EP0152713A1 - Sports training apparatuses - Google Patents

Abstract

1. A sportsman training apparatus, in particular intended for sportsman over racing-track, specially over stadium, swimming-pool, cycle racing-track motordrome and the like, which comprises a programmable electric central unit, particularly as a function of the sportsman, his performances and training conditions, and able to be modified and adapted, as also signal emitters with regards to the sportsman, from warning blocks (2) distributed over the circuit, and transmission means connecting the central unit (1) with said blocks (2), characterized by the fact that : 1) the signal emitting and warning blocks (2) comprise a) means (13, 18) for detecting and decoding the signals which are intended for it, emitted from the central unit (1), b) means (14) for treating and shaping said signals, c) personalized means (20) for the sportsman, assuring the warning of the start approach, d) means (16) assuring the start orders, e) means advising of the difference of larger or smaller time, at the passage of the sportsman, with respect to the programmed time, 2) the transmission means (26) from the central unit to the warning and emitting blocks (2) for sucessively releasing, in due time, in the latter, the warning process provided under 1), are whether in the shape of a parallel cabling successively joining together the central unit and the different blocks, or by a hertzian connection.

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to improvements to sports training devices, generally on a track, in particular a stadium, a swimming pool, a velodrome, an autodrome or the like which present signal transmitters towards the sportsman, from warning blocks distributed over the course, said signals being programmed and personalized for each sportsman from a central unit and being liable to be modified.

Problem

The problem is the same as that which was mentioned in the French patent 2 155 149 but, in addition, having to be able to have a greater range of use to be applied on any course while being freed from fixed installations.

State of the art and disadvantages

The state of the art in this matter is established in patent 2 155 149 and in patent 2 105 662.

These patents describe a central system based on electromechanical logic comprising, in particular, motors and timers. All power switches are made at the central level and the electrical connections are made by point-to-point cables, that is to say that each lamp is physically connected by a wire to the central station. The cross-section of these wires must be at least about one square millimeter. The adjustment of running rhythms is not very flexible; in particular, there are no possibilities of memorizing previous performances, records in particular. The precision and reliability of these devices are limited by those of electromechanical devices, i.e. those of parts moving. There is wear and sensitivity to external conditions.

There is also a system with programmable automatons, with the same principle as above, but in which the automats replace electromechanics. There is the advantage of ease of programming, possibilities of memorizing records and electronic precision (to the 100th of a second). However, there are still the drawbacks of point-to-point star electrical connections and the high cost of the output interfaces.

The present invention is intended to remedy these drawbacks.

Statement of the invention

• a) une unité centrale comprenant
  • - des moyens d'identification du sportif,
  • - des moyens d'information du sportif sur
    • 1) les performances de sportifs types,
    • 2) des temps intermédiaires réalisés par les sportifs au passage de chaque bloc avertisseur,
  • - des moyens d'introduction de données et de dialogues, tels que clavier, écran ou imprimante permettant d'introduire, notamment, la temporisation entre la mise en marche du programme et le moment du départ,
  • - les temps intermédiaires que se propose de réaliser le sportif au passage en face de chaque bloc avertisseur émetteur de signaux,
  • - du temps total de la course,
  • - de la série de signaux personalisés choisie,
  • - des moyens de programmation des éléments affichés et de mise en marche du programme.
• b) de blocs avertisseurs émetteurs de signaux combinant :
  • 1) des moyens de détection de signaux qui lui sont destinés,
  • 2) des moyens de mise en oeuvre desdits signaux,
  • 3) des moyens personalisés pour le sportif et assurant l'avertissement de l'approche du départ,
  • 4) des moyens assurant les commandements du départ,
  • 5) des moyens prévenant de la différence de temps en plus ou en moins, au passage du sportif par rapport au temps programmé,
• c) des moyens de transmission depuis l'unité de contrôle jusqu'aux blocs avertisseurs émetteurs pour déclencher successivement, au moment voulu, dans ceux-ci le processus d'avertissement prévu en b).

The training device of the invention is mainly characterized by the fact that it implements a central unit, warning blocks emitting signals and transmission means which use recent means of electronics and data processing. combining:

• a) a central unit comprising
  • - means of identifying the athlete,
  • - means of information for the athlete on
    • 1) the performance of typical athletes,
    • 2) the intermediate times achieved by the athletes during the passage of each warning unit,
  • means for entering data and dialogs, such as a keyboard, screen or printer, making it possible to introduce, in particular, the time delay between the start of the program and the time of departure,
  • - the intermediate times that the athlete proposes to achieve when passing in front of each transmitter warning unit of signals,
  • - total time of the race,
  • - the series of personalized signals chosen,
  • - means for programming the displayed elements and starting the program.
• b) signaling signaling units combining:
  • 1) means for detecting signals intended for it,
  • 2) means for implementing said signals,
  • 3) personalized means for the athlete and ensuring the warning of the approach to the start,
  • 4) means ensuring the departure commands,
  • 5) means warning of the difference in time, more or less, when the athlete passes the programmed time,
• c) means of transmission from the control unit to the transmitter warning units to successively trigger, at the desired time, in these the warning process provided for in b).

• - une identification du sportif par lecture d'une carte propre à l'individu et incorporant en mémoire toutes les informations nécessaires,
• - un clavier autorisant l'introduction des données,
• - un écran vidéo,
• - une imprimante délivrant sur un support matériel les renseignements demandés,
• - une mémoire,
• - un ensemble à base de micro-processeurs permettant la liaison des éléments précédents, le traitement des informations reçues et l'envoi des signaux par les moyens de transmission.

According to a preferred embodiment, the central control unit has a structure similar to that of an ATM comprising a computer system with

• - an identification of the athlete by reading a card specific to the individual and incorporating in memory all the necessary information,
• - a keyboard authorizing the entry of data,
• - a video screen,
• - a printer delivering the requested information on a physical medium,
• - a memory,
• - an assembly based on microprocessors allowing the connection of the preceding elements, the processing of the information received and the sending of the signals by the transmission means.

• - les signaux lumineux étant émis par un dispositif clignotant avant le passage prévu par le sportif au niveau dudit bloc, et étant continu à partir du temps prévu pour ledit passage,
• - les signaux sonores assurant les appels réglementaires pour le départ, notamment les trois appels "à vos marques", "prêts, "partez" .

Generally, the signal emitting warning blocks have a decoding means making it possible to receive and process the information emitted by the central unit and means which emit signals of the light and sound type with lamps of different colors, each of the colors of lamps corresponding to a different sportsman,

• - the light signals being emitted by a flashing device before the passage planned by the sportsman at said block, and being continuous from the time provided for said passage,
• - the audio signals ensuring the regulatory calls for departure, in particular the three calls "to your marks", "ready," go ".

To improve convenience, it is intended that the light signals of the block intended to ensure departure are provided with a flashing device at increasing frequency as one approaches the time of departure.

The sound signals can "be emitted by ringing but they are generally emitted by loudspeakers.

The transmitter warning units can be supplied by separate wiring, but for the convenience of installation and deployment of the assembly, an independent power supply is generally provided for each of them. This latter supply is particularly convenient if one overcomes all cabling by ensuring a means of transmission consisting of a combination of wireless communication with a transmitter in the central unit and a receiver in each of the warning units.

However, the transmission means can also consist of a two-wire cable into which are sent individual awareness signals from each of the warning blocks.

Solution to the problem, advantages and industrial results

It will immediately be understood that the device of the invention overcomes all the drawbacks which have been mentioned at the beginning of this memo and that it has a great flexibility of use.

Indeed, there is much less wiring and even one can completely get rid of it in the case of a hertzian connection. It is possible to add warning blocks emitting additional signals at will. We can program with great ease, from the central unit since it has a computer.

In the current state of the art, the cost of this apparatus is lower than that of the apparatus previously provided. Their reliability is great; their troubleshooting is easy because we can provide, as we will see, electronic cards and unmarked terminals. '

The invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description which gives some nonlimiting examples of practical embodiment and which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Brief description of the figures

• la figure 1 est une vue schématique synoptique simplifiée d'une unité centrale et d'un bloc avertisseur.
• La figure 2 est une vue extérieure d'un bloc avertisseur.
• La figure 3 est un organigramme de fonctionnement d'un bloc avertisseur.
• La figure 4 est un schéma d'installation de l'ensemble avec un système à liaison par paires torsadées.
• La figure 5 est un schéma d'installation de l'ensemble d'un système à transmission par liaison hertzienne.

In these drawings,

• Figure 1 is a simplified schematic schematic view of a central unit and a warning unit.
• Figure 2 is an exterior view of a warning unit.
• FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of the operation of a warning unit.
• Figure 4 is an installation diagram of the assembly with a twisted pair connection system.
• FIG. 5 is a diagram of installation of the whole of a system with transmission by hertzian link.

Description of some embodiments

The device is made up of a central unit (1) and signal emitting warning blocks (2).

The central unit (1) comprises a means of identifying the sportsman (3) by reading a card specific to the sportsman's audit; this card incorporates in memory all the information relating to it. The central unit (1) further comprises a keyboard (4) authorizing the input of the data, a video screen (5), a printer (6), delivering the information on paper, a memory (7) and a set ( 8) based on microprocessors allowing the connection with the preceding elements, the processing of the information received and the sending of the signals by means of transmission which will be described below.

From this device, and from the memory, the sportsman can obtain information on the performances of sportsmen whom he already knows thanks to the memory (7) with the assembly based on microprocessor (8) by which he will transmit these questions posed by the keyboard (4) and from which it will be answered by the video screen (5) and / or the printer (6).

The sportsman can also program the performance he wishes to achieve by acting on the keyboard (4). It may, in particular, introduce the time delay between the start of the program of his race and the start time, as well as the intermediate times that he proposes to achieve when passing in front of each warning block emitting signals (2) which are distributed on the course as in the achievements earlier. It can also enter the total time of the race and the series of personalized signals it wants to obtain from each transmitter warning block (2).

Basically, each transmitter warning unit (2) (Figure 2) consists of a waterproof base (9) surmounted by a post (10) which supports a set of wafers (11) colored in different ways and which can emit light signals. It can be surmounted by a loudspeaker (12) giving voice indications. Basically, the base (9) comprises a decoding means (13) making it possible to receive and process the information transmitted by the central unit (1), processing which is done in the element (14). The assembly includes its power supply (15), for example, a storage battery. The line (27) leads the signals to the series of pancakes (11) and to the loudspeaker (12) to control and order the stroke. For example, light signals emitted flash before the passage planned by the sportsman at said block and are continuous from the time provided for said passage. The loudspeaker (12) provides regulatory calls for departure, in particular the three calls "on your marks", "ready" and "go". In a more elaborate manner, it can be provided that the light signals of the block intended to ensure the departure from the pancakes (11), are provided with a flashing device with increasing frequency as one approaches the moment of departure. . It is obvious that we provide as many patties as we want specialized color for each of the sportsmen.

In a more detailed manner, represented in FIG. 3, it can be seen that the base (9) comprises an apparatus (27) receiving the data as soon as an apparatus (17) authorizes the start of the operations.

In (18) is shown a device processing the first byte received and determining the address of the terminal. (19) operates the storage of bytes in the buffer. (20) determines the number of the wafer lamp (11) to be controlled in reading the second byte.

(21) reads the third and fourth bytes to examine the time delay for the duration of the flashing of the lamp of the wafer (11) considered. (22) authorizes validation of the operation of the lamp in question. (23) is a flashing unit.

(24) is a timer circuit which stops the operation of the assembly at the end of the operation.

(25) is a device which controls the fixed lighting of the lamp in question.

In Figure 4, there is shown a system with a connection by pair of twisted cables. In this case, the power supply via a two-wire cable can be centralized. The cable is obviously used to send individual awareness signals from each of the warning blocks (2).

In FIG. 5, the cable link has been removed and replaced by a radio link which has been symbolized by antennas (26).

We therefore understand that there is a central unit (1) and a number "n" of light terminals which, practically, can easily reach a figure as high as 128 and which are distributed around the edge of the track, all along the route.

The operation of the assembly will now be described.

The process is based on a data transmission system operating simply with a two-wire cable (case 1) to which all the light terminals are connected in parallel.

In the central unit, the user introduces the badge which has been previously issued to him by the club or by the organization on which he depends. This badge, introduced into the identification means (3) is listed and memorized to be recognized by the assembly (7, 8). The central unit (1) can moreover be enclosed in a box with a metal door the assembly preserving the central unit to resemble a cash dispenser.

As soon as the card is introduced, a "menu" or list of questions will appear on the video screen (5) in order to obtain information on the type of race that the sportsman wants to perform (100, 200, 400, 800, 1500, 5000 meters, etc ...). The screen will also ask questions about the performance that the runner wants to measure, it being understood that the performances of typical athletes are also displayed and stored in (7). They are regularly updated by the installation manager. The sportsman then responds with the keyboard (4). The screen then asks about the total time of the race, the intermediate times of each lap, etc.

The sportsman can also choose the times he wants, that is to say either choose a regular race, which leads to a deployment at constant speed of the signals luminous,
or choose an irregular race programmed, which causes a regular scrolling of the light signals only over a portion of the race, or of a lap for example.

The sportsman, using the keyboard (4), also chooses the color of the wafer lamp (11) which he wishes to choose, and thus affects this color which he attributes to the memorized performance to which he tackles.

This allows him to measure himself against a fictitious runner, whose pace is materialized by the lighting of the light signals of the second lamp chosen.

The sportsman still chooses, on the keyboard (4), the delay, by a time delay, which he wishes to have to go to the starting line which will be specified to him moreover on the video screen (5) according to the type race he has chosen.

It goes without saying that what is sent by the keyboard (4) can be controlled on the screen (5). Checks can then be made to examine in particular whether the total time planned for the race is indeed equal to the sum of the intermediate times.

Validation or confirmation is requested from the athlete; this being weak, the sportsman receives from the printer (6) a summary note of the whole. The start of operations is then triggered and the timer is then triggered in order to allow the athlete to go to the start and prepare for the race.

From this moment, the warning block lamps (2) located on the starting line, a block which was chosen beforehand by the sportsman to materialize the performance at which he is tackling and the performance he wishes to achieve, begin to flash slowly and then faster and faster until the moment of departure. Three audible alarms placed in the block simulate the three phases of the classic start "on your marks", "ready" and "go"

At the start, the terminal lights no longer flicker. They are lit continuously and it is then the corresponding lamps of the next terminal which start to flash according to the previous principle. They flash faster and faster as the time calculated by the central unit to cover the distance elapses.

Once the time has elapsed, the corresponding lamp is permanently lit and so on.

The central unit therefore sends successive messages to all the terminals.

Regarding the terminals, they receive all the information sent by the central unit which consists of the athlete's address.

• - aux numéros des lampes allumées,
• - à la durée pendant laquelle elles doivent rester allumées et clignotées,
• - à la fréquence de clignotement etc...

The three information corresponding respectively

• - the numbers of the lights on,
• - for the duration for which they must remain on and flashing,
• - at the flashing frequency etc ...

The transmitter or terminal warning blocks that receive this information analyze the address to find out whether or not these instructions are intended for it.

When the block has recognized itself as being the recipient of these orders, it executes them which leads to the operation described above.

Obviously, this operation is exactly the same whether it is a two-wire cable transmission system, or any other cable transmission or even a microwave transmission system.

Claims (8)

1. Improvement of sports training devices, generally on a track, in particular a stadium, a swimming pool, a velodrome, an autodrome or other which present signal transmitters towards the sportsman, from warning blocks distributed over the course, said signals being programmed and personalized for each sportsman from a central unit and being liable to be modified char acterized by the fact that a central unit (1) is used, warning blocks emitting signals ( 2) and means of transmission which use recent means of electronics and data processing by combining: a) a central unit (1) comprising - means of identification (3) of the athlete, - means of information for the athlete on 1) the performance of typical athletes, 2) the intermediate times achieved by the athletes during the passage of each warning unit, means for entering data and dialogs, such as a keyboard (4), screen (5) or printer (6) making it possible to introduce, in particular, the time delay between the start of the program and the time of departure, - the intermediate times that the sportsman intends to achieve when passing in front of each signal transmitter warning unit (2), - total time of the race, - the series of personalized signals chosen, - means for programming the displayed elements and starting the program. b) signaling warning units (2) combining: 1) means (18) for detecting signals intended for it, 2) means (14) for shaping said signals, 3) personalized means (20) for the athlete and ensuring the warning of the approach to the start, 4) means (16) ensuring the start commands, 5) means warning of the difference in time, more or less, when the athlete passes the programmed time, c) means (26) of transmission from the control unit to the transmitter warning units (2) to successively trigger, at the desired time, in these the warning process provided for in b). 2. Sports training device, as defined in claim 1, characterized in that the control unit has a structure similar to that of an ATM comprising a computer system with - an identification of the athlete (3) by reading a card specific to the individual and incorporating all the necessary information in memory, - a keyboard (4) authorizing the entry of data, - a video screen (5), - a printer (6) delivering on a material support the requested information, - a memory (7), - an assembly (8) based on a microprocessor allowing the connection of the preceding elements, the processing of the information received and the sending of the signals by the transmission means. 3. Sports coach, as defined in claim 1, characterized in that the signal emitting warning blocks (2) have a decoding means (13) making it possible to receive and process the information transmitted by the central unit (1) and means (23, 25, 12) which emit signals of the light and sound type with lamps of different colors, each of the lamp colors corresponding to a different athlete, - the light signals being emitted by a flashing device (23, 25) before the passage planned by the sportsman at the level of said block, and being continuous from the time provided for said passage, - the sound signals (12) ensuring the regulatory calls for departure, in particular the three calls "to your marks", "ready", "go". 4. Sports training device, as defined in claim 3, characterized in that the light signals of the block intended to ensure the start are provided with a flashing device (23) of increasing frequency as is approaching the time of departure. 5. Sports coach apparatus, as defined in claim 3, characterized in that the sound signals are emitted by loudspeakers (12). 6. Sports training device, as defined in claim 3, characterized in that the transmitter warning blocks (2) have their own source (15) of power supply. 7. Sports training device, as defined in claim 1, characterized in that the transmission means are constituted by a cable two-wire in which the individual awareness signals are sent from each of the warning blocks (2). 8. Sports training device, as defined in claim 1, characterized in that the transmission means are constituted by a combination of radio communications with - a transmitter in the central unit (1), - and a receiver in each of the warning blocks.

Images