Training system and method of use

Abstract

A training system is provided that includes background lighting means for providing background lighting to a user's vision during use. At least one physical element is provided that is relevant to a training task performed by a user during use. Physical element lighting means is provided on, within, and / or associated with the at least one physical element that is capable of illuminating the physical element during use. Adjustment means is provided that is capable of adjusting the background lighting generated by the background lighting means and / or the illumination of the physical element generated by the physical element lighting means during use.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a training system and method of use thereof.

[0002] While the following description refers almost exclusively to a sports training system, those skilled in the art will recognize that the training system of the present invention may be used to train one or more individuals to improve their ability to visualize and / or locate objects in low light conditions and / or to learn user response and visual-motor skills for use in any application, such as military applications, safety applications, non-sports applications, therapeutic applications, and / or the like. [Background technology]

[0003] There are many studies or applications in which improving or accelerating a user's hand-eye or foot-eye coordination or reaction time can improve the performance of the user involved in said study or application. For example, in ball games such as cricket, improving a player's hand-eye coordination can improve their ability to steer, hit, receive, or stop the ball, and to do so with faster balls. In tennis, improving a tennis player's reaction time can improve the percentage of serves they are able to return in a match, and even with faster balls. Therefore, there is a clear advantage to providing a system that can train, improve, and accelerate a user's reaction time and / or hand-eye or foot-eye coordination, and therefore their ability to successfully interact with moving sports objects (which, due to inevitable neural processing delays, necessarily requires the user to predict where the ball or sports object will be before they can actually see it).

[0004] One example of such a training system is disclosed in the applicant's co-pending patent application WO 2019 / 092431, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, and which is directed to an apparatus and method for enabling a user to learn and improve visual-motor skills. The apparatus includes an enclosed space or housing that provides a visible illumination training element within a space that provides a near-zero background level of visible illumination, yet together provides a training environment that forces the user's sensory system to operate under conditions where visual processing speed is reduced. The light-emitting training element is generated by ultraviolet (UV) light or by the fluorescence of a coating on the training element illuminated by a self-luminous source of illumination provided to the training element. Background illumination is provided by a UV light source that emits invisible light having a fixed wavelength between 300 and 400 nm, allowing the training element to fluoresce. The system is positioned so that the luminance level of the light-emitting training element is greater than that of the background level of illumination within the training area.

[0005] Scopic luminance levels are those at which only the most sensitive photoreceptor cells, the culms, are stimulated. Photopic luminance levels are those at which only the cones are stimulated. Mesopic luminance levels are intermediate levels at which both the cones and culms are stimulated simultaneously. Mesopic vision is approximately 0.01 cd / m 2 The luminance level at which mesopic vision ends depends largely on the spectral composition, size, and location on the retina of the viewed stimulus. However, the culm begins at a luminance level of about 2000 scotopic troland or about 300 scotopic cd / m 2 It is believed that the culms will fully saturate at a luminance level of 0.001 cd / m. Although culm vision is much slower than cone vision, when light levels are substantially reduced from high photopic to low dim levels, cone vision also slows substantially. Applicant has discovered that previous training systems were optimal when the culms were not stimulated and the light levels for the cones were low, thus slowing cone vision. The optimal ambient background level of illumination is 0.001 cd / m. 2 ~200cd / m 2The applicant has found that the optimum luminance of the training elements is in the range of about 0.001 cd / m 2 The applicant has also discovered that this is the case.

[0006] There are two main theories as to how Applicant's previous devices may provide improvements to a user's visual-motor skills: the first, called "adaptive recalibration and plasticity," and the second, called "visual attention."

[0007] In adaptive recalibration and plasticity, a user trains a specific activity in the dark or at low light levels, providing the user with the opportunity to practice a series of visuomotor actions that require the user to perform a specific task under conditions where the speed of visual processing is slowed by the natural process of light adaptation (which is known to speed up visual processing in bright light and slow down in dark light). Thus, the user has less time to respond to a specific task, and to successfully perform the task, the user's visuomotor response to the stimuli must be more rapid to facilitate the user's response. Thus, the user's visuomotor actions are accelerated, effectively recalibrating visual processing to temporally align with the slower processing of visual information at low light levels. When the user returns to standard bright light conditions and faster processing speeds, rather than worsening performance due to overly rapid responses, performance improves due to faster visuomotor responses, allowing the user to respond better and faster to tasks not only at standard ball speeds but also at increased speeds.

[0008] Visual attention involves training a user for a specific activity in the dark, allowing them to concentrate, focus, and filter out distracting information. This learned behavior can also improve a user's performance in standard bright light conditions.

[0009] Applicant has continued to develop his training system and understanding of how to improve visual performance. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved training system.

[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved method of using a training system.

[0012] It is still a further object of the present invention to provide an improved sports training system and / or method of use thereof.

[0013] It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a therapeutic training system and / or method of use thereof. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a training system, the training system comprising: - background illumination means for providing background illumination to the user's vision during use; - At least one physical element related to the training task performed by the user during use; Including, - physical element illumination means are provided on, within and / or associated with at least one physical element such that the at least one physical element can be illuminated in use; Characteristically, adjustment means are provided so that, during use, the background illumination generated by the background illumination means and / or the illumination of the physical element generated by the physical element illumination means can be adjusted.

[0015] By providing a training system of the present invention with means for adjusting the background lighting and / or the lighting of the physical elements, either together or independently, it is possible to adjust the training focus, visual-motor skill training, and / or therapeutic effect provided by the system. Thus, for example, once the background lighting means and / or the physical element lighting means are "on," or activated, the level of illumination provided by the background lighting means and / or the physical element lighting means can be adjusted. This is in contrast to prior art training systems in which the illumination provided by the background lighting means and / or the physical element lighting means is fixed during use of the system. As a result, the training system of the present invention offers a much broader range of uses, allows for significantly improved fine-tuning of visual-motor skill training, and provides a system that can be personalized for a particular user or group of users.

[0016] Preferably, the background illumination provided by the background illumination means and / or the illumination of the physical element provided by the physical element illumination means comprises, consists of or comprises visible light (i.e. light visible to the human eye).

[0017] Preferably, therefore, in one embodiment the adjustment means is capable of adjusting the visible light of the background illumination and / or the illumination of the physical element.

[0018] In one embodiment, the adjusting means can adjust one or more parameters and / or conditions related to the background illumination, the background illumination means, the physical element illumination, and / or the physical element illumination means, such as adjusting any or any combination of the wavelength content (and therefore color) of the light emitted from the illumination means, the brightness of the light emitted from the illumination means, the intensity of the light emitted from the illumination means, the type of light emitted from the illumination means, the proportion of two or more different lights of different wavelengths emitted by the illumination means, the contrast between the light emitted by the background illumination means and the physical element illumination means, and / or the like.

[0019] It should be noted that reference herein to "illumination means" per se may include background illumination means and / or physical element illumination means.

[0020] Preferably, the adjusting means can be used to adjust two or more parameters and / or conditions related to the illumination and / or lighting means simultaneously and / or independently of each other. For example, a user can adjust the wavelength of light emitted by the lighting means independently of the brightness of the light emitted by the lighting means. In a further example, a user can adjust the brightness of two or more different lights emitted by the system simultaneously.

[0021] Preferably, the difficulty of the training tasks performed by the user of the system can be made easier or more difficult during use by varying the contrast between the illumination of the physical elements and the background illumination.

[0022] Preferably, the adjustment means is arranged to adjust the background illumination means and / or the illumination means of the training elements so that, during use, stimulation of one or more cones and / or culms of the eye of a person using the system is adjusted.

[0023] Preferably, the adjustment means is arranged to adjust the background illumination means and / or the illumination means of the training elements so that the user's vision is stimulated in one or more of the following ranges of vision: twilight, photopic and / or dark.

[0024] In one embodiment, adjustment of the illumination of the system via the adjustment means is done manually or automatically as a result of one or more predetermined conditions being met, for example the system may be arranged so that the illumination of the system changes automatically once a user has successfully completed a predetermined number of training tasks and / or after a predetermined time period.

[0025] In one embodiment, the predetermined conditions may be determined or selected by a user of the system, a manufacturer of the system, and / or the like.

[0026] In one embodiment, the adjustment means includes one or more user actuation means or devices, such as one or more dials, buttons, knobs, switches, keyboards, joysticks, touch screen displays, and / or the like, or any combination thereof.

[0027] Preferably, the adjustment means and / or one or more user activation means include any device or means by which the light or lighting means can be adjusted and / or activated during use.

[0028] In one example, the system may provide one or more predetermined background lighting options and / or training element lighting options and / or include a display screen, such as a touchscreen display, that may be selected by a user of the system.

[0029] In one example, the system of the present invention includes a control device or unit, and the adjustment means is provided on and / or associated with the control device or unit.

[0030] Preferably, the adjustment means, user actuation means, and / or control device or unit may be located within a predetermined training area for the system or may be located remotely from the predetermined training area.

[0031] Preferably, the control device or unit comprises a microprocessing means, a computer, a tablet, a housing, a smartphone, a server and / or the like.

[0032] Preferably, the control device or unit includes hardware and / or software for performing one or more processes, storage means for storing data relating to the system and / or the training tasks to be performed, communication means for communicating data to and / or between one or more electronic devices, and / or the like.

[0033] In one embodiment, the communication means may include wired or wireless means, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Internet, infrared (IR), one or more radio frequency signals, and / or the like.

[0034] In one embodiment, the user actuation means is provided on and / or associated with the control device or unit.

[0035] For example, four buttons or dials may be provided on the control unit housing: a first button for controlling the UV light, a second button for controlling the blue light, a third button for controlling the green light, and a fourth button for controlling the red light.

[0036] In one embodiment, the adjusting means for adjusting the brightness of the lighting means can be used to change the brightness of a single light source or a single colored light source independently and / or separately from any other light sources in the system. Alternatively, the adjusting means for adjusting the brightness of the lighting means can adjust two or more different light sources of the system simultaneously. This allows, for example, to maintain the proportion of two or more different light sources but adjust the brightness of the light sources.

[0037] In one example, the type of light emitted from the illumination means can be polarized, unpolarized, partially polarized, different states of polarization, and / or the like.

[0038] In one example, the light emitted from the lighting means may be continuous or substantially continuous light, discontinuous or substantially discontinuous light, pulsed light, light in one or more sequences in a predetermined or random pattern, and / or the like.

[0039] Preferably, the light emitted by the lighting means is visible light.

[0040] Preferably, the lighting means comprises any one or more devices capable of generating and emitting light therefrom in use, such as one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), one or more halogen light sources, one or more high intensity discharge (HID) light sources, and / or any combination of the like.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the lighting means comprises one or more LEDs to provide an energy efficient light source with good and precise light of a predetermined wavelength.

[0042] In one example, the lighting means includes one or more arrays of LEDs.

[0043] Preferably, a plurality of lighting means are provided, each lighting means being spaced apart from the other lighting means within the training area, more preferably equidistant within the training area and / or enclosed area.

[0044] In one example, the lighting means is provided in a housing where an opening in the housing from which light is emitted during use has protective means provided over and / or associated with the opening to protect the lighting means from damage, environmental conditions, intrusion of water, dirt, and / or the like. For example, the protective means may include a cover, a mesh cover, a tapered opening, and / or the like. This helps to prevent physical elements from breaking and / or damaging the lighting means during use when directed near the lighting means. This is particularly the case when the physical element is, for example, a ball.

[0045] In one embodiment, the background lighting means and / or the physical element lighting means are arranged to emit light having two or more different wavelengths and / or having two or more different colours.

[0046] For example, the background lighting means may include a first lighting means for emitting a first color and / or wavelength of light, or red visible light, and a second lighting means for emitting a second color and / or wavelength of light, or blue visible light.

[0047] In a further example, the background lighting means may further comprise a third lighting means for emitting a third color and / or wavelength of light, or green visible light.

[0048] Preferably, the first, second and / or at least third lights are of different colours and / or wavelengths.

[0049] It will be appreciated that any combination of different colors and / or wavelengths of light may be provided by the background lighting means and / or physical element lighting means as desired.

[0050] Preferably, the adjustment means is capable of adjusting the proportions of two or more different colours and / or wavelengths of light during use.

[0051] In one example, the two or more different colors and / or wavelengths of light are within the visible spectrum.

[0052] In one example, the at least one lighting means provides white light or a combination of different colors and / or wavelengths of light that when mixed or added together produce white light.

[0053] Preferably, at least one lighting means produces illumination outside the visible spectrum, for example UV light.

[0054] Preferably, illumination provided outside the visible spectrum is used to create fluorescence of the physical element during use.

[0055] In an embodiment, the background illumination means comprises at least one red LED, at least one green LED, and / or at least one blue LED.

[0056] Preferably, when two or more different colors and / or wavelengths of light are used in the system, they can be added together to produce further colors of light, white light and / or the like.

[0057] In one embodiment, three or more different lighting means are provided that provide three or more different colors and / or wavelengths of light and / or generate white light.

[0058] In one embodiment, four or more different lighting means are provided that provide four or more different colors and / or wavelengths of light and / or generate white light, for example the four or more different lighting means may include a blue light source, a red light source, a green light source, and a UV light source.

[0059] In one embodiment, the lighting means comprises three or more light sources arranged to emit light of three or more different colours such that when the emitted light is mixed or added together in one or more intensity ratios, they can produce a wide range of possible colours, such as different reds, different oranges, different yellows, different greens, different blues, different purples, and / or mixtures thereof.

[0060] In one embodiment, the blue light emitted by the illumination means is centered at a wavelength of about 450 nm + / - 10 nm.

[0061] In one embodiment, the red light emitted by the illumination means is centered at a wavelength of about 630 nm + / - 10 nm.

[0062] In one embodiment, the green light emitted by the illumination means is centered at a wavelength of approximately 530 nm + / - 10 nm.

[0063] In one embodiment, the illumination means provides white light, preferably white light made from a mixture of spectral components with wavelengths between 400 and 700 nm, more preferably white light made from spectral components between 420 nm and 700 nm.

[0064] In one embodiment, filtering means is provided on and / or associated with the lighting means to provide illumination of one or more colors, particular wavelengths, patterns, and / or the like.

[0065] In one embodiment, one of the filtering means or the lighting means is movable relative to the other of the filtering means or lighting means so that the brightness provided by the lighting means can be adjusted during use.

[0066] In one embodiment, the filtering means is fixed relative to the lighting means. In one embodiment, the background illumination means comprises ultraviolet (UV) light, more preferably UVA light.

[0067] Preferably, the UV light used in the system is about 365 nm + / - 10 nm.

[0068] In one embodiment, the background illumination provided by the background illumination means is 0 or between 0.0001 and 1000 cd / m 2 can be adjusted to.

[0069] Preferably, the background lighting means and / or the lighting means of the training elements are movable between an "on" or activated state and an "off" or inactivated state. More preferably, adjustment of the background lighting means and / or the lighting means of the training elements occurs when the lighting means is in an on or activated state.

[0070] In one embodiment, the background illumination provided by the background lighting can be adjusted from zero to full daylight illumination levels, allowing users of the system to perform training tasks in relatively low lighting conditions or relatively bright lighting conditions, and / or anywhere between the two extremes.

[0071] In one embodiment, the illumination provided by the physical element illumination means is less than 0.001 cd / m 2 It can be adjusted to the above levels.

[0072] Preferably, the physical element illumination means is adjustable to a level such that the illumination associated with the physical element illumination means is bright enough to be seen by the user's cones and / or exceeds the mesopic vision limit.

[0073] In one embodiment, the physical element illumination means may be located directly within or on the physical element, and light or brightness is emitted from the physical element illumination means during use. For example, the physical element illumination means may be a self-emitting illumination source, such as an LED light source, located within the physical element.

[0074] In one embodiment, the physical element illumination means is provided separate from the physical element but can emit light or luminescence from or illuminate the physical element. For example, the physical element illumination means can include a coating provided on and / or associated with the physical element that emits visible light under certain conditions, a fluorescent coating, a UV-sensitive coating, and / or the like. In one example, the physical element illumination means can include a remote light source or light beam that is directed toward and / or tracks the physical element to illuminate the physical element during use.

[0075] In one embodiment, the background illumination means provides illumination that can stimulate and / or activate the physical element illumination means during use. For example, the background illumination means can include a UV light source and the physical element illumination means can include a UV sensitive coating and / or the like that emits visible light when the UV light source is directed towards the UV sensitive coating during use.

[0076] In one example, the background illumination means and at least part of the physical element illumination means are the same light source.

[0077] In one embodiment, the background illumination means and / or physical element illumination means can be adjusted to any one of a number of possible user selectable positions.

[0078] In one embodiment, the background lighting means and / or the physical element lighting means can be adjusted to one of a number of possible predetermined positions.

[0079] In one embodiment, the system includes a training area provided in an enclosed space, such as a housing, room, compartment, tent, enclosure, and / or the like.

[0080] Preferably, the training area is of a predetermined and / or fixed size and / or shape.

[0081] In one embodiment, the system includes a training area, preferably said training area is not an enclosed space.

[0082] In one embodiment, a radiation absorbing coating and / or layer is provided on and / or associated with an interior surface of an enclosed training area, space or housing.

[0083] Preferably, the background lighting means is arranged to provide at least some illumination within the training area, for example background lighting may be provided within the training area or may be provided external to the training area but arranged to provide illumination within the training area.

[0084] In one embodiment, the use of the term "background lighting" is defined as lighting provided within an area or location where a system is used to provide general lighting within the area or location.

[0085] In one embodiment, users of the term "illumination of a physical element" are defined as lighting provided to specifically illuminate a physical element, such as a physical element used within an area or location where the system is used.

[0086] Preferably, a background illumination means for the physical elements can be positioned within the training area to enable a user to perform tasks relating to the physical elements within the training area.

[0087] In one embodiment, the system includes an item of eyewear and / or headwear for a user to wear.

[0088] Preferably, the eyewear and / or headwear is arranged to be worn by a user to provide a closed or substantially closed area of space around one or both of the user's eyes.

[0089] Preferably, the background lighting means is positioned to provide illumination or a selection of illumination within a closed or substantially closed spatial region around the user's eyes, or a space surrounding one or both of the user's eyes, so that only the user's field of view or the immediate vicinity of the user's field of view is provided with background illumination from the background lighting means, rather than the entire training area being illuminated by the background lighting means.

[0090] For example, the eyewear and / or headwear may include a pair of glasses, goggles, one or more eyepieces, one or more lenses, a virtual reality (VR) headset, a headset, and / or the like.

[0091] Preferably, when the eyewear and / or headwear includes a VR headset, real-world conditions, one or more training environments and / or the like can be incorporated onto the visual display of the VR headset, thereby making tasks performed by the user more realistic when wearing the VR headset and / or can be used to introduce additional stimuli or challenges to the system.

[0092] In one embodiment, the system includes sensing means or one or more sensing devices for sensing the position, velocity and / or movement of one or more physical elements during use.

[0093] Preferably, the sensing means is provided within, comprises and / or is associated with eyewear, headwear, a training area, on a predetermined surface within the training area, a physical element and / or the like.

[0094] In one embodiment, the sensing means may be arranged to sense, measure and / or record data relating to one or more training tasks and / or physical elements during use.

[0095] In one embodiment, the sensing means includes one or more sensors, training factor sensors, accelerometers, GPS sensors, motion sensors, and / or the like. In one embodiment, the background lighting level is arranged to be relatively lower than the lighting level of the physical element during use.

[0096] Preferably, the training task is a sports task or game and the physical element is an element of the sport or game, for example the training task can be kicking a ball, hitting a ball, saving or receiving a ball, and / or the like.

[0097] Preferably, the training tasks are everyday tasks that a user may need to perform in daily life, and the physical elements are objects used to perform the everyday tasks.

[0098] Preferably, the physical element may be a ball, a bat, a club, a golf club, a glove, a racket, a goal, a training area, or one or more markers for a goal, and / or the like.

[0099] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using a training system, said method comprising: - providing background illumination for a visual user of the system using background illumination means; - providing at least one physical element related to a training task and performing the training task using the physical element; - illuminating the physical element using physical element illumination means provided on, within, and / or associated with at least one physical element; Including, The method is: using an adjusting means to adjust the background illumination generated by the background illumination means and / or the illumination of the physical element generated by the physical element illumination means. The present invention is characterized in that it further comprises:

[0100] Preferably, the method includes the step of conducting an initial amount of training of a training task according to a predetermined training regime and using the system of the present invention.

[0101] According to further independent aspects of the present invention, there are provided sports training systems and / or methods of use thereof, military training systems and / or methods of use thereof, safety training systems and / or methods of use thereof, and training systems and / or methods of use thereof that provide therapeutic benefits.

[0102] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a training system, the system comprising: - background illumination means for providing background illumination in the user's field of view during use; - At least one physical element related to the training task performed by the user during use; Including, - physical element illumination means are provided on, within and / or associated with at least one physical element such that the physical element can be illuminated in use; The background illumination means and the physical element illumination means are each characterized in that they are arranged to provide visible illumination. Preferably, the background lighting means is arranged to provide light of at least two different colours, at least two different wavelengths and / or at least two different intensities.

[0103] Thus, in some embodiments, the present invention can provide: a) An enclosed sports training area within which the intensity and spectral content of the lighting can be controlled. In one example, four different light sources of different visible wavelengths can be provided. b) a lighting system wherein at least one light source is a UVA light that is largely invisible to the human eye but can be varied in intensity to cause a coated physical object, such as a soccer ball, to fluoresce with visible light so that it can be seen by a player in low light conditions. c) An illumination system in which three of the four light sources are set to different visible wavelengths of light and are adjustable to one of a number of different intensity ratios to generate white illumination of the background illumination. In one example, the three light sources focus on blue light (450 nm), green light (530 nm), and red light (630 nm). In one example, the white light generated by the different light sources ranges from zero or darkness to 1000 cd / m 2 It is adjustable. d) An illumination system in which the relative intensities of light sources of different visible wavelengths can be adjusted to vary the stimulation of one or more rods and / or three cones in the human eye, and particularly preferably to vary the stimulation of three different cones and rods in the human eye. e) The background illumination, and therefore the adaptation of the user's visual system, is such that the illumination is near darkness (i.e., 0.0001 cd / m 2 ) to a bright indoor lighting level (i.e., 1000 cd / m 2 ) lighting systems and / or sports training areas. f) A lighting system and / or sports training area, in which the adaptation and speed of visual processing can be controlled by varying the lighting within the lighting system and / or sports training area. g) Variable sized training areas that can be optimized for different uses and / or specific training tasks related to sports such as baseball pitching and hitting, cricket pitching and hitting, boxing, soccer shooting and goalkeeping, table tennis, tennis and / or the like.

[0104] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0105] [Figure 1] 1 is an example of a training system for use in an enclosed training area, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is an example of a training system according to a further embodiment of the present invention when the training system includes an item of headwear and / or eyewear in the form of a VR headset in which at least background lighting means are provided. [Figure 3] 1 is a graph showing the luminous efficacy function in lumens per watt (lm / W) for the human eye in the dark (black curve) and in the light (white curve). [Figure 4] 1 shows a chromaticity diagram. The axes of the graph relate to the cone excitation of the human eye produced by light of different wavelengths, s(λ) = 1 - [l(λ) + m(λ)], so that l(λ) and m(λ) are small and s(λ) is large at the bottom left of the diagram. The black line, known as the "spectral locus," indicates the spectral light colors (single wavelength or "monochrome" colors) that make up the spectrum seen in a rainbow. The line connecting the two ends of the locus is called the violet line. All physically realizable colors lie within the region bounded by the spectral locus and the violet line. All physically realizable colors of the present invention, in one embodiment, lie within the white triangle connecting the red, green, and blue primaries indicated by the red, green, and blue squares. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0106] The training system of the present invention is configured to utilize the natural functions of one or both eyes and the brain of a user to generate beneficial training and / or therapeutic effects for the user. The human visual system slows down eye and brain signal processing in darkness or relatively low light conditions and accelerates eye and brain signal processing in light or relatively bright light conditions. The training system of the present invention provides an adjustable system that can change the background level of illumination or brightness in the area to which the user's eyes are exposed and / or change the illumination or brightness of physical elements in the area where the user is required to perform one or more tasks to achieve different ranges of visuomotor and / or therapeutic responses for the user. It has been found that by training a user to perform one or more tasks related to physical elements in relatively low lighting conditions, the user performs one or more training tasks related to the physical elements significantly better when lighting conditions return to brighter or standard lighting levels (i.e., standard daylight conditions). Furthermore, it has been found that by training a user to perform one or more training tasks related to physical elements in relatively low lighting conditions, the user experiences improved levels of focus, concentration, and emotional well-being when the user returns to standard or relatively bright levels of light. Thus, the present invention has surprising and unexpected therapeutic benefits.

[0107] The human visual field contains three types of daylight-sensitive photoreceptors, called long (L), intermediate (M), and short (S) wavelength-sensitive cones. Each type of cone is most sensitive to a different portion of the visible spectrum. For example, S cones are most sensitive to violet and blue visible light, M cones are most sensitive to green visible light, and L cones are most sensitive to green-yellow visible light. Another type of light-sensitive photoreceptor, called rods, is also present in the human eye. Rods are generally more light sensitive than cones and are most sensitive to the green-blue portion of the spectrum, optimizing nighttime vision. Cones, in particular, are more sensitive to the green / blue portion of the visible spectrum. Thus, in one embodiment, the present invention can adjust background levels of illumination or luminance, and / or illumination or luminance of physical elements, in a manner that stimulates a specific, and optionally user-selectable, type or combination of photoreceptor types in the user's eye. This allows the user to have very precise control over the specific visual-motor skill to be trained and / or the desired therapeutic effect, something previously not possible with prior art training systems.

[0108] The processing time between the image formed on a user's retina and the user's reaction time to something unexpected in the image can be substantial. Traditional estimates of how quickly a user can respond to an unexpected visual event range from approximately 200 to 300 ms. A user's reaction time to a visual event varies with changes in lighting levels, such as background lighting levels and / or the brightness of physical elements. In relatively low lighting conditions, a user's natural reaction time to an event is slower than the same event in relatively bright lighting conditions. As a result, by allowing a user to train a particular task at relatively low lighting levels, the user learns to accelerate their visual processing, thus improving the user's reaction time performing the task at these low lighting levels. When the user then performs the same task at relatively bright lighting levels, the user's reaction time is significantly improved beyond the user's previously trained reaction time at the same higher lighting levels.

[0109] A simplified diagram of a system according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. An enclosed training area 2 is defined within a housing 4. The training area is sized, shaped, and / or configured such that one or more training tasks can be performed by a user 6 with a physical element within the enclosed training area during use. In the example shown, the physical element is a soccer ball 8, and the user 6 must address a number of tasks related to attempting to kick or save the soccer ball once it moves toward the user during use. The user's reaction time to kick or save the ball and the user's success rate at kicking or saving the ball are recorded. This recording process can be performed manually or automatically via one or more sensors and / or the like.

[0110] It should be noted that the system can be used in unenclosed training areas, although it may be more difficult to control and / or reproduce the required lighting levels.

[0111] The enclosed training area is typically in complete darkness (i.e., no artificial or natural lighting when the background lighting means is not activated), and background lighting within the enclosed training area is controlled by background lighting means in the form of light strips 10. Each light strip contains a plurality of spaced apart light arrays 12. The arrangement and spacing of the light arrays may take any suitable shape and / or position so as to provide relatively uniform background lighting within the training area when the light arrays are activated in use.

[0112] In this particular example, each light array 12 includes four LEDs or four sets of LED light sources, namely a red visible light source (R), a blue visible light source (B), a green visible light source (G), and a UV light source (UV), which emit red visible light, blue visible light, green visible light, and UV light, respectively, during use. As described herein, by adjusting the proportions of the different colored light and by adjusting the brightness of the different colored light, different levels and / or combinations of stimulation of the user's three different cone and rod photoreceptor types can be achieved.

[0113] In one example, soccer ball 8 is provided with a physical element illumination means in the form of a fluorescent coating on its exterior surface, which fluoresces in response to UV light from a UV light source to provide visible light visible to user 6 during use. The degree of brightness emitted from the soccer ball can be controlled by controlling the intensity of the UV light source.

[0114] In another example, the soccer ball may be illuminated by alternative means, such as lights placed inside the soccer ball or lights in a light array that emits a beam of light that tracks the soccer ball during use. In any embodiment, the degree of brightness generated by the soccer ball may be controlled and adjusted as needed.

[0115] One or more parameters and / or lighting conditions within the training area may be controlled from within the training area (such as a display unit on a wall from which a user can select various options) or remotely using a control unit 14 provided away from the training area. The control unit 14 may include any or all combinations of microprocessing means for emitting and / or processing one or more signals related to the background lighting means and / or physical element lighting means, communication means such as transmitters and / or receivers for one-way or two-way communication (as indicated by arrow 16) with a user, a light array, a soccer ball, and / or the like, and storage means for storing software, one or more algorithms, predetermined lighting options, and / or the like.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 2, a simplified diagram of a further embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this arrangement, rather than having the user train within a closed training area as in FIG. 1, the user 6 can wear a VR headset 18 that provides a virtual training area and has a lighting array 12 built into the VR headset 18. The headset creates a closed area around the user's 6 eyes such that background lighting is entirely or substantially entirely from the lighting array 12 provided within the VR headset. The user's cones and nuclei can still be stimulated in a manner similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1, but the user does not need a specific training area in which to perform their training tasks. One or more conditions and / or parameters of the system can be controlled through the VR headset and / or by a remote control unit as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0117] Applicant has shown that soccer players not trained with the system of the present invention have cone reaction times up to 50 ms faster to react to a soccer ball traveling toward them in relatively high light conditions than the same event in relatively low light conditions. This means that a soccer ball traveling toward a player at 90 mph in low light conditions will travel 10 meters before the player can respond to the soccer ball, compared to the 8 meters the ball will travel before the player can respond to the soccer ball in relatively bright light conditions. After a predetermined training period with the system of the present invention, in which the user repeatedly performs the task of reacting to a soccer ball traveling toward them at 90 mph in low light conditions (i.e., kicking a soccer ball traveling toward them), the player learns to accelerate their reaction time to the ball. When the player then returns to the same training task in relatively bright light conditions, the player's reaction time is significantly faster than their previous training level. It has been found that the performance advantages gained by players as a result of training using the system of the present invention last for days or weeks before retraining is required. Further, more detailed examples of the present invention are described below.

[0118] Example 1 The performance of professional goalkeepers was monitored over an entire soccer season (Season 1) immediately prior to beginning training with the system of the present invention. The goalkeepers then trained using the training system of the present invention from February to May of the same year. The goalkeepers' performance was then monitored over the next entire soccer season (Season 2) immediately after beginning training with the system of the present invention. The results are shown in Table 1. [Table 1] It can be seen from the results in Table 1 that the goalkeeper's performance, as measured by clean sheet %, increased from 18% before training with the system of the present invention to 50% after training with the system of the present invention. The number of goals conceded by the goalkeeper decreased from 1.39 to 0.50, which is an improvement of 64%. It can therefore be clearly seen that after the goalkeeper trained for four months using the system of the present invention, there was a significant improvement in the goalkeeper's reaction time and performance.

[0119] Example 2 The performance of the further professional goalkeeper was monitored in a similar manner as for the first goalkeeper. The results of the performance of this further professional goalkeeper are shown in Table 2, along with the performance parameters recorded. [Table 2] The results in Table 2 clearly show the improvement in the performance of the goalkeepers after training with the system of the present invention. In 17 games (out of 34 games) after training with the system of the present invention, the goalkeepers saved all shots (100%). The number of goals conceded dropped significantly (from 1.29 to 0.71) after training with the system of the present invention. This demonstrates that the goalkeepers' performance increased significantly after training with the system of the present invention.

[0120] Example 3 It will be appreciated that the cost of rehabilitating a soccer player after injury is a high expense for an undertaking professional soccer club and that the system of the present invention allows players to return to full fitness quickly by training in the system without exposing them to the risk of injury playing in a real competition or group training. Examples of the performance of players returning after injury are shown in Table 3 below. The athlete's rehabilitation was divided into three phases: Phase 1, which involved isolated training to activate muscles and the brain using the system of the present invention; Phase 2, which involved contextual training drills using the system of the present invention; and Phase 3, which was a return to playing fitness. [Table 3] From Table 3, it can be seen that after the player was rehabilitated using the system of the present invention, the player improved his passing rate by 12.5% and increased his passing accuracy by 6%. The player doubled his passing and improved his accuracy by 20%. The number of accurate passes into the penalty area increased by 16.67%, which supports the beneficial effects of the present invention.

[0121] Example 4 The performance of the further professional goalkeepers was monitored in the same manner as for the first and second goalkeepers. The results of the performance of the further professional goalkeepers are shown in Table 4. [Table 4] After training with the system of the present invention, the % of saves made by goalkeepers increased by 17.20%, the % of goals conceded decreased by 57%, and the % of clean sheets improved by 63%. These results further support the beneficial effects of the system of the present invention.

[0122] Theory of the Light Modulation Benefits of the System of the Present Invention While the illumination level of the background illumination and / or the illumination of the training elements can be arbitrarily selected by the user of the system by selecting one of a number of possible illumination conditions, the background illumination and / or the illumination of the training elements can also be optimized by the user selecting one of a number of predetermined illumination / training conditions provided by the system. To demonstrate one way in which Applicant optimizes the number of predetermined illumination / training conditions provided by the system, Applicant considered how light levels affect the stimulation of the cones and culms of the human eye. As shown in FIG. 3, L, M, and S cones and culms all have different spectral sensitivities and are therefore affected differently by different wavelengths of light. The luminous efficacy functions for the dark (black curve) and bright (white curve) are shown in FIG. 3 in lumens per watt (lm / W).

[0123] V'(λ) and V(λ) are the dark and luminous efficiency functions, respectively, which are normalized to peak and unity. m =1700lm / W and K m = 683 lm / W are the highest luminous efficacies, which occur at 507 nm and 555 nm for the dark and light functions, respectively. m Multiply by V'(λ) and K m By multiplying by V(λ), the luminous efficacy shown in Figure 3 can be obtained. Note that the photopic function primarily reflects the sensitivity of the L and M cones, with little or no input from the S cones. The short vertical lines represent wavelengths of light that, in one embodiment, can be provided by the illumination means in the system of the present invention, in this example UV light, blue light, green light, and red light. Other combinations of light are also envisioned for use in the present invention.

[0124] The dark range refers to the range where light only affects rods, and the photopic range refers to the range where light only affects cones. The higher the luminous efficacy in lumens per watt (lm / W), the greater the impact of a given wavelength of light on either rods (lm / W in the dark) or cones (lm / W in the photopic). Thus, in one embodiment, it has been found that the UV light used in the system has little direct effect on the rods or cones of the human eye. Blue light affects rods more than cones, and red light affects cones more than rods. By varying the intensity of light in the system of the present invention, applicants can vary the relative excitation of the rods and cones in the human eye.

[0125] Two points are worth noting: first, at high levels of darkness, the rods become saturated and no longer contribute to vision, and second, photopic measurements of illumination largely ignore the effect of light on the S cones.

[0126] UV light, also known as black light because it is nearly invisible to the human eye, can be used in one embodiment as a source of background illumination in the systems of the present invention. As can be seen in FIG. 3, UV light has very low luminous efficiency in the dark and in the light, and therefore is not well photo-matched to (and therefore does not accelerate) either rods or cones. Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the purpose of the UV light is to excite fluorescent coatings on physical training elements, such as soccer balls or pitch markings, that cause them to emit visible light in different parts of the spectrum. For example, a fluorescent soccer ball can appear orange, and pitch markings can appear orange or violet-white.

[0127] Because the ball is orange, its trajectory and shape are detected primarily by the L and M cones, but not by the S cones. This makes sense because the L and M cones fall into the visual pathways where the human eye best sees motion and detail (known as the "magnocellular" and "parvocellular" pathways, respectively), and there is little or no input from the S cones into these pathways.

[0128] The dependence of tasks containing motion and detail primarily on the L and M cones is one reason why the photopic V(λ) function is the sum of the spectral sensitivities of the L and M cones, with no contribution from the S cones.

[0129] When background illumination is low and the visual system has time to adapt to darkness, rods tend to be sensitive enough to detect the fluorescent orange ball along with cones. However, the image of the soccer ball generated by the rods may lag substantially behind the image generated by the cones, resulting in poor spatial resolution. This potential unwanted rod contribution, which blurs the image the user sees both temporally and spatially, can be reduced in the system of the present invention by illuminating the training area via background illumination means with a blue light source. Because this light stimulates rods far more than cones, adding a dark blue light can reduce rod sensitivity without affecting L or M cones. In one example of the present invention, players reported that their training seemed more efficient when background illumination levels were based on low levels of blue light.

[0130] Some examples of predetermined positions and proportions (measured in bright light) at which background lighting means and / or physical element lighting means can be adjusted in the system of the present invention in one embodiment. Okkulo Light Level (Level 4) (Red (R), Blue (B), Green (G) 10% absent) Photopic-cone Goalkeeper area lighting - 17 millilux Right (RS) and Left (LS) 12 millilux Outfielder lighting - 12.9 millilux to 14 millilux Scotopic - rods Goalkeeper area lighting - 83.8 millilux (RS) and 57.7 millilux (LS) 29.5 millilux Outfielder lighting - 100.5 millilux

[0131] Okkulo Light Level (Level 4) (RBG 10% (i.e. red, blue, and green light sources set to 10% of their capacity) Photopic-cone Goalkeeper area lighting - 62.6 millilux (RS) 46.9 millilux (LS) 31.9 millilux Outfielder lighting - 68.9 millilux Scotopic - rods Goalkeeper area lighting - 390.5 milieu (RS) 166.7 millux (LS) 268.1 millux Outfielder lighting - 485.4 millilux Photopic-cone Goalkeeper lighting in player field of view - 32.8 millilux Player-view outfield lighting - 42.6 millilux Scotopic - rods Goalkeeper lighting in player field of view - 73.7 millilux Player Field of View | Outfield Lighting - 97.6 millilux Ball's photopic rod 175 millilux Ball dark cone - 0.41 lux

[0132] Solid Blue (Level 1) Photopic-cone Goalkeeper area lighting - 0.455 lux (RS) 197.1 millilux (LS) 160.8 millilux Outfielder lighting - 0.468 lux Scotopic - rods Goalkeeper area lighting - 15.12 lux (RS) 9.16 lux (LS) 7.63 lux Outfielder lighting - 18.47 lux Photopic-cone Goalkeeper lighting in player field of view - 41.6 millilux Player-view outfield lighting - 49.2 millilux Scotopic - rods Goalkeeper lighting in player field of view - 400.2 millilux Player-view outfield lighting - 529.7 millilux Ball's photopic rods - 769.1 millilux Ball dark cone - 0.980 lux

[0133] Solid red (Level 3) Photopic-cone Goalkeeper area lighting - 1.864 lux (RS) 0.871 lux (LS) 0.786 lux Outfielder lighting - 2.138 lux Scotopic - rods Goalkeeper area lighting - 133.4 millilux (RS) 86.5 millilux (LS) 70.8 millilux Outfielder lighting - 180.3 millilux Photopic-cone Goalkeeper lighting in player field of view - 97.6 millilux Player-view outfield lighting - 80.3 millilux Scotopic - rods Goalkeeper lighting in player field of view - 88.0 millilux Player-view outfield lighting - 86.9 millilux Ball's photopic rods - 158.1 millilux Ball dark cone - 0.703 lux

[0134] Solid green (Level 2) Photopic-cone Goalkeeper area lighting - 5.001 lux (RS) 2.25 lux (LS) 2.857 lux Outfielder lighting - 15.61 lux Scotopic - rods Goalkeeper area lighting - 9.54 millilux (RS) 5.64 lux (LS) 4.66 lux Outfielder Lighting - 13.99 lux Photopic-cone Goalkeeper lighting in player field of view - 215.3 millilux Player-view outfield lighting - 232.9 millilux Scotopic - rods Goalkeeper lighting in player field of view - 456.7 millilux Player-view outfield lighting - 649.9 millilux Ball's photopic rods - 786.5 millilux Ball dark cone - 0.745 lux

[0135] Standard level Photopic-cone Goalkeeper area lighting - 0.477K Lux (RS) 163.21 Lux (LS) 85.3 Lux Outfielder lighting - 0.399K lux Scotopic - rods Goalkeeper area lighting - 0.903K Lux (RS) 361.7 Lux (LS) 188.3 Lux Outfielder lighting - 0.903K lux Photopic-cone Goalkeeper lighting in player's field of view - 12.30 lux Player-view outfield lighting - 19.85 lux Scotopic - rods Goalkeeper lighting in player field of view - 29.58 lux Player-view outfield lighting - 38.68 lux Rods in the dark of the ball - 64.48 lux Ball photopic cone - 92.1 lux

[0136] <Examples of Systems of the Present Invention Providing Therapeutic Effects> In one study, a patient suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder volunteered to undergo multiple training tasks using the system of the present invention for several weeks, with the background lighting of the system set to primarily low levels of blue illumination. After several weeks of training using the system of the present invention, the patient's focus significantly improved not only when performing the same training tasks, but also when performing other everyday tasks outside of the system. Thus, there is evidence supporting the use of the system of the present invention for disorders and / or conditions that make it difficult for users to focus or concentrate.

[0137] In another study, a patient who had suffered a traumatic brain injury and struggled to concentrate and remember things in everyday life volunteered to complete multiple training tasks using the system for several weeks, with the system's background lighting set to primarily low levels of blue illumination. After several weeks of training using the system of the present invention, the patient's concentration levels and memory improved significantly when performing both the same training tasks and other everyday tasks outside of the system. Thus, there is evidence supporting the use of the system of the present invention for disorders and / or conditions related to brain trauma, concussion, and / or the like, where the user may experience difficulty focusing or concentrating.

[0138] In further testing, patients undergoing rehabilitation following surgery or injury volunteered to undergo multiple training exercises using the system over a number of weeks, with the system's background lighting set to primarily low levels of red and / or green illumination. After several weeks of training using the system of the present invention, the patients' perspective perception was found to have improved significantly.

[0139] The above examples help demonstrate that the system of the present invention can provide therapeutic benefits for many different conditions, illnesses, injuries, injury rehabilitation, and / or the like.

[0140] Those skilled in the art will recognize that further experimentation using different combinations of illumination intensity, wavelength, and / or the like with the systems of the present invention can provide optimized conditions for a much wider range of training, rehabilitation, and / or therapeutic effects.

[0141] Referring to Figure 4, when three primary light sources, red (R), green (G), and blue (B), are used for the background illumination means in a system of the present invention according to one embodiment and mixed together in different proportions, it is possible to achieve a resulting background illumination color that falls within the triangle depicted in white in Figure 4 (the triangle depicted in white is created by connecting the R, G, and B sections on the chromaticity diagram). It can be seen from this figure that this combination of colors can be used to provide suitable background illumination. If four more primary colors were used, a four-sided border would be created, which would then enclose a larger selection of possible background colors compared to the white triangle shown.

[0142] Thus, it can be seen from Figure 4 that a wide range of background lighting possibilities can be created by adding and / or mixing different colored light sources together in a system at different intensities and / or proportions, each lighting possibility being able to produce optimized lighting to achieve a particularly beneficial effect for the user.

[0143] It can also be seen from Figure 4 that two different light sources can be used to provide background illumination. For example, if C1 (blue) and C2 (orange) are two different light sources and a dotted line is drawn between the two different light sources in Figure 4, different colors can be generated along this dotted line that can provide background illumination.

[0144] <Example 5> <Methodology> Further research was undertaken to investigate whether the use of the system of the present invention would improve athletes' visual abilities. The study recruited 24 elite soccer athletes of both genders, aged 18-30, with no history of visual impairment. The athletes were randomized into experimental and control groups using a controlled trial design. Each group was monitored for their visual abilities at the beginning and end of a six-week training period. The experimental group performed visual soccer training drills using the system of the present invention during the six weeks between pre- and post-visual ability testing, while the control group performed the same visual soccer training drills without the system of the present invention.

[0145] The visual performance testing protocol used for testing before and after the training period measured eight different metrics, all of which have different functions on the visual system, particularly during sport. The eight different metrics were: - Dynamic visual acuity, i.e. the ability to see objects while they are moving, - Recognition time, i.e. the time it takes to identify an object, - Stereopsis, i.e. the ability to perceive depth, - Perceptual reaction time, i.e. the time it takes to respond to a sensory stimulus (eye to brain), - Motor reaction time, i.e. the time it takes to respond through movement (brain to muscle), - the speed of recognition, i.e. the speed at which objects are recognized; - contrast sensitivity, i.e. the ability to distinguish between low-contrast objects; - Anticipation, the ability to predict the movement of an object.

[0146] The experimental group completed a minimum of two 30-minute supervised training sessions per week using the system of the present invention over a six-week training period. The control group completed the same minimum of two 30-minute supervised training sessions per week, but without the system of the present invention over a six-week training period. There was no upper limit on the amount of training time that either the experimental or control athletes could undertake during the training period. Over the six-week training period, the training light levels that the athletes received in the experiment varied as follows: Week 1 – Blue light only Week 2 - Green light only Week 3 – Red light only Week 4 - UV light with a 10% mixture of red, blue, and green light (hereafter referred to as Okkulo light) Weeks 5 and 6 - Red and Okkulo lights only

[0147] The controlled training included simple groups in which athletes, accompanied by a coach, individually performed ball drills designed to fully utilize a pre-defined enclosed area / field. A ball machine was used for at least part of the session so that ball speed could be maintained constant (50 mph). Drills included ball control, dribbling, and shooting.

[0148] result Using statistical analysis (Wilcoxon test), the following results were obtained (V = part of the test statistic on the sum of ranks with positive signs, p = probability, n = number of athletes). 1. Visual ability (the athlete's ability to identify the shape and details of an object while it is in motion); Experimental group V=66, p=0.0019, n=11 Control group V=10.5, p=0.93, n=11 The experimental group showed a 10% increase in visual ability after the test period compared to the control group. This test reflects an athlete's ability to see players, the ball, and all the action on the field better and in more detail while in motion.

[0149] 2. Recognition time (how well the athlete visually processes the image and evaluates what needs to be done with the information); Experimental group V=3.5, p=0.0049, n=11 Control group V=15, p=0.98, n=11 The experimental group showed a 56% increase in recognition time after the test period compared to the control group. This test reflects the athlete's ability to very quickly see, process, and act on information presented on the playing field, resulting in a high probability of successful on-field actions.

[0150] 3. Discrimination test (peripheral vision test to test the athlete's ability to see successfully in the peripheral vision at that time), Experimental group V=55, p=0.0027, n=11 Control group V=22, p=0.094, n=11 The experimental group showed a 10% increase in peripheral vision ability after the test period compared to the control group. This test reflects an athlete's ability to process information other than a clear line of sight, allowing them to more accurately perform their sporting actions.

[0151] 4. Anticipatory time ahead (the time it takes the athlete to judge the object ahead of its actual location); Experimental group V=2, p=0.0059, n=10 Control group V=3, p=0.31, n=8 The experimental group showed a 60% increase in anticipation time after the test period compared to the control group. This test reflects the athlete's ability to predict where the ball will be in its flight path and be able to better contact, touch, receive or save the ball.

[0152] 5. Stereopsis (the visual ability to perceive the world in three dimensions and then determine the location of objects in relation to oneself); Experimental group V=6, p=0.015, n=11 Control group V=21, p=0.69, n=11 The experimental group showed a 20% increase in stereopsis after the testing period compared to the control group. Improved stereopsis means that the athletes can predict depth much better, which allows them to better judge the flight and movement of the ball.

[0153] 6. Reaction time (perception) (how quickly the athlete processes changes from the eyes to the brain), Experimental group V=0, p=0.0019, n=11 Control group V=17.5, p=0.091, n=11 The experimental group showed a 16% increase in perceptual reaction time after the test period compared to the control group. This test reflects the athlete's ability to process and split second decisions between the eyes and the brain.

[0154] Thus, the above results demonstrate a significant improvement in the visual performance of athletes after six weeks of use of the system of the present invention.

Claims

1. - Background lighting means for providing background illumination to the user's vision during use, - At least one physical element relating to the training task performed by the user during use and Includes, - A training system comprising physical element illumination means provided on, within, and / or associated with the at least one physical element, so as to be able to illuminate the at least one physical element during use, A training system characterized by being provided with adjustment means that can adjust the background lighting generated by the background lighting means and / or the lighting of the physical elements generated by the physical element lighting means during use.

2. The training system according to claim 1, wherein the background lighting provided by the background lighting means and / or the physical element lighting provided by the physical element lighting means includes, consists of, or comprises visible light.

3. The training system according to claim 1, wherein the adjusting means can adjust one or more parameters and / or conditions relating to the background lighting, the physical element lighting, the background lighting means and / or the physical element lighting means, and is arranged to adjust the difficulty level of the training tasks performed by the user of the system, to adjust the stimulation of one or more cones and / or rods in the user's human eye, to adjust the user's visual stimulation in the range of twilight, light and / or darkness, and / or is arranged to adjust any or any combination of the wavelength, color and / or components of the light emitted from the lighting means, the brightness of the light emitted from the lighting means, the intensity of the light emitted from the lighting means, the type of light emitted from the lighting means, the ratio of two or more different lights of different wavelengths emitted by the lighting means, or the contrast between the light emitted by the background lighting means and the physical element lighting means.

4. The training system according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment means is arranged to adjust two or more parameters and / or conditions relating to the background lighting, the background lighting means, the physical element lighting, and / or the physical element lighting means simultaneously and / or independently of each other.

5. The training system according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment of the lighting of the system via the adjustment means is performed manually or automatically as a result of one or more predetermined conditions being met.

6. The training system according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment means includes any means or device capable of adjusting the background lighting means, the physical element lighting means, and / or the lighting provided by either the background lighting means or the physical element lighting means; one or more user operating means or devices; a control device or unit; and one or more dials, buttons, knobs, switches, keyboards, joysticks or touchscreen display devices.

7. The training system according to claim 1, wherein the system includes a control unit or device, the adjustment means is provided on and / or associated with the control unit or device, and optionally the control unit or device includes hardware and / or software for performing one or more processes, storage means for storing data relating to the system, and / or communication means for communicating data with and / or communicating data between one or more electronic devices.

8. The training system according to claim 1, wherein the light emitted from the background lighting means and / or physical element lighting means is in different states of polarization, unpolarized, partially polarized, and / or polarized.

9. The training system according to claim 1, wherein the light emitted from the background lighting means and / or physical element lighting means is continuous or substantially continuous light, discontinuous or substantially discontinuous light, pulsed light, and / or a predetermined or random pattern, one or more arrays of light.

10. The training system according to claim 1, wherein the background lighting means and / or the physical element lighting means include one or more lights, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), arrays of LEDs, halogen light sources, or high-intensity discharge (HID) light sources, or any combination thereof.

11. The training system according to claim 1, wherein the background lighting means includes a first lighting means capable of emitting a first color and / or wavelength of light and at least a second lighting means capable of emitting at least a second color and / or wavelength of light, the first and second colors and / or wavelengths of light being different.

12. The training system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the background illumination means and / or physical element illumination means generates illumination other than the visible spectrum, and is ultraviolet (UV) light and / or UVA light.

13. The training system according to claim 1, wherein a filtering means is provided on and / or associated with the background lighting means and / or physical element lighting means to provide illumination of one or more colors, wavelengths, and / or patterns.

14. The background illumination provided by the background illumination means is 0 to 1000 cd / m². ２ It can be adjusted to and / or the illumination provided by the physical element illumination means is 0.001 cd / m ２ The training system according to claim 1, which can be adjusted to the above level.

15. The training system according to claim 1, wherein the physical element illumination means can be positioned directly within or on the physical element, is a self-emitting illumination source, and / or is provided apart from the physical element but can emit light or light emission from or illuminate the physical element.

16. The training system according to claim 1, wherein the system includes a training area provided in a closed space or region, and optionally a radiation-absorbing coating and / or layer is provided on and / or associated with the internal surface of the closed training area or space.

17. The training system according to claim 1, wherein the system includes an item of eyewear and / or headwear for a user to wear, and when worn, the eyewear or headwear provides a closed or substantially closed space around one or both of the user's eyes, and the background lighting means is arranged to provide background lighting within the closed or substantially closed space around one or both of the user's eyes.

18. The training system according to claim 1, further comprising sensing means for sensing the position, velocity, and / or movement of one or more of the physical elements during use.

19. The training system according to claim 1, wherein the training task is a sports task or a match, the physical element is an element of the sport or match, or the training task is a daily task that a user may need to perform in their daily life, and the physical element is an object used to perform the daily task.

20. A method of using a training system, wherein the method is - A step of providing background lighting to the visual user of the system using background lighting means, - A step of providing at least one physical element relating to a training task and performing the training task using the physical element, - The steps of illuminating the physical element using physical element illumination means provided on and / or associated with the at least one physical element. Includes, The aforementioned method, A step of adjusting the background lighting generated by the background lighting means and / or the physical element lighting generated by the physical element lighting means using adjustment means. A method characterized by further comprising:

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