Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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WIRELESS SCORING SYSTEM FOR COMPETITIVE SWORDPLAY GAME
WITH NONMETALLIC SWORDS
Background of the Invention
The weapons used in fencing sport, have blades made of
steel, which in most of the cases generate physical pain
during fencing touches, and represent a safety risk. It
would be advantageous to eliminate the metal weapons from
fencing sport, but in the same time to keep the capability
of electrical detection of touches. Games with swords made
of foam have been proposed for fencing, but none have the
capability of the current invention which delivers precise
electronic scoring system with wireless transmission of
fencing touches, which makes it suitable for score-based
competitions.
The rules for scoring in traditional fencing are complex,
and at least one year of competitive experience is needed
in order to understand how scoring rules are applied by the
referees. One of the objects of this invention is to
provide a scoring board apparatus which has the scoring
rules incorporated in a micro-controller, which makes the
fencing scoring rules simple, and easy to understand in the
first day of training.
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In traditional fencing, the start and the stop of fencing
rounds are done based on the verbal commands from the
referee. This creates confusion if the referee makes calls
to stop the fencing round right in the middle of a pending
fencing action, and some scoring points are invalidated
because it is not clear if the fencing touch occurred
before or after the referee's call. The current invention
offers the solution to control the scoring apparatus with a
radio remote apparatus, which enables or disables instantly
the part of the electrical circuit which validates the
fencing touches in order to score points.
Another object of this invention is to make the start and
stop commands sent by the radio remote apparatus visible
such that the players can see when the buttons are operated
on the radio remote apparatus. This feature is supported by
current invention by adding a wrist collar apparatus, which
has incorporated lighting devices to emit light of
predefined colors when the radio remote apparatus is
operated.
The current fencing scoring devices indicate the winner
of each scoring point by light signals on the scoring
board. But during a fencing round, the two players could
move far from the scoring board, so they are not able to
see whether a fencing action succeeded to create a valid
scoring point. The current invention offers the solution to
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install lighting devices on the blades of the fencing
weapon, allowing this way to introduce light signaling by
emitting predefined colors of light when one of the players
wins a scoring point. The same lighting devices installed
on the blades of the fencing weapon, are used by the
current invention, to emit lighting signals when the radio
remote apparatus is operated either to start or end the
fencing rounds.
Wireless scoring systems have been proposed for sport
fencing, but none brings into play weapons made of foam,
which allow fencing touches with all sides of the blade.
The Linsay U.S. Pat No. US20060100022 describes a wireless
scoring system for fencing with weapons which have metallic
blades
The Aldridge U.S. Pat. No. 6,700,051 describes a system
for scoring contact sports, and in particular karate.
Fencing and other contact sports are mentioned but not
described with any particularity.
The Alvaro U.S. Pat. No. 6,612,968 shows a fencing weapon
made of plastic having a switch at the top of the weapon,
thus fencing touches are possible only with the tip of the
weapon.
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The Delcayre U.S. Pat. No. 4,030,731 describes a scoring
system which uses metallic weapons.
Summary of the Invention
It is an object of this invention to provide a wireless
scoring system for a competitive swordplay game, which uses
nonmetallic swords with electric touch sensors on the
blades.
Each player carries a mobile touch detector apparatus
which transmits wirelessly to scoreboard controller
apparatus, data packets which indicate fencing touches
uniquely identifiable for each player.
The scoreboard is controlled by radio remote apparatus
provided with two buttons, one labeled "GO" and one labeled
"STOP". When buttons are pressed on the radio remote
apparatus, lights of predefined colors are emitted by a
wrist collar apparatus, and by electric lighting devices
incorporated in the blades of the swords.
The rules for scoring are programmed in scoreboard
controller apparatus which takes decisions to assign the
scoring points throughout the swordplay bout.
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The player who wins a scoring point is indicated by the
color of light emitted by the blade of the sword of the
winner.
The rules for scoring include a priority-based scoring
method to decide the winner of the scoring point when both
players execute fencing touches simultaneously.
In other embodiments the priority-based scoring method
can be simplified by reducing the number of steps in the
method of assigning the priority.
Brief description of the Drawings
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the wireless scoring
system for competitive swordplay game with nonmetallic
swords, according to the invention.
FIG. 2 illustrates the nonmetallic sword provided with
electric touch sensors, according to the preferred
embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 3 shows the electric circuit of the touch detector
apparatus, and how this circuit is connected with the
sword, the jacket and the mask, according to the invention.
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FIG. 4 shows a timing diagram with the waveforms of the
signals from the circuit incorporated inside the touch
detector apparatus, when a player touches with his/her
sword, either the jacket or mask of the opponent player.
FIG. 5 shows a timing diagram with the waveforms of the
signals from the circuit incorporated inside the touch
detector apparatus, when a player touches his/her own
jacket or mask, with his/her own sword.
FIG. 6(a) is a three dimensional view of the tip of the
sword, showing the touch sensors on the blade.
FIG. 6(a) is a three dimensional view showing the touch
sensors without the blade.
FIG. 7 shows the diagram of the scoring method
implemented in the state machine of the scoreboard
controller apparatus.
FIG. 8 shows the diagram of the priority-based scoring
method according with the preferred embodiment of the
invention.
FIG. 9 (a) illustrates a distinctive sign displayed on
the scoreboard apparatus, to prompt each player to touch
with his/her sword either his/her own jacket or mask.
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FIG. 9 (b) illustrates a distinctive sign displayed on
the scoreboard apparatus, to indicate the random numbers
used by the priority-based scoring method.
FIG. 9 (c) and FIG. 9 (d) illustrate a distinctive sign
displayed on the scoreboard apparatus, to indicate which of
the players has priority.
FIG. 10 shows the diagram of an alternative
implementation of the priority-based scoring method wherein
one state is removed.
FIG. 11 shows the diagram of an alternative
implementation of the priority-based scoring method wherein
three states are removed.
Detailed Description of the Invention
As used in this application and in the claims, the
singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural
forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Additionally, the term "includes" means "comprises."
In the current description of the invention and in the
claims, the term "competitive " refers to a system suitable
for score-based competitions.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the wireless scoring
system for a competitive swordplay game with nonmetallic
swords, according to the invention. The two players 180 and
190 are represented in FIG. 1 by their fencing jackets and
masks.
According to the invention the wireless scoring system
for the competitive swordplay game, comprising:
a scoreboard display apparatus 101;
a scoreboard controller apparatus 103 connected to a
scoreboard display apparatus 101;
a radio remote control apparatus 119;
a mobile touch detector apparatus 112 adapted to be worn
by each player;
a sword 107 worn by each player during the fencing bout;
a jacket 109 worn by each player; and
a mask 106 worn by each player.
In another embodiment, during the swordplay game, each of
the players 180 and 190 can use two swords 107, thus,
holding one sword 107 in each hand.
In the preferred embodiment, the scoreboard controller
apparatus 103 includes peripherals devices 102, comprising:
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a plurality of known electrical lighting devices;
a known audible signaling device; and
a known keypad.
The following equipment is used in the preferred
embodiment of the invention:
the scoreboard display apparatus 101 is a known computer
monitor;
the jacket 109 is the one currently in use in the
traditional fencing sport for saber competitions, and is
made with electrically conductive threads; and
the mask 106 is the one currently in use in the
traditional fencing sport for saber competitions, and it
has the external surface electrically conductive.
It is an object of this invention to provide a wireless
electric system for a swordplay game, thus as shown in FIG.
1:
there are no electrical wires connected between the
players 180 and 190; and
there are no electrical wires connected between the
scoreboard controller 103 and any of the players 180 and
190.
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According to the invention, the equipment carried by each
player during the swordplay bout, is connected as follows:
the jacket 109 is electrically connected with the mask
106 through the electrical wire 108;
the mobile touch detector apparatus 112 is electrically
connected with the jacket 109, through the electrical wire
110; and
the mobile touch detector apparatus 112 is electrically
connected with the sword 107 through the electrical cable
114.
As shown in FIG. 1, according to the invention each of
the apparatuses 103, 112, and 119, includes:
a known radio module 104, 111, and 115, respectively; and
a known Programmable Controller Module (PCM) 105, 113,
and 116, respectively.
All the radio modules 104, 111, and 115 are set on the
same frequency channel. The PCM 105, 113, and 116 have the
capability to execute preloaded software programs and
hardware state machines.
As shown in FIG. 1, each of the PCM 105, 113, and 116 is
electrically connected with a radio 104, 111, and 115,
respectively.
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Furthermore, according to the invention, the PCM 105,
113, and 116, are programmed to communicate between each
other by transmitting and receiving data packets thorough
the radios 104, 111, and 115, respectively.
In FIG. 1 the scoreboard display apparatus 101 displays
the image 151, which in the preferred embodiment the image
151 comprising:
the sign 152 to state whether the electric equipment
carried by the player 180, is either functional or
defective;
the sign 155 to state whether the electric equipment
carried by the player 190, is either functional or
defective;
the sign 153 to indicate when player 180 wins a scoring
point;
the sign 154 to indicate when player 190 wins a scoring
point;
the score 156 of player 180; and
the score 157 of player 190.
According to the invention, in FIG. 1 is illustrated the
radio remote control apparatus 119, comprising:
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a push-button 117 labeled "GO";
a push-button 118 labeled "STOP"; and
a wrist collar apparatus 121 which is controlled by PCM
116, through the electrical cable 120.
According to the invention the wrist collar apparatus 121
is an electrical lighting device, which sends luminous
information to the players by emitting light of predefined
colors when either the "GO" button 117 or the "STOP" button
118, are pressed.
In the current description of the invention and in the
claims, the term "nonmetallic sword" refers to an
instrument shaped as a sword, and assembled from components
which are made of nonmetallic materials, such as foam,
plastic, rubber, and fiberglass. Metallic components, such
as electrical wires and electrical touch sensors, are used
in the structure of the said nonmetallic sword, for the
purpose of adding electrical features compatible with an
electric circuit required for detecting scoring points, in
order to add scoring capability to the swordplay game.
FIG. 2 illustrates the preferred embodiment of a
nonmetallic sword 107. According to the invention, the
nonmetallic sword 107 comprising:
a known electrical plug 200;
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a plastic handle 201;
a blade 204, which in the preferred embodiment is made of
foam;
a plurality of touch sensors 207, 208, 209, 210, 211,
212, 213, 214, 217, and 218, which in the preferred
embodiment are made of known electrically conductive
fabric; and
a plurality of known lighting devices 202, 203, 205, 206,
215 and 216, which are incorporated inside the blade 204
such that to be visible from the outside of the blade 204.
In VIEW A of FIG. 2 is illustrated the tip of the blade
204. In the preferred embodiment, the blade 204 is
cylindrical, and the tip is flat. On the tip of the blade
204 is placed a plurality of touch sensors 217 and 218,
which are electrically isolated between each other. In
another embodiment the tip of the blade can be round-
shaped.
In another embodiment the sword can also have a guard
around the handle, to protect the fingers which are
gripping the handle. In other embodiments, on the blade 204
can be added more sensors than shown in FIG. 2.
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In other embodiments, the touch sensors 207, 208, 209,
210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 217, and 218 can be made of either
one or a mix of following materials:
electrically conductive plastic;
electrically conductive rubber;
electrically conductive foam; and
electrically conductive carbon.
In another embodiment of the invention, the sword 107 can
be constructed without the lighting devices 202, 203, 205,
206, 215, and 216.
During the play of the swordplay game, the objective of
each player is to touch with his/her sword, the opponent
player. The purpose of this invention is to use an electric
circuit to detect the touches during the swordplay game.
This feature is supported by the current invention by the
electric circuit incorporated inside the mobile touch
detector apparatus 112, which is monitoring the touch
sensors 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 217, and
218 placed on the blade 204 of the sword 107.
In the current description of the invention and in the
claims, the term "fencing touch" refers to the action where
one player touches either the jacket 109 or the mask 106 of
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the opponent player, with at least two adjacent touch
sensors out of the touch sensors 207, 208, 209, 210, 211,
212, 213, 214, 217, 218 from the blade 204 of his/her sword
107. For example when in current invention description, it
is stated that "player 180 executed a fencing touch", it
means that player 180 touched with his/her sword 107 either
the jacket 109 or the mask 106 of player 190, such that at
least two adjacent touch sensors out of 207, 208, 209, 210,
211, 212, 213, 214, 217, 218 from the blade 204 of sword
107 held by player 180 are in electrical contact with
either the jacket 109 or the mask 106 worn by player 190.
According to the invention, the occurrences of said
fencing touches executed by one player are captured by the
mobile touch detector apparatus 112 carried by the player,
and encoded in data packets which are transmitted through
radio 111 to the radio 104 incorporated inside the
scoreboard controller apparatus 103. Furthermore, the
scoreboard controller apparatus 103 assigns scoring points
based on the scoring rules preprogrammed in PCM 105, and
then updates accordingly, the score digits on the
scoreboard display apparatus 101. When the score reaches
to a predefined maximum value, the player with the biggest
score is declared the winner of the swordplay bout.
FIG. 3 shows the circuit incorporated inside the mobile
touch detector apparatus 112 and how this circuit is
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electrically connected with the touch sensors 207, 208,
209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 217, and 218, from the sword
107 of the player who carries the mobile touch detector
apparatus 112. Furthermore, FIG. 3 also shows how the
circuit incorporated inside the mobile touch detector
apparatus 112 is electrically connected with the jacket 109
of the player who carries the mobile touch detector
apparatus 112.
FIG. 3 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the
electrical wiring inside the sword 107, the electrical
circuit inside the sword 107 comprising:
an electrical wire 301, which is electrically connected
with the touch sensors 207, 209, 211, 213, and 218;
an electrical wire 305, which is electrically connected
with the touch sensors 208, 210, 212, 214, and 217;
a known electrical lighting device 302, which provides
the source of light for the lighting devices 202, 203, 205,
206, 215, 216; and
an electrical plug 200, which connects the wires 301,
303, and 305 with the electrical cable 114.
The cable 114 makes the electrical connection between the
sword 107 and the mobile touch detector apparatus 112,
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furthermore the cable 114 comprising the electrical wires
304, 306, and 307.
The electrical wire 110 connects the jacket 109 to the
electrical circuit incorporated inside the mobile touch
detector apparatus 112.
The electrical lighting device 302 is connected to
electrical wire 303, and through the plug 200 is connected
to the electrical driver circuit 350. The circuit 350 is
controlled by the PCM 113, in order to change the color of
the light emitted by the lighting devices 202, 203, 205,
206, 215, 216, as described herein.
In the preferred embodiment, the circuit 350 is also used
to detect when the cable 114 is plugged into the plug 200
of the sword 107. Furthermore the plug-state of the cable
114 is transmitted by PCM 113 through radio 111, to the
scoreboard controller apparatus 103, which uses the signs
152 and 155 to indicate whether the swords 107 are plugged
properly into the system.
The circuit incorporated inside the mobile touch detector
apparatus 112, uses battery 324 as power source for the two
known voltage regulators 328 and 329, which generate the
voltages VREL and VDIG, respectively. The voltage VDIG is
used to power the radio module 111 and the PCM 113. The
voltage VREL is used to power the two known relays 322 and
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311. The voltage VDIG stays at nominal value as long as the
switch 330 is closed. The voltage VREL can be powered down
by the PCM 113, by disabling the voltage regulator 328
through the wire 327.
The two relays 322 and 311 are double pole double throw
type.
The internal contact of relay 311 between terminals 309
and 314 is normally opened. The internal contact of relay
311 between terminals 310 and 315 is normally opened. The
internal contact of relay 322 between terminals 318 and 325
is normally opened. The internal contact of relay 322
between terminals 320 and 326 is normally opened.
As part of the invention, when a player touches with
his/her sword 107 the metallic surface of either one of the
jackets 109 or one of the masks 106, an electric contact is
created between at least one of the sensors connected to
wire 301, and one of the sensors connected to wire 305.
The contact is created because the metallic surface of
either the jacket 109 or the mask 106 creates an
electrically conductive bridge between the sensors 207,
209, 211, 213, 218, and at least one of the sensors 208,
210, 212, 214, 217.
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As part of the invention, when a player touches with
his/her sword 107, either the jacket 109 of the opponent
player or the mask 106 of the opponent player, then inside
his/her own touch detector 112, the voltage VREL propagates
from wire 304, through plug 200, then through wire 301,
then through touch sensors 207, 209, 211, 213, 218, then
through the metallic surface of jacket 109 or mask 106 of
the opponent player, then through at least one of the touch
sensors 208, 210, 212, 214, 217, then through wire 305,
then through plug 200, then through wire 307, reaching this
way to power up the coil 308 of relay 311.
According to the invention, the function of relay 311 is
to detect when one player touches with his/her sword 107,
either the jacket 109 or the mask 106 of the opponent
player.
The electrical wire 307 represents the input of the
mobile touch detector apparatus 112, because the voltage
VREL propagates through this wire when the player who
carries the mobile touch detector apparatus 112, executes a
fencing touch as described herein.
As part of the invention, when a player touches with
his/her sword 107, his/her own jacket 109, the voltage VREL
propagates from wire 304, through plug 200, then through
wire 301, then through the touch sensors 207, 209, 211,
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213, 218, then through the metallic surface of jacket 109,
then through electrical wire 110, this way powering up the
coil 317 of relay 322.
As part of the invention, when a player touches with
his/her sword 107, his/her own mask 106, the voltage VREL
propagates from wire 304, through plug 200, then through
wire 301, then through touch sensors 207, 209, 211, 213,
218, then through the metallic source of mask 106, then
through electrical wire 108, then through jacket 109, then
through electrical wire 110, this way powering up the coil
317 of relay 322.
According to the invention, the function of relay 322 is
to detect when a player touches with his/her sword 107,
either his/her own jacket 109 or his/her own mask 106.
FIG. 4 shows a timing diagram with the waveforms of the
signals from the circuit incorporated inside the mobile
touch detector apparatus 112 when the player who carries
the mobile touch detector apparatus 112 executes a fencing
touch as described herein.
FIG. 5 shows a timing diagram with the waveforms of the
signals from the circuit incorporated inside the mobile
touch detector apparatus 112, when the player who carries
the mobile touch detector apparatus 112 touches with
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his/her sword 107 either his/her own jacket 109 or his/her
own mask 106.
At time TO, in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the touch detector 112
is turned on manually by operating the switch 330, allowing
this way to propagate the voltage from battery 324, to the
voltage regulators 328 and 329.
In FIG. 4, the time T41 is the moment when the player who
carries the mobile touch detector apparatus 112 executes a
fencing touch as described herein. At time T41, at least
two adjacent touch sensors out of 207, 208, 209, 210, 211,
212, 213, 214, 217, 218, from the sword 107 of the player
who carries the mobile touch detector apparatus 112, are in
electrical contact with either the jacket 109 or the mask
106 of the opponent player. Furthermore, the contact starts
at time T41 and lasts until time T43.
The waveform 400 represents the contact between the touch
sensors from the sword of a player and either the jacket or
the mask of the opponent player. The waveform 400 is marked
"ON" when the touch sensors from a sword of a player are in
contact with the jacket or the mask of the opponent player,
which is between times T41 and T43. The waveform 400 is
marked "OFF" when the sword is not touching any jacket or
any mask.
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For example if the player 190 executes a fencing touch,
then at time T41, at least two adjacent touch sensors out
of 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 217, 218 from
the sword 107 of player 190, are in electrical contact with
either the jacket 109 or the mask 106 of the player 180.
Furthermore, the touch sensors stay in contact with either
the jacket or the mask until time T43.
The relay 311 detects when a player touches with his/her
sword, either the jacket or the mask of the opponent
player, as described herein.
Thus, at time T41 the voltage VREL propagates to the coil
308, as described herein.
Powering up the coil 308 causes the internal contact of
relay 311 between terminals 314 and 309, to close.
The voltage VREL is propagated to terminal 314, through
internal contact of relay 322, between terminals 325 and
319.
When the coil 308 is powered at time T41, the voltage
VREL propagates from terminal 314 to terminal 309, reaching
to coil 308, and bringing the relay 311 in a self-locking
state. Thus, the coil 308 stays powered up after time T43.
The relay 311 can exit the self-locking state only if the
voltage VREL is powered down.
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The voltage VDIG is propagated to terminal 315, through
internal contact of relay 322, between terminals 326 and
321. Powering up the coil 308 causes the internal contact
of relay 311 between terminals 315 and 310, to close. This
causes to propagate the voltage VDIG from terminal 315 to
terminal 310, reaching to PCM 113 through wire 312. At time
TO, the voltage level on wire 312 is zero volts, because of
the pull-down resistor 313. But after coil 308 is powered
up at time T41, the voltage level of wire 312 becomes at
time T42, equal with voltage VDIG.
According to the invention, the voltage level of wire 312
is a distinctive state of the touch detector circuit, and
the electrical state of wire 312 represents that the player
who carries the mobile touch detector apparatus 112
executed a fencing touch. Once the voltage level of wire
312 becomes equal with the voltage VDIG, it is stored to
the same voltage level until the relay 311 is reset by
dropping the voltage VREL to zero volts.
After time T42, the PCM 113 detects that voltage level of
wire 312 has changed from zero volts to the level of VDIG
voltage. According to the invention, PCM 113 is programmed
to generate data packets 401 when it detects that the
voltage level of wire 312 has changed from zero volts to
same level as VDIG voltage.
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As shown in FIG. 4, at time T44 the PCM 113 starts to
transmit the data packet 401 through radio 111. According
to the invention, inside the data packet 401, there is
encoded information about which player touched with his/her
sword 107, either the jacket 109 or the mask 106 of the
opponent player.
After PCM 113 starts to transmit the data packet 401 at
time T44, then at time T45 the PCM 113 disables the voltage
regulator 328, through wire 327. This causes the voltage
VREL to drop to zero volts at time T46, causing the relay
311 to reset. Furthermore the internal contact of relay 311
between terminals 315 and 310 opens, causing the voltage
level on wire 312 to drop to zero volts, at time T47.
After time T47, the PCM 113 detects that the voltage
level of wire 312 has changed from the level of VDIG
voltage to zero volts, and enables again the voltage
regulator 328 at time T48. This causes the voltage VREL to
go back to nominal value at time T49. Furthermore, after
time T49 the mobile touch detector apparatus 112 to is
ready to detect the next fencing touch in the swordplay
bout.
In FIG. 5, the time T51 is the moment when the player who
carries the mobile touch detector apparatus 112, touches
with his/her sword 107, either his/her own jacket 109 or
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his/her own mask 106. At time T51, at least two adjacent
touch sensors out of 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213,
214, 217, 218, from the sword 107 of the player who carries
the mobile touch detector apparatus 112, are in electrical
contact with either his/her own jacket 109 or his/her own
mask 106. Furthermore, the contact starts at time T51, and
lasts until time T53.
The waveform 500 represents the contact between the touch
sensors from the sword of a player and either his/her own
jacket or his/her own mask. The waveform 500 is marked "ON"
when the touch sensors from the sword of a player are in
contact with either his/her own jacket or his/her own mask,
which is between times T51 and T53. The waveform 500 is
marked "OFF", when the sword is not touching any jacket or
any mask.
The relay 322 detects when a player touches with his/her
sword, either his/her own jacket or mask, as described
herein. Thus, at time T51 the voltage VREL propagates to
the coil 317, as described herein.
Powering up the coil 317 causes the internal contact of
relay 322 between terminals 325 and 318, to close.
Furthermore the voltage VREL propagates from terminal 325
to terminal 318, reaching to coil 317, and bringing the
relay 322 in a self-locking state. Thus, the coil 317 stays
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powered up after time T53. The relay 322 can exit the self-
locking state only if the voltage VREL is powered down.
When coil 317 is powered, the voltages VREL and VDIG are
blocked from propagating to terminals 314 and 315,
respectively, because the normally closed contacts of relay
322, are opened when coil 317 is powered. When coil 317 is
powered, the voltage VDIG does not propagate to terminal
321 of relay 322, because the internal contact between
terminals 326 and 321 is opened.
As shown in FIG. 3, the two relays 311 and 322 are
connected together such that when a player touches his/her
own jacket or mask, with his/her own sword, the voltage
level of wire 312 will stay zero volts, as shown in FIG. 5.
Furthermore, the PCM 113 cannot transmit data packets 401
when the player who carries the mobile touch detector
apparatus 112 touches with his/her sword either his/her own
jacket or mask, because the voltage level of wire 312 stays
zero volts. Moreover, due to the connection between the
relays 311 and 322, a player will never receive a scoring
point when touches his/her own jacket or mask with his/her
own sword.
Powering up the coil 317 causes the internal contact of
relay 322 between terminals 326 and 320, to close. This
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causes to propagate the voltage VDIG to terminal 320,
reaching to PCM 113 through wire 316.
At time TO, the voltage level on wire 316 is zero volts,
because of the pull-down resistor 323. But after coil 317
is powered up at time T51, the voltage level of wire 316
becomes at time T52, equal with voltage VDIG.
According to the invention, the voltage level of wire 316
is a distinctive state of the touch detector circuit, and
the electrical state of wire 316 represents that the player
who carries the mobile touch detector apparatus 112 touched
with his/her sword, either his/her own jacket or mask.
Once the voltage level of wire 316 becomes equal with the
voltage VDIG, it is stored to the same voltage level until
the relay 322 is reset by dropping the voltage VREL to zero
volts.
After time T52, the PCM 113 detects that voltage level of
wire 316 has changed from zero volts to the level of VDIG
voltage. According to the invention, PCM 113 is programmed
to generate data packets 501 when it detects that the
voltage level of wire 316 has changed from zero volts to
same level as VDIG voltage.
As shown in FIG. 5, at time T54 the PCM 113 starts to
transmit the data packet 501 through radio 111. According
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to the invention, inside the data packet 501, there is
encoded information about which player touched with his/her
sword 107, either his/her own jacket 109 or his/her own
mask 106.
After PCM 113 starts to transmit the data packet 501 at
time T54, then at time T55 the PCM 113 disables the voltage
regulator 328, through wire 327. This causes the voltage
VREL to drop to zero volts at time T56, causing the relay
322 to reset. Furthermore the internal contact of relay 322
between terminals 326 and 320 opens, causing the voltage
level on wire 316 to drop to zero volts, at time T57.
After time T57, the PCM 113 detects that the voltage
level of wire 316 has changed from the level of VDIG
voltage to zero volts, and enables again the voltage
regulator 328 at time T58. This causes the voltage VREL to
go back to nominal value at time T59. Furthermore, after
time T59 the mobile touch detector apparatus 112 to is
ready to detect the next fencing touch in the bout.
When a player executes a fencing touch, the wire 316
stays at zero volts, as shown in FIG. 4, because the coil
317 of relay 322 is powered only when the touch sensors
from the sword of a player touch either his/her own jacket
or mask, as described herein.
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An object of the current invention is to provide an
efficient system of touch sensors capable to detect any
fencing touches. FIG. 6 illustrates the shape of the touch
sensors 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 217, and
218, in the preferred embodiment.
In FIG. 6 (a) is shown a three dimensional view of the
blade 204. In FIG. 6 (b) the sensors are shown without the
blade, in order to illustrate the shape of the touch
sensors.
As part of the invention, the touch sensors 217 and 218
are placed on the tip of the blade 204. When a player
touches with the tip of his/her sword 107, either the
jacket 109 or the mask 106 of the opponent player, then the
metallic surface of either the jacket or the mask, creates
an electric contact between the sensors 217 and 218.
In other embodiments, in order to increase the chances of
detecting a fencing touch, on the tip of the blade can be
placed a plurality of touch sensors, which can be shaped as
circle segments.
As part of the invention, the touch sensors 213 and 214
are shaped as two ring segments of equal sizes. As shown in
FIG. 3, the touch sensors 213 and 218 are connected to the
wire 301, and the touch sensors 214 and 217 are connected
to the wire 305. Thus, during a fencing touch, the metallic
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surface of either the jacket 109 or the mask 106 can be
detected if it creates an electrical contact between 213
and 217, or between 213 and 214, or between 214 and 218, or
between 218 and 217.
In FIG. 6, the touch sensors 212 and 211 are shaped as
rings. ,
In the preferred embodiment the touch sensors 207, 208,
209, 210, 211, and 212 are shaped as rings, and any two
adjacent rings are connected to another wire inside the
blade 204, as shown in FIG. 3. Thus, during a fencing
touch, the metallic surface of either the jacket 109 or the
mask 106 can be detected if it creates an electrical
contact between 212 and 211, or between 211 and 210, or
between 210 and 209, or between 209 and 208, or between 208
and 207.
In other embodiments the touch sensors can be a plurality
of ring segments, and each touch sensor connected to a
different wire inside the blade of the sword.
In other embodiments the touch sensors can mix between a
plurality of rings and a plurality of ring segments, and
each touch sensor connected to a different wire inside the
blade of the sword.
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In traditional fencing sport the referee applies complex
rules when assigns scoring points to the players during the
bout. According to the invention, a scoring method is
programmed in the PCM 105, such that the scoring points are
decided by the scoreboard controller apparatus 103, thus
eliminating the need of a referee in the swordplay game.
FIG. 7 shows the diagram of the scoring method
implemented in the state machine programmed in the PCM 105.
In state 700 the "GO" button 117 is pressed, and then the
two players start a round of swordplay. After the "GO"
button 117 is pressed, the PCM 105 enables the decoding of
any incoming data packet 401, and then the scoreboard
controller apparatus 103 moves to state 701.
When players execute fencing touches, the PCM 113
incorporated in the mobile touch detector apparatuses 112
generate data packets 401, which are transmitted through
the radios 111, as described herein. According to the
invention, in state 701, the PCM 105 waits for the data
packets 401 to be received.
After the PCM 105 receives data packets 401 through radio
104, the scoreboard controller apparatus 103, moves to
state 702.
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According to the invention, in state 702 the PCM 105
checks if the two players executed fencing touches
simultaneously.
If the PCM 105 determines in state 702, that in state 701
the players did not execute fencing touches simultaneously,
then the scoreboard controller apparatus 103 moves to state
789.
According to the invention, in state 789 the PCM 105
disables the decoding of any incoming data packets 401, and
then the scoreboard controller apparatus 103 moves to state
790.
According to the invention, in state 790, the PCM 105
assigns a scoring point to the player who was first to
execute the fencing touch in state 701, and the score is
then incremented accordingly on the scoreboard display
apparatus 101, for the player was first to execute the
fencing touch.
If the PCM 105 determines in state 702, that in state 701
the two players did execute fencing touches simultaneously,
then the scoreboard controller apparatus 103 moves to state
709.
According to the invention, in state 709 the PCM 105
disables the decoding of any incoming data packets 401, and
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then the PCM 105 applies the priority-based scoring method
710.
According to the invention, the priority-based scoring
method 710 is applied when the two players execute fencing
touches simultaneously.
In FIG. 8 is shown the diagram of the state machine
programmed in PCM 105, which applies scoring rules
according to the preferred embodiment of the priority-based
scoring method 710.
As shown in FIG. 8, from state 709 the scoreboard
controller apparatus 103 moves to state 801 which is the
first state of the priority-based scoring method 710.
The priority-based scoring method 710, comprising:
a method of assigning priority;
a method of using the priority after is assigned; and
a method to indicate which player has priority.
A method of assigning priority is supported in the state
machine from FIG. 8, by the sequence of the states 802,
803, 804, 805, 806, and 830.
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A method of using the priority after is assigned, is
supported in the state machine from FIG. 8, by the sequence
of the states 801 and 860.
A method to indicate which player has priority is
supported in the state machine from FIG. 8 by the state
870.
According to the invention, in state 801 the PCM 105
checks if priority is already assigned to one of the two
players.
If one of the players already had priority in the moment
when the scoreboard controller apparatus 103 entered the
state 801, then the scoreboard controller apparatus 103
moves to state 860.
According to the invention, in state 860, the scoreboard
controller apparatus 103 assigns a score point to the
player who already had priority in the moment when the
scoreboard controller apparatus 103 entered the state 801.
The score digits are updated on the scoreboard display
apparatus 101, such that to have an incremented value for
the player who won the scoring point in state 860.
If none of the two players had priority already assigned
when scoreboard controller 103 entered the state 801, then
the scoreboard controller 103 moves to state 802.
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According to the invention, in state 802 the PCM 105
checks if the score is equal.
If in state 802 the PCM 105 determines that score is not
equal then the scoreboard controller 103 moves to state
830.
According to the invention, in state 830 the scoreboard
controller apparatus 103 assigns priority to the player
with the lowest score.
If in state 802 the PCM 105 determines that score is
equal then the scoreboard controller 103 moves to state
803.
According to invention, when the scoreboard controller
apparatus 103 is in state 803 the scoreboard display
apparatus 101 displays a distinctive sign 910 for each
player, as shown in FIG. 9 (a).
In the preferred embodiment, by displaying the sign 910,
the priority-based scoring method 710 prompts the players
180 and 190 to take part in the process of assigning the
priority.
In the preferred embodiment, the sign 910 is a rectangle
with a two digit number inside, and the number is "00".
Furthermore, the rectangle from the sign 910 has a dashed
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border line, wherein the border line is blinking in order
to attract visual attention to the players.
In the preferred embodiment, the scoreboard controller
apparatus 103 is programmed to stay in the state 803 until
receives data packets 501 from each of the mobile touch
detector apparatuses 112 carried by the players 180 and
190.
As described herein, the PCM 113 incorporated inside the
mobile touch detector apparatus 112 transmits data packets
501 when the player who carries the mobile touch detector
apparatus 112, touches with the touch sensors from his/her
sword 107, either his/her own jacket 109 or mask 106.
As part of the invention, when the prompt sign 910 is
displayed for each player on the scoreboard display
apparatus 101, the scoreboard controller apparatus 103
expects for each of the players, 180 and 190, to touch
their own jackets 109 or masks 106, with the touch sensors
from their own swords 107.
After the data packets 501 are received by the PCM 105,
from each mobile touch detector apparatus 112, the
scoreboard controller apparatus 103 moves to state 804.
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According to the invention, the data packets 501 are
ignored by PCM 105, unless the scoreboard controller 103 is
in state 803.
According to the invention, when the scoreboard
controller apparatus 103 is in state 804, the scoreboard
display apparatus 101 displays a distinctive sign 911 for
each player, as shown in FIG. 9 (b).
In the preferred embodiment, the sign 911 is a rectangle
with a two digit number inside, and the number has a random
value between 1 and 99. Furthermore, the rectangle from the
sign 911 has a solid border line.
In the preferred embodiment, the scoreboard controller
apparatus 103 generates one random number for each player,
immediately after the data packet 501 is received from the
mobile touch detector apparatus 112 carried by the player.
As shown in FIG. 9 (b), in the preferred embodiment, the
random number generated for player 180 is displayed inside
the sign 911 placed below the score number 156, and the
random number generated for player 190 is displayed inside
the sign 911 placed below the score number 157.
According to the invention, after a random number is
generated for each player, the scoreboard controller
apparatus 103 moves to state 805, where the two random
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numbers are compared by PCM 105. If in state 805, the PCM
105 determines that the two random numbers are equal, then
the scoreboard controller apparatus 103 returns to state
803, in order to generate another set of random numbers by
executing again the states 804 and 805.
As shown in FIG. 8, the states 803, 804 and 805 are
executed in a loop, until the numbers generated inside the
signs 911 are not equal.
If in state 805, the PCM 105 determines that the two
random numbers displayed inside the signs 911, are not
equal, then the scoreboard controller apparatus 103 moves
to state 806 where the priority is assigned to one of the
players, based on the values of the random numbers.
In the preferred embodiment, in state 806 the priority is
assigned to the player who has the biggest random number
displayed inside the sign 911.
Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment, the scoreboard
apparatus controller 103 is provided with hardware
peripherals 102, such as a keypad, which can configure the
scoreboard controller apparatus 103 before the bout starts.
The keypad from peripherals 102 can configure scoreboard
controller apparatus 103 to choose whether in state 806,
the priority is assigned either to the player who has the
biggest number or the smallest number.
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According to the invention, after the priority is
assigned to one of the players, either in state 830 or in
state 806, the scoreboard controller apparatus 103 moves to
state 870.
In the preferred embodiment, when the scoreboard
controller apparatus 103 is in state 870, on the scoreboard
display apparatus 101 is displayed a distinctive sign 912,
to indicate which player has priority.
When the priority is assigned to the player 180 the sign
912 is displayed below the score number 156 as shown in
FIG. 9 (c) and when the priority is assigned to the player
190 the sign 912 is displayed below the score number 157 as
shown in FIG. 9 (d).
According to the invention, when the scoreboard
controller apparatus 103 applies the priority-based scoring
method 710, either player can receive priority, but only
one player can have priority at one time.
In the preferred embodiment, the sign 912 is a letter "P"
inside of a rectangle with a solid border line.
According to the invention, the score does not change
when the scoreboard controller apparatus 103 executes the
states 802, 803, 804, 805, 806, 830, and 870.
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According to the invention, after completing the
priority-based scoring method 710, the scoreboard
controller apparatus 103 returns to state 700, where PCM
105 waits for the "GO" button 117 to be pressed when the
next round of swordplay begins.
According to the invention, any time when the "STOP"
button 118 is pressed, the scoreboard controller apparatus
103 returns to state 700.
In the preferred embodiment, when the "GO" button 117 is
pressed, the players are informed that the round of
swordplay is started, by the following visual signals:
the background of the image 151 is set to a predefined
color;
the lighting devices 202, 203, 205, 206, 215 and 216 emit
light of a predefined color; and
the wrist collar apparatus 121 emits a light of a
predefined color.
In the preferred embodiment, when the "STOP" button 118
is pressed, the players are informed that the round of
swordplay is stopped, by the following visual signals:
the signs 153 and 154 are set to a predefined color;
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the background of the image 151 is set to a predefined
color;
the lighting devices 202, 203, 205, 206, 215 and 216 emit
light of a predefined color; and
the wrist collar apparatus 121 emits a light of a
predefined color.
In the preferred embodiment, after a player wins a
scoring point, the players are informed that the round of
swordplay is stopped, by the following visual signals:
the signs 153 and 154 are set to predefined colors, such
that to distinguish which player is the winner of the
scoring point, and which player executed the fencing touch
second;
the background of the image 151 is set to a predefined
color; and
the lighting devices 202, 203, 205, 206, 215 and 216 emit
light of predefined colors, such that to distinguish which
player is the winner of the scoring point, and which player
executed the fencing touch second.
For example a green rectangle signifies "the player was
first to execute a fencing touch" and a blue rectangle
signifies "the player was second to execute fencing touch".
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Then if both players execute fencing touches, but player
180 was faster than player 190, then on the scoreboard
display apparatus, the sign 153 will be a blinking green
rectangle and the sign 154 will be a blinking blue
rectangle. Furthermore, in this particular example the
player 180 receives a scoring point because in state 790 is
detected that he/she was first to execute a fencing touch,
so in this case the green rectangle also signifies that the
player 180 won the scoring point.
In the preferred embodiment, after PCM 105 determined in
state 702 that the players executed simultaneous fencing
touches, the players are informed that the fencing touches
were executed simultaneously, by the following visual
signals:
the signs 153 and 154 are set to the same predefined
color; and
the lighting devices 202, 203, 205, 206, 215 and 216 emit
light of the same predefined color from both sword.
In the preferred embodiment the priority assigned to one
of the players is cancelled on the first occurrence when a
scoring point was obtained by either player, in either
state 860 or 790. When the priority is canceled, the sign
912 is removed from the frame of the scoreboard display
apparatus 101.
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Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment, the keypad from
peripherals 102 can configure the scoreboard controller
apparatus 103 before the bout starts, in order to choose
whether the priority cancelation is allowed only when score
points are assigned in state 860, after the players execute
fencing touches simultaneously.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the
priority-based scoring method 710, wherein the state 803 is
removed.
In the embodiment of the priority-based scoring method
710 shown in FIG. 10, the players are not prompted to touch
either their own jacket or mask with their own swords.
Thus, the random numbers displayed inside the sign 911 are
generated by the scoreboard controller apparatus 103 right
after the PCM 105 determines that score is equal in state
802.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the
priority-based scoring method 710, wherein the states 803,
804, and 805 are removed. Furthermore, in the embodiment of
the priority-based scoring method 710 shown in FIG. 11, in
state 806 the scoreboard controller apparatus 103 assigns
priority at random, to one of the players.
Although the invention has been described in connection
with a preferred embodiment, it should be understood that
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various modifications, additions and alterations may be
made to the invention by one skilled in the art without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as
defined in the appended claims.
