GB2522213A

GB2522213A - Boxing training pads with graphic boxing coach simulation

Info

Publication number: GB2522213A
Application number: GB1400723.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jermaine Weekes
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-01-16
Filing date: 2014-01-16
Publication date: 2015-07-22
Also published as: GB201400723D0

Abstract

A boxing training apparatus comprises a screen 102 for displaying video, and boxing pads 106 disposed at the sides of the screen. The video comprises a moving image of a coach, and the apparatus is arranged to allow a visual interaction between the image of the boxing coach and the pads in order to give a visual impression that the coach is holding the pads. The device is also connected to a server, which take training data, which may comprise pressure sensors or timing data. The pads may be removable, and may be mounted on arms 104 having clamps 108 for adjusting the lengths of the arms, said clamps being lever-operated to facilitate operation whilst wearing boxing gloves. The apparatus may include a control console 111 comprising large buttons 110 to facilitate operation whilst wearing boxing gloves. The apparatus may include a USB port 112 and USB memory device 114 for uploading videos. The USB port 112 and USB memory device 114 may have corresponding tapered sides (116, 118, fig. 2) to facilitate easy insertion of the USB memory device whilst wearing boxing gloves.

Description

Patent Application of Jermaine Weekes for Boxing training pads with graphic boxing coach simulation

Background of the Invention

[1] The present invention relates to boxing training and in particular to spar partner simulation during combative training. In particular, but not exclusively, the combative training may be boxing training but may be other similar arts such as a martial art or the like.

[2] Means for measuring the impact of and responding to a punch during boxing training are known in the art. For example, US2008098797 to Considine et. al. discloses impact-sensing and measurement systems for use in activities that involve exchanges of impacts or blows. The system generally includes at least one impact sensor, a controller, and a feedback device. The controller is in communication with the at least one impact sensor, and includes a microprocessor having a control program software executed thereon at least for processing data from the at least one impact sensor. The feedback device is in communication with the controller and is configured to produce an audio and/or video output, based on impact data produced by the impact sensor upon sensing an impact and processed by the first controller. The controller can be programmed to provide specialized training regimes and/or interactive training programs, such as over a computer network.

[3] Simulation computer games for boxing are also known in the art. For example JP 9173645 to Sakakawa discloses a punch-detecting boxing game comprising a punch buffer mounted to a supporting meanr at the height of an average person. The punch buffer comprises multiple plural punch detection means for detecting punches, and for controlling the game. The punch detection means are disposed at a multiplicity of locations on the punch buffer, which may have the shape of a person. A screen may be disposed above or near the punch buffer for displaying a video simulation of a sparring partner responding to the punch impacts detected by the punch buffer. The video simulation may also comprise simulations of attacking punches, and a game scoring display.

[4] Furthermore, EP 1206950 to Fukunaga discloses a movement detection system for use in a boxing video game. The detection system individually detects movement in at least two axial directions. A right and a left controller are provided, which generate operation signals based on a game action instruction from a screen. Each controller has a main section in the shape of a glove in which the hand is inserted, and in which is mounted an acceleration sensor that individually detects movement in three axial directions. Each detection signal is an operation signal for a boxing video game.

[5] ON 200977384 to Weizhan discloses a boxing game apparatus comprising an air-filled boxing bag. The invention is characterized in that a plurality of striking areas are arranged on the body of the boxing bag, and a triggering induction component is arranged on the inner wall of the boxing bag corresponding to every striking area. Each triggering induction component is connected with a controller and comprises an inductor and a video indicating component. The video indicating component may be an LED lamp, incandescent bulb, LCD or generator of any light or visual signal.

The controller comprises a microprocessor, a loudspeaker connected with the microprocessor, a lamp indicator, a control key, and a power component. The boxing bag is manufactured from PVC using high frequency thermal compression bonding. In use, a boxer responds to audible and visual indications to control a boxing simulation game.

Brief Summary

[6] It can be seen from the forgoing that there is a growing need to accurately simulate interaction with a coach. It can further be seen that there is a prevalent need to make such coaching entertaining, and realistic. It would be further advantageous for such a sparring simulation to be adjustable to suit the dimensions and skill of the user.

[7] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a combative training device which realistically simulates a coach, and which is adjustable to suit the dimensions and skill of the user.

[8] To this end, a training device is disclosed which provides a first aspect of the invention and comprises at least some of the following features: a screen for displaying at least one video; a multiplicity of boxing pads disposed to the sides of said screen; wherein said video comprises a moving image of at least a torso and upper arms of a boxing coach with virtual boxing pads; wherein the upper arms are positioned such that said virtual boxing pads are represented by said boxing pads.

[9] An advantage of the present invention is that the video screen and 3D effect realistically simulate a boxing coach. A yet further advantage is that the adjustable height, removable pads, and spar downloading port allow adjustment to the dimensions and skill of the user. A yet further advantage is that the shape of the downloading port, memory stick and control buttons enable a user to operate all aspects of the device while wearing boxing gloves.

[10] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a system for combative training comprising at least some of the following features: a server, typically arranged to communicate with one or more combative training devices cver a network connection thereto, wherein the server may be arranged to generate training data detailing an exercise program and transmit that training data over the network connection to a predetermined combative training device; at least one combative training device, typically arranged to communicate with the server over the network and receive the training data, where the combative training device typically comprises: a screen generally arranged to display at least one video; and at least one pad disposed to the sides of the screen; and wherein the video comprises a moving image of at least a torso and upper arms of a coach with virtual pads; wherein the upper arms are positioned such that said virtual pads are provided proximal to the pads; and wherein the combative training device is generally arranged to process the training data to provide an exercise program tailored to a user of that combative training device.

[11] According to further aspects of the present invention there are provided machine readable data carriers for proving at least portions of any of the above aspects of the invention.

[12] whilst the machine readable media may be any suitable media, the following list provides a plurality of suitable examples: floppy discs; OD-ROM5; DVD's (including -R/-RW, +R/+RW/ RAM); Hard disc drives (including Solid State Drives and drives containing platters) ; tapes; any form of magneto optical storage; memory (including Flash memory; SD cards; XD cards; USB memory stick; and the like) ; transmitted signals (including FTP transfers, Internet downloads and the like).

Brief Description of the Several Views of the Drawing [13] The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings, which show embodiments, in which: Figure 1 shows an example of a combative training device; Figure 2 shows a console of the embodiment of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a network of training devices; Figure 4 shows a processing circuitry suitable for driving the device of Figure 1 and Figure 5 shows a flow-chart outlining a method of using the system of Figure 4.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

[14] In the embodiment being described, wherein like numerals refer to like components, a combative training device is disclosed comprising: a screen 102 for displaying at least one video; a multiplicity of boxing pads 106 disposed to the sides of said screen; wherein said video comprises a moving image of at least a torso and upper arms of a boxing coach with virtual boxing pads; wherein the upper arms are positioned such that said virtual boxing pads are represented by said boxing pads.

[15] The combative training device may also comprise a camera 122 arranged to take images or video of a user using the combative training device. The video of the boxing coach displayed on the screen 102 may vary in response to the images or video of tie user taken by the camera 122. For example, the moving image of the boxing coach may be adapted so that it appears to respond to the punching or movement of the user.

[16] The combative training device comprises, in the embodiment being described, a processing circuitry which is shown in more detail in Figure 4 which shows components that may be found in a typical processing circuitry 400. A processing unit 402 may be provided which may be an Intel® X86 processor such as an 15, 17 processor or the like. The processing unit 402 is arranged to communicate, via a system bus 404, with an I/O subsystem 406 (and thereby with external networks, displays, and the like) and a memory 408.

[17] The skilled person will appreciate that memory 408 may be provided by a variety of components including a volatile memory, a hard drive, a non-volatile memory, etc. Indeed, the memory 408 comprise a plurality of components under the control of, or at least accessible by, the processing unit 402, such as any of the machine readable media described herein.

[18] However, typically the memory 408 provides a program storage portion 410 arranged to store program code which when executed performs an action and a data storage portion 412 which can be used to store data either temporarily and/or permanently.

[19] The camera 122 connects to the processing circuitry 400 via the I/O subsystem 406.

[20] In the embodiment shown, the program storage portion comprises code (a control module 414) arranged to control the display of the video on the screen 102. It will be seen that the data storage portion 412 comprises the videos 416, training data 418, and performance data 420. It will also be seen that images or video 422 captured from the camera 122 are stored within the data storage portion 412.

[21] The screen is preferably an LCD screen as known in the art although it may be any other screen capable of displaying a moving image. Most preferably the screen displays a 3D-effect image. This may be created using stereoscopic capture, in conjunction with 3D glasses, or by any means known in the art. In other embodiments the screen may be replaced by a hologram arranged to display the video as a 3D representation. A resilient material screen protector, such as a polycarbonate screen protector, may be disposed over the screen for protection against misplaced punches. The skilled person will appreciate that in order for the video to be seen through the screen protector the screen protector will typically be fabricated from a transparent material.

[22] The at least one video is preferably a selection of videos selectable using the controls described below.

[23] Each said video preferably displays at least a torso and upper arms of a coach simulating a pad workout with the user. The abdomen and legs may also be displayed. The upper arms are positioned when conducting the workout such that the imagined position of the user's lower arms and hands holding the virtual boxing pads are in line with the pad arms and actual pads of the device. In this way a user can interact with the video image by punching the actual pads. It will be readily understood that the virtual pads are seen on the screen only when the coach draws his hands close to his torso, and that the virtual pads will leave the screen when the coach is assuming a position to receive a punch. It is at this point that the virtual pads are represented by the actual pads of the device.

[24] Preferably the selection of videos comprise different skill levels, lengths, moves, techniques and the like whereby different aspects of boxing can be practised. The video that is to be displayed on the screen may be determined by training data received by the combative training device as described hereinafter.

The combative training device may be arranged to store one or more videos thereon. Additionally, or even alternatively, the combative training device may be arranged to download and subsequently store, or to stream one or more videos across a network (whether wireless or wired) to the combative training device. In some embodiments, the streamed video may be of a live (i.e. pseudo real-time) training session. The selection of videos may comprise videos of different coaches or trainers that may be chosen by the user. By storing or streaming videos over a network, the combative training device allows the user to train with a:arge selection of coaches or trainers that may be located anywhere in the world.

[25] The skilled person will appreciate that the term video refers to a stream of still images that when played one after the other fool the eye into think that there is continuous motion.

Typically a video will have a frame rate (ie the number of images that are displayed per second) of greater than 25 frames per second.

However, video may have a lower frame rate. In embodiments of the invention, the video displayed on the screen may have a frame rate of roughly any of the following frame rates: 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 50, 60, 100 (or any number in between these) [26] The videos may be in any format able to display a moving image, but are preferably MPEG digital files. A RAM or other machine readable media known in the art is provided for storage of at least one and preferably a multiplicity of videos. Preferably the RAM is connected to a USB port detailed below. A PCB and the circuitry associated with the screen are also provided, as known in the art, and housed in the frame. A graphical user interface (GUI) may be provided to enable navigation between the videos.

[27] Alternatively or additionally, any form of machine readable media as described elsewhere herein may be used for the videos 416, and the device may further comprise means for playing such formats as known in the art. The videos may be available online for Internet download, in stores for purchase, or the like.

[28] The screen 102 is preferably disposed on a frame 100 which may comprise aluminium, polypropylene or other suitable material.

The frame comprises a mount for the screen and the pad arms, and may house the controls and USE port.

[29] The frame 100 preferably comprises a height adjustment lever 120. An advantage of this is that the height of the frame and thereby the device can be adjusted to suit the user. The lever may be connected to a worm gear or other height adjustment mechanism.

[30] The pads may be any shape but are preferably shaped as shown in the Figures. The pads preferably comprise thick foam with a leather cover but may be any suitable material. The pads may also be any standard boxing pads known in the art. The pads are preferably mounted on releasable attachment means. The releasable attachment means may Velcro mounts 107 attached to the pad arms, whereby the pads are removable. In other embodiments, the releasable attachment means may comprise press studs, straps, buckles, ties or the like.

An advantage of this is that multiple users can use their own boxing pads. Alternatively the pads may be permanently affixed, or may be attached by any means known in the art, permanent or removable.

[31] The boxing pads 106 may comprise a force transducer (such as a strain gauge, a piezoelectric device, a load cell, or the like) arranged to determine how the force with which a user hits one of the boxing pads 106. The system may be arranged such that the output of the force transducers (ie force data) is input to the processing circuitry 400 in order that that the control module 414 can process the force data and add that force data to the performance data 420 held within the memory 408.

[32] Preferably there are six pads as shown in the figures, comprising three pairs. The uppermost pair are positioned to receive a jab, the middle pair are positioned to receive an uppercut, and the lower pair are positioned to receive a hook. Alternatively there may be any number of pads which may be positioned in any location at any angle, which position and angle may or may not be adjustable.

[33] The pads are each mounted on a pad arm 104. The pad arms comprise rods which may be curved or angled as shown in the figures, with pad mounts 107 at their ends. The arms may be rigidly affixed to the frame but are preferably slidably mounted thereon, whereby their distance from the screen is adjustable to suit the user. Cam clamps 108 may be used to secure the arms in the required position, or other clamping or securing means known in the art may be used.

Preferably the cam clamps comprise levers to operate them. The levers are preferably long and accessible as shown. An advantage of this is that the clamps can be operated while using boxing gloves.

The pad arms may have a non-circular cross section to prevent pivotal motion and preserve the angle of the pads. Alternatively the pad arms may be pivotable.

[34] The device preferably further comprises a control console 111 comprising large buttons 110. The control console 111 is arranged to provide inputs to the processing circuitry via the I/O subsystem 406.

[35] An advantage of the large buttons is that the buttons can be operated wearing boxing gloves. The figures show typical navigation buttons up', down' arid select' although any type of buttons or control means may be used, such as a joystick, scroll ball, or the like. Preferably the controls are such that they can be operated using boxing gloves.

[36] The device preferably further comprises a USB port 112 whereby videos can be uploaded. The port is preferably connected tr

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the internal memory 408 of the device. The USB port preferably comprises tapered sides 116 to facilitate insertion of a USB drive while wearing boxing gloves. The device preferably further comprises a tJSB drive 114 comprising tapered sides 118 wherein said drive sides cooperate with the sides of said port, although the port is preferably also compatible with standard USB drives. An advantage of this is that the USB drive can be inserted and removed while wearing boxing gloves.

[37] Figure 3 shows a network 300 which connects a plurality of combative training devices 302, 304, 306, 308, 310 to a server 312.

Typically, the network is a wide area network (WAN) and may in particular be the Internet. However, any other network might be used. It is conceivable that the network could be provided by a local area network (LAN) such as provided within a gym or the like.

[38] It will be appreciated that whilst the server 312 is shown as being a single machine it may in fact be provided by a plurality of machines but hereinafter will be referred to in the singular.

[39] Each of the combative training devices is connected to the network via the I/O subsystem 406 thereof.

[40] Operation of the network shown in Figure 3 is described with reference to both Figures 3 a-id 5.

[41] A user of one of the combative training device 302-310 creates an account on the system shown Figure 3. This could be achieved from one of the combative training devices 302-310 or may from any other device capable of communicating with the server 312, such as a home computer, a smart phone such as an iphone, Android device, Blackberry, etc; ipad; or the like.

[42] To use any one of the combative training devices, a user logs into his or her account on the server 312 using the console 111 (step 500) [43] Once the user has logged into his/her account then the server 312 and the combative training device (eq 306) communicate with one another and download (step 502) training data to combative training device 306. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments the combative training device 306 may remotely access data stored elsewhere, such as on the server 312, but in the embodiment being described it is convenient to assume that the training data is downloaded and stored within the memory 408.

[44] The processing unit 402 performs instructions as detailed within the control module 414 to process the training data 418. This processing of the training data 418 causes the correct video to be displayed in order to provide a training program to that specific user (step 504) It will be appreciated that the processing unit 402 need not simply play a video from beginning to end, but could access short clips that provide an appropriate action and to then display those clips in order to give the impression that a longer video was being displayed.

[45] As the user uses the combative training device 306 he/she hits the pads and the force transducers capture data on the use of the pads. This data constitutes performance data 420 and may for example include how frequently the pads 106 are hit; how hard the pads 106 are hit; the timing when compared to the display of the video as the pads 106 are hit; the order that the pads are hit; whether the pads have been hit correctly (i.e. whether the pads were hit at (or near) their centre, or at the edge of the pad) ; or any such data (step 506) - [46] The performance data 506 is uploaded to the server 312 and the server 312 is arranged to add that performance data to that user's account (step 508) . The server 312 then processes that performance data 510 in order to tailor that training program for that user. Accordingly, the next time that the user logs onto the system and downloads training data, that training data may have been modified to take into account the previous performance of the user as detailed in the performance data. In some embodiments the user or a trainer (e.g. a personal trainer) may access the performance data 506 by logging onto the server 312. This allows the data to be evaluated and analysed after the training session has finished.

[47] The images and/or video 422 captured from the camera 122 may form part of the performance data.

[48] In some embodiments, an avatar representing the user of the combative training device may be displayed on the screen 102.

The avatar may be controlled to ffollow the actions captured by the camera 122. such an embodiment may provide the user with feedback as to his or her actions in real, or at least pseudo real time. The image of the avatar representing the user may be superimposed over an image of the coach so that the images can be compared. This allows the technique of the user to be more effectively critiqued and analysed by the user themselves or the coach.

[49] In other embodiments, the camera 122 may be used to enable a real time, or at least pseudo real time, feedback from a remote coach that is watching the user over the network connection to the combative training device 306.

[50] In some embodiments the combative training device 302-310 may comprise a motion sensor arranged to detect the motion of the user whilst the user hits the pads. The motion sensor may be arranged to detect the position and movement of the user. In response to the detection of the movement and position the device may be arranged to control an avacar representing the user on the display screen 102 accordingly. In yet other embodiments the combative training device may comprise a motion sensor to detect the motion of a coach or trainer in order to control the motion of an avatar representing the trainer. Conveniently, the motion sensor be provided by the camera 122 but this need not be the case. In other embodiments the motion sensor may be provided by a N icrosoftTM KinectTM sensor; an ultrasonic transducer or the like.

[51] The server 312 and or combative training device 302-310 may be arranged to monitor the performance data received from the combative training device 306 and generate statistics as to the progress of the user. A user may be able to access and display these statistics in order understand and/or view his or her progress.

[52] In some embodiments the server 312 is arranged to transmit the performance data and statistics to a device, which 15 typically portable and carried by a coach. The portable device may be a tablet computer, a smart phone, or the like. The data may be transmitted wirelessly via a WLAN, Bluetooth or wireless connection between the server and portable device. It is conceivable that the connection between the server and the portable device might also be a wired connection.

[53] The performance data and statistics may be transmitted in real time (or pseudo real time) during training to allow the coach to monitor the user's performance and provide feedback and training guidance.

[54] In yet further embodiments the performance data and statistics may be sorted, along with the coach's feedback, possibly at the user's account such that it may be accessed after the training, when the user is at home for example. In some embodiments, the user's account may be accessed using an online web portal or a portable mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet computer.

[55] In another embodiment a subscriber service may be provided that allows the user to download or stream training videos over the network (e.g. the Internet) . The subscriber service may comprise a plurality of videos or training regimes uploaded by different coaches, who may be based anywhere in the world. Videos may then br accessed by users who are subscribed to the service, for example by payment of a fee to purchased training time with a particular coach or a regular subscription payment allowing unlimited access. The subscription service may comprise a webpage such that subscribers can access training regimes and other training information. Each uploaded training video may be associated with an identifier which is made available to subscribers via the website. The identifier is then entered into the training device to access the associated training video, or to initiate a live session with a trainer.

Claims

Claims Claims 1. A system for combative training comprising: a server arranged to communicate with one or more combative training devices over a network connection, wherein the server is arranged to generate training data detailing an exercise program and transmit that training data over the network connection to a predetermined combative training device; at least one combative training device, arranged to communicate with the server over the network and receive the training data, where the combative training device comprises: a screen arranged to display at least one video; and at least one pad disposed to the sides of the screen; and wherein the video comprises a moving image of at least a torso and upper arms of a coach with virtual pads; wherein the upper arms are positioned such that said virtual pads are provided proximal to the pads; and wherein the combative training device is arranged to process the training data to provide an exercise program tailored to a user of that combative training device.
2. A system according to claim 1 wherein the at least one training device is further arranged to transmit performance data relating to the exercise program over the network connection to the server; the server being further arranged to generate the training data according to the performance data.
3. A system according to claim 2 wherein the performance data includes any of the following: accuracy, force, response time of punches.
4. A system according to claim 2 or claim 3 wherein at least one of the pads comprises a sensor to measure the performance data.
5. A system according to claim 4 wherein the sensor is a pressure sensor.
6. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the training data includes any of the following: a training duration, training intensity, type of punch or sequence of punches.
7. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the at least one training device further comprises an image creation means, such as a web cam, arranged to take images.
8. A system according to claim 7 wherein the image creation means is arranged to take a video of the user.
9. A system according to claim 7 or 8 whereby the images can be communicated via the network to another of the combative training devices and/or the server.
10. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the at least one training device further comprises a control console comprising buttons whereby said buttons can be operated wearing boxing, or similar, gloves.
11. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the at least one training device further comprises a USB port whereby data, including videos can be, uploaded.
12. A system according to claim 10 wherein the USB port comprises tapered sides to faciiitate insertion of a EJSB memory device while wearing boxing gloves.
13. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the at least one pad is mounted on an arm.
14. A system according to claim 13 wherein the arm further comprises a clamp whereby the length of the arm can be adjusted.
15. A system according to claim 14 wherein the clamp comprises a lever, arranged such that the clamp can be operated while wearing boxing gloves.
16. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the server comprises a memory arranged to store at least one user profile.
17. A system according to claim 16 wherein the user profile is associated with the user of the training device.
18. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the performance data and or the training data for the user are associated with the user profile.
19. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the screen is one of a 3D and a holographic display.
20. A system substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
21. A combative training device, arranged to communicate with the server over the network and receive the training data, where the combative training device comprises: a screen arranged to display at least one video; and at least one pad disposed to the sides of the screen; and wherain the video comprises a moving image of at least a torso and upper arms of a coach with virtual pads; wherein the upper arms are positioned such that said virtual pads are provided proximal to the pads.
22. A combative training device substantially as described herein with reference to the acconpanying drawings.
23. A method for training combatants comprising the steps of: a) receiving and processing training data on a combative training device to provide a training regime for a user thereof; b) recording performance data at the at least one combative training device, wherein the performance data includes an indication of the user's performance; c) communicating the performance data to a server; d) determining a further training regime based on the training data at the server, and generating further training data based upon the received performance data; e) repeating at least some of the steps a) to d)
24. A method according to claim 23 wherein a user profile is provided for each user of the of the at least one combative training device.
25. A method according to claim 24 whereby performance data received by the server is stored and associated with the user profile of the user that caused the training data to be created.
26. A method according to any of claims 23 to 25 in which a screen of the combative training device comprises a moving image of at least a torso and upper arms of a coach with virtual boxing pads.
27. A method according to claim 26 wherein the screen of the combative device displays the moving image such that it is aligned with at least pads disposed to the sides regions of the screen.
28. A method arrange to provide combative training substantially as described herein.
29. A machine readable medium containing instructions to cause a machine to perform as at least a portion of the machine of claims 1 to 20.
30. A machine readable medun containing instructions which when read by a machine cause the method of any of claims 23 to 27 to be provided.
31. A machine readable medium containing instructions which read read by a machine cause that machine to function as the combative training device of claims 21 or 22.