GB2512283A

GB2512283A - Training apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2512283A
Application number: GB1304749.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stephen Roderick Trow
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-03-15
Filing date: 2013-03-15
Publication date: 2014-10-01
Also published as: GB201304749D0

Abstract

A training apparatus comprises a controller 9, 15 and a plurality of base stations 1, 13. The controller includes means for determining a sequence in which the base stations are to be visited by an athlete and for communicating with each base station. Each base station includes means for indicating the base station next to be visited and means 7, 33 for transmitting a signal to the controller when a respective base station has been visited in order that the controller can determine the next base station to be visited and to transmit a signal to that base station to activate its indicating means. The indicating means may be an audio or visual signal such as LED lights.

Description

TRAINING APPARATUS

This invention relates to a training apparatus which can be used, for example, to improve and test movement proficiency in a range of sports.

The improvement of speed and agility have long been accepted as an integral part of sports coaching, but existing products are limited in their application. In particular, the athlete knows what has to be done and where to move, so the movement is regimented and predictable. There is minimal variation in drills so the athlete becomes bored and tends not to carry out the drill properly. Overall, performance drops as motivation declines. It is not straightforward to make direct comparisons with how different athletes perform and also the coach often has to guess as to whether an athlete's performance is improving. This applies to both professional and amateur athletes in a wide range of sports.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a training apparatus which overcomes, or at least ameliorates, the abovementioned disadvantages.

According to the present invention there is provided a training apparatus comprising a controller and a plurality of base stations, the controller including means for determining a sequence in which the base stations are to be visited by an athlete and for communicating with each base station, each base station including means for indicating the base station next to be visited and means for transmitting a signal to the controller when a respective base station has been visited in order that the controller can determine the next base station to be visited and to transmit a signal to that base station to activate its indicating means.

The controller may be incorporated into one of the base stations or may be a separate component. Where the controller is a separate component, it may be in the form of software provided on a computing device such as a laptop, tablet, smartphone of the like and which is capable of communicating with the base stations.

The controller may control more than one set of base stations, for example the controller may control from two to five sets of base stations.

Each base station may comprise a substantially conical housing. Alternatively, each base station may comprise a housing in the form of a column on a supporting (optionally separable) base.

The indicating means may comprise an audio emitter, such as a piezo sounder, and/or a visual emitter, such as a plurality of LEDs around an upper region of the housing. The visual emitter may have a different colour for each base station or the visual emitter of each base station may have the capability of displaying multiple colours.

The transmitting means provided in each base station may include switch means, such as a touch (e.g., capacitive) switch or a mechanical (e.g., push) switch.

The switch means may be in the form of a dome provided at an upper region of each base station. In such a case, the visual emitter, where provided, may be positioned immediately beneath the switch means and extending in a band around the circumference of the base station. The transmitting means provided in the controller and each base station may include wireless transmitting means and/or a cable for transmitting signals between the controller and each base station.

The controller may include means for storing data for subsequent review and/or download.

The training apparatus can be provided with means for determining the distance between the base stations. The means for determining distance may include a length of line or tape, for example provided on a spring-loaded reel and optionally incorporating a rotary encoder for permitting determination of the distance as an alternative to reading the distance from the string or tape.

For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view through a base station forming part of one embodiment of a training apparatus according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a diagrammatic illustration of a set of base stations as shown in Figure 1 together with a controller; Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit for use in the base station; and Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit for use in a controller forming part of the training apparatus according to the present invention.

Figure 1 shows a part of a training apparatus according to the present invention in the form of a base station, the training apparatus itself including a set of such base stations, for example five to twenty may be provided but other numbers are also possible, and a controller for communicating with the base stations. The controller may be incorporated into one of the base stations or may be a separate component, and alternatively may be in the form of software provided on a computing device such as a laptop, tablet, smartphone of the like and which is capable of communicating with the base stations. If desired, the controller may control more than one set of base stations, for example the controller may control from two to five sets of base stations.

Each base station (excluding the controller) includes in the illustrated embodiment a substantially conical housing 1 having an overall height, for example, of about 750mm including indicating means, in this case an audio emitter 3 (such as a piezo sounder or the like) and a visual emitter 5 (in this case a plurality (such as six) of LEDs around an upper region of the housing), and also including switch means 7 (in this case a touch (e.g., capacitative) switch, although a mechanical (e.g., push) switch can alternatively be provided. The visual emitter 5 may have a different colourfor each base station of a set of base stations. Processing means 9 is provided within the housing 1 to control the various components and to provide communication (such as by way of a cable or a wireless network, Bluetooth, XBee connection or the like) with a controller which is not shown in Figure 1. The electronic components are powered by an electrical source 11, such as a battery or a power supply. In the illustrated embodiment the switch means 7 is conveniently in the form of a dome positioned at the top of the housing, with the visual emitters extending in a band around the circumference of the housing immediately beneath the switch means. The audio emitted, processing means and electrical source are conveniently positioned within the housing.

Clearly, the housing can assume other configurations than a cone and could be, for example, in the form of a column on a supporting (optionally separable) base.

Such a configuration may allow the apparatus to fit more readily into a carry bag for portability and storage. Moreover, the height of the housing may vary and could be, for example, as low as 50 mm.

Figure 2 shows a training apparatus comprising a set of five base stations 13 together with a controller 15. As noted previously, the controller may be specifically constructed for use in the present invention or may be general purpose hardware incorporating specific software for use in the present invention. Where the controller is specifically constructed for use in the present invention, it may be incorporated into one of the base stations to form a master base station.

In use of the training apparatus shown in Figure 2, the base stations 13 are set out in a pattern chosen by a coach, user or other person. Clearly there is an almost infinite number of available patterns to maintain interest and to adapt the apparatus to suit the requirements of a particular athlete or group of athletes.

Patterns, distances and timings can be progressive, from simple to complex and slow to fast, and allow an athlete to develop in stages, resulting in maximum and lasting improvement A programme is then selected from the controller 15 determining the number of base stations to be used, the order (or lack of order, i.e. semi-predictable, random or pseudo-random) in which they are to be used and for how long the athlete will work. The spacing and arrangement of the base stations is generally determined by the coach or the like, but a specific pattern and/or spacing may be set up if desired. Generally the base stations may be up to about 50m apart. Once the selection is activated, one of the base stations 13 lights up and sounds and the athlete runs to that base station and actuates the switch 7. Once the switch is actuated the visual and audio emitters for that base station are deactivated and the visual and audio emitters for another of the base stations are activated. The chosen sequence continues until it is completed or until a predetermined time has elapsed. If desired, several sets of base stations can be set up with the same programme to allow individuals or teams to race (or timed or otherwise tested) against each other. Alternatively, two or more athletes may activate one set of base stations as a team.

If desired one of the audio emitter and the visual emitter of each base station may be deactivated to make the sequence more challenging. The results of the activity are stored in the controller and can be reviewed by the coach, athlete or the like, either on a display (such as a touch screen display) forming part of the controller, or by transferring the data to a computer or the like.

The training apparatus of the present invention enables an athlete to improve a wide array of skills and sporting attributes, including but not limited to speed, agility, reactions, balance, peripheral vision and co-ordination. Moreover, the coach does not need to provide any directions during an activity and can therefore concentrate on technique rather than organisation.

The circuit illustrated in Figure 3 for a base station 13 includes a microprocessor 21 which is powered by a battery 23 by way of a power supply 25. The battery 23 can be recharged by way of an external supply indicated at 27. An on-off switch 29 controls operation of the circuit. When the on-off switch is moved from off to on an LED flasher 31 is activated to indicate the base station has been turned on. There is a push button switch 33 for operation by a user, a connection 35 to the LEDs for indicating when the push button switch 33 has been operated, and an audio emitter 37. The microprocessor 21 is driven by a 20MHz clock 39. Communication with a controller is by way of an XBee unit 41 via a level shifter 43. The base station is given a unique ID by ID unit 45.

When a base station 13 is first switched on, there is a brief beep from the audio emitter 3, 37 and the LEDs 5 are energised. The base station then searches for a controller to establish communication. Once established, there is another brief beep from the audio emitter and the LEDs flash and are then turned off in readiness for use of the apparatus. When the base station is in use, a signal from the controller causes the LEDs to flash (if the visual emitter is enabled) and the audio emitter (if enabled) to beep until the switch means 7, 33 is operated.

Data is sent to the controller once the switch means 7, 33 is operated to form part of the results.

The circuit illustrated in Figure 4 for a controller 15 includes a main microprocessor 51 which is powered by a battery 53 by way of a power supply 55. The battery 53 can be recharged by way of an external power supply indicated at 57. An on-off switch 59 controls operation of the circuit. The main microprocessor 51 is connected to a 20 character by 4 line display 61 and to a keypad microprocessor 63 which in turn is connected to a 3 by 4 keypad 65. The main microprocessor 51 and keypad microprocessor 63 are illustrated as being connected to separate 20MHz clocks 67,69, although a single clock can be used if desired. An audio emitter 71 is also connected to the main microprocessor 51 to provide audio feedback for keypad entries and to provide warnings to the user where necessary. Communication with the base stations 13 is by way of an XBee unit 73 via a level shifter 75. Data entry to the keypad 65 is displayed on three sets of LEDs 77 by way of three shift registers 79. Results are stored on an [FROM or other suitable memory 81, with a date stamp being provided by an RTC (real time clock) 83. Results can be transferred to an SD or other suitable removable memory device by way of an memory module 85.

The controller 15 is switched on after the base units 13 and first searches for the expected number of base units (generally five, or ten if in race mode where two sets of base stations are used in parallel). If any of the expected base units is not identified the user is prompted to switch on any remaining base stations before the controller carries out a further search. The user is then offered an opportunity to set the real time clock 83 and then the opportunity to review a previous exercise and use this as the basis for the next exercise, or to choose an alternative exercise.

Where an alternative exercise is selected, the user is offered the opportunity to provide the exercise with a name, to set the number of base stations to be use and the distance between the base stations, to determine whether sound and/or light is to be used to identify the next base station to be visited, and the layout of the base stations (for example in the configuration of a dice, a circle, a semi-circle, a zig-zag, a T, a line or any other arrangement that may be provided.

Then the order in which the base stations are to be visited is selected, for example in a preset sequence, a pseudo-random sequence, or a truly random sequence. The exercise can be set up for a single user or for multiple users (for example where a team is involved). Finally, the user needs to specify whether a single set of base stations is being used or there are multiple sets where athletes, either as two individuals, or as two teams, simultaneously race against each other.

The exercise can then start with the controller 15 energising each base station in its turn when the preceding base station has been contacted by the athlete until the exercise ha been completed.

Results are displayed when the exercise has been completed, for example taking the form of the number of base stations visited and the time taken. The results can be saved in EEROM 81 if desired.

The training apparatus can be modified in a number of ways. For example the keypad 65 and displays 61, 77 can be replaced by a touchscreen device which allows both data display and data input. The training apparatus can be provided with means for determining the distance between the base stations 13, for example to assist in repeatably setting out an arrangement of base stations.

Electronic determination ofdistance is at present insufficiently accurate, but may be of use in the future. For the present, an electromechanical arrangement is most practical, incorporating a length of line or tape, for example provided on a spring-loaded reel and optionally incorporating a rotary encoder or similardevice for permitting determination of the distance as an alternative to reading the distance from the string or tape.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A training apparatus comprising a controller and a plurality of base stations, the controller including means for determining a sequence in which the base stations are to be visited by an athlete and for communicating with each base station, each base station including means for indicating the base station next to be visited and means for transmitting a signal to the controller when a respective base station has been visited in order that the controller can determine the next base station to be visited and to transmit a signal to that base station to activate its indicating means.
2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the controller is incorporated (4 0 into one of the base stations.
3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller is a separate component to the base stations.
4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the controller is in the form of software provided on a computing device and which is capable of communicating with the base stations.
5. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the controller controls more than one set of base stations.
6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the controller controls from two to five sets of base stations.
7. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each base station comprises a substantially conical housing.
8. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each base station comprises a housing in the form of a column on a supporting base.
9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the base is separable from the column. (4

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10. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the indicating means comprises an audio emitter and/or a visual emitter.
11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the audio emitter comprises a piezo sounder.
12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein the visual emitter comprises a plurality of LEDs around an upper region of the housing
13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 10, 11 or 12, wherein the visual emitter has a different colour for each base station.
14. Apparatus as claimed in claim 10, 11 or 12, wherein the visual emitter of each base station has the capability of displaying multiple colours.
15. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the transmitting means provided in each base station include switch means.
16. Apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the switch means comprises a touch switch.
17. Apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the switch means comprises a mechanical switch. (4O
18. Apparatus as claimed in claim 15, 16 or 17, wherein the switch means is in the form of a dome provided at an upper region of each base station.
19. Apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein the visual emitter is positioned immediately beneath the switch means and extending in a band around the circumference of the base station.
20. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the transmitting means provided in the controller and each base station includes wireless transmitting means and/or a cable for transmitting signals between the controller and each base station.20. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the transmitting means provided in the controller and each base station includes a cable for transmitting signals between the controller and each base station.
21. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the controller includes means for storing data for subsequent review and/or download.
22. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim and including means for determining the distance between the base stations.
23. Apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein the means for determining distance includes a length of line or tape. (424. Apparatus as claimed inn claim 23, wherein the length of line or tape is provided on a spring-loaded reel.25. Apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein the means for determining distance incorporates a rotary encoder for permitting determination of the distance.26. A training apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.