EP2353669A1 - Device for detecting and displaying the striking of a ball - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (1) has outer layers, sensor films, an intermediate layer and frames, where the outer layers include a target surface (2) for a ball. Electrical sensor fields (3) are defined by sensor arrangements and distributed on the target surface. The sensor arrangements deliver a characterized electrical signal for each sensor field during impacting a ball on one of the fields. The sensor fields and corresponding fixed plates are arranged such that the device is folded according to a shape of a mat between groups of the adjacent fixed plates.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for detecting and indicating the impact of a ball having a planar element, a surface of which provides a target surface for a ball and which has a plurality of distributed across the target surface, spaced-apart electrical sensor fields, each by a sensor array be defined, which is designed to deliver a characteristic of the respective sensor field electrical signal during operation upon impact of a ball.

In the field of sports and games devices are known, which are intended to allow an athlete or player shoots or throws them with a ball and should hit predetermined target areas. A well-known example is the so-called goal wall, which sports-interested television viewers from sports broadcasts is known. This goal wall has a rigid rectangular plate which can be placed in a vertical orientation on the ground and in which in two diagonally opposite corner regions each have a hole is formed, through which a football is to be shot from a certain distance. In this way, for example, the shooting technique of a football player to be tested and trained.

As an alternative to such a purely mechanical goal wall electrically driven devices have been proposed in the prior art, in which sensor fields are provided instead of one or more holes on a target surface, which generate a characteristic of the respective sensor field signal when a ball hits a sensor field.

Such an electrically operated device is for example from the document EP 1 412 033 B1 known. This device has a plurality of modules which are arranged in a grid-like manner on an inelastic substrate. Each module is in turn applied to an inelastic carrier plate and each consists of a sensor field in the manner of a membrane keyboard. Electrical lines of each sensor field each terminate in a connector, via which an electrical connection with a respective decentralized electronic module is produced, which is associated with only one or a few of the modules. The electronic components in turn are connected to a central evaluation unit. By this configuration, a modular construction of the device is realized, shortened by the assembly times for large-scale systems and a quick service in case of failure of a module is possible. In the EP 1 412 033 B1 However, the disclosed device has the disadvantage that its transport is difficult and the assembly is complicated and time-consuming, especially for small plants with relatively few sensor fields.

In the document EP 1 725 309 B1 A further electrically operated device for detecting the impact of balls is described. This is mat-shaped, and the detection is also carried out by cooperating patterns of electrically conductive elements in the manner of a membrane keypad. For this purpose, printed conductors are provided on conductors which are separated from each other by an insulating layer provided with holes and can be brought into contact with each other upon impact of a ball through one or more holes at the location of impact. An exemplary application is the detection of the location of the impact of a tennis ball on the floor of a tennis court, in which case the device is placed on a suitable location of the tennis court on the ground. Although this device can be transported because of their mat-shaped design in principle be merged or rolled up. However, the problem is that it can only be operated to ensure reliable detection of the impact of balls when it is placed on a rigid surface.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for detecting and indicating the impact of a ball in such a way that it can be operated without affecting the reliability of the impact of balls flexible both on a solid surface as well as freely stretched and transported simultaneously in a simple manner and can be mounted.

This object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the device are the subject of the dependent claims.

According to the present invention, it is provided that a device for detecting and indicating the impact of a ball has a flexible planar element or a flexible planar body, which in a preferred embodiment in the fully deployed state has a rectangular or square shape. Under a sheet-like element or body is usually understood an element whose thickness is much smaller than the lateral dimensions, and in particular a mat, layer or sheet-shaped element. One of the two opposing surfaces of the flexible sheet, ie an extended surface of the sheet, provides a target surface for a ball. In this case, this target surface may extend over the entire surface of the planar element or in some cases only over a portion of this.

Distributed over this target surface are a plurality of spaced-apart electric sensor arrays, i. Areas of the target area that can be detected during operation when hit with a ball. For this purpose, a corresponding sensor arrangement is associated with each of these sensor fields, which is adapted to deliver an electrical signal characteristic of the respective sensor field during operation when a ball strikes one of the sensor fields. In this context, it should be noted that, depending on the configuration of the sensor arrangements, another minimum force or ball speed applied by a ball during impact may be necessary so that the sensor arrangements can register the impact of the ball. By evaluating the electrical signals supplied by the sensor fields, it is possible in this way to determine whether a ball has hit a sensor field on the target surface and which of the sensor fields has been hit.

The apparatus further includes a plurality of separate and spaced-apart rigid plate-shaped members, each associated with a different one of the sensor arrays. In this case, such a plate-shaped element is present for each sensor field. The plate-shaped elements are arranged on or in the flexible planar element in such a way that the sensor arrangement of the respective sensor field is located between the plate-shaped element and the target surface. In this way, the plate-shaped elements form a rigid background with respect to the impact of a ball on a sensor field of the target surface. It is advantageous if the dimensions of the plate-shaped elements are at least as large as the dimensions of their associated sensor assemblies and each sensor assembly is seen over its entire extent of the target surface in front of the respective plate-shaped element. Overall, it is important to that the mechanical properties are selected, depending on the nature and the characteristics of the sensor arrangements used, in such a way that the desired sensitivity is achieved. A preferred material for the plate-like elements is polycarbonate or a plastic having similar mechanical properties in terms of dimensional stability, dimensional stability, strength and toughness.

Moreover, the sensor fields and the corresponding plate-shaped elements are arranged and shaped so that the device can be folded in the manner of a mat by folding it once or several times between groups of adjacent plate-shaped elements. In this case, a matrix-shaped arrangement of the sensor fields and plate-shaped elements or an arrangement in rectangular rows and columns is preferred. In this case, the areas between adjacent rows and between adjacent columns provide elongated areas along which can be folded, i. for a bend line. In an advantageous embodiment, furthermore, all sensor fields, sensor arrangements and plate-shaped elements have the same dimensions and the same shape.

In use, the device is provided for a user to throw or shoot with a ball at the target surface and attempt to hit the sensor fields or a particular one of the sensor fields.

The described embodiment of a device for detecting and indicating the impact of a ball provides a sports device which advantageously ensures high sensitivity, reliability and reproducibility in the detection of hits due to the provision of a rigid background for each sensor field. without the device having to be mounted on a rigid base, such as a wall. Rather, it is also possible to clamp the device, for example, in a frame, as for example, a football, handball or hockey goal can be used. This greatly increases the flexibility of use.

At the same time, the device can nevertheless be transported in a simple manner and set up for use. Thus, it first offers the advantage that it can be reduced in size for transport by folding in the manner of a mat in their lateral dimensions. If it is then to be set up for use, it simply has to be unfolded again, since the individual sensor fields, sensor arrangements and plates are fixed in the overall mat-shaped device.

In a preferred embodiment, the flexible sheet-like element is provided in the form of a multilayer mat.

In an advantageous embodiment, the plate-shaped elements are arranged in pockets which are formed on the surface opposite the target surface of the flexible sheet-like element or in the flexible sheet-like element. As a result, the plate-shaped elements can be properly arranged and fastened to the flexible sheet-like element in a simple manner during production or, if appropriate, later by the user.

It may be advantageous if the plate-shaped elements are removably or detachably arranged on or in the flexible sheet-like element, since then the dimensions of the device can be further reduced if necessary by removing the plate-shaped elements from the flexible sheet-like element and an exchange the plate-shaped elements can be performed if one of the elements should break.

In an advantageous embodiment, fastening elements are arranged along the edge of the flexible sheet-like element, with which the flexible sheet-like element can be fastened to supports or other holding means, such as, in particular, in a frame, e.g. can be provided by a football, handball or hockey goal. As fasteners belt or Velcro can be used.

In a preferred embodiment, the device further comprises an evaluation unit which is electrically connected to the sensor arrangements and adapted to determine, based on the electrical signals supplied by the sensor arrangements, on which the sensor field a ball has hit. Such an evaluation unit preferably has an electronic display and is adapted to deliver a corresponding electrical signal to the electronic display in operation upon impact of a ball on one of the sensor fields depending on the sensor field hit. On the basis of this signal, the electronic display shows an indication of the touched sensor field, a point value assigned to the hit sensor field or the result of an arithmetic operation between a point value assigned to the touched sensor field and a point value displayed on the electronic display before the respective hit. The latter possibility can be provided, for example, in the context of games in which a game round starts with a certain starting point value being displayed on the electronic display and then a player has to try to match the displayed point value by meeting different sensor fields to which different scores are assigned to bring exactly as quickly as possible to zero, wherein after each hit of a sensor field of the displayed point value is reduced by the sensor field associated with this point value. Alternatively, it is of course possible with a displayed one Starting score from zero and summing up the scores or assigned scores.

At least the portions of the sheet member forming the outer surfaces of the sheet member may be formed of nylon, polyester or PVC.

In a preferred embodiment, each of the sensor assemblies has one or more pressure-sensitive switches. Each of these pressure-sensitive switches is configured to close a circuit characteristic of providing the characteristic signal to the sensor assembly, when pressure is applied to and perpendicular to the target surface at its position. It is again possible, depending on the design of the pressure-sensitive switch that a certain minimum pressure is required to operate them. In the event that more than one pressure sensitive switch is provided per sensor field, all switches associated with a sensor field, i. all switches a sensor array, close the same circuit, the switches of different sensor arrangements close different circuits. Alternatively, it may also be advantageous if the actuation of each switch of one sensor array closes another circuit or if the actuation of different groups of switches of a sensor array completes different circuits, the different circuits then being again characteristic of the sensor array, i.e. the sensor array. different sensor arrangements correspond to different circuits.

Such arrangements pressure-sensitive switch can be realized in an advantageous manner by an arrangement that is constructed on the principle of a membrane keyboard. The flexible sheet-like element has for this purpose one above the other a first layer or layer of an electrically insulating material, a second layer or layer of an electrically insulating material and a third layer or layer of an electrically insulating material. The third layer is disposed between the first and second layers and has a plurality of holes extending from a surface of the third layer through the third layer to the opposite surface. On the mutually facing surfaces of the first and second layer, a pattern of electrical conductors is applied in each case. The patterns are arranged such that each pressure sensitive switch is formed by at least a portion of an electrical conductor on the first layer, at least a portion of an electrical conductor on the second layer and one of the holes in the third layer, the respective conductor portions are arranged at opposite ends of the respective hole. The arrangement is such that upon application of pressure to the target surface at the position of one of the pressure sensitive switches, the respective conductor portions, which are normally spaced apart from each other by the third layer, are brought into contact through the hole and thereby an electrical circuit is closed, which is characteristic in the manner described above for supplying the characteristic signal for the sensor array to which the respective pressure-sensitive switch belongs. This construction of the sensor arrangements advantageously allows a particularly flat design of the entire apparatus.

The first layer and / or the second layer is preferably formed of nylon, polyester, PET or PVC, and the third layer is preferably formed by a sponge-like material. They can be formed, for example, advantageously by suitable films.

It is also preferred that the electrical conductors are formed by printed conductors printed on the first and second layers. A suitable material for the conductor tracks is, for example, carbon.

In a preferred embodiment, in addition to the first, second and third layers, the device has at least one front layer, one surface of which provides the target surface, and a back layer which forms the surface of the flexible planar element opposite the target surface. The first layer, the second layer and the third layer are located between the front layer and the back layer. In other words, the outer surfaces of the flexible sheet member are formed by the front layer and the back layer. In the case where the plate-shaped elements are arranged in pockets, it is preferred in this context if the pockets on the surface facing the inward-facing surface of the rear layer or on the surface facing away from the target surface of the rear layer are formed.

• Figur 1 zeigt eine schematische Draufsicht auf die Zielfläche eines Ausführungsbeispiels der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung.
• Figur 2 zeigt eine auseinandergezogene Ansicht der Vorrichtung der Figur 1, aus der der schichtartige Aufbau deutlich wird.
• Figur 3a zeigt schematisch ein auf eine Sensorfolie aufgebrachtes Leitermuster.
• Figur 3b zeigt schematisch ein auf eine andere Sensorfolie aufgebrachtes Leitermuster.
• Figur 4 zeigt eine schematische Schnittansicht durch die Vorrichtung 1 entlang der Linie IV-IV der Figur 1.
• Figur 5 zeigt die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung im zusammengelegten Zustand nach zweimaliger Faltung.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to an embodiment which is shown in the drawings.

• FIG. 1 shows a schematic plan view of the target surface of an embodiment of the device according to the invention.
• FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the device of FIG. 1 from which the layered structure becomes clear.
• FIG. 3a shows schematically a conductor pattern applied to a sensor foil.
• FIG. 3b schematically shows a conductor pattern applied to another sensor film.
• FIG. 4 shows a schematic sectional view through the device 1 along the line IV-IV of FIG. 1 ,
• FIG. 5 shows the device according to the invention in the folded state after two folds.

In the FIG. 1 A device 1 for detecting and indicating the impact of a ball is an overall mat-shaped game or sports device. The FIG. 1 It shows a plan view of an extended surface 2 of the device 1. This surface 2 is intended to serve as a target surface for a ball, wherein a player or athlete must try with the ball to hit certain areas of the target surface by the Ball either throws or shoots. The embodiment is substantially similar to the known soccer goal wall, but instead of two holes, for example, twelve rectangular areas 3 of the target area arranged in a three row, four column matrix can be targeted by the user (in the following description, references are made "Row", "column", "vertical" and "horizontal" to the orientation shown in the figures).

As will become apparent from the following description, each of the twelve areas 3 is a sensor array with an associated sensor array (see FIG. FIGS. 2 to 4 ), by which an impact of a ball on the respective sensor field can be detected. The sensor arrays 3 are identified by frame 4 printed on the target surface 1, and each sensor field 3 is assigned a scoring value indicated by a number 5 also printed on it. Further, an electronic display 6, preferably a digital display, is provided to ever For example, according to the game mode, the sensor field 3 hit with the last shot or throw, or its score, the sum of the points scored after several throws or shots and / or a remaining score, if a game mode is selected in which a player or athlete starts from a starting point value by suitable hits, whose scores are successively subtracted from the starting point value, must reach the value zero. In addition, on the display 6 at several players or athletes that player or athlete can be displayed, which is currently or next in the row.

The display 6 is preferably part of an evaluation unit or control unit which is adapted to determine the sensor field 3 taken on the basis of signals supplied by the sensor arrangements and to control the display 6 in the manner suitable for the desired display. In order to enable the switching between several game modes and possibly also the change between several players or athletes, a remote control can be provided which can be connected to the evaluation unit or control via a cable or wirelessly.

In the in FIG. 2 shown exploded view can be seen that the device 1 is constructed inter alia of several flexible layers or layers. The front side of the device 1 with the target surface 2 is provided by a front outer layer 10, and the back surface of the device 1 opposite the target surface 2 is provided by a rear outer layer 11. Between the two outer layers 10, 11, which may be provided for example in the form of suitable films, there are three further layers in the form of two sensor films 12, 13 and an insulating layer 14 arranged between them, the sensor film 12 adjacent to the front outer layer 10 and the sensor film 14 is disposed adjacent to the rear outer layer 11.

All the layers 10 to 14 correspond in shape to the shape of the device 1 and are arranged one above the other in the stated order and, for example, along their edges, along a part of their edges or over the entire surface connected to each other. Depending on the application, it may be advantageous if, to achieve a certain reinforcement or dimensional stability, one or more frames 15 are provided, e.g. between the outer layers 10, 11 and the adjacent sensor foils 12, 13 may be arranged along their edges. Such frame 15, which may be made of PVC, must be designed so that a folding or folding of the device 1 in the manner described in more detail below is possible. The layers 10 to 14 and the optionally present frame 15 in combination form a flexible planar element.

On the insulating layer 14 facing surface of the two sensor films 12, 13, a respective conductor pattern 16 and 17 is applied, which can be formed for example by printed carbon. The conductor pattern 16 of the sensor film 12 is more detailed in FIG FIG. 3a and the conductor pattern 17 of the sensor film 13 is shown in more detail in FIG FIG. 3b shown. Thereafter, each conductor pattern 16, 17 has a number of twelve fields 20 and 21 corresponding in shape, size and arrangement to the sensor fields 3 and the areas of the target area 2 defined by the frames 4 printed thereon. In other words, each of the fields 20 and each of the fields 21 is arranged under a different one of the areas of the target area defined by the frames 4, the frames 4 characterizing the position of the edges of the respective fields 20 and 21. Therefore, both the fields 20 and the Fields 21 are also arranged in a matrix with three rows and four columns.

In the conductor pattern 16, the arrays 20 of each column are connected in series by interconnect lines 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d, respectively, and the interconnect lines 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d merge into a drop line 23a, 23b, 23c, and 23d, respectively. which are electrically isolated from each other and connected to the evaluation unit (not shown). In this way, each column of fields 20 of the conductor pattern 16 is separately connected to the evaluation unit, wherein the fields 20 of different columns are electrically isolated from each other. Similarly, the conductor pattern 17 has the arrays 21 of each row connected in series through interconnect lines 24a, 24b and 24c, respectively, and the interconnect lines 24a, 24b and 24c each pass into a terminal line 25a, 25b, 25c which are electrically isolated from each other and to the evaluation unit (not shown) are connected. In this way, each row of panels 21 of the conductor pattern 17 is separately connected to the evaluation unit, with the panels 21 of different rows being electrically isolated from each other.

In this context, it should be noted that in the exploded view of the FIG. 2 Although the panels 20, 21 are shown, the connecting line arrangements 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d and 24a, 24b, 24c and the connecting lines 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d and 25a, 25b, 25c have been omitted for the sake of clarity. It should also be noted that n of the exploded view of FIG. 2 for clarity, the fields 21 of the conductor pattern 17 of the sensor film 13 are shown, although they are actually on the insulating layer 14 facing surface of the sensor film 13. The in the FIG. 2 Strictly speaking, the chosen view would therefore only arise if the base material of the sensor film 13 would be transparent, which does not necessarily have to be the case.

The insulating layer 14 has twelve regions 26, which correspond in their shape, size and arrangement of the sensor fields 3 and the fields 20, 21 and their expansion in FIG. 2 graphically indicated by a respective frame. The regions 26 are characterized in that a multiplicity of holes 27 are formed in them through the insulating layer 14.

The described arrangement of the sensor films 12, 13, the insulating layer 14, the conductor pattern 16, 17 and the areas 26 with holes 27 in the insulating layer 14 twelve sensor arrays are formed, each of which is assigned to one of the sensor fields 3 and through one of the fields 20th of the conductor pattern 16, one of the fields 21 of the conductor pattern 17 and one of the hole regions 26 is formed and via respective ones of the connection line arrangements 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d and 24a, 24b, 24c and the connection lines 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d and 25a, 25b , 25c is connected to the evaluation unit. As follows in connection with the sectional view of FIG. 4 will be explained again, the conductors of the fields 20, 21 are normally kept separated from each other by the insulating layer 14 in each sensor arrangement. However, if pressure is applied perpendicular to the target surface 2 when a ball strikes a sensor field, conductors of the corresponding fields 20, 21 are brought into contact with each other through holes 27 of the corresponding hole region 26, so that a circuit is closed, which closes the corresponding fields 20 , 21 and the connecting line arrangements and connecting lines of the connecting line arrangements 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d and 24a, 24b, 24c and connecting lines 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d and 25a, 25b, 25c assigned to these fields 20, 21.

It can be seen that due to the electrical connection of the columns of arrays 20 of the conductor pattern 16, the lead 23a, 23b, 23c and 23d associated with the closed circuit identifies the column of the contacted sensor array 2, while due to the electrical connection of the rows of fields 21 of the conductor pattern 17, that connecting line 25a, 25b or 25b, which belongs to the closed circuit, identifies the row of the hit sensor field 2. In this way, the closed circuit uniquely identifies the actuated sensor arrangement, and thus unambiguously identifies the sensor field 2 that has been hit, which can therefore be determined by the evaluation unit.

On the rear surface of the device 1, ie the outwardly facing surface of the rear outer layer 11 are spaced from each other twelve pockets 28 sewn, and in each of the pockets 28 is a rigid plates 29. The arrangement of the pockets 28 corresponds again to the arrangement of Sensor field 2, so that each of the plates 29 seen from the target surface forms a rigid base for one of the sensor fields 2. For this purpose, the plates 29 cover at least the surface of the respectively associated sensor field 2. In the FIG. 2 the pockets 28 are indicated by a frame, but their main part is omitted in each case to make the plates 29 arranged in them visible. The pockets 28 may have, for example, laterally an opening which can be closed, for example, by a hook-and-loop fastener, in order to be able to remove or replace the panels 29 as needed.

In the FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line IV-IV of FIG. 1 shown, from the described sequence of layers or layers 10 to 14 and the arrangement of the fields 20, 21 of the line assemblies 16 and 17, the holes 27 and the pockets 28 and plates 29 can be seen. There are indicated by dashed lines, the limitations of the sensor arrangements, which also define the sensor fields 3 on the target surface 2. Further, for simplicity of illustration, the frames 15 have been omitted.

Due to the spaced apart arrangement of the plates 29 and the otherwise flexible design of the device 1, it is possible to combine the device 1 as a mat. For this purpose, the device 1 can be folded one or more times between groups of adjacent plates 29. This is in FIG. 5 shown in which the device 1 has been folded twice, namely once between the middle two columns of plates 29 by forming a crease line along the arrow 30 and then between the lower two rows of plates 29 by forming a crease line along the arrow 31st It should be noted that the pockets 28 for visualizing the plates 29 are indicated only by dashed lines.

Claims (15)

Device for detecting and indicating the impact of a ball
a flexible sheet-like element (10-15), one surface (2) of which provides a target surface for a ball and which has a plurality of spaced-apart electrical sensor fields (3) distributed over the target surface, each characterized by a sensor arrangement (20, 21, 26), which is designed to deliver an electrical signal characteristic of the respective sensor array (3) during operation when a ball hits one of the sensor arrays (3), and
a number of separate and spaced apart rigid plate-like elements (29) corresponding to the number of sensor arrays (3), each associated with a different one of the sensor arrays (3) and in or on the flexible sheet element (10-15) arranged that the sensor arrangement (20, 21, 26) of the respective sensor field (3) is located between the respective plate-shaped element (29) and the target surface,
the sensor arrays (3) and the corresponding plate-shaped elements (29) being arranged and shaped so that the device can be folded together in the manner of a mat by folding it between groups of adjacent plate-shaped elements (29). Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flexible sheet member (10-15) is provided in the form of a multi-layered mat. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the plate-like elements (29) are arranged in pockets (28) which are located on the surface opposite the target surface of the flexible sheet-like element (10-15) or in the flexible sheet-like element (10-15) are formed. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plate-like elements (29) are removably mounted on or in the flexible sheet member (10-15). Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which fastening elements for fastening the flexible sheet-like element (10-15) are arranged in a frame along the edge of the flexible sheet-like element (10-15). Device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an evaluation unit, which is electrically connected to the sensor assemblies (20, 21, 26) and adapted to determine from the of the sensor assemblies (20, 21, 26) supplied electrical signals on which of the sensor fields (3) a ball has hit. Device according to Claim 6, in which the evaluation unit has an electronic display (6) and the evaluation unit is adapted to deliver an electrical signal to the electronic display (6) during operation when a ball hits one of the sensor fields (3) that an indication of the touched sensor field (3) or a score assigned to the touched sensor field is displayed by the electronic display or linked arithmetically to a number displayed on the electronic display (6) before the ball hits the ball. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the outer surfaces of the flexible planar Element (10-15) forming portions of the sheet member of nylon, polyester or PVC are formed. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the sensor assemblies (20, 21, 26) includes one or more pressure sensitive switches actuated upon application of a pressure normal to the target surface at the position of the pressure sensitive switch and in use closes a circuit which is characteristic of the supply of the characteristic signal for the sensor arrangement (20, 21, 26). Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the flexible sheet element is one above the other a first layer (12) of an electrically insulating material, - A second layer (13) of an electrically insulating material and a third layer (14) of electrically insulating material disposed between the first (12) and second layers (13) and having a plurality of holes (27), wherein on each of the facing surfaces of the first (12) and second layers (13) is applied a pattern of electrical conductors (16, 17) arranged such that each pressure sensitive switch passes through at least a portion of an electrical conductor on the first layer (12), at least a portion of an electrical conductor on the second layer (13) and one of the holes (27) in the third layer (14) is formed, wherein the respective conductor portions are arranged at opposite ends of the respective hole (27) and be contacted by pressure through the hole, whereby an electric circuit is closed, which is to supply the characteristic Characteristic for the sensor field (3) to which the respective pressure-sensitive switch belongs. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the first layer (12) and / or the second layer (13) is formed of nylon, polyester or PVC. Apparatus according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein electrical conductors are formed by printed conductors printed on the first (12) and second (13) layers. Apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the third layer (14) is formed by a sponge-like material. The device of any one of claims 10 to 13, further comprising a front layer (10) providing the target surface and a back layer (11) providing the surface opposite the target surface of the flexible sheet (10-15) the first layer (12), the second layer (13) and the third layer (14) are disposed between the front layer (10) and the back layer (11). A device according to claims 3 and 14, wherein the pockets (28) are formed on the outwardly facing surface of the backsheet (11) or on the inwardly facing surface of the backsheet (11).

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