Abstract:
A mobile/portable multifunction and interactive exercise apparatus which may be usable as a mobile/portable striking apparatus and/or a mobile/portable speed bad apparatus, or both. The disclosed embodiments comprise conversion features and components, and utilize an attachment-free leverage application to create a temporary anchoring for the apparatus. Some disclosed embodiments further comprise an electronic interactive user features and components, and utilize impact sensors, a control unit, and a microprocessor for controlling the play of one or more interactive programs/games in which a participant may play against the control unit or against another participant.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/810,759, entitled “Mobile/Portable interactive apparatus,” filed on Apr. 11, 2013, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENTAL INTEREST 
     None. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The disclosure relates generally to exercise devices, and more particularly to devices that are kicked or punched by the user as a form of exercise. 
     2. Background Discussion 
     In contact or combative sports training, striking devices such as punching bags, heavy bags and punching pads are well known in the art. These bags are normally suspended overhead using chains secured to the ceiling or supported by a stand on the ground. Conventional striking bags suspended from the ceiling are difficult and laborious to adjust in height as well as being difficult to transport. Conventional striking bags supported by the ground are bulky to transport because of the added size of the base and are difficult to adjust in height. Additionally, conventional striking bags supported by the ground are often poorly supported and unstable requiring a sparring partner to hold the bag in order to provide additional stability. Conventional heavy bags supported by the ground commonly include a large, bulky base making the apparatus difficult to move about. It is therefore to the effective resolution of some of the aforementioned problems and shortcomings that some of the disclosed embodiments are directed. 
     A variety of kicking and punching aids currently exist in the art. These aids function primarily to provide a point of impact absorption for kicks and punches. A variety of configurations exist. Some are free standing with the aid of a supporting base. Others, commonly referred to as heavy bags, hang from a support structure. All are made for use in open areas, and are typically large, bulky, and difficult to relocate or transport. Some examples are the Boone U.S. Pat. No. 3,757,306, the Morrison et al U.S. Pat. No. 4,207,087, the D&#39;Alto U.S. Pat. No. 5,437,590, the Allard et al U.S. Pat. No. 5,733,193, the Chen U.S. Pat. No. 5,863,278, the Chen U.S. Pat. No. 6,251,051, the Weber U.S. Pat. No. 6,790,167, the Ghim U.S. Pat. No. 7,278,957, the Sheedy U.S. Pat. No. 7,909,749, and the Jones et al U.S. Pat. No. 8,337,366. In light of such the various shortfalls of such exercise devices therefore, a need exists for a new and improved striking apparatus. 
     SUMMARY 
     It is an object of some of the disclosed embodiments to provide a mobile/portable electronic interactive striking apparatus that comprises a body unit, multiple striking surfaces, various vertical adjustment methods, and multiple attachment means, which enables the user to easily change convert the apparatus between the various embodiments, adjust the weight of the striking bag or the height of the striking apparatus. 
     It is also an object of some of the disclosed embodiments to provide an electronic interactive program/game that controls the interaction between participants, or which can be played against the control unit itself. 
     It is another object of the disclosed embodiments to provide an interactive program/game that tests the aural and visual memory of a participant against the control unit. 
     It is a further object of the disclosed embodiments to provide a striking apparatus type interactive program/game device that provides an automatic sequence of events that must be repeated by a participant. 
     It is yet another object of the disclosed embodiments to provide a microprocessor controlled interactive program/game that controls the progress of an interactive program/game played between two participants. 
     It is yet another object of the disclosed embodiments to provide a microprocessor controlled interactive program/game that can be programmed to play a variety of interactive program/games. 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is provided a striking apparatus comprising a plurality of impact sensors, each associated with a strike trigger in the form of sound or light, or both. The device utilizes a microprocessor to generate a sequence of lights and sounds, each uniquely associated with one of the impact sensor switches on the keyboard. The microprocessor is programmed to generate a random sequence of sound or lights, or both, which must be repeated by a participant by striking the proper impact sensors. If the participant correctly repeats the sequence, the control unit adds another entry to the sequence and plays the lengthened sequence which must again be repeated by the participant. The process is repeated to provide an ever-lengthening sequence until the participant makes an error or, if desired, until the sequence reaches a predetermined length. The control unit then indicates whether the control unit or the participant has won, and may be programmed to indicate the longest sequence successfully repeated. Also, the sound generation or the light generation may be suppressed to provide an interactive program/game playable in response to sound or light triggered sequences only. Also, controls may be provided for increasing the speed of the interactive program/game either manually or automatically as the interactive program/game progresses. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the control unit can be used to control the interaction of two participants. In such an embodiment, one of the participants generates a first sequence that must be repeated by the other, who adds a subsequent event to the sequence. As in the case of the above-described embodiment, the control unit keeps track of the longest sequence successfully repeated and declares a winner when one of the participants makes an error. Also, as in the case of the above embodiment, the sequence may take the form of a sound triggered sequence, light sequence or combination of a sound and light sequence. 
     Yet another embodiment of the invention is a sensor unit for a striking apparatus including an accelerometer for measuring a strike and a signal processor communicatively connected to the accelerometer, for discerning the strike and calculating values relative to a peak acceleration, direction, total work, and total energy for the strike. 
     Another embodiment of the invention is a method of varying an operation of a striking apparatus to accommodate input of a user of the striking apparatus responsive to direction of the striking apparatus. The method includes setting a maximum duration for the user input, prompting the user input, timing for the maximum duration, detecting if the user input is received, returning to the step of prompting upon receipt of the user input if prior to expiration of the maximum duration, and returning to the step of prompting upon expiration of the maximum duration if the user input is not received. 
     Some embodiments disclosed herein are portable exercise apparatuses comprising a speed bag assembly. The speed bag assembly further comprises a support arm having a first end and a second end, a speed bag platform connected to the first end of the support arm, a speed bag connected to the speed bag platform, and a speed bag column having a top end and a bottom end. In an embodiment, the second end of the support arm is adjustably connected to the top end of the speed bag column. These embodiments further comprises a striking pad assembly having a striking pad having a top surface, a bottom surface, a non-striking surface, a central bore extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, and a longitudinal indentation extending between the top surface and the bottom surface and centrally along the non-striking surface. The longitudinal indentation is configured to conform against angled walls of a firm structure. In one embodiment the bore comprise an inward extending protrusion. The striking pad assembly further comprises a striking pad column having a top end and a bottom end. In one embodiment, the striking pad column further comprises a plurality of outward extending protrusions. The outward extending protrusions of the striking pad column are configured to engage the inward extending protrusion of the bore of the striking pad. In one embodiment, the top end of the striking pad column can slide into the bottom end of the speed bag column. These embodiments further comprise a support column having a top end, a bottom end, and a plurality of apertures. The top end of the support column is connected to the bottom end of the striking pad column. There is further a base unit having a plurality of legs and a hollow coupler for receiving the bottom end of the support column in a manner as to allow the user to use the combination of the base unit and the support column to adjust the height of the exercise apparatus as desired. The legs of the base unit are configured to optimally press the exercise apparatus against the angled walls of the firm structure (e.g., a wall corner or angled walls of a heavy piece of furniture) as the sole means of stabilization. The hollow coupler comprises an aperture used to connect the base unit to the support column through a selective aperture from the support column&#39;s plurality of apertures. 
     In other embodiments, the portable exercise apparatus further comprises means for converting the striking pad assembly to a heavy striking bag. In yet other embodiments, the portable exercise apparatus further comprises means for converting the portable exercise apparatus to a hand held striking pad. 
     Some preferred portable exercise apparatuses comprise a speed bag assembly with a support arm, a speed bag platform, a speed bag connected to the speed bag platform, and a speed bag column that can be adjustably connected to the support arm. These embodiments further comprise a striking pad assembly having a striking pad with a striking surface, a non-striking surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, a central bore extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, and a longitudinal indentation extending between the top surface and the bottom surface and centrally along the non-striking surface. The longitudinal indentation is designed to flexibly conform against angled walls of a firm structure. In one embodiment, the central bore of the striking pad comprises an inward extending protrusion. The embodiments further comprise a striking pad column. In one embodiment, the striking pad column has several outward extending protrusions. The outward extending protrusions of the striking pad column are configured to engage the inward extending protrusion of the bore of the striking pad. In one embodiment, the top end of the striking pad column slides into the bottom end of the speed bag column whereto it is secures. These preferred embodiment also comprise an interactive program unit, which in turn comprises a plurality of impact sensors operatively connected to the striking surface of the striking pad, a plurality of strike triggers each of which uniquely associated with a respective impact sensor from the plurality of impact sensors, a memory for storing a plurality of interactive exercise programs, a control unit having a plurality of switches used to select an interactive exercise program from the plurality of interactive exercise programs, and a microprocessor operatively connected between the impact sensors, the strike triggers, and the control unit to facilitate the selected interactive exercise program. These embodiments further comprise a support column having a top end, a bottom end, and a plurality of apertures. The top end of the support column is connected to the bottom end of the striking pad column. These preferred embodiments also comprise a base unit having a plurality of legs and a hollow coupler for receiving the bottom end of the support column in a manner as to allow the user to use the combination of the base unit and the support column to adjust the height of the exercise apparatus as desired. The legs of the base unit are configured to optimally press the exercise apparatus against the angled walls of the firm structure (e.g., a wall corner or angled walls of a heavy piece of furniture) as the sole means of stabilization. The hollow coupler comprises an aperture used to connect the base unit to the support column through a selective aperture from the support column&#39;s plurality of apertures. 
     Other preferred portable exercise apparatuses comprise a speed bag assembly having a support arm, a speed bag platform, a speed bag connected to the speed bag platform, and a speed bag column that can be adjustably connected to the support arm. These embodiments further comprise a striking pad assembly having a striking pad with a striking surface, a non-striking surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, a central bore extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, and a longitudinal indentation extending between the top surface and the bottom surface and centrally along the non-striking surface. The longitudinal indentation is designed to flexibly conform against angled walls of a firm structure. In one embodiment, the central bore of the striking pad comprises an inward extending protrusion. The embodiments further comprise a striking pad column. In one embodiment, the striking pad column has several outward extending protrusions. The outward extending protrusions of the striking pad column are configured to engage the inward extending protrusion of the bore of the striking pad. In one embodiment, the top end of the striking pad column slides into the bottom end of the speed bag column whereto it is secures. Such preferred embodiments further comprise an interactive program unit, which in turn comprises a first set of impact sensors operatively connected to the striking surface of the striking pad, a second set of impact sensors operatively connected to the speed bag, a first set of strike triggers each of which uniquely associated with a respective impact sensor from the first set of impact sensors, a second set of strike triggers each of which uniquely associated with a respective impact sensor from the second set of impact sensors, a memory for storing a plurality of interactive exercise programs, a control unit having a plurality of switches used to select an interactive exercise program from the plurality of interactive exercise programs, a microprocessor operatively connected between the first and second sets of impact sensors, the first and second sets of strike triggers, and the control unit to facilitate the selected interactive exercise program. These embodiments further comprise a support column and a base unit having a plurality of legs and a hollow coupler for receiving the bottom end of the support column in a manner as to allow the user to use the combination of the base unit and the support column to adjust the height of the exercise apparatus as desired. The legs of the base unit are configured to optimally press the exercise apparatus against the angled walls of the firm structure (e.g., a wall corner or angled walls of a heavy piece of furniture) as the sole means of stabilization. The hollow coupler comprises an aperture used to connect the base unit to the support column through a selective aperture from the support column&#39;s plurality of apertures. 
     In yet other embodiments, the interactive program unit further comprises a speaker connected to the microprocessor. Each strike trigger from the plurality of strike triggers is a distinct audio cue uniquely associated with the respective impact sensor. In these embodiments, the microprocessor is configured to receive a signal from the control unit that identifies the selected interactive exercise program from the plurality of interactive exercise programs stored on the memory. In these embodiments, the microprocessor is further configured to utilize the speaker to sound the distinct audio cues in a predetermined sequence according to the selected interactive exercise program. In other embodiments, the interactive program unit further comprises a multi-color light emitting means connected to the microprocessor, and wherein each strike trigger from the plurality of strike triggers is a distinct visual cue uniquely associated with the respective impact sensor. In these embodiments, the microprocessor is configured to receive a signal from the control unit that identifies the selected interactive exercise program from the plurality of interactive exercise programs stored on the memory, and is further configured to utilize the multi-color light emitting means to emit the distinct visual cues in a predetermined sequence according to the selected interactive exercise program. In yet other embodiments, the interactive program unit further comprises a speaker connected to the microprocessor and a multi-color light emitting means connected to the microprocessor. In these embodiments, each strike trigger from the plurality of strike triggers is a distinct audio cue uniquely associated with the respective impact sensor and/or a distinct visual cue uniquely associated with the respective impact sensor. In these embodiments, the microprocessor is configured to receive a signal from the control unit that identifies the selected interactive exercise program from the plurality of interactive exercise programs stored on the memory, and to utilize the speaker and the multi-color light emitting means to emit a predetermined combination of the distinct audio cues and/or distinct visual cues in a predetermined sequence according to the selected interactive exercise program. 
     As discussed in more detail below in the context of the disclosed structures, some embodiments further comprise means for selecting an error criteria for the selected interactive exercise program and means for determining whether the error criteria has been met. In such embodiments, the microprocessor is further configured to utilize the speaker and/or the multi-color light emitting device to indicate that the error criteria has been met. Other embodiment further comprise means for measuring punch strength, means for measuring response time, and means for communicating the measured punch strength and response time to the user. 
     Many other features and embodiments disclosed herein will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the following detailed description. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the disclosed embodiments, including the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, are exemplary only and as such do not operate to limit the scope of the disclosed invention. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The above-mentioned features and objects of the present disclosure will become more apparent with reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a striking apparatus, according to certain embodiments of the invention. 
         FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  are exploded views of a striking apparatus constructed in accordance with the disclosed embodiments accompanied by  FIG. 2   c  a perspective view of a base in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of striking apparatus, constructed in accordance with the disclosed embodiments, in which several of the attachment means allowing it to be used as a heavy bag. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view of a striking apparatus constructed in accordance with the disclosed embodiments, in which it is prepared for use as a hand-held training aid. 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a sectional view of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of  FIG. 5  and all necessary attachments. 
         FIG. 9  is a block diagram of the electrical components of an interactive program/game according to the invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a detailed schematic diagram of the electronic circuitry of a interactive program/game according to the disclosed embodiments. 
         FIGS. 11-13  are logical flow charts illustrating the functions performed by the microprocessor controlling the operation of a interactive program/game according to the invention. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a control unit of a striking apparatus, according to certain embodiments. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a method of striking by a striking apparatus, according to certain embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates an exemplary sensor device of a striking apparatus, according to certain embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a method of detecting a strike or touch to a pad of a striking apparatus, according to certain embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 18  illustrates an example of a control unit of a striking apparatus, including an aggregator and processor, according to certain embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a method of varying pace of a routine in a striking apparatus to accommodate a user providing excessively slow or fast strike responses, according to certain embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1 , in conjunction with  FIG. 2   a  &amp;  FIG. 2   b , illustrates an embodiment of the disclosed interactive striking apparatus  10 . The illustrated interactive striking apparatus  10  includes a striking pad  50  and speed bag device  80  that contains impact sensors  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20  and  22  that are operated by a participant playing the interactive program/game. Each of the impact sensors  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20  and  22  is associated with a particular sound that is made when a respective one of the impact sensors is struck. In addition, one of a plurality of indicator lights may be illuminated upon striking of each of the impact sensors. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2   a , the indicator lights are located under the respective impact sensors and serve to illuminate the impact sensors as they are struck. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2   b , The illustrated speed bag device  80  includes a speed bag platform  81  secured to the upper end of a support arm  82  whose lower end fits into the speed bag column  71 . In one embodiment, the support arm  82  is adjustably connected to the speed bag column  71  and can be further secured with a support brace  83  via apertures  72 ,  84  and  85 . 
     A support unit  30  includes a coupler  33  and column  31  to be secured vertically on top of the base  90  via hinge  92 . The coupler  33  includes an aperture  34  formed therein for threading a fastener or a pin  2 , such as a column  31  provided on the lower portion thereof, which includes legs  32  attached therein secured at their lower end to weighted feet/pads  35 . The support unit  30  formed such that it works in conjunction with the base  90  to create pull on the striking apparatus&#39;  10  center of gravity backwards causing its load to press into any support structure. The base  90  includes a column  91 , which includes legs  93  attached therein secured at their lower end to weighted feet/pads  94 . 
     A column  40  is to be secured vertically on top of the support unit  30  via a coupler  33 , such as by a stud  41  provided on the lower portion of the column  40 . The column  40  has a top coupler portion  48  used to secure the column  40  to the speed bag column  71 . The stud  41  includes an aperture  47  formed therein for threading a fastener or a pin  2 . The column  40  includes one or more longitudinal channels  44  formed therein and having one or more lock slots  45  communicating with the respective channels  44 . A striking pad  50  is formed to include angled walls  54  which allow it to conform to inner and outer angled wall corners or any other firm structure, and includes a bore  51  formed therein for receiving the column  40  and includes one or more projections  52  extended inward of the bore  51  thereof for engaging into the channels  44  and/or the lock slots  45  of the column  40  and for setting the striking pad  50  to various heights. 
       FIG. 2   c  illustrates an embodiment in accordance with some of the disclosed embodiments comprising support unit  30  and a base  90  which aide in stabilizing and locking the apparatus into position with the aid of attachment hook  95 , tension chord  96 , and tension chord rings  37 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3  &amp;  FIG. 4 , a striking apparatus in accordance with some of the disclosed embodiments comprises a heavy bag conversion application  400 , which includes a heavy bag  100  including a padded inner liner  101  that is formed such that it couples with the angles  54  of the striking pad  50  to form the completed circular striking surface that is indicative of a conventional hanging heavy “punching” bag. The heavy bag  100  includes hanging attachments  104  for hanging the bag via suitable means, and a zipper  102  for securing all necessary components within the heavy bag  100  via its top enclosure  103 . 
     A striking pad  50  is inserted into the heavy bag  100  with the open end of its bore  51  facing upward. The angles  54  of the striking pad  50  are then aligned with the angles  105  of the inner liner  101  such that the angled walls  105  of the inner liner  101  are aligned with the angled walls  54  of the striking pad  50  to form a completed circle. 
     A bag  110  is included for adjusting the weight of the heavy bag assembly  110  through the receiving of fluids, such as water, any suitable liquid, or other particulate materials, such as sand, gravel, coated or uncoated metallic shot and the like. The fluids are received through the mouth  112  of the bag  110 . A cap  113  is detachably secured onto the mouth  112  of the bag  110  for confining the fluids within the bag  110 . The bag  110  should be empty when inserted into the bore  51  of the striking pad  50 , after which it can be filled to the desired weight with the desired suitable material. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5  &amp;  FIG. 6 , in conjunction with  FIG. 7 , a striking apparatus in accordance with some of the disclosed embodiments comprises a hand-held application  500 , which includes a base support  120  with a hole at its center formed therein for threading the shaft  141  of the anchoring post  140 . A striking pad  50  is used with the open end of its bore  51  facing upward to receive the center-cushion  130 , the hole  55  of the striking pad  50  is formed therein for threading the shaft  141  of the anchoring post  140  as well as to allow air flow. A center-cushion  130  is preferably made of light weight spongy or rubber materials preferably stiffer and denser than all materials used to make the striking pad  50  for striking and support purposes, and is formed to include a bore  131  at its center which is formed therein for threading the shaft  141  of the anchoring post  140  and to align with the hole  55  of the striking pad  50 , the center-cushion is shorter in length than the bore  51  of the striking pad  50  but the diameter of the center-cushion  130  is formed such that it completely fills the bore  51  of the striking pad  50 . The center-cushion  130  is seated inside of the barrel  53  of the striking pad  50  via its bore  51 . An anchoring post  140  includes a top  142  with two equally distanced opposing peripheral protrusions  145 , wherein each protrusion  145  contains an aperture  146  formed therein for threading the links  56  of the striking pad  50 . The length of the bottom half  144  of the top  142  fills in the remaining length in the barrel  53  that was left unfilled by the center-cushion  130  that is seated inside of the barrel  53 . The diameter of the bottom half  144  of the top  142  is formed such that it completely fills the bore  51  of the striking pad  50 . The shaft  141  extends downward from the center of the bottom half  144  and contains two apertures near its end. The aperture  143  is formed therein for threading a fastener or a pin  2 , and aperture  147  is formed therein for threading a fastener or a clasp  151 . The shaft  141  of the anchoring post  140  is to be threaded through the bore  131  of the center-cushion  130  and the hole  55  of the striking pad  50  such that bottom half  144  of the top  142  is seated firmly atop of the center-cushion  130  within the bore  51  of the barrel  53  of the striking pad  50 . The links  56  are to be threaded through their respective aperture  146  of the protrusion  145  of the anchoring post  140  which will allow the top  142  of the anchoring post  140  to fit flush against all related parts of the handheld application  500 . As illustrated, the support base  120  can be connected by threading the hole  121  of the support base  120  with the exposed end of the shaft  141  of the anchoring post  140  such that a fastener or pin  2  can be inserted through the aperture  143  of the shaft  141  thus locking the support base  120  to the striking pad  50  and securing the anchoring post  140  in place. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , adjustable straps  150   a  and  150   b , and a body brace  160  are used to secure the handheld application  500  to the user, which may be the trainer as used in this paragraph. Adjustable straps  150   b  are secured to their respective link  56  of the striking pad  50  of the hand-held application  500  via a swiveling clasp  151  located at either end of each adjustable strap  150   b . As illustrated, adjustable strap  150   a  is secured to aperture  147  of the anchoring post  140  of the handheld application  500 . Each remaining unsecured swiveling clasp  151  of the adjustable straps  150   b  can now be secured to its respective anchoring point  161   b  of the body brace  160 . The unsecured end of adjustable strap  150   a  can be secured via its swiveling clasp  151  to anchoring point  161   a  of the body brace  160 . The body brace  160  may be worn by the user via its shoulder supports  162  and  163 . The shoulder support  162  fits over the left shoulder of the user while shoulder support  163  fits over the user&#39;s right shoulder. The body brace  160  will rest against the front of the users and on both shoulders, which helps to balance the weight (although extremely light) of the handheld application  500  evenly throughout the body of the user, such that the user may move freely about with the handheld application, using it as a moving target or opposing training aid from which the user will be able to see over the top of to observe and critique the technique of the person striking the handheld application  500 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an embodiment of the interactive program/game control unit  600 . The interactive program/game control unit  600  includes control switches  622 ,  624  and  626 . In one embodiment, the control switches  622 ,  624  and  626  permit the recall of the last played sequence, the longest sound sequence, or control the start of a new interactive program/game, respectively. In one embodiment, a slide switch  628  permits the user to select one of several interactive program/games playable by the unit, and a switch  629  selects the length of the sequence that must be achieved for the participant to be declared a winner. 
     Several interactive program/games may be played by the control unit  600  illustrated in  FIG. 8 . In one embodiment, such interactive program/games are selected by appropriately positioning the slide switch  628 . The microprocessor  730 , which is described in more detail below, may be programmed to play various program/games. 
     In one embodiment, upon selection of the start of interactive program/game switch  626 , the microprocessor will cause one of multiple notes contained in its memory to be sounded. In addition, one of the multiple indicator lights associated with a particular one of the impact sensors  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20  and  22  will be illuminated. The participating player must now depress the one of the impact sensors  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20  and  22  associated with the sound sounded, as indicated by the illumination of its associated lamp. In this embodiment, if the participant strikes the correct one of the impact sensors  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20  and  22 , the machine repeats the previous sound and adds a new sound (and associated light) to the sequence. So long as the participant strikes the appropriate impact sensor, the machine continues to repeat the previous sequence each time adding one more sound to the sequence. At the first occurrence of an erroneous impact sensors entry, the microprocessor causes a distinctive error sound. This concludes the interactive program/game sequence. In another embodiment, the microprocessor may be programmed to generate a second distinctive “win” signal when the sequence reaches a predetermined length. For example, the length of such a sequence may be selected to be eight, fourteen or twenty sounds by appropriately positioning the switch  629 . Finally, the control unit  600  may be programmed to increase the speed of the sequence as the interactive program/game is played to make the interactive program/game more challenging. In some embodiments, after the conclusion of the interactive program/game sequence, the participant has the option of starting a new interactive program/game by depressing the push-button switch  626 , or he can review the previously keyed-in sound sequence by pushing the last interactive program/game review pushbutton  622 . Upon such a command, the microprocessor will automatically sound out the entire sequence of sounds that had been keyed in up to the point at which the keying error was made. The longest sequence played to date can be reviewed by depressing the push-button switch  624 . 
     In another embodiment, the selected interactive game involves two participants who take turns alternately repeating the previous sequence and adding another sound to the sequence. In this embodiment, the control unit  600  is programmed to keep track of the last sequence, and to sound the error signal whenever one of the participants makes an error. The longest sound sequence played by the participants during any continuous series of interactive program/games may be stored, and the push-button switch  624  may be used to recall this sequence. In this manner, it is possible for the winner of an interactive program/game to compare his performance with the longest sound sequence in the memory. 
     In yet another embodiment, the interactive program/game involves a participant that must respond within a predetermined time interval, for example, before the sound ends, or before its associated light extinguishes. If the player reacts too slowly, or makes an error, the interactive program/game ends. 
     In another embodiment, the control unit  600  is programmed to remember not only the sequence of impact sensor entries, but also to remember the length of time that each impact sensor is struck, and the time interval between such occurrences. Thus, the control unit  600  can be programmed to play multiple sounds. If these multiple sounds are properly selected to correspond to the sounds formed in a bugle, then most familiar bugle calls could be keyed in the machine. 
     In yet another embodiment, the interactive program/game is designed to be played by more than one player. For example, two players may each be assigned two impact sensors, or multiple players may each be assigned a single impact sensor. The interactive program/game may be played in a manner similar to that of Interactive program/game 1, with the machine generating an ever-lengthening sequence of sounds which must be repeated by the players, with each player being responsible for repeating his assigned sound or sounds as they occur in the sequence. In this embodiment, whenever a player responsible for a sound responds incorrectly by, for example, depressing the wrong impact sensors or not responding at all, that sound is taken out of the sequence and play continues among the remaining players. Also, the push button assigned to the participant making the error is caused to blink to indicate which player has made the error. The machine then continues building ever-lengthening sequences based on the remaining sounds. When another error occurs, the player responsible for that sound is out, and the interactive program/game continues with sequences containing only the remaining sounds until only one player is left. 
     The interactive program/games embodied in the above embodiments have been given by way of example only. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the number of possible interactive program/games is limited only by the capability of the microprocessor within the device and the ingenuity of the programmer. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , the device  600  utilizes a microprocessor  730  having an input/output section  732  connecting the manually operable switches  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22   622 ,  624 ,  626 ,  628  and  629  to a computing device  734  having an arithmetic logic unit  736 , a read-only memory  738 , and a random-access memory  740 . The arithmetic logic unit processes the inputs received from the various input devices in accordance with the interactive program/game selected from the read-only memory  738  by the selector switch  628  and serves to operate a loud speaker  742  and multiple light indicators  744 ,  746 ,  748 ,  750  and  752 , each associated with a respective one of the impact sensors  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20  and  22  in accordance with the rules of the interactive program/game selected. Thus, when one of the interactive program/games stored in the read-only memory  738  is selected by the switch  628 , the arithmetic logic unit  736  operates on the inputs from the impact sensors  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20  and  22  to perform the necessary arithmetic logic steps and to store the necessary data, such as the length of the last sequence into the random-access memory  740 . The arithmetic logic unit  736  also serves to provide the necessary responses to the participant by appropriately lighting up the lights  744 ,  746 ,  748 ,  750  and  752 , and sounding the appropriate tone or error signal through the loud speaker  742 . 
     As illustrated in the embodiment of  FIG. 10 , the device  600  can be implemented utilizing a single chip, large scale integrated circuit microprocessor  852  as the main computing device. In one embodiment, the microprocessor  730  is A TMS1000 single chip microprocessor manufactured by TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC., which contains the input/output circuitry  732  and the computing device  734  illustrated in  FIG. 9 . Driver transistors  854 ,  856 ,  858 ,  860  and  862 , serving as part of the input/output circuitry  732 , are driven by outputs of the microprocessor  852 , and serve to drive the lights  744 ,  746 ,  748 ,  750  and  752  and the loud speaker  742 . A time delay circuit comprising a capacitor  864  and a diode  866  serve to reset and initiate the operation of the microprocessor each time the power is turned on. A timing circuit comprising a capacitor  868  and a resistor  870  controls the operation of the internal clock of the microprocessor  852 . 
     The microprocessor  852  monitors the state of the impact sensor keys  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20  and  22 , the control switches  622 ,  624  and  626  and the interactive program/game selector switch by sequentially energizing its outputs R 0 -R 600  while monitoring its inputs K 1 , K 2 , K 4  and K 8 . Thus, when the output R 0  is energized, the device can determine the position of the switch  628  by determining which of its inputs K 1 , K 2  or K 4  is energized. Similarly, the microprocessor R 1  can determine which of the impact sensor keys  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20  and  22  is energized by monitoring the multiple inputs K 1 , K 2 , K 4  and K 8  during the time that the output R 1  is energized. In a similar manner, the device monitors the inputs K 1 , K 2  and K 4  during the time that the output R 2  is energized to determine which, if any, of the switches  622 ,  624  and  626  is energized. The outputs R 4 -R 8  are utilized to drive the driving transistors  854 ,  856 ,  858 ,  860  and  862  which, in turn, drive the indicator lights  744 ,  746 ,  748 ,  750  and  752  and the loud speaker  742 . 
     The microprocessor  852  is readily programmed in a manner described in the TMS  1000  series data manual published in December 1975 by TEXAS INSTRUMENTS, INC., the relevant microprocessor programming sections of which are incorporated herein in their entirety entirety, to perform the functions necessary to play the desired interactive program/games. Flow charts illustrating the programming of the microprocessor are illustrated in  FIGS. 11-13 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , in step  901  the start switch  626  is depressed, in step  902  the memory of the microprocessor  852  is cleared and in step  903  the random number count of microprocessor  852  is incremented ( FIG. 11 ). A determination is made whether any of the impact sensor keys  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20  or  22  are struck. In step  904  if not, the random number count is continuously incremented. If one of the impact sensors is struck, a determination is made to determine which of the impact sensor keys has been struck. In step  905  if the start key has been depressed, in step  906  the microprocessor  852  reads the position of the interactive program/game selecting switch  628  and selects the stored interactive program/game corresponding to that position. If the key in step  907  requesting the repeat of the last sequence or in step  909  the key requesting the recall of the longest sequence is depressed, the appropriate repeat flag in step  908  or recall flag in step  910  is set. Also, in step  911  the tone flag is set and the counters are initialized. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , when the start switch  626  is depressed, causing the appropriate interactive program/game to be stored, if in step  1501  the tone flag is set, the setting of the tone flag causes in step  1511   a  particular tone type to be fetched ( FIG. 13 ). A determination is then made as to whether the lamp associated with that tone type is on. In step  1512  if the lamp is on, the tone is emitted, otherwise in step  1513  the lamp is first turned on and in step  1514  the tone is emitted. After the tone has been emitted, in step  1515  or  1516  the lamp is turned off and in step  1517  the tone count is incremented. In step  1518  the done status is verified. If in step  1519  the repeat flag is not set, which is normally the case during the time that an interactive program/game is being played, in step  1520  the repeat flag is reset or if in step  1521  recall flag is not set, which is normally the case during the time that an interactive program/game is being played, in step  1522  the recall flag is reset. In step  1523  the tone flag is reset, after which if in step  1501  the tone flag is not set, in step  1502  the counters is initialized. If the entry is proper and the interactive program/game is not otherwise terminated, the tone flag is again set and the next tone is sequence generated until an error occurs. 
     Another determination is made in step  1503  to determine whether an impact sensor key is struck (left branch of  FIG. 13 ). In step  1504  the start key is triggered. In step  1505  the game key status is checked. In step  1506  the key selection is processed as indicated by game rules. Based on this determination, in step  1507  either an error tone in step  1508  or a tone in step  1509  corresponding to the impact sensor key is sounded. After which in step  1510  the key down status is checked. If the entry is proper and the interactive program/game is not otherwise terminated, the tone flag is again set and the next tone is sequence generated until an error occurs. 
     ( FIG. 12 . The start key is triggered If one of the impact sensor keys is struck, a determination is made to determine in step  1001  whether the proper entry, as dictated by the interactive program/game rules, has been struck. Based on this determination, in step  1002  either an error tone or a tone corresponding to the impact sensor key is sounded. At the same time, in step  1003  if the entry is proper the tone flag is set in step  1004 , if not proper, in step  1005  an end of interactive program/game tone is sounded and in step  1006  a store tone series determination is made and in step  1007  tone series stored. If the entry is proper and the interactive program/game is not otherwise terminated, the tone flag is again set and the next tone is sequence generated ( FIG. 13 ) until an error occurs. 
     Obviously, many modifications and variations of the disclosed embodiments are possible in light of the above teachings. Thus, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described above. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , an exemplary control unit  200 , such as may be employed in the system  10 , includes a controller  202  communicatively connected to one or more of the impact sensors  14 ,  16 ,  18 , or  20 . The controller  202  may be implemented in hardware circuit(s), software program(s), or combinations of these. An example of the controller  202  is a processor or other control circuit, or pluralities or combinations of these, operating a software program stored in a computer readable non-transitory memory. The controller  202  is communicatively connected to an output apparatus that is interpretable to the user, for example, a speaker (not shown in Figures). Memory  206  and data storage  204  are also connected to the controller  202  if a microprocessor or other circuit, for operation and store of the software program. 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , in conjunction with  FIGS. 1 and 14 , a method  300  of training such as may be performed by the system  10 , of  FIG. 1  when supplied with power, commences with a step  302  of touch impact to the pad  50 . In certain embodiments, the step  302  is instigated through tap or touch of the pad  50 , as compared to a strike to the pad  50 . 
     In a step  304 , the touch to the pad  50  in the step  302  is detected by the impact sensors  14 ,  16 ,  18 , or  20 , for the pad  50 . The control unit  212  is signaled in a step  306  that the impact sensors  14 ,  16 ,  18 , or  20 , detected the touch to the pad  50 . Upon the step  306 , the control unit  212 , in a step  308 , controls an output device of the system  50 , for example, a speaker, to provide an audible selection menu (not shown in Figures). 
     An item of the selection menu is chosen by user-input to the controller  600 , for example, touch of the pad  50  (or a select one or more impact sensors  14 ,  16 ,  18 , or  20 , of the pad  50 ,), and the pad touch for the item selected is detected in a step  310 . Examples of possible items which may be selected from the menu may include Fighting or Training, but are not limited to these, and may include others or alternatives, such as Coaching (not shown in Figures) or others. Once the item selection is detected in the step  310 , the control unit  212  processes and commences a selected routine, e.g., fighting, training, or other sequence, per the selected menu item. Examples of possible routines include, for example, fighting sequences, training sequences, or others such as coaching sequences. Each routine is, for example, hardware logic circuits, a software routine stored in a computer readable non-transitory memory, or combinations of these, processed by the control unit  212 . 
     If Fighting  324  is selected, fighting sequences are commenced in a step  324 . In the step  324 , the control unit  212  processes a fight module  208  (shown in  FIG. 14  as software stored in the data storage  204 , but which can alternately be a software routine stored in another computer readable non-transitory memory, hardware logic circuits, and/or combinations). The fight module  208  is processed in the step  324  by the control unit  212 , to a speaker (not shown in figures). If the pad  50  is struck, the impact sensors  14 ,  16 ,  18 , or  20 , for the pad  50  detects the punch or strike in a step  326  and the control unit  212  is signaled of the detection. In a step  328 , the control unit  212  registers one or more indicators of the strike or punch in response to the step  326 . 
     The method  300  then proceeds with continued processing of the fight module  208  by the control unit  212  and output of additional fight sequences as shown by arrow  329  in  FIG. 15 , or otherwise the fight sequences are ended in a step  330 . The fight sequences are ended in the step  330  either upon completed processing of the fight module  208  by the control unit  212  (such as at the end of a programmed routine of the module after fight sequences are output) or on receipt of an stop signal input to the control unit  212 , for example, by an “off” or “end” mechanism of the system  600 , such as through activation by a user of the system  600  of an off switch, entry of a key, striking in a particular sequence to the one or more pad  50 , or other similar mechanism. Once processing of the fight module  208  is ended in the step  330 , the control unit  212  reports a result in a step  332 . 
     The result reported in the step  332  by the control unit  212  can be related via a speaker (not shown in figures). This can provide information of statistics of registered punch responses, measures of strike count, accuracy and force, and/or other measures or information, such as information related to outcomes of the fighting sequences, comparisons to earlier fighting results, or others. Further in the reporting step  332 , the control unit  212  can store the reported information and/or additionally process the result together with prior results of usage of the system  600  to yield a statistical comparison record (which may, but need not necessarily, be stored by the control unit). In certain embodiments, the control unit  212  in the reporting step  332  may label the result (or a record of it) with a tag, such as an identifier of the particular user of the system  600 , a time or date indicator of that use, or other indicators for viewing or comparison at later time or place. 
     If rather than Fighting  324 , Training  334  is selected in the step  311 , training sequences are commenced in the step  334 . In the step  334 , the control unit  212  processes a train module  210  (shown in  FIG. 14  as software stored in the data storage  204 , but which can alternately be a software routine stored in another computer readable non-transitory memory, hardware logic circuits, and/or combinations). The train module  210  is processed in the step  334  by the control unit  212  to output a depiction of the one or more pad  50  for audio results on speaker (not shown in figures) The output of the control unit  212  on processing of the train module  210  includes, for example, data sets or files suitable for displaying and/or audibly depicting the one or more pad  50  and a prescribed selection of sequential ones of the pad  50 . As each pad  50  is selected in sequence, the pad  50  may subsequently be struck as training. Speed of sequential selection of the one or more pad  50  is controlled by the control unit  212  according to the processed train module  210 . If any pad  50  is struck, the impact sensors  14 ,  16 ,  18 , or  20 , for the pad  50 , detects the strike in a step  338  and the control unit  212  is signaled of the detection. In a step  340 , the control unit  212  stores one or more indicators of the strike in response to the step  338 . 
     The method  300  then proceeds with continued processing of the train module  210  by the control unit  212  and output of additional train sequences as shown by arrow  339  in  FIG. 15 , or otherwise the train sequences are ended in a step  342 . The train sequences are ended in the step  342  either upon completed processing of the train module  210  by the control unit  212  (such as at the end of a programmed routine of the module after train sequences are output) or on receipt of an stop signal input to the control unit  212 , for example, by an “off” or “end” mechanism of the system  100 , such as through activation by a user of the system  100  of an off switch, entry of a key, striking in a particular sequence to the one or more pad  50 , or other similar mechanism. Once processing of the train module  210  is ended in the step  330 , the control unit  212  reports a result of the steps of Training  339  in a step  332 . 
     As with the result reported in the step  332  by the control unit  212  on end of processing of the fight module  208 , the result can be listened to via audio of the speaker  116 . These results can provide information, such as with Fighting  324 , of statistics of registered punch/strike responses, measures of strike/punch count, accuracy and force, and/or other measures or information, such as information related to outcomes of the fighting sequences, comparisons to earlier fighting results, or others. Further in the reporting step  332 , the control unit  212  can store the reported information and/or additionally process the result together with prior results of usage of the system  600  to yield a statistical comparison record (which may, but need not necessarily, be stored by the control unit  212 ). The control unit  212  in the reporting step  332  may also label the result (or a record of it) with a tag in certain embodiments, such as an identifier of the particular user of the system  600 , a time or date indicator of that use, or other indicators for reviewing or comparison at later time or place. 
     In effect, Fighting  324  occurs against the output avatar fighter. In the fight sequences, the avatar fighter moves, punches, strikes, and otherwise responds (albeit through lights within impact sensors  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20  or  22 ,) to a system user&#39;s strikes. Training  334 , however, occurs through pad selection of the system and the user&#39;s strike of selected pad. Varied levels of competency of the user may be selected by the user or the system, such as Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert or others, through menu items displayed via output of the control unit  212  on selection for Fighting  324  or Training  334  (or at other point in use of the system). Moreover, real-time results of the user&#39;s strike actions may be displayed via output of the control unit  212  in either scenario. Real-time results may include, for example, strike Accuracy, Count, Power, and Points Scored. In certain embodiments, the control unit  212  includes modules for processing heart rate and/or calories used by the user of the system during Fighting  324  or Training  334 . Various embodiments can provide for particular regimen of Rounds or Bouts, in follow-up sequence, such as would be encountered by the system user in practice or training for general exercise through striking. Other embodiments can allow for customization of the training sequences, such as increase or decrease of Rounds, time of Rounds or Bouts, different sequences or times according to day of the week or period, adjustment of output volume, selection among specific Rounds or variation of sequences per Round, and custom routines operable by the control unit in the system. 
     As illustrated in the embodiment of  FIG. 16 , a system  1200  for detecting contact, such as a strike includes an accelerometer unit  1202  communicatively connected to an aggregator unit  1204 . The accelerometer unit  1202  includes an accelerometer  1206  communicatively connected to a signal processor  1208 . The aggregator unit  1204  includes an aggregator device  1210 , which includes or is communicatively connected to a processor (not shown in detail). 
     In some embodiments, the accelerometer  1206  is, for example, a 3-axis accelerometer for detecting three dimensions of movement (e.g., X, Y and Z axes, respectively). In other embodiments, the accelerometer  1206  is alternately a single-axis or multi-axis of other number of dimensions, and the 3-axis accelerometer is merely an example for purposes of discussion. The signal processor  1208  is any of a wide variety of processor device, such as a microcontroller, digital signal processor, or other processor, capable of processing measurements in the three (or other number of) dimensions made by the accelerometer  1206 . The accelerometer unit  1202  can be unitized, such as a single printed circuit board including the accelerometer  1206  and the signal processor  1208 , or may be implemented in separate units, other segregation of components, or any combination of units, features of units or components. 
     The aggregator device  1210  of the aggregator unit  1204  includes memory and a processor (not shown in detail). The aggregator device  1210  is, for example, a microcontroller chip unit including a processor, random access memory, read only memory, clock and input/output control unit. Although the aggregator device  1210  can be unitized as a single chip or unit, it may alternately be implemented in communicatively connected separate components, units of various components, or combinations. 
     In operation of some embodiments, the accelerometer  1206  measures axial acceleration, in three dimensions (X, Y, and Z) in the example. Measurements are sampled at successive time intervals, for example, at approximately 1 millisecond (ms) intervals, or as otherwise desired by design or for the application. Each measurement made by the accelerometer  1206  includes three axis values in the example of the 3-axis accelerometer, and this measurement is communicated to the signal processor  1208 . 
     In some embodiments, if measurement by the accelerometer  1206  exceeds a minimum threshold sufficient to indicate a strike moving the accelerometer  1206 , the signal processor  1208  commences calculating the root mean square of the three axis values for each measurement of the accelerometer  1206 , to obtain a vector sum magnitude. The signal processor  1208  continues this calculating with each next measurement of the accelerometer  1206  received by the signal processor  1208 . As the signal processor  1208  receives measurements and performs root mean square calculations, the signal processor  1208  also commences integrating the vector sum magnitude. The result of integrating is reflects the merit or force of movement/acceleration, for example, such as may be caused by the strike, because relative to magnitude and duration of acceleration measured by the accelerometer  1206 . The signal processor  1208  also determines one of the axes measured as dominant for the movement/acceleration, such as the dominant axial direction of the strike. For the dominant axis so determined, the signal processor  1208  integrates the result of integration of the vector sum magnitude to calculate a velocity for the dominant axis. The signal processor  1208  continues the calculating and integrating of measurements from the accelerometer  1206 , until the dominant axis velocity integral drops below a lower threshold value. 
     In some embodiments, when the lower threshold value is met, the signal processor  1208  communicates an interrupt request (IRQ) to the aggregator device  1210 . The aggregator device  1210  time stamps the interrupt request, and requests and receives from the signal processor  1208  data representing the dominant axis velocity integral and identity of dominant axis. The aggregator device  1210  stores data representing this integral and axis in a non-transitory memory of the aggregator device  1208  (or, alternately, of memory communicatively connected to the aggregator device  1208 , as applicable). 
     Referring to  FIG. 17 , in conjunction with  FIG. 16 , a method  1300  of strike detection to a pad incorporated with an accelerometer, such as performed, for example, by the signal processor  1208 , includes a step of reading  1304  strike data received from an accelerometer. The step of reading  1304  may be commenced, as previously mentioned, on receipt of an interrupt from the accelerometer, and includes a request and receipt of data representing accelerometer axial measurements upon a strike to the pad. In a step  1308 , determination is made whether received data meets a threshold. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , if the threshold is not met, the method  1300  returns to the step of reading  1304 . If, however, determination in the step  1308  is that the threshold is met, a step of processing  1310  the root mean square of data representing the accelerometer axial measurements proceeds to obtain a vector sum magnitude corresponding to the measurements. This step of processing  1310  continues for each next set of data representing accelerometer axial measurements, for example, throughout the strike detected by the accelerometer (e.g., until a threshold is met, such as for the axis velocity integral previously mentioned). 
     In a step of calculating force  1312 , each set of results of the step of processing  1310  is integrated to obtain a measured merit for the strike, a dominant dimensional axis of the strike, and highest magnitude of the acceleration. The measured merit for the strike relates to the magnitude and duration of acceleration as detected by the accelerometer for the period of the strike from commencement (on meeting one threshold) and on end (on meeting another threshold). Further in the step  1312 , acceleration for the dominant axis of the strike is integrated to obtain velocity for the axis and strike. 
     In a step  1314 , an interrupt line is asserted when the dominant axis velocity integral in the step  1312  drops below the end threshold, as set for measuring the strike. Upon asserting the interrupt line  1314 , data from the step of calculating force  1312  is sent to an aggregator for logging and further handling. This data represents, for example, a time of the strike, an identity of a pad of the strike, a measured merit of the strike in the nature of a relative force of the strike, and the dominant dimensional axis of the strike indicative of strike direction. Other, additional or alternative calculations and data representing the strike or strike attributes may be performed in the method  1300 , as will be appreciated from the foregoing. For example, force and resistance constants, such as of mechanical features like springs or joints, processed mathematical models, or other detection and measurement may, in certain alternatives, be employed in the method  1300  for measuring force, direction, duration, and the like. 
     In use of the embodiments of  FIGS. 16-17  in a striking apparatus of the embodiments, the pad of the striking apparatus (as to which strikes are to be measured) includes a particular one of the accelerometer unit  1202 . Each accelerometer unit  1202 , if one or more each incorporated in particular pads, is communicatively connected to the aggregator unit  1204 . In certain examples, each accelerometer unit  1202  is a small printed circuit board including the accelerometer device  1206  and the signal processor  1208  and the aggregator unit  1204  is same for all one or more accelerometer unit  1202  for respective pads. The aggregator unit  1204 , for example, is included in a control unit for the striking apparatus of the embodiments, or can be included or incorporated in other components or functional devices of the control unit, in one or more printed circuit board connected to other elements of the control unit, or in other segregations or combinations. 
     Each accelerometer unit  1202  independently measures and calculates data representing strikes to one or more pad to which the accelerometer unit  1202  is integrated or connected. Where more than one accelerometer unit  1202 , such as when multiple pads of the striking apparatus, each accelerometer unit  1202  detects a strike to the particular pad to which associated, and delivers data representing the strike to the aggregator unit  1204 . The aggregator  1210 , as previously stated, logs the strike (i.e., data representing the strike) together with the timestamp per the interrupt request and orderly stores these in memory (of the aggregator  1210 , if applicable, or otherwise communicatively connected to the aggregator  1210 ). Successive strikes are logged in the order in which interrupts are received by the aggregator  1210  and corresponding to the particular pad of the strike. 
     Referring to  FIG. 18 , in conjunction with  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the aggregator  1210  is communicatively connected to a processor  1402 , for example, a control unit  1400  of a striking apparatus according to embodiments, for controlling reporting, display, and other output, as well as storage of data representing user actions and activities using the striking apparatus in a non-transitory tangible media or other medium. After a particular time interval for the log entry of the aggregator  1210 , the aggregator  1210  communicates the log entry to a control unit, such as a processor and other devices, of the striking apparatus. The control unit, as described with respect to embodiments, employs data of the log entry for reporting output to the user, for example, strike accuracy, number power and other striking and training output in a display of the striking apparatus. Additionally, the striking apparatus may store such reported output for the user, such as to allow tracking of progress and the like. 
     An example according to certain embodiments is now described. 
     Example of Accelerometer Data Acquisition: 
     In one embodiment, the bandwidth of accelerometer signal, sampling rate (e.g., 1 ms intervals or other time periods), and particular axes sampled (e.g., X, Y, Z axes in the case of a 3-axis accelerometer) are set as desired for the operations in accordance with accelerometer capabilities. Sampled raw data of the accelerometer is low-pass filtered to reduce effect of noise, for example, using a 4-point rolling average filter Calculations are made for each axis (e.g., 3-axes, to with, X, Y and Z) after the data of each sample is demodulated, as follows: X′=(X 0 +X 1 +X 2 +X 3 )/4, where X 0  is the oldest raw data and X 3  is the newest raw data. After this calculation, X′ is stored in a large data buffer and X 0  it discarded. A next raw data (X 4 ) is then sampled at a later designated time interval (e.g., sampling at 1 ms intervals) Calculations are then made for each axis as follows: X″=(X 0 +X 1 +X 2 +X 3 )/4 Where X 1  is the oldest raw data and X 3  is the newest raw data. After this calculation X″ is stored in the data buffer and X 1  is discarded. Subsequent sampling and calculations continue for each accelerometer. If there is more than one pad of the striking apparatus, and each pad includes an accelerometer, the data acquisition continues in similar manner with respect to each accelerometer. 
     Example of Strike Detection 
     In one embodiment, a respective acceleration vector sum of the X, Y, and Z axis acceleration data sampled by a respective accelerometer is calculated, for example, by a signal processor of an accelerometer unit, as the root mean square of the axis acceleration data. If the vector sum exceeds a pre-determined threshold, a strike is deemed detected for the particular accelerometer and corresponding pad of the striking apparatus. Sampling continues, and sampled data is smoothed and vector sum calculated and stored, until the vector sum falls below a second pre-determined threshold. At this point a strike metric calculation is performed. 
     Example of Strike Metric Calculation 
     In one embodiment, the time period of the strike, and consequently of sampling and calculation of sampled strike data measured by the accelerometer as acceleration vectors along the applicable axes, commences at the time the vector sum exceeds the first threshold and ends at the time the vector sum falls below the second threshold. Calculations are performed for the sampled data, for example, by a signal processor of an accelerometer unit. A peak magnitude (i.e., Acceleration Peak) of the vector sum is determined from the respective vector sums calculated. A direction of the vector at the Acceleration Peak is calculated and saved as the azimuth and the inclination. 
     The azimuth is calculated from Z and Y axis data. Z is positive acceleration when the pad is hit in or out. Y has positive acceleration when the pad is hit left to right. Zero (0) degrees is when there is positive Z acceleration with a Y acceleration value of 0. 90 degrees is when Z acceleration is 0 and Y acceleration is positive. 180 degrees is pad acceleration in the Z-axis of the pad returning to a position at which normally disposed by the frame of the striking apparatus when not struck, and Y acceleration is zero. 
     Inclination is the angle formed by the X and Z axes. 0 degrees is when the X acceleration is positive and the Z acceleration is 0. 90 degrees is when the X acceleration is zero and the Z acceleration is positive. 190 degrees is when the X acceleration is negative and the Z acceleration is zero. In this embodiment, the vector sums from samples by the accelerometer during the time period of the strike (i.e., between first and second threshold) are then integrated to obtain a maximum velocity of the strike (i.e., Total Energy), which has relation to the total energy transferred to the pad by the strike. Each vector sum that was calculated is multiplied by the interval of the sample period (e.g., 1 ms or other interval), and each product of that multiplication is summed as a measure of total work for the strike (i.e., Total Work). The following strike metrics are then communicated to an aggregator for the metrics: Acceleration Peak, Direction, Total Work, and Total Energy. Strike Aggregator: The aggregator monitors interrupt request lines (IRQ) from each accelerometer of each pad of the striking apparatus for which strikes are detected. When an IRQ line is asserted, a timestamp is logged by the aggregator. The aggregator then requests the strike metrics data from the applicable accelerometer unit of the stricken pad. When the aggregator receives strike metrics data from multiple different accelerometer units, the order of receipt is saved in memory with 1 ms (or other interval) resolution and the strike metrics data is requested from each respective accelerometer unit in turn. Strike metric data for each particular accelerometer unit from which received is stored in chronological order, together with a corresponding identifier of the pad of the accelerometer unit (e.g., via a pad number). Strike metric data that remains stored for a particular period (e.g., 25 ms or other period) is deemed valid to indicate a strike, as opposed to random movement of pads, affected signals, minor missed or random hits to pads, or the like. Valid strike metrics data is communicated to other features of the control unit of the striking apparatus, for further processing, display, audio or visual output, storage, or other operations. Pause Detection: A pause, such as may be invoked by a user desiring to halt striking with the striking apparatus for an interim period, can be directed by the user, for example, by a particular strike of pad(s) or, according to design, by other user-initiated contact with the pads, display, switch, or other features of the apparatus. As an example, a pause may occur when the aggregator detects a particular simultaneous strike to two pads (e.g., simultaneous strike of “kidney” pads of the apparatus). To reduce the possibility of false detections leading to a pause, the aggregator may check the detections against certain programmed or hardware parameters. In one possible example in which strike to two particular pads initiates the pause, only if those two pads have accumulated a calculated work value falling within a particular higher range and other pads have accumulated a calculated work value falling only within a particular lower range, is the pause indicated. In the event that a pause is detected, according to certain embodiments, the aggregator communicates a pause command to the control unit, followed by the strike metrics data associated with the pause command. In other examples, a pause, even if indicated by testing of parameters, may not be initiated if other control devices, such as of the control unit of the striking apparatus, so dictate. Of course, other variations are possible for pause and pause detection, as will be understood from this disclosure and recognized by a person of ordinary skills in the art. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 19 , a method  1800  paces a machine&#39;s operations to accommodate a user&#39;s input. For purposes of example and discussion, the method  1800  is described with respect to a striking apparatus of embodiments; however, similarities to other machines will be understood and are therefore intended as included for purposes of embodiments. The method  1800  commences with a step  1802  of setting a start and end of operation, for example, selecting a routine of the striking apparatus of set duration. In a step  1804 , a maximum time duration is set for receipt of user input to a pad, such as a maximum time for a user&#39;s strike or punch in response to direction for strike of a pad by the striking apparatus. The striking apparatus is commenced operating in a step  1806 . 
     As the striking apparatus operates, such as according to a routine of the apparatus, the striking apparatus prompts user input to a designated pad in a step  1808 . Upon the step of prompting user input  1808 , the apparatus commences timing in a step  1810  for a period of the maximum duration and also detecting in a step  1812  to determine if any input of the user is received in accordance with the direction for input. If user input is detected in the step  1812  prior to the end of the step of timing  1810  for the maximum duration, a step  1814  checks if the striking apparatus operation is completed, such as on completion of the routine of the apparatus. If not completed, the method  1800  returns to the step of prompting user input  1808  in accordance with the operation, such as per the routine. If the machine operation is completed, such as at end of the striking routine, the method  1800  ends. Where user input is not detected in the step  1812  prior to reaching the end of the maximum duration of the step of timing  1810 , timing ends and the method  1800  proceeds to the step  1814  to determine if the operation or routine is completed. If not, the method  1800  returns to the step of prompting use input  1808 , and if operation is completed, the method  1800  ends. 
     The method  1800  may be implemented by a software program stored in tangible media, a processor, a computer, electric circuits, or any combinations of these. As one possible example, the method  1800  is a software program stored in tangible media of a control unit of the striking apparatus. The software program is operated by a processor and memory of the control unit. Alternately, the method  1800  can be implemented and operated by other devices and components of the striking apparatus, or via control through communicative connection of the striking apparatus with another source, such as a computer or processing device having access to the software program or components of the striking apparatus or peripheral equipment. Variations in operations of the striking apparatus in accordance with the method  1800  can alter various features and results, for example, if pace of operation is slowed, pad prompts through highlight in the display are adjusted in coordination with the slowed pace, and vice versa for variation to faster pace. In alternatives, the striking apparatus, because of the timestamps and logging of strike data and calculation of metrics, can as necessary process and display a user&#39;s actual pace compared to an apparatus directed pace according to the particular routine and can deliver as output for display, audio, visual or otherwise warning or similar signals. 
     While the foregoing embodiments have been described herein with a certain degree of particularity, the embodiments were disclosed by way of example only, and that numerous changes in the detailed construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.