DE102011050533A1 - Device, useful in game console for detecting point of impact of ball on solid barrier, comprises cameras for capturing balls, evaluation module, and trigger device, where module is used to calculate or detect point of impact of ball - Google Patents

Abstract

The optical ball detection device comprises cameras (16) for capturing the balls, an evaluation module (17), and a trigger device. The evaluation module is used to calculate or detect a point of impact of the ball on a solid barrier, and to generate an electronic signal based on the obtained data, where the point of impact is defined by an electronic signal. The detection device is connected, via an interface, to a game console, where coordinates of the point of impact are transferred through the interface, and the point of impact is detected at a moment when the ball hits the barrier. The optical ball detection device comprises cameras (16) for capturing the balls, an evaluation module (17), and a trigger device. The evaluation module is used to calculate or detect a point of impact of the ball on a solid barrier, and to generate an electronic signal based on the obtained data, where the point of impact is defined by an electronic signal. The detection device is connected, via an interface, to a game console, where coordinates of the point of impact are transferred through the interface, and the point of impact is detected at a moment when the ball hits the barrier. The electronic signal is transmitted to the detection device so that an image of the ball is generated in the moment of impact of the camera. The triggering device is formed as a loudspeaker. The camera detects an area of the solid barrier and/or an area in front of the solid barrier. An infrared light source is provided to illuminate the detection area of the camera. Independent claims are included for: (1) a device for shooting training in a soccer game; and (2) a solid barrier module for connecting a game console.

Description

The present invention relates to a ball detection device for detecting the impact point of a ball on a baffle wall.

In the DE 10 2007 017 732 A1 is described a training device with a drivable treadmill. This exerciser includes an aiming device for a shot item. Furthermore, a collecting device for the shot object is provided so that the object of the shot remains as possible on the treadmill and in the activity of the user. The collecting device is arranged in the running direction of the user in front of the treadmill and extends partially over the side regions of the treadmill. The collecting device is U-shaped and may be formed of a hard material, so that the object of the shot is thrown back onto the user. In particular, the collecting device may also be formed soft, for example in the form of a curtain, so that the object of the weft does not bounce directly back, but is largely slowed down when hitting the collecting device. The ball then falls back onto the treadmill and is automatically moved back towards the user.

The aiming device comprises, for example, weights suspended from cords which can be launched with the object of the shot. As target device, different target fields can be provided, which are controlled by a control device. In this case, for example, light-emitting diodes and pressure sensors can be provided in order to register the impact of the object of the shot on one of the target fields. Furthermore, the target device can also be designed as a touch-screen monitor, which also serves as a sensor device. Another target device is designed as a curtain with sensor elements.

Furthermore, the device may comprise a camera which can monitor both the movement of the aiming device and the movement of the object of the shot. If weights attached to cords are intended as the target device, the camera can be used to monitor whether they have been hit.

Thus, according to this device, pressure sensors, a touch screen, a curtain with sensors or a camera that detects the movement of a moving weight are used to detect a hit.

By means of this device, an efficient training is made possible, in which the user has to run on the treadmill on the one hand and on the other hand must permanently keep an eye on a free ball and a target, which additionally requires the concentration of the user. By guiding the free ball and shooting ball at a target, in combination with running, coordination and stamina are trained simultaneously. This provides a very effective training method.

From the US 5,660,550 A goes out a football training device. The device has a treadmill as well as a ball that can be moved along a path via a mechanism. The ball is fixed by a spring on a chain of mechanics. On the side of the treadmill are provided fields on which the user can place a foot, thereby obtaining a firm footing and hitting the movable ball with the other foot.

In the EP 1 184 059 A1 is a game machine described. This machine includes a screen on which targets can be imaged, and a ball attached to a string that can be shot over a ramp to the targets on the screen. Furthermore, sensors or light barriers are provided to detect the point of impact of the ball on the screen.

In the WO 02/41954 A1 is a system for target shot training described. According to this system, a football goal is divided into different segments. By means of two cameras, the position of the shooter as well as the area in which the ball hits the goal are detected.

In the US 2004/0198519 A1 is described an interactive target system. This target system has a laser device by means of which a user can shoot targets. In addition, a treadmill can be provided so that a player runs while running on the treadmill while shooting targets.

From the US 7,182,704 B2 goes out a ball game system. This system has a playing field with several trampoline units for jumping and an area where the user can walk. The system includes a ball feeder so that the user is provided with balls. The balls allow the user to hit targets. Sensors can be used to determine whether the user has hit a target or not.

In the US 4,700,952 A a device for moving a target is disclosed. This device has a drive over which a target can be moved. As a result, the user can shoot a moving target by means of a ball. The target can be moved at different speeds and in different directions.

From the US 4,699,386 A goes out a football training machine. This machine includes an air powered ball dispenser and a traveling doll that simulates a goalkeeper. A user should shoot a ball past the moving keeper to a target field.

Object of the present invention is to provide an optical ball detection device for detecting the point of impact of a ball on a baffle with a real object is easy and inexpensive to detect. Furthermore, the ball detection device should be simple and have a long life.

To solve this problem, the invention has the features specified in patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments thereof are specified in the subclaims.

According to the invention, an optical ball detection device is provided for detecting the impact point of a ball on a baffle with a camera and an evaluation module. The camera is designed to pick up a ball. The evaluation module calculates or detects the point of impact of the ball on a baffle and on the basis of this data an electronic signal is generated which defines the point of impact.

The ball detection device may have an interface via which the ball detection device can be connected to a game console. The coordinates of the impact point and / or the trajectory of the ball can be transmitted via the interface.

The ball detection device preferably has a triggering device, which is designed in such a way that, at the moment in which a ball hits a baffle, the impact is detected and an electronic signal is generated, which is transmitted to the detection device, so that at the moment of the Occurring from the camera, an image of the ball is generated and the point of impact of the ball on the baffle wall by means of the evaluation module is detectable.

By means of a corresponding method for image analysis, the exact point of impact (in X, Y and Z directions) of a gaming machine, e.g. of a ball, determinable on the screen. It is thus possible to determine the point of impact with a two-dimensional image in three-dimensional space. This is intended to generate an image in the moment in which the ball impinges on the screen and to use this image generated by triggering for image analysis.

The image analysis is preferably combined with the triggering device so that images that do not show a ball are discarded. A ball is therefore only detected if both a trigger signal and a ball in the image can be detected by means of image analysis.

The trigger device can be designed as a microphone, a pressure switch or as a light barrier and preferably as a structure-borne sound sensor. As a microphone or structure-borne noise sensor, a loudspeaker, in particular a loudspeaker for low tones (woofer) is preferably used, on whose membrane a baffle plate or protective screen is coupled, which is arranged in front of the screen. The advantage of using a loudspeaker, in particular a woofer as a microphone instead of a conventional, commercially available microphone, is that a loudspeaker only detects the sound in a narrow frequency band, so that interference signals are already filtered out during the detection. Preferably, the structure-borne sound sensor is followed by a crossover, so that the signal is further filtered.

The camera can record the position of the ball at least at one point or in two points or in three or more points and / or at the moment of impact on the baffle wall.

The evaluation module can be based on e.g. one point detecting the point of impact of the ball on the baffle or interpolating from the two or three points, or detecting the point of impact from the shot at the time the ball hit the baffle or calculating the trajectory of the ball from a combination of the above.

It can also be provided two or more cameras.

• – Das Licht der Infrarotlichtquelle wird von der trainierenden Person nicht wahrgenommen. Dies gilt für beliebige Lichtverhältnisse, die sich erheblich unterscheiden können und sowohl Tageslicht als auch künstliches Licht umfassen können. Auch hat das Umgebungslicht keinen Einfluss auf die Detektion des Balles.
• – Die Anordnung aus Kamera und Lichtquelle ist vorzugsweise so ausgebildet, dass die Kamera vor allem das infrarote Licht wahrnimmt. Dies kann einerseits eine Kamera für sichtbares Licht sein, die in der Regel auch infrarotes Licht detektieren. Die Intensität der infraroten Lichtquelle ist dann entsprechend hoch einzustellen, dass vor allem nur das infrarote Licht detektiert wird und/oder ein Infrarotfilter ist vor der Kamera für sichtbares Licht anzuordnen. Alternativ kann auch eine Infrarotkamera verwendet werden. Hierbei wird vor allem das infrarote Licht wahrgenommen, so dass die Darstellungen auf dem Bildschirm nicht detektiert werden und der Bildschirm im Infrarotbild schwarz erscheint, wohingegen sich der Ball in weiß scharf vom Hintergrund abhebt. Die Darstellungen im sichtbaren Bereich auf dem Bildschirm stören somit nicht die Detektion des Balles.

Preferably, an infrared light source is used as the light source. This has several advantages:

• The light of the infrared light source is not perceived by the exercising person. This applies to any lighting conditions that may differ significantly and may include both daylight and artificial light. Also, the ambient light has no effect on the detection of the ball.
• - The arrangement of camera and light source is preferably designed so that the camera perceives especially the infrared light. On the one hand, this can be a camera for visible light, which as a rule also detects infrared light. The intensity of the infrared light source is then set correspondingly high, that in particular only the infrared light is detected and / or an infrared filter is to be arranged in front of the camera for visible light. Alternatively, a Infrared camera can be used. In this case, especially the infrared light is perceived, so that the images on the screen are not detected and the screen in the infrared image appears black, whereas the ball in white stands out sharply from the background. The images in the visible area on the screen thus do not interfere with the detection of the ball.

Furthermore, the light source is preferably arranged around an optical axis of the camera. The optical axis of the camera is the optical axis of the lens or the lens of the camera understood.

The arrangement of the light source about an optical axis ensures that the ball is illuminated uniformly, regardless of the direction of its position with respect to the optical axis.

The light source comprises, for example, a plurality of light-emitting diodes which are arranged in a ring around the optical axis of the camera. There may be provided a plurality of rings of light emitting diodes, which are each arranged concentrically to the optical axis. The light-emitting diodes are arranged on a support which is convexly shaped in the case of a plurality of rings of light-emitting diodes, so that the light-emitting diodes of the individual rings radiate in a different direction with respect to the optical axis.

Due to the fact that the light emitting diodes radiate in different directions to the optical axis, light is emitted over a large angular range. As a result, the balls are illuminated very evenly regardless of their distance from the optical axis.

Instead of arranging the light-emitting diodes in a plurality of rings, the light-emitting diodes can also be arranged on a ring but with a different emission direction.

This gives an image of the balls that is essentially always circular, no matter where the balls are with respect to the optical axis. By such an arrangement of the light source, there are no "false shadows" that distort the image of the balls. A circular image of the balls is easy to evaluate and the center of the balls can be determined easily, quickly and very accurately.

In a development of the present invention, a training device with a treadmill device is provided. The exerciser includes a screen disposed forwardly of the treadmill device in the direction of travel and adapted to display one or more targets whereby a target can be shot on the screen by means of a ball. Furthermore, a collecting device is provided, which is arranged in the front region on the treadmill device adjacent to the screen, the side and / or upper side surrounding the screen. The screen tilted upwards in the direction of travel. It is a ball detection device for detecting the point of impact of a ball on a baffle provided with a camera and an evaluation module, the camera is designed to receive a ball and the evaluation module calculates or detects the point of impact of the ball on a baffle and from this data an electronic signal which defines the impact point, wherein the ball detection device initiates a target triggering based on the data.

The treadmill device comprises a treadmill, which is guided around two rollers in a conventional manner. Preferably, laterally standing on the treadmill boundary rollers are arranged, on which the lateral edge of the treadmill can come to rest. These limiting rollers prevent the treadmill from being pushed sideways off the rollers. A treadmill with lateral limiting rollers in conjunction with an optical ball detection device represents an independent idea of the invention.

The fact that the screen is tilted in the direction of travel, a user can run at a small distance from the screen on the treadmill device and still has an optimal viewing angle on the screen. This makes it possible to form the treadmill short, whereby a compact training device is provided. Thus, the training device according to the invention requires very little space to set up. The space requirement is only slightly larger than with conventional treadmills.

The ball detection device comprises a camera and an evaluation module. The detection device is decoupled from the screen, wherein the point of impact of the ball on the target displayed on the screen is calculated or detected only by the ball detection device. As a result, it is not necessary to use a touch-screen monitor. The touch-sensitive surface of touch screen displays often can not withstand the repeated impact of a ball. In addition, the decoupling of the ball detection device allows the screen that the screen by means of a protective plate (baffle plate) can be protected. Therefore, a very simple, low-maintenance, cost-effective and compact construction of the device is possible because no further separate targets or sensors are required. The ball detection device preferably has the triggering device explained above. Furthermore, the Ball detection device be designed such that the ball is detected primarily with infrared light.

Because the screen is tilted at an angle, a ball striking or rolling over the screen is returned to the user.

On the treadmill device, a catchment device is provided in the front area adjacent to the screen, surrounding the screen at the side and / or at the top. The fact that the collecting device surrounds the screen ensures that a ball rolls over the obliquely inclined screen or misses the target does not leave the training device but is returned to the user.

The collecting device may be formed of fabric or damping mats. If the ball is fired by the user and hits the catcher, the impact is damped. If the catcher is flush with the screen or with a screen above the screen then, in conjunction with the sloping screen, it will be ensured that the ball is always returned to the user at approximately the same speed. Here it almost does not matter how firmly the ball was shot.

With the training device according to the invention not only the endurance, but it will be trained as well as all sports motor skills. In particular, the properties which are an important prerequisite in the practice of ball sports, e.g. Agility, speed of action, responsiveness, aerobic endurance, anaerobic stamina, speed, sense of rhythm and coordination skills are specifically trained. With the exercise device according to the invention, above all, the coordination during running can be improved, since the training person must permanently coordinate the ball, the goal and his feet with each other. The movement on the treadmill contains in addition to the forward movement also permanent lateral movement components, which resemble a "prancing". These movements are very gentle on the joints, but they have a strong effect on the circulatory activity. Compared to conventional treadmills, the speed can be reduced by about 30% to 50%, in order to achieve the same pulse in the training person.

Furthermore, a transparent protective screen may be provided, which is arranged at a distance above or in front of the screen. The transparent protective screen prevents damage to the screen by repeated impact of the ball. Conventional screens have a thin-layered structure containing a liquid crystal layer and thin, transparent electrodes. This layer structure is not suitable for absorbing multiple impacts.

The protective screen may be curved in the shape of a channel. By means of such a protective screen, it is ensured that a ball shot at the slanted screen rolls back approximately centrally to the user. Thus, the user can remain approximately in his or her rhythm, since the ball experiences little change in direction due to lateral bands or the like. Due to the central arrangement of the ball, he also has the opportunity to decide to shoot the ball with his left or right foot on the targets.

The protective screen can also be flexible. Such a flexible protective disc dampens the impact of the ball. As a result, the impact of the ball is damped and thus slows the ball. With such a rebound behavior of the ball damping protective screen, the training effect can be adjusted specifically and in particular the distance between the training person and the protective screen or the screen are kept short.

The protective screen can also be arranged vertically. In a vertical protective screen, it is advantageous if it is flexible, whereby the ball rebounds more slowly.

Also, the screen disposed above the screen may be flexible. In order to prevent the flexible protective disc rests directly on the screen, a further rigid protective screen can be arranged between the screen and the protective screen. Thus, the screen can be safely protected from damage by the ball and the benefits of a muffled impact such as the braking of the ball and a muffled rebound can be combined.

At the lower edge of the screen and / or the protective pane facing the treadmill device, an impact edge may be provided whose height in the vertical direction from the treadmill approximately corresponds to the radius of a ball or is slightly higher. The baffle is eg a rubber profile. Due to the hardness of the rubber profile, the rebound property and thus the training load can be adjusted specifically. The harder the rubber profile is formed, the faster the ball bounces back. The softer the rubber profile is formed the stronger the rebound of the ball is damped and thus the return of the ball to the user is delayed. Such a rubber Bounce Edge Has a faster return feature than a flexible shield.

The training device according to the invention preferably has a length of 1.5 m and a width of 0.5 m. In conjunction with the rising screen inclined an extremely compact training device is provided. The training device thus has a very small footprint and can therefore be placed in rooms with a small size. Nevertheless, an ergonomic training is ensured because the user can walk due to the inclined screen completely relaxed and yet has an optimal viewing angle on the screen. Preferably, the inclination of the screen relative to the horizontal is 30 °.

The speed of the treadmill can be adjusted continuously from 0 km / h to 22 km / h. Already at a very low speed of, for example, 4 to 8 km / h, a very effective training is guaranteed because the user has to run permanently on the treadmill device on the one hand and on the other always keep the ball and the target device in mind. This requires a high degree of coordination and concentration and trains these two areas in an effective and entertaining way.

The camera records the position of the ball at least in one point or in two points and in particular in three points. Preferably, the camera is arranged approximately in the area above the screen and the treadmill. The camera, in conjunction with the evaluation module, for example, based on a point in the area immediately before the baffle, the screen or the protective screen determine which target the user has met. On the basis of two or three points of the ball, the evaluation module can calculate the trajectory of the ball by means of a straight line or a polynomial. This is particularly useful when the ball is spaced from the screen, for example. By a protective screen or the baffle edge. The trajectory is then cut with the surface of the screen, so that the possibly "fictitious" point of impact of the ball is determined on the screen. If this impact point lies within a target, then this is evaluated as a corresponding hit and output.

Furthermore, a control device is provided which controls the speed of the treadmill as a function of the user's pulse and / or of the hits achieved per predetermined time interval. By means of such a fully automatic pulse rate control, the speed of the game is controlled, so that the preset pulse of the player is barely undercut or exceeded. This plays an important role in the context of targeted calorie burning and physical well-being. The training load is thus kept approximately constant, even if a training person has developed so coordinatively that it runs very effectively and the ball shoots towards the target. Better players have the opportunity to hit more targets, or they can be displayed faster in succession.

A loudspeaker can be used to output an audio signal when a hit has been achieved. Thus, a high fun factor is guaranteed, which in conjunction with the sporting challenge motivates the player to ever new peak performance without him being aware of the great physical effort.

The exercise device according to the invention provides a particularly gentle training for joints, tendons, muscles and ligaments. This is particularly advantageous because when running and dribbling simultaneously or shooting the pulse rate is about 30% higher than in a conventional running training. In order to maintain the upper limit of the pulse rate, the speed of the treadmill device can be reduced to such an extent that the desired pulse frequency upper limit is not exceeded. By means of the training device according to the invention thus a workout is provided, which is very gentle for joints, tendons, ligaments and muscles due to the dribbling movement and the low belt speed.

The "shooting" of the ball on the compact training device according to the invention is not comparable to the shooting of a football in a football training. The ball, which is usually much smaller than a football, for example, the ball has a diameter of 7 cm to 10 cm, is compared to a shot with a football slowly led towards a target or shot. The requirements of the training person are therefore primarily in the coordination of running and "dribbling" and the slow shooting of the ball towards the goal.

In order for the training device is suitable for a shot training in the sense of a football game, it must be large and very stable, so that you can train on it with a conventional football. Although this is possible in principle, but not primary objective of the present invention, with which especially a compact training device to be created.

In a further embodiment of the present invention is a baffle module for Connected to a game console provided. This baffle module has a ball detection device for detecting the point of impact of a ball on a baffle with a camera and an evaluation module, wherein the camera is designed to receive a ball and the evaluation module calculates or detects the point of impact of the ball on a baffle and from this data an electronic signal which defines the point of impact. The baffle module has a transparent baffle formed to bounce a ball impinging thereon, the baffle being provided with a stand that is configured such that the baffle can receive the momentum of a ball striking the baffle.

Such a baffle module can be used, for example, in conjunction with a game console and used in conjunction with a TV and arranged in front of this. This results in a unique real feeling for the user, since he plays a real ball and not a virtual ball while playing.

Furthermore, the baffle module may have a collecting device which is arranged on the side and / or upper side surrounding the baffle.

The collecting device has the advantage that a ball does not roll around but remains in a play area in front of the television. In addition, the furnishings surrounding the television are protected from damage by the ball.

Furthermore, the baffle can be provided with a ramp which is formed rising towards the baffle and which terminates approximately flush with the collecting device.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. These show in:

1 a schematic side view of a training device according to the invention according to a first embodiment,

2 a schematic front view of the exercise device according to the invention according to the first embodiment,

3 a schematic side view of the exercise device according to the invention according to a second embodiment,

4 a schematic side view of the exercise device according to the invention according to a third embodiment,

5 a schematic side view of the exercise device according to the invention according to a fourth embodiment,

6 a schematic plan view of the training device according to the invention according to 1 .

7 a schematic side view of a baffle with a first triggering device,

8th a schematic side view of the baffle with a second trigger device,

9 a schematic side view of the baffle with a third trigger device,

10 a schematic side view of another embodiment of a baffle,

11 a schematic side view of an embodiment of a baffle module,

12 a schematic perspective view of the baffle module 11 .

13 a schematic side view of another embodiment of a baffle module,

14 a schematic perspective view of the baffle module 13 , and

15 a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an optical ball detection device.

The training device according to the invention 1 has a treadmill device 2 on ( 1 . 2 ). The treadmill device 2 has a treadmill with an upper run and a lower run, wherein the treadmill is driven by a motor (not shown) such that the upper run counter to a running direction 3 emotional.

The treadmill device 2 has a length of 2.5 m to 2.0 m or 2.0 m to 1.8 m, in particular from 1.8 m to 1.5 m and a width of 1.2 m to 1.0 m or from 1.0 m to 0.8 m and in particular from 0.8 m to 0.5 m.

In an alternative embodiment, the treadmill device 2 a width of 2 m to 4 m and preferably about 3 m. Such an extra wide treadmill is preferably used in conjunction with a football according to the international football rules.

At one in the direction of travel 3 front end of the treadmill device 2 is a screen 4 arranged. The screen 4 is in the direction of travel rising inclined. The angle 5 between a display page of the screen and the horizontal 6 is between 5 ° and 75 °, in particular between 20 ° and 50 ° and preferably between 25 ° and 35 °. The screen is designed as a 19 '' color monitor, for example. Furthermore, an adjusting device (not shown) may be provided to the inclination angle 5 Of the screen 4 opposite the horizontal 6 to adapt to the size of the user.

If an extra wide treadmill is used, then the screen is 4 preferably 5 to 10 m away from the position of the exercising person, which is located approximately in the center of the treadmill. This means that the treadmill does not have to extend to the screen, but an intermediate area between the treadmill and the screen can be bridged with a plate aligned with the upper run of the treadmill.

On the screen 4 goals are displayed. The targets are, for example, next to each other in a row on the screen shown ( 2 ).

On the screen 5 is an either flexible or rigid, transparent protective screen 7 (Baffle) arranged. In compact training devices, a flexible protective screen is preferred because it dampens the rebound of the ball. For larger training devices, a harder, especially rigid protective screen may be advantageous. The protective screen 7 is spaced from the screen 4 fixed. By the spacing of the protective screen 7 from the screen 4 has the protective screen 7 Space to give in to an impinging ball without contacting the screen. Preferably, the protective screen 7 a soft PVC sheet having a thickness of for example 3 mm to 10 mm and in particular 5 mm.

The treadmill device 2 facing lower edge of the protective screen 7 is with an impact edge 9 provided, the lower edge of the baffle edge 9 slightly spaced above the treadmill device 2 is arranged.

The baffle edge 9 is for example a cross-sectionally approximately triangular plastic or rubber profile. The cross section of the profile corresponds approximately to an isosceles triangle with two leg sides and one base side. The base side of the triangle is with the protective screen 7 connected and the apex of the triangle points approximately counter to the direction 3 , The rubber profile 9 but may also have a rectangular or other cross-section. The baffle edge 9 has a height of about 3 cm to 8 cm, in particular 4 cm to 6 cm, and preferably from 3.5 cm to 5 cm. The baffle edge 9 is preferably designed such that the pointing counter to the direction of the tip of the triangle at the height of the radius of a ball on the treadmill device 2 is arranged.

The training device 1 has a catcher 10 on. The collecting device 10 includes, for example, a U-shaped frame 11 that extends from a side area of the treadmill device 2 to the other side area of the treadmill device 2 , the screen 4 surrounding, extending and which is formed rising in the direction, so that he is behind the screen over a certain height above the upper edge of the screen 4 or the upper edge of the protective pane 7 extends. The collecting device 10 extends laterally on the treadmill device 2 to about the first third of the length of the treadmill device 2 , Between the treadmill device 2 and the U-shaped frame 11 is preferably a substance 12 strained, flush with the protective screen 7 and the treadmill device completes. Alternatively, the collecting device 10 also from steaming mats 11 . 12 be educated. Under flush is in the context of the present invention, a direct concern, but also a gap that is small enough that a ball is not between the shield 7 or the screen 4 and the catcher 10 can fall through, but is safely stopped.

The training device 1 can one on a frame 13 arranged display 14 exhibit. About the display 14 Information such as heart rate, incline, speed, calorie consumption, completed performance profile and the like can be displayed to the user. The display has a keyboard 8th to select the game mode or training exercises.

At the frame 13 is a speaker 18 arranged to output an audio signal.

It is also possible to give the user the information in addition to the targets via the screen 4 from time to time, for example when it reaches a critical heart rate, via the loudspeaker 18 tell.

At the frame 13 is a ball detection device 15 for detecting the point of impact of a ball on the protective screen 7 and / or at the baffle edge 9 , arranged. The ball detection device 15 has a camera 16 and an evaluation module 17 on.

The camera has a light source, which is preferably an infrared light source. The infrared light source and the camera are preferably arranged and designed so that the ball is detected primarily by means of infrared light. This is explained in more detail above.

The light source comprises, for example, a plurality of light-emitting diodes which are arranged in a ring around the optical axis of the camera. There are provided a plurality of rings of light emitting diodes, which are each arranged concentrically to the optical axis. The LEDs are arranged on a support which is convex, so that the light emitting diodes of the individual rings with respect to the optical axis radiate in a different direction.

According to a first embodiment, the camera 16 so on the frame 13 arranged that the baffle edge 9 and in particular the area of the treadmill device 2 in front of the baffle 9 in the recording area of the camera 16 are located. The recording module 17 controls the camera, for example, such that in the area in front of the baffle edge 9 two pictures of the ball are taken. The camera itself records the images at a high frequency, eg 100 frames per second. The recording module checks the images to see if they contain an image of the ball. If this is the case, then a predetermined number, eg two, three or four images are selected from the sequence of images, which show the ball on its way towards the baffle edge. Whether the ball is moved in the direction of the baffle edge is detected by roughly determining the coordinates of the ball on the basis of two successive images and determining from these coordinates that the ball moves in the direction of the baffle edge. The predetermined number of images are selected from a series of images which then point the ball as it moves toward the baffle. The images that show the ball as it moves away from the baffle are discarded.

The selected images are analyzed in detail by the evaluation module, that is to say first all pixels assigned to the ball are determined. Then the center of gravity of these pixels is determined. This center of gravity indicates the coordinates of the ball in the X-Y plane (= plane of the treadmill or horizontal plane).

Based on the coordinates of the ball, the trajectory of the ball is determined by means of an interpolation with a straight line or a polynomial. In the simplest case, it is assumed that the ball always bounces off the baffle edge. The impact point at the baffle edge is the point of intersection of the calculated ball curve with a line describing the baffle edge. This intersection can be easily determined in the XY plane. Based on this intersection determines the evaluation module 17 whether immediately behind a target is located on the screen, which may be assessed as being hit by the user.

If the baffle edge is located well above the plane of the treadmill, e.g. about 25% to 50% of the diameter of the ball, then the assumption that the ball always bounces off the baffle is usually justified.

Balls that jump over the bounce and then on the screen 4 (In the case of an embodiment without a vertical protective screen), after the one or more recorded points in the area in front of the baffle edge, they are evaluated and thus according to which target they are before the bouncing edge is skipped 9 would have met. The actual target that hits the ball then after skipping the baffle edge then does not matter.

Furthermore, a control device 19 provided the speed of the treadmill device 2 depending on the pulse of the user and / or the hits achieved per predetermined time interval controls. By means of such a fully automatic pulse rate control, the speed of the game is controlled, so that the preset pulse of the player is barely undercut or exceeded. This plays an important role in the context of targeted calorie burning and physical well-being. The training load is thus kept approximately constant, even if a training person has developed so coordinatively that it runs very effectively and the ball shoots towards the target. More experienced players have the opportunity to hit more targets, or they can be displayed faster in succession.

As a ball, a plastic ball is provided, which has a diameter of about 7 cm to 10 cm. The ball has a greatly reduced jumping behavior and is designed to completely inflate if a user accidentally steps on it. On extra-wide training devices can also be trained with a football, as defined, for example, by the international football rules.

In the following, the training device according to the invention 1 according to a second embodiment described ( 3 ). The second embodiment substantially corresponds to the first embodiment. Identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals.

According to the second embodiment, the protective disk 7 at the end of the treadmill device 2 , in the area in front of the screen, arranged vertically. The protective screen 7 can also be underside with an impact edge 9 be provided. In the present embodiment, it has no baffle edge 9 on.

Subsequently, the detection and the calculation of the point of impact of the ball on the screen 4 explained according to a second embodiment.

According to the first embodiment it is provided that the ball is usually on the baffle edge 9 impinges and rebounds from there to the user. According to the second embodiment, the ball from the baffle edge 9 bounce off or on the protective screen 7 hit and roll back from there to the user.

If the place of the ball on the protective screen 7 should be considered, then it is convenient the point of impact of the ball on the protective screen 7 to determine. This can be done, for example, such that the trajectory in the XY plane of the ball before and another trajectory of the ball in the XY plane is determined after the impact of the ball on the protective screen. The intersection of these two trajectories gives the impact point on the protective screen in the XY plane. Since the arrangement of the protective screen is known, this point of impact can be projected or imaged on the inclined plane of the protective screen, so that the point of impact in the 3-dim space (XYZ) is fixed.

The trajectory can then match the area of the screen 4 be cut so that the possibly "fictional" impact of the ball on the screen 4 displayed destination is determined. If this impact point lies within a target, then this is evaluated as a corresponding hit and output. As a result, the targets can be arranged distributed not only along a line but in the screen plane or in a 3D representation in space and be taken accordingly.

According to a third embodiment ( 4 ) of the present invention, the opposite to the direction 3 facing side of the baffle edge 9 also be arranged such that it with the surface inclined protective screen 7 is aligned and approximately flush with the surface of the treadmill device. Thus, the ball rolls almost unrestrained by the treadmill device 2 the rising protective screen 7 up.

It can either be provided to detect or calculate the point of impact of the ball as described above. But it is also possible that the goals in two or more rows on top of each other on the screen 4 are arranged. The impact point calculation can then be done in different ways.

Here are two cases to distinguish. On the one hand, the ball can over the edge between the treadmill device 2 and roll the slanted screen. Then the trajectory at this point has a kink, if the ball does not run exactly perpendicular to this edge. This kink is referred to below as Rollknick. On the other hand, the ball can over this edge between the treadmill device 2 and the screen 4 fly. In this case, the trajectory makes no kink on the edge. After hitting the screen or the protective disk, the ball jumps off causing the trajectory to make a kink, which is referred to below as a kink.

Preferably, the ball will be in at least two consecutive points in the area of the treadmill device 2 added. From this, a first trajectory, the speed of the ball and the angle with which the ball hits the edge between the treadmill device 2 and the tilted screen 4 impingement (rolling kink) determined. Based on these data, another screen trajectory is determined along the ball over the protective screen 7 or the screen 4 rolls. Subsequently, the ball is in at least one point in the area of the screen 4 added. If this point lies on the screen trajectory, the ball rolls and the hits can be determined. If this point is not on the screen trajectory further points of the ball are recorded and it is calculated according to the second embodiment, a second trajectory. On the basis of the intersection (jump kink) of the first and the second trajectory can be exactly the point of impact of the ball on the screen 4 determine.

Alternatively, the camera 16 the ball in at least two points in the area on the treadmill device 2 record and in at least one or two points on the rising screen. The thereby detected Rollknick then shows at which point the ball the screen 4 or the protective screen 7 rolled up. In conjunction with the known tilt of the screen can be calculated from what targets are hit on the screen by the ball rolling over it.

By this method, the exact impact point of a directly, ie without touching the treadmill, shot on the inclined screen ball can be calculated. In this case, the jump crease indicates the point where the ball touches the screen 4 has hit because of the ball by hitting the screen 4 changed his trajectory.

It can also, in addition to the above the screen 4 arranged camera 16 a further laterally arranged camera may be provided. By combining the two-dimensional data of the two cameras, the exact trajectory of the ball can be determined in three-dimensional space. In this way, also the impact of a directly on the screen 4 shot or one of the baffle 9 Determine rebounding ball.

In the following, various modifications will be made to the ball detection device 15 described ( 7 to 15 ). All of the components described herein are combinable with each other as far as appropriate, in particular, all the ball detection devices explained below can be used in the above-described training device.

The ball detection device basically has a camera 16 and an evaluation module 17 on, wherein the camera is designed to receive a ball and the evaluation module the point of impact of the ball on a baffle 7 calculated or detected and generated from this data an electronic signal that defines the point of impact.

Under baffle 7 is understood in the context of the present invention, a protective screen, a screen, a wall or even a projection surface, such as a screen.

The ball detection device 15 is preferably with an interface 31 provided with a connector over which the ball detection device with a game console 32 or another control device is connectable. The game console 32 or the control device are responsible for the course of the game operation. About the interface 31 the coordinates of the impact point and / or the trajectory of the ball are transferable.

The ball detection device 15 can with a trigger device 30 be provided. The triggering device 30 is formed such that at the moment in which a ball on a baffle wall 7 incident, the impact is detected and an electronic signal is generated, which is transmitted to the ball detection device, so that at the moment of impact of the ball on the baffle wall of the camera 16 an image of the ball is generated and the point of impact of the ball on the baffle wall 7 by means of the evaluation module 17 is detectable.

By means of a method for image analysis is the exact point of impact (in X, in Y and in Z direction) of a game device, such as a ball, on the baffle 7 determinable. It is thus possible to determine the point of impact with the two-dimensional image of the camera in three-dimensional space. This is intended to generate an image in the moment in which the ball impinges on the screen and to use this image generated by triggering for image analysis. In a development, the flight curve of the ball in space can be determined by means of this method. One possibility for image analysis has already been discussed above. Further possibilities for image analysis are described in detail below.

According to a first embodiment of the ball detection device 15 with triggering device 30 ( 7 ) is the triggering device 30 designed as a pressure switch. The pressure switch 20 is behind the baffle 7 arranged and connected to this. The baffle or protective screen 7 can, for example, be so flexibly formed or elastically mounted that they are on impact of the ball, at any location of the protective screen 7 These are either sufficiently deformed or moved against the elastic bearings to the pressure switch 20 to press. The operation of the pressure switch 20 is converted into an electrical signal. With this triggering device 30 the moment of impact of the ball is detectable irrespective of the speed or impulse and at which point the ball touches the protective screen 7 incident. This applies to all ball disposal equipment described below 15 with triggering device 30 ,

According to a method for detecting the ball with as a pressure switch 20 trained trigger device is provided that when the ball on the protective screen 7 impinges, the pressure switch is actuated. The signal generated in this case is sent to the evaluation module 17 then forwarded the camera 16 The controls just at the moment in which the ball on the protective screen 7 a picture is generated. The processing of the image by means of the evaluation module 17 will be described later.

In a second embodiment ( 8th ) is the trigger device as a structure-borne sound sensor 21 trained with the protective screen 7 is coupled. The structure-borne sound sensor 21 is designed, for example, as a contact microphone or structure-borne sound microphone. Such a sensor 21 works with piezoelectric or ceramic sensors. These are hardly sensitive to airborne sound, such as, for example, conventional microphones, but they take on the surface of the protective screen 7 attached, the structure-borne noise of the protective disk 7 directly from. The structure-borne sound sensor 21 is thus a sensor for the vibrations of the protective screen 7 itself. The structure-borne sound sensor 21 is for example on the protective screen 7 glued. Preferably, the structure-borne sound sensor 21 but a speaker, on whose membrane the protective screen 7 (Baffle plate) is coupled. The advantages of a loudspeaker, in particular a woofer, are explained in detail above.

According to a method in which the trigger device as a structure-borne sound sensor 21 is formed, the impact of the ball on the protective disc generates a vibration and thus a Structure-borne noise of the protective screen. These sound waves are from the structure-borne sound sensor 21 detected and converted into an electrical signal. The signal generated in this case is sent to the evaluation module 17 then forwarded the camera 16 The controls just at the moment in which the ball on the protective screen 7 a picture is generated.

According to a third embodiment, the trigger device ( 9 ) as a light barrier 22 educated. The light barrier comprises a transmitter 24 and a receiver or sensor 25 , The transmitter 24 and the receiver 25 the photocell 22 are in the area behind the protective screen 7 arranged such that the transmitter 24 emitted radiation by total reflection due to the flat angle of incidence of the back of the protective screen 7 to the recipient 25 is diverted. The transmitter 24 is an infrared or visible light emitting diode or a laser diode. The recipient 25 is eg a phototransistor. The photocell 22 is formed such that the caused by the ball vibration of the protective screen 7 the light beam changed so that the light path from the transmitter 24 to the recipient 25 is interrupted. The recipient 25 registers the interruption and converts it into an electrical switching signal. To the photocell 22 Insensitive to external light, the radiation can be modulated to distinguish it from the ambient light. In addition, an infrared filter in front of the receiver 25 be arranged to shield daylight.

According to a method in which the trigger device is designed as a light barrier, is by the impact of the ball on the protective screen 7 this moves so that the light beam from the transmitter 24 to the recipient 25 is interrupted. The recipient 25 registers this interruption and it is triggered. The camera 16 creates an image the moment the ball hits the protective screen.

In a further alternative embodiment, the trigger device may be designed as an acoustic sensor to detect the noise generated by the ball when it hits the protective screen. To filter out this noise from the sounds of the environment, a noise filter may be provided.

In the method just described is advantageous that the camera 16 easily creates an image at the precise moment when the ball hits the protective screen, or at that moment an image generated by the camera is selected and stored. This image will be referred to as the trigger image below.

The trigger image is analyzed by finding the coordinates of the ball in the XY plane (treadmill plane or horizontal plane, respectively). Since the arrangement of the protective screen in the room is known, these coordinates of the corresponding Z-coordinate of the protective screen 7 be assigned. These coordinates (X, Y, Z) correspond to the impact point of the ball on the protective screen 7 , This assignment corresponds to a projection of the 2-dim coordinates on the 3-dim area of the protective screen.

By means of this method, the exact impact point of the ball on the baffle wall can be determined with a two-dimensional image and the time of impact on the baffle wall 7 determine. If this impact point lies within a target, then this is evaluated as a corresponding hit and output. Targets can thus also be arranged in two or more rows on the screen and still it is possible to detect the hits with simple means on any position on the screen.

In addition, with the evaluation device 17 and the camera 16 the position of the ball at two, three or more locations before hitting the baffle 7 be detected.

The ball curve can be mathematically described with the following equations: x = x ₀ + v _x × t, y = y ₀ + v _y × t, z = z ₀ + v _z × g / 2t ² . where x ₀ , y ₀ and z _{0 are} the coordinates of the ball in the XYZ coordinate system at the beginning of the ball curve, v _x , v _y and v _{z are} the velocity components of the ball at the starting point (x ₀ , y ₀ , z ₀ ) of the ball curve in FIG of the X, Y and Z directions, where g is the gravitational acceleration and t is the time.

The velocity components v _x and v _y can be determined from the X and Y coordinates of two points of the ball as it moves toward the baffle, obtained from two images. The impact point can, as stated above, with all three coordinates (x, y, z) determine. The ball curve is not yet completely determined. The component of the velocity in the Z-direction is missing. In order to determine the ball curve exactly, further information is necessary. If you knew the time when the ball was shot down by the treadmill, then you could use the impact point and the velocity components in the X-direction and Y-direction to calculate the launch point, Assuming that the ball has been shot down by the treadmill.

The time of launch can be easily detected, for example, by means of a microphone which detects the noise generated during firing and this time to the evaluation module 17 transmitted.

Furthermore, the location of the shooting could be determined by means of a camera, wherein the camera is directed at the viewing direction of the treadmill and receives the ball in successive images and each determines the coordinates. The coordinates of a picture just taken are compared with the coordinates of the ball with a previously taken picture. If the X coordinate of the image just taken is greater than the X coordinate of the previously captured image, it means that the ball is moving toward the baffle. The first time a "forward movement" of the ball is detected, then the coordinates of the ball from the last taken picture are used as a launching point.

Another possibility is to determine the trajectory of the ball in three-dimensional space. The size of the ball in several pictures in the area in front of the baffle wall 7 evaluate and use this data to make a qualitative statement as the trajectory of the ball runs. If the ball becomes larger, for example, in three consecutive pictures, it is in the ascending position. If the ball gets smaller and smaller in these pictures, it is already sinking.

The size of the ball is determined by counting the respective pixels in the image. The difference in the number of pixels of the ball of two successive images indicates how much the ball rises or falls. From this, the velocity component in the Z direction can be estimated, whereby in principle only a rough estimate is possible. However, this can meet the requirements of a training exercise or a game.

Furthermore, a second camera may be provided, which is arranged such that it receives one or more images of the ball in a lateral view. Thus, then the coordinates in the Z direction are known and the flight curve of the ball can be displayed in three-dimensional space.

It is also possible to provide two cameras in the region in front of the baffle wall, which are arranged in such a way that their detection area intersects. From this, the trajectory of the ball can also be detected.

Because the exact flight curve of the ball can be determined or known in space, a further notional ball curve can be calculated, which continues the trajectory of the ball after the protective screen. With this fictitious ball curve, the impact of the ball on spatially distributed targets can be determined. Such spatially distributed targets can be displayed in perspective or by means of a three-dimensional representation on the screen. This results in a variety of interesting games. For example. For example, the ball may be placed in targets arranged one behind the other on the screen, e.g. Baskets are to be lashed. The moment the ball bounces off the protective screen, the further trajectory of the ball can be displayed on the screen.

An optical ball detection device according to the invention with or without trigger device can also be an integral part of a baffle module 33 be ( 10 to 13 ).

Such a baffle module 33 is eg in connection with a TV 34 and a game console 32 usable ( 10 to 13 ).

The ball detection device of the baffle module 33 is then over the interface 31 connected to the game console. The game console serves as a controller and is connected to the TV 34 connected. The TV 34 is then used as a screen. About the game console 32 Various games, such as. Football simulations or the shooting of cones executable.

The baffle module 33 has a transparent baffle 7 which is configured such that a ball impinging thereon rebounds. The baffle is eg a protective screen made of one of the materials described above. The protective screen 7 is designed as a vertical wall, in front of the TV 34 can be arranged to protect it from the impact of a ball. The protective screen 7 is at least as big as the TV 34 almost completely covered.

The baffle or the protective screen 7 is from a stand 35 held. The stand 35 includes, for example, two horizontal uprights 36 the one with the baffle 7 are connected and two oblique connecting struts 36 extending between the free ends of the insurgency struts 36 and the baffle 7 extend, being at a higher point of the baffle 7 as the rebellions 36 are attached. The stand 35 prevents the baffle 7 tips over when a ball is shot at. The stand 35 is thus formed such that the baffle 7 the impulse of one on the baffle 7 can record incoming ball.

Furthermore, a collecting device 10 provided, the side and / or upper side of the baffle 7 is arranged surrounding. The catcher extends from the vertical edges of the shield 7 towards the user and expands towards this. In the area of the protective screen 7 has the catcher 10 in about the height of the protective screen 7 to catch a ball shot next to the protective screen and put it on a ramp 37 to steer so that he rolls back to the user.

The catcher 10 may be formed as described above from a soft, a shot damping material. But it is also possible to form them so rigid that they can be used as a gang, on the ball on the protective screen 7 can bounce.

According to a first embodiment of the baffle module 33 ( 10 . 11 ) is a holding device 38 provided at the upper edge of the baffle 7 is arranged and the camera 16 absorbs so that the detection range of the camera 16 the baffle 7 and / or the area in front of the baffle wall.

Preferably, the baffle module 33 a ramp 37 on that to the baffle wall 7 is rising and is approximately flush with a catcher. The ramp 37 is formed such that one on the protective screen 7 shot ball rolls back to the user.

In the following, a further embodiment of the baffle module 33 ( 12 . 13 ) substantially the first baffle module 33 equivalent. Identical components are provided with the same reference numerals.

In this baffle module 33 are two cameras 16 provided to replace the arranged on the upper edge of the baffle camera. These two cameras 16 are at the front edge area on the ramp 37 arranged. The detection areas of these cameras 16 cut or intersect and capture the baffle 7 and / or the area in front of the baffle wall.

In the following, two embodiments for the use of a ball detection device according to the invention are described which do not require their own baffle or protective screen ( 14 . 15 ). A ball detection device described above can thus also without a protective screen 7 used, for example, if a room or outer wall acts as a baffle.

The controller also assumes a game console according to these embodiments 32 or a specially trained control device 31 ,

The targets generated by the game console then become eg by means of a projector 39 pictured on the room or exterior wall. A ball then just bounces off the wall and back to the user.

The impact point of the ball is detected by means of a ball detection device according to the embodiments described above.

In the following embodiments, the ball detection device is exemplary for use in a room, e.g. in a hobby room, described. But it is also possible to use outdoors.

The room 40 includes four side walls 41 , a bottom wall 42 and a ceiling wall 43 ,

On the ceiling wall 43 is a projector 39 arranged a picture or a game on a wall 41 of the room.

In the area of the projector 39 , preferably immediately under the projector is the camera 16 arranged. The detection area of the camera 16 Captures the room wall 41 on which the game is displayed and / or the area in front of it. The camera can also be integrated in the projector.

The wall showing the game is equipped with a trigger device 30 Mistake. The triggering device 30 is preferably a structure-borne sound sensor, which is attached by means of a glued or screwed connection to the wall of the room, or another of the above-described triggering devices.

The evaluation module 17 is eg on the ground 42 arranged. Continue on the floor 42 a game console 32 arranged.

The camera 16 and the triggering device 30 are with the evaluation module 17 connected. The evaluation module 17 is via an interface 31 with the game console 32 connected and the game console is connected to the projector 39 connected.

In another embodiment, in place of the ceiling wall 43 arranged camera 16 two cameras provided, for example, on the floor 43 are placed and on the wall of the room 41 , on which the game is mapped, are aligned. The detection areas of these cameras 16 cut or intersect and capture the wall of the room on which the game is displayed, or the baffle and / or the area in front of the baffle wall.

The evaluation module 17 may include a calibration device to the detection range of the camera on the imaging range of the projector 39 adapt.

Below is the evaluation module 17 described in more detail.

The camera records at about 100 frames per second. The image is converted to a black-and-white image for contrast enhancement. The contrast of the images is enhanced. The format of the images is changed by merging pixels. This removes pixel rows for a smaller amount of data. Due to the compression due to the omission of rows of pixels a recorded ball is not round but elliptical. By means of the evaluation module, the preprocessed images are then analyzed, i. the ellipses or balls are detected in the images.

In the following, further additions and modifications of the training device will be described.

According to a further embodiment, in each case laterally next to the upper run of the treadmill device is a web extending in the running direction 44 ( 6 ) intended. The bridge has a sufficient width that a user, if he comes out of the kick during training and threatens to overthrow or needs a break, can rest on it.

The treadmill device 2 has a treadmill 45 which is conventionally guided around two rollers. Preferably, laterally on the treadmill, in particular on the upper run of the treadmill, vertically standing limiting rollers 46 arranged, on which the lateral edges of the treadmill can come to rest. With these limiting rollers 46 prevents the treadmill from being pushed sideways off the rollers. The provision of the limiting rollers allow the exercising person also laterally to the direction 3 directed movements without moving the treadmill on the rollers.

On the web, a running in the direction of the side railing may be provided. The railing has a height of 70 cm up to 100 cm. The railing is solid, so that a user who threatens to fall hold on to it and can catch his fall. Preferably, the railing is height adjustable.

At the outer edge of the web can be arranged extending in the direction of a band. The height of the band corresponds approximately to the diameter of a ball.

The railing may be provided for safety reasons.

But it can also be included in the training to perform, for example, during or between dribbling certain exercises.

To perform such exercises, the treadmill device may be formed with a passive drive function. For this purpose, the motor is operated so that it generates a certain rotational resistance, but does not turn itself. The user can then drive the belt itself against the resistance of the motor. In a simplified embodiment, instead of a motor, an eddy current brake may be provided whose resistance is adjustable. With such a treadmill device, it may be provided, for example, that the user may e.g. while dribbling alternately performs a certain time or distance on train and then a certain time or distance on pressure. For this, the user can either turn around to go backwards on the treadmill or the direction of the passive drive is reversed.

The exercises are preferably such that body tension is increased and released again. For this purpose, the railing can also be designed adjustable in height to adapt to the user or to perform different types of exercises.

Furthermore, the treadmill device with active or passive drive can have a height adjustment device in order to lift the treadmill at the front end in the running direction. The height adjustment device is e.g. designed as a hydraulic cylinder. As a result, the intensity of training can be increased because the user then has to "walk uphill". According to this embodiment, the screen and the protective disk are connected to the treadmill device so that they are lifted with the start-up of the front end of the treadmill device. Preferably, the screen also has an adjusting device in order to optimally adapt the inclination of the screen to the viewing angle of the user or to the inclination of the treadmill device. Tilting the treadmill has the additional effect of speeding up the ball as it rolls on the treadmill from the screen to the user. In such an arrangement, in principle, the treadmill can be replaced by a static inclined plane on which the ball rolls through the inclination to the user.

The protective disk can also be designed as a rigid disk from which the ball then rebounds.

The protective screen can also be made of a hard plastic support plate such as e.g. Polycarbonate and an impact layer of soft polyvinyl chloride disposed thereon to dampen the rebound of a ball.

According to the second embodiment, it may also be provided that between the flexible protective disk 7 and the screen 4 a second rigid protective screen (not shown) is arranged to ensure that the flexible protective screen 7 not against the screen 4 is pressed.

According to a fifth exemplary embodiment with a rising protective disk, the latter can be provided on the upper side with a transparent return wall of circular cross section in cross section 19 be provided ( 5 ). Such a return wall extends across the screen to just before the treadmill device so that a ball rolling along it falls onto the screen and rolls back to the user.

The protective screen can also be curved in the shape of a channel, so that a ball rolling over it rolls back approximately in the middle of the user.

One or more cameras or one or more line scan cameras can also be used to pick up the ball.

The protective disk can also be provided with a damping device in order to dampen the rebound of a ball impinging on the protective disk, the damping device having a damping element whose degree of damping is preferably adjustable and / or the damping element is exchangeable.

The more the protective disk, the baffle or the collecting device dampens the impact of the ball and the more the rebound of the ball through the return wall, the protective screen, the baffle or the catching device is delayed, the lower the distance of the training person from the screen, from the protective screen or the baffle edge. By a small distance of the training person to the screen, the protective disk or the baffle edge, the treadmill device can be formed short. This leads to the fact that the entire training device is compact.

To improve or simplify the image analysis, the contrast of an image can be enhanced and / or the format of the image can be changed.

In the following different training possibilities are shown.

Preferably, the training is in the form of a game where the user can shoot targets displayed on the screen.

The speed of the treadmill can be changeable, for example, depending on the hit rate of the user. Depending on how good the user is, the speed of the treadmill can be adjusted. With few hits, the speed of the treadmill is automatically reduced. At a high hit rate, the speed is automatically increased. As a result, the requirement automatically adapts to the performance of the user.

It can also be provided that balls that are shot firmer or are faster bring more points than slower balls.

In addition, a motivation of the user by acoustic signals is conceivable.

At least two networked treadmill devices could also allow for game modes where two or more users compete individually or in teams.

In hotels, for example, the exercise machine could be used during the day with games for children and in the evening with adult training programs.

In a game suitable in particular for children, provision can be made for physical laws to be brought closer to play in the course of the game, for example, by the falling behavior of targets.

The treadmill device may also have a belt laterally limiting the treadmill or the web, so that it is possible to convey the ball over the band on a target. Such band hits could also be integrated into the game and evaluated with a corresponding camera.

All devices and methods described herein can be combined with one another as desired.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

exerciser

2

Running-band apparatus

3

direction

4

screen

5

tilt angle

6

horizontal

7

windscreen

8th

keyboard

9

impact edge

10

catcher

11

frame

12

material

13

frame

14

display

15

detection device

16

camera

17

evaluation module

18

speaker

19

Return wall

30

trigger device

31

interface

32

Game console, control device

33

Baffle module

34

TV

35

stand

36

pursuit

37

ramp

38

holder

39

projector

40

room

41

sidewall

42

bottom wall

43

top wall

44

web

45

treadmill

46

limiting rollers

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102007017732 A1 [0002]
• US 5660550 A [0007]
• EP 1184059 A1 [0008]
• WO 02/41954 A1 [0009]
• US 2004/0198519 A1 [0010]
• US 7182704 B2 [0011]
• US 4,700,952 A [0012]
• US 4699386 A [0013]

Claims (19)

Optical ball detection device for detecting the point of impact of a ball on a baffle with a camera and an evaluation module, wherein the camera is adapted to receive a ball and the evaluation module calculates or detects the point of impact of the ball on a baffle and generates an electronic signal from this data defines the point of impact. Ball detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that an interface is provided, wherein the ball detection device is connectable via the interface with a game console, and over the interface, the coordinates of the meeting point and / or the trajectory of the ball are transferable. Ball detection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a triggering device is provided, wherein the triggering device is designed such that at the moment in which a ball impinges on a baffle wall, the impact is detected and an electronic signal is generated, which is connected to the Detection device is transmitted so that at the moment of impingement of the camera, an image of the ball is generated and the point of impact of the ball on the baffle wall by means of the evaluation module is detectable. Ball detection device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the trigger device as a microphone, pressure switch or as a light barrier and preferably as a structure-borne sound sensor, in particular as a loudspeaker is formed. Ball detection device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the camera is designed such that it detects the position of the ball at least at one point or in two points or in three or more points and / or at the moment of impact on the Baffle wall absorbs. Ball detection device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the evaluation module is designed such that it is based on e.g. one point detects the point of impingement of the ball on the baffle or interpolates from the two or three points or from the shot at the time the ball hit the baffle detects the point of impact or calculates the trajectory of the ball from a combination of the above. Ball detection device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that two or more cameras are provided. Ball detection device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the detection range of the camera, the baffle ( 7 ) and / or the area in front of the baffle wall ( 7 ) detected. Ball detection device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that an infrared light source is provided to illuminate the detection range of the camera. Training device comprising a treadmill device, a screen, which is arranged in front of the running-belt device in the running direction and which is designed to display one or more targets, by means of which a ball can be shot at a target on the screen, and a collecting device, which is arranged in the front region on the treadmill device adjacent to the screen, surrounding the screen at the side and / or top side, characterized, in that the screen is inclined upwards in the running direction and has a ball detection device according to one of claims 1 to 7, and the ball detection device initiates a target triggering on the basis of the data. Training device according to claim 10, characterized in that a transparent protective disc is provided, which is spaced above or in front of the screen, and / or that the protective disc is arranged approximately vertically and is preferably designed to be flexible for damping the impact of the ball. Training device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that an impact edge is provided, which is arranged in front of the screen and whose height in the vertical direction of the treadmill approximately corresponds to the radius of a ball, wherein the baffle edge is preferably a rubber profile and preferably with the protective disk connected is. Training device according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the collecting device surrounds the screen or a sloping protective screen of the screen flush, wherein the collecting device is preferably formed of fabric or damping mats. Training device according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the angle between the display side of the screen and the horizontal between 5 ° and 75 °, in particular between 20 ° and 50 °, and preferably between 25 ° and 35 °. Training device according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that a " Controller "? is provided, which controls the speed of the treadmill in response to the pulse of a user and / or the hits achieved. Baffle module for connection to a game console characterized, a ball detection device according to one of claims 1 to 9 is provided, and the baffle module has a transparent baffle formed to bounce a ball impinging thereon, the baffle having a stand formed such that the baffle can receive the momentum of a ball striking the baffle. Baffle module according to claim 16, characterized in that a collecting device is provided which is arranged laterally and / or on the upper side surrounding the baffle. Baffle module according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the baffle wall is provided with a ramp which is formed rising to the baffle and which terminates approximately flush with the collecting device. Training device, in particular according to one of claims 10 to 15, comprising a treadmill device, a screen, which is arranged in the running direction at the front of the treadmill device with a treadmill and which is adapted to display one or more targets, wherein by means of a ball can be shot at a target on the screen, and a collecting device, which is arranged in the front region on the treadmill device adjacent to the screen, surrounding the screen at the side and / or top side, characterized, that with its axis of rotation vertically oriented limiting rollers are arranged adjacent to the edge of the treadmill.

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