Sports seat integrating a game

Abstract

Sports seating with additional electronic functionality includes a seating surface operable to support a user, and an additional functionality selected from the group consisting of: thermal management functionality, identity sensing functionality, health sensing functionality, clothing integration, and immersive display functionality.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention application with application number 201880032710.9, application date April 10, 2018, and invention title "Integrated Sports Seat for Competition".

[0002] Cross-references to related applications

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 62 / 513,411, filed May 31, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0004] This disclosure generally relates to seats with electronic features for use in sports or esports environments. Background Technology

[0005] Typically, athletes use chairs for a single function: support. They then rely on assistive devices / solutions with specific functions to meet other needs. However, in many cases, these assistive devices / solutions either fail to optimally meet the user's needs or cause inconvenience, and therefore risk not fully realizing their potential. Therefore, it is reasonable to believe there is a need for a chair solution that can support athletes while providing assistive functions that may be beneficial depending on the situation.

[0006] For example, it is well established that during physical activity, individuals who adequately warm up their muscles before engaging in the activity can perform better and have a lower risk of injury. Athletes typically warm up their muscles before activity by performing low-intensity exercises, which increase metabolic activity and heat production in the muscles (i.e., "active warm-up"). It has been found that a typical active warm-up period can raise muscle temperature by approximately 2-4°C (from a resting temperature of approximately 35-36°C to an active temperature of approximately 38-39°C).

[0007] In reality, although many athletes engage in some active warm-up to prepare for their sport, there is a common delay between their warm-up and the start of the competition. Similarly, in team sports involving athlete substitutions or rest periods between competition sessions, athletes may interrupt their game after a session and... Figure 1 As shown, sit / rest in a chair. These periods of inactivity can lead to muscle cooling, which can cause a gradual decline in muscle performance and a gradually increasing risk of injury.

[0008] The latest technology for keeping muscles warm during these inactive periods involves athletes wearing thermally insulated clothing in an effort to minimize heat loss to the surrounding environment. Standard clothing does not actively regulate muscle temperature to optimal levels. Furthermore, full-body thermal insulation can negatively impact the body's ability to regulate core temperature, as well as an athlete's perception of comfort or fatigue, both of which can negatively affect long-term endurance.

[0009] In another example, athletes in many sports frequently interact with individual or team coaches during breaks in competition. This collaboration can sometimes involve face-to-face verbal communication, or verbal communication via telephone or other two-way communication devices, and can utilize cues (such as dry-erasable markers, pictures, or videos displayed on tablets or other computing devices). In each case, the means of communication or cues may fail to convey the intended message or information. Similarly, this involves increasing athlete engagement during periods when, for example, rest or recovery is also crucial. Summary of the Invention

[0010] An embodiment of an integrated motion sports chair includes a seat surface operable to support a user, multiple thermal sensors, a biometric sensor, and a processor. The multiple thermal sensors are disposed on the seat surface, each operable to perform at least one of the following: actively transferring heat to the user or actively absorbing heat from the user. The biometric sensor is operable to monitor the user's physiological parameters (e.g., at least one of hydration, weight, heart rate, respiratory rate, or skin conductance). The processor then communicates with each thermal sensor and biometric sensor and is configured to control the multiple thermal sensors to maintain the user's temperature within a predetermined temperature range, sense at least one physiological parameter of the user via the biometric sensor, and output the sensed physiological parameter to a display.

[0011] In one embodiment, the sports chair includes a processor configured to detect whether a user is on the seat surface, establish communication with clothing items on the user's body, and control the clothing to reduce tension applied across the entire clothing item. The sports chair may also include an inductive charging transmitter, wherein the processor is operable to charge a battery associated with the clothing item by emitting a magnetic field via the inductive charging transmitter.

[0012] In an additional embodiment, the sports chair may include at least two of the following: a thermal management device for regulating user temperature; an identity sensing device for identifying the user; a health sensing device for determining at least one biometric parameter of the user; a clothing integration device for at least one of: charging a battery associated with clothing items on the user's body, or controlling tension applied to the user's body through the clothing items; and a display device for displaying an image within the user's field of vision. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is an illustration of a user sitting in a sports chair made of existing technology (such as one that can be used on the sidelines of a basketball game).

[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a smart seat.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view of an ergonomic chair with a rigid shell and an adaptive seat surface.

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic perspective view of a portion of the seat surface.

[0017] Figure 5A This is a schematic front and rear view of the user, showing the user and... Figure 1 The contact area between existing technology seats.

[0018] Figure 5B This is a schematic front and back view of the user, showing the user in relation to... Figure 3 The contact area between the ergonomic seats is shown.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the sensing functions implemented in a smart seat.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a schematic perspective view of a basketball court, which includes multiple users sitting in smart chairs.

[0021] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The user's schematic mixed reality view shows both augmented reality and virtual reality display aspects.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a smart seat with temperature regulation capabilities.

[0023] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A schematic perspective view of a portion of the seat surface of a smart chair.

[0024] Figure 11 Yes (for example, can be with) Figure 9 A schematic side view of part of the convection head cooling system used in conjunction with the intelligent seat features.

[0025] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a smart seat with clothing charging and automatic tensioning capabilities.

[0026] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the functions that can be performed by the processor of a smart seat. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to identify components that are identical or consistent in the various views. Figure 2 A schematic embodiment of a smart seat 10 is shown, which includes one or more integrated electronic aspects (typically at 12) that can be used in a sports or esports environment. As shown, the seat 10 may include, for example, one or more sensors or sensing capabilities 14, a two-way or one-way audio communication system 16, a visual display system 18 (e.g., an augmented or virtual reality display), one or more heat conduction and / or heat convection sensors 20, and / or clothing integration capabilities 22. Each electronic aspect 12 may be directly controlled by or communicate with a processor 24, and in some embodiments, the processor 24 may remotely communicate with one or more other smart seats 10, a remote storage server 26 / database 28, a remote coaching terminal 30, and / or a media production device 32 that interacts with an external audio / video (A / V) device 34.

[0028] From a structural perspective, the goal is to construct the seat 10 as ergonomically as possible and design it to support the user 36 in a natural body posture (minimizing the average and maximum contact pressure between the user 36 and the seat 10). In some embodiments, the ideal ergonomic seat design may include a hybrid material construction that provides structure and form to the seat 10 while also gently supporting the user 36 and maximizing comfort. For example, in... Figure 3-4 In one configuration shown, the seat 10 may include a rigid outer structure 40 that surrounds and supports a more flexible inner seat surface 42. In some embodiments, the rigid outer structure 40 may be located beneath the flexible inner seat surface 42, while, for example... Figure 3-4 In other embodiments shown, the outer structure 40 and the inner seat surface 42 may together define a continuous surface 44. When the user 36 is seated in the seat 10, the flexible inner seat surface 42 may be specifically configured to conform to the user's body contours. In this way, the surface area of ​​flush contact between the user 36 and the seat 10 is maximized.

[0029] Figure 5A and 5B It schematically shows, as Figure 1 The seats shown are as follows Figure 3 The difference in contact surface areas between the seats 10 is shown. Figure 5A In contrast, it is clear that traditional chairs only contact the user 36 in a narrow surface area 46a of the middle back and thighs. Figure 5B An embodiment is shown where the entire rear surface 46b of the user 36 contacts the seat 10. By providing more support for the user, the seat 10 offers better ergonomics and allows the user 36 to relax more completely in the seat and rest / recover when necessary. Although Figure 3 An embodiment of the seat with a slight tilt is shown, but the seat can also be more upright, or adopt a more... Figure 1 The standard folding seat offers higher contact pressure and ergonomic quality for other postures.

[0030] As in Figure 6 As schematically illustrated and also as described above, in some embodiments, seat 10 may include various sensing capabilities 14 that help determine the identity of the user (i.e., identity sensing 50) and / or the real-time health status of the user 36 (i.e., health sensing 52). Processor 24 may customize certain performance attributes of seat 10 to suit the user 36 by knowing the identity of the individual in / on seat 10, and / or use it in conjunction with other sensing data for third-party display and / or aggregation. Health sensing 52 may typically include monitoring certain biometrics that can be used (from a coach's perspective) to determine future game strategies, establish trends, and / or for third-party infographic displays.

[0031] To enable identity sensing 50, seat 10 may include an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader for reading RFID chips attached to user 36 or user clothing, a camera equipped with facial recognition software, a fingerprint scanner, a keypad, or other such sensing methods. Each of these identity sensing modes typically requires seat 10 to sense certain identifying attributes of user 36. Once sensed, the corresponding sensor can communicate information about the attributes to processor 24, which can then make appropriate inferences about the user's identity.

[0032] In some configurations, health sensing 52 may include real-time monitoring of hydration, weight, heart rate, respiration, skin conductance, or other such biometrics. For example, in one configuration, seat 10 may include one or more load sensors for determining the real-time weight of user 36. Assuming rapid fluctuations in weight are primarily attributable to changes in hydration, if processor 24 determines via the load sensors that the user's weight has decreased by more than a predetermined amount or percentage over the course of an event, processor 24 may conclude that user 36 is dehydrated and may alert user 36 to drink water. Such dehydration indication may be provided, for example, by illuminating light visible to user 36 or a person very close to seat 10 (e.g., a team member or trainer). As a different agent for hydration, processor 24 may also be configured to monitor weight changes in one or more water bottles, for example, via one or more strain gauges or weighing sensors associated with a cup holder. Processor 24 can thus track the total fluid intake of user 36.

[0033] Similarly, in some configurations, seat 10 may include one or more integrated sensors capable of determining the user's heart rate, respiratory rate, and / or skin conductance. These sensors may include one or more electrodes, load sensors, strain gauges, light-emitting diodes, optical sensors, or other such sensors known to monitor these parameters. Furthermore, these sensors may be integrated within the surface of the seat, beneath a moisture barrier, and / or a cushioning layer. In other embodiments, as further described below, one or more sensors may be embedded in the user's clothing and / or wearable devices or belts that communicate directly with the user's skin.

[0034] Once the user's identity is confirmed, the specific athlete's health data 54 can then be recorded or logged by the server 26 and / or the relevant database 28, for example, for trend analysis and real-time detection of trend deviations. Furthermore, the real-time health data 54 and / or trend data 56 can then be streamed to a system where the data can be displayed for reference (e.g., Figure 7 (As generally shown) Remote coaching terminal 30 and / or media production equipment 32. For example, in some embodiments, coaches / trainers can use specific athlete health data 54 to assess whether user 36 has adequately rested / recovered to continue competing. Similarly, media producers can (e.g., via A / V equipment 34) incorporate specific athlete health data 54 and / or trend data 56 into live or television broadcast audio / video broadcasts. In other embodiments, health data 54 and trend data 56 can be presented directly to the user via a display.

[0035] In yet another embodiment, specific athlete health data 54 and / or trend data 56 can also be used as part of the match execution in an esports environment. For example, user physiological responses sensed in real time during a match can be used as input to control visual focus and / or controller sensitivity or jitter. In such embodiments, tension or stress (e.g., assessed by heart rate or respiratory rate) can lead to low-focus display effects, peripheral vision loss, or increased controller jitter. Thus, athletes who can control their physiological responses may have an advantage.

[0036] like Figure 7 As schematically illustrated and as described above, in some embodiments, seat 10 may include various audio communication systems 16 that facilitate (i.e., via data connection 62) audio communication between two or more users 36 and / or between one or more users 36 and a local or remote coach 60. In such embodiments, audio communication system 16 may include at least one speaker 64 connected to each respective seat 10. Similarly, audio communication system 16 may also include at least one microphone or other audio input device associated with remote coach terminal 30 and / or one or more of the provided seats 10. In this way, audio communication system 16 can facilitate communication between athletes and / or between users and coaches. Communication between athletes can be particularly beneficial in noisy stadium / arena environments or in sports activities where athletes are seated in a constrained linear configuration. Similarly, communication between coaches and athletes can better enable adjustments during the game by facilitating recommendations for specific athlete or team strategies for any one or more users 36 or groups of users 36.

[0037] In some embodiments, the speaker 64 and / or audio communication system 16 can be operated to provide noise cancellation functionality to each respective user 36. Such noise cancellation capabilities can be used in noisy arenas or stadiums to provide users 36 with a sense of calm and relaxation, and to better facilitate communication between athletes and between athletes and coaches. In such embodiments, the seat 10 may be equipped with a microphone that receives audible background / stadium noise. The processor 24 can receive signals from the microphone and cause the speaker 64 to broadcast out-of-phase sound waves to the user 36 that cancel out ambient noise and / or reduce the amplitude of ambient noise. In some embodiments, a seat 10 with a wraparound headrest may be better provided.

[0038] Beyond purely audio communication / advice, many athletes rely on visual information and / or instructions to better understand strategies and the tendencies of opposing teams during a match. Thus, in some embodiments, the smart chair 10 may include a visual display system 18 that can combine augmented reality (AR) vision with / or one or more immersive or partially immersive displays (e.g., virtual reality (VR) similar to VR). These display systems 18 can be used by coaches to replay previous match sequences, plot future match sequences, provide top-down and / or perspective views of live and / or recorded matches, and enhance the user's real-time viewing experience. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the visual display system 18 can be used to help the user 36 relax after a period of intense activity and / or to motivate athletes before entering a match / competition.

[0039] Specifically, such as Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the visual display system 18 may include a graphic display 70, which may be worn on or cover a portion of the user's head 72 (particularly in front of the user's eyes). In some embodiments, the display may be housed in a helmet, visor, or other head covering element associated with the seat 10. Alternatively, the display 70 may be housed in eyeglasses, goggles, or other discrete lenses that can be detached from the seat 10. In any embodiment, the graphic display 70 may preferably include a discrete visual display for each of the user's eyes (or the ability to project stereoscopic vision separately to each eye) to provide a stereoscopic display to the user 36.

[0040] In the AR configuration, the graphics display 70 may include a generally transparent lens that can be manipulated to provide one or more visual elements within the user 36's field of view. The display 70 may include, for example, a transparent lens that receives projected images from an adjacently placed projector, a selectively emitting display (e.g., an OLED display), and / or a display that can selectively change light transmission (e.g., an LCD). Furthermore, the graphics display 70 may include a view tracking system that can track the user's eye movements by looking outwards and inwards (e.g., using a camera), and / or detect and / or understand the user's real-time field of view by knowing the real-time position and orientation of the display 70. Examples of graphics display technologies that can be used in conjunction with this system to present augmented reality are described in detail in U.S. Patent Application 2014 / 0160001, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0041] In a VR configuration, the graphics display 70 can typically be opaque, preventing the user from perceiving the surrounding environment outside the display. In such embodiments, the display 70 may include, for example, a projection display on an opaque or semi-transparent surface, an emitting display with an opaque back or backlight, or a selectively transmissive display (e.g., an LCD or LED display). In some embodiments, VR and AR can be implemented using the same device and / or selectively on separate portions of the device, for example, using a selectively dimmable electrochromic layer disposed behind an emitting display (e.g., an OLED display). Examples of such combined VR / AR displays are described in U.S. Patent Application 2016 / 0055822, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0042] Figure 8 This is illustrated schematically (e.g., it can be done through...). Figure 7 An embodiment of the mixed reality view 80 (as seen by the graphic display 70) is illustrated. In this embodiment, a graphical view 82 of the court is overlaid within the user's live view 84 to more accurately show athlete movement leading to the current live action. More specifically, in some embodiments, the top view of the court may use live images or graphical symbols 86 to show the positions of all athletes and may also include athlete history paths 88 to represent athlete movement over a predetermined length of previous time. In some embodiments, view 80 may be dynamically reconfigurable, and a portion of view 80 may be allocated to replay video (i.e., replay window 90), which may be selectively fed to display 70 via coach terminal 30. Additionally, in some embodiments, display 70 may overlay position indicators 92 onto or slightly above the ground 94 to highlight live athlete positions. Similar to graphical view 82, athlete history paths 88 may follow position indicators 92 to illustrate athlete movement. For example, during timeouts, the relative sizes of graphical view 82 and / or replay window 90 may be adjusted / enlarged to provide enhanced guidance and strategy explanations.

[0043] although Figure 7-8The use of audio and video functions 16, 18 in relation to basketball is illustrated, but they can also be readily applied to other sports and esports. For example, existing technology for coaching during games in American football involves a small group of athletes collectively reviewing printed images and / or replay videos provided on a flat-panel display. Current seating technology would greatly benefit coaching and team integration while allowing athletes to sit and relax while focusing on coaching advice. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the seat 10 can include multiple thermal sensors 20 for keeping athletes' bodies in a ready position (keeping ready is often impossible when athletes are crammed around a single monitor). In an esports environment, audio and video functions 16, 18 can be used to provide an immersive and / or semi-immersive environment for competitors, while enabling them to communicate outwards and / or broadcast their personal comments to a wider audience.

[0044] In a traditional sports environment Figure 9 An embodiment of a smart seat 10 is illustrated schematically. The smart seat 10 has multiple thermal sensors 20 configured to actively maintain the temperature of various muscle groups in the user's body in a "warm-up" state, and one or more systems adapted to help reduce / regulate the user's core body temperature and / or alleviate fatigue / tiredness.

[0045] In such Figure 9-10 In some embodiments shown, the interior seat surface 42 of the seat 10 includes a plurality of dispersed heat zones 114, each heat zone 114 being adapted to actively apply heat and / or apply cooling to the user 36 via conductive heat transfer. As used herein, “applying heat” or “heating” involves controlling a corresponding heat zone 114 (i.e., a heat source) to generate a heat flux and transfer the heat flux outward to the user 36, while “applying cooling” or “cooling” involves controlling a corresponding heat zone 114 (i.e., a radiator) to absorb heat flux from the user 36 and receive it inward.

[0046] Each hot zone 114 includes one or more working elements 116 configured to actively generate and / or absorb heat energy, and a user-facing contact surface 118 facilitating heat transfer between the working elements 116 and the user 36. For example... Figure 10 In one preferred configuration, the working element 116 may be, for example, a thermoelectric cooler (e.g., a Peltier device 120), and the contact surface 118 may include the user-facing outer surface of the Peltier device 120. As is well known in the art, a Peltier device is a solid-state device (in...) capable of controllably varying the temperature gradient across the thickness of the device 120 in response to an applied current 122. Figure 9(Illustrated schematically). Advantageously, these devices 120 can be used to heat or cool a desired surface. For example, if an electric current is applied to the Peltier device 120, the contact surface 118 can be heated while the opposite side can be cooled. Conversely, if the opposite current is applied to the Peltier device 120, the contact surface can be cooled while the opposite side can be heated.

[0047] To maximize the flexibility and usability of the seat 10, it is preferable that each heating zone 114 is capable of both applying heat and cooling to the user (e.g., heat or cooling that can be provided by the Peltier device 120). Given this versatility, the seat 10 can be used to actively heat the user 36 before an event, keep the user 36 in a ready state during event breaks, and / or cool the user 36 after an event simply by changing the heating / cooling configuration on each heating zone 114.

[0048] In other embodiments, selected areas can be strictly configured to apply heat (e.g., areas dedicated to warming muscles), while other areas can be strictly configured to apply cooling (e.g., areas for cooling / helping regulate the user's core temperature). Dedicated heating areas can utilize working elements 116 (e.g., resistance heating elements or bladders filled with heating liquid). Similarly, dedicated cooling areas can utilize working elements 116 (e.g., air-cooled radiators, refrigeration systems, or cryogenic fluids, or bladders filled with cooling liquid). In another embodiment, dedicated cooling areas can be combined with a large-mass object with a high specific heat capacity (e.g., a large block of steel, aluminum, or a water container) maintained at a temperature below the user's skin temperature.

[0049] To keep the user 36 in an optimal state of readiness for exercise, the seat 10 can be operated to independently and selectively control the temperature output of each of the multiple heat zones 114. Thus, the seat 10 can attempt to adjust different local areas of the user's body to their respective optimal temperatures. To accomplish this independent and selective control, the processor 24 can communicate with each of the multiple heat zones 114. The processor 24 is configured to execute one or more software / firmware algorithms stored thereon or readily accessible to it to understand and independently control the temperature of each corresponding heat zone 114.

[0050] In one configuration, processor 24 can control the temperature of each corresponding hot zone 114 in an open-loop manner. For example, processor 24 can receive an indication of the desired heat flux for each zone 114 and can operate the corresponding operating element 116 to respond accordingly. In a system where the operating element 116 is a Peltier device 120, processor 24 can directly supply current 122 to each device 120 in response to the received indication of the desired heat flux. The received indication of the desired heat flux can be a qualitative measurement of the desired amount of heating / cooling that should be applied through zone 114 and can be input by user 36 via one or more digital or analog input devices. Alternatively, the desired heat flux can be pre-programmed into processor 24 based on the intended use of seat 10 (e.g., according to the expected duration of movement, intensity of movement, environment of movement, and / or rest).

[0051] While open-loop temperature control offers an easily implemented solution, a preferred strategy involves using closed-loop temperature control. In a closed-loop temperature control strategy, each hot zone 114 may include one or more temperature sensors 132 operable to output a signal 134 indicating the temperature of the contact surface 118 and / or the temperature of the user 36 adjacent to the contact surface 118. Using this feedback, the processor 24 may (e.g., by varying the current 122 supplied to the operating element 116) modulate the output of the operating element 116 to attempt to minimize the difference between the sensed temperature and a specific setpoint temperature. In one configuration, the user 36 may directly input their desired temperature setpoint for each corresponding hot zone 114. In another configuration, the setpoint temperature may be automatically selected by the processor 24 or pre-programmed into the processor 24 based on the nature of the motion and the environment in which the motion takes place.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the processor 24 may automatically attempt to provide optimal thermal relief to the user while simultaneously attempting to maintain the various muscle temperatures of the user 36 at their respective optimal levels for the activity the user 36 is participating in. For this purpose, the heat zone 114 is desirously positioned such that it is aligned with and in direct contact with the muscle groups and / or body areas on or near which the user 36 intends to apply heat or cooling. For example, if the seat 10 is used in conjunction with basketball (e.g., before a game or after a substitution), the heat zone 114 may be desirously positioned to contact and directly thermally connect with the user's gluteal muscles, hamstrings (i.e., semitendinosus, semimembranosus, and / or biceps femoris), and / or calf muscles (i.e., gastrocnemius). Positioning the heat zone 114 to directly contact the back muscles (i.e., trapezius, rhomboids, erector spinae, serratus, obliques, and / or latissimus dorsi), shoulder muscles (i.e., deltoids), and / or arm muscles (e.g., triceps surae) may also be advantageous.

[0053] In order to maintain muscle temperature at an optimal level, Figure 9-10 The diagram schematically illustrates a first plurality of heat zones 140 positioned for direct contact with the upper back (e.g., rhomboid muscles), a second plurality of heat zones 142 positioned for direct contact with the gluteal muscles and / or hamstrings, and a third plurality of heat zones 144 positioned for direct contact with the calf muscles. In each case, it is desirable for the processor 24 to maintain the temperature of the respective adjacent muscles at approximately 2°C to approximately 4°C higher than their natural resting temperature, which can be achieved by controlling the temperature of the contact surface 118 to a set temperature equal to or slightly higher than the desired muscle temperature.

[0054] While keeping muscles at a high temperature can keep them in a ready state, reducing the likelihood of future injury and improving muscle performance / strength, heating may be detrimental to an athlete's long-term endurance and the psychological perception of heat relief after a period of exercise. Therefore, to reduce fatigue, improve user comfort, and reduce the user's thermoregulatory stress, the seat 10 of the present invention can apply cooling to the user 36 in one or more of a variety of forms.

[0055] First, the seat may include a heat zone 146 aligned with the user's spine and / or neck, configured to actively absorb heat from the user 36. The neck and spine regions receive a large amount of blood flow but have the smallest muscle mass; cooling these muscle groups could lead to spasms or negatively impact athletic performance. Therefore, by applying cooling to the spine and / or neck, the seat 10 helps the user's body regulate its core temperature (i.e., reduces the thermoregulatory strain experienced by the body) while also providing psychological benefits such as a feeling of rest, recovery, and / or thermal relief. In one configuration, even with external heating, cooling can be applied to the spine and / or neck in a controlled manner to avoid any adverse effects on muscle temperature.

[0056] Seat 10 can also provide cooling to user 36 through convection cooling system 150, such as... Figure 9 and 11 The illustration schematically shows airflow 152 directed to and across the user's head and / or face. While it is not yet certain whether convective cooling of the head and / or face has a significant impact on core body temperature, it has been shown to provide beneficial effects such as extending mean fatigue time and reducing the user's perceived total exercise intensity. Furthermore, it has been found that facial cooling can have a significant performance advantage during aerobic exercise in certain situations.

[0057] like Figure 9 As shown and in Figure 11As shown more clearly in some embodiments, the convection cooling system 150 may include an air pressurization chamber 154 configured to direct airflow 152 to the head and / or face of the user 36. In one configuration, the air pressurization chamber 154 includes one or more holes, slots, or other such openings 156 that allow compressed air to exit the pressurization chamber 154 and direct the air toward the head / face of the user 36. In one configuration, delivering the air in a laminar flow manner may be preferred, which allows the exhaust airflow 152 to closely follow the contours of the user's head and face. While it is preferred that one or more holes, slots, or other such openings 156 be positioned sufficiently forward relative to the user's head (e.g., in front of the coronal plane) to direct airflow 152 across the user's face, in some embodiments, even if the openings 156 are positioned further back, the nature of the flow (e.g., laminar / boundary following) may achieve facial cooling.

[0058] like Figure 9 As schematically shown, the convection cooling system 150 may also include one or more fans 158 or other blower devices configured to move air within the system 150. To cool the airflow 152 before it is directed to the user, the convection cooling system 150 may also include one or more cooling devices 160 disposed in the path of the air before it exits from the opening 156. In one configuration, the cooling device 160 may utilize, for example, a refrigerant or an evaporative cooler to cool the flowing air. In another configuration, the cooling device 160 may utilize and / or include the back of one or more Peltier devices 120 for heating the user's muscles. Finally, as... Figure 11 As shown, the convection cooling system 150 may also include any desired duct 162 required to deliver airflow from the fan 158 to the pressure chamber 154.

[0059] In some embodiments, seat 10 may also include a convection humidity management system operable to manage humidity within a microclimate adjacent to user 36. For example, after a period of strenuous exercise, the user's body may be excessively covered in sweat. The humidity management system may direct airflow around the user 36's body in a manner that induces sweat evaporation and / or helps reduce localized humidity increases caused by sweat evaporation. The humidity management system may utilize a pressurization chamber 154 and / or microchannels extending through the internal seat surface 42 of seat 10 to direct airflow to the user's body. In one configuration, the airflow directed to the body may be heated (e.g., via a heating element) to avoid a noticeable cooling effect on the user's skin / muscles. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the airflow directed to the body may be at or below ambient temperature in an effort to cool the user 36 (if desired) and / or provide psychological benefits of mental recovery.

[0060] In configurations where a particular seat surface 42 is likely to accommodate multiple different users throughout a sporting event, it is particularly important that the seat has sufficient flexibility to comfortably and ergonomically accommodate users with different body types. Similarly, multiple heat zones 114 should be positioned so that they contact desired muscle groups / body positions for various body types / sizes.

[0061] To provide optimal temperature regulation for multiple different user / body sizes, in one configuration, multiple heat zones 114 can be dynamically allocated and / or constructed based on an understanding of the user's specific anatomy. For example, multiple discrete working elements 116 can be arranged on the entire (or most) interior seat surface 42 of the seat 10. Once the user 36 is accommodated in / on the seat 10, the processor 24 can intelligently define multiple heat zones 114 by grouping adjacent groups of working elements 116 according to the user's specific anatomy.

[0062] In one configuration, processor 24 can determine the user's anatomy by monitoring the contact pressure between the user 36 and the seat 10, for example, using multiple strain gauges or load sensors integrated in the seat surface 42 and / or the working element 116. In another configuration, processor 24 can determine the user's anatomy by receiving an indication of the user's identity and then retrieving the user's anatomical proportions from an electronic database, for example, through the capability of identity sensing 50.

[0063] In another configuration, if the user's anatomy indicates selective modification, certain predefined hot zones 114 can be modified instead of dynamically constructing all hot zones 114. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the size / location of different hot zones 114 can be configured to accommodate users at the big and little ends of the expected user size 36 (e.g., the anatomical structures of the 95th and 5th percentiles). If the anatomy of a particular user does not require the entire array, the processor 24 can selectively deactivate individual working elements 116 after learning the user's identity.

[0064] Refer again Figure 2In some embodiments, seat 10 may include one or more electronic aspects integrated with the user's footwear or clothing (i.e., clothing integration 22). For example, if user 36 is wearing footwear or clothing with an automatic tensioning mechanism, seat 10 may loosen the user's footwear / clothing when user 36 initially sits down and re-tension it as user 36 is about to enter / return to the competition. Examples of automatically tensioning footwear and clothing are described in U.S. Patents 8,046,937 and 9,365,387, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Such devices are typically operated by electronically winding or retracting one or more tensioning fibers disposed within the article. When the fibers are pulled in, they can cause the article to exert a normal contractile force on a part of the user's body. While this force may be beneficial during competition, it can sometimes be uncomfortable when user 36 attempts to relax.

[0065] Figure 12 An embodiment of the garment integration mode is schematically illustrated. As shown, the seat 10 is in close contact with a garment and / or footwear item 170 (typically "garment 170") worn by the user 36. Garment 170 includes a motor 172 (or other electrically actuated contractile element, such as shape memory alloy, electroactive polymer, etc.) operable to selectively tension at least one fiber 174 disposed in garment 170, wherein tensioning or loosening fiber 174 causes garment 170 to contract or relax around the user 36. Examples of garments 170 that can utilize this selective contraction include compression shirts, compression sleeves or leg warmers, compression shorts, knee orthotics, wrist orthotics, ankle orthotics, foot orthotics, glove abdominal pads / orthotics, shoes, etc. In some embodiments, motor 172 may be powered by a battery 176 or other charge storage device carried by garment 170. In other embodiments, motor 172 may be powered by an external power source (e.g., seat 10 and / or processor 24).

[0066] Once the user 36 is seated in the seat 10, the processor 24 can detect the presence and / or identity of the user via the sensing function 14 integrated in the seat 10. Upon this instruction, the processor 24 can direct the motor 172 to unwind and / or relax the tension on the fibers 174, thereby reducing the contraction of the garment 170 around the user 36. The processor 24 can provide this instruction via a data connection 178 between the seat 10 and the garment 170. In some embodiments, this data connection can be a wired data connection between electrical terminals established on the seat 10 and mating electrical terminals integrated into the garment 170. Such terminals may include, for example, magnetic contact elements to help ensure contact. In other embodiments, the data connection 178 may include a low-power Bluetooth radio, near-field communication capabilities, or other short-range wireless digital communication devices.

[0067] When user 36 is ready to resume the game and / or stand up from seat 10, processor 24 may direct motor 172 to re-tension fibers 174, causing garment 170 to re-contract around user 36. In one embodiment, processor 24 may understand user intention to leave seat 10 after receiving a leave command from user 36 (e.g., user 36 presses a button indicating re-tensioning or leaving). In another embodiment, processor 24 may understand user intention to leave seat 10 by monitoring user body posture and / or contact pressure between user 36 and seat 10 and inferring an inherent attempt to stand. In yet another embodiment, garment 170 may autonomously operate to re-tension after communication or contact with seat 10 is interrupted (i.e., when user is fully standing up from seat 10).

[0068] like Figure 12 As further illustrated, in some embodiments, the processor 24 may receive from the motor 172 a tension feedback signal 180 indicating the real-time tension on the fibers 174 and / or the garment 170. The processor 24 can use this signal 180 to ensure that the garment 170 is sufficiently relaxed once seated and adaptively re-tensioned when the user 36 is ready to resume the competition. In some embodiments, adaptive tensioning can be used to address swelling, fluid retention, and / or changes in the user's body proportions that may occur during the competition. In other words, if tensioning is based on, for example, the pressure applied to the user, the absolute size of the garment 170 may differ at the start of the competition from the end due to changes in body shape.

[0069] Continue to refer to Figure 12 In some embodiments, the garment integration 22 of this seat 10 may include a charging capability 182 for the garment and / or footwear adaptive article 170. In some embodiments, these capabilities may include an inductive charging device comprising an inductive charging transmitter 184 disposed on the seat 10 and an inductive charging receiver 186 associated with and / or integrated into the garment 170. Examples of suitable charging capabilities are further described in U.S. Patent 8,058,837 and U.S. Patent Application 2016 / 0345654, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The seat 10 may utilize the time the user 36 sits in the seat 10 to ensure that the battery 176 is in a properly charged state. If charging is required, the seat 10 may emit a magnetic field from the inductive charging transmitter 184, and the inductive charging receiver 186 may receive the magnetic field and use the magnetic field to replenish the charge stored in the battery 176.

[0070] In some embodiments, the above regarding Figure 2 and Figure 6The described sensing capability 14 can be functionally integrated into clothing integration 22. More specifically, the user's clothing may include one or more sensors that remain very close to or in contact with the user's skin 36. These sensors may include, for example, heart rate sensors, respiration sensors, conductance skin sensors, RFID identification indicators, etc. Sensors (typically "clothing sensors") may be integrated / woven into one or more pieces of tight-fitting clothing, padding, footwear, belts worn around the torso or other appendages, or adhesively attached to the user 36. In some configurations, clothing sensors may include storage devices (e.g., flash memory or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory) that can periodically record user data while the user 36 is participating in a sporting event. When the user 36 is seated on the seat 10, the seat 10 may communicate with these clothing sensors in a one-way or two-way manner (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy, Near Field Communication, etc.) to receive the user's real-time biometric information and / or biometric information stored in the memory of the clothing sensors. As described above, the downloadable content can be used in the same manner as biometric data directly acquired by the seat 10.

[0071] In some embodiments, clothing-based sensing capabilities may include one or more accelerometers embedded within the user's protective padding and / or woven or otherwise agglomerated to the user's compression underwear. Such sensing capabilities can be used to record the size and location of any impacts or collisions that may occur during the competition. When the user leaves the competition area and sits in seat 10, the processor 24 and / or seat 10 can download the recorded sensing data. In such embodiments, requiring close contact between the sensing electronics and the receiver can provide the clothing with lighter weight and lower additional force, which can be better accepted by athletes and lead to increased use.

[0072] While the aforementioned seat 10 provides benefits to an individual athlete, in some configurations, sports teams may find particular utility in providing similar benefits to more than one athlete at a given time. Thus, in one configuration, multiple smart seats 10 can be connected adjacently to form a smart bench comprising multiple internal seat surfaces 42, each ergonomically accommodating and supporting a different user / athlete. In one configuration, the smart bench may be a single, monolithic product comprising multiple adjacent seat surfaces 42. In another configuration, adjacent individual seats 10 may be partially fixed together to form a larger structure.

[0073] When used in conjunction with basketball, a smart bench can be adapted to accommodate and support, for example, up to or more than five users / athletes at any given time. These five users may include athletes currently joining the game (e.g., during timeouts or quarter-breaks), athletes recovering after being substituted out of the game, and / or athletes waiting to be substituted into the game. In other examples, a smart bench for basketball can be adapted to accommodate and support up to two or three users / athletes (i.e., given that most teams have a rotation of 7 or 8 players, 2 or 3 athletes may be kept warm-up while waiting to enter or re-enter the game).

[0074] Although this disclosure is primarily illustrated in the context of basketball, the technology is equally applicable to and useful in other sports, such as, but not limited to, American football, soccer, tennis, lacrosse, rugby, baseball, softball, hockey, gymnastics, racing, cross-country racing, skiing, snowboarding, sprinting or other track and field events, swimming, hockey, wrestling, mixed martial arts, boxing, cricket, or any event involving matches and breaks, events taking place in a seat, or events involving the substitution of athletes during a match. Similarly, while this seat is primarily intended for athletes, one or more aspects of the described intelligent seat can be similarly applied to spectators of any of the aforementioned sports.

[0075] As used above, “processor 24” is intended to include and may be embodied as one or more discrete data processing devices, each having one or more microcontrollers or central processing units (CPUs), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), high-speed clocks, input / output (I / O) circuitry, and / or any other circuitry necessary to perform the functions described herein. Processor 24 may be located on seat 10 and / or may include one or more remote processors or servers. In some embodiments, “processor 24” may include one or more Internet-based / cloud-based services, and / or communicate with one or more Internet-based / cloud-based services that may provide or receive real-time data to or from seat 10, and / or control one or more performance or visual aspects of seat 10.

[0076] Figure 13 An embodiment of the operation method 200 of the seat 10 is schematically shown from the perspective of the processor 24. Method 200 typically begins at 210 with the detection of the presence of a user / athlete. As described above, presence can be detected by monitoring, for example, one or more load sensors, strain gauges, capacitance sensors, thermal sensors, or RF (radio frequency identification) sensors used to detect the presence of a user on the seat surface 42.

[0077] Once a user is detected at 210 using connected hardware, processor 24 may execute one or more thermal management functions (typically at 202), one or more biometric sensing functions (typically at 204), one or more display or communication functions (typically at 206), and / or one or more clothing / footwear integration functions (typically at 208).

[0078] As described above, to provide thermal management function 202, processor 24 can (at 212) initiate monitoring of the muscle temperature of one and / or more users. This monitoring can be accomplished, for example, by polling one or more thermal sensors distributed across the entire seat surface 42. Once the user's temperature (or thermal profile of the user across their major muscle groups) is known, processor 24 can (at 214) operate one or more thermal sensors to adjust and / or maintain the muscle temperature (or thermal profile) to a desired setpoint or within a desired temperature range. This heating / cooling is preferably achieved through direct conduction to the user 36 via the thermal sensors. More specifically, heating / cooling may include (e.g., by means of a Peltier heating element or a resistance heating element) actively providing heat to the user, and / or may involve (e.g., by means of a Peltier cooling element or other fluid-based cooling technology) actively absorbing heat from the user.

[0079] In one embodiment, the target temperature can be received directly from the user. For example, the user can specify the target temperature in degrees or via a qualitative value of 1-10. In one embodiment, the processor 24 can apply a delay to this setpoint to establish a controlled temperature range. In another embodiment, the temperature can be based on the user's identity (which can be determined by...). Figure 6 The identity sensing capability described in section 220 detects the target temperature from a relevant database. The user's ideal target temperature or thermal profile can be a predetermined temperature / profile that takes into account the nature of the physical activity, the user's physiology and condition, and the user's thermal preferences. In order to provide a further feeling of relaxation or cooling after a period of exercise (i.e., when the temperature monitored at 212 is greater than or equal to the desired set point), processor 24 can (at 216) direct convection cooling to the user's face, head, and neck.

[0080] Biometric functions (typically at 204) can be operated using or based on the aforementioned health sensing capabilities 52. More specifically, after user identification at 220, processor 24 can monitor one or more biometric sensors, load sensors, or other health sensing capabilities 52 (at 222) to understand the user's real-time condition. The parameters sensed can be compared with the user's historical data (at 224) to assess the user's real-time condition based on normal or peak condition. Processor 24 can also correlate the user's condition level with historical performance data, allowing the real-time condition to indicate exercise readiness (i.e., high fatigue may lead to decreased athletic performance). Such analysis can be performed, for example, through a multiple regression model. These health statistics can then be output (at 226) to coaches and / or media to allow for improvements in athlete substitution strategies and / or enhanced understanding of athlete / team condition, such as... Figure 6 As shown. In one configuration, processor 24 can determine a comprehensive health index representing fatigue level, the ratio of current condition to peak condition, or the ratio of current health model performance level to best health model performance level.

[0081] In one embodiment, health / biometric sensing functionality can be integrated into the user's clothing and data can be recorded throughout the competition. In that case, processor 24 can establish communication with the clothing at 230, at which point processor 24 can directly (at 222) read biometric data from the wearable sensors.

[0082] As further discussed above, in the case of automatically tensioned footwear / clothing (collectively, "clothing"), once communication is established with the clothing (at 230), the processor 24 can (at 232) instruct the clothing to relax and / or release any applied pressure. This capability allows the user to relax more fully during rest periods. This function may involve instructing the clothing to release tension applied throughout / the entire upper, compression sleeves, leggings, knees, ankles, or wrist straps, and / or headwear.

[0083] After the garment is loosened at 232, if the processor 24 detects (at 234) that the user is attempting to stand and / or leave the seat surface, it can (at 236) communicate with the garment to instruct it to retension. However, in some embodiments, retension may occur simply due to an interruption in communication between the garment and the processor 24 (i.e., rather than an explicit instruction). In such embodiments, the default state of the garment may be "tight," while the processor 24 merely "holds" the garment in a looser configuration when the user is seated.

[0084] As in Figure 13As also shown, processor 24 can also coordinate various display / communication functions at 206. As illustrated, processor 24 can receive (and / or transmit) one or more audio and / or video streams at 240. Audio streams (e.g., advice from a coach or communication between athletes) can be presented to the user via a speaker / microphone (at 242), and video streams can be presented to the user via a connected display system 18 (at 244). In some embodiments, such as the esports scenario described above, biometric sensing may be able to control aspects of the video stream (at 246) (e.g., by narrowing the field of view or focus of the video stream).

[0085] In some embodiments, the video stream output by the display system 18 (at 244) may include, for example, a match graph, advanced statistics on the match tendencies of opposing teams, a probability heatmap representing the opponent's position, trends, or areas representing the highest probability of success, and / or real-time athlete health status or health status summary.

[0086] The displayed match charts can incorporate real-time tracking of opposing teams (e.g., using cameras with image recognition capabilities) to analyze routes or responses for given actions on the field. Additionally, they can present one or more matches selected by the coach or through predictive computing techniques (i.e., matches most likely to yield a successful outcome, as defined by the coach or through an understanding of the situation). If used as a forward-looking strategy (e.g., during match timeouts or pauses), the match charts can be animated in real-time to better illustrate the pace or sequence of match decisions.

[0087] Advanced statistics displayed can include, for example, team formation probability, team route / match probability, athlete orientation tendency, athlete / team shot selection tendency, athlete / team shot percentage by position, striking tendency, etc. These trends can be identified using athlete tracking capabilities (e.g., optical or RF), and can be processed using advanced computational techniques (e.g., cluster analysis, pattern matching, neural networks, support vector machines, probabilistic methods, or other such techniques). These calculated statistics can then be visualized using a probabilistic heatmap. As can be understood, the heatmap can dynamically colorize a portion of the playing area (whether using AR or through a top-down view covering a portion of the user's field of vision).

[0088] Finally, the athlete's real-time health or fitness summary can provide readings of various biometric parameters, how these parameters compare to the user's historical trends, and / or how the user previously performed under similar physical conditions / fatigue levels. Using these trends, processor 24 can calculate a comprehensive health indicator that shows how far the user is from his / her optimal physiological state (i.e., the state that has provided the best performance in the past).

[0089] While the above information can be displayed to users via display system 18, it can also be presented to one or more viewers via media production equipment 32 and / or A / V facilities 34. In some embodiments, the display to one or more viewers may be in the form of an AR display (i.e., for users at the stadium), a VR display (i.e., for users not at the stadium), or an infographic that can be displayed on television or streaming video broadcast.

[0090] The terms “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably to indicate the presence of at least one; multiple such items may exist unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, including the appended claims, all numerical values ​​of parameters (e.g., quantities or conditions) should be understood to be modified in all cases by the term “about,” regardless of whether “about” actually precedes the numerical value. “About” indicates that the numerical value allows for some slight imprecision (achieving accuracy of the value in some way; approximately or reasonably close to the value; approximating). If the imprecision provided by “about” is not understood in its ordinary sense in the art, “about” as used herein means at least the variation that can be caused by ordinary methods of measuring and using such a parameter. Furthermore, the scope of disclosure includes all values ​​disclosed and ranges further subdivided throughout the scope. Each value within the range and the endpoints of the range are disclosed herein as separate embodiments. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of the stated item but do not exclude the presence of other items. As used in this specification, the term “or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed items. When terms such as first, second, third, etc., are used to distinguish various items, these names are merely for convenience and do not limit the scope of these items.

Claims

1. A sports chair, comprising: Operable to support the user's seat surface; The processor is configured as follows: Detect whether a user is present on the seat surface; Establish communication with clothing and accessories on the user's body; The system receives indications of the user's physiological parameters through biometric sensors installed on clothing and accessories. and Output this physiological parameter to the display; When the user is positioned on the seat surface, the processor is operable to control the clothing to reduce the tension applied across the entire garment; and When it is determined that the user is about to stand up from the seat, the processor can be operated to control the clothing to increase the tension applied to the entire clothing.

2. The sports chair according to claim 1, wherein the physiological parameter includes the magnitude of the impact force experienced by the user before the user is on the seat surface.

3. The sports chair according to claim 2, wherein the physiological parameters include an indication of the location on the user subjected to impact forces.

4. The sports seat of claim 1, further comprising the display, wherein the display is integrated into the seat.

5. The sports chair of claim 4, wherein the display includes a transparent portion so that the user can see through the display.

6. The sports chair according to claim 1 further includes an inductive charging transmitter; and The processor is operable to charge a battery associated with the clothing item on the user's body by emitting a magnetic field via the inductive charging transmitter.

7. The sports chair according to claim 1, wherein the physiological parameter includes at least one of hydration, body weight, heart rate, respiratory rate, or skin conductance.

8. The sports chair of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to control the garment to change the tension applied across the entire garment article.

9. The sports chair of claim 8, wherein the processor is further configured to receive a tension feedback signal from the clothing article indicating the amount of pressure applied by the clothing article to the user.

10. The sports chair according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to: Determine the identity of the user; and The sensed physiological parameters are stored in the database along with the user's identity.

11. The sports chair according to claim 10, wherein Read the user's historical physiological parameters from the database; and The display outputs a comparison between the sensed physiological parameters and the historical physiological parameters.

12. A method comprising: Detect whether a user is present on the seat surface; Communication is established between the processor associated with the seat and the clothing items on the user's body; The processor receives indications of the user's physiological parameters via biometric sensors mounted on the clothing. and Output this physiological parameter to the display; The method further includes: When the user is positioned on the seat surface, the processor controls the clothing to reduce the tension applied across the entire clothing; and When it is determined that the user is ready to stand up from the seat, the processor controls the clothing items to increase the tension applied to the entire clothing item.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the physiological parameter includes the magnitude of the impact force experienced by the user before the user is on the seat surface; and The output physiological parameters to the display include the magnitude of the output impact force to the display.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the physiological parameter includes an indication of the location on the user where the impact force was experienced; and The output of physiological parameters to the display also includes outputting the position to the display.

15. The method of claim 12, further comprising charging a battery associated with the clothing item on the user's body by emitting a magnetic field via an inductive charging transmitter on the seat.

16. The method of claim 12, further comprising controlling the garment via a processor to change the tension applied throughout the garment article.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising receiving a tension feedback signal from the garment article, the tension feedback signal indicating the amount of pressure exerted by the garment article on the user; and The control of the garment article to change the tension applied to the entire garment article is in response to a received tension feedback signal.

18. The method of claim 12, further comprising: The processor determines the user's identity; and The sensed physiological parameters are stored in the database along with the user's identity.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: Read the user's historical physiological parameters from the database; and The display outputs a comparison between the sensed physiological parameters and the historical physiological parameters.

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