DE102013108103A1 - Training apparatus, in particular for team sports, and training figure - Google Patents

Abstract

A training device, in particular for team sports, comprises a plurality of training figures (10) each having a drive unit (14) for locomotion, and a controller (26) which generates signals for controlling the drive units (14) and transmits them to the drive units (14) , The controller (26) has an input unit (30), and the control signals are generated in response to inputs from a user. A training figure (10) for such a training device comprises a body (12) and a drive unit (14) on which the body (12) is arranged. The drive unit (14) allows autonomous locomotion of the training figure (10). The training figure (10) has a radio unit (20) with which control signals for the drive unit (14) can be received.

Description

The invention relates to a training device, in particular for team sports. The invention further relates to a training figure for such a training device.

For training in team sports, especially in football, often exercise figures are used to simulate opposing players. Such "dummies" are supposed to imitate certain statements of the opponent in order to train coordinated moves. The disadvantage here is that the exercise figures, in contrast to real players are stationary, so no dynamic game situation can be created.

The object of the invention is to remedy this disadvantage and to provide a training facility available, with the game situations can be simulated as realistic as possible.

This object is achieved by a training device with the features of claim 1 and a training figure with the features of claim 10. Advantageous and expedient embodiments of the training device according to the invention and the training figure according to the invention are specified in the independent subclaims.

The training device according to the invention, which is intended in particular for team sports, comprises a plurality of training figures, each having a drive unit for locomotion, and a controller which generates signals for controlling the drive units and transmits them to the drive units. The controller has an input unit, and the control signals are generated in response to inputs from a user.

The invention is based on the recognition that the practical tactics training in team sport can be made considerably more effective with dynamic game situations. This is exactly what the training device according to the invention makes possible, since the training figures do not remain immovable at their place of installation, but are "brought to life". Thanks to their drive units, the training figures are able to move freely independently of each other, with one control setting the direction and speed of each movement. The controller implements the specifications of a user (trainer) so that predetermined game situations can be presented realistically. In this way, a much more effective training is possible compared to conventional training methods.

Particularly advantageous is the use of a mobile device as an input unit, which is connected wirelessly or via cable to a control device of the controller. This offers the user the greatest possible flexibility in the operation of the training device according to the invention.

The control device to which the input unit is connected may be a central (fixed) unit. However, the control device can also be arranged on one of the training figures or designed as a multi-part device which is distributed to the training figures.

According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the training device has a position detection system for determining the absolute and / or relative positions of the training figures and preferably further training-relevant objects or subjects, in particular exercising players, wherein the position data of the central controller are available for further processing. Continuous position detection allows situation-specific control of the individual training figures, d. H. Each training figure can be moved according to the requirements to the "right" position or in the "right" direction.

If the control device is designed as a multi-part device that is distributed to the training figures, the position monitoring is not done centrally. Rather, each training figure determines their own position and controls their own drive according to the specifications.

The position detection sensors used in the position detection system can be arranged either in the vicinity of an area to be monitored (eg a playing field) or on the training figures themselves. Also, a combination in which position detecting sensors are disposed both in the vicinity of the area to be monitored and in all or some of the training figures is possible.

Preferably, the position detection system on position detection sensors, which allow a runtime and / or angle measurement. These methods have proven themselves in practice and are inexpensive to implement.

In order to continuously adapt the simulated game situations to the current circumstances (current positions of the training players and the game device, etc.), the central controller should be set up in such a way that it continuously determines desired positions or movements for the training figures from the position data and the user's inputs ,

Accordingly, the central controller should also be set up in such a way that it transmits control signals corresponding to the desired positions or movements to the drive units, ie the training figures keep moving in accordance with constantly updated specifications. In this way, a very dynamic training is possible, the z. B. is not limited to a single turn.

A development of the invention provides that at least some of the training figures are in radio contact with each other. As a result, the central control device can be relieved or completely replaced, since the training figures thanks to the radio links with each other and possibly also (indirectly) "communicate" with the input unit. In particular, the training figures can transmit their current position, which is then further processed to generate new control signals for the drive units.

The invention also provides a training figure for a training device of the type described above. The training figure according to the invention comprises a body and a drive unit on which the body is arranged. The drive unit allows independent movement of the training figure. The training figure has a radio unit with which control signals for the drive unit can be received.

Thanks to their autonomous, largely unrestricted, but controllable mobility, the training figures according to the invention open up a variety of possible uses, with a preferred application being team sport training.

According to the preferred embodiment of the training figure according to the invention, the drive unit on transport elements, in particular wheels that are steerable and / or separately driven. As a result, complex and dynamically adaptable trajectories are possible, which are not subject to any mechanical restrictions (slide tracks, rails or the like).

Preferably, the body of the training figure is detachably mounted on the drive unit. If required, the two components can be separately serviced, transported and stored. In addition, this modular design allows the attachment of different body on the same drive unit (eg different sized body for adult and youth training).

To make the training figure even more dynamic and realistic, a rotary drive can be provided, which allows rotation of the body relative to the drive unit. Such rotation is likely to be faster than a corresponding rotation of the drive unit rigidly mounted body.

The energy required to operate the drive unit is best taken from a rechargeable and / or replaceable energy store. There is enough room in the drive unit for a high-performance accumulator that offers a sufficiently long running time for most applications.

The positioning of the training figure can be accomplished or at least supported by a receiver for a global navigation satellite system. Such receivers are now standard components in many electronic devices, so that an implementation in the electronics of the training figure is possible without much effort.

In a development of the invention, the training figure, in particular its drive unit, has sensors for distance and / or proximity and / or touch measurement. This can be used to protect the training players and the training characters serious collisions are avoided.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and from the accompanying drawings, to which reference is made. In the drawings show:

1 schematically a training figure according to the invention; and

2 schematically essential components of a training device according to the invention.

In 1 is a training figure 10 for a particular training device, which will be described later in detail. The training figure 10 consists essentially of a body 12 and a drive unit 14 on which the body 12 is mounted.

The body 12 has a form as known in known practice figures from the team sport. In particular, the body can 12 have a human-like silhouette. The concrete look is however for the essential characteristics of the training figure 10 not necessarily important.

The body 12 is detachable on the drive unit 14 mounted, ie during operation remains the body 12 with the drive unit 14 connected, for maintenance purposes or the like, the body 12 however, from the drive unit 14 be removed. Optionally, a rotary drive provided be the body 12 to a 360 ° rotation about its own axis on the drive unit 14 capable.

The drive unit 14 allows an independent locomotion of the training figure 10 on the ground. The drive unit 14 has for this purpose transport elements 16 in the form of wheels, all or only part of which are driven by one or more electric motors, if appropriate via suitable transmissions and / or clutches. To allow movement in any direction and curved paths, the wheels (all or only part) are steerable and / or separately driven. Also a rotation of the drive unit 14 around its own axis is thus possible, especially when the body 12 not relative to the drive unit 14 can turn. In addition to the wheels or in addition, other transport elements 16 be used in the form of chains and / or balls, etc.

The electric motor (s) are powered by one or more rechargeable and / or replaceable energy storage devices 18 fed (hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity, only one energy store 18 went out). The energy storage 18 Also provides an electronic control unit of the training figure 10 that are in the drive unit 14 is located and for controlling the or the electric motors and the transport elements 16 serves. Also from the energy storage 18 a radio unit is supplied 20 , with the drive unit 14 certain control signals are received. The radio unit 20 is preferably designed as a transmitting / receiving unit and allows data exchange with a remote central controller, which will be discussed in more detail later, and / or with one or more corresponding radio units 20 one or more other training figures 10 ,

• – Empfänger 22 für ein globales Navigationssatellitensystem (z. B. GPS-Empfänger) zur absoluten und/oder relativen Positionsbestimmung der Trainingsfigur 10;
• – Sensoren 24 zur Entfernungs- und/oder Näherungs- und/oder Berührungsmessung, um Schutzfunktionen umsetzen zu können;
• – Sensoren zur absoluten und/oder relativen Positionsbestimmung (auf diese Sensoren wird später noch genauer eingegangen).

The energy storage 18 They also serve to power the following optional components:

• - Receiver 22 for a global navigation satellite system (eg GPS receiver) for the absolute and / or relative positioning of the training figure 10 ;
• - Sensors 24 for distance and / or proximity and / or touch measurement in order to implement protective functions;
• - Sensors for absolute and / or relative position determination (these sensors will be discussed in more detail later).

In 2 is a list of several training figures 10 shown that are part of a training device. The training device is next to the training figures 10 another central control 26 that is here in a control device 28 and an input unit 30 is divided.

With the input unit 30 a user, for example, a football coach, certain specifications to the controller 28 Submit these in turn into commands for the training figures 10 , more precisely their drive units 14 , implements. Such defaults can be, for example, a specific basic set-up of the training characters 10 and / or be specific walkways or motion patterns for simulating real-world gaming situations.

The input unit 30 can be a mobile device, such as a tablet computer, on which a specially designed for the training device program is installed. The input unit 30 can wirelessly, z. B. via WLAN, or via cable to the controller 28 be connected.

Furthermore, a position detection system for determining the absolute and / or relative positions of the training figures 10 and optionally one or more other objects, e.g. B. a game device (ball, etc.) provided. The position data of training players can also be recorded.

Technical aids for the position determination are position detection sensors 32 , which allow a transit time and / or angle measurement, the term sensors here is interpreted broadly. The position detection sensors 32 can be arranged stationary and / or movable at the edge of the area to be monitored and / or above and / or below (eg in the form of induction loops). Additionally or alternatively, some or all of the training figures may 10 even position detection sensors 32 wear.

• – Laufzeitmessung: Licht (z. B. Laser), Ultraschall, Radar, Funk (z. B. GPS, nanoLOC);
• – Winkelmessung: ortsfeste Laserscanner oder Kameras zur Erfassung von aktiven, passiven oder natürlichen Markern auf den Objekten und/oder in der Umgebung, z. B. Farbkameras, Infrarotkameras, ToF-Kameras, Stereokameras, Multi-Kamera-Systeme, Structured Light Kameras.

In particular, the following technologies (alternatively or linked) can be used in the position detection:

• - transit time measurement: light (eg laser), ultrasound, radar, radio (eg GPS, nanoLOC);
• - Angle measurement: stationary laser scanners or cameras for the detection of active, passive or natural markers on the objects and / or in the environment, eg. Color cameras, infrared cameras, ToF cameras, stereo cameras, multi-camera systems, structured light cameras.

Other technologies, such. B. based on RFID, or a combination of several technologies can be used for position determination.

For the determination of the positions of the training figures 10 and possibly other objects (game device (s), training players) are thus basically several options into consideration. Depending on the requirements of speed, accuracy, reliability (robustness), costs, etc., the most suitable position sensing sensors and technologies are selected and adapted to the particular conditions of the training device.

The position detection sensors 32 cover a total of a predetermined area, z. B. a playing field and an edge zone outside the field. The number of position detection sensors 32 depends inter alia on their location and on the technical requirements or requirements of the technology used. By means of suitable evaluation algorithms, the absolute and / or relative position data can preferably be determined in real time. The position data obtained are available to the central controller 26 available for further processing.

The central control 26 determined from the available position data and queried via the input unit defaults target positions or movements for the training figures 10 in relation to the training players and / or to one or more gaming devices and / or to other (stationary or mobile) landmarks. The central control 26 transmits corresponding control commands to the drive units by radio 14 so that the training figures 10 continuously moving in accordance with the determined set positions or movements.

The control device 28 the central control 26 can also be on one of the training figures 10 be arranged, in particular in the drive unit 14 , The control device 28 can also be designed as a multi-part device on the training figures 10 is distributed. The monitoring of the positions is then done in this case not centrally, but decentralized, that is, simply: every training figure 10 determines its own position and compares it with its nominal position or nominal movement. The drive is then activated accordingly.

The training device with the independently movable training figures 10 is particularly suitable for football training. The training figures 10 The players should embody an opposing team, so that certain game situations can be simulated realistically. In order to make the simulation even more flexible, a tactical misconduct of the training figures can deliberately occur 10 be included. That means one or more of the training figures 10 show no typical or predictable behavior. This can best be illustrated by the example of football training. If, for example, the gaming device (here the ball) and / or the exercising players make a certain change in position in a certain situation, for example when the ball is out of the training figures 10 formed four-chain defense is played forward. If in this case it is normally provided that these four training figures 10 closed move forward, z. B. intentionally one of the training figures 10 stop. This misconduct can be part of a special training to better exploit potential weaknesses of the opponent. The deliberate misbehavior of one or more of the training figures 10 can specifically from the user to the input unit 30 or it can activate a random control, possibly with some sub-defaults (eg a training figure 10 on the left side within a time window or in a certain game situation etc.). Since these as well as all other essential settings are made by software, there are hardly any limits to flexibility.

The device has been largely described by the example of football training; but it can also be used for training in other team sports or even in non-sports applications.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

training figure

12

body

14

drive unit

16

transport elements

18

energy storage

20

radio unit

22

Receiver for navigation satellite system

24

Sensors for distance / proximity / touch measurement

26

central control

28

control device

30

input unit

32

Position detection sensors

Claims (16)

Training device, in particular for team sports, with a plurality of training figures ( 10 ), each having a drive unit ( 14 ) for locomotion, and a controller ( 26 ), the signals for controlling the drive units ( 14 ) and to the drive units ( 14 ), whereby the controller ( 26 ) an input unit ( 30 ) and the control signals are generated in response to inputs from a user. Training device according to claim 1, characterized in that the input unit ( 30 ) is a mobile device that can be wirelessly or by cable to a control device ( 28 ) of the controller ( 26 ) is attached. Training device according to claim 2, characterized in that the control device ( 28 ) on one of the training figures ( 10 ) is arranged or designed as a multi-part device that on the training figures ( 10 ) is distributed. Training device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a position detection system for determining the absolute and / or relative positions of the training figures ( 10 ) and preferably further training-relevant objects or subjects, in particular of training players, wherein the position data of the central controller ( 26 ) are available for further processing. Training device according to claim 4, characterized in that the position detection system position detection sensors ( 32 ), which are close to an area to be monitored and / or to the training figures ( 10 ) are arranged. Training device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the position detection system position detection sensors ( 32 ), which allow a transit time and / or angle measurement. Training device according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the central control ( 26 ) is set up to use the position data and the inputs of the user to continuously set desired positions or movements for the training figures ( 10 ). Training device according to claim 7, characterized in that the central control ( 26 ) is set up such that it sends control signals corresponding to the desired positions or movements to the drive units ( 14 ) transmitted. Training device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least some of the training figures ( 10 ) are in radio contact with each other. Training figure ( 10 ) for a training device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a body ( 12 ) and a drive unit ( 14 ) on which the body ( 12 ), wherein the drive unit ( 14 ) an independent locomotion of the training figure ( 10 ), and the training figure ( 10 ) a radio unit ( 20 ), with the control signals for the drive unit ( 14 ) can be received. Training figure ( 10 ) according to claim 10, characterized in that the drive unit ( 14 ) Transport elements ( 16 ), in particular wheels, which are steerable and / or separately drivable. Training figure ( 10 ) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the body ( 12 ) detachable on the drive unit ( 14 ) is mounted. Training figure ( 10 ) according to one of Claims 10 to 12, characterized by a rotary drive which permits rotation of the body ( 12 ) relative to the drive unit ( 14 ). Training figure ( 10 ) according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the drive unit ( 14 ) a rechargeable and / or replaceable energy store ( 18 ) having. Training figure ( 10 ) according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized by a receiver ( 22 ) for a global navigation satellite system. Training figure ( 10 ) according to one of claims 10 to 15, characterized by sensors ( 24 ) for distance and / or proximity and / or touch measurement.

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