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

[0006] In one embodiment, as the program executes, an instructive or ideal image displays the preferred style, technique, posture, procedure, skills, drills, positions, maneuvers, tactics, strategies or plays of any activity that calls for using cognitive and motor functions. The user's cognitive functions are developed and / or improved by viewing the procedural methods used by an instructive or ideal image, shown on a portion of the screen. As the program further executes, the user's level of comprehension improves by: (1) receiving information and cues from visual, audio, textual and tactile transmissions, (2) visualizing the actions of the instructive or ideal image, (3) making cognitive choices and decisions as to what manipulations should be made, and then (4) manipulating a user controllable, adopted (by the user) image on another portion of the screen so as to cause the adopted image to simulate or approximate the preferred style, technique, posture, procedures, skills, drills, positions, maneuvers, tactics, strategies or play of any activity represented by the instructive or ideal image.

[0016] The present invention is not limited to visual sensors but can incorporate others including audio etc. as needed. The use of auditory, visual and other cues decreases distractions and improves comprehension. Using the present invention as a relatively economical training simulator, implementation of visualization in a simulated environment is facilitated. Utilizing pre-programmed, automated and / or user controllable images, the users' awareness of spatial relationships among and between images, objects and locations is enhanced. Dynamic interaction between the images adopted by users, acting in concert as teammates against opposing images as well as dynamic communication and coordination by and between users, whether athletes or not, and other users is also enhanced.

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, skills and strategies used in physical activities such as playing ice hockey.

In addition, these devices do not enable the player to receive quantitative feed-back concerning his / her progress in learning and mastering the cognitive aspects of the sport.

Images