Real Time Feedback Swim Training System and Method Based on Instantaneous Speed

Abstract

A swim training system and method includes a signal delivery sub-system configured to deliver signals to the swimmer and a machine vision sub-system with a detector and a target marker to be worn by a swimmer. The detector is configured to detect the target marker. A controller is configured to operably control the machine vision sub-system. A data processing sub-system is configured to process data collected by the machine vision sub-system and to generate signals for the signal delivery system. During a swim training session, the detector tracks a location of the target marker and transmits speed data to the data processing sub-system. The data processing sub-system processes the speed data and generates signals that are transmitted to the swimmer via the signal delivery sub-system in real time during the swim session. The signals are representative of a real time speed characteristic of the swimmer.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA[0001]This patent is related to and claims priority benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61 / 753,759, which was filed on Jan. 17, 2013 and also entitled “Real Time Feedback Swim Training System and Method Based on Instantaneous Speed.” The entire content of this prior filed provisional application is hereby incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field of the Disclosure[0003]The present disclosure is generally directed to swim training devices, systems, and methods, and more particularly to a swim training system that provides real time feedback based on an instantaneous swimming speed during swimmer training.[0004]2. Description of Related Art and Problems with Same[0005]It is well known in many athletic training endeavors to employ devices and systems to assist the athletes with objective feedback about their performance. This is particularly true for competitive swimming because speed is the critical indicator of each individu...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0022]The disclosed NATATOMETRY™ system automates analysis of video data in order to provide speed fluctuation feedback delivered in real time to the swimmer. The real time feedback during a swim training session increases the effectiveness of stroke corrections and training regimens in real time while a swimmer is training.

Problems solved by technology

The stop watch does not allow a coach or the swimmer to measure swimming speed fluctuations occurring during any one swim.

A pace clock also does not allow a swimmer or coach to measure swimming speed fluctuations occurring during any one swim.

All swimming speed fluctuations occurring within one length or lap of the pool are not averaged and not available to the swimmer or coach.

The attached cord methods and systems also only allow the swimmer to perform measurements when the swimmer is traveling in one direction, away from the deck mounted piece.

However, accuracy is poor at lower speeds and ultrasound reflects off the walls of the pool, further reducing accuracy.

The wavy surface of the water can also limit the capability of the device to locate the swimmer on the surface.

Otherwise the data would be compromised by obtaining data from the wrong swimmer.

This device is also not designed for real time feedback.

However, feedback is available to the swimmers only after the swim is completed, not real time.

Accuracy of the results produced by the device is questionable due to the cumulative nature of measurement errors, inherent to accelerometers.

This error accumulation is known as measurement drift.

Measurement error of a current measurement cycle is added to the measurement errors of all previous measurement cycles after the last calibration of the system.

Any measurement drift correction or sub-system of the disclosed Real-Time Swimming Monitor can make the system and components complex and quite expensive.

The accuracy of the swimming speed measurements of the Swim Meter, which is based on either of a rotating element, a pitot tube and pressure sensor, a current generator responsive to salt ions in the water, or an electrical generator, is not sufficient for speed measurements within such short time intervals.

However, these devices, systems, and methods are not capable of providing sufficiently accurate measurement rates required for analysis of speed fluctuations within a swimming stroke cycle.

However, the results of video analysis are not available to the swimmer in real time while they swim.

The time delay, required for video data processing, causes delay in feedback delivery to the coach or swimmer.

Delayed feedback is less effective than real time feedback for stroke correction and training.

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