

Figure 7 shows an example of a housing 10 positioned part-way up a wall 65.

The housing 10 can be mounted on a support structure such as a wall bracket or a temporary structure mounted alongside, or affixed to, the wall 65. The housing 10 can detect when a ball passes within a detection area around each target area on the housing.

Figure 8 shows a version of the housing 10 which is flexible. For example, the housing can be bent about a longitudinal axis 19 of the housing into a curved shape, such as a semi-circle or other curved shape. The housing can be mounted on a floor or a wall.

Figure 9 shows more detail of the overall apparatus. Controller 30 connects to one or more housings 10 via an interface. The interface can comprise a multi-core cable 23. An example interface comprises a power line (e.g. 24V), a common (OV) line, a line to turn on an indicator 14 at a target area 11 and a line to carry an indication of whether a ball was detected at a sensor 12 at a target area 11. There are several ways in which the interface can connect the controller 30 to the target areas 11. In one example, each target area 11 is connected to the controller 30 by a dedicated line of the interface. For example, a first target area 11 is connected to a first line of the cable, a second target area 11 is connected to a second line of the cable, and so on. In another example, a smaller number of lines connects the controller 30 to the target areas 11 and some form of data addressing scheme is used

B

to route data signals to the required target area. The addressing scheme may indicate the housing number and/or target number, e.g. housing #001, target #004.

The interface may use a proprietary communications protocol or an existing communications protocol can be used, such as the Digital Multiplex (DMX) protocol.

Signals sent to a target area 11 may control the colour and/or brightness of an indicator 14 at the target area 11. Multiple housings 10 can be connected in series or in parallel.

A cable 23 can be provided with suitable connectors 21 for connecting to a connector 22 at a housing 10 and to a connector at the controller 30 (not shown). The controller may be connected to a mains supply via a transformer and suitable power circuitry to provide a DC supply for the controller. Alternatively, the controller 30 may be connected to a battery power supply.

Figure 10 shows another example of the overall apparatus. In this example, a housing 10 has a power source 24 (e.g. battery supply). A wireless interface connects the housing 10 to the controller 30. The wireless interface comprises a wireless transceiver 25 in the housing and a wireless transceiver 32 at the controller. Any suitable wireless protocol can be used, such as IEEE 802.11 (WiFi) or BluetoothlM.

The wireless interface can carry the same signals which are carried in Figure 9 by the cabled interface. These signals include a signal to turn on an indicator at a target area and a signal to indicate whether a ball was detected at a sensor at a target area.

A further alternative is to use a wireless interface for carrying data signals between the controller 30 and housings 10 and to use a cabled interface for carrying power to the housings 10.

The controller 30 can be configured to turn on the indicator(s) at target areas 11 in various sequences. The sensor associated with each target area detects if a ball has hit the target area and a signal is output to a display which provides a scoreboard showing the number of hits within the game period.

The controller 30 can be configured to play an audio track during the game period. The audio can be output to a device connected to the controller, such an audio player or audio system in the playing area.

Referring again to Figure 9, this also shows an option for implementing a display 40 and user interface 50. The controller 30 can output a signal to be displayed by an external display device such as a television, monitor or projector. Alternatively, the controller 30 can include a display, such as a multi-segment LED display. The controller 30 can include a user interface 50 for receiving input from a user, such as a type of game, game duration, difficulty etc. The user interface 50 can comprise buttons on the controller 30, a touch-screen interface or any other suitable interface.

A wireless keyfob is another type of user interface which can provide input to the controller 30.

Figure 11 shows an alternative way of implementing a display and/or user interface. Controller 30 has a wireless interface 32 for connecting wirelessly to an external computing device 80, such as a smartphone, computer or tablet. The computing device 80 can include application-level software 81 (e.g. an app") to display the score of the game being played. Controller 30 can send data to the computing device 80 via the interface 32 which allows the computing device 80 to display the score on a display 82 of the device 80.

The controller 30 can include a user interface for allowing a user to control the game, such as selecting the type of game, length of game, difficulty etc. In a similar manner to that described above, the controller 30 can use a wireless interface 32 for connecting wirelessly to an external computing device 80, such as a smartphone, computer or tablet. The computing device 80 can include application-level software 81 to provide a user interface for the game apparatus. Controller 30 sends data to the computing device 80 via the interface 32 which allows the computing device 80 to provide a user interface function on the device 80. The user interface function can use a user interface 83 of the computing device 80, such as a keyboard, mouse or touch-screen interface.

Figure 12 shows an example method performed by the controller 30. Step 101 receives an input indicative of what game a player wishes to play. The input is received via a user interface. At step 102 the game is started. Step 104 displays the current score. At step 105 the controller selects a target area on the housing 10, or one of the plurality of housings 10. The selection may be deterministic (i.e. follows a stored pattern) or may be random. At step 106 the controller turns on an indicator at the selected target area. The indicator may be caused to display a particular colour.

The indicator may be caused to illuminate in a continuous of flashing manner. Step 107 determines if a ball was detected within a predetermined time period. Step 107 uses a signal received from the sensor at the target area. If a ball was detected, the method proceeds to step 108 and turns on an indicator at the target area to indicate to a player that the target was successfully hit. Step 109 increments the score and the score. The method returns to step 103 and continues until the end of the game is reached. Step 110 displays the final score. Step 110 may also include playing audio with one or more comments selected from a library of comments based on the final score. The controller 30 may allow a bonus game if a certain score is reached within a certain time. The controller 30 may vary difficulty of the regular game and/or bonus game depending on a score of the player. The controller 30 may also display the best score of the day.

It is possible to position multiple sensors 12 with different detection ranges at a target area 11 of the housing. For example, a first sensor with a first detection range (e.g. 100mm) and a second sensor with a second detection range (e.g. 220mm) can be used as a pair. Outputs of this pair of sensors can be used as follows: First sensor (100mm) Second sensor (220mm) Result HIT HIT Ball <100mm NO HIT HIT Ball >100mm and <220mm NO HIT NO HIT Ball missed target This allows more difficult targets to be defined, where a ball needs to pass within a particular range of the target area 11 on the housing 10.

The apparatus described above can be used with an existing structure as a target surface, such as a wall of a room, garage door etc. where the apparatus is deployed. It is also possible to provide an overlay for an existing structure which can include graphical indications of target areas, such a sheet for fixing to a wall. A temporary structure (e.g. wall or frame) may be provided for use as a target. The housing 10 may be secured to the temporary structure, e.g. using clips or other fixings.

Another example of the apparatus is shown in Figure 13. The apparatus comprises a transparent screen 91 (e.g. polycarbonate or glass) with a housing bA, 1 OB mounted on each side of the screen 91, at a base of the screen 91. The screen 91 can include graphical indications 92 of target areas (e.g. a symbol and/or number).

The target areas hA, 11B on the two housings bA, lOB may be aligned such that they are opposite one other. The housings bOA, lOB can be any of the housings 10 described above. The apparatus can be used for a two-player game where each player attempts to hit as many target areas 11 as possible. In this example, the controller 30 may not illuminate an indicator at a target area 11 to indicate which target area is to be hit. Instead, the controller 30 may be configured to illuminate a target area 11 after a target has been successfully hit. In an enhancement of this game, the controller 30 can be configured to turn off an indicator at a target area 1 1A on a first housing 1OA for a first player if the second player hits the corresponding target area 11 B on the housing lOB on their side of the screen 91. In this way, the players compete to maintain the highest number of targets in an illuminated state as possible within the time period of the game. The transparent screen allows the two players to see the targets of the other player.

Possible uses of the apparatus described above include: football training aid, kids game, corporate entrainment.

Figure 14 shows an exemplary processing apparatus 200 which may be implemented as any form of a computing and/or electronic device, and in which embodiments of the system and methods described above may be implemented.

Processing apparatus 200 can be provided at the controller 30. Processing apparatus may implement the method shown in Figure 12. Processing apparatus 200 comprises one or more processors 201 which may be microprocessors, controllers or any other suitable type of processors for executing instructions to control the operation of the device. The processor 201 is connected to other components of the device via one or more buses 206. Processor-executable instructions 203 may be provided using any computer-readable media, such as memory 202. The processor-executable instructions 203 can comprise instructions for implementing the functionality of the described methods. The memory 202 is of any suitable type such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a storage device of any type such as a magnetic or optical storage device. Additional memory 204 can be provided to store data 205 used by the processor 201. The processing apparatus 200 comprises one or more network interfaces 208 for interfacing with one or more of: housings 10, a display 40, a user interface 50.

Modifications and other embodiments of the disclosed invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A game apparatus comprising: an elongate housing comprising at least one target area, the target area comprising: a sensor configured to detect the presence of a ball within a detection area of the sensor, the sensor being configured to detect in a non-contact manner and to output a signal when a ball is detected; and an indicator.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the sensor is one of: an infra red sensor; an ultrasonic sensor.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the detection area extends perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the housing.
4. An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the detection area extends forwardly of the housing.
5. An apparatus according to claim 3 or 4 wherein the detection area extends above the housing.
6. An apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein the detection area extends at an angle to a base of the housing.
7. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the indicator is capable of displaying different colours.
8. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the indicator comprises a plurality of indicator elements.
9. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the elongate housing has a longitudinally extending outer surface and wherein the sensor and the indicator are positioned within a region of the housing which is recessed with respect to the longitudinally extending outer surface of the housing.
10. An apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the sensor and the indicator are mounted on a surface which is angled with respect to a base of the housing.
11. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the elongate housing comprises a plurality of target areas spaced along the housing.
12. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the elongate housing has a height less than 25mm and a width less than 25mm.
13. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the elongate housing has at least one flat side configured to rest on a floor.
14. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a support device for fitting to the elongate housing.
15. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a power source for the sensor and the indicator.
16. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the elongate housing is flexible about a longitudinal axis of the housing.
17. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a controller configured to receive a signal from the sensor indicative of whether a ball was detected at the target area.
18. An apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the controller is configured to turn on the indicator if the ball is detected at the target area to indicate that the target area was successfully hit.
19. An apparatus according to claim 17 or 18 wherein the controller is configured to selectively turn on the indicator at the target area.
20. An apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 19 further comprising an interface configured to connect the controller to the housing.
21. An apparatus according to claim 20 wherein the interface is configured to carry an electrical supply to the housing.
22. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising an interface configured to connect the controller to a display.
23. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising an interface configured to connect the controller to a user interface.