RU2543404C2 - Ball for use in game and/or training - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: games.

SUBSTANCE: device of the ball to allow the use of information relevant to the phenomena affecting the ball, in the form of strokes by parts of the body, or by influencing the ball of the equipment, such as a bat, tennis racket, or the like, to establish of analysis on the basis of how phenomena affecting the ball (strokes) correspond to a predetermined pattern, and as a result, to provide feedback to the user.

EFFECT: device can be used for practical training on skills of working with the ball with fun and inspiring way, while it can also be used in such practical applications of more entertaining nature as playing the rhythm or other types of games (for gaming consoles such as XBOX, Nintendo, Playstation, PC, Mac, etc).

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Description

State of the art

The attractiveness of products in the market, in particular in areas such as reproduction, games and training, is largely dependent on acceptable prices. Modern electronic and communication technologies are becoming more and more cheap, which made it possible to increase the degree of integration, which, in turn, allowed the implementation of sufficiently advanced control and monitoring systems, without affecting, to a large extent, the primary function of the studied objects. Thus, finding a new field of application of modern technology within traditional areas where such technology has not yet been implemented is a matter of creativity.

Prior art

With regard to ball games, the new technology is mainly used to a greater extent with respect to monitoring the movement of the ball and players. With regard to music that is played, played, or synthesized, modern technology plays a continuous role. In the interface between these areas, ball games and music shaping, there are some publications related to the use of balls to form music. A related area is a music game in which the user takes a backlash based on how well his or her character or rhythm matches the reproduction of the original music.

Chinese Patent Application No. CN 1537658 A describes a “Musical Ball”. The ball in this case is used to form music and, in particular, is not suitable for teaching the skills of working with the ball as such. In addition, the ball includes a signal processing unit received from sensors, as well as a sound generating element, an amplifier, a battery and an acoustic system. Even with the latest technology, weight will be implied which is supposed to affect the properties of the ball.

U.S. Patent Application No. 20070214939 A1 describes a musical ball in which sensor readings are associated with a remote unit. In this case, the sensor is adapted to measure the delay, which provides limited control over phenomena affecting the ball. If, for example, the change in pressure in the ball is measured, then an indication can be obtained about how hard the ball was hit or pushed with the foot. Feedback on the strength of the impact can be useful to the user, regardless of whether the task is a music game, or just training in ball skills.

The main focus of US application 20070214939 A1 is, as in the aforementioned Chinese patent application, the formation of music.

There are also rhythm games, such as video games, in which the user takes a backlash regarding how exactly the level of his rhythm or character matches the reproduced material, as, for example, is reported in application US 2005252362 A. User input, in this case, not associated with the use of the ball and, therefore, the game is not suitable for training in ball skills.

In addition, there are games for training in working with the ball, such as those described in WO 08009427 A, which uses an advanced tracking system containing sensors in the ball, as well as throughout the game area to detect the location of the ball in any moment of time. This is a fairly complex system.

Goals

The invention can be understood as consisting of two parts, namely, to provide a device in relation to the ball:

- to learn the skills of working with the ball in a fun and inspiring way,

- which can also be used in such practical applications of a more entertaining nature as rhythm games or other types of games (for game consoles like XBOX, Nintendo, Playstation, for PC or Mac, etc.).

However, there is no absolute boundary between these areas; to a certain extent, they are supposed to overlap.

More specifically, the objectives of the invention are to provide a device that allows the application of information related to phenomena affecting the ball (hits the ball), either in the form of strokes by means of body parts or by any instruments affecting the ball, such as a bat for a ball, a golf club, a tennis racket, etc., to create an analysis of how the kicks are associated with a predefined pattern, and provide feedback to the user depending on the results of the analysis .

The goal is to use this to give the phenomena that affect the ball, the nature of the game, associated, in particular, with music.

Another goal is to use feedback to relate the relationship between the ratio of phenomena affecting the ball to defined standards that affect the ball, such as a means of control or advice during training on how to use the ball.

In addition, the aim of the invention is the manufacture of such a ball so that its properties are changed to the least extent by including in its composition sensors of influence / bias and an accompanying transmitter.

General Description of the Invention

The above objectives are achieved by the device in accordance with the present invention, as defined in claim 1.

A mechanical impact sensor such as a pressure sensor or other type of sensor is installed in the ball. For a sensor, there is a transmitter that transmits values read by the sensor. Both the sensor and the transmitter are mounted in the ball. Since devices for generating feedback for the user are not included in the composition of the ball, the weight and volume of the components installed in the ball are limited so that they have the least effect on the properties of the ball.

The ball may be a soccer, handball or other type of ball that is large enough to accommodate a sensor with an accompanying transmitter without negatively affecting the properties of the ball to such an extent that it affects the game with the ball.

The transmitted data is received by means of a remote receiving and processing unit, which, based on certain criteria, compares the received data with a predefined sample. This sample can describe the rhythm of a piece of music or a sequence of mechanical effects on a ball as applied to a practice session with the ball. The result of the comparison can be related to the user, who can take steps to improve accuracy or support the already achieved high accuracy. Alternatively, the feedback may relate to such simple actions as increasing the force of mechanical action or the speed of mechanical action on the ball.

In this way, the user can learn skills related to rhythm, ball skills, coordination, or general fitness.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a drawing of an overview.

Figure 2 is a ball that includes a sensor and a transmitter.

Figure 3 - details of the processing unit.

Figure 4 is a graphical representation of the control program algorithm.

Description of figures

In various drawings, the same reference numbers are used to represent the same elements.

Figure 1 provides an overview of the system; the ball 1 can bounce on the surface 3. Preferably, near the center of the ball 1 there is a sensor 16 and a transmitter 17 with an antenna 2. The signals from the sensor 16 can be transmitted by the transmitter 17 via radio signals 4 to the combined reception and processing unit 5, which, among other things, is provided with separate antenna 6.

Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the ball 1 for the image that the sensor 16, the transmitter 17 and the antenna 2 are installed in the center of the ball.

Figure 3 provides a more detailed image of the combined unit 5 of the reception and processing. The signals are transmitted through the antenna 6 and sent to the receiver 10. The receiver decodes the signals and sets them to a format understood by the processor 11. The processor 11 can read samples with which the received signals should be compared either via the Internet or interactively through terminal 13. Main function the control program is depicted by means of a graphical representation of the algorithm in Figure 4. The control program, as such, is executed by the processor 11, and the user receives feedback either through the speaker system 12 or through the terminal 13.

Figure 4 depicts a graphical representation of the algorithm of the main functions in the control program executed by the processor 11. The time axis directed downward and the squares arranged in parallel are used to indicate processes that are controlled in parallel. A graphical representation of the algorithm represents an embodiment where the device is used both for a musical game and for practical training in ball skills. The control program is described in more detail below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention consists of the following main parts:

- a ball with a mechanical impact sensor included in its composition;

- reception and processing unit;

- software.

The individual parts are described in more detail below.

A ball with a mechanical impact sensor included

The term "ball" is intended to include any type of ball that can accommodate the described mechanical impact sensor and the associated transmitter unit, such as a soccer, handball, basketball, tennis ball, etc.

The ball includes a mechanical impact sensor and a transmitter, but has the same characteristics as a “normal” ball. This means that the sensor and transmitter are small and light in order to influence the properties of the ball to the least extent (in particular, when they are not located in the center of the ball).

The mechanical impact sensor and the transmitter can be mounted, for example, next to a specially designed valve in the ball so that the transmitter inside the ball can be charged by connecting the charger to the valve. Alternatively, the transmitter may be removed for charging. If battery technology allows, the sensor, transmitter and battery can be combined into the ball completely without the possibility of replacement. In any case, the ball has a limited life.

Transmitter technology is selected based on availability, cost, and available frequency ranges.

Reception and processing unit

The receiving and processing unit may be permanently installed or designed in such a way as to be carried by the user.

The receiver is tuned to the transmitter, selected taking into account the frequency range, modulation and technology in general.

The processor is based on well-known and easily accessible technology.

In addition, the receiving and processing unit is equipped with an acoustic system and / or a display device so that the user can receive feedback on how much his or her possession of the ball matches a predefined pattern.

For example, the receiving and processing unit can also interact with televisions / personal computers / cell phones or other suitable means of transmitting information to establish a communication channel with a user.

The receiving and processing unit may also have the ability to interact with the Internet, for example, to download new templates with which the signals received by the sensor should be compared. Interaction over the Internet can also be used to centrally store the results achieved, making it possible, for example, to compete with other people or to manage the development of your own skills over time.

Software

The main function of custom software tools is:

- loading templates that determine the desired or optimal possession of the ball;

- reading received sensor data;

- interpretation and comparison of the received sensor data with a predefined template;

- providing the user with feedback, in accordance with the quality of possession of the ball relative to a predefined template. Evaluation may be performed with respect to speed, strength, or rhythm matching.

This can be used in various compounds, for example, in relation to rhythm games, or simply in practical exercises for training to work with the ball. A more detailed description of the individual items is given below.

Download Templates

Templates, for example, can be located on a central server with an Internet connection. Then, the receiving and processing unit can load the desired template in the usual way. Also, templates can be offered, bought and distributed over the Internet in the same way as music files are currently.

Patterns determine the pattern of desired strokes for the ball with respect to time and strength, and, of course, the information content of the pattern depends on its application. If this is a template for rhythm playing, then the template will contain an audio track, for example, in MP3 format, as well as information about certain time intervals within which the user must make beats to score points. The degree of difficulty can be adjusted by adjusting the size of the time intervals in which impacts are allowed.

If the application is only training in ball skills, then the pattern will be different, but also, in this case, the goal can be as good a hit as possible within time intervals. In this case, the time intervals will be located in accordance with the alleged best practice of the training exercise. Alternatively, the criteria for high points may be the maximum possible strength or the maximum possible speed (frequency).

Reading Received Sensor Data

Data is read in accordance with the resolution of the sensor and in accordance with the need for updating during the game. The selected information transmission path, for example, Bluetooth, used between the transmitter in the ball and the receiving and processing unit, should at least have a bandwidth sufficient to transmit the corresponding amount of data with a sufficient degree of reliability.

Interpretation and Comparison

The template in question should also describe the appropriate application. If this is a rhythm game, then the soundtrack should be played, and the moments of time the ball should be saved and compared with certain time intervals, after which the user’s score is calculated based on how well the user’s strokes satisfy these time intervals.

If the application is a practical lesson with the ball, then the reproduction of the template may, for example, begin with the first hit of the ball after a sound signal. From this moment on, the times at which the ball is hit are saved and compared with specific time intervals, and the user’s score is calculated based on how well the user falls into these time intervals. In this case, there may also be moments for getting points in accordance with how quickly or how hard the hits are completed, that is, the strongest possible strike or the fastest possible strike gives the highest points.

Feedback

To improve the user's productivity, he needs feedback and, preferably, continuous feedback. The feedback can take the form of an “unpleasant” sound signal every time the ball hits outside the desired time interval. It is also predictable when using the option in which the playback speed of the audio track is adjusted either up or down, depending on whether the last beat arrived too soon or too late, compared to a certain time interval so that the user quickly understood whether the blow sooner or later.

In practical exercises, for example, an “angry” sound and a “happy” sound can be used, depending on whether the blow is good or bad.

In addition, the result can be shown on the display device, either in addition to using sound, or instead of it, depending on what is deemed more practical in actual use. For example, a simple visual presentation may be a column whose height represents the user's current rating points. More advanced visual representations may include drawings of animated game data, where the displacement of the figure depends on the ball hits.

If the reception and processing unit has the ability to communicate via the Internet, then within the embodiment, it is possible to play with several participants, either locally or in physically different locations that play on the network, or with each other, or compete with each other.

When a game or session is interrupted, performance data can either be stored in the processor unit, or they can be uploaded to the server via the Internet. This allows the user to track the development of her / his skills from session to session, and this can serve as the basis for calculating statistics and graphs that make the results easily accessible.

Examples of using

The following example describes an embodiment of a rhythm game. The user selects the desired piece of music with a distinct rhythm. For additional processing, it must be saved in digital format, such as MP3. Through a graphical representation of the power of music over time, the rhythm will be visual, like evenly spaced intervals between stronger blocks (for example, drum beats).

To form a template of expected user hits, the strength of the musical game must exceed a certain limit (within the time period of drum hits), then the “time interval” is opened, that is, points are calculated and awarded if the user hits the ball in such a period of time. If the user hits the ball outside this time interval, then no points are awarded, alternatively negative points are awarded.

Playback can begin, for example, through an MP3 player, which can be an integral part of the receiving and processing unit. The time reference point may be the first hit on the ball and, alternatively, after being indicated by a beep. The user is trying to make the ball bounce so that it hits the surface, essentially at the same time as the rhythm of the music. Scoring is activated every time a beat is within open time intervals, that is, the strength of the music is above a predetermined limit. Each hit within these time intervals is counted, and when playback ends, the accumulated number of hits in these time intervals is reported as user points.

This is the main function, but, of course, additional functions can be included in the software that controls the system, for example:

- the degree of complexity can be adjusted by adjusting the size of open time intervals;

- the use of simple or complex musical works;

- feedback for the user in real time during the execution, if desired, such that the music is interrupted if the user's hits are too bad;

- a graphical representation of the results and / or sound representation, which indicates the quality of the user's performance;

- calculating the form of forecasting and development over time based on previously achieved results and similar representations;

- Adaptation for competitions between several participants.

Claims (7)

 1. A device associated with the ball (1) for playing with the ball, including at least a mechanical impact sensor (16) integrated into the ball for recording mechanical effects and / or displacement, a sensor (16) connected to the unit ( 17, 2) wireless transmission of recorded values such as mechanical force and / or mechanical direction to a receiving and processing unit (5), configured to process a signal from at least one sensor (16), characterized in that the unit (5) receiving and processing are performed with the ability to compare the signal or sensor signals with a predefined signal sample to provide feedback to the user regarding the degree of correspondence between the two signal sequences, while the predefined signal sample determines the time intervals related to a series of tones - a piece of music in such a way that the signal from the block ( 5) receiving and processing provides feedback on the degree of correspondence between the rhythm in a musical work and the rhythm of mechanical impacts on the ball (1). 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the ball (1) is designed for use by body parts or objects. 3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the reception and processing unit (5) is configured to interrupt the comparison (reset) if the lack of beats corresponding to the musical rhythm exceeds a predetermined limit. 4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the unit (5) for receiving and processing is configured to adjust the playback speed of the audio track with user hits on the ball. 5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the predetermined signal sample is configured to predefined parameters that affect the ball, such as the strength of the mechanical effect, the speed of the mechanical effect, the direction of the mechanical effect for the action, thus, as an aid to learning to work with the ball. 6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5, characterized in that the user receives feedback in the form of images and / or sounds that indicate the quality of the blows. 7. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5, characterized in that the receiving and processing unit (5) is adapted to be carried by the user of the ball.

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