AU2023100057A4

AU2023100057A4 - A sensor-enabled platform configured to measure athletic activity

Info

Publication number: AU2023100057A4
Application number: AU2023100057A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Mat Graham
Original assignee: Hit Tekk Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Hit Tekk Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2021-05-18
Filing date: 2023-06-14
Publication date: 2023-07-13
Anticipated expiration: 2029-08-25

Abstract

The present invention relates, in various embodiment's, to a sensor-enabled platform configured to measure athletic activity. For example, some embodiment's provide a platform which is configured to enable medicine ball workouts, with the sensors being configured to measure participant performance in performing medicine ball exercises. Although the present invention is described primarily in connection with such examples, it will be appreciated that further embodiment's find wider application. 2/6 21 9 ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. ............................. 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . FiGm 2

Description

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FiGm 2

A SENSOR-ENABLED PLATFORM CONFIGURED TO MEASURE ATHLETIC ACTIVITY FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates, in various embodiments, to a sensor-enabled platform configured to measure athletic activity. For example, some embodiments provide a platform which is configured to enable medicine ball workouts, with the sensors being configured to measure participant performance in performing medicine ball exercises. Although the present invention is described primarily in connection with such examples, it will be appreciated that further embodiments find wider application.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Any discussion of the background art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

[0003] A wide range of electronic devices which measure athletic activity are known. Common examples include cardiovascular training apparatus, such as treadmills, rowing machines, and stationary bicycles. With an increase in the popularity of functional training, for example via CrossFit and other regimes, there have been various efforts made to include performance sensors in a wider range of equipment, thereby to measure/quantify performance in further athletic activities. One example is the incorporation of accelerometers into medicine balls, thereby to measure attributes of ball motion.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Example embodiments are described below in the section entitled "claims", and in the section entitled "detailed description".

[0006] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment", "some embodiments" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment", "in some embodiments" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[0007] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

[0008] In the claims below and the description herein, any one of the terms comprising, comprised of or which comprises is an open term that means including at least the elements/features that follow, but not excluding others. Thus, the term comprising, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to the means or elements or steps listed thereafter. For example, the scope of the expression a device comprising A and B should not be limited to devices consisting only of elements A and B. Any one of the terms including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

[0009] As used herein, the term "exemplary" is used in the sense of providing examples, as opposed to indicating quality. That is, an "exemplary embodiment" is an embodiment provided as an example, as opposed to necessarily being an embodiment of exemplary quality.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, byway of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0011] FIG. 1 provides a schematic front view of a device according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 2 provides a top view of the device of FIG. 1 according to one example.

[0013] FIG. 3 provides a top view according to a further example.

[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates linking of two devices of the sort illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates a processing unit optionally used by the device of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates a device according to a further embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The present invention relates, in various embodiments, to a sensor-enabled platform configured to measure athletic activity. For example, some embodiments provide a platform which is configured to enable medicine ball workouts, with the sensors being configured to measure participant performance in performing medicine ball exercises. Although the present invention is described primarily in connection with such examples, it will be appreciated that further embodiments find wider application.

[0018] In overview, various embodiments include a device including a platform having an upper surface which is configured such that a user is enabled to repeatedly impact a portable object (such as a medicine ball) onto that upper surface. In this regard, the upper surface is preferably substantially planar, and orientated in a substantially horizontal plane. One or more sensors configured to monitor force applied to the upper surface of the platform. These are arranged such that the sensors are configured to monitor metrics associated with the impacting of the portable object onto the surface, for example an impact force associated with the impacting of the object onto the surface. The sensors are coupled to a processing unit, which is configured to process data received from the one or more sensors, thereby to derive metrics representative of athletic performance associated with impacting a portable object onto the upper surface. These metrics optionally include:

• A metric representative of impact force for a given impact.

• A metric representative of cumulative impact force during a workout period.

• A metric representative of average impact force during a workout period.

[0019] In this manner, the device is enabled to allow for measurement and monitoring of athletic performance during an object-impacting workout, for example a medicine ball workout (also known as a "slam ball" workout), a hammer slamming workout, and the like. For the sake of embodiments described below, a portable object in the form a medicine ball is described (with a "medicine ball" being in essence an object that is configured to be forcibly dropped with little or no rebound, for example a sand-filled bladder). This is an example only, and other forms of objects may be used in further embodiments.

[0020] Three main categories of embodiment are considered herein.

[0021] The first category of embodiments include a split platform, which includes: (i) a first set of one or more sensors configured to monitor force applied to a first region of the platform; and (ii) a second set of one or more sensors configured to monitor force applied to a second region of the platform. Typically, the first region of the platform represents an impact target region onto which the object is impacted during normal use, and the second region of the platform represents a standing region on which a user stands during normal use. This allows for segregation of force measurements which transfer through the user's feet, and force measurements which are specifically associated with the impact of the ball.

[0022] The second category of embodiments include a split platform, which includes one or more sensors configured to monitor force applied to a first region of the platform, represents an impact target region onto which the object is impacted during normal use, and a second region of the platform represents a standing region on which a user stands during normal use (which is not monitored by force sensors).

[0023] The third category of embodiments include a one-piece platform, which provides both an impact target region of the platform onto which the object is impacted during normal use, and a standing region of the platform on which a user stands during normal use. The one or more sensors are configured to monitor force applied to the upper surface of the one-piece platform, such that they are configured to measure force applied both an impact target region of the platform onto which the object is impacted during normal use, and a standing region of the platform on which a user stands during normal use. It will be appreciated that digital signal processing techniques may be applied to determine metrics of an impact, and optionally metrics associated with the weight of the user, and the weight of the object (noting that, during a medicine ball slamming movement, there is a period of time during which the mass of the medicine ball is separated from the platform). For example the processing unit is configured to process a time domain signal thereby to determine a weight of the object. This time domain signal may also be processed to determine additional metrics associated with performance, for example including a metric representative of the "explosiveness" of ball lifting.

[0024] The metrics representative of athletic performance include metrics derived from sensing of data representative of force with which the portable object is impacted on the upper surface. In the context of a medicine ball workout, these metrics may include any one or more of the following:

• Workout average impact force.

• Workout cumulative impact force.

• Workout average repetitions-per-minute.

[0025] In some cases, one or more metrics are normalised based on the weight of a medicine ball being used, and/or the weight of the user. This is in some cases inferred from sensor data (e.g., via processing of a time-domain signal), and in other cases determined via specific input.

[0026] The upper surface may be textured or the like; the term "substantially planar" is used to indicate a generally flat region onto which an object such as a medicine ball is able to be forcibly dropped. In some embodiments the upper surface is configured substantially in a horizontal plane. However, a tilted surface may be used (for example to assist in return on the medicine ball to a user).

[0027] The one or more sensors configured to monitor force applied to the upper surface of the platform include at least one sensor configured to measure a metric associated with a force of the object impacting the upper surface. For example, these may include various forms of compression force transducers, load cell sensors, strain gauges, and the like. It will be appreciated that a selection of sensor will be dependent on specific design aspects, for example location of sensors and/or configuration of a platform support. Multiple sensors may be positioned at distinct locations.

[0028] Some embodiments make use of compression force sensor, for example sensors configured for compression force measurement with full-bridge, bonded foil strain gauge technology. These provide excellent long-term stability and ensure high performance even in applications requiring in excess of 1 million load cycles

[0029] Some embodiments make use of strain gauges, for example using MEMS sensor technology. In such technology, the pressure of media is measured by a silicon or silicon on-insulator sensing element that has the piezoresistive strain gage bridge on it, with a transfer medium, typically silicon oil, present between the MEMS element and a stainless steel diaphragm. The pressure exerted on the diaphragm is transferred to the MEMS element through the oil. The change in pressure results in a change in electrical output from MEMS elements piezoresistive strain gage. This electrical output gives us an indication of the pressure changes within the system.

[0030] Some embodiments make use of thin film sensors. In thin film sensor technology, a piezoresistive strain gauge bridge is deposited directly on the cell's stainless-steel diaphragm which is in direct contact with the media being measured. With this technology, there is no transfer medium in between the media and sensing bridge measuring the pressure. This eliminates the damaging expansion or shrinkage that can occur in a MEMS device.

[0031] Regardless of the sensor used, the processing unit is configured to process a sensor signal which is representative of an impact force applied to the platform, for example being an impact force created by a user forcibly dropping/throwing a medicine ball onto the platform. Preferably, the processing unit is configured to perform a normalisation process thereby to account for the weight of the medicine ball. For example, this may include subtracting ball weight from the impact force. Normalisation based on ball weight may be achieved via any of the following approaches:

• In some embodiments, a sensor arrangement is configured to measure force applied to a platform which is used for both standing and object impacting. As such, this sensor arrangement provides time domain data which varies through an athletic movement, including: (i) a period of time when the mass of the medicine ball is detectable by the sensor arrangement, for example as it rests on the platform or is held by the user; and (ii) a period of time when the medicine ball is airborne, and hence its mass is not detectable by the sensor arrangement. Digital signal processing techniques are used to determine combined user/ball weight, user-only weight, and ball-only weight.

• In some embodiments, the device includes a weight sensor, configured to measure weight of a medicine ball in isolation (that may be the same sensor used for measuring athletic performance). This may be integrated into the platform, so that a user rests the ball on the platform initially.

• In some embodiments, a user stands on a secondary platform, which contains a separate force sensor. This allows the processing unit to determine weight of a user, weight of a user with the ball, and hence weight of the ball. It will be appreciated that the measured weight varies throughout usage as the user lifts and drops the ball.

• In some embodiments a user manually enters ball weight via a user interface.

• In some embodiments a ball includes a machine-readable token (e.g., a barcode or RFID tag) which is representative of weight,

[0032] The processing unit is coupled to a display screen. This display screen may be part of the device (for example a screen provided on a vertically extending member which is mounted to a base member of the device), or a remote display screen (for example connected via a wired or wired configuration. The processing unit is also coupled to a user interface device, which may include a series of buttons, and/or a touch screen element provided in conjunction with the display screen.

[0033] The vertically extending member illustrated in the diagrams is exemplary only. Preferably, such a member is configured thereby to minimise risks of a user inadvertently slamming the medicine ball into a display screen and/or display screen support. In some embodiments a display is provided on/adjacent/below platform 2, and/or projected onto such a location.

[0034] The processing unit is configured to cause the display screen to display metrics derived from the motion sensors. This may include any one or more of the following, and/or metrics derived from any one or more of the following:

• Impact force;

• Cumulative impact force;

* Effort, derived from impact force normalised for object mass;

* Repetition rate;

• Average impact force;

• Average effort;

• Object acceleration;

• Lift force metrics;

• Object acceleration;

* Total mass lifted;

• Calories burned; and

• A performance metric based on object mass and user mass.

[0035] Preferably, the processing unit is configured to measure and cause displaying of a metric based on a process including: (i) determining a mass of the portable object; (ii) determining an impact force at which the portable object strikes the platform; and (iii) based on (i) and (ii), deriving a metric for effort associated with striking the object on the platform.

[0036] The processing unit, in response to commands inputted via the user interface device, is configured to execute software instructions representative of one or more predefined workout programs, thereby to, via a display screen: (i) instruct a user to perform athletic activities; and (ii) display data derived from the one or more sensors thereby to provide feedback data regarding athletic performance in a current workout program.

[0037] In some embodiments the device includes a multi-user interface configured to enable display of relative operation of two or more of the platforms having a substantially planar upper surface and a respective one or more sensors configured to monitor force applied to the upper surface of the platform. For example, multiple devices can be linked together, with a single display screen presenting metrics. This optionally display of competitive metrics for a plurality of simultaneous users.

[0038] FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3 provides a simplified view of a device 1 according to one embodiment. FIG. 1 provides a side view; FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 respectively provide top views of a one-piece platform embodiment and split platform embodiment.

[0039] Device 1 is a standalone piece of electronic athletic training equipment, with a primary function of allowing a user to complete a medicine ball workout. As context, such a workout involves the user repeatedly lifting a medicine ball, and forcefully depositing that ball onto a surface (colloquially referred to as "slamming"). The surface is typically the ground, however in this instance the surface is an upper surface 20 of a platform 2 provided by device 1. Upper surface 20 is substantially planar, optionally including texturing via a non-slip rubber covering and/or a resilient rubber matting. The surface is preferably about 1m x 1m, allowing ample space for a user to stand and perform a medicine ball workout.

[0040] FIG. 3 illustrates a split platform embodiment in which there are two surface regions, being a central region 20A and a peripheral region 20B. These may be substantially coplanar, or alternately be at different heights. In use, a user stands on region B, and slams a medicine ball into region 20B. Sensors are provided in connection with both regions, thereby to measure changes in force applied. In some embodiments sensors only monitor sub-region 20A.

[0041] Platform 2 is mounted to a base member 3, connected by a zone 4. Zone 4 optionally includes damping and/or other attributes to reduce bouncing of a medicine ball on slamming. Zone 4 may alternately/additionally be used to house various sensor components relevant to measuring force applied to platform 2 (for example load cells). That is, motion of platform 2 relative to base member 3 may be used to measure force exerted into platform 2. In a further embodiment, sensors measure force between unit 1 and the ground, for example via sensors mounted in footing units.

[0042] Components 5-8 are illustrated to represent components which are mounted in whole or in part within base member 3. The size, shape, and positioning of these components is not intended to represent a real-world configuration. Rather, these are illustrated as functional blocks for the purposes of illustration and explanation.

[0043] Component 5 represents a sensor configured to monitor force applied to the upper surface of the platform. For example, this may include at least one sensor configured to measure a metric associated with a force of the object impacting the upper surface

(and/or a force associated with a user standing on the platform). For example, this may include various forms of load cells, force transducers strain gauges, and the like.

[0044] Component 6 represents a secondary sensor configured to monitor force applied to a sub-region of upper surface of the platform, where platform 2 is a split platform (see FIG. 3). For example, in such an arrangement component 5 includes at least one sensor configured to measure a metric associated with a force of the object impacting the upper surface, and component 6 includes at least one sensor configured to measure a metric associated with a force associated with a user standing on the platform. Component 6 may also include various forms of load cells, force transducers strain gauges, and the like.

[0045] Component 7 represents additional optional sensors.

[0046] Components 5-7 are coupled to a processing unit 8. Processing unit 8 includes a microprocessor, which is configured to execute software instructions thereby to perform various key functionalities of device 1. These include:

• Processing data received from components 5-7, thereby to determine data values. These may include data values representative of athletic performance.

• Delivering a user interface, via an output device. In the illustrated example, a display screen 9 is provided on a vertically extending member 11, which extends from base 3, and a user interface 10 is displayed on display screen 9. In other embodiments alternate forms of display are used, for example including LCD displays.

• Receiving and processing user interface inputs, for example via user interface devices such as a such screen interface provided via screen 9, and/or buttons.

• Executing software instructions representative of one or more predefined workout programs, thereby to, via a display screen: (i) instruct a user to perform athletic activities; and (ii) display data derived from the one or more sensors thereby to provide feedback data regarding athletic performance in an executing one or the one or more predefined workout programs.

[0047] In some embodiments processing unit 8 processes a time domain signal, and from that processing extracts data artefacts which are associated with particular signal attributes. For example, in a single platform arrangement, a time domain signal is representative of a cycle of impact repetitions, where each repetition includes: (i) a start component, where a user stands on the platform and the ball rests on the platform; (ii) a lift component, where the user accelerates the ball upwards; (iii) a slam component, where the user accelerates the ball downwards; (iv) a transit component, where the ball is airborne; and (v) an impact component whereby the ball impacts the platform and decelerates to zero velocity.

[0048] In use, a user interacts with the user interface device thereby to activate device 1 (for example bringing device 1 out of a sleep/dormant mode). The user then selects one of the predefined workout programs, and in some cases is prompted to enter one or more data attributes (for example age). The workout program then commences, and the user participates in the workout as directed (for example by slamming the medicine ball repeatedly onto surface 20). Physical values are measured by components 5-7 and processed by processing unit 8, which in response causes output via display screen 9 of workout metrics (for example repetition rate, effort metrics, and so on).

[0049] Example workout programs include:

• Cumulative impact force target. A cumulative force target value is defined, and a user seeks to hit that target in the shortest time possible.

• Average impact force target. An average force target value is defined, and a user seeks to maintain an average impact force above that target for the duration of a workout.

• Interval training, whereby a user is instructed in respect of both a "work" period, where there is a focus on maximising impact force, and a "rest" period, where there is a focus on maintaining a threshold rate of repetitions.

[0050] It will be appreciated that these are examples only, and that a range of other workout types may be configured.

[0051] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment in which two devices are coupled, thereby to provide a linked system. The processing unit 8 of each system is configured to operate in a competitive mode, in which it receives metrics from the connected system, and displays those as a comparison with metrics from the local system. In further embodiments comparison metrics are displayed additionally or alternately on a further display screen.

[0052] FIG. 5 illustrates functional components of an example processing system 8. Software executed by unit 8 is described by reference to a plurality or "modules". The term "module" refers to a software component that is logically separable (a computer program),

or a hardware component. The module of the embodiment refers to not only a module in the computer program but also a module in a hardware configuration. The discussion of the embodiment also serves as the discussion of computer programs for causing the modules to function (including a program that causes a computer to execute each step, a program that causes the computer to function as means, and a program that causes the computer to implement each function), and as the discussion of a system and a method. For convenience of explanation, the phrases "stores information," "causes information to be stored," and other phrases equivalent thereto are used. If the embodiment is a computer program, these phrases are intended to express "causes a memory device to store information" or "controls a memory device to cause the memory device to store information." The modules may correspond to the functions in a one-to-one correspondence. In a software implementation, one module may form one program or multiple modules may form one program. One module may form multiple programs. Multiple modules may be executed by a single computer. A single module may be executed by multiple computers in a distributed environment or a parallel environment. One module may include another module. In the discussion that follows, the term "connection" refers to not only a physical connection but also a logical connection (such as an exchange of data, instructions, and data reference relationship). The term "predetermined" means that something is decided in advance of a process of interest. The term "predetermined" is thus intended to refer to something that is decided in advance of a process of interest in the embodiment. Even after a process in the embodiment has started, the term "predetermined" refers to something that is decided in advance of a process of interest depending on a condition or a status of the embodiment at the present point of time or depending on a condition or status heretofore continuing down to the present point of time. If "predetermined values" are plural, the predetermined values may be different from each other, or two or more of the predetermined values (including all the values) may be equal to each other. A statement that "if A, B is to be performed" is intended to mean "that it is determined whether something is A, and that if something is determined as A, an action B is to be carried out". The statement becomes meaningless if the determination as to whether something is A is not performed.

[0053] The term "system" refers to an arrangement where multiple computers, hardware configurations, and devices are interconnected via a communication network (including a one-to-one communication connection). The term "system", and the term "device", also refer to an arrangement that includes a single computer, a hardware configuration, and a device. The system does not include a social system that is a social "arrangement" formulated by humans.

[0054] At each process performed by a module, or at one of the processes performed by a module, information as a process target is read from a memory device, the information is then processed, and the process results are written onto the memory device. A description related to the reading of the information from the memory device prior to the process and the writing of the processed information onto the memory device subsequent to the process may be omitted as appropriate. The memory devices may include a hard disk, a random-access memory (RAM), an external storage medium, a memory device connected via a communication network, and a ledger within a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0055] Example processing unit 8 includes a microprocessor 33, which is configured to execute software instructions 35, which are stored on a memory device. For example,, this may include software which operates on an Android operating system.

[0056] A user interface module 36 is configured to cause rendering of a graphical user interface via a display screen which is coupled to unit 8 via a display/controller interface 32. User interface module controls display of rendered content in response to programming logic and plurality of inputs, including:

Inputs received from a user via interface 32. For example, these may include inputs provided via a touch screen, and/or one or more buttons. Inputs may include, for example: (i) an input which triggers recovery from a "sleep" mode; (ii) an input which selects a workout program from a plurality of displayed workout programs; (iii) inputs which provide parameters relevant to customisation of the selected workout program (for example weight, time, intensity, and the like); (iv) parameter display settings; and (v) workout program controls (for example pause, stop, restart, and the like).

* Input from training program logic module 38, which maintains execution instructions for a plurality of selectable workout programs. For example, upon selection of a workout program by a user, module 38 provides instructions to the user interface module to configure display of data fields, including fields configured for pre-workout data collection prompts, fields configured to display intra-workout metrics, and fields configured to display post-workout results.

• Inputs derived from processing of sensor data received via sensor inputs 31, via a sensor data processing module 37. Module 37 is configured to receive raw inputs from connected sensors, and process those thereby to provide displayable metrics. This may include operations including rounding, averaging, normalising, combining, and the like. In the present embodiment, module 40 stores calculated values in data tables in a storage module 40. These values are used for either or both of: (i) subsequent calculations (for example where averages are calculated); and (ii) pulling of data for display in display fields rendered on the display screen under control of module 38.

[0057] In some embodiments, a user customisation module 39 allows a user to customise various functionalities of unit 8, for example by accessing a predefined user account with historical data stored in storage module 40.

[0058] In some embodiments a system link communication module 41 is configured to provide system link functionalities, thereby to enable display of competitive metrics from a plurality of two or more devices. Module 41 is optionally configured to perform either or both of the following:

* Transmitting current workout metrics defined by module 37 and/or stored in module 40 to a remote device, which may be a shared display screen or a second similar athletic training device having similar hardware (e.g. a similar unit 8).

• Receiving current workout metrics from an external device (for example a second similar athletic training device having similar hardware), and providing those metrics for display via user interface module 36 on the display screen.

[0059] In relation to the latter, in some embodiments module 36 and 41 interact thereby to provide user interface options to select a multi-participant workout, in which case module

36 configured the user interface to provide data display fields configured to present metrics from one or more other devices, thereby to provide comparison metrics (allowing a user of visually monitor their performance against others).

[0060] System link module 41 is coupled to one or more other devices via communications interfaces 34, which may include wired connections and/or wireless connections (e.g., Wi-Fi or Bluetooth).

[0061] FIG. 6 illustrates a further embodiment, which illustrates a platform where the upper surface includes markings to assist a user in identifying where to stand, and where to aim a medicine ball when performing a slamming motion. The markings may be associated with distinct underlying sensors, and/or a single sensor/sensor set may measure force applied through the platform as a whole.

[0062] In some embodiments, communications interfaces 34 are configured to enable communication with remote computing devices. For example, this may include: computing systems, thereby to enable functions such as configuration and software updates; user mobile devices, thereby to provide additional functionalities based on mobile device app integration; and wearable sensors (for example via Ant+ standard) thereby to enable heartrate and/or other metrics to be communicated to user interface module 36.

[0063] It should be appreciated that the above disclosure provides advances in the field of workout equipment. For example, it allows medicine ball workouts to me measured and quantified (and optionally also other forms of workouts that are able to be quantified via sensors provided on a device as disclosed herein).

[0064] It should be appreciated that in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, FIG., or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[0065] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0066] Furthermore, some of the embodiments are described herein as a method or combination of elements of a method that can be implemented by a processor of a computer system or by other means of carrying out the function. Thus, a processorwith the necessary instructions for carrying out such a method or element of a method forms a means for carrying out the method or element of a method. Furthermore, an element described herein of an apparatus embodiment is an example of a means for carrying out the function performed by the element for the purpose of carrying out the invention.

[0067] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

[0068] Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term coupled, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limited to direct connections only. The terms "coupled" and "connected," along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Thus, the scope of the expression a device A coupled to a device B should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means. "Coupled" may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical or electrical contact, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.

[0069] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as falling within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device configured to measure athletic activity, the device including:

a platform having an upper surface configured to be impacted by a portable object;

one or more sensors configured to monitor force applied to the upper surface of the platform;

a processing unit configured to process data received from the one or more sensors, thereby to derive metrics representative of athletic performance associated with impacting a portable object onto the upper surface;

wherein the processing unit is configured to determine a weight of a user standing on the platform and a weight of the portable object, thereby to perform a normalisation process which influences the metrics representative of athletic performance associated with impacting a portable object onto the upper surface.

2. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the metrics representative of athletic performance associated with impacting a portable object onto the upper surface include a measure representative of cumulative impact force over a specified time period.

3. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the metrics representative of athletic performance associated with impacting a portable object onto the upper surface include a measure representative of average impact force over a specified time period.

4. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the device includes a multi-user interface configured to enable display of relative operation of two or more of the platform having a substantially planar upper surface and a respective one or more sensors configured to monitor force applied to the upper surface of the platform.

5. A device according to claim 4 wherein the multi user interface enables display of a display screen of competitive metrics for a plurality of simultaneous users.