Method and apparatus for instructors to develop pre-training lessons using controllable images

Abstract

The present invention is a method and apparatus to develop motor skills-based tutorial and interactive instruction. It is well-suited as an aid to instructors, trainers, coaches and officials (collectively “instructors”), at all levels of expertise in both sport and non-sport activities. The invention provides the means to develop relatively economical training simulations (“pre-training”). Instructors develop instructor-controllable image movements to demonstrate pre-training lessons to users.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 949,971, filed on Sep. 27, 2004, which is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10,603,331, filed Jun. 26, 2003, which is continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 6,722,888 issued Apr. 20, 2004, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 6,220,865 issued Apr. 24, 2001, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 6,183,259 issued Feb. 6, 2001, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 6,164,973 issued Dec. 26, 2000, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,906 issued Apr. 6, 1999, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08 / 375,616 filed on Jan. 20, 1995, now abandoned, and a continuation-in-part of PCT International application Serial No PCT US96 / 00919, filed on Jan. 22, 1996, which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.[0002] Technology that has been designed for sports and other activities involving motor skills is...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] By virtue of the facility available to users of the present invention, simulated training can be accomplished as well as simulated drill and maneuvers in taking up proper positions, reacting to situational play and executing tactics and strategies. Further, without a requirement for actual imitative movement of an instructive figure or its movement and without the requirement to use actual tools, implements or equipment, users of the present invention can engage in simulated repetition and/or competition geared to either learning or entertainment and can do so within the economy of space used for a computer monitor and keyboard or other economical, including virtual reality, input devices.

[0012] The present invention provides facilities for users to engage in simulated training, repetition and entertainment in activities that couple cognitive and motor skills. Such facilities, using skating as an example, include a range of functions such as simply understanding proper positioning for “pushing off” (for example, starting from a stationary standing position while on ice) to sophisticated, preferred, proactive play and preferred reactive play in response to numerous and varied competitive situations. The present invention, by virtue of its capacity to simultaneously present pre-programmed images following a predetermined system of activities and/or images that are controllable adopted by the user also provides for engaging entertainment and amusement.

[0013] Using any form of communication of information, including but not limited to floppy disks, CD-ROM disks, a local network, the Internet or wireless communication, users can compete against single opponents, against prior stored images of any individuals (or animations), including thems...

Problems solved by technology

There is little technology that is used for instruction or simulation in playing sports such as ice hockey.

None of the devices noted above provide the student with instructive and cognitive information concerning principles, tactics, maneuvers, ...

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