WO2003084618A1

WO2003084618A1 - Device for stimulating at least one person

Info

Publication number: WO2003084618A1
Application number: PCT/EP2003/002661
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frank Weiss
Original assignee: Ryll, Thomas
Priority date: 2002-04-08
Filing date: 2003-03-13
Publication date: 2003-10-16
Also published as: KR20050006148A; JP2005522248A; AU2003227033A1; DE10216296A1; WO2003084613A2; EP1525036A1; DE10216296B4; AU2003218760A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for stimulating at least one person, by means of at least one module (12), observed and controlled by the at least one person. Said module (12) comprises at least one means by means of which the observable control of the at least one module may be at times and/or partly deactivated by the at least one person (48).

Description

Device for activating at least one person

The invention relates to a device for activating at least one person.

In the sense of the invention, activation of at least one person means a specific movement training, a specific movement therapy, a specific movement animation or the like of a person. The targeted activation can take place in particular for sporting, medical or therapeutic reasons.

Training and / or therapy devices of the most varied types are known. These facilities, which are generally known as sports and / or fitness devices, offer people the possibility of targeted movement therapy or targeted training. Static or dynamic devices are known. Depending on their structure, different movement sequences are conceivable. It is also known to combine such devices with so-called small computers, by means of which different training sequences or movement sequences can be simulated. For example, so-called ergometers are mentioned here. A disadvantage of the known devices is that they can be used only relatively inflexibly, in particular only for a specific movement.

The invention is therefore based on the object of creating a device of the generic type which is distinguished by a simple structure and can be flexibly adapted to different movement sequences.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a device having the features mentioned in claim 1. Characterized in that the device for activating at least one person comprises at least one module which can be controlled perceptibly by at least one person, the module comprising at least one means by which the at least one person activates the module perceptibly at least temporarily and / or partially can be deactivated, it is advantageously achieved that the perceptible activation of the at least one module requires a reaction of the at least one person to deactivate the perceptible activation. Depending on the relative position of the perceptually controllable module to the at least one person, the deactivation is associated with a quasi forced or required movement of the person. It becomes clear that people can initiate specific movements and reactions. This allows a very efficient movement therapy or a very efficient movement training. In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the at least one module comprises at least one controllable segment. In particular, it is preferably provided that the module comprises a plurality of segments that can be arranged in a predeterminable grid, which are preferably arranged in intersecting vertical and / or horizontal and / or diagonal lines. Such a design ^'is advantageously achieved that here xibility a large flexo respect unterschiedlichster movements is given. Here, in particular, person-specific movement therapies or person-specific or sport-specific movement training can be carried out in a simple manner, taking ergonomic aspects into account.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the at least one module is a surface element, which is preferably straight or curved. In particular, provision can also be made for the surface element to be of concave and / or convex curvature. This makes it possible to achieve an optimal position of the individual segments of the module with respect to the at least one person, so that besides an optimal adaptation to given room situations, special therapy or training measures that are tailored to the individual case can also be implemented.

Furthermore, it is provided in a preferred embodiment that the at least one module in front of and / or behind and / or left and / or right and / or above and / or under which at least one person is arranged. In this way, by combining a large number of modules, each of which may have a large number of individual segments, a device is created which permits targeted movement therapy or specific movement training in several spatial directions.

Depending on the actual application of the device, for example as a training device for competitive sports, training device in fitness centers or sports schools or therapeutic facilities, such as rehabilitation clinics or the like, a device that meets the actual requirements can be put together by the selected modular design. In particular, starting from a module which is arranged virtually opposite the person to be activated, an expansion can be carried out by at least one additional module, which is in particular arranged at an angle to the first module. Here, a corner arrangement, in particular in a perpendicular arrangement to one another, is just as conceivable as the arrangement at acute or obtuse angles to one another. In particular, a concave and / or convex module also allows a wide range of applications in the aforementioned areas in a compact design.

In addition, a preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the segments emit optical and / or acoustic signals as a result of the perceptible activation. By perceiving the optical and / or acoustic signals by the at least one person, the person is asked to deactivate exactly the segments which emit the optical and / or acoustic signals. The movement of the person is stimulated in accordance with a predefinable frequency and / or duration of the delivery of the optical and / or acoustic signals. It becomes clear that a wide variety of movement therapies or movement trainings can be set by specifying the frequency and / or duration of the optical and / or acoustic signals. A variation of the frequency and / or the duration of the optical and / or acoustic signals of individual segments is also possible over the total duration of a training or therapy unit.

Furthermore, it is provided in a preferred embodiment that the segments undergo a change in shape as a result of the perceptible activation, which is effected in particular by pneumatic and / or hydraulic activation. As a result, additional design options are created which either allow the visual perception or the sensing of the activation of a segment by the at least one person. The various combination options between optical and / or acoustic and / or pneumatic or hydraulic control result in therapy and training options even for people with visual impairment and / or hearing impairment of different degrees of disability. In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the segments comprise at least one illuminant and, according to a further preferred embodiment, comprise a plurality of illuminants which emit electromagnetic waves in different wavelength ranges. Depending on the choice of the at least one illuminant, an optical signaling in different colors can take place here. This different color signaling causes different perception reactions of the people to be activated, so that due to the otherwise, for example, the same movement sequences, by triggering the same segments as a result of their different coloring, different reaction speeds of the people can be triggered or trained or treated.

The at least one illuminant is preferably formed by a light-emitting diode or the like, so that the illuminants can be easily integrated into the segments without taking up large installation space. Furthermore, this makes it possible to reduce the energy requirements of the lamps to a necessary minimum.

Furthermore, it is provided in a preferred embodiment of the invention that the segments comprise interchangeable cover elements, which in particular have a different shape and / or different material thickness and / or consist of a different material. This also advantageously allows adaptation to a wide variety of training or therapeutic measures. took possible. A different actuating force of the segments, which is necessary to achieve the deactivation of the individual segments, can be set, for example, via material thickness and / or choice of material and / or shape. In addition to the ability to react quickly, training and therapy of physical exertion associated with movement are also possible. As a result, different training methods for different sports or the like can be used in a simple manner. It is particularly preferred if the cover elements consist of plastic, in particular optically transparent plastic. As a result, in addition to the optical signaling, the shape and / or material thickness of the covering hoods can be implemented in a simple manner. In particular, the necessary weight of the cover elements and thus of the segments and thus of the modules is also reduced to a minimum, so that good operating conditions are given with regard to the flexibility and flexibility of the device.

Furthermore, it is provided in a preferred embodiment of the invention that the switching means for deactivating the individual segments can be actuated in a contactless or mechanical manner. Depending on the selected embodiment, deactivation can take place here, for example, by applying an actuating force - which, as already explained, can be variably adjusted - or by bringing a body part of the person closer to the segment to be deactivated contactless deactivation, for example by an infrared sensor or the like, possible.

Furthermore, it is provided in a further preferred embodiment of the invention that the device comprises a control device for controlling the at least one module and / or for detecting and / or recording the deactivation of the at least one segment of the at least one module. In particular, as is provided in a further preferred embodiment of the invention, if the control device is freely programmable, different training programs or therapy programs can be implemented with the device according to the invention. The frequency and / or the duration of the signaling of the individual segments can be programmed in this way. In particular, programming is possible here with regard to different degrees of difficulty, different movement sequences to be trained and different training duration. For example, ergonomic conditions of the person to be activated can be taken into account when programming the control.

It is further preferred if the control device comprises means for personal programming. This makes it possible to specifically program the device for different degrees of difficulty and / or desired movement sequences. This enables particularly high flexibility and a wide range of uses for the device according to the invention. It is further preferred if the control device includes storage means for the personal storage of the activation and / or deactivation processes, wherein it is particularly preferably provided that the control device comprises at least one input / output unit for reading or reading out personal activation and / or deactivation processes. This advantageously makes it possible to temporarily store the personal programming, so that it is not necessary to re-program the control device and thus the device each time. At the same time, the deactivation processes can be recorded and saved so that they are available for a comprehensive evaluation. In particular, may reaction times between the activation and deactivation of the ^segments' segments are included here in order to obtain the movement behavior of the persons to be activated conclusions. This allows the training programs or therapy programs to be optimized in a simple manner. In particular, the deactivation times of the individual segments can be compared with one another, so that the movement reactions of the person to be activated can be recorded exactly and, if necessary, can be specifically trained.

In addition, it is provided in a preferred embodiment of the invention that the input / output unit of the control device is a chip card reader. This makes it possible to carry out the personal programming or the personal storage of the activation and / or deactivation tion processes on the chip card, so that simple insertion of the device is possible by inserting or removing the chip card from the control device, or the detected deactivation processes can be carried along. This means that later, regardless of the actual device according to the invention, the individual results can be recorded, archived and / or evaluated in a simple manner.

Finally, it is provided in a preferred embodiment of the invention that the control device is connected to the at least one module via an interface, which is in particular wireless or wired. This interface is preferably bidirectional, so that an exchange of the control signals or the deactivation signals between the at least one module and the control device is possible in a simple manner. The interface can be an infrared interface, for example, so that additional cable routing can be dispensed with. Of course, other designs are conceivable, which can be implemented, for example, by radio, optical waveguide, electrical lines or the like.

Further preferred embodiments of the invention result from the other features mentioned in the subclaims. The invention is explained below in exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of the device according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows the function of the device according to the invention using a block diagram;

Figures different views of a segment of the 3a to 3c device according to the invention and

Figures schematically different execution- 4 to 7 variants of the device.

FIG. 1 shows a device, generally designated 10, for activating at least one person (not shown in FIG. 1). The device 10 comprises at least one module 12, which consists of a number of segments 14. As is readily apparent from the illustration in FIG. 1, here the segments 14 are arranged in a grid formed from rows 18 or rows 16. The number of rows 18 and rows 16 is variable. The number of segments 14 can be chosen as desired in accordance with the given structural requirement or in accordance with — to be explained — desired training or therapy procedures.

According to the representation in Figure 1, the module 12 is designed as a flat surface element. According to Other, not shown exemplary embodiments, the module 12 can have a concave and / or convex arched shape - both in the direction of the rows 16 and / or in the direction of the rows 18. If necessary, a corresponding structural adaptation of the segments 14 takes place, so that these can also be assembled into the aforementioned concave or convex shapes. If necessary, the segments 14 have a flexibility that allows an elastic shape according to the desired conditions of use.

A module 20 is assigned to the module 12, which communicates with the module 12 via a bidirectional interface 22. Each of the segments 14 comprises at least one light source 24, in particular at least one light-emitting diode, which can be controlled by the control device 20, that is to say a supply voltage can be applied to it. Furthermore, each segment 14 comprises a switching means 26, which is only indicated schematically here and by means of which the lighting means 24 previously controlled by the control device 20 can be deactivated.

In the illustration in FIG. 1, only one segment 14 is assigned an illuminant 24 and a switching means 26, it being clear that each of the segments 14 has such an illuminant 24 and switching means 26.

The individual illuminants 24 of the segments 14 can be variably controlled via the control device 20. By Linking each segment 14 with row information or column information means that each illuminant 24 can be controlled individually. In this case, the control unit 20 can predefine a frequency of the activation and / or a duration of the activation of each of the lamps 24.

The control unit 20 here only includes actuation devices 28, by means of which the control unit 20 can be programmed. Means 30 are integrated in the control unit 20, which in particular comprise storage means, computing means and the like, by means of which signals can be processed or processed. The control unit 20 further comprises an input and output unit 32, which is designed in particular as a chip card reader 34. A chip card 36 indicated here, which comprises at least one storage means 38, can be inserted into the chip card reader 34.

The device 10 shown in FIG. 1 shows the following function explained on the basis of the block diagram in FIG. 2:

A person using the device 10 is in possession of the personal chip card 36. This is entered into the control unit 20 in a first step 50. The control device 20 reads the personal programming from the storage means 38 of the chip card 36 in a next step 52 and stores it temporarily in the means 30. The means 30 determines from the personal In a next step 54, the control signals for the illuminants 24 of the individual segments 14 are programmed. This applies in particular to the sequence, the selection, the frequency and / or the duration of the activation of individual segments 14. According to the personal programming, not all of them necessarily have to Segments 14 are controlled, but only a selection of the segments 14 assigned to the corresponding desired training program or therapy program. The personal programming can simultaneously contain the total duration of the training program or therapy program. The triggering program is started by triggering a start (step 56) of the device 10. This can be done, for example, by actuating one of the actuation buttons 28 or the like. The person then positions himself within range of the module 12 and deactivates the previously controlled segment 14 with his limbs, for example hands and / or feet. As a result of the transmission of the optical signal via the illuminant 24, the person recognizes which segment 14 is activated and accordingly is to be deactivated. According to further exemplary embodiments, the optical signal can be combined with an acoustic signal. The deactivation of the segment 14 by the person is reported via the interface 22 to the control device 20 (step 58), which temporarily stores this information in the means 30. In particular, a period of time between activation of a segment 14 and its deactivation can be recorded. This is done according to this basically explained scheme Processing of the personal program over the selected period.

After completion of the training or therapy program, the temporarily stored deactivation information of the person is read onto the memory chip 38 of the personal chip card 36 (step 60), so that it is available for later detailed evaluation or archiving or the like.

The use of the chip card 36 is only an example. Of course, other suitable storage means or acquisition means can also be used.

According to a further embodiment variant of the invention, not shown, it can be provided that the person to be activated is provided or connected with at least one measuring device which measures at least one body signal, such as pulse, blood pressure, temperature, brain waves or the like /measure up. The at least one measuring means can be connected to the control unit 20 in order to enable the control of the device 10 to be influenced as a function of the current state of the person.

Various views of a segment 14 are shown in FIG. Figure 3a shows a top view of the segment 14, while Figure 3b shows a sectional view. Based on the sectional view in Figure 3b it becomes clear that the segment 14 consists of a base element 40 and a cover element 42. The base element 40 can be fastened to a substructure, for example a transportable wall or a fixed room wall. The cover element 42 can be connected to the base element 40 via latching connections 44 or the like indicated here. The cover element 42 consists of an optically transparent plastic, so that the lamps 24 arranged inside (not shown in FIG. 3) of the segment 14 can radiate the electromagnetic rays through the cover element 42. The cover element 42 also forms an actuating surface 46, by means of which the switching element 26 can be actuated to deactivate the illuminant 24 by actuation by the person. It can be provided here that the cover element 42 has a shape and / or material thickness or material property that is adapted to an actuating force for deactivating the illuminant 24. In the case of different training programs or therapy programs, a different actuation force can be set, which is necessary to deactivate the corresponding illuminant 24. In this way, targeted training of certain movements or certain muscles of the person can be influenced.

3c shows a segment 14, in which the cover element 42 is locked to a base element 40. On the representation of the lamps 24 and the switching Means 26 and the signal or voltage lines to the segments 14 have been omitted for reasons of clarity.

Figures 4 to 7 finally show different sizes of modules 12 in a schematic representation. The modules 12 are each assigned a person 48, who is indicated here and, by means of corresponding movements, deactivates the individual segments 14 in accordance with the explanations already given. The size, the height and the arrangement of the modules 12 can be adapted in accordance with the desired training program or therapy program.

On the basis of the above explanations, it becomes clear that by means of the device 10 people 48 can optimally train their condition, their reactivity, their speed and their fitness by means of optical signals by touch and action. In particular, targeted movement sequences and targeted responsiveness can be trained. By simply modifying the device 10, adaptation to a wide variety of training methods or training programs and a wide variety of therapy methods or therapy programs is possible. The device 10 can be used both for competitive sports as well as for mass sports, general training and for therapeutic purposes in medicine. Starting from a segment 14, modules 12 can be put together, which guarantee the greatest possible flexibility in use. The respective specific requirements against the people 48 can be met by the arrangement of the individual segments 14 or modules 12, for example from an ergonomic point of view. Co-configurations for training different sports are also possible. In particular, the device 10 can be matched to a body size, a reaction radius and to tactile situations of the people 48 to be activated. Furthermore, an adaptation to given spatial possibilities is possible in a simple manner.

By detecting the deactivation processes, the tactile and visual responses of the people 48 can be determined so that their responsiveness, therapeutic parameters and treatment and training progress can be evaluated.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10 device

12 module

14 segment

16 row

18 line

20 control unit

22 interface

24 illuminants

26 switching means

28 actuators

30 means

32 Input / output unit

34 smart card reader

36 chip card

38 storage means

40 Basics

42 cover element

44 Snap connection

46 operating area

48 person

50 paces

52 step

54 step

56 step

58 step

60 step

Claims

claims

1. Device for activating at least one person (48) with at least one module (12) which can be perceptibly controlled by the at least one person (48), the module (12) comprising at least one means by which the at least one person (48) the perceptible activation of the at least one module (12) can be deactivated at least temporarily and / or partially.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the module (12) comprises at least one controllable segment (14).

3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the module (12) comprises a plurality of segments (14) which can be arranged in a predeterminable grid.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the segments (14) are arranged in intersecting vertical and / or horizontal and / or diagonal lines.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one module (12) forms a surface element.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface element is straight.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface element is curved.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface element is concave.

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface element is convex.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (10) comprises at least two modules (12).

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least two modules (12) can be arranged at a selectable angle to each other.

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least two modules (12) can be arranged at right angles to one another.

13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least two modules (12) are arranged opposite one another.

14. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one module (12) is arranged in front of and / or behind and / or left and / or right and / or above and / or below the at least one person (48) respectively are.

15. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the segments (14) emit optical and / or acoustic signals through the perceptible control.

16. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the segments (14) undergo a change in shape as a result of the perceptible activation.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the control is carried out pneumatically and / or hydraulically.

18. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the segments (14) comprise at least one illuminant (24).

19. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the segments (14) comprise a plurality of lamps (24) which emit electromagnetic waves in different wavelength ranges.

20. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting means (24) are light emitting diodes or the like.

21. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the segments (14) comprise interchangeable cover elements (42).

22. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover elements

(42) have a different shape and / or different material thickness and / or consist of a different material.

23. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover elements (42) consist of plastic, in particular optically transparent plastic.

24. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one means for deactivating the at least one segment (14) is a switching means (26).

25. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switching means (26) is a switching contact.

26. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switching contact can be actuated without contact or mechanically.

27. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (10) is a control device (20) for controlling the at least one module (12) and / or for detecting and / or recording the deactivation of the at least one segment (14) / comprises a module (12).

28. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (20) is freely programmable.

29. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (20) comprises means for personal programming.

30. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (20) comprises storage means for personal storage of the activation and / or deactivation processes.

31. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (20) comprises at least one input / output unit for reading in or reading out person-related control and / or deactivation processes.

32. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input

/ Issuing unit (32) is a chip card reader (34).

33. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (20) is connected to the at least one module (12) via an interface (22).

34. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interface (22) is wireless or wired.

35. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interface (22) is an infrared interface.

36. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interface (22) works bidirectionally.