GB2487075A - Soccer game or coaching device - Google Patents
Soccer game or coaching device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2487075A GB2487075A GB1100206.0A GB201100206A GB2487075A GB 2487075 A GB2487075 A GB 2487075A GB 201100206 A GB201100206 A GB 201100206A GB 2487075 A GB2487075 A GB 2487075A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- ball
- user
- time period
- mat
- housing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 19
- 230000003534 oscillatory effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 101100495256 Caenorhabditis elegans mat-3 gene Proteins 0.000 abstract description 7
- 238000004088 simulation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 2
- 102100040428 Chitobiosyldiphosphodolichol beta-mannosyltransferase Human genes 0.000 description 1
- 230000001133 acceleration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F7/00—Indoor games using small moving playing bodies, e.g. balls, discs or blocks
- A63F7/06—Games simulating outdoor ball games, e.g. hockey or football
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/0073—Means for releasably holding a ball in position; Balls constrained to move around a fixed point, e.g. by tethering
- A63B69/0075—Means for releasably holding a ball in position prior to kicking, striking or the like
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
- A63F9/24—Electric games; Games using electronic circuits not otherwise provided for
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/40—Acceleration
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/80—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
- A63B2220/801—Contact switches
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/80—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
- A63B2220/805—Optical or opto-electronic sensors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2243/00—Specific ball sports not provided for in A63B2102/00 - A63B2102/38
- A63B2243/0025—Football
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/002—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for football
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
- A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
- A63B71/0686—Timers, rhythm indicators or pacing apparatus using electric or electronic means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
- A63F2300/10—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals
- A63F2300/1068—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals being specially adapted to detect the point of contact of the player on a surface, e.g. floor mat, touch pad
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- User Interface Of Digital Computer (AREA)
- Rehabilitation Tools (AREA)
Abstract
A game or sports training device comprises a mat 3 including pressure sensors 5b, a ball 13 attachable to the mat, a ball movement sensor 15, a visual display 9 for indicating a time period to a user, and an audio output means 11 for indicating commands to the user, such as commands to kick the ball or activate the pressure sensors. The device is a stand-alone device in that it does not require connection to an external game console or audiovisual device such as a television. The movement sensor 15 may determine a direction and/or speed of the ball movement. The visual display 9 may comprise lights which illuminate in an oscillatory manner to indicate the time period. The ball 13 may be attached to the mat via a housing 7, with movement sensor 15 being provided between the ball and housing. The device may include processing means for receiving and processing signals from the pressure and movement sensors, for controlling the visual and audio displays, and for determining whether the user has completed a given command within the time period. The device is preferably used for playing a soccer-based game, or for coaching soccer skills.
Description
GAME DEVICE
This invention relates to a game device. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention relates to a football game device.
One prior art device, the so-called "ShootRad" distributed by Will International Limited, includes a mat, with a football attached thereto. When the user kicks the football, the device is configured to register the speed and direction of the ball. The Shootpad uses sensors for determining the user's foot speed and a joypad for other game functions. This device is used as a controller for a games console executing particular football game software, to provide the user with a more realistic experience for playing those football games. It does not have any usable capability independent of a games console since the game computational processing is carried out by the console.
The shootpad device has limited functionality. A user may only work the device as a controller for a games console, which tends to be expensive. Furthermore, the football simulation games tend to be designed for the games console's controller, and may not fully utilize all the functions of the football game device.
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a device comprising a mat, including a pressure sensor attachable thereto, a ball, attachable to the mat, a movement sensor, associated with the ball, a visual display, arranged to indicate a time period to a user, and an audio output, arranged to indicate a command and/or feedback to the user, such as to kick the ball or to stand on the pressure sensor and preferably to confirm when actions are performed correctly or not.
The present invention provides a device for realistic simulation of playing or coaching football. The device includes a visual display and audio output, which is programmed for indicating timing and commands (and/or feedback) to the user. The device therefore provides a unique gaming experience for the user.
The device works independently of any other apparatus (such as a games console). It is therefore not dependent on expensive external devices. Furthermore, the device may includes its own built-in game which could be for example a football simulation game, which utilizes the features of the device.
Preferably, the movement sensor may be arranged to determine a direction and [possibly, speed of the ball.
The visual display may include a plurality of lights, such as LEDs, configured to illuminate in an oscillatory manner to indicate the time period to the user. Therefore, the user can more readily understand the time period, and any change in the time period.
Preferably, the device further comprises a housing, attached to the mat, wherein the ball is attachable to the housing and the movement sensor is positioned between the ball and the housing. The housing may further comprise a computational module, for receiving signals from the pressure sensor and the movement sensor, and for controlling the visual display and audio output.
Optionally, the computational module is configured to determine if the user has successfully acted upon the command at or in the time period.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, and with reference to the drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a device of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a housing and a ball of the embodiment of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a rear view of the housing and the ball of the embodiment of Figure 1; and Figure 4 is a view of an underside of the housing of the embodiment of Figure 1.
A preferred embodiment of a game device 1 of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. As shown in Figure 1, the game device 1 includes a mat 3, having several pressure sensors 5a, Sb positioned thereon. In this embodiment, two pressure sensors 5a, Sb are provided in axially opposed portions of the mat 3, such that a user, who preferably stands in a central portion of the mat 3, may exert pressure on the pressure sensors 5a, 5b to indicate left or right directional inputs. Accordingly, the pressure sensors 5a, Sb are positioned in left and right portions of the mat 1.
As shown in more detail in Figure 2, the mat 3 also includes a housing 7, which supports a ball 13. The housing 7 is positioned at a front portion of the mat 3, such that the ball 13 is in front of the user. The housing 7 includes a movement sensor 15, for sensing movement of the ball 13. In this embodiment, the movement sensor 15 includes a receptacle iSa, attached to an underside of the ball 13, which is configured to rotate about an axis passing through the ball's 13 centre. The receptacle 1 5a therefore pivots or rotates in reaction to a force applied to the baIl 13.
The movement sensor 15 further includes an annular sensor (not shown), positioned between the receptacle isa and the housing 7. The annular sensor is configured to register the point of contact of the receptacle iSa as it pivots due to the force applied to the ball 13.
In this embodiment, the annular sensor is split in a plurality of segments, such that contact with any one of those segments produces a signal and therefore registers the point of contact of the receptacle 1 5a. This point of contact on the annular sensor correlates to the direction of the force applied to the ball 13.
The annular sensor may, for example, register movement of the ball using a mechanical arrangement such as a combination of biasing means (e.g. springs) and switches (e.g. microswitches). Alternatively, it may use optical sensing with a light beam being broken by predetermined features which move when the ball is moved.
Optionally, the annular sensor may be configured to also register the magnitude of the force of contact of the receptacle iSa as it pivots due to the force applied to the ball 13. This correlates to the magnitude of the force applied to the ball 13. The housing 7 further comprises a computational module (not shown) for receiving data relating to the direction and magnitude of the force applied to the ball 13.
The housing 7 includes a visual display 9. In this embodiment, the visual display 9 includes a plurality of LED lights arranged in a linear fashion. The visual display 9 conveys a time period to the user, by illuminating each individual light from the leftmost LED to the rightmost LED in a sequential manner, which defines one time period. The visual display 9 is configured to convey the time period by oscillating between the leftmost and rightmost LED, which assists the user in determining the time period and any change in the time period.
The housing 7 also includes a speaker 11, for outputting audio to the user. The audio may be in the form of aural commands to the user, such as to kick the ball in a certain way, step on any of the pressure sensors 5a, 5b, provide feedback on the user's performance or any combination of the same.
The device 1 is controlled by the computational module, which is contained within the housing 7. The computational module is arranged to receive data from the movement sensor 15 and the pressure sensors 5a, 5b, and is arranged to control the speaker 7 and visual display 9. The computational module is associated with memory means, which stores audio files for the speaker 7.
As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the housing 7 includes a control panel 20 on a rear portion thereof, including a power switch 21, a plurality of status lights 22a, 22b, a battery compartment 25, and a data port 23, for connection to a further device of the type described herein for multiplayer modes. Ports may also be provided for external headphones and/or speakers.
In use, the user stands on a central portion of the mat 3. The computational module informs the user of a time period by illuminating the visual display 9 as described above. During the time period, the computational module selects a particular audio file and plays the associated aural command through the speaker 11. The user then must perform the necessary action (e.g. stand on a pressure sensor 5a, Sb or kick the ball 13 a certain way) either within the time period, or at the end of the time period. The computational module receives data from the pressure sensor 5a, Sb and the movement sensor 15 to confirm that the action was successfully or unsuccessfully performed in or at the time period.
In an optional embodiment, the device 1 is arranged to play commentary to the user, to inform the user that the action was successfully or unsuccessfully performed in or at the time period. That is, when the computational module receives data from the pressure sensor 5a, 5b and the movement sensor 15 to confirm the action was successful or unsuccessful, the computational module selects an audio file from the memory means containing appropriate commentary. The audio is then played through the speaker 11.
Furthermore, the visual display 9 may be further configured to indicate more information to the user than just the timing. For example, the visual display 9 may indicate the command to the user (in conjunction with the aural command through the speaker 11) by either flashing or illuminating in a certain colour. In one embodiment, a flashing LED indicates that the user should kick the ball 13, and its colour indicates which direction the user should kick it. The skilled reader will understand that many combinations of visual display and audio output are possible.
As noted above, the colour and flashing nature of the LED's may represent a particular game command For example "Kick" may be represented by flashing LEDs and "Dodge" may be represented by always ON LEDs. Blue may always mean "Right" and Red may always mean "LEFT".
The skilled reader will understand that other forms of movement sensor are within the scope of the present invention. For example, the movement sensor may be in the form of one or more accelerometers, configured to produce data relating to the acceleration of the ball for the computational module. Furthermore, a single, or any number of pressure sensors may be provided on the mat.
Thus the device is able to operate as a standalone gaming device without the need for an external games console or display device; thus reducing overall costs and greatly increasing the opportunities to use the device.
Claims (9)
- CLAIMS1. A standalone device comprising a mat, including a pressure sensor attachable thereto; a ball, attachable to the mat; a movement sensor, associated with the ball; a visual display, arranged to indicate a time period to a user; and an audio output, arranged to indicate a command to the user, such as to kick the ball or to stand on the pressure sensor.
- 2. A device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the movement sensor is arranged to determine a direction of ball movement.
- 3. A device as claimed in either Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the movement sensor is arranged to determine the ball's speed.
- 4. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the visual display includes a plurality of lights, configured to illuminate in an oscillatory manner to indicate the time period to the user.
- 5. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a housing, attached to the mat, wherein the ball is attachable to the housing and the movement sensor is positioned between the ball and the housing.
- 6. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a computational module, for receiving signals from the pressure sensor and the movement sensor, and for controlling the visual display and the audio output.
- 7. A device as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the computational module is configured to determine if the user has successfully acted upon the command at or in the time period.
- 8. A device as claimed in Claim 7, being independently powered.
- 9. A device substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in any combination of the accompanying drawings.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB1100206.0A GB2487075A (en) | 2011-01-07 | 2011-01-07 | Soccer game or coaching device |
PCT/GB2012/050019 WO2012093263A1 (en) | 2011-01-07 | 2012-01-06 | Game device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB1100206.0A GB2487075A (en) | 2011-01-07 | 2011-01-07 | Soccer game or coaching device |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
GB201100206D0 GB201100206D0 (en) | 2011-02-23 |
GB2487075A true GB2487075A (en) | 2012-07-11 |
Family
ID=43663897
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
GB1100206.0A Withdrawn GB2487075A (en) | 2011-01-07 | 2011-01-07 | Soccer game or coaching device |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
GB (1) | GB2487075A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2012093263A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20190290988A1 (en) * | 2016-07-10 | 2019-09-26 | Yaakov Amsalem | Apparatuses system and methods for training soccer players |
WO2019224547A1 (en) * | 2018-05-23 | 2019-11-28 | Sport Tech Enterprise Limited | Sports apparatus for practicing football kicking skills |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20020183104A1 (en) * | 1999-12-01 | 2002-12-05 | Junichi Takemoto | Sport video game machine and play control method of sport video game |
GB2409174A (en) * | 2003-12-19 | 2005-06-22 | Chen Guo Fu | Football mat game |
US20080242437A1 (en) * | 2004-09-10 | 2008-10-02 | Malcolm George Taylor | Golf Training Device |
US20080286733A1 (en) * | 2005-10-21 | 2008-11-20 | Frederic Claudel | Interactive Device For Video Games |
US20090318208A1 (en) * | 2007-01-06 | 2009-12-24 | Liebowitz Michael J | Electronic basketball game |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4440400A (en) * | 1977-05-21 | 1984-04-03 | Conpaten, Ltd. | Playing or training device |
US6450886B1 (en) * | 1999-04-09 | 2002-09-17 | Konami Co., Ltd. | Foot switcher, foot switch sheet and mat for use in the same |
US20080146362A1 (en) * | 2006-12-14 | 2008-06-19 | John Xianzhong Cui | Apparatus and method for golf practice and simulation |
CN201353410Y (en) * | 2008-10-23 | 2009-12-02 | 刘丽丽 | Elastic football kicking skill-training stand |
-
2011
- 2011-01-07 GB GB1100206.0A patent/GB2487075A/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2012
- 2012-01-06 WO PCT/GB2012/050019 patent/WO2012093263A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20020183104A1 (en) * | 1999-12-01 | 2002-12-05 | Junichi Takemoto | Sport video game machine and play control method of sport video game |
GB2409174A (en) * | 2003-12-19 | 2005-06-22 | Chen Guo Fu | Football mat game |
US20080242437A1 (en) * | 2004-09-10 | 2008-10-02 | Malcolm George Taylor | Golf Training Device |
US20080286733A1 (en) * | 2005-10-21 | 2008-11-20 | Frederic Claudel | Interactive Device For Video Games |
US20090318208A1 (en) * | 2007-01-06 | 2009-12-24 | Liebowitz Michael J | Electronic basketball game |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20190290988A1 (en) * | 2016-07-10 | 2019-09-26 | Yaakov Amsalem | Apparatuses system and methods for training soccer players |
US10864424B2 (en) * | 2016-07-10 | 2020-12-15 | Yaakov Amsalem | Apparatus, system and method for training soccer players |
WO2019224547A1 (en) * | 2018-05-23 | 2019-11-28 | Sport Tech Enterprise Limited | Sports apparatus for practicing football kicking skills |
US12029953B2 (en) | 2018-05-23 | 2024-07-09 | Paul GAINFORD | Sports apparatus for practicing football kicking skills |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB201100206D0 (en) | 2011-02-23 |
WO2012093263A1 (en) | 2012-07-12 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
732E | Amendments to the register in respect of changes of name or changes affecting rights (sect. 32/1977) |
Free format text: REGISTERED BETWEEN 20120816 AND 20120822 |
|
WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |