JP2020179041A - Start device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a start device that allows for imaging an expression, behavior and the like of an athlete at starting from up close while supporting start of the athlete.SOLUTION: A start device 1 includes: a start device body 2 including at least a foot block (foot part) 10 for supporting a foot of an athlete A who plays a sport game; and an imaging part 3 fitted to the start device body and imaging an athlete.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a start device.

In sports competitions, a start device is generally used to assist a competitor in starting. For example, in sprint events in athletics, it is common practice to use a starting block device as a starting device.
The starting block device mainly includes a rail member fixed on the competition surface and a pair of foot blocks which are position-adjustably combined with respect to the rail member and are left and right footrests.

There are a wide variety of starting block devices of this type, including simple ones used for start practice and the like. Among them, as one of the starting block devices preferably used for, for example, major athletics competitions, a starting block device having a built-in pressure sensor or the like and capable of determining an illegal start (fall start) is known. (See Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 27597969

By the way, in the case of TV broadcasting, Internet broadcasting, etc. of various sports competitions, in principle, shooting is performed from a position that does not interfere with the competition of the athletes. For example, in the case of athletics, athletes are photographed using a photographing camera or the like installed outside the track course.
However, it may be difficult to shoot more powerful images or images with a sense of urgency and dynamism with a shooting camera installed outside the course, and it is possible to shoot images that fully meet the needs of viewers, etc. was difficult.

In particular, sprint events in athletics are considered to be so-called flower-shaped events that are of great interest to viewers, and the attention of viewers to the facial expressions and every move of the athlete is high. Therefore, more powerful images and images with a sense of urgency are often required, but at present, it is difficult to sufficiently meet such needs.
Specifically, at the start of a sprint event, the competitor makes a crouching start using the starting block device, so with the shooting camera installed outside the course, the facial expression of the competitor who is down just before the start Is difficult to shoot. Therefore, it is difficult for the viewer to visually recognize the change in the facial expression of the competitor just before the start. Furthermore, it is difficult to capture the running movement (behavior) of the athlete immediately after the start from a low angle with a photographing camera installed outside the course. Therefore, it is difficult for the viewer to visually recognize the dynamic and dynamic movement of the athlete immediately after the start as if he / she is looking at it up close.

It should be noted that installing the photographing camera on the competition surface near the start position or embedding it in the competition surface leads to hindrance of the competition itself and causes inconveniences such as the spike pin of the athlete not sticking.
In addition, the positional relationship between the start line and the competitor is not always constant. Further, the start position itself differs depending on the competition distance (100 m, 200 m, etc.). Therefore, it is not easy to install the photographing camera on the competition surface or change the embedding position according to the competitor.
For this reason, it is not realistic to install a shooting camera.

The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to assist the start of the athlete and to enable close-up photography of the athlete's facial expression and behavior at the start. To provide a device.

(1) The start device according to the present invention includes a start device main body having at least a foot portion that supports the feet of an athlete performing a sports competition, an imaging unit attached to the start device main body and photographing the athlete, and an imaging unit. It is characterized by having.

According to the start device according to the present invention, since the image pickup unit is attached to the start device body itself, for example, the facial expression of the athlete holding the start posture can be photographed up close by using the foot unit. In addition to being possible, it is possible to take a close-up shot of the athlete's behavior (movement, movement) immediately after the start.
Therefore, while assisting the start of the competitor, it is possible to take a close-up picture of the facial expression and behavior of the competitor at the start. Therefore, it is possible to shoot a powerful, tense and dynamic image that is difficult to shoot with a conventional shooting camera installed outside the course.

(2) The start device is fixed on a competition surface for athletics and includes a rail member extending in the lane direction of the track lane, and the foot portion has a rail width of the track lane with the rail member interposed therebetween. In addition to being arranged in pairs in the direction, the position can be adjusted in the lane direction between the frontmost adjustment position closest to the start line and the rearmost adjustment position farthest from the start line, and can be detached from the rail member. The image pickup unit may be attached to the rail member in a state where the image pickup unit is located closer to the start line side than the frontmost adjustment position in the foot unit.

In this case, the start device can be used as a starting block device used for starting a sprint event in athletics. In particular, since the imaging unit is located closer to the start line than the frontmost adjustment position in the foot part, the competitor sets the foot part at which position between the frontmost adjustment position and the rearmost adjustment position. Even so, the imaging unit can be arranged closer to the start line than the tip of the foot placed on the foot unit.
Therefore, it is possible to maintain the crouching start posture by using the foot portion and to take a close-up shot of the facial expression of the athlete who is standing down before the start. Furthermore, it is also possible to take a close-up shot of the athlete's running away motion (behavior) immediately after the start from a low angle. Therefore, in a short-distance event in athletics, it is possible to shoot an image or the like that is powerful and has a sense of urgency and dynamism.

Even if the positional relationship between the start line and the starting block device (start device) is not constant, the positional relationship between the starting block device and the competitor is generally fixed, so the facial expression of the competitor is photographed up close. It is relatively easy to do. Further, since the starting block device is provided according to the start position, there is no problem even if the start position is changed according to the competition distance. Furthermore, since the imaging unit can be easily removed together with the starting block device after the start or the end of the competition, it does not affect the subsequent competition.

(3) The imaging unit is arranged so as to face upward and is arranged so as to face the traveling direction of the track lane and the first imaging unit that photographs the competitor before the start, and photographs the athlete after the start. A second imaging unit may be provided.

In this case, the first imaging unit can be mainly used to photograph the facial expression of the athlete who is standing downward before the start in the crouching start posture. In addition, the second imaging unit can be mainly used to photograph the running motion (behavior) of the athlete immediately after the start from a low angle. In this way, since the two dedicated imaging units are used, it is easy to take a clearer picture of the facial expression of the competitor before the start and the movement of the competitor running away immediately after the start.

(4) The first imaging unit may be attached so that the angle can be adjusted in the lane direction, and the second imaging unit may be attached so that the angle can be adjusted in the vertical direction with respect to the competition surface.

In this case, since the angle of the first imaging unit arranged facing upward can be adjusted in the lane direction, the imaging range can be finely adjusted according to, for example, the age, gender, and body shape of the athlete. Can be done. Therefore, it is possible to more clearly capture the facial expression of the athlete who is standing down due to the crouching start posture before the start.
Similarly, since the angle of the second imaging unit arranged so as to face the traveling direction of the track lane can be adjusted in the vertical direction, the elevation angle with respect to the competition surface can be adjusted according to, for example, the age, gender, and body shape of the athlete. The imaging range can be finely adjusted while making adjustments. Therefore, the movement (behavior) of the athlete running away immediately after the start can be photographed more clearly from a low angle.

(5) The rail member is attached with a protective frame that surrounds the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit and is open upward and in the traveling direction of the track lane, and is attached to the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit. The second imaging unit may be attached to the protective frame in a state of being housed in the protective frame.

In this case, since the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit can be accommodated in the protective frame, the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit can be stably and firmly attached, and are stable for a long period of time. It is possible to shoot.

(6) A light absorbing material that absorbs the light energy of visible light may be formed at least on the inner surface of the protective frame.

In this case, since the light absorber is formed at least on the inner surface of the protective frame, the light energy of visible light from the outside can be absorbed by using the light absorber. Therefore, it is possible to prevent, for example, diffuse reflection of external light around the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit, and it is possible to take a picture in a state where it is not easily affected by the external light. Therefore, clearer imaging can be performed. Further, since the external light is less likely to be reflected around the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit, the competitor can perform the start operation without feeling glare or the like.

(7) A cover body covering the imaging unit is attached to the rail member, and a transparent member capable of transmitting visible light is attached to a portion of the cover body located in the imaging region of the imaging unit. Is also good.

In this case, since the image pickup portion can be covered with the cover body while securing the photographing area by using the transparent member, the image pickup portion can be made as inconspicuous as possible, and the competitor is less likely to feel uncomfortable. Further, since the image pickup unit is covered with the cover body and the transparent member, it is possible to prevent dust and moisture from entering the image pickup section, and stable shooting can be performed for a long time without being affected by the weather or the like. ..

(8) On the outer surface of the cover body, protrusion ribs may be formed along the transparent member and projecting upward.

In this case, since the protruding ribs are formed on the outer surface of the cover body, for example, even if the athlete accidentally steps on the cover body, an external force is directly applied to the transparent member. Can be prevented by utilizing the protruding ribs. In particular, even when the athlete is wearing spikes for land use, it is possible to effectively prevent the transparent member from being accidentally damaged by the spike pins by using the protruding ribs.

According to the start device according to the present invention, it is possible to take a close-up image of the athlete's facial expression, behavior, etc. at the start while assisting the athlete to start.

It is a figure which shows the embodiment of the starting block device (start device) which concerns on this invention, and is the side view which shows the state which the athlete maintains the posture of a crouching start. It is a perspective view of the starting block device shown in FIG. It is a perspective view of the starting block device shown in FIG. 2 as seen from the rear. It is an enlarged perspective view of the periphery of the front cover body in the starting block device shown in FIG. 2, and is the figure which shows the state which the transparent cover is removed. It is a perspective view which shows the state which removed the front cover body from the state shown in FIG. It is an enlarged perspective view of the periphery of the rear cover body in the starting block device shown in FIG. 2, and is the figure which shows the state which removed the rear cover body. It is a perspective view of the foot block shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the periphery of the imaging unit shown in FIG. It is a side view which looked at the periphery of the image pickup part shown in FIG. 8 from the side. It is a perspective view which shows the state which removed the protective frame from the state shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the embodiment of the start table (start device) which concerns on this invention, and is the perspective view of the start table seen from the swimming pool side.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the start device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the present embodiment, as an example of the starting device, a starting block device used in a short-distance event (for example, 100M dash, 200M dash, etc.) in athletics, which is one of sports competitions, will be described as an example.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the starting block device 1 of the present embodiment has at least a pair of foot blocks (foot portions according to the present invention) 10 that support the feet of the athlete A. It includes a start device main body (2) according to the present invention, and an image pickup unit 3 attached to the starting block main body 2 to photograph the athlete A.

The starting block main body 2 is fixed on a tartan track (all-weather track) T, which is a competition surface for athletics, and extends in the lane direction L1 of the pair of foot blocks 10 and the track lane L described above. It mainly includes a rail member 20.

In the present embodiment, the direction in which the competitor A runs in the traveling direction of the track lane L is referred to as the front, and the opposite side thereof is referred to as the rear. Further, the starting block device 1 is not limited to the case where it is fixed on the tartan track T, and may be used by being fixed on a general soil track.

The rail member 20 has a main frame 21 and a subframe 25, and has a frame portion 30 extending along the lane direction L1, a front base portion 40 integrally combined with a front end portion 21a of the main frame 21, and a main frame. A rear base portion 50, which is integrally combined with the rear end portion 21b of 21, is provided (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

The main frame 21 is formed of a metal material such as aluminum so as to extend along the lane direction L1. In the present embodiment, the main frame 21 is formed in the shape of a square pipe having a quadrangular vertical cross-sectional view (see FIG. 5).

Like the main frame 21, the subframe 25 is formed of a metal material such as aluminum so as to extend along the lane direction L1 and is arranged below the main frame 21. In the present embodiment, the subframe 25 is formed in a C-shaped groove shape when the vertical cross section is opened upward.
Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the subframe 25 is arranged below the main frame 21, has a shorter length along the lane direction L1 than the main frame 21, and is the main frame. It includes a bottom frame 26 formed wider in the rail width direction L2 of the track lane L than 21, and a pair of side frames 27 protruding upward from the side edge portion of the bottom frame 26.

The pair of side frames 27 are arranged in parallel so as to face each other in the lane width direction L2 with the main frame 21 interposed therebetween. The protruding height of the pair of side frames 27 is set lower than that of the main frame 21.
A plurality of set grooves 28 for removably combining the pair of foot blocks 10 are formed in the pair of side frames 27, respectively. A plurality of set grooves 28 are formed at regular intervals (pitch) in the lane direction L1 and are formed so as to open upward.

The main frame 21 is mounted on the bottom frame 26 of the subframe 25 configured as described above. The main frame 21 and the sub frame 25 are integrally combined via fastening members (not shown) such as bolts. A predetermined gap is secured between the main frame 21 and the pair of side frames 27 along the lane direction L1.
Further, since the length of the subframe 25 along the lane direction L1 is shorter than that of the main frame 21, the front end portion 21a of the main frame 21 protrudes forward from the subframe 25 as shown in FIG. As shown in 6, the rear end portion 21b of the main frame 21 projects rearward from the subframe 25.

As shown in FIG. 5, the front base portion 40 includes a first front base 41 arranged in front of the subframe 25 and a second front base 45 superimposed on the first front base 41. ..

The first front base 41 extends along the lane direction L1 and is formed in a plate shape in which the width along the lane width direction L2 is equal to the width of the subframe 25. The lower surface of the first front base 41 is a contact surface that comes into contact with the tartan track T.
A plurality of fixing pins 42 extending downward are attached to the start line S side of the first front base 41. As a result, the first front base 41 can be installed on the tartan track T while the fixing pin 42 bites into the tartan track T (see FIG. 1). The portion of the first front base 41 on which the fixing pin 42 is formed functions as a front fixing portion 43 when fixing the starting block main body 2 on the tartan track T.

The second front base 45 extends along the lane direction L1 and is formed in a plate shape in which the width along the lane width direction L2 is slightly shorter than the width of the first front base 41. The second front base 45 is overlapped with a portion of the first front base 41 excluding the front fixing portion 43, and is integrally combined with the first front base 41 via a fastening member such as a bolt.
The second front base 45 includes a connecting base 46 located below the front end portion 21a of the main frame 21, a base body 47 arranged on the front side of the connecting base 46 and formed thinner than the connecting base 46. It has.

The front end portion 21a of the main frame 21 is integrally combined with the connecting base 46 via a fastening member such as a bolt in a state of being overlapped on the connecting base 46 of the second front base 45. In the illustrated example, the front end portion 21a of the main frame 21 and the connecting base 46 are integrally combined by a fastening member via a metal connecting metal fitting 48 formed in a hat shape corresponding to the shape of the main frame 21. Has been done. As a result, the main frame 21 and the front base portion 40 are integrally combined with each other.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the rear base portion 50 is superposed on the first rear base 51 via a first rear base 51 arranged behind the subframe 25 and a spacer 54. 2 Rear base 55 is provided.

The first rear base 51 is formed in the shape of a long plate extending along the lane width direction L2. The lower surface of the first rear base 51 is a contact surface that comes into contact with the tartan track T. A plurality of fixing pins 52 extending downward are attached to both ends of the first rear base 51. As a result, the first rear base 51 can be installed on the tartan track T while the fixing pin 52 bites into the tartan track T (see FIG. 1). Of the first rear base 51, both ends of the first rear base 51 on which the fixing pins 52 are formed function as rear fixing portions 53 when fixing the starting block main body 2 on the tartan track T.

The second rear base 55 is overlapped with the central portion of the first rear base 51 in the lane width direction L2 via the spacer 54, and is integrally combined with the first rear base 51 via a fastening member such as a bolt. Has been done.
The second rear base 55 includes a connecting base 56 located below the rear end portion 21b of the main frame 21, and a base body 57 extending rearward from the connecting base 56. The base main body 57 has a width along the lane width direction L2 equal to the width of the subframe 25, and is arranged above the tartan track T with a gap between the base body 57 and the tartan track T.

The rear end portion 21b of the main frame 21 is integrally combined with the connecting base 56 via a fastening member such as a bolt in a state of being overlapped on the connecting base 56 of the second rear base 55. In the illustrated example, the rear end portion 21b of the main frame 21 and the connecting base 56 are integrally formed by a fastening member via a metal connecting metal fitting 58 formed in a hat shape corresponding to the shape of the main frame 21. It is combined. As a result, the main frame 21 and the rear base portion 50 are integrally combined with each other.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, after the rail member 20 configured as described above is placed behind the start line S, the front fixing portion 43 and the two rear fixing portions 53 are, for example, legs. By stepping on the tartan track T with the fixing pin 42 of the front fixing portion 43 and the fixing pin 52 of the rear fixing portion 53 by stepping on the tartan track T or the like, the tartan track T is stably fixed.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the pair of foot blocks 10 are arranged in the lane width direction L2 of the track lane L with the rail member 20 interposed therebetween, and the frontmost adjustment position P1 closest to the start line S (see FIG. 1). ) And the rearmost adjusting position P2 (see FIG. 1) farthest from the start line S, and the position can be adjusted in the lane direction L1 so as to be detachably combined with respect to the rail member 20.

One of the pair of foot blocks 10 is for the left foot, and the other is for the right foot. Therefore, one foot block 10 and the other foot block 10 are basically symmetrically configured. In the present embodiment, the foot block 10 for the left foot will be briefly described, and the description of the foot block 10 for the right foot will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 7, the foot block 10 for the left foot is rotatably combined with the foot base 11 mounted on the tartan track T with respect to the foot base 11 in a stepwise manner. It is provided with a foot plate 15 whose angle can be adjusted, and a connecting stopper 18 integrally combined with the foot base 11.

The foot base 11 is a pair of a base plate 11a formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view longer in the lane direction L1 than the lane width direction L2, and a pair of base plates 11a protruding upward from both ends located in the lane width direction L2. The side plate 11b and the like are provided.
A pair of angle adjusting rails 12 extending in parallel to the base plate 11a at intervals in the lane width direction L2 are integrally formed on the base plate 11a. A plurality of adjusting grooves 13 opened upward are formed in the angle adjusting rail 12 at regular intervals (pitch) in the lane direction L1.

The foot plate 15 is arranged inside the pair of side plates 11b. The foot plate 15 is rotatably connected to the pair of side plates 11b at the lower end side around the first rotation axis M1 (see FIG. 7) extending in the lane width direction L2. An angle adjusting arm 16 is rotatably connected to the upper end side of the foot plate 15 around a second rotation axis M2 (see FIG. 3) extending in the lane width direction L2. An engaging shaft 17 that extends along the lane width direction L2 and is engaged in an arbitrarily selected adjustment groove 13 is connected to the lower end of the angle adjusting arm 16.
Thereby, by adjusting the engaging position of the engaging shaft 17 with respect to the adjusting groove 13, it is possible to arbitrarily adjust the angle of the foot plate 15 with respect to the tartan track T.

An elastic body 14 having a predetermined elasticity and having a non-slip function of the land spikes worn by the athlete A is attached to the front surface of the foot plate 15.

As shown in FIG. 7, the connecting stopper 18 is integrally connected to the side plate 11b on the side of the pair of side plates 11b that comes into contact with the side frame 27 via a fastening member such as a bolt. ing. The connecting stopper 18 projects downward from the first stopper 18a that covers the side plate 11b from above and the first stopper 18a, and is upward in the gap between the side frame 27 and the main frame 21. It is provided with a second stopper 18b that enters from.
A set pin 19 that can be engaged from above is connected in an arbitrarily selected set groove 28 between the second stopper 18b and the side plate 11b.

Thereby, by adjusting the engagement position of the set pin 19 with respect to the set groove 28, it is possible to arbitrarily adjust the set position of the foot block 10 with respect to the rail member 20. Therefore, as described above, the set position of the foot block 10 is arbitrarily adjusted between the frontmost adjustment position P1 closest to the start line S and the rearmost adjustment position P2 farthest from the start line S. It is possible.

As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging unit 3 is attached to the rail member 20 in a state of being located on the front side of the foot block 10 from the frontmost adjustment position P1, that is, on the start line S side.
Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the imaging unit 3 is arranged facing upward, the first imaging unit 60 that images the competitor A before the start, and arranged facing forward (track lane). A protective frame 80 attached to the base body 47 of the second front base 45 in the front base 40 is provided with a second imaging unit 70 that is arranged (arranged facing the traveling direction of L) and captures the competitor A after the start. It is installed using it.

As shown in FIGS. 5, 8 and 9, the protective frame 80 is made of a metal material such as aluminum, surrounds the first imaging unit 60 and the second imaging unit 70, and opens upward and forward. It is formed in a frame shape.
Specifically, the protective frame 80 is formed in a two-stage stepped shape, and has a bottom wall portion 81 mounted on the base body 47 of the second front base 45 and on the first front base 41, and a first. A pair of side wall portions 82 arranged so as to face the lane width direction L2 with the image pickup unit 60 and the second image pickup unit 70 interposed therebetween, and a pair of side wall portions arranged behind the first image pickup unit 60 and the second image pickup unit 70. A rear wall portion 83 that connects the portions 82 to each other is provided, and is integrally combined with the base body 47 of the second front base 45 via a fastening member such as a bolt (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 8, an antireflection film 84 (light absorbing material according to the present invention) that absorbs the light energy of visible light is formed on at least the inner surface of the protective frame 80 configured in this way. For example, the antireflection film 84 is a matte dark color (black or the like) coating film.
In FIG. 8, the antireflection film 84 is illustrated by dot-shaped hatching. Further, in each drawing other than FIG. 8, the antireflection film 84 is not shown. Further, the antireflection film 84 may be applied to the entire protective frame 80.

As shown in FIG. 8, the first imaging unit 60 and the second imaging unit 70 are attached to the protective frame 80 in a state of being housed in the above-mentioned protective frame 80.
The first image pickup unit 60 includes an image pickup case 61 in which a solid-state image sensor such as CMOS (not shown) is housed, and a lens barrel 63 that protrudes from the image pickup case 61 and incorporates a plurality of image pickup lenses 62. ing.

The first imaging unit 60 configured in this way is attached to the protective frame 80 with the optical axis O1 facing upward. Specifically, the first imaging unit 60 is attached to the protective frame 80 so that the angle can be adjusted in the lane direction L1 with the optical axis O1 facing upward as shown by the arrow shown in FIG.

The image pickup case 61 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and contains not only a solid-state image sensor but also electronic components (not shown) related to image pickup. A first communication cable (not shown) is connected to the image pickup case 61, and power and various signals are input and output via the first communication cable. As a result, the first imaging unit 60 controls the imaging operation based on a control signal from an external device (not shown) via the first communication cable. Further, the photographed data is output to an external device via the first communication cable.

The first communication cable is pulled out of the protective frame 80 through the cable hole 85 formed in the rear wall portion 83 of the protective frame 80, and then laid on the rear base portion 50 side through the inside of the main frame 21. ing.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first screw holes 65 and the second screw holes 66 are spaced apart from each other in the lane direction L1 on the side surface portions of the imaging case 61 facing the pair of side wall portions 82 of the protective frame 80. Each is formed with a gap.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the pair of side wall portions 82 are formed with slit-shaped elongated holes 86 communicating with the first screw hole 65 and the second screw hole 66, respectively. The elongated hole 86 has a front end portion 86a and a rear end portion 86b arranged apart from each other in the lane direction L1, and is formed in a plan view arc shape that is convex downward. In the illustrated example, the elongated hole 86 is formed so that the rear end portion 86b is located above the front end portion 86a.

The first connecting screw 90 is screwed into the first screw hole 65 through the elongated hole 86, and the second connecting screw 91 is screwed into the second screw hole 66 through the elongated hole 86. As a result, the first connecting screw 90 and the second connecting screw 91 are attached to the first screw hole 65 and the second screw hole 66 while sandwiching the side wall portion 82 of the protective frame 80.
As a result, the entire first imaging unit 60 is firmly fixed to the protective frame 80 by the first connecting screw 90 and the second connecting screw 91. In each drawing other than FIG. 8, the first connecting screw 90 and the second connecting screw 91 are not shown.

Further, by loosening the tightening of the first connecting screw 90 and the second connecting screw 91, it is possible to move the first connecting screw 90 and the second connecting screw 91 along the elongated hole 86, whereby the first connecting screw 90 and the second connecting screw 91 can be moved. It is possible to adjust the angle of the imaging unit 60 in the lane direction L1. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the angle of the first imaging unit 60 so that the optical axis O1 of the first imaging unit 60 is tilted toward the front, for example. Then, after adjusting the angle, the first connecting screw 90 and the second connecting screw 91 are tightened again, so that the first imaging unit 60 can be fixed at the position after the angle adjustment.

Since the second imaging unit 70 has the same configuration as the first imaging unit 60, the description thereof will be simplified. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the second image pickup unit 70 includes an image pickup case 71 in which a solid-state image sensor such as CMOS (not shown) is housed, and a lens barrel 73 in which a plurality of image pickup lenses 72 are incorporated. The optical axis O2 is attached to the protective frame 80 in a state of facing forward. Specifically, the second imaging unit 70 is attached to the protective frame 80 so that the angle can be adjusted in the vertical direction with the optical axis O2 facing forward.

Similar to the first imaging unit 60, the imaging case 71 of the second imaging unit 70 also incorporates electronic components and the like (not shown) related to imaging inside, and is connected to a second communication cable (not shown). Therefore, the second imaging unit 70 controls the imaging operation based on a control signal from an external device (not shown) via the second communication cable. Further, the photographed data is output to an external device via the second communication cable.
The second communication cable is pulled out of the protective frame 80 through the cable hole 85 together with the first communication cable on the first imaging unit 60 side, and then laid on the rear base portion 50 side through the inside of the main frame 21. ing.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, third screw holes 75 and fourth screw holes 76 are vertically spaced on the side surface portions of the imaging case 71 facing the pair of side wall portions 82 of the protective frame 80. Each is formed after opening.

On the other hand, the pair of side wall portions 82 are formed with through holes 87 communicating with the third screw holes 75, and slit-shaped elongated holes 88 communicating with the fourth screw holes 76, respectively. .. The elongated hole 88 is formed in a circular arc shape in a plan view so as to extend along a rotation locus centered on the through hole 87. In the illustrated example, since the length of the elongated hole 88 is short, it is shown so as to be formed in a straight line.

Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the third connecting screw 92 is screwed into the third screw hole 75 through the through hole 87, and the fourth connecting screw 93 is screwed into the fourth screw hole 76 through the elongated hole 88. ing. As a result, the third connecting screw 92 and the fourth connecting screw 93 are attached to the third screw hole 75 and the fourth screw hole 76 while sandwiching the side wall portion 82 of the protective frame 80.
As a result, the entire second imaging unit 70 is firmly fixed to the protective frame 80 by the third connecting screw 92 and the fourth connecting screw 93. In each drawing other than FIG. 8, the third connecting screw 92 and the fourth connecting screw 93 are not shown.

Further, by loosening the tightening of the third connecting screw 92 and the fourth connecting screw 93, it is possible to move the fourth connecting screw 93 around the through hole 87 along the elongated hole 88, whereby the second connecting screw 93 can be moved. It is possible to adjust the angle of the imaging unit 70 in the vertical direction. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the angle of the second imaging unit 70 so that the optical axis O2 of the second imaging unit 70 is tilted upward, for example. Then, after adjusting the angle, the third connecting screw 92 and the fourth connecting screw 93 are tightened again, so that the second imaging unit 70 can be fixed at the position after the angle adjustment.

Further, in the starting block device 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, a speaker unit 100 that mainly outputs a start sound (starter pistol sound) is attached adjacent to the image pickup unit 3 described above.
The speaker unit 100 is attached to the base body 47 of the second front base 45 in the front base unit 40 via a fastening member such as a bolt while being positioned behind the protective frame 80.

A third communication cable (not shown) is connected to the speaker unit 100, and power and various signals are input and output via the third communication cable. As a result, the speaker unit 100 controls the audio output operation based on a control signal from an external device (not shown) via the third communication cable.
The third communication cable, together with the first communication cable and the second communication cable, is laid on the rear base portion 50 side through the inside of the main frame 21.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the image pickup unit 3, the speaker unit 100, and the front end portion 21a of the main frame 21 configured as described above are covered with the front cover body (cover body according to the present invention) 110. There is.
The front cover body 110 is a metal cover such as aluminum, extends along the lane direction L1, and has a pair of side covers 111 facing the lane width direction L2 with the image pickup unit 3 and the speaker unit 100 interposed therebetween, and the image pickup unit. 3. A ceiling cover 112 located above the speaker unit 100 and the front end portion 21a of the main frame 21 and a front cover 113 located in front of the imaging unit 3 are mainly provided.

The lateral width of the front cover body 110 along the lane width direction L2 is the same as the lateral width of the first front base 41 in the front base portion 40. As a result, the front cover body 110 can be placed on the first front base 41 in a state where the image pickup unit 3, the speaker unit 100, and the front end portion 21a of the main frame 21 are covered from above. Further, the front cover body 110 is integrally combined with the second front base 45 via a fastening member such as a bolt.

The ceiling cover 112 includes a first ceiling cover 112a located above the front end portion 21a of the main frame 21 and the speaker portion 100, and a second ceiling cover 112b located above the protective frame 80. The second ceiling cover 112b is inclined so as to extend downward from the connecting portion with the first ceiling cover 112a toward the front.

As shown in FIG. 2, a transparent cover (transparent member according to the present invention) 120 capable of transmitting visible light is attached to the second ceiling cover 112b and the front cover 113 so as to correspond to the imaging region of the imaging unit 3. ing. In FIG. 4, the transparent cover 120 is not shown.

The transparent cover 120 is formed in a bent plate shape corresponding to the shapes of the second ceiling cover 112b and the front cover 113, and is integrally or detachably combined with the front cover body 110. Therefore, the portion of the transparent cover 120 that is combined with the second ceiling cover 112b is inclined according to the shape of the second ceiling cover 112b.

The transparent cover 120 may be transparent or translucent, and may be colorless or transparent or colored and transparent as long as it can transmit visible light. The material of the transparent cover 120 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, made of glass, synthetic resin, or the like.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the outer surface of the second ceiling cover 112b is formed with a pair of protruding ribs 125 that are arranged along the transparent cover 120 and project upward.
The protrusion rib 125 is formed so as to extend in the lane direction L1, and is arranged so as to face the lane width direction L2 with the transparent cover 120 interposed therebetween. The protruding height of the protruding rib 125 is formed so as to be higher than the maximum length of the spike pin in, for example, a land spike. The protruding rib 125 is made of a metal such as aluminum, and is subjected to hairline processing, alumite processing, and the like.

Further, in the starting block device 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, an external communication unit 130 that communicates with the outside is incorporated on the rear base portion 50 side.
The external communication unit 130 is a unit including various electronic components related to the image pickup unit 3, and is combined on the base body 57 of the second rear base 55 in the rear base unit 50. Further, the first communication cable from the first imaging unit 60 and the second communication cable from the second imaging unit 70 laid through the main frame 21 are electrically connected to the external communication unit 130. The external communication unit 130 includes an external connection terminal 131 for making a wired connection with an external device (see FIG. 3).

As shown in FIG. 3, an input / output terminal 132 is provided below the external connection terminal 131 (track lane L side). A start sound is input to the input / output terminal 132, and a start sound is generated from the speaker unit 100 via the third communication cable. Further, a signal from a pressure sensor (not shown) for fall start detection is output from the input / output terminal 132.

The rear end portion 21b of the external communication unit 130 and the main frame 21 configured as described above is covered with the rear cover body 140 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.
The rear cover body 140 is a metal cover such as aluminum, which extends along the lane direction L1 and faces the lane width direction L2 with the external communication unit 130 in between, the external communication unit 130, and the pair of side covers 141. It mainly includes a ceiling cover 142 located above the rear end portion 21b of the main frame 21, and a rear cover 143 located behind the external communication unit 130.

The lateral width of the rear cover body 140 along the lane width direction L2 is slightly wider than that of the base body 57 of the second rear base 55 in the rear base portion 50. As a result, the rear cover body 140 covers the external communication unit 130 and the rear end portion 21b of the main frame 21 from above, and attaches a fastening member such as a bolt to the base body 57 of the second rear base 55. They are combined integrally through.

The rear cover 143 is formed with an opening for exposing the external connection terminal 131 of the external communication unit 130. As a result, the external connection terminal 131 is arranged so as to be exposed on the rear cover 143 side. Therefore, the connection between the external device and the starting block device 1 is possible via the external connection terminal 131.

(Action of starting block device)
Next, a case where the competitor A performs the start operation by using the starting block device 1 configured as described above will be described.
In performing the start operation, as shown in FIG. 1, it is assumed that the rail member 20 is appropriately set behind the start line S according to the physique and the like of the competitor A. Further, it is assumed that the pair of foot blocks 10 are set at appropriate positions with respect to the rail member 20, and the angle with respect to the tartan track T is adjusted appropriately.

Under such a set situation, the competitor A receives the signal of "On your marks: about the position" and shifts to the crouching start posture. That is, the posture shifts to the posture in which both feet are placed on the pair of foot blocks 10 while holding both hands along the start line S. After that, the competitor A receives the signal of "Set: Ready", shifts to the posture in which the waist is raised and stands still, and receives the signal of the start sound and shifts to the start operation.

At the time of the above-mentioned start operation, according to the starting block device 1 of the present embodiment, since the imaging unit 3 is attached to the starting block main body 2, the foot block 10 is used to hold the starting posture. In addition to being able to capture the facial expression of the competitor A up close, it is also possible to capture the behavior (movement, movement) of the competitor A immediately after the start. Therefore, while assisting the start of the competitor A, it is possible to take a close-up picture of the facial expression and behavior of the competitor A at the start. Therefore, it is possible to shoot a powerful, tense and dynamic image that is difficult to shoot with a conventional shooting camera installed outside the track course.

This will be described in detail.
Since the imaging unit 3 of the present embodiment is arranged closer to the start line S than the frontmost adjustment position P1 in the foot block 10, the competitor A is located between the frontmost adjustment position P1 and the rearmost adjustment position P2. Regardless of the position where the foot block 10 is set, the image pickup unit 3 can be arranged on the start line S side of the foot tip placed on the foot block 10.
Therefore, it is possible to use the foot block 10 to maintain the crouching start posture and to take a close-up shot of the facial expression of the competitor A who is standing downward before the start. Furthermore, it is also possible to take a close-up shot of the running movement (behavior) of the competitor A immediately after the start from a low angle. Therefore, in a short-distance event in athletics, it is possible to shoot an image or the like that is powerful and has a sense of urgency and dynamism.

Moreover, as the imaging unit 3, the first imaging unit 60, which is arranged facing upward and images the competitor A before the start, and the second imaging unit 70, which is arranged facing forward and images the competitor A after the start. And have.
Therefore, the first imaging unit 60 can be mainly used to photograph the facial expression of the competitor A who is standing downward before the start in the crouching start posture. Further, the second imaging unit 70 can be mainly used to photograph the running motion (behavior) of the competitor A immediately after the start from a low angle. In this way, since the two dedicated imaging units 3 are used, it is easy to take a clearer picture of the facial expression of the competitor A before the start and the running motion of the competitor A immediately after the start.

When a wide-angle lens is used as the image pickup lenses 62 and 72, it is possible to simultaneously photograph the competitor A in the adjacent track lane L, for example. This makes it possible to shoot with a more realistic feeling.

Further, after loosening the first connecting screw 90 and the second connecting screw 91, the first connecting screw 90 and the second connecting screw 91 are moved along the elongated hole 86 to move the first imaging unit 60 to the lane direction L1. It is possible to adjust the angle. As a result, for example, the imaging range can be finely adjusted according to the age, gender, body shape, etc. of the athlete A, so that the facial expression of the athlete A who is standing downward depending on the crouching start posture before the start can be further enhanced. You can shoot clearly.

Similarly, after loosening the third connecting screw 92 and the fourth connecting screw 93, the fourth connecting screw 93 is moved along the elongated hole 88 around the through hole 87 to move the second imaging unit 70 in the vertical direction. It is possible to adjust the angle. As a result, the imaging range can be finely adjusted while adjusting the elevation angle with respect to the tartan track T, so that the running motion (behavior) of the competitor A immediately after the start can be photographed more clearly from a low angle. ..

Further, since the first imaging unit 60 and the second imaging unit 70 are housed in the protective frame 80, the first imaging unit 60 and the second imaging unit 70 can be attached stably and firmly for a long time. It is possible to take stable pictures.
Moreover, since the protective frame 80 is coated with the antireflection film 84, it is possible to absorb the light energy of visible light from the outside. Therefore, it is possible to prevent, for example, diffuse reflection of external light around the first imaging unit 60 and the second imaging unit 70, and it is possible to take a picture in a state where it is not easily affected by the external light. Therefore, clearer imaging can be performed. Further, since the external light is less likely to be reflected around the first imaging unit 60 and the second imaging unit 70, the competitor A can perform the start operation without feeling glare or the like.

Similarly, it is preferable to form a coating film such as an antireflection film 84 on the protruding rib 125 attached to the front cover body 110. In this case, the above-mentioned effects can be achieved even more effectively.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, since the imaging unit 3 (first imaging unit 60 and second imaging unit 70) can be covered by the front cover body 110 while securing the photographing area by using the transparent cover 120. The image pickup unit 3 can be made as inconspicuous as possible, and the competitor A is less likely to feel uncomfortable. Further, since the image pickup unit 3 is covered by the front cover body 110 and the transparent cover 120, it is possible to prevent dust and moisture from entering the image pickup unit 3, and stable shooting can be performed for a long time without being affected by the weather or the like. It can be performed.
Further, since a part of the transparent cover 120 is inclined according to the shape of the second ceiling cover 112b, raindrops easily flow down due to the inclination of the transparent cover 120 even in a competition in rainy weather, for example, and the transparent cover Inconveniences such as thin accumulation of rainwater on the surface of 120 are unlikely to occur. Therefore, even in the case of rain, it is possible to lead to good shooting.

Further, since the protruding rib 125 is formed on the outer surface of the front cover body 110, for example, even if the competitor A accidentally steps on the front cover body 110, an external force is directly applied to the transparent cover 120. It is possible to prevent the addition by using the protrusion rib 125. In particular, even when the athlete A wears the spikes for land use, it is possible to effectively prevent the transparent cover 120 from being unexpectedly damaged by the spike pins by using the protrusion rib 125.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. The embodiments and modifications thereof include, for example, those that can be easily assumed by those skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, those that have an equal range, and the like.

For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the first imaging unit 60 and the second imaging unit 70 are attached so as to be adjustable in angle has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this case, and for example, a fixed fixed angle is not limited. You can attach it with.
However, it is preferable that the angle can be adjusted because, for example, the position of the head at the start of crouching differs depending on the age, gender, physique, etc. of the competitor A. In the above embodiment, the angle adjustment is described by taking as an example the case where various connecting screws are used to manually adjust the angle, but the present invention is not limited to this case, and is not limited to this case. It may be configured so that the angle can be adjusted by operation or the like.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the first imaging unit 60 and the second imaging unit 70 are attached has been described as an example, but for example, one imaging unit may be attached, and three or more imaging units may be attached. You may attach it.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the first imaging unit 60 and the second imaging unit 70 are attached to the start line S side of the frontmost adjustment position P1 in the foot block 10 has been described as an example. The installation is not particularly limited as long as it is attached to the starting block main body 2.
For example, one imaging unit may be attached to the inside or the outside of the rear cover body 140 toward the front. Even in this case, it is possible to photograph the facial expression of the athlete A immediately before the start and to photograph the behavior of the athlete A running away immediately after the start. However, since the foot and the like of the competitor A before the start are also photographed, it is preferable to attach the imaging unit 3 to the position of the above embodiment.

In the above embodiment, other functions may be appropriately added to the starting block device 1. For example, a function for detecting an illegal start of the competitor A may be added by using a pressure sensor (weight sensor) or the like.

Further, in the above embodiment, as an example of the starting device according to the present invention, the starting block device 1 used in a short-distance event in athletics has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this case. For example, it may be applied to a starting platform that assists the start of a swimmer (competitor) in a swimming competition.

For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the start table (start device according to the present invention) 200 has at least a platform (foot portion according to the present invention) 230 that supports the feet of a swimmer, and the start table main body (related to the present invention). It includes a start device main body 201) and an imaging unit 202 attached to the start stand main body 201 to photograph a swimmer.

The start stand main body 201 is installed on the poolside PS provided around the swimming pool P, and has a pedestal portion 210 fixed on the poolside PS and the platform 230 fixed on the upper part of the pedestal portion 210. I have.
In the following description, the direction in which the swimmer standing on the platform 230 jumps toward the swimming pool P is referred to as the front, and the opposite direction is referred to as the rear. Further, the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction and the up-down direction is referred to as a left-right direction.

The pedestal portion 210 includes a leg portion 211, a handrail portion 212, and a side plate portion 213.
The leg portions 211 are rod-shaped members made of, for example, stainless steel, and a plurality of leg portions 211 (four in the present embodiment) are arranged along the vertical direction. The lower end of each leg 211 is fixed on the poolside PS.

Like the leg portion 211, the handrail portion 212 is a rod-shaped member formed of, for example, stainless steel, and has a first grip portion 220 extending in the left-right direction and an upper portion from both ends of the first grip portion 220. It has a pair of front connecting portions 221 extending toward the front and a pair of upper connecting portions 222 extending rearward from the upper end portion of the front connecting portion 221.
The first grip portion 220 is arranged in front of the leg portion 211. Above the first grip portion 220, a second grip portion 223 extending along the left-right direction is provided. Both ends of the second grip portion 223 are connected to a pair of front connecting portions 221.

The side plate portions 213 are plate-shaped members made of, for example, stainless steel, and a plurality of side plate portions 213 (four in the present embodiment) are arranged between the adjacent leg portions 211. In the space surrounded by each side plate portion 213, a storage case 224 in which various instruments are housed is arranged.

The platform 230 includes a flat portion 231 formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view, and a footrest portion 232 arranged behind the flat portion 231.
The flat portion 231 is inclined so as to be lowered from the rear to the front. The upper surface of the flat portion 231 is anti-slip processed.
The footrest portion 232 is a block-shaped member extending along the left-right direction, and is formed in a triangular shape when viewed from the left-right direction. The front surface of the footrest portion 232 is inclined so as to be lowered from the rear to the front. The front surface of the footrest portion 232 is anti-slip processed. Further, the inclination angle of the front surface of the footrest portion 232 with respect to the horizontal plane is larger than the inclination angle of the upper surface of the flat portion 231 with respect to the horizontal plane.

The imaging unit 202 is, for example, a third imaging unit 205 which is arranged facing upward and photographs the swimmer at the start, and a fourth imaging unit 206 and a third imaging unit 206 which are arranged facing forward and photograph the swimmer after the start. 5 Imaging unit 207 and the like.
Since the third imaging unit 205, the fourth imaging unit 206, and the fifth imaging unit 207 have the same configuration as the first imaging unit 60 described above, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The third imaging unit 205 is embedded in the front end side of the flat portion 231 of the platform 230, and it is possible to mainly photograph the facial expression of the swimmer who is in the starting posture while climbing on the platform 230. Has been done.
The fourth imaging unit 206 is embedded in the footrest unit 232 of the platform 230, and it is possible to mainly photograph the behavior of the swimmer immediately after the start, who jumped into the swimming pool P from above the platform 230.
The fifth imaging unit 207 is attached to the upper surface of the accommodation case 224, and is capable of mainly photographing the behavior of the swimmer immediately after the start, who jumped into the swimming pool P from the platform 230. In addition, the fifth imaging unit 207 is a fifth imaging unit 207 for the swimmer when the swimmer starts with his / her foot on the wall surface of the swimming pool P while holding the handrail portion 212 when the swimmer swims on the backstroke. It is possible to image facial expressions.

In the above embodiment, a case where a total of three imaging units are attached, one for each of the third imaging unit 205, the fourth imaging unit 206, and the fifth imaging unit 207, has been described as an example. The number of copies is not limited to this case. For example, one imaging unit may be attached, or a plurality of third imaging unit 205, fourth imaging unit 206, and fifth imaging unit 207 may be attached.

Therefore, even when the start device according to the present invention is applied to the start table 200 used in the swimming competition, it is possible to take a close-up image of the facial expression of the swimmer holding the start posture. It is possible to take a close-up shot of the behavior of the swimmer immediately after the start. Therefore, while assisting the start of the swimmer, it is possible to take a close-up picture of the swimmer's facial expression and behavior at the start. Therefore, it is possible to shoot a powerful, tense and dynamic image that is difficult to shoot with a conventional shooting camera installed outside the swimming course.

L1 ... Lane direction L2 ... Lane width direction P1 ... Frontmost adjustment position P2 ... Rearmost adjustment position A ... Competitor L ... Track lane S ... Start line T ... Tartan track (competition surface)
1 ... Starting block device (start device)
2 ... Starting block body (start device body)
3, 202 ... Imaging unit 10 ... Foot block (foot unit)
20 ... Rail member 60 ... First imaging unit 70 ... Second imaging unit 80 ... Protective frame 84 ... Antireflection film (light absorption member)
110 ... Front cover body (cover body)
120 ... Transparent cover (transparent member)
125 ... Protruding rib 200 ... Start stand (start device)
201 ... Start stand body (start device body)
230 ... Platform (foot part)

Claims (8)

A start device body that has at least a foot portion that supports the feet of athletes engaged in sports competitions,
A start device, which is attached to the start device main body and includes an imaging unit for photographing the athlete. In the start device according to claim 1,
The start device is fixed on a competition surface for athletics and includes a rail member extending in the lane direction of the track lane.
The foot portions are arranged in pairs in the rail width direction of the track lane with the rail member in between, and between the frontmost adjustment position closest to the start line and the rearmost adjustment position farthest from the start line. The position can be adjusted in the lane direction, and the rail member can be detachably combined with the rail member.
The start device is attached to the rail member in a state where the image pickup unit is located closer to the start line than the frontmost adjustment position of the foot unit. In the start device according to claim 2,
The imaging unit
The first imaging unit, which is arranged facing upward and photographs the competitor before the start,
A start device, which is arranged so as to face the traveling direction of the track lane and includes a second imaging unit for photographing the competitor after the start. In the start device according to claim 3,
The first imaging unit is attached so that the angle can be adjusted in the lane direction.
The second imaging unit is a start device that is attached so that the angle of the second imaging unit can be adjusted in the vertical direction with respect to the competition surface. In the start device according to claim 3 or 4.
A protective frame that surrounds the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit and is open upward and in the traveling direction of the track lane is attached to the rail member.
A start device in which the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit are attached to the protective frame while being housed in the protective frame. In the start device according to claim 5,
A start device in which a light absorbing material that absorbs the light energy of visible light is formed at least on the inner surface of the protective frame. In the start device according to any one of claims 2 to 6.
A cover body that covers the imaging unit is attached to the rail member.
A start device in which a transparent member capable of transmitting visible light is attached to a portion of the cover body located in the imaging region of the imaging unit. In the start device according to claim 7,
A start device on the outer surface of the cover body, which is arranged along the transparent member and has protruding ribs protruding upward.

Images