Goalie training device and method

• US 8,128,518 B1
• Filed: 05/04/2006
• Issued: 03/06/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 05/04/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Michael J. Kudla
• Original Assignee: Michael J. Kudla
• Inventors: Kudla, Michael J., Cassidy, David
• Primary Examiner(s): Deodhar, Omkar
• Application Number:
  US11/417,542
• Time in Patent Office: 2,133 Days
• Field of Search: 473/478
• US Class Current: 473/478
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0647 Visualisation of executed movements
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/806 Video cameras
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/74 with powered illuminating means, e.g. lights
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0003 Analysing the course of a movement or motion sequences during an exercise or trainings sequence, e.g. swing for golf or tennis
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 63/004 Goals of the type used for football, handball, hockey or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/002 for football American-football dummies A63B69/34
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0024 for hockey
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0026 for ice-hockey
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0097 Ball rebound walls with holes or in combination with nets A63B63/00
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0622 Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user

Abstract

A goaltender training device provides a screen representative of a goal opening and an image capture device to detect a goaltender against the screen. The training device provides visual indicators of goal coverage and records goaltender stance and position relative to the screen to provide training feedback. The training device can provide a light source directed at the screen to enhance image capture and simplify image analysis. The image capture device defines a reference screen in memory to compare against obstructions of the screen during a training exercise. Particular points on the reference screen are identified for coverage by the goaltender during training, and coverage status of the points may be indicated with the visual indicators. Sequences of images can be analyzed for a particular parameter, such as percentage of the screen covered, and downloaded to other devices for review and analysis.

Claims

1. A goaltender training apparatus, comprising:

a background screen with a region representative of a portion of an opening of a goal;

an image capture device spaced from the background screen and directed at the background screen and being configured to capture and store an image of the background screen including the region;

a processor in the image capture device configured to define a reference screen in a captured and stored image in relation to the region; and

the processor being configured to detect an obstruction of the region when a defensive player is located between the image capture device and the region based on a comparison between a captured image that includes the obstruction related to the defensive player location, and the reference screen.

2. The training apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a visual indicator configured to be actuated when the defensive player as the obstruction obstructs a path between the image capture device and a predefined location of the reference screen.

3. The training apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a light source directed at the region.

4. The training apparatus of claim 3, wherein the light source is infrared.

5. The training apparatus of claim 3, wherein the light source flashes.

6. The training apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a display configured to display an image taken or produced by the image capture device.

7. The training apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a parametric display configured to provide an indication of a value of a parameter associated with a training exercise.

8. The training apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a communication link coupled to the processor and configured to transfer images from the apparatus.

9. The training apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an input device coupled to the processor and configured to select data or commands for the apparatus.

10. The training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the background screen further comprises a retroreflective surface.

11. A method for training a goaltender, comprising:

positioning a background screen to represent a region of a portion of an opening of a goal;

positioning an image capture device to be spaced from and directed at the background screen;

capturing and storing an image of the background screen including the region using the image capture device;

defining a reference screen in relation to the region with the image capture device; and

detecting an obstruction related to a defensive player located between the image capture device and the region based on a comparison between a captured image that includes the obstruction and the reference screen.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising actuating a visual indicator when the defensive player obstructs a predefined location of the reference screen.

13. The method according to claim 11, further comprising directing a light source at the region.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the light source is infrared.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the light source flashes.

16. The method according to claim 11, further comprising displaying an image taken or produced by the image capture device.

17. The method according to claim 11, further comprising providing an indication of a value of a parameter associated with a training exercise.

18. The method according to claim 11, further comprising transferring images from the image capture device.

19. The method according to claim 11, further comprising selecting data or commands with an input to the image capture device.

20. The method according to claim 11, further comprising providing a retroreflective surface on the background screen.