System for restricting movement of a user in an aquatic medium

Abstract

A system for restricting a user's movement in an aquatic medium relates to a swimming system and can be used in systems simulating virtual reality (VR). By using this system, a swimmer return force can be generated in response to the swimmer's movement in any direction, increasing the sense of presence in VR and reducing the surface area requirements for support components and the area utilized in the swimming pool. The system includes a flexible member that holds the swimmer (directly or via an intermediary) and anchors it via a support system. The swimmer's movement causes the flexible member to move as a whole without deformation, resulting in a change in the height of its ends. The system responds to the swimmer's displacement in the horizontal direction by the bending of the flexible member. To provide vertical freedom, the flexible member is mounted on a support configured to rotate. Alternatively, the flexible member is configured to move translationally. The flexible member can be connected to the swimmer via a module fixed to the swimmer's body or a module held by the swimmer. The flexible member may have a curved shape to prevent it from colliding with the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to swimming systems, and can be used for training, recreational, or rehabilitation swimming systems, particularly virtual reality simulation systems. The claimed system is primarily for snorkeling, i.e., swimming underwater, equipped with a mask and snorkel, but can also be used for other types of movement of the user (swimmer) in an aquatic medium. Background Technology

[0002] A system for controlling virtual objects through user-applied effort is known (WO2019027358A1, disclosed February 7, 2019, priority dated July 31, 2017, RU2017127259A, A63F13 / 428; G09B9 / 00), aimed at moving a physical body associated with the virtual object, secured by a tether system such that the tether holds the body in a stable, balanced position, and the body is capable of rotating about an axis passing through the center of the body. The physical principles of the system operation for measuring the forces applied by a swimmer are described, which can be used to simulate the avatar movement of a swimmer in virtual space. Two main applications of the system are addressed: simulated diving and simulated snorkeling.

[0003] Because swimmers' movement in the real world is physically restricted, applying the operating principles of a system to snorkeling differs from applying them to diving. When diving, swimmers move freely relative to any of the three reference axes, while when snorkeling, their movement is confined to swimming along a horizontal plane, i.e., in two-dimensional space. Thus, the vertical component of the force measured by the controller on the swimmer's body is generally not related to the user's swimming intention, but rather depends on the specific characteristics of the system used to anchor the user in the pool.

[0004] For example, when a user is secured by a tether mounted above a swimming pool, as the user leaves the center of the swimming area, he / she moves around a sphere with a radius equal to the length of the tether. In response to this deviation from his / her equilibrium position, the depth to which he / she is submerged changes. In response to a certain deviation from the equilibrium position, the user's body begins to rise from the water, the Archimedes force decreases with a corresponding increase in the force applied to the tether, and the vertical component of the tether tension increases, resulting in a stable equilibrium. The swimmer cannot intentionally alter the vertical component of the force except by diving and thus stopping the air supply through the snorkel, which is undesirable for a virtual reality system. Since diagonal body postures cannot be adopted, any reverse change (i.e., swimming upwards) is practically impossible.

[0005] Given the above, snorkeling simulations may ignore the vertical component of the measured force and may be limited to the measurement of the horizontal component.

[0006] Thus, the vertical component of the force generated in this way will not cause any significant problems for simulation calculations. However, in the case of active swimming, the component may have a direct adverse effect on the swimmer. If the swimmer is secured by a tether positioned low, he / she may be pulled quite strongly underwater, resulting in a change in body tilt angle (the user's body deviates from a horizontal posture, where the swimmer's tether is dragged to a greater depth), and at extreme depths, problems may arise with breathing through the snorkel (the swimmer's head is also dragged to a greater depth). With the tether anchored at a higher point, the above problems are less severe because the tether pulls the user upward as he / she swims. In this case, the body initially adopts a more horizontal posture underwater, which generally does not hinder swimming, and when the body is pulled to the surface, the Archimedes force decreases, resulting in effective resistance to further pulls.

[0007] Therefore, the snorkeling system features a swimmer restrained by an overhead tether and provides sufficient comfort for users exerting relatively low swimming effort. However, with moderate or high swimming effort, the pull of the swimmer to the surface and the tautness of the tether contribute to a reduction in the sense of presence in virtual reality. This reduction stems from the unevenness of bodily sensations when traversing uniform areas within the virtual space. For example, when swimming in the physical space near the balance point, the tether tension becomes minimal upon a change in direction of movement, giving the user a sensation close to that of free swimming. In the case of active swimming, shortly after this zone, the swimmer's deviation from the balance point reaches its maximum, causing the tether tension to increase rather sharply diagonally upwards, resulting in a change in swimming state due to the increased support provided to the body by the restraint system. This physical abruptness and the unevenness of sensation when changing direction of movement receive no enhancement in the virtual space, leading to a reduced sense of presence. The aforementioned adverse effects can be mitigated by increasing the tether elasticity; however, in this case, the radius of the physical swimming area (swimming pool size) would have to be increased accordingly, making the system less cost-effective.

[0008] Existing technological systems developed for training or teaching swimmers address objectives related to keeping swimmers within a specific swimming area. Specifically, they aim to solve problems such as keeping a swimmer at a certain depth while preventing them from unknowingly entering the water if they have poor swimming skills, and reducing the required swimming area (swimming pool length) primarily by providing still swimming. Such systems represent devices that generate water currents that impede the swimmer's movement or tethered systems that keep the swimmer still while buoying them at a certain depth and in a certain direction. They typically include supports that carry elements designed to hold the swimmer directly or via an intermediary. In other words, one end of the retaining member is connected to the swimmer, and the other end is connected to a support (CN206616898U, US7185598B1, US2010009813A1, US4527795A, US7442151B1, US4109905A, US4530497A, etc.) at the side panel of the pool, or held on the shore by a heavy container (US5816982A, US4962923) or a portable anchoring device (US2020122812A1, US5244393A, WO2017034939A1).

[0009] US7185598B1 discloses a swimming training device including an elastic element (e.g., in the form of a spring) mounted on a bracket, the elastic element being enclosed in a housing, with an elastic cord attached to the housing, the cord being configured to connect to a user. A swimming device according to US2010009813A1 includes an elastically stretchable retaining cable (elastic cord, elastic band) configured to connect to the swimmer, with a retaining bar connected to its opposite side. A device according to US7273444B2 includes a suspension member configured to have an internally disposed elastic tube for restraining a cable, wherein the cable may be less elastic than the tube and adapted to restrain the extension of the elastic tube; wherein the suspension member is connected to a bracket to allow movement along the bracket.

[0010] Therefore, in existing devices, the component directly connected to the user is the tether, i.e., a tensile and highly elastic component. However, using a tether can be associated with various problems. Thus, the tether cannot maintain spatial orientation but merely restricts the movement of its end connected to the user. In the case of suspension deflection, the tether does not generate a return force but only deflects, while the return force is generated by gravity or buoyancy. The return force will not act on the moving body, which is suspended in the water by the tether and has neutral buoyancy, until the buoyancy of the body decreases in response to a certain deviation from the water and rising. Neutral buoyancy will be lost, and the body will begin to sink in the water. In a certain conical region below the rope, no force acts on the body; therefore, the body is free to float. In response to deviation, forces begin to act according to the radius of the rope; this action can be quite acute.

[0011] Furthermore, a primary objective of swimmer holding systems is to provide a reliable rope anchor point capable of withstanding forces exerted by the swimmer, for example, above the center of the swimming area in the pool. In existing systems, this objective is achieved as follows:

[0012] By attaching tethers directly to the pool side panel, movement is restricted to directions away from the pool side panel only (US5816982A, US4109905A, US4527795A).

[0013] By utilizing a system with a reaction lever, it does not require a large attachment base; however, such a system also acts in a single direction away from the side plate (US7442151B1).

[0014] By using a rigid bracket with an attachment base sufficient to prevent the bracket from rolling and by securing it with a heavy weight at the base, or by anchoring it to a point on the floor via the base, or by other means, the bracket anchoring requirements increase significantly as the distance between the point and the shoreline increases to approximately two meters, as required to achieve the intended purpose (US7185598B1, US5244393A, US7175569B1, US4247096A).

[0015] By using the opposite side panels of the swimming pool or various side panels (CN206616898U, US5192256A) or the walls / ceilings of the indoor space, it is suitable for fixed-size swimming pools, such as framed swimming pools, but less suitable for swimming pools of various sizes and structures, especially large swimming pools.

[0016] A flexible rod can be used as a support bracket (US4530497A), for example, a fiberglass rod to which a tether (cable) is attached. The device is configured to provide an upward force A, approximating the gliding force that holds a swimmer on the water's surface. Simultaneously, a backward holding force B holds the swimmer within a specific area. A similar method is used in exercise equipment according to US7563206B1, where a lifting motion is provided to the swimmer while they are in the water by using a flexible support member.

[0017] Most solutions used as support components are bulky and difficult to install in systems with low mobility. Problems also arise related to the installation process of the system's support components. Swimming pools and bodies of water have different dimensions, structural features, and other characteristics that restrict support component installation. For complex fastener systems, the choice of suitable bodies of water for use with the system is limited.

[0018] Existing swimmer holding systems provide a swimmer that is flexibly fixed and capable of moving in one direction. However, when the swimmer turns and moves back to shore, such systems cannot perform the function of holding and confining the swimmer within a specific space. Therefore, existing systems do not address the problem of restricting the swimmer's movement in all directions within a selected area.

[0019] The purpose of this invention is to solve the following technical problems:

[0020] The adverse effects of vertical forces from the attachment system are the cause of reduced user presence and uneven user sensation when using the system to simulate virtual reality;

[0021] Operability of existing technology systems in the direction of movement of a single swimmer;

[0022] Swimming in a large area;

[0023] Large in size and difficult to install as a support point;

[0024] Limitations include the size and shape of the swimmer's pool, as well as other characteristics that are taken into account when selecting support components. Summary of the Invention

[0025] The claimed invention provides a force that returns the user (swimmer) to a specific swimming area as they move along the water surface, i.e., away from and back towards the pool sideboard. The action exerted on the user by the system along the vertical axis is reduced and is independent of the swimmer's deviation from their equilibrium position. Furthermore, when used in a virtual reality simulation system, the invention increases the perceived immersive experience for the user and reduces the requirements for the support components of the claimed system.

[0026] The claimed system for restricting the movement of a user (swimmer) in an aquatic medium includes a flexible member having a first end (holding end) designed to connect to the swimmer and a second end (holding end) designed to be anchored by means of a support system. Here, the swimmer holding member generates a restoring force and defines a swimming zone around itself.

[0027] The system is arranged to allow the elastic member to move as a whole without deformation, such that the height of the holding end varies within the natural range of the user's depth when swimming along the surface. The entire elastic member moves without deformation, its position changing in such a way that the position of its holding end varies vertically according to the swimmer's movement. Therefore, the swimmer has vertical freedom and is not subjected to a restoring force in that direction caused by deformation of the elastic member. As a result, the system provides the swimmer with a uniform feel, as it neither drags the swimmer underwater nor forcefully pulls him / her out of the water in response to approaching the edge of the swimming area. In fact, the system does not restrict the swimmer's vertical movement when swimming along the surface.

[0028] Furthermore, the elastic member must be installed such that any significant displacement of the swimmer in any horizontal direction will cause the elastic member to bend. That is, the elastic member responds to the user's movement along the water surface by flexing rather than by stretching, as is done in existing systems. When the swimmer changes its direction of movement (turning to another direction or backward), the system continues to perform its function, i.e., by generating a recoil force acting on the swimmer to keep the swimmer in a specific swimming area.

[0029] Preferably, when the retaining end of the elastic member moves vertically without deformation, the entire elastic member moves vertically or substantially does not change its spatial orientation. In this case, the retaining member, which provides return force in all horizontal directions at the same user position depth and moves upward in parallel or nearly parallel in response to depth changes, will maintain the uniformity of the return force in all horizontal directions. Furthermore, when the entire retaining member moves vertically, the horizontal coordinate of its retaining end remains unchanged, meaning that depth changes do not occur without displacing the user, and the system keeps the horizontal coordinate of the simulated area center position where the user returns the same, regardless of depth.

[0030] For example, by arranging a support system on the support surface, allowing the supports to rotate about a generally horizontal axis away from the center of the swimming area, the user can obtain a vertical degree of freedom (for depth variation). This degree of freedom of rotation about the axis is transferred to an elastic member, allowing the latter to move circumferentially in the vertical plane, resulting in a change in the height of the holding end of the support member. Preferably, the holding end of the elastic member is fixedly connected to the ends of two inclined supports, the opposite ends of which are anchored at spaced points away from the center of the swimming area. Furthermore, the support system and the elastic member are configured to rotate relative to a line passing through the support anchor points.

[0031] Alternatively, vertical mobility of the elastic member and the swimmer can be provided by configuring the elastic member to move translationally along a generally vertical axis. Preferably, the elastic member is slidably coupled to a system consisting of at least two supports positioned at different points away from the center of the swimming area.

[0032] The elastic component can be connected (attached) to the swimmer via a module fixed to the swimmer's body or a module held by the swimmer. To prevent the swimmer's head from colliding with the elastic component, the elastic component can bend away from the swimmer's head in an area corresponding to the height of the swimmer's head when he / she holds the module in his / her hand, and is configured to rotate freely about a generally vertical axis.

[0033] In addition, the elastic member can be connected to the swimmer via an intermediate element, thereby providing the swimmer with rotational mobility around the elastic member.

[0034] Preferably, this system is used in a virtual reality simulation system, thereby reducing the impact of undesirable forces on the user and increasing the sense of presence. The horizontal force acting on the swimmer changes more smoothly when his / her direction of movement changes and when he / she moves near the equilibrium point. By providing a more evenly distributed vertical load on the user—that is, a load that is independent of or only minimally dependent on the swimmer's horizontal displacement—the uniformity of the sensation when leaving the equilibrium position is improved.

[0035] The system for which protection is sought is characterized by the following capabilities:

[0036] It limits the swimmer's horizontal displacement relative to the center point in any direction by generating a return force in response to the user deviating from the predetermined area;

[0037] Compared to horizontal restrictions, it does not restrict or restricts to a lesser extent the swimmer's vertical movement relative to the water surface. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figures 1 to 4A first embodiment is shown, including a hinged support member:

[0039] Figure 1 One form of a system comprising a single support element is shown;

[0040] Figure 2 The dynamic behavior of the system is shown as the swimmer moves upward (in the following text, the thicker arrows indicate the direction of departure of system components in response to the user's action).

[0041] Figure 3 The system behavior is shown when a swimmer moves toward the sideboard of the pool;

[0042] Figure 4 This illustrates the system behavior as the swimmer moves away from the pool sideboard;

[0043] Figure 5 A preferred embodiment of the system according to the first embodiment is shown, comprising two spaced-apart support members;

[0044] Figures 6 to 9 A second embodiment of the system is shown:

[0045] Figure 6 A fixed anchorage support with sufficient support base is shown;

[0046] Figure 7 Two supports are shown that are fixedly anchored relative to each other, wherein the elastic members are capable of translational movement in response to the horizontal movement of the swimmer;

[0047] Figure 8 Two supports are shown that are fixedly anchored relative to each other, wherein the elastic members are capable of translational movement in response to the vertical movement of the swimmer;

[0048] Figure 9 A preferred embodiment utilizing three arc-shaped structures fixed to the side panel of a circular frame swimming pool is shown;

[0049] Figure 10 The image shows swimmers anchored to the bottom of the swimming pool.

[0050] Figures 11 to 12 A bending bracket used as an elastic member is shown:

[0051] Figure 11 A resilient member in the form of a C-shaped bracket is shown;

[0052] Figure 12 A trapezoidal elastic member is shown;

[0053] Figure 13 This illustrates the force acting on the user, which is fixed by an elastic member;

[0054] Figure 14 The forces acting on a user secured by a suspension device (tether) are shown for comparison. Detailed Implementation

[0055] A movement restriction system allows a user (particularly a swimmer) to remain within a specific area (swimming zone, simulated zone) of an aquatic space by means of a flexible member 1. Here, the term "swimming" should be understood to refer to any activity of the user in the aquatic medium in which the user exerts an effort that may cause him / her to move.

[0056] The elastic member 1 is connected to the user at its first end (retaining end 2) and anchored to the support system at its second end (retaining end 3) (see [link]). Figure 1 (e.g., above or below the water surface). A system consisting of one or more support members 4 interconnected and anchored to a support surface 5, and the support surface, i.e., the side panel, bottom or ceiling of the swimming pool, can be used as a support system for the elastic member 1.

[0057] The retaining end 3 must be anchored such that any significant displacement of the swimmer in any horizontal direction will cause the elastic member 1 to bend. That is, for any depth of position of the retaining end 2, there exists a region in the horizontal plane at that depth, configured such that any deviation of the retaining end 2 beyond this region will cause the elastic member 1 to bend. Therefore, the elastic member 1 responds to the swimmer's horizontal displacement by flexing rather than by stretching. Compared to systems using tethers, this system does not generate a force that pulls the swimmer out of or underwater in response to deviation from the equilibrium position.

[0058] For any holding system, an area can be defined where the user should not leave; however, some displacement of the user within that area is generally permissible. In many cases, the size and shape of the swimming area are determined by the size and shape of the swimming pool; furthermore, physical obstacles, such as the side panels of the pool, may exist outside this area, and user contact with them should be prevented. Thus, in response to the user's displacement (and the point on which the system is anchored to his / her body), which could cause the user to contact a physical obstacle or any part of the user's body (in most cases, the user's outstretched arm) and leave the designated swimming area, the anchoring system should generate a returning force to prevent any further displacement. Any deviation that risks the user leaving the swimming area is referred to herein as "significant deviation from the center of the swimming area." In practice, in the case of significant displacement, a returning force must be generated for the system to perform its holding function. It should be noted that in practice, when defining swimming areas for a wide range of users with varying heights, arm lengths, and body masses, the system should generally generate sufficient returning force before the user's displacement becomes significant.

[0059] The elastic member 1 can be attached to the swimmer to allow him / her (the swimmer) to rotate about a vertical axis, either alone or together with the elastic member 1. The connection to the swimmer can be of the articulated or flexible type and may include a joint using a short, flexible intermediate element (e.g., made of rope or rubber) or other prior art, which provides the swimmer's rotational mobility at the attachment point of the elastic member 1 within a range sufficient to allow the swimmer to swim freely.

[0060] The system is arranged to allow the elastic member 1 to move as a whole without deformation (e.g., being stretched). This movement causes a change in the height of the retaining end 2 relative to a selected horizontal surface, such as the bottom of a swimming pool; that is, the retaining end is displaced in the vertical direction. This displacement occurs at least within the natural variation of depth experienced by the swimmer while swimming along the surface. However, the retaining end 2 should not move in response to changes in depth, or should only move to a small extent in the horizontal direction. Otherwise, with changes in depth, the user will sense a horizontal pressure from the retaining end 2 that is unrelated to the user's swimming activity; furthermore, the center of the swimming area will have different horizontal coordinates at different depths, which is meaningless for a swimming pool with vertical walls.

[0061] Given the vertical degree of freedom of elastic member 1, the system's support points do not need to support the swimmer's weight; furthermore, in embodiments where the supports can rotate about a horizontal axis, they do not need to support the main portion of the entire system's weight, as they are "supported" by the water, the swimmer, and the buoyancy component. This significantly reduces the requirements for the system anchored to the shore. Limiting the system's movement at the shore and limiting end movement caused by small forces is sufficient. Since the system is unresponsive to the swimmer's weight, it does not have any destructive effect on the system; the swimmer's weight motion is not transmitted to the system, thus further reducing the requirements for the system's supports.

[0062] For virtual reality systems, minimal restrictions on swimmer activity are preferred. The system required to protect the swimmer acts in a more consistent manner; it does not prevent him / her from diving, nor "drag" him / her from or underwater, and therefore does not produce any visually or otherwise unenhanced excessive effects in virtual reality, due to the reduced adverse effects of the vertical component of the force.

[0063] In tethered systems, the vertical component of the force exerted on the swimmer by the system increases with the swimmer's deviation from the center of the swimming area. This adverse effect is related to the non-uniformity of the vertical component. In systems where the user is fixed at a certain depth, this vertical effect creates a feeling of restriction when the system rapidly cushions the vertical component of the user's movement forces (especially sharp forces).

[0064] When swimming naturally, a vertical component of force is inevitably generated in response to the outward forces produced by the user's legs, arms, and torso, the displacement of the center of mass due to the movement of the arms and legs, and the change in buoyancy due to breathing. This is why, without constraints, even when swimming along the surface (without intentionally diving), the positional depth of any point on the user's body varies within a certain range; this is called the natural swimming positional depth variation at that point. Specifically, the user's body parts to which the system is attached tend to change their positional depth.

[0065] Furthermore, by resisting this change in depth, the system disrupts the feeling of natural swimming, produces a fixed feeling of stopping, and prevents the body from adopting the posture relative to the water surface that the body would adopt if swimming naturally.

[0066] The system to be protected eliminates the adverse effects by minimizing the vertical component of the forces generated by the holding system, for example by providing vertical degrees of freedom of movement for the point on the user's body at least within the range of changes in the user's position depth when the user swims naturally along the water surface. The range of natural displacement of this point during natural swimming is referred to herein as the range of natural user position depth changes.

[0067] Tests of the claimed system, combined with a virtual reality simulation system, have demonstrated that swimmers experience a more even and, as expected, more uniform sensation compared to devices using tethers (ropes, cables, or other elements that respond to movement by extending with the swimmer's body), thus enhancing the sense of presence in virtual reality. When using tethers as a holding element, the user feels tether tension and perceives a restriction in his / her spatial movement, such as the impossibility of reaching the pool sideboard. Users of the claimed system report not feeling any restriction, making it difficult for them to perceive the actual distance to the pool sideboard.

[0068] The elastic member 1 is the main component that provides a smooth return for the swimmer to the center of the swimming area. It can be a rod of the necessary length. The elastic member 1 is made of a material that allows it to recover its original shape after bending deformation under the action of the user's desired force and with horizontal mobility. Due to its elasticity, member 1 returns the system to the equilibrium center position when the swimming force is released. The elastic member 1 can be made of, for example, glass fiber, carbon fiber reinforced plastic, or metal.

[0069] The elasticity of component 1 can be selected based on the pool size (desired swimming area surface area) and the nature of the swimmer's effort. In smaller pools and / or with a more vigorous swimming style, the component can be more rigid. In large pools and / or for relaxed swimming, the stiffness may be reduced. This adjustment can also be achieved by increasing or decreasing the effective length of elastic component 1 by changing the position of the point where it connects to support component 4. By increasing the length of elastic component 1 or by reducing its stiffness, the load on the swimmer's body connection points can be reduced due to the larger radius of the swimming area; conversely, by decreasing the length of elastic component 1 or by increasing its stiffness, the horizontal coordinates of the body position in the pool can be almost completely fixed, thus significantly reducing the size of the area sufficient for swimming, which is relevant, for example, in the case of a small frame pool with a radius of 3 to 4 meters.

[0070] The vertical mobility of the end 2 of the elastic member 1 can be achieved by providing the elastic member 1 with translational mobility along a generally vertical axis in response to the movement of the swimmer.

[0071] Furthermore, to provide vertical mobility, support member 4 can be installed to rotate about a generally horizontal axis away from the center of the swimming area. In this way, the load is removed from the system support parts (the system attachment points at the support surfaces), and they do not have to support their own weight, which is important in the case of long, heavy, and bulky support members.

[0072] The term "away from the center of the swimming area" regarding system components, points, or axes should be understood to mean that they are positioned at a distance from a balance point, corresponding to the swimmer's position when the elastic component is undeformed. When using the water space optimally, this distance is typically comparable to the radius of the swimming area, so that support anchor points located outside the swimming area do not pose any obstruction to the user. Anchor points can be positioned near the pool along its perimeter, i.e., near the water boundary at the shore / pool side panel interface area, or, if used in outdoor water bodies, at other moving or stationary objects (docks, motorboats, etc.). Examples include pool handrails, side panels, floors, walls, etc. Furthermore, they can be arranged at different heights: above the water level or below the level of the pool floor; that is, the mention of a location "near" can indicate vertical or horizontal displacement relative to the water surface.

[0073] The terms "generally vertical axis" or "generally horizontal axis" should be understood to mean that the component can be positioned on the corresponding horizontal or vertical axis, or on an inclined axis close to that axis. Furthermore, it is preferred that it be positioned closer to or on said axis, and any deviation is only permitted if the resulting load is provided with sufficient uniformity.

[0074] A rigid or rigid-elastic support member 4 can be used as a support. In this case, at least one support member 4 is connected to the support surface 5 at its first end and to the elastic retaining member 1 at its second end. This connection can be rigid or can allow the elastic member 1 to rotate and / or shift along a generally vertical axis.

[0075] The support member 4 must be sufficiently strong and rigid to prevent significant horizontal displacement of the point where it connects to the elastic member 1 under the swimming force generated by the swimmer, where such displacement is significant compared to the swimmer's horizontal displacement. The support member 4 can be elastic to some extent. However, for example, the stiffness of a single support member 4 connected to the pool side panel, bottom, or ceiling must be much higher than the stiffness of the elastic member 1. In the case of using two support members 4, for example, those resting on the same side panel of the pool to form a triangular structure, their stiffness can be lower, considering the higher stiffness of the structure. Even less rigid support members 4 can be used in the case of three or more support members 4 forming a pyramidal or dome-shaped structure, for example, resting on different sides of the pool. The support member 4 may comprise, for example, tubing made of aluminum alloy, glass fiber, or carbon fiber reinforced plastic. For ease of storage and transport, the support member 4 may be constructed from short, assemblable elbows.

[0076] The system's geometry ensures that its components do not impede free movement in any direction. Specifically, when the system is anchored above the water surface, the height of the support member 4 above the water surface must be sufficient to allow the snorkel to pass freely beneath the support member when the swimmer turns. When the system is submerged, the support members 4 must be positioned in areas where they will not come into contact with the swimmer's legs.

[0077] This system can be implemented in various ways.

[0078] In the first embodiment, the connection between the support member 4 and the support surface 5 is chosen to allow rotation about a horizontal axis passing through the connection point with the support surface 5. For example, the support member 4 can be anchored by a hinged connection. Since the system is not intended to restrict the swimmer's movement in the vertical direction, no support is required in that direction. The opposite ends of the hinged support member 4 are movable in the vertical plane and can move freely in the vertical plane together with the elastic member 1 and the swimmer about a large radius circumference determined by the length of the support member 4, thereby allowing the swimmer's position depth to change freely in response to any deviation of the swimmer from the center of the zone. The greater the distance between the center of the swimming (simulated) zone and the horizontal axis (the longer the support member), the larger the circumferential radius, and the closer the movement of the holding end 2 of the elastic member 1 is to the vertical. In this case, the vertical load applied to the swimmer's belt by the load-bearing member (support member 4) is determined by the weight of the support member 4 and is substantially independent of the extent to which the swimmer deviates from the equilibrium position.

[0079] The weight of the support (support member 4) can be offset by providing additional buoyancy, for example by arranging buoyancy elements at the ends of the swimmer's belt or support member 4.

[0080] Figure 1 One implementation of the system according to the first embodiment is shown. Here, the support member 4 (bracket) is anchored to the edge (swimming pool side panel) by an axial hinge. The shape of the bracket allows swimmers to swim freely beneath it without impacting the snorkel, while if the swimmer leaves the retaining member 1, the retaining member elastically allows the swimmer to return to the initial center position in the pool. Furthermore, the system allows the swimmer to move vertically (…). Figure 2 And remain operable as the swimmer turns backward. Figure 3 , Figure 4 ).

[0081] Figure 5 A preferred embodiment of the system according to the first embodiment is shown. The system includes two inclined support members 4, spaced apart from each other on a support surface 5, and fixedly connected to an elastic member 1 to form a triangular pyramid. Furthermore, the support points of the members 4 are located away from the center of the swimming area, and members 1 and 4 are rotatable about a straight line passing through them. The rigid triangle formed by the support members 4 is rotatable about an anchoring axis on the shore. The support members 4 are arranged relative to each other to enhance the stability of the structure in the main horizontal operating direction. As a result, a lightweight, easily disassembled, and stable structure is produced. Here, any two connection points, such as pool handrails or side panels, can be used as support surfaces. Suction cups can be used to fix the support surface 5. To install this structure, only one pool side panel can be used, without the need for other walls or protrusions; therefore, this structure is suitable for large and outdoor swimming pools.

[0082] In the second embodiment, the swimmer's vertical mobility is provided by an elastic member 1, which, in response to the swimmer's movement, is translatably movable at its connection point in a generally vertical direction relative to the immovable support member 4 (or the system of support members 4). Here, the immobility of the support member at the anchor point of the elastic member 1 is provided in various ways. For example, the rigid support member / bracket 4 is fixedly anchored and has sufficient support base at the support surface 5 (see reference). Figure 6 The supporting surface can be the side panel or the bottom of the swimming pool. Figure 10 This can be achieved by constructing a rigid structure comprising several support members 4 resting at spaced-out points (e.g., at opposite side panels of a swimming pool), with the ends of these support members connected above the center of the swimming area. This implementation is effective where the support members can create immovable or substantially immovable points directly above or below the center of the moving area.

[0083] By using support members 4 (reference) installed at the opposite side plates (assemblies). Figure 7 , Figure 8 This embodiment can be implemented with maximum efficiency. Support members 4 are connected to each other above the water surface to form a "dome," at the apex of which an elastic member 1 is installed, allowing for translational movement. This implementation reduces the stiffness requirements on the support members 4 anchored to the support surface 5 and reduces restrictions on their mobility, as they are prevented from rotating by being fixed to each other. For small frame swimming pools, it is most preferable to use three or more support members 4 (…). Figure 9 The system comprises support members connected to each other and resting at different points on the perimeter of the swimming pool, and slidably connected to elastic member 1 to provide translational movement of elastic member 1 in response to the movement of the swimmer.

[0084] Support member 4 can be connected to the swimmer directly or via an intermediate element.

[0085] The elastic member 1 can be attached to the swimmer via a module 6, which is held by the swimmer or fixed to the swimmer's body, for example, by being mounted on a vest. The module 6 may be equipped with handles for the swimmer to hold in his / her own two hands in front of him / her (see reference). Figure 11 , Figure 12This eliminates the need for swimmer harnesses or tethers. This simplifies the swimmer's preparation for using the system. Here, the module can function as a game controller to simulate the movements of various hand-held tools (weapons, cameras) in virtual reality, providing a wider range of game scenarios without complicating the system or adding new monitored devices. In the case of a handheld module 6, it can be provided with more vertical displacement degrees of freedom (compared to other embodiments of the claimed system), allowing the module to move freely in front of the user.

[0086] The shape and method of connection between support member 4, elastic member 1, and module 6 can be selected to provide the best possible swimmer mobility while minimizing the risk of collision between the swimmer and system components. For example, Figure 11 , Figure 12 An implementation of the system is shown, wherein, utilizing the curved shape of the elastic member 1, the swimmer can prevent his / her head from colliding with the snorkel while holding the module 6 in his / her hand. For this purpose, the elastic member bends away from the user's head at the portion of the elastic member 1 that contacts the user's head. The elastic member must be able to rotate freely about a generally vertical axis such that its bending position aligns with the user's swimming direction. For example, the elastic member 1 can be configured as a C-shaped bracket (…). Figure 11 ) or trapezoidal ( Figure 12 ).

[0087] The operation of the system to be protected will now be described in comparison with existing systems that utilize tethers as components to hold the swimmer and generate a return force.

[0088] When a body secured by a flexible elastic member leaves its equilibrium position, the member generates a center-directed restoring force that increases with the degree of deviation.

[0089] Figure 13 This illustrates the force applied to a swimmer when, in response to a maximum swimming force applied in the horizontal direction, the swimmer deviates most from the equilibrium position, held in the central region by an elastic member in the form of a flexible bending rod. Given that the elastic member is sufficiently long relative to the swimmer's displacement, the elastic force that tends to return the swimmer to the equilibrium position at this point can be roughly calculated as follows: where the swimmer's displacement relative to the equilibrium point where the maximum force is applied is the elastic modulus of the rod. In this position, the swimmer is stationary, therefore his / her acceleration is zero, and Newton's second law projected onto the horizontal axis of displacement will be written as:

[0090] [Mathematical Formula 1]

[0091]

[0092] thus:

[0093] [Mathematical Formula 2]

[0094]

[0095] Since this value is limited by human physical strength, by selecting a more rigid elastic member to increase the coefficient, an infinitesimally small maximum allowable displacement can be obtained, thereby limiting the minimum allowable size of the area required for swimming.

[0096] In comparison, Figure 14 This illustrates the forces acting on a swimmer in response to their maximum deviation from their equilibrium position while they are held by a suspension device (tether). The swimmer also exerts a force in the horizontal direction. The tether tension points towards the tether anchor point, which is anchored at a certain angle above the vertical. The negative buoyancy force on the swimmer at the point of maximum deviation, equal to Newton's second law, projected onto the horizontal and vertical axes, is written as:

[0097] [Mathematical Formula 3]

[0098]

[0099] [Mathematical Formula 4]

[0100]

[0101] therefore,

[0102] [Mathematical Formula 5]

[0103]

[0104] thus

[0105] [Mathematical Formula 6]

[0106]

[0107] Therefore, at a given height of the tether (suspension device), the anchoring point and maximum swimming force can only be reduced by increasing his / her negative buoyancy (by adding more weight), which is significantly disadvantageous in several ways. First, the large added weight is detrimental because it increases the load on the tether (suspension device) anchoring point and the requirements on the tether anchoring point. Second, negative buoyancy increases the risk of accidents in the event of tether breakage. Third, this increased mass will increase inertia during the swimmer's movement, whether translational or rotational. Therefore, in practice, it is reasonable to provide anchoring via a top-mounted tether when the user's buoyancy is close to neutral. In this case, buoyancy only begins to decrease as the user leaves, causing him / her to partially rise from the water (and then, if the weight remains constant, the Archimedes' force begins to decrease). Otherwise, no force is applied horizontally to the user through the tether until the angle at which the tether begins to lift the user out of the water is reached, thus resulting in the aforementioned abrupt effect in response to the load applied to the tether.

[0108] In this way, by using elastic retaining components, the required water surface area can be reduced, specifically, the water surface area of ​​the simulation zone can be reduced, and a more uniform force distribution can be obtained.

Claims

1. A system for restricting movement of a user in an aquatic medium, the system comprising: A flexible member having a first end designed to connect to a user and a second end designed to be anchored by means of a support system. The second end of the elastic member is anchored to the support system at a position located above or below the surface of the aquatic medium. The support system and the elastic member can rotate together about a horizontal axis away from the center of the swimming area, thereby allowing the elastic member to move as a whole without deformation, so that when swimming along the surface of the aquatic medium, the height of the end of the elastic member designed to be connected to the user varies within the natural range of the user's position depth. Any significant displacement of the user in any horizontal direction causes the elastic member to bend and deform, thereby allowing the user to smoothly return to the center of the swimming area.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The end of the elastic member, which is designed to be anchored by means of the support system, is fixedly connected to the ends of two inclined supports, the opposite ends of which are anchored at spaced points away from the center of the swimming area, so that the supports and the elastic member can rotate relative to a straight line passing through the anchor points of the supports.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The elastic member is configured to move translationally along a vertical axis.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein, The elastic member is slidably connected to a system having at least two supports, which are placed at different points away from the center of the swimming area.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The elastic member is designed to be connected to the user via a module fixed to the user's body or held by the user.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein, The module is designed to be held by the user, and the elastic member bends away from the user's head in an area corresponding to the height of the user's head and can rotate freely about a vertical axis.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The elastic member is connected to the user via an intermediate element that provides the user with rotational mobility about the elastic member.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The system is used for virtual reality simulation systems.

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