WO2015014693A1 - Training device, particularly for team sport types, and training figure - Google Patents

Abstract

A training device, particularly for team sport types, comprises a plurality of training figures (10), which each have a drive unit (14) for movement, and a controller (26), which generates signals for controlling the drive units (14) and transmits them to the drive units (14). The controller (26) has an input unit (30), and the control signals are generated depending on inputs made by a user. A training figure (10) for such a training device comprises a body (12) and a drive unit (14) on which the body (12) is arranged. The drive unit (14) allows the training figure (10) to move independently. The training figure (10) has a radio unit (20) with which control signals for the drive unit (14) can be received.

Description

 Training device, in particular for team sports,

 and training figure

The invention relates to a training device, in particular for team sports. The invention further relates to a training figure for such a training device.

For training in team sports, especially in football, often exercise figures are used to simulate opposing players. Such "dummies" are supposed to mimic certain lines of the opponent in order to train coordinated moves, but the drawback here is that the exercise figures, unlike real players, are stationary, so that no dynamic game situation can be created.

The object of the invention is to remedy this disadvantage and to provide a training facility available, with the game situations can be simulated as realistic as possible. This object is achieved by a training device with the features of claim 1 and a training figure with the features of claim 10. Advantageous and expedient embodiments of the exercise device according to the invention and the training figure according to the invention are specified in the independent subclaims. The training device according to the invention, which is intended in particular for team sports, comprises a plurality of training figures, each having a drive unit for locomotion, and a controller which generates signals for controlling the drive units and transmits them to the drive units. The controller has an input unit, and the control signals are generated in response to inputs from a user.

The invention is based on the recognition that the practical tactics training in team sport can be made considerably more effective with dynamic game situations. This is exactly what the invention allows Training device, because the training figures do not remain immobile at their place of installation, but are "brought to life." The training figures can move freely independently thanks to their drive units, whereby a control sets the direction of movement and speed In this way, a much more effective training is possible compared to conventional training methods.Especially advantageous is the use of a mobile device as an input unit, which is connected wirelessly or via cable to a controller of the controller This offers the user the greatest possible flexibility in operating the training device according to the invention.

The control device to which the input unit is connected may be a central (fixed) unit. However, the control device can also be arranged on one of the training figures or designed as a multi-part device which is distributed to the training figures.

According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the training device has a position detection system for determining the absolute and / or relative positions of the training figures and preferably further training-relevant objects or subjects, in particular exercising players, wherein the position data of the central controller are available for further processing. Continuous position detection allows situation-specific control of the individual training figures, d. H. Each training figure can be moved according to the requirements to the "right" position or in the "right" direction.

If the control device is designed as a multi-part device that is distributed to the training figures, the position monitoring is not done centrally. Rather, each training figure determines their own position and controls their own drive according to the specifications. The position detection sensors used in the position detection system can be arranged either in the vicinity of an area to be monitored (eg a playing field) or on the training figures themselves. Also, a combination in which position detecting sensors are disposed both in the vicinity of the area to be monitored and in all or some of the training figures is possible.

Preferably, the position detection system on position detection sensors, which allow a runtime and / or angle measurement. These methods have proven themselves in practice and are inexpensive to implement.

In order to continuously adapt the simulated game situations to the current circumstances (current positions of the training players and the game device, etc.), the central controller should be set up in such a way that it constantly determines desired positions or movements for the training figures from the position data and the user's inputs ,

Accordingly, the central controller should also be arranged to transmit control signals corresponding to the desired positions or movements to the drive units, i. H. the training figures are constantly moving according to constantly updated guidelines. In this way, a very dynamic training is possible, the z. B. is not limited to a single turn.

A development of the invention provides that at least some of the training figures are in radio contact with each other. Thereby, the central control device can be relieved or completely replaced, since the training figures can "communicate" with each other and possibly also (indirectly) with the input unit thanks to the radio links In particular, the training figures can transmit their current position, which is then further processed to provide new control signals for to generate the drive units.

The invention also provides a training figure for a training device of the type described above. The training figure according to the invention comprises a body and a drive unit on which the body is arranged. The drive unit allows independent movement of the training figure. The trai- ningsfigur has a radio unit with which control signals for the drive unit can be received.

Thanks to their autonomous, largely unrestricted, but controllable mobility, the training figures according to the invention open up a variety of possible uses, with a preferred application being team sport training.

According to the preferred embodiment of the training figure according to the invention, the drive unit on transport elements, in particular wheels that are steerable and / or separately driven. As a result, complex and dynamically adaptable trajectories are possible, which are not subject to any mechanical restrictions (slide tracks, rails or the like).

Preferably, the body of the training figure is detachably mounted on the drive unit. If required, the two components can be separately serviced, transported and stored. In addition, this modular design allows the attachment of different body on the same drive unit (eg different sized body for adult and youth training).

In order to make the training figure even more dynamic and realistic, a rotary drive can be provided which allows rotation of the body relative to the drive unit. Such rotation is likely to be faster than a corresponding rotation of the drive unit rigidly mounted body.

The energy required to operate the drive unit is best taken from a rechargeable and / or replaceable energy store. There is enough room in the drive unit for a high-performance accumulator that offers a sufficiently long running time for most applications.

The positioning of the training figure can be accomplished or at least supported by a receiver for a global navigation satellite system. Such receivers are now standard components in many electronic devices, so that an implementation in the electronics of the training figure is possible without much effort. In a development of the invention, the training figure, in particular its drive unit, has sensors for distance and / or proximity and / or touch measurement. This can be used to protect the training players and the training characters serious collisions are avoided. Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and from the accompanying drawings, to which reference is made. In the drawings show:

- Figure 1 shows schematically a training figure according to the invention; and

- Figure 2 schematically essential components of a training device according to the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a training figure 10 for a special training device which will be described in detail later. The training figure 10 consists essentially of a body 12 and a drive unit 14, on which the body 12 is mounted. The body 12 has a shape as known in known practice figures from the team sport. In particular, the body 12 may have a human-like silhouette. However, the concrete appearance is not necessarily important for the essential characteristics of the training figure 10. The body 12 is detachably mounted on the drive unit 14, i. H. during operation, the body 12 remains connected to the drive unit 14, but for maintenance or the like, the body 12 may be removed from the drive unit 14. Optionally, a rotary drive can be provided, which enables the body 12 to rotate 360 ° about its own axis on the drive unit 14.

The drive unit 14 allows autonomous locomotion of the training figure 10 on the ground. The drive unit 14 has for this purpose transport elements 16 in the form of wheels, of which all or only part of one or more electric motors are driven, optionally via suitable gear and / or clutches. To enable movement in any direction and curved paths, the wheels (all or only one Part) steerable and / or separately driven. A rotation of the drive unit 14 about its own axis is thus possible, in particular if the body 12 can not rotate relative to the drive unit 14. Instead of the wheels or in addition, other transport elements 16 in the form of chains and / or balls, etc. may be used.

The electric motor or motors are powered by one or more rechargeable and / or exchangeable energy stores 18 (hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity, only one energy store 18 is assumed). The energy store 18 also supplies an electronic control unit of the training figure 10, which is located in the drive unit 14 and serves to drive the electric motor (s) and the transport elements 16. Also powered by the energy storage 18 is a radio unit 20, are received with the drive unit 14 for certain control signals. The radio unit 20 is preferably designed as a transmitting / receiving unit and allows data exchange with a remote central controller, which will be discussed in more detail later, and / or with one or more corresponding radio units 20 of one or more other training figures 10th

The energy stores 18 also serve to supply the following optional components: receiver 22 for a global navigation satellite system (eg GPS receiver) for the absolute and / or relative position determination of the training figure 10;

- Sensors 24 for distance and / or proximity and / or touch measurement in order to implement protective functions can; - Sensors for absolute and / or relative position determination (these sensors will be discussed in more detail later).

FIG. 2 shows a list of several training figures 10 that are part of a training device. In addition to the training figures 10, the training device also includes a central control 26, which is here divided into a control device 28 and an input unit 30. With the input unit 30, a user, for example, a football coach, certain specifications to the controller 28 transmit, which in turn converts them into commands for the training figures 10, more precisely their drive units 14. Such specifications may be, for example, a certain basic set-up of the training figures 10 and / or specific walking paths or movement patterns for the simulation of real game situations.

The input unit 30 may be a mobile device, such as a tablet computer, on which a program designed specifically for the training device is installed. The input unit 30 can wirelessly, z. B. via WLAN, or be connected via cable to the controller 28.

Furthermore, a position detection system for determining the absolute and / or relative positions of the training figures 10 and optionally one or more other objects, for. B. a game device (ball, etc.) provided. The position data of training players can also be recorded.

Technical aids for the position determination are position detection sensors 32, which enable a runtime and / or angle measurement, the term sensors here being to be interpreted broadly. The position detection sensors 32 can be arranged stationary and / or movable on the edge of the area to be monitored and / or above and / or below (eg in the form of induction loops). Additionally or alternatively, some or all of the training figures 10 may themselves carry position sensing sensors 32.

In particular, the following technologies (alternatively or linked) can be used in the position detection:

- transit time measurement: light (eg laser), ultrasound, radar, radio (eg GPS, nanoLOC);

- Angle measurement: stationary laser scanners or cameras for the detection of active, passive or natural markers on the objects and / or in the environment, eg. Color cameras, infrared cameras, ToF cameras, stereo cameras, multi-camera systems, structured light cameras. Other technologies, such. B. based on RFID, or a combination of several technologies can be used for position determination.

For the determination of the positions of the training figures 10 and possibly other objects (game device (s), players training) thus come in principle several options into consideration. Depending on the requirements of speed, accuracy, reliability (robustness), costs, etc., the most suitable position sensing sensors and technologies are selected and adapted to the particular conditions of the training device. The position detection sensors 32 cover a total of a predetermined range, z. B. a playing field and an edge zone outside the field. The number of position detection sensors 32 depends inter alia on their location and on the technical requirements or requirements of the technology used. By means of suitable evaluation algorithms, the absolute and / or relative position data can preferably be determined in real time. The position data obtained are available to the central controller 26 for further processing.

The central controller 26 continuously determines desired positions or movements for the training figures 10 in relation to the exercising players and / or to one or more game devices and / or to other (stationary ones) from the available position data and the requests queried via the input unit or moving) landmarks. The central controller 26 transmits corresponding control commands to the drive units 14 by radio, so that the training figures 10 move continuously in accordance with the determined set positions or movements.

The control device 28 of the central controller 26 can also be arranged on one of the training figures 10, in particular in its drive unit 14. The control device 28 can also be designed as a multi-part device which is distributed over the training figures 10. The monitoring of the positions is then done in this case not centrally, but decentralized, ie simply put: each training figure 10 determines their own position and compares this with their target position or target movement. The drive is then activated accordingly. The training device with the independently movable training figures 10 is particularly suitable for football training. The training figures 10 are intended to embody the players of an opposing team, so that certain game situations can be simulated realistically. In order to make the simulation even more flexible, a tactical misconduct of the training figures 10 can also be deliberately included. This means that one or more of the training figures 10 show no typical or predictable behavior. This can best be illustrated by the example of football training. If, for example, the gaming device (here the ball) and / or the training players make a certain change in position in a certain situation, for example if the ball is played forward from the quad-chain defense formed by the training figures 10. If it is normally provided in this case that these four training figures 10 move forward closed, z. B. deliberately stop one of the training figures 10. This misconduct can be part of a special training to better exploit potential weaknesses of the opponent. The deliberate misbehavior of one or more of the training figures 10 can be specified concretely by the user at the input unit 30, or he can activate a random control, possibly with some partial specifications (eg a training figure 10 on the left side within a time window or in a certain game situation etc.). Since these as well as all other essential settings are made by software, there are hardly any limits to flexibility.

The device has been largely described by the example of football training; but it can also be used for training in other team sports or even in non-sports applications. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

training figure

body

drive unit

transport elements

energy storage

radio unit

Receiver for navigation satellite system

Sensors for distance / proximity / touch measurement central control

control device

input unit

Position detection sensors

Claims

claims 1 . Training device, in particular for team sports, with a plurality of training figures (10), each having a drive unit (14) for locomotion, and  a controller (26) which generates signals for controlling the drive units (14) and transmits them to the drive units (14),  wherein the controller (26) comprises an input unit (30) and the control signals are generated in response to inputs from a user. 2. Training device according to claim 1, characterized in that the input unit (30) is a mobile device that is connected wirelessly or via cable to a control device (28) of the controller (26). 3. Training device according to claim 2, characterized in that the control device (28) is arranged on one of the training figures (10) or is designed as a multipart device, which is distributed on the training figures (10). 4. Training device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a position detection system for determining the absolute and / or relative positions of the training figures (10) and preferably further training-relevant objects or subjects, in particular of training players, wherein the position data of the central controller (26) further processing are available. 5. Training device according to claim 4, characterized in that the position detection system comprises position detection sensors (32) which are arranged in the vicinity of a region to be monitored and / or on the training figures (10). 6. Training device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the position detection system position detection sensors (32), which allow a transit time and / or angle measurement. 7. Training device according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the central controller (26) is arranged so that they From the position data and the inputs of the user continuously determined positions or movements determined for the training figures (10). 8. Training device according to claim 7, characterized in that the central controller (26) is arranged so that it transmits the desired positions or movements corresponding control signals to the drive units (14). 9. Training device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least some of the training figures (10) are in radio contact with each other. 10. Training figure (10) for a training device according to one of the preceding claims, with  a body (12) and  a drive unit (14) on which the body (12) is arranged,  wherein the drive unit (14) allows autonomous locomotion of the training figure (10), and  the training figure (10) has a radio unit (20) with which control signals for the drive unit (14) can be received. 1 1. Training figure (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the drive unit (14) has transport elements (16), in particular wheels, which are steerable and / or separately drivable. 12. training figure (10) according to claim 10 or 1 1, characterized in that the body (12) is detachably mounted on the drive unit (14). 13. Training figure (10) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized by a rotary drive which allows rotation of the body (12) relative to the drive unit (14). 14. Training figure (10) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the drive unit (14) has a rechargeable and / or replaceable energy store (18). 15. Training figure (10) according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized by a receiver (22) for a global navigation satellite system. 16. training figure (10) according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized by sensors (24) for distance and / or proximity and / or touch measurement.