GB2179777A

GB2179777A - Electronic sequencing apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2179777A
Application number: GB08620724A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard William Caie
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1985-08-28
Filing date: 1986-08-27
Publication date: 1987-03-11
Also published as: GB8521426D0; GB8620724D0; WO1987001486A1

Abstract

Electronic sequencing apparatus for use as an exercising device comprising a plurality of stations (10) each provided with a switching device (16), station selecting means, indicating means (17, 18) for providing a sensorially perceptible indication of a station selected with the aid of the station selecting means and link means (12, 14) providing communication between the stations. The stations (10) are movably positionable relative to each other and are activated in a sequence determined by the station selecting means. Deactivation of a station (10) by actuation of its switching device (16) triggers the next activation of a station (10) in the sequence.

Description

SPECIFICATION Electronic sequencing apparatus Technical Field This invention relates to an electronic sequencing apparatus of the kind comprising a plurality of stations, each provided with a switching device, station selecting means, indicating means for providing a sensorially perceptible indication of a station selected with the aid of said station selecting means and link means providing communication between said stations so that, in use of the device, actuation of the switching device at a selected station by a user either enables another indication of a selected station by said indicating means or terminates further station selection.

The apparatus is intended as an exercising apparatus to improve or maintain the physical and mental agility of a user and has particular reference to attaining or maintaining "squash" fitness in an individual using the apparatus by encouraging bending, stretching and jumping exercises. Regular use of the apparatus is also intended to improve or maintain the user's cardiovascular system and to increase the user's metabolic rate.

Background Art An electronic sequencing apparatus of the kind referred to and in the form of a handheld electronic game apparatus is disclosed in GB-A-2,068,744. In this known game apparatus, a number of stations are housed in a portable hand-held housing. In one of the various games described the stations are illuminated and emit corresponding tones in a random sequence. The aim of the game is for a player to operate within a certain time a switch associated with any station which becomes iluminated and emits a tone. Operation of the switch causes the station light and tone to be turned off and the next station in the random sequence to be illuminated and to emit a tone. The length of time that each station is illuminated becomes increasingly shorter as the game proceeds and the game continues as long as the player responds correctly.However, although this known game apparatus tests the manual dexterity of a player it does not cause the player any great physical exertion since the various stations occupy fixed relative positions close to each other.

Disclosure of the Invention According to the invention an electronic sequencing apparatus comprising a plurality of stations each provided with a switching device, station selecting means, indicating means for providing sensorially perceptible indication of a station selected with the aid of said station selecting means and link means providing communication between said stations so that, in use of the device, actuation of the switching device at a selected station by a user either enables another indication of a selected station by said indicating means or terminates further station selection, is characterised in that said stations are independently movable so as to be positionable at different spaced apart locations relative to each other.

Preferably the stations are positionable out of arms length from each other so that a user has to move bodily from station to station to operate the different switching devices instead of being positioned in a central position where he can reach each station switching device without having to move bodily from the central position. Conveniently the link means includes a central control unit and communication means for placing each station in communication with the central control unit. The central control unit may house one of the stations or may be independent from the stations. The communication means may comprise lengths of cable connecting either directly or indirectly, the stations with the central control unit. Each cable is conveniently at least m, and preferably at least 2 m, in length.

Thus, for example, if the stations are each connected directly to the central control unit, each connecting cable has a length of 2 m and five stations are provided, the stations can be equally spaced in a circle about the central control unit, with adjacent stations spaced approximately 2.35 m from each other. Alternatively the communication means may comprise means for transmitting and receiving pulses of radiation (e.g. infra-red, visible light or ultra sound) for linking the various stations.

Preferably the station selecting means comprises random generating means. Alternatively, or in addition, the station selecting means may include means for cycling through a predetermined selection of stations. Typically the apparatus may be manually set so that the station selecting means (i) selects a predetermined number of random station selections; (ii) selects an indefinite selection of random station selections; or (iii) selects a predetermined sequence of station selections and either repeats the predetermined station selection indefinitely or terminates the station selection after one or a number of cycles.

If condition (i) is pre-set, a timing device may provide a completed time and/or be used to determine whether station selection has been achieved within a target time. Furthermore, the number of switching device actuations correctly made can be indicated on display means.

Preferably said indicating means comprise a separate indicating device or devices at each station. For example the indicating device(s) at each station may comprise a light, e.g. a light emitting diode, and/or a buzzer or other sound generating device. In order to assist station identification when sound generating devices are employed these may be designed to emit different sounds (e.g. different pitches or tones) to identify different stations. Although preferred it is not essential for separate indicating device(s) to be provided at each station. Thus the indicating means could be provided at a single location, with station indication being provided visually (e.g. by different coloured lights or by illuminated numbers) and/or audibly (e.g. by a voice synthesizer chip) to identify the selected station.

The number of stations used is not critical although in general between three and seven stations would cover most practical embodiments of device in accordance with the invention. As previously mentioned, where a central control unit is provided, this may be incorporated in one of the stations or a completely separate control unit may be provided linked to each of the plurality of stations. When the link means comprise lengths of cables these are conveniently provided with plugs which are detachably inserted into sockets provided in the central control unit. Additional sockets may be provided in the central control unit to enable the connection of equipment accessories. For example the apparatus could be designed to respond to the sensing of the operation of an accessory. Typical accessories may include compressible springs or a weight which is intended to be lifted up a shaft.

Where both visual and auditory indicating means are provided on each station, it may be desirable to provide the apparatus with switch means whereby the user can determine prior to each use whether he wishes either or both of the indicating means on each station to be operational. Such a facility enables a user to exercise without noise (if circumstances make this desirable) or to have some stations indicating their activation differently from the others, so that a more complex exercise routine can be performed, a different response being called forth from stations giving one form of activation indication than from stations giving a different form of activation indication.

The switching device on some or all of the indicating stations can be designed to be contacted by a squash racquet if the device is intended as a trainer for squash players since it aids in the development of agility for playing the game of squash if exercising can be effected holding a racquet. Alternatively the switching devices may be designed to be actuated by operation of accessories, e.g. by lifting a weight up a shaft or by compressing a spring device.

Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments of apparatus in accordance with the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic representation in plan of apparatus according to the invention set out for use; Figure 2 shows a schematic circuit diagram of electronic circuitry housed within a central control unit of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; and Figure 3 shows a schematic circuit diagram of the electrical connections of the outstations of the apparatus shown in Figure 1.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention Electronic sequencing apparatus in the form of an exercise device is shown in Figure 1 and comprises five outstations or units 10 and a central control unit 12. Each unit 10 is connected via a cable 14 to the unit 12 and includes a touch switch 16 and a light 18, ewg. in the form of an LED. A buzzer 17 (see Figure 3) is included in each unit 10 and sound therefrom passes out of the unit via a grille 20. Optionally the sound emitted from the buzzers may be mutually different (e.g. of different pitches or tones) to assist in identification of the unit 10 from which the sound is emitted. The units 10 may be waterproof to prevent sweat from entering into them.

Within the central unit 12 is an electronic circuit 40 (see Figure 2) for feeding energising signals in a sequence, e.g. a random sequence, via the cables 14 to different ones of the units 10. The energising signals are fed to the units 10 one at a time, the actuation of the touch switch 16 at a particular unit 10 triggering off the emission of the next energising signal in the sequence to one of the units 10. The electronic circuit in the illustrated device is powered from a battery or batteries, although mains powered versions of the device can also be provided.

To use the device, the units 10 are spread around the exercise area as the user wishes and the control unit 12 is switched on. After a preset delay, one of the units 10 will buzz and/or the light 18 thereon will become illuminated and the user is required to move to that unit 10 and touch the switch 16 thereof to deactivate it.

As one unit 10 is deactivated, the electronic circuit 40 of the central control unit 12 causes a further unit 10 to be activated, optionally after a short delay of indeterminate period, requiring a similar deactivating response from the user.

By locating the units 10 at widely spaced locations (and possibly at different levels in the exercise area), the user is encouraged to stretch, run and bend from unit to unit.

Various degrees of sophistication are clearly possible with a device according to the invention and some of these are indicated by switches 24, 26 and 28, control knob 30, displays 32 and 34 and sounder 36 (see Figure 2) beneath a grille 38. Switch 24 is an on/off switch having an associated light emitting diode 25 energised when the switch 24 is "on". Switch 26 is a replay button which enables the user to replay the exercise selected.

The switch 28 is a five-position selector which can be used to set different exercise routines (as described in more detail hereinafter). The knob 30 can be used to vary the volume of all the buzzers. The displays 32 and 34 each comprise a seven-segment LED display (Type 4, common cathode) for enabling the number of switches 16 which have been correctly actuated during a particular exercise routine to be displayed.

The different exercise routines which can be set by the switch 28 are described in more detail below.

Routine 1 The five outstations or units 10 are randomly activated, each correct deactivation of a unit 10 by depression of the switch 16 causing the displays 32, 34 to register the total number of correct deactivations. The displays 32, 34 display up to 99 deactivations at which time they restart the count at 00. The count is continued indefinitely until either the replay button (switch 26) is operated or the on/off switch 24 is switched to its "off" position.

Routine 2 The five outstations or units 10 are randomly activated for a predetermined number, e.g. ten, of activations. If these activations are correctly deactivated within a target time, e.g.

30 s for ten activations, the sounder 36 emits a high tone. If the target time is not beaten, the sounder 36 emits a low tone.

Routines 3 and 4 The same as Routine 2 but the target times are less. For ten activations, the target time for Routine 3 is typically 25 s and for Routine 4 is typically 20 s.

Routine 5 The five outstations or units 10 are activated in a selected sequence, e.g. of ten activations, and the same sequence is cycled indefinitely until either the replay button (switch 26) is operated or the on/off switch 24 is switched to its "off" position. The displays 32, 34 are activated as in Routine 1 to count the number of correct deactivations. The use of the replay button 26 preferably does not activate the display.

One practical form of electronic circuitry for the exercise device described with reference to Figure 1 is shown in Figures 2 and 3, the electronic circuit 40 housed within the central control unit 12 being shown in Figure 2 and the outstation electrical circuit connections being shown in Figure 3.

The electronic circuit 40 uses a microprocessor 42 (Intel P80C31BH) to control the operation of the exercise device and is powered by four AA batteries 44 giving a d.c. supply voltage V+ of approximately 5 volts. The switch 26 is connected directly to the microprocessor 42 and the switch 28 is connected to the microprocessor 42 via a semiconductor encoder device 46 (type 4532B). An EPROM device 48 (type D87C64-3) stores the program for the microprocessor 42 and the displays 32 and 34 are also connected to the latter via semiconductor decoder devices 50 and 52 (type 4511), respectively. Control signals to the outstations or units 10 are supplied from the microprocessor 42 via a semiconductor analogue switch device 54 (type 4051) and transistor bank 56 to the outputs A to E.The control knob 30 operates a variable resistor 58 for controlling the loudness of the sounder 36 which is also connected to the transistor bank 56. Earth output G and d.c. supply output F are also provided in the circuit 40.

In Figure 3 the various outstations 10A-10E are depicted as being connected to each other by plug-in cables with only outstation 10A being connected directly via its plug-in cable to the outputs A to G of the central control unit 12. However it will be appreciated that each of the outstations 10A-10E could, instead, be connected directly via plug-in cables 14 to the central control unit 12 in the manner depicted in Figure 1. In this latter case the different plug-in cables 14 would be connected to different outputs A to E of the central control unit 12.

It will be appreciated that the microprocessor 42 is programmed to operate in the desired manner and a suitable assembly program is provided at the end of the description.

The exercise device described may be modified in many ways. For instance, although the microprocessor is preferably programmed so as not to activate the same outstation in successive activations, it will be appreciated that this is not essential and that in some instances it may be desirable to have the same outstation successively activated. The central control unit 12 or each of the various outstations or units 10 could be provided with a further selector switch (not shown) to enable a user to select just light 18 activation, just buzzer activation, or both at each outstation or unit 10. In a less sophisticated exercise device, a fewer number, e.g. one, of the described exercise routines may be programmed into the microprocessor 42. Normally from 3 to 7 outstations are provided but other numbers of outstations may be provided.Instead of push button switches 16, other types of switches can be used at the various outstations. For example switches which are actuated on operation of exercising equipment, e.g. compression of springs or lifting of weights, may be provided.

It should be mentioned that the plug-in cables 14 are preferably arranged to be of such a length as to ensure that a user has to move bodily from outstation to outstation.

Typically the cables will be at least 1 m, e.g.

2 m, in length but may have a much greater length, e.g. 25 m or more, where it is desirable to have exercise routines involving short sprints or runs between the various outstations. It will of course be appreciated that instead of having cable interconnections between the outstations and the central control unit, signals could be communicated by infrared, ultra sound or some other radiation transmission/reception system.

Some or all of the outstations may be provided with means (e.g. a key-hole shaped socket) to facilitate their attachment to a surface (e.g. a wall).

The control unit 12 may incorporate a delay device (e.g. of between 30 and 60 seconds) to enable a potential user to "warm-up" after switching on the circuit 40 and before exercising on the apparatus.

Industrial Applicability The electronic sequencing apparatus of the invention finds application as an exercising device for improving or maintaining the physical and mental agility of a user.

Claims

1. Electronic sequencing apparatus comprising a plurality of stations each provided with a switching device, station selecting means, indicating means for providing sensorially perceptible indication of a station selected with the aid of said station selecting means and link means providing communication between said stations so that, in use of the device, actuation of the switching device at a selected station by a user either enables another indication of a selected station by said indicating means or terminates further station selection, wherein said stations are independently movable so as to be positionable at different spaced apart locations relative to each other.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the link means comprises a central control unit and communication means for placing each station in communication with the central control unit.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, in which the communication means comprises lengths of cable connecting the stations with the central control unit.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, in which the communication means comprises means for transmitting and receiving pulses of radiation for linking the various stations.

5. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, in which the station selecting means comprises random generating means and/or means for cycling through a predetermined selection of stations.

6. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, in which the station selecting means includes manually settable switch means for: (i) selecting a predetermined number of random station selections; (ii) selecting an indefinite selection of random station selections; or (iii) selecting a predetermined sequence of station selections and either repeating the predetermined station selection indefinitely or terminating the station selection after one or a number of cycles.

7. Apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which display means are provided for indicating the number of switching device actuations correctly made.

8. Apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which said indicating means comprise a separate indicating device or devices at each station.

9. Apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which from three to seven stations are provided.

10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, in which the lengths of cable are provided with plugs which are detachably inserted into sockets provided in the central control unit and/or the stations.

11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 10, in which additional sockets are provided in the central control unit to enable the connection of equipment accessories.

12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8, in which visual and auditory indicating means are provided at each station and in that manually pre-settable switch means are provided for determining whether one or both of the indicating means at each station is or are operational.

13. Apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the switching devices is designed to be operated by a user striking the switching device with a squash racquet when simulating a squash stroke.

14. Apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the switching devices is designed to be actuated by operation of an accessory.

15. Electronic sequencing apparatus constructed and arranged substantially as herein described with reference to, and as illustrated in, the accompanying drawings.