Camera mounted pylon system

• US 20040239759A1
• Filed: 06/02/2003
• Published: 12/02/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 06/02/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Gaginda R. Wickramaratna
• Original Assignee: Gaginda R. Wickramaratna
• Inventors: Wickramaratna, Gaginda R.
• Application Number:
  US10/452,078
• Publication Number:
  US 20040239759A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/61
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/806 Video cameras
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0003 Analysing the course of a movement or motion sequences during an exercise or trainings sequence, e.g. swing for golf or tennis
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/023 Supports, e.g. poles
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/181 for receiving images from a plurality of remote sources

Abstract

A pylon marker made of solid foam or other resiliently compressible material which maintains the shape of the pylon has internal cavity openings into which one or up to four micro-cameras or similar miniature cameras are placed. The cameras take real time images of the action, for instance football players contacting or passing by or in the line of sight of the pylon. One or more transmitters, also located in cavity openings in the pylon, receive the real time image signals from the camera and send those signals to a video receiver and then to a television or VCR, located on the sidelines or other remote location. A battery pack also located in the pylon, provides the electrical power for the cameras. When the pylon markers are positioned at the four corners of the football end zone, images of players contacting or passing the pylon from a number of different angles will constantly be transmitted for immediate view by broadcasters, the public, and, if necessary, football officials.

Claims

1. A pylon for placement at the corners of a football field end zone, said pylon comprising:

(a) a substantially solid unitary body comprising resiliently compressible material which maintains the shape of the pylon;

(b) camera means for taking real time images of players contacting or passing by or in the line of sight of the pylon, said camera means being positioned within the body;

(c) transmitting means for receiving real time image signals from the camera means and sending those signals to a video receiver, said transmitter means also being positioned within the body;

(d) opening means within the body for receiving and maintaining the camera means and the transmitter means in the body; and

(e) means located in space-relation to the body for providing access to the opening means to permit removal and replacement of the camera means and the transmitter means.

2. The pylon as in claim 1 further comprising means for providing electrical power to the camera means, said power means also being positioned within the body.

3. The pylon as in claim 2 wherein the power means comprises a battery pack.

4. The pylon as in claim 1 wherein the opening means comprises separate cavity openings for receiving and maintaining the camera means and for the transmitter means.

5. The pylon as in claim 2 wherein the opening means comprises a cavity opening for receiving and maintaining the power means.

6. The pylon in claim 1 further comprising a covering which encompasses and contains the body.

7. The pylon as in claim 6 wherein the access means comprises a door member pivotally mounted on the covering.

8. The pylon as in claim 1 wherein the camera means comprises one micro-camera.

9. The pylon as in claim 1 wherein the camera means comprises more than one micro-camera.