Method and apparatus for portable exercise system with electronic targets

Abstract

A portable game and exercise system with electronically-activated targets and a non-contact racquet which is brought into the proximity of the targets as the targets are activated. One or more players sets up a virtual court by positioning a number of targets, and sets up game parameters. Each target contains a radio receiver that allows a controller transmitter to activate it. An active target alerts the player with a visual and/or auditory signal, directing the player to different areas of the virtual court. When a player's racquet is brought within the proximity of the active target within the allotted time, the target designates a hit with a signal. A total score for the game is determined.

1 . A portable exercise system for at least one player, the system comprising 
 a plurality of electronically-activated targets which may be positioned in a three-dimensional space; and    controller, such that the controller activates a sequence of the targets which may include a repetition of one or more of the targets, such that for each target in the sequence, 
 the controller communicates with a target to cause the target to provide an indicator signal for a time interval,  
 the player attempts to hit a target by touching or coming within close proximity of the target within the time interval beginning at the time that the target provides the indicator signal,  
 the controller determines whether the target is hit during a portion of the time interval, and  
 a score is logged if the target is hit during a portion of the time interval.  
   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the controller further comprises 
 an electric plug, such that the controller may be plugged into an electrical outlet for supplying power to the controller.    
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein 
 the controller communicates wirelessly with each target to cause the target to provide an indicator signal for a time interval.    
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the target further comprises 
 a magnetic device for determining contact.    
     
     
         5 . A portable exercise system for at least one player, the system comprising 
 a plurality of electronically-activated targets which may be positioned in a three-dimensional space;    a racquet comprising a proximity detector for determining whether the racquet is within range of a target; and    a controller, such that the controller activates a sequence of the targets which may include a repetition of one or more of the targets, such that for each target in the sequence, 
 the controller communicates with a target to cause the target to provide an indicator signal for a time interval,  
 the player attempts to move the racquet to the proximity of the target within the time interval beginning at the time that the target provides the indicator signal,  
 the controller determines a target hit when the racquet is in the vicinity of the target during a portion of the time interval, and  
 the controller logs a score for the target hit.  
   
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5  wherein sequence of the targets is pre-specified by the player.  
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 5  wherein sequence of the targets is selected randomly.  
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 5  wherein the indicator signal is an audible signal.  
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 5  wherein the indicator signal is a visible light.  
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 5  wherein 
 the target further includes an Infra Red emitting device; and    the proximity detector of the racquet comprises an Infra Red detector.    
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 5  wherein 
 there are two or more players; and    each player is scored independently.    
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 5  wherein 
 the controller communicates with a first target to generate a first signal at a first time; and    the controller communicates with a second target to generate a second signal after the racquet has been brought to the vicinity of the first target, such that the pace of the game is determined by the speed of the player.    
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 5  wherein the controller is located in the racquet.  
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 5  wherein 
 the controller the controller records the elapsed and cumulative time for the target hits.    
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 5  wherein the controller is located within one or more target.  
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 5  wherein 
 game parameters may be set by a player with a user interface to the controller.    
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 5  wherein 
 the controller communicates with a target to cause the target to provide an indicator signal for a time interval.    
     
     
         18 . A method of conducting an exercise with a portable exercise system for at least one player, the method comprising 
 positioning a plurality of electronically-activated targets in a space;    providing the player with a racquet, such that the racquet detects if a target is within a specified range of a target; and    communicating from a controller to a sequence of the targets, such that for each target in the sequence, which may include a repetition of one or more of the targets    the controller communicates with a target to cause the target to provide an indicator signal for a time interval,    the player attempts to move the racquet to the proximity of the target within the time interval beginning at the time that the target provides the indicator signal,    the target determines whether the racquet is in the vicinity of the target during a portion of the time interval,    the target communicates with the controller to cause the controller to log a score if the racquet is in the vicinity of the target during a portion of the time interval.    
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18  further comprising 
 displaying a score to the player.    
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 16  wherein 
 the controller activates targets in a random sequence.