EP0587622B1

EP0587622B1 - Sports training device

Info

Publication number: EP0587622B1
Application number: EP92910878A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ronald Gerry Dawson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1991-05-22
Filing date: 1992-05-22
Publication date: 1997-03-26
Anticipated expiration: 2012-05-22
Also published as: AU650755B2; CA2109413C; DE69218597T2; CA2109413A1; DE69218597D1; AU1769992A; JPH06507556A; EP0587622A4; KR100218640B1; EP0587622A1; JP3308529B2; WO1992021106A1

Abstract

A sports training device provides synchronisation signals to induce and guide movements of a sportsperson engaged in a sporting activity. The device comprises a digital logic computer and a tone generator, the computer logic being programmed to activate the tone generator in accordance with stimulus parameters. Means are provided to input into the computer predetermined stimulus parameters based upon a behavioural analysis of models of relevant movement sequences of the sporting activity to cause the tone generator to generate a sequence of auditory pulses having predetermined characteristics. These characteristics such as intensity, duration, quality and the like relate to movements of different parts of the body and/or provide other information concerning the particular movement. The device also includes audio output means through which the generated sounds are relayed to the sportsperson as a preview and guide to the sporting activity.

Description

The invention relates to training a sportsperson for some sporting activity and, in particular, to regulating the movements of the sportsperson engaged in that activity. The invention has application to all kinds of sports and to a wide range of sportspersons including a novice commencing to learn the rudiments of some sport as well as someone more proficient seeking to improve performance.
Although related to the particular activity, sports training has, generally speaking, followed a miscellany of procedures varying from the casual to the systematic. The latter category has involved the employment of coaches, special training facilities and an assortment of sophisticated equipment. Timing an activity has been commonplace. The invention concentrates on temporal intervals between specific movements and on temporal proportionality of complex movements.
US-A-4285041 discloses a pacing timer for a runner. The timer produces a repeating tone that is intended to coincide with every alternate stride the runner takes, thus providing a reference signal allowing the runner to pace his speed during a long distance race. The timer is programmable allowing it to take into account target times, a variety of stride lengths and various speeds at which the runner will run. By increasing or decreasing the length of time between subsequent tones, the runner can alter his stride time and hence increase or decrease his speed accordingly.
US-A-3808707 discloses a physical training system that produces an audible signal generated to assist an individual to obtain optimum performance during an activity such as golf. The audible signal varies in frequency, intensity and duration in accordance with the rate of muscle activity and with the level of muscular exertion. Thus the user of the system preprogrammes an ideal signal for the activity to be performed and can then match his muscle activity to the signal. The matching of muscle activity with the audible signal should produce the optimum performance the user can achieve.
US-A-3492582 discloses a method and system for providing a pace rhythm for track runners. The system comprises of an audio oscillator that produces a repeating tone against which the runner can time his stride.
In accordance with the invention, a sports training device to deliver to a sportsperson engaged in a sporting activity predetermined synchronisation signals in the form of auditory pulses to induce and guide movements of the sportsperson engaged in that sporting activity comprising a digital logic computer and a tone generator, the computer logic being programmed to activate the tone generator in accordance with stimulus timing parameters, means to input into the computer predetermined stimulus timing parameters based upon a behavioural analysis of models of the relevant sporting activity to cause the computer to activate the tone generator to generate a sequence of auditory pulses and audio output means through which the generated sounds are relayed to the sportsperson engaged in the sporting activity as a guide to the sporting activity characterised in that said stimulus timing parameters are movement timing parameters having varying characteristics indicative of the onset, temporal duration and temporal proportionality of specific movements of different parts of the body of the sportsperson engaged in a sporting activity derived from a prior behavioural analysis of movement initiation, the temporal duration of movements, and the relative proportional timing of movements, and wherein said sequence of auditory pulses have predetermined varying characteristics of intensity frequency or tonal quality or the like in order to signal the onset, temporal duration and temporal proportionality of specific movements of different body parts to be performed by the sportsperson.
Broadly, in accordance with the invention, predetermined signals are used as timing synchronizers to induce and guide the execution of movements by a sportsperson engaged in a particular sporting activity. The signals may be produced by an electronic device which has been programmed to generate a sequence of auditory pulses having predetermined characteristics.
In the first place, the predetermined signals are dependent upon the particular sporting activity. In addition, characteristics of the sequential pulses are derived from a prior analysis of the movements involved in an appropriate sporting behaviour. The prior analysis may be based upon an optimum model of performance where the sportsperson is being trained to achieve an output for which there is an accepted standard. Alternatively, the prior analysis may be based upon a model derived from a study of the sportsperson's own behaviour. For example, the derived model may be used repetitively by that particular sportsperson in order to achieve consistency in timing. In another example, a number of models may be analysed so that the sportsperson may experiment with different timing strategies. The model may be a human one or it may be mechanical.
From the analysis of the appropriate sporting behaviour, stimulus parameters are derived. These parameters may include the onset of movement of a body part, the duration of movement and the relative timing of movements of different parts of the body. Other information such as speed or force of movement may be included. The stimulus parameters are used to vary characteristics of the auditory pulses such as intensity or duration or quality or the like to relate to movements of different parts of the body and/or to provide other information concerning the particular movement.
The stimulus parameters are fed into a programmable computer by such means as a keyboard. The auditory pulses are relayed to the sportsperson by audio output means. Preferably, the audio output means include an individual earpiece for each sportsperson. The audio output means may include a radio link to a remote sportsperson. In either case, timing information may be relayed directly and instantaneously to a sportsperson.

Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a sports training device in accordance with the invention; and
Figures 2a and 2b combined show a circuit diagram illustrating one embodiment of a sports training device in accordance with the invention.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments

To illustrate the invention, two applications thereof will be discussed. For convenience, these applications will be identified as "sports-sync" and "sports-pacer", respectively. A single sports training device may be designed so as to be suitable for use in both applications. Alternatively, separate devices may be designed specifically for one or other application.
The sports-synch is intended primarily for what may be described as discrete activities such as hitting a golf ball or hitting a cricket ball. Such activities can be made more precise if the onset and duration of various body movements can be signalled precisely to the sportsperson. Incidentally, those two particularised activities illustrate the flexibility of the sports-synch to control self-contained, internally triggered actions as occur in golf as well as actions which have external timing requirements as in cricket.
The ideal golf swing involves synchronous movement of several parts of the body. A sequential signal pattern may be based on an analysis of the golf swing using a human or mechanical model. The synchrony may be signalled to the golfer by a sequence of different auditory tones which signal the onset of movement for different body parts. Preferably, the whole sequence commences with a brief synchronous tone burst at, for example, 2 per second. This tone burst acts as an onset signal and may be triggered at the golfer's discretion. The golfer will learn which tones are the trigger for movement of particular parts of the body and will then practise to put the sequence together with the timing indicated. Thus, the golfer will learn to maintain consistency in timing.
The sports-synch also has application to cricket batting strokes. Efficient stroke-play in cricket involves a multiplicity of decisions in a short space of time. Sports-synch will enable a batsman to practise the timing of specifically identified shots. The timing sequence of the shot could be based upon an ideal model or, alternatively, on an individual model as, for example, in the case of juniors whose body proportions do not allow them to approach the ideal.
An analysis of skilled ball hitting (e.g., Bootsma and Wieringen, 1988) indicates that the external trigger for ball hitting is consistently related to the distance the ball is from the eyes. For this reason, the onset of the timing signals generated by a sports-synch for cricket shots will preferably be based upon an analysis of a practised professional playing against a conventional bowling machine. Thus, unlike the sports-synch for golf, the device for cricket is externally triggered. However, like the golfing version, the sports-synch for cricket will generate tones identifying the movement of the certain parts of the body. A batsman will learn which tones relate to particular body parts. He will then practise the shot, initially without a ball and then, ideally, with a bowling machine. Each shot will be identified by a different tonal sequence and, preferably, a different onset signal for the commencement of each shot. The advantage of using the bowling machine is that the batsman could practise a certain shot over and over again provided that the bowling machine is set up to deliver a ball at constant length and velocity. In this event, the timing sequence would preferably be initiated remotely from the bowling machine by, for example, a radio link. If a human bowler were to be used, the timing sequence for the shot could be initiated remotely by a third party such as a coach. Thus the timing of each tone would be programmed in advance from a model such that the sequence for an activity may be triggered in full from a single input. The single input trigger could be initiated manually or by a remote signal from another device such as a bowling machine. The sports-synch could also be reprogrammed by the user in order to change various features of the total event to suit the individual.
The sports-synch may be used in other activities which culminate in a precise movement which has a timing prerequisite such as high-jumping, bowling a cricket ball, putting, etc. All of these activities involve a single sequence of events which should be tailor-made and then initiated singly.
On the other hand, the sports-pacer is intended for the timing of measured repetitive movements such as occurs in running and swimming. The essential purpose of this device is to deliver auditory signals which are to be synchronized with the mode of propulsion (e.g., a pace in running or a swimming stroke) such that the pacing feature is immediately convertible into a measure of velocity. Thus, a sports-pacer acts as a speedometer for the athlete. The accuracy of the speedometer function is dependent upon measurements of the particular athlete performing over set distances so that paces or strokes per distance can be converted to pulses per unit time. Given this information, it is possible to programme a training regimen for an athlete or a full race without the athlete having constantly to check a time-piece.
Preferably, the device would be flexible enough to correct for changes in terrain, simply by the athlete or coach noting the change in distance travelled over changes in slope of running surface. Thus, a race like a marathon could be programmed from start to finish. The athlete, in full knowledge of his speed throughout the race, would be able to preset his pace for the race in advance.
An athlete would also be able to test out different strategies for racing given that the pacer would enable the athlete to race at different velocities at different stages of the race, with a precise knowledge of what those velocities are.
An application of the device which differs slightly from the prior examples is to aid in synchronizing the run-up of a bowler in cricket. Fast bowlers in particular need a precise rhythm when they bowl. A sports-pacer would be able to provide a series of pulses to pace each step in the run-up and the subsequent arm movements leading to the delivery of the ball.
A sports-pacer needs to be a more flexible device than a sports-synch. The device would have inbuilt programmes of performance based, for example, upon the measurement of world-class athletes in appropriate races which can be used as a model. The device could also be based upon individual programmes over set distances.
The sports training device illustrated in Fig.1 is suitable for both the sports-synch and sports-pacer applications. The device comprises a programmable electronic system made up of three main components. The first is an input device with a keypad which is used to select programmes (if there is more than one programme) and input stimulus parameters. The second is a computer and tone generator with an associated memory made with programmable microchips. The third is an audio amplifier and speaker, through which the sounds generated by the computer are relayed to a sportsperson.
The device allows the user to select sounds covering a wide range of frequencies and intensities and arrange them in sequence. The sequence can then be played, on command from the keypad, through any of a number of speaker or earpiece outputs. The device may also contain a display which indicates to the user the precise details (frequency, duration, sequence, etc.) of the information currently programmed. The output characteristics of the device can cover the whole range of audible frequencies of sound, the tonal durations may range from milliseconds to seconds and the total duration of the auditory sequences can be as short as milliseconds or as long as hours. The device may include means whereby a number of different auditory sequences can be stored concurrently. Further, the device may incorporate more than one programme. In this event, the appropriate programme and auditory sequence may be selected through operation of the keypad.
Preferably, the audio output means used to relay a sequence of auditory tones to a sportsperson comprises an earpiece which may be worn by the sportsperson. In the case where the same sequence of auditory tones is to be relayed to more than one sportsperson, individual earpieces may be supplied to each person. Where the sportsperson is remotely located as in a marathon, the audio output means should include a radio link.
To give greater portability, it is preferred that the training device be battery powered.
Figs. 2a and 2b depict a circuit diagram for a sports training device according to one embodiment of the invention. With this circuit and the computer programme hereinafter detailed, the training device may be used either as a sports-synch or a sports-pacer. The major differences in function result from the way in which tonal sequences are selected by the programme and are stored in the hardware and triggered by the sportsperson. In the case of the sports-synch function, preparatory signals start off a sequence. These are followed by a series of tones, whose frequency and inter-pulse-intervals have been selected so as to guide a whole-body action involving the movement of many parts. In the case of the sports-pacer function, the range of tones used will be less extensive, since it is the repetitive feature of a particular movement which will be signalled; however, the output will be such as to cover the repetitive movement sequence for the total duration of a sporting activity, such as the running of a marathon, which takes over two hours.
The circuit shown in Figs. 2a and 2b represents a programmable tone sequence generator which is controlled by a Motorola (MC 68705C8) microcontroller U1. The controller U1 monitors the input keys of keyboard K1 and performs all timing and tone selection functions for the device operation in either of its sports-synch or sports-pacer applications. The tones and times are stored in the processor ROM and are accessed by the CPU to generate precisely controlled tones and accurate durations.
The circuit also includes a reset generator (MC34064) U2 which monitors the power supply and holds controller U1 in a reset condition during power failure or low battery voltage. Voltage regulator (MC78L05) U3 regulates the battery voltage to give +5 volts for the digital circuit. A generator U4 generates -5 volts from the +5 supply for the microchip of tone generator (ML2035) U5 which takes serial data from controller U1 via the SPI in hexidecimal format to produce a sine wave. A low power amplifier (LM386) U6 takes sine wave from tone generator U5 and provides sufficient power to drive low impedance head phones or earpiece. The power is provided by a 9 volt battery B1.
For the operation of the training device in the manner described, a programme suitable for use with the circuit shown in Figs. 2a and 2b is as follows:-
The software and hardware, as described, are subject to modification as may be necessary to adapt the training device to a variety of other athletic functions which have not been described specifically in this application. Other changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

A sports training device to deliver to a sportsperson engaged in a sporting activity predetermined synchronisation signals in the form of auditory pulses to induce and guide movements of the sportsperson engaged in that sporting activity comprising a digital logic computer and a tone generator, the computer logic being programmed to activate the tone generator in accordance with stimulus timing parameters, means to input into the computer predetermined stimulus timing parameters based upon a behavioural analysis of models of the relevant sporting activity to cause the computer to activate the tone generator to generate a sequence of auditory pulses and audio output means through which the generated sounds are relayed to the sportsperson engaged in the sporting activity as a guide to the sporting activity characterised in that said stimulus timing parameters are movement timing parameters having varying characteristics indicative of the onset, temporal duration and temporal proportionality of specific movements of different parts of the body of the sportsperson engaged in a sporting activity derived from a prior behavioural analysis of movement initiation, the temporal duration of movements, and the relative proportional timing of movements, and wherein said sequence of auditory pulses have predetermined varying characteristics of intensity frequency or tonal quality or the like in order to signal the onset, temporal duration and temporal proportionality of specific movements of different body parts to be performed by the sportsperson.
A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predetermined characteristics also signal additional information concerning the movements to be performed.
A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said audio means includes an earpiece to be worn by the sportsperson.
A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the audio output means includes a radio link.
A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means to input stimulus parameters includes a keyboard.
A device as claimed in claim 1, including means whereby a number of different auditory sequences may be stored concurrently.
A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein means are included to store a plurality of programmes.