U.S. patent application number 14/220373 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-24 for sports implement, amusement tool, and training tool.
This patent application is currently assigned to Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Hideaki KUWABARA.
Application Number | 20140203683 14/220373 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34879656 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140203683 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KUWABARA; Hideaki |
July 24, 2014 |
SPORTS IMPLEMENT, AMUSEMENT TOOL, AND TRAINING TOOL
Abstract
The present invention provides a sports implement whose
characteristics a user can adjust freely and minutely. According to
the present invention, it is realized that a light-weight high
functional circuit is installed in various sports implements by
constituting various functional circuits with a TFT formed on a
film, without using a printed board. A high functional circuit
using a TFT formed over a flexible plastic film is light-weight and
strong in bending and impacts. It is possible to provide a sports
implement that is favorable in operationality and friendly to many
users in a wide range regardless of the muscle strength or physical
constitution and the like of a user, since the user can adjust
characteristics of a sports implement.
Inventors: |
KUWABARA; Hideaki; (Isehara,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd. |
Atsugi-shi |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Semiconductor Energy Laboratory
Co., Ltd.
Atsugi-shi
JP
|
Family ID: |
34879656 |
Appl. No.: |
14/220373 |
Filed: |
March 20, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11064841 |
Feb 25, 2005 |
8678958 |
|
|
14220373 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
310/317 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 69/00 20130101;
A63B 2102/02 20151001; A63B 2209/14 20130101; H01L 41/042 20130101;
H01L 27/20 20130101; A63B 43/06 20130101; A63B 2225/74 20200801;
A63B 59/00 20130101; A63B 2243/0025 20130101; H01L 41/09 20130101;
A63B 60/46 20151001; A63B 2102/06 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
310/317 |
International
Class: |
H01L 41/04 20060101
H01L041/04; H01L 41/09 20060101 H01L041/09 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 26, 2004 |
JP |
2004-052292 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. An implement comprising: an adhesive layer on a flexible film;
an insulating film on the adhesive layer; a piezoelectric element
over the insulating film, the piezoelectric element configured to
generate electric power by warping the piezoelectric element due to
vibration and impact applied to the piezoelectric element; an
amplifier circuit comprising a thin film transistor over the
insulating film, the amplifier circuit operationally connected to
the piezoelectric element; and a charging unit over the insulating
film, the charging unit configured to store the electric power.
3. The implement according to claim 2, further comprising an
instruction unit configured to determine whether or not to control
strain of the implement.
4. The implement according to claim 3, wherein the instruction unit
includes a switch which is turned on and off by a user.
5. The implement according to claim 2, further comprising a
rectifier unit operationally connected to the piezoelectric element
and the amplifier circuit.
6. The implement according to claim 2, further comprising an
antenna over the flexible film.
7. The implement according to claim 2, further comprising a central
processing unit and a memory element over the flexible film.
8. The implement according to claim 2, wherein the implement
becomes warm or cool by the electric power.
9. An implement comprising: an adhesive layer on a flexible film;
an insulating film on the adhesive layer; a piezoelectric element
over the insulating film, the piezoelectric element configured to
generate electric power by warping the piezoelectric element due to
vibration and impact applied to the piezoelectric element; an
amplifier circuit comprising a transistor over the insulating film,
the amplifier circuit operationally connected to the piezoelectric
element; a charging unit over the insulating film, the charging
unit configured to store the electric power; and a display portion
over the insulating film, the display portion configured to display
a state of the implement, wherein at least one of the piezoelectric
element, the amplifier circuit, the charging unit, and the display
portion is provided over a curved surface of the flexible film.
10. The implement according to claim 9, further comprising an
instruction unit configured to determine whether or not to control
strain of the implement.
11. The implement according to claim 10, wherein the instruction
unit includes a switch which is turned on and off by a user.
12. The implement according to claim 9, further comprising a
rectifier unit operationally connected to the piezoelectric element
and the amplifier circuit.
13. The implement according to claim 9, further comprising an
antenna over the flexible film.
14. The implement according to claim 9, further comprising a
central processing unit and a memory element over the flexible
film.
15. The implement according to claim 9, wherein the implement
becomes warm or cool by the electric power.
16. The implement according to claim 9, wherein the display portion
comprises a light emitting element over the insulating film.
17. An implement comprising: an adhesive layer on a flexible film;
an insulating film on the adhesive layer; a piezoelectric element
on the insulating film, the piezoelectric element configured to
change mechanical energy of an impact applied to the piezoelectric
element into electric power; a rectifier circuit and an amplifier
circuit operationally connected to the piezoelectric element, each
including a thin film transistor on the insulating film; a circuit,
over the flexible film, configured to receive a signal from an
external terminal, and a charging portion, over the flexible film,
configured to store the electric power produced by the
piezoelectric element.
18. The implement according to claim 17, further comprising a
display portion on which a user recognizes a present setting of the
implement.
19. The implement according to claim 18, wherein the display
portion comprises a light emitting element over the insulating
film.
20. The implement according to claim 17, wherein the circuit is
configured to adapt settings of the implement based on the signal
received from the external terminal.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a sports implement (an
implement used in sporting, sports goods, sports equipment) having
a circuit comprising a thin film transistor (hereinafter, referred
to as a TFT) using a semiconductor thin film (the thickness of
about several nm to several hundred nm), specifically, to a sports
implement including a light emitting display device having a
piezoelectric element, a semiconductor circuit or an organic light
emitting element as a component. Further, the present invention
also relates to an amusement tool or a training tool having a
circuit configured by a TFT.
[0003] In this specification, the term "semiconductor circuit"
includes general circuits that can function using semiconductor
characteristics.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] In recent years, a sports implement including an IC hip,
(e.g., manufactured by HEAD) such as a tennis racket, a ski or a
snowboard has been sold. Reference 1 (U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,694)
describes a specific configuration of such a sports implement.
According to Reference 1, such sports implement includes an
electric actuator and a circuit attached with the electric
actuator. The electric actuator eliminates vibration and adjusts
performance of such a sports implement to various situations.
[0006] A circuit used in such a sports implement is a processing
circuit for amplifying and controlling mutually to compensate
strain detected in the sports implement or to only influence on
performance by varying stiffness of the sports implement. A circuit
used in such a sports implement is mounted as a chip.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A conventional sport implement having a chip changes
vibration or an impact into electric energy, and changes the
stiffness using the electric energy. Although the conventional
sport implement is adjusted depending on the use situation, it is
unchanged that a user still operates the sports implement according
to characteristics of the sports implement.
[0008] Such a conventional sports implement installing a chip is
developed so as to enhance stiffness or performance of impact
absorption and the like.
[0009] For example, an effect that a frame shape is recovered by
electric energy that is changed from mechanical energy of an impact
from a ball or an impact absorption effect is obtained, as for a
tennis racket. A tennis player can hit back a ball with power since
bending of the racket frame is suppressed and the ball impact is
eased, but he/she has to be accustomed to the behavior. Such a
racket is a high-performance racket that can reduce impacts by 20
to 50 percents, but the user get tired of the racket since it has
one pattern behavior.
[0010] In view of the above problems, the present invention
provides a sports implement whose characteristics a user can adjust
freely and minutely.
[0011] The present invention provides a sports implement, an
amusement tool or a training tool in which a high functional
circuit can be provided on a curved surface as well as a plane
face, which is light-weight, and which has a high functional
circuit can resist bending or an impact
[0012] According to the present invention, a circuit used in a
sports implement has a function that a user can conduct an input
operation to the circuit and adjust a sports implement
characteristics in a phased manner. To achieve that, a circuit is
more integrated and various functional circuits are installed in a
sports implement. It is necessary to enlarge a chip in size for
integrating a circuit. However, a single crystal silicon chip used
in a conventional sports implement is stronger mechanically as the
size is smaller, and it has an adverse effect that the single
crystal silicon chip is weaker in an impact as the size is larger.
When such a single crystal silicon chip becomes larger in size, the
number of chips manufactured on an expensive single silicon
substrate (disc-shaped) is reduced and the manufacturing cost is
high, which is an adverse effect. Thus, there is a limitation on a
chip size as long as a single crystal silicon substrate is
used.
[0013] According to the description of Reference 1, a used circuit
incorporates a dual FET amplifier, a sensor element, a diode chip,
a resistor, and a capacitor. A space is needed in a sports
implement so that the chip can be incorporated in the sports
implement. In addition, such parts are mounted on a printed board
and noise is easy to superpose.
[0014] According to the present invention, it is realized that a
light-weight high functional circuit (a CPU, a power supply
circuit, a memory, a receiving circuit, a transmitting circuit, an
amplifier circuit, a switch circuit, a display portion or the like)
is installed in various sports implements by constituting various
functional circuits with a TFT formed on a film, without using a
printed board. It is possible to form a plurality of circuits
integrally on the same substrate, to reduce the cost and to
eliminate the area for mounting. Since a TFT is a film-like, the
TFT occupies little space for being incorporated in a sports
implement, and attachment/detachment such that a high function
circuit can be attached thereto or separated is possible. For
example, a high functional circuit (a CPU, a power supply circuit,
a memory, a receiving circuit, a transmitting circuit, an amplifier
circuit, a switch circuit, a display portion or the like) can be
attached onto a ball. Because a plurality of circuits are connected
on the same substrate, noise is hard to superpose.
[0015] Specifically, a high functional circuit is attached onto a
curved surface of a ball and energy (an impact or a vibration)
applied to the ball is changed into electricity and amplified, and
light can be emitted by the electricity. The ball becomes also a
novel amusement tool. For example, the ball can be applied to a
sports game of soccer in a game arcade or the like. If a player
kicks a soccer ball toward a light transmitting sheet, a kicked
portion of the soccer ball emits light at the instance when the
soccer ball is kicked, and the ball also emits light at the
instance when the ball is hit on the sheet. If an imaging unit is
provided on the opposite side of the player through the sheet, the
position of the sheet on which the ball is hit or the kicked
position of the ball can be recognized.
[0016] For example, an amplifier circuit is formed from a TFT, and
a TFT connecting a gate and a drain (such a connection is referred
to as a diode connection) is used as a diode. A central processing
unit (CPU) including an arithmetical portion and a control portion,
or a memory portion (memory) can be also configured by a TFT using
a polycrystalline semiconductor as an active layer. If a CPU can be
provided in a sports implement, various setting is possible.
[0017] In addition, when using a circuit in which high electron
field-effect mobility is not needed for a TFT (e.g., a switch
circuit), a TFT using a semiamorphous semiconductor or organics
(such as pentacene or carbon nanotube) may be used without limiting
to a TFT using a polycrystalline semiconductor as an active
layer
[0018] In addition, a TFT is provided over a flexible substrate,
typically, a flexible plastic film according to the present
invention. The applicant uses the separation method that does not
damage a layer to be peeled and the separation method that does not
give a limitation to a process of a layer to be peeled by a
technique as claimed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-174153,
and thus it is possible to separate and transfer an element having
high electric characteristics and a circuit including the
element.
[0019] A TFT using a polysilicon as an active layer can be provided
over a flexible substrate or a film by the technique as described
in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003474153, and thus, the size can
be designed depending on each shape of various sports implements.
Note that the method for providing a TFT over a flexible plastic
film is not limited to the above described method (Japanese Patent
Laid-Open No. 2003-174153). For example, a method by which a
separation layer is formed between a layer to be peeled and a
substrate, and the layer to be peeled is separated from the
substrate by removing the separation layer with a chemical
(etchant) or an etching gas, or a method by which a separation
layer made of an amorphous silicon (or polysilicon) is provided
between a layer to be peeled and a substrate and the amorphous
silicon is dehydrogenized by laser irradiation through the
substrate and a space is generated, thereby separating the layer to
be peeled from the substrate, or the like can be employed. Note
that it is preferable that an element included in the layer to be
peeled is formed at a heat treatment temperature of 410.degree. C.
or lower so that hydrogen is not released before the separation, in
the case of using laser light.
[0020] A cross sectional SEM photography of a TFT which is actually
transferred onto a film substrate is shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12.
FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the FIG. 11. As apparent from FIG.
12, a TFT having a single drain structure with the gate length of
1.2 .mu.m can be confirmed. It is possible to configure a CPU that
is a representative high functional circuit with about 27000 TFTs
and to realize a layout of a chip area of 100 mm.sup.2. As shown in
FIG. 13, twelve chips can be obtained from a five-inch
substrate.
[0021] FIG. 14 is a photograph of one chip to which is
pressure-bonded by an FPC after sectioning. When the FPC is
pressure-bonded, it can be mounted on without defects of a
wire-breaking such as crack.
[0022] FIG. 17 shows a block diagram of one chip and is describes
hereinafter.
[0023] When an opecode is inputted into an interface 1701, the code
is decrypted in an analysis unit 1703 (also referred to as an
Instruction Decoder), and a signal is inputted into a control
signal generation unit 1704 (a CPU Timing Control). When the signal
is inputted, a control signal is outputted from the control signal
generation unit 1704 to an arithmetic logical unit 1709
(hereinafter, an ALU) and a memory unit 1710 (hereinafter, a
Register).
[0024] The control signal generation unit 1704 includes an ALU
controller 1705 for controlling the ALU 1709 (hereinafter, an
ACON), a unit 1706 for controlling the Register 1710 (hereinafter,
a RCON), a timing controller 1707 for controlling timing
(hereinafter, a TCON), and an interruption controller 1708 for
controlling interruption (hereinafter, an ICON).
[0025] On the other hand, when an operand is inputted into the
interface 1701, the operand is outputted to the ALU 1709 and the
Register 1710. Then, a processing based on a control signal, which
is inputted from the control signal generation unit 1704 (for
example, a memory read cycle, a memory write cycle, an I/O read
cycle, an I/O write cycle, or the like), is carried out.
[0026] The Register 1710 includes a general resister, a stack
pointer (an SP), a program counter (a PC), and the like.
[0027] An address controller 1711 (hereinafter, an ADRC) outputs 16
bits address.
[0028] A structure of the CPU described in FIG. 17 is an example of
a CPU and does not limit the structure of the invention. Therefore,
it is possible to use a known structure of a CPU other than that
shown in FIG. 17.
[0029] According to the present invention, a higher functional
circuit (a CPU, a power supply circuit, a memory, a receiving
circuit, a transmitting circuit, an amplifier circuit, a switch
circuit, a display portion or the like) is installed in a sports
implement and therefore, it is realized that a user operates an
installed high functional circuit and adjusts characteristics of a
sports implement. A high functional circuit using a TFT formed over
a flexible plastic film is light-weight and strong in bending and
impacts. A high functional circuit (a CPU, a power supply circuit,
a memory, a receiving circuit, a transmitting circuit, an amplifier
circuit, a switch circuit, a display portion or the like) can be
provided for clothes. It is possible to conduct motion
interpretation or movement analysis by installing a plurality of
high functional circuits in each point of shirts or spats, and
chasing a movement at each point of a human body in sports and
rehabilitation. A user wears clothes having a high functional
circuit at least having a transmitting circuit or a receiving
circuit, a gate having a transmitting circuit or a receiving
circuit is installed at a start point and a goal point
respectively, thereby making it possible to train alone and to
measure a time by himself/herself.
[0030] Note that one or both of the transmitting circuit and the
receiving circuit has/have an antenna in this specification.
[0031] One feature of the present invention is that a plurality of
piezoelectric elements are provided for a sports implement because
a large amount of electric power is required to drive various
circuits. Electric power is generated by warping a piezoelectric
element and amplified by an amplifier circuit to be used. Electric
power may be generated by warping a piezoelectric element and
charged in a charging unit every time electric power is
generated.
[0032] A pointless electric power transmission module capable of
charging without contact may be provided in a sports implement. The
pointless electric power transmission module conducts charging by a
method of supplying electric power to a secondary coil without
contact by an electromagnetic induction method in which a primary
coil (battery charger) is coupled with the secondary coil (main
body) electromagnetically and voltage is generated in the secondary
coil by an alternating magnetic field generated from the primary
coil.
[0033] An auxiliary power (a primary battery or a secondary
battery) to assist insufficient electric power, e.g., a sheet-like
battery can be installed or attached.
[0034] A structure described in this specification is a sports
implement comprising: a piezoelectric element which generates a
signal by warping the piezoelectric element due to a vibration or
impact applied thereto; an amplifier circuit which amplifies the
signal to produce an amplified signal and which is operationally
connected to the piezoelectric element; and an instruction unit
which determines an application of the amplified signal to the
piezoelectric element.
[0035] In the above described structure, the sports implement
further comprising a rectifier unit for rectifying the amplified
signal prior to the application thereof to the piezoelectric
element. One feature of the above-mentioned configuration is that
further comprising a rectifier unit for rectifying the amplified
signal prior to the application thereof to the piezoelectric
element.
[0036] In the above described structures, the amplifier circuit
includes at least a TFT. One feature of the above-mentioned
configuration is that further comprising a display portion for
displaying a result of the voltage application obtained in the
instruction unit.
[0037] One feature of the above-mentioned configuration is that
further comprising a receiving circuit including an antenna for
receiving a signal voltage application to the piezoelectric
element. One feature of each above-mentioned configuration is that
further comprising a central processing unit.
[0038] One feature of each above-mentioned configuration is that
further comprising a memory element.
[0039] One feature of each above-mentioned configuration is that
the piezoelectric element is warped by being applied to a vibration
or impact to generate electric power, and the sports implement
becomes warm or cool by the electric power.
[0040] In the above described structures, the sports implement is
one of a hitting sports implement, a winter sports implement, a
training wear, an insole, and shoes.
[0041] Another structure described in this specification is a
sports implement comprising: a first piezoelectric element; a
second piezoelectric element; a first amplifier circuit including a
TFT; a second amplifier circuit including a TFT; an instruction
unit for determining voltage application to the first piezoelectric
element; and a charging unit for storing electric power, wherein
electric power is generated by warping the second piezoelectric
element with a given vibration or impact to produce a signal, and
the signal is amplified in the second amplifier circuit.
[0042] It is possible to provide a sports implement that is
favorable in operationality and friendly to many users in a wide
range regardless of the muscle strength or physical constitution
and the like of a user, since the user can adjust characteristics
of a sports implement.
[0043] Another structure described in this specification is a
sports implement described in the comprising: a piezoelectric
element; an amplifier circuit including a TFT; an instruction unit
for determining voltage application to the piezoelectric element; a
display portion for displaying a result of the voltage application
obtained in the instruction unit; an electric power generation
unit; and a charging unit for storing electric power, wherein a
signal is amplified in the amplifier circuit.
[0044] According to the present invention, a display portion is
provided for a sports implement and an adjusted value is output and
displayed thereon so as to be recognized by a user so that the user
can adjust a sports implement, which is convenient. The output
display is preferably conducted in a display device using an
electroluminescent element (EL element). In addition, the display
device may be used for simple monochrome display or display of
figures. According to the present invention, a circuit can be
formed over the same substrate as a display device and installed in
a sports implement.
[0045] As for a sports implement which has a difficulty in
installing a display portion therein, a transmitting circuit may be
provided in a sports implement and may receive a signal from a
receiving circuit provided in an external terminal to confirm the
display with the external terminal.
[0046] Another structure described in this specification is a
sports implement comprising: a first piezoelectric element; a
second piezoelectric element; a first amplifier circuit including a
TFT; a second amplifier circuit including a TFT; a receiving
circuit for receiving a signal voltage application to the first
piezoelectric element; and a charging unit for storing electric
power, wherein electric power is generated by warping the second
piezoelectric element with a given vibration or impact to produce a
signal, and the signal is amplified in the second amplifier
circuit.
[0047] A sports implement may be adjusted by using an external
terminal through remote-controlling. In that case, it is preferable
to employ an adjustable system by which a receiving circuit is
provided for a sports implement, receives a signal from a receiving
circuit provided in an external terminal, and the signal is
processed in a central processing unit to rewrite setting of a
memory portion. If a transmitting circuit and a receiving circuit
are provided for a sports implement, it can be checked whether
circuits provided for the sports implement operate normally or
not.
[0048] A charging unit is preferably for driving the central
processing unit. Another structure described in this specification
is a sports implement comprising: a first piezoelectric element; a
second piezoelectric element; a first amplifier circuit including a
TFT; a second amplifier circuit including a TFT; a central
processing unit for controlling application of voltage to the first
piezoelectric element; and a charging unit for storing electric
power, wherein electric power is generated by warping the second
piezoelectric element with a given vibration or impact to produce a
signal, and the signal is amplified in the second amplifier
circuit, and the central processing unit includes a TFT.
[0049] There is a possibility that electric power of an
piezoelectric element obtained by an impact on a sports implement
is insufficient for driving a high functional circuit such as a
central processing unit. For this reason, it is preferable that an
electric power generation unit for compensating insufficient
electric power, such as a photovoltaic device (e.g., solar battery)
or a thereto electric generator (e.g., Seebeck element) can be
installed in or attached onto a sports implement.
[0050] Another structure described in this specification is a
sports implement comprising: a piezoelectric element; an amplifier
circuit including a TFT; a central processing unit for controlling
application of voltage to the piezoelectric element; an electric
power generation unit; and a charging unit, wherein a signal is
amplified in the amplifier circuit, and the central processing unit
includes a TFT.
[0051] In the above structures, a single crystal such as a quartz
crystal, LiNbO.sub.3 or LiTaO.sub.3; a ceramics material such as
PZT; a polymer material (high-weight molecular material) such as
polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), or a copolymer with vinylidene
fluoride and ethylene fluoride; or a semiconductor thin film that
is formed made of ZnO, CdS, AiN or the like by sputtering is given
as a piezoelectric element used for a piezoelectric element. In
addition, a ceramic fiber generating a piezoelectric effect
(typically, Intellifiber) or a plastic sheet generating a
piezoelectric effect (a plastic sheet containing ceramic powders,
tourmaline powders, small bits of quartz crystal or Rochelle salt
or small bits of barium titanate) may be used. The polymer
material, the sputtered semiconductor film or the plastic sheet is
preferably used if a TFT and a piezoelectric element are formed
integrally.
[0052] A circuit using a TFT (hereinafter, referred to as a TFT
circuit) and a piezoelectric element are arranged appropriately in
a sports implement with the use of an effect that a TFT generates
heat by being driven.
[0053] Another structure described in this specification is a
sports implement comprising: a piezoelectric element; and a circuit
including a TFT, wherein the piezoelectric element is warped by a
given vibration or impact to generate electric power, and the
circuit including a TFT is driven by the electric power to
heat.
[0054] For example, if a TFT circuit is provided in a position near
a face contacting a snow surface of a ski or a snowboard (excluding
a sole face), the sole can be heated indirectly by heat of the TFT,
and thus, the speed of skiing or snowboarding is increased. The
speed of skiing or snowboarding may be increased by installing a
TFT circuit in a position close to an edge of a ski or a snowboard
and heating the edge indirectly. If a TFT circuit is installed in a
position close to the edge, the TFT is preferably installed on a
nose side, not on a tail side that makes a pile of snow in
stopping.
[0055] A piezoelectric element is provided for a sole of ice
skating shoes, and a TFT circuit is installed in a position close
to the edge to heat the edge indirectly so as to increase the
skating speed.
[0056] Further, an amplifier circuit including a piezoelectric
element and a TFT may be installed in bindings of snowboard boots
or ski boots. In addition, a central processing unit (CPU)
including a TFT is preferably installed when various circuits are
installed. A binding and boots also receive a vibration or an
impact similarly to a ski or a snowboard in skiing or snowboarding.
For example, a piezoelectric element is arranged in a sole portion
of boots, generated electric power is charged in a charging
portion, the fixation degree in a portion covering a foot excluding
its bottom may be adjusted by switching with an instruction of a
user. Impact absorption is done effectively by providing the
piezoelectric element for a sole portion of boots.
[0057] A piezoelectric element is provided in a sole portion of
boots, preferably in a shank, a TFT circuit arranged in the toe
portions of the boots generates heat using electric power obtained
by a vibration or an impact on the sole portion, thereby indirectly
warming the toes that are easily chilled or preventing heat
radiation to the outside by a rapid temperature change. An insole
having an amplifier circuit including a piezoelectric element and a
TFT may be arranged in boots without being directly incorporated in
boots themselves.
[0058] A amplifier circuit including a piezoelectric element and a
TFT may be formed in running shoes. In addition, it is preferable
that a central processing unit (CPU) including a TFT is arranged
when various circuits are installed. A piezoelectric element is
arranged in a sole portion and warming foots is conducted by
heating a TFT circuit using a power generated by a vibration or an
impact to the sole portion when it is cold. When it is hot, a
peltiert element is provided separately and the peltiert element is
driven with the power from the piezoelectric element to cool foots
down. A temperature sensor is arranged and heating and cooling are
switched automatically by being controlled with a CPU depending on
a temperature of the temperature sensor. An amplifier circuit
including a piezoelectric element and a TFT may be arranged in
indoor sports shoes. In addition, if various circuits are
installed, a central processing unit (CPU) including a TFT is
preferably provided. For example, as for basket shoes, shoes whose
sole face is soft have strong grip and does not slip easily. If the
thickness of the sole is reduced, it can be warmed by the feet
temperature of a user. However, there has been only a method of
warming by floor friction since the thickness enough to absorb an
impact is needed or an aircushion is provided. For this reason, a
piezoelectric element is provided in a sole portion of shoes,
preferably in a shank, and the entire sole is warmed rapidly by
electric power obtained by a vibration or an impact onto the sole
portion and the sole surface made of resin is softened.
[0059] In the above described structures, the sports implement
includes a hitting sports implement such as a tennis racket, a
baseball bat, a baseball glove, a boxing glove, and a golf club,
winter sports implements such a ski, a snowboard, a skiwear, and a
snowboardwear, and shoes.
[0060] Various circuits may be provided for training tools, e.g.,
training machine to be deformed by a user, health appliances for
muscles, amusement tools and the like without being limited to the
above described sports implements. In the training machines, load
can be changed according to the number of repeated vibrations by
installing a circuit.
[0061] According to the present invention, various circuits can be
integrated and a sports implement having adjustment mechanism can
be provided. In addition, a user can adjust characteristics of a
sports implement freely by himself/herself (on his/her own).
[0062] Another structure described in this specification is a
sports implement comprising: a piezoelectric element which
generates a signal by warping the piezoelectric element due to a
vibration or impact applied thereto; an amplifier circuit which
amplifies the signal to produce an amplified signal and which is
operationally connected to the piezoelectric element; an
instruction unit which determines an application of the amplified
signal to the piezoelectric element; a power supply circuit
operationally connected to the amplifier circuit; and a charging
unit for storing electric power, that operationally connected to
the power supply circuit.
[0063] In the above described structure, the sports implement
further comprising a rectifier unit for rectifying the amplified
signal prior to the application thereof to the piezoelectric
element.
[0064] One feature of the above-mentioned configuration is that
further comprising a rectifier unit for rectifying the amplified
signal prior to the application thereof to the piezoelectric
element.
[0065] In the above described structure, the amplifier circuit
includes at least a TFT.
[0066] One feature of the above-mentioned configuration is that
further comprising a display portion for displaying a result of the
voltage application obtained in the instruction unit.
[0067] One feature of the above-mentioned configuration is that
further comprising a receiving circuit including an antenna for
receiving a signal voltage application to the piezoelectric
element.
[0068] One feature of each above-mentioned configuration is that
further comprising a central processing unit.
[0069] One feature of each above-mentioned configuration is that
further comprising a memory element.
[0070] One feature of each above-mentioned configuration is that
the piezoelectric element is warped by being applied to a vibration
or impact to generate electric power, and the sports implement
becomes warm or cool by the electric power.
[0071] In the above described structure, the sports implement is
one of a hitting sports implement, a winter sports implement, a
training wear, an insole, and shoes.
[0072] Another structure described in this specification is a
sports implement comprising: a piezoelectric element which
generates a signal by warping the piezoelectric element due to a
vibration or impact applied thereto; an amplifier circuit which
amplifies the signal to produce an amplified signal and which is
operationally connected to the piezoelectric element; an
instruction unit which determines an application of the amplified
signal to the piezoelectric element; a power supply circuit
operationally connected to the amplifier circuit; a charging unit
for storing electric power, that operationally connected to the
power supply circuit; and an electric power generation unit
operationally connected to the charging unit.
[0073] In the above described structure, the sports implement
further comprising a rectifier unit for rectifying the amplified
signal prior to the application thereof to the piezoelectric
element.
[0074] One feature of the above-mentioned configuration is that
further comprising a rectifier unit for rectifying the amplified
signal prior to the application thereof to the piezoelectric
element.
[0075] In the above described structure, the amplifier circuit
includes at least a TFT.
[0076] One feature of the above-mentioned configuration is that
further comprising a display portion for displaying a result of the
voltage application obtained in the instruction unit.
[0077] One feature of the above-mentioned configuration is that
further comprising a receiving circuit including an antenna for
receiving a signal voltage application to the piezoelectric
element.
[0078] One feature of each above-mentioned configuration is that
further comprising a central processing unit.
[0079] One feature of each above-mentioned configuration is that
further comprising a memory element.
[0080] One feature of each above-mentioned configuration is that
the piezoelectric element is warped by being applied to a vibration
or impact to generate electric power, and the sports implement
becomes warm or cool by the electric power.
[0081] In the above described structure, the sports implement is
one of a hitting sports implement, a winter sports implement, a
training wear, an insole, and shoes.
[0082] Another structure described in this specification is a
sports implement comprising: a first piezoelectric element which
generates a signal by warping the first piezoelectric element due
to a vibration or impact applied thereto; a first amplifier circuit
which amplifies the signal to produce an amplified signal and which
is operationally connected to the first piezoelectric element; an
instruction unit which determines an application of the amplified
signal to the first piezoelectric element; a power supply circuit
operationally connected to the first amplifier circuit; a second
piezoelectric element which generates an electric power by warping
the second piezoelectric element due to a vibration or impact
applied thereto; and a second amplifier circuit operationally
connected to the power supply circuit and the second piezoelectric
element wherein the electric power is amplified by the second
amplifier circuit to produce an amplified electric power.
[0083] In the above described structure, the sports implement
further comprising a charging unit for storing electric power, that
operationally connected to the power supply circuit.
[0084] One feature of the above-mentioned configuration is that
further comprising a rectifier unit for rectifying the amplified
signal prior to the application thereof to the first piezoelectric
element.
[0085] In the above described structure, the first amplifier
circuit is includes at least a ITT.
[0086] One feature of the above-mentioned configuration is that
further comprising a display portion for displaying a result of the
voltage application obtained in the instruction unit.
[0087] One feature of the above-mentioned configuration is that
further comprising a receiving circuit including an antenna for
receiving a signal voltage application to the first piezoelectric
element.
[0088] One feature of each above-mentioned configuration is that
further comprising a central processing unit.
[0089] One feature of each above-mentioned configuration is that
further comprising a memory element.
[0090] One feature of each above-mentioned configuration is that
the first piezoelectric element and the second piezoelectric
element are warped by being applied to a vibration or impact to
generate electric power, and the sports implement becomes warm or
cool by the electric power.
[0091] In the above described structure, the sports implement is
one of a hitting sports implement, a winter sports implement, a
training wear, an insole, and shoes.
[0092] Another structure described in this specification is an
amusement tool comprising: a piezoelectric element; an amplifier
circuit operationally connected to the piezoelectric element; and a
light emitting element, wherein the piezoelectric element is warped
by being applied to a vibration or impact to generate electric
power, and the light emitting element emits light using the
electric power.
[0093] In the above described structure, the amplifier circuit
includes at least a TFT.
[0094] One feature of each above-mentioned configuration is that
further comprising a central processing unit.
[0095] In the above described structure, the amusement tool is one
of a ball, a glove, and shoes.
[0096] Another structure described in this specification is a
training tool comprising: a piezoelectric element; an amplifier
circuit operationally connected to the piezoelectric element; and a
receiving circuit including an antenna, wherein the piezoelectric
element is warped by being applied to a vibration or impact to
generate electric power, and the amplifier circuit and the
receiving circuit are supplied with the electric power.
[0097] One feature of each above-mentioned configuration is that
further comprising a central processing unit.
[0098] One feature of each above-mentioned configuration is that
further comprising a memory element.
[0099] In the above described structure, the amplifier circuit
includes at least a TFT. In the above described structure, the
training tool is one of a training machine, a training wear, a
skiwear, a snowboardwear, and shoes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0100] In the accompanying drawings:
[0101] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing Embodiment Mode 1;
[0102] FIGS. 2A and 2B are a cross sectional view and an equivalent
circuit diagram of a piezoelectric element and a TFT, respectively
(Embodiment Mode 1);
[0103] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing Embodiment Mode 2;
[0104] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing Embodiment Mode 3;
[0105] FIGS. 5A to 5D are each a circuit diagram showing Embodiment
Mode 1;
[0106] FIG. 6 shows an example of a sports implement (Embodiment
1);
[0107] FIG. 7 shows an example of a sports implement (Embodiment
2);
[0108] FIGS. 8A and 8B show an example of a sports implement
(Embodiment 3);
[0109] FIGS. 9A and 9B show an example of a sports implement
(Embodiment 4);
[0110] FIGS. 10A and 10B show an example of a sports implement
(Embodiment 5);
[0111] FIG. 11 is a photograph of a surface and a cross-section
after transferring;
[0112] FIG. 12 is a SEM picture of a TFT cross-section;
[0113] FIG. 13 is a photograph of a plurality of CPUs formed on a
film substrate;
[0114] FIG. 14 is a photograph of a CPU of one chip formed on a
film substrate;
[0115] FIGS. 15A and 15B each show an example of a sports implement
(Embodiment 6); and
[0116] FIGS. 16A to 16C each show an example of a sports implement
(Embodiment 7).
[0117] FIG. 17 is a block diagram.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0118] Hereinafter, Embodiment Modes of the present invention will
be described. Embodiment modes of the present invention are
hereinafter described with reference to accompanying drawings. The
present invention can be implemented in various modes. It is to be
understood that various changes and modifications will be apparent
to those skilled in the art, unless such changes and modifications
depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention
hereinafter defined. Therefore, the present invention is not
limited to Embodiment Modes.
Embodiment Mode 1
[0119] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a circuit and an element
installed in a sports implement.
[0120] A plurality of piezoelectric elements are provided for a
sports implement. Herein two piezoelectric elements (a first
piezoelectric element 100 and a second piezoelectric element 105)
are shown for simple explanation herein.
[0121] When a sports implement of a user is added with a vibration
or an impact, strain is added to each piezoelectric element to
generate electric power. Since the vibration or impact is converted
into electric energy by a piezo effect, the vibration of the sports
implement can be reduced.
[0122] Electric power generated in the first piezoelectric element
100 is rectified with a first rectifier unit 102. The first
rectifier unit 102 is configured by using an amplifier circuit, a
smoothing circuit, a waveform shaping circuit, a buffer amplifier,
a switching circuit, a resistor and the like appropriately. At
least an n-fold amplifier circuit 101 of the first rectifier unit
102 is formed from a TFT. Note that a TFT has a small current
ability as an element, and thus, the element is needed to be large
so as to enhance the current ability.
[0123] The smoothing circuit can include a resistor and a
capacitor, and can be formed concurrently with manufacturing steps
of a TFT. The waveform shaping circuit can be also formed by using
an inverter using a TFT.
[0124] FIG. 2 shows one example in which an amplifier circuit using
a TFT and a piezoelectric element are formed integrally. FIG. 2A
shows a cross-sectional structure and FIG. 2B shows an equivalent
circuit.
[0125] In FIG. 2A, reference numeral 10 denotes a film substrate,
11 denotes an adhesive layer, 12 denotes a base insulating film,
and 13 denotes a gate insulating film. A vibration travels through
the film substrate 10, the adhesive layer 11, and the base
insulting film 12 and the gate insulating film 13. Thus, the
materials of the film substrate 10, the adhesive layer 11, and the
base insulting film 12 and the gate insulating film 13 are all
preferably flexible. In addition, a plastic substrate (200 to 500
.mu.m thick) is used as the film substrate 10. The film substrate
10 preferably has a low thermal expansion property.
[0126] A piezoelectric element 25 comprises a first electrode 23, a
second electrode 19 and a piezoelectric material layer 21
interposed between the first electrode and the second
electrode.
[0127] In addition, an amplifier circuit provided on the substrate
to amplify output value of the piezoelectric element 25 comprises a
current mirror circuit including n-channel TFTs 30, 31 and 60. In
FIG. 2B, one n-channel TFT 30, a first n-channel TFT 31 and an X-th
TFT 60, namely, in total (X+1) pieces TFT, are provided to obtain
X-fold output. For example, one n-channel TFT 30 (channel size:
L/W=8 .mu.m/50 .mu.m) and 100 (a first to a hundredth) n-channel
TFTs (channel size: L/W=8 .mu.m/50 .mu.m) are provided to obtain
100-fold output. If two n-channel TFTs 30 are used, the two
n-channel TFTs 30 and ten n-channel TFTs 31 are provided so that
the output value becomes five times higher.
[0128] In order to amplify the output value further, the amplifier
circuit may have an operational amplifier in which the n-channel
TFT or the p-channel TFT is combined appropriately. In this case,
however, the number of terminals is five. It is possible to
decrease the number of terminals to four by decreasing the number
of power supplies when the amplifier circuit has the operational
amplifier and when a level shifter is used.
[0129] Although this embodiment mode shows an example in which the
n-channel TFTs 30 and 31 are top-gate TFTs each having a single
gate structure, they may have a double gate structure to reduce a
variation. Furthermore, in order to decrease the off current value,
the n-channel TFTs 30 and 31 may have an LDD (Lightly Doped Drain)
structure. The LDD structure is a structure in which a region added
with an impurity element at low concentration, which is referred to
as an LDD region, is provided between the channel-forming region
and a source region or a drain region formed by adding the impurity
element at high concentration. The LDD structure has an
advantageous effect of relaxing the electric field near the drain
and preventing the deterioration due to the hot-carrier injection.
Moreover, in order to prevent the lowering of the on-current value
due to the hot carrier, the n-channel TFTs 30 and 31 may have a
GOLD (Gate-drain Overlapped LDD) structure. The GOLD structure,
which is a structure where the LDD region is disposed through the
gate insulating film so as to overlap the gate electrode, has a
higher advantageous effect of relaxing the electric field near the
drain and preventing the deterioration due to the hot-carrier
injection than the LDD structure. Thus, the GOLD structure is
effective in preventing the deterioration by relaxing the electric
field intensity near the drain and by preventing the hot-carrier
injection.
[0130] A wiring 14 is connected to a first electrode 19 and extends
into the channel-forming region of the TFT 30 of the amplifier
circuit and therefore the wiring also serves as a gate
electrode.
[0131] A wiring 15 is connected to a second electrode 23 and to a
drain electrode or a source electrode of the TFT 31. Reference
numerals 16 and 18 denote inorganic insulating films, 17 denotes an
insulating film formed by a coating method, and 20 denotes a
connection electrode.
[0132] A terminal electrode 50 is formed in the same process as the
wirings 14 and 15. A terminal electrode 51 is formed in the same
process as the electrodes 19 and 20.
[0133] In this way, noise can be reduced because a piezoelectric
element and an amplifier circuit are formed on the same substrate.
The output value can be amplified efficiently. In addition, other
circuits can be made with a TFT, as well as an amplifier circuit.
FIGS. 5A to 5D each show an example thereof.
[0134] FIG. 5A shows an equivalent circuit of a switch circuit
including a p-channel TFT and an n-channel TFT. FIG. 5B shows an
equivalent circuit of an inverter circuit including a TFT. FIG. 5C
shows an equivalent circuit of a circuit including a p-channel TFT
in which a rectification element is diode-connected in the circuit
in which two switching elements and the rectification element are
used together. FIG. 5D shows an equivalent circuit of a circuit
including an n-channel TFT in which a rectification element is
diode-connected in the circuit in which a switching element and the
rectification element are used together.
[0135] An instruction unit 103 is provided with a switch and this
switch is a switch which is turned on by temperature, pressure or a
signal from the outside, a switch operated by a man and the like.
Herein, the instruction unit 103 is an instruction unit for
switching a signal switch on and off freely by a user. If a user
makes the signal switch on, a control signal is formed by a control
signal generation circuit 104 and the signal is supplied to the
first piezoelectric element 100 to control the strain of a sports
implement. That is to say, the control signal generation circuit
104 forms an electric signal to produce a vibration in the
antiphase canceling a wavelength generated by the vibration or
impact on the sports implement.
[0136] Therefore, a piezoelectric material having characteristics
of recovering the shape of the piezoelectric element by the
electric signal is preferably used as a piezoelectric material of
the first piezoelectric element 100. In addition, it is preferable
that the first piezoelectric element 100 is as large as possible
when the characteristics of a sports implement are changed
drastically, since the first piezoelectric element 100 varies
characteristics thereof by recovering the shape of the
piezoelectric element.
[0137] When a user turns off the signal switch, a signal for
controlling strain is not formed.
[0138] In this way, sports implement having two-types behaviors can
be provided by switching on and off of a signal switch by a
user.
[0139] The present invention is not limited to the two types of
behaviors. If a circuit (e.g., a CPU or the like) by which fine
regulation can be conducted at more multiples stages is installed,
a user can adjust characteristics of a sports implement at
multiples stages.
[0140] According to the present invention, operation can be
conducted without power supply from the outside, since a charging
portion is included. Electric power generated in the second
piezoelectric element 105 is rectified with a second rectifier unit
107. The second rectifier unit 107 comprises an amplifier circuit,
a smoothing circuit, a waveform shaping circuit, a buffer
amplifier, a switching circuit, a resistor, and the like
appropriately. At least an m-fold amplifier circuit 106 of the
second rectifier unit 107 is formed by using a TFT.
[0141] A charging control circuit 108 and a charging unit 109 are
charged with pulsating flow obtained by the second rectifier unit
107 as a direct current. A secondary battery is preferable for the
charging unit 109. Voltage adjustment of each circuit is performed
in a power supply circuit 110 using the electric power supplied
from the charging unit 109.
[0142] If the switch of the instruction unit 103 is off, the
electric power generated by the first piezoelectric element 100 may
be stored in the charging unit 109 in order to secure much more
electric power.
[0143] Since the second piezoelectric element 105 only generates
electric power, the second piezoelectric element 105 may be smaller
than the first piezoelectric element if the magnification of the
amplifier circuit 106 is increased. A piezoelectric material having
characteristics of recovering the shape of the piezoelectric
element by the electric signal is not particularly needed for the
second piezoelectric element 105, unlike the first piezoelectric
element, and a piezoelectric material different from that of the
first piezoelectric element may be used for the second
piezoelectric element 105.
Embodiment Mode 2
[0144] An example of installing a display portion in a sports
implement to display on and off by the instruction unit is shown in
Embodiment Mode 2. A block diagram is shown in FIG. 3.
[0145] FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 1 except that a display portion
130 and a power generation unit 150 are provided. Thus, detailed
description of the same elements is omitted. Note that the same
elements in FIG. 3 as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same
reference numerals.
[0146] For the display portion 130, a display device using an
electroluminescence element (an EL element) is preferable. If an
active matrix display device using an electroluminescence element
is employed, it can be formed integrally on the same substrate as
an amplifier circuit and installed in a sports implement. The
display device to be installed may be a passive matrix display
device when the display device may be used for simple monochrome
display or display of figures only.
[0147] A photovoltaic device (such as solar battery) or a thermo
electric generator (such as Seebeck element) may be used for the
power generation unit 150 without limiting to the piezoelectric
element. A plurality of kinds of power generators may be installed
in a sports implement. A solar battery using amorphous silicon can
be formed integrally on the same substrate as the amplifier circuit
and installed in a sports implement.
[0148] This embodiment mode can be freely combined with Embodiment
Mode 1.
Embodiment Mode 3
[0149] As for a sports implement which is difficult in installing a
display portion or an instruction unit, a sports implement is
provided with a transmitting circuit and receives a signal from a
receiving circuit formed in an external terminal and thus the
display may be confirmed by the external terminal.
[0150] An example of installing a receiving circuit in a sports
implement is shown in Embodiment Mode 3. A block diagram is shown
in FIG. 4.
[0151] FIG. 4 is the same as FIG. 1 except that a receiving circuit
406, a CPU 410 and a memory portion 411 are provided and an
external terminal 400 is used. Thus, the detailed description of
the same elements is omitted. Note that the same elements in FIG. 4
as those in FIG. 1 are shown by the same reference numerals.
[0152] A flow of adjustment by remote-controlling of a sports
implement using an external terminal 400 is described. A person
(including a user) who wants to change characteristics of a sports
implement selects desired setting with an instruction unit 403
formed in an external terminal 400 and a signal is transmitted. The
signal is transmitted to the receiving circuit 406 provided in a
sports implement from a transmitting circuit 405 through a
communication control circuit 404.
[0153] The desired setting can be confirmed in a display portion
430. Reference numeral 409 denotes a power supply of the external
terminal 400 which supplies power to each circuit of the external
terminal 400.
[0154] The signal is received by the receiving circuit 406 and
processing is conducted in the central processing unit 410 to
rewrite setting of the memory portion 411 based on the signal. A
signal is generated based on the rewritten setting of the memory
portion 411 and strain is controlled.
[0155] Note that reference numeral 410 denotes a central processing
unit (CPU), 402 denotes a control portion, 401 denotes an
arithmetic portion and 411 denotes a memory portion (memory) in
FIG. 4.
[0156] The central processing unit 410 comprises the arithmetic
portion 401 and the control portion 402. The arithmetic portion 401
includes an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) that conducts an arithmetic
operation such as addition or subtraction, or a logical operation
such as AND, OR or NOT, various registers that temporarily store
data or the results of the operations, a counter that counts the
number of inputted 1, and the like. A circuit for the arithmetic
portion 401, such as an AND circuit, an OR circuit, NOT circuit, a
buffer circuit, or a register circuit can be formed by using a TFT.
A semiconductor film crystallized by continuous wave laser light
may be formed as an active layer of a TFT to obtain a high electron
field-effect mobility.
[0157] The control portion 402 has a function of carrying out an
instruction stored in the memory portion 411 and controlling the
entire operation. The control portion 402 comprises a program
counter, an instruction register, and a control-signal generating
portion. In addition, the control portion 402 can be also formed by
using a TFT, too and may be formed by using the crystallized
semiconductor film as an active layer of the TFT.
[0158] The memory portion 411 stores data and an instruction for an
operation, and stores data or a program that is frequently
conducted in the CPU. The memory portion 411 comprises a main
memory, an address register and a data register. A cache memory may
be employed in addition to the main memory. These memories may be a
SRAM, a DRAM, a flash memory or the like. If the memory portion 411
is also formed by using a TFT, a crystallized semiconductor film
can be used as an active layer of the TFT.
[0159] Initially, a tungsten film and a silicon oxide film are
formed by a sputtering method over a glass substrate, a base
insulating film (a silicon oxide film, a silicon nitride film or a
silicon oxynitride film) is formed thereover, and an amorphous
silicon film is formed thereover. In a later step, a separation is
conducted by using a tungsten oxide film formed between the
tungsten film and the silicon oxide film.
[0160] The following methods may be used for crystallization: a
method of adding a metal element serving as a catalyst to an
amorphous silicon film, heating it to obtain a polysilicon film and
obtaining a more crystallized polysilicon film by being irradiated
with pulsed laser light; a method of emitting continuous wave laser
light on an amorphous silicon film to obtain a polysilicon film; a
method of heating an amorphous silicon film to obtain a polysilicon
film and emitting continuous wave laser light onto the polysilicon
film to obtain a more crystallized polysilicon film; and a method
of adding a metal element serving as a catalyst to an amorphous
silicon film, heating it to obtain a polysilicon film and obtaining
a more crystallized polysilicon film by being irradiated with
continuous wave laser light. Thereafter, a TFT is completed by
using a known technique.
[0161] In this way, the memory portion or the CPU is configured by
a TFT using the thusly obtained polysilicon film as an active
layer, a layer to be peeled including the CPU or the memory portion
is separated from the glass substrate and transferred onto a
plastic substrate. If such a CPU can be installed, a variety of
settings in a sports implement are possible.
[0162] Another power generation unit may be provided instead of the
second piezoelectric element 105. For example, a photovoltaic
device (such as solar battery) or a thermo electric generator (such
as Seebeck element) may be used. A plurality of kinds of power
generators may be installed in a sports implement. A solar battery
using amorphous silicon can be formed integrally on the same
substrate as an amplifier circuit and installed in a sports
implement.
[0163] This embodiment mode can be freely combined with Embodiment
Mode 1 or 2.
[0164] The present invention having above-mentioned structures is
described more in detail in embodiments hereinafter.
EMBODIMENT 1
[0165] In Embodiment 1, an example in which the present invention
is applied to a tennis racket as an example of a sports implement
for hitting a ball is shown in FIG. 6.
[0166] Since a circuit is configured by a TFT provided on a
flexible plastic film, the circuit can be attached and installed in
a portion having a free shape, for example, a curved portion, a
slim portion or the like. Therefore, the circuit can be provided
for a thin part of a frame without limiting to the grip of the
racket. Various circuits including TFTs can be arranged since an
installation space can be secured. Here, the circuit is provided in
only a part of the frame, but the circuit can be arranged in many
portions, e.g., the entire frame.
[0167] A piezoelectric element and a circuit including a TFT can be
integrally formed. When they are integrally formed, superimposing
of noise can be prevented.
[0168] Specifically, piezoelectric elements 601, 603 and 608 are
provided for a plurality of portions and amplifier circuits 602,
604 and 609 including TFTs are installed in the frame portion as
shown by an example in FIG. 6. Such circuits may be installed
inside the frame, or attached onto the frame and covered with a
protective film. In addition to the amplifier circuit, other
rectifier units, e.g., a smoothing circuit, a waveform shaping
circuit, a buffer amplifier, a switching circuit, a resistor or the
like may be integrally formed with the amplifier circuit.
[0169] In a grip portion, a switch 606, a control signal generation
circuit 605, an integrated circuit (a power supply circuit, a
memory, a CPU, a receiving circuit or the like) 607 including a TFT
and a battery (preferably, the second battery which is
rechargeable) 610 are provided for the grip portion. A rectifier
unit, e.g., a smoothing circuit, a waveform shaping circuit, a
buffer amplifier, a switching circuit, a resistor or the like may
be formed integrally with the integrated circuit 607. Note that the
block diagram may be referred to FIG. 1 or FIG. 4.
[0170] Mechanical energy of an impact from a ball is changed into
electric energy by the piezoelectric elements 601, 603 and 608, and
the electric energy is amplified by the amplifier circuits 602, 604
and 609. The amplifier circuit can be provided in contact with or
in the periphery of the piezoelectric element by being configured
by a plastic film TFT. Therefore, the electric power generated in
the piezoelectric element can be amplified immediately, and
used.
[0171] The first piezoelectric elements 601 and 608 also serve to
control strain of the frame by a signal from the control signal
generation circuit 605. The amplification factors of the amplifier
circuits 602 and 609 are preferably 2 times or more, preferably 10
to 50 times. Note that the control signal generation circuit 605
generates an electric signal to produce vibration of the antiphase
canceling a wavelength generated by the vibration or impact on the
racket
[0172] In this embodiment, a second piezoelectric element 603 to
ensure electric power and an amplifier circuit 604 having a large
amplification factor, e.g., the 100-fold amplification factor are
provided to install various circuits in the racket. The second
piezoelectric element 603 may be small, and may be formed by using
a piezoelectric material or an element structure higher in
conversion efficiency than the first piezoelectric element.
[0173] For example, when a tennis racket of FIG. 6 is used, setting
at two stages can be employed: neutral setting that a switch 606 is
turned off and plus setting that the switch 606 is turned on to
supply a signal from the control signal generation circuit 605 to
the first piezoelectric elements 601 and 608 to control strain of
the frame and the stiffness of the frame is enhanced.
[0174] In the neutral setting, vibration of the racket is reduced
by converting the vibration or impact to electric energy by the
piezoelectric effects of the piezoelectric elements 601, 603 and
608. Note that, in neutral setting, the second piezoelectric
element 603 immediately amplifies and rectifies the generated
electric power and charges the battery 610 with the electric
power.
[0175] In the plus setting, a vibration or impact is converted to
electric energy by the piezoelectric effects of the piezoelectric
elements 601 and 608 to control strain of a part of the frame
provided with the piezoelectric elements 601 and 608 by using the
electric energy. A signal for controlling the strain of the frame
is formed in the control signal generation circuit 605 or the
integrated circuit 607. Electric power is supplied to each circuit
from the battery 610.
[0176] Setting of a racket can be selected based on the intention
of a user by switching the switch 606 provided in the racket by the
user. Therefore, two types of returning balls are possible by
changing the setting of a racket, even if the user does not change
physical strength in swinging.
[0177] In the case of the plus setting, the stiffness of a frame is
enhanced, and a user can return a high speed ball with small power
and high speed by controlling the speed, even if the coming ball is
fast or slow. In the plus setting, a contact time with a ball is
short and the ball is not easily spun since the frame has high
stiffness. Therefore, in the plus setting, a user needs a technique
for spinning a ball in returning. Further, the user also needs a
technique for returning a slow ball when the coming ball is
fast.
[0178] If a user wants to spin the ball in returning, he/she
selects the neutral setting and lengthen the contact time with the
ball, thereby realizing high speed spinning and controlling the
direction of the retuning ball. The user can return a slow ball by
selecting the neutral setting and slowing down the speed of the
fast ball.
[0179] Conventionally, a user needs high technique for returning
various types of balls with one racket, but the user can return
various types of balls with a racket according to the present
invention even if the user does not have such high technique.
[0180] Since various types of balls can be returned even if the
user's form or power is not changed, an opponent can hardly read
the returning ball and the user can play a game dominantly.
[0181] As for a conventional racket, a professional player change a
racket in the middle of a game in many cases since the tension of
strings falls down as the racket is used more. If a racket
according to the present invention is used, the same level response
can be maintained by selecting the plus setting, even if the
tension of strings falls down in the neutral setting by more use of
the racket.
[0182] The switch 606 is not limited to the two-stage setting. If a
CPU or a memory by which fine adjustment can be conducted at more
stages is incorporated in the integrated circuit 607, a user can
set a racket freely and return a ball as he/she wants to. If a
technique as claimed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-174153
is employed, a memory or a CPU can be formed by using a TFT and
formed on a plastic film.
[0183] An integrated circuit 607 incorporating a CPU and a memory
may be attached or removed freely. A racket can be set by attaching
or removing the integrated circuit 607 incorporating a CPU and a
memory.
[0184] This embodiment can be freely combined with any one of
Embodiment Modes 1 to 3. For example, this embodiment is combined
with Embodiment Mode 2, and a simple display portion may be
provided in the racket 600 so that a user can recognize the present
state of the racket. In addition, an integrated circuit 607
incorporating a power generation unit such as a solar battery may
be provided. A contactless power transfer module that can charge
electric power without contact may be provided in a racket 600,
since it does not require replacement of the battery 610.
[0185] This embodiment is combined with Embodiment 3, and a
receiving circuit may be incorporated in the integrated circuit
607, and a signal from an external terminal (not shown) including a
transmitting circuit is received and processed in the integrated
circuit 607, thereby making it possible to set a racket. If the
setting of a racket 600 can be changed by the external terminal,
the structure of the racket can be simple without providing a
switch for the racket 600.
EMBODIMENT 2
[0186] In Embodiment 2, an example in which the present invention
is applied to a snowboard as an example of a winter sports
implement is shown with reference to FIG. 7.
[0187] As for a conventional snowboard, a user can only set a
stance width and an angle, and a flexibility of a snowboard,
namely, stiffness is different depending on boards. Therefore,
snowboards having various flexibilities are prepared in shops.
[0188] Conventionally, a user must buy a snowboard having little
flexibility if the user needs a hard snowboard, and a snowboard
having more flexibility if the user needs a soft snowboard.
[0189] Actually, the needed flexibility is different depending on
snow quality or application, for example, if the snow is light, a
more flexible snowboard is needed and superior in an operational
property in snowboarding, and if the snow is heavy, a hard
snowboard is superior in stability in snowboarding.
[0190] As for snowboarding, various types of snowboarding sports,
e.g., snowboarding on a metal tube called a rail or over a box-type
obstacle called a box, are conducted in recent years, as well as a
half pipe or jump in snowboarding. A hard snowboard in less
flexibility is superior in stability in a half pipe, jump or a
rail.
[0191] However, when using a hard snowboard, if a user must warp
the board in snowboarding by the user's weight, more weight is
needed than when using a soft snowboard, and thus, a user that has
weak muscle or an unskilled user has difficulties in handling a
hard snowboard. It is commonly said that a soft snowboard is
suitable for a beginner and a hard snowboard is suitable for the
experienced. That is to say, as a user improves his/her skill in
snowboarding, the flexibility of a board suitable for the user is
also changed, and thus, the user buys a new snowboard in each
case.
[0192] According to the present invention, as shown by an example
of FIG. 7, it is possible for a user to adjust the flexibility of a
snowboard by installing an integrated circuit such as piezoelectric
elements 702 and 703 or an amplifier circuit 704 including a TFT is
a snowboard 700. Such elements may be installed inside the board or
attached onto the board and covered with a protective film.
[0193] Conventionally, a user must change a board as he/she
improves the skill. However, if a user uses a snowboard according
to the present invention, the flexibility of the snowboard can be
adjusted according to the improvement of the user's skill and a
board suitable for each user can be provided. Further, the
flexibility of the snowboard can be freely adjusted in accordance
with snow quality or application, by using a snowboard according to
the present invention.
[0194] Specifically, a first piezoelectric element 702 is provided
in a portion of a board that is to be hard, typically, in the
vicinity of an edge, and a second piezoelectric element 703 is
provided in a portion of a board that is most easily deformed,
typically, in the vicinity of a position 701 where a binding is
set. The second piezoelectric elements 703 are provided
symmetrically on the both of the toe and heel sides with the
binding setting position 701 interposed between the second
piezoelectric elements 703. Four piezoelectric elements 703 are
disposed at four positions, but the arrangement or the number
thereof is not limited thereto. A snowboard is so wide that a
circuit can be arranged at any position. Mechanical energy produced
due to transformation of a board by vibration or an impact from a
snow surface in snowboarding is changed into electric energy with
the piezoelectric element 703, and the electric energy is amplified
in the amplifier circuit 704. The amplifier circuit 704 is
configured by a plastic film TFT, and thus, the amplifier circuit
704 can be provided in contact with or in the vicinity of the
second piezoelectric element. Therefore, the electric power
generated in the second piezoelectric element can be amplified
immediately, and used.
[0195] The generated electric power is immediately amplified and
rectified in the integrated circuit 706 including a TFT, and
further stored in a battery 707.
[0196] In addition, an instruction unit 705 includes a switch, and
this switch is a switch which is turned on by temperature, pressure
or a signal from the outside, a switch operated by a man, and the
like. Herein, the instruction unit 705 is an instruction unit for
switching a signal switch on and off freely by a user.
[0197] If a user turns the signal switch on, electric power is
supplied from a battery and a signal for controlling strain of a
board is generated in an integrated circuit (such as a power supply
circuit, a control signal generation circuit, a memory, a CPU, or a
receiving circuit) and the signal is supplied to the first
piezoelectric element 702. The first piezoelectric elements 702 are
provided symmetrically on the toe and heel sides with the binding
setting position 701 interposed between the second piezoelectric
elements 702. The first piezoelectric element 702 is arranged
closer to an edge than the piezoelectric element 703, and four
piezoelectric elements 702 are disposed at four positions, but the
arrangement or the number thereof is not limited thereto. An
electric signal to produce vibration of the antiphase canceling a
wave generated by the vibration or impact onto the board is
supplied to the first piezoelectric element 702. In this way, a
user can harden a board by turning a signal switch on.
[0198] Muscle strengths of the right leg and the left leg are
different commonly, and different signals may be supplied to the
first piezoelectric element on the right side and to the first
piezoelectric element on the left side, thereby making the
stiffness in the vicinity of the right foot and the stiffness in
the vicinity of the left foot of the board different. By changing
each stiffness of the board in accordance with muscle strengths of
the right and left legs by a user, the identical warp in the right
and left skies is obtained and the user can do a symmetrical turn
even if difference weights are put on by the right and left
legs.
[0199] The stiffness on the toe side and the heel side may be
different by supplying different signals to the first piezoelectric
element on the toe side and the first piezoelectric element on the
heel side, respectively. A board is easily twisted when weight is
put thereon, namely, the torsion becomes large, and thus a curve
can be easily made with low weight.
[0200] When a TFT is driven, it generates heat. Heat is generated
by driving the integrated circuit 706 or the amplifier circuit 704
including a TFT. The sole surface may be heated indirectly by the
generated heat and thus the friction resistance with the snow face
is reduced, thereby increasing the snowboarding speed.
[0201] A heating element (such as a resistor) may be provided
instead of the first piezoelectric element. For example, the
stiffness of the board may be reduced by softening a material in
the vicinity of the portion that has been heated by heating a
portion of the board having high stiffness entirely. Resin used in
one layer of the board is a material that can be softened by
heating. The friction resistance with the snow face may be reduced
by heating the board by using a heating element, thereby increasing
the snowboarding speed. It should be noted that it is difficult to
change the setting of a board instantly, since the flexibility of
the board is enhanced by heating by turning a switch on if a
heating element is provided.
[0202] A snowboard has a structure of stacked layers and the
circuits 706 and 704 including TFTs that are sheet-like may be
provided as one layer thereof.
[0203] This embodiment can be freely combined with any one of
Embodiment Modes 1 to 3. For example, this embodiment is combined
with Embodiment Mode 2, and a simple display portion may be
provided in the snowboard 700 so that a user can recognize the
present state of the snowboard. In addition, an integrated circuit
706 incorporating a power generation unit such as a solar battery
may be provided. A contactless power transfer module that can
charge electric power without contact may be provided in the
snowboard 700, since it does not require replacement of the battery
707.
[0204] This embodiment is combined with Embodiment 3, and a
receiving circuit may be incorporated in the integrated circuit
706, and a signal from an external terminal (not shown) including a
transmitting circuit is received and processed in the integrated
circuit 706, thereby changing the setting of the snowboard. If the
setting of the snowboard 700 can be changed by an external
terminal, the appearance of the snowboard can be simple without
providing a switch for the snowboard 700.
EMBODIMENT 3
[0205] In Embodiment 3, an example in which the present invention
is applied to a pair of skies as an example of a winter sports
implement is shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. FIG. 8A is a top view of one
side of a pair of skies and FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram showing
a circuit layout in the backside on one side of the skies.
[0206] As for a conventional ski, a user can set only a binding
position, a fixing intensity of boots in a binding, and a
flexibility of a ski, namely, stiffness is different depending on
boards. Therefore, skis having various flexibilities are prepared
in shops.
[0207] In this embodiment, as shown by an example of FIGS. 8A and
8B, it is possible for a user to adjust the flexibility of a ski by
installing an integrated circuit such as piezoelectric elements 802
and 803 or an amplifier circuit 804 including a TFT is the ski 800.
Such elements may be installed inside the board or attached onto
the board and covered with a protective film.
[0208] The ski has a structure of stacked layers and the circuits
806 and 804 including TFTs that are sheet-like may be provided as
one layer thereof.
[0209] Specifically, a first piezoelectric element 802 is provided
in a portion of a board that is to be hard, typically, in the
vicinity of an edge, and a second piezoelectric element 803 is
provided in a portion of a board that is most easily deformed,
typically, in the vicinity of a position 801 where a binding is
set. The second piezoelectric elements 803 are provided
symmetrically on the big toe and small toe (right and left) sides
with the binding setting position interposed between the second
piezoelectric elements 803. Four piezoelectric elements 803 are
disposed at four positions in one pair of skies, but the
arrangement or the number thereof is not limited thereto.
Mechanical energy produced due to transformation of a board by
vibration or an impact from a snow surface in skiing is changed
into electric energy with the piezoelectric element 803, and the
electric energy is amplified in the amplifier circuit 804. The
amplifier circuit 804 is configured by a plastic film TFT, and
thus, the amplifier circuit 804 can be provided in contact with or
in the vicinity of the second piezoelectric element. Therefore, the
electric power generated in the second piezoelectric element can be
amplified immediately, and used.
[0210] The generated electric power is immediately amplified and
rectified in the integrated circuit 806 including a TFT, and
further stored in a battery 807.
[0211] In addition, an instruction unit 805 includes a switch, this
switch is a switch which is turned on by temperature, pressure or a
signal from the outside, a switch operated by a man and the like.
Herein, the instruction unit 805 is an instruction unit for
switching a signal switch on and off freely by a user.
[0212] If a user makes the signal switch on, electric power is
supplied from a battery and a signal for controlling strain of a
board is generated in an integrated circuit (such as a power supply
circuit, a control signal generation circuit, a memory, a CPU, or a
receiving circuit) 806 and the signal is supplied to the first
piezoelectric element 802. An electric signal to produce vibration
of the antiphase canceling a wave generated by the vibration or
impact on the ski is supplied to the first piezoelectric element
802. In this way, a user can harden a ski by making a signal switch
on.
[0213] Muscle strengths of the right leg and the left leg are
different commonly, and different signals may be supplied to the
first piezoelectric element on the right ski and to the first
piezoelectric element on the left ski, thereby making the stiffness
of the right ski and the stiffness of the left ski different. By
changing each stiffness of the board in accordance with muscle
strengths of the right and left legs by a user, the identical warp
in the right and left skies is obtained and the user can do a
symmetrical turn even if difference weights are put on by the right
and left legs.
[0214] When a TFT is driven, it generates heat. Heat is generated
by driving the integrated circuit 806 or the amplifier circuit 804
including a TFT. The sole surface may be heated indirectly by the
generated heat and the friction resistance with the snow face is
reduced, thereby increasing the skiing speed.
[0215] A heating element (such as a resistor) may be provided
instead of the first piezoelectric element 802. For example, the
stiffness of the ski may be reduced by softening a material in the
vicinity of the portion that has been heated by heating a portion
of the ski having high stiffness entirely. Resin used in one layer
of the ski is a material that can be softened by heating. The
friction resistance with the snow face may be reduced by heating
the ski using a heating element, thereby increasing the skiing
speed. It should be noted that it is difficult to change the
setting of a ski instantly, since the flexibility of the ski is
enhanced by heating with a switch turned on if a heating element is
provided.
[0216] This embodiment can be freely combined with any one of
Embodiment Modes 1 to 3.
EMBODIMENT 4
[0217] In Embodiment 4, an example in which the present invention
is applied to snowboard boots as an example of a winter sports
implement is shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. FIG. 9A shows the appearance
of boots and FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram showing a circuit
layout in a sole portion of the boots.
[0218] In this embodiment, a piezoelectric element 902 is provided
in a sole portion 901 of boots 900, and mechanical energy of an
impact from the surface of the snow or a board is changed into
electric energy with the piezoelectric element, and the electric
energy is used. Impact absorption is done effectively by providing
the piezoelectric element 902 in the sole portion 901 of the
boots.
[0219] By using heat generated by driving a TFT, circuits 903, 905
and 906 including TFTs are arranged in the sole portion of the
boots 900 to warm feet. The circuits including TFTs are thin, and
sheet-like devices that each uses a flexible film as a base
material. Thus, a user does not feel uncomfortable with the feet.
Note that the circuit 903 including a TFT is a rectifier unit
including an amplifier circuit, the circuit 905 including a TFT is
a temperature control generation circuit including a CPU and a
temperature sensor, and the circuit 906 including a TFT is a
circuit generating heat, a serpentine wiring or a heat-generating
element. The electric power generated in the piezo electric element
902 may be charged in a charging portion 904.
[0220] As shown in FIG. 9A, the circuits 903 and 905 including TFTs
are arranged in the sole portion 901 of boots, preferably a shank
portion in which an arrangement space can be secured, the circuit
906 including a TFT arranged in the toe portions of the boots
generates heat using electric power obtained by vibration or
impacts to the piezoelectric element 902 arranged in the heel
portion of the sole portion, thereby warming the toes that are
easily chilled or preventing heat radiation to the outside by a
rapid temperature change. An insole having a piezoelectric element
and a circuit including TFT may be arranged in boots instead of
being incorporated directly in the boots themselves in
manufacturing.
[0221] The electric power generated in the piezoelectric element is
stored in the charging portion 904 and an instruction unit (not
shown) is provided for a boot outer surface, and the fixation
degree or stiffness in a portion covering a foot excluding its
bottom may be adjusted under a CPU control by switching with an
instruction of a user.
[0222] The present invention can be applied to ski boots, thermal
boots and the like without limiting to snowboard boots shown in
this embodiment.
[0223] This embodiment can be freely combined with any one of
Embodiment Modes 1 to 3.
EMBODIMENT 5
[0224] In Embodiment 4, an example in which the present invention
is applied to shoes as an example of a sports implement is shown in
FIGS. 10A and 10B. FIG. 10A shows the appearance of shoes and FIG.
10B is a schematic diagram showing a circuit layout in a sole
portion of the shoes.
[0225] In this embodiment, a piezoelectric element 1004 is provided
in a sole portion 1001 of shoes 1000, and mechanical energy of an
impact from the ground surface or a floor surface is changed into
electric energy with the piezoelectric element, and the electric
energy is used. Impact absorption is done effectively by providing
the piezoelectric element 1004 in the sole portion 1001 of the
shoes.
[0226] By using heat generated by driving a TFT, circuits 1003,
1005 and 1006 including TFTs are arranged in the sole portion 1001
of the shoes to heat indirectly the sole face of the shoes. The
circuits including TFTs are thin, and sheet-like devices that each
uses a flexible film as a base material. Thus, a user does not feel
uncomfortable with the feet. Note that the circuit 1005 including a
TFT is a rectifier unit including an amplifier circuit, the circuit
1006 including a TFT is a temperature control generation circuit
including a CPU and a temperature sensor, and the circuit 1003
including a TFT is a circuit generating heat, a serpentine wiring
or a heat-generating element. The electric power generated in the
piezoelectric element 1004 may be stored in a charging portion
1007.
[0227] As shown in FIG. 10B, the circuits 1006 and 1008 including
TFTs are arranged in the sole portion 1001 of the shoes, preferably
a shank portion in which an arrangement space can be secured, the
circuit 1003 including a TFT arranged partially generates heat
using electric power produced by the vibration or impacts onto the
piezoelectric element 1004 arranged in the heel portion of the sole
portion.
[0228] For example, as for basket shoes, the sole face can be soft,
can hold a floor strongly and does not slip easily by warming the
sole face made of resin by heating the circuit 1003 including a
TFT.
[0229] When various circuits are provided in shoes, it is desirable
to install a central processing unit (CPU) including a TFT. A
portion 1002 is preferable for the location for arranging a central
processing unit (CPU), a sensor, a charging portion, a switch and
the like.
[0230] In FIG. 10B, circuits that are driven separately are
provided as a circuit group having a power 1007, and a circuit
group having a power 1002, respectively. However, without limiting
thereto, the circuits may be driven concurrently in cooperation
with each other.
[0231] A circuit including a piezoelectric element or a TFT may be
formed in running shoes. A piezoelectric element is arranged in a
sole portion and warming feet is conducted by heating a TFT circuit
using an electric power generated by vibration or impact on the
sole portion when it is cold. In addition, a heat-generating
element may be provided in the shoes separately, as well as such a
TFT circuit. When it is hot, a peltiert element is provided
separately in the shoes and the peltiert element is driven with the
electric power from the piezoelectric element to cool foots down.
In this way, a user can regulate temperature of shoes freely by
himself/herself. A temperature sensor is arranged and heating and
cooling are switched automatically by controlling with a CPU
depending on a temperature of the temperature sensor. This
embodiment can be freely combined with any one of Embodiment Modes
1 to 3.
[0232] For example, if this embodiment is combined with Embodiment
Mode 2, a simple display portion on which a user can recognize the
present setting of the shoes may be provided in the portion 1002 of
the shoes. In addition, an integrated circuit incorporating a power
generation unit such as a solar battery may be provided in the
shoes 1000. In addition, a contactless power transfer module that
can be charged with electric power without contact may be provided
in the shoes 1000, since it does not require replacement of the
battery.
[0233] When this embodiment is combined with Embodiment Mode 3, a
receiving circuit is incorporated in the portion 1002, and receives
a signal from an external terminal (not sown) having a transmitting
circuit, and conducts signal processing in the integrated circuit,
thereby making the setting of the shoes 1000 possible. If the
setting of the shoes can be changed by the external terminal, the
appearance of the shoes can be made simple without providing a
switch in the shoes 1000.
EMBODIMENT 6
[0234] Embodiment 6 shows an example in which the present invention
is applied to a soccer ball as an example of a sports implement in
FIG. 15A.
[0235] In FIG. 15A, a soccer ball 1501 to which a plurality of
integrated circuits 1502 each having a piezoelectric element, an
amplifier circuit and a light emitting element are attached is
shown. In addition, it is preferable that the integrated circuit
1502 having a piezoelectric element, an amplifier circuit and a
light emitting element can be freely attached onto and removed from
the ball.
[0236] When a soccer ball 1501 of the present invention is kicked,
a piezoelectric element of the kicked point generates electric
power, the electric power is amplified by the amplifier circuit,
and then the light-emitting element can emit light using the
electric power. Therefore, only the point where an impact or
vibration is given emits light instead of emitting light from the
entire surface of the soccer ball. The light emitting element emits
light similarly when the soccer ball is hit on the ground or a
wall. In general, it is difficult to practice soccer in the night,
since soccer is played in a wide place. It is greatly expensive to
use a place provided with outdoor lightning for nights. If a soccer
ball of the present invention is employed, practicing soccer in the
night is possible since the ball emits light partially. When the
integrated circuit 1502 having a piezoelectric element, an
amplifier circuit and a light emitting element is broken by the
impact given to the ball, it may be replaced by a new integrated
circuit. The integrated circuit 1502 having a piezoelectric
element, an amplifier circuit and a light emitting element is
provided on a flexible film and the flexible film has an adhesive
surface. Therefore, the integrated circuit 1502 having a
piezoelectric element, an amplifier circuit and a light emitting
element can be freely attached onto and removed from even a
spherical surface like a ball. The integrated circuit 1502 may
include a charging unit for storing electric power.
[0237] The soccer ball of the present invention becomes also a
novel amusement tool. For example, the soccer ball can be applied
to a sports game of soccer in a game arcade or the like. An
amusement with the use of the ball of the present invention is
shown briefly in FIG. 15B. If a player 1505 kicks a soccer ball
1501 toward a light transmitting sheet 1503, the kicked portion of
the soccer ball emits light at the instance when the soccer ball is
kicked, and also emits light at the instance when the ball is hit
on the sheet. The sheet 1503 that is flexible absorbs the impact
from the ball and prevents the ball from bouncing to the player.
The sheet 1503 is light-transmitting, and thus light-emission from
the ball is emitted to the opposite side of the player 1505 through
the sheet. If an imaging unit 1504 such as a CCD camera is provided
on the opposite side of the player 1505 through the sheet, the
position of the sheet on which the ball is hit or the kicked
position of the ball can be recognized. Thus, the orbit of the ball
can be determined. If the distance between the position where a
user kicks a ball and the sheet on which the ball is hit is fixed,
the speed of the ball can be calculated and measured from the time
difference between two light-emission, which are obtained by a CCD
camera or the like.
[0238] An integrated circuit having a piezoelectric element, an
amplifier circuit and a light emitting element can be installed in
various types of balls, without limiting to soccer balls. For
example, an integrated circuit having a piezoelectric element, an
amplifier circuit and a light emitting element can be installed in
a tennis ball or a squash ball. For example, if the method shown in
FIG. 15B is employed, an auto tennis field can be provided, which
can determine whether or not a ball goes over a net by using a
sheet having the same height as the net.
EMBODIMENT 7
[0239] Embodiment 7 shows an example in which the present invention
is applied to clothes (wear) such as a training wear as an example
of a sports implement in FIG. 16.
[0240] In FIG. 16A, a wear 1601 to which an integrated circuit 1602
having an antenna, a piezoelectric element, an amplifier circuit
and a memory element is attached is shown. In addition, it is
preferable that integrated circuit 1602 having an antenna, a
piezoelectric element, an amplifier circuit and a memory element
can be freely attached to a wear and removed from it. The wear 1601
is provided with the integrated circuit 1602 having at least a
transmitting circuit or receiving circuit.
[0241] The clothes (wear) of the present invention become a novel
training tool. For example, the wear of the present invention can
be employed for measuring the run-time between two points. Training
with the use of the wear 1601 of the present invention is shown
briefly in FIG. 16C. A player 1605 wearing the wear 1601 of the
present invention wears a watch 1603 and adjust the time of clocks
incorporated in two gates. A gate 1604 is arranged at a starting
point and a gate 1606 is arranged at a goal point. The player 1605
wearing the wear 1601 of the present invention comes close to a
transmitting circuit or a receiving circuit incorporated in the
gate 1604 at the starting point, and thus a signal can be sent and
received with an integrated circuit installed in the wear. The
integrated circuit 1602 is provided in the left arm of the player
1605 wearing the clothes 1601 of the present invention as shown in
FIG. 16B in this embodiment.
[0242] The piezoelectric element generates strain by being provided
with a vibration of body movements e.g., arm movements or by being
warped by stretching of clothes or the like, the generated current
is amplified in the amplifier circuit, and then electric power is
supplied to the integrated circuit. Further, the integrated circuit
1602 may include a charging unit for storing electric power.
[0243] The player 1605 leaves the gate 1604 at the starting point,
and the time is recorded in the gate. At the time transmission and
reception of a signal is suspended. The player comes close to the
gate 1606 installed at the goal point and passes beside the gate
1606, and therefore, transmission and reception of a signal is
conducted.
[0244] And the time of the signal transmission and reception is
recorded in the gate 1606. By comparing each time stored in the
gates 1604 and 1606, the run-time between the two points can be
measured by himself/herself. It has been difficult to perform
precise measurement of time in field-and-track events on one's
own.
[0245] This method is possible on the snow or the water.
Conventionally, it has been difficult to perform precise
measurement of time on one's own in winter sports. For example, by
training according to the present invention, an integrated circuit
at least having a transmitting circuit or a receiving circuit is
provided for a skiwear, and gates are provided at a start point and
a goal point respectively. If a skier is skiing therebetween, the
time can be measured by the skier himself/herself. By training
according to the present invention, an integrated circuit at least
having a transmitting circuit or a receiving circuit is provided
for a snowboardwear, and gates are provided at a start point and a
goal point respectively. If a snowboarder is skiing therebetween,
the time can be measured by the snowboarder himself/herself.
[0246] According to the present invention, an element or a circuit
to be provided for a sports implement can be formed by using a TFT
and a plurality of circuits or elements can be integrally formed.
Therefore, the present invention is effective in mass-producing of
a sports implement.
* * * * *