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This invention relates to reflex or reaction training and testing apparatus, and in particular, to devices for training and rating boxers and other athletes and the like who are concerned with target hitting type activities and the accuracy of motor responses.
In the past, various devices have been produced for use in testing reflexes or reaction times. Many of these devices can be used for training purposes. They commonly use some type of visual signal and require some action or physical movement in response thereto. Often the devices include a timing mechanism for measuring the time interval between the visual signal and the required physical or motor response.
Alternatively, the devices may only be concerned with the performance of a physical ~ask, and upon completion of a particular task, the device goes on to the next task to be performed. Of course, these devices can be used in a competitive situation whereby two or more players each have a device and each player tries to be the first one to complete all of the tasks. In this case, reaction time is important, but only in connection with the overall number of tasks to be performed and on a comparison basis with other players or competitors.
It is generally accepted that the devices that are capable of timing individual tasks in an overall sequence of events are superior to the devices that can only be used for comparing performance in the completion of an overall sequence of events. However, a difficulty with Z5~
the prior art devices that time individual tasks in an overall series of events is that inaccuracy is often built into the timing of the events due to the manner in which the visual signals are presented. For example, if the visual signal is presented at a location which is separate from the location where the physical task is to be performed, the reaction time measurement can be distorted if the person must make a separate eye fixation on or make a decision as to the location of the response to be performed. Similarly, if the type of visual signal requires some interpretation before the proper form of physical response can be determined, this wi11 produce inaccuracies in the measurements unless the interpretation function is an inherent part of the activity in connection 15 with which the reflex training device is being used.
Another difficulty with many of the prior art devices is that they are very complicated and expensive to produce.
The reflex training device of the present invention in one of its aspects is a relatively simple but 20 accurate reaction time testing and training device. In another of its aspects, the present invention can measure force or pressure exerted. In yet another of its aspects, the present invention can measure the accuracy with which a physical task is per~ormed. All of these measurements can 25 be combined to give a user an overall rating.
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a reflex training device relating to target hitting type activities, the device comprises a panel ::IZ(~32`~8 including a light transmitting support member. A plural;ty of spaced-apart 1ight sources are mounted behind the support member. A plurality of sensor means are attached to the support member and arranged in juxtaposition with the light sources, one of the sensor means being associated with each of the 1ight sources, the sensor means being activated upon a desir~d object being brought into close proximity with the light source. Means are provided for activating the light sources in seriatim, the activated 1~ light sources being visible through the support member.
Timing means are connected to the sensor means and the light activating means for measuring the reaction time in~erval between activation of each light source and activation of the respective sensor means. Scoring means are connected to the time measuring means for evaluating all of the time intervals between activation of the light sources and activation of the respective sensor means~
Also, display means are provided for displaying the evaluation.
Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of d preferred embodiment of a reflex training device according ~o the presènt invention;
Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the panel of the reflex training device shown in Figure l;
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Figure 3 is a block diagram of the electrical components of the reflex training device shown in Figure 1 ;
Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a modified embodiment of a light source according to the present invention;
Figure S is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of d combined light source and sensor means;
Figure 6 is a sectional view of a portion of an embodiment of a ~ombined 1ight source and cushion portion of the panel; and Figure 7 is a sectional view of a portion of another embodiment of a combined light source, sensor means and cushion portion of the panel.
Referring to the drawings, a preferred embodiment of reflex training device according to the present invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 10 in Figure 1. The term reflex trainîng device is considered for the purposes of this specification to be synonymous with a reflex testing device or a reaction time or speed testing or training device, or even an amusement device based upon reflex or reaction time. The preferred embodiment of reflex training device 10 is described herein as it would be used in connection with the sport of boxing and other related martial arts such as karate, jujitsu and aikido, and also fencing, but it will be apparent from the following description that reflex training device 10 could be used for other target hitting type activities, such as 2~8 sports where balls or pucks or other projectiles are thrown or shot, or for footwork activity such as dance teaching or training, or any other activity for that matter involving precise physical movement and physical contact.
In the case of the sport of boxing, reflex training device 10 can be used to measure how fast a boxer can punch, how hard his punches are and the control he has over the force of his punches, and the accuracy with which the boxer can punch. All of these parameters can be measured or scored, and a boxer can be given an overall rating. Comparable ratings can be produced for all boxers, so that dangerous mismatches with potential serious physical harm do not occur in the boxing profession.
Referring to Figures 1 to 3, reflex training lS device 10 includes a panel 12 which is mounted on a console 14 (see Figure 1), which in turn is securely fastened to the floor or counterbalanced so that it is not knocked over by a boxer punching panel 12 as shown in chain dotted lines in Figure 1. Console 14 contains the electrical components for controlling and operating training device 10. These components typically include start and stop switches 16, 18, a mode selector switch 20, a display device 22, and a coin slot or box 24 where a training device 10 is used as an amusement device. The nature and function of the 25 components 16 to 24 will be described more fully below in connection with the operation of training device 10.
Referring in particular to Figure 2, panel 12 is shown having a cushion portion 26, a light transmitting 12~ Z~
support member 28, a spacer member 30 and a light bank 32.
Cushion portion 26 is a translucent or transparent plastic panel having a plurality of discrete bubbles or cushion cells 34 which are in com~unication with pressure outlet lines 36, so that compression of cushion cells 34 causes an increase in pressure in pressure outlet lines 36. In Figure 2, one pressure outlet line 36 is shown associated with each vertical row of cushion cells 34, but separate pressure out1et lines 36 could be provided for each cushion cell 34 as desired. Cushion portion 26 is typically formed by vacuum forming depressions in a first layer of plastic and laminating a rear flat layer of plastic to the first layer in a conventional manner such as by heat sealing.
Cushion portion 26 is shown in Figure 2 having five rows of five cushion cells 34, so that the cushion cells are arranged in a regular matrix, but any number or other arrangement of cushion cells could be employed as desired.
Cushion cells 34 are approximately the same diameter as a conventional boxing glove, which is typically about l2 to 15 cm. The thickness of cushion cells 34 is such that the front wall of the cell will not touch the back wall of the cell when the boxer punches the cell with full force, otherwise inaccurate pressure or force signals would be produced in pressure outlet lines 36. The pressure cells 34 are shaped so that the actual force or pressure exerted by the boxer's glove on the pressure cell corresponds with the increase in pressure or pressure signal produced in pressure outlet lines 36. It will be apparent to those ~2~32 skilled in the art that the pressure signals produced by a pressure outlet lines 36 can be correlated with the actual force or pressure exerted by a boxer when punching cushion cells 34, so that the actual force of the punches or blows can be determined.
Support member 28 is also a translucent or transparent panel preferably made of plastic, such as acrylic. Sensor means in the form of tape switches 38 are mounted on support member 28 and are arranged in vertical and horizontal rows. Tape switches 38 are a form of contact switch and are activated or closed by contacting or exerting pressure thereon. Tape switches 38 are arranged such that the intersections of the vertical and horizontal rows are at the centers of cushion cells 34 when cushion portion 26 and support member 28 are put together. The outlines of the cushion cells 34 are indicated by dotted lines 40 in Figure 2. The operation of the tape switches will be described further below, but for the present purposes, it will be appreciated that upon assembly of panel 12, pressure contact on cushion portion 26 will activate or close one or more of the tape switches 38 if this pressure contact is in a location of one or more of these switches. It will be appreciated that the intersections 42 of tape switches 38 form a regular matrix corresponding with that of cushion cells 34. Suitable wires 44 connect the tape switches to the electrical control apparatus, which is described further below in connection with Figure 3.
~L2(~.~2~8 Spacer member 30 and light bank 32 form a plurality of light sources mounted behind support member 28 upon assembly of panel 12. In its simplest form, light bank 32 is a board or panel with a plurality of lights 46 mounted thereon and arranged in a regular matrix corresponding w;th the matrix of cushiGn cells 34 and the matrix of the intersections 42 of tape switches 38. Wires 48, 50 are connected to lights 46J so that the application of electrical power between particular wires 48, 50 will cause any particular light 46 to be illuminated. Spacer member 30 is simply a board of thickness corresponding to the dimensions of lights 46. Spacer member 30 has a matrix of openings 52 in which lights 46 are located to protect same upon assembly of panel 12. Lights 46 are shown to be conventional light bulbs, but if another type or arrangement of lights is used, spacer member 30 could be illuminated or made in some other form. All that is important is that the light sources be arranged in juxtaposition with the sensor means or contact switches or the intersections 42 of tape switches 38. It will be appreciated that upon assembly of panel 12, l;ghts 46, tape switch intersections 42 and cushion cells 34 are in line.
In this way, illumination of one of ~he lights 46 causes its associated cushion cell 34 to be illuminated and the associated tape switch intersection 42 is right at the light source behind the respective cushion cell 34. If a boxer contacts or punches a cushion cell 34 in the center, both of the tape switches 38 at the respective intersection ~2~?3;~S8 42 behind that cushion cell 34 will be closed. If the boxer is inaccurate in his punch and punches above or below the desired cushion cell 34, only the vertical tape switch 38 associated with the desired cushion cell 34 will be c10sed. Similarly, if the boxer is inaccurate and punches to the left or right of the desired cushion cell 34, only the horizontal tape switch 38 associated with that desired cushion cell 34 will be closed. It is thus possible to determine the accuracy with which the boxer punches cushion portion 26 by determining which tape switches 38 are closed in response to the contacting or punching of the - illuminated cushion cells 34.
Referring next to Figure 3, an electrical block diagram is shown illustrating the electrical components of reflex training device 10. Cushion cells 34 are shown d;agrammaticdlly and are represented as CCl, CC2, CC3, CC4,...CCn indicating an indefinite number of cushion cells. Although Figure 2 shows five rows of five cushion cells 34, any number of cushion cells could be used and only a few of the cushion cells are shown in Figure 3 for the purposes of simplicity. In comparing Figures 2 and 3, cushion cells CCl, CC2, CC3, etc. represent rows of cushion cells. Each row of cushion cells is connected through pressure outlet lines 36 to pressure sensors 54, which are in turn connected to an analog to digital converter 56. Converter 56 produces digital signals corresponding with the pressure or force applied to the cushion cells as the boxer punches same.
lZ~;~2~8 Tape switches 38 are represented in Figure 3 dS
discreet switches SWl, SW2, SW3, SW4,...SWn indicating an indefinite number of pressure sensor switches. At least one sensor switch is associated with each cushion cell 34, and as mentioned above in connection with Figure 2, there are two perpendicular tape switches 38 associated with each cushion cell, although only one switch is shown in Figure 3 for the purposes of simplicity in illustration. Tape switches 38 are connected by wires 44 to an input interface 58 which is part of a microprocessor 60. Tape switches 38 are also connected to a power supply 62, which in turn is connectPd to a conventional 110 volt supply or other suitable power source.
Lights 46 are indicated in Figure 3 as Ll, L2, L3, L4,...Ln, again indicating an indefinite number of lights 46, although in Figure 2 five rows of five lights are actually shown, one light being associated with each tape switch intersection 42 and each cushion cell 34. Lights Ll, L2, L3, etc.
are connected by wires 48, 50 to an output driver 66, which in turn is connected to power supply 62. Output driver 66 is connected to output interface 68, which is part of microprocessor 60. The microprocessor 60, through output interface 68 provides suitable signals to output driver 65 to illuminate lights 46 in seriatim, as desired.
Proximity sensors 70 are also shown in Figure 3 and are represented as PSl, PS2, PS3, 12(~;~2~8 PS~,...PSn indicating an indefinite number of these proximity sensors 70. Although proximity sensors 70 could be used in place of pressure sensor type tape switches 38, the proximity sensors 70 are used in addition to tape switches 38 in the embodiment shown in Figure 3.
However, proximity sensors 70 could be eliminated, and in fact, they are not shown in Fisure 2 for the purposes of simplicity. The mounting location of proximity sensors 70 in panel 12 will be discussed in connection with Figure 5.
I0 Proximity sensors 70 are activated by contacting cushion portion 26 of panel 12 with associated receiving ~r transmitting activating devices 71, one of which would be mounted in each of the boxer's gl~ves. Although proximity sensors 70 are referred to as sensors, they could be radio frequency transmitters or receivers, with associated transmitters or receivers mounted in the boxer's gloves.
They could also be photocell or laser devices or other alternating current frequency or ultrasonic frequency or acoustic devices as well. Indeed, any type of proximity s~itch devices could be used. The purpose of proximity sensors 70 and associated activating devices 71 is that these sensors are activated to sense a desired object, such as a boxer's glove being brought into close proximity with the associated light 46 or cushion cell 34. It will be appreciated that this is the same function as is performed by tape switches 38. The purpose of having both proximity switch means and contact switch type sensor means in the same embodiment is that the proximity sensors are used for ~12~ 8 defensive responses as opposed to offensive responses, as will be described further below. Proximity sensors 70 are connected to output driver 66 through wires 72, and the proximity sensors are made active by control signals from output interface 68 in a manner similar to that of lights 46. The associated sensing or transmitting devices 71 are connected by wires 73 to input interface 58.
As mentioned above, the microprocessor control apparatus mounted in console 14 has a mode selector 20.
The mode selector 20 is connected to microprocessor 60 to control the manner or sequence of activation of lights 46.
In one mode, this sequence controlling means causes the lights to be activated in a random sequence. In another mode, this sequence controlling means causes the lights to be activated in a predetermined sequence. A random sequence would be useful primarily to obtain a measure of a boxer's reflexes in the abstract. A predetermined sequence would be useful in comparing different boxers, as each boxer would be required to respond to the same sequence and their reflex measurements or scores could be compared. It is also possible to program microprocessor 60 so that any random sequence could be repeated for comparing different boxers, and mode selector 20 would include this mode ~s well.
Microprocessor 60 includes a time measuring device or timer 74, which is connected through the microprocessor to tape switches 38 and proximity sensors 70, and also lights 46 through the light activating lZ(~3~8 circuits. Timer 74 provides the clock signal to microprocessor 60 for measuring the reaction time interval between activation of the lights 46 and activation of the respective sensor switches 38 or proximity sensors 70. The microprocessor 60 also includes scoring means connected to the time measuring circuits for evaluating the reaction times between illumination of lights 46 and contact of the sensor or proximity switches. The scoring means tabulates or evaluates all of the time intervals between activation of the lights and activation of the respective sensors and produces a rating or score which can be shown on display 22.
Microprocessor 60 also has an associated amplifier 76 and speaker 78 for producing suitable audio signals or sounds as the cushion ce11s 34 are contacted or sensor switches 38 are activated, as desired.
Microprocessor 60 also has the usual memory 80, and as mentioned above, start and stop switches 16, 18 are provîded and an optional coin box 74. The stop switch or button 18 is used to stop the device in the middle of the sequence of light illumination, and the start button initiates or resumes the sequence. The coin box 24 would be used pr;marily where the device is used as an amusement or coin operated training device. The operation of reflex training device 10 will be described below, but it is more convenient to first describe the apparatus shown in Figures 4 to 7, as these figures show modifications which have a bearing on the operation of training device 10.
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Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of a light source 82 which could be used to replace lights 46 in the embodiment shown in Figure 2. Light source 82 has three light bulbs 84 indicated as Lla, Llb and LlC. Each of these light bulbs 84 would be connected to output driver 66 and each bulb could be selectively illuminated so that light source 82 has three levels of illumination. Alternatively, the light bulbs 84 could be different colours and illuminated in the alternative, so that light source 82 is colour coded. The purpose of making light source 82 colour coded or giving it different illumination levcls is that the boxer could be required to make different types of responses depending on the colour or illum;nation level of the light sources. For example, one colour or illumination level ~ould require that a light punch or jab be delivered to the illuminated cùshion cell 34. Another colour or illumination level could indicate that a hard punch is required to be delivered, and a third illumination level or colour could indicate that a defensive movement is required by the boxer. This aspect of the invention will be described further below in connection with the operation of reflex training device 10.
Figure 5 shows another embodiment of a light source 86 which is similar to that of Figure 4, but light source 86 also has one of the proximity sensors 70 associated therewith. While proximity sensors 70 could take the place of the pressure sensors or tape switches 38 12~2ti8 mounted on support member 28, the pri~ary function of proximity sensors 70 is to provide information where the boxer is required to make a defensive response to the illumination of light source 86. This will also be described further below in connection with the operation of reflex training device 10.
Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment of a light source wherein the light sources and cushion cells are combined. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, a plurality of pressure cells 88 are formed into a cushion panel 90 somewhat similar to cushion portion 26 of the embodiment shown in Figure 2. The pressure cells 88 of cushion panel 90 are in communication at least along the vertical rows as indicated by openings 92 to equalize the pressure amongst the vertical cells. This could also be done in connection with cushion cells 34, or alternatively, pressure cells 88 could be independent and individually sealed, as desired. In any event, the pressure cells 88 are connected to pressure outlet lines (not shown) in a manner similar to the pressure outlet lines of Figure 2.
Pressure cells 88, however, are formed with electrodes 94, 96 and the pressure cells 88 are filled with an inert gas such as neon or argon, so that pressure cells 88 are in effect fluorescent lights in themselves.
Figure 7 shows a pressure cell 98 similar to pressure cell 88, but having a pressure sensor switch 100 mounted thereon. Sensor switch 100 could be a tape switch, or it could be formed by depositing trace elements or ~2C~2S8 conducting fiIms on adjacent spaced-apart layers of plastic. The embodiment of Figure 7 thus is not only a light source, but a pressure sensor switch and a pressure sensor as well. It will also be appreciated that pressure cells 88, 98, being in effect fluorescent lights, could be used in place of proximity sensors 70, because fluorescent lights give off an alternating current signa1 that could be picked up by an appropriate receiving device 71. However, separate proximity sensors 70 of the type mentioned above could also be used with pressure cells 88, 98.
The operation of reflex training device 10 will now be described, it being appreciated that microprocessor 60 and its associated components perform many of the functions to be described. Microprocessor 60 and its associated components could be a typical small computer, or microprocessor 60 could be a single chip microprocessor which contains the necessary input/output interfaces, an erasable read only memory to store the program and a timer/counter, etc.
To operate reflex training device 10, a boxer would select the mode of operation using mode selector 20 and press the start button or switch 16. One of the lights 46 is then illuminated caus;ng the associated cushion cell 34 to be illuminated, and the boxer punches the il1uminated cushion cell 34 to close the associated tape switches 38.
Microprocessor 60 receives the input signal from interface 58 that the appropriate tape switch has been closed, and the time interval between illumination of the light 46 and the activation of the tape switch 38 is recorded. This i5 a measure of the reaction time of the boxer to punch the cushion cell 34 to extinguish the associated light source.
Microprocessor 60 assigns a score value to this reaction time which is a measure of how fast or how quickly the boxer can respond in punching the cushion cell. As mentioned above, there are two tape switches 38 intersecting at each cushion cell 34. If the boxer closes both tape switches upon punching the appropriate cushion cell 34, the microprocessor determines that the boxer was accurate in his punch and assigns a score value to reflect this accuracy. If only one of the tape switches 38 is closed, the microprocessor determines that the boxer was off center or not accurate and assigns a lesser score value to the response in respect of accuracy. The microprocessor also receives a signal from analog to digital converter 56 representative of the force with which the boxer punched the appropriate cushion cell 34. The microprocessor also assigns a score or value in respect of the force of the punch. The microprocessor then continues in the sequence of illuminating lights 46 by illuminating the next light, and the boxer continues to respond by punching the appropriate illuminated cushion cell 34 in a similar manner. The responses to each light illumination are scored in a similar manner.
As mentioned above, the sequence of illuminating lights 46 can be predetemined or random. It will be appreciated that the time ;nterval during which the lights are illuminated and the time intervals between illumination of respective lights 46 is also a factor in this sequence, and that these time intervals can be varied during the programming of microprocessor 60, even in the case of the predetermined sequence. Further, the speed at which microprocessor 60 runs through the sequence can also be varied, and this can be incorporated into the mode selector.
When the boxer has gone through the complete sequence, all of the scores for each response are combined to give an overall rating which is displayed on display 22.
Alternatively, the individual aspects of the responses can be segregated, so that, for example, the boxer's score on reaction time or speed of response could be displayed separately from the score on accuracy or the score on the - force of his punches. It will be appreciated that it is a simple matter to obtain comparative ratings for different boxers using reflex training device 10, and with this information, it should be possible to prevent mismatches between boxers in actual fights.
As a modification to the operation of reflex training device 10, the embodiments shown in Figures 3 and S can be used to simulate both an offensive situation and a defensive situation. The operation described above could be called the offensive situation, where the lights are illuminated and the boxer attempts to attack by punching the associated cushion cell. In a defensive situation, a different colour or illumination level of light source 86 2~3 would be used to indicate that a punch is being thrown at the boxer, and the boxer would attempt to block the punch by touching or hitting the associated cushion cell 34.
~here the light source is illuminated to indicate that a defensive response is required, the proximity sensors 70 would be used to measure the time interval or reaction time for responding in the defensive situation. Force and accuracy measurements or ratings can also be made. In this way, the boxer could receive training or rating in respect of reaction time, etc. for both offensively punching and defensively blocking simulated punches coming at him.
As a further modification on this last mode of operation, the different light levels or colours used in the light sources 82, 86 shown in Figures 4 and 5 could be used to indicate that different forces or strengths of punch are required. For example, each level of illumination or colour could indicate that the boxer should punch with a force within a predetermined range, and if the boxer delivers the appropriate strength of punch, microprocessor 60 would evaluate this and assign a suitable score for the response. Of course, if the boxer is outside the predetermined range of force of punch, a reduced score would be assigned. The boxer's overall score is thus weighted dccording to whether the particular force of contact of his punches is within the predetermined ranges corresponding with the selected light illumination.
As a further modification to the operation of reflex trdining device lO, the audio apparatus could be ~;2(?3~8 made responsive to both the pressure or force of the punch and the accuracy of the punch to produce sounds simu7ating the punches.
Having described preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be appreciated that various modifications may be made to the embodiments described and the manner in which the apparatus is programmed. For example, the cushion portion 26 could be made a simple s;ngle cell cushion with a single pressure sensor.
Alternatively, the cushion portion could be replaced with a simple padded member, or it could be a liquid filled member with discreet cells or a single cell. The pressure measuring or force aspect of the device could be eliminated or other force or pressure sensing devices such as load cells could be used to produce the desired signals also.
Rather than using tape switches 38, it will be appreciated that single contact switches could be used at the center of each cushion cell. Alternatively, a matrix of discrete pressure switches could be used to give the desired accuracy information, if desired. Several alternative light sources have been described above and it will be apparent that other modifications may be made as well.
Althou~h panel 12 has been described as a ~enerally ~lat upright panel, it will be appreciated that panel 12 could be made into a two or three dimensional form of a boxer, or any other configuration for that matter. Also, panel 12 could be mounted on a wall with a separate control pane1 or console for the electrical control apparatus. Where a ~Z0~ 58 training device 10 is used for other act;vities than boxing, such as dance instruction or rehdbilitation work, the shape and orientation of pdnel 12 can be changed appropriately. Finally, it will be appreciated that two of the training devices could be used in conjunction with two boxers to simulate an actual boxing match between the boxers by programming microprocessor 60 appropriately. In this case, the devices would be coupled together so that the offensive responses of one boxer on one device would become the defensive signals on the other device for the other boxer, and vice versa.
It will be appreciated from the above that the reflex training device of the present invention is a relatively simple device that is capable of determining how 15 fdst d boxer can react, how hard he can punch or how much control he has over the forces of his punches, and also how accurately he can punch. Further, the device can easily be extended to other sports or physical activities for the purposes of testing or training as desired.