Electronic lap and finish counter for swimming in an aquatic environment.

Description

/ 6 Electronic lap and finish counter for swimming in an aquatic environment. Field of invention

[001] This patent relates to an electronic performance measurement device for swimming, designed for automatic counting of laps and finishes in aquatic training. The device eliminates the need for manual records, reduces errors and optimizes training efficiency. It falls into the category of electronic sports equipment for aquatic sports, specifically in swimming performance measurement. Fundamentals of the invention

[002] Currently, students and amateur swimmers use their own memory, manual systems such as aquatic abacuses with parallel wires and beads, watches, or smart rings to count laps and finishes. Manual methods are prone to errors, waste time, and can significantly compromise training efficiency due to the mental divide between counting and concentrating on training. Alternatively, there are advanced systems such as those from Colorado Time Systems and Omega Timing, which are highly accurate but extremely expensive and complex to install, making them impractical for amateur swimmers and swimming students. Smart watches and rings also offer automatic counting, but in addition to being intrusive and compromising the athlete's hydrodynamics, they can be inaccurate.As highlighted on various websites that compare the features of these devices, factors such as stopping or walking mid-course, changes in stroke type, or sudden variations in speed can result in discrepancies in the count.

[003] There is a need for an affordable electronic device that is easy to install and remove, capable of automatically recording finishes and laps without compromising the athlete's concentration. In addition, the solution must allow for adaptable positioning to the user's swimming style, ensuring high accuracy and minimal interference with training dynamics. Petition 870250013216, dated 02 / 18 / 2025, page 7 / 17 / 6

[004] The electronic lap and finish counter for swimming in an aquatic environment is a system composed of a microcontroller display and an activation button fixed to the pool wall by suction cups. The button is activated by the swimmer through the touch of their hand or feet, registering each finish and displaying the information on the screen. The swimmer will position the activation button exactly where they are accustomed to touching it during the turn opening, allowing them to focus solely on their training, reducing distractions and providing much greater mental comfort and efficiency during the swimming session. The system is portable, does not interfere with hydrodynamics, and can be purchased in different sizes according to the athlete's needs, including versions for Olympic turns / somersaults.

[005] Solution Components: 1 - Microcontroller-based display: Attaches to the edge of the pool and displays information such as total and partial laps / finishes, distance covered, average and partial times, fastest time to finish, standard pool size, audible arrival alert activated, and time. It includes control buttons to reset totalizers, start a new partial count, adjust the standard pool size, turn audible alerts on / off, and turn the equipment on / off. Additionally, it has water protection, a visor to protect against glare, a connection to the activation button, and a battery recharge point. In the low-cost version, the display only shows the lap count and the distance of each lap.

[006] Solution Components: 2 - Trigger Button: It is fixed to the pool wall by suction cups and can be activated by hand or foot. It is available in 30x30 cm versions for manual activation and 50x100 cm versions for Olympic turn / somersault activation. Fully sealed, it is connected to the display by a communication cable and can use different activation technologies, such as dry contact, piezoelectric, capacitive sensor or pneumatic.

[007] When activated by the swimmer, the button sends a signal to the display, which increments the count and displays the data in real time. This eliminates the need for manual records, allowing the athlete to focus exclusively on their performance. Petition 870250013216, dated 02 / 18 / 2025, page 8 / 17 / 6 Brief description of the drawings

[008] The present invention patent will be better understood through the attached drawings which schematically represent a preferred, but not limiting, embodiment of the device, as follows: Figure 1 shows a front view of the system mounted on a standard lane. Figure 2 shows the microcontroller display with all the information shown. Figure 3 shows a front view of the system in the low-cost version mounted on a standard lane. Figure 4 shows the microcontroller-based display with all the information shown in the low-cost version. Figure 5 shows the left side view of the display, illustrating the glare protection visor and its base. Figure 6 shows the right side view of the display with the control buttons (in the low-cost version, some functions will not be present). Figure 7 shows the actuator button viewed from the front; its height and width can be adjusted according to the version purchased. Figure 8 shows the actuator button viewed from the side, highlighting the suction cup attachment. Description of the invention

[009] The present invention relates to an electronic lap and finish counter for swimming in an aquatic environment, designed to assist swimmers in accurately monitoring their laps and training time without the need for manual counting or external supervision. The device consists of a digital display panel positioned at the edge of the pool and a submersible activation button, which can be pressed by the swimmer at each finish. The count is recorded and displayed on the panel, providing real-time information on the athlete's performance. Petition 870250013216, dated 02 / 18 / 2025, page 9 / 17 / 6

[0010] The digital display panel shows information such as total number of laps, distance covered, total and partial training time, average time and best lap. It has buttons to reset counts, start new sessions, adjust pool size and activate or deactivate audible alerts. It is powered by rechargeable batteries and has protection against splashes and sun exposure.

[0011] The activation button is waterproof and connected to the panel by a durable cable. It can be activated manually or by contact with the feet, making it suitable for swimmers performing turns. Different technologies can be used for activation, including dry contact, piezoelectric, capacitance, or pneumatic actuation. It is secured using silicone suction cups, ensuring better adhesion to the pool wall.

[0012] The counting and display mechanism works automatically. Each button press increments the lap count. An optional audible alert confirms the recorded count. The panel displays the data in real time, allowing the swimmer to track their performance during training without needing external assistance.

[0013] The electronic lap and finish counter is designed to facilitate the monitoring of swimming training, avoiding common errors in manual counting. The swimmer starts their session by pressing a button on the panel to reset the data. Upon each arrival at the end of the pool, they press the submersible trigger button, registering the lap and automatically updating the times.

[0014] The device allows for adjustment of the pool length, enabling its use with different lane sizes. The optional audible alert confirms to the user that the count has been correctly recorded, reducing the need to constantly check the panel.

[0015] The invention has several applications and benefits. It ensures precision and automation, eliminating human error in counting laps and distance covered. Its accessibility replaces complex and expensive systems used in professional competitions. The equipment provides self-sufficiency to the swimmer, eliminating the need for a coach or observer to count their laps. In addition, its Petition 870250013216, dated 02 / 18 / 2025, page 10 / 17 / 6 Portability facilitates transport, allowing use in different pools. The versatility of the device makes it suitable for both amateur and professional swimmers who wish to monitor their performance.

[0016] The electronic lap and finish counter in an aquatic environment represents an innovation in swimming training, offering a reliable, intuitive and accessible method for monitoring athletes' performance. Examples of embodiments of the invention

[0017] The present invention, called Electronic lap and finish counter for swimming in an aquatic environment, can be implemented in the form of a compact electronic device, designed to be positioned on the edge of the pool. The device consists of a digital panel, a counting actuator and a carrying case, and is powered by rechargeable batteries to ensure portability and resistance to moisture.

[0018] The preferred embodiment of the invention consists of a digital panel equipped with a liquid crystal display (LCD), protected by an anti-glare cover to facilitate reading in outdoor or bright environments. The panel displays information such as the total number of laps, distance covered, total training time, split time for each lap, fastest lap time, average total and split time, and the current time.

[0019] The counting actuator is an essential component of the device, connected to the digital panel by a flexible, water-resistant cable. This actuator can be pneumatic, piezoelectric, capacitive, or dry contact, and is fixed to the pool wall by silicone suction cups. It can be manually pressed by the swimmer or activated with the feet during the turn / somersault, allowing for accurate lap counting.

[0020] To facilitate transport and storage, the device comes with a protective case, ensuring the safety of the components when not in use. Petition 870250013216, dated 02 / 18 / 2025, page 11 / 17 / 6 This case is designed to accommodate both the digital panel and the counting actuator, protecting them from impacts and moisture.

[0021] In an enhanced version of the invention, the device may include Bluetooth connectivity for data transfer to a mobile application. This application allows the user to record detailed training statistics, generate performance reports, and integrate the information with fitness platforms such as Strava and Garmin. This functionality adds value to the product, meeting the needs of professional and amateur swimmers who wish to monitor their progress.

[0022] In order to demonstrate the advantages of the present invention, comparative tests were carried out between the electronic lap and finish counter in an aquatic environment for swimming and traditional manual counting methods. The results indicated a significant reduction in counting errors, increased training efficiency and improved accuracy in performance monitoring.

[0023] During testing, substantial differences were observed between the use of manual counters and the proposed invention. While manual counters rely on the swimmer's or coach's attention to record each lap, the electronic device automates this process, eliminating the risk of human error.

[0024] The impact of the invention was also evaluated considering different user profiles, including beginner, intermediate, and professional swimmers. All groups reported a more efficient and intuitive experience regarding lap counting, reinforcing the universal applicability of the device in aquatic training.

[0025] Based on the results obtained, the present invention represents a significant advance in the automation of lap counting in swimming for students and amateur swimmers, providing greater accuracy, reliability and convenience for practitioners of the sport. The developed solution is highly effective and has market potential for both individual use and for swimming academies and clubs. Petition 870250013216, dated 02 / 18 / 2025, page 12 / 17

Claims

CLAIMS 1. ELECTRONIC COUNTER OF LAPS AND FINISHES IN AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT FOR SWIMMING, characterized by being composed of a microcontroller display (1) (4), positioned on the edge of the pool (C) and an activation button (2) fixed to the inner wall of the pool by suction cups (14) that communicates with the display through a communication cable (3).

2. ELECTRONIC LAP AND FINISH COUNTER IN AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT FOR SWIMMING, according to claim 1, characterized by the activation button (2) being operable both by manual touch and by foot pressure, allowing use for swimmers who perform the Olympic turn / somersault.

3. ELECTRONIC LAP AND FINISH COUNTER IN AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT FOR SWIMMING, according to claim 1, characterized by the microcontroller display (1) showing information on total and partial lap / finish count, total and partial distance covered, average and partial times, shortest time to finish, time, whether the finish audible alert is activated and standard distance of each lap.

4. ELECTRONIC LAP AND FINISH COUNTER IN AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT FOR SWIMMING, according to claim 1, characterized by the low-cost microcontroller display (4) displaying information on total laps / finishes and standard lap distance.

5. ELECTRONIC LAP AND FINISH COUNTER FOR AQUATIC SWIMMING ENVIRONMENTS, according to claim 1, characterized by the actuator button (2) using dry contact, piezoelectric, capacitive or pneumatic sensor technology and fixed by suction cups (14) ensuring precise actuation in different underwater conditions. Petition 870250013216, dated 02 / 18 / 2025, page 6 / 17

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