GB2552362A - Sports apparatus and system - Google Patents

Abstract

A sports apparatus comprises a processor 100 and a pressure sensor 200. The pressure sensor comprises a plurality of sensing units comprising a first sensing unit 210 and a second sensing unit 220, and an impact layer 250 covering the first and second sensing units. The pressure sensor is configured such that a first inner surface of the impact layer is in contact with at least the first and second sensing units upon the object impacting a second outer surface of the impact layer which is configured for receiving the impacting object. The pressure sensor is configured to generate first and second signals at least using the respective first and second sensing units. The processor is configured to determine the impact location of the object on the second surface of the one or more impact layers based on at least the first and second signals. A system for controlling the propelling of a sports projectile and a method of calibrating a pressure sensor are also disclosed.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Batfast Cricket Centres Limited

Kimberly House, 31 Burnt Oak Broadway, Edgware,

Middlesex, HA8 5LD, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

Jignesh Karsan Devshi Patel Runish Dinesh Gudhka (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Keltie LLP

No. 1 London Bridge, LONDON, SE1 9BA,

United Kingdom (51) INT CL:

A63B 24/00 (2006.01) A63B 69/00 (2006.01) (56) Documents Cited:

GB 2487047 A GB 2478698 A

GB 2464550 A US 20050187036 A1 (58) Field of Search:

INT CLA63B Other: EPODOC, WPI (54) Title of the Invention: Sports apparatus and system Abstract Title: Sports apparatus and system (57) Asports apparatus comprises a processor 100 and a pressure sensor 200. The pressure sensor comprises a plurality of sensing units comprising a first sensing unit 210 and a second sensing unit 220, and an impact layer 250 covering the first and second sensing units. The pressure sensor is configured such that a first inner surface of the impact layer is in contact with at least the first and second sensing units upon the object impacting a second outer surface of the impact layer which is configured for receiving the impacting object. The pressure sensor is configured to generate first and second signals at least using the respective first and second sensing units. The processor is configured to determine the impact location of the object on the second surface of the one or more impact layers based on at least the first and second signals. A system for controlling the propelling of a sports projectile and a method of calibrating a pressure sensor are also disclosed.

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- 1 Sports apparatus and system

Field of the invention

The present invention is in the field of using projectiles in sports environments. The 5 present invention relates particularly, but not exclusively, to using a cricket ball in a cricket environment.

Background

Devices for propelling balls in sports environments are known. For example, in a cricket environment, a bowling machine can be used to simulate the action of a bowler, in order to deliver a cricket ball to a batsman. This allows the batsman to practice batting in order to improve their skills, without the need for a human bowler. Some existing mechanical bowling machines use spinning wheels to propel the balls, while pneumatic bowling machines use the build-up of internal pressure to propel the balls.

These types of machines are typically simple in design and have to be adjusted manually in order to change bowling settings such as speed, spin etc. Currently if a person requires a ball to be output from the machine, they have to request it, or alternatively the machine can output balls at regular intervals. Furthermore, if the person wants to change the direction, spin, speed or other property of the projectile then they need to manually input the changes to the system. This continual programming and re-programming of the output characteristics may be laborious for a user, particularly if he/she is using the bowling machine on their own.

Furthermore, existing simulated sporting environments using such projectile delivering devices simply output the projectile regardless of how the user is performing in the sports environment. If a user is consistently missing the output balls because they are, for example, being pitched too low or are travelling too fast, the user has to adjust the device and try hitting some more balls. If then, as a result, balls are then pitched too high, the user has to go back and adjust the system again. This constant re-adjustment may be frustrating for a user.

Statements of invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a sports apparatus for determining an impact location of an object in a sports environment, the apparatus comprising a processor and a pressure sensor comprising: a plurality of sensing units comprising a first sensing unit and a second sensing unit, and one or more impact layers covering the first and second sensing units, wherein the pressure sensor is

- 2 configured such that a first surface of the one or more impact layers is in contact with at least the first and second sensing units upon the object impacting a second surface of the one or more impact layers which is configured for receiving the impacting object; wherein the pressure sensor is configured to generate first and second signals at least using the respective first and second sensing units upon the object impacting the second surface of the one or more impact layers; and, wherein the processor is configured to determine the impact location of the object on the second surface of the one or more impact layers based on at least the first and second signals.

The first aspect may be modified in any suitable way as disclosed herein including but not limited to any one or more of the following.

The sports apparatus maybe configured such that the plurality of sensing units further comprises a third sensing unit and a fourth sensing unit.

The sports apparatus maybe configured such that the third and fourth sensing units are configured to output respective third and fourth signals upon the object impacting the second surface of the one or more impact layers; and wherein the processor is configured to determine the impact location of the object on the second surface of the one or more impact layers based on at least the first, second, third and fourth signals.

The sports apparatus maybe configured such that the pressure sensor is in the form of a panel.

The sports apparatus may be configured such that the pressure sensor panel comprises a rigid support upon which the plurality of sensing units are mounted.

The sports apparatus may comprise a plurality of the pressure sensor panels.

The sports apparatus may be configured such that the plurality of pressure sensor panels are arranged in a tiled configuration such that the respective second surfaces of the impact layers of each panel face in substantially the same direction.

The sports apparatus maybe configured such that the first, second, third and fourth sensing units reside substantially in the same plane and each of the sensing units is disposed in a different quadrant of the pressure sensor panel.

-3The sports apparatus maybe configured such that each of the respective signals output by each of the plurality of sensing units comprises at least one value associated with the magnitude of the force imparted onto the sensing units from the one or more impact layers upon the object impacting the second surface of the one or more impact layers.

The sports apparatus maybe configured such that the processor is configured to determine the impact location of the object on the second surface of the one or more impact layers based at least upon comparing the values associated with the plurality of sensing units.

The sports apparatus maybe configured such that each of the plurality of sensing units comprises a piezo-resistive material.

The sports apparatus may be configured such that the piezo-resistive material comprises an electrically conductive material.

The sports apparatus maybe configured such that the electrically conductive material comprises a polymeric material.

The sports apparatus maybe configured such that each of the plurality of sensing units comprises a layer of the piezo-resistive material disposed between first and second conductive layers; the layer of piezo-resistive material having: a first surface at least partially contacting the first conductive layer and a second surface at least partially contacting the second conductive layer.

The sports apparatus maybe configured such that each of the first and second conductive layers comprises a layer of metallic material.

The sports apparatus may be configured such that each layer of metallic material is a patterned layer.

The sports apparatus maybe configured such that the first and second conductive layers are electrically connected to an electrical circuit.

-4The sports apparatus maybe configured such that the one or more impact layers is transparent or translucent.

The sports apparatus maybe configured such that the one or more impact layers 5 comprises tempered glass.

The sports apparatus maybe configured such that the one or more impact layers comprises a layer of polymeric material.

The sports apparatus may be configured such that the polymeric material is polycarbonate.

The sports apparatus maybe configured such that the pressure sensor further comprises one or more light sources configured to emit light through the one or more impact layers.

The sports apparatus maybe configured such that the one or more light sources comprises a light-emitting diode.

The sports apparatus may be configured such that the processor is further configured to control the one or more light sources to emit light based on the signals output by the plurality of sensing units.

The sports apparatus maybe configured such that the processor is further configured to control the one or more light sources to emit light based on the signals output by the plurality of sensing units only if the magnitude of the force imparted onto the plurality of sensing units exceeds a predefined value.

The sports apparatus maybe configured such that the one or more impact layers comprises fabric.

The sports apparatus maybe configured such that the first conductive layers comprise a wire woven into the fabric of the one or more impact layers such that at least: a portion of the wire resides proud of a first surface of the fabric; a portion of the wire resides proud of a second surface of the fabric and in contact with the layer of piezo-resistive material; the first surface opposite the second surface.

-5According to a second aspect of the present invention there is presented a pressure sensor for determining an impact location of an object in a sports environment, the pressure sensor comprising: a plurality of sensing units comprising a first sensing unit comprising a piezo-resistive material, a second sensing unit comprising a piezoresistive material, and one or more impact layers covering the first and second sensing units, wherein the pressure sensor is configured such that a first surface of the one or more impact layers is in contact with at least the first and second sensing units upon the object impacting a second surface of the one or more impact layers which is configured for receiving the impacting object; wherein the pressure sensor is configured to generate first and second signals at least using the respective first and second sensing units upon the object impacting the second surface of the one or more impact layers; and, wherein the first and second signals are for determining the impact location of the object on the second surface of the one or more impact layers.

The second aspect may be modified in any suitable way as disclosed herein including but not limited to any one or more of the following.

The pressure sensor may be configured such that the plurality of sensing units further comprises a third sensing unit and a fourth sensing unit.

The pressure sensor may be configured such that the third and fourth sensing units are configured to output respective third and fourth signals upon the object impacting the second surface of the one or more impact layers, wherein the third and fourth signals are for determining the impact location of the object on the second surface of the one or more impact layers together with the first and second signals.

The pressure sensor may be configured such that the pressure sensor is in the form of a panel.

The pressure sensor may be configured such that the pressure sensor panel comprises a rigid support upon which the plurality of sensing units are mounted.

The pressure sensor may comprise a plurality of the pressure sensor panels.

-6The pressure sensor maybe configured such that the plurality of pressure sensor panels are arranged in a tiled configuration such that the respective second surfaces of the impact layers of each panel face in substantially the same direction.

The pressure sensor may be configured such that the first, second, third and fourth sensing units reside substantially in the same plane and each of the sensing units is disposed in a different quadrant of the pressure sensor panel.

The pressure sensor maybe configured such that each of the respective signals output 10 by each of the plurality of sensing units comprises at least one value associated with the magnitude of the force imparted onto the sensing units from the one or more impact layers upon the object impacting the second surface of the one or more impact layers.

The pressure sensor may be configured such that the piezo-resistive material comprises an electrically conductive material.

The pressure sensor may be configured such that the electrically conductive material comprises a polymeric material.

The pressure sensor may be configured such that each of the plurality of sensing units comprises a layer of the piezo-resistive material disposed between first and second conductive layers; the layer of piezo-resistive material having: a first surface at least partially contacting the first conductive layer and a second surface at least partially contacting the second conductive layer.

The pressure sensor may be configured such that each of the first and second conductive layers comprises a layer of metallic material.

The pressure sensor may be configured such that each layer of metallic material is a patterned layer.

The pressure sensor may be configured such that the first and second conductive materials are electrically connected to an electrical circuit.

The pressure sensor may be configured such that the one or more impact layers is transparent or translucent.

-ΊThe pressure sensor may be configured such that the one or more impact layers comprises tempered glass.

The pressure sensor may be configured such that the one or more impact layers comprise a layer of polymeric material.

The pressure sensor may be configured such that the polymeric material is polycarbonate.

The pressure sensor may comprise one or more light sources configured to emit light through the impact layer.

The pressure sensor may be configured such that the one or more light sources comprises a light-emitting diode.

The pressure sensor may be configured such that the one or more impact layers comprises a sheet of fabric.

The pressure sensor may be configured such that the first conductive layers comprise a wire woven into the fabric of the impact layer such that at least: a portion of the wire resides proud of a first surface of the fabric; a portion of the wire resides proud of a second surface of the fabric and in contact with the layer of piezo-resistive material; the first surface opposite the second surface.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for controlling the propelling of a sports projectile in a sports environment, the system comprising: a plurality of sensors configured to detect a sporting event within the sports environment and to output one or more signals upon the detection of the sporting event; a processor configured to generate a control signal based at least upon the one or more signals output from the plurality of sensors; and, a projectile propelling apparatus configured to propel the sports projectile based at least upon the control signal.

The third aspect may be modified in any suitable way as disclosed herein including but not limited to any one or more of the following.

-8The system may be configured such that at least one of the plurality of sensors is a pressure sensor.

The system may be configured such that the pressure sensor comprises an pressure sensor as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 50.

The system maybe configured such that the sporting event is an impact of the projectile on one or more of the pressure sensors.

The system may be configured such that at least one of the plurality of sensors comprises an infrared sensor.

The system may be configured such that at least one of the plurality of sensors comprises an accelerometer for detecting the movement of an object in the sporting environment.

The system maybe configured such that the projectile propelling apparatus is further configured to outwardly propel the projectile based on a time value, the time value being based upon the control signal.

The system maybe configured such that the projectile propelling apparatus is further configured to provide a rotation of the propelled projectile upon being output from the projectile propelling apparatus, the rotation being at least based upon the control signal.

The system maybe configured such that the projectile propelling apparatus is further configured to propel the projectile at a particular speed based upon the control signal.

The system may be configured such that the projectile propelling apparatus is further configured to propel the propelled projectile in a particular direction based upon the control signal.

The system may comprise a sporting apparatus for hitting the projectile propelled by the propelling apparatus, wherein the sporting apparatus comprises one or more movement sensors configured to determine a movement of the sporting implement

-9within the sporting environment and to detect an impact of the projectile with the sporting apparatus and wherein the sporting apparatus is configured to output one or more signals to the processor based on the determined movement and/or the detected impact.

The system may be configured such that the one or more movement sensors comprises an accelerometer.

The system maybe configured such that the processor is configured to determine the time of the impact of the projectile with the sporting apparatus based on the one or more signals output by the sporting apparatus, and to determine the time of the sporting event based on the one or more signals output from the plurality of sensors, and to determine a velocity and a trajectory of the projectile after the projectile has impacted the sporting apparatus.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of calibrating a pressure sensor, the pressure sensor comprising: a plurality of sensing units comprising a first sensing unit and a second sensing unit, and one or more impact layers covering the first and second sensing units, wherein the pressure sensor is configured such that a first surface of the one or more impact layers is in contact with at least the first and second sensing units upon an object impacting a second surface of the one or more impact layers which is configured for receiving the impacting object; the method comprising: sequentially applying a force at a plurality of different positions on the second surface of the impact layer; recording a signal value from each of the plurality of sensing units when the force is applied at each of the plurality of positions; and, interpolating between the signal values recorded from each of the plurality of sensing units with respect to the corresponding positions.

The fourth aspect may be modified in any suitable way as disclosed herein including but not limited to any one or more of the following.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of determining the location of an impact of an object on a pressure sensor, the pressure sensor comprising: a plurality of sensing units comprising a first sensing unit and a second sensing unit, and one or more impact layers covering the first and second sensing units, wherein each sensing unit is configured to output one or more signals

- 10 upon pressure being applied from the one or more impact layers; wherein the pressure sensor is configured such that a first surface of the one or more impact layers is in contact with at least the first and second sensing units upon the object impacting a second surface of the one or more impact layers which is configured for receiving the object; the method comprising: receiving signals from each of the impact sensing units generated in response to the impact of the object on the second surface of the one or more impact layers; determining, from a plurality of regions, a first region of the sensor in which the impact occurred based at least upon a signal output from one of the sensing units; and, determining the location of the impact within the first region.

The fifth aspect may be modified in any suitable way as disclosed herein including but not limited to any one or more of the following.

The method may be configured such that the determining the first region of the sensor in which the impact occurred based at least upon a signal output from one of the sensing units comprises comparing signals output from the plurality of sensing units, each of the signals indicating an impacting pressure, and optionally identifying one of the plurality of sensing units outputting a signal indicating the greatest impacting pressure.

The method may be configured such that the determining the location of the impact within the first region comprises comparing signals output from sensing units other than the sensing unit outputting the signal indicating the greatest impacting pressure.

List of figures

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a block diagram of a sports apparatus presented herein;

Figures 2a and 2b are plan view diagrams of impact sensors having four sensing units; Figure 2c is a plan view diagram of an impact sensor having three sensing units;

Figure 3 is a diagram showing a cross-section of an impact sensor having two sensing units;

Figure 4 is a diagram showing a cross-section of an impact sensor having two sensing units and a light source;

Figure 5 is a diagram showing a cross-section of part of a sensing unit;

- 11 Figures 6a and 6b are diagrams showing cross-sections of an impact sensor having two sensing units;

Figure 6c shows a schematic of the impact sensor of figures 6a and 6b connected to an electrical circuit;

Figure 7 is a diagram showing a cross-section of an impact sensor having two sensing units;

Figure 8 is a block diagram of an example of a sports apparatus presented herein;

Figure 9 is a block diagram of a system as presented herein.

Figure 10 is a diagram of a system for controlling the propelling of a sports projectile in a sports environment;

Figure 11a is a side view diagram showing the effect of changing the pitch angle setting of a bowling machine;

Figure 11b is a diagram showing the effect of changing the swing setting of a bowling machine.

Detailed description

There is presented a sports apparatus for determining an impact location of an object in a sports environment. An example of the sporting apparatus is shown in the schematic of Figure 1. The apparatus comprises a processor 100 and a pressure sensor 200 having one or more sensing units 210, 220. The pressure sensor 200 may also be referred to herein as an impact sensor 200. The impact sensor 200 comprises a first sensing unit 210; a second sensing unit 220; and one or more impact layers 250 covering the first and second sensing units 210, 220. A first surface of the one or more impact layers 250 is configured to be in contact with the first and second sensing units upon an object impacting a second surface of the one or more impact layers. The second surface of the one or more impact layers 250 is configured for receiving the impacting object. The impact sensor 200 is configured to generate respective first and second signals using at least the first and second sensing units upon the object impacting the second surface of the one or more impact layers 250. The processor 100 is configured to determine the impact location of the object on the second surface based on at least the first and second signals.

Using a single sensing unit in an impact sensor allows the impact of an object to be detected; however, the exact location of the impact upon the sensing unit may not be easily determined. In the above arrangement, using a plurality of sensing units 210,

- 12 220 provides a means of determining the location of the impact because the processor 100 can compare two signals and derive a position from the said comparison.

Typically, the processor loo compares the magnitude of the two signals to determine the relative position on the impact sensor 200. Although the impact sensor 200 described above includes a first sensing unit 210 and a second sensing unit 220 in the above arrangement, any number of sensing units may be used.

The sensing units 210, 220 may be mounted on a rigid backing board, which allows the impact sensor 200 to be mounted to a structure such as a wall. The backing board can be made from any suitable rigid material including but not limited to: wood, wood composites (such as medium-density fibreboard (MDF)), hard structural plastics (e.g. polycarbonate, acetyl, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), etc.), metals (e.g. aluminium, cast iron sheets etc.) or metal alloys (e.g. stainless steel, carbon fibre etc.).

The impact sensor 200 may be in the form of a panel having a square or rectangular shape. The sides of the panel may have lengths within the range 1 cm to 10 m, more preferably between 25 cm - 2 m, even more preferably, 50 cm -1 m. For example, the impact sensor may be a square panel, with each side of the panel having a length of 1 m. The apparatus may comprise a plurality of the said panels, wherein the plurality of panels may be arranged in a tiled configuration, such that the second surfaces of the impact layers of each panel face in substantially the same direction. The second surfaces of each panel may also be aligned flush with neighbouring panels so as to form a substantially continuous sensing wall.

In the discussion below, the impact layer 250 is referred to as a single impact layer.

However, multiple impact layers maybe used e.g. in a stacked configuration. In such a stacked configuration, the individual impact layers maybe spaced apart by dampers and/or springs.

In a stacked configuration of multiple impact layers, the term “first surface” refers to the surface of the particular impact layer in the stack which is in contact with the sensing units when the object impacts the impact layer. This is one of the outermost layers of the stack. The first surface may be in contact with the sensing units before the object impacts, i.e. the impact sensor maybe designed so that the first surface of the impact layer is touching the sensing units. The term “second surface” refers to the surface of the particular impact layer in the stack which is configured for receiving the

-13impacting object. This is another one of the outermost layers of the stack. Throughout the description, the first surface of the impact layer may be referred to as the lower surface, and the second surface of the impact layer maybe referred to as the upper surface.

When the impacting object impacts the second surface of the impact layer 250, the force of the impact is transferred through the impact layer to the first and second sensing units 210, 220 via the first surface of the impact layer, which is in contact with both the first and second sensing units 210, 220. The force transferred to the first and second sensing units 210, 220 deforms the sensing units 210, 200 from their current configuration. This deformation maybe, for example, causing at least a portion of the sensing unit to bend, causing a portion of the sensing unit to compress.

The impact sensor 200 is configured to output respective first and second signals from the sensing units 210, 220 based on the deformation of the sensing units. These signals are preferably electrical signals that maybe processed by the processor too. This may be achieved by using a material in the sensing units 210, 200 that allows for a change in a measurable electrical property upon deformation. One example is a piezoelectric material that creates a voltage when mechanical stress is applied. Another example is a piezo resistive material that changes its electrical resistivity when mechanical strain is applied in some form, which in the present application is the change in the electrical resistance when it is compressed or flexed. The piezo resistive material may be an electrically conductive polymeric material, such as, but not limited to, Velostat ® or Linqstat ®. Electrically conductive polymers are typically cheap and simple to manufacture into thin layers or sheets. They are also flexible and allow for the sensing unit to deform, not just through compression but by the sheet bending.

The impact layer 250 is formed from one or more materials with a configuration that is likely not to be damaged or shattered by the impact of the impacting sports object.

Preferably, the impact layer 250 is made of a material which will retain its shape upon the impact of the impacting object. The impact layer can be made from any suitable rigid material including but not limited to: wood, wood composites (such as medium-density fibreboard (MDF)), hard structural plastics (e.g. polycarbonate, acetyl, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), etc.), metals (e.g. aluminium, cast iron sheets etc.).

Preferably, the impact layer 250 is thick enough so that it maintains its structural integrity upon the impact of the impacting object, but is also thin enough to ensure that

-14the force transferred to the sensing units 210, 220 through the impact layer is sufficient to be detected by the sensing units. The impact layer may have a thickness in the range 1 cm to 10 cm.

The processor 100 may be a single processing unit or may include multiple processing units as described elsewhere herein. For example, the processor maybe a personal computer (PC). The processor 100 receives the signals output by the impact sensor 200 and may determine the impact location of the object on the second surface of the impact layer 250 by using these signals. For example, the processor 100 may determine the impact location on the second surface by comparing the magnitudes of the signals. The processor 100 maybe incorporated into or upon the body of the impact sensor 200 or located externally from it. In some examples, a first processor is used to receive or monitor electronic signals from the sensing units and then send one or more further signals, using a transmitter, to a second processor wherein, upon receiving the further signals using a receiver, the second processor determines the impact location. The transmitter and receiver maybe any suitable electronic or optoelectronic receiving device such as a wireless or wired RF transmitter/receiver. The further signals may be copies of the original signals or signals associated with the initial received signals that have been processed by the first processor.

The objects are preferably sports projectiles, but may equally be other objects, for example a user standing on the impact sensor 200. Preferably the sports projectiles are balls, for example, cricket balls.

Figure 1 is a block diagram of an example of a sports apparatus described herein. As shown in Figure 1, the apparatus comprises a processor too connected to an impact sensor 200. The impact sensor comprises two sensing units 210 and 220, together with an impact layer 250. Although in this arrangement two sensing units are shown, any number of sensing units may be used.

There now follows some examples of how the sports apparatus, impact sensors and systems incorporating the sports apparatus and impact sensors maybe realised. It is understood that the following considerations and features may also apply to other apparatus and impact sensors described herein and are not necessarily limited to the examples shown in the figures.

-15Figure 2a is a top plan view diagram of an impact sensor 200. In this arrangement, the impact sensor 200 is in the form of a panel having a rectangular shape, in this instance, a square shape, and is divided into four equally sized quadrants depicted by the dashed cross-hair lines in figure 2a. In other examples, different shapes of panels and different numbers and sizes of panel divisions maybe used. The panel divisions, in this example, are not defined by any structural border features separating the divisions, but are areas within which a sensing unit is placed.

The impact sensor 200 in Figure 2a comprises four sensing units 210, 220, 230 and 10 240 which are covered by a common impact layer 250. The impact layer is preferably a continuous sheet of material covering at least a part, preferably the entirety, of all the panel divisions. The lower surface of the impact layer 250, not shown in Figure 2a, is in contact with the upper surfaces of the sensing units 210, 220, 230 and 240. The sensing units 210, 220, 230 and 240 are preferably disposed substantially in the same plane, in different quadrants of the impact sensor 200. Each of the sensing units 210, 220, 230 and 240 maybe disposed in any part of its respective quadrant. The sensing units maybe arranged symmetrically about in-plan symmetry lines running through the impact sensor. These symmetry lines may be for example cross hairs passing through the middle of each side of the sensor 200, creating quadrants.

In this exemplary arrangement, the sensing units 210, 220, 230 and 240 are disposed at the outer corners of the impact sensor 200. Preferably, the separation of two neighbouring sensing units, in a plane parallel to the plane of the panel, is equal to the maximum distance at which an impact of a predetermined force can be detected by a sensing unit, for an impact layer of given rigidity/thickness. For example, for sensing unit 210, the sensing units 220 and 230 will be disposed at a distance from the sensing unit 210 such that a predetermined force applied directly at sensing unit 210 can be clearly detected by sensing units 220 and 230, i.e. the signal, S, detected by sensing units 220 and 230 is the minimum detectable value, Smin. This distance between neighbouring sensing units may be termed a ‘maximum separation distance’. Therefore for each sensing unit of the impact sensor, there should be at least one other sensing unit at or within the maximum separation distance. Preferably at least two other sensing units should be at or within the maximum separation distance. In some examples, all of the other sensing units are at or within the maximum separation distance. The maximum separation distance will depend on different factors including,

-ι6the material used for the impact layer (that is, the rigidity of the impact layer) and the force of the impacting object.

Furthermore, the impact sensor 200 is preferably configured so that at least one 5 sensing unit can detect an impacting object wherever it impacts on the panel. Thus the impact sensor has a suitable number and position of sensing units for the in-plane size and shape of the panel.

When an object impacts the upper surface 250a of the impact layer 250, the impact sensor 200 outputs signals from at least two of the sensing units 210, 220, 230 and 240 to the processor (not shown). The signals maybe newly generated electronic waveforms from an otherwise signal free system. Alternatively, the signals may be time modulated portions of an existing signal. One example is the change in voltage in a circuit, having the sensing unit, upon the sensing unit providing a change in electrical resistance.

Signals may be, but are not limited to, electrical current signals or electrical voltage signals. The processor uses the signals output from the impact sensor 200 to determine the impact location of the object on the upper surface 250a of the impact layer 250. In order to help more accurately determine the location of impact on the impact layer 250, the sensing units maybe calibrated.

Accordingly, there is presented a method of calibrating a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor comprises a plurality of sensing units comprising a first sensing unit and a second sensing unit, and one or more impact layers covering the first and second sensing units. The pressure sensor is configured such that a first surface of the one or more impact layers is in contact with at least the first and second sensing units upon the object impacting a second surface of the one or more impact layers which is configured for receiving the impacting object. The method comprises: A) sequentially applying a force at a plurality of different positions on the second surface of the impact layer; B) recording a signal value from each of the plurality of sensing units when the force is applied at each of the plurality of positions; C) interpolating between the signal values recorded from each of the plurality of sensing units with respect to the corresponding positions.

This method allows for the determination of the relationship between a feedback signal recorded by an impact sensing unit and the distance from the impact sensing unit to the location of the impact.

-17An exemplary calibration process will now be described with reference to Figure 2a. First, a known force, F_test, is applied to the upper surface 250a of the impact layer 250 at a plurality of pre-determined locations along lines parallel to the x-axis. This process is repeated for lines parallel to the y-axis. The greater the number of data points, the greater the accuracy of the calibration process will be.

The feedback signals from each sensing unit for each test location are recorded on a memory device. This memory device may be accessible by a processor used to determine the location of an impacting object when the impact sensor is used in normal operation. The recorded feedback signals maybe tabulated to produce a table showing feedback signal values from each of the impact sensing units at each test location. The table may, for example, be held within a database. An exemplary data set having signals, S, recorded from four impact sensing units for an impact location measured in x and y coordinates may be written as: (x, y, S±, S₂, S₃, S₄).

The data stored may therefore have:

1. One or more data values or information associated with a particular position or local region about the plan shape of the impact surface (for example, see x, y data above). This data may be any position data such as x and y coordinates or any other suitable coordinate space data such as polar coordinates. The data may be single or multiple value, for example, if using a raster-like coordinate space a single value maybe used to determine the position on the raster whereas multiple data values maybe used for other coordinate spaces.

2. For each of the above-said position data value/s, at least two further values associated with a load being applied to the impact layer at that said position (for example, see the feedback signals Si, S₂, S₃, S₄ above). Each further value associated with an output from a different one of the sensing units. The further value may be the raw data output from each sensor upon the load being applied, or other data processed from the said raw data.

The test force F_test may be chosen to be sufficient to cause feedback signals to be generated by all of the sensing units. As an example, if the force F_est is applied to the impact layer 250 directly on top of the sensing unit 210, the sensing unit 210 will output the maximum possible signal. Sensing units 220 and 230 will both output the same magnitude of feedback signal (within an error margin). Sensing unit 240 will output the lowest feedback signal as it is furthest from the point of impact.

-18If desired, the feedback signals can be normalised to the feedback signal from the sensing unit having the highest magnitude signal. Normalising the signal may allow the processor to determine the impact location without providing data on the magnitude of the impact.

Once the feedback signal data is recorded, signal data for locations on the impact layer 250 where an impact has not been measured can be interpolated from the recorded data. This interpolation may be performed during the calibration process, therefore allowing the storage of interpolated data values before the impact sensor is put to normal use. Additionally or alternatively, interpolation may be performed during normal use of the impact sensor, for example, when an object impacts the impact sensor, the system evaluates the two (or more) data sets that most closely correspond to the signal values received from the impacting object and interpolates the position.

Interpolation may be performed in any suitable way including, but not limited to linear or polynomial interpolation. The interpolation may compare the received signals from the one or more sensing units, compare the signals to at least two of the pre-stored data sets and determine the location of the impact based on the said comparison.

For example, for two signals recorded at nearby locations, the feedback signal data can be interpolated to estimate the signal that would be recorded at a location between the two locations. Taking the measured data together with the interpolated data allows curves showing the relationship between a feedback signal recorded by an impact sensing unit and the distance from the impact sensing unit to the location of the impact to be drawn. In this example, these curves will be arcs of constant radius measured from each sensing unit location.

When an impact is detected by the sensor 200, the location of the impact on the impact layer 250 can be determined by analysing the feedback signals from different sensing units.

Accordingly, there is presented a method of determining the location of an impact of an object on a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor comprises a plurality of sensing units comprising a first sensing unit and a second sensing unit, and one or more impact layers covering the first and second sensing units . The pressure sensor is configured such that a first surface of the one or more impact layers is in contact with at least the

-19first and second sensing units upon the object impacting a second surface of the one or more impact layers which is configured for receiving the object. Each sensing unit is configured to output one or more signals upon pressure being applied from the one or more impact layers; the method comprises:

A) receiving signals from each of the impact sensing units generated in response to the impact of the object on the second surface of the one or more impact layers;

B) determining a first region of the sensor in which the impact occurred based at least upon a signal output from one of the sensing units;

C) determining the said location within the first region.

The method therefore breaks the location determining computation down into two steps wherein the first step limits the possible range of locations of the impact so that the further determination of the impact location only needs to consider values in this particular identified region. This makes the processing simpler and more efficient.

The step of determining the first region of the sensor in which the impact occurred based at least upon a signal output from one of the sensing units may comprise a comparison of signals output from a plurality of the sensing units. In some examples this may be identifying the sensing unit outputting the signal indicating the greatest impacting pressure. The step C) of determining the location may comprise using the monitored outputs of sensing units other than the sensing unit outputting the signal indicating the greatest impacting pressure.

First, the processor receives signals from all of the impact sensing units and determines which quadrant of the sensor 200 the impact occurred in (this is the quadrant containing the sensing unit which outputs the maximum feedback signal). The processor then determines the impact location within the quadrant. To do this, the feedback curves generated using the calibration process described above can be used, or any other suitable means/method for interpolating the location of the impacting object. For a signal from a given sensing unit, the impact location will lie somewhere on or near to the corresponding feedback curve. Each feedback curve describes a set of locations on the impact layer 250. By comparing the sets of locations for feedback curves of two different sensing units, the impact location can be determined as the location which is common to both curves, within error margins. An example of this is illustrated in Figure 2b.

- 20 In this figure, an object impacts the impact layer 250 in the top-left quadrant of the sensor 200 (impact location is shown by the circle). Feedback signals from sensing units 220 and 230 are then used to further triangulate the impact location, by means of their feedback curves. The impact location is the point where the two feedback curves overlap.

Figure 2c is a plan view diagram of an impact sensor 200 similar to the impact sensor shown in Figure 2a. In this arrangement, the impact sensor 200 comprises three sensing units 210, 220, 230 which are disposed substantially in the same plane.

In this arrangement, when an object impacts the impact layer 250, the impact sensor 200 outputs signals from the sensing units 210, 220, 230 to the processor (not shown). The processor uses the signals output from the impact sensor 200 to determine the impact location of the object on the upper surface 250a of the impact layer 250. In this arrangement, the sensing unit which outputs the largest feedback signal will determine which two adjacent sensing units are to be used to determine the location of impact.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional diagram showing the structure of the impact sensor 200 of Figure 1. The impact sensor comprises two sensing units 210 and 220 which are mounted on a rigid backing board 260 and are covered by an impact layer 250.

The upper surface 250a of the impact layer 250 receives the impacting object which maybe, for example, a ball such as a cricket ball. The lower surface 250b of the impact layer 250 is in contact with the upper surfaces of the sensing units 210 and 220.

Figure 4 shows the structure of another impact sensor 200. The arrangement of this impact sensor is similar to that of Figure 3, with the addition of a light source 270. In this exemplary arrangement, a single light source 270 is shown as being disposed between the sensing units 210 and 220. However, multiple individually addressable light sources may be used and may be disposed at various locations throughout the impact sensor 200. The light source 270 maybe, for example, a light-emitting diode (FED), which may emit white light or light of a single colour, e.g. red, green or blue.

In this exemplary arrangement, the impact layer 250 is transparent or translucent. The transparent or translucent material may be a polymer (such as a polycarbonate polymer) or tempered glass. The light source 270 is configured to emit light through

- 21 the transparent or translucent impact layer in response to a signal from the processor (not shown). The signal may be generated by the processor in response to an impact detected by the impact sensor 200. In this way, the impact sensor can provide a visual indication of an impact to the user. The processor can be calibrated so that the light source 270 is only illuminated when the impact force is greater than a predetermined value. Existing pressure sensors for sports applications that do not have translucent or transparent impact layers will have to put any desired optical feedback signal outside of the sensor footprint, hence enlarging the footprint of the system. This may lead to odd shaped sensors that are not suitable for tiling together to form a panel wall or floor.

As mentioned above, multiple light sources may be used as part of the impact sensor 200. In this case, the light sources can be used to indicate the location of the impact of an object on the impact sensor to the user.

Figure 5 is a cross-section of a sensing unit 210 which is covered by an impact layer 250. The sensing unit 210 comprises a piezo resistive layer 212 disposed between two conductive layers 211a and 211b. The upper surface 212a of the piezo resistive layer 212 contacts the upper conductive layer 211a, and the lower surface 212b of the piezo resistive layer 212 contacts the lower conductive layer 211b. It is understood that contact between these layers may not be present about all of the said surfaces. For example the majority, but not all, of the upper surface 212a of the piezo resistive layer 212 may contact the majority, but not all, of the upper conductive layer 211a.

The conductive layers 211a and 211b maybe made of a metal foil, such as aluminium or copper foil. Other materials which may be used for the conductive layers include adhesive copper tape; sheets of metals such as steel, iron, aluminium or copper; or sheets of graphite. Any one or more of the conducting layers may be patterned, for example in a serpentine circuit shape. Using a serpentine circuit as a conductive layer allows for a high degree of contact between the conductive layer and the piezo resistive layer 212, while reducing the amount of material required compared to a full sheet of material.

Each conductive layer is electrically connected to the circuit that provides a power source. This may be achieved using any suitable electrical connection including but not limited to wire bonding.

- 22 The electrical resistance of the piezo resistive layer 212 changes when it is compressed or flexed. In this example, the electrical resistance of the piezo resistive layer 212 decreases when it is compressed. The piezo resistive layer 212 may comprise an electrically conductive polymeric material, such as Velostat ® or Linqstat ®.

Figures 6a, 6b and 6c are examples of cross-sections of sensing units.

The arrangement of Figure 6a is similar to that of Figure 5. Figure 6a shows a second sensing unit 220 in addition to the first sensing unit 210. Both sensing units are disposed in substantially the same plane. The structure of the second sensing unit 220 is similar to that of the first sensing unit 210 and comprises a piezo resistive layer 222 disposed between two conductive layers 221a and 221b.

The arrangement of Figure 6b is similar to that of Figure 6a. Figure 6b shows the arrangement of Figure 6a upon impact of an object, in this case a ball, on the upper surface 250a of the impact layer 250. When the ball impacts the upper surface 250a of the impact layer 250, the piezo resistive layers 212 and 222 are compressed. In this example, the piezo resistive layer 212 is compressed more than the piezo resistive layer 222, and thus the resistance of the piezo resistive layer 212 decreases more than that of the piezo resistive layer 222. This figure shows the impact layer depressing in one region and keeping its general rigid sheet configuration. In practice there may be local deformity of the impact layer where the object impacts. This may result in the impact layer forming a temporary curved shallow ‘U-shape’ centred around the impact location.

Figure 6c shows how the sensing units 210 and 220 are connected to an electrical circuit. In this arrangement, the sensing units 210 and 220 are connected in parallel with each other and a power source.

The positive terminal of the power source is connected to the upper layers 211a and 221a of the sensing units 210 and 220. The lower layers 211b and 221b of each of the sensing units are connected to ground in series with corresponding fixed value resistors 213 and 223. The resistance value of the resistors may be, for example, 1 kQ. Other resistance values may be used.

-23The sum of the voltage across each sensing unit (½) and the voltage across the corresponding fixed value resistor (Vf) is equal to the voltage of the power supply (Vj).

Thus,

V_d=V_s+V_f (1)

A voltmeter can be used to measure Vf Rearranging equation l for Ogives:

io V_f=V_d-V_s (2)

Thus, V) increases as V_s decreases when a force is applied to the sensing unit, due to the drop in resistance of the piezo resistive layer.

In the present example, a multi-channel analog input micro-controller (not shown) is used to monitor the voltage across multiple fixed value resistors. The micro-controller maybe part of the processor or maybe present as a separate unit.

The impact sensor 200 outputs voltage signals from the sensing units 210 and 220 to the processor 100. The processor 100 uses the voltage signals output from the impact sensor 200 to determine the impact location of the object on the upper surface of the impact layer 250. The processor too may use a force triangulation method as described above in relation to Figures 2a, b and c.

Figure 7 is a cross-section of an impact sensor 200’. In this exemplary arrangement, the impact layer 250’ comprises a fabric. The impact layer maybe composed of a sheet of the fabric. Examples of fabrics which may be used for the impact layer 250’ include plant-derived textiles such as cotton; metallic fibres; or synthetic textiles such as polyester or nylon. Using a fabric for the impact layer 250’ provides an impact layer

250’ which is light and flexible. In a case where the impact sensor 200’ is mounted on a structure such as a wall, using a lighter material for the impact layer 250’ reduces the load on a structure. Using a fabric for the impact layer 250’ may also be achieved by simple and cost-effective manufacturing processes.

-24The conductive layers 211a’ and 211b’ may comprise conductive thread which is woven into the fabric of the impact layer 250’. The conductive thread may be a single continuous thread which acts as a single conductive link. Alternatively, the conductive thread may be a plurality of threads which are in contact with each other.

A portion of the conducting thread protrudes from the impact layer 250’ and contacts the upper surfaces of the piezo resistive layers 212 and 222, in order to form an electrical connection. The piezo resistive layers 212 and 222 may be similar to those described in relation to previous examples.

The conductive thread may be held in contact with the piezo resistive layers 212 and 222. Additionally or alternatively, the thread may be secured to the piezo resistive layers 212 and 222 by an adhesive.

Similarly to the apparatus described above, there is presented an impact sensor for determining an impact location of an object in a sports environment. The impact sensor has one or more sensing units. The impact sensor comprises a first sensing unit comprising a piezo-resistive material; a second sensing unit comprising a piezoresistive material; and one or more impact layers covering the first and second sensing units. A first surface of the one or more impact layers is in contact with the first and second sensing units and a second surface of the one or more impact layers is configured for receiving the impacting object. The impact sensor is configured to output respective first and second signals from the said first and second sensing units upon the object impacting the second surface of the one or more impact layers. The first and second signals are for determining the impact location of the object on the second surface.

The advantages of such an arrangement are similar to those discussed in relation to the previously presented sports apparatus. Furthermore, the components and features described elsewhere herein may be used with the impact sensor described above and elsewhere herein.

Figure 8 is a block diagram of a sports apparatus. In this exemplary arrangement, the apparatus comprises an impact sensor 200. The impact sensor 200 comprises two sensing units 210 and 220, together with an impact layer 250. The sensing units and the impact layer may be similar to those described in relation to previous embodiments.

-25There is presented a system for controlling the propelling of a sports projectile in a sports environment. The system comprises one or more sensors configured to detect a sporting event within the sports environment and to output one or more signals upon the detection of the sporting event; a processor configured to generate a control signal based at least upon the one or more signals output from the one or more sensors; and a projectile propelling apparatus configured to propel the sports projectile based at least upon the control signal.

This arrangement allows the impact of an object, such as a ball, to be detected and the location of the impact fed back to a projectile propelling apparatus, such as a bowling machine, in order to adjust the target position of the ball within the sports environment.

The sensors may be configured to detect the movement of the cricket ball within the sports environment, e.g. by using infra-red sensors. The sensors may also be any one of the impact sensors described in relation to other examples described herein.

The projectile propelling apparatus maybe a mechanical bowling machine, a pneumatic bowling machine, or any other machine capable of delivering a ball to a batsman. The projectile propelling apparatus is controlled by the processor to determine the speed and direction of the projectiles propelled by the apparatus, based on the output of the impact sensor.

Figure 9 is a block diagram of a system comprising a processor too operationally connected to (for example being configured to be in communication with) an impact sensor 200 and a projectile propelling apparatus 300.

Figure 10 is a diagram of a system for controlling the propelling of a sports projectile in a sports environment. In this exemplary arrangement, the system is arranged to simulate a cricket game, with a bowler bowling to a batsman. The system comprises a control unit 1000, arrays of sensor panels 2000, a bowling machine 3000, a screen 4000 and a bat 5000. The control unit 1000 is connected to the sensor panels 2000, the bowling machine 3000 and the screen 4000 such that control signals and other signals can be sent to/from this control unit 1000 to the other components. The sensor

- 26 panels 2000 may be configured to detect the movement of the cricket ball within the sports environment, e.g. by using infra-red sensors.

The screen 4000 includes a hole, through which a cricket ball can be delivered. The 5 screen 4000 may be a screen upon which an image is projected using a projector (not shown). Alternatively, the screen 4000 may be a display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD). As the bowling machine 3000 prepares to propel the cricket ball, the screen 4000 may display an animation of a bowler. The animation is synchronized with the bowling machine 3000 so that when the bowler releases the ball on the screen, the bowling machines propels the ball through the hole in the screen towards the batsman.

In this exemplary arrangement, the floor sensor panels 2000 are configured to detect the impact of the cricket ball and output a signal to the control unit 1000. In this case, the floor sensor panels maybe impact sensor panels as described in relation to previous embodiments. The control unit 1000 generates a control signal based on the signal output from the sensor panel 2000, and controls the bowling machine 3000 to propel the cricket ball based on the control signal. The control signal may be generated by comparing the location or one or more signals from one or more sensors in the system. In some examples, the signal or a value (such as ball pitch position) associated with the signal is compared to predetermined or otherwise stored values, or information, to determine the output to the bowling machine. For example, a stored value could be whether or not the batter is left or right handed. In turn, this information could be used to ensure the next bowl of the ball is in a better position for the batter to hit the ball.

The bowling machine 3000 may control different output properties of the ball such as the speed, pitch angle and spin of the cricket ball based on the control signal.

Figure 11a is a side view diagram showing the effect of changing the pitch angle setting of the bowling machine 3000. Each diagram A, B and C shows the path of a cricket ball for a different pitch angle setting of the bowling machine 3000.

Figure 11b is a diagram showing the effect of changing the swing settings of the bowling machine 3000. Each diagram A, B and C shows the path of a cricket ball for a different swing setting of the bowling machine 3000.

At a fixed speed, the pitch angle of the ball may be varied to determine the location where the ball lands on the grid of sensor panels 2000. A swing element may be

-τηcreated for each pitch angle setting to create a lookup table of impact locations for each combination of pitch angle, swing and speed.

The system may be configured to respond to a specific pattern of impacts or taps, i.e. a 5 “tap gesture”. For example, to generate the tap gesture the user can tap one of the floor sensor panels 2000 with the bat 5000. The tap gesture maybe used by a control unit to generate a control signal to send to a bowling machine. For example the gesture could be used to determine where to bowl a ball (thus determining an output trajectory and/or other projectile output property, such as spin or speed) and/or when to bowl a ball.

When detecting the tap gesture, the system may take into account parameters such as the number of impacts in a given time interval and the force of the impacts. The impact pattern recorded by the system can be compared with a pattern stored by the system. If the recorded pattern is the same as the stored pattern to within a given tolerance, the system registers the recorded pattern as a tap gesture.

In one exemplary arrangement, one of the floor sensor panels 2000 may be allocated as a panel for detecting the tap gesture, so that a tap gesture will only be registered by the system if it is performed on this particular panel. This arrangement prevents impacts on other panels from mistakenly being registered as tap gestures.

In another exemplary arrangement, the system may be configured to register tap gestures from multiple panels of the floor sensor panels 2000. In this case, the system can use the tap gesture to determine the location of the particular floor panel which registers the tap gesture, and can control the bowling machine 3000 to deliver the ball to this location using the above mentioned lookup table.

The system may also be configured so that the tap gesture is only recognized after a predetermined event has occurred, for example a user stepping onto a particular one of the floor sensor panels 2000. Again, this prevents impacts from mistakenly being registered as tap gestures. A user stepping onto a floor sensor may be differentiated over another impact in a number of ways including the amount of force impacted by a person and the number of points on the floor sensors that are being applied force and/or the duration of the applied force/s.

- 28 The cricket bat 5000 may include one or more movement sensors which are configured to determine movement of the bat 5000 within the sporting environment, and to detect an impact of a ball with the bat 5000. The movement sensors may be, for example, accelerometers. The bat 5000 can then output one or more signals to the processor

1000 based on the determined movement and/or the detected impact. The bat 5000 may output the signals wirelessly, for example using Bluetooth, radio frequency (RF) signals or Wi-Fi.

The processor 1000 can determine the time of the impact of the ball with the bat 5000 10 based on the signals output by the bat 5000. The processor 1000 can also determine the time of the impact of the ball with the wall sensor panels 2000 based on the signals output by the wall sensor panels 2000. Since the time and location of impact with the bat 5000 is known and the time and location of the impact with the wall sensor panels 2000 is known, the velocity of the ball can be determined using standard equations of motion. If the weight of the ball is known, the processor 1000 can also calculate the trajectory of the ball after the ball has left the bat 5000. This information can be used to provide a visual indication of how the ball would have moved through a cricket ground, e.g. by displaying this information on the screen 4000.

Although in the above description the system has been described with relation to cricket, the system may be adapted for use with other ball sports such as tennis, badminton, squash etc.

Any of the processing devices described herein may comprise one or more electronic devices. An electronic device can be, e.g., a computer, e.g., desktop computer, laptop computer, notebook computer, minicomputer, mainframe, multiprocessor system, network computer, e-reader, netbook computer, or tablet. The electronic device can be a smartphone or other mobile electronic device.

The computer can comprise an operating system. The operating system can be a realtime, multi-user, single-user, multi-tasking, single tasking, distributed, or embedded. The operating system (OS) can be any of, but not limited to, Android ®, iOS ®,

Linux ®, a Mac operating system, a version of Microsoft Windows ®. The systems and methods described herein can be implemented in or upon computer systems. Equally, the processing device may be part of a computer system.

-29Computer systems can include various combinations of a central processor or other processing device, a communication bus (I2C, RS 232, USB etc.), various types of memory or storage media (RAM, ROM, EEPROM, cache memory, disk drives, etc.) for code and data storage, and one or more network interface cards or ports for communication purposes. The devices, systems, and methods described herein may include or be implemented in software code, which may run on such computer systems or other systems. For example, the software code can be executable by a computer system, for example, that functions as the storage server or proxy server, and/or that functions as a user's terminal device. During operation the code can be stored within the computer system. At other times, the code can be stored at other locations and/or transmitted for loading into the appropriate computer system. Execution of the code by a processor of the computer system can enable the computer system to implement the methods and systems described herein.

The computer system, electronic device, or server can also include a central processing unit (CPU), in the form of one or more processors, for executing program instructions. The computer system, electronic device, or server can include an internal communication bus, program storage and data storage for various data files to be processed and/or communicated. The computer system, electronic device, or server can include various hardware elements, operating systems and programming languages. The electronic device, server or computing functions can be implemented in various distributed fashions, such as on a number of similar or other platforms.

The devices may comprise various communication capabilities to facilitate communications between different devices. These may include wired communications (such as electronic communication lines or optical fibre) and/or wireless communications. Examples of wireless communications include, but are not limited to, radio frequency transmission, infrared transmission, or other communication technology. The hardware described herein can include transmitters and receivers for radio and/or other communication technology and/or interfaces to couple to and communicate with communication networks.

An electronic device can communicate with other electronic devices, for example, over a network. An electronic device can communicate with an external device using a variety of communication protocols. A set of standardized rules, referred to as a protocol, can be used utilized to enable electronic devices to communicate. A network can be a small system that is physically connected by cables or via wireless communication (a local

-30area network or “LAN”). An electronic device can be a part of several separate networks that are connected together to form a larger network (a wide area network or “WAN”). Other types of networks of which an electronic device can be a part of include the internet, telcom networks, intranets, extranets, wireless networks, and other networks over which electronic, digital and/or analog data can be communicated.

The methods and steps performed by components described herein can be implemented in computer software that can be stored in the computer systems or electronic devices including a plurality of computer systems and servers. These can be coupled over computer networks including the internet. The methods and steps performed by components described herein can be implemented in resources including computer software such as computer executable code embodied in a computer readable medium, or in electrical circuitry, or in combinations of computer software and electronic circuitry. The computer-readable medium can be non-transitory. Non15 transitory computer-readable media can comprise all computer-readable media, with the sole exception being a transitory, propagating signal. Computer readable media can be configured to include data or computer executable instructions for manipulating data. The computer executable instructions can include data structures, objects, programs, routines, or other program modules that can be accessed by a processing system. Computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to, non-volatile storage media in various forms (e.g., optical, magnetic or semiconductor storage media, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk), volatile media (e.g., dynamic memories) and carrier waves that can be used to transfer such formatted data and/or instructions through wireless, optical, or wired signalling media, transmission media (e.g., coaxial cables, copper wire, fibres optics) or any combination thereof.

The terms processing, computing, calculating, determining, or the like, can refer in whole or in part to the action and/or processes of a processor, computer or computing system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulate and/or transform data represented as physical, such as electronic, quantities within the system's registers and/or memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the system's memories, registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices. Users can be individuals as well as corporations and other legal entities. Furthermore, the processes presented herein are not inherently related to any particular computer, processing device, article or other apparatus. An example of a structure for a variety of these systems will appear from the description herein.

-31Embodiments are not described with reference to any particular processor, programming language, machine code, etc. A variety of programming languages, machine codes, etc. can be used to implement the teachings as described herein.

An electronic device can be in communication with one or more servers. The one or more servers can be an application server, database server, a catalog server, a communication server, an access server, a link server, a data server, a staging server, a database server, a member server, a fax server, a game server, a pedestal server, a micro server, a name server, a remote access server (RAS), a live access server (LAS), a network access server (NAS), a home server, a proxy server, a media server, a nym server, network server, a sound server, file server, mail server, print server, a standalone server, or a web server. A server can be a computer.

One or more databases can be used to store information from an electronic device. The databases can be organized using data structures (e.g., trees, fields, arrays, tables, records, lists) included in one or more memories or storage devices.

Examples and embodiments presented herein may be modified with features and configurations from other examples and embodiments presented herein.

Claims (48)

1. Claims

   ι. A sports apparatus for determining an impact location of an object in a sports environment, the apparatus comprising a processor and a pressure sensor comprising:

   5 a plurality of sensing units comprising a first sensing unit and a second sensing unit, and one or more impact layers covering the first and second sensing units, wherein the pressure sensor is configured such that a first surface of the one or more impact layers is in contact with at least the first and second sensing units upon the object impacting a second surface of the one or more impact layers which is io configured for receiving the impacting object;

   wherein the pressure sensor is configured to generate first and second signals at least using the respective first and second sensing units upon the object impacting the second surface of the one or more impact layers; and wherein the processor is configured to determine the impact location of the 15 object on the second surface of the one or more impact layers based on at least the first and second signals.
2. 2. A sports apparatus according to claim l, wherein the plurality of sensing units further comprises a third sensing unit and a fourth sensing unit.
3. 3. A sports apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the third and fourth sensing units are configured to output respective third and fourth signals upon the object impacting the second surface of the one or more impact layers; and wherein the processor is configured to determine the impact location of the object on the second

   25 surface of the one or more impact layers based on at least the first, second, third and fourth signals.
4. 4. A sports apparatus according to any one of claims l, 2 and 3, wherein the pressure sensor is in the form of a panel.
5. 5. A sports apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the pressure sensor panel comprises a rigid support upon which the plurality of sensing units are mounted.
6. 6. A sports apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, comprising a plurality of the 35 pressure sensor panels.

   -337- A sports apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of pressure sensor panels are arranged in a tiled configuration such that the respective second surfaces of the impact layers of each panel face in substantially the same direction.

   58. A sports apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 7 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the first, second, third and fourth sensing units reside substantially in the same plane and each of the sensing units is disposed in a different quadrant of the pressure sensor panel.
7. 10 9. A sports apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the respective signals output by each of the plurality of sensing units comprises at least one value associated with the magnitude of the force imparted onto the sensing units from the one or more impact layers upon the object impacting the second surface of the one or more impact layers.

   10. A sports apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the processor is configured to determine the impact location of the object on the second surface of the one or more impact layers based at least upon comparing the values associated with the plurality of sensing units.
8. 11. A sports apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the plurality of sensing units comprises a piezo-resistive material.
9. 12. A sports apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the piezo-resistive material

   25 comprises an electrically conductive material.
10. 13. A sports apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the electrically conductive material comprises a polymeric material.

    30
11. 14. A sports apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein each of the plurality of sensing units comprises a layer of the piezo-resistive material disposed between first and second conductive layers; the layer of piezo-resistive material having:

    a first surface at least partially contacting the first conductive layer and a second surface at least partially contacting the second conductive layer.

    -3415· A sports apparatus according to claim 14, wherein each of the first and second conductive layers comprises a layer of metallic material.

    16. A sports apparatus according to claim 15, wherein each layer of metallic 5 material is a patterned layer.

    17. A sports apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the first and second conductive layers are electrically connected to an electrical circuit.

    10 18. A sports apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more impact layers is transparent or translucent.

    19. A sports apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more impact layers comprises tempered glass.

    20. A sports apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more impact layers comprises a layer of polymeric material.

    21. A sports apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the polymeric material is 20 polycarbonate.

    22. A sports apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure sensor further comprises one or more light sources configured to emit light through the one or more impact layers.

    23. A sports apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the one or more light sources comprises a light-emitting diode.

    24. A sports apparatus according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the processor is further 30 configured to control the one or more light sources to emit light based on the signals output by the plurality of sensing units.

    25. A sports apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the processor is further configured to control the one or more light sources to emit light

    35 based on the signals output by the plurality of sensing units only if the magnitude of the force imparted onto the plurality of sensing units exceeds a predefined value.

    -3526. A sports apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more impact layers comprises fabric.

    5 2.7. A sports apparatus according to claim 26 when dependent on claim 14, wherein the first conductive layers comprise a wire woven into the fabric of the one or more impact layers such that at least:

    a portion of the wire resides proud of a first surface of the fabric; a portion of the wire resides proud of a second surface of the fabric and in

    10 contact with the layer of piezo-resistive material; the first surface opposite the second surface.

    28. A pressure sensor for determining an impact location of an object in a sports environment, the pressure sensor comprising:
12. 15 a plurality of sensing units comprising a first sensing unit comprising a piezo-resistive material, a second sensing unit comprising a piezo-resistive material, and one or more impact layers covering the first and second sensing units, wherein the pressure sensor is configured such that a first surface of the one or more impact layers is in contact with at least the first and second sensing units upon
13. 20 the object impacting a second surface of the one or more impact layers which is configured for receiving the impacting object;

    wherein the pressure sensor is configured to generate first and second signals at least using the respective first and second sensing units upon the object impacting the second surface of the one or more impact layers; and
14. 25 wherein the first and second signals are for determining the impact location of the object on the second surface of the one or more impact layers.
15. 29. A pressure sensor according to claim 28, wherein the plurality of sensing units further comprises a third sensing unit and a fourth sensing unit.
16. 30. A pressure sensor according to claim 29, wherein the third and fourth sensing units are configured to output respective third and fourth signals upon the object impacting the second surface of the one or more impact layers, wherein the third and fourth signals are for determining the impact location of the object on the second

    35 surface of the one or more impact layers together with the first and second signals.

    -3631. A pressure sensor according to any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein the pressure sensor is in the form of a panel.
17. 32. A pressure sensor according to claim 31, wherein the pressure sensor panel 5 comprises a rigid support upon which the plurality of sensing units are mounted.
18. 33. A pressure sensor according to claim 31 or 32, comprising a plurality of the pressure sensor panels.

    10
19. 34. A pressure sensor according to claim 33, wherein the plurality of pressure sensor panels are arranged in a tiled configuration such that the respective second surfaces of the impact layers of each panel face in substantially the same direction.
20. 35. A pressure sensor according to any one of claims 31 to 34 when dependent on

    15 claim 29, wherein the first, second, third and fourth sensing units reside substantially in the same plane and each of the sensing units is disposed in a different quadrant of the pressure sensor panel.
21. 36. A pressure sensor according to any one of claims 28 to 35, wherein each of the

    20 respective signals output by each of the plurality of sensing units comprises at least one value associated with the magnitude of the force imparted onto the sensing units from the one or more impact layers upon the object impacting the second surface of the one or more impact layers.

    25
22. 37· A pressure sensor according to any one of claims 28 to 36, wherein the piezo-resistive material comprises an electrically conductive material.
23. 38. A pressure sensor according to claim 37, wherein the electrically conductive material comprises a polymeric material.
24. 39. A pressure sensor according to any one of claims 28 to 38, wherein each of the plurality of sensing units comprises a layer of the piezo-resistive material disposed between first and second conductive layers; the layer of piezo-resistive material having:

    a first surface at least partially contacting the first conductive layer and a second

    35 surface at least partially contacting the second conductive layer.

    -3740. A pressure sensor according to claim 39, wherein each of the first and second conductive layers comprises a layer of metallic material.
25. 41. A pressure sensor according to claim 40, wherein each layer of metallic material 5 is a patterned layer.
26. 42. A pressure sensor according to any one of claims 39 to 41, wherein the first and second conductive materials are electrically connected to an electrical circuit.

    10
27. 43. A pressure sensor according to any one of claims 28 to 42, wherein the one or more impact layers is transparent or translucent.
28. 44. A pressure sensor according to any one of claims 28 to 43, wherein the one or more impact layers comprises tempered glass.
29. 45. A pressure sensor according to any one of claims 28 to 44, wherein the one or more impact layers comprises a layer of polymeric material.
30. 46. A pressure sensor according to claim 45, wherein the polymeric material is 20 polycarbonate.
31. 47. A pressure sensor according to any one of claims 28 to 46, further comprising one or more light sources configured to emit light through the impact layer.

    25
32. 48. A pressure sensor according to claim 47, wherein the one or more light sources comprises a light-emitting diode.
33. 49. A pressure sensor according to any one of claims 28 to 48, wherein the one or more impact layers comprises a sheet of fabric.
34. 50. A pressure sensor according to claim 49, wherein the first conductive layers comprise a wire woven into the fabric of the impact layer such that at least:

    a portion of the wire resides proud of a first surface of the fabric; a portion of the wire resides proud of a second surface of the fabric and in

    35 contact with the layer of piezo-resistive material;

    the first surface opposite the second surface.

    -3851. A system for controlling the propelling of a sports projectile in a sports environment, the system comprising:

    a plurality of sensors configured to detect a sporting event within the sports 5 environment and to output one or more signals upon the detection of the sporting event;

    a processor configured to generate a control signal based at least upon the one or more signals output from the plurality of sensors; and a projectile propelling apparatus configured to propel the sports projectile based io at least upon the control signal.
35. 52. A system according to claim 51, wherein at least one of the plurality of sensors is a pressure sensor.

    15
36. 53· A system according to claim 52, wherein the pressure sensor comprises an pressure sensor as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 50.
37. 54. A system according to claim 52 or 53, wherein the sporting event is an impact of the projectile on one or more of the pressure sensors.
38. 55. A system according to any one of claims 51 to 54, wherein at least one of the plurality of sensors comprises an infrared sensor.
39. 56. A system according to any one of claims 51 to 55, wherein at least one of the 25 plurality of sensors comprises an accelerometer for detecting the movement of an object in the sporting environment.
40. 57. A system according to any one of claims 51 to 56, wherein the projectile propelling apparatus is further configured to outwardly propel the projectile based on a

    30 time value, the time value being based upon the control signal.
41. 58. A system according to any one of claims 51 to 57, wherein the projectile propelling apparatus is further configured to provide a rotation of the propelled projectile upon being output from the projectile propelling apparatus, the rotation

    35 being at least based upon the control signal.

    -3959· A system according to any one of claims 51 to 58, wherein the projectile propelling apparatus is further configured to propel the projectile at a particular speed based upon the control signal.

    5 60. A system according to any one of claims 51 to 59, wherein the projectile propelling apparatus is further configured to propel the propelled projectile in a particular direction based upon the control signal.
42. 61. A system according to any one of claims 51 to 60, further comprising a sporting 10 apparatus for hitting the projectile propelled by the propelling apparatus, wherein the sporting apparatus comprises one or more movement sensors configured to determine a movement of the sporting implement within the sporting environment and to detect an impact of the projectile with the sporting apparatus and wherein the sporting apparatus is configured to output one or more signals to the processor based on the

    15 determined movement and/or the detected impact.
43. 62. A system according to claim 61, wherein the one or more movement sensors comprises an accelerometer.

    20
44. 63. A system according to claim 61 or 62, wherein the processor is configured to determine the time of the impact of the projectile with the sporting apparatus based on the one or more signals output by the sporting apparatus, and to determine the time of the sporting event based on the one or more signals output from the plurality of sensors, and to determine a velocity and a trajectory of the projectile after the projectile

    25 has impacted the sporting apparatus.
45. 64. A method of calibrating a pressure sensor, the pressure sensor comprising:

    a plurality of sensing units comprising a first sensing unit and a second sensing unit, and one or more impact layers covering the first and second sensing units,

    30 wherein the pressure sensor is configured such that a first surface of the one or more impact layers is in contact with at least the first and second sensing units upon an object impacting a second surface of the one or more impact layers which is configured for receiving the impacting object; the method comprising:

    sequentially applying a force at a plurality of different positions on the second

    35 surface of the impact layer;

    -40recording a signal value from each of the plurality of sensing units when the force is applied at each of the plurality of positions; and interpolating between the signal values recorded from each of the plurality of sensing units with respect to the corresponding positions.
46. 65. A method of determining the location of an impact of an object on a pressure sensor, the pressure sensor comprising:

    a plurality of sensing units comprising a first sensing unit and a second sensing unit, and one or more impact layers covering the first and second sensing units,

    10 wherein each sensing unit is configured to output one or more signals upon pressure being applied from the one or more impact layers;

    wherein the pressure sensor is configured such that a first surface of the one or more impact layers is in contact with at least the first and second sensing units upon the object impacting a second surface of the one or more impact layers which is

    15 configured for receiving the object; the method comprising:

    receiving signals from each of the impact sensing units generated in response to the impact of the object on the second surface of the one or more impact layers;

    determining, from a plurality of regions, a first region of the sensor in which the impact occurred based at least upon a signal output from one of the sensing units; and 20 determining the location of the impact within the first region.
47. 66. A method of determining the location of an impact of an object on a pressure sensor according to claim 65, wherein the determining the first region of the sensor in which the impact occurred based at least upon a signal output from one of the sensing

    25 units comprises comparing signals output from the plurality of sensing units, each of the signals indicating an impacting pressure, and optionally identifying one of the plurality of sensing units outputting a signal indicating the greatest impacting pressure.
48. 67. A method of determining the location of an impact of an object on a pressure

    30 sensor according to claim 66, wherein the determining the location of the impact within the first region comprises comparing signals output from sensing units other than the sensing unit outputting the signal indicating the greatest impacting pressure.

    Intellectual

    Property

    Office

    GB1612656.7

    1-50 & 65-67