U.S. patent application number 16/053462 was filed with the patent office on 2019-02-07 for animated sports training and simulator game system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Kurt Johnson. Invention is credited to Kurt Johnson.
Application Number | 20190038954 16/053462 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65231952 |
Filed Date | 2019-02-07 |
![](/patent/app/20190038954/US20190038954A1-20190207-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20190038954/US20190038954A1-20190207-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20190038954/US20190038954A1-20190207-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20190038954/US20190038954A1-20190207-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20190038954/US20190038954A1-20190207-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20190038954/US20190038954A1-20190207-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20190038954/US20190038954A1-20190207-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20190038954/US20190038954A1-20190207-D00007.png)
United States Patent
Application |
20190038954 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Johnson; Kurt |
February 7, 2019 |
ANIMATED SPORTS TRAINING AND SIMULATOR GAME SYSTEM
Abstract
A simulator system includes a projector, a target assembly and a
data processing system. The target assembly includes a projection
surface and a sensor array defines a sensing plane configured to
sense a position of a projectile in the sensing plane relative to
the projection surface.
Inventors: |
Johnson; Kurt; (Chaska,
MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Johnson; Kurt |
Chaska |
MN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
65231952 |
Appl. No.: |
16/053462 |
Filed: |
August 2, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62540516 |
Aug 2, 2017 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2071/0625 20130101;
A63B 2024/0043 20130101; A63B 69/0002 20130101; A63B 2243/0025
20130101; A63B 71/0669 20130101; A63B 24/0021 20130101; A63B
2220/801 20130101; A63B 2024/004 20130101; A63B 2102/18 20151001;
G09B 19/0038 20130101; A63B 63/004 20130101; A63B 69/00 20130101;
A63B 2220/89 20130101; G09B 9/00 20130101; A63B 69/0024 20130101;
A63B 2220/833 20130101; A63B 69/002 20130101; A63B 71/0622
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/06 20060101
A63B071/06; A63B 69/00 20060101 A63B069/00 |
Claims
1. A simulation system, comprising: a projector configured to
project an image; a target assembly, comprising: a projection
surface defining a projection plane and configured to display the
image from the projector; a sensor array defining a sensing plane
including a plurality of sensors positioned to sense a position of
a projectile in the sensing plane relative to the projection
surface; and a data processing system configured to alter the image
on the display screen based on the sensed position.
2. The simulation system of claim 1, wherein the projection surface
comprises an impact screen formed of a polymer.
3. The simulation system of claim 1, wherein the projection surface
is substantially an entirely suffuse surface.
4. The simulation system of claim 1, wherein the sensor array is
supported by a frame proximate the projection surface.
5. The simulation system of claim 3, further comprising a
protective guard, wherein the protective guard is positioned on a
side of the frame opposite the projection surface.
6. The simulation system of claim 4, wherein the protective guard
forms an opening to the projection surface.
7. The simulation system of claim 5, wherein the sensor array
includes a plurality of radiation sources and a plurality of
radiation sensors, the plurality of radiation sensors positioned to
determine if the projectile blocks radiation from at least one of
the plurality of radiation sensors.
8. The simulation system of claim 1, further comprising a radar
detector configured to calculate a velocity of the projectile.
9. The simulation system of claim 1, further comprising a position
sensor configured to detect a position of a user relative to the
projection surface.
10. The simulation system of claim 1, wherein the projector is
positioned closer to the sensing plane than the projection
plane.
11. The simulation system of claim 1, wherein the projector is
positioned closer to the projection plane than the sensing
plane.
12. The simulation system of claim 1, wherein the sensor array
comprises a front plate defining a first contact point and a rear
plate defining a second contact point, wherein the front plate is
configured to deflect relative to the rear plate such that
electrical contact between the first contact point and the second
contact point indicates the position of the projectile in the
sensing plane.
13. A method, comprising: projecting an image onto a projection
surface, the projection surface defining a projection plane;
positioning a sensor array proximate the projection surface, the
sensor array defining a sensing plane; determining a position of a
projectile within the sensing plane relative to the projection
surface; altering the image based on the position of the
projectile.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the projection surface is
substantially an entirely suffuse surface.
15. The method of claim 13, further comprising: positioning a
protective guard in front of the sensor array, the protective guard
defining an opening; and positioning the sensing plane between the
opening and the projection surface.
16. The method of claim 13, further comprising: positioning the
sensor array behind the projection surface, such that the
projection surface deflects toward the sensing plane upon being
struck by the projectile.
17. The method of claim 13, further comprising: detecting a
position of a user relative to the projection surface.
18. A simulator system, comprising: a projector configured to
display an image; a target assembly, comprising: a projection
surface defining a projection plane and configured to display the
image from the projector; and means for sensing a position of a
projectile within a sensing plane relative to the projection
surface; and a data processing system configured to alter the image
on the display screen based on the sensed position.
19. The simulator system of claim 18, wherein the means for sensing
comprises a plurality of radiation sources and a plurality of
radiation sensors.
20. The simulator system of claim 18, wherein the means for sensing
comprises first and second plates arranged in parallel to one
another.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Sports simulators are used to track objects and provide
interactivity to simulate a sports environment. Current simulators
include cameras to track a trajectory of a projectile directed
toward a simulator screen or discrete targets that sense position
of a projectile.
SUMMARY
[0002] A simulator system includes a projector, a target assembly
and a data processing system. The target assembly includes a
projection surface and a sensor array defines a sensing plane
configured to sense a position of a projectile in the sensing plane
relative to the projection surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a simulator system.
[0004] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a method for operating the
system of FIG. 1.
[0005] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a target assembly.
[0006] FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view of a sensor assembly in
a first position.
[0007] FIG. 5 is a schematic section view of the sensor assembly of
FIG. 4 is a second, deflected position.
[0008] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of a
target assembly.
[0009] FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view of the target assembly
of FIG. 6.
DESCRIPTION
[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an example simulator system 10
that can be used for training and games related to various sports
(e.g., hockey, soccer, baseball). The system 10 includes a target
assembly 12, a projector 14 and a data processing system 16. During
use, the projector 14 can display an image (e.g., a video sequence
such as a moving goalie 15) onto the target assembly 12 and a user
or player 18 can direct a projectile 20 toward the target assembly
12. The target assembly 12 can calculate a position for which the
projectile 20 contacts the target assembly 12. The data processing
system 16 can register the calculated position and communicate with
the projector 14 to alter the image displayed on the target
assembly 12 in response to the calculated position. In one
embodiment, the data processing system is a media player available
from BrightSign, LLC of Los Gatos, Calif.
[0011] In one embodiment, a velocity sensor (e.g., a radar gun) 22
can be coupled with the target assembly 12 (e.g., positioned behind
a corresponding projection surface) to measure velocity of the
projectile 20 approaching the target assembly 12. The velocity
sensor 22 can be communicatively coupled with the data processing
system 16 and the projector 14 can project velocity that is sensed
by the sensor 22 onto the target assembly 12 (e.g., as shown as
image 23). Additionally, one or more position sensors (e.g.,
sensors 24 and 26) can be communicatively coupled (e.g., through
wiring) with the data processing system 16 to determine a position
of the player 18 relative to the target assembly 12. The projector
14 can further be configured to project different images based on
the determined position of the player 18 and other information
(e.g., a score image 27) as desired. In additional embodiments, the
system 10 can further include an audio amplifier 28 and
corresponding speakers 30 to play sound corresponding to the image
projected by the projector 14.
[0012] As discussed herein, the target assembly 12 includes a
projection surface defining a projection plane (when not in a
deflected condition) configured to display images from the
projector 14 and a sensor array that defines a sensing plane
configured to sense a position of a projectile relative to the
projection surface. With respect to a player directing a projectile
at the projection surface, the sensing plane can either be in front
of or behind the projection plane. Additionally, the projection
surface can be formed of a canvas type material (e.g., a polymer
such as polyester or vinyl and/or combinations thereof) that is
flexible to dampen forces of a projectile contacting the projection
surface. In one embodiment, the projection surface is an entirely
suffuse or nearly entirely suffuse surface that will dampen the
force of projectiles striking the projection surface. In one
embodiment, the sensing plane is substantially parallel to the
projection plane. In one embodiment, a distance from the projection
plane to the sensing plane is selected to be less than an overall
dimension of an expected projectile that will contact the
projection surface. In another embodiment, the distance from the
projection plane to the sensing plane is approximately half of an
overall dimension of the expected projectile. In one embodiment,
the distance is selected to be less than two inches, less than four
inches, less than ten inches or any distance therebetween.
[0013] The sensor array can take many forms, for example being
configured to sense a position of the projectile in the sensing
plane using an electromechanical device, a light-sensing device, a
piezoelectric device, an optical device, a Hall-effect transducer
and others. Regardless of the sensing device used, the sensor array
defines the sensing plane and includes a plurality of sensors to
sense projectiles within the sensing plane so as to make a
determination of position of the projectile relative to the
projection surface. Using the position determination, the projector
14 can project different videos and/or images onto the projection
surface. As described herein the sensor array, in one embodiment,
includes means for sensing a position of a projectile in a sensing
plane (e.g., an X-Y position within the plane). The means can
define structural elements that are positioned proximate the
projection surface and operate to provide an output of the position
to data processing system 16.
[0014] The data processing system 16 is configured to interpret
position signals from the sensor array of the target assembly 12
and update images projected by the projector 14. The update can
depend on a current image that is displayed on the target assembly
12. For example, an image of a goalie projected onto the target
assembly 12 may coincide with a position of a projectile sensed by
a sensor array of the target assembly 12. In such a case, the data
processing system 16 can use the image data projected and the
position data sensed and display a corresponding new video/image
based on this information. Conversely, if the goalie image does not
coincide with a position of a projectile sensed by a sensor array
of target assembly 12, a goal may be recorded by system 10.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of one example method 100 for
operating the simulator system 10. Other methods for operating the
simulator system can be used. At step 102, position sensors 24 and
26 optionally sense position of the player 18. Next, at step 104,
the projector 14 projects an image (e.g., a video image) on the
target assembly 12. In one example, the image includes one or more
target areas where the player 18 should aim the projectile 20. In
the case of simulating a hockey goalie, four corners of a net
and/or a space between leg pads of the goalie can be example target
areas. The player 18 then directs the projectile 20 toward the
target assembly 12 at step 106.
[0016] The target assembly 12 then registers a position of the
projectile 20 with respect to the target assembly 12 at step 108,
for example using a sensor array. The registered position of the
projectile 20 is then compared with a position of elements in the
video image at the time the position of the projectile 20 was
registered. Based on the registered position of the projectile 20
and the position of elements in the video image, it can be
determined whether a goal was scored at step 112.
[0017] As an example, in one specific embodiment, the player 18 is
a hockey player that shoots a puck 20 at the target assembly 12,
which can include a projected image of a goalie. If the puck 20
registers a position with respect to the target assembly 12 where
the goalie image is not present, a "score" can be registered.
Conversely, if the puck 20 contacts the target assembly 12 where
the goalie image is present, a "save" or "missed shot" can be
recorded.
[0018] Returning to FIG. 2, a score can be recorded at step 114 and
a corresponding goal video and/or audio sequence can be played at
step 116. If a goal is not scored, method 100 can proceed from step
112 to step 118, where a missed shot is recorded and a
corresponding missed shot video and/or audio sequence can be played
at step 120.
[0019] In addition to determining the position of the projectile
20, the method 100 can simultaneously therewith sense velocity of
the projectile 20 at step 122. The sensed velocity can then be
output to the data processing system 16 at step 124. At step 126,
the data processing system 16 can communicate with the projector 14
to display the sensed velocity.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary target
assembly 12' that includes a projection surface 200 and a sensor
array 202 positioned behind the projection surface 200 when viewed
from the perspective of the player 18. In addition, the velocity
sensor 20 is also positioned behind the projection surface 200. The
sensor array 202 supports a plurality of sensor assemblies 204
(e.g., sensor assemblies 204a-e) within a support frame 206. The
plurality of sensor assemblies 204 include portions configured to
deflect with respect to the support frame 206 if a projectile
contacts one of the sensor assemblies 204.
[0021] With further reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, in one embodiment,
the projection surface 200 is an impact screen forming a projection
plane 201 and is configured to dampen the force of projectiles
against the projection surface 200. In one embodiment, the surface
200 is formed of polyester and may include strengthening fibers for
reinforcement. Sensor assembly 204, forming a part of sensor array
202, is located behind the projection surface 200 and is configured
to generate a signal upon a projectile striking the projection
surface 200 proximate the sensor assembly. Sensor assembly 204 can
take many forms. As illustrated, sensor assembly 204 includes a
front plate 220 spaced apart from a rear plate 222 by one or more
resilient supports 224. In the embodiment illustrated, the supports
224 are springs, although other resilient structures can be
utilized, such as rubber columns, air bladders and others that
allow deflection of the front plate 220 with respect to the rear
plate 222. Sensor assembly 204 also includes a circuit assembly 230
that includes one or more contact points 232 coupled with the front
plate 220, one or more contact points 234 coupled with the rear
plate 222 and a signal generator 236 in electrical communication
with the contact points 232 and 234 through wiring 238. The contact
points 234, in one embodiment, define a sensing plane 223. The
contact points 232, in one embodiment, can be coupled with the
front plate 220 using a resilient support 240. The resilient
support 240 can be used to locate the contact point 232 away from
the front plate 220 and assure contact between corresponding
contact points 232 and 234. Additionally, the resilient support 240
can be used to dampen impact between the contact points 232 and
234. In an alternative embodiment, the contact point 234 can be
connected to the rear plate 222 using a corresponding resilient
support, with resilient support 240 being eliminated, or in
addition to the use of resilient support 240.
[0022] As illustrated in FIG. 5, upon contact of a projectile 20
with the projection surface 200, force from the projectile 20
causes contact of the projection surface 200 with front plate 220.
In addition, the force causes front plate 220 to deflect with
respect to rear plate 222, causing electrical contact between
contact points 232 and 234 (the upper points as shown). This
contact completes circuit 230 and allows signal generator 236 to
generate a signal indicative of contact of projectile 20 proximate
the sensor assembly 204. The data processing system 16 can then
interpret the signal and further determine if a shot is blocked and
project an image or video onto the projection surface 200
consistent with the determination.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an alternative exemplary
target assembly 12'' that includes a projection surface 300 and a
sensor array 302. In the embodiment illustrated, a protective guard
304 is positioned in front of the sensor array 302 to provide
protection of the sensor array 302 during use. The projection
surface 300 is formed of an impact screen similar to projection
surface 200 discussed above (e.g., formed of polyester with
optional reinforcement fibers) and positioned behind the sensor
array 302. The sensor array 302 In one embodiment, the sensor array
302 is a frame including a plurality of radiation sensors, a
plurality of radiation sources and a controller as described in
U.S. Pat. No. 9,453,726, the contents of which are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entirety. One example frame that
includes a sensor array is available from Baanto International
Ltd., of Mississauga, Canada.
[0024] The protective guard 304 defines an opening 306 defining a
width "W" and a height "H". The sensor array 302 senses a position
of a projectile that contacts projection surface 300 passing
through the opening. In particular, the sensor array 302 can
provide an indication of position of the projectile relative to the
position surface 300. For example, the indication of the position
can be represented by an X-Y coordinate value along the width (X
value) and the height (Y value). To that end, the sensor array 302
includes a plurality of radiation sensors 308 (herein shown as
sensors 308a-308c) and a plurality of radiation sources 310 (herein
shown as separate radiation arrays 310a-310c). The plurality of
radiation sources 310, in one embodiment, include spaced apart
light emitting diodes (LEDs). During operation, the radiation
sources 310 emit light (e.g., in the infrared spectrum). The
plurality of radiation sensors 308 are positioned to sense light
emitted from the plurality of radiation sources 310. In the event a
projectile is positioned between the sources 310 and sensors 308
(i.e., within opening 306), the sensors 308 determine that
radiation from sources 310 is not reaching the sensors 308.
Accordingly, the sensors 308 can determine the position of the
projectile as further discussed in the aforementioned '726 patent
and transmit that information to the data processing system 16.
[0025] As illustrated in FIG. 7, an example arrangement of the
projection surface 300, sensor array 302 and protective guard 304
is illustrated in a schematic sectional view. The guard 304 is
positioned in front of array 302 and defines the opening 306. The
projection surface 300 defines a projection plane 301 and the
sensor array 302 defines a sensing plane 303. In the embodiment
illustrated, the projection plane 301 and sensing plane 303 are
parallel to one another. When a projectile enters opening 306, the
projectile blocks the emission of light from sources 310 in the
sensing plane 303, such that a corresponding sensor 308 will sense
that a projectile is present and can register the position of the
projectile within the opening 306. A distance from the array 302 to
the projection surface 300 can be selected to maintain a projectile
within opening 306 such that the projectile has sufficient time to
block radiation from the sources 310 and accordingly the blocked
radiation can be sensed by sensors 308. In one embodiment, a
distance from the array 302 to projection surface 300 is selected
to be approximately one half of a dimension (e.g., width) of an
expected projectile that will be sensed by array 302. As a result,
during use, a front edge of the projectile will strike the
projection surface 300 and an approximate midpoint of the
projectile will be in the field of light emission from the sources
310, allowing sufficient time for sensors 308 to determine a
position of the projectile within the opening 306.
[0026] Various embodiments of the invention have been described
above for purposes of illustrating the details thereof and to
enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the
invention. The details and features of the disclosed embodiment[s]
are not intended to be limiting, as many variations and
modifications will be readily apparent to those of skill in the
art. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is intended
to be interpreted broadly and to include all variations and
modifications coming within the scope and spirit of the appended
claims and their legal equivalents.
* * * * *