NO328605B1 - Ball ball device - Google Patents

Abstract

A device at a ball (1) which makes it possible to utilize information about the impact of a ball, either by impact with a body part or with a ball impact tool, such as a bat, a golf club, a tennis racket, etc. to create an analysis of how ball impacts are in relation to a pre-defined pattern, as well as giving the user feedback on the result of the analysis. This can be used for training ball handling skills in a fun and inspiring way, while it can be used in applications of a more entertaining nature, such as rhythm games or other types of games (for game consoles such as XBOX, Nintendo, Playstation, PC, Mac, etc.).

Description

Device by ball for ball games

Background

Especially in areas such as play, games and training, the market is largely dependent on an acceptable price for the product before it takes off. Modern electronics and communication technology are becoming increasingly cheaper and have enabled an ever-increasing degree of integration, which in turn makes it possible to implement partially advanced control and monitoring functions without disturbing an object's original function to a significant degree. So it is up to the creative to see new applications of modern technology, also in traditional areas where this type of technology has so far not been used.

Known technology

In connection with ball games, new technology is increasingly being used, typically in connection with monitoring the ball and players' movements. Also in connection with music, be it reproduction, playing or synthesis, modern technology has always played a central role. At the intersection between the areas of ball games and music generation, there are various publications that deal with the use of balls for the generation of music. A related area is music games where the user receives feedback depending on how well the person's tone or rhythm matches a played original.

The Chinese patent application CN 1537658 A describes a "Musical Ball". The ball is used in

in this case to generate music, and is thus not particularly suitable for training pure ball skills. Furthermore, the ball contains a processing unit for the received signals from the sensors, as well as the sound generation part, amplifier, battery and speaker. Even with today's technology, this will introduce a weight, which can quickly affect the ball's properties.

The American patent application US 20070214939 Al also describes a musical ball, where the sensor's read values are communicated to a remote device. The sensor in this case is adapted to measure deceleration, which gives limited opportunities to measure the impact of the ball. If, for example, you measure the pressure change in the ball, you get an indication of how hard a ball is hit or kicked. Feedback on the strength of the impact will be useful for the user, whether it is about playing music or more pure ball training.

The main focus of US 20070214939 Al, like the Chinese patent application, is also the generation of music.

There are also rhythm games, such as video games where a user receives feedback depending on how well his rhythm or pitch matches the material played, for example as described in US 2005252362A. In this case, the user's input is not linked to the use of a ball, and the game is thus not suitable for training ball skills.

There are ball training games, for example as described in WO08009427 A, where an advanced tracking system is used which, using sensors both in the ball and along the playing field detect where the ball is at all times. This quickly becomes a comprehensive system.

Purpose

The purpose of the invention can be seen as twofold, namely to provide a device for a ball: - For training ball handling skills in a fun and inspiring way. -Which can be used in applications of a more entertainment nature, such as rhythm games, or other types of games (for game consoles such as XBOX<®>, Nintendo<®>, Playstation<®>, PC, Mac™, etc.)

Now there is no absolute boundary between these areas, they must be said to overlap to some extent.

More specifically, the purpose of the invention is to create a device that makes it possible to utilize information about the impact of a ball, either by impact with a body part or with a ball impact tool, such as a bat, a golf club, a tennis racket, etc. to create an analysis of how ball impacts are in relation to a pre-defined pattern, as well as giving the user feedback on the result of the analysis.

A special purpose is to utilize this to give the impact of the ball the character of a game, particularly linked to music.

Another purpose is to utilize the feedback to communicate the effect's relationship to specific ball impact norms, for example as part of the management or influence of ball training.

Otherwise, an aim of the invention is to create a ball that has its ball properties affected to the least extent possible as a result of the incorporation of an impact/motion sensor and associated transmitter unit.

Brief description of the invention

The above-mentioned purposes have been achieved by the device according to the present invention as stated in patent claim 1.

An impact sensor is mounted in a ball, it can be a pressure sensor or another form of sensor. In connection with the sensor, it is a transmitter that sends out the values read from the sensor. Both the sensor and the transmitter are mounted in the ball. Since devices for generating feedback to the user have now been moved out of the ball, the weight and scope of the installed components are limited, so that the ball's properties are affected to the least possible extent.

The ball can be a soccer ball, handball or other type of ball that is large enough for a sensor with associated transmitter unit to be installed, without the ball's properties as such deteriorating to an extent that is significant for the ball game.

The transmitted data is then received by a remote receiver and processing unit, which, based on given criteria, compares the reported data with a predefined pattern. This pattern can describe the rhythm of a piece of music, or a sequence of hits a ball is subjected to in connection with ball practice. The result of the comparison is then communicated to the user, who will then either take measures to improve their accuracy, or maintain the high accuracy they may have. Alternatively, it could be simple actions such as increasing the force or speed with which the ball is hit.

In this way, the user can practice his skills, whether it is a sense of rhythm, ball skills, coordination or general physical fitness.

Figures

Fig. 1 Overview figure

Fig. 2 Ball with built-in sensor and transmitter

Fig. 3 Details of the processing unit

Fig. 4 Flow diagram for control program

Description of Figures

The figures are described in more detail below, like numbers on the various drawings represent the same part. Fig. 1 shows an overview of the system, the ball 1 can be bounced on the base 3. Preferably near the center of the ball 1 there is a sensor 16 and a transmitter 17 with antenna 2. The signals from the sensor 16 are transmitted using the transmitter 17 via the radio signals 4 to the combined reception and processing unit 5, which i.a. is equipped with a separate antenna 6. Fig. 2 is an enlarged image of the ball 1, to show that sensor 16, transmitter 17 and antenna 2 are mounted centrally in it. Fig. 3 contains a more detailed representation of the combined reception - and the processing unit 5. The signals come in via the antenna 6 and are led to the receiver 10. The receiver decodes the signals and provides them in a format that the processor 11 can understand. The processor unit 11 can either read in the patterns with which the incoming signals are to be compared via the Internet 15 or interactively via the terminal 13. The main function of the control program is illustrated by the flow diagram in Fig. 4. The control program itself is run in the processing unit 11 and the user receives his feedback either via the speaker 12 or the terminal 13. Fig. 4 shows a flow diagram of the main functions of the control program that runs on the processing unit 11. The time axis runs downwards, and squares placed in parallel are processes that run in parallel. The flowchart represents both the case where the device is used for a music game and a ball training exercise. The control program's functions are also described in more detail in the next chapter.

Detailed description of the invention

The present invention is divided into the following main parts:

-Ball with built-in impact sensor

-Receiver with processor unit

-Software

The individual parts will be described in more detail below.

Ball with built-in impact sensor:

By ball is meant here all types of balls that can accommodate the described impact sensor and associated transmitter, for example football, handball, basketball, tennis ball, etc. • The ball contains an impact sensor and transmitter, but it is of the same good quality as a "normal" ball. This means that the sensor and the transmitter must be small and light in order to influence the ball's properties as little as possible (especially if they are not located in the middle of the ball). • The impact sensor and the sending unit can, for example, be mounted near a specially designed valve on the ball, so that the sending unit in the ball can be charged by inserting the charger into the valve. Alternatively, the transmitter unit can be removed for charging. If the battery technology allows, one can also imagine that the sensor, transmitter and battery are built into the ball once and for all, without the possibility of replacement. In any case, the ball has a limited lifespan. • The transmission technology has been selected based on availability, price and available frequency bands.

Receiver with the processor named:

The receiver part with processor unit can be stationary mounted, or designed to be carried by the user.

The receiver part is adapted to the selected transmitter type in terms of frequency band, modulation and technology in general.

The processor is based on well-known and readily available technology.

The receiver with processor unit is also equipped with a speaker and/or screen so that the user receives feedback on how the person handling the ball is in relation to the predefined pattern.

The receiver with a processor unit can, for example, also be able to communicate further towards the TV/PC/mobile phone or other suitable media and in this way create a communication channel towards the user.

The receiver with processor unit can also have the option of communicating with the internet, for example to download new templates against which the loaded sensor values are to be checked. Internet communication can also be used to store the results achieved centrally, so that one can, for example, compete with several people, or follow the development of one's own skills over time.

Software:

The main function of the user software is to:

-Read in templates that define the desired or optimal ball handling

-Read in the transmitted sensor data

-Interpret and compare the received sensor data with the predefined template -Give feedback to the user according to how well his ball handling is compared to the predefined template. The assessment can be made in relation to speed, strength or how well the user hits the rhythm.

This can be used in various contexts, for example in connection with rhythm games or pure training of ball skills. A more detailed description of the individual points follows:

- Read in templates

The templates can, for example, be stored centrally on a server with an Internet connection. The receiver with processor unit then downloads a desired template in the usual way. One can also imagine that the templates are offered, bought and distributed over the Internet, as is common with music files today.

The templates define a pattern of desired hits of the ball in relation to time and power, and the design of the template obviously depends on the application. If it is a rhythm game, the template will contain a soundtrack, for example in MP3 format, as well as information about which time windows in this user must hit to get points. The degree of difficulty can be adjusted by adjusting the size of the time windows where hits are accepted.

If the application is pure ball training, the template is different, but in this case it can also be a question of hitting time windows as best as possible. In that case, the time windows will be set up according to the assumed best way to perform a ball exercise. Alternatively, the greatest possible force, or the greatest possible speed (frequency) can be criteria for a high score.

- Read in the transmitted sensor data

The data is read in in relation to the sensor's resolution, as well as how often an update is needed according to the progress of the game. The chosen communication solution, for example Bluetooth, which is used between the sending unit in the ball and the receiver with processor unit must at least have bandwidth to be able to transfer this amount of data with a satisfactory degree of security.

- Interpret and compare

The template in question must also describe the type of application in question. If it is a rhythm game, the sound file must be played, and the times at which the ball is hit are saved and compared to the defined time windows, and the user's score is calculated based on how well he hits these windows.

If the application is ball training, for example, the playback of the template can start with the first hit of the ball after a beep. The times at which the ball is hit are then stored and compared with the defined time windows, and the user's score is calculated based on how well he hits these windows. In this case, points can also be calculated according to how quickly or hard the hits occur, i.e. the hardest possible or fastest consecutive hits give the highest score.

- Give feedback

In order for the user to be able to improve his performance, he needs feedback, preferably continuously. This can, for example, be in the form of an ugly beep every time the ball is hit outside a desired time window. One can also imagine a variant where the speed of the playback of the audio track is adjusted up or down, depending on whether the last hit on the ball came too quickly or late in relation to the defined time window, so that the user can quickly understand whether the hit came too quickly or late .

In the ball training application, for example, one can think of an "angry" and a "happy" sound, depending on whether the hit is considered to be good or not.

The result can also be presented on a screen, either in addition to the sound or by itself, it depends on what is most practical for the application in question. A simple visual presentation could be, for example, a bar whose height represents the user's current score. More advanced visual representations can be figures in an animated computer game, where the movement of the figures depends on hitting the ball.

If the receiver with processor unit has the possibility of communication over the Internet, it is possible to design the game in which there can be several participants, either locally, or in physically different locations, who via the network play with or compete against each other.

After the game or session is finished, the data from the execution can be stored, either in the processing unit, or it can be uploaded to a server via the Internet. This can give the user the opportunity to follow the development of their skills from time to time, and it can provide a basis for calculating statistics and curves that make the results more easily accessible.

Example of use

The following example describes a simple rhythm game application. The user chooses a piece of music he likes, with a clear rhythm in it. For further processing, this must be stored in a digital format, for example MP3. In a graphical presentation of the strength of the music over time, you will typically see the rhythm as stronger parts at regular intervals (for example drum beats).

To generate a template for when the user's estimate should occur, one can say that if the strength of the piece of music exceeds a certain value (one is in the time range of a drum beat), then the "time window is open", i.e. one counts and gives points if the user affects the ball during this time. If the user affects the ball outside this time window, no points are awarded, alternatively points are cancelled.

Playback can then start using, for example, an MP3 player which is an integral part of the receiver and processing unit. The start time can be at the first impact of the ball, possibly after a whistle has been emitted. The user tries to bounce the ball so that it hits the ground roughly at the same time as the rhythm of the music. The point counting function is activated every time you are within the open time windows, that is, the strength of the piece of music is above a certain value. Then all hits on the ball within these time windows are counted, and when the playback is finished the sum of the number of hits within these time windows is presented as the user's score.

This describes the basic function, but you can of course build in more functions into the software that controls the whole thing, for example: - Adaptation of the degree of difficulty, by adapting the size of the open time windows

-Choice of easy or difficult sequences of notes (pieces of music)

-Feedback to the user along the way, possibly stopping the sequence of tones if the user's hits are too bad -Graphic presentation of the results and/or audio presentation indicating how good or bad the result is -Calculation of shape curves and development over time, based on previously achieved results results, as well as presentation of this

- Arranging for competition between several participants

Claims (7)

1. Device at ball (1) for ball games, with at least one impact sensor (16) for recording impact and/or movement integrated in the ball, the sensor (16) being connected to a device (17,2) for wireless transmission of recorded values , such as impact force and/or impact direction, to a receiver and processing unit (5) which is arranged to process the signal from at least one sensor (16), characterized in that the receiver and processing unit (5) is arranged to compare the sensor signal or the signals with a pre-determined signal pattern, in order to give feedback to the user about the degree of agreement between the two signal sequences, where the pre-determined signal pattern defines time windows in relation to a series of tones, so that the transmitted signal from the receiver and the processing unit (5) reports the correspondence between the rhythm of the series of tones and the rhythm of the impact of the ball (1). 2. Device in accordance with patent claim 1, characterized in that the ball (1) is designed for use with body parts or objects. 3. Device in accordance with the previous patent claims, characterized in that the receiver and processing unit (5) is arranged to interrupt the comparison (set to zero) if the lack of hits in accordance with the rhythm in the series of tones exceeds a predefined limit. 4. Device in accordance with patent claims 1 - 2, characterized in that the receiver and processing unit (5) is arranged to adapt the speed of the playback of the series of tones in relation to the user's hit on the ball. 5. Device in accordance with patent claim 1, characterized in that the predetermined signal pattern is adapted to predetermined ball influences, such as impact force, impact speed, impact direction, in order to function as an aid for ball training. 6. Device according to patent claims 1 - 2 and 5, characterized in that the user receives feedback via images and/or sound that shows how well the person hits. 7. Device in accordance with one of the patent claims 1 - 6, characterized in that the receiver and processing unit (5) is designed to be carried by the ball user.