Patent Application
20140309082
None.
1. Field of the Invention
The disclosure relates generally to exercise devices, and more particularly to devices that are kicked or punched by the user as a form of exercise.
2. Background Discussion
In contact or combative sports training, striking devices such as punching bags, heavy bags and punching pads are well known in the art. These bags are normally suspended overhead using chains secured to the ceiling or supported by a stand on the ground. Conventional striking bags suspended from the ceiling are difficult and laborious to adjust in height as well as being difficult to transport. Conventional striking bags supported by the ground are bulky to transport because of the added size of the base and are difficult to adjust in height. Additionally, conventional striking bags supported by the ground are often poorly supported and unstable requiring a sparring partner to hold the bag in order to provide additional stability. Conventional heavy bags supported by the ground commonly include a large, bulky base making the apparatus difficult to move about. It is therefore to the effective resolution of some of the aforementioned problems and shortcomings that some of the disclosed embodiments are directed.
A variety of kicking and punching aids currently exist in the art. These aids function primarily to provide a point of impact absorption for kicks and punches. A variety of configurations exist. Some are free standing with the aid of a supporting base. Others, commonly referred to as heavy bags, hang from a support structure. All are made for use in open areas, and are typically large, bulky, and difficult to relocate or transport. Some examples are the Boone U.S. Pat. No. 3,757,306, the Morrison et al U.S. Pat. No. 4,207,087, the D'Alto U.S. Pat. No. 5,437,590, the Allard et al U.S. Pat. No. 5,733,193, the Chen U.S. Pat. No. 5,863,278, the Chen U.S. Pat. No. 6,251,051, the Weber U.S. Pat. No. 6,790,167, the Ghim U.S. Pat. No. 7,278,957, the Sheedy U.S. Pat. No. 7,909,749, and the Jones et al U.S. Pat. No. 8,337,366. In light of such the various shortfalls of such exercise devices therefore, a need exists for a new and improved striking apparatus.
It is an object of some of the disclosed embodiments to provide a mobile/portable electronic interactive striking apparatus that comprises a body unit, multiple striking surfaces, various vertical adjustment methods, and multiple attachment means, which enables the user to easily change convert the apparatus between the various embodiments, adjust the weight of the striking bag or the height of the striking apparatus.
It is also an object of some of the disclosed embodiments to provide an electronic interactive program/game that controls the interaction between participants, or which can be played against the control unit itself.
It is another object of the disclosed embodiments to provide an interactive program/game that tests the aural and visual memory of a participant against the control unit.
It is a further object of the disclosed embodiments to provide a striking apparatus type interactive program/game device that provides an automatic sequence of events that must be repeated by a participant.
It is yet another object of the disclosed embodiments to provide a microprocessor controlled interactive program/game that controls the progress of an interactive program/game played between two participants.
It is yet another object of the disclosed embodiments to provide a microprocessor controlled interactive program/game that can be programmed to play a variety of interactive program/games.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is provided a striking apparatus comprising a plurality of impact sensors, each associated with a strike trigger in the form of sound or light, or both. The device utilizes a microprocessor to generate a sequence of lights and sounds, each uniquely associated with one of the impact sensor switches on the keyboard. The microprocessor is programmed to generate a random sequence of sound or lights, or both, which must be repeated by a participant by striking the proper impact sensors. If the participant correctly repeats the sequence, the control unit adds another entry to the sequence and plays the lengthened sequence which must again be repeated by the participant. The process is repeated to provide an ever-lengthening sequence until the participant makes an error or, if desired, until the sequence reaches a predetermined length. The control unit then indicates whether the control unit or the participant has won, and may be programmed to indicate the longest sequence successfully repeated. Also, the sound generation or the light generation may be suppressed to provide an interactive program/game playable in response to sound or light triggered sequences only. Also, controls may be provided for increasing the speed of the interactive program/game either manually or automatically as the interactive program/game progresses.
In an alternative embodiment, the control unit can be used to control the interaction of two participants. In such an embodiment, one of the participants generates a first sequence that must be repeated by the other, who adds a subsequent event to the sequence. As in the case of the above-described embodiment, the control unit keeps track of the longest sequence successfully repeated and declares a winner when one of the participants makes an error. Also, as in the case of the above embodiment, the sequence may take the form of a sound triggered sequence, light sequence or combination of a sound and light sequence.
Yet another embodiment of the invention is a sensor unit for a striking apparatus including an accelerometer for measuring a strike and a signal processor communicatively connected to the accelerometer, for discerning the strike and calculating values relative to a peak acceleration, direction, total work, and total energy for the strike.
Another embodiment of the invention is a method of varying an operation of a striking apparatus to accommodate input of a user of the striking apparatus responsive to direction of the striking apparatus. The method includes setting a maximum duration for the user input, prompting the user input, timing for the maximum duration, detecting if the user input is received, returning to the step of prompting upon receipt of the user input if prior to expiration of the maximum duration, and returning to the step of prompting upon expiration of the maximum duration if the user input is not received.
Some embodiments disclosed herein are portable exercise apparatuses comprising a speed bag assembly. The speed bag assembly further comprises a support arm having a first end and a second end, a speed bag platform connected to the first end of the support arm, a speed bag connected to the speed bag platform, and a speed bag column having a top end and a bottom end. In an embodiment, the second end of the support arm is adjustably connected to the top end of the speed bag column. These embodiments further comprises a striking pad assembly having a striking pad having a top surface, a bottom surface, a non-striking surface, a central bore extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, and a longitudinal indentation extending between the top surface and the bottom surface and centrally along the non-striking surface. The longitudinal indentation is configured to conform against angled walls of a firm structure. In one embodiment the bore comprise an inward extending protrusion. The striking pad assembly further comprises a striking pad column having a top end and a bottom end. In one embodiment, the striking pad column further comprises a plurality of outward extending protrusions. The outward extending protrusions of the striking pad column are configured to engage the inward extending protrusion of the bore of the striking pad. In one embodiment, the top end of the striking pad column can slide into the bottom end of the speed bag column. These embodiments further comprise a support column having a top end, a bottom end, and a plurality of apertures. The top end of the support column is connected to the bottom end of the striking pad column. There is further a base unit having a plurality of legs and a hollow coupler for receiving the bottom end of the support column in a manner as to allow the user to use the combination of the base unit and the support column to adjust the height of the exercise apparatus as desired. The legs of the base unit are configured to optimally press the exercise apparatus against the angled walls of the firm structure (e.g., a wall corner or angled walls of a heavy piece of furniture) as the sole means of stabilization. The hollow coupler comprises an aperture used to connect the base unit to the support column through a selective aperture from the support column's plurality of apertures.
In other embodiments, the portable exercise apparatus further comprises means for converting the striking pad assembly to a heavy striking bag. In yet other embodiments, the portable exercise apparatus further comprises means for converting the portable exercise apparatus to a hand held striking pad.
Some preferred portable exercise apparatuses comprise a speed bag assembly with a support arm, a speed bag platform, a speed bag connected to the speed bag platform, and a speed bag column that can be adjustably connected to the support arm. These embodiments further comprise a striking pad assembly having a striking pad with a striking surface, a non-striking surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, a central bore extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, and a longitudinal indentation extending between the top surface and the bottom surface and centrally along the non-striking surface. The longitudinal indentation is designed to flexibly conform against angled walls of a firm structure. In one embodiment, the central bore of the striking pad comprises an inward extending protrusion. The embodiments further comprise a striking pad column. In one embodiment, the striking pad column has several outward extending protrusions. The outward extending protrusions of the striking pad column are configured to engage the inward extending protrusion of the bore of the striking pad. In one embodiment, the top end of the striking pad column slides into the bottom end of the speed bag column whereto it is secures. These preferred embodiment also comprise an interactive program unit, which in turn comprises a plurality of impact sensors operatively connected to the striking surface of the striking pad, a plurality of strike triggers each of which uniquely associated with a respective impact sensor from the plurality of impact sensors, a memory for storing a plurality of interactive exercise programs, a control unit having a plurality of switches used to select an interactive exercise program from the plurality of interactive exercise programs, and a microprocessor operatively connected between the impact sensors, the strike triggers, and the control unit to facilitate the selected interactive exercise program. These embodiments further comprise a support column having a top end, a bottom end, and a plurality of apertures. The top end of the support column is connected to the bottom end of the striking pad column. These preferred embodiments also comprise a base unit having a plurality of legs and a hollow coupler for receiving the bottom end of the support column in a manner as to allow the user to use the combination of the base unit and the support column to adjust the height of the exercise apparatus as desired. The legs of the base unit are configured to optimally press the exercise apparatus against the angled walls of the firm structure (e.g., a wall corner or angled walls of a heavy piece of furniture) as the sole means of stabilization. The hollow coupler comprises an aperture used to connect the base unit to the support column through a selective aperture from the support column's plurality of apertures.
Other preferred portable exercise apparatuses comprise a speed bag assembly having a support arm, a speed bag platform, a speed bag connected to the speed bag platform, and a speed bag column that can be adjustably connected to the support arm. These embodiments further comprise a striking pad assembly having a striking pad with a striking surface, a non-striking surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, a central bore extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, and a longitudinal indentation extending between the top surface and the bottom surface and centrally along the non-striking surface. The longitudinal indentation is designed to flexibly conform against angled walls of a firm structure. In one embodiment, the central bore of the striking pad comprises an inward extending protrusion. The embodiments further comprise a striking pad column. In one embodiment, the striking pad column has several outward extending protrusions. The outward extending protrusions of the striking pad column are configured to engage the inward extending protrusion of the bore of the striking pad. In one embodiment, the top end of the striking pad column slides into the bottom end of the speed bag column whereto it is secures. Such preferred embodiments further comprise an interactive program unit, which in turn comprises a first set of impact sensors operatively connected to the striking surface of the striking pad, a second set of impact sensors operatively connected to the speed bag, a first set of strike triggers each of which uniquely associated with a respective impact sensor from the first set of impact sensors, a second set of strike triggers each of which uniquely associated with a respective impact sensor from the second set of impact sensors, a memory for storing a plurality of interactive exercise programs, a control unit having a plurality of switches used to select an interactive exercise program from the plurality of interactive exercise programs, a microprocessor operatively connected between the first and second sets of impact sensors, the first and second sets of strike triggers, and the control unit to facilitate the selected interactive exercise program. These embodiments further comprise a support column and a base unit having a plurality of legs and a hollow coupler for receiving the bottom end of the support column in a manner as to allow the user to use the combination of the base unit and the support column to adjust the height of the exercise apparatus as desired. The legs of the base unit are configured to optimally press the exercise apparatus against the angled walls of the firm structure (e.g., a wall corner or angled walls of a heavy piece of furniture) as the sole means of stabilization. The hollow coupler comprises an aperture used to connect the base unit to the support column through a selective aperture from the support column's plurality of apertures.
In yet other embodiments, the interactive program unit further comprises a speaker connected to the microprocessor. Each strike trigger from the plurality of strike triggers is a distinct audio cue uniquely associated with the respective impact sensor. In these embodiments, the microprocessor is configured to receive a signal from the control unit that identifies the selected interactive exercise program from the plurality of interactive exercise programs stored on the memory. In these embodiments, the microprocessor is further configured to utilize the speaker to sound the distinct audio cues in a predetermined sequence according to the selected interactive exercise program. In other embodiments, the interactive program unit further comprises a multi-color light emitting means connected to the microprocessor, and wherein each strike trigger from the plurality of strike triggers is a distinct visual cue uniquely associated with the respective impact sensor. In these embodiments, the microprocessor is configured to receive a signal from the control unit that identifies the selected interactive exercise program from the plurality of interactive exercise programs stored on the memory, and is further configured to utilize the multi-color light emitting means to emit the distinct visual cues in a predetermined sequence according to the selected interactive exercise program. In yet other embodiments, the interactive program unit further comprises a speaker connected to the microprocessor and a multi-color light emitting means connected to the microprocessor. In these embodiments, each strike trigger from the plurality of strike triggers is a distinct audio cue uniquely associated with the respective impact sensor and/or a distinct visual cue uniquely associated with the respective impact sensor. In these embodiments, the microprocessor is configured to receive a signal from the control unit that identifies the selected interactive exercise program from the plurality of interactive exercise programs stored on the memory, and to utilize the speaker and the multi-color light emitting means to emit a predetermined combination of the distinct audio cues and/or distinct visual cues in a predetermined sequence according to the selected interactive exercise program.
As discussed in more detail below in the context of the disclosed structures, some embodiments further comprise means for selecting an error criteria for the selected interactive exercise program and means for determining whether the error criteria has been met. In such embodiments, the microprocessor is further configured to utilize the speaker and/or the multi-color light emitting device to indicate that the error criteria has been met. Other embodiment further comprise means for measuring punch strength, means for measuring response time, and means for communicating the measured punch strength and response time to the user.
Many other features and embodiments disclosed herein will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the following detailed description. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the disclosed embodiments, including the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, are exemplary only and as such do not operate to limit the scope of the disclosed invention.
The above-mentioned features and objects of the present disclosure will become more apparent with reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and in which:
a and 2b are exploded views of a striking apparatus constructed in accordance with the disclosed embodiments accompanied by
A support unit 30 includes a coupler 33 and column 31 to be secured vertically on top of the base 90 via hinge 92. The coupler 33 includes an aperture 34 formed therein for threading a fastener or a pin 2, such as a column 31 provided on the lower portion thereof, which includes legs 32 attached therein secured at their lower end to weighted feet/pads 35. The support unit 30 formed such that it works in conjunction with the base 90 to create pull on the striking apparatus' 10 center of gravity backwards causing its load to press into any support structure. The base 90 includes a column 91, which includes legs 93 attached therein secured at their lower end to weighted feet/pads 94.
A column 40 is to be secured vertically on top of the support unit 30 via a coupler 33, such as by a stud 41 provided on the lower portion of the column 40. The column 40 has a top coupler portion 48 used to secure the column 40 to the speed bag column 71. The stud 41 includes an aperture 47 formed therein for threading a fastener or a pin 2. The column 40 includes one or more longitudinal channels 44 formed therein and having one or more lock slots 45 communicating with the respective channels 44. A striking pad 50 is formed to include angled walls 54 which allow it to conform to inner and outer angled wall corners or any other firm structure, and includes a bore 51 formed therein for receiving the column 40 and includes one or more projections 52 extended inward of the bore 51 thereof for engaging into the channels 44 and/or the lock slots 45 of the column 40 and for setting the striking pad 50 to various heights.
c illustrates an embodiment in accordance with some of the disclosed embodiments comprising support unit 30 and a base 90 which aide in stabilizing and locking the apparatus into position with the aid of attachment hook 95, tension chord 96, and tension chord rings 37.
Referring to
A striking pad 50 is inserted into the heavy bag 100 with the open end of its bore 51 facing upward. The angles 54 of the striking pad 50 are then aligned with the angles 105 of the inner liner 101 such that the angled walls 105 of the inner liner 101 are aligned with the angled walls 54 of the striking pad 50 to form a completed circle.
A bag 110 is included for adjusting the weight of the heavy bag assembly 110 through the receiving of fluids, such as water, any suitable liquid, or other particulate materials, such as sand, gravel, coated or uncoated metallic shot and the like. The fluids are received through the mouth 112 of the bag 110. A cap 113 is detachably secured onto the mouth 112 of the bag 110 for confining the fluids within the bag 110. The bag 110 should be empty when inserted into the bore 51 of the striking pad 50, after which it can be filled to the desired weight with the desired suitable material.
Referring to
As illustrated in
Several interactive program/games may be played by the control unit 600 illustrated in
In one embodiment, upon selection of the start of interactive program/game switch 626, the microprocessor will cause one of multiple notes contained in its memory to be sounded. In addition, one of the multiple indicator lights associated with a particular one of the impact sensors 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22 will be illuminated. The participating player must now depress the one of the impact sensors 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22 associated with the sound sounded, as indicated by the illumination of its associated lamp. In this embodiment, if the participant strikes the correct one of the impact sensors 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22, the machine repeats the previous sound and adds a new sound (and associated light) to the sequence. So long as the participant strikes the appropriate impact sensor, the machine continues to repeat the previous sequence each time adding one more sound to the sequence. At the first occurrence of an erroneous impact sensors entry, the microprocessor causes a distinctive error sound. This concludes the interactive program/game sequence. In another embodiment, the microprocessor may be programmed to generate a second distinctive “win” signal when the sequence reaches a predetermined length. For example, the length of such a sequence may be selected to be eight, fourteen or twenty sounds by appropriately positioning the switch 629. Finally, the control unit 600 may be programmed to increase the speed of the sequence as the interactive program/game is played to make the interactive program/game more challenging. In some embodiments, after the conclusion of the interactive program/game sequence, the participant has the option of starting a new interactive program/game by depressing the push-button switch 626, or he can review the previously keyed-in sound sequence by pushing the last interactive program/game review pushbutton 622. Upon such a command, the microprocessor will automatically sound out the entire sequence of sounds that had been keyed in up to the point at which the keying error was made. The longest sequence played to date can be reviewed by depressing the push-button switch 624.
In another embodiment, the selected interactive game involves two participants who take turns alternately repeating the previous sequence and adding another sound to the sequence. In this embodiment, the control unit 600 is programmed to keep track of the last sequence, and to sound the error signal whenever one of the participants makes an error. The longest sound sequence played by the participants during any continuous series of interactive program/games may be stored, and the push-button switch 624 may be used to recall this sequence. In this manner, it is possible for the winner of an interactive program/game to compare his performance with the longest sound sequence in the memory.
In yet another embodiment, the interactive program/game involves a participant that must respond within a predetermined time interval, for example, before the sound ends, or before its associated light extinguishes. If the player reacts too slowly, or makes an error, the interactive program/game ends.
In another embodiment, the control unit 600 is programmed to remember not only the sequence of impact sensor entries, but also to remember the length of time that each impact sensor is struck, and the time interval between such occurrences. Thus, the control unit 600 can be programmed to play multiple sounds. If these multiple sounds are properly selected to correspond to the sounds formed in a bugle, then most familiar bugle calls could be keyed in the machine.
In yet another embodiment, the interactive program/game is designed to be played by more than one player. For example, two players may each be assigned two impact sensors, or multiple players may each be assigned a single impact sensor. The interactive program/game may be played in a manner similar to that of Interactive program/game 1, with the machine generating an ever-lengthening sequence of sounds which must be repeated by the players, with each player being responsible for repeating his assigned sound or sounds as they occur in the sequence. In this embodiment, whenever a player responsible for a sound responds incorrectly by, for example, depressing the wrong impact sensors or not responding at all, that sound is taken out of the sequence and play continues among the remaining players. Also, the push button assigned to the participant making the error is caused to blink to indicate which player has made the error. The machine then continues building ever-lengthening sequences based on the remaining sounds. When another error occurs, the player responsible for that sound is out, and the interactive program/game continues with sequences containing only the remaining sounds until only one player is left.
The interactive program/games embodied in the above embodiments have been given by way of example only. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the number of possible interactive program/games is limited only by the capability of the microprocessor within the device and the ingenuity of the programmer.
Referring now to
As illustrated in the embodiment of
The microprocessor 852 monitors the state of the impact sensor keys 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22, the control switches 622, 624 and 626 and the interactive program/game selector switch by sequentially energizing its outputs R0-R600 while monitoring its inputs K1, K2, K4 and K8. Thus, when the output R0 is energized, the device can determine the position of the switch 628 by determining which of its inputs K1, K2 or K4 is energized. Similarly, the microprocessor R1 can determine which of the impact sensor keys 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22 is energized by monitoring the multiple inputs K1, K2, K4 and K8 during the time that the output R1 is energized. In a similar manner, the device monitors the inputs K1, K2 and K4 during the time that the output R2 is energized to determine which, if any, of the switches 622, 624 and 626 is energized. The outputs R4-R8 are utilized to drive the driving transistors 854, 856, 858, 860 and 862 which, in turn, drive the indicator lights 744, 746, 748, 750 and 752 and the loud speaker 742.
The microprocessor 852 is readily programmed in a manner described in the TMS 1000 series data manual published in December 1975 by TEXAS INSTRUMENTS, INC., the relevant microprocessor programming sections of which are incorporated herein in their entirety entirety, to perform the functions necessary to play the desired interactive program/games. Flow charts illustrating the programming of the microprocessor are illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
Another determination is made in step 1503 to determine whether an impact sensor key is struck (left branch of
(
Obviously, many modifications and variations of the disclosed embodiments are possible in light of the above teachings. Thus, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described above.
Referring to
Referring to
In a step 304, the touch to the pad 50 in the step 302 is detected by the impact sensors 14, 16, 18, or 20, for the pad 50. The control unit 212 is signaled in a step 306 that the impact sensors 14, 16, 18, or 20, detected the touch to the pad 50. Upon the step 306, the control unit 212, in a step 308, controls an output device of the system 50, for example, a speaker, to provide an audible selection menu (not shown in Figures).
An item of the selection menu is chosen by user-input to the controller 600, for example, touch of the pad 50 (or a select one or more impact sensors 14, 16, 18, or 20, of the pad 50,), and the pad touch for the item selected is detected in a step 310. Examples of possible items which may be selected from the menu may include Fighting or Training, but are not limited to these, and may include others or alternatives, such as Coaching (not shown in Figures) or others. Once the item selection is detected in the step 310, the control unit 212 processes and commences a selected routine, e.g., fighting, training, or other sequence, per the selected menu item. Examples of possible routines include, for example, fighting sequences, training sequences, or others such as coaching sequences. Each routine is, for example, hardware logic circuits, a software routine stored in a computer readable non-transitory memory, or combinations of these, processed by the control unit 212.
If Fighting 324 is selected, fighting sequences are commenced in a step 324. In the step 324, the control unit 212 processes a fight module 208 (shown in
The method 300 then proceeds with continued processing of the fight module 208 by the control unit 212 and output of additional fight sequences as shown by arrow 329 in
The result reported in the step 332 by the control unit 212 can be related via a speaker (not shown in figures). This can provide information of statistics of registered punch responses, measures of strike count, accuracy and force, and/or other measures or information, such as information related to outcomes of the fighting sequences, comparisons to earlier fighting results, or others. Further in the reporting step 332, the control unit 212 can store the reported information and/or additionally process the result together with prior results of usage of the system 600 to yield a statistical comparison record (which may, but need not necessarily, be stored by the control unit). In certain embodiments, the control unit 212 in the reporting step 332 may label the result (or a record of it) with a tag, such as an identifier of the particular user of the system 600, a time or date indicator of that use, or other indicators for viewing or comparison at later time or place.
If rather than Fighting 324, Training 334 is selected in the step 311, training sequences are commenced in the step 334. In the step 334, the control unit 212 processes a train module 210 (shown in
The method 300 then proceeds with continued processing of the train module 210 by the control unit 212 and output of additional train sequences as shown by arrow 339 in
As with the result reported in the step 332 by the control unit 212 on end of processing of the fight module 208, the result can be listened to via audio of the speaker 116. These results can provide information, such as with Fighting 324, of statistics of registered punch/strike responses, measures of strike/punch count, accuracy and force, and/or other measures or information, such as information related to outcomes of the fighting sequences, comparisons to earlier fighting results, or others. Further in the reporting step 332, the control unit 212 can store the reported information and/or additionally process the result together with prior results of usage of the system 600 to yield a statistical comparison record (which may, but need not necessarily, be stored by the control unit 212). The control unit 212 in the reporting step 332 may also label the result (or a record of it) with a tag in certain embodiments, such as an identifier of the particular user of the system 600, a time or date indicator of that use, or other indicators for reviewing or comparison at later time or place.
In effect, Fighting 324 occurs against the output avatar fighter. In the fight sequences, the avatar fighter moves, punches, strikes, and otherwise responds (albeit through lights within impact sensors 14, 16, 18, 20 or 22,) to a system user's strikes. Training 334, however, occurs through pad selection of the system and the user's strike of selected pad. Varied levels of competency of the user may be selected by the user or the system, such as Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert or others, through menu items displayed via output of the control unit 212 on selection for Fighting 324 or Training 334 (or at other point in use of the system). Moreover, real-time results of the user's strike actions may be displayed via output of the control unit 212 in either scenario. Real-time results may include, for example, strike Accuracy, Count, Power, and Points Scored. In certain embodiments, the control unit 212 includes modules for processing heart rate and/or calories used by the user of the system during Fighting 324 or Training 334. Various embodiments can provide for particular regimen of Rounds or Bouts, in follow-up sequence, such as would be encountered by the system user in practice or training for general exercise through striking. Other embodiments can allow for customization of the training sequences, such as increase or decrease of Rounds, time of Rounds or Bouts, different sequences or times according to day of the week or period, adjustment of output volume, selection among specific Rounds or variation of sequences per Round, and custom routines operable by the control unit in the system.
As illustrated in the embodiment of
In some embodiments, the accelerometer 1206 is, for example, a 3-axis accelerometer for detecting three dimensions of movement (e.g., X, Y and Z axes, respectively). In other embodiments, the accelerometer 1206 is alternately a single-axis or multi-axis of other number of dimensions, and the 3-axis accelerometer is merely an example for purposes of discussion. The signal processor 1208 is any of a wide variety of processor device, such as a microcontroller, digital signal processor, or other processor, capable of processing measurements in the three (or other number of) dimensions made by the accelerometer 1206. The accelerometer unit 1202 can be unitized, such as a single printed circuit board including the accelerometer 1206 and the signal processor 1208, or may be implemented in separate units, other segregation of components, or any combination of units, features of units or components.
The aggregator device 1210 of the aggregator unit 1204 includes memory and a processor (not shown in detail). The aggregator device 1210 is, for example, a microcontroller chip unit including a processor, random access memory, read only memory, clock and input/output control unit. Although the aggregator device 1210 can be unitized as a single chip or unit, it may alternately be implemented in communicatively connected separate components, units of various components, or combinations.
In operation of some embodiments, the accelerometer 1206 measures axial acceleration, in three dimensions (X, Y, and Z) in the example. Measurements are sampled at successive time intervals, for example, at approximately 1 millisecond (ms) intervals, or as otherwise desired by design or for the application. Each measurement made by the accelerometer 1206 includes three axis values in the example of the 3-axis accelerometer, and this measurement is communicated to the signal processor 1208.
In some embodiments, if measurement by the accelerometer 1206 exceeds a minimum threshold sufficient to indicate a strike moving the accelerometer 1206, the signal processor 1208 commences calculating the root mean square of the three axis values for each measurement of the accelerometer 1206, to obtain a vector sum magnitude. The signal processor 1208 continues this calculating with each next measurement of the accelerometer 1206 received by the signal processor 1208. As the signal processor 1208 receives measurements and performs root mean square calculations, the signal processor 1208 also commences integrating the vector sum magnitude. The result of integrating is reflects the merit or force of movement/acceleration, for example, such as may be caused by the strike, because relative to magnitude and duration of acceleration measured by the accelerometer 1206. The signal processor 1208 also determines one of the axes measured as dominant for the movement/acceleration, such as the dominant axial direction of the strike. For the dominant axis so determined, the signal processor 1208 integrates the result of integration of the vector sum magnitude to calculate a velocity for the dominant axis. The signal processor 1208 continues the calculating and integrating of measurements from the accelerometer 1206, until the dominant axis velocity integral drops below a lower threshold value.
In some embodiments, when the lower threshold value is met, the signal processor 1208 communicates an interrupt request (IRQ) to the aggregator device 1210. The aggregator device 1210 time stamps the interrupt request, and requests and receives from the signal processor 1208 data representing the dominant axis velocity integral and identity of dominant axis. The aggregator device 1210 stores data representing this integral and axis in a non-transitory memory of the aggregator device 1208 (or, alternately, of memory communicatively connected to the aggregator device 1208, as applicable).
Referring to
As illustrated in
In a step of calculating force 1312, each set of results of the step of processing 1310 is integrated to obtain a measured merit for the strike, a dominant dimensional axis of the strike, and highest magnitude of the acceleration. The measured merit for the strike relates to the magnitude and duration of acceleration as detected by the accelerometer for the period of the strike from commencement (on meeting one threshold) and on end (on meeting another threshold). Further in the step 1312, acceleration for the dominant axis of the strike is integrated to obtain velocity for the axis and strike.
In a step 1314, an interrupt line is asserted when the dominant axis velocity integral in the step 1312 drops below the end threshold, as set for measuring the strike. Upon asserting the interrupt line 1314, data from the step of calculating force 1312 is sent to an aggregator for logging and further handling. This data represents, for example, a time of the strike, an identity of a pad of the strike, a measured merit of the strike in the nature of a relative force of the strike, and the dominant dimensional axis of the strike indicative of strike direction. Other, additional or alternative calculations and data representing the strike or strike attributes may be performed in the method 1300, as will be appreciated from the foregoing. For example, force and resistance constants, such as of mechanical features like springs or joints, processed mathematical models, or other detection and measurement may, in certain alternatives, be employed in the method 1300 for measuring force, direction, duration, and the like.
In use of the embodiments of
Each accelerometer unit 1202 independently measures and calculates data representing strikes to one or more pad to which the accelerometer unit 1202 is integrated or connected. Where more than one accelerometer unit 1202, such as when multiple pads of the striking apparatus, each accelerometer unit 1202 detects a strike to the particular pad to which associated, and delivers data representing the strike to the aggregator unit 1204. The aggregator 1210, as previously stated, logs the strike (i.e., data representing the strike) together with the timestamp per the interrupt request and orderly stores these in memory (of the aggregator 1210, if applicable, or otherwise communicatively connected to the aggregator 1210). Successive strikes are logged in the order in which interrupts are received by the aggregator 1210 and corresponding to the particular pad of the strike.
Referring to
An example according to certain embodiments is now described.
Example of Accelerometer Data Acquisition:
In one embodiment, the bandwidth of accelerometer signal, sampling rate (e.g., 1 ms intervals or other time periods), and particular axes sampled (e.g., X, Y, Z axes in the case of a 3-axis accelerometer) are set as desired for the operations in accordance with accelerometer capabilities. Sampled raw data of the accelerometer is low-pass filtered to reduce effect of noise, for example, using a 4-point rolling average filter Calculations are made for each axis (e.g., S-axes, to with, X, Y and Z) after the data of each sample is demodulated, as follows: X′=(X0+X1+X2+X3)/4, where X0 is the oldest raw data and X3 is the newest raw data. After this calculation, X′ is stored in a large data buffer and X0 it discarded. A next raw data (X4) is then sampled at a later designated time interval (e.g., sampling at 1 ms intervals) Calculations are then made for each axis as follows: X″=(X0+X1+X2+X3)/4 Where X1 is the oldest raw data and X3 is the newest raw data. After this calculation X″ is stored in the data buffer and X1 is discarded. Subsequent sampling and calculations continue for each accelerometer. If there is more than one pad of the striking apparatus, and each pad includes an accelerometer, the data acquisition continues in similar manner with respect to each accelerometer.
Example of Strike Detection
In one embodiment, a respective acceleration vector sum of the X, Y, and Z axis acceleration data sampled by a respective accelerometer is calculated, for example, by a signal processor of an accelerometer unit, as the root mean square of the axis acceleration data. If the vector sum exceeds a pre-determined threshold, a strike is deemed detected for the particular accelerometer and corresponding pad of the striking apparatus. Sampling continues, and sampled data is smoothed and vector sum calculated and stored, until the vector sum falls below a second pre-determined threshold. At this point a strike metric calculation is performed.
Example of Strike Metric Calculation
In one embodiment, the time period of the strike, and consequently of sampling and calculation of sampled strike data measured by the accelerometer as acceleration vectors along the applicable axes, commences at the time the vector sum exceeds the first threshold and ends at the time the vector sum falls below the second threshold. Calculations are performed for the sampled data, for example, by a signal processor of an accelerometer unit. A peak magnitude (i.e., Acceleration Peak) of the vector sum is determined from the respective vector sums calculated. A direction of the vector at the Acceleration Peak is calculated and saved as the azimuth and the inclination.
The azimuth is calculated from Z and Y axis data. Z is positive acceleration when the pad is hit in or out. Y has positive acceleration when the pad is hit left to right. Zero (0) degrees is when there is positive Z acceleration with a Y acceleration value of 0. 90 degrees is when Z acceleration is 0 and Y acceleration is positive. 180 degrees is pad acceleration in the Z-axis of the pad returning to a position at which normally disposed by the frame of the striking apparatus when not struck, and Y acceleration is zero.
Inclination is the angle formed by the X and Z axes. 0 degrees is when the X acceleration is positive and the Z acceleration is 0. 90 degrees is when the X acceleration is zero and the Z acceleration is positive. 190 degrees is when the X acceleration is negative and the Z acceleration is zero. In this embodiment, the vector sums from samples by the accelerometer during the time period of the strike (i.e., between first and second threshold) are then integrated to obtain a maximum velocity of the strike (i.e., Total Energy), which has relation to the total energy transferred to the pad by the strike. Each vector sum that was calculated is multiplied by the interval of the sample period (e.g., 1 ms or other interval), and each product of that multiplication is summed as a measure of total work for the strike (i.e., Total Work). The following strike metrics are then communicated to an aggregator for the metrics: Acceleration Peak, Direction, Total Work, and Total Energy. Strike Aggregator: The aggregator monitors interrupt request lines (IRQ) from each accelerometer of each pad of the striking apparatus for which strikes are detected. When an IRQ line is asserted, a timestamp is logged by the aggregator. The aggregator then requests the strike metrics data from the applicable accelerometer unit of the stricken pad. When the aggregator receives strike metrics data from multiple different accelerometer units, the order of receipt is saved in memory with 1 ms (or other interval) resolution and the strike metrics data is requested from each respective accelerometer unit in turn. Strike metric data for each particular accelerometer unit from which received is stored in chronological order, together with a corresponding identifier of the pad of the accelerometer unit (e.g., via a pad number). Strike metric data that remains stored for a particular period (e.g., 25 ms or other period) is deemed valid to indicate a strike, as opposed to random movement of pads, affected signals, minor missed or random hits to pads, or the like. Valid strike metrics data is communicated to other features of the control unit of the striking apparatus, for further processing, display, audio or visual output, storage, or other operations. Pause Detection: A pause, such as may be invoked by a user desiring to halt striking with the striking apparatus for an interim period, can be directed by the user, for example, by a particular strike of pad(s) or, according to design, by other user-initiated contact with the pads, display, switch, or other features of the apparatus. As an example, a pause may occur when the aggregator detects a particular simultaneous strike to two pads (e.g., simultaneous strike of “kidney” pads of the apparatus). To reduce the possibility of false detections leading to a pause, the aggregator may check the detections against certain programmed or hardware parameters. In one possible example in which strike to two particular pads initiates the pause, only if those two pads have accumulated a calculated work value falling within a particular higher range and other pads have accumulated a calculated work value falling only within a particular lower range, is the pause indicated. In the event that a pause is detected, according to certain embodiments, the aggregator communicates a pause command to the control unit, followed by the strike metrics data associated with the pause command. In other examples, a pause, even if indicated by testing of parameters, may not be initiated if other control devices, such as of the control unit of the striking apparatus, so dictate. Of course, other variations are possible for pause and pause detection, as will be understood from this disclosure and recognized by a person of ordinary skills in the art.
Referring now to
As the striking apparatus operates, such as according to a routine of the apparatus, the striking apparatus prompts user input to a designated pad in a step 1808. Upon the step of prompting user input 1808, the apparatus commences timing in a step 1810 for a period of the maximum duration and also detecting in a step 1812 to determine if any input of the user is received in accordance with the direction for input. If user input is detected in the step 1812 prior to the end of the step of timing 1810 for the maximum duration, a step 1814 checks if the striking apparatus operation is completed, such as on completion of the routine of the apparatus. If not completed, the method 1800 returns to the step of prompting user input 1808 in accordance with the operation, such as per the routine. If the machine operation is completed, such as at end of the striking routine, the method 1800 ends. Where user input is not detected in the step 1812 prior to reaching the end of the maximum duration of the step of timing 1810, timing ends and the method 1800 proceeds to the step 1814 to determine if the operation or routine is completed. If not, the method 1800 returns to the step of prompting use input 1808, and if operation is completed, the method 1800 ends.
The method 1800 may be implemented by a software program stored in tangible media, a processor, a computer, electric circuits, or any combinations of these. As one possible example, the method 1800 is a software program stored in tangible media of a control unit of the striking apparatus. The software program is operated by a processor and memory of the control unit. Alternately, the method 1800 can be implemented and operated by other devices and components of the striking apparatus, or via control through communicative connection of the striking apparatus with another source, such as a computer or processing device having access to the software program or components of the striking apparatus or peripheral equipment. Variations in operations of the striking apparatus in accordance with the method 1800 can alter various features and results, for example, if pace of operation is slowed, pad prompts through highlight in the display are adjusted in coordination with the slowed pace, and vice versa for variation to faster pace. In alternatives, the striking apparatus, because of the timestamps and logging of strike data and calculation of metrics, can as necessary process and display a user's actual pace compared to an apparatus directed pace according to the particular routine and can deliver as output for display, audio, visual or otherwise warning or similar signals.
While the foregoing embodiments have been described herein with a certain degree of particularity, the embodiments were disclosed by way of example only, and that numerous changes in the detailed construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/810,759, entitled “Mobile/Portable interactive apparatus,” filed on Apr. 11, 2013, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61810759 | Apr 2013 | US |
