JP3308529B2 - Sports training equipment - Google Patents

Description

Description: FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to training a sports person for any sporting activity, and more particularly to coordinating the exercise of the sporting person performing the activity. The invention applies to a wide range of sports people, from beginners who have begun to learn the basics of a sport to advanced people who are trying to improve their performance, as well as to all kinds of sports.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Although related to a particular activity, sports training generally follows a variety of procedures, from any form to systematic. The latter category includes the use of coaches and special training facilities and diverse and complex equipment. It is normal to record the time of activity. The present invention focuses on the time intervals between particular movements and the time ratio of complex movements.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Broadly, in accordance with the present invention, certain signals are
Used as a synchronizer, it initiates and guides the execution of exercise by a sports person performing a particular sports activity. This signal may be generated by an electronic device programmed to generate a series of auditory pulses having predetermined characteristics.

First, the predetermined signal is dependent on the particular sport activity. In addition, the characteristics of this series of pulses have been derived from a prior analysis of the exercises involved in appropriate sporting behavior. This prior analysis is based on an optimal model of performance in which the sports person is trained to achieve an output for which there is an accepted standard. On the other hand, this prior analysis may be based on a model derived from a review of the sports person's own behavior. For example, timing consistency may be achieved by the sports person using the derived model repeatedly. In another example,
By analyzing multiple models, sports people can experiment with different timing strategies. The model is
It can be human or mechanical.

By analyzing (analyzing) appropriate sports behavior, a stimulus timing parameter (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a stimulus parameter) is obtained. This parameter is
It relates to the start, duration and temporal relationship of exercise of different parts of the body, and is used to indicate at what relative timing each part of the body should exercise. Other additional information, such as the speed and force of the movement, can also be included. The stimulus timing parameters can be used to change the characteristics (intensity, duration, sound quality, etc.) of the auditory pulse associated with the movement of different parts of the body, or provide other information regarding the particular movement.

The stimulation parameters are provided to a programmable computer by means such as a keyboard. The auditory pulse is transmitted to the sports person by the audio output means. Preferably, the audio output means includes individual earphones for each sports person. Also, the audio output means may include a radio link to a remote sportsperson. In any case, the timing information can be instantaneously communicated directly to the sports person.

In accordance with the present invention, a sports training device that generates a synchronization signal that initiates and guides the movement of a sports person involved in a sports activity is a digital signal that is programmed to energize the sound generator in accordance with the sound generator and stimulus parameters. A logic computer, means for inputting predetermined stimulus parameters to the computer based on behavioral analysis of a model of a valid motion sequence of sport activity to generate a series of auditory pulses having predetermined characteristics to the sound generator, and the generated sound And audio output means to be communicated to the sports person as a preview and guidance for sports activities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a sports training apparatus according to the present invention.

2a and 2b show circuit diagrams of one embodiment of the sports training apparatus according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS To illustrate the present invention, two applications are shown.
For convenience, these applications are referred to as "sports-synch" and "sports-pacer", respectively. One sports training device can be designed to be suitable for use in both applications. On the other hand, it is also possible to design a separate device for each application.

Sports sinks are primarily intended for discrete activities such as hitting a golf ball or hitting a cricket ball. Such activities may be more accurate if the onset and duration of various physical exercises are correctly signaled to the sports person.
By the way, these two activities, sports sink,
It shows the flexibility to control both the self-sufficient and internally triggered actions that occur in golf and the actions that require external timing in cricket.

An ideal golf swing involves synchronized movement of multiple parts of the body. The series of signal patterns is based on the analysis of golf swings using human and machine models. Synchrony is conveyed to the golfer by a series of different auditory pulses that indicate the onset of movement in different parts of the body. Preferably, all sequences are short, synchronized tone bursts, for example twice per second.
Start by t). This audio burst acts as a start signal and may be triggered at the discretion of the golfer. The golfer knows which sound is triggering the movement of a particular part of the body and executes the sequence at the indicated timing. Thus, golfers learn to maintain timing consistency.

Sports sinks also apply to cricket batting strokes. Effective stroke play in cricket involves multiple decisions at short time intervals. According to the sports sink, the batter (ba
tsman) can practice the timing of a particular shot. The timing sequence of shots is based on an ideal model or individual models, such as in the case of boys who may not be ideal due to physical proportions.

(Eg, 1988 by Bootsma and Wieringen)
According to a skilled ball hitting analysis, the external trigger of ball hitting is consistently related to the distance between the ball and the eye. To this end, the start of the timing signal generated by the sports sink for the cricket shot is preferably based on an analysis of the actual professional play and not on a conventional bowling machine. Thus, unlike sports sinks for golf, devices for cricket are externally triggered. However, as in the case of golf, sports sinks for cricket generate sounds that suggest movement of certain parts of the body. The batter learns which sound relates to a particular body part. The batter then practices the shot, initially without the ball, and then, ideally, with a pitching machine. Each shot is identified by a different audio sequence, preferably by a separate start signal for the start of each shot. The advantage of using a pitching machine is that a batter can practice a shot over and over, assuming that the pitching machine is set to throw a ball at a fixed distance and speed. In this case, the timing sequence is preferably initiated remotely from the pitching machine, for example by wireless transmission. In the case of a human pitcher, the timing sequence for a shot may be initiated remotely by a third party, for example, a coach. Thus, the timing of each voice is pre-programmed using the model, so that a sequence of certain activities is 1
One input can be triggered as a whole. This one input trigger may be initiated manually or by a remote signal from another device, such as a pitch machine. Sports sinks can also be reprogrammed by the user to change various aspects of the overall operation to suit each individual.

Sports sinks can also be used for other activities that require precise exercise, including timing conditions, such as high jumps, throwing cricket balls, putting, etc. All of these activities involve a series of events that must be created and initiated separately.

Sport pacers, on the other hand, are intended for the timing of repetitive movements that are measured, such as occurs in running or swimming. The essential purpose of this device is that by providing an auditory signal to be synchronized with the mode of propulsion (e.g. running pace or swimming stroke), the characteristics of the pace can be immediately converted into a measurement of speed. It is. Thus, the sports pacer functions as a speedometer for the athlete. The accuracy of this speedometer function depends on the measurement of the particular athlete who has exercised for the set distance, so that the pace or stroke per distance can be converted to pulses per unit time. Given this information, a training regime can be programmed for one athlete or the entire race without the athlete constantly checking the clock.

Preferably, the device is sufficiently flexible to allow athletes and coaches to correct for changes in terrain by referring to changes in travel distance for changes in slope of running terrain. It is possible. Therefore,
Races like marathons can be programmed from start to finish. Since the athlete has full knowledge of his or her speed throughout the race, he can preset the accident pace for that race.

Athletes can also try different strategies because the sports pacer allows them to race at different speeds at each phase of the race, knowing exactly what their speed is.

One application of this device, which differs from the previous examples, is
Is to help synchronize the run-up of the cricket pitcher. A fast bowler who throws a fastball requires a precise rhythm, especially when pitching. Sports
The pacer, by giving a series of pulses, allows to pace each step of the run-up and the next arm movement leading to the ball being thrown.

Sports pacers need to be more flexible than sports sinks. This device, for example,
It has a built-in program of performance based on measurements of global athletes in suitable races that can be used as models. The device may be based on individual programs for set distances.

The sports training device illustrated in FIG. 1 is suitable for application in both sports sinks and sports pacers. The device includes a programmable electronic system consisting of three main components. The first is
An input device with a keypad used to select a program (if there is more than one) and enter stimulus parameters. The second is a computer with a memory of programmable microchips and a sound generator. Third, audio frequency amplifiers and speakers by which sound generated by the computer is transmitted to the sports person.

This device allows a user to select sounds over a wide range of frequencies and intensities and sequence the sounds. This sequence can be triggered by any of a plurality of loudspeakers or by an output from an earphone upon command from a keypad. The device may include a display that shows the user exact details (such as frequency, duration, sequence, etc.) regarding the currently programmed information. The output characteristics of the device include the full range of audible frequencies of the sound, the duration of the sound in the range of milliseconds to seconds,
It can cover the entire duration of an auditory sequence ranging from a few milliseconds to several hours. The apparatus also includes means for storing multiple audible sequences simultaneously. In addition, the device can contain more than one program. In this case, an appropriate program and audible sequence are selected by operating the keypad.

Preferably, the audio output means for transmitting a series of audible sounds to the sports person comprises an earphone worn by the sports person. If more than one sports person is given the same sequence of audible sounds, each person is given a separate earphone. When a sports person is away, such as a marathon, the audio output means includes wireless transmission.

To increase portability, the training device is preferably powered by a battery.

2a and 2b show circuit diagrams of a sports training apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. With this circuit and the computer program described below, the training device can be used as either a sports sink or a sports pacer. The functional differences are due to the way the sequence of sounds is selected by the program and stored in hardware and triggered by the sports person. In the case of the sports sync function, the preparation signal starts the sequence. This is followed by a series of sounds, the frequency and the interval between the pulses being selected to induce movement throughout the body, including movement of many parts. In the case of the sports pacer function, the range of sounds used is not very wide, due to the repetitive nature of the particular exercise being signaled. However, the output covers a repetitive exercise sequence for the entire duration of the sporting activity, such as in the case of a marathon, which is more than two hours.

The circuits shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b represent a programmable sound sequence generator controlled by a Motorola microcontroller UI (MC 68705C8). The controller UI monitors the input keys of the keyboard KI and performs all timing and voice selection functions of the operation of either the sports sync or sports pacer application. Sounds and times are stored in the processor ROM and are accessed by the CPU to produce precisely controlled sounds and accurate durations.

The circuit also includes a reset generator (MC34064) that monitors the power supply and keeps the controller UI in a reset state if power is not supplied or the battery voltage is low. A voltage regulator (MC78L05) U3 controls the voltage of the battery and provides a voltage of +5 volts to this digital circuit. The generator U4 generates -5 volts from a +5 power supply to the microchip of the audio generator (ML2035), which generates serial data from the controller U1 via a hexadecimal format SPI. To generate a sine wave. Low power amplifier (LM386) U6, sound generator U
The sine wave from 5 provides enough power to drive low impedance headphones or earphones. This power is provided by a 9 volt battery B1.

A program suitable for use with the circuits shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b for operation of the training device in the manner described above is as follows.

The software and hardware described above may be used to adapt the training device to various other motor functions not specifically described in this application, as needed.
Modifications are possible. Other changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the broad concept in the following claims.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Fields surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A63B 71/06 A63B 24/00 A63B 69/00 G07C 1/22 G10L 13/00

Claims (7)

(57) [Claims] [1] A sports person performing a sports activity,
Providing a predetermined synchronization signal in the form of an auditory pulse,
A sports training device for inducing and inducing the movement of the sports person, comprising: a sound generator; a digital logic computer programmed to energize the sound generator according to stimulus timing parameters;
A predetermined stimulus timing parameter based on an analysis of the accepted standard behavior of the sports activity is input to the computer and instructs the computer to activate the sound generator to generate a series of auditory pulses. A sports training device comprising: means and audio output means for transmitting generated sounds to the sports person as guidance to the sports activity, wherein the stimulus timing parameters are different parts of the sports person's body. Analysis of the accepted standard behavior of the sporting activity having varying characteristics indicating the start, duration and temporal relationship of the specific exercise, including the start, duration and temporal relationship of the specific exercise The sequence of auditory pulses is intensity, frequency, Or a sports training apparatus having varying predetermined characteristics including sound quality, and announcing the start, duration and temporal relationship of specific exercises of different parts of the body to be performed by the sports person. . 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined characteristic signals additional information about the movement to be performed. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said audio output means includes an earphone worn by said sports person. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said audio output means includes a wireless link. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said means for inputting stimulus timing parameters comprises a keyboard. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for storing a plurality of said series of auditory pulses simultaneously. 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for storing a plurality of programs.