U.S. patent application number 11/358491 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-23 for snowboards and the like having integrated dynamic light displays related to snowboard motion.
Invention is credited to Robert J. Schaefer, Christopher A. Stone.
Application Number | 20070194558 11/358491 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38427421 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070194558 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stone; Christopher A. ; et
al. |
August 23, 2007 |
Snowboards and the like having integrated dynamic light displays
related to snowboard motion
Abstract
Selected patterns of lights are displayed on a recreational
conveyance such as a snowboard according to the motion of the
board. A selection of patterns is stored in a processor memory, the
motion of the board is measured (for example with accelerometers)
and a pattern is selected from memory based on the measured motion.
Then lights on the board are blinked on and off in the selected
pattern. Accelerometer inputs are analyzed and a series of states
is derived for each accelerometer axis. A series of states can be
analyzed as a set to select a different pattern. Also, the
magnitude of the states (such as duration, speed, or intensity) may
affect the pattern selected. The process may be adaptive, so that
the analyzing step further analyzes user weight or past
snowboarding style to set adaptive thresholds for selecting
patterns.
Inventors: |
Stone; Christopher A.;
(Lafayette, CO) ; Schaefer; Robert J.; (Boulder,
CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JENNIFER L. BALES
MOUNTAIN VIEW PLAZA
1520 EUCLID CIRCLE
LAFAYETTE
CO
80026-1250
US
|
Family ID: |
38427421 |
Appl. No.: |
11/358491 |
Filed: |
February 21, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/601 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63C 17/01 20130101;
A63C 2203/14 20130101; A63C 2203/18 20130101; A63C 17/26 20130101;
A63C 5/003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/601 |
International
Class: |
A63C 5/00 20060101
A63C005/00 |
Claims
1. A method of displaying selected patterns of lights on a
recreational conveyance such as a snowboard comprising the steps
of: (a) loading a processor memory on the recreational conveyance
with a selection of patterns (b) measuring the motion of the
recreational conveyance; (c) selecting a pattern from processor
memory based upon measured motion; (d) selectively lighting lights
on the recreational conveyance according to the selected
pattern.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the measuring step is performed by
two accelerometers.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the selecting step includes the
substeps of: analyzing the accelerometer inputs and deriving a
series of states for each accelerometer axis; a matching step for
analyzing the derived states and selecting patterns in a lookup
table according to the analysis results.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the analyzing step further
analyzes series of states as a set.
5. The method of claim 3, wherein the analyzing step further
analyzes the magnitude of states, and wherein the magnitude of a
state includes one or more of the following magnitude attributes:
duration; speed; intensity.
6. The method of claim 5, further wherein the analyzing step
further analyzes one or more of the following adaptive attributes
and sets adaptive thresholds for selecting patterns based upon
analysis of adaptive attributes: user weight; past history of
motion; a user defined style setting.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of selectively lighting
comprises the steps of: converting the selected pattern into serial
data; conveying the serial data to an LED decoder and power driver;
decoding the serial data alternatively powering and unpowering
selected LEDs in LED arrays according to the decoded data.
8. The method of claim 1, further including the step of suspending
steps (c) and (d) if step (b) indicates activity below a
predetermined level.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the lighting step further includes
the step of selecting the brightness of lighted lights.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein the lighting step further
includes the step of selecting a clock rate for patterns.
11. Apparatus for selectively displaying light patterns on a
recreational conveyance such as a snowboard comprising: a memory
for storing a set of lighting patterns; an array of lights affixed
to the recreational conveyance; sensors for determining the motion
of the recreational conveyance and providing sensor output; input
circuitry for generating data signals based upon the sensor output;
a processor for decoding the data signals and for retrieving
patterns from the memory based upon the decoded data signals; a
driver circuit for alternatively lighting and extinguishing lights
in the array according to the retrieved patterns.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the sensor output is analog
and wherein the input circuitry includes a low pass filter for
filtering the sensor output and an analog to digital converter for
converting filtered data into digital data.
13. The apparatus of claim 11, further including an input port for
downloading patterns into the memory from an external device.
14. The apparatus of claim 11, further including an output port for
uploading data based upon the sensor output for external
processing.
15. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the lights are LEDs.
16. A kit for displaying patterns of lights on a recreational
conveyance such as a snowboard comprising: a memory for storing a
set of lighting patterns; an array of lights to be affixed to the
recreational conveyance; sensors for determining the motion of the
recreational conveyance and providing sensor output; input
circuitry for generating data signals based upon the sensor output;
a processor for decoding the data signals and for retrieving
patterns from the memory based upon the decoded data signals; an
LED driver circuit for alternatively lighting and extinguishing
lights in the array according to the retrieved patterns.
17. The kit of claim 16 wherein the sensors comprise a 3-axis
accelerometer.
18. The kit of claim 16 wherein the kit is contained in a
multilayer flexible sheet for adhesion to the board.
19. The kit of claim 18 wherein the sensor, circuitry, processor,
and driver comprise a flexible printed circuit board.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a snowboard or the like
having a programmable display of lights which is responsive to the
motion of the board. More particularly, the present invention
relates to a dynamic snowboard, ski, skateboard, or helmet whereby
detection of combinations of velocity, acceleration, impact, shock
and or surface flexure and strain, control and initiate a
programmable display of lights and sound that is integrated into
the snowboard, skateboard, skis and helmet.
[0003] 2. Discussion of Background Art
[0004] Owners of snowboards, skateboards, skis, and the like have
long decorated their recreational conveyances with eye-catching
elements. These decorative elements also serve a safety purpose as
they make the rider more visible. Hence, fluorescent colors,
reflectors, and lights have all been used to decorate these sorts
of recreational conveyances. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,802,636
describes a skateboard having light recessed into the sides of the
board. The lights are illuminated in one of a predetermined set of
patterns, such as flashing, strobing, twinkling, and solid
sequences. The user selects the light sequence by setting the
position of a switch.
[0005] However, thus far, there has not been a way to generate
light patterns from the recreational conveyance that are dependent
upon the movement of the recreational conveyance--speed, landing,
turning and the like. A need remains in the art for methods and
apparatus for snowboards and the like having integrated
programmable display of lights which is responsive to the motion of
the board.
SUMMARY
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide
snowboards and the like having integrated programmable display of
lights which is responsive to the motion of the board. This object
is accomplished by providing an integrated visual display of lights
or light emitting diodes (LEDs) that when triggered by any of
several motion-related inputs shall provide a programmed display
that produces light patterns based upon the sensor responses from
the snowboard, skateboard, skis or helmet.
[0007] Additionally the output may consist of an audible or audio
output, that when triggered by any of the motion-related inputs
shall provide a programmed audio sequence that follows or produces
patterns based upon the sensor responses from the snowboard skis,
skateboard or helmet. The audio and visual outputs may be combined
or operate independently.
[0008] For example a rider hits a jump and the various sensors
determine that the snowboard, skateboard or skis are in free space.
The proposed system shall detect this condition and trigger a
programmed audio and or visual display. Upon contacting the surface
again the system shall detect the impact and trigger a new and
different display of audio and or visual content.
[0009] The device is capable of detecting such data as velocity
from sensors placed on the snowboard, skateboard, and skis or via
an input from a Global Positioning System (GPS) or the like, and
generating a visual display that is functionally related and
dynamically adjusts to the sensed velocity. For example two strings
of sequential lights located longitudinally along the board surface
may flash in sequence down the length of the board and increase in
frequency as the speed of the board increases.
[0010] A method of displaying selected patterns of lights on a
recreational conveyance such as a snowboard includes the steps
of:
(a) loading a processor memory on the recreational conveyance with
a selection of patterns
(b) measuring the motion of the recreational conveyance;
(c) selecting a pattern from processor memory based upon measured
motion; and
(d) selectively lighting lights on the recreational conveyance
according to the selected pattern.
[0011] The measuring step may be performed by two
accelerometers.
[0012] Generally the selecting step includes analyzing the
accelerometer inputs and deriving a series of states for each
accelerometer axis, and performing a matching step which analyzes
the derived states and selecting patterns in a lookup table
according to the analysis results. analyzing step may further
analyzes series of states as a set, for example to determine that
the snowboard is performing a spin.
[0013] The analyzing step my further analyze the magnitude of
states, wherein the magnitude of a state includes duration, speed
(or rate), and intensity.
[0014] Preferably the analyzing step includes self-learning. It
further analyzes adaptive attributes (such as user weight and style
of snowboarding over time) and accordingly sets adaptive thresholds
for selecting patterns.
[0015] The step of selectively lighting the LEDs includes
converting the selected pattern into serial data, conveying the
serial data to an LED decoder and power driver, decoding the serial
data, and alternatively powering and unpowering selected LEDs in
LED arrays according to the decoded data.
[0016] Preferably, the invention includes a sleep mode. Thus, steps
(c) and (d) are suspended and no patterns are displayed if nothing
is happening and hence step (b) indicates activity below a
predetermined level.
[0017] The lighting step may also select the brightness of lighted
lights, or a clock rate for patterns
[0018] Apparatus for selectively displaying light patterns on a
recreational conveyance such as a snowboard comprises a memory for
storing a set of lighting patterns, an array of lights affixed to
the recreational conveyance, sensors for determining the motion of
the recreational conveyance and providing sensor output, input
circuitry for generating data signals based upon the sensor output,
a processor for decoding the data signals and for retrieving
patterns from the memory based upon the decoded data signals; and
an LED driver circuit for alternatively lighting and extinguishing
lights in the array according to the retrieved patterns.
[0019] Generally, the sensor output is analog and the input
circuitry includes a low pass filter for filtering the sensor
output and an analog to digital converter for converting filtered
data into digital data. As a feature, an input port may be provided
for downloading patterns into the memory from an external device.
Also, an output port may be included for uploading data based upon
the sensor output for external processing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a side schematic drawing of a snowboard having a
dynamic light display according to the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a plan schematic view of the snowboard of FIG.
1.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a side schematic drawing of a skateboard having a
dynamic light display according to the present invention, having
top side graphics.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a plan schematic view of the skateboard of FIG.
3.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a side schematic drawing of a second embodiment of
skateboard having a dynamic light display according to the present
invention, having bottom side graphics.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a plan schematic view of the skateboard of FIG.
5.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a side schematic drawing of a ski having a dynamic
light display according to the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a plan schematic view of the ski of FIG. 7.
[0028] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the elements of a
first embodiment of the dynamic light system of the present
invention, as used with a snowboard.
[0029] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the elements of a
second embodiment of the dynamic light system of the present
invention, as used with a skateboard or ski.
[0030] FIG. 11 is a side schematic drawing of a snowboard or the
like, showing accelerations derived from system sensors visible
form the side.
[0031] FIG. 12 is a plan schematic view of the snowboard or the
like of FIG. 11, visible from the top (or bottom).
[0032] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating example of the
processor, display controller, and LED display module elements of
FIGS. 9 and 10.
[0033] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram showing the broad software
operations performed in the dynamic light display or the present
invention.
[0034] FIG. 15 is a flow diagram showing the interrupt handler
operations associated with the sample process and LED process of
FIG. 14.
[0035] FIG. 16 is a state diagram illustrating the process of
categorizing each accelerometer axis into one of six states.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0036] The following reference numbers used in the Figures are
associated with the following elements of the invention: [0037] 1
Snowboard [0038] 2 Flexible printed circuit layer [0039] 3 Color
graphic layer [0040] 4 Board binding sub-plate for electronics and
batteries [0041] 5 Multi color LEDs [0042] 6 Self adhesive laminate
comprising 2+3+5 [0043] 7 Three-axis accelerometer [0044] 8
Skateboard [0045] 9 Ski [0046] 10 Truck housing for batteries and
electronics [0047] 20, 40 Strain gage signals [0048] 22, 34, 122
Accelerometer signals [0049] 24, 36, 124 Filters [0050] 26, 30, 38,
126, 130 Signal processing [0051] 28, 128 Audio input [0052] 32,
132 A/D converters [0053] 42, 142 External program input [0054] 44,
144 Memory [0055] 46, 146 Processors [0056] 48, 148 Software [0057]
50, 150 Power drivers [0058] 52, 54, 152, 154 LEDs [0059] 55, 155
LED signal decode [0060] 58 Batteries [0061] 60, 160 Control
circuitry [0062] 62 Programmer interface [0063] 64 External
programming [0064] 202-226 Software processes
[0065] FIGS. 1-8 show a variety of recreational conveyances having
light displays according to the present invention. Generally, the
display of lights 5 is triggered by the detected acceleration and
velocity of the device. One or more 2 axis or 3 axis accelerometer
circuits 7 powered by a battery (not shown) may be used to measure
the motion of the recreational conveyances. The accelerations
derived from accelerometers 7 are shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. The
output from the accelerometers 7 is processed electronically via
circuitry shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, which is built into the
recreational conveyance, such as snowboard 1, ski 9, skateboard 8,
or helmet. Accelerometers 7 provide acceleration, velocity, and/or
distance data that are used to control lighting displays on the
recreational conveyance. Software algorithms illustrated in FIGS.
13-16 are used to determine the pattern response of the light
emitting devices based upon the detected motion of the recreational
conveyance.
[0066] FIGS. 1-8 are very similar and are described together, with
differences between the recreational conveyances delineated after
the general description. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a snowboard 1,
FIGS. 2 and 4 illustrate a skateboard 8A, FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate
a second embodiment of a skateboard 8B, and FIGS. 7 and 8
illustrate a ski 9. The snowboard 1 preferably includes two
accelerometers, one in front and one in back. The skis 9 and
skateboards 8 will generally include only one accelerometer each
(though they could use two if desired).
[0067] All of the recreational conveyances include at least one
sensor, usually an accelerometer 7, which is placed on the
conveyance. Sensors placed on the conveyance detect the normal
loaded condition, which is the steady state condition of the
conveyance with a rider in a static state. These sensors might be
accelerometers 7 mounted on the surface of the conveyance such that
they differentially measure the movement of the conveyance. As an
alternative, the sensors could comprise strain gages, or GPS
receivers, or other detectors capable of determining motion of the
conveyance. When a change is a detected in the state of the
conveyance, a programmable display sequence is initiated where a
sequence of lights and is triggered that will flash according to
the programmed sequence.
[0068] The entire system can be manufactured using a multi layer
flexible sheet. The sheet consists of multiple layers with adhesive
between them. The layers comprise one or more flexible printed
circuit layers that utilize a silkscreen technology to create the
circuit traces. These printed circuit layers may contain all or
some of the electronics components used in the system. The
electronic components including the light emitting diodes are
surface mount devices that can be attached directly to the printed
circuit layers. A plastic top protective layer is back screen
printed with a graphic overlay that provides protection for the
printed circuit layer and has clear areas for the LEDs to shine
through. The graphic screened layer is easily changed to
accommodate different graphics in production. Additionally users
can design custom graphics displays for their personal system.
[0069] The entire system can be assembled onto a snowboard,
skateboard, or pair of skis at the time of manufacture, or can be
manufactured as an aftermarket kit that can be easily applied to an
existing snowboard, skateboard or pair of skis. Some additional of
the product are for bicycles, motorcycles, snowmobiles and
automobiles.
[0070] In the preferred embodiments, the graphics portion of the
device consists of a plastic layer 3 including a graphic design
that is screen printed, painted or the like, and is illuminated by
a series of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) 5 of sufficient brightness
to be seen clearly in daylight and bright sunshine. The series of
LEDs can be mounted on a surface of the conveyance using a plastic
and metal flexible circuit 2 or by embedding in the physical
material of the conveyance. The color graphic layer 3, flexible
printed circuit layer 2, and multicolor LEDs 5 can be combined in a
complete self adhesive laminate 6 that can be applied to existing
or new snowboards, skis, skateboards and helmets. This may be
applied on the top or bottom surface of the snowboard, ski, or
skateboard. The graphic can form a backdrop for the illuminating
light system. For example the graphic may portray a pinball
machine, and the LEDs fire off in sequences to simulate a pinball
bouncing from bumper to bumper. Audio output could be generated in
synchronization with the visual display to simulate a pinball
machine.
[0071] Due to the flexible properties of the self-adhesive laminate
this system can be readily adapted to operate in a similar fashion
on other moving devices such as bicycles, motorcycles and
automobiles.
[0072] The flexible sheet 6 that comprises the upper surface
mounting system can be applied (retrofitted) to existing
snowboards, skis or skateboards in addition to being applied by a
manufacturer of said devices. The unit power may be provided by a
rechargeable battery system of sufficient power to last a minimum
of 8 hours of operation. This battery may be enclosed in a
waterproof enclosure that is part of the flexible membrane
system.
[0073] FIG. 1 is a side schematic drawing of a snowboard 1 having a
dynamic light display on its top surface. FIG. 2 is a plan
schematic view of the snowboard of 1. In the preferred embodiment,
snowboard 1 includes two 3-axis accelerometers 7, one in the front
and one in the rear. This allows detection of not just speed,
direction, and overall acceleration, but also the characteristics
of flips, turns, and jumps. Table 1 illustrates the state
descriptions possible with the use of two 3-axis accelerometers.
Each state may be assigned its own light display pattern, if
desired. In addition, the displays may vary according to the
magnitude of the response (e.g. speed, duration, and/or intensity)
and/or the order in which different states occur. For example, a
faster turn might trigger a brighter pattern, or a left turn
pattern might be ignored if it is determined to be part of a spin.
A simple microprocessor device (See FIG. 9) processes the data
obtained from the accelerometer devices 7 and calculates the
effective motions of the board. Using a set of pre-programmed
conditions that can be stored in the microprocessor memory, the
appropriate light and sound pattern is set in motion. For a
snowboard 1 the battery compartment 4 can readily double as the
stomp pad or as part of the bindings.
[0074] Another important feature of the present invention is its
ability to automatically adapt to the user. For example, a light
user who snowboards slowly and carefully needs different thresholds
for setting off patterns than a heavy, intense boarder. The present
invention self calibrates such that over time each user will see a
similar range of patterns. A user switch may also be provided to
allow the user to bias the self calibration, for example to require
that the board motion reach a certain level of intensity to set off
patterns.
[0075] The signal /display controller module and LED display
modules are mounted on a snow board providing daylight viewable
entertaining light patterns on the board in response to actions the
snow boarder takes. As an example, a snow boarder does a flip, the
LEDs illuminate in a dancing pattern indicating the flip to the
viewing audience. If the snow boarder wipes out and crashes, then
the lights perform a different pattern representing the accident
(yard sale). The pattern, the speed the pattern changes and length
of the pattern is varied to match the intensity of the action. The
invention is not limited in the application for a snowboard--it may
be used for entertainment or scientific purposes in a variety of
other applications.
[0076] FIG. 3 is a side schematic drawing of a skateboard 8A having
a top side dynamic light display according to the present
invention. FIG. 4 is a plan schematic view of skateboard 8A. For a
skateboard 8, the battery compartment 10 may be incorporated as
part of the truck wheel assembly.
[0077] FIG. 5 is a side schematic drawing of a second embodiment of
a skateboard 8B having a bottom side dynamic light display. FIG. 6
is a plan schematic view of skateboard 8B. For skateboards 8B where
the self adhesive laminate layer 6 is applied to the lower surface
of the skateboard, replaceable grinding/rubbing strips 11 may be
used to protect the laminate layer.
[0078] FIG. 7 is a side schematic drawing of a ski 9 having a
top-side dynamic light display according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a plan schematic view of ski 9.
[0079] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the elements of a
first embodiment of the dynamic light system of the present
invention, as used with a snowboard or other conveyance utilizing
two accelerometers 7. Accelerometer front signals 22 and
accelerometer back signals 34 are provided to circuitry 60, which
controls LED arrays 52, 54 via signal decoder 55 and power driver
50. Accelerometer signals 22, 34 are provided to signal processing
units 26, 38 via filters 24, 36. An A/D converter 32 converts the
analogue signals into digital signals for use by processor 46.
Processor 46 utilizes stored software algorithms 46 to select
patterns from memory 44, based upon the accelerometer inputs 22,
34.
[0080] The prototype LED arrays 52, 54 are 10-inch by 10-inch
assemblies that hold 32 LEDs 5 each. The LEDs are sunlight visible.
Two LED Display modules 52, 54 are used on snowboard 1--one on the
front (designated Front Flip) and one on the back (Back Flip). LED
selection is critical to achieve the conflicting goals of
visibility in sunlight and low power. These display modules may be
built entirely on a flexible printed circuit card that is part of
the entire graphics circuit assembly.
[0081] The system may be personalized through the use of a personal
computer software program via interface 42. This software program
allows individual users to program the threshold levels, intensity
and sequence of the light display patterns. The software program
permits the user to "dry run" the light display programs on the
computer monitor prior to transferring it to the recreational
conveyance. Multiple custom sequences may be programmed and stored
in the system memory 44. For example a rider may run one sequence
for downhill riding and a different sequence for the snowboard park
that involves different motions and threshold levels.
[0082] FIG. 9 shows several optional features with dotted line
borders. For example, strain gage signals 20, 40 or audio input
signals 28 (via signal processor 30) might also be provided to
circuitry 60 and be taken into account in selecting light
patterns.
[0083] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the elements of a
second embodiment of the dynamic light system of the present
invention, as used with a skateboard 8 or ski 9, or other
conveyance using only one accelerometer 7. Since it is very similar
to FIG. 9, similar elements are similarly numbered, and much of the
description is the same.
[0084] FIG. 11 is a side schematic drawing of a snowboard or the
like, showing accelerations derived from system sensors 7. FIG. 12
is a plan schematic view of the snowboard or the like of FIG. 11,
viewed from the top (or bottom). In the embodiment of FIGS. 11 and
12, two 3-axis accelerometers are used, providing sets of signals
in the x, y, and z axes (horizontal, longitudinal, and vertical).
These signals are used to derive the relative position, velocity
and acceleration of the snowboard. Signal processing resolves
acceleration data into velocities, and subsequently distance.
Through the use of a look-up table it is possible to determine what
activities are being performed on the snowboard, when acceleration
data is matched to time information. See Table 1, for an example of
how this is done. Certain sequences of accelerations within a
timeframe can signal a specific action and the on-board electronics
processing can be programmed to output a specific pattern relative
to this sequence of events.
[0085] For example a rider is accelerating downhill in a normal
left-right motion, the accelerometers will produce continuous
positive vertical and a positive longitudinal component on both
front and rear devices while alternate positive and negative
horizontal components that are relatively slow in changing will be
observed from the 2 measuring devices. The "set of events" can be
then used to trigger a specific light pattern. If the rider for
example during a normal descent rotates the snowboard around an
axis at the rear end of the board the sequence set will change
accordingly and a different pattern of lights will be
triggered.
[0086] If we examine the accelerations generated from a normal
descent there is an initial condition setting where we will see a
positive vertical acceleration (due to gravity) vectored with a
longitudinal positive acceleration as the board points down the
hill. As speed increases the longitudinal accelerations will
increase and at some point the rider will make either a heel or toe
turn (left hand or right hand motion) generating a horizontal
acceleration. This will then be followed by a short vertical
descent and then transition into a horizontal component of the
opposite direction.
[0087] Using the acceleration notation as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12,
a typical equation for this action would be:
{Yf+&Yb+&Zf+&Zb+} then
t1+{>Yf+&>Yb+&Zf+&Zb+} then
t2+{<Yf+&<Yb+&<Zf+&<Zb+&>Xf-&>Xb+}
then t3+{>Yf+&>Yb+&>Zf+&>Zb+} then
t4+{<Yf+&<Yb+&<Zf+&<Zb+&>Xf+&>Xb-}
[0088] Where t1, t2, t3, and t4 are time intervals between the
detected accelerations.
[0089] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a specific hardware
example of the control circuitry 60, display controller 50, and LED
display module elements 52, 54 of FIGS. 9 and 10. The prototype
electronics unit is a 12 inch by 1 inch assembly that holds
microprocessor circuitry 60 (for example a PIC), two accelerometers
7 to sense motion, as well as interface and diagnostic circuitry
62. It operates from three or four AA battery cells 58 with an
expected life of at least 8 hours per battery set. It can run from
-40 degrees F. to 100 degrees F. Production versions of the
controller assembly can be built entirely on a flexible printed
circuit card 2 that is part of the entire graphics/circuitry
assembly, or built into structures such as the base of snowboard 4
or ski bindings or the truck wheels assembly 10 of a
skateboard.
[0090] In one embodiment, controller 60 is programmed in the `C`
programming. The Controller provides debug capability without
adding hardware in the form of an In Circuit Debugger (ICD). In
Circuit Debugging capability is built into every Signal Processor
and Display Controller. This also enables the product to be
programmed after it is assembled. The user of this system is able
to input to programs of different patterns and levels of
sensitivity into the system by a simple electronic connection from
a computer or other electronic device such as a PDA or a memory
chip similar to those used in digital cameras and USB memory
devices. These patterns can be pre-programmed using a personal
computer program and demonstrated on a computer screen to simulate
the real time responses of the system. Then this data set is
exported to the system on the recreational conveyance.
[0091] Controller circuitry 60 has a micro controller that
interprets the output of two three-axis accelerometers 7. Depending
on the accelerations detected, the micro controller selects a
display pattern. This pattern is output to the LED Display modules
52, 54 over a four-wire interface. The LED Display module consists
of a 32 bit serial shift register, one register bit per LED, one
drive transistor per LED and 32 sunlight visible LEDs 5. Each LED
has a single dropping resistor from the positive supply voltage.
For debug purposes, the Controller has an RS232 interface and an
ICD interface. Both may be accessed simultaneously. In normal use,
neither is required. The RS232 interface continuously outputs
accelerometer and status information during normal operation.
[0092] A second software program 64 for the personal computer
allows the user to playback logged data from the system. The system
controller logs all of the state changes detected by the system
during operation. This log may be transferred out of the system via
a memory device or computer interface and replayed out on the
computer using playback software. This software program when used
with a ski area map or skateboard park layout can overlay the
motion, and path of the snowboard, skis or skateboard and show the
resulting display on the computer monitor.
[0093] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram showing the broad software
operations performed in the dynamic light display or the present
invention. The software periodically digitizes the accelerometer
outputs, interprets the digitized values and outputs the
appropriate pattern of lights. The raw A/D values and the detected
Pattern are simultaneously output on the RS-232 interface for debug
and data logging purposes. This enables applications reaching far
beyond the initial targeted entertainment purposes.
[0094] The Initialization Process configures internal micro
controller peripherals to: [0095] 1. Setup the master oscillator to
be the internal RC at 4 MHz [0096] 2. Setup the A/D inputs, set the
A/D range and converter clock [0097] 3. Setup the periodic
interrupt rate for the Sample and Output processes [0098] 4. Setup
the serial interface to the board LEDs [0099] 5. Turn on the
interrupts! [0100] 6. Signal "Ready" over the serial interface.
[0101] After initialization, five processes are at work in the
software--digitizing accelerometer 7 outputs 22, 34 every 100 msec
in Accelerometer Sampling step 202, analyzing the accelerometer
outputs to determine states in State Process step 204 (see FIG.
16), matching the states to events, and thence to associated
patterns in Event Matching step 206, outputting the selected
patterns as serial data in Serial Process step 208, and enabling
the LEDs according to the serial data, in LED Process step 210.
[0102] The State process is shown in FIG. 16. The output states are
inputs to Event Matching step 206. The event matching process (step
206) is the most complex part of the software.
[0103] The Pattern Match process takes the output of the state
analyzer, matches these inputs to "events", and sets Pattern,
Pattern Speed and Pattern Length values to match the intensity of
the event. The speed of the LED pattern is proportional to the
maximum velocity that the state analyzer reports. The duration of
the LED pattern is proportional to the maximum velocity*elapsed
time that the state analyzer reports. This corresponds to distance.
These parameters are converted to LED driving signals by the Output
Process.
[0104] The pattern matcher overwrites patterns, so the last pattern
matched is displayed. Consequently, the lowest priority states are
analyzed first. If they have a match and a higher priority state
also has a match, the higher priority state over writes the lower
priority state. The following states are listed in order of
priority, lowest first: [0105] Axes are showing<1 g [0106] An
axis is in takeoff TKOFF (2) state [0107] An axis is in landing
LNDNG (5) state
[0108] The Match process initiates a new LED pattern if we have a
takeoff or a landing, LNDNG or TKOFF states. To do this, it must
first generate an integer that uniquely represents the board state.
Then, this integer indexes into a list that maps unique board state
to a LED pattern. Finally, Pattern Speed and Length are calculated
based on maximum velocity and elapsed time.
[0109] To generate the integer we analyze the state, per axis. We
define a threshold below which we consider the axis to be not
accelerating. Assign `0` to mean no acceleration above the
threshold, `-` to mean negative acceleration above the threshold
and `+` to mean a positive acceleration above the threshold. In the
board long axis Y, there are only three states the board can be in:
[0110] not accelerating (0) [0111] accelerating forward (+) [0112]
accelerating backward (-)
[0113] In the vertical Z and cross X axes, there are two
independent accelerometers to detect motion. In these axes, there
are nine acceleration states [0114] none (0/0) [0115] "front up"
with "back up" (+/+) [0116] "front up" with "back pivot" (+/0)
[0117] "front pivot" with "back up" (0/+) [0118] "front down" with
"back down" (-/-) [0119] "front down" with "back pivot" (-/0)
[0120] "front pivot" with "back down" (0/-) [0121] Counter Clock
Wise rotation (+/-) [0122] Clock Wise rotation (-/+).
[0123] We can summarize the states as: [0124] 0, +, -; The 3 linear
accelerations states (Y) [0125] 0/0, +/+, -/-, +/-, -/+, +/0, 0/+,
-/0, 0/-; The 9 linear and rotary acceleration states (X and Z)
[0126] There are 243 states as a result (9*3*9 states). Assign a
value of 0 to `0`, 1 to `+` and 2 to `-` for the Y axis. Assign a
value of 0 to (0/0), 1 to (+/+), 2 to (-/-), 3 to (+/-), 4 to
(-/+), 5 to (+/0), 6 to (0/+), 7 to (-/0) and 8 to (0/-) for the X
and Z Axes. The unique integer=27*X_Value+9*Y_Value+Z_Value. It is
easy to see that all states are decoded and that different patterns
may be displayed on the front and back of the board. The states the
Match Process can detect are shown in Table 1.
[0127] FIG. 15 is a flow diagram showing the interrupt handler
operations associated with the software process of FIG. 14. The
Timer 2 interrupt handler performs two processes--The Sample
Process 202 and the LED Output Process 210. These processes operate
independently of each other. This interrupt handler is called one
hundred times per second at 10 mS intervals in step 220. Firmware
counters increase the interval between when the processes run.
[0128] The Sample Process 202 digitizes the accelerometers ten
times per second. It uses a firmware divide-by-ten counter to
increase the interval between accelerometer digitization to 100 mS,
a ten times per second rate. After the accelerometers are
digitized, a global flag is set in step 222 to signal the Match
Process 206 in the main body of the code that new accelerometer
values are available for pattern matching. Digitized Accelerometer
values are passed as globals.
[0129] Two independent but identical output processes run--one for
the Front and one for the Back LED flip boards. The LED Processes
210 use separate firmware divide-by-N counters to set the interval
between when the output processes run to be longer than the 10 mS
one-hundred times per second rate, in step 224. The interval
multipliers, N.sub.Front and N.sub.Back, are set in the main body
of the code by the Match Process. Low values of N means the process
runs more often. This process calculates the next set of LEDs 5 to
illuminate and instructs the Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) to
output that stream to the Front Flip and Back Flip boards. In
addition to the interval counter, the LED Process 210 also is
instructed how many times it is to run before turning off the LEDs
5. This sets the length of the displayed pattern.
[0130] After the hardware setup is complete and the interrupts are
enabled, the timer 2 interrupt occurs, the Sample Process occurs,
accelerometer data is digitized and the "System Ready" pattern of
LEDs is output. The final act of the interrupt is to signal to the
software operation that new samples are ready for interpretation.
Step 226 causes the process to pause or sleep until the 10 mSec
interval is over.
[0131] FIG. 16 is a state diagram illustrating the process of
categorizing accelerometer outputs into states. The State Process
of FIG. 16 categorizes data related to each accelerometer axis into
one of six states. These states correspond to the acceleration to
start a body in motion to the acceleration to return the body to
its original velocity. For skiers and snowboarders, these
accelerations appear as pulses whose areas are equal and
opposite.
[0132] We can describe these six states as: [0133] S0 REST--no
velocity, no acceleration, initial resting condition [0134] S1
ACCEL--during this time, the velocity is increasing. Upon entry the
time and initial acceleration is stored. Upon exit, store max
velocity. [0135] S2 TKOFF--signal to the Pattern Match process
acceleration is done, do takeoff pattern match [0136] S3
COAST--during this time, the velocity is constant, coasting [0137]
S4 DECEL--during this time, the velocity decreases to zero [0138]
S5 LNDNG--signal to the pattern match section deceleration is done,
do landing pattern match
[0139] States S2 and S5 are transient; they signal the Pattern
Match process to analyze the state and output a pattern if there is
a match. State S2 corresponds to takeoff. State S5 corresponds to
landing.
[0140] Match process 206 plugs the output of the State Analyzer of
FIG. 16 into a lookup table like Table 1 in order to determine
desired patterns based on accelerometer data.
[0141] Match Process TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 State Table of
Accelerations vs Activity Front/Back Front/Back # X Y Z
Acceleration State Description 0 0/0 0 0/0 None 1 0/0 0 0/+ Tip
press 2 0/0 0 0/- Tail drop 3 0/0 0 +/0 Tail press 4 0/0 0 +/+
Upward 5 0/0 0 +/- Back Flip 6 0/0 0 -/0 Tip drop 7 0/0 0 -/+ Front
Flip 8 0/0 0 -/- Downward 9 0/0 + 0/0 moving Forward 10 0/0 + 0/+
moving Forward Tip press 11 0/0 + 0/- moving Forward Tail drop 12
0/0 + +/0 moving Forward Tail press 13 0/0 + +/+ moving Forward
Upward 14 0/0 + +/- moving Forward Back Flip 15 0/0 + -/0 moving
Forward Tip drop 16 0/0 + -/+ moving Forward Front Flip 17 0/0 +
-/- moving Forward Downward 18 0/0 - 0/0 moving Backward 19 0/0 -
0/+ moving Backward Tip press 20 0/0 - 0/- moving Backward Tail
drop 21 0/0 - +/0 moving Backward Tail press 22 0/0 - +/+ moving
Backward Upward 23 0/0 - +/- moving Backward Back Flip 24 0/0 - -/0
moving Backward Tip drop 25 0/0 - -/+ moving Backward Front Flip 26
0/0 - -/- moving Backward Downward 27 0/+ 0 0/0 CCW spin around
Nose 28 0/+ 0 0/+ CCW spin around Nose Tip press 29 0/+ 0 0/- CCW
spin around Nose Tail drop 30 0/+ 0 +/0 CCW spin around Nose Tail
press 31 0/+ 0 +/+ CCW spin around Nose Upward 32 0/+ 0 +/- CCW
spin around Nose Back Flip 33 0/+ 0 -/0 CCW spin around Nose Tip
drop 34 0/+ 0 -/+ CCW spin around Nose Front Flip 35 0/+ 0 -/- CCW
spin around Nose Downward 36 0/+ + 0/0 CCW spin around Nose moving
Forward 37 0/+ + 0/+ CCW spin around Nose moving Forward Tip press
38 0/+ + 0/- CCW spin around Nose moving Forward Tail drop 39 0/+ +
+/0 CCW spin around Nose moving Forward Tail press 40 0/+ + +/+ CCW
spin around Nose moving Forward Upward 41 0/+ + +/- CCW spin around
Nose moving Forward Back Flip 42 0/+ + -/0 CCW spin around Nose
moving Forward Tip drop 43 0/+ + -/+ CCW spin around Nose moving
Forward Front Flip 44 0/+ + -/- CCW spin around Nose moving Forward
Downward 45 0/+ - 0/0 CCW spin around Nose moving Backward 46 0/+ -
0/+ CCW spin around Nose moving Backward Tip press 47 0/+ - 0/- CCW
spin around Nose moving Backward Tail drop 48 0/+ - +/0 CCW spin
around Nose moving Backward Tail press 49 0/+ - +/+ CCW spin around
Nose moving Backward Upward 50 0/+ - +/- CCW spin around Nose
moving Backward Back Flip 51 0/+ - -/0 CCW spin around Nose moving
Backward Tip drop 52 0/+ - -/+ CCW spin around Nose moving Backward
Front Flip 53 0/+ - -/- CCW spin around Nose moving Backward
Downward 54 0/- 0 0/0 CW spin around Nose 55 0/- 0 0/+ CW spin
around Nose Tip press 56 0/- 0 0/- CW spin around Nose Tail drop 57
0/- 0 +/0 CW spin around Nose Tail press 58 0/- 0 +/+ CW spin
around Nose Upward 59 0/- 0 +/- CW spin around Nose Back Flip 60
0/- 0 -/0 CW spin around Nose Tip drop 61 0/- 0 -/+ CW spin around
Nose Front Flip 62 0/- 0 -/- CW spin around Nose Downward 63 0/- +
0/0 CW spin around Nose moving Forward 64 0/- + 0/+ CW spin around
Nose moving Forward Tip press 65 0/- + 0/- CW spin around Nose
moving Forward Tail drop 66 0/- + +/0 CW spin around Nose moving
Forward Tail press 67 0/- + +/+ CW spin around Nose moving Forward
Upward 68 0/- + +/- CW spin around Nose moving Forward Back Flip 69
0/- + -/0 CW spin around Nose moving Forward Tip drop 70 0/- + -/+
CW spin around Nose moving Forward Front Flip 71 0/- + -/- CW spin
around Nose moving Forward Downward 72 0/- - 0/0 CW spin around
Nose moving Backward 73 0/- - 0/+ CW spin around Nose moving
Backward Tip press 74 0/- - 0/- CW spin around Nose moving Backward
Tail drop 75 0/- - +/0 CW spin around Nose moving Backward Tail
press 76 0/- - +/+ CW spin around Nose moving Backward Upward 77
0/- - +/- CW spin around Nose moving Backward Back Flip 78 0/- -
-/0 CW spin around Nose moving Backward Tip drop 79 0/- - -/+ CW
spin around Nose moving Backward Front Flip 80 0/- - -/- CW spin
around Nose moving Backward Downward 81 +/0 0 0/0 CW spin around
Tail 82 +/0 0 0/+ CW spin around Tail Tip press 83 +/0 0 0/- CW
spin around Tail Tail drop 84 +/0 0 +/0 CW spin around Tail Tail
press 85 +/0 0 +/+ CW spin around Tail Upward 86 +/0 0 +/- CW spin
around Tail Back Flip 87 +/0 0 -/0 CW spin around Tail Tip drop 88
+/0 0 -/+ CW spin around Tail Front Flip 89 +/0 0 -/- CW spin
around Tail Downward 90 +/0 + 0/0 CW spin around Tail moving
Forward 91 +/0 + 0/+ CW spin around Tail moving Forward Tip press
92 +/0 + 0/- CW spin around Tail moving Forward Tail drop 93 +/0 +
+/0 CW spin around Tail moving Forward Tail press 94 +/0 + +/+ CW
spin around Tail moving Forward Upward 95 +/0 + +/- CW spin around
Tail moving Forward Back Flip 96 +/0 + -/0 CW spin around Tail
moving Forward Tip drop 97 +/0 + -/+ CW spin around Tail moving
Forward Front Flip 98 +/0 + -/- CW spin around Tail moving Forward
Downward 99 +/0 - 0/0 CW spin around Tail moving Backward 100 +/0 -
0/+ CW spin around Tail moving Backward Tip press 101 +/0 - 0/- CW
spin around Tail moving Backward Tail drop 102 +/0 - +/0 CW spin
around Tail moving Backward Tail press 103 +/0 - +/+ CW spin around
Tail moving Backward Upward 104 +/0 - +/- CW spin around Tail
moving Backward Back Flip 105 +/0 - -/0 CW spin around Tail moving
Backward Tip drop 106 +/0 - -/+ CW spin around Tail moving Backward
Front Flip 107 +/0 - -/- CW spin around Tail moving Backward
Downward 108 +/+ 0 0/0 Right 109 +/+ 0 0/+ Right Tip press 110 +/+
0 0/- Right Tail drop 111 +/+ 0 +/0 Right Tail press 112 +/+ 0 +/+
Right Upward 113 +/+ 0 +/- Right Back Flip 114 +/+ 0 -/0 Right Tip
drop 115 +/+ 0 -/+ Right Front Flip 116 +/+ 0 -/- Right Downward
117 +/+ + 0/0 Right moving Forward 118 +/+ + 0/+ Right moving
Forward Tip press 119 +/+ + 0/- Right moving Forward Tail drop 120
+/+ + +/0 Right moving Forward Tail press 121 +/+ + +/+ Right
moving Forward Upward 122 +/+ + +/- Right moving Forward Back Flip
123 +/+ + -/0 Right moving Forward Tip drop 124 +/+ + -/+ Right
moving Forward Front Flip 125 +/+ + -/- Right moving Forward
Downward 126 +/+ - 0/0 Right moving Backward 127 +/+ - 0/+ Right
moving Backward Tip press 128 +/+ - 0/- Right moving Backward Tail
drop 129 +/+ - +/0 Right moving Backward Tail press 130 +/+ - +/+
Right moving Backward Upward 131 +/+ - +/- Right moving Backward
Back Flip 132 +/+ - -/0 Right moving Backward Tip drop 133 +/+ -
-/+ Right moving Backward Front Flip 134 +/+ - -/- Right moving
Backward Downward 135 +/- 0 0/0 CW spin 136 +/- 0 0/+ CW spin Tip
press 137 +/- 0 0/- CW spin Tail drop 138 +/- 0 +/0 CW spin Tail
press 139 +/- 0 +/+ CW spin Upward 140 +/- 0 +/- CW spin Back Flip
141 +/- 0 -/0 CW spin Tip drop 142 +/- 0 -/+ CW spin Front Flip 143
+/- 0 -/- CW spin Downward 144 +/- + 0/0 CW spin moving Forward 145
+/- + 0/+ CW spin moving Forward Tip press 146 +/- + 0/- CW spin
moving Forward Tail drop 147 +/- + +/0 CW spin moving Forward Tail
press 148 +/- + +/+ CW spin moving Forward Upward 149 +/- + +/- CW
spin moving Forward Back Flip 150 +/- + -/0 CW spin moving Forward
Tip drop 151 +/- + -/+ CW spin moving Forward Front Flip 152 +/- +
-/- CW spin moving Forward Downward 153 +/- - 0/0 CW spin moving
Backward 154 +/- - 0/+ CW spin moving Backward Tip press 155 +/- -
0/- CW spin moving Backward Tail drop 156 +/- - +/0 CW spin moving
Backward Tail press 157 +/- - +/+ CW spin moving Backward Upward
158 +/- - +/- CW spin moving Backward Back Flip 159 +/- - -/0 CW
spin moving Backward Tip drop 160 +/- - -/+ CW spin moving Backward
Front Flip 161 +/- - -/- CW spin moving Backward Downward 162 -/0 0
0/0 CCW spin around Tail 163 -/0 0 0/+ CCW spin around Tail Tip
press 164 -/0 0 0/- CCW spin around Tail Tail drop 165 -/0 0 +/0
CCW spin around Tail Tail press 166 -/0 0 +/+ CCW spin around Tail
Upward 167 -/0 0 +/- CCW spin around Tail Back Flip 168 -/0 0 -/0
CCW spin around Tail Tip drop 169 -/0 0 -/+ CCW spin around Tail
Front Flip 170 -/0 0 -/- CCW spin around Tail Downward 171 -/0 +
0/0 CCW spin around Tail moving Forward 172 -/0 + 0/+ CCW spin
around Tail moving Forward Tip press 173 -/0 + 0/- CCW spin around
Tail moving Forward Tail drop 174 -/0 + +/0 CCW spin around Tail
moving Forward Tail press 175 -/0 + +/+ CCW spin around Tail moving
Forward Upward 176 -/0 + +/- CCW spin around Tail moving Forward
Back Flip 177 -/0 + -/0 CCW spin around Tail moving Forward Tip
drop 178 -/0 + -/+ CCW spin around Tail moving Forward Front Flip
179 -/0 + -/- CCW spin around Tail moving Forward Downward 180 -/0
- 0/0 CCW spin around Tail moving Backward 181 -/0 - 0/+ CCW spin
around Tail moving Backward Tip press 182 -/0 - 0/- CCW spin around
Tail moving Backward Tail drop 183 -/0 - +/0 CCW spin around Tail
moving Backward Tail press 184 -/0 - +/+ CCW spin around Tail
moving Backward Upward 185 -/0 - +/- CCW spin around Tail moving
Backward Back Flip 186 -/0 - -/0 CCW spin around Tail moving
Backward Tip drop 187 -/0 - -/+ CCW spin around Tail moving
Backward Front Flip 188 -/0 - -/- CCW spin around Tail moving
Backward Downward 189 -/+ 0 0/0 CCW spin 190 -/+ 0 0/+ CCW spin Tip
press 191 -/+ 0 0/- CCW spin Tail drop 192 -/+ 0 +/0 CCW spin Tail
press 193 -/+ 0 +/+ CCW spin Upward 194 -/+ 0 +/- CCW spin Back
Flip 195 -/+ 0 -/0 CCW spin Tip drop 196 -/+ 0 -/+ CCW spin Front
Flip 197 -/+ 0 -/- CCW spin Downward 198 -/+ + 0/0 CCW spin moving
Forward 199 -/+ + 0/+ CCW spin moving Forward Tip press 200 -/+ +
0/- CCW spin moving Forward Tail drop 201 -/+ + +/0 CCW spin moving
Forward Tail press 202 -/+ + +/+ CCW spin moving Forward Upward 203
-/+ + +/- CCW spin moving Forward Back Flip 204 -/+ + -/0 CCW spin
moving Forward Tip drop 205 -/+ + -/+ CCW spin moving Forward Front
Flip 206 -/+ + -/- CCW spin moving Forward Downward 207 -/+ - 0/0
CCW spin moving Backward 208 -/+ - 0/+ CCW spin moving Backward Tip
press 209 -/+ - 0/- CCW spin moving Backward Tail drop 210 -/+ -
+/0 CCW spin moving Backward Tail press 211 -/+ - +/+ CCW spin
moving Backward Upward 212 -/+ - +/- CCW spin moving Backward Back
Flip 213 -/+ - -/0 CCW spin moving Backward Tip drop 214 -/+ - -/+
CCW spin moving Backward Front Flip 215 -/+ - -/- CCW spin moving
Backward Downward 216 -/- 0 0/0 Left 217 -/- 0 0/+ Left Tip press
218 -/- 0 0/- Left Tail drop 219 -/- 0 +/0 Left Tail press 220 -/-
0 +/+ Left Upward 221 -/- 0 +/- Left Back Flip 222 -/- 0 -/0 Left
Tip drop 223 -/- 0 -/+ Left Front Flip 224 -/- 0 -/- Left Downward
225 -/- + 0/0 Left moving Forward 226 -/- + 0/+ Left moving Forward
Tip press 227 -/- + 0/- Left moving Forward Tail drop 228 -/- + +/0
Left moving Forward Tail press 229 -/- + +/+ Left moving Forward
Upward 230 -/- + +/- Left moving Forward Back Flip 231 -/- + -/0
Left moving Forward Tip drop 232 -/- + -/+ Left moving Forward
Front Flip 233 -/- + -/- Left moving Forward Downward 234 -/- - 0/0
Left moving Backward 235 -/- - 0/+ Left moving Backward Tip press
236 -/- - 0/- Left moving Backward Tail drop 237 -/- - +/0 Left
moving Backward Tail press 238 -/- - +/+ Left moving Backward
Upward 239 -/- - +/- Left moving Backward Back Flip 240 -/- - -/0
Left moving Backward Tip drop 241 -/- - -/+ Left moving Backward
Front Flip 242 -/- - -/- Left moving Backward Downward
[0142] These patterns may correspond to the more familiar terms:
Buying Lift ticket, Standing in line, Getting on lift, Getting off
lift, Start a run, Going fast, Grinding, Wipe out, Yard sale,
Weightless, Hard impact, Stopping, Carving, Spinning, Flips, Misty,
Tree bashing, Grabs, Bumping, Transporting board, Wake Up . . .
[0143] There is no reason to limit the application to a fixed
threshold in the state detector. Variable acceleration thresholds
may be used to ensure that riders experiencing lower g-loads
experience the same range of visual effects as riders taking high
g-loads. To do this, the maximum detected acceleration is low pass
filtered with a slow decay. As the time between events passes, this
value drops. A fixed percentage of this value is then used to set
the acceleration thresholds described above. This sets the rate of
visual effects to be based on the tricks thrown, not the weight of
the rider. This also calibrates out short and long term drift of
the sensing components.
[0144] While the present invention has been shown and described in
the context of specific examples and embodiments thereof, it will
be understood by those skilled in the art that numerous changes in
the form and details may be made without departing from the scope
and spirit of the invention as encompassed in the appended
claims.
[0145] Some alternative embodiments include the following. The
system may also be programmed either automatically, if serious and
dangerous conditions occur, or manually to display an "emergency"
or help mode. For example if the light display is set to
repetitively and alternately flash Red circles at each end of a
snowboard this can signal to other skiers and the ski patrol that
the rider is in trouble. Additionally the audio output can be made
to generate continuous emergency alternating tones to attract
attention This will aid in saving lives on the ski slopes by
attracting immediate attention to the rider in trouble. This
feature is of particular benefit in backcountry snowboarding or
skiing where there is considerable risk of avalanches.
[0146] The system can also be used as a training device for people
learning to snowboard and ski. The system can determine through the
use of the sensors the relative position of the board to the snow
surface and indicate that position through the illumination of the
appropriate lights or LEDs. An example of this is a snowboarder
learning to set a toe or heel edge on the snowboard. The system can
detect when the board has been angled correctly and illuminate the
appropriate edge side of the board. So for example if the rider
makes a correct edge the lights along the side of that edge will
illuminate correctly allowing the instructor to determine if the
rider has achieved the correct action. Alternatively the snowboard
can intelligently determine when a change in position or direction
is needed and output an audible tone to aid the beginner
snowboarder or skier in learning to correctly operate the board or
skis.
* * * * *