EP0768101A1 - Hits detection and signalisation means for fencing sport - Google Patents

Abstract

The two combatants fence on a conducting surface (4). Each combatant wears both a touch detector (1,1'), electrically connected to their sword (2), and a unit (3), which evaluates and signals a valid touch, connected to the conducting surface (4). Each combatant wears footwear (5) with conducting soles, which ensure a good electrical connection between the conducting surface (4) and the detectors (1,1'), or conducting targets (6) attached to each combatant.

Description

The present invention relates to the field of fencing and relates to a device for detecting and signaling keys.

Fencing is made up of three separate disciplines, namely, sword, foil, and saber. Each weapon has its own rules and requires specific equipment and accessories.

In the past, the referee had to decide the validity of a touch simply by judging. This "on-the-fly" discrimination of the keys was a permanent source of contestation and conflict, given the extremely rapid execution of the keys. It was therefore necessary to replace human judgment with a reliable and impartial electrical detection system.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings which schematically represent a device currently used, the shooters are attached to the central signaling and detection device by a three-wire cable. The gunner's weapon is connected to this cable through a body wire and the permanent tension of the cable is ensured thanks to a reel which is located at the end of the runway.

The central unit, located on the edge of the elongated runway, constantly analyzes the state of the assault by sending current signals. When the device decides that a key has been hit by one of the shooters, it signals it by colored light signals (red and green) for valid keys and by neutral white signals for keys said to be invalid (foil ).

An assault always takes place on a metallic track formed by a metallic fabric or aluminum plates. This track linked to the central unit is used to cancel the keys to the sword and foil track.

The system described in general above must be adapted to the specificities of each of the three disciplines of fencing.

Thus, for the sword, a shooter can touch his opponent on any part of the body (from the feet to the head) and the regulation of this weapon is particularly simple since it is the first who touches which marks. Detection is done using a spring tip head which works on the principle of a switch.

In the case of foil, a key to be valid must be worn on the opponent's breastplate. For this purpose, each shooter has a metal jacket to electrically mark this surface. If a shooter touches his opponent on a part of the body different from the breastplate, an invalid hit is signaled, and the agreement of a hit is subject to a set of conventions in addition to its detection. Like the sword, the foil must have a tip-type switch head.

Finally, the saber is a point and thrust weapon, which means that the shooter can touch his opponent either with the point or the edge. The valid surface consists of the entire upper body (including the arms and head), this surface being delimited by a metallic jacket and a conductive mask.

Currently, therefore, in the three aforementioned disciplines, fencers are connected to reels, connected to a central detection and signaling device.

However, the removal of the connection cables would make the current fencers 'harnessing' obsolete and give them greater freedom of movement. It would then be possible to make assault disputed, with rotating movements, on a circular or quadrangular area and not on a linear track as it is currently done.

In order to free the fencers from their wire connections with a fixed point, it has been proposed to provide each fencer with a button detection module by electric current, connected by radio frequency waves to a central signaling unit.

However, the practical implementation of such devices has shown unreliable key detection.

The problem lies, in fact, in the absence of a common ground making reliable key detection problematic, if not impossible.

Indeed, the modules that are on each shooter to accomplish the detection and transmit the information are decoupled, since they no longer have a common reference, hence the impossibility of analyzing the currents.

Other devices were then developed to try to circumvent this difficulty, by modifying for example the point of point with the sword so that it detects the contact with a metallic surface (by short-circuit).

Still other devices use the transmission of low frequency waves in the jacket, shell, etc., which are then detected during contact with the weapon. However, all of these known devices have several major drawbacks, since they lose reliability compared to traditional systems by wire connections, do not allow them to be used in the three disciplines of fencing, and / or require modification of existing equipment. .

It should also be noted that, in addition to the above drawbacks, all of these systems using radio waves for the transmission of information are subject to the risks of interference and interference from the outside, and require additional sophisticated systems. to operate multiple tracks in parallel (multiple channels or frequency hopping systems) and must be adapted according to the place of use, due to the different frequency ranges authorized worldwide.

The object of the present invention is in particular to alleviate all the drawbacks of these known devices, by proposing a device of simple constitution, of reliable use, and which can be implemented in the three disciplines of fencing without modification of the material. and existing accessories, while allowing centralization of the information resulting from the detections, with a view to their processing and display, and by allowing the shooters to perform rotating, non-linear movements.

To this end, the subject of the present invention is a device for detecting and signaling keys in fencing, for at least two shooters moving on a conductive surface, characterized in that it is mainly constituted, on the one hand, by key detection units, each carried by one of the shooters and electrically connected to the corresponding weapon of each of the latter, on the other hand, by at least one evaluation and signaling unit for the keys, electrically connected to the conductive surface and, finally, by footwear with conductive soles worn by each of the shooters and ensuring an electrical connection between the conductive surface and the detection units, and possibly the target conductive surface (s) assigned to each shooter.

• la figure 3 est une vue schématique du dispositif selon l'invention appliquée au fleuret ;
• la figure 4A est une vue schématique identique à celle de la figure 3, montrant le cheminement des signaux de détection en cas de touche ;
• la figure 4B est une vue schématique identique à celle de la figure 4A, montrant le cheminement des signaux de signalisation après détection d'une touche, et,
• la figure 5 est un schéma bloc d'une unité de détection des touches faisant partie du dispositif représenté à la figure 3.

The invention will be better understood from the description below, which relates to a preferred embodiment, given by way of nonlimiting example, and explained with reference to the appended schematic drawings, in which:

• Figure 3 is a schematic view of the device according to the invention applied to the foil;
• FIG. 4A is a schematic view identical to that of FIG. 3, showing the path of the detection signals in the event of a touch;
• FIG. 4B is a schematic view identical to that of FIG. 4A, showing the routing of the signaling signals after detection of a key, and,
• FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a key detection unit forming part of the device shown in FIG. 3.

In accordance with the invention, and as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the detection and signaling device is mainly constituted, on the one hand, by units 1, 1 ′ for detecting the keys, each carried by a shooters and electrically connected to the corresponding weapon 2 of the latter, on the other hand, by at least one unit 3 for evaluation and signaling of the keys, electrically connected to the conductive surface 4 and, finally, by footwear with conductive soles 5 carried by each of the shooters and ensuring an electrical connection between the conductive surface 4 and the detection units 1, 1 ′ and optionally the target conductive surface (s) 6 assigned to each shooter.

According to a first characteristic of the invention, represented in FIG. 5 of the accompanying drawings, each detection unit 1, 1 ′ comprises, on the one hand, an emitter 7 of electrical detection signals, connected to the weapon 6, and a receiver 8 tuned for the detection of these signals and connected to the weapon 2 or to the conductive soles 5, on the other hand, a transmitter 9 of signaling signals, distinct from the detection signals and specific to each detection unit 1, 1 ', connected to the conductive soles 5 and, finally, a logic processing module 10 associated with a reference oscillator 11, all of these elements 7 to 11 being mounted in a housing 11 carried by the shooter concerned and supplied in a manner autonomous by a battery 12 or an accumulator.

Advantageously, the transmitter 7 and the receiver 8 can consist, respectively, of a generator and of a current detector and the transmitter 9 can transmit the information relating to the detection of a key by means of signals. low frequency electrics, for example between 50 kHz and 150 kHz, preferably around 100 kHz.

The evaluation and signaling unit 3 at least present essentially comprises a receiver suitable for receiving the signaling signals emitted by one or more detection unit (s) 1, 1 'and transmitted via the conductive surface 4 forming a track, a logic processing module and at least one means 13 for display and / or audible warning.

Advantageously, the evaluation and signaling unit 3 can consist of a device of the type known under the designation Fencing Technologies SG 11, SG 21 or SG 31 by the company COMPUTER MASTERS INTERNATIONAL, in which the detection circuits have been deleted and a low frequency receiver will have been integrated.

Similarly, the detection units 1, 1 ′ may comprise the detection circuits of an apparatus of the aforementioned type, associated with an autonomous power supply and with a low frequency transmitter, having a transmission frequency particular or intended to emit a specific coded signal, specific to each detection unit 1, 1 '.

Thus, the detection and signaling of a key are carried out on the same principle as that used in known devices of the aforementioned type.

Although each shooter is equipped with an autonomous and independent detection unit 1, 1 ′, in particular as regards its power supply, the fact of establishing an electrical contact between each shooter and the conductive surface 4 via the conductive soles 5 leads to a unitary electrical circuit with common ground.

Said conductive soles 5 therefore serve, in the three disciplines, as interfaces for transmitting signaling signals, the path of which is as follows: detection unit 1, 1 ′ - connecting wire carried by the shooter (body wire ) - conductive soles 5 - conductive surface 4 - evaluation and signaling unit 3 (see Figure 4B).

However, in the case of foil and saber, they also serve, as shown in FIG. 4A, to ensure the creation of an electric circuit closed in a loop in the case of a touch at the level of a zone of the surface. conductive target 6 (plastron or metal jacket - helmet) and form the conductive interfaces between the shooters and the conductive surface 4 of report in the following chain: transmitter 7 of the detection unit 1 of the shooter A - connecting wire - weapon 2 of shooter A - target conductive surface 6 (jacket) of shooter B - connecting wire - conductive soles of shooter B - conductive surface 4 - conductive soles 5 of shooter A - receiver 8 of detection unit 1 of shooter A.

In the case of the sword, the soles 5 also serve as interfaces between the conductive surface 4 and the shooters, but only for the keys resulting in contact of the point of the weapon with this surface 4 and the shell of the 'opponent.

In all cases of implementation of the invention, the transmission node in the form of a sliding electrical contact system constituted by the assembly of conductive soles 5 / conductive surface 4 performs a dual function, namely, on the one hand, permanently form part of the circuit for transmitting electrical detection signals in the event of a key being produced and, secondly, permanently constitute part of the hardware electrical connection for the transmission of low frequency signals for signaling keys , specific to each detection unit 1, 1 ', from the latter to unit 3 evaluation and signaling of the detected keys (time discrimination, display), electrically connected to said conductive surface 4.

It should also be noted that the electronic components forming the detection units 1, the and the evaluation and signaling unit 3 are of the digital type and that the configuration of said detection units 1, 1 ′, or these parameters can be checked by connecting a serial transmission line of the RS 422 type.

According to a first alternative embodiment of the invention, the conductive soles 5 consist of soles of a flexible polymer material or of rubber comprising, integrated in their mass and flush with the underside of said soles 5, a metal insert in the form of canvas, trellis, grids or the like of metal wires, fibers or filaments connected by means of a connector to a flexible cable for connection with the corresponding detection unit.

According to a second alternative embodiment of the invention, shown for one of the drawers in broken lines in Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings, the conductive soles 5 are made of a flexible polymer material of the rubber type, suitable for the transmission of 'low frequency waves, in particular low frequency current signals, and integrating carbon particles into its mass, a conductive insert in the form of a braid or flexible grid 5', embedded in said polymer material and connected to a connection connector, ensuring the electrical connection between said soles 5 and the corresponding detection unit 1, 1 ′ (the connection between connector and detection unit being produced by means of a flexible connection wire).

The fiber or wire insert should be flexible enough not to significantly affect the flexibility, shock absorption and vibration absorption characteristics of the polymer or rubber soles.

According to a third alternative embodiment of the invention, each conductive sole 5 is in the form of a flexible sole made of an essentially non-conductive material, the lower face of which at least is covered by a flexible strip or by a film in one conductive material or provided with conductive inserts, connected by means of a connector to a flexible cable for connection with the corresponding detection unit 1.

In order to provide a mass to the low frequency signal generator of each detection unit 1, 1 ', for efficient and reliable transmission via the conductive surface 4 forming a track, it can advantageously be provided, as shown in broken lines in Figure 3, of provide each shooter with socks 5 "of conductive fabric, in contact with the skin of said shooter and electrically insulated with respect to the corresponding conductive soles 5, which are connected to the detection unit 1, 1 'assigned to the shooter considered by means of a connection connector fixed to said 5 "socks and a connecting wire.

Thanks to this arrangement, it is possible to end up with a single connector at the level of each shoe, each of said connectors comprising two pins, namely, a pin connected to the conductive soleplate 5 and therefore to track 4 and a pin connected to the human body through the 5 "conductive sock.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims (7)

Device for detecting and signaling keys in fencing, for at least two shooters moving on a conductive surface, characterized in that it consists mainly, on the one hand, of units (1, 1 ') for detecting keys, each carried by one of the shooters and electrically connected to the corresponding weapon (2) of each of the latter, on the other hand, by at least one unit (3) for evaluation and signaling of the keys, connected electrically to the conductive surface (4) and, finally, by footwear with conductive soles (5) worn by each of the pullers and ensuring an electrical connection between the conductive surface (4) and the detection units (1, 1 ') , and possibly the target conductive surface (s) (6) assigned to each shooter. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that each detection unit (1, 1 ') comprises, on the one hand, a transmitter (7) of electrical detection signals, connected to the weapon (6), and a receiver (8) tuned for the detection of these signals and connected to the weapon (2) or to the conductive soles (5), on the other hand, a transmitter (9) of signaling signals, distinct from the detection signals and suitable for each detection unit (1, 1 '), connected to the conductive soles (5) and, finally, a logic processing module (10) associated with a reference oscillator (11), all of these elements (7 to 11 ) being mounted in a housing (11) carried by the shooter concerned and supplied autonomously by a battery (12) or an accumulator. Device according to either of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the at least one evaluation and signaling unit (3) comprises a receiver suitable for receiving the signaling signals emitted by one or more unit (s) ) of detection (1, 1 ') and transmitted via the conductive surface (4) forming a track, a logic processing module and at least one means (13) for display and / or audible warning. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the conductive soles (5) consist of soles of a flexible polymer material or of rubber comprising, integrated in their mass and flush with the level of the underside of said soles ( 5), a metal insert in the form of a canvas, lattice, grids or the like made of metal wires, fibers or filaments connected by means of a connector to a flexible cable for connection with the corresponding detection unit (1). Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the conductive soles (5) are made of a flexible polymer material of the rubber type, suitable for the transmission of low frequency waves, in particular of low frequency current signals , and integrating carbon particles in its mass, a conductive insert in the form of a braid or flexible grid (5 ′), embedded in said polymer material and connected to a connection connector, ensuring the electrical connection between said soles (5) and the corresponding detection unit (1, 1 '). Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each conductive sole (5) is in the form of a flexible sole made of an essentially non-conductive material, the lower face of which at least is covered by a strip flexible or by a film of a conductive material or provided with conductive inserts, connected by means of a connector to a flexible cable for connection with the corresponding detection unit (1). Device according to any one of Claims 4 to 6, characterized in that each puller is provided with socks (5 ") of conductive fabric, in contact with the skin of said shooter and electrically insulated with respect to the corresponding conductive soles (5), which are connected to the detection unit (1, 1 ') assigned to the shooter in question by means of a connection connector fixed on said socks (5 ") and a connecting wire.

Images