Sports ball training device or simulation device

Abstract

A ball training or simulation device is provided. The ball training or simulation device includes a modified ball coupled to a base by a motion transmission member. The modified ball allows for a lower, more natural ball position, and the shape, position, and configuration of the motion transmission member provide a realistic kicking experience. The ball training and / or simulation device may be coupled to a computer device so that input from the modified ball can be used in a simulation or augmented reality game. A computer-implemented method for running a virtual, augmented, or mixed reality game is also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Broadly speaking, the present disclosure relates to a sports training device and a simulation input device.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, athletic sports require many body movements, but people who are training or playing sports often have fixed and / or indoor sports training devices such as speed bags for boxing, golf swing simulators for golf, and radar guns for baseball pitching. Furthermore, there are many game simulators that provide inputs of similar movements used in actual sports. There are console systems with motion or weight tracking, and there are many games and simulations from the rapidly growing fields of virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), and augmented reality (AR).

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0003]

Non-Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Problems with many sports training devices arise when dealing with the relationship between the cost, compactness, and realism of the sports training device. For example, in soccer, running can be simulated in various ways. To accommodate running, a large room can be used, which allows for a high degree of realism but results in high costs and low compactness. Instead, when a video game simulates an avatar running on a screen behind a simulated soccer ball, this has a lower degree of realism but relatively low costs and high compactness. It is desirable to achieve low costs and a high degree of compactness and realism. Conventional stationary ball training devices, such as stationary soccer ball training devices, have several drawbacks. The drawbacks include not providing a full range of motion when kicking the ball and not providing a natural ball position (e.g., the playing surface in contact with the soccer ball). Additionally, conventional sports ball training devices combined with augmented reality (AR) functions tend to be cumbersome and expensive. In sports that involve excellent skills related to the player's feet (such as skills like running, ball handling, kicking, etc.), it is desirable to provide a compact sports training device that maximizes the realism of the skills that require the use of the feet during training while maintaining a compact and affordable function.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0005] The following is a brief summary of the subject matter described in more detail herein. This summary is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0006] In one embodiment, the ball training device comprises a motion transmission member that is vertically (vertically) attached and at least partially extends into the modified ball, and a base coupled to the lower portion of the motion transmission member. The modified ball is coupled to the upper portion of the motion transmission member. The modified ball has a front half and a rear half with a kicking or striking surface, and the rear half is tapered and has a maximum radius smaller than the maximum radius of the front half.

[0007] In one embodiment, the system comprises a modified ball, a base, and a motion transmission member that is vertically attached and at least partially extends into the modified ball. The modified ball is coupled to the base via the motion transmission member. The system also includes a sensor configured to receive an input when the user operates the modified ball, and a computer device configured to receive the input from the sensor.

[0008] In one embodiment, the ball training device comprises a motion transmission member attached to a modified golf ball, and a base coupled to the lower portion of the motion transmission member. The modified golf ball is coupled to the upper portion of the motion transmission member. The modified golf ball has a front half and a rear half with a striking surface, and the rear half is tapered and has a maximum radius smaller than the maximum radius of the front half.

[0009] The above summary presents a simplified overview in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the systems and / or methods discussed in this specification. This summary is not an extensive overview of the systems and / or methods discussed in this specification. It is not intended to identify key / essential elements or to delineate the scope of such systems and / or methods. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that follows.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Various techniques related to sports ball training devices or simulation devices have been discussed, and like reference numerals are used throughout to refer to like elements. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more aspects. However, it may be apparent that such aspects may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate explanation of one or more aspects. Further, it should be understood that functions described as being performed by certain system components may be performed by multiple components. Similarly, for example, a component may be configured to perform functions described as being performed by multiple components.

[0012] Furthermore, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or". That is, unless specifically stated otherwise or otherwise apparent from the context, the phrase "X uses A or B" is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, the phrase "X uses A or B" is satisfied in any of the following instances: namely, X uses A, X uses B, or X uses both A and B. Further, the articles "a", "an", and "the" as used in this application and the appended claims are generally to be construed to mean "one or more" unless specifically stated otherwise or otherwise made clear from the context and directed to the singular form. Further, as used herein, the term "exemplary" is intended to mean serving as an illustration or example of something and is not intended to indicate a preference.

[0013] This disclosure describes improvements to conventional stationary ball training devices and innovative ways to interact with sports ball training devices. Ball training devices generally include a ball intended to be kicked, a base configured to be installed on the ground or floor, and a motion transmission member that connects the ball to the base. Conventional ball kicking training devices set the ball at an unnaturally high position. In contrast, the devices described herein retract a motion transmission member (e.g., a spring) inside a modified ball so that the modified ball can be set at a lower and more natural height, i.e., a height closer to the base. Further, the balls of the devices described herein are modified such that there is less material on the back side portion of the modified ball (i.e., the portion of the ball opposite the location where the kick is applied) than on a similar conventional ball. The modified balls disclosed herein allow for a wider range of movement when a kick is applied. By removing the material on the back side of the modified ball, a user can kick the ball and pass through it without the ball hitting the floor or obstructing the foot from passing through.

[0014] Some sports ball training devices are coupled to a simulation of a sports ball. The simulation can be in the form of other visual simulations such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), or video games. Conventional sports ball training devices combined with a simulation are cumbersome and typically require an entire wall or an entire room where the ball can be kicked or struck. The devices disclosed herein enable a sports ball simulation that provides a natural feel of kicking or striking, a compact profile, portability, and an affordable price.

[0015] Referring now to FIG. 1, a cross-sectional view of an exemplary ball training device 100 is depicted in a general way. The ball training device 100 includes a modified ball 102. Although a modified football is shown in FIG. 1, other balls such as, for example, a modified soccer ball, a modified kickball, a modified American football, a modified rugby ball, a modified golf ball, etc. may be used. The modified ball 102 may be removably coupled to a base 104 via a motion transfer member 106. The motion transfer member 106 is configured to allow the modified ball 102 to bend or pivot with respect to the base 104. For example, the modified ball 102 may move from an initial position to a second position in response to an external force applied to the modified ball 102. The motion transfer member 106 may be further configured to reset the modified ball 102 from the second position to the initial position. Thereby, when a force is applied to the modified ball 102, the modified ball 102 is able to have a range of movement. The motion transfer member 106 applies a repositioning force to return the modified ball 102 to the initial position along the axis 118. The ball training device 100 further includes a vertical shaft 114, a durable and safe attachment, and a ball coupling device 116 that contributes to a realistic feel. Without the support of the vertical shaft 114, the upper portion of the modified ball 102 would bend and / or collapse more easily than the lower portion. However, in one embodiment, the modified ball 102 may include an internal rib structure to provide additional rigidity extending to the upper portion of the modified ball 102. The rib structure may include a number of ribs running vertically along the inside of the ball. Thus, a kick directed at the upper portion of the modified ball 102 without the vertical shaft 114 or the internal rib structure can cause the ball to collapse and not move along the pivot point formed by the motion transfer member 106.

[0016] In the case of a non-spherical ball such as a football or a rugby ball, it should be noted that the modified ball 102 does not need to be aligned perpendicular to the axis 118. In some cases, the modified ball 102 can be tilted backward so that its top tilts to the left or right of the axis 118 at rest and the bottom of the modified ball 102 remains on the axis 118 when mounted.

[0017] The motion transmission member 106 is a movable member such as a movable arm, a tiltable arm, a spring, or an elastomeric cord. In one embodiment, the motion transmission member 106 is a double conical spring or a single conical spring. In another embodiment, the motion transmission member 106 is a hydraulic arm that pivots about an axis. In another embodiment, the motion transmission member 106 is a series of elastic bands and coupling arms that store energy when a kick or strike is applied and then release the energy after the kick or strike to return the modified ball 102 to its original starting position. In yet another embodiment, the motion transmission member 106 is a double conical spring used in combination with an elastomeric-like material (e.g., latex rubber filled with gelled corn syrup, flexible polymer, rubber) that adds reinforcement and means for dispersing the force applied to the modified ball 102 when the force finally moves the motion transmission member 106. The motion transmission member 106 has an upper portion 120 and a lower portion 122. The upper portion 120 of the motion transmission member 106 is coupled to the lower portion 124 of the vertical shaft 114. The lower portion 122 of the motion transmission member 106 is coupled to the base 104. The motion transmission member 106 extends through an inner portion of the modified ball 102 and, in this case, along a vertical track passing through the axis 118.

[0018] The double conical spring is thick in the central part and tapered so that the diameter is smaller at the ends than in the central part. A double conical spring with a large central diameter promotes bending in the central part before bending at the ends. This improves the stability and rigidity at the end attachment points and also promotes bending in the central part. Conversely, a single conical spring has a bending point closer to the larger diameter end and has a more variable natural movement. Generally, there is no standard design method, analysis, or manufacturing data for double conical springs. Furthermore, since double conical springs can have variable pitch, coil diameter, and wire diameter, it is difficult to achieve the required spring parameters such as load at the attached height, minimized lateral load, coil diameter, and pitch. However, when the motion transfer member 106 is fully inserted and attached inside the modified ball 102 and its central part is arranged to be on the same plane as the lower end of the modified ball 102, this contributes to a more realistic kicking or striking motion and feel since the pivot point is at or near ground level.

[0019] To enhance kicking movement and sensation, the motion transfer member 106 is at least partially embedded within the modified ball 102. For example, the motion transfer member 106 can be embedded within the modified ball 102 such that from 31% to 100%, such as from 40% to 77%, or from 60% to 45% of the motion transfer member 106 is embedded within the modified ball 102. In a particular embodiment, the motion transfer member 106 is 50% embedded within the modified ball, and the central portion of the spring is on a plane at the same height as the outer surface of the modified ball 102. The ball training device 100 further includes a housing 108 for the motion transfer member 106. The housing 108 is coupled to the modified ball 102 and is embedded in the bottom of the modified ball 102. In one embodiment, the housing 108 is adhered to an inner portion (not shown) of the modified ball 102. In another embodiment, the housing 108 is mechanically fixed with an interlocking mechanical engagement (e.g., male-female complementary threading, snap fitting, press fitting, molding, latch fastener). In another embodiment, the housing 108 includes two pieces (not shown) coupled to the modified ball 102 via screws. The screws can extend through a first piece of the housing 108 located on the outer portion of the modified ball 102 and then through the modified ball 102 to extend to a second piece of the housing 108 located on the inner portion of the modified ball 102. The screws compress the first piece of the housing 108 and the second piece of the housing 108 against the modified ball 102. Alternatively, nuts and bolts can be used instead of screws.

[0020] The bolt training device 100 further includes a base coupling device 110 and a housing coupling device 112. The upper portion 126 of the base coupling device 110 extends at least partially into the lower portion 122 of the motion transmission member 106, and the lower portion 128 of the base coupling device 110 extends at least partially into the base 104. In one embodiment, the base coupling device 110 is a rod having a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the opening of the lower portion 122 of the motion transmission member 106, and the base coupling device 110 is pushed into the lower portion 122 of the motion transmission member 106. The base coupling device 110 can also be screwed into the motion transmission member 106 and fixed by matching an inclined thread, a pin, or some other coupling mechanism.

[0021] In one embodiment, the base coupling device 110 is coupled to the base 104. The base coupling device 110 can be part of the base 104 (e.g., the coupling device 110 is formed on the base 104) or directly connected to the base 104 via a coupling mechanism. In one embodiment, the base coupling device 110 is inserted into the base 104 and held in place by a pin inserted laterally through the base coupling device 110 such that the base coupling device 110 is fixed to the base 104. In another embodiment, the base coupling device 110 is a male thread of a screw and is then passed through complementary female threads disposed in the lower portion 122 of the motion transmission member 106 and the base 104.

[0022] In one embodiment, the housing coupling device 112 couples the housing 108 to the motion transmission member 106. In one embodiment, the housing coupling device 112 extends through the housing 108 and partially into the motion transmission member 106. In one embodiment, the housing coupling device 112 is threaded and extends upward through the housing 108 and is coupled to the housing 108 by a corresponding threaded nut (not shown) screwed onto the thread of the housing coupling device 112. In another embodiment, the housing coupling device 112 extends into the motion transmission member 106 (e.g., a double conical spring) and is welded or chemically adhered to the motion transmission member 106.

[0023] The ball training device 100 further includes a vertical shaft 114 and a ball coupling device 116. The vertical shaft 114 extends, in whole or in part, through the upper portion 130 of the modified ball 102 to the upper portion 132 of the housing coupling device 112. The upper end 134 of the vertical shaft 114 is coupled to the modified ball 102, and the lower end 124 of the vertical shaft 114 is coupled to the motion transmission member 106. The vertical shaft 114 adds structural support to the modified ball 102. The ball coupling device 116 couples the vertical shaft 114 to the modified ball 102. In one embodiment, the vertical shaft 114 has a length of from 7.62 to 20.32 cm (3 to 8 inches), for example from 10.16 to 17.78 cm (4 to 7 inches), is threaded, and is fed into a nut or other coupling device (not shown) that is at least partially threaded and has a length of from 7.62 cm (3 inches) to 10.16 cm (4 inches). The housing coupling device 112 feeds from 0.635 to 2.54 cm (0.25 to 1 inch), such as from 1.27 to 1.905 cm (0.5 to 0.75 inch), into a threaded nut. In a further embodiment, the ball coupling device 116 is a cap that follows the outer contour and is located on the upper portion of the modified ball 102. The cap 116 has centered therein a portion (not shown) that extends downwardly into the modified ball 102 such that the vertical shaft 114 can be coupled to the central portion of the cap 116.

[0024] In one embodiment, one or more of the base coupling device 110, the housing coupling device 112, or the ball coupling device 116 can be eliminated by forming or otherwise integrating them with one or more of the components to which they are coupled. For example, the housing coupling device 112 can be integrated with the vertical shaft 114.

[0025] Instead of, or in addition to, the vertical shaft 114, radial fins (not shown) extending from the uppermost portion 130 to the lower portion 134 of the modified ball 102 can be used to add structural support to the modified ball 102.

[0026] Referring now to FIG. 2, a side view of an exemplary bolt training device 200 when a force is applied is shown. The bolt training device 200 includes a modified ball 202 (in this case a modified soccer ball), a base 204, a double cone spring 206, and a convex positioning device 208. As will be further described below, the convex positioning device 208 mates with a concave positioning device that functions to guide the modified ball 202 back to its initial position after the force is removed. In one embodiment, the convex positioning device 208 is any protruding geometric shape that serves to guide the modified ball 202 back to a predetermined position within the concave positioning device. Typically, the shapes of the concave and convex positioning devices 208 are similar and have complementary curvatures, including, for example, a circular protrusion as shown in FIG. 2 with complementary circular receiving portions, a V-shaped groove concave positioning device with complementary narrow V-shaped convex positioning devices 208, or a square protrusion with complementary square receiving portions.

[0027] When the modified ball 202 is in its initial position (as shown in FIG. 1), the modified ball 202 is vertically aligned about a first axis 210. When a force (e.g., a kick) is applied to the modified ball 202 such that the modified ball 202 begins to move, the double cone spring 206 tilts and flexes such that the modified ball 202 rotates about a second axis 212 that is different from the first axis 210, and the second axis 212 depends on the angle and force of the kick or strike. Most notably, the modified form of the modified ball 202 allows the modified ball 202 to drop further towards the ground or base 204, such that the user can continue to kick or strike with minimal additional resistance (if any) compared to an actual unfixed ball.

[0028] The base 204 is installed on the ground and can be further attached to the ground. The base 204 is of a size sufficient to provide a fixed platform on which a user can position himself and kick up the modified ball 202. For example, the base 204 can be from 0.6096 m (2 feet) to 1.829 m (6 feet) in width and from 0.6096 m (2 feet) to 2.438 m (8 feet) in length, or from 0.5574 to 2.508 m 2 (6 to 27 square feet) or from 0.929 to 1.858 m 2 (10 to 20 square feet), etc., and can fall within the range of from 0.3716 to 3.345 m 2 (4 to 36 square feet). The modified ball 202 is coupled to or near the edge of the base 204 such that a user standing on the base 204 can provide a kick to the modified ball 202 without the user having to leave the base 204. It is also envisioned that the modified ball 202 can be coupled to a lateral protrusion of the base 204. The modified ball 202 is centered above the lateral protrusion and is coupled to the base 204 via the base coupling device 110. The modified ball 202 can be centrally disposed above, such as from 0.635 to 25.4 cm (0.25 to 10 inches), for example from 2.54 to 12.7 cm (1 to 5 inches), or from 5.08 to 8.89 cm (2 to 3.5 inches) laterally from the edge of the base 204.

[0029] The double conical spring 206 has a free length parameter and a solid height parameter. The free length of the spring is the length of the spring when no load is applied to the spring. The solid height of the spring is the length of the spring when the spring is fully compressed such that there is no gap between the coils of the spring. The double conical spring 206 has a free length and a solid height that are equal to each other, such as ±30%, ±20%, or ±10%, or equal within ±30%. The solid height of the double conical spring 206 can be from 3.81 to 20.32 cm (1.5 to 8 inches), from 5.08 to 15.24 cm (2 to 6 inches), or from 0.635 to 10.16 cm (0.25 to 4 inches).

[0030] The double conical spring 206 includes a wire coiled in a coil shape around a wire. The diameter of the wire is from 0.127 to 0.635 cm (0.05 to 0.25 inches), such as from 0.254 to 0.508 cm (0.1 to 0.2 inches), or from 1.778 to 0.4318 cm (0.7 to 0.17 inches). The wire coil has a small outer diameter and a small inner diameter near the ends of the double conical spring 206. In one embodiment, the small outer diameter is from 1.27 to 3.81 cm (0.5 to 1.5 inches), for example, from 1.524 to 2.54 cm (0.6 to 1 inch), or from 1.397 to 3.404 cm (0.55 to 1.34 inches). In one embodiment, the small inner diameter is from 0.254 to 1.778 cm (0.1 to 0.7 inches), for example, from 1.016 to 1.397 cm (0.4 to 0.55 inches), or from 0.635 to 1.651 cm (0.25 to 0.65 inches). The wire coil further includes a large outer diameter at its widest part near the center of the double conical spring 206. In one embodiment, the widest part is in the center, and in one embodiment, the widest part is offset towards the bottom, such as from 10% to 45% of the total height of the spring or from 20% to 35% of the total height of the spring. In one embodiment, the large outer diameter is from 2.54 to 7.62 cm (1 to 3 inches), from 3.81 to 5.08 cm (1.5 to 2 inches), or from 3.048 to 4.318 cm (1.2 to 1.7 inches). In one embodiment, the double conical spring 206 has a contact height of from 2.54 to 15.24 cm (1 to 6 inches), for example, from 3.81 to 12.7 cm (1.5 to 5 inches), or from 6.858 to 9.652 cm (2.7 to 3.8 inches). In one embodiment, the double conical spring 206 has a contact height of 8.534 cm (3.36 inches), a wire diameter of 0.381 cm (0.15 inches), a small outer diameter of 2.032 cm (0.8 inches), a small inner diameter of 1.27 cm (0.5 inches), and a large outer diameter of 3.81 cm (1.5 inches).

[0031] In use, the convex positioning device 208 facilitates the modified ball 202 to quickly return to its initial position centered on the first axis 210. The user kicks (i.e., applies force to) the modified ball 202 so that the modified ball 202 starts to move. As a result of the kick, the double-cone spring 206 coupled to the modified ball 202 extends near the base 204 of the modified ball 202 (as described above). The double-cone spring 206 resists compression and / or extension and exerts a force to return the modified ball 202 to a stationary state about the first axis 210. When the modified soccer ball reacts toward the first axis 210 after being kicked, the convex positioning device 208 is configured to limit some of the vibrations generated by the spring so that the modified ball 202 settles around the first axis 210 faster than it would if the convex positioning device 208 were not present. The convex positioning device 208 will be described in more detail below.

[0032] In a further example, the exemplary ball training device 200 is composed of electronic devices such as sensors and network communication interfaces. The sensors can be, for example, motion sensors, impact sensors, gyroscope sensors, direction sensors, chip feedback devices, accelerometers, optical sensors, other position sensors, or any combination thereof. The exemplary ball training device 200 configured in such a manner detects motion or impact data and communicates with a computer device.

[0033] In an example, the computer device can be a computer processor configured to execute a virtual simulation (e.g., a virtual reality simulation or an augmented reality simulation) displayed on a visual display (e.g., a digital screen, a projection onto an object, or a virtual reality headset). Next, the sensor transmits, via network communication, the motion or impact force as an input to the computer processor so that the force applied to the modified ball is simulated in the virtual simulation. In a more specific example, the kick applied to the modified ball 202 can be used as an input to simulate the kick applied to the simulated ball.

[0034] It is further envisioned that the electronic device can be coupled to the exemplary ball training device 200 or the electronic device can be disposed external to the exemplary ball training device 200. The sensor may be attached, for example, on or in the modified ball 202 itself to sense the impact of a kick or a strike, such as on the front (kick or strike) side 214 of the modified ball 202, or may be attached to the back side 216 of the modified ball 202 to sense when the back side 216 hits the base 204 or the ground, or may be attached to the surface of the modified ball as a sensory skin on the outer surface of the modified ball 202, for example, to detect an impact applied anywhere, or may be attached to the underside of the modified ball 202 or the positioning device 208 to detect when the modified ball 202 leaves or returns to the first axis 210, or may be attached inside the modified ball 202 in various configurations.

[0035] In yet another embodiment, optical sensors external to the modified ball 202 and external to the base 204 can convert the movement associated with the modified ball 202 and the movement associated with the user into input data for a computer device. In further embodiments, the sensors are disposed externally, for example, to detect an impact of the back side 216 of the modified ball 202 against the base 204 or a mat disposed thereunder, and the location where the back side 216 of the modified ball 202 strikes the ground when kicked or struck. In yet another further embodiment, the sensors are disposed external to the exemplary ball training device 200, and the sensors convert the movement associated with the user into movement associated with a simulation of the user. The sensors further sense the movement and forces applied to the modified ball 202 and convert the movement and forces into simulated movement, forces, and trajectories applied to a simulated ball. The computer device can then cause the simulation to be depicted on a display (e.g., a digital screen, a projection onto an object, or a virtual reality headset), and further or independently, can provide an analysis of the sensed movement and forces. This analysis can be used to notify the user of which aspects of the form need improvement.

[0036] In one embodiment, the base 204 is a base that is 0.9144 m (3 feet) wide × 1.524 m (5 feet) long and includes pressure sensors distributed within the base 204 such that a user standing on the base 204 can activate the pressure sensors. The base 204 is configured to be placed on a floor or ground that must be substantially flat on both sides. In one embodiment, the base 204 includes a standing surface on which a user can stand and kick the modified ball 202 by using its own weight against the base 204 to fix the base 204 in a predetermined position. The base 204 can be divided into multiple parts for storage and can be connected via mechanisms such as in-groove functions or hinges such as, for example, a piano hinge device. In one embodiment, the base 204 is substantially flat. In one embodiment, the base 204 is covered with an artificial turf surface. The base 204 must have a relatively low height to prevent injury caused by partially coming off or falling off from the base 204. The base 204 can have a height from 0.635 cm (0.25 inches) to 7.62 cm (3 inches), such as from 1.27 to 6.985 or 2.54 to 5.08 cm (0.5 to 2.75 or 1 to 2 inches). The height means the maximum height and may be slightly higher than the bottom of the stationary modified ball 202 (for example, from 0.254 to 2.54 cm (0.1 to 1 inch), from 0.508 to 2.032 cm (0.2 to 0.8 inch), or from 0.762 to 1.524 cm (0.3 to 0.6 inch)). In one embodiment, the stationary modified ball 202 is configured to be from 0.254 to 2.54 cm (0.1 to 1 inch), from 0.508 to 2.032 cm (0.2 to 0.8 inch), or from 0.762 to 1.524 cm (0.3 to 0.6 inch) away from the ground or surface.

[0037] In another example, the exemplary ball training device 200 can be coupled to a treadmill. The treadmill can be a one-way treadmill or a multi-directional treadmill. When coupled to the treadmill, the user can introduce a running aspect to the exemplary ball training device 200 while maintaining a compact profile. In one example, the user can run on a multi-directional treadmill and perform kicks against the exemplary ball training device 200 to play in a virtual or augmented reality soccer game.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 3, side views of a plurality of exemplary shape modifications for different types of sports balls are shown. A modified soccer ball 300 is depicted. The modified soccer ball 300 has a reduced outer surface area compared to a conventional ball of the same maximum radius. The modified soccer ball 300 has a front half 302 and a rear half 304. The front half 302 is configured to receive a kicking impact (i.e., face the user and include or face the positioning device 208). The rear half 304 is configured to impact or be closest to the base 204 or the ground. The modified soccer ball 300 has a spherical portion on the front half 302 which is the kicking surface 306. A portion of the rear half 304 can also include a kicking surface, but a portion of the rear half 304 of the modified soccer ball 300 is non-spherical and is a truncated sphere.

[0039] In other embodiments of the modified ball, the other shape has a first half 302 that is essentially the shape of a conventional ball, e.g., a soccer ball or a rugby ball, a prolate spheroid, and the second half 304 is a truncated or otherwise reduced version of the same ball. In one embodiment, the second half 304 has a configuration that is at least partially hollow. In one embodiment, the modified ball 300 has a smaller outer surface area than a conventional ball of the same maximum radius. In any case, the modified ball is configured to bend further towards the ground or base before hitting the ground or base as compared to a conventional ball. The second half 304 has a maximum radius that is smaller than the maximum radius of the first half 302.

[0040] In one embodiment, for example, a regulation size 5 soccer ball with a radius of 11 cm, or a diameter of 22 cm, has a total surface area of approximately 1521 cm 2 and a half surface area of approximately 761 cm 2 The total surface area of a regulation size 5 soccer ball corresponds to its total kicking surface area. A modified soccer ball 300 having the same maximum radius as a size 5 soccer ball has, for example, from 800 to 1300 cm 2 or from 900 to 1200 cm 2 such as, 761 cm 2 to 1521 cm 2has a kicking surface area somewhere between them. The kicking surface area of the front half 302 is larger than that of the rear half 304. The modified soccer ball 300, or more generally any modified ball, can have a kicking surface area that is 99% to 50%, for example 90% to 55%, 80% to 60%, or 75% to 65% of a conventional ball of the same maximum radius. The modified soccer ball 300, or more generally any modified ball, can have a total radial thickness that is 55 to 98% of a conventional shaped ball (such as 95% to 60%, 85% to 65%, or 80% to 70%) of a matching (same maximum radius) sphere or other means. The front half 302 of the modified soccer ball 300, or more generally any modified ball, has a front half 302 that is 100% of a conventional shaped ball of a matching spherical or other means, and the rear half 304 has the entire reduced radial thickness disclosed above. In one embodiment, the modified soccer ball 300, or more generally any modified ball, can have a kicking surface area that is 99% to 33%, for example 60% to 45%, 55% to 48% of a conventional ball of the same maximum radius.

[0041] The shapes of some exemplary modified soccer balls 300 are shown in the form of a first shape 308, a second shape 310, and a third shape 312. Further, a modified American football 320 is also depicted in a first shape 328, a second shape 330, and a third shape 332. The modified American football 320 can be a shape from a range of shapes such that the outer surface area of the modified American football 320 is greater than the outer surface area of a half American football and less than the outer surface area of a complete American football. The modified American football 320 has a front face 322, a back face 324, and a kicking surface 326. Similarly, a modified rugby ball 340 is also shown in a first shape 348, a second shape 350, and a third shape 352. The modified rugby ball 340 can be a shape from a range of shapes such that the outer surface area of the modified rugby ball 340 is greater than the outer surface area of a half rugby ball and less than the outer surface area of a complete rugby ball. The modified rugby ball 340 has a front face 342, a back face 344, and a kicking surface 346.

[0042] The modifications to the modified soccer ball 300, the modified American football 320, and the modified rugby ball 340 are improvements over conventional ball training devices because, when it is possible to lower the modified ball to a more "natural" ball position (i.e., a position closer to ground level) while applying force to the modified ball, the modifications added to the shape of the modified ball simultaneously allow for a wider range of motion. In practice, some material is often required on the back surface (e.g., the second halves 304, 324, 344) to secure it to the rest of the ball training device, but the less material there is at the bottom (e.g., bottoms 314, 334, 354) of the back surface (e.g., the second halves 304, 324, 344), the lower the modified ball (e.g., one of the modified balls 300, 320, 340) can pivot towards the ground. In one embodiment, bottoms 314, 334, 354 have a radius smaller than the upper half of the modified ball. It should be noted that the modified balls 300, 320, 340 may or may not have an exposed hollow interior, an unexposed (i.e., covered with material on the modified side of the modified ball) hollow interior.

[0043] Furthermore, it is envisioned that the bottoms 314 of the modified soccer ball 300, the bottoms 334 of the modified American football 320, and the bottoms 354 of the modified rugby ball 340 can be partially flattened. The partially flat bottom may enable an even lower ball position. In an example, when practicing a kick of an American football, the "sweet spot" that a kicker should aim for is known to be from 3.81 to 10.16 cm (1.5 to 4 inches), for example, from 4.572 to 9.652 cm (1.8 to 3.8 inches) or from 5.08 to 8.89 cm (2 to 3.5 inches) from the lower end of a conventional American football. Thus, it is not desirable to kick at the lower end of an American football, as it may cause the American football to "pop out" into the air (when not attached to a base), and the modified American football 320 can be trimmed at 1.27 to 7.62 cm (0.5 to 3 inches), for example, 1.905 to 5.08 cm (0.75 to 2 inches), or 2.54 to 4.445 cm (1 to 1.75 inches) above the location where the lower end of a conventional American football normally lies. This lower trimming can also be performed on other balls such as golf balls.

[0044] In one embodiment, the lower and upper jaw regions of the modified ball, i.e., the upper and lower bulged portions, can be shaved even more than depicted to improve the dynamics of foot follow-through and bounce-back. For example, the bulged portions can be removed and cut straight. In most cases, the less material on the back, the more suitable it is for the dynamics of the ball, but enough material needs to be left to hold the motion transfer member at a predetermined position along the natural axis of a normal ball. In one embodiment, all the ball material is removed from the right side of the modified ball, but a support structure extending into this region is added to support the attachment of the motion transfer member to the modified ball.

[0045] 4, a cross-sectional view revealing the layers of modified ball 400 is depicted. Modified ball 400 includes outer layer 402 and inner layer 404. Inner layer 404 is stronger than outer layer 402, where strength herein is determined by ASTM 3574-D. Outer layer 402 may be, for example, a leather or simulated leather material, while inner layer 404 is a polyurethane or other cellular foam. In one embodiment, the materials of inner layer 404 and outer layer 402 are selected and configured at vertical shaft 114 such that the ball is not air-inflated, but approaches the feel of an air-inflated ball.

[0046] The modified ball 400 may include at least one of a number of materials such as composite plastic, silicone rubber, polyurethane, NERF foam type cellular material, POPFOAM material, neoprene, open cell foam, closed cell foam, cross-linked foam, non-cross-linked foam, etc. The NERF material is the reaction product of a polyester resin and another compound in the presence of CO2. The POPFOAM material is an ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) blend compounded with a microcellular agent.

[0047] It is further contemplated that there may be more layers than outer layer 402 and inner layer 404. In an example, there may be a second inner layer closer to the center of modified ball 400 than inner layer 404, and a third inner layer closer to the center of modified ball 400 than the second inner layer.

[0048] In one embodiment, the hollow portion within the modified ball 400 can be filled with a material, such that the hollow portion can be removed from the modified ball 400. It is also envisioned that the electronic device can be housed within the hollow portion of the modified ball 400. In one embodiment, foam can be used to fill the hollow portion to protect the electronic device. It should be noted that the modified ball 400 can include only a single layer. If there are at least two layers, such as an outer soft skin and an inner rigid structural shell, the inner layer 404 can provide structural integrity to the ball, while the outer layer 402 can allow for a surface with a softer surface and / or a surface with high resistance to scratches and damage. Both are desirable to prevent serious foot injuries by hitting a hard surface when kicking the ball and to promote the durability of the modified ball 400. It is also envisioned that there can be a continuum of "layers". For example, the continuum of layers can include a continuum of strength such that the outermost layer of the continuum of layers is weaker than the innermost layer of the continuum of layers.

[0049] Referring now to FIG. 5, an exemplary positioning device 500 applied to a sports ball training device 502 is shown. The positioning device includes a first component 504 coupled to a modified ball 506 and a second component 508 coupled to a base 510 via a lamp 509. The lamp 509 prevents the user from kicking under the modified ball 506. In one embodiment, the bottom of the modified ball 506 is slightly below the top of the lamp 509 (e.g., from 0.762 to 5.08 cm (0.3 to 2 inches), or from 1.27 to 2.54 cm (0.5 to 1 inch), or from 0.254 to 7.62 cm (0.1 to 3 inches)) and to the rear, and in such a case, the second component can be set further down to accommodate a deeper setting of the modified ball 506. The first component 504 and the second component 508 are configured to be in a nested configuration when the modified ball 506 is in its initial (upright, not kicked) position. In one embodiment, the first component 504 is a convex protrusion whose general shape is nested within the second component 508, and the second component 508 is a concave cavity.

[0050] In another embodiment, the first component 504 is a concave cavity and the second component 508 is a convex protrusion. Similar to the previous embodiment, the general shapes of the first component 504 and the second component 508 allow the second component 508 to be nested within the first component 504. Also, it is envisioned that the first component 504 can be integrated into the shape of the modified ball 506 instead of being coupled to the modified ball 506. It is also envisioned that the second component 508 can be integrated into the shape of the base 510 instead of being coupled to the base 510.

[0051] In another embodiment, the first component 504 is a magnetic material and the second component 508 is an electromagnet configured to mate with the first component 504. In yet another embodiment, the first component 504 is an electromagnet and the second component 508 is a magnetic material configured to mate with the electromagnet. The first component 504 and the second component 508 can also be permanent magnets aligned for attraction.

[0052] The sports ball training device 502 also includes a double conical spring 512 and a housing for the double conical spring 512. The housing includes a first piece 514 of the housing and a second piece 516 of the housing, which are coupled to the modified ball 506 via a nut 518 and a bolt 520. Although not shown in FIG. 5, there can be a plurality of nuts and bolts that couple the first piece 514 of the housing to the second piece 516 of the housing. As shown, the first component 504 of the exemplary positioning device 500 is molded into the first piece 514 of the housing. The bolt 520 extends through the first piece 514 of the housing located on the outer portion of the modified ball 506 and then through a layer 522 of the modified ball 506 into the second piece 516 of the housing located in the inner portion 524 of the modified ball 506. The nut 518 and the bolt 520 compress the first piece 514 of the housing and the second piece 516 of the housing against the modified ball 506, fixing the housing in place. Alternatively, screws may be used instead of nuts and bolts. The upper half portion 526 of the first piece 514 tapers around the upper half portion 528 of the double conical spring 512. The sports ball training device 502 further includes a washer 530 between the base 510 and the double conical spring 512. The washer 530 provides a constant spacing between the double conical spring 512 and the base 510, as well as additional durability when the double conical spring 512 is pressed against the base 510 during an impact such as a kick, or during manufacturing when the double conical spring 512 is coupled to the base 510.

[0053] Referring now to FIG. 6, an exemplary modified ball 600 is shown. A first portion 602 of the modified ball 600 is similar in shape to a conventional soccer ball, and a second portion 604 of the modified ball 600 depicts a "pinched" spherical surface.

[0054] Referring now to FIG. 7, an exemplary base 700 for a ball training device is shown. The exemplary base 700 includes a first lateral protrusion 702 aligned with a first axis 704 and a second lateral protrusion 706 aligned with a second axis 708, with an angle 710 between the first axis 704 and the second axis 708. The angle 710 is greater than 30 degrees and less than 180 degrees. For example, the angle 710 can be in the range of 45 to 160 degrees, 60 to 135 degrees, or 90 to 125 degrees. In one embodiment, the first and second lateral protrusions 702, 706 include an elastomeric material as a bottom layer or have an elastomeric material as a flat-ended bottom to provide a better grip to prevent movement of the base 700.

[0055] At the intersection of the first lateral protrusion 702 and the second lateral protrusion 706, there is a fixing device 712. In one embodiment, the exemplary base 700 is made more stable by being weighted, and the fixing device can be optional. In another embodiment, the exemplary base 700 is made more stable by being fixed to the ground. In a more specific embodiment, the fixing device 712 is a stake driven into the ground through the exemplary base 700. In an example, the exemplary base 700 is placed on grass (i.e., the ground), and the stake is driven into the ground through the base. The modified soccer ball is also coupled to the base 700 via a central connection point 714 at the intersection. A user can kick the modified soccer ball and use the modified soccer ball to train various kicks.

[0056] Referring now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an exemplary base 800. FIG. 8B is a bottom-up view of the exemplary base 800. The exemplary base 800 is similar to the exemplary base 700 but further includes a central protrusion 802 for attaching a modified ball (not shown) and a semi-circular portion 804 including a beveled edge 806 on the front face 808 of the exemplary base 800. The exemplary base 800 is weighted and may include a high-friction surface (e.g., an elastomer having a high coefficient of friction or adhesiveness) at the bottom. The weight of the base can be from 5.443 kg (12 pounds) to 9.072 kg (20 pounds), or from 6.804 kg (15 pounds) to 8.165 kg (18 pounds), such as from 2.268 kg (5 pounds) to 13.61 kg (30 pounds).

[0057] The exemplary base 800 includes a first lateral protrusion 810 and a second lateral protrusion 812. The exemplary base 800 can be used with or without the first lateral protrusion 810 and the second lateral protrusion 812. By having the first lateral protrusion 810 and the second lateral protrusion 812, stability can be further enhanced when a force coming from the side is applied to the ball attached to the exemplary base 800. Further, having the first lateral protrusion and the second lateral protrusion increases the weight of the exemplary base 800, which essentially increases stability. The first lateral protrusion 810 and the second lateral protrusion 812 are assumed to be modular or capable of being folded, swiveled, separated in a telescoping manner to allow for a more compact shape of the exemplary base 800. In one embodiment, an intermediate portion can be added to span between the lateral protrusions and further stabilize the device in front of the modified ball. In one embodiment, the user can stand on an existing ground / surface rather than on a base platform (e.g., base 104, base 204, base 510). The beveled edge 806 allows for a smooth natural transition from the existing ground / surface to the exemplary base 800. With these features, the exemplary base 800 is more portable and easier to install than other embodiments such as the base 204 of FIG. 2, for example. It is also envisioned that only the semi-circular portion 804 can be used as the base (i.e., without the first lateral protrusion 810 and the second lateral protrusion 812).

[0058] Referring now to FIG. 9, an exemplary base 900 is shown. The exemplary base 900 includes a plurality of pieces that can be joined together. As shown, the exemplary base 900 comprises a first piece 902 and a second piece 904 that are joined to each other via a dovetail joint. In another example, the exemplary base 900 includes four pieces that are joined to each other via magnets. In yet another example, the exemplary base 900 includes three or more pieces that are joined together via a flexible material that allows the exemplary base 900 to be folded or joined together in an accordion-like manner.

[0059] In one embodiment, the base is a rectangular unit with the longest length being from about 30.48 to 91.44 cm (1 to 3 feet), for example, from 45.72 cm (1.5 feet) to 76.2 cm (2.5 feet), or from 54.86 cm (1.8 feet) to 67.06 cm (2.2 feet), and has a notch for a carrying handle. The width can be from 15.24 cm (6 inches) to 45.72 cm (18 inches), for example, from 20.32 cm (8 inches) to 40.64 cm (16 inches) or from 25.4 cm (10 inches) to 35.56 cm (14 inches). The base can have two layers, a lower elastomer layer with high surface friction and an upper metal (or other high-density material) layer for adding weight.

[0060] Referring now to FIG. 10A, a perspective view of a partial cross-section of an exemplary golf training device 1000 is shown. Instead of having a sports ball training device that requires kicking, the techniques described herein can also be applied to a golf ball struck by a golf club. The exemplary golf training device 1000 includes a modified golf ball 1002, a conical spring 1004, and a base 1006. The modified golf ball 1002 is coupled to the conical spring 1004, and the conical spring 1004 is coupled to the base 1006. The modified golf ball 1002 can be coupled to the base 1006 such that the modified ball 102 is coupled to the base 104 from FIG. 1. The modified golf ball 1002 can include a monolithic interior that allows it to be screwed into the conical spring 1004, and / or it is envisioned that the modified golf ball 1002 can be chemically adhered to the conical spring 1004. The shape of the modified golf ball 1002 is modified in the same manner as the exemplary ball shown in FIG. 3.

[0061] The conical spring 1004 can be retracted into the base 1006, and the recess of the conical spring 1004 can be adjusted by adjusting the thickness of the base 1006 (for example, by coupling a height-adjustable device between the conical spring 1004 and the base 1006, adding padding or material on the base 1006). In one embodiment, the upper surface of the base 1006 is configured for a user to stand on, and the lower part of the motion transmission member is coupled to the recessed part of the base 1006. Further, the base 1006 can be attached with or covered with artificial turf so as to mimic a golf green. The artificial turf (not shown) may include a padded material on the lower side of the artificial turf, which simulates the natural feel and operation of a conventional golf green.

[0062] The base 1006 is thicker at the forward side 1008 of the modified golf ball 1002. Thereby, when a force is applied to the forward side of the modified golf ball 1002 (i.e., the side opposite to the modification), the conical spring 1004 can be bent completely to the ground, still providing a desirable "tee" height for the modified golf ball 1002. Since the conical spring 1004 can bend in a telescopic manner both downward and outward, the conical spring 1004 further provides a more natural feel when a force is applied to the modified golf ball 1002 (for example, hitting the modified golf ball 1002 with a golf club). Further, it is assumed that a protective coating (not shown) is applied to at least the striking side (i.e., the forward side) of the conical spring 1004 to mitigate damage that may occur to the club head when the club head hits the conical spring 1004.

[0063] In one embodiment, the motion transmission member used with the modified golf ball 1002 can be an elastomeric member (such as a braided or twisted material disclosed in the description of the embodiment of FIG. 14) instead of the conical spring 1004. In this case, as shown in FIG. 14 and the accompanying text, another housing can be used.

[0064] Referring now to FIG. 10B, FIG. 10B shows a view of an exemplary golf training device 1000 as seen from the rearward side 1010 of a modified golf ball 1002.

[0065] In one embodiment, the modified golf ball 1002 can rise or fall based on game conditions. For example, a tee shot will be higher than a shot in the rough or sand. The user can select various physical clubs for the strike to account for this situation. In the simulation, an input regarding the club change is detected or received (e.g., pressing a button, or from a Bluetooth, RFID chip, proximity sensor), the processing of the sensor input is changed to change the ball's trajectory accordingly, and various clubs can be displayed on the display.

[0066] The club change can also be displayed on the screen. In one embodiment, the rising or falling of the ball can be done automatically without user intervention, such as by a motor-driven mechanism, and the system's computer device transfers information regarding the environment where the ball lands to the device housing the modified golf ball 1002 to achieve this.

[0067] Referring now to FIG. 11, a bottom-up view of a device 1100 for restricting the rotation of a bolt is shown. The device 1100 includes a base 1102, a bolt 1104, a cavity 1106 in which the bolt 1104 is disposed, a first pin 1108, and a second pin 1110. The first pin 1108 and the second pin 1110 restrict movement including the rotational movement of the bolt 1104.

[0068] In an exemplary embodiment, bolt 1104 is installed within cavity 1106 and secured in place with a bolt nut (not shown) on the opposite side of cavity 1106 until it fits snugly. Subsequently, first pin 1108 and second pin 1110 are inserted through edges 1112 and 1114 of base 1102 until they contact the side of bolt 1104 or enter a hole or threaded hole in the side of bolt 1104 to limit rotation and loosening of bolt 1104. Note that one of pins 1108, 1110 may be sufficient. Further note that more than two pins 1108, 1110 may be used. In an example, for a six-sided bolt head, six pins can be inserted through the base such that one pin contacts or enters all sides of the bolt head. In one embodiment, the pins may include, but are not limited to, rings, rolls, or cotter pins in addition to a tapered or straight bolt fastener that is threaded or otherwise mechanically secured in a vertical continuation structure.

[0069] Referring now to FIG. 12, a diagram of an exemplary computer device 2000 that can be used in accordance with the sports bolt training device disclosed herein is shown. In an example, FIG. 12 is an example of a computer device that is compatible with the device of FIG. 2.

[0070] The computer device 2000 includes a data storage device 2008 that is accessible by a processor 2002 via a system bus 2006. The data storage device 2008 may contain executable instructions for operating the processor 2002 and other components. The computer device 2000 also includes an input interface 2010 that enables an external device to communicate with the computer device 2000. For example, the input interface 2010 may be used to receive instructions from an external computer device, a user, etc. The computer device 2000 also includes an output interface 2012 that interfaces the computer device 2000 with one or more external devices. For example, the computer device 2000 can display text, images, etc. via the output interface 2012. In another example, the computer device 2000 can display a visual simulation of a soccer video game, a football video game, a rugby video game, a golf video game, a kickball game, or another game played with a ball kicked or struck via the output interface 2012.

[0071] External devices that communicate with the computer device 2000 via the input interface 2010 and the output interface 2012 are contemplated to be included in an environment that provides substantially any type of user interface with which a user can interact. Examples of user interface types include graphical user interfaces, natural user interfaces, and the like. For example, a graphical user interface can receive input from a user using input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a remote control, etc., and provide output to an output device such as a display. Further, a natural user interface can enable a user to interact with the computer device 2000 in a way that is freed from the constraints imposed by input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a remote control, etc. Rather, a natural user interface can rely on voice recognition, touch and stylus recognition, on-screen and adjacent-to-screen gesture recognition, air gestures, head and eye tracking, voice and speech, vision, touch, gestures, machine intelligence, and the like.

[0072] Furthermore, although shown as a single system, it should be understood that the computer device 2000 can be a distributed system. Thus, for example, several devices may communicate via a network connection and collectively perform the tasks described as being performed by the computer device 2000.

[0073] As used herein, the term "system" is intended to include a computer-readable data storage device comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause a specific function to be performed. The computer-executable instructions can include routines, functions, and the like. It should also be understood that components or systems may be localized in a single device or distributed among multiple devices.

[0074] FIG. 13 shows an example of a method of operating a tether projectile input device such as the bolt training device 100 disclosed above using a computer device. In step 1301, the computer device and the input device are activated, that is, the power is turned on. The fact that the ball is physically connected to a fixed position means that the ball can be moved, but since it is connected to its original position, in the case of the above device, it means that it will automatically return there by the operation of the motion transmission member.

[0075] As disclosed above, the tether input device has a sensor associated with either an internal sensor thereof, a surface thereof, or an external sensor that detects its movement and / or an impact thereon. In step 1305, force and / or direction information from the tether projectile input device is received by the sensor. This can be a force applied to the surface of the ball, movement detected by an internal sensor, or movement detected by an external sensor. It can also be an impact detected by a base sensor, such as the base in front of the projectile. In one embodiment, directional and other action inputs are provided via a game controller. This game controller input can be combined with the direction input and / or force input from the tether input device in step 1305, or can be transmitted separately to the game system via another wired or wireless transmission channel. In the former case, the game controller can have a wired or wireless interface with a housing associated with the tether input device.

[0076] In step 1315, the output from the sensor is sent to the computer device. The transmission can be done via a wired or wireless connection. In one embodiment, the output from the sensor can be sent to a remote computer device via the Internet. In one embodiment, in step 1310, the sensor input is processed before being sent to the computer device in step 1315 as a standardized output of a specific computer device. For example, the sensor input can be processed by a tether input device to convert the raw sensor data into data that is suitable as a controller input to a specific computer device such as a dedicated game system. A specific format of the input device may be required for compatibility with a specific computer device. Step 1315 enables this. The specific format of the input device may include separating vector data into direction data and force (magnitude) data, or vice versa. This may include processing position information into direction data and force data. This may include other systematizations of information in a specific format of the computer device protocol.

[0077] In step 1320, pre - processing or formatting of the data output from the sensor is performed. This can be done by a computer device or processor within a tether input device such as a base, or can be associated with the sensor where the sensor is located. This step may be performed if the sensor data is not processed before being sent to the computer device, or may involve the type of processing described in step 1315.

[0078] In step 1325, the pre - processed or formatted sensor output (from either step 1310 or 1320) is processed to determine the force, direction, and / or position of a projectile in the environment. The force, direction, and / or position of the projectile can be associated with a connected starting point in the environment. The reference to this point in the environment can be continuously updated based on other inputs such as momentum data from previous movements of the tether input device, or other inputs from instructions in games or simulations in memory.

[0079] In step 1330, data is retrieved from the memory associated with the virtual environment. In one embodiment, this may include dimensions of the virtual environment such as the area or volume of a stadium, or a graphical representation of the environment including movable and active parts of the environment. In this step, data on the environment is included in the memory and may be loaded into the memory from the Internet. It is also possible to obtain streaming data from the Internet and process it for the virtual environment.

[0080] In step 1335, instead of retrieving data for the virtual environment, at least some data is retrieved from sensor data of the physical environment (i.e., the real world). For example, this may be objects in a room when the user is using a tether projectile and / or objects from another physical location. For example, the real-world stadium environment can be sensed and received by sensors within that environment when transmitted to a computer device. In another example, real-world objects such as a kicking target in a room, other people, surfaces, walls, or the floor of a room or device are sensed and transmitted to a computer device. In one embodiment, the object can be in a room or location away from the tether input device.

[0081] Steps 1330, 1335, and 1325 can operate simultaneously or in an order different from that presented.

[0082] In step 1340, the computer device processes the processed force and / or direction information with the virtual and / or physical environment data from the previous step to compile an image in a virtual, augmented, or mixed reality game. In a mixed reality game, the environment data is obtained from both steps 1330 and 1335. In an augmented reality game, the environment data is obtained at least mainly from step 1335.

[0083] In an example, the position of the projectile can be changed by the wind speed vector in the memory, or other obstacles or forces acting on the projectile. This can be communicated by either a sensor or data in the memory associated with the virtual environment. For example, in a golf simulation, the tether input device can be placed outside or inside the simulation chamber where actual wind or generated wind exists. The sensor can send this information to a computer device for processing along with other environmental data.

[0084] In step 1345, the image is provided to the user via a display such as a display screen or a headset. In one embodiment, the image can be presented as a 360-degree display (in a horizontal field of view or omnidirectionally). This can be done with a headset or via one or more display screens mounted around the room as a projection onto the walls, floor, and / or ceiling of the user's room. A mirror-back display or a holographic display can also be used as the display. In one embodiment, the display shows a golf ball on the ground or a ball rolling towards the user for a kick ball.

[0085] The various functions described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, the functions can be stored or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media accessible by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable storage media can include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store or execute program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that is accessible by a computer. As used herein, disks and discs include compact discs (CDs), laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs (DVDs), floppy discs, and Blu-ray discs (BDs), where disks typically reproduce data magnetically and discs typically reproduce data optically using lasers. Additionally, in an example, propagated signals are not included within the scope of computer-readable storage media or presentation data. Computer-readable media also includes communication media that includes any media that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. For example, a connection can be a communication media. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, or microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, or microwave are included in the definition of communication media. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0086] Alternatively, or in addition, the functions described herein can be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components. By way of example, illustrative types of hardware logic components that can be used include, but are not limited to, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), program-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), program-specific standard products (ASSPs), system-on-a-chip systems (SOCs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and the like.

[0087] FIG. 14 shows an alternative embodiment where the motion transfer member is an elastomeric arm 1406 that stores energy when a kick or strike is applied and then releases the energy after the kick or strike to return the modified ball 1402 to its initial starting position.

[0088] The elastomeric arm can be composed of a polymer or polymer hybrid material such as a vulcanized rubber composition such as natural rubber, polybutadiene rubber, or styrene-butadiene rubber, silicone rubber, or a fiber-reinforced hydrogel material (see both, incorporated herein by reference, Agrawal et al., "Strong fiber-reinforced hydrogel", Acta Biomaterialia, Vol. 9, No. 2, February 2013, pp. 5313-5318, and Yiwan Huang et al., Energy-Dissipative Matrices Enable Synergistic Toughening in Fiber Reinforced Soft Composites, Advanced Functional Materials (2017). DOI: 10.1002 / adfm.201605350). In one embodiment, the elastomeric material can have a shell and core assembly, where the core is made of a flexible elastomeric material having a higher stiffness compared to the material of the body, thereby providing additional stiffness but still allowing deformation of the sidewalls of the arm. In one embodiment, the elastomeric arm 1406 has a modulus of elasticity (Young's modulus) of from 0.1 to 1.5 GPa, such as from 0.3 to 1.1 or from 0.5 to 1.

[0089] The elastomeric arm 1406 can have a symmetric, asymmetric, or irregular cross-section. As assembled in the ball training device 1401, the elastomeric arm can have a smaller cross-sectional diameter in the direction associated with a forward strike. Examples of the cross-section are elliptical, hollow elliptical, circular, and hollow circular. FIG. 14 shows a braided or twisted design of two cords and can implement two elastomeric cords that are physically braided or twisted together and can move and twist somewhat independently. Alternatively, the braided or twisted design can be molded together as a single member. The braided design increases the surface area for adhesion by an adhesive and fitting by friction. In one embodiment, the elastomeric material can be a bungee cord material. In one embodiment, the elastomeric arm 1406 can have a shape similar to a double conical spring having a larger radius in the center.

[0090] Figure 14 shows an exemplary embodiment of a ball training device 1401 in a partial cross-sectional view. The elastomer arm 1406 has an upper portion 1420 and a lower portion 1422. The lower portion 1422 has an enlarged diameter compared to the upper portion 1420.

[0091] The elastomer arm 1406 extends along a vertical track passing through the inner portion of the modified ball 1402, in this case through the shaft 118. The upper portion 1420 of the elastomer arm 1406 is coupled inside the modified ball 1402. The coupling can be via an adhesive inside the modified ball 1402. It can also be attached as disclosed in other embodiments described herein. At the bottom of the modified ball 1402, a rigid ring 1423 made of, for example, PVC is adhered to the modified ball 1402 and the elastomer arm 1406 is inserted therein. This ring 1423 provides additional durability to prevent wear against the ball, which the elastomer arm 1406 may be made of a foam or rubber bladder material.

[0092] The lower portion 1422 of the elastomer arm 1406 is seated within the base 1404. The base 1404 is cut out to conform to the contour of the lower portion 1422, and a channel 1451 is formed on the back of the base 1404. The channel 1451 is configured to be wider than the widest portion of the upper portion 1420 of the elastomer arm 1406. In one embodiment, there is a clearance of 0.1 to 2 cm, for example, 0.2 to 1 cm, or 0.3 to 0.8 cm on both sides so that when the ball is struck, the upper portion 1420 of the elastomer arm bends downward to fit into the channel 1451. The elastomer arm 1406 allows for a significant movement to the side of the modified ball 1402 even at an inclination of up to 100 degrees (for example, 50 to 90 degrees, or 55 to 80 degrees), but it should be noted that the channel 1451 suppresses wear and breakage of the components and allows for striking with an extra force in a straight-ahead direction.

[0093] The lower part 1422 is further fixed to the base 1404 by a bottom plate fixed to the bottom of the base 1404 by a fastener (in this case, a screw). This forces the lower part 1422 to be firmly fixed to the base 1404 while holding it in place when the modified ball 1402 is kicked or struck and the upper part 1429 of the elastomer arm 1406 is bent downward through the channel 1451. This basic configuration can also be used with springs that are larger at the bottom than at the top or in the central part.

[0094] In one embodiment, the base 1404 has a small footprint (e.g., from 38.71 to 161.29 cm 2 (from 6 to 25 square inches) such as from 58.06 to 103.23 cm 2 (from 9 to 16 square inches)) and can be attached to a portion of a larger base such as the form disclosed above. In fact, multiple different modified balls on a base similar to the base 1404 can be exchanged for a larger base. The attachment mechanism can include a dovetail joint, like the modular base of FIG. 9, and screws, bolts, bolt and nut, clamps, or other fixing methods known in the art can be used instead or in addition to provide a modified ball that can be fixed to the smaller base 1404 and exchanged for a larger and heavier base. In one embodiment, the entire base 1404 and the larger base can be molded as a single unit.

[0095] The foregoing description includes examples of one or more embodiments. Of course, it is not possible to describe every conceivable modification and variation of the above apparatus or methodology for purposes of explaining the foregoing aspects, but one of ordinary skill in the art can recognize that many more modifications and permutations of the various aspects are possible. Further, as long as the term "comprising" is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such a term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "including" as interpreted when used as a transitional phrase in the claims. The term "consisting essentially of" as used herein means that which does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of a particular material or step, and of the material or method. Unless specified otherwise above, any property or measurement value described herein may be determined by the applicable ASTM standard, or, if no ASTM standard exists for that property, the most generally used standard known to one of ordinary skill in the art may be used. The articles "a," "an," and "the" are to be construed to mean "one or more" unless the context indicates the contrary.

Claims

1. A ball training device, comprising: A motion transmission member vertically attached and at least partially extending into the modified ball; A base configured to be installed on the ground or floor, the base being coupled to the lower portion of the motion transmission member; And The modified ball is coupled to the upper portion of the motion transmission member; The modified ball has a central vertical axis and includes a front half with a kicking or striking surface and a rear half; The rear half is cut away, and the maximum distance from the central vertical axis of the rear half is smaller than the maximum distance from the central vertical axis of the front half; The surface portion at the maximum distance from the central vertical axis of the front half is the outermost surface of the front half, and the surface portion at the maximum distance from the central vertical axis of the rear half is the outermost surface of the rear half; The front half and the rear half are arranged on opposite sides in the horizontal direction with respect to the central vertical axis. A ball training device.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the motion transmission member is a double conical spring.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the double conical spring has a central portion with a maximum thickness on a plane having the lower end of the modified ball.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the motion transmission member is a spring having a small outer diameter of 1.27 - 3.81 cm (0.5 - 1.5 inches), a small inner diameter of 0.254 - 1.778 cm (0.1 - 0.7 inches), and a wire diameter of 0.127 - 0.635 cm (0.05 - 0.25 inches).

5. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a positioning device, the positioning device including a first component coupled to the modified ball and a second component coupled to the base, the first component and the second component being configured to be in a nested configuration when the modified ball is in an initial position.

6. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a positioning device, the positioning device including a first component coupled to the modified ball and a second component coupled to the base, the first component and the second component including a magnetic material selected from an electromagnet or a permanent magnet, a ferromagnetic material, or a combination thereof, the first component and the second component being magnetically attracted.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a housing surrounding the motion transmission member inside the modified ball, wherein the housing tapers around the upper half portion of the motion transmission member.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor in or on the modified ball, the sensor being configured to transmit an output to an external computer device.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a vertical shaft inside the modified ball, the vertical shaft coupling the upper half cap of the modified ball to the motion transmission member.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the modified ball includes an inner layer and an outer layer, and the outer layer has a strength lower than that of the inner layer and is determined by ASTM 3574-D.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the base includes at least two lateral protrusions, and the angle between the at least two lateral protrusions is greater than 30 degrees and less than 180 degrees.

12. A ball training apparatus according to claim 1, a sensor configured to receive an input when a user operates the modified ball, and a computer device configured to receive the input from the sensor comprising a system.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the sensor is housed within an internal cavity of the modified ball.

14. The system according to claim 12, further comprising a display, wherein the computer device communicates with the display, and an input provided by a user interacting with the modified ball is shown on the display.

15. The system according to claim 12, wherein the computer device executes a video game depicting a simulation of the modified ball.

16. The system according to claim 12, wherein the base is configured such that a user stands at least partially thereon to kick the modified ball.

17. The system according to claim 12, wherein the sensor is on the outer layer of the modified ball or on the base and is configured to detect an impact of the back of the ball on the base.

18. A ball training apparatus, a motion transmission member attached to a modified golf ball, A base configured to be installed on the ground or floor, the base being coupled to the lower portion of the motion transmission member comprising the modified golf ball is coupled to the upper portion of the motion transmission member, the modified golf ball has a central vertical axis and has a front half with a striking surface and a rear half, the rear half is truncated, and the maximum distance from the central vertical axis of the rear half is smaller than the maximum distance from the central vertical axis of the front half, the surface portion at the maximum distance from the central vertical axis of the front half is the outermost surface of the front half, and the surface portion at the maximum distance from the central vertical axis of the rear half is the outermost surface of the rear half, the front half and the rear half are arranged on opposite sides in the horizontal direction with respect to the central vertical axis, a ball training device.

19. The ball training device according to claim 1, wherein the motion transmission member is a conical spring, and the bottom of the conical spring is embedded in the base.

20. The ball training device according to claim 1, wherein the motion transmission member is an elastomer arm.

21. The ball training device according to claim 20, wherein the elastomer arm has a lower portion that is larger than the upper portion and seats on the base between the lower portion of the base and the upper portion of the bottom plate.

22. The ball training device according to claim 21, wherein the base includes a channel for the elastomer arm to fit into.

23. A computer-implemented method for virtual reality, augmented reality, or mixed reality games, starting a computer device and a tether input device including a ball on a motion transmission member attached to a base configured to be installed on the ground or floor, receiving a force and / or direction input from a sensor, processing the force and / or direction input to represent the force, direction, and / or position of a projectile in the environment, receiving data in a virtual environment, receiving sensor data regarding the physical environment, or both, processing the force or direction of the projectile, or both, with virtual environment data, physical environment data, or both to compile an image in a virtual reality game, augmented reality game, or mixed reality game, including the ball is a modified ball having a central vertical axis The modified ball has a first half with a kicking or striking surface and a second half, wherein the second half is cut off, and the maximum distance from the central vertical axis of the second half is smaller than the maximum distance from the central vertical axis of the first half, the surface portion at the maximum distance from the central vertical axis of the first half is the outermost surface of the first half, and the surface portion at the maximum distance from the central vertical axis of the second half is the outermost surface of the second half, A computer-implemented method, wherein the first half and the second half are arranged on opposite sides in the horizontal direction with respect to the central vertical axis. **Claim 24**: The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an accelerometer or a gyroscope sensor.

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