GB2468154A

GB2468154A - Displaying graphical information, in particular advertisements, on sports net e.g. football goal net.

Info

Publication number: GB2468154A
Application number: GB0903416A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ian Andrew Cheetham
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-02-27
Filing date: 2009-02-27
Publication date: 2010-09-01
Anticipated expiration: 2029-02-27
Also published as: GB0918469D0; GB0903416D0; EP2401861A1; WO2010097565A1; GB2468154B; GB2468174A; GB0912588D0; GB2468174B

Abstract

A method of displaying an image of graphical information 100b,c on a net used for sport, e.g. a football goal net, comprises the steps of obtaining a sheet of material 301 on which graphical information 100b,c is provided, and attaching the sheet of material to the net 101. At least one camera (105, 150, Fig. 1) is located such that the graphical information is viewable by the camera, and configured to capture an image which may be viewed on a television. The net comprises strands defining substantially polygonal holes and the sheet is configured to be attached to the net such that the graphical information is contained within one of the holes. A clipping device (Fig. 4) is provided to attach the sheet of material to the net. The graphical information is preferably an advertisement comprising a logo and/or word mark.

Description

Displaying Graphical Information

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application represents the first application for a patent directed towards the invention and the subject matter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method of displaying an image of graphical information, apparatus for displaying an image of graphical information, and apparatus for displaying graphical information.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of displaying an image of graphical information, comprising: obtaining a sheet of material on which graphical information is provided; attaching said sheet of material to a net used for a sport, said net comprising strands defining substantially polygonal holes; locating a camera such that said graphical information is viewable by said camera, and configuring said camera to capture an image comprising an item relating to a game of said sport and said graphical information; and displaying said captured image.

* According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for displaying an image of graphical information comprising: a net used for a sport, said net comprising strands defining substantially polygonal holes; a sheet of material on which graphical information is provided, said sheet of material being attached to said net; a camera located such that said graphical information is viewable by said camera, and said camera being configured to capture an image comprising an item relating to a game of said sport and said graphical information; and a display device arranged to provide a display said captured image.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for displaying graphical information comprising: a net for use in a sport, said net defining a plurality of holes; a sheet of material on which graphical information is provided, said sheet of material being connected to said net such that said graphical information is contained within one of said holes.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for displaying graphical information comprising: a sheet of material on which graphical information is provided; and a clipping device for clipping said sheet of material to a net used for sport, wherein said sheet of material and said clipping device are configured to mechanically interlock.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS S...

: Figure 1 shows a sport's net 101 supporting apparatus displaying S...

graphical information; Figure 2 shows an example of an image 201 displayed on a television set 200, produced by one of the cameras 105 located behind the net 101 of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a portion of the back of the net 101 which supports * items of graphical information lOOb and lOOc in greater detail; Figure 4 shows, separated, the clipping devices 302a and 302b and the sheet of material 301; Figures 5A, 5B and 5C show clipping device main part 406a in a side, front view and rear view respectively; and Figure 6 shows the main parts 406a and 406b, a strand 600 of the net 101, the upper part of the sheet 301 and a tool 601 for separating the main parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 A sport's net 101 supporting apparatus displaying graphical information, such as items of graphical information lOOa, lOOb, lOOc, is shown in Figure 1.

In the present example the net 101 is supported by the goalposts 102 and crossbar 103 defining a goal on a football (soccer) pitch 104. The net is formed of several strands of nylon cord connected together in a conventional manner such that the strands define a plurality of similar substantially polygonal (in the present case square) holes.

Graphical information, such as items of graphical information lOOa, lOOb and lOOc are arranged along the back of the net 101 close to the ground, so that the view of a game of football for spectators behind the net is not obscured by the graphical information. Furthermore, each item of graphical information is so small that it is entirely contained within just one hole of the net, and consequently they are not distracting to the spectators behind the net.

Other similar items lOOd, lOOe and lOOf of graphical information are located on the sides of the net, respectively at locations: near to the back of the net and the ground; next to a post 102, near the ground; and next to the S.,..

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post, near to the top of the net.

Several video cameras 105 and other cameras 150, for taking still photographs, are located in and around the net 101 and set up to capture relatively close-up images of sporting action in and around the goal-mouth.

Due to the placement of the cameras and the items of graphical information, the captured images also include images of the items of graphical information, such as item lOOa. In contrast, the items of graphical information are so small that it is likely that the majority of the spectators present at the game will not be able to identify the information represented, and may not even notice it.

The video cameras 105 in the present example are television cameras and consequently the video sequences captured by the cameras 105 are broadcast and displayed on television sets, computer displays, mobile phone displays, etc. The cameras 150 are typically digital cameras used to capture images that are later displayed by a printing press, which produces a printed image in a newspaper, magazine, etc. Figure 2 An example of an image 201 displayed on a television set 200, produced by one of the cameras 105 located behind the net 101, is shown in Figure 2.

In the example image, a player 202 has scored a goal and the ball 203 has just struck the back of the net 101. Consequently, the goal is being replayed in slow motion using images from a camera 105 that provides a close-up, detailed view of the action. However, as well as providing detailed **. 20 images of the player 202 and the ball 203, the camera also provides images of the items, such as lOOc, of graphical information supported by the net 101. In the present example, the graphical information is a fictional logo and word mark, but, of course, this could be replaced by a logo, a word mark or both logo and word mark relating to a well-known brand. Thus, the graphical information may be used for advertising purposes.

Figure 3 A portion of the back of the net 101 which supports items of graphical information lOOb and lOOc is shown in greater detail in Figure 3. The items of graphical information are all displayed using similar apparatus, and therefore, for the sake of brevity, only the apparatus that displays item 101 c will be described here in detail.

The item of graphical information lOOc is printed on a sheet of material 301 that extends across one of the square holes 300 of the net 101. The sheet of material in the present embodiment is transparent, and consequently an area of the sheet surrounding the item of graphical information lOOc is transparent. So, the view of spectators located behind the goal is only impeded by the item lOOc of graphical information itself rather than the whole sheet 301.

In the present embodiment, the sheet of material 301 comprises a piece of self cling PVC film of the type commonly used for the manufacture of window stickers. The graphical information is provided on the film by applying an opaque ink to an area of the rear of the film and applying ink of a S...

contrasting colour to the front side of the film.

In the present embodiment, the sheet of material 301 comprises just a single film. However in a preferred embodiment two films are used back to *. back to display graphical information at the rear and the front of the net 101.

Consequently, a close-up view of goal-mouth action from the front of the goal also includes images of the graphical information.

The sheet of material 301 is attached to the net by clipping devices 302a and 302b that are respectively fixed to upper and lower edges of the sheet.

The clipping devices have an elongate form such that they extend along one side of the polygonal hole 302 of the net 101 and along the entire length of an edge of the sheet 301. Their elongate form ensures that they do not unduly protrude into the hole 302, but have sufficient size to allow easy handling.

Further details of the sheet 301 and the clipping devices 302a and 302b are given below with reference to Figures 4, 5 and 6.

Figures 4, 5 and 6 The clipping devices 302a and 302b and the sheet of material 301 are shown separated in Figure 4. The sheet 301 is substantially rectangular in shape, and has two series 401 and 402 of spaced apertures 403. Each series of apertures is arranged in a line parallel to, and close to, one of two opposing edges 404 and 405 of the sheet 301. In the present embodiment the apertures are circular and of substantially identical diameter.

The clipping devices 302a and 302b are substantially identical in form and so only device 302a will be described in detail.

Clipping device 302a comprises two main parts 406a and 406b, and a pair of circlips (or retaining rings) 402a and 402b. In the present embodiment the two main parts 406a and 406b are themselves identical to each other, and clipping device main part 406a is shown in the side, front and rear views of Figures 5a, 5b and 5c respectively.

*, 20 The clipping device main part 406a has an elongate form having a

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plane surface 450 having a groove 407 running along its entire length. The groove 407 is substantially semi-circular in cross-section such that when the plane surfaces 450 of the two main parts 406a and 406b are brought together the parts form a tube with a circular bore for retaining a strand of the net 101.

Several holes and the same number of posts are arranged in two lines either side of the groove 407. In the present embodiment a line of posts 408 are arranged in a line to one side of the groove 407 while a line of holes 409 are arranged in a line along the other side of the groove. The posts and holes are of substantially the same diameter and spacing, and so when the main parts 406a and 406b are brought together, it is possible to engage the posts of one part within the holes of the other part.

The apertures 403 provided in the sheet of material 301 have a size and spacing that corresponds with that of the centre-most holes and posts of the main parts 406a and 406b. Thus, the posts of one main part 406a may be located within the apertures of the sheet 301.

The main part 406a also has a pair of transverse grooves 410a and 410b. Each of the grooves 410a and 410b is located near to a respective one of the two ends of the main part 406a such that when the two main parts 406a and 406b are brought together they form two grooves extending circularly around the two main parts. The circlips 402a and 402b are dimensioned to be located within these grooves in a sprung manner to hold the two main parts firmly together.

In the present embodiment, the posts 409 are arranged along one side *...

of the groove 407 and the holes along the other side. However, it will be understood that the posts and holes are interchangeable provided that when * 20 the two main parts are brought together a post is brought into co-operation ** with a hole. S...

To attach the sheet of material 301 to the net 101, posts 409 of one main part 406a are located through apertures 403 in the series of apertures 401 of the sheet. A horizontal strand of the net is located within the groove 407 of the main part 406a before the second main part 406b is brought together with the first main part 406a, such that the strand of the net is located within the bore of the tube thus formed. During this process the posts 408 of one main part (406a, 406b) are located within the holes of the other main part. The circlips are then located around the grooves 410a and 410b to lock the two main parts 406a and 406b together.

The lower edge 405 of the sheet 301 is then attached to an adjacent horizontal strand of the net in a similar way using clipping device 302b.

To separate the clipping devices and sheet from the net 101, the circlips 402a and 402b are first removed. A tool is then used to prise apart the main parts.

The main parts 406a and 406b, a strand 600 of the net 101, the upper part of the sheet 301 and a tool 601 for separating the main parts is shown in Figure 6.

The main parts 406a, 406b have a pair of faces 451 extending along the main part parallel to the plane surface 450. Consequently, when the two main parts are brought into co-operation with one another, the faces 451 form a side-wall of a longitudinal groove 602, as shown in Figure 6.

The tool 601 has a broad handle portion 603, suitable for holding between a thumb and forefinger, and a blade portion 604 having a pair of S...

faces in a similar configuration to a flat-bladed screwdriver. The blade portion is dimensioned to fit within the groove 602 such that when it is rotated its faces *5* * 20 act against the side-walls 451 of the groove 602 and thereby prise apart the *..... two main parts 406a and 406b.

In the present embodiment the clipping device is formed of two discrete main parts 406 and 406b. However, in an alternative embodiment the clipping devices are formed of two parts connected by a hinge mechanism.

In the above described embodiment, the apparatus for displaying graphical information has been designed for use on football nets. However, it will be appreciated that the apparatus may also be designed for use on nets of other sports, and in particular where close-up images of the net are captured and displayed. For example, it is envisaged that similar, but smaller, apparatus may be used on a basketball net.

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Claims

Claims 1. A method of displaying an image of graphical information, comprising: obtaining a sheet of material on which graphical information is provided; attaching said sheet of material to a net used for a sport, said net comprising strands defining substantially polygonal holes; locating a camera such that said graphical information is viewable by said camera, and configuring said camera to capture an image comprising an item relating to a game of said sport and said graphical information; and displaying said captured image.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said sport is soccer and said net is supported by goalposts.
3. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said camera is a video camera and said image is part of a video sequence displayed on a unit capable of displaying video images.

S..
4. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said image is displayed by printing. * . S...
5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said sheet of material is attached to said net by a detachable clip.
6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said sheet of material is attached to said net by a plurality of detachable clips, and each said clip is attached to one of the stands defining a side of one of said holes.
7. The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said sheet of material is attached to said net by a elongated clip that extends along a side of one of said polygonal holes and along a side of said sheet of material.
8. The method of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said clip comprises two halves, and said sheet of material is attached to said net by bringing said two halves together to encase a portion of one of said strands.
9. The method of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said sheet of material is formed of a transparent material on which opaque ink forms said graphical information.
10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said graphical information covers an area having dimensions no larger than the dimensions of one of said holes. * ..e * * * ** ** .* * * .
11. The method of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said graphical ** *.information covers an area having dimensions smaller than the dimensions of S..

* 20 one of said holes. S.. * . S...
12. Apparatus for displaying an image of graphical information comprising: a net used for a sport, said net comprising strands defining substantially polygonal holes; a sheet of material on which graphical information is provided, said sheet of material being attached to said net; a camera located such that said graphical information is viewable by said camera, and said camera being configured to capture an image comprising an item relating to a game of said sport and said graphical information; and a display device arranged to produce a' display said captured image.
13. Apparatus for displaying graphical information comprising: a net for use in a sport, said net defining a plurality of holes; a sheet of material on which graphical information is provided, said sheet of material being connected to said net such that said graphical information is contained within one of said holes.
14. Apparatus for displaying graphical information comprising: a sheet of material on which graphical information is provided, a clipping device for clipping said sheet of material to a net used for sport, wherein said sheet of material and said clipping device are configured to mechanically interlock.
15. Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said sheet of material is S..* 20 provided with an aperture and said clipping device is provided with a post configured to fit within said aperture to provide said mechanical interlocking.S *.**S S
16. Apparatus according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein said clipping device comprises two halves, said post extending from a first one of said halves while a hole is defined within the other one of said halves to receive said post.
17. Apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein said sheet of material is provided with a plurality of spaced apertures adjacent to an edge of said sheet, and said clipping device has a plurality of similarly spaced posts, said posts being configured to fit within said apertures to mechanically interlock said material to said clipping device.
18. Apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein apparatus comprises a second clipping device and said sheet of material defines spaced apertures adjacent to at least two of its edges.
19. Apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein said sheet of material comprises a sheet of transparent material supporting opaque ink.
20. Apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 19 further :. comprising a net for use in a sport, said net defining a plurality of similar holes, wherein said graphical information covers an area having dimensions no larger S...than the dimensions of one of said holes. S. * S S * .I S..* 20
21. A method of displaying an image of graphical information substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying Figures.*.S*.*

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22. Apparatus for displaying an image of graphical information substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying Figures.
23. Apparatus for displaying graphical information substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying Figures.