EP-4735129-A1 - SMART VOLLEYBALL ANTENNA

Abstract

The invention relates to a volleyball antenna that integrates micro-cameras and a micro-computer with a touch screen, providing referees with the ability to view difficult and controversial phases in replay, having the goal of making accurate and correct decisions during the match.

Inventors

• IEROKLIS, Iosif

Assignees

• IEROKLIS, Iosif

Dates

Publication Date

20260506

Application Date

20240618

Claims (1)

1. CLAIMS 1 A volleyball antenna characterised by the fact that it incorporates micro-cameras and a micro-computer with a touch screen, which are interconnected to record the phases of the match in video files, allowing referees to recall in replay (video replay) to form a more accurate opinion and make the correct decision. This antenna is constructed -applying the regulations for the dimensions of the antenna, as defined by the International Volleyball Federation- as a single compact unit,, consisting of the upper cylindrical part, which has a micro-camera in the middle, and the lower part, forming two fins, each of which has a micro-camera in the middle. These fins are joined together with reusable adhesive tapes and feature two cable extensions with integrated micro-cameras, The lower extension has one micro-camera, while the upper extension has two micro-cameras and leads to the micro-computer with the touch screen.

Description

DESCRIPTION Smart Volleyball Antenna The present, invention pertains to the antenna used in volleyball matches., always in pairs, marking the imaginary vertical boundaries within which the ball is allowed to pass over the net during the game (diagram 1 ). The specifications of the antenna are defined by the International Volleyball Federation (FiVB). In recent years., in volleyball-as in most sports-the need for controlling difficult phases using technical means has arisen. The solution adopted in volleyball Involves the placement of cameras-usually 12 to 20-around the playing area at predetermined points to record the phases. These are controlled by operators who communicate with the referees when a disputed phase occurs. This system (video challenge) has a very high cost of use due to the expensive equipment, the operators, and the personnel who set it up a few hours before the match. As a result., it is only used in major national or international competitions (championship finals, Olympic Games, etc.). However, disputed phases and the need for fair decisions by referees exist in all matches, regardless of category or significance. The subject of the present invention is the integration of small-sized cameras (micro>cameras) into the volleyball antenna. The operation of the system is handled by the two referees (first and second), depending on the phases that fall under each one's jurisdiction, when a controversial phase arises. Each smart antenna carries a total of six micro-cameras (diagram 5, points C1 to C6) connected to a micro-computer with a touch screen, referred to in the diagrams as the Referee Screen (points RS, diagrams 3, 4, 5) as It is the control and interaction point for the referee with the smart antenna. The micro-computer provides control of the cameras and replay capabilities of the recorded phases. The environment in which the smart antenna is installed and operates (volleyball court) is entirely controlled, with all elements known and measurable (diagram 1 ). We know the court’s dimensions, 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 these elements are known, stable, and already recorded in corresponding software variables, except for the height of the net. This is selected by the referees before the start of the match, as the rules specify different heights for men's matches (243 cm) and women’s matches (224 cm). Corresponding provisions exist in the rules for matches of other leagues for younger ages, (n each case, the referees select the type of match (men’s, women's, etc.), and the corresponding software variable is automatically updated with the correct value. This allows us to know the exact height of each micro-camera. For example, in a men's match, the C1 camera (diagrams 3, 4, 5) has a height of 243 * 40 ® 283 cm, which results from the height of the men’s net (243 cm) plus 40 cm, which is the distance of C1 from the top of the net, as noted on page 4, where C1 is in the middle of the upper part of the antenna, which protrudes from the net and is 80 cm long. The heights of the C2 and C3 cameras are calculated in the same way (diagrams 3, 4, 5). Here it is 243 - 50 = 193 cm, meaning the height of the net minus 50 cm, which is the distance of the C2 and C3 cameras from the top of the net, as the side fins of the smart antenna are 100 cm long and the C2 and C3 cameras are positioned in the middle of the fins. The height calculation for the C4, C.5, and C6 cameras is easier. The C4 and C5 cameras have a height equal to the height of the net, as they are located on the top wire rope of the net. For the C6 camera, in the same example, the height is 243 - 100 = 143 cm, as it is placed at the lowest part of the net. As can be understood, the software of the microcomputer, having all the above data, can perform distance measurements or object detection (e.g., the ball) and add a layer with auxiliary indications and markings to each video replay. This is an additional distinct option in the software that the referee can recall whenever they find that the simple video replay does not help them make the right decision. Compared to the simple video replay option, this enhanced option is considered advanced video replay and is a separate option in the software. The advantage of the invention is that it provides the capability for video challenge in all matches, regardless of category, at a significantly lower cost than current systems, as no additional equipment is required. The cameras are integrated into the antennas, which are essential elements of the sport (necessary for conducting a match). The camera operation does not require additional personnel, as it is done by the referees themselves. The current antenna (diagram 2) consists of two parts. The first part is placed on the net and is 100 cm long (the same length as the net). The width of the net, 5cm,