WO2020046109A1

WO2020046109A1 - System and method for training a sports player, as well as a portable light transmission adjuster, and use

Info

Publication number: WO2020046109A1
Application number: PCT/NL2018/050556
Authority: WO
Inventors: Raoul Rafael Daniel OUDEJANS
Original assignee: Innovative Sports Technology B.V.; Stichting Vu
Priority date: 2018-08-28
Filing date: 2018-08-28
Publication date: 2020-03-05

Abstract

System for training a sports player, including: -a portable light transmission adjuster (1) configured to control transmission of ambient light to at least one eye of a user when carrying said light transmission adjuster (1); -a detector (10) configured to detect a presence of the user at a predetermined position with respect to a sports attribute (T); and -a controller (5), communicatively connectable to the detector (10), the controller (5) being configured to switch the light transmission adjuster (1) from a low light transmission state to a high light transmission state based on a positive detection result of the detector (10). The invention also provides a method for training a sports player.

Description

Title: System and method for training a sports player, as well as a portable light transmission adjuster, and use

The invention relates to a system for training a sports player.

Such systems are generally known from prior art. For example, US 2009/0168011 discloses vision obstructing eyewear for a sports player.

During use of this system, an active controller senses the user’s location on e.g. a basketball court and gradually increases an eyesight obstruction level, the closer the user gets to the target (basketball net).

US2011/0310318 discloses another example, of a LCD shutter eye glasses automatically switching between transparent and opaque during operation, randomly or in a programmed manner.

Know systems, however, provide dissatisfying training results. They are user unfriendly and uncomfortable, and their positive effects are questionable.

It is an aim of the present invention to solve or alleviate such problems.

An aim of the present invention is to provide a system that can lead to significantly improved sport player training, assisting the user in improving his/her game.

A major goal of the invention is to provide a user a means to improve sporting skills, such as improving perceptual skills during final stages of carrying out a specific task or action during a game (e.g. scoring, a jump shot, making a specific move, et cetera).

To this aim, according to a first aspect of the present invention, , there is provided a system that is characterized by the features of claim 1.

According to the first aspect of the invention, a system for training a sports player includes:

-a portable light transmission adjuster configured to control transmission of ambient light to at least one eye of a user when carrying said light transmission adjuster; -a detector configured to detect a presence of the user at a predetermined position with respect to a sports attribute; and

-a controller, communicatively connectable to the detector, the controller being configured to switch the hght transmission adjuster from a low light transmission state to a high light transmission state based on a positive detection result of the detector.

It has been found that in this way, significantly improved sports player training can be achieved. Particularly, the sports player (i.e. user) can carry the light transmission adjuster, controlling scattering of incoming ambient light to one and preferably both eyes of the user. Initially, at a start of a training session, the light transmission adjuster can be set to

substantially scatter all incoming light during transmission, so that the user can not discern a target (the sports attribute) to be approached.

During operation, the detector can detect a position of the user, with respect to the target (e.g. a basket), particularly a predetermined position during the user approaching that target. As an example, the predetermined position may be a position of about 1 to several meters before the target, along a path to be followed by the sports player.

Once the detector has detected that the user has reached the predetermined position, the hght transmission adjuster can be switched by the controller from the scattering state to the transmission state, allowing the user to see the target (just before reaching the target) and having to make final decisions, e.g. to score or take a certain action.

According to a preferred embodiment, the light transmission adjuster is configured to switch abruptly from the scattering state to the transmission state, upon control by the controller, the switching particularly being achieved within 10 ms, preferably within 2 ms.

In this way, the user can be trained to take prompt action, allowing as little time as possible to make a decision and/or move. According to a preferred embodiment, the system includes a delay means, configured to provide a time delay between a positive detection result of the detector on the one hand and the adjustment of the state of the light transmission adjuster on the other, for example a time delay in the range of 1-1000 ms, preferable a time delay smaller than 750 ms, for example smaller than 500 ms.

The switching of the hght transmission adjuster (from the scattering to the transmission state) does not have to be instantaneous with the detection of the user at a predetermined position. Setting a delay can be advantageous since can allow for additional time in which the user does not yet see the target, leaving less time for the user to make his final decision (move) after the delay (once the light transmission adjuster has switched states).

The delay means can be part of the controller, for example being embedded in a controller software, or in hardware (using e.g. an electronic delay circuit), or differently, as will be appreciated by the skilled person.

It is preferred that, in case of application of a delay means, the system further includes at least one time delay adjuster, for example a user interface, knob, switch, foot pedal or a voice control means, commutatively connectable to the controller for adjusting the time delay provided by the delay means.

In that case, the user can select the amount of time delay he/she will experience during the training. The delay means and respective time delay adjuster can for example be configured to allow selecting from a number of different time delays (ms), which may be a limited number or an unlimited number. The selectable time delay may e.g. be a value within an above-mentioned time delay range.

The skilled person will appreciated that the portable hght transmission adjuster, the detector and the controller can have various configurations. They may be partly or fully integrated with one another. Besides, the controller and the portable light transmission adjuster may be partly or fully integrated with each other. Besides, or alternatively, the controller and the detector may be partly or fully integrated with each other.

In case of separate units (portable light transmission adjuster, detector and/or controller), communication between such units may be wireless communication, e.g. using electromagnetic signal transmission, optical signal transmission, or different types of communication.

Herein, the term“portable” can be construed as meaning that the light transmission adjuster can be carried by a single sports player without much effort, and preferably without mechanically hindering the sports player in making desired sports movements or maneuvers. The hght transmission adjuster is preferably hghtweight (e.g. having a mass lower than 500 g). In a preferred embodiment, the portable hght transmission adjuster can be configured to be carried by a user’s head, the portable light transmission adjuster for example being eyewear and/or including an eyeglasses structure.

Also, herein,“hght transmission” particularly (at least) concerns transmission of light in the visible spectrum, as will be clear to the skilled person.

According to a further embodiment, the portable light transmission adjuster comprises at least one electrically controllable layer, for example liquid crystal foil.

In an embodiment, the light transmission adjuster can be configured to generate an electrical control signal for setting a respective light transmission state.

For example, in view of energy efficiency, it can be preferred that the at least one electrically controllable layer of the light transmission adjuster can be in a scattering state when no electrical control signal is applied to the layer, wherein the at least one electrically controllable layer of the light transmission adjuster is in transmission state when the electrical control signal is applied to the layer.

As an example, the light transmission adjuster (e.g. an

electronically controllable light transmission material) can be configured to scatter more than 50% of incoming hght in its transmission state, preferably more than 70%, more preferably more than 90% (the hght transmission adjuster e.g. becoming opaque). It is preferred that the light transmission adjuster is configured to transmit a major portion of incoming, scattered light to the eye(s) of a user during operation, providing significant comfort (i.e. avoiding large light intensity variations during switching between states).

Examples of such electronic/electrically controllable layers are know per se from the prior art, and may include so called“smart glass”, micro-blinds, and liquid crystal (LC) material. In case of LC, polymer dispersed liquid crystal devices have found to lead to good results and fast switching times.

For example, in an embodiment, the light transmission adjuster may include a foil containing hquid crystals that scatter light in default situation (OFF), making it opaque/milky. Almost all light will pass the foil and reach the eye, but scattered in such an amount that no image can be seen. When the foil is activated (ON), the crystals will align and light can pass directly making it transparent (>92%). Transition from OFF to ON is very fast (1 - 2 ms) which means that the player can react immediately.

An important feature of such an adjuster is that the player’s eyes do not have to accumulate for light difference between the OFF and ON state: the light intensity can be (substantially) the same.

The detector can be configured in various ways. In a preferred embodiment, the detector is configured to optically detect a position of a user. Such a detector may e.g. include a camera system for remotely detect a position of a sport player in a sporting area, or one or more light sources, light detectors or the -like.

In an embodiment, the detector is configured to emit an energy beam through a path of movement of the user, and to detect at least part of the emitted energy beam, the energy beam for example being a light beam (e.g. of infrared light) , a laser beam, or a sonic beam. A passing of the beam can be detected accurately, in efficient manner using relatively inexpensive means, allowing reliable operation of the system. Also, using one or more dedicated detector beams for detecting the sports player is relatively insensitive to interference. Preferably, the detector is configured to generate an array of substantially parallel spaced-apart detector beams (e.g. at least 5 beams) , extending normally with respect to a path of the user, providing improved detection results.

Alternatively, or in addition, the detector may include one or more pressure sensors, located in a path of movement of the user, for detecting a position of the user.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, wherein the detector includes two detector parts, configured to be positioned along opposite sides of a path of the user, the detector including an aligner configured to detect mutual positioning, particularly a substantially parallel positioning, of the two detector parts.

In this way, a highly portable and easy to use system can be provided, wherein installing of the detector can be achieved without much burden. For example, during use, the two detector parts can be simply positioned along opposite sides of the desired path of the sports player to be trained, wherein the aligner (automatically) detects a mutual positioning of the two detector parts. The aligner may then generates a signal concerning a detected positioning of those parts, for example a signal to indicate that the two detector parts are not yet positioned according to a predetermined orientation and/or a signal to indicate that the two detector parts are positioned according to a predetermined orientation. Said predetermined orientation may be a parallel orientation of the two parts. A said aligner signal may be a signal to i form a user of the alignment (e.g. a visual and/or audio signal). The aligner may be part of a said controller, it may be embedded in one or both of said detector parts, or both.

Further, an aspect of the present invention provides a portable light transmission adjuster of a system according to the invention.

Also, an aspect of the invention provides an advantageous method for training a sports player, for example utilizing a system according to the invention or a portable light transmission adjuster according to the invention. The method includes:

- adjusting transmission of ambient light to at least one eye of the sports player to a scattering state;

-detecting a presence of the sports player at a predetermined position with respect to a sport attribute; and

-based on the detecting of the presence, adjusting transmission of the ambient light to a transmission state.

In this way, the above-mentioned advantages can be achieved.

An aspect of the invention provides a sporting area, for example sporting held, basketbah court or volleyball court, tennis court, footbah or soccer held, or swimming pool, including a system according to the invention.

Further advantageous embodiments follow from the dependent claims. The invention wih now be elucidated referring to the drawings of a non-limiting embodiment. Therein shows:

Figure 1 schematically a perspective view of an embodiment of a system to train a user, with the light transmission adjuster in a first state;

Figure 2 schematically the embodiment of Fig. 1, with the hght transmission adjuster in a second state; and Figure 3 schematically an opened side view of part of an

embodiment of the hght transmission adjuster.

Similar or corresponding features are denoted by similar or corresponding reference signs in this patent application.

Figures 1-3 show a non-limiting example of a system for training a sports player. Basically, the system includes a portable light transmission adjuster 1 that is configured to control transmission of ambient hght to at least one eye of a user (not shown) carrying said light transmission adjuster 1 during a training session.

Also, the system includes a detector 10 that is configured to detect a presence of the user at a predetermined position with respect to a sports attribute T (for example a basket). In this example, the detector 10 is located at/along an approach path P of a user of the system, the path leading to the sports attribute T.

A controller or control unit 5 is provided, communicatively connectable to the detector 10, the controller 5 being configured to switch the light transmission adjuster 1 from a hght scattering state to a high hght transmission state based on a positive detection result of the detector 10.

In the example, the controller 5 is depicted as being a separate unit, communicatively connected to the detector 10 via a wired

communication hnk 11. During operation, information, e.g. regarding detector detection results, can be transmitted via the communication connection from the detector 10 to the controller 5. It will be appreciated that the controller 5 can be configured in various ways, e.g. as a controller that is integrated with the detector 10, and/or a controller that

communicates with other system components.

In a further embodiment, the controller 5 can be configured communicates to the detector and/or the portable light transmission adjuster 1 via at least one wireless transmission link. Such a wireless communication link may be established e.g. via suitable communication means and antenna means 5c, known per se.

Besides, in yet another embodiment, the controller can be part of the portable hght transmission adjuster 1, in which case it is preferred that the controller can wirelessly communicate with the detector 10 for transmission of information there-between.

A said wireless communication may include transmission of digital information. Wireless transmission can be carried out using e.g. WIFI, Bluetooth (tm), Zigbee or the-hke. Wireless transmission can be carried out via an optical wireless link, a wireless radio link, or differently. In a preferred embodiment, a communication protocol can be used that contains a plurality of communication channels, making it possible to train with multiple training systems at the same time in/near the same area without interference.

In a further embodiment, the controller 5 can be configured to wirelessly transmit a control or trigger signal to a respective remote portable light transmission adjuster 1, for triggering a change of hght transmission state thereof. Alternatively, e.g. in case the controller 5 is part of the portable light transmission adjuster 1, the controller 5 may be configured to be triggered by the (in that case remote) detector 10 (once a user has been detected) for adjusting light transmission achieved by the portable light transmission adjuster 1.

It is preferred that the controller is a digital controller, e.g. including a microcontroller 5a or microprocessor, computer, e.g. including a memory, or similar digital control unit, however, that is not required. The controller can be configured to carry out a computer program or similar software code during its operation, as wih be appreciated by the skihed person, thereby enabling controller functions (e.g. functions as described in the following). The controller be electrically powered by a dedicated power source, e.g. battery, power adapter or the-like. In the present non-limiting example, the controller 5 is provided with (or connectable to) at least one user interface, for example an operating- device F. The operating device F may be a device that is to be operated by foot and that is e.g. located on or close to a ground surface, e.g. a number of foot pedals F. In an embodiment, a user of the system can change one or more operating parameters (e.g. setting and/or adjusting a time delay) via the operating device F. Also, the user interface may include a display 5b, configured e.g. to display system status to a user, to display system

parameters to the user (e.g. a set time delay), detector alignment

information (if available), and/or to display game scores or other training- related inform tion to the user.

It should be observed that in the present application, various user interface types can be installed for providing user control. A user interface may include one or more of: a knob, switch, foot pedal or a voice control means, touch screen, touch pad, keyboard, or other user interface device, as will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art. Such a user interface can be operated by a user (e.g. sports person, or a trainer) to activate or deactivate the system, to set or adjust a light transmission state of the hght transmission adjuster 1, to set or adjust a time delay (if any), and/or other possible functions of the system.

The present portable light transmission adjuster 1 is configured to be carried by a user’s head, the portable light transmission adjuster 1 in this case being eyewear and/or including an eyeglasses structure 2. Figure 3 schematically shows a more detailed example; the hght transmission adjuster lmay include two sections la that are located in front of two respective user eyes, when worn by the user. Both sections la may include Respective electrically controllable layers lb, for example liquid crystal (LC) foil. Such LC foil (known per se) is electrically controllable, between a hght transmission state and light scattering state, as has been described before. In the example, the portable light transmission adjuster 1 also includes a dedicated control unit lc, which may be embedded or installed within a frame part of the eyeglasses structure 2. Also, in this example, the portable light transmission adjuster 1 includes a dedicated DC (direct current) power source (e.g. a battery) Id, wireless communication means le, and an optional user interface If, for example a button or switch. The latter may be user operable to switch the device on/off, or to set a light

transmission state, or a combination of such or other functions of the transmission adjuster device 1.

The various parts of the portable light transmission adjuster 1 may be provided in a single unit, to be worn on e.g. the head of the user, providing comfort and ease of use, but that is not required. In an alternative embodiment, one or more parts of the light transmission adjuster 1 may be provided by one or more separate portable units (e.g. a belt pack, a wearable wrist unit, a pocket sized unit), communicatively connected to the sections la -during operation- for controlling light transmission.

According to a further embodiment, the light transmission adjuster 1 (particularly its local control unit lc) is configured to generate an electrical control signal for setting a respective light transmission state. Particularly, the electrically controllable layers lb of the light transmission adjuster 1 can be in a scattering state when no electrical control signal is applied to the layer, wherein the at least one electrically controllable layer lb of the light transmission adjuster 1 is in transmission state when the electrical control signal is applied to the layer. Triggering the control unit lc for operating the electrically controllable layers lb can be particularly achieved upon reception of a trigger signal, transmitted by the remote controller 5.

In a preferred embodiment, the light transmission adjuster 1 is configured to scatter more than 50% of incoming light, preferably more than 70%, more preferably more than 90%, when the adjuster is in its in scattering state. Similarly, it is preferred that the light transmission adjuster 1 is configured to transmit more than 50% of incoming hght in an unscattered condition, preferably more than 70%, more preferably more than 90%, when the light transmission adjuster 1 the is in its transmission state.

For example, according to a non-limiting embodiment, a said LC foil may be driven by a dedicated battery driven controller lc, contains e.g. a microprocessor for handling all logic. The light transmission adjuster 1 may be configured to increases the battery voltage of the battery Id (e.g.

approximately 10 times, depending on the battery used), and to the DC battery voltage into AC (alternating) voltage to activate the foils lb.

Figure 1 shows the system, with the light transmission adjuster 1 being in a said light scattering state. In such a state, the controllable layers lb may be e.g. in a‘milky’ condition (in case of using LC scattering layers), substantially scattering all incoming light that is transmitted to the two user eyes. Thus, the user eyes will receive ambient light but will not be able to discern objects, such as the sports attribute T in case the user is moving in a direction X approaching that attribute via a certain user approach path P.

Next, figure 2 shows the system, with the light transmission adjuster 1 being in a said light transmission state. In such a state, the controllable layers lb substantially transmit all incoming light without scattering the light. Then, the user eyes will be able to discern objects, such as the approaching sports attribute T in approach direction X.

It is highly preferred that the light transmission adjuster 1 is configured to switch abruptly from the scattering state to the transmission state, upon control by the controller 5, the switching particularly being achieved within 10 ms, preferably within 2 ms. Such an abrupt switching allows the user to train effectively and efficiently, aiming at achieving best sports training results. Further, improved training, and/or variation in the training , can be achieved by implementing a delay means, configured to provide a time delay between a positive detection result of the detector 10 on the one hand and the adjustment of the state of the light transmission adjuster 1 on the other. As is mentioned before, in a non -limiting example such a time delay can be in the range of 1-1000 ms, preferable a time delay smaller tan 750 ms, for example smaller than 500 ms. The delay means can be part of or implemented in one of said controllers/control units 5, lc, or alternatively in the detector 10. In the latter case, the detector 10 can e.g. be configured in delaying a transmission of a detection result to a remote controller by a set time delay of the delay means.

The delay means may be configured to achieve a single time delay, however, it is preferred that the delay means can be controlled to provide variation of the time delay. It is preferred that a user can set or vary the time delay, or turn the delay means on or off, via a said user interface (e.g. the foot pedals F).

The present detector 10 is configured to optically detect a position of a user.

In the example, the detector 10 includes a plurality of light sources 10a (e.g. laser diodes, LEDs, or other light sources) to emit a plurality of substantially parallel light beams (e.g. of infra red light) through part of the path of movement P of the user, and to detect at least part of the emitted energy beams B via light sensors 10b. As is shown in Figure 2, once the user U (partly depicted in Fig. 2) reaches the detector and traverses the beams B, respective sensors 10b will detect the user U, and as a result the detector 10 can generate a positive user detection signal for triggering the system (e.g. via the controller 5) to abruptly change the light transmission state of the light transmission adjuster 1

In a preferred embodiment, detector beams can be modulated and filtered, by suitable modulation and filtering means, to prevent problems with environmental lightning. The detector 10 is preferably configured will to function in both relatively weak and strong light environments.

The detector 10 is configured to be positioned on a predetermined detector position that is located near or in a user’s path P of movement towards a sports attribute T, for example near at least one of: a rim, a hoop, a goal, a net, a basket T, or a swimming pool edge. In the present example, the detector 10 is configured to be placed/supported on a floor.

In an extra advantageous embodiment, some components of the system (e.g. the detector 10, and/or the control unit 5) may be configured to detect placement, and e.g. to automatically activate upon placement on a supporting surface (e.g. the ground, or a sporting area surface). For example, the detector 10 and/or control unit 5 may include a floor switch 30, which will automatically activate the detector 10 and control unit 5 when switched upon placement on a supporting surface.

Preferably, some or all components of the system 1, 5, 10 include an idle timer, configured to turn off those components or the entire system when no actions have been detected in the system for a predefined amount of time (e.g. 1 or several minutes, 10 minutes or more).

The detector 10 can include two separate detector units 21, 22 (e.g. having or including elongated frame parts, respective housings), configured to be positioned (e.g. in substantially horizontal position) along opposite sides of the path P of the user. One of the detector parts 21 may include said beam sources 10a and the opposite detector part 22 may include the beam detectors 10b, as in the drawings.

For example, the detector may include two wireless profiles: a beam transmitter part 21 and a beam receiver part 22. Both profiles can be relatively small and long (elongated), and are preferably aligned with each other, e.g. to activate the beams with 20 cm up to at least 1 m distances. In the example, the system utilizes multiple beams B to provide a large detection area (of e.g. at least 50 cm long). The beams may be optimized e.g. to detect relatively small feet, low shoes, high shoes and transparent soles. Also, abeam width can be optimized so that a receive sensor 10b only‘sees’ one transmit beam, but still leaves enough room to allow a loose alignment of the detector sections 21, 22.

The two detector parts 21, 22 may be separate (e.g. loos) components, e.g. having their own dedicated electric power sources (e.g. one or more batteries, or a power adapter) for powering respective beams sources and sensors 10a, 10b. This is, however, not required since the detector parts 21, 22 may also be connected to each other via suitable connection means (not shown).

The detector 10 may include an aligner, configured to detect mutual positioning, particularly a substantially parallel positioning, of the two detector parts 21, 22. For example, to that aim, the detector 10 may be provided with a dedicated detector alignment signal processor, or e.g. the aligner function may be embedded in the controller 5.

An integrated aligner can be achieved in various ways, e.g. including sonic or optical alignment means configured to verify a mutual positioning of the detector parts 21, 22.

In an embodiment, the aligner may be configured to process sensor signals of the sensors 10b, and configured to verify if all sensors 10b receive respective beams B transmitted by respective opposite beam sources 10a. In case the aligner finds that all sensors 10b do the receive respective beams B transmitted by respective opposite beam sources 10a, the aligner may be configured to generate a positive alignment result signal, which may e.g. be signaled to a user via a alignment signaling means 10c, such as a signal light, loudspeaker and/or other signaling device. In addition, or

alternatively, in case the aligner finds that one or more of the sensors 10b does/do not the receive respective beam(s) B transmitted by respective opposite beam sources 10a, the aligner may be configured to generate a negative alignment result signal, which may e.g. be signaled to a user via a alignment signaling means 10c, such as a signal light, loudspeaker and/or other signaling device.

In addition to an optical detector 10, or instead of such a detector, the detector can be implemented e.g. using one or more different types of sensors, such as pressure sensors for detecting a location of the user. An advantage of detection using detection beams is, that the detector does not have to be mechanically contacted by the user during operation (user detection), allowing the user an (mechanically) unimpeded approach path P.

In a non limiting embodiment, the detector 10 can be configured to detect a user in a user detection area covering at least 0.5 m (in approach direction X) of the path P of the user. For example, a length L of respective detector parts 21, 2 measured in the same direction X can be at least 0.5 m, for example a length of about 1 m or more.

Operation of the system can involve a method for training a sports player U. In a first step, the user U can carry the light transmission adjuster 1, wherein the adjuster is set to a state of scattering, thereby impairing the user to visually discern the sport attribute T.

Next, the user U can follow the approach path P, towards the sport attribute T. Once the user U is detected by the detector 10, the system automatically triggers light transmission adjuster 1 to its transmission state, allowing the user to visually discern the sport attribute T.

As is mentioned before, the change of state from scattering to transmission is preferably very abrupt. Also, in a further embodiment, the change of state may be as fast as possible after the detector 10 has made its positive user detection results, however, the change of state may also be delayed by a predetermined (preferably adjustable) time delay.

As an example, before the user starts an approach, the method may include setting the time delay between the detecting of the presence of the user and the adjusting of the transmission of the ambient hght to the transmission state. Examples of a suitable time delay are mentioned above; said delay can be e.g. more than 10 ms, for example a delay in the range of 10-500 ms. Use of the system may include selecting a time delay from a number of time delay possibihties.

Also, during the installing of the present system, it can be preferred to properly align two detector parts. An afore -mentioned

integrated aligner may assist in such alignment, for example informing the user of proper and/or improper alignment via the signaling device 10c

The system may be installed in various types of sporting area, including for example: a sporting field, a basketball court, a volleyball court, a tennis court, a football or soccer field, a swimming pool, or a different type of area.

Summarizing, the invention can provide a system that can be used for perceptual training of e.g. a basketball shot. The system may include for example occlusion glasses la with a control unit and a trigger unit, such that players can train with this system by themselves (without the assistance of another person). A control unit can be used by the player to close e.g. the glasses la when s/he has the basketball in his or her hands. Then the player can make a dribble and land to pull-up for the shot. During the landing the feet of the user U will interrupt the infrared beams B of an optical switch system 10 (e.g. positioned on the floor). The interruption of the infrared beams can be used as a trigger moment to re-open the glasses la again so that the player U has clear view of the rim during the final moments of the shot. The system can be built in such way that it is possible to set a delay (e.g. from ~1 to 450 ms) before the glasses la open after interruption of the light beams. Thus, in short, with this automated perceptual training device players can perceptually train their shot themselves, such that they can only see the rim during the final instance of their shot. It has been found that such training can lead to significant improvements in shot percentage. Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described above, in part with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. Reference

throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, it is noted that particular features, structures, or

characteristics of one or more embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner to form new, not explicitly described embodiments.

For example, it will be appreciated that various types of eyewear can be implemented as portable light transmission adjuster 1. They may include eyeglasses structure 2, but also e.g. a helmet, goggles, or differently. In case of use in water it is preferred that the light transmission adjuster 1 is waterproof. The same holds at least for the detector 10 in case the detector is to be installed in the water.

For example, the system (e.g. its controller 5) may be configured to exchange or send data with/to one or more remote computer means K (see Fig. 2), e.g. a remote memory, a mobile digital user platform, a remote server, a computer, laptop, tablet, cellular phone, and/or other means, for example for storing information regarding training exercises. The remote computer means K may be configured to provide or access an internet cloud environment, e.g. for storing information of users of the cloud, and

preferably also for sharing such information between users of that cloud.. Such transmission of information to a remote computer means K may e.g. include a local transmission (e.g. over Bluetooth , WIFI, Zigbee or the-like), and/or a transmission over a global computer network, e.g.

Internet.

Also, in a further embodiment, a sports attribute T may include a game sensor t for detecting a user enabled game point or hit (e.g. a ball in the basket T). In such a case, the game sensor t may be part of the sports player training system, wherein respective game sensor data can be exchanged or sent as well to remote computer means K, with or as part as the above-mentioned data.

Thus, the method may include detecting a user enabled game point (by said game sensor t) and transmitting game point information together with e.g. user information (such as user identification information, and preferably for example certain game information such as a set time delay used when making the point, and/or a certain position or distance of the detector 10 with respect to the sports attribute T) to a remote computer means.

For example, a remote computer means K can be configured to store hit or scoring information (such as said game point information and respective user information), received from e.g. the system controller 5.

The remote computer means K may be configured to automatically show improvement of a user of the system, and e.g. to propose new

exercises. A user may e.g. access the information of the remote computer means K (for example directly, or indirectly via a local user terminal or user device that is communicatively connected to the remote computer means K), for example to study his achievements.

In a further embodiment, the computer means K is accessible by a plurality of system(s) users, for uploading game point information. In that case, the computer means K (e.g. an Internet cloud environment) may be configured such that a user may access the system, to compare user achievements against those of other users of the same local training system or of other training systems (e.g. in the cloud’). Users may include both amateur players and professional players.

Claims

1. System for training a sports player, including:

-a portable light transmission adjuster (1) configured to control

transmission of ambient light to at least one eye of a user when carrying said light transmission adjuster (1);

-a detector (10) configured to detect a presence of the user at a

predetermined position with respect to a sports attribute (T); and

-a controller (5), communicatively connectable to the detector (10), the controller (5) being configured to switch the light transmission adjuster (1) from a light scattering state to a high hght transmission state based on a positive detection result of the detector (10).

2. System according to claim 1, wherein the light transmission adjuster (1) is configured to switch abruptly from the scattering state to the transmission state, upon control by the controller (5), the switching particularly being achieved within 10 ms, preferably within 2 ms.

3. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the system includes a delay means, configured to provide a time delay between a positive detection result of the detector (10) on the one hand and the adjustment of the state of the light transmission adjuster (1) on the other, for example a time delay in the range of 1-1000 ms, preferable a time delay smaller tan 750 ms, for example smaller than 500 ms.

4. System according to at claim 3, including at least one time delay adjuster (F), for example at least one user interface, knob, switch, foot pedal or a voice control means, commutatively connectable to the controller (5) for adjusting the time delay provided by the delay means.

5. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the portable light transmission adjuster comprises at least one electrically controllable layer (lb), for example hquid crystal foil.

6. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the light transmission adjuster is configured to generate an electrical control signal for setting a respective light transmission state.

7. System according claims 5 and 6, wherein the at least one electrically controllable layer (lb) of the light transmission adjuster (1) is in a scattering state when no electrical control signal is applied to the layer, wherein the at least one electrically controllable layer (lb) of the hght transmission adjuster (1) is in transmission state when the electrical control signal is applied to the layer.

8. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the light transmission adjuster (1) is configured to scatter more than 50% of incoming light, preferably more than 70%, more preferably more than 90%, when the adjuster is in its in scattering state.

9. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the light transmission adjuster (1) is configured to transmit more than 50% of incoming light in an unscattered condition, preferably more than 70%, more preferably more than 90%, when it is in its transmission state.

10. System according to any of the preceding claims, incluchng at least one user operating means, for example a knob, switch, foot pedal or a voice control means, for example to set or adjust a light transmission state of the light transmission adjuster.

11. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the detector (10) is configured to optically detect a position of a user.

12 System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the detector (10) is configured to emit an energy beam (B) through a path of movement of the user, and to detect at least part of the emitted energy beam (B), the energy beam for example being a light beam or a sonic beam.

13. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the detector (10) includes one or more pressure sensors, located in a path of movement of the user, for detecting a position of the user.

14. System according to claim 1, wherein the portable light

transmission adjuster (1) is configured to be carried by a user’s head, the portable light transmission adjuster (1) for example being eyewear and/or including an eyeglasses structure.

15. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the detector (10) is configured to be positioned on a predetermined detector position that is located near or in a user’s path of movement towards a sports attribute (T), for example near at least one of: a rim, a hoop, a goal, a net, a basket, or a swimming pool edge.

16. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the detector (10) is configured to detect a user in a user detection area covering at least 0.5 m of a path of the user.

17. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the detector includes two detector parts (21, 22), configured to be positioned along opposite sides of a path of the user, the detector including an aligner configured to detect mutual positioning, particularly a substantially parallel positioning, of the two detector parts (21, 22).

18. A portable light transmission adjuster (1) of a system according to any of the preceding claims.

19. Method for training a sports player, for example utihzing a system according to any of claims 1-17 or a portable light transmission adjuster accorchng to claim 18, the method including:

- adjusting transmission of ambient hght to at least one eye of the sports player to a scattering state, thereby impairing the user to visually discern a sport attribute (T);

-detecting a presence of the sports player at a predetermined position with respect to the sport attribute (T); and

-based on the detecting of the presence, adjusting transmission of the ambient light to a transmission state, allowing the user to visually discern the sport attribute (T).

20. Method according to claim 19, including setting a time delay between the detecting of the presence of the user and the adjusting of the transmission of the ambient light to the transmission state.

21. Method according to claim 20, wherein said delay is more than 10 ms, for example a delay in the range of 10-500 ms.

22. Method according to claim 20 or 21, including selecting a time delay from a number of time delay possibilities.

23. Method according to any of claims 19-22, wherein transmission of ambient light to at least one eye of the sports player is adjusted abruptly to the scattering state, particularly within 10 ms.

24. Method according to any of claims 19-23, including: detecting a user enabled game point, and transmitting game point information together with user information to a remote computer means (K).

25. Use of a system according to claim 17, wherein the two detector parts (10a, 10b) are positioned along opposite sides of a path of a sports player to be trained, wherein the aligner detects a mutual positioning of the two detector parts and generates a signal concerning a detected positioning of those parts (10a, 10b).

26. Sporting area, for example sporting field, basketball court, volleyball court, tennis court, football or soccer field, or swimming pool, including a system according to any of the claims 1-17.