CN105980020A - Fencing weapons including indicators integrated into the guard - Google Patents

Abstract

A fencing weapon includes an integrated indicator portion in a guard. The indicator portion may be a light or an array of lights to signal valid touches and invalid touches. Fencing sports in particular benefit from weapons with such indicator configurations.

Description

Fencing weapons including indicators integrated into the guard

Cross References to Related Applications

This application is based on prior US Application Serial No. 13/998,677 filed November 22, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference, and which claims priority to common subject matter herein.

Background technique

The modern sport of fencing is centuries old. Historically, referees and bout directors have determined by visually observing both opponents and based on existing rules whether a touch occurred and a point should be awarded to the fencer scoring the touch, To determine the score (or touch - where one opponent's weapon blade or tip touches the other opponent's target area). The object of saber fencing is to score touches by bringing the blade or point of the fencer's weapon into contact with the opponent's target area (upper the opponent's waist, including his arms and head), where the Saber fencing is based on mounted fencing on horseback. The goal of foil fencing is to score touches by bringing the tip of the fencer's weapon into contact with the opponent's target area (the opponent's body). The object of epee fencing is to score a touch by bringing the tip of the fencer's weapon into contact with an opponent's target area (any part of the opponent's body) blood duel. Every form of modern fencing is played very quickly. Often, motion, contact, and target areas are difficult to visually observe. Modern fencing weapons are very light, allowing a skilled fencer to maneuver them very quickly in a series of movements. This speed makes it difficult to determine when to score a touch. Even where several referees are used to judge a game, the visual recognition of scoring maneuvers remains difficult. Disagreement among referees often occurs because the quality of insight perceived by each referee is inconsistent. Furthermore, judging of visual observations is a subjective criterion, and vision may vary between judges (even within the same judge). In the 1970s, electronic circuits were used to help determine touch. Figure 1 shows the current state-of-the-art fencing scoring system. Each fencer X, Y holds a weapon 12, 14 comprising a blade 20 connected to a harness disposed under each fencer's sleeve (not shown) and behind each fencer Connects to reel cords 24 , 26 which are attached to retractable reels 28 , 30 . Each fencer X, Y wears a fencing suit 21, 22, a mask 30 and wiring 31, wherein the fencing suit can be made of a conductive material, the mask can be made of a conductive material, and the wiring connects the mask to the fencing Service 21 is connected. The ends of the reel wires 24, 26 are also electrically connected to the fencing suits 21, 22 of the fencer. Each reel 28, 30 is associated with an electronic scoring device 10 having indicators Wx, Cx, Wy, Cy that alternately illuminate to indicate a touch. If the fencing weapon is a saber, when the fencer Y of FIG. 1 touches the fencer X with any part of the blade 20 of the weapon 14 on the conductive area of the fencing suit 22 or the mask 33, the circuit is turned on, and the indicator light Wy Instruct Fencer A to touch to score. Judge or referee D will use this information, along with his or her visual observation of the action, to decide whether fencer Y's touch should be scored. When fencer X of FIG. 1 touches fencer Y with blade 16 of accessory 12 on a conductive area of fencer Y's fencing suit 22 or mask 33, the circuit is closed and indicator light Wx is illuminated. Typically, both lights Wy and Wx will be on and the chief judge or judge will need to determine which fencer (if any) should score according to the rules of saber fencing.

The fencing configuration is similar to the saber fencing configuration of Figure 1, except that each fencer X, Y holds a foil and the fencing suits 21, 22 have a conductive target area that includes the fencer's torso. A valid touch signal in foil involves breaking a first circuit and completing a second circuit. The foil has a movable contact point at its tip which is squeezed whenever the tip touches an object, thereby breaking the first electrical circuit. Each player wears a vest-like garment that covers the active target area of their body. The waistcoat has a conductive surface and is connected in a second circuit between the electronic scoring device 10 and the opponent's foil. The movable contact point on each foil is itself conductive. When the movable contact point of a fencer's foil touches the opponent's conductive vest, the second circuit is completed and the first circuit is broken, thereby generating a valid touch signal (thus, causing the corresponding indicator Wx or Wy glow). Opening the first circuit (thus lighting up the respective indicator Cx, Cy) only indicates an invalid touch in foil, since in an invalid touch the foil fails to contact the opponent's waistcoat.

The configuration of the epee fencing is similar to the configuration of the saber fencing of Figure 1, except that each fencer X, Y holds an epee and wears a fencing suit 21, 22 which need not include conductive areas. The touch signal in the epee only constitutes the manufacture of one circuit. When squeezed during a touch, the movable contact point in the epee touch sensor assembly completes the circuit. No points are scored for fencing 35 or inappropriate touching on the body of an opponent's weapon. Thus, if the tip of the fencer's epee touches the fencing ring 35 or his opponent's weapon, the electronic scoring device 10 disables the scoring indicator, thereby preventing a touch from being registered in response to such an improper touch. As in the case of foil, the movable contact point on the tip of the epee is conductive. A movable contact point on the tip of the epee is connected to a portion of the electronic scoring device 10, wherein if the electronic scoring device 10 is grounded, actuation of the valid touch indicator is prevented. The fencing ring 35 is grounded, and the body of each weapon 12, 14 is also grounded, so that inappropriate touching of the weapon body or the fencing ring 35 is not scored.

A problem associated with state-of-the-art fencing systems is that it is often difficult for fencers and judges to view electronic scoring devices, where fencers and judges must quickly shift their attention from fencing action to viewing the lights on the device. They can confuse spectators who have to associate a color of light with each fencer and are often unsure which light represents which fencer. One solution is to include indicator lights into the fencer's mask. A light or LED array located inside the fencer's mask illuminates based on a control signal from the electronic scoring device 10 when the touch is scored. The control signal can be sent wirelessly or via a wired connection. Lighted masks are useful because they allow fencers, judges, and spectators to easily observe when touches are scored. However, they are often costly and may require aftermarket electronics and batteries in order to function properly. Furthermore, each fencer is only able to see the other fencer's mask, where the mask indicates the scoring touch. They cannot see indicators contained in their own masks, or may not have a mask containing indicators. Therefore, they may have to look at the external scoring device 10 to determine if they are also scoring touches, which requires changing the field of view away from the fencing action.

Alternatively, an external device mounted on the fencer's clothing or connected to the fencer's weapon may emit signal indicators such as lights or sounds. These devices are generally low cost, however their use is very limited due to their tendency to be misinterpreted by fencers, umpires and spectators and provide no convenience advantage to fencers, umpires and spectators.

Contents of the invention

The present invention overcomes the problems of the prior art by providing at least one indicator light or array of indicator lights in the guard of the fencer's weapon. Such lights or light arrays visually and clearly indicate which fencer is making contact and can be easily observed during action during a fencing bout.

In a first aspect, the invention achieves the object by a fencing weapon comprising a blade portion, a handle and a guard portion, wherein the guard portion has an integrated indicator device.

In one embodiment, the integrated indicator device may also be an indicator light, and in another embodiment it may be an array of indicator lights.

In one embodiment, the indicator light receives a signal from the electronic scoring device, in other embodiments the electronic scoring device is included in the fencing weapon itself, or is located remotely from the fencing weapon.

The indicator light may be a light emitting diode and may recess below the outer surface of the guard portion so as to prevent its contact with the opponent's weapon or weapon tip from being registered as a valid touch.

In one embodiment, the fencing weapon includes a power source for powering the integrated indicator device. In another embodiment, the fencing weapon comprises a counter for outputting a count value of the indicator signal and a memory for storing said count value. The integrated indicator device may comprise a display for displaying said count value. The fencing weapon may also include a wireless communication device for receiving at least one indicator signal from at least one other device.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 shows a prior art fencing system;

Figure 2 shows a first device according to the invention;

Figure 3 shows a second device according to the invention.

detailed description

Figure 2 shows a fencing weapon. In this example, FIG. 2 shows a saber 12 . Saber 12 includes blade 16 , handle 45 and guard 46 . The blade 16 extends through the hollow of the handle 45 , wherein it terminates at a rounded head 49 . Blade 16 is electrically conductive and is typically made of steel or some other metal alloy. FIG. 2 provides a view of the saber 12 with the underside of the guard 46 visible. The processor 40 , the power supply 41 and the signaling device 43 are located on the inner surface of the guard 46 facing the handle 45 . Saber 12 also includes integrated indicator devices in the form of an array 44, which may consist of a series of lights. The array 44 is integrated into the guard 46 such that any light output from at least a portion of the indicator array 44 is visible to an observer looking at the outer surface of the guard 46 . Thus, when any portion of indicator array 44 is illuminated, it will be visible to an opponent such as a fencer, an umpire, or any other observer capable of viewing the outer surface of guard 46 . This allows for easy viewing of indicator signals without having to take your eyes off the fencing action.

Array 44 may be a series of lights of different colors. The lamp may be a light emitting diode (LED), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a bioluminescent lamp, an incandescent lamp or any other type of lamp known to those skilled in the art.

As a non-limiting example, when the bearer of the saber 12 completes a valid touch, the processor 40 and signaling device 43 direct electrons from the power source 42 to cause the light 50 to illuminate. Light 50 may be any color light, for example, green. When the opponent of the fencer carrying the sword 12 completes a valid touch, the processor 40 commands the signaling device 43 to direct electrons from the power supply 42 to cause the light 51 to illuminate. Lamp 51 may be of any color distinguishable from the color of lamp 50 . For example, light 51 may be red. When the wielder of saber 12 touches ground (indicating that the blades have met or the electrical connection has failed), processor 41 commands signaling device 43 to direct electrons from power supply 42 to illuminate light 52 . Lamp 52 may be of any color distinguishable from the colors of lamps 50 and 51 . For example, light 52 may be yellow.

Since both fencers finish scoring touches simultaneously, the signaling device 43 can also send a signal, wired or wireless, to the opponent's saber 12 or to an electronic scoring device not included in either fencer's saber. For example if two fencers are holding a saber 12, they will be able to detect valid and invalid touches within their field of view during a match without having to change their point of view to look for an external scoring indicator.

Typically, guard 46 is electrically grounded. Indicator array 44 may, for example, have a relatively small area such that it will not present a surface area large enough to allow scoring of invalid touches when an opponent's weapon or weapon tip contacts a grounded guard (i.e., what Such a touch should be scored as a valid touch). The indicator array 44 can be recessed in the guard 46 so that it protects the lights 50, 51, 52 from being bumped during fencing and prevents them from being damaged.

Additionally, processor 40 may signal wireless device 43 to send a signal indicative of a valid touch to the electronic scorecard device, which in turn illuminates a correspondingly suitable indicator light. The wireless device 43 may be any wireless device known to those skilled in the art, such as an IEEE 802.11 compliant device or a Bluetooth device. Additionally, the processor 40 may signal the wireless device 43 to transmit a signal intended to be received by the opponent's saber. This information can be used to signal an indicator on an opponent's weapon. This information can also be sent along with the output of the motion sensor 42 and timing device 39 so that the electronic scoring device and/or the opponent's saber can gather sufficient information to determine not only which weapon sensed contact with the target area, but also Determine which fencer should make a touch decision based on the rules of the sport (i.e., under the current rules of saber fencing, where two fencers make an attack and neither fencer's blade touches the other fencer's blade Next, if one fencer initiates the action by first advancing his or her saber, he or she is assessed for touch. However, if two fencers advance their weapons relatively simultaneously, no assessment is made for touch. Touch to judge. Sending information about scoring touches and information about the time and movement of saber 12 can be very helpful to help referee judge touch, or very helpful to render automatic touch judgment ). Motion sensor 42 may be an accelerometer, gyro sensor, or any other motion sensor currently known to those skilled in the art of motion sensing. Timing device 39 may be any timing device known to those skilled in the art. When such information is received, it can be used to determine whether and when to illuminate the lights 50, 51, 52.

Power supply 41 provides power to operate processor 40 , indicator 44 , motion sensor 42 , timing device 39 , sensor blade 16 and wireless device 43 . Saber 12 may also include a display 60 for displaying information from a counter 61, an electronic scoring system, or an opponent's weapon. For example, display 60 may display the number of touches scored by the sword bearer of saber 12 during a duel, and may be reset again for each new duel. In FIG. 2 , the display on the saber 12 outputs the number 2 from the counter 61 indicating the touch 2 that the sword bearer of the saber 12 has scored in the current duel.

Figure 3 shows a weapon 12' similar to the saber 12 of Figure 2 . The weapon 12' includes all the components of the saber 12, with the difference that the tip 500 is used as the sensor instead of the entire length of the blade 16. The array 44 of lights 50 , 51 , 52 is located in the guard 46 in a configuration similar to that of the saber 12 of FIG. 2 . FIG. 3 shows array 44 and display 60 as being located on the substantially flat surface of guard 12 that faces the opponent during play, however, they could also be located near the outside edge of guard 46 .

While the invention has been shown and described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments of the invention, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. Various changes in form and detail were made.

Claims (13)

1. A fencing weapon comprising: blade part; handle; and A guard portion, wherein the guard portion further includes an integrated indicator device. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the integrated indicator device further comprises at least one indicator light. 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the integrated indicator device further comprises an array of indicator lights. 4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least one indicator light receives a signal from an electronic scoring device. 5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the electronic scoring device is incorporated in the fencing weapon. 6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the electronic scoring device is located remotely from the fencing weapon. 7. The device of claim 2, wherein the at least one indicator light further comprises at least one light emitting diode. 8. The device of claim 2, wherein the at least one indicator device is recessed below an outer surface of the guard portion. 9. The device of claim 2, wherein the at least one pointer device is configured such that contact of the at least one pointer device with an opponent's weapon or weapon tip is not registered as a valid touch. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the fencing weapon further comprises a power source for powering the integrated indicator device. 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fencing weapon further comprises a counter for outputting a count value of the indicator signal, and a memory for storing the count value. 12. The device of claim 1, wherein the integrated indicator device further comprises a display for displaying the count value. 13. The device of claim 1, wherein the fencing weapon further comprises a wireless communication device for receiving at least one indicator signal from at least one other device.