CA2087281A1 - Microprocessor-controlled automatic goal-keeper - Google Patents
Microprocessor-controlled automatic goal-keeperInfo
- Publication number
- CA2087281A1 CA2087281A1 CA002087281A CA2087281A CA2087281A1 CA 2087281 A1 CA2087281 A1 CA 2087281A1 CA 002087281 A CA002087281 A CA 002087281A CA 2087281 A CA2087281 A CA 2087281A CA 2087281 A1 CA2087281 A1 CA 2087281A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- microprocessor
- strike
- signal
- user
- electric
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B63/00—Targets or goals for ball games
- A63B63/004—Goals of the type used for football, handball, hockey or the like
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
- A63B24/0021—Tracking a path or terminating locations
- A63B2024/0037—Tracking a path or terminating locations on a target surface or at impact on the ground
- A63B2024/004—Multiple detectors or sensors each defining a different zone
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2102/00—Application of clubs, bats, rackets or the like to the sporting activity ; particular sports involving the use of balls and clubs, bats, rackets, or the like
- A63B2102/24—Ice hockey
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B63/00—Targets or goals for ball games
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Illuminated Signs And Luminous Advertising (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A microprocessor-controlled automatic goal-keeper; in the example the device illuminates target areas within a standard hockey goal frame in various patterns in play or practice situations at various skill-levels, and optionally displays, or records and displays, characteristics of puck-strikes including location and velocity of the puck and whether the striking object was a puck.
Areas are monitored by piezo-electric transducers which require little power andtransmit sensitive information back to the microprocessor; lamps and horns display the results to the user.
A microprocessor-controlled automatic goal-keeper; in the example the device illuminates target areas within a standard hockey goal frame in various patterns in play or practice situations at various skill-levels, and optionally displays, or records and displays, characteristics of puck-strikes including location and velocity of the puck and whether the striking object was a puck.
Areas are monitored by piezo-electric transducers which require little power andtransmit sensitive information back to the microprocessor; lamps and horns display the results to the user.
Description
INTROVUCTION ANI) L)ES(~I~IPTION l)F THE. PRIOK AI~T
In the Northern Latitude~ lhe need to ~et vi~orous. en joyable exercise in mid-winler has given rise to several fascinatillg sports, the toremost of these being ice-hockey. A key component of the game is the approach to. and defellse of. the net: net-minding is commonly performed by a human goal-keeper, but the present invention adds to the enjoyment of hockey players at all levels by providing a comprehensive replacement for the human ~oal-keeper t`or practice or play si~uations.
Although some attempts have been made to provide a limited type of goal-keeper replacement in the past. the technolo~y then available provided only a few usa~e options, even with a great deal of complicated equipment. For instance, U.S. palent #3.970,310 specifies a set of panels that are illuminated tor a set amount of time. and which set off a buzzer, and show a score, if a panel is slruck while lil. The mech.lllism lo re~ister a hit on any panel includes a mechanically-movable direcl current comlect. an electromagnet, a spring, and a path in an electric rotor device which controls the timing of the illumination. scorin~. and ma~net. Canadian patent #1.175,458 has only a single targel, an(l must use a complex system ot solenoi(l and springs lo register lhe distance of movement of a target struck by a puck in order to provide feedback to the player of how fast the puck was travellin~. And even at that. oniy incremellls of every lwenly miles per hour ~40/60/80/10()) are available due to the mechanical nature of the syslem. Both this and the above patent require substantial battery power. enou~h to move physical objects and mechanical electroma~netic devices, adding to the weight and cost of the device.
In contrast, the present inventioll uses a microprocessor to control illumination and to di~itally process the information provided at ~he impact poh~t by piezo-electric transducers. These transducers are elements with an asymmetric crystalline structure capable of convertin~ a mechanical (volumetric) change into an electric potentinl. Thus Ihe impucl of a puck will produce, through the trnnslucer. an electnc .
~ 2~87281 potellthll which will he re(l(l by lhe micloproce~isor. ~iincc Ihc ampliludc (11 Ihe cl-clric potential will be proportional to ~he l`orce of imp;lct readill~ oi ~I~e ~pee(l ol ~hc ~-uel; cn be installtly provided. The ~pectral content of lh~ electric sign.ll will lell how hatd the impacting object was: thus lhe micloprocessor will know if the target panel has been struck by a puck or by some other object. And silllple triangulatioll t~chni~luc~ in Ihe microprocessor can use the information provided by more than one transducer to determine the exact location of the impact.
The order and lengths of time for illumination of the target arcas, also microprocessor-controlled in the present invention, can be varied for a wide range Or situations In an actual game the illumination of target panels woul(l be likely set to random; but depelldin~ on the ~kill-level of the playcrs~ thc dllr.llion ol lhc lil sl.llc would vary~ trom a l`raction of a secon(l to several second~i. And in practice situalions. a particular pattern of lighting would provide repetitive practice t`or particular shots: again with the option of dift`erellt illulllinalion time length~.
An optional display panel can show the int`ormation available in the microprocessor immediately afler a shot. or at a later time if memory modules are provided in the microprocessor. This information includes whether (and how often) the device has been stmck. whether and how often a target has been struck while illuminated~
what the location and velocity of each puck-strike was. and whether an object other than a puck has struck the device. For example a player's elbow or stick would n(-t trip the signal. Naturally, if this information is made audible or visual immediately atter the impact, i~ can be tabulated in a number of ways that would he usefill a~ feedback either in a game or practice situation.
Mechanically, the invente(l device consists of a fralne with planar panels to serve as targets. Behind the panels are a number of lamps which can be illumillated in any combination to indicate active target areas. Piezo-electric transducers are positioned behind and touching the panels, to register the vibration wavec from an impact.
208~2~
.~ince piczo-electric ~ralls(lucers and microprocessors char.lcteristically draw very little power relative to e~rlier technolo~ie~s that perl`orme(l similar~ albcit more limited, functit)ns, the current invenlion will require less power th.ln the prior ~Irt, an-l will therefore be cheaper to manufactllre and run. As well. an operator control panel will allow the user to choose t`rom amonf~ ~he various proZ~ramme(l fealures An object of the present invention is to provide a device for autom.ltically minding an ice-hockey net, the device comprising: (a) a vertical planar area; (b) a plurality of tar~et areas within the planar area: (c) means to indicate to a hockey player or other user that one or more tar~et areas are active, that is. are to be struck with a puck: (d) e~ectric pick-up means communicatin~ with the active areas to ascertain whethcr an active target area has been struck with an object, including a pus~k: and (e) means to si~nal that such a strike has occurred.
It is also an object to provide t`or such a device which includes as well a microprocessor, which will choose which tar~et areas are aclive at a given time. proce~ss intormation provided by the electric pick-up means. and signal when strikes haveoccurred.
It i~i also an object lo provide for such a device in which the electric pick-up means ascertains characteristics of the strike includin~ ~speed and hardness of the striking object and exact loca~ion of the strike. and t`urther in which means exists to si~nal some or all of these characteristics to a user.
It is aiso an object to provi(le an automatic ~oal-tendin~ device for ice-hockey. designed for both play and practice. which chooses and indicates to the hockey players active planar areas within a ~oal-mouth that are to be aime(l for, sigllals when a strike has occurred a~ainst such an area discerns whether a hockey puck was the strikin~
object~ and, if so, what velocity it struck with; this device comprisin~: (a) a regulation hockey ~oal t`rame. or other sur port stmc~ture: (b) backin~ ot` planar plywood or other similar stiff planar substance. sized approximately to fit withhl the ~oal mouth of the 208728~
I`rame or to be aft`ixed to other support structure: (c) target areas oi planar plexiglass or o~her transparent stil'f har(l substance al'fixed in frol~t of the backing: (d) an~i-vibratioll mounts at`fixed between the perhneter of ~he target areas and the backillg; (e) one piezo-electric transducer communicating with each target area; (f) illuminating lighls for each target area, to be on when an area is active; thal is. when an area is to be aimed l`or; (g) a microprocessor, situated in a housing behind the backing, electrically ccnnected to each piezo-electric transducer and each illuminating light; the microprocessor using pre-programmed data and electrical int`ormation f`rom the trans(lucers to accomplish the actions of choosing, hldicating, signalling. and discerning described earlier in this paragraph; and (h) power to run the microprocessor. transdllcers. and ligh~s fiom n b.lltery or other electric source.
It is also an object to provide t`or such a device hl which: (i) the microprocessor can be user-accessed to allow lhe user to choose amollg various pre-programmed functions: (ii) the user can choose times of activation ol target areas al leasi from the group consisting of: long, and short; and can choose sequences of activation of tar~et areas at least from the group consisting of: random and pre-selected: (iii) the microprocessor controls an electrical display for communicating the characteristics of a strike, including the velocity of a strikin~ puck; (iv) the microprocessor has a memory and can record characteristics of a strike; said characteristics being accessed by a u~er either immediately or at a later time.
Finally, it is an object to provide for such a device in which each piezo-electric transducer is connected to a signal conditioning unit to give the electrical si~nal from the transducer a desired voltage, current, phase. envelope, or other characteristic;
and also connected to a signal sampling unit. to transform the electrical signal to a digitai format; and connected also to a central signal multiplexor. to combine the signals in a pre-programmed manner; and further in which the multiplexor is connected to the microprocessor. an(l in which the microprocessor is connected to lamp and horn drivers .
In the Northern Latitude~ lhe need to ~et vi~orous. en joyable exercise in mid-winler has given rise to several fascinatillg sports, the toremost of these being ice-hockey. A key component of the game is the approach to. and defellse of. the net: net-minding is commonly performed by a human goal-keeper, but the present invention adds to the enjoyment of hockey players at all levels by providing a comprehensive replacement for the human ~oal-keeper t`or practice or play si~uations.
Although some attempts have been made to provide a limited type of goal-keeper replacement in the past. the technolo~y then available provided only a few usa~e options, even with a great deal of complicated equipment. For instance, U.S. palent #3.970,310 specifies a set of panels that are illuminated tor a set amount of time. and which set off a buzzer, and show a score, if a panel is slruck while lil. The mech.lllism lo re~ister a hit on any panel includes a mechanically-movable direcl current comlect. an electromagnet, a spring, and a path in an electric rotor device which controls the timing of the illumination. scorin~. and ma~net. Canadian patent #1.175,458 has only a single targel, an(l must use a complex system ot solenoi(l and springs lo register lhe distance of movement of a target struck by a puck in order to provide feedback to the player of how fast the puck was travellin~. And even at that. oniy incremellls of every lwenly miles per hour ~40/60/80/10()) are available due to the mechanical nature of the syslem. Both this and the above patent require substantial battery power. enou~h to move physical objects and mechanical electroma~netic devices, adding to the weight and cost of the device.
In contrast, the present inventioll uses a microprocessor to control illumination and to di~itally process the information provided at ~he impact poh~t by piezo-electric transducers. These transducers are elements with an asymmetric crystalline structure capable of convertin~ a mechanical (volumetric) change into an electric potentinl. Thus Ihe impucl of a puck will produce, through the trnnslucer. an electnc .
~ 2~87281 potellthll which will he re(l(l by lhe micloproce~isor. ~iincc Ihc ampliludc (11 Ihe cl-clric potential will be proportional to ~he l`orce of imp;lct readill~ oi ~I~e ~pee(l ol ~hc ~-uel; cn be installtly provided. The ~pectral content of lh~ electric sign.ll will lell how hatd the impacting object was: thus lhe micloprocessor will know if the target panel has been struck by a puck or by some other object. And silllple triangulatioll t~chni~luc~ in Ihe microprocessor can use the information provided by more than one transducer to determine the exact location of the impact.
The order and lengths of time for illumination of the target arcas, also microprocessor-controlled in the present invention, can be varied for a wide range Or situations In an actual game the illumination of target panels woul(l be likely set to random; but depelldin~ on the ~kill-level of the playcrs~ thc dllr.llion ol lhc lil sl.llc would vary~ trom a l`raction of a secon(l to several second~i. And in practice situalions. a particular pattern of lighting would provide repetitive practice t`or particular shots: again with the option of dift`erellt illulllinalion time length~.
An optional display panel can show the int`ormation available in the microprocessor immediately afler a shot. or at a later time if memory modules are provided in the microprocessor. This information includes whether (and how often) the device has been stmck. whether and how often a target has been struck while illuminated~
what the location and velocity of each puck-strike was. and whether an object other than a puck has struck the device. For example a player's elbow or stick would n(-t trip the signal. Naturally, if this information is made audible or visual immediately atter the impact, i~ can be tabulated in a number of ways that would he usefill a~ feedback either in a game or practice situation.
Mechanically, the invente(l device consists of a fralne with planar panels to serve as targets. Behind the panels are a number of lamps which can be illumillated in any combination to indicate active target areas. Piezo-electric transducers are positioned behind and touching the panels, to register the vibration wavec from an impact.
208~2~
.~ince piczo-electric ~ralls(lucers and microprocessors char.lcteristically draw very little power relative to e~rlier technolo~ie~s that perl`orme(l similar~ albcit more limited, functit)ns, the current invenlion will require less power th.ln the prior ~Irt, an-l will therefore be cheaper to manufactllre and run. As well. an operator control panel will allow the user to choose t`rom amonf~ ~he various proZ~ramme(l fealures An object of the present invention is to provide a device for autom.ltically minding an ice-hockey net, the device comprising: (a) a vertical planar area; (b) a plurality of tar~et areas within the planar area: (c) means to indicate to a hockey player or other user that one or more tar~et areas are active, that is. are to be struck with a puck: (d) e~ectric pick-up means communicatin~ with the active areas to ascertain whethcr an active target area has been struck with an object, including a pus~k: and (e) means to si~nal that such a strike has occurred.
It is also an object to provide t`or such a device which includes as well a microprocessor, which will choose which tar~et areas are aclive at a given time. proce~ss intormation provided by the electric pick-up means. and signal when strikes haveoccurred.
It i~i also an object lo provide for such a device in which the electric pick-up means ascertains characteristics of the strike includin~ ~speed and hardness of the striking object and exact loca~ion of the strike. and t`urther in which means exists to si~nal some or all of these characteristics to a user.
It is aiso an object to provi(le an automatic ~oal-tendin~ device for ice-hockey. designed for both play and practice. which chooses and indicates to the hockey players active planar areas within a ~oal-mouth that are to be aime(l for, sigllals when a strike has occurred a~ainst such an area discerns whether a hockey puck was the strikin~
object~ and, if so, what velocity it struck with; this device comprisin~: (a) a regulation hockey ~oal t`rame. or other sur port stmc~ture: (b) backin~ ot` planar plywood or other similar stiff planar substance. sized approximately to fit withhl the ~oal mouth of the 208728~
I`rame or to be aft`ixed to other support structure: (c) target areas oi planar plexiglass or o~her transparent stil'f har(l substance al'fixed in frol~t of the backing: (d) an~i-vibratioll mounts at`fixed between the perhneter of ~he target areas and the backillg; (e) one piezo-electric transducer communicating with each target area; (f) illuminating lighls for each target area, to be on when an area is active; thal is. when an area is to be aimed l`or; (g) a microprocessor, situated in a housing behind the backing, electrically ccnnected to each piezo-electric transducer and each illuminating light; the microprocessor using pre-programmed data and electrical int`ormation f`rom the trans(lucers to accomplish the actions of choosing, hldicating, signalling. and discerning described earlier in this paragraph; and (h) power to run the microprocessor. transdllcers. and ligh~s fiom n b.lltery or other electric source.
It is also an object to provide t`or such a device hl which: (i) the microprocessor can be user-accessed to allow lhe user to choose amollg various pre-programmed functions: (ii) the user can choose times of activation ol target areas al leasi from the group consisting of: long, and short; and can choose sequences of activation of tar~et areas at least from the group consisting of: random and pre-selected: (iii) the microprocessor controls an electrical display for communicating the characteristics of a strike, including the velocity of a strikin~ puck; (iv) the microprocessor has a memory and can record characteristics of a strike; said characteristics being accessed by a u~er either immediately or at a later time.
Finally, it is an object to provide for such a device in which each piezo-electric transducer is connected to a signal conditioning unit to give the electrical si~nal from the transducer a desired voltage, current, phase. envelope, or other characteristic;
and also connected to a signal sampling unit. to transform the electrical signal to a digitai format; and connected also to a central signal multiplexor. to combine the signals in a pre-programmed manner; and further in which the multiplexor is connected to the microprocessor. an(l in which the microprocessor is connected to lamp and horn drivers .
2~72~1 which drive indivi(Jual lamp~i and horn~ lo convey micro-processe(l inlonnation to users l)ETAILED DESCRIPT ION OF THE INVENTION
l~or this description. refer to the followillg diagrams. wherein like numerals reter to like parts:
Figure 1, an example of the invented goalkeeper, front elevation;
Figure 2, invented goalkeeper, side elevation: and Figure 3, impact signal path through microproce~ssor tor the invented goalkeeper, block diagram.
Referring to Figure 1, an example of the invented goalkeeper is indicated at l(); goal trame 12 surrounds transparent panels 14, here shown nine in numher(although more or less could equally well be used). These panels 14 are constnJcted of a break-resistant plastic, such as plexiglass. Illumination li~hts 16 will be lit when a panel 14 is chosen by the microprocessor 2(~ (shown in gho~;t lines on Figure 2). Anti-vibra~ion mounts 18, seen on Figure I behind the perimeter of each panel 14, ensure that there is minimal mechanical transmission of energy from one panel 14 to another or *om the frame 12 or backing 17 to the panels 14. Plywood backing 17 is painted white to show the lit area~ and is seen in Figure I through transparent panels 14: backing 17 supports Ihe other elements (backing 17 is also shown end-on in Figure 2.) Piezo-electric transducers 19. shown in Figure I placed centrally on each panel 14. pick up mechanical evidence of impact (of a puck or o~her object; object~ not shown) and translate it to an electrical current~ which is fed to microprocessor 2() inside protective housing 22. as seen on Figure 2; the housing 22 is constructed of sturdy wood or suitable similar strong substance.
Battery 24 may sit inside. or. as shown, outside housing 22.
In a variation, not shown, only one sheet of plexi~lass or other hard material. such as a plastic-laminated wood. will comprise the entire target surface: a small nurnber of sensors, say four piezo-electric tMnsducers, will be distributed over the area;
~S
~87281 and oplionally a larger number of lil areas will he defined. say twenty-two. Thlls the ~Ji microprocessor in this case will trian, ul.lte the impact information t`rom Ihe sens~lrs. even if ~hey are not in the illuminated tar~et area, and correctly discern alld optionally displ.ly f~ the characteristics of the hit.
Block diagram in(Jicate(l at 3() in Figure 3 lollows th~ .si~nal resul~in~ from a puck (or other object) impact through various stages: naturally all the possihilities inherent in processing the signal are not intended to be covered by this dia~ram.
Nonetheless, it may be helpful to conceptualize the signal as proceedin~ from any numher of sensors such as piezo-electric transducers 31, (shown as 31 A? 31 B, and so forth, up to whatever number desi~ned) to signal conditioning 33 (a~ain. 33A. 33B. and so forth) which will give the signal a desired voltage, current, phase, envelope, or otherf,f characteristic; then lo signal sampling 35 (35A, 35B, and so forth) which will transform the signal to a digital format: then to signal multiplexor 36. which will comhine the signals in a pre-programlned manner. dependen~ t`or example on the physical distribution of the transdueers in the target areas. After this the microprocessor 37 will analyze the information provided digilally from multiplexor ~i6 and. in comparison with pre-progMmmed information including the plaeement of the transdueers. the mass and hardness of a puck, and the expected signal resulting from an impact of such a puck in a ran~e of velocities. will compute further inf~rrnation and execute certain actions.
ineluding aetivating lamp and horn drivers 3X. This aetivntion could include specific detailed int`ormation to be displayed on the lamps. such as speed of impact. place o1 impact, score, and so forth. Finally, step 39 generally indicates lhat individual lamps and horn will be lit and blown, respeetively. (Lamps and horn are not shown dia~ramatically~.
~, As will be evident to those skilled in the art. the automatic ~oal-keeeper deseribed above may be easily reprogMmmed for use in broomball, streethockey, lacrosse or the like.
Note thal it the mieroproeeisor 37 conlnins memory (not indieated) and it 208728i appropriately progralnmed, movement of the signal to lamp and horn (Jrivers ~ may - occur at a laler timc, optionally user-choosahle: in other words Ihe inlormatioll--or selected palts of the int`ormation--pro(lucelJ in microprocessor ~7 coukl he store(l and retrieved when needed.
,. The foregoing is by example only. and the scope ot` the invention ~houkl be limited only by the appended claims.
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l~or this description. refer to the followillg diagrams. wherein like numerals reter to like parts:
Figure 1, an example of the invented goalkeeper, front elevation;
Figure 2, invented goalkeeper, side elevation: and Figure 3, impact signal path through microproce~ssor tor the invented goalkeeper, block diagram.
Referring to Figure 1, an example of the invented goalkeeper is indicated at l(); goal trame 12 surrounds transparent panels 14, here shown nine in numher(although more or less could equally well be used). These panels 14 are constnJcted of a break-resistant plastic, such as plexiglass. Illumination li~hts 16 will be lit when a panel 14 is chosen by the microprocessor 2(~ (shown in gho~;t lines on Figure 2). Anti-vibra~ion mounts 18, seen on Figure I behind the perimeter of each panel 14, ensure that there is minimal mechanical transmission of energy from one panel 14 to another or *om the frame 12 or backing 17 to the panels 14. Plywood backing 17 is painted white to show the lit area~ and is seen in Figure I through transparent panels 14: backing 17 supports Ihe other elements (backing 17 is also shown end-on in Figure 2.) Piezo-electric transducers 19. shown in Figure I placed centrally on each panel 14. pick up mechanical evidence of impact (of a puck or o~her object; object~ not shown) and translate it to an electrical current~ which is fed to microprocessor 2() inside protective housing 22. as seen on Figure 2; the housing 22 is constructed of sturdy wood or suitable similar strong substance.
Battery 24 may sit inside. or. as shown, outside housing 22.
In a variation, not shown, only one sheet of plexi~lass or other hard material. such as a plastic-laminated wood. will comprise the entire target surface: a small nurnber of sensors, say four piezo-electric tMnsducers, will be distributed over the area;
~S
~87281 and oplionally a larger number of lil areas will he defined. say twenty-two. Thlls the ~Ji microprocessor in this case will trian, ul.lte the impact information t`rom Ihe sens~lrs. even if ~hey are not in the illuminated tar~et area, and correctly discern alld optionally displ.ly f~ the characteristics of the hit.
Block diagram in(Jicate(l at 3() in Figure 3 lollows th~ .si~nal resul~in~ from a puck (or other object) impact through various stages: naturally all the possihilities inherent in processing the signal are not intended to be covered by this dia~ram.
Nonetheless, it may be helpful to conceptualize the signal as proceedin~ from any numher of sensors such as piezo-electric transducers 31, (shown as 31 A? 31 B, and so forth, up to whatever number desi~ned) to signal conditioning 33 (a~ain. 33A. 33B. and so forth) which will give the signal a desired voltage, current, phase, envelope, or otherf,f characteristic; then lo signal sampling 35 (35A, 35B, and so forth) which will transform the signal to a digital format: then to signal multiplexor 36. which will comhine the signals in a pre-programlned manner. dependen~ t`or example on the physical distribution of the transdueers in the target areas. After this the microprocessor 37 will analyze the information provided digilally from multiplexor ~i6 and. in comparison with pre-progMmmed information including the plaeement of the transdueers. the mass and hardness of a puck, and the expected signal resulting from an impact of such a puck in a ran~e of velocities. will compute further inf~rrnation and execute certain actions.
ineluding aetivating lamp and horn drivers 3X. This aetivntion could include specific detailed int`ormation to be displayed on the lamps. such as speed of impact. place o1 impact, score, and so forth. Finally, step 39 generally indicates lhat individual lamps and horn will be lit and blown, respeetively. (Lamps and horn are not shown dia~ramatically~.
~, As will be evident to those skilled in the art. the automatic ~oal-keeeper deseribed above may be easily reprogMmmed for use in broomball, streethockey, lacrosse or the like.
Note thal it the mieroproeeisor 37 conlnins memory (not indieated) and it 208728i appropriately progralnmed, movement of the signal to lamp and horn (Jrivers ~ may - occur at a laler timc, optionally user-choosahle: in other words Ihe inlormatioll--or selected palts of the int`ormation--pro(lucelJ in microprocessor ~7 coukl he store(l and retrieved when needed.
,. The foregoing is by example only. and the scope ot` the invention ~houkl be limited only by the appended claims.
.,i .
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:.
D
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,'J
'~' .
Claims (15)
1. A device for automatically minding an ice-hockey net. the device comprising:
(a) a vertical planar area;
(b) a plurality of target areas within the planar area:
(c) means to indicate to a hockey player or other user that one or more target areas are active, that is, are to be struck with a puck;
(d) electric pick-up means communicating with said active areas to ascertain whether an active target area has been struck with an object, including a puck; and (e) means to signal that such a strike has occurred.
(a) a vertical planar area;
(b) a plurality of target areas within the planar area:
(c) means to indicate to a hockey player or other user that one or more target areas are active, that is, are to be struck with a puck;
(d) electric pick-up means communicating with said active areas to ascertain whether an active target area has been struck with an object, including a puck; and (e) means to signal that such a strike has occurred.
2. A device as in Claim 1 which includes as well a microprocessor.
which will choose which target areas are active at a given time, process information provided by the electric pick-up means, and signal when strikes have occurred.
which will choose which target areas are active at a given time, process information provided by the electric pick-up means, and signal when strikes have occurred.
3. A device as in Claim 1, in which the electric pick-up means ascertains characteristics of the strike including speed and hardness of the striking object and exact location of the strike, and further in which means exists to signal some or all of said characteristics to a user.
4. A device as in Claim 2. in which the microprocessor will use pre-programmed data and data from one or more electric pick-up means to ascertain characteristics of the strike including speed and hardness of the striking object and exact location of the strike. and will also signal some or, all of said characteristics to a user.
5. A device as in Claim 3, which includes as well a microprocessor.
which will choose which target areas are active at a given time: and further in which the microprocessor will use pre-programmed data and data from the electric pick-up means to ascertain said characteristics of the strike; and will further control means to signal some or all of said characteristics to a user.
which will choose which target areas are active at a given time: and further in which the microprocessor will use pre-programmed data and data from the electric pick-up means to ascertain said characteristics of the strike; and will further control means to signal some or all of said characteristics to a user.
6. A device as in Claim 2,3, or 4, in which the means to indicate active target areas is one or more lights illuminating said areas.
7. A device as in Claim 1, 2, or 3, in which the electric pick-up means is piezo-electric transducers.
8. A device as in Claim 4, or 5, in which the electric pick-up means is piezo-electric transducers.
9. An automatic goal-tending device for ice-hockey, designed for both play and practice, which chooses and indicates to the hockey players active planar areas within a goal-mouth that are to be aimed for, signals when a strike has occurred against such an area, discerns whether a hockey puck was the striking object, and, if so, what velocity it struck with; said device comprising:
(a) a regulation hockey goal frame, or other support structure;
(b) backing of planar plywood or other similar stiff planar substance, sized approximately to fit within the goal mouth of said frame or to be affixed to other support structure;
(c) target areas of planar plexiglass or other transparent stiff hard substance to affixed in front of the backing;
(d) anti-vibration mounts affixed between the perimeter of the target areas and the backing:
(e) one piezo-electric transducer communicating with each target area;
(f) illuminating lights for each target area, to be on when an area is active; that is, when an area is to be aimed for;
(g) a microprocessor, situated in a housing behind the backing, electrically connected to each piezo-electric transducer and each illuminating light; said microprocessor using pre-programmed data and electrical information from the transducers to accomplish the actions of choosing, indicating, signalling, and discerning described in the preamble to this Claim; and (h) power to run the microprocessor, transducers, and lights;
from a battery or other electric source.
(a) a regulation hockey goal frame, or other support structure;
(b) backing of planar plywood or other similar stiff planar substance, sized approximately to fit within the goal mouth of said frame or to be affixed to other support structure;
(c) target areas of planar plexiglass or other transparent stiff hard substance to affixed in front of the backing;
(d) anti-vibration mounts affixed between the perimeter of the target areas and the backing:
(e) one piezo-electric transducer communicating with each target area;
(f) illuminating lights for each target area, to be on when an area is active; that is, when an area is to be aimed for;
(g) a microprocessor, situated in a housing behind the backing, electrically connected to each piezo-electric transducer and each illuminating light; said microprocessor using pre-programmed data and electrical information from the transducers to accomplish the actions of choosing, indicating, signalling, and discerning described in the preamble to this Claim; and (h) power to run the microprocessor, transducers, and lights;
from a battery or other electric source.
10. A device as in Claim 9, in which the microprocessor can be user-accessed to allow the user to choose among various pre-programmed functions.
11. A device as in Claim 10. in which the user can choose times of activation of target areas at least from the group consisting of: long, and short; and can choose sequences of activation of target areas at least from the group consisting of:
random and pre-selected.
random and pre-selected.
12. A device as in Claim 9, 10, or 11, in which the microprocessor controls an electrical display for communicating the characteristics of a strike, including the velocity of a striking puck.
13. A device as in Claim 9, 10, or 11, in which the microprocessor has a memory and can record characteristics of a strike; said characteristics being accessed by a user either immediately or at a later time.
14. A device as in Claim 9, 10, or 11, in which the microprocessor controls an electrical display for communicating the characteristics of a strike, including the velocity of a striking puck, and further in which the microprocessor has a memory and can record said characteristics; said characteristics being accessed by a user either immediately or at a later time.
15. A device as in Claim 9, 10, or 11, in which each piezo-electric transducer is connected to a signal conditioning unit to give the electrical signal from said transducer a desired voltage, current, phase, envelope, or other characteristic;a signal sampling unit, to transform said electrical signal to a digital format; and a central signal multiplexor to combine said signals in a pre-programmed manner;
and further in which said multiplexor is connected to the microprocessor.
and in which the microprocessor is connected to lamp and horn drivers which drive individual lamps and horns to display microprocessed information to users.
and further in which said multiplexor is connected to the microprocessor.
and in which the microprocessor is connected to lamp and horn drivers which drive individual lamps and horns to display microprocessed information to users.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002087281A CA2087281A1 (en) | 1993-01-14 | 1993-01-14 | Microprocessor-controlled automatic goal-keeper |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002087281A CA2087281A1 (en) | 1993-01-14 | 1993-01-14 | Microprocessor-controlled automatic goal-keeper |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2087281A1 true CA2087281A1 (en) | 1994-07-15 |
Family
ID=4150980
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002087281A Abandoned CA2087281A1 (en) | 1993-01-14 | 1993-01-14 | Microprocessor-controlled automatic goal-keeper |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2087281A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2003011404A3 (en) * | 2001-07-27 | 2003-09-18 | Jan Helming | Game device |
| WO2005049154A2 (en) * | 2003-11-18 | 2005-06-02 | Jonathan Plache | Target device |
| GB2475833A (en) * | 2009-10-28 | 2011-06-08 | Colin George Rees | Target shooting apparatus |
| FR2972938A1 (en) * | 2011-03-21 | 2012-09-28 | Starshoot | Device for detecting impact of ball or balloon for practicing game or sport by player, has light source connected with housing interface by wire bundles, where interface is connected to calculation and storage unit |
-
1993
- 1993-01-14 CA CA002087281A patent/CA2087281A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2003011404A3 (en) * | 2001-07-27 | 2003-09-18 | Jan Helming | Game device |
| WO2005049154A2 (en) * | 2003-11-18 | 2005-06-02 | Jonathan Plache | Target device |
| WO2005049154A3 (en) * | 2003-11-18 | 2005-12-08 | Jonathan Plache | Target device |
| GB2423725A (en) * | 2003-11-18 | 2006-09-06 | Jonathan Plache | Target device |
| GB2475833A (en) * | 2009-10-28 | 2011-06-08 | Colin George Rees | Target shooting apparatus |
| FR2972938A1 (en) * | 2011-03-21 | 2012-09-28 | Starshoot | Device for detecting impact of ball or balloon for practicing game or sport by player, has light source connected with housing interface by wire bundles, where interface is connected to calculation and storage unit |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |