Abstract:
The invention relates to exercise apparatus, particularly of the type intended to develop reaction speed and agility, the apparatus comprising a reaction display comprising an array of targets designed to present a variety of reach positions for a user, and further including an instruction display mounted for ready visibility to the user, wherein the instruction display and at least some of the targets are provided with means to display a selection from at least two variables.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    This invention relates to exercise apparatus, particularly of the type intended to develop reaction speed and agility. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Reaction display devices are known, such as the BATAK (Trade Mark) range of training devices where an array of illuminated targets is presented to the user, and these are lit up in turn according to random or repetitive programs. The user has to reach and touch each target when it is lit up, and touch sensitive sensors record the success rate in touching while the target is lit. The targets are arrayed over a range of positions including extreme high, low and wide positions as well as more central positions, and the rate of target change can be varied to match skill experience and fitness levels. 
         [0003]    Devices of this type are purely dependant on speed of reaction, and accuracy of response, with no requirement for higher mental skills. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0004]    The present invention seeks to introduce an element of mental skill, to encourage not only physical reaction speed, but also mental alertness. 
         [0005]    According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a reaction display device comprising an array of targets, designed to present a variety of reach positions for a user, and further including an instruction display mounted for ready visibility by the user, wherein the instruction display and at least some of the targets are provided with means to display a selection from at least two variables. 
         [0006]    According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a reaction display device comprising an array of targets, designed to present a variety of reach positions for a user, and further including means of providing a signal to an instruction display for ready visibility by the user, such that the instruction display and at least some of the targets are provided with means to display a selection from at least two variables. 
         [0007]    According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of operating exercise apparatus comprising a reaction display comprising an array of targets designed to present a variety of reach positions for a user, and further including an instruction display mounted for ready visibility to the user, wherein the method comprises operating the instruction display and at least one of the targets so as to display a selection from at least two variables. 
         [0008]    According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an exercise apparatus comprising a reaction display comprising an array of targets designed to present a variety of reach positions for a user, and further including an instruction display mounted for ready visibility to the user, wherein at least some of the targets are touch screens, provided with means to display a selection from at least two variables. 
         [0009]    The instruction display identifies to the user the correct target within the array by displaying an image from a collection of variable images, such as a colour and/or shape, corresponding to the image displayed on one of the array of targets. The other targets may, simultaneously, or otherwise, display alternatives so as to distract the user. By providing a range of targets in sequence the monitor displays exercise routines. 
         [0010]    The apparatus further includes a microprocessor to operate the instruction display and the array of targets, providing a sequence of images. The microprocessor can monitor the speed and accuracy of the user and vary the exercise routine accordingly. The exercise routine may alternatively be selected by the user. Both the variety of selected targets and speed of selection increase the level of work required by the user. 
         [0011]    The reaction display device may be freestanding or wall mounted. In one embodiment of the invention the user would generally stand in front of the array. 
         [0012]    At least some of the targets are each provided with means to display a selection from any of a range of variables, such as shapes and/or colour. The targets may be in the form of screens capable of displaying variable images, such as any of colour and shape. In one embodiment the target is to be illuminated selectively in any one of two or more colours. In one embodiment the targets are in the form of banks of different coloured lights, such as LEDs. The targets may contain a sensor. Contact with and/or movement over a target sends a signal to the computer. In this way the computer is informed as to whether the user has selected the correct target and how long that selection has taken since the instruction to reach for that target was provided on the instruction monitor. 
         [0013]    The display monitor and/or all or part of the array, may be adjustable vertically, horizontally and/or pivotally, e.g. by being movable on a suitable mounting or mountings. 
         [0014]    The apparatus advantageously also includes a mat, which is to be placed adjacent, and ideally in front of, the reaction display device. 
         [0015]    This mat is preferably provided with vibrating apparatus, so that the mat can vibrate. The mat can thus be used as an exercise apparatus for building muscle strength in like manner to a machine sold under the trade mark POWERPLATE. Additionally the upper surface of the mat can be marked in an array of individual target areas with markings, such as circles or numbers, which each have an associated sensor below the upper surface, for example in the centre of each area and within the mat, which detects when each respective area is stood upon. The sensors and/or the mat may include one or more calibrated weighing device which can be used to give a measurement of the user&#39;s weight. 
         [0016]    The mat may be used for an initial work out, by vibratory building of the muscles, and/or for cardio workout by the user moving to step on selected target areas in turn as indicated on the main display screen, or elsewhere. The vibration may be in operation while carrying out a cardio workout or it may be switched off. 
         [0017]    In one embodiment each target on the mat is in the form of a display capable of displaying variable images, such as any of colour and shape. In one embodiment the target may be in the form of banks of different coloured lights, such as LEDs. Contact with and/or movement over a target sends a signal to the computer. In this way the computer is informed as to whether the user has selected the correct target and how long that has taken since the instruction to reach for that target was provided on the instruction monitor. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    In order that the invention may be more readily understood an embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of exercise apparatus according to the invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is an elevation view of a reaction display device forming part of the exercise apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of an exercise mat forming part of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , exercise apparatus comprises an upright reaction display device  10  and an exercise mat  11 , laid on the floor in front of the display device  10 . A controlling computer  12  is provided connected to the device  10 , and also to provide power to the mat  11 , via a vibrator control unit  13 . The mat  11  incorporates vibrating apparatus which is adapted to vibrate the whole area of the mat  11 . In one embodiment of the invention the computer device is not located adjacent to the exercise area and may be in a remote location such as a gym supervisor&#39;s office. 
         [0023]    The display device comprises a supporting frame with upright  14 ,  15  and upper and lower horizontal bars  16  and  17 . The lower ends of the uprights may be adjustable for height, to place the lower bars Il at a height in the range from for example 10 to 40 cm. The said lower ends are mounted on a base plate  18 . 
         [0024]    An array of targets  20   a - 20   h  is distributed about the frame, and each target is adapted to be illuminated by activation of an LED lamp on instructions from the computer  12 . Each target has a plurality of LEDs each to provide a different colour, for example three, one yellow, one blue and one red. One, two or all three LEDs may be lit on instruction from the computer. Each target is also provided with a touch sensor, which signals to the computer when the target has been reached by the user. 
         [0025]    The device  10  also includes a display screen  21  mounted so as to be adjustable in height, on a central column  22 . This screen  21  is driven by the computer  12  and may display general information and instructions, but is primarily used to set tasks by way of an exercise routine. Additionally it may optionally be used to select the level of exercise required. 
         [0026]    In  FIG. 2 , a possible exercise is shown where screen  21  instructs the user to touch the target which is flashing with a red light—but two targets  20   c  and  20   d  are illuminated— 20   d  for example showing a blue light and  20   c  a red light. The user has to discern the correct target, reach and touch it, in the time before the next target is illuminated. The speed at which new targets are presented can be controlled, to provide an exercise adapted to the user&#39;s capabilities and needs involving repeated reaching to targets at different ranges, heights and directions. 
         [0027]    The mat  11  is provided with an array, in the embodiment shown nine in a three by three matrix, of areas such as circles  23   a - k  which provide foot targets, to be reached in accordance with instructions displayed on the screen  21 . Each circle overlies a pressure detector, below the surface of the mat and within the mat, which indicates to the computer  12  that the user&#39;s foot has rested on the circle. The pressure detectors may be calibrated as weight measuring devices, so that a read-out of the user&#39;s weight can be given on demand, say at the beginning and end of a session. 
         [0028]    In use, the user will stand on the mat  11  before the screen  21 ; and after warming up, engage in any of a number of possible exercises and or game routines. The reaction display  10  may be used on its own, in simple reaction mode (touching lit up targets in turn in a rapid response), and also in a mode where recognition of a variable, say of at least one of colour and shape, or some exercise of thought is required. Further, reaching for targets may be combined with stepping on selected circles on the mat, requiring a further level of limb-eye coordination. 
         [0029]    The mat may optionally be in vibrating mode, or non-vibrating mode as desired. 
         [0030]    The screen  21  may optionally be used to play video games, or mental contests, which may if desired involve a physical response (e.g. alternate answers may be displayed on or in relation to targets, selection of the correct answer being by touching the correct target). 
         [0031]    Possible exercises include simply pressing the screen as quickly as possible, as in the known BATAK (Trade Mark) exerciser; to press the target diametrically opposite one indicated on the screen  21 , to press the colour indicated on the screen  21  (the targets may each have a different colour or patch or surround, to play mathematical or logic games, or quizzes (for example on a sporting theme). 
         [0032]    The display device may be wall mounted, and the targets may be provided with touch screens which display colours or other matter as instructed by the computer. 
         [0033]    The display device and mat may be used together or separately, to provide a variety of cardio-exercises and/or muscle building exercises. 
         [0034]    The above description of the invention provided above is by way of illustration only. Many modifications and variations are possible.