INTEGRATED MULTI-PURPOSE HOCKEY SKATEMILL AND ITS CONTROL/MANAGEMENT IN THE INDIVIDUAL TRAINING AND TESTING OF THE SKATING AND HOCKEY SKILLS

Abstract

An integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill with a movable skatemill belt (2) comprising a stationary area of the artificial ice (1) with a front face of the work area wherein a movable skatemill belt (2) is built in by means of barrier-free transition areas with a system of spaced signalization/display elements (5) hung on the tiltable/sliding brackets (5a) at the frontal and lateral sectors with respect to the center of the movable skatemill belt (2). There is a safety restraint system (3) and a stabilization system (4) anchored above the movable skatemill belt (2). A tensile/compressive force measuring system (8) is suspended from above in the longitudinal axis of the movable skatemill belt (2). The said skatemill comprises an electronic control unit (9) ECU controlling the operation of the movable skatemill belt's (2) drive system, the system of signalization/display elements (5), the system of optical scanning cameras (6) and the tensile/compressive force measuring system (8). There are two puck feeders (7) located on the border line defining the front side of the work area. There is a hockey goal structure with target zones impact detection sensors located on the edge of the work force in front of the movable skatemill belt (2). Two laser markers (12) used to define the width of a skate track may be located on the stationary area of the artificial ice in front of the movable skatemill belt.

Claims

1. An integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill with a movable skatemill belt comprising: a stationary area of the artificial ice (1) wherein at least one of the movable skatemill belts is built in by means of barrier-free transition areas and (2) wherein the said skatemill belt comprises drive, protection and control elements connected to an electronic control block (9) ECB, which is built around with immovable artificial ice surface (1); wherein the said movable skatemill belt (2) is slidably mounted on a stationary sliding surface (2b) of the solid metal beams (2a) whose longer dimension is oriented in the direction of the sliding movement of the movable skatemill belt (2); and wherein a safety restraint system (3) is anchored above the movable skatemill belt (2).

2. The integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill with a movable skatemill belt as set forth in claim 1, including a stabilization system (4) anchored above the movable skatemill belt (2).

3. The integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill with a movable skatemill belt as set forth in claim 1, including two laser markers (12) located in front of the movable skatemill belt (2) used to define the width of a skate track.

4. The integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill with a movable skatemill belt as set forth in claim 1, including a hockey goal structure (11) located in the longitudinal axis of the movable skatemill belt (2) on the border line defining the frontal side of the stationary area of the artificial ice (1).

5. The integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill with a movable skatemill belt as set forth in claim 1, including spaced elements (5) of the signalization/display system hung on the tiltable and sliding brackets (5a) at the frontal and lateral sectors with respect to the center of the movable skatemill belt (2).

6. The integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill with a movable skatemill belt as set forth in claim 1, including spaced digital optical scanning cameras (6) on solid brackets (6a) located at the edges of the stationary area of the artificial ice (1) in the longitudinal axis of the movable skatemill belt (2).

7. The integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill with a movable skatemill belt as set forth in claim 1, including a tensile/compressive force measuring system placed on a front and back top-hung tiltable and sliding brackets (8a) in combination with two force sensors (8) and fiber and/or solid rods (8b).

8. The integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill with a movable skatemill belt as set forth in claim 1, including an electronic control block (9) ECB connected with an acoustic sensor (11b) to monitor a hockey player's verbal messages that is fitted on a head mount holder as well as with target zones puck impact detection sensors (11a) placed on the hockey goal structure (11).

9. The integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill with a movable skatemill belt as set forth in claim 1, including one or two puck feeders (7) located on the border line defining the front side of the stationary area of the artificial ice (1).

10. The integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill with a movable skatemill belt as set forth in claim 1, including an electronic control block (9) ECB wherein the said block comprises at least one of the control blocks intended for automated management of trainings and tests: a control block “LightShot ECU” to implement a management method for goal shooting training; a control block “LightWatch ECU” to implement a management method for goal shooting training with peripheral vision; a control block “Exercise Pattern ECU” to implement a Demo video and training method; a control block “LiveView ECU” to implement a method for recording a training and playing the video footage of the training; a control block “Skating Position ECU” to implement a method for recording a training and editing the video footage of the training; a control block “Skating Power ECU” to implement a skater's speed performance profile method; a control block “Power Skating Analysis ECU” to implement an endurance performance profile method; a control block “Power Skating Max ECU” to implement a skater's endurance performance profile and fatigue index method; a control block “VO.sub.2max on Skatemill ECU” to implement an aerobic performance profile assessment method.

11. The integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill with a movable skatemill belt as set forth in claim 10, including an electronic control block (9) ECB wherein the said block is an electronic computing system.

12. A method of control/management for an integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill with a movable skatemill belt for individual training and testing of the skating and hockey skills during a training oriented on the development of shooting skills “LightShot” by means of a control block (LightShot ECU) as part of the electronic control block (9) ECB, wherein the point or flat light signals in five zones “LEFT TOP CORNER”, “RIGHT TOP CORNER”, “BOTTOM CENTER”, “LEFT BOTTOM CORNER” and “RIGHT BOTTOM CORNER” are displayed on a flat display element (5) of a signalization/display system placed in the front sector in longitudinal axis of the movable skatemill belt (2) and wherein any impact on the same zones as defined on the frontal plane of a hockey goal structure (11) in a given time period is subsequently evaluated in an automated or non-automated way.

13. The method as set forth in claim 12 wherein during a training oriented on the development of peripheral vision “LightWatch” by means of a control block (LightWatch ECU) as part of the electronic control block (9) ECB, wherein segment light signals are displayed on a flat display element (5) of a signalization/display system in the front sector right to the (2) movable skatemill belt's longitudinal axis and in the front sector left to the (2) movable skatemill belt's longitudinal axis, and wherein correct identification of the displayed signals by a hockey player is subsequently evaluated in a given time period in an automated or non-automated way.

14. The method as set forth in claim 12 wherein during a training with a Demo video “Exercise Pattern” by means of a control block (Exercise Pattern ECU) as part of the electronic control block (9) ECB, wherein samples of the training or exercise to be performed by a skater or a hockey player on the movable skatemill belt (2) get displayed on a flat display element (5) of a signalization/display system in the front sector of the (2) movable skatemill belt's longitudinal axis and/or in the front sector right and/or left to the (2) movable skatemill belt's longitudinal axis, and wherein the displayed samples of training or exercises get subsequently performed by a skater or a hockey player.

15. The method as set forth in claim 12, wherein during recording of a training and playing it “LiveView” by means of a control block (LiveView) as part of the electronic control block (9) ECB, wherein visual information gets digitally recorded by a front and side optical scanning cameras (6) and wherein the visual information are displayed with a time delay on a flat display element (5) of a signalization/display system located in the front sector in the (2) movable skatemill belt's longitudinal axis and/or in the front sector right and/or left to the (2) movable skatemill belt's longitudinal axis.

16. The method as set forth in claim 12, wherein during recording of a training and editing of the recording in a “Skating Position” test by means of a control block (Skating Position) as part of the electronic control block (9) ECB, wherein visual information gets digitally recorded by a front and side optical scanning cameras (6) and wherein canonical segments representing positions of the lower extremities or their parts are added to the recordings in an automated or non-automated way by means of video recording editing tools, and wherein kinematic patterns of the canonical segments' motion are subsequently analyzed in an automated or non-automated way in order to identify weaknesses and/or optimize a skater's or a hockey player's skating skills.

17. The method as set forth in claim 12, wherein during testing power-speed skating skills of a skater or hockey player in “Skating Power ECU” test by means of a control block (Skating Power ECU) as part of the electronic control block (9) ECB, wherein a speed performance profile of a skater or a hockey player gets detected from tensile/compressive force “F” measured by a force sensor (8) and wherein the said profile is represented by an 8-element performance sequence “P” determined at eight different reference skating speeds “v.sub.stride” wherein v.sub.stride=15.0-16.5-18.0-19.5-21.0-22.5-24.0-25.5 km/h, by the relation: $P=1/8.Math.\underset{k=1}{\overset{8}{.Math.}}.Math..Math.F_k.Math.v_{\mathrm{stride}}\left[W,N,\mathrm{ms}-1\right]$ in which “P” is a performance exerted by a skater or a hockey player, “k” is a serial number of a skating stride in an 8-step series “F.sub.k” is the maximum tensile/compressive force exerted by a skater or a hockey player.

18. The method as set forth in claim 12, including the step of determining the maximum anaerobic power and fatigue index in “Power Skating Analysis ECU” test by means of a control block (Power Skating Analysis ECU) as part of the electronic control block (9) ECB, wherein an endurance performance profile of a skater or a hockey player gets detected from tensile/compressive force “F” measured by a force sensor (8) through performance values P.sub.[0-5], P.sub.[5-10], P.sub.[10-15], P.sub.[15-20], P.sub.[20-25], P.sub.[25-30]) in a 6-element sequence at a speed “v.sub.strideMAX” in time intervals: <0-5 s>, <5-10 s>, <10-15 s>, <15-20 s>, <20-25 s>, <25-30 s> by the relations: $P_{\left[0-5\right]}=v_{\mathrm{strideMAX}}.Math.1/5.Math.{\int }_{t=0}^5.Math..Math.F_{\mathrm{stide}}\left(t\right).Math.\mathrm{dt}.Math.\left[W,\mathrm{ms}-1,N\right]$ $P_{\left[5-10\right]}=v_{\mathrm{strideMAX}}.Math.1/5.Math.{\int }_{t=5}^{10}.Math..Math.F_{\mathrm{stide}}\left(t\right).Math.\mathrm{dt}.Math.\left[W,\mathrm{ms}-1,N\right]$ $P_{\left[10-15\right]}=v_{\mathrm{strideMAX}}.Math.1/5.Math.{\int }_{t=10}^{15}.Math..Math.F_{\mathrm{stide}}\left(t\right).Math.\mathrm{dt}.Math.\left[W,\mathrm{ms}-1,N\right]$ $P_{\left[15-20\right]}=v_{\mathrm{strideMAX}}.Math.1/5.Math.{\int }_{t=15}^{20}.Math..Math.F_{\mathrm{stide}}\left(t\right).Math.\mathrm{dt}.Math.\left[W,\mathrm{ms}-1,N\right]$ $P_{\left[20-25\right]}=v_{\mathrm{strideMAX}}.Math.1/5.Math.{\int }_{t=20}^{25}.Math..Math.F_{\mathrm{stide}}\left(t\right).Math.\mathrm{dt}.Math.\left[W,\mathrm{ms}-1,N\right]$ $P_{\left[25-30\right]}=v_{\mathrm{strideMAX}}.Math.1/5.Math.{\int }_{t=25}^{30}.Math..Math.F_{\mathrm{stide}}\left(t\right).Math.\mathrm{dt}.Math.\left[W,\mathrm{ms}-1,N\right]$ and wherein fatigue index of a skater or a hockey player gets detected as the extent of the power loss exerted by a skater or a hockey player in time interval <0-5 s> and in time interval <25-30 s> expressed as the extent of the power loss and the average performance attained by a skater or a hockey player in time interval <0-5 s> by the relation: ${\mathrm{INDEX}}_U=\frac{P_{\left[0-5\right]}-P_{\left[25-30\right]}}{P_{\left[25-30\right]}}.Math.100.Math.\%$

19. The method as set forth in claim 12, applied in “Power Skating Max” test by means of a control block (Power Skating Max ECU) as part of the electronic control block (9) ECB, wherein a speed performance profile of a skater or a hockey player gets detected from the skating speed and from tensile/compressive force “F” measured by a force sensor (8) simultaneously with an endurance performance profile and fatigue index of a skater and a hockey player.

20. The method as set forth in claim 12, applied in “VO.sub.2max on Skatemill” test to determine an aerobic performance profile by means of a control block (VO.sub.2max on Skatemill ECU) as part of the electronic control block (9) ECB, wherein the speed of a skatemill belt during testing of a skater's or a hockey player's aerobic skills on an integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill is controlled based on a given speed profile or based on control information from the external spirometric or cardiopulmonary monitor.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] The integrated assembly of a multi-purpose hockey skatemill and the method of control/management for the individual training and testing of the skating and hockey skills according to the invention will be further described in the enclosed drawings wherein:

[0057] FIG. 1 represents an overall view of the basic layout of the elements of the integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill.

[0058] FIG. 2 shows a general view of the deployment of elements of the integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill in a network configuration.

[0059] FIG. 3 presents a functional integration of the mobile and stationary parts of the working area in the case of one movable skatemill belt.

[0060] FIG. 4 describes a functional integration of the working area parts in the case of multiple movable skatemill belts.

[0061] FIG. 5 shows a view of the safety restraint system for skaters or hockey players in perspective.

[0062] FIG. 6 shows a view of the stabilization system for skaters or hockey players.

[0063] FIG. 7 gives a view of the signalization/display elements assembly hinged to the tilting and telescopic brackets in perspective.

[0064] FIG. 8 shows a view of an optical scanning cameras system in perspective.

[0065] FIG. 9 is a view of a puck feeding system in perspective.

[0066] FIG. 10 shows a view of a tensile/compressive force measuring system for skaters or hockey players in perspective.

[0067] FIG. 11 is a view of a hockey goal structure with the sensors installed to detect puck hits on the target zones and with the sensor (acoustic microphone) for speech capture on a head-mounted holder.

[0068] FIG. 12 shows a view of the assembly of laser markers on a detachable bracket.

[0069] FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of a skatemill belt supported by means of solid metal beams with the stationary sliding surfaces at the points of contact with the skatemill.

[0070] FIG. 14 shows schematics of three possible ways of moving the skatemill belt by an electric motor.

[0071] FIG. 15 represents a complete view of the arrangement of two integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemills where the both skatemill belts share one common stationary area of the artificial ice but where each skatemill has its own group of signalization/display elements.

[0072] FIG. 16 represents an overview of the layout of two integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemills where the both skatemill belts share one common stationary area of the artificial ice and one common group of signalization/display elements.

[0073] FIG. 17 is a block diagram of the electronic control block (ECB) of the integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill with a system for the individual training and testing of the skating and hockey skills.

[0074] FIG. 18 represents a logic block diagram of the “LightShot” module of the electronic control block (ECB) used to control the skatemill during the LightShot training.

[0075] FIG. 19 represents a logic block diagram of the “LightWatch” module of the electronic control block (ECB) used to control the skatemill during the LightWatch training.

[0076] FIG. 20 represents a logic block diagram of the “Exercise Pattern” of the electronic control block (ECB) used to control the skatemill during the Exercise Pattern training.

[0077] FIG. 21 represents a logic block diagram of the “LiveView” module of the electronic control block (ECB) used to control the skatemill during the LiveView training.

[0078] FIG. 22 represents a logic block diagram of the “Skating Position” of the electronic control block (ECB) used to control the skatemill during the SkatingPosition training.

[0079] FIG. 23 represents a logic block diagram of the “Skating Power” of the electronic control block (ECB) used to control the skatemill during the Skating Power training.

[0080] FIG. 24 represents a logic block diagram of the “PowerSkating Analysis” module of the electronic control block (ECB) used to control the skatemill during the Power Skating Analysis training.

[0081] FIG. 25 represents a logic block diagram of the “PowerSkating Max” module of the electronic control block (ECB) used to control the skatemill during Power SkatingMax training.

[0082] FIG. 26 represents a logic block diagram of the “VO.sub.2max on Skatemill” module of the electronic control block (ECB) used to control the skatemill during the VO.sub.2max on Skatemill training.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0083] It is understood that individual examples of the implementation of the invention are presented to illustrate and not to limit. Using no more than routine experimentation, any knowledgeable professionals may find or be able to find a number of equivalents to the specification of the implementation of the invention which are not explicitly described here. Such equivalents are meant to fall within the scope of the following patent claims. Any topological or kinematic modification of this kind of hockey skatemill, including necessary design, choice of materials and design layout may not be a problem, therefore these features have not been dealt with in detail.

Example 1

[0084] This example of a specific implementation of the invention describes a structure design of the integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill with its control/management system for the individual training and testing of the skating and hockey skills, in a maximum operational assembly modified for a hockey training center as depicted in the enclosed FIG. 1. It consists of a barrier-free work area made up from a stationary area of artificial ice 1 and a movable built-in skatemill belt 2 as depicted in the enclosed FIG. 3. Materials such as FunICE, Scan_ice, Xtraice, EZ-Glide etc. can be used as an artificial ice 1. The movable skatemill belt 2 comes as the so-called endless belt with its surface fitted with a material made of artificial ice. The skatemill belt is placed on two rotating load-bearing drums 2c and 2d. As shown in FIG. 14, 2c is a drive drum and 2d is a powered drum that are placed in ball bearings and on a shared support frame that is not depicted. The movable skatemill belt 2 is supported by solid metal beams 2a, as depicted in FIG. 13. These beams of the movable skatemill belt 2 touch it with nonmoving sliding surfaces 2b. On the boundary line defining a front side of the work area, extending the longitudinal axis of the movable skatemill belt 2, there is a hockey goal structure 11 with sensors 11a detecting puck hits on the target zones. The sensors are connected to the electronic control block 9 (ECB) via signal or data channels (metallic or wireless) 10, as depicted in FIG. 11. The sensor 11b monitoring verbal announcements of a hockey player, in this case an acoustic microphone, is located on a head-mount holder. It is connected to the electronic control block 9 (ECB) via signal or data channels (metallic or wireless) 10, as depicted in FIG. 11. Above the movable skatemill belt 2 is a top-hung safety restraint system 3 for skaters or hockey players, as depicted in FIG. 5. This comprises a personal harness system 3a, e.g. a full-body harness with a dorsal and adjustable straps 3b connected via carabiner clips 3c on one side to the skater's full body harness and on the other to the anchoring point 3d attached to a safety switch 3e that will stop the skatemill belt 2 from moving if pulled by the weight of the skater. The safety switch 3e slides on a horizontal guide rod 3f that is anchored on the first brackets 3g. Above the movable skatemill belt 2 is also a top-hung stabilization system 4 for skaters or hockey players, as depicted in FIG. 6. The system consists of two top-hung vertical beams 4a with the foldable horizontal handrails 4b, such as handlebars. The position of the beams, i.e. height from the surface of the work area, may be adjusted. The handrails 4b may be tipped into an upright position in parallel with the vertical beams. The vertical beams 4a are top-hung on the second brackets 4c over the side of the movable and stationary lines of the work surface so that the vertical beams 4a with unfolded handrails 4b do not interfere with the space above the skatemill 2. First brackets 3g and second brackets 4c may be combined into one common bracket. The suspension mechanism of the stabilization system 4 allows to tilt the vertical beams 4a with the handrails 4b facing up to the horizontal position as high as 2.2±0.1 m. At places defined by the intersections of the semicircular line, whose central point is identical with the center of the movable skatemill belt 2 and whose radius is 4.5±0.5 m, the arms of the angle from 70° up to 90° and with the vertex in the center of and symmetrical to the longitudinal axis of the movable skatemill belt 2, there are placed optical signalization/display elements 5 (left and right) hanging from the tiltable or vertically sliding brackets 5a. The middle optical signalization/display element 5 is located on the bracket 5a fitted on a line that is defined by the longitudinal axis of the movable skatemill belt 2, 6±1 m from its center. The suspension mechanism of the bracket 5a of the optical signalization/display element 5 allows to tilt the bracket 5a together with the optical signalization/display element 5 upwards to a horizontal position as high as 2.2±0.1 m. The optical signalization/display elements 5 are connected to the electronic control block 9 (ECB) via signal or data (metallic or wireless) channels 10, as depicted in FIG. 7. On the edges of the training zone and in vertical planes passing through the longitudinal and transverse axes of the movable skatemill belt 2, there are digital optical scanning cameras 6 fitted on brackets 6a and connected to the electronic control block 9 (ECB) via signal or data (metallic or wireless) channels 10, as depicted in FIG. 8. On the border line defining the front side of the work area, there are two puck feeders 7, as depicted in FIG. 9. The feeders are likewise connected to the electronic control block 9 (ECB) via signal or data (metallic or wireless) channels 10. On the two top-hung tiltable or vertically sliding brackets 8a, or on firm brackets (only in the case of the brackets located in the area behind the movable skatemill belt 2), and in the axis of the movable skatemill 2, 2.5±0.25 m from its center, there is a system measuring tensile/compressive forces by means of piezoelectric or tensiometric force-measuring sensors 8, as depicted in FIG. 10. Strength effect (tensile or compressive) exerted by a skater or a hockey player on the front and/or back sensor 8 is carried out by means of the front and/or back fibre handle 8b (tensile force) or solid rod (tensile and/or compressive force). Vertical position of the force sensor 8 may be set up within the range of 0.8 to 1.4 m. The suspension mechanism of the bracket 8a of the force sensor makes it possible to tilt the sensor's bracket 8a together with the force sensor 8 upwards to a horizontal position as high as 2.2±0.1 m. The force sensors 8 are connected to the electronic control block 9 (ECB) via signal or data (metallic or wireless) channels 10. The movable skatemill belt 2 is powered by a propulsion electric motor 2e, whereby the transmission connection between the electric motor 2e and the drive drum 2c of the movable skatemill belt 2 may be carried out in several alternative ways. The first alternative, as depicted in FIG. 13, represents a direct drive of the drive drum 2c of the movable skatemill belt 2, with the so-called drum electric motor 2e being directly built in the drive drum 2c itself. The second alternative, as depicted in FIG. 13, shows an example where a drive drum 2c of the movable skatemill belt 2 is powered by a propulsion electric motor 2e by means of a belt or chain transmission 2f. The third alternative, as depicted in FIG. 13, shows an example where a propulsion electric motor 2e powers a drive drum 2c of the movable skatemill belt 2 by means of a transmission 2g with the hard gear ratio. The propulsion electric motor 2e is in all cases a 3-phase asynchronous electric motor whose direction and rotational speed are continuously managed through a frequency converter 13 controlled by the electronic control block 9 (ECB), as depicted in FIG. 17. Emergency stop of the movable skatemill belt 2 in the event of a skater's a or a hockey player's fall is secured by a safety isolating switch disconnecting power supply for the propulsion electric motor 2e in the block of the power supply 14 which is directly managed by the switch of safety harness 3e, as depicted in FIG. 17.

[0085] The electronic control block 9 (ECB) of the integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill with a system for the individual training and testing of the skating and hockey skills is used by a skatemill operator or for automatic switch on or switch off control of the skatemill. It is also used to control the direction and speed of the movable skatemill belt 2 as well as to control individual operational or steerable elements of the skatemill while performing standard trainings and tests of skatemills. Individual elements of the skatemill may be managed in parallel by one or multiple control blocks of the electronic control block unit 9 (ECB), as depicted in FIG. 17. The electronic control block 9 (ECB) consists of the following operational blocks: [0086] “Automated Exercise/Test & Video Playing/Recording (AETV) Control Unit” which provides an internal system control, i.e. functional integration of the control blocks of the electronic control block unit 9 (ECB) on the electrical and logical level; [0087] “Inverter Control Unit” which provides control and monitoring of the status of a 3-phase frequency converter that manages the direction and rotational speed of the drive electric motor 2e of the movable skatemill belt 2; [0088] “Console Control Unit (Operator)” which enables the operator—by means of a manual interface comprising a display, a keyboard, functional buttons and an acoustic warning/signalization unit—to switch on/off the skatemill, to manage the direction and speed of the skatemill belt 2 and to set up the content of the control registers meant for managing functions of the individual control blocks. Part of the control block is also a signal interface “Exercise/Test External Data Loading Interface” that is meant for direct entry of data in the registers Timer & Register Array Unit and Fall Indicator that is intended for signalization of the safety system being activated in the event of a skater's or a hockey player's fall; [0089] “Timer & Register Array Unit” which stores the static (permanent) control parameters in the registers, e.g. time constants, preset speeds of the movable skatemill belt 2, files or sequence of the displayed symbols etc., test results such as files with the measured force sizes and operating parameters such as status indicators, counters, timers, i/o buffers etc.; [0090] “HST Remote Operation Unit” which secures connectivity of the control unit 9 (ECB) via the network interface “Ethernet” to the standard communication infrastructure, e.g. data network using TCP/IP protocol that allows to control the skatemill through the so-called remote console. Part of the control block is also a signal interface “Universal Communication Interface”, e.g. serial RS-232 or USB intended for connecting an external spirometric or cardiopulmonary monitor in combination with a decoder for the communication protocol of the external device; [0091] “Display Control Unit” which serves to connect and control the display of given visual themes on the display/signalization elements. Part of the control block is also signal interfaces “LED/LCD Outputs” meant for connecting point, segment and flat imaging displays; [0092] “Video Recording Control Unit” which serves to connect optical video cameras to capture visual information obtained from the cameras. Part of the control block is also signal interfaces “Video Camera Inputs” intended for connecting digital optical scanning video cameras 6; [0093] “Video Storage Control Unit” is a data storage for permanent or temporary storage of visual information made by digital optical scanning (video) cameras. 6. Video Storage Control Unit can also store visual information (recordings) kept in the data storage via “External Video Loading Interface” of the electronic control block 9 (ECB) that serves for visual information transmission from external sources to the Video Storage Control Unit; [0094] “Video Playing Control Unit” which is used to select and manage the display of visual information stored in the Video Storage Control Unit. If necessary, the visual information can be displayed through Display Control Unit on the display/signalization elements 5; [0095] “Analog-to-Digital Conversion Unit (ADC)” which serves to convert analogue signal from the sensor 8 of the tensile or compressive forces exerted by skaters or hockey players into digital form. The operation of the ADC is managed by an active control block “Skating Power”, “Power Skating Analysis”, “Skating Power Max” or “VO.sub.2max on Skatemill”. Part of the control block is also a signal interface “Normalized Analog Force Sensor Input” intended for connection to the analogue output of the force sensor 8; [0096] “Arithmetic-&-Logic Control Unit (ALU)” which is used to perform specific calculations and logical operations required for the calculation of the results (of speed performance profile, endurance performance profile and the fatigue index) while taking the “Skating Power”, “Power Skating Analysis” and “Skating Power Max” tests, e.g. napr. finding the local maximum of the datasets, the calculation of the integral etc.; [0097] “Puck Feeder Control Unit” is used to manage the operation of one or two puck feeders 7. Part of the control block is also a signal interface “Puck Feeder Output(s)” intended for connecting electrically operated triggers of the puck feeders 7; [0098] “LightShot Execution Control Unit (LightShot ECU)” is used for automated management of the “LightShot” training. A logic scheme of how the skatemill is managed by this block is depicted in FIG. 18. By means of an AETV and apart from its “Inverter Control Unit” functions, this control block uses also functions of other control blocks, such as “Display Control Unit” and “Puck Feed Machine Control Unit”. Part of the control block is also a signal interface “Goal Corner Hit Sensor Inputs” for the impact sensors 11a of individual target zones set on the front of a hockey goal structure 11; [0099] “LightWatch Execution Control Unit (LightWatch ECU)” is used for automated management of the “LightWatch” training. A logic scheme of how the skatemill is managed by this block is depicted in FIG. 19. By means of an AETV and apart from its “Inverter Control Unit” functions, this control block uses also functions of the other control block, namely “Display Control Unit”. Part of the control block is also a signal interface “Headset Microphone INput” intended for connection of an acoustic microphone 11b designed for recording hockey player's verbal messages; [0100] “Exercise Pattern Execution Control Unit (Exercise Pattern ECU)” is used for automated management of the “Exercise Pattern” training. A logic scheme of how the skatemill is managed by this block is depicted in FIG. 20. By means of an AETV and apart from its “Inverter Control Unit” functions, this control block uses also functions of other control blocks, such as “Display Control Unit” and “Video Playing Control Unit”; [0101] “LiveView Execution Control Unit (LiveView ECU)” is used for automated management of the “LiveView” training. A logic scheme of how the skatemill is managed by this block is depicted in FIG. 21. By means of an AETV and apart from its “Inverter Control Unit” functions, this control block uses also functions of other control blocks, such as “Video Recording Control Unit”, “Video Storage Control Unit”, “Video Playing Control Unit” and “Display Control Unit”; [0102] “Skating Position Execution Control Unit (Skating Position ECU)” is used for automated management of the “Skating Position” test. A logic scheme of how the skatemill is managed by this block is depicted in FIG. 22. By means of an AETV and apart from its “Inverter Control Unit” functions, this control block uses also functions of other control blocks, such as “Video Recording Control Unit” and “Video Storage Control Unit”; [0103] “Skating Power Execution Control Unit (Skating Power ECU)” is used for automated management of the “Skating Power” test. A logic scheme of how the skatemill is managed by this block is depicted in FIG. 23. By means of an AETV and apart from its “Inverter Control Unit” functions, this control block uses also functions of other control blocks of the 9 (ECB), such as “ADC” and “ALU”; [0104] “Power Skating Analysis Execution Control Unit (Power Skating Analysis ECU)” is used for automated management of the “Power Skating Analysis” test. A logical scheme of how the skatemill is managed by this block is depicted in FIG. 24. By means of an AETV and apart from its “Inverter Control Unit” functions, this control block uses also functions of other control blocks of the 9 (ECB), such as “ADC” and “ALU”; [0105] “Skating Power Max Execution Control Unit (Skating Power Max ECU)” is used for automated management of the “Skating Power Max” test. A logic scheme of how the skatemill is managed by this block is depicted in FIG. 25. By means of an AETV and apart from its “Inverter Control Unit” functions, this control block uses also functions of other control blocks of the 9 (ECB), such as “ADC” and “ALU”; [0106] “VO.sub.2max on Skatemill Execution Control Unit (VO.sub.2max on Skatemill ECU)” is used for automated management of the “VO.sub.2max on Skatemill” test. A logic scheme of how the skatemill is managed by this block is depicted in FIG. 26. By means of an AETV and apart from its “Inverter Control Unit” functions, this control block uses also functions of other control blocks of the 9 (ECB), such as “ADC” and “ALU”. Part of the control block is also a signal interface “External Spirometer Input” designed for connecting an external spirometer or cardiopulmonary monitor. The external spirometric or cardiopulmonary monitor with its signal or data channel designed for being connected to the electronic control block 9 (ECB) is not depicted in this implementation example;

[0107] Logic and computing functions of the electronic control block 9 (ECB) and control blocks (ECU) are implemented by means of electronic elements—logic gates, flip-flop circuits, multiplexers, shift and memory registers, electronic RAM and ROM memories, large-capacity electromechanical memories (hard drives), integrated circuits for a particular use ASIC (used for implementation of the internal and external communication and signal interfaces, latches, counters and timers) and/or by means of gate arrays PGA/FPGA.

[0108] It is possible to place two detachable laser markers 12 on optional mounts 12a on the stationary area of the artificial ice 1 facing the front border of the movable skatemill belt in order to define the width of the skate track, as depicted in FIG. 12.

[0109] Alternatively, there is a solution for the integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill in combination with a system for the individual training and testing of the skating and hockey skills as depicted in the FIG. 2 where the electronic control block 9 (ECB) is connected to a data LAN network 9a. This allows to manage or monitor functions of the skatemill remotely through the so-called control/management console 9d, i.e. by means of different networking equipment that makes it possible to implement the operator console comprising at least a display unit, e.g. graphic or character display device and a data input apparatus, e.g. a keyboard, touchpad or mouse or it is possible to remotely control or monitor the skatemill's functions by another automatic system. If the LAN data network 9a is a communication gate or a firewall 9b connected to the Internet 9c, it is possible to remotely control or monitor the skatemil through a control/management console 9d connected via the Internet.

Example 2—LightShot

[0110] The integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill with a system for the individual training and testing of the skating and hockey skills described in Example 1 can be used in combination with the control block “LightShot ECU” of the electronic control block 9 (ECB) for automated management of the movement of the movable skatemill belt 2, for automated management of the optical signalization/display elements 5 and for automated recording of signals from the sensors 11a detecting impacts on the target zones during the LightShot training on the skatemill. FIG. 18 depicts a method for controlling the integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill by the electronic control block 9 (ECB) equipped with the “LightShot ECU” during the LightShot training. Signal connections between the integrated multi-purpose electronic block 9 (ECB) are depicted in FIG. 17.

[0111] In such case, i.e. during the LightShot training, the electronic control block 9 (ECB) of the skatemill controls a frequency converter 13, by means of which it manages (switches on) the movement of the movable skatemill belt 2 so that it moves at a (set) speed. It also controls the display of light or optical signals S.sub.1-S.sub.5 on a flat display of the middle optical siganalization/display element 5 in the zones Z.sub.1=“LEFT TOP CORNER”, Z.sub.2=“RIGHT TOP CORNER”, Z.sub.3=“BOTTOM CENTER”, Z.sub.4=“LEFT BOTTOM CORNER” and Z.sub.5=“RIGHT BOTTOM CORNER” in any given or random order. A hockey player skating on the running skatemill belt 2 reacts to these light stimuli by shooting a puck into a given target zone Z defined for instance on the frontal plane of a hockey goal structure 11. Unless the hockey player shoots the puck within certain time “t.sub.signal”, the application will evaluate it as a failed attempt. After the test, the electronic control block 9 (ECB) of the skatemill will stop the skatemill belt 2 from moving. The total number of signals sent out by the application N=ΣN.sub.q, q=1-5 and the count of impacts on the given target zone n=Σn.sub.q, q=1-5 achieved by the hockey player within a given time are recorded in an automated or non-automated way. At the same time these data represent the test result. By setting up the so-called mapping vector of signals in any other way than in the “1:1” scheme represented by incidence rate of signals and target zones: S.sub.1->Z.sub.1, S.sub.2->Z.sub.2, S.sub.3->Z.sub.3, S.sub.4->Z.sub.4 a S.sub.5->Z.sub.5, it is possible to set up any other incidence (mapping) of signals S and target zones Z, e.g. S.sub.1->Z.sub.2, S.sub.2->Z.sub.1, S.sub.3->Z.sub.3, S.sub.4->Z.sub.4 a S.sub.5=Z.sub.5, or e.g. S.sub.1->Z.sub.4, S.sub.2->Z.sub.5, S.sub.3->Z.sub.3, S.sub.4->Z.sub.1 a S.sub.5->Z.sub.2 etc., thus making it possible to adjust the level of training difficulty to the needs of hockey players. Automated detection of impacts on the target zones is provided by the electronic control block 9 (ECB) by means of mechanical contact or piezoelectric or contactless optical or inductive impact detection sensors 11a placed in the target zones Z.sub.1-Z.sub.5 of a hockey goal structure 11 located in front of the movable skatemill belt 2, on the border line defining the front side of the work area in the extension of the longitudinal axis of the movable skatemill belt 2.

[0112] As a variant, during the LightShot training, the electronic control block 9 (ECB) of the skatemill can also manage puck feeders 7 in such a way that their (puck feeders) operation is coordinated with the course of the LightShot training, i.e. actions of the puck feeders 7 (shooting of a puck) are time-synchronized with the expected moment of a hockey player's launching a shot. All this happens following the display of a light navigation symbol.

Example 3—LightWatch

[0113] The integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill with a system for the individual training and testing of the skating and hockey skills, as described in Example 1, can be used in a similar way to the previous example in combination with the electronic block “LightWatch ECU” of the electronic control unit 9 (ECU). It can be used for automated management of the movement of the skatemill belt 2, for automated management of optical signalization/display elements 5, as well as for automated recording of signals from the detection sensors 11a picking up the impacts on the target zones and an acoustic microphone, which is a sensor 11b monitoring/recording verbal messages of a hockey player during the LightWatch training on the integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill. FIG. 19 depicts a method for controlling the integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill by the electronic control block 9 (ECB) equipped with the “LightWatch ECU” during the LightWatch training. Signal connections between the integrated multi-purpose electronic block 9 (ECB) are depicted in FIG. 17.

[0114] In such case, i.e. during the LightWatch training, the electronic control block 9 (ECB) of the skatemill controls a frequency converter 13, by means of which it manages (switches on) the movement of the movable skatemill belt 2 so that it moves at a (set) speed. It also controls the display of light signals Y={0-9|00-99|aA-zZ|m.square-solid..box-tangle-solidup.} (i.e. numbers and digits, alphabetic characters and simple geometric figures) apart from the central display element 5, also on the display elements positioned in the LEFT zone and in the RIGHT zone of a hockey player's peripheral vision in any given or random order. A hockey player who is skating on the moving skatemill belt 2 responds to these light stimuli via identifying and verbalizing a symbol and/or doing something else, e.g. shooting at the predetermined target zone. After the test, the electronic control block 9 (ECB) stops the movement of the skatemill belt 2. The total number of the signals sent by the application N=ΣN.sub.q, q=1-5 and the number of correctly identified symbols by a hockey player within the time limit “t.sub.display” n=Σn.sub.q, q=1-5 are logged automatically or non-automatically. These data represent the test results. Automated detection of the correctly identified symbols in the case of their verbalization by a hockey player is provided by the electronic control block 9 (ECB) using a speech recognition system. An acoustic microphone 11b monitoring verbal messages of a hockey player is in this case placed on a protective helmet of the hockey player or on the headset holder. Alternatively, if the hockey player responds to the visualized signals by shooting to the designated zones, the automated detection of the impacts on the target zones is provided by the electronic control block 9 (ECB) by means of mechanical contact or piezoelectric or the contactless optical and inductive sensors fitted in the target zones of a 11 hockey goal Z.sub.1-Z.sub.5 placed in front of the skatemill belt 2 on the borderline defining the front side of the work area in the extension of the longitudinal axis of the skatemill belt 2.

Example 4—Exercise Pattern

[0115] The integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill with a system for the individual training and testing of the skating and hockey skills, as described in Example 1, can be used in a similar way to the previous example in combination with the electronic block “Exercise Pattern ECU” of the electronic control unit 9 (ECU). It can be used for automated management of the movement of the skatemill belt 2 and for automated management of optical signalization/display elements 5 during the Exercise Pattern training on the integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill. FIG. 20 depicts a method for controlling the integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill by the electronic control block 9 (ECB) equipped with the “Exercise Pattern ECU” during the Exercise Pattern training. Signal connections between the integrated multi-purpose electronic block 9 (ECB) are depicted in FIG. 17.

[0116] During the Exercise Pattern training, on one or more display elements, the electronic control block (ECB) of the skatemill shows a recorded digital video footage “Sample( )” of the practice or exercise a skater or a hockey player on the skatemill should carry out. After viewing the video recording of the practice or exercise, the electronic control block 9 (ECB), by means of a frequency converter 13, controls (switches on) the movement of the skatemill belt 2 so that it could move at the default (set) speed. After the given time “Tduration” planned to carry out the training or exercise has elapsed, the ECB stops the movement of the skatemill belt 2.

Example 5—LiveView

[0117] The integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill with a system for the individual training and testing of the skating and hockey skills, as described in Example 1, can be used in a similar way to the previous example in combination with the electronic block “LiveView ECU” of the electronic control unit 9 (ECU). It can be used for automated management of the movement of the skatemill belt 2 and for automated management of optical signalization/display elements 5 during the LiveView training on the integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill. FIG. 21 depicts a method for controlling the integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill by the electronic control block 9 (ECB) equipped with the “LiveView ECU” during the LiveView training. Signal connections between the integrated multi-purpose electronic block 9 (ECB) are depicted in FIG. 17.

[0118] During the LiveView training, by means of a frequency converter 13, the electronic control block 9 (ECB) of the skatemill controls (switches on) the movement of the skatemill belt 2 so that it could move at the default (set) speed. The ECB also manages the creation and temporary storage of digital video recordings (the front “StreamRecord1” and the side “StreamRecord2”) and a delayed (with a delay “Tdelay”=<5 s-15 min>) presentation of the created video recordings of a prior exercise or training performed by a skater or a hockey player on the skatemill belt 2. If the delay “Tdelay” is set at the same time as the duration of an exercise (training), it is possible for the skater or the hockey player to watch his very own just finished exercise or training in order to realize their potential shortcomings committed at the training.

Example 6—Skating Position

[0119] The integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill with a system for the individual training and testing of the skating and hockey skills, as described in Example 1, can be used in a similar way to the previous example in combination with the electronic block “Skating Position ECU” of the electronic control unit 9 (ECU). It can be used for automated management of the movement of the skatemill belt 2, for automated management of optical signalization/display elements 5 as well as for the optical scanning cameras 6 during the Skating Position test on the integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill. FIG. 22 depicts a method for controlling the integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill by the electronic control block 9 (ECB) equipped with the “Skating Position ECU” during the Skating Position test. Signal connections between the integrated multi-purpose electronic block 9 (ECB) are depicted in FIG. 17.

[0120] During the Skating Position test, by means of a frequency converter 13, the electronic control block 9 (ECB) of the skatemill controls (switches on) the movement of the skatemill belt 2 so that it could move at the default (set) speed. The ECB also manages the creation and storage of digital video recordings of the course of the skating performed by a skater or a hockey player on the movable skatemill belt from the front (StreamRecord1) and the side (StreamRecord2) views. After the test, i.e. after the time “T.sub.PERIOD” has elapsed, the electronic control block 9 (ECB) stops the movement of the skatemill belt 2. Following that, canonical segments are added to the digital video recordings, e.g. in MPEG4 format, via video editing tools in either automated or non-automated way. The canonical segments represent positions of the lower extremities or their parts, mutual positions and kinematic movement patterns whose canonical segments are further analyzed in order to identify shortcomings and/or optimize skating skills of a skater or a hockey player.

Example 7—Skating Power

[0121] The integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill with a system for the individual training and testing of the skating and hockey skills, as described in Example 1, can be used in a similar way to the previous example in combination with the electronic block “Skating Power ECU” of the electronic control unit 9 (ECU). It can be used for automated management of the movement of the skatemill belt 2 and for automated measuring and recording of the tensile or compressive force exerted by a skater or a hockey player during the Skating Power test on the integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill. FIG. 23 depicts a method for controlling the integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill by the electronic control block 9 (ECB) equipped with the “Skating Power ECU” during the Skating Power test. Signal connections between the integrated multi-purpose electronic block 9 (ECB) are depicted in FIG. 17.

[0122] During the Skating Power test, by means of a frequency converter 13, the electronic control block 9 (ECB) of the skatemill controls the speed of the skatemill belt 2 so that it could move at required speeds in order to determine a skater's or a hockey player's speed performance profile. The ECB also controls measuring and recording of data on values of the tensile or compressive force exerted by a skaters or hockey players during the test.

[0123] The speed performance profile for a skater or a hockey player is laid as an 8-element sequence of the values of power (expressed in watts) exerted by a skater or a hockey player while skating on a level surface facing forward in eight different reference skating speeds, as follows: 15.0-16.5-18.0-19.5-21.0-22.5-24.0-25.5 km/h. Power given by skater is determined by the method described below.

[0124] From the measured tensile or compressive forces respectively, one measures the power attained by a skater or a hockey player in each of the eight reference skating speeds “v.sub.stride” 15.0-16.5-18.0-19.5-21.0-22.5-24.0-25.5 km/h by relation:

[00004]$P=1/8.Math.\underset{k=1}{\overset{8}{.Math.}}.Math..Math.F_k.Math.v_{\mathrm{stride}}\left[W,N,\mathrm{ms}-1\right]$

in which “P” stands for performance exerted by a skater or a hockey player, “k” is the serial number of a skating stride in an 8-step series and “F.sub.k” represents the maximum tensile or compressive forces exerted by a skater or a hockey player as measured by the sensor for measuring the force in the skating stride “k”.

[0125] Between the respective tests, i.e. between the tests at the reference speeds 15.0-16.5-18.0-19.5-21.0-22.5-24.0-25.5 km/h are included relaxation intervals of not less than 120 seconds.

Example 8—Power Skating Analysis

[0126] The integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill with a system for the individual training and testing of the skating and hockey skills, as described in Example 1, can be used in a similar way to the previous example in combination with the electronic block “Power Skating Analysis ECU” of the electronic control unit 9 (ECU). It can be used for automated management of the movement of the skatemill belt 2 and for automated measuring and recording of the tensile or compressive force exerted by a skater or a hockey player during the Power Skating Analysis test on the integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill. FIG. 24 depicts a method for controlling the integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill by the electronic control block 9 (ECB) equipped with the “Power Skating Analysis ECU” during the Power Skating Analysis test. Signal connections between the integrated multi-purpose electronic block 9 (ECB) are depicted in FIG. 17.

[0127] During the Power Skating Analysis test, by means of a frequency converter 13, the electronic control block 9 (ECB) of the skatemill controls (switches on) the movement of the skatemill belt 2 so that it could move at a given (set) speed “v.sub.strideMAX” in order to determine a skater's or a hockey player's endurance performance profile and fatigue index. The electronic control block 9 (ECB) also controls measuring and recording of data on values of the tensile or compressive force exerted by skaters or hockey players during the test.

[0128] The endurance performance profile is determined as the 6-element sequence of average values of power (P.sub.[0-5], P.sub.[5-10], P.sub.[10-15], P.sub.[15-20], P.sub.[20-25], P.sub.[25-30] expressed in watts) exerted be a skater while skating on a level surface facing forward in 6 different time intervals: <0-5 s>, <5-10 s>, <10-15 s>, <15-20 s>, <20-25 s>, <25-30 s> by the relations:

[00005]$P_{\left[0-5\right]}=v_{\mathrm{strideMAX}}.Math.1/5.Math.{\int }_{t=0}^5.Math..Math.F_{\mathrm{stide}}\left(t\right).Math.\mathrm{dt}.Math.\left[W,\mathrm{ms}-1,N\right]$$P_{\left[5-10\right]}=v_{\mathrm{strideMAX}}.Math.1/5.Math.{\int }_{t=5}^{10}.Math..Math.F_{\mathrm{stide}}\left(t\right).Math.\mathrm{dt}.Math.\left[W,\mathrm{ms}-1,N\right]$$P_{\left[10-15\right]}=v_{\mathrm{strideMAX}}.Math.1/5.Math.{\int }_{t=10}^{15}.Math..Math.F_{\mathrm{stide}}\left(t\right).Math.\mathrm{dt}.Math.\left[W,\mathrm{ms}-1,N\right]$$P_{\left[15-20\right]}=v_{\mathrm{strideMAX}}.Math.1/5.Math.{\int }_{t=15}^{20}.Math..Math.F_{\mathrm{stide}}\left(t\right).Math.\mathrm{dt}.Math.\left[W,\mathrm{ms}-1,N\right]$$P_{\left[20-25\right]}=v_{\mathrm{strideMAX}}.Math.1/5.Math.{\int }_{t=20}^{25}.Math..Math.F_{\mathrm{stide}}\left(t\right).Math.\mathrm{dt}.Math.\left[W,\mathrm{ms}-1,N\right]$$P_{\left[25-30\right]}=v_{\mathrm{strideMAX}}.Math.1/5.Math.{\int }_{t=25}^{30}.Math..Math.F_{\mathrm{stide}}\left(t\right).Math.\mathrm{dt}.Math.\left[W,\mathrm{ms}-1,N\right]$

in which “P.sub.[ ]” is average power exerted by a skater or a hockey player within the measured 5-second interval and “F.sub.stride(t)” is a function that expresses time dependency of the tensile or compressive forces exerted by a skater or a hockey player as measured by the sensor for measuring the force in the measured 5-second interval.

[0129] Fatigue index of a skater or a hockey player is the extent (size) of the power loss exerted by a skater or a hockey player at the start, in time interval <0-5 s> and at the end, in time interval <25-30 s> of the Power Skating Analysis test. It is expressed in % of the extent of power loss and the average performance attained by a skater in the interval <0-5 s> by the relation in %:

[00006]${\mathrm{INDEX}}_U=\frac{P_{\left[0-5\right]}-P_{\left[25-30\right]}}{P_{\left[25-30\right]}}.Math.100.Math.\%.Math.\left[\%\right]$

Example 9—Power Skating Max

[0130] The integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill with a system for the individual training and testing of the skating and hockey skills, as described in Example 1, can be used in a similar way to the previous example in combination with the electronic block “Power Skating Max ECU” of the electronic control unit 9 (ECU). It can be used for automated management of the movement of the skatemill belt 2 and for automated measuring and recording of the tensile or compressive force exerted by a skater or a hockey player during the Power Skating Max test on the integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill. FIG. 25 depicts a method for controlling the integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill by the electronic control block 9 (ECB) equipped with the “Power Skating Max ECU” during the Power Skating Max test. Signal connections between the integrated multi-purpose electronic block 9 (ECB) are depicted in FIG. 17.

[0131] During the Power Skating Max test, by means of a frequency converter 13, the electronic control block 9 (ECB) of the skatemill controls the speed of the skatemill belt 2 so that it could move at required speeds. The ECB also controls measuring and recording of data on values of the tensile or compressive force exerted by skaters or hockey players during the test in order to determine a skater's or a hockey player's speed performance profile, as described in Example 7 and then to continually (within one test) determine the endurance performance profile and fatigue index of a skater or a hockey player, as described in Example 8.

Example 10—VO.SUB.2max .on Skatemill

[0132] The integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill with a system for the individual training and testing of the skating and hockey skills, as described in Example 1, can be used in a similar way to the previous example in combination with the electronic block “VO.sub.2max on Skatemill ECU” of the electronic control unit 9 (ECU). It can be used for automated management of the movement of the skatemill belt 2 during the VO.sub.2max on Skatemill test on the integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill. FIG. 26 depicts a method for controlling the integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill by the electronic control block 9 (ECB) equipped with the “VO.sub.2max on Skatemill ECU” during the VO.sub.2max on Skatemill test. Signal connections between the integrated multi-purpose electronic block 9 (ECB) are depicted in FIG. 17.

[0133] During the VO.sub.2max on Skatemill test, by means of a frequency converter 13, the electronic control block 9 (ECB) of the skatemill controls the movement of the skatemill belt 2 either in autonomous or coupled mode in order to determine an aerobic performance profile by an external spirometric or cardiopulmonary monitor. The external spirometric or cardiopulmonary monitor is connected to the universal communication interface of the electronic control block 9 (ECB) of the skatemill via own signal or data cable. Connection between the external spirometric or cardiopulmonary monitor and the electronic control block 9 (ECB) is not included in the technical solution of the skatemill.

[0134] When in the autonomous mode of the VO.sub.2max on Skatemill test, the electronic control block 9 (ECB) controls the movement of the skatemill belt 2 through a frequency converter 13 in such a way that it starts to move at a speed “v.sub.START” and then it incrementally increases the speed of the skatemill belt in the I. speed zone by a 2 km/h stride until it reaches II. speed zone. Once in the II. speed zone, the speed incrementally increases each minute by a 1 km/h stride until the end of the test. The test itself finishes either after 1 minute of the maximum speed of the skatemill belt “v.sub.skateMAX” or in any given moment on request of the skater or hockey player. After taking the test, the electronic control block 9 (ECB) of the skatemill stops the movement of the skatemill belt 2.

[0135] In both cases, the result of the test is a data set on aerobic performance profile recorded by an external spirometric or cardiopulmonary monitor.

Example 11

[0136] This example of a particular implementation of the technical solution describes a “not shown” variant design solution for the integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill with a system for the individual training and testing of the skating and hockey skills in a modification meant for a hockey training center in the enclosed FIG. 1 whose basic features are sufficiently described in Example 1. The difference in design is that instead of the electronic control block 9 (ECB), a distinct electronic computing system, a computer equipped to perform the same control, logic and computing functions as those carried out by the electronic control block 9 (ECB), as described in Example 1.

[0137] Another “not shown” example of the technical solution that is described sufficiently in basic features in Example 1 is the use of multiple electronic computing systems, computers used to perform the same control, logic and computing functions as those carried out by the electronic control block 9 (ECB), as described in Example 1.

Example 12

[0138] This example of a particular implementation of the technical solution describes a variant design solution for the integrated multi-purpose hockey skatemill with a system for the individual training and testing of the skating and hockey skills in a modification meant for a hockey training center whose basic features are sufficiently described in Example 1 and shown in the FIG. 15. The difference in design is that this time both movable skatemill belts 2 share one common pair of puck feeders 7. At the same time they share one common stationary area of the artificial ice 1, only that each of the moving skatemill belts 2 has its own group of the signalization/display elements 5, its own group of the digital optical scanning cameras 6 as well as its own group of the tensile/compressive force sensors 8.

[0139] Alternatively, the FIG. 16 depicts a solution where the two movable skatemill belts 2 share one common pair of puck feeders 7 and one common stationary area of the artificial ice 1. Both of the movable skatemill belts 2 also share a common group of signalization/display elements 5, but only one of the movable skatemill belts 2 is equipped with the digital optical scanning cameras 6. Another “not shown” example of the technical solution, in comparison with the solution depicted in the FIG. 16, is in a modification where only one movable skatemill belt 2 is equipped with the tensile/compressive force sensors 8.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

[0140] The invention is intended especially for the individual training and testing of hockey players and other athletes who perform their activities on ice and use skates.