TARGET-BASED TRAINING SYSTEM

Abstract

A target-based training system that includes two or more participant stations that are arranged in a circuit and that each provide a target-based training activity. Each participant station includes one or more targets that are engaged through physical strikes. One or more sensors are associated with each of the one or more targets that capture engagement data related to a participant's physical strikes on the target. A computer is configured to receive engagement data and to generate a score based on the engagement data with the two or more participant stations.

Claims

1. A target-based training system comprising: two or more participant stations that are arranged in a circuit and that each provide a target-based training activity that includes one or more targets that are engaged through physical strikes; one or more sensors associated with each of the one or more targets that each capture engagement data related to a participant's physical strikes on the target; a computer configured to receive engagement data and to generate a score based on the engagement data with the two or more participant stations.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein each of the one or more targets further comprise a movable strike surface that is held in an uncompressed position by a biasing member and that is configured to move from to a compressed position in response to physical strikes, wherein the one or more sensors are configured to collect displacement information of the movable plate and at least a portion of the engagement data is derived from the displacement information.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein the one or more sensors include at least three position sensors distributed across the movable plate, the at least three position sensors are configured to measure displacement of the movable strike surface in response to a displacement force applied to the movable strike surface at a strike location in at least three different locations, wherein the computer triangulates the strike location based on the displacement of the movable strike surface at the at least three different locations, and wherein the score is at least partially based on a distance separating the strike location and an intended target center.

4. The system of claim 2 wherein the movable strike surface comprises a movable plate and the biasing member comprises one or more springs connected to the movable plate, the system further comprising guides mounted to the plate that are configured to slide within openings formed in a plate housing in order to constrain the motion of the plate as the plate moves between the compressed position and uncompressed position.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein a separate score is generated for a participant's engagement with each of the two or more participant stations.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein a separate score is generated each time one of the one or more targets is physically struck during a participant's engagement with each of the two or more participant stations.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein a single score is generated for each of the two or more participant stations, wherein the single score is based on all engagement data captured during a participant's engagement with each of the two or more participant stations.

8. The system of claim 1 further comprising a participant platform associated with at least one of the two or more participant stations that is activated only while a participant is located at and correctly engages the participant platform, wherein no score is generated from engagement with the at least one participant station until the participant platform associated with the at least one participant station is activated.

9. The system of claim 8 wherein the participant platform is remote from the at least one participant station such that projectile strikes are required to engage the one or more targets associated with the at least one participant station.

10. The system of claim 8 wherein the participant platform comprises a pressure pad upon which a participant must stand in order to correctly engage and active the participant platform.

11. The system of claim 1 wherein the one or more sensors are configured to detect a strike location of a strike onto the corresponding one or more targets and wherein the score generated is based, at least in part, on a distance separating the strike location and an intended target center.

12. The system of claim 1 wherein targets of one of the two or more participant stations have strike surfaces with different surface areas.

13. The system of claim 1 wherein one of the two or more participant stations is a wall-mounted station.

14. The system of claim 1 further comprising a display that is in communication with the computer and is configured to receive and then display the score.

15. The system of claim 14 further comprising a separate display that is associated with each of the two or more participant stations.

16. The system of claim 1 wherein the computer is configured to determine a magnitude of force of the participant's physical strikes on the target based on the engagement data and wherein the score is at least partially based on the magnitude of force.

17. A method of training: providing a target-based training system that includes a first participant station and a second participant station that are arranged in a circuit and that each provide a target-based training activity that includes one or more targets that are engaged through physical strikes; one or more sensors associated with each of the one or more targets that each capture engagement data related to a participant's physical strikes on the target; a computer in communication with the one or more sensors; engaging the one or more targets of the first participant station; moving to the second participant station and engaging the one or more targets of the second participant station; with the computer, receiving engagement data from the one or more sensors and generating a score based on the engagement data with the two or more participant stations.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Further advantages of the invention are apparent by reference to the detailed description when considered in conjunction with the figures, which are not to scale so as to more clearly show the details, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements throughout the several views, and wherein:

[0019] FIG. 1 depicts a target-based training system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 2 depicts a single target of a multi-target participant station of the system shown in FIG. 1;

[0021] FIGS. 3-5 are cross-section views of the target shown in FIG. 3, taken along line “A-A”, in an uncompressed state, partially off-center compressed state, and partially center-compressed state, respectively;

[0022] FIGS. 6 and 7 depict targets having strike locations; and

[0023] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a portion of an electrical system used by the participant stations shown in FIG. 1;

[0024] FIG. 9 depicts a system of multi-target participant stations communicating to a display device via a network according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 10 depicts a single target of a multi-target training system according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and

[0026] FIG. 11 is a cross-section view of the target shown in FIG. 10, taken along line “B-B”, in an illuminated state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] This description of the preferred embodiments of the invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description of this invention. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and certain features of the invention may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

[0028] With initial reference to FIG. 1, there is provided a target-based training system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 includes several multi-target participant stations 102 (numbered in FIG. 1 as 102A, 102B, 102C, 102D), each containing one or more targets 104, through which one or more participants cycle through during a multi-station exercise routine. At each station 102, participants perform an accuracy challenge or an endurance challenge. An accuracy challenge is a target-based training exercise that requires the participant to accurately and forcefully strike one or more of the targets 104 in a particular order, preferably using a maximum amount of force in most cases. During an endurance challenge, a participant repeatedly strikes a single target 104 as quickly as possible during a given timeframe, preferably using a maximum amount of force in most cases.

[0029] To improve the difficulty and to more closely simulate a “fight or flight” physiological response (e.g., increased heart rate, fatigue), participants may also be required to perform a physical challenge at a challenge station 106 during or between the performance of these accuracy and endurance challenges. The physical challenges performed at challenge stations 106 could include, for example, pushups, jumping jacks, rope climb, etc. After performing the physical challenge, participants proceed to the next participant station 102 and perform the accuracy or endurance challenge. Importantly, as depicted by the dashed arrows in FIG. 1, each participant cycles through each station 102 during the circuit in order to prevent the problem of one participant having the advantage (or perceived advantage) of using a preferred participant station.

[0030] Participant stations 102A, 102B, 102C each include a participant platform 108 on which participants stand while engaging targets 104. To encourage speed when moving between participant stations 102, according to certain embodiments of the invention, the participant stations are preferably activated only after a participant is located at and correctly engaging the participant platform 108 associated with that particular station. For example, in order to correctly engage certain participant platforms 108, a participant might be required to stand on a pressure pad located at the platform. Other types of actions might be required to correctly engage other types of participant platforms 108. Once activated, participants must quickly, accurately, and forcefully engage the targets 104 using a variety of movements or skills. Preferably, in at least certain modes of operation, engagement with a participant station 102 equipped with a participant platform is only counted or scored while the participant correctly engages with the participant platform.

[0031] Different participant stations 102 may test different accuracy skills. For example, participant station 102A is positioned on a ground surface and includes targets 104 that are positioned next to the participant platform 108. To engage the targets 104, participants may be instructed to use downward strikes onto the targets (e.g., with fists, feet, knees, elbows, rubber mace, rubber medicine ball, etc.). Participant station 102B is a close-range wall-mounted station having a participant platform 108 that is remote from the participant station but is still within reach of the participant. Participant station 102B is in electrical communication with participant platform 108 and, when in use, a participant would stand on participant platform and then use forward strikes (e.g., punches, kicks, etc.) to engage targets 104. Participant station 102C is a long range wall-mounted version having a participant platform 108 that is remote from the participant station that is not within reach of the participant. Participant station 102C is in electrical communication with participant platform 108 and, when in use, a participant would stand on participant platform 108 and then provide long distance (e.g., projectile) strikes onto the targets 104. This could include, for example, the participant of a laser or pellet gun to train combat-type skills. In other cases, athletic skills and accuracy could be tested and a participant might be instructed to hit targets 104 with baseballs or footballs. In addition to the numbered targets 104, participant station 102D also contains a larger, centrally-located and non-numbered endurance target 110. This target 110 is used to test a participant's endurance and, when in use, a participant would repeatedly strike the target as many times as possible. Since the aim of this particular exercise is speed and repeated strikes and is not accuracy, the surface area of the striking surface of target 110 is preferably larger than the surface area of the striking surface of targets 104. A participant may, for example, stand adjacent participant station 102D and then repeatedly strike target 110 with a rubber mace.

[0032] System 100 is intended to train speed and teamwork. So, in certain embodiments, a team works together to achieve the highest score in the least amount of time. In that case, participant stations 102 may not be activated until a participant is located at participant platform 108, which will encourage all members of a team to move through the stations quickly and in unison. In other cases, none of the stations 102 are activated until each participant on a team is located at the designated participant platform 108. System 100 is also intended to train situational awareness and to improve reaction times. For that reason, in preferred embodiments, strikes on targets 104 are only counted towards a participant's score when they are performed in the correct order onto an active target, which may be randomized by a computer communicating to the platforms (e.g., portions of targets 104 may illuminate to designate the active target) or designated by an instructor. This would test, for example, boxing punch combinations (e.g., 4-1-3-2).

[0033] With reference to FIGS. 2-5, the presently-disclosed system is intended to promote forceful and accurate strikes on targets 104. In preferred embodiments, the system is configured to detect the magnitude and location of force applied to each of targets 104 and to provide higher scores for strikes that are more accurate than those that are less accurate and for strikes with a higher force than those with a lesser force. In the illustrated embodiment, each target 104 includes a movable strike surface. In the illustrated case, the strike surface is illustrated as a movable plate 112 that is configured to move between an uncompressed position and a compressed position. Preferably, plate 112 is biased to the uncompressed position, such as by springs 114, which are preferably evenly spaced away from and uniformly distributed around a center of the plate. The motion of the plate 112 between the uncompressed and compressed positions is preferably constrained by guides 116 that slide within wells 138 formed in an upper housing 136. The system is configured to detect the amount of force applied to the plate 112. This could be calculated, for example, based on the mass and acceleration of the plate or by the spring force and amount of deflection of the plate, or both. In preferred embodiments, one or more sensors 118 (e.g., linear potentiometer, pressure sensor, impact sensor, displacement sensor, etc.) are provided to detect displacement of the plate 112 as well as the number and frequency of strikes onto the plate, and the force and location of strikes. By providing three or more such position sensors 118, the location of the center of the force applied to the plate 112 can be determined, such as through triangulation, by a computer. This will allow accuracy of the strike to be determined in addition to the amount of force to be determined. This information could then be used to score a participant's performance based on a combination of the force applied to the plate 112 and the accuracy of the strike. Of course, other position and displacement sensors known in the art could be used in place of those discussed above. In the illustrated embodiment, a lower housing 140 is mounted below the upper housing 136 and provides room for storing electronics associated with the target 104, including sensors 118 and a computer 142 that is used in performing at least some of the calculations needed to calculate the scores from a participant's engagement with the target 104.

[0034] With reference now to FIG. 6, an off-center strike location 124 is shown. This strike location 124 is spaced away from the intended target center 132 that should have been hit. It is noted that the “target center” is the location on the target 104 where a strike should be centered. The “target center” may be located at the center of the target 104 or at some other location on the target. In certain embodiments, the target center for each target 104 may change. For example, the target center may be located at the center of a target 104 for a first strike and then located away from the center of the target for a subsequent strike. Preferably, a participant's score is at least partially determined by the accuracy of their strike on the target 104 (i.e., the distance between the strike location and the intended target center). In this first case, the off-center strike location 124 would result in plate 112 deflecting from the position shown in FIG. 3 to the position shown in FIG. 4, where one of the springs 114 (i.e., the right-most spring) is deflected more than other springs, which indicates an off-center strike. For this particular strike, the participant receives 100 points. Preferably, an individual display 120 is located nearby and is in communication with each participant station 102. The display 120 preferably immediately displays the participant's score 122 to the participant. This immediate feedback would motivate the participant to either continue performing the same way (if they scored well) or to modify their performance (if they scored poorly).

[0035] A second example is provided in FIG. 7, where, after striking poorly at strike location 124, the participant modifies their performance to achieve improved strike location 126, which is more centered and results in 200 points being awarded. This improved second strike would result in plate 112 deflecting springs 114 evenly, as shown in FIG. 5. Additionally, the improved score is immediately displayed to the participant.

[0036] An electrical system may be used to control one or more of the participant stations 102, including calculating the strike characteristics (e.g., accuracy, speed and force) and provide a resulting score. For example, the electrical system 134 shown in FIG. 8 controls the operation of the participant stations 102 shown in FIG. 2. In preferred embodiments, a communications module (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) is provided to communicate information from each of the participant stations 102 to a central display. This allows each of the participants to see their scores as well as the scores of others participants. As shown in FIG. 9, information is communicated from participant stations 102 to an external display 128 (e.g., tablet, electronic scoreboard, etc.), and takes place over a network 130, which may be wired or wireless.

[0037] With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, there is provided an alternative target 104′ that includes a strike surface 112′ that is illuminated by a plurality of lights 144 distributed across the strike surface that are visible to participants when illuminated. Lights 144 are preferably illuminated to show the target center 132, where a strike should be centered for a higher score. Lights 144 could be illuminated in a planned or random order, and the position of the illuminated light corresponds with the target center. In certain embodiments, target 104′ includes a padded top layer 146 is placed on top of an underlying plate 112. Preferably, top layer 146 allows the participant to see illumination from lights 144, which are preferably placed under the top layer, through the top layer. For example, in certain embodiments, top layer is formed from plastisol or another similar material. Additionally, sensors 118 are preferably located at or in close proximity to each of the lights 144.

[0038] Although this description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments thereof, as well as the best mode contemplated by the inventor of carrying out the invention. The invention, as described herein, is susceptible to various modifications and adaptations as would be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention relates.