System for gamifying sandbag training courses

Abstract

The object of the present application relates to a gamification-based system capable of creating a gamification training environment when a player (3) performs a sandbag training course. To this end, the system comprises a central processing unit (1) communicatively coupled with a plurality of electronic sandbags (2); each sandbag comprises detection means (2.1, 2.2) adapted to collect sandbag weight data and impact data caused by a strike by the player, then these data are transmitted to a calibration module (1.1) and a performance module (1.2) to determine performance data of the player. This approach can determine the performance of a player in a unified manner so that direct comparisons to other players who may be performing the same training course can be reliably performed. The performance data of the player may be accessed via a player interface module (1.3).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates generally to a system for training and evaluating players performing training sessions. More specifically, the present application is directed to a system that provides a training and evaluation platform that enables the creation of competitive, gamified training activities. BACKGROUND

[0002] Some of the challenges people face when exercising at home include: lack of motivation, lack of monitoring and tracking of their own performance and technique, and inability to obtain a beneficial competitive experience as when they compete against other "players" in a gym.

[0003] In the field of combat sports, data acquisition is usually performed using an inertial measurement unit composed of an accelerometer and a gyroscope that not only detects impacts in real time, but also determines a series of characteristics that can later be used to analyze the impact performance of the player.

[0004] There are mainly two ways to integrate such sensors into training activities: one is to integrate the sensors into accessories such as boxing gloves, handles or leg / ankle straps, depending on the type of martial art to be practiced; the other is to integrate the sensors into a sandbag. However, both ways have limitations: if the sensors are installed on accessories such as handles, they can only detect impacts at the wrist and cannot detect blows to other parts of the body. On the other hand, if the sensors are embedded in a sandbag, in theory they can detect any type of impact (whether it is a punch, an elbow strike or a kick). But the results obtained are highly dependent on the configuration of the system (sandbag and sensors) - because there are many factors that seriously affect the readings of the sensors, such as the size and weight of the sandbag, the length of the existing suspension device that supports the sandbag in suspension, and the installation position of the sensors inside the sandbag. Therefore, even if the same type of sandbag is used, but the sensors are installed slightly differently, or a sandbag with a different configuration is used, training with such a system will result in different results: in fact, systems using this approach have a typical error range of 10-15% and their accuracy varies depending on the configuration and / or weight of the sandbag.

[0005] In addition, all these solutions calculate the force / intensity of each impact through their own proprietary indicators (for example, taking into account the speed of the impact and the acceleration of the handle / glove before impact), which makes it impossible to compare the impact data of a player with the average force values of amateur athletes and martial arts professionals, which are known to measure impact force in units such as joules, newtons, etc., and also to compare the training results of players using other equipment.

[0006] In view of the technical limitations of existing solutions, it is currently not possible to monitor, track and compare the performance of players in a reliable way.

[0007] There is therefore a need to develop a system that is able to determine the performance of a player in a uniform manner, based on the detection of the impact generated by the player, so that a direct comparison with other players can be reliably performed.

[0008] The present solution aims at innovatively solving these problems. SUMMARY

[0009] The present application therefore aims at providing a system for gamifying sandbag training sessions.

[0010] The system comprises one or more electronic sandbags, each assigned to a player, and a central processing unit communicatively coupled with the electronic sandbags. Each electronic sandbag is provided with a weight measuring module and an impact detecting module, adapted to extract information from the hits of the player on the sandbag; the central processing unit processes the information to determine the performance of the player based on at least the weight calibration data of the assigned sandbag (2) and the impact data generated by at least one hit of the player.

[0011] Since the system is implemented based on a communication network, it is possible to monitor the performance of each player assigned to an electronic sandbag and perform a comparison between players in a reliable manner.

[0012] In an advantageous configuration of the system, the central processing unit comprises a training storage module storing training data comprising at least one training session to be performed by the player on the assigned electronic sandbag.

[0013] In this way, the comparison between the performances of the players is more fair, since it will be based on the performance of the same training session, defined by a predetermined sequence of actions of the player.

[0014] In another advantageous mode of the system, the player interface module of the central processing unit comprises a web-based application; the plurality of players can communicate through the web and access the application via one or more devices selected from the group consisting of a smart TV, a smartphone, a tablet or a laptop.

[0015] In this way, each player can view his / her performance in a simple manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 - a schematic view of an embodiment of the system object of the present application; the reference numbers indicate:

[0017] 1 - central processing unit;

[0018] 1.1 - calibration module;

[0019] 1.2 - performance determination module;

[0020] 1.3 - player interface module;

[0021] 2 - electronic sandbag;

[0022] 3 - player;

[0023] 4 - player interface device.

[0024] Figure 2 - schematic view of an embodiment of the central processing unit; the reference signs indicate:

[0025] 1 - central processing unit;

[0026] 1.1 - calibration module;

[0027] 1.2 - performance determination module;

[0028] 1.3 - player interface module;

[0029] 1.4 - training storage module.

[0030] Figure 3 - schematic view of an electronic sandbag anchored to two vertical surfaces; the reference signs indicate:

[0031] 2 - electronic sandbag;

[0032] 2.1 - weight measurement module (installed in the base module of the anchoring unit);

[0033] 2.2 - impact detection module;

[0034] 2.3 - anchoring unit;

[0035] 3 - player;

[0036] 5 - first support surface;

[0037] 6 - second support surface.

[0038] Figure 4 - schematic view of the internal water bladder constituting the core of the electronic sandbag; the reference signs indicate:

[0039] 2 - electronic sandbag;

[0040] 2.3 - anchoring unit;

[0041] 2.4 - water bladder. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The more general and advantageous configurations of the system have been described in the SUMMARY. These configurations will be described in detail below in connection with other advantageous and / or preferred embodiments of the system.

[0043] The present application relates to a system for gamifying sandbag training sessions.

[0044] The system is able to monitor and track the performance of the players in a reliable manner. Therefore, based on the detection of the impacts generated by the players, the system can determine the performance of the players in a uniform manner, so that a direct comparison with other players can be reliably performed.

[0045] To this end, the system communicatively couples the central processing unit (1) with one or more electronic sandbags (2). The system then provides a connection between these two components, which can be implemented through any state-of-the-art communication network (wired or wireless).

[0046] Each electronic sandbag (2) of the system is assigned to a player (3) who is intended to carry out the training session to be monitored. In the context of the present application, it is understood that, in each training session, a player (3) can be assigned to only one sandbag (2). The association between the player (3) and the sandbag (2) can be achieved through a state-of-the-art authentication mechanism established between the central processing unit (1) and the player (3).

[0047] The electronic sandbag (2) comprises a weight measurement module (2.1) and an impact detection module (2.2).

[0048] The weight measurement module (2.1) is configured to periodically measure the weight of the sandbag (2) and to transmit the weight measurement data to the central processing unit (1).

[0049] Correspondingly, the impact detection module (2.2) is configured to detect the impacts caused by the hits of the player on the sandbag (2), to generate corresponding impact data, and to transmit the impact data to the central processing unit (1).

[0050] In the context of the present application, the impact data can relate to the type of hit, the impact intensity value, and the impact position on the sandbag (2).

[0051] The central processing unit (1) has processing capabilities to execute the following module functions: a calibration module (1.1), a performance determination module (1.2), and a player interface module (1.3).

[0052] The calibration module (1.1) is configured to generate weight calibration data for each sandbag (2) based on the weight measurement data extracted from the weight measurement module (2.1) of the respective sandbag (2).

[0053] The performance determination module (1.2) is configured to determine the performance data of the player based on at least the weight calibration data of the assigned sandbag (2) and the impact data generated by at least one hit of the player on the sandbag (2);

[0054] The player interface module (1.3) is at least communicatively coupled with the performance determination module (1.2) and is adapted to provide a gamified training platform adapted to allow a player (3) to access the player's performance data.

[0055] In one embodiment of the system, the central processing unit (1) further comprises a training storage module (1.4).

[0056] The module (1.4) is adapted to store training data as well as player data associated with a player (3) owning an assigned sandbag (2).

[0057] More specifically, the training data relates to training sessions that the player (3) has to perform on the respective assigned electronic sandbag (2). Each training session comprises a series of predetermined player actions, for example, at least comprising at least one type of player hit, which is to be effected at a predetermined time point during the duration of the training session at a specific location of the sandbag (2).

[0058] The player data can comprise historical activity data of the player (3) comprising data related to one or more training sessions previously performed by the player (3) through the gamified training platform, including information related to the player's performance data.

[0059] To allow the player (3) to access the training data and / or the player data through the gamified training platform, the player interface module (1.3) is further communicatively coupled with the training storage module (1.4).

[0060] In another embodiment of the system, the player interface module (1.3) of the central processing unit (1) comprises a web-based application; a plurality of players (3) can communicate through a network, accessing the application via one or more devices (4) selected from the group consisting of a smart TV, a smartphone, a tablet or a laptop computer.

[0061] In another embodiment of the system, each electronic sandbag (2) is further assigned to one training session in the training storage module (1.4) and further comprises a guidance module operatively coupled to the gamified training platform to allow access to the training session. The guidance module can be equipped with display means and / or lighting means of the LED type.

[0062] In this way, the system can provide an interactive mechanism to guide the player (3) in completing the training session.

[0063] In another embodiment of the system, the performance determination module (1.2) of the central processing unit (1) comprises a rules engine.

[0064] The rules engine is configured to define one or more rules and to complete at least one score corresponding to each of the rules. More specifically, the rules engine can process at least the weight calibration data and the impact data generated by the impact of at least one hit of the player on the assigned sandbag (2) based on the rules to determine a total score defining the performance data of the player.

[0065] More specifically, the rules of the rules engine can be programmed to validate the impact data generated by the sandbag impact detection module (2.2) according to a pre-set weight calibration data threshold parameter and to calculate the impact intensity generated by the hit of the player in accordance with the international standard measurement units. In this way, the impact data of the player can be compared with the average data of amateur athletes and martial arts professionals (whose impact data values measured in Joules, Newtons, etc. are known) so that the player (3) can obtain quantifiable indicators related to his training level.

[0066] Based on this, the rules of the rules engine can be further programmed to assign a corresponding score according to the type of hit applied by the player, the intensity of the hit and the position of the hit on the body of the sandbag (2) after validating the type of hit applied by the player (3) on the sandbag (2). To achieve the assignment of the score according to the type of hit, the rules engine is further communicatively coupled with a hit storage module storing one or more predetermined acceptable ways of hitting.

[0067] In another embodiment of the system, the rules engine is communicatively coupled with the training storage module (1.4) and the rules of the rules engine are programmed to determine the level of accuracy of the player in performing the training course by validating whether the predetermined sequence of hits of the player on the assigned sandbag (2) matches the impact data associated with the sequence of hits of the player. Accordingly, the rules of the rules engine can be further programmed to assign a score to the training course of the player according to the determined level of accuracy of the player.

[0068] In another embodiment of the system, the rules of the rules engine are programmed to group the electronic sandbags (2) assigned to the same training course and the gamified training platform is configured to provide a ranking list of the training courses containing the total scores of the respective players.

[0069] In this way, a performance ranking can be established for the players who have performed the same training course and the players can have instant access to this information.

[0070] In another embodiment of the system, the rules of the rules engine are programmed to determine a player profile parameter selected from the group consisting of professional level, player height and player weight and to calculate the total score defining the performance data of the player based on the player profile parameter.

[0071] In another embodiment of the system, the electronic sandbag (2) comprises an elongated body arranged along a vertical axis and an anchoring unit (2.3).

[0072] The elongated body can comprise at least one internal water bladder (2.4) arranged along the longitudinal axis of the body and constituting a core portion of the body. The elongated body can be composed of 4 water bladders (2.4) stacked one on top of the other, each water bladder (2.4) having a capacity of 20 liters.

[0073] In this way, it is possible to ensure that the sandbag (2) body is solid and at the same time has the ability to deform, thus making the training experience of the player more realistic.

[0074] The anchoring unit (2.3) comprises a base module adapted to vertically support the sandbag (2) on a first horizontal support surface (5). More specifically, the weight measuring module (2.1) is installed in the base module and this module can comprise at least one load cell, preferably six load cells.

[0075] The anchoring unit (2.3) further comprises an attachment module configured to connect the sandbag (2) to a second support surface (6). Preferably, said second support surface (6) is perpendicular to the first support surface (5).

[0076] The base module and the attachment module are operable to prevent the sandbag from displacing in a horizontal plane parallel to the first horizontal support surface (5).

[0077] Therefore, the impact detected by the impact detection module (2.2) is no longer disturbed by the reaction force movement of the sandbag (2) following the hit by the user (which is thus limited). As a result, the impact data determined by the impact detection module (2.2) can be acquired more accurately, thus reducing the error range associated with such measurements.

[0078] In another embodiment of the system, the impact detection module (2.2) of the sandbag (2) comprises an array of inertial measurement sensors, a camera device and a processor-based equipment.

[0079] The sensors are distributed throughout the body of the sandbag (2) (preferably in the inner layer) and are configured to detect the impact generated by the hit on the sandbag (2) and determine the intensity of said hit.

[0080] The camera device is adapted to generate video recording data of the training session of the player; the processor-based equipment is operatively coupled to the array of sensors and to the camera device and is configured to:

[0081] - determine the position of the hit based on the sensory data collected by the sensors and the video recording data generated by the camera device; and

[0082] - determining a strike type by processing video recording data generated by a camera device using a pose detection model.

Claims

1. A system for gamifying sandbag training sessions, comprising: - a central processing unit (1); and - one or more electronic sandbags (2) communicatively coupled with the central processing unit (1); wherein each electronic sandbag (2) is assigned to a player (3) performing a training session, and comprises: - a weight measuring module (2.1) configured to periodically measure the weight of the sandbag (2) and transmit weight measurement data to the central processing unit (1); and - an impact detection module (2.2) configured to detect impacts resulting from player hits on the sandbag (2), generate corresponding impact data, and transmit the impact data to the central processing unit (1); the impact data relating to hit type, impact strength, and location on the sandbag (2) where the impact occurred; - the central processing unit (1); and - a calibration module (1.1) configured to generate weight calibration data for each sandbag (2) based on weight measurement data from the corresponding weight measuring module (2.1); - a performance determination module (1.2) configured to determine player performance data based on at least the weight calibration data of the assigned sandbag (2) and impact data resulting from at least one player hit; - a player interface module (1.3) communicatively coupled with at least the performance determination module (1.2) and adapted to provide a gamified training platform adapted to allow a player (3) to access player performance data. The central processing unit (1) further comprises a training storage module (1.4) storing:

2. The system of claim 1, wherein, - training data comprising at least one training session performed by at least one player (3) on an assigned electronic sandbag (2); each training session comprising a series of predetermined player actions; player actions comprising: - at least one type of at least one player hit to be effected at a predetermined time point during the training session at a specific location on the sandbag (2); - player data associated with a plurality of players (3) owning assigned sandbags (2); and wherein, the player interface module (1.3) is further communicatively coupled with the training storage module (1.4), and the gamified training platform is further adapted to allow a player (3) to access training data and / or player data. The player data comprises historical activity data of a player (3) comprising data related to one or more training sessions previously performed by the player (3) through the gamified training platform, including information related to player performance data.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein, ​ 4. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein, Said player interface module (1.3) comprises a web-based application, which is communicable through a network, accessible by the plurality of players (3) via one or more devices (4) selected from the group consisting of a smart TV, a smartphone, a tablet or a laptop computer.

5. The system of any of the preceding claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, Each electronic sandbag (2) is further assigned to a training session of a training storage module (1.4) and it further comprises a guiding module operatively coupled to said gamified training platform to allow access to said training session; Said guiding module is equipped with display means and / or lighting means; optionally said guiding means are of the LED type.

6. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein, Said performance determining module (1.2) comprises a rules engine configured to define one or more rules and to each of said rules to complete a corresponding at least one score; said rules engine is operable to process at least said weight calibration data and said impact data resulting from at least one player's hit to the assigned sandbag (2) based on said rules to determine a total score defining said player's performance data.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein, Said rules of said rules engine are programmed to: - validate said impact data generated by the sandbag impact detection module (2.2) according to preset threshold parameters of weight calibration data; - calculate the impact intensity resulting from said player's hit in accordance with international standard units of measurement.

8. The system of claim 6 or 7, wherein, Said rules of said rules engine are programmed to: - validate the type of hit by the player (3) to the sandbag (2) and to assign a corresponding score; said rules engine is further communicatively coupled to a hit storage module storing one or more predetermined acceptable ways of hitting; - assign a score according to the impact intensity resulting from said player's hit; - assign a score according to the impact position resulting from said player's hit.

9. The system of claims 2 and 8, wherein, Said rules engine is communicatively coupled to said training storage module (1.4) and said rules of said rules engine are programmed to: - determine the level of accuracy of the player in performing a training session by validating whether a series of predetermined player's hits of said training session matches said impact data associated with a series of player's hits to the assigned sandbag (2); and - assign a score according to the determined level of accuracy of the player.

10. The system of claims 5 and 9, wherein, Said rules of said rules engine are programmed to group the electronic sandbags (2) assigned to the same training session; and said gamified training platform is configured to provide a training session ranking list containing the total scores of the respective players.

11. The system of claim 6 or 10, wherein, Said rules of said rules engine are programmed to: - determine player profile parameters selected from the group consisting of professional level, player height and player weight; - calculate said total score defining said player's performance data based on said player profile parameters.

12. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein, Said electronic sandbag (2) comprises: - an elongated body arranged along a vertical axis; - an anchoring unit (2.3) comprising a base module adapted to vertically support said sandbag on a first horizontal support surface (5), And wherein said weight measurement module (2.1) is mounted in said base module; optionally, said weight measurement module (2.1) comprises at least one load cell; optionally, said weight measurement module (2.1) comprises six load cells.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein, Said anchoring unit (2.3) of said electronic sandbag (2) further comprises an attachment module configured to connect said sandbag to a second support surface (6); said base module and said attachment module are operable to prevent displacement of said sandbag in a horizontal plane parallel to said first horizontal support surface (5); optionally, said second support surface (6) is perpendicular to said first support surface (5).

14. The system of claim 12 or 13, wherein, Said elongated body comprises at least one internal water bladder (2.4) arranged along the longitudinal axis of said body and defining a core portion of said body; optionally, said elongated body is composed of 4 water bladders (2.4) stacked one on top of the other; optionally, each water bladder (2.4) has a capacity of 20 liters.

15. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein, Said impact detection module (2.2) comprises: - an array of inertial measurement sensors configured to detect an impact caused by a hit on said sandbag (2) and determine an intensity of said hit; - a camera device adapted to generate video recording data of a player training session; and - a processor-based equipment operably coupled to said array of sensors and said camera device and configured to: determine a hit location based on sensory data collected by said sensors and said video recording data generated by said camera device; and determine a hit type by processing said video recording data generated by said camera device using a pose detection model.

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