System for performing motor activity

Abstract

Disclosed is a system for performing motor activity, including a plurality of modular devices, each modular device including a unit for generating at least one sensory stimulus, a generation unit activation unit and a mechanism for detecting a human reaction to the stimuli, there being provided an external control unit intended to generate commands for the activation unit of each modular device. The external control unit includes a unit for measuring the parameters acquired by one or more sensors associated with the body of at least one person.

Claims

1. A system for performing motor activity, comprising: a plurality of modular devices (3); one or more body sensors adapted to detect information from a body (2) of at least a trainer in charge of controlling the system, said one or more body sensors comprising a microphone associated with a voice-recognition system and a movement sensor configured to detect movements of said body that define gestures of the body of the trainer; and an external control unit (4), where each modular device (3) comprises at least: means of generating at least one sensory stimulus (31) comprising at least one source for generation of light energy (31a); an activation unit of said means of generating at least one sensory stimulus; means of detecting a human reaction to said sensory stimuli (31); and one or more position sensors mounted on the modular device (3) or on a supporting structure for said modular devices (3), wherein said external control unit (4) comprises means for measuring the parameters acquired by said one or more body sensors and said one or more position sensors, and wherein said external control unit (4) is configured to generate commands for the activation unit of at least a selected one of the modular devices (3) as a function of the parameters acquired by the aforesaid body sensors, so that the gestures of the body of the trainer and said voice commands of the trainer are detected by the external control unit (4) and, based on the detected gestures and based on the detected voice commands of the trainer, the external control unit (4) generates signals for activation of the at least selected one of the modular devices.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said position sensor comprises a geolocation sensor.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein said body sensor comprises a biometric sensor for detecting a biometric parameter of the trainer.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein said biometric sensor is a heart rate monitor.

5. The system according to claim 1, comprising at least one display unit (41) and an input-output interface.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein said source for the generation of light energy (31a) comprises one or more LEDs.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein said source for the generation of light energy (31a) comprises at least one display configured to project colors, images or messages.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein said means of detecting a human reaction comprises at least one proximity sensor.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of modular device (3) has a rechargeable battery, the system comprising a container for housing the modular devices (3), said container comprising circuits for recharging the batteries of said modular devices (3).

10. The system according to claim 1, comprising a supporting structure that includes one or more movable supports on which one or more modular devices (3) of the system are mounted, said structure being equipped with one or more position sensors adapted to detect the position or the movements of one or more modular devices (3).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURE

(1) These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the description below of some examples of embodiment, with reference to the attached FIG. 1, which illustrates a functional diagram of a variant of the device of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(2) It is specified that the FIGURE attached to this patent application show some embodiments of the system for performing motor activity of the present invention, to better understand the advantages and the features thereof.

(3) Therefore, these embodiments must be intended purely for illustrative purposes and do not limit the inventive concept of the present invention, i.e. that of producing a system that allows training instructions to be received both automatically and manually, so as to perform an effective training session supervised by a person with expertise.

(4) FIG. 1 illustrates a functional diagram of a variant of embodiment of the system for performing motor activities of the present invention.

(5) In accordance with FIG. 1, the system is used by two people, an athlete 1 who is training and a trainer 2 who establishes the training method.

(6) The system comprises a plurality of modular devices 3 arranged inside a training environment.

(7) Each modular device 3 comprises means of generating at least one sensory stimulus 31, a generation means activation unit and means of detecting a human reaction to the stimuli.

(8) The system also comprises an external control unit 4 intended to generate commands for the activation unit of each modular device 3.

(9) In the particular case illustrated in FIG. 1, the means of generating at least one sensory stimulus 31 consist of a series of high efficiency 3 color (RGB) LEDs 31a, which are activated by a circuit board, which forms the activation unit.

(10) Each modular device 3 also comprises a rechargeable battery, not illustrated, and is identified by a unique identification code.

(11) The unique identification code can, for example, consist of a number identifying the modular device of reference.

(12) In this case, the upper part of each modular device 3 can consist of a transparent satin-finish methacrylate panel indicating the identification number.

(13) In this way both the athlete 1 and the trainer 2 can easily identify each modular device 3.

(14) A description of an example of embodiment of a modular device 3 can be found in the document WO2007/142588, the description of which is to be deemed an integral part of the present patent application.

(15) Each modular device 3 communicates, preferably in wireless mode, with the external control unit 4 and receives from this latter, according to specific programs or communications modes, the commands for switching on the LEDs 31.

(16) The external control unit 4 can, for example, consist of a portable device 4 controlled by the trainer 2.

(17) The athlete 1 must each time reach the modular device 3 that is switched on and switch it off.

(18) The LEDs 31 can be switched off according to different methods, but preferably the LEDs 31 switch off automatically when the athlete 1 is at a specific distance from the modular device 3 that is switched on.

(19) For this reason the means of detecting a human reaction, belonging to each modular device 3, comprise a proximity sensor.

(20) The proximity sensor detects the presence of the body of the athlete 1 and controls switching off of the LEDs 31, so that the LEDs 31 of one or more of the other modular devices can be activated.

(21) The proximity sensor can, for example, consist of a photocell or of another proximity detection device, preferably positioned in the upper part of the modular device 3.

(22) Once switched off, the modular device 3 communicates its condition to the control unit 4, to thus allow subsequent or simultaneous switching on of another or of other modular devices 3 and so forth.

(23) The 3 color (RGB) LEDs 31 can generate six different light colors also to allow training sessions in pairs or in groups.

(24) Advantageously, the modular devices 3 have, at the base, a suitable system of permanent magnets that allow them to also be attached to vertical walls or ceilings.

(25) According to an embodiment, the modular devices 3 have a supplementary socket for charging the batteries, to allow, if required, permanent housing of the modular devices 3 in a supporting structure.

(26) Preferably, the modular devices also comprise a circuit breaker for switching on/off.

(27) According to the system of the present invention, the external control unit 4 comprises means for measuring the parameters acquired by one or more sensors associated with the body of at least one user.

(28) With particular reference to FIG. 1, the sensor can be associated with the body of the athlete 1 or of the trainer 2 and communicates information to the means for detecting the parameters of the external control unit 4, so as to generate command signals for operation of the activation units of the modular devices 3.

(29) It is clear how these command signals are generated by the trainer 2 or by the athlete 1.

(30) As already mentioned, these command signals can be provided in combination with operation of the automatic system, i.e. of an activation of the activation means managed by a logical program that has specific operating logics or training programs.

(31) In fact, the external control unit 4 advantageously comprises processor means for running a logical program, the running of which is responsible for generating command signals for controlling the activation units.

(32) The trainer 2 can supervise automatic operation of the system, generating command signals that will have priority over the operating modes.

(33) According to a first embodiment, the sensor associated with the body of a user comprises at least one microphone connected to a voice-recognition system.

(34) According to this configuration, the trainer 2 has a microphone that detects orders imparted by voice that are processed by the voice-recognition system.

(35) The trainer 2 can, for example, indicate the number of the modular device 3 to be switched on and, optionally, the color of the LED 31 that must be switched on.

(36) Alternatively or in combination, it is possible for the sensor associated with the body of a person, trainer or athlete, to include a system for detecting movements and/or gestures of the body.

(37) In this case, the trainer 2 can have an accelerometer for one or more limbs and based on the movement can activate a different modular device 3.

(38) It is clear how, in this case, activation of the activation means is faster; the trainer 2, simply by moving an arm or speaking, can activate a specific modular device 3.

(39) The external control unit 4 can obviously be produced as a portable device, such as a tablet or the like, having a display unit and an input-output interface.

(40) The display unit and the input-output interface can be integrated inside a single touch screen 41, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

(41) The external control unit 4 communicates with each modular device 3 imparting the sequential switch on logics and will have the task of sending feedback on the training session of the athlete 1 according to specific methods. Direct communication between the external control unit 4 and the modular devices 3 ensures immediate response times without delays of any sort. The fact that the trainer 2 can supervise operation of the system according to the methods described above, will allow, above all during group training sessions, the selection of programs and switching on of the modular devices 3 in real time.

(42) According to a possible embodiment, the athlete 1 can also supervise operation of the system. In this variant, the sensor associated with the body of a person, preferably the athlete, comprises sensors for detecting the biometric parameters of the body of the person.

(43) For example, a heart rate monitor can be associated with the body of the athlete 1 to detect the heartbeat of this latter and send information to the external control unit 4, which processes this information and modifies operation of the activation unit based on predetermined models.

(44) According to an embodiment, each modular device 3 comprises a geolocation unit.

(45) Once each modular device 3 is identified by a code and is provided with a geolocation unit, or any other unit adapted to detect positioning, it is possible to accelerate the procedure of arranging the modular devices 3 based on predetermined patterns stored in the external control unit 4.

(46) According to a further embodiment, it is possible to provide a container for housing the modular devices 3, this container comprising circuits for recharging the batteries of the modular devices 3, said charge circuits being of wireless type.

(47) This container, preferably made of methacrylate, will have electronics dedicated to simultaneous charging of all the batteries incorporated in the modular devices 3, for example through a contactless inductive device. Moreover, if the modular devices 3 are to be positioned permanently, it will be possible to wire the respective power supplies, again from this container.

(48) Based on the logics described previously, a possible example of operation of the external control unit 4 will be dealt with below.

(49) When started, the logical program from the external control unit 4 can have a first screen with the company logo and the possibility of accessing an editing submenu. Subsequently, a screen will appear in which it is possible to choose between 15 different preset programs.

(50) A series of possible programs according to a preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention will be listed below. In the description below, the term “satellite” means a modular device 3 as described above.

(51) Programs 01-04: Panel

(52) The panel programs identify a type of training structured on 4 progressive levels of intensity. The switch on times of the modular devices 3, (latency times) vary from 1 second in the program “PANEL 1” to 0.3 seconds in the program “PANEL 4”. If the satellites are not switched off in this interval of time, they will be switched off automatically and the counter will not increase. It will be possible to switch on two satellites simultaneously. Switching on of the satellites is programmed randomly. Switching off of the first satellite causes the switch on sequence to start.

(53) The program can have a dual duration option: time based (max 60 minutes); shoot based (switch on/off) (max 1000).

(54) The color of the lights is red.

(55) Program 05: Multi-Stage Fitness or Beep Test

(56) The Multi-stage fitness or Beep Test is performed by generating an alternation of switch ons between two satellites whose switch on frequency is gradually increased, obliging the athlete to increase his/her reaction speed. The two satellites are placed at a distance of 10 meters from each other. Initially the latency time is 4.5 seconds; after a certain number of switch ons (for example 20) this time will decrease obliging the athlete to accelerate his/her movements. A decrease of 0.2 seconds for each step is envisaged. If the athlete is unable to switch off a satellite three times in a row the test is concluded. The color of the two satellites will be green for 80% of the switch on time and will then change to red for the remaining 20%.

(57) Program 06: Fix

(58) In this program the satellites are positioned with a fixed starting and return point (pivot). The athlete must switch off a satellite and return to the starting point each time (go, switch off and come back logic). Switching on of the satellites subsequent to that of the base point is random. If a satellite is not switched off within the latency time of 30 seconds, the switch off is not counted. Switching on of a satellite is sequential to switching off of the previous satellite. Simultaneous switching on of two satellites is also possible.

(59) The program can have a dual option: time based (max 60 minutes); shoot based (switch on/off) (max 1000).

(60) It is possible to select six different colors of lights.

(61) Program 07: Mobile

(62) In this program the satellites are positioned in a free pattern and switching on is random. If a satellite is not switched off within the latency time of 30 seconds, the switch off is not counted. Simultaneous switching on of two satellites is also possible.

(63) The program can have a dual option: time based (max 60 minutes); shoot based (switch off/on) (max 1000).

(64) It is possible to select six different colors of lights.

(65) Program 08: Combat

(66) In this program satellites worn by a person (competitor) on one or more parts of the body are switched off.

(67) The program can have a dual option: time based (max 60 minutes); shoot based (switch off/on) (max 1000).

(68) The satellites are of two different colors (red and green) and will switch on simultaneously until, following contact by the competitor, one of the two will be switched off. A sound will signal allocation of the point and after two seconds the satellite that was switched off will be switched on again.

(69) Program 09: Circuit

(70) In this program the satellites are switched on sequentially in increasing order (for example from 1 to 12 with 12 satellites). The latency time is 30 seconds, after which the switch off will not be counted.

(71) The program can have a dual option: time based (max 60 minutes); shoot based (switch off/on) (max 1000).

(72) Program 10: Live

(73) In this program each satellite, with any color, is switched on in real time and without a predetermined pattern. Two satellites can also be switched on simultaneously.

(74) The program can have a dual option: time based (max 60 minutes); shoot based (switch off/on) (max 1000).

(75) Also in this case the latency time is 30 seconds.

(76) Program 11: Personal

(77) A personal key will enable the choice of 15 personalized programs that can be edited in the editing session. Switch on patterns can be set choosing the color, the number of satellites to be switched on simultaneously (maximum two) and the latency time. Also in this case both the time option (max 60 minutes) and the shoot option (switch off/on, max 1000) are possible.

(78) Program 12-15: Group

(79) In this program, switch on of the satellites is divided into color groups, where the groups can be from two to six. The total number of satellites is divided equally into the various color groups. The choice of the number of color groups is implemented using specific keys. For example, if the group 2 key is selected, the satellites will be divided into two groups: from number 1 to 6 red, from number 7 to 12 green. Once all the satellites of one color have been switched off randomly, all those of the other color or of the subsequent color will be switched on again. Also in this case there are two duration options: time based (max 60 minutes) shoot based (switch on/off) (max 1000)

(80) The latency time is always set at 30 seconds.

(81) The performances of the athlete 1 are recorded by the external control unit 4 and are communicated to the trainer 2.

(82) It is clear how the object of the system of the present invention is obviously that of encouraging the athlete 1 to switch off the greatest number of modular devices 3 in the shortest possible time.

(83) In a screen of the results the graphs relating to each color in play must be displayed, showing the partial reactivities intended as number of modular devices 3 switched off with respect to the time taken to switch them off. The histogram graph must indicate the training time in percentage (%) on the abscissa and the reactivity values calculated in the various time percentage intervals in steps of 5 (5%, 10%, 15%, etc.) on the ordinate. The value of the total average reactivity, maximum and minimum, must be indicated in the graph. The same screen will also show the duration of the exercise and the shoot totalizer. A save key will allow the results to be stored in the database of the system. Naturally, if several colors were enabled for the exercise performed, the graphs will be visible in sequence by scrolling down the display 41.

(84) The logical program also allows the training programs to be modified and set, via the editing session.

(85) This session is accessed from the home screen and, after keying in a password, the following menus can be accessed:

(86) Edit Program

(87) This allows 15 completely personalizable user programs to be modified. It will be possible to establish the sequence of the satellites to be switched on, the related colors and the latency time for each satellite. The routines thus generated, once retrieved in the “person” user menu, will be executed cyclically for the whole of the set duration of the training session. Two satellites can be switched on simultaneously.

(88) Check Satellites

(89) In this procedure the satellites connected are checked in order to verify the presence and correct operation of the wireless connection between the various components of the system. The system will therefore interrogate each satellite, verifying the response in terms of communication. If a satellite does not respond correctly, even when the battery is flat, the system will automatically exclude this satellite from the various programs to prevent interruptions thereof.

(90) Enable Beep

(91) It is possible to choose three configurations of the buzzer: buzzer always off, buzzer active for 1 second when the satellite is switched on, buzzer active for 1 second when the satellite is switched off.

(92) Enable Saving

(93) Enables management of the archives to be able to save and retrieve previously executed training sessions for each single athlete/session.

(94) Change Password

(95) This allows the password of the setting menu to be changed. The system will prompt the user to enter the old password, followed by the new password, twice.