Abstract:
A wireless scoring system for a competitive swordplay game is provided, which uses nonmetallic swords with electric touch sensors on blades. 
     Each player carries a mobile touch detector apparatus which transmits wirelessly to scoreboard controller, data packets which indicate fencing touches uniquely identifiable for each player. 
     Scoreboard is controlled by radio remote apparatus provided with buttons labeled “GO” and “STOP”, which when pressed trigger emission of lights of predefined colors by wrist collar, blades of swords and scoreboard. 
     The rules for scoring are programmed in scoreboard controller apparatus which takes decisions to assign the scoring points throughout the swordplay bout. The player who wins a scoring point is indicated by the color of light emitted by blade of sword of the winner. The rules for scoring include a priority-based scoring method to decide the winner of scoring point when both players execute fencing touches simultaneously.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/563,024, filled Nov. 22. 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
         [0002]    This substitute specification includes no new matter. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The present invention is generally directed to gaming devices and methods of their use. More particularly, the invention is directed to a fencing scoring system and methods of using. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    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. 
         [0005]    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. 
         [0006]    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&#39;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. 
         [0007]    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. 
         [0008]    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 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. 
         [0009]    Wireless scoring systems have been proposed for sport fencing in the past, but none brings into play weapons made of foam, rubber or plastic, which have the capability to detect fencing touches employing electrical sensors on all sides of the blade. 
         [0010]    The Linsay U.S. Pat No. U.S.20060100022 describes a wireless scoring system for fencing with weapons which have metallic blades 
         [0011]    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. 
         [0012]    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. 
         [0013]    The Delcayre U.S. Pat. No. 4,030,731 describes a scoring system for fencing which uses metallic weapons. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    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. 
         [0015]    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. 
         [0016]    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. 
         [0017]    The rules for scoring are programmed in scoreboard controller apparatus which takes decisions to assign the scoring points throughout the swordplay bout. 
         [0018]    The player who wins a scoring point is indicated by the color of light emitted by the blade of the sword of the winner. 
         [0019]    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. 
         [0020]    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 SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the wireless scoring system for competitive swordplay game with nonmetallic swords, according to the invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  illustrates the nonmetallic sword provided with electric touch sensors, according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0023]      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. 
           [0024]      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. 
           [0025]      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. 
           [0026]      FIG. 6A  is a three dimensional view of the tip of the sword, showing the touch sensors on the blade. 
           [0027]      FIG. 6B  is a three dimensional view showing the touch sensors without the blade. 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  shows the diagram of the scoring method implemented in the state machine of the scoreboard controller apparatus. 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  shows the diagram of the priority-based scoring method according with the preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 9A  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. 
           [0031]      FIG. 9B  illustrates a distinctive sign displayed on the scoreboard apparatus, to indicate the random numbers used by the priority-based scoring method. 
           [0032]      FIG. 9C  and  FIG. 9D  illustrate a distinctive sign displayed on the scoreboard apparatus, to indicate which of the players has priority. 
           [0033]      FIG. 10  shows the diagram of an alternative implementation of the priority-based scoring method wherein one state is removed. 
           [0034]      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 
       [0035]    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.” 
         [0036]    In the current description of the invention and in the claims, the term “competitive ” refers to a system suitable for score-based competitions. 
         [0037]      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. 
         [0038]    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.   
 
         [0046]    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. 
         [0047]    In the preferred embodiment, the scoreboard controller apparatus  103  includes peripherals devices  102 , comprising:
   a plurality of known electrical lighting devices;   a known audible signaling device;   and a known keypad.   
 
         [0051]    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.   
 
         [0055]    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 .   
 
         [0058]    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 .   
 
         [0062]    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.   
 
         [0065]    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. 
         [0066]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , each of the PCM  105 ,  113 , and  116  is electrically connected with a radio  104 ,  111 , and  115 , respectively. 
         [0067]    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. 
         [0068]    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 .   
 
         [0075]    According to the invention, in  FIG. 1  is illustrated the radio remote control apparatus  119 , comprising:
   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 .   
 
         [0079]    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. 
         [0080]    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. 
         [0081]      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 ;   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 .   
 
         [0087]    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. 
         [0088]    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 . 
         [0089]    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.   
 
         [0094]    In another embodiment of the invention, the sword  107  can be constructed without the lighting devices  202 ,  203 ,  205 ,  206 ,  215 , and  216 . 
         [0095]    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 . 
         [0096]    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 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 . 
         [0097]    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. 
         [0098]      FIG. 3  shows the circuit incorporated inside the mobile touch detector apparatus  112  and how this circuit is 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 . 
         [0099]      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 .   
 
         [0104]    The cable  114  makes the electrical connection between the sword  107  and the mobile touch detector apparatus  112 , furthermore the cable  114  comprising the electrical wires  304 ,  306 , and  307 . 
         [0105]    The electrical wire  110  connects the jacket  109  to the electrical circuit incorporated inside the mobile touch detector apparatus  112 . 
         [0106]    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. 
         [0107]    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. 
         [0108]    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  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 . 
         [0109]    The two relays  322  and  311  are double pole double throw type. 
         [0110]    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. 
         [0111]    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 . 
         [0112]    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 . 
         [0113]    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 . 
         [0114]    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. 
         [0115]    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. 
         [0116]    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 ,  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 . 
         [0117]    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 . 
         [0118]    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 . 
         [0119]      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. 
         [0120]      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 his/her sword  107  either his/her own jacket  109  or his/her own mask  106 . 
         [0121]    At time T 0 , 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 . 
         [0122]    In  FIG. 4 , the time T 41  is the moment when the player who carries the mobile touch detector apparatus  112  executes a fencing touch as described herein. At time T 41 , 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 T 41  and lasts until time T 43 . 
         [0123]    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 T 41  and T 43 . The waveform  400  is marked “OFF” when the sword is not touching any jacket or any mask. 
         [0124]    For example if the player  190  executes a fencing touch, then at time T 41 , 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 T 43 . 
         [0125]    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. 
         [0126]    Thus, at time T 41  the voltage VREL propagates to the coil  308 , as described herein. 
         [0127]    Powering up the coil  308  causes the internal contact of relay  311  between terminals  314  and  309 , to close. 
         [0128]    The voltage VREL is propagated to terminal  314 , through internal contact of relay  322 , between terminals  325  and  319 . 
         [0129]    When the coil  308  is powered at time T 41 , 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 T 43 . The relay  311  can exit the self-locking state only if the voltage VREL is powered down. 
         [0130]    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 T 0 , 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 T 41 , the voltage level of wire  312  becomes at time T 42 , equal with voltage VDIG. 
         [0131]    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. 
         [0132]    After time T 42 , 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. 
         [0133]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , at time T 44  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. 
         [0134]    After PCM  113  starts to transmit the data packet  401  at time T 44 , then at time T 45  the PCM  113  disables the voltage regulator  328 , through wire  327 . This causes the voltage VREL to drop to zero volts at time T 46 , 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 T 47 . 
         [0135]    After time T 47 , 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 T 48 . This causes the voltage VREL to go back to nominal value at time T 49 . Furthermore, after time T 49  the mobile touch detector apparatus  112  to is ready to detect the next fencing touch in the swordplay bout. 
         [0136]    In  FIG. 5 , the time T 51  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 his/her own mask  106 . At time T 51 , 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 T 51 , and lasts until time T 53 . 
         [0137]    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 T 51  and T 53 . The waveform  500  is marked “OFF”, when the sword is not touching any jacket or any mask. 
         [0138]    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 T 51  the voltage VREL propagates to the coil  317 , as described herein. 
         [0139]    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 powered up after time T 53 . The relay  322  can exit the self-locking state only if the voltage VREL is powered down. 
         [0140]    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. 
         [0141]    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 . 
         [0142]    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. 
         [0143]    Powering up the coil  317  causes the internal contact of relay  322  between terminals  326  and  320 , to close. This causes to propagate the voltage VDIG to terminal  320 , reaching to PCM  113  through wire  316 . At time T 0 , 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 T 51 , the voltage level of wire  316  becomes at time T 52 , equal with voltage VDIG. 
         [0144]    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. 
         [0145]    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. 
         [0146]    After time T 52 , 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. 
         [0147]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , at time T 54  the PCM  113  starts to transmit the data packet  501  through radio  111 . According 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 . 
         [0148]    After PCM  113  starts to transmit the data packet  501  at time T 54 , then at time T 55  the PCM  113  disables the voltage regulator  328 , through wire  327 . This causes the voltage VREL to drop to zero volts at time T 56 , 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 T 57 . 
         [0149]    After time T 57 , 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 T 58 . This causes the voltage VREL to go back to nominal value at time T 59 . Furthermore, after time T 59  the mobile touch detector apparatus  112  to is ready to detect the next fencing touch in the bout. 
         [0150]    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. 
         [0151]    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. 
         [0152]    In  FIG. 6A  is shown a three dimensional view of the blade  204 . In  FIG. 6B  the sensors are shown without the blade, in order to illustrate the shape of the touch sensors. 
         [0153]    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 . 
         [0154]    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. 
         [0155]    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 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 . 
         [0156]    In  FIG. 6 , the touch sensors  212  and  211  are shaped as rings. 
         [0157]    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 . 
         [0158]    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. 
         [0159]    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. 
         [0160]    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. 
         [0161]      FIG. 7  shows the diagram of the scoring method implemented in the state machine programmed in the PCM  105 . 
         [0162]    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 . 
         [0163]    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. 
         [0164]    After the PCM  105  receives data packets  401  through radio  104 , the scoreboard controller apparatus  103 , moves to state  702 . 
         [0165]    According to the invention, in state  702  the PCM  105  checks if the two players executed fencing touches simultaneously. 
         [0166]    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 . 
         [0167]    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 . 
         [0168]    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. 
         [0169]    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 . 
         [0170]    According to the invention, in state  709  the PCM  105  disables the decoding of any incoming data packets  401 , and then the PCM  105  applies the priority-based scoring method  710 . 
         [0171]    According to the invention, the priority-based scoring method  710  is applied when the two players execute fencing touches simultaneously. 
         [0172]    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 . 
         [0173]    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 . 
         [0174]    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.   
 
         [0178]    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 . 
         [0179]    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 . 
         [0180]    A method to indicate which player has priority is supported in the state machine from  FIG. 8  by the state  870 . 
         [0181]    According to the invention, in state  801  the PCM  105  checks if priority is already assigned to one of the two players. 
         [0182]    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 . 
         [0183]    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 . 
         [0184]    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 . 
         [0185]    According to the invention, in state  802  the PCM  105  checks if the score is equal. 
         [0186]    If in state  802  the PCM  105  determines that score is not equal then the scoreboard controller  103  moves to state  830 . 
         [0187]    According to the invention, in state  830  the scoreboard controller apparatus  103  assigns priority to the player with the lowest score. 
         [0188]    If in state  802  the PCM  105  determines that score is equal then the scoreboard controller  103  moves to state  803 . 
         [0189]    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. 9A . 
         [0190]    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. 
         [0191]    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 border line, wherein the border line is blinking in order to attract visual attention to the players. 
         [0192]    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 . 
         [0193]    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 . 
         [0194]    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 . 
         [0195]    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 . 
         [0196]    According to the invention, the data packets  501  are ignored by PCM  105 , unless the scoreboard controller  103  is in state  803 . 
         [0197]    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. 9B . 
         [0198]    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. 
         [0199]    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. 
         [0200]    As shown in  FIG. 9B , 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 . 
         [0201]    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 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 . 
         [0202]    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. 
         [0203]    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. 
         [0204]    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 . 
         [0205]    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. 
         [0206]    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 . 
         [0207]    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. 
         [0208]    When the priority is assigned to the player  180  the sign  912  is displayed below the score number  156  as shown in  FIG. 9C  and when the priority is assigned to the player  190  the sign  912  is displayed below the score number  157  as shown in  FIG. 9D . 
         [0209]    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. 
         [0210]    In the preferred embodiment, the sign  912  is a letter “P” inside of a rectangle with a solid border line. 
         [0211]    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 . 
         [0212]    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. 
         [0213]    According to the invention, any time when the “STOP” button  118  is pressed, the scoreboard controller apparatus  103  returns to state  700 . 
         [0214]    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.   
 
         [0218]    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;   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.   
 
         [0223]    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.   
 
         [0227]    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”. 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. 
         [0228]    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.   
 
         [0231]    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 . 
         [0232]    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. 
         [0233]      FIG. 10  is a block diagram of another embodiment of the priority-based scoring method  710 , wherein the state  803  is removed. 
         [0234]    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 . 
         [0235]      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. 
         [0236]    Although the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it should be understood that 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.