Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. An intelligent guided player performance system (100) for the sport fencing comprising of:
(i) an electronic 3D target mimicking human body movements (101) encompassing a power source, plurality of touch sensors, plurality of printed circuit boards, and at least a transmitter;
(ii) an electronic device (102) attached to the pin slot of a fencing weapon, the said electronic device (102) consisting of a power source, at least a pressure sensor, and at least a transmitter;
(iii) a light display unit (103) encompassing a central processing unit, a power source and red and white LED array; and,
(iv) an electronic machine (104) capable of configuring electronic components as well as capable of storing and processing data received;
characterised in that,
the said 3D electronic target (101) is of a size simulating the opponent’s frontal body size, consisting of 5 layers (101a, 101b, 101c, 101d, 101e) wherein the topmost layer (101a) is made of a durable material, the second layer from the top (101b) is a protective layer embedded with a wireless transmission enabled video recording device (105), the third layer from the top (101c) is divided into a plurality of grid units wherein each grid unit is supported with at least 3 touch sensors to recognise thrust, the said touch sensors configured through the electronic machine (104) to recognise valid or invalid touch, the fourth layer from the top (101d) is embedded with the said plurality of printed circuit boards, the power source and transmitter(s); and the bottommost layer (101e) is a back cover; the said 3D electronic target (101) being wirelessly connected to the said electronic device (102), the light display unit (103), the electronic machine (104) and the video recording device (105);
the touch sensors present in the 3D electronic target (101), the pressure sensor present in the electronic device (102), and the central processing unit present in the light display unit (103), are configured by the electronic machine (104) to recognise valid or invalid touch whereby predetermined values for valid thrust and pressure for the touch sensors and pressure sensor are set respectively, based on the type of the fencing weapon, and when a touch is determined to be valid by the 3D electronic target (101) and the electronic device (102) respectively, a positive signal is transmitted to the light display unit (103) by each, wherein if both positive signals are received by the light display unit (103) within 10 milliseconds, the touch is determined to be valid, failing which the touch will be determined to be invalid by the said central processing unit;
the said electronic machine (104) wherein the player profile including their personal details such as name, age, height, weight, and weapon type are inputted, and the said electronic machine (104) processes the data transmitted by the 3D electronic target (101) and the electronic device (102) into specific, predetermined attributes and converts the processed data into data models, and stores the data transmitted by the wireless transmission enabled video recording device (105).
2. The intelligent guided player performance system (100) for the sport fencing as claimed by Claim 1, wherein the said 3D electronic target (101) is frontal human body in shape.

3. The intelligent guided player performance system (100) for the sport fencing as claimed by Claim 1, wherein the electronic machine (104) is a mobile device comprising of an application wherein the player creates a profile and provides inputs including their personal details such as name, age, height, weight, and weapon type, and such information is stored and analysed along-with the data and video transmitted by the 3D electronic target (101), the electronic device (102), the light display unit (103) and the wireless transmission enabled video recording device (105).

4. The intelligent guided player performance system (100) for the sport fencing as claimed by Claim 5, wherein the said electronic machine (104) can store multiple players’ profiles and provides the coach access to the said profiles and metrics.

5. A method of improving player performance in the sport fencing using the said intelligent guided player performance system (100), wherein the said player practices fencing using the said 3D electronic target (101) as the opponent and a fencing weapon wherein the electronic device (102) is attached to the pin slot of the said fencing weapon, the said method comprising of the steps:
(i) switching on the wireless transmission enabled video recording device (105) to record the player’s movements and transmit the said recording to the electronic machine (104);
(ii) as the player attacks the 3D electronic target (101) with the fencing weapon, the touch sensors in the 3D electronic target (101) detecting the touch when the said fencing weapon is thrust on the said 3D electronic target (101) while simultaneously the pressure sensor employed by the electronic device (102) of the fencing weapon gauges the pressure applied by the said weapon on the 3D electronic target (101), wherein if a valid touch is recognised, transmitting the value of thrust and pressure respectively, to the light display unit (103) wirelessly;
(iii) the central processing unit of the light display unit (103) determines if the touch is valid or invalid based on the predetermined configuration of the said device by the electronic machine (104), wherein if the touch is determined to be valid, the light display unit (103) displays red light and if invalid, white light is displayed;
(iv) the central processing unit then transfers the thrust and pressure data received from the touch sensors and pressure sensor respectively, to the electronic machine (104);
(v) the electronic machine (104) stores the data received from the various components of the intelligent guided player performance system (100) and processes it into specific attributes such as player profile, weapon type, techniques implemented by the player and player posture, and then converts the processed data into data models wherein valid versus invalid touches of the player can be evaluated using the data models to improve player performance. , Description:AN INTELLIGENT GUIDED PLAYER PERFORMANCE SYSTEM FOR SPORT FENCING
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of fencing sport, particularly relates to a target practicing system to improve player practice and efficiency in the sport of fencing. The present invention provides an intelligent guided player performance system that provides continuous player performance feedback, thereby improving the player’s efficiency.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Fencing is a sport involving the use of a swordlike weapon for attack and defence according to a predetermined set of movements and rules. There are three types of weapons used in the sport, namely épée, foil, and sabre. The goal of the sport is to use the weapon to touch your opponent, while also using it to defend yourself from being touched. Scoring in fencing is dependent on administering “valid touches” to the opponent. To score a point in fencing, a fencer must properly hit their opponent with the point of their weapon before they get hit. The point of their weapon can land anywhere on the opponent's body, from their head to their toes. However, since the sport of fencing is a two-person sport and also involves offence and defence, having an effective practice system to improve player performance is a challenge.
US patent application no. 16/275,360 discloses a training apparatus for fencing wherein the said training apparatus includes: (a) a movement mechanism having an extended state and a retracted state, the movement mechanism adapted to be coupled to a support structure on a first end thereof; (b) a target platform, the target operationally coupled to a second end of the movement mechanism; and (c) a computing component, the computing component electronically coupled to the movement mechanism and configured to control movement of the movement mechanism between the extended state and the retracted state. The said patent document further discloses that the computing component is configured to be in wireless communication with a remote device, said remote device including computer-readable instructions for performing statistical computations on said sensor values received from said computing component, and for displaying statistical information on said remote device, said statistical information resulting from said statistical computations.
Patent document EP00830279A discloses a weapon for practising sport fencing comprising a blade with a grip provided with a guard, characterized in that the blade and the grip are made from a structure of moulded plastic having a longitudinal through hole which communicates both with a seat formed in the tip of the blade and with a receptacle formed inside the grip, the said seat having an enlarged configuration which contains a touch-detection unit including a sensor chosen from among magnetic sensors and/or magneto resistive sensors and/or Hall sensors and/or capacitive proximity sensors and/or photoelectric sensors and/or pressure sensors and/or the like, and being closed off by a protective button, and the said receptacle housing a touch-signalling unit with its associated electrical power supply which unit is functionally connected to the said touch-detection unit.
Patent document GB201909101A discloses an electronic target system for fencers for measuring and recording the force, location and time a sword/foil/epee/sabre impacts a target. The master target has lights 3 in the middle of the target behind the impact surface to indicate to the user when and where to hit. The colour and status of the lights are controlled by an integrated micro controller. The target has sensors that allow the microprocessor to detect the location, time and force of an impact. A display screen provides a basic user interface showing game selection options, instructions and results. Preferably the master target is wirelessly connected to one or more smaller satellite targets thereby increasing the number of impact zones. The satellite targets have lights positioned behind an impact surface and sensors to detect the impact. The target system may be connected to a mobile phone application. The system allows training statistics to be measured, and training routines to be varied with games programmed onto the system to allow fencing actions to be practised.
Patent document EP15200835A discloses a weapon for a fencing discipline, usable for sports or games, suitable to be connected to a detection apparatus provided with at least a first and a second apparatus terminals, the weapon comprising a percussion element, having a percussion portion suitable to deliver a hit on a target (X), and an electrical device, incorporated in the weapon, wherein the electrical device comprises: a reference terminal (Tr), adapted to be connected to the first apparatus terminal to receive a reference electrical potential (Vr); a measuring terminal (Tm), adapted to be connected to the second apparatus terminal to supply an electrical measuring potential (Vm); a first contact terminal (Tc1) and a second contact terminal (Tc2), which are arranged so as to come simultaneously into contact with the target (X) when the percussion portion delivers a hit on the target (X); the reference terminal (Tr) is kept at the electrical reference potential (Vr) and is further electrically connected to the first contact terminal (Tc1); the first (Tc1) and the second (Tc2) contact terminals are adapted to be electrically connected by means of a target portion (X) comprised there between so as to apply a detection voltage (ΔV) to said target portion depending on the electrical reference potential (Vr); either the first (Tc1) or the second electrical contact (Tc2) is electrically connected to the measuring terminal (Tm) so that the electrical measuring potential (Vm) takes a signalling value (S), depending on said electrical reference potential (Vr) and detection voltage (ΔV).
The above cited prior art documents, however, do not provide a wholesome intelligent guided player performance system as they do not efficiently account for valid and invalid touches during practice, based on the weapon used, and also do not record such data in order to convert them into various data models, thereby not providing continuous and personalised player performance improvement capabilities. Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide an intelligent guided player performance system for the sport of fencing which provides continuous and personalised player performance improvement capabilities to coaches and students.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
The primary objective of the present invention is to provide an intelligent guided player performance system for the sport of fencing which provides continuous and personalised player performance improvement capabilities to coaches and students.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide an intelligent player performance system for the sport of fencing which efficiently accounts for valid and invalid touches during practice sessions, based on the weapon used, and records such data and converts it into various data models which can be used to improve player performance.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a non-invasive intelligent player performance system for the sport of fencing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 represents the intelligent guided player performance system (100) for the sport fencing provided by the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The instant invention relates to an intelligent guided player performance system (100) for the sport fencing comprising of:
(i) a 3 Dimensional (3D) electronic target (101) encompassing a power source, plurality of touch sensors, plurality of printed circuit boards, and at least a transmitter;
(ii) an electronic device (102) attached to the pin slot of a fencing weapon, the said electronic device (102) consisting of a power source, at least a pressure sensor, and at least a transmitter;
(iii) a light display unit (103) encompassing a central processing unit, a power source and red and white LED array; and,
(iv) an electronic machine (104) capable of configuring electronic components as well as capable of storing and processing data received;
characterised in that,
the said 3D electronic target (101) is of a size simulating the opponent’s frontal body size, consisting of 5 layers (101a, 101b, 101c, 101d, 101e) wherein the topmost layer (101a) is made of a durable material, the second layer from the top (101b) is a protective layer embedded with a wireless transmission enabled video recording device (105), the third layer from the top (101c) is divided into a plurality of grid units wherein each grid unit is supported with at least 3 touch sensors to recognise thrust, the said touch sensors configured through the electronic machine (104) to recognise valid or invalid touch, the fourth layer from the top (101d) is embedded with the said plurality of printed circuit boards, the power source and transmitter(s); and the bottommost layer (101e) is a back cover; the said 3D electronic target (101) being wirelessly connected to the said electronic device (102), the light display unit (103), the electronic machine (104) and the video recording device (105);
the touch sensors present in the 3D electronic target (101), the pressure sensor present in the electronic device (102), and the central processing unit present in the light display unit (103), are configured by the electronic machine (104) to recognise valid or invalid touch whereby predetermined values for valid thrust and pressure for the touch sensors and pressure sensor are set respectively, based on the type of the fencing weapon, and when a touch is determined to be valid by the 3D electronic target (101) and the electronic device (102) respectively, a positive signal is transmitted to the light display unit (103) by each, wherein if both positive signals are received by the light display unit (103) within 10 milliseconds, the touch is determined to be valid, failing which the touch will be determined to be invalid by the said central processing unit;
the said electronic machine (104) wherein the player profile including their personal details such as name, age, height, weight, and weapon type are inputted, and the said electronic machine (104) processes the data transmitted by the 3D electronic target (101) and the electronic device (102) into specific, predetermined attributes and converts the processed data into data models, and stores the data transmitted by the wireless transmission enabled video recording device (105).
The instant invention further relates to a method of improving player performance in the sport fencing using the said intelligent guided player performance system (100), wherein the said player practices fencing using the said 3D electronic target (101) as the opponent and a fencing weapon wherein the electronic device (102) is attached to the pin slot of the said fencing weapon, the said method comprising of the steps:
(i) switching on the wireless transmission enabled video recording device (105) to record the player’s movements and transmit the said recording to the electronic machine (104);
(ii) as the player attacks the 3D electronic target (101) with the fencing weapon, the touch sensors in the 3D electronic target (101) detecting the touch when the said fencing weapon is thrust on the said target (101) while simultaneously the pressure sensor employed by the electronic device (102) of the fencing weapon gauges the pressure applied by the said weapon on the 3D electronic target (101), wherein if a valid touch is recognised, transmitting the value of thrust and pressure respectively, to the light display unit (103) wirelessly;
(iii) the central processing unit of the light display unit (103) determines if the touch is valid or invalid based on the predetermined configuration of the said device by the electronic machine (104), wherein if the touch is determined to be valid, the light display unit (103) displays red light and if invalid, white light is displayed;
(iv) the central processing unit then transfers the thrust and pressure data received from the touch sensors and pressure sensor respectively, to the electronic machine (104);
(v) the electronic machine (104) stores the data received from the various components of the intelligent guided player performance system (100) and processes it into specific attributes of the data models, such as player profile, weapon type, techniques implemented by the player and player posture, wherein valid versus invalid touches of the player can be evaluated using the data models to improve player performance.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “comprise” and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising” may imply the inclusion of an element or elements not specifically recited.
The present specification discloses an intelligent guided player performance system (100) for the sport fencing that provides continuous and personalized player performance improvement capabilities to coaches and students. The said system includes a set of devices, components, capabilities and processes that deliver information needed to evaluate Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and benchmarks for fencing players’ performance. KPIs provide a measure of accuracy & efficiency for players by training sessions, games or competitions.
The intelligent guided player performance system (100) for the sport fencing disclosed by the present invention includes data capture and collection capabilities from practice sessions or live bouts in the form of training data and videos. The said system captures data from:
(i) the 3D electronic target (101) which is inbuilt with a plurality of touch sensors;
(ii) the pressure detecting weapon insert which is the electronic device (102) attached to the pin slot of the fencing weapon, that transmits data from the weapon to the central processing unit of the light display unit (103);
(iii) the wireless transmission enabled video recording device (105) that is mounted onto the 3D electronic target (101) to capture the posture of the player during practice sessions or the entire video data from bouts in practice and live games.
Data and video from sessions are transmitted through wireless means by the above said various components and stored locally in the central processing unit and also uploaded to the cloud storage device of the electronic machine (104).
The electronic machine (104) receives session data from the 3D electronic target (101) for data processing and analysis. The data and videos in the storage device are curated and represented in pre-defined data models for AI algorithms to analyse and provide the right recommendations for player KPI improvement.
The electronic machine (104) can be a computer or a mobile device that provides visual presentation of analysis such as self-evaluation, evaluation of player(s), automated targets/goals, comparative analysis and benchmarking of player performance to the coaches and players. The coach gets a dashboard view of performance statistics by player or a team of players. The coach can set targets for the practice session or automate higher targets for players with the intelligent guided player performance system (100). Players get a personalized dashboard of their performance and steps to improve KPIs by taking actions as recommended by the coach and the system.
Through statistical and video analysis, the intelligent guided player performance system (100) provides personalized insights and feedback on improving key performance indicators.
The intelligent guided player performance system (100) improves player efficiency and accuracy while practicing the sport of fencing, and implements wireless connectivity across its components. It has a functional structure for accurately gathering the player’s practice session data and video in a non-invasive manner and analyse the said data using AI techniques.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the intelligent guided player performance system (100) comprises of the following components:
(i) the first component is configurable to location-sensing while the player is practicing any form of fencing. This is the 3D electronic target (101) used by the player when practicing. This 3D electronic target is made of durable material and has a set of electronic sensors. The sensors can be configured to recognise a valid or invalid touch based on the configuration set on the electronic machine (104). The sensors can also be enabled by an AI algorithm to suggest further target advancements. The 3D electronic target connects wirelessly with the other components in the electronic practice device. The 3D electronic target is made of composite materials for reliability and ensure minimize damage to fencing weapon. The 3D electronic target is of a size simulating the opponents frontal body size. The 3D electronic target (101) includes a rechargeable battery power source, an electronic circuit with a plurality of touch sensors and wireless transmission component for transmission of the touch location data. The 3D electronic target is divided into a plurality of grid units, wherein each grid unit or a combination of grid units can be selected for target practice. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, each grid unit is 5”x4” in size. Each grid unit is supported with 3 touch sensors to recognize the thrust. The said touch sensors detect the touch when a fencing weapon is thrust on the electronic target. It records a positive signal when a positive touch is detected and transmits the positive signal wirelessly to the light display unit (103).
(ii) The second component is the wireless transmission enabled video recording device (105) inserted into the top of the 3D electronic target (101) to record the player’s movements. It will transmit HD quality video to the electronic machine (104) for deep AI processing.
(iii) The third component recognises a valid touch through gauging the pressure of the type of fencing the player is practicing in. This will simulate the pressure touch for all three weapon types — the foil, épée and sabre, in order to provide a more effective analysis of the practice. It implements practical, safe, efficient and cost-effective considerations. Hence this add-on component which is the electronic device (102), is attached to the standard fencing weapon pin slot. This transmits successful pressure detected data of the touch as per the weapon type, wirelessly to the other components of the system (100). The weapon add-on device comprises of a rechargeable battery power source, an electronic circuit to detect the valid pressure depending on the weapon, and wireless transmission component for transmission of the valid pressure signal. The wireless component will transmit a positive signal when the right pressure is applied as per the specific weapon. If the pressure threshold is not achieved, meaning, if the player has not applied the right pressure, the device will not transmit any signal. The device is designed in such a way that it plugs into the standard socket of weapons (the 2pin in foil / sabre and 3pin in épée). This simplified design eliminates expensive and bulky add-on devices needed to be wrapped on the player’s hands causing discomfort while practicing. It detects the pressure at the same time the 3D electronic target detects the touch. When the player applies the valid pressure, a positive signal is transmitted wirelessly to the light system.
(iv) The fourth component of the system (100) is a light display unit (103) including the central processing unit (CPU). The 3D electronic target (101) and the electronic device (102) attached to the pin slot of the fencing weapon connect to the light display unit (103) wirelessly to indicate a valid or invalid touch while considering the accurate pressure and location. Upon receiving the data of both location and pressure, the CPU determines if the touch is valid or invalid based on fencing rules. The light “Red” will appear for a valid touch and “White” for an invalid touch. The CPU also transfers data wirelessly to the electronic machine (104). The light display unit comprises of rechargeable battery power source and Red and White LED array. The light display unit (103) is designed to receive the two positive signals from the 3D electronic target (101) and the electronic device (102) within 10 milliseconds. Failing to receive a positive signal from the component attached to the weapon is considered as invalid touch (due to invalid pressure in the touch). The CPU in the light display unit (103) will register this as invalid touch and will light the display with White colour. If the weapon add-on component detects the right pressure, it will send a positive signal to the light display unit. If the signals from the 3D electronic target and the weapon add-on components are both positive, then CPU in the light display unit will register it as valid touch and light the display with Red colour. The CPU in the light display unit will then transmit the valid touch signal along with the touch location as the touch data to the electronic machine (104).
The electronic machine (104) for data processing and analysis:
The electronic machine (104) will store data from the 3D electronic target (101), the electronic device (102), the light display unit (103) and the wireless transmission enabled video recording device (105) and will include stream analytics for big data analytics from real time videos. The data is processed into specific attributes such as player profile, weapon type, techniques implemented and posture. Video-graphic data is processed along the same attributes as the data from the 3D electronic target (101), electronic device (102) and the light display unit (103). The processed data is then converted into data models for deep AI analysis.
The AI enabled algorithm will evaluate the player’s session videos based on various video analytic techniques and will also evaluate the valid versus invalid touch data gathered from past sessions. It will then make recommendations for better player performance and enhancement as per set of KPI’s.
The electronic machine (104) for visual presentation and recommendations:
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electronic machine (104) may be a mobile device and will encompass an application which will act as the visual aid for the players where they can interact with the mobile application to create/modify/store their profile including their personal details, weapon type and other relevant information needed for practicing. The players can initiate and record practice sessions, to playback their practice sessions later. They can also set specific target areas for a practice session within the 3D electronic target.
Configurable software will allow players and coaches to configure the 3D electronic targets, target areas either fixed or randomize to mimic opponent’s movement. Based on the configuration of grid for practicing, the software in the CPU of the light display unit will include or exclude the location sensors in calculating the right touch. The software will also be used to configure single player, multiplayer and other combination required for the practice session. It will also store all the past practice session data in the device’s CPU or cloud storage device for the AI algorithm to analyse the data.
The AI algorithm based on but not limited to video analytics, statistical analytics and other AI modelling techniques will analyse the practice session video and data from current session and if needed past sessions and recommend techniques to improve the fencer’s performance and also predict future improvements. Recommendations and metrics will be displayed to track player performance.
The coaches will use their mobile application to configure the system, view player data / videos and results from the AI algorithms. They would interact to configure the practice 3D electronic targets for multiple players using but not limited to; single 3D electronic target - multiple weapons configuration, multiple 3D electronic targets - multiple players configuration, the target area configuration - whole 3D target area vs specific coordinates vs randomizing the coordinates etc. The coach will also use this mobile application to understand player performance based on the results from the AI algorithm and track players ranking and other metrics.
In addition, a mobile application will be used to configure various operational parameters and Wi-Fi to enable the system (100) wirelessly.
What has been described and illustrated herein is a preferred embodiment of the invention along with some of its components. The terms, descriptions and figures used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. Those skilled in the art will recognise that many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention, which is intended to be defined by the following claims (and their equivalents) in which all terms are meant in their broadest reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.