EP1691897B1 - Interactive step-type gymnastics practice device - Google Patents

Abstract

The interactive gymnastic mat includes a two plane pressure sensitive surfaces. The second surface is able to control actions in response to the pressure applied to the surface. This may be linked to the operation of an audiovisual gymnastics training program. The system for practicing interactive gymnastics in association with an audiovisual system includes a mat or surface on which the user stands. The mat includes a first plane pressure sensitive surface, and a second pressure sensitive surface extending parallel to the first. The second surface is able to control actions in response to the pressure applied to the surface. The surfaces may form part of a mat, or part of a parallelepiped block of material situated at the center of a mat. The block may have a length of 70 - 100 cm, and width between 20 and 40 cm, and a height of between 10 and 30 cm. There may be a system for adjusting the height of the block.

Description

The present invention relates to the field of devices comprising sensitive surfaces for the game or training of a user watching a program interacting with said devices, that is to say an imaging system and sounds such as a television connected to a play station or a digital processing unit. The present invention relates more particularly to an interactive gymnastics training device.

The main object of the invention is to constitute a new interactive device playful and sporty for digital processing unit such as video game consoles, computers or arcade terminals, to perform interactive gym sessions type "Step".

The prior art already knows video game peripherals seeking to increase playful and sporting interactions for a greater realism of the practice of video games. This has led to the development of interactive gliding boards or interactive "dance mats".

An interactive dance floor is typically a rug composed of different pressure-sensitive surfaces that are referred to as "foot-operated" all-or-nothing switches connected to a digital processing unit.

Such carpets composed of parts sensitive to pressure and dedicated to a video game use are described for example in the patent US 5837952 or more recently in European patents EP 1043746 and EP 1127599 .

These carpets are described as flat surfaces of rectangular shape, the different pressure sensitive parts, also rectangular, are arranged around a non-pressure sensitive surface in the center of the carpet.

When the carpet has more than four pressure-sensitive zones, the pressure-sensitive portions are disposed along the axes of symmetry of the carpet considered as a rectangular flat surface, namely, along its two diagonals and its two medians .

Dance programs have been made to work in a privileged way with these dance floors, but also with classic game controllers. Such a program is described in the patent EP 1127599 previously cited.

The user uses such a carpet to interact with a dance program operating on a digital processing unit having a screen as a display means by pressing with the feet on the parts of the carpet indicated on the screen by the game.

By pressing with the feet on the different parts of the carpet, following sequences and rhythms specific to a given dance game operating on the digital processing unit, the player triggers signals transmitted to the digital processing unit and taken into account. count through the dance game. The player can then follow real choreographies whose appreciation (accuracy of placements feet on the parts sensitive to the pressure and rhythm of the placement of the feet) is indicated to him in visual and sound return by the game of dance.

The user's rest position is the position in the center of the mat where the user's feet rest on the part of the mat that is not pressure sensitive. This position in the center of the carpet is not distinguishable by the carpet from a position outside thereof because it is characterized by the inactivity of the pressure sensitive surfaces comprising the carpet.

Note the close proximity of the signage of a dance floor and a classic controller and the fact that video games dance console and dance floor are playable in their entirety with a classic controller.

Such dance floors and their associated programs therefore allow users to perform interactive dance activities whose gestural body is limited to the types of interaction that said mats can capture, namely movements of the feet on a completely flat surface having a non-interactive part at its center.

On the other hand, sports accessories tend to become more and more interactive. Thus, it is an interactive exercise bike that interacts, through the movement of its pedal and buttons on the handles, with games running on a game console. In the same vein, some rowers and treadmills are provided with screens displaying images of oars races or hiking landscapes.

In the same spirit, the patent US5507708 allows you to do stair climbing gymnastics by interacting with a video game machine.

However, none of these accessories makes it possible to carry out an interactive sports practice having the characteristics of "step" type sporting practice characterized by choreographies around and on a rectangular parallelepiped.

The present invention intends to remedy the shortcomings of the prior art by the original combination of three elements: pressure-sensitive surfaces, an object having a shape close to a rectangular parallelepiped and a method of imaging and sound for unity digital processing. The invention intends to propose a system intended particularly for the interactive practice of "step" for a user equipped with said system.

The device of the invention allows for interactive and playful sessions of a type of gymnastics centered around an accessory called "step".

To do this, the present claimed invention relates to a device for the practice of interactive gymnastics in association with an imaging system and sounds constituting the gymnastic program to be followed by a user, comprising a first level of pressure-sensitive surfaces, said surfaces extending substantially continuously and substantially in the same plane, characterized in that it comprises at least a second level of pressure-sensitive surfaces, said surfaces of said second level extending substantially continuously and substantially in the same plane.

A pressure-sensitive surface is characterized by the fact that when mechanical pressure is exerted on such a surface (foot pressure for example), the electrical properties of said surface are modified as compared to its electrical properties when no pressure is exerted on it. Such surfaces can act as all-or-nothing switches operated by the feet.

A conventional modification of the electrical properties of the surface consists in closing or opening an electric circuit according to whether or not pressure is exerted on the surface. In this case, the pressure-sensitive surface acts as an all-or-nothing switch.

The pressure sensitive surfaces, components of the device according to the invention and whose shapes and devices are detailed later, are interconnected and surround a protruding object.

The surfaces extend substantially continuously so that a user can easily slide the feet of a surface to another surface in its extension without difficulty and without any discomfort.

The plane of the aforementioned first pressure-sensitive surfaces will consist of a carpet.

Also, the plane of the aforementioned second pressure-sensitive surfaces will consist of the upper face of a protruding object of shape. parallelepipedic, referred to hereafter as "Bloc".

Advantageously, the Bloc will be located in the center of the carpet.

Advantageously, the aforesaid block will have a length of between 70 and 100 centimeters (cm), a width of between 20 and 40 cm and a height of between 10 and 30 cm.

Advantageously, the block may include a height adjustment mechanism capable of increasing or reducing the height of said block, for example by raising / lowering the upper face of the parallelepiped block.

According to a possibility offered by the invention, the parallelepiped block will comprise four legs arranged at the four corners serving as a base for said block. In this case, the feet may consist of parallelepiped elements having a length, height and different width.

Advantageously, each foot will comprise at least one means of attachment to the block, ideally means for fixing a pair of parallel faces.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the device will comprise four surfaces sensitive to pressure on the aforesaid block.

These four surfaces extend substantially continuously so that a user can easily slide your feet from one to the other without difficulty and without any embarrassment.

Advantageously, one of the pressure sensitive surfaces will consist of at least the periphery of the upper face of the block and at least partially surrounds the other surfaces, sensitive to pressure, located on the upper face of the block.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the device will comprise at least four surfaces sensitive to pressure on the first plane.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the device will comprise eight pressure sensitive surfaces in the foreground, arranged symmetrically with respect to a center of symmetry, two in front of the block, two behind, two on the right and two to left.

Ideally, the carpet will comprise a central rectangular portion free of the aforesaid sensitive surfaces for laying, and possibly fixing, of the aforesaid parallelepiped block.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the surfaces of the first level and those of the second level will be connected to the imaging and sound system by a wired electrical network.

In a different way, the surfaces of the first level and those of the second level are connected to the imaging and sound system by a non-wired link, for example by electromagnetic pulses and labels. type RF-ID, said system then having a specific receiver.

Advantageously, the device of the invention may comprise at least one control button located on the first level, on the second level of surfaces sensitive to pressure, or on one of the faces of the block and able to act on the imaging system. and sounds.

According to a possibility offered by the invention, the device may comprise at least one vibration sensor, or shock, optionally connected to at least one pressure sensitive surface to compare different pressures.

Advantageously, the information recorded by the sensor will then be sent to the imaging system and sounds for processing or directly transmitted to the user, for example via sound and / or visual signals.

Advantageously, the device of the invention will comprise a plurality of connectors for connecting the sensitive surfaces to one another, said connectors being removable for using only a part of said sensitive surfaces.

According to a possibility offered by the invention, the parallelepiped block will include at least one housing adapted to allow storage of the carpet and connectors.

According to one embodiment, the sensitive surfaces of the first plane will be removable, their number and the distance separating them from each other being variable.

The device according to the invention has an innovation in the field of sports and interactive games to the extent that there is no sport accessory or gaming device to make interactive "step" sessions.

The device according to the invention is specifically designed so as to be able to grasp and interact with the movements specific to gymnastic activities of the "step" type, which other digital processing unit peripherals can not.

The device according to the invention makes it possible, by the higher motivation that gives the interaction, to pass more easily the learning period of the "step" while being immediately gratified by the pleasure of the interactive approach and fun challenges.

On the other hand, the device according to the invention also presents itself as a complementary invention to other interactive products (image capture, capture of body movements, etc.). It can thus be integrated into games, experiences or hobbies of unprecedented virtual reality.

The device according to the invention can both be used by users practicing only interactive gymnastics, but also be a device made available to participants in sports centers courses or in arcades.

• la figure 1 illustre une vue en perspective d'un Bloc parallélépipédique reposant sur quatre pieds ;
• la figure 2 illustre une vue en perspective d'un pied sur lequel repose le Bloc représenté sur la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3 illustre une vue en perspective de variantes de réalisation d'un Bloc parallélépipédique selon l'invention ;
• la figure 4 illustre une en perspective d'une variante du Bloc selon l'invention ;
• la figure 5 illustre une vue de dessus des surfaces sensibles à la pression du premier plan ;
• la figure 6 illustre une vue en perspective du dispositif complet, c'est-à-dire comportant les surfaces sensibles du premier plan et celles du second plan ;
• la figure 7 illustre une vue de dessus des surfaces sensibles à la pression formant le premier plan, désolidarisées les unes des autres, mais toujours électriquement connectées ; et
• la figure 8 illustre une vue en perspective une variante de réalisation du Bloc selon l'invention dans laquelle les surfaces sensibles situées sur le bloc sont désolidarisées les unes des autres mais toujours électriquement connectées.

The invention will be better understood by means of the description, given below for purely explanatory purposes, of an embodiment of the invention, with reference to the appended figures:

• the figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a parallelepipedic block resting on four legs;
• the figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a foot on which the Block represented on the figure 1 ;
• the figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of alternative embodiments of a parallelepipedic block according to the invention;
• the figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a variant of the block according to the invention;
• the figure 5 illustrates a top view of the pressure-sensitive surfaces of the foreground;
• the figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the complete device, that is to say comprising the sensitive surfaces of the first plane and those of the second plane;
• the figure 7 illustrates a top view of the pressure sensitive surfaces forming the foreground, disengaged from each other, but still electrically connected; and
• the figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the block according to the invention wherein the sensitive surfaces on the block are disconnected from each other but still electrically connected.

The device according to the invention comprises a plurality of pressure-sensitive surfaces, the number and the arrangement of which vary according to the embodiments.

One embodiment of a pressure-sensitive surface is to provide a surface in which two conductive planar layers are separated by a substrate material. foam type in which several orifices of sufficient diameter have been created.

At rest, when no external pressure is exerted on the pressure-sensitive surface, the expansion force of the foam-type material separates the two conductive layers and opens the electrical circuit of which these are the ends.

When exerting a pressure greater than the expansion force of the foam-like material, the two conductive layers join and touch through the orifices of the foam-type material, thus closing the electrical circuit whose conductive layers are the ends. .

The shape, the dimensions and the physical qualities (in particular the elasticity and the resistance) of the block of the device according to the invention are chosen so as to be comparable to the shapes, dimensions and corresponding qualities of the gymnastic devices called "step" such as they exist today, this in order to allow users of the device according to the invention to have physical sensations of use of the block similar to those that can be with a "step" classic.

The classic "step" has a shape in a rectangular parallelepiped and has approximately the following dimensions: a length ranging from 70 cm to 100 cm, a width of 20 to 40 cm and a variable height, adjustable by the user according to the difficulty of the exercises he wants to perform, between 10 and 30 cm.

The dimensions and the shape of the block of the device according to the invention depend on the embodiments, but remain comparable to the dimensions and the shape indicated for the conventional "step".

In addition, according to a preferred embodiment, a mechanism will make it possible to vary the height of the upper part of the block, like a conventional step, in order to allow the practitioner to vary the difficulty levels of the blocks. exercises.

According to an embodiment represented in Figure 1 , the Bloc consists of an upper part 1 supported by four feet 2.

According to an embodiment with a mechanism for varying the height of the upper part of the block, this mechanism consists of four feet having the shape of rectangular parallelepipeds whose three sides each have a different length, each corresponding to a height specific to which one wishes to be able to adjust the upper part of the Bloc. These four feet are placed under the top surface of the Bloc, at the four corners of it. Depending on whether the height of one of the three sides of the feet is used differently, the upper part of the block is raised to three different heights. One of these feet is represented in Figure 2 . The three sides 3, 4 and 5 are of different lengths. At 6 there is shown a possible way to secure the feet to the top of the block: it is a pair of holes, the bottom of the upper part of the block being provided with pegs fitting into these holes.

According to another embodiment, with a mechanism for varying the height of the upper part of the block, this mechanism consists of two feet having the shape of rectangular parallelepipeds whose three sides each have a different size, two of these corresponding sizes. at a specific height at which one wishes to be able to adjust the upper part of the block, the third length being equal to the width of the block. These two feet are constituted so as to be placed under the upper surface of the block, at its lesser ends. The underside of the top surface of the Bloc is provided in these places with two reinforcements raising the Bloc.

On the Figure 3 , there is shown a foot 8, with a side of the same width as the upper part of the block 1, and two other sides 9 and 10 of different length. Also shown reinforcements 7 which give a certain height to the block even without adjusting the feet. This height corresponds to the minimum height at which it is desired to place the upper surface.

Depending on whether one uses either the upper part raised only by its reinforcements, or that one adjusts one of the two sides of the feet, the upper part of the Block is raised to three different heights. In this embodiment, the feet will be provided with pegs 11 and the reinforcements of the upper part of the block of holes in which these pegs will fit in order to secure the upper part of the block to his feet.

The block will be provided at its top with a number of pressure-sensitive surfaces, the number and the disposition of which will vary according to the embodiments.

According to one embodiment, illustrated in Figure 4 the pressure-sensitive surfaces on the top of Block 1 will be four in number.

Three surfaces, numbered on the Figure 4 13, 14 and 15, will cut the top into three parts: a left part, a central part, and a right part.

The advantage of this division into three parts is that this provision is relevant to the body of movement characteristic of "step" gymnastics that differentiates these three areas during the main placements of the feet of the practitioner on the "step".

The signals from these three surfaces, once processed by the imaging and sound process operating on the digital processing unit connected to the device according to the invention can process accurate and relevant information in the context of gymnastic movements of the type "Step" as to the locations of the user's feet on the block.

A fourth surface 12 will make the outline of the top of the block, over a width of at most a few centimeters.

The interest of this last surface will be to indicate in an interactive manner to the user that he "bites" on the contour of the upper part of the parallelepiped, which is not recommended for some of the movements of the gymnastics type " step "as this can create a strong pressure on the Achilles tendon. We can of course use the signals of this last surface for other features.

Around the block are arranged a plurality of pressure-sensitive surfaces connected to each other, the number and arrangement of which vary according to the embodiments.

There are four main spatial zones where these surfaces are located: at the front of the Bloc, at the back of the Bloc, on the left side of the Bloc and on the right side of the Bloc. The interest of such a division of the zones is that step-type gymnastics differentiates in its choreographies and steps these four paths of approach of the user compared to the "step".

According to a preferred embodiment illustrated at Figure 5 , each of these four zones is cut in two to take into account an additional characteristic of the "step" type of gymnastics, many of whose movements start at the foot of the face or the profile of the "step" and continue in differentiating the left and right sides for the placement of the feet next to the step, whether the user is facing the profile or the face of the step. Pressure-sensitive surfaces, arranged as indicated on the Figure 5 , are able to make these distinctions.

Note that in this preferred embodiment, the pressure sensitive areas are not rectangular, and are not arranged along the axes of symmetry of the carpet of the device according to the invention, considered as a flat rectangular surface, but at opposite of these axes of symmetry.

Thus, according to a preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. Figure 5 , surfaces, sensitive to pressure, located around the Bloc are 8, numbered on the Figure 5 from 16 to 23, arranged as follows: two in front of the Bloc, two in the back, two on the left and two on the right.

In the center of all these surfaces, there is shown in 24 a rectangular space where will be placed the block.

According to a preferred embodiment, the sensitive surfaces will have qualities of resistance, friction tolerance and anti-skid, expected for a "step" surface and gymnastics mats. These qualities may be different depending on the location and use of the surfaces within the device according to the invention.

The pressure-sensitive surfaces, both around and on the block, are connected to each other. Each one of them can be at the origin of a differentiated signal when one will exert a pressure on it.

The signals created by pressing these surfaces are transformed so as to be interpretable by the type of digital processing unit to which the device according to the invention is connected and to which the device according to the invention transmits the signals.

The device according to the invention is connectable to a digital processing unit.
According to one embodiment, this connection is made using a cable provided with the appropriate connector.

In another embodiment, this connection is made using a wireless link.
In this case, a receiver will be connectable to the digital processing unit and a transmitter will be connected to all pressure sensitive surfaces.

According to an embodiment illustrated by the Figure 6 the pressure-sensitive surfaces on the top surface of the block are connected to each other and to the other sensitive surfaces around the block by a set of electrical wires 28 passing through the upper surface of the block, then passing under the block and being then connected to the other pressure sensitive surfaces 27 around the block. The assembly is then connectable via a cable 26 and a suitable connector 25 to a digital processing unit.

According to one embodiment, the device will comprise control buttons, generating signals located at the periphery of the sensitive surfaces located around the block. The signals generated by these buttons will also be transmitted to the digital processing unit. These buttons can be placed on one or specific supports and be supplemented with diodes or various other elements to increase the pleasure and wealth of use.

According to one embodiment, control buttons, generating signals, located on the block will complete the device according to the invention. The signals generated by these buttons will also be transmitted to the digital processing unit.

These buttons will be placed so that the user can not accidentally activate them by practicing interactive gymnastics. Thus, they may be located on the vertical sections of the block or require a specific control action such as a double successive pressure or a prolonged pressure.

According to one embodiment, the signals emitted by the device according to the invention will be accompanied by a specific signal making it possible to identify that the transmitter of the signals is a peripheral of the same category as the device according to the invention. Such an identifying signal will make it possible, for example, to ensure, in the event of competitions or network games involving several distant participants, that all the competitors are all provided with a device of the same type as that of the device according to the invention. invention.

According to one embodiment, one or more vibration or shock sensors will be placed on the block so as to evaluate the degree of violence with which the user climbs on the block.

According to one embodiment, one or more vibration or shock sensors will be connected to the pressure-sensitive surfaces so as to evaluate the degree of violence with which the user is carrying his weight on these surfaces.

According to the embodiment with vibration or shock sensors, the information from these sensors may be transmitted to the digital processing unit which will return the information in a fun or educational form to the user.

According to another embodiment with vibration or shock sensor, this information will be directly transmitted to the user, without going through the digital processing unit, by means of light or sound signals variable according to the intensity shock and emitted directly by the device according to the invention.

The number of distinct signals generated by the device according to the invention and transmitted to the digital processing unit is less than or equal to the number of pressure-sensitive surfaces according to the invention, to which may be added the signals coming from the sensors of vibration or shock and signals from control buttons possibly placed on the block or at the periphery of the surfaces around the block. In all cases, it will be noted that the number of distinct signals that the device according to the invention can generate is greater than the number of distinct signals that can be generated by a conventional dance mat. This greater number of signals corresponds to the specific requirements of the use of the device according to the invention in the context of interactive gymnastics of the "step" type.

According to one embodiment, light diodes are placed on, under or near the pressure-sensitive surfaces and indicate to the user, by a light signal either the surface on which he has just pressed, or, for example in a learning or play setting, the surface he or she should support or should have supported. These different functionalities can be managed by the imaging and sound process operating on the digital processing unit to which the device is connected.

According to one embodiment, in order to reduce the position that will take the device, according to the invention, once stored, the different pressure-sensitive surfaces arranged around the block, can be placed inside the latter.

According to one embodiment, the electrical connection between the block and the pressure-sensitive surfaces arranged around the block is not a fixed connection, but is via connectors which can be connected or disconnected at will. The advantage of such an embodiment is that it allows the user to disconnect the block from the surfaces arranged around it and to change this block by another interactive block of the same nature, having the appropriate connector, but having other qualities (different shape, possibility of other adjustments in height, better resistance to weight or shocks, different elasticity etc.). This new block will be connected to the surfaces around it.

According to an embodiment illustrated in Figure 7 , the different pressure-sensitive surfaces surrounding the block may be spaced apart from a given distance from each other, while remaining connected to each other. The advantage of such an embodiment is to vary the extent of the areas around the block and thus extend the interactive perimeter around the block, but also to vary the size of the location reserved for this block located in the center of said surfaces. The user can thus use blocks occupying different surfaces on the ground. On the Figure 7 one of the pressure-sensitive surfaces at one of the electrical connections between the surfaces and at the cable and the connector connecting the surfaces to the digital processing unit has been indicated.

According to this embodiment, it will be possible to reinforce the subjection of the surfaces to each other, for example with "Velcro" (registered trademark) fabric strips. It will thus be possible to have strips of female velcro fabric sewn on the surfaces, and to provide the user with strips of male velcro fabric for interconnecting the female velcro fabric strips of the surfaces.

According to one embodiment, illustrated in Figure 8 , the different pressure-sensitive surfaces on the block can be separated from the block and moved away from each other while remaining electrically connected.

Three pressure-sensitive surfaces can be arranged as follows: two at the corners of the upper part of the block, and a third between the first two. The advantage of this embodiment is that it allows to cover surfaces sensitive to pressure and thus to make interactive a "step" non-interactive that would already have the user, this "step" then taking the place of Block of the device according to the invention. We see on the Figure 8 at one of the pressure-sensitive surfaces, at 23 a cable interconnecting the different surfaces and at the top of a non-interactive step. The pressure-sensitive parts will be keyed to the top of the non-interactive step, for example using a flange 34 or adhesive parts.

Another embodiment with pressure-sensitive surfaces located on the top of the block and having the possibility to deviate is obtained by connecting the pressure-sensitive surfaces to one another. an elastic fabric that can be tightened around the block. Such a fabric will have dimensions designed to be able to adapt to the majority of the upper parts of the non-interactive "step" and remain there subject.

According to one embodiment, the pressure-sensitive surfaces of the block are not placed on the block but below it. The way in which the user carries his weight and feet on the top of the block is then mechanically retranscribed on these pressure-sensitive surfaces and causes them to generate signals that are transmitted to the digital processing unit for interpretation by it. In this embodiment, the pressure-sensitive surfaces beneath the block are two in number and are placed under the left and right feet supporting the block. Of course, these surfaces may be in number greater than two and arranged side by side under the block, especially in the case where the block has no foot and its weight is supported by its entire lower surface. These surfaces will send a variable signal according to the importance of the weight that they support. This will make it possible to calibrate the device according to the invention so that it recognizes the weight of the block alone and, by difference of the signals emitted by these surfaces, to estimate thanks to the weight of the user when he is on the block , is rather on one or the other or in the middle of said surfaces. The advantage of this embodiment is to use a non-interactive step with the device according to the invention.
For the embodiment just described, it will be possible to use analog pressure sensors such as atmospheric pressure sensors connected to gas pockets included in the sensitive surfaces located under the block and sending an electrical signal according to the atmospheric pressure of each air bag itself according to the weight exerted on the block. The comparison of the signals sent by these sensors will make it possible to evaluate a pressure differential exerted by the block on the sensitive surfaces supporting it and consequently the position of the user. It will also be possible to use one or more differential pressure sensors connected to all the gaseous pockets included in the surfaces placed under the block so as to obtain in particular a pressure differential exerted by the left and right sides of the block. Other non-limiting embodiments use sensors based on piezoelectric crystals or strain gauges, sending an electrical signal or having a variation of one of their electrical quality (such as the resistance for example). deformation when the surface to which they are attached is subjected to deformation. These sensors can be attached to surfaces placed under the block. The evaluation of the pressure differential exerted by the block on the surfaces placed under the block can then be done by comparing the signals sent by said sensors or the variations of said electrical quality, signals or quality variations generated by the deformations of said surfaces. to the pressure exerted on them by the Bloc.
According to one embodiment, each pressure-sensitive surface has a wireless transmitter. The signals created by the surfaces are transmitted, via their wireless transmitter, to a receiver connected to the digital processing unit which makes these signals interpretable by said digital processing unit. The advantage of such an embodiment is that the different pressure-sensitive surfaces would no longer need to be electrically connected to each other.

According to an embodiment where each pressure-sensitive surface has a transmitter, each pressure-sensitive surface is connected to a RFID technology transmitter. A pressure-dependent switch exerted on the surface would make said transmitter operational, or not, which transmits to the associated RFID receiver information indicating whether or not the user is pressurizing said surface. The choice of an RFID technology is motivated by the fact that this technology is strong enough to have inexpensive transmitters and is able to handle properly in transmission and reception of simultaneous signals, which will be the case in the intended use of the device according to the invention.

According to one embodiment, the set of different signals transmitted by the device according to the invention to the digital processing unit is less than or equal to the number of different signals transmitted by a conventional joystick to a game console and interpretable by the latter. The advantage of this embodiment is that the device according to the invention can be more easily connected to a game console.

The purpose of the imaging and sound process is to provide an interactive gymnastic step session.

In an example of such a method, a virtual avatar represents a teacher directing the course which presents the movements to be performed. Among these are the basic steps, the advanced steps and the choreographies which are sequences of basic or advanced steps. Principles or examples are given by means of video sequences.

The user is also represented by an avatar whose movements are derived from the signals from the pressure-sensitive surfaces of the device according to the invention. The virtual teacher reacts according to the performances (rhythm, movements ...) of the user, by adapting the level of difficulty or by proposing new exercises.

There are several game modes, including a "contest" mode where virtual characters controlled by the program challenge the user to follow them in choreographies or steps of varying complexity, a learning mode where the user can learn and documenting the steps and choreographies of "step", a game mode where steps and choreographies allow the user's avatar to pass tests and live adventures, a network mode using the Internet where the avatar of the user interacts, for example within a collective "step" interactive course, with the avatars of other remote users.

The imaging and sound process stores the user's performance, including estimates and history of the number of steps taken, the calories burned, the difficulty levels achieved, and uses the user's data for the user. encourage the effort in a personalized way.

The invention is described in the foregoing by way of example. It is understood that the skilled person is able to realize different variants of the invention without departing from the scope of the patent.

Claims (16)

1. Device for doing interactive gymnastics in association with an image and sound system constituting the gymnastics program to be followed by a user, said device comprising a first level of pressure-sensitive surfaces (16-23, 27, 29, 35) and at least a second level of pressure-sensitive surfaces (12-15) or that are suitable for causing an action to take place in response to pressure, which surfaces extend on each level substantially continuously and substantially in the same plane, characterized in that said first level of pressure-sensitive surfaces is in the form of a mat provided with pressure-sensitive means and in that a parallelepiped block (1) is installed on a zone of said mat, so as to form said second level of pressure-sensitive surfaces.
2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that pressure-sensitive means are installed on a top face of a parallelepiped block so as to form said second level of pressure-sensitive surfaces.
3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the parallelepiped block (1) is situated in the center (24) of a mat.
4. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said block (1) has a length lying in the range 70 centimeters (cm) to 100 cm, a width lying in the range 20 cm to 40 cm, and a height lying in the range 10 cm to 30 cm.
5. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the block (1) is provided with a height adjustment mechanism (2-11) suitable for increasing or for reducing the height of said block (1), e.g. by raising or lowering the top face of the parallelepiped block.
6. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has four pressure-sensitive surfaces (12-15) on said block.
7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that one of the pressure-sensitive surfaces consists in at least part of the periphery (12) of the top face of the block (1), and surrounds, at least in part, the other pressure-sensitive surfaces (13-15) situated on the top face of the block.
8. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has at least four pressure-sensitive surfaces in the first level.
9. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has eight pressure-sensitive surfaces (16-23) in the first level, which surfaces are disposed symmetrically about a center of symmetry, namely two in front of the block, two behind the block, two on the right and two on the left.
10. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the mat has a central rectangular portion not provided with said pressure-sensitive surfaces and for receiving and optionally for fastening to a parallelepiped block (1).
11. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surfaces of the first level and the surfaces of the second level are connected to the image and sound system via an electrical wired network (25, 26, 30, 31).
12. Device according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the surfaces of the first level and the surfaces of the second level are connected to the image and sound system via a wireless link, e.g. by electromagnetic pulses and RFID tags, said system then having a specific receiver.
13. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has at least one control button situated on the first level, on the second level of pressure-sensitive surfaces, or on a face of the block, and suitable for acting on the image and sound system.
14. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has at least one vibration or impact sensor optionally connected to at least one pressure-sensitive surface in order to compare different pressures.
15. Device according to claim 14, characterized in that the information recorded by the sensor is sent to the image and sound system for processing or is transmitted directly to the user, e.g. via audio and/or visual signals.
16. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the parallelepiped block is provided with at least one recess suitable for stowing the mat and connectors.

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