Adaptive Training System with Aerial Mobility

• US 20080269016A1
• Filed: 04/30/2007
• Published: 10/30/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 04/30/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Nike, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Nike, Inc.
• Inventors: Ungari, Joseph, Staihar, Steven
• Granted Patent: US 7,625,314 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 482/1
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/50 Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0075 Means for generating exercise programs or schemes, e.g. computerized virtual trainer, e.g. using expert databases
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0053 Apparatus generating random stimulus signals for reaction-time training involving a substantial physical effort
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/34 Tackling, blocking or grappling dummies, e.g. boxing or wrestling or American- football dummies
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0686 Timers, rhythm indicators or pacing apparatus using electric or electronic means
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0094 involving pointing a payload, e.g. camera, weapon, sensor, towards a fixed or moving target

Abstract

A mobile unit configured to train an athlete is disclosed. The mobile unit includes multiple sensors, communication devices and a mobility system. The mobile unit executes one or more training paths to simulate chasing associated with various sports. The mobile unit is capable of determining its own location and the location of the athlete throughout a training session, as well as other information. The mobile unit is configured to adapt the training path to stress weaknesses of the athlete with respect to various types of athletic skills.

Claims

1. A training system configured to train an athlete, comprising:

a mobility system comprising at least one cable and configured to suspend a mobile unit;

wherein the mobile unit is suspended above a practice field;

the mobile unit including a control unit,

the control unit comprising at least one port configured to receive information associated with an athlete;

wherein the control unit determines a path for the mobile unit based on the information associated with the athlete; and

wherein the control unit moves the mobile unit according to the path by controlling a cable driver that controls the motion of the mobile unit.

2. The training system according to claim 1, wherein the mobile unit includes an optical device configured to receive optical information associated with the athlete.

3. The training system according to claim 1, wherein the mobile unit is disposed above the practice field, wherein the practice field is configured to accommodate the athlete.

4. The training system according to claim 1, wherein the mobile unit includes a sensor that can determine a distance between the mobile unit and the athlete.

5. The training system according to claim 1, wherein the mobile unit includes at least one device configured to transmit and receive information from a sensor system associated with the athlete.

6. The training system according to claim 5, wherein the mobile unit determines the relative location of the athlete using information received from the sensor system.

7. A mobile unit configured to train an athlete, comprising:

at least one port configured to receive information associated with an athlete;

a control unit receiving a training program;

the control unit being configured to adjust the motion of the mobile unit; and

wherein the mobile unit is suspended above a practice field.

8. The mobile unit according to claim 7, wherein the mobile unit is suspended from a cable system.

9. The mobile unit according to claim 7, wherein the mobile unit is suspended from a system of tracks.

10. The mobile unit according to claim 7, wherein the mobile unit is suspended from a balloon.

11. The mobile unit according to claim 7, wherein the mobile unit is associated with a remote controlled helicopter.

12. A mobile unit configured to train an athlete, comprising:

a port configured to receive information associated with an athlete;

a display unit associated with the mobile unit;

the mobile unit being spaced from the athlete and suspended over a practice field configured to train the athlete; and

wherein the information associated with the athlete is displayed on the display unit.

13. The mobile unit according to claim 12, wherein the information is displayed in real-time.

14. The mobile unit according to claim 13, wherein the display unit is associated with at least one speaker.

15. The mobile unit according to claim 14, wherein the information associated with the athlete is transmitted through the at least one speaker.

16. The mobile unit according to claim 12, wherein the display unit is a video screen associated with the practice field.

17. A training system, comprising:

a projection device configured to display a projected target on a practice field, wherein the practice field is designed to accommodate an athlete;

a control unit receiving training path information; and

wherein the position of the projection target on the practice field is adjusted by the control unit to reproduce a training path corresponding to the training path information.

18. The training system according to claim 17, wherein the control unit includes an optical device configured to receive optical information associated with a position of the athlete, and wherein the optical information is used to adjust the position of the projected target.

19. The training system according to claim 17, wherein the control unit maintains a distance between the athlete and the projected target.

20. The training system according to claim 17, wherein the control unit includes at least one device configured to transmit and receive information from a sensor system associated with the athlete.