Electronic device to assist blind or severely visually impaired swimmers in performing flip turns.

Abstract

An orientation aid system for swimmers with visual impairments, comprising: - An electronic armband intended to be worn on the swimmer's arm, consisting of a microcontroller with Bluetooth connectivity, at least one vibrating element, and a signal detection system based on the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI). - At least one wireless signal emitter beacon, located at one end of a swimming lane.

Description

Electronic device to assist blind or severely visually impaired swimmers in performing flip turns TECHNICAL SECTOR The present invention belongs to the field of technology applied to sport, and more specifically to the field of electronic devices intended for safety and assistance in the practice of swimming. The object of the present invention is an electronic warning system designed to alert the swimmer of their proximity to the end of the swimming lane, in order to avoid collisions with the pool wall and facilitate turning during training or free practice. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In swimming practiced by blind people, it is common to use spotters (tappers) who, with a pole, alert the swimmer to the proximity of the pool's edge. This method, although functional, depends on the intervention of others and can lead to synchronization errors. Currently, there are no standalone electronic devices that allow visually impaired swimmers to detect the end of their lane without assistance. Therefore, there is a need for a system that increases their autonomy and safety during training or competition. EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION The device consists of a system made up of beacons and an electronic bracelet that work together to warn the blind swimmer when they are approaching the end of the swimming lane and avoid collisions. Beacons: These are fixed stations placed at the ends of the street that emit Bluetooth signals with an approximate range of 10 meters. They use the received signal strength (RSSI) to calculate the distance to the swimmer. They are equipped with a microcontroller, motion sensors (IMU) to detect movement or impacts, status indicator LEDs, a USB port for charging and updating, and a waterproof casing. They have an autonomy of approximately 2 hours with fast charging (18 minutes). Bracelet: Portable device that the swimmer wears on his wrist. It automatically pairs with the beacons when it enters their coverage range. It incorporates a microcontroller with Bluetooth and an IMU sensor for monitoring. movements, status LEDs, haptic alert vibrator, USB port for charging and updates, and water-resistant casing. It uses the received signal strength (RSSI) to estimate proximity to the end of the pool and activate the vibration alert when the swimmer needs to turn. Operation: The bracelet's microcontroller receives the signal from the beacons and, based on the signal strength, calculates the distance to the end of the street. When the swimmer is close, the bracelet emits a vibration to warn that it is time to turn. Both the beacons and the bracelet have magnetic charging systems and water protection. The system improves the autonomy and safety of swimmers with visual impairments, eliminating the need for external assistance. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION The following describes a preferred embodiment of the invention, without limiting other possible technical variations within the protected subject matter. The invention consists of an aid system for visually impaired swimmers, comprising a wristband and one or more signaling beacons, which allow the swimmer to detect the proximity of the end of the lane in a swimming pool. Bracelet The main device is a bracelet, designed to be worn on the swimmer's wrist or upper arm. It is made of lightweight, durable materials such as reinforced plastic and waterproof silicone to ensure its functionality in aquatic environments. The bracelet incorporates the following components: A machined cover for the power switch and two status LEDs. A capsule, responsible for housing all the control electronics and the battery inside. A base, responsible for housing the capsule, which in turn is machined to pass a strap for securing it to the swimmer's arm. A NINA-B306 microcontroller with class 2 Bluetooth connectivity. An IMU to know the orientation of the bracelet at all times. Status LEDs to show if the bracelet is on and paired. A USB to load the data according to the swimmer's specifications. Two vibrating elements that activate upon detecting proximity to the end of the street. A 7.4V, 300mAh rechargeable lithium polymer battery, providing approximately 2 hours of autonomy. Beacons The beacons are strategically placed at the ends of the pool (one for each lane used). Their function is to emit a wireless signal that allows the wristband to calculate the swimmer's distance to the end of the lane, by analyzing the intensity of the received signal (RSSI: Received Signal Strength Indicator). Each beacon includes: A machined cover for the power switch and two status LEDs. A base, responsible for housing all the control electronics and the battery inside. A NINA-B306 microcontroller. An IMU to know the orientation of the bracelet at all times. Status LEDs to show if the bracelet is on and paired. A USB port for uploading data according to the swimmer's specifications. A 7.4V, 300mAh rechargeable lithium polymer battery, providing approximately 2 hours of battery life. System operation: As the swimmer approaches the end of the lane, the wristband detects an increase in the Bluetooth signal strength emitted by the beacon. Once a pre-calibrated threshold is reached, the wristband, which is within a pre-set proximity range of the beacon, activates its vibration motors, alerting the swimmer to make the corresponding turn. The bracelet and beacon pair automatically connect when the swimmer enters the beacon's coverage range, which is approximately 3 meters. Activation parameters can be manually adjusted by the user according to their individual needs. This system has been tested in Olympic-size swimming pools (50 meters), with satisfactory results in terms of accuracy, battery life, and connection reliability. The tests have confirmed that using the RSSI indicator allows for setting personalized thresholds for each swimmer, adapting the system to different speeds, strokes, and experience levels.

Claims

1. An orientation aid system for swimmers with visual impairments, comprising: - An electronic armband intended to be worn on the swimmer's arm, consisting of a microcontroller with Bluetooth connectivity, at least one vibrating element, and a signal detection system based on the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI). - At least one wireless signal emitting beacon, positioned at one end of a swimming lane.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the armband contains an inertial measurement unit (IMU) intended to detect its orientation during swimming. 3.A system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bracelet consists of a sealed structure comprising: - An inner capsule for housing the electronic components, - A machined base configured to allow the passage of a fastening strap, - A top cover provided with a power switch and at least two LED status indicators.

4. A system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that both the bracelet and the beacon are powered by a rechargeable lithium polymer battery with a capacity of at least 300 mAh and have a magnetic charging system that allows a full recharge in less than 20 minutes. 5.System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the beacon incorporates a NINA-B306 microcontroller with class 2 Bluetooth connectivity, configured to emit periodic signals intended to be detected by the bracelet.