WO2009153350A1

WO2009153350A1 - Simulator and system for sports training

Info

Publication number: WO2009153350A1
Application number: PCT/EP2009/057696
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Robert Foster; Alan John Bennett
Original assignee: Pa Training Solutions Limited
Priority date: 2008-06-20
Filing date: 2009-06-19
Publication date: 2009-12-23
Also published as: GB2461098A; GB0811415D0

Abstract

The simulator (10) includes apparatus (12) enabling a user (14) to perform the functions of a competitive sport. Monitoring means (16) measure the performance of the user (14) to generate performance data therefrom. A control (20) receives the performance data, assembles it together with stored data to generate event status data, and causes a display unit (18) observable by the user (14) to display information relating to the event status and the user's performance relative thereto. There is also described a simulation system for competitive sports training including a plurality of such simulators. In both aspects, the stored data includes virtual competitor data, associated with a plurality of virtual competitors (24, 26, 28, 30) having different levels of performance from each other. The simulator and system more closely replicate real competition conditions and improve interest and motivation for the user, compared to conventional exercise machines.

Description

SIMULATOR AND SYSTEM FOR SPORTS TRAINING

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a simulator for sports training, in particular to modified cardiac fitness gymnasium training and exercise equipment. The invention also relates to a simulation system for competitive sports training, using the same or similar equipment.

Background of the invention Exercise machines for sports training, such as running, are known having an apparatus, such as a treadmill, which the individual uses to perform the functions of the sport. The machine may include a monitoring device to measure the level of performance and a display device which displays data including an indication of the users's performance. Such machines are often used in gymnasia or at home.

While the use of such machines can be useful for sports training, their use is less interesting and valuable than training under real competition conditions. This lack of interest can lead to demotivation.

There is therefore a need to provide machines which more closely replicate real competition conditions.

Arcade game devices are known which simulate, for example, motor racing, and in which a display shows images of virtual competitors as if the user were involved in a motor race. As the user drives the simulated racing car, the images are updated to indicate passing of slower virtual competitors or being overtaken by faster competitors. The images also indicate when the user has lost control of the simulated racing car by an image of the racing car coming off a virtual track or crashing into an obstruction or the like. Such devices are intended for fun, not as a training device for competitive motor racing. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a simulator for sports training comprising: - apparatus enabling a user to perform the functions of a competitive sport;

- monitoring means to measure the performance of the user and to generate user's performance data therefrom;

- a display unit observable by the user; and

- a control device.

The control device is capable of (i) receiving the user's performance data, (ii) generating and storing virtual competitor data associated with a plurality of virtual competitors having different levels of performance from each other; (iii) assembling the performance data together with stored virtual competitor data to generate event status data; and (iv) using the event status data to cause the display unit to display an image relating to the user and a plurality of images relating to some of said virtual competitors having levels of performance near to that of the user, while not displaying images relating to other virtual competitors having levels of performance far from that of the user, the positioning on the display unit of the image relating to the user and of the images relating to the virtual competitors being representative of their relative levels of performance.

The competitive sport may comprise running, rowing or cycling. In the following description, reference is made to the case where the sport comprises running, but is to be understood to be equally applicable to other sports, where the context so allows.

Thus, where the sport is running, the simulator is a virtual race simulator where a user can run against the virtual runners.

The plurality of virtual competitors having different levels of performance displayed on the display unit are displayed in such a manner as to be representative of their relative levels of performance. That is, an image of a virtual competitor having the best level of performance of those being displayed will appear on the display unit to be furthest away, while an image of a virtual competitor having the worst level of performance of those being displayed will appear on the display unit to be nearest.

Effectively therefore, the manner of display of the virtual competitors will preferably be such as if all the virtual competitors had started the event at the same time. Preferably also, the level of performance of the virtual competitors will be evenly spaced, so that the images of those displayed on the display unit will appear to be evenly spaced.

The number of virtual competitors is preferably chosen so that they would finish the race at substantially equal intervals of, say, between 10 seconds and a minute, such as every 30 seconds, between two extremes, say between world record and pure novice times. In this manner it can assured that a number of images of virtual competitors will appear on the display, no manner how good or bad the user's performance may be. Thereby, there will always be a virtual competitor apparently within relatively easy reach, providing a helpful incentive to the user. In any event, it is preferred that at least three, preferably at least five, images of virtual competitors appear on the display.

Not all virtual competitors are displayed on the display unit. Indeed, the control will preferably be capable of generating images of a large number of virtual competitors having different levels of performance. Depending upon the nature of the event, data for as many as 50, 100 or up to 1 ,000 virtual competitors can be generated. However, only those virtual competitors having levels of performance near to that of the user are displayed. The information displayed on the display unit includes an indication of the performance of the user relative to at least that virtual competitor having a level of performance next greater than the level of performance of the user. - A -

The means by which the display unit is caused to display the required information will generally be in the form of an electronic device, such as a computer, programmed with suitable software. This software may be integrated into state of the art gymnasium equipment to provide the simulator according to the invention, for use in any location, whether it be a commercial health and fitness group, a professional training camp, or a private gymnasium.

The stored data preferably include data related to the previous best performance of that user on that apparatus. Thus, users could be able to store their personal best times for individual events to be recalled for subsequent training sessions.

The level of performance of the best virtual competitor may be selected to exceed a local, national or international record level of performance. For example, for each sports event, the performance of the virtual competitors may range from even better than the very best in the world, through to novice level.

The position of the display unit is preferably adjustable relative to the apparatus, for example by height and angle to suit taller or shorter users.

While the display, and its connection with the apparatus and the control, may be mechanical, we prefer to use an electronic computer monitor screen driven by an electronic control.

Where the competitive sport comprises running, the apparatus may comprise a treadmill. The treadmill preferably includes means for establishing an incline, a decline and optionally a camber, in response to stored data received from the control. For these purposes, a treadmill with a wide belt is preferred. For example, the belt may be carried by a frame which is supported by at least three, preferably four, adjustable members, the adjustment of which can be controlled by the program software. By adjustment of these members, the belt may be tilted forwards, backwards and sideways to represent inclines, declines and cambers in the programmed course. The adjustable members may be mechanically, electrically or hydraulically driven.

An interface device may be provided, operable by the user, to adjust the operation of the control. For example, the interface is in the form of a hand-held device, including a stop switch operable if the user should release his hold on the device.

This could be in addition to the conventional pull-out stop switch fixed to the apparatus. While the exercise is running, the user may increase the speed of the treadmill and thereby increase his running speed by way of the hand held device. The interface may additionally or alternatively include touch-screen facilities provided on the display unit.

The stored data may include data indicative of a pictorial representation of a race course, such as a street marathon course, a cross-country course or a track course. The programmed routes may include the most famous courses and routes in the world, such as the London Marathon, the New York Marathon, the Boston Marathon, the Chicago Marathon, and the Great North Run. The software will be programmed to simulate inclines and hills in the routes as they would naturally occur. The programme may have virtual runners taking part in races over a range of distances, such as the marathon, half marathon, 10 miles, 10 kilometres or 5 kilometres. More routes and courses, over various distances, relevant to particular countries can be provided on data-carrying media, such as DVDs, to be loaded into the common control as desired.

For example, where the race is a marathon, there may be virtual runners programmed into the software to finish every 30 seconds between two extremes. The first virtual runner may finish the marathon course in, for example, under 2 hours, making the training simulator beneficial to the world's best runners, while allowing aspiring athletes to work towards goals previously unobtainable. The slowest virtual runner could be programmed to finish in for example, 5 hours for the marathon, to give appeal to a wide spread of users. The individual runner thereby will be able to compete against the rest of the field by increasing his speed. The user will be seen on the display to pass virtual runners when he speeds up. Equally, if the individual runner slows down, the virtual runners will pass him. The display may also be caused to constantly inform the individual runner of his projected finish time and physiological conditions such as heart rate.

Where the competitive sport comprises rowing, the apparatus comprises a rowing machine. The simulator may be designed with a stroke system, to fully simulate the rowing action. This will include efficiency of stroking, taking into account the accuracy of the blade cutting through the water, pulling and exiting the water at the end of the stroke. Speed of row will be affected by the quality of stroke through the water, as would happen in a rowing boat. In this case the monitoring means may be adapted to monitor the performance of a real or virtual oar blade cutting through water while the control is capable of causing the display unit (for example in an insert screen), or better an additional display unit positioned to the side of the rowing machine, to display to the user an image of a blade cutting through water, giving effectiveness ratings in order that the user can adjust or adapt his rowing action.

The display device may be caused to additionally indicate to the user advice orTTϊow his technique could be modified to improve performance.

Rowers will be able to row against the virtual rowers, and optionally against other individual rowers, either in the same location, or in other locations, whether it be other commercial gymnasia, or private residential gymnasia.

Where the competitive sport comprises cycling, the apparatus comprises a cycling machine. The cycling machine may include means for varying the resistance needed to be overcome to cycle according to a virtual route including up-hill and downhill portions, and means to enable the user to free-wheel during downhill portions of the route. This will give a realistic simulation of the cycling position, while varying the resistance will simulate the incline portions of the route. Thus, it is possible to simulate virtual runs, such as the London to Brighton ride or the Tour de France. In the case of the sport being rowing or even cycling, where two or more competitors perform together as a team, the term "user" used herein may be interpreted to mean an individual team, as opposed to simply an individual competitor.

The first aspect of the invention also provides a method of sports training comprising using a simulator as discussed above.

While the simulator according to the invention may be used as a stand-alone device, according to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a simulation system for competitive sports training where the system comprises a plurality of simulators.

Each simulator comprises:

- apparatus enabling a user to perform the functions of a competitive sport;

- monitoring means to measure the performance of the user and to generate user's performance data therefrom; and - a display unit observable by the user.

The system also comprises a control device which is capable of (i) receiving each user's performance data, (ii) generating and storing virtual competitor data associated with a plurality of virtual competitors having different levels of performance from each other; (iii) assembling the performance data together with stored virtual competitor data to generate event status data; and (iv) using the event status data to cause the display unit of each simulator to display an image relating to the respective user and a plurality of images relating to some of said other users and virtual competitors having levels of performance near to that of the respective user, while not displaying images relating to other users and other virtual competitors having levels of performance far from that of the respective user, the positioning on the display unit of the image relating to the respective user and of the images relating to the other users and the virtual competitors being representative of their relative levels of performance.

Each simulator may incorporate the various optional features discussed above in relation to the first aspect of the invention.

In addition, the system preferably further comprises a common control capable of communicating with the simulators to receive the performance data therefrom. The common control may additionally be capable of assembling the performance data received from the simulators together with stored data to generate event status data, and providing the event status data to each of the simulators to enable the display unit of each simulator to display information relating to the event status and the performance of one user relative to others, wherein the stored data includes virtual competitor data, associated with the plurality of virtual competitors having different levels of performance from each other.

The communication between the common control and the simulators may take place via any suitable technology, including hard wiring, radio communication, an intranet or the Internet, and/or by wi-fi technology.

Each simulator may be associated with respective local control for controlling the respective display unit, the common control being capable of communicating with each local control to cause the information relating to event status data, and the performance of the respective user relative to others, to be displayed on the respective display unit.

The control causes images of some of the other users and virtual competitors to appear on the display as described above. Where the performances of the virtual competitors are evenly spaced, so that their images on the display are evenly spaced, the images of other users may be interwoven without adjusting the position of the virtual competitor images. Alternatively, the control may be capable of adjusting the performance of the virtual competitors so that all images will appear equally spaced on the display.

Where the sport is running, the system is a virtual race system where group of individual runners (within one location or across a group of locations, nationally or internationally) can run against the virtual runners and each other.

In mass/group runs, a leader board on the visual display unit may be caused to be continually updated while runners further down the field will be able to interrogate the system to show running times of specific runners (possibly friends or opponents), or to show the runners (real or virtual) around that particular user in the race.

Each simulator may include a detector for detecting the use thereof by a user, thereby to prevent a user from mis-using a simulator to produce a misleadingly high performance.

The second aspect of the invention also provides a method of competitive sports training comprising the use of a simulation system as described above.

The system may be used for holding competitions, or for mass training in a number of locations. It also enables an individual user on a home-based machine to compete in an organised event with one or a group of users based nationally or internationally.

When the system is being used for holding competitions, or for mass training in a number of locations, the common control may communicate with a common display unit where an invigilator can monitor the performance of the all the users. This gives the opportunity for national championships, commercial gymnasium championships and private racing. The common display unit could be in the same location as one or more of the simulators or in a different location.

A website could be hosted, where information on mass runs, rows and bike rides will be available. Clubs or users will be able to register on the site and thereafter, enter pre-organised events. Local events can also be able to be organised and hosted through the site, allowing an individual club to hold its own championship/race or a given group of training establishments to hold regional or national events. The local controls may be adapted to be activated from a central system management unit, once the participating users or establishments have logged-on and any necessary fees have been paid. Each display unit could be activated simultaneously at the beginning of a mass event, to represent the start of the event.

The invention will now be further described, purely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a simulator according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention;

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic illustration of the display unit of the simulator of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic illustration of a treadmill used in the simulator of Figure

1 ;

Figure 4 is a diagrammatic illustration of a simulator system according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention; and

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic illustration of two display units of the system of Figure 4.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a simulator 10 for competitive sports training includes an apparatus 12 enabling a user 14 to perform the functions of a competitive sport. The apparatus includes monitoring means 16 to measure the performance of the user 14 and to generate performance data P therefrom.

The apparatus 12 includes a display unit 18 observable by the user 14. The position of the display unit 18 is adjustable relative to the apparatus 12.

Control 20 receives the performance data P. The control assembles the performance data P together with stored data S from a store 22 to generate event status data E. The stored data S includes data R indicative of a pictorial representation 23 of a race course, such as a street marathon course, a crosscountry course or a track course. The stored data S also includes virtual competitor data V, associated with a plurality of virtual competitors having different levels of performance from each other. The plurality of virtual competitors have substantially equally spaced levels of performance.

The plurality of virtual competitors having different levels of performance displayed on the display unit are displayed in such a manner as to be representative of their relative levels of performance. That is, a virtual competitor having the best level of performance of those being displayed will appear as an image 24 on the display unit

18 to be furthest away, while a virtual competitor having the worst level of performance of those being displayed will appear as an image 30 on the display unit 18 to be nearest. The manner of display of the virtual competitors is such as if all the virtual competitors had started the event at the same time as the user. The level of performance of the virtual competitors is evenly spaced, so that the images 24, 26,

28, 30 of those displayed on the display unit 18 will appear to be evenly spaced. The stored data S includes data B related to the previous best performance of that user 14 on that apparatus 12, which had been passed to the store 22 from the control 20 following a previous use of the simulator. The display unit 18 displays previous best performance data of the user 14 as a further virtual competitor image 32^*.

Not all virtual competitors are displayed on the display unit 18; only those virtual competitors having levels of performance near to that of the user.

The control 20 transmits the event status data E to the display unit 18 to cause the display unit 18 to display information relating to the event status and the user's performance relative thereto. As illustrated in Figure 2, the information displayed on the display unit 18 includes an indication 32 of the performance of the user 14 relative to at least that virtual competitor 30 having a level of performance next greater than the level of performance of the user 14.

A hand-held interface device 34 is provided, operable by the user 14, to adjust the operation of the control 20. The interface device includes a stop switch 36 operable if the user 14 should release his hold on the device.

The competitive sport may comprise running and in which case the apparatus 12 may include a treadmill 38, as shown in Figure 3. The treadmill 38 comprises a driven belt 40 supported by a frame 42. The frame is mounted on individually controllable hydraulically adjustable supports 44, 46, 48, 50 for varying the orientation of the frame and the belt thereby to establish an incline, a decline and a camber, in response to stored data S received from the control 20.

As the event progresses, the control 20 continuously updates the display unit 18 so that the user 14 can see whether he is catching the nearest virtual competitor 30 or catching up with his personal best performance as represented by image 32*.

As shown in the embodiment of Figure 4 and 5, a simulation system for competitive sports training comprises a number of simulators of which only two 10a, 10b are shown for the sake of simplicity. Except as otherwise indicated, each of the simulators 10a, 10b has the same or similar features to the simulator 10 of Figure 1.

Each simulator includes an apparatus 12a, 12b enabling users 14a, 14b to each perform the functions of the same competitive sport. Each apparatus 12a, 12b includes monitoring means 16a, 16b to measure the performance of the users 14a,

14b and to generate respective performance data Pa, Pb therefrom.

Each apparatus also includes a display unit 18a, 18b observable by the respective users 14a, 14b.

Each simulator 10a, 10b additionally includes local control 20a, 20b for controlling the respective display unit 18a, 18b.

Common control 52 is provided to communicate with the simulators 10a, 10b to receive the performance data Pa, Pb therefrom. The common control 52 assembles the performance data Pa, Pb received from the plurality of simulators 10a, 10b together with stored data S from a common store 54 to generate event status data E. The stored data S includes data R indicative of a pictorial representation of a race course. The stored data S also includes virtual competitor data V, associated with a plurality of virtual competitors having different levels of performance from each other. The virtual competitors have substantially equally spaced levels of performance. The level of performance of the best virtual competitor is selected to exceed a local, national or international record level of performance.

The common control 52 communicates event status data E to local controls 20a, 20b of each of the simulators 10a, 10b. The local controls 20a, 20b assemble the event status data E from the common control 52 with stored data Sa, Sb from local stores

22a, 22b to generate modified event status data E*a and E*b. The stored data Sa,

Sb includes data Ba, Bb related to the previous best performance of that users 14a,

14b on their respective apparatus 12a, 12b, which had been passed to the store 22a, 22b from the local control 20a, 20b following a previous use of the respective simulator. The display unit 18a, 18b displays previous best performance data of the user 14a, 14b as a further virtual competitor image 32a*, 32b*.

The local control 20a, 20b transmits the modified event status data E*a, E*b to the respective display unit 18a, 18b to cause the display unit 18a, 18b of each simulator 10a, 10b to display information relating to the event status and the performance of one user 14a, 14b relative to others, and relative to that user's previous best performance.

Each simulator 10a, 10b includes a detector 54a, 54b for detecting the proper use thereof by a user 14a, 14b, the detector sending an appropriate signal to the common control 52. As shown in Figure 5, display unit 18a shows to the user 14a an image 32a of his position relative to virtual competitors 24, 26, 28 and 30 and also relative to his personal best performance represented by image 32a^*.

Display unit 18b shows to the user 14b (whose performance is poorer than that of user 14a) an image 32b of his position relative to virtual competitors 28 and 30 (virtual competitor 24 being too far ahead to be displayed) and also relative to the other user 14a as represented by image 32a and relative to his personal best performance represented by image 32b^*.

A common display unit 61 receives the event status data E from common control 52 to enable an invigilator to monitor progress of the users involved in the event.

The connections between the various components shown in the attached figures may be in the form of hard wiring, or in the form of wireless communication technology. In particular, in Figure 4, the common control 52 and its display unit 61 may be connected to individual simulators 10a, 10b via an Internet connection.

Claims

1. A simulator for sports training comprising:

- apparatus enabling a user to perform the functions of a competitive sport; - monitoring means to measure the performance of the user and to generate user's performance data therefrom;

- a display unit observable by the user; and

- a control device capable of: receiving the user's performance data, generating and storing virtual competitor data associated with a plurality of virtual competitors having different levels of performance from each other; assembling the performance data together with stored virtual competitor data to generate event status data; and using the event status data to cause the display unit to display an image relating to the user and a plurality of images relating to some of said virtual competitors having levels of performance near to that of the user, while not displaying images relating to other virtual competitors having levels of performance far from that of the user, the positioning on the display unit of the image relating to the user and of the images relating to the virtual competitors being representative of their relative levels of performance.

2. A device according to claim 1 , wherein the stored data includes data related to the previous best performance of that user on that apparatus.

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of virtual competitors have substantially equally spaced levels of performance.

4. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the level of performance of the best virtual competitor exceeds a local, national or international record level of performance.

5. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the position of the display unit is adjustable relative to the apparatus.

6. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein an interface device is provided, operable by the user, to adjust the operation of the control.

7. A device according to claim 6, wherein the interface is in the form of a handheld device, including a stop switch operable if the user should release his hold on the device.

8. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the competitive sport comprises running and the apparatus comprises a treadmill.

9. A device according to claim 8, wherein the treadmill includes means for establishing an incline, a decline and optionally a camber, in response to stored data received from the control.

10. A device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the stored data includes data indicative of a pictorial representation of a race course.

1 1. A device according to claim 10, wherein the race course is selected from a street marathon course, a cross-country course and a track course.

12. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the competitive sport comprises rowing the apparatus comprises a rowing machine.

13. A device according to claim 12, wherein the monitoring means monitors the performance of a real or virtual oar blade cutting through water and the control is capable of causing a display unit to display to the user an image of a blade cutting through water.

14. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the competitive sport comprises cycling the apparatus comprises a cycling machine.

15. A device according to claim 14, wherein said cycling machine includes means for varying the force required to cycle according to a virtual route including up-hill and downhill portions, and means to enable the user to free-wheel during downhill portions of the route.

16. A simulation system for competitive sports training comprising a plurality of simulators according to any preceding claim, wherein said control device is capable of receiving each user's performance data, and using the event status data to cause the display unit of each simulator to display an image relating to the respective user and a plurality of images relating to some of said other users and virtual competitors having levels of performance near to that of the respective user, while not displaying images relating to other users and other virtual competitors having levels of performance far from that of the respective user, the positioning on the display unit of the image relating to the respective user and of the images relating to the other users and the virtual competitors being representative of their relative levels of performance.

17. A system according to claim 16, further comprising a common control capable of communicating with the plurality of simulators to receive the performance data therefrom.

18. A system according to claim 16 or 17, wherein each simulator is associated with respective local control for controlling the respective display unit, the common control being capable of communicating with each local control to cause the information relating to event status data, and the performance of the respective user relative to others, to be displayed on the respective display unit.

19. A system according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein each simulator includes a detector for detecting the use thereof by a user.

20. A method of sports training comprising the use of a simulator according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

21. A method of competitive sports training comprising the use of a simulator system according to any one of claims 16 to 19.