Method for operating a sensor module for a sports device, sensor module for a sports device, corresponding sports device with a sensor module and computer program product

Abstract

A method for operating a sensor module (2) for a piece of sports equipment (6), wherein the sensor module (2) has, in a module housing (8), a sensor arrangement configured to detect a movement of the sensor module (2), comprising an inertial sensor, and wherein, for controlling a computer (11) different from the sensor module (2), a measured value is detected by means of the sensor arrangement, wherein the measured value is converted by means of a data processing device arranged in the module housing (8) on the basis of a conversion rule stored in a data memory of the sensor module (2) into an input command that can be directly implemented by the computer, and said input command is transmitted to the computer (11) via a wireless communication connection (9), characterized in that the sensor module (2) is adaptable to different pieces of sports equipment (6), wherein the conversion rule is part of a conversion profile,which is selected from a plurality of conversion profiles and adapted via a wireless configuration connection different from the communication connection, wherein the sensor module (2) outputs itself as a first input device upon selection of a first of the conversion profiles and as a second input device different from the first input device upon selection of a second of the conversion profiles, and that the measured value is detected depending on the selected conversion profile at least temporarily solely by means of the inertial sensor, at least temporarily solely by means of a further sensor of the sensor arrangement or at least temporarily by means of both the inertial sensor and the further sensor.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a sensor module for a piece of sports equipment, wherein the sensor module has, in a module housing, a sensor arrangement configured to detect a movement of the sensor module and comprising an inertial sensor, and wherein, for controlling a computer different from the sensor module, a measured value is detected by means of the sensor arrangement. The measured value is converted by means of a data processing device arranged in the module housing, based on a conversion rule stored in a data memory of the sensor module, into an input command that can be directly implemented by the computer, and this input command is transmitted to the computer via a wireless communication connection. The invention further relates to a sensor module for a piece of sports equipment, a piece of sports equipment having a sensor module, and a computer program product.

[0002] For example, WO 2005 / 033888 A2 is known from the prior art. This discloses a system for use with a computer application configured to respond to first input device data from a first input device, wherein the first input device has a first format. The system further comprises a second input device different from the first input device, wherein the second input device includes one or more sensors configured to measure the movement of an object and generate second input device data representative of the movement of the object, wherein the second input device data has a second format different from the first format.The system further comprises a processor configured to convert the second input device data into simulated first input device data, the simulated first input device data having the first format, the processor further configured to provide the simulated first input device data to the computer application such that the first input device is simulated with the second input device.

[0003] Furthermore, the document DE 20 2013 101 321 U1 discloses a fitness trainer that can communicate interactively with a user's portable electronic device; comprising: a trainer with a movable component that is moved when the user uses the trainer for training; and a wireless sensor part that is mounted on the movable component of the trainer and consists of a sensor module with which the movement of the movable component is detected; and a wireless module is connected to the sensor module such that, upon receiving a motion detection signal from the sensor module, this motion detection signal is transmitted from the wireless module to the user's portable electronic device.

[0004] The document DE 10 2006 036 160 B4 describes a user interface control device for controlling a computer, comprising: a standing board, which is designed to be arranged parallel to the floor for use, and which is strong and large enough for a person to stand on the standing board, a support for the standing board that establishes contact with the floor, at least one sensor that is connected to the standing board and that records the movement of the person on the standing board and converts it into an electronic signal, wherein the inclination sensor has a plate arranged parallel to the standing board, on which a sliding sensor, such as a mouse, slides so that movements on the board lead to different positions of the sliding sensor, which can be detected by the sliding sensor, a controller that receives the electronic signals from the sensor and converts them into digital signals that can be processed by the computer,so that the movements can be interpreted as user input.

[0005] Further prior art can be found in the documents EP 2 650 807 B1, EP 2 538 309 A2, EP 2 481 453 B1 and US 8 460 104 B1.

[0006] The object of the invention is to propose a method for operating a sensor module for a sports device, which has advantages over known methods, in particular increases the motivation of a user of the sports device in the long term.

[0007] This is achieved according to the invention with a method for operating a sensor module for a sports device having the features of claim 1.It is provided that the sensor module is adaptable to different sports equipment, wherein the conversion rule is part of a conversion profile which is selected from a plurality of conversion profiles and is adapted via a wireless configuration connection which is different from the communication connection, wherein the sensor module outputs itself as a first input device upon selection of a first of the conversion profiles and as a second input device which is different from the first input device upon selection of a second of the conversion profiles, and that the measured value is recorded as a function of the selected conversion profile at least temporarily solely using the inertial sensor, at least temporarily solely using a further sensor of the sensor arrangement or at least temporarily using both the inertial sensor and the further sensor.

[0008] Advantageous embodiments with useful further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments explained in the description are not limiting; rather, any variations of the features disclosed in the description, the claims, and the figures are feasible.

[0009] The method serves to operate the sensor module. The sensor module preferably forms a component of the sports equipment, but can of course also be present separately from it. The sensor module is designed to detect a movement of the sensor module or the sports equipment and, based on the detected movement, to control the computer that is different from the sensor module. Such a procedure is generally known. It serves to control the computer, for example a personal computer, a games console, a mobile device, in particular a cell phone or a tablet, or the like, depending on the movement of the sensor module or the sports equipment. This achieves a high fun factor when using the sports equipment, which leads to greater and longer-lasting motivation when using the sports equipment.This results in longer and / or more regular use of the sports equipment and, accordingly, an improvement in the health of the user. This is especially true if an application is running on the computer that is controlled based on the movement of the sensor module. Such concepts are commonly summarized under the term "gamification."

[0010] However, problems with previous concepts include the fact that the sensor module is permanently installed in the sports equipment and is only adapted to this, and / or that the sports equipment is sold together with the computer and a specific application or a few specific applications. The sports equipment is therefore restricted to use with a single application or only a few applications, meaning that the user has no or only a small selection available. This results in low and quickly diminishing motivation to use the sports equipment, which is not maintained in the long term. Other concepts envisage the use of a mobile device, such as a cell phone or a tablet, together with the sports equipment. In this case, the sports equipment has a suitable holder for the mobile device, for example.Here, too, however, the problem remains that only one or a limited selection of applications is available, and these applications must also be adapted for use with the sports equipment to ensure a satisfactory user experience. This is a purely software-based solution; separate, inexpensive hardware is not available. Using a mobile device results in high overall costs.

[0011] Compared to these approaches, the invention has the advantage that a flexible use of the sensor module is implemented, so that it can be used with almost any application running on the computer. For this purpose, the sensor module has the sensor arrangement, which has the inertial sensor. The inertial sensor is embodied, for example, as an acceleration sensor or a gyrometer. Of course, more than one sensor can be part of the sensor arrangement. In particular, the sensor arrangement can comprise several inertial sensors. These can be embodied entirely as acceleration sensors, entirely as gyrometers, or partly as acceleration sensors and partly as gyrometers. For example, the sensor arrangement has an acceleration sensor and a gyrometer. The several inertial sensors can be combined in a sensor housing.

[0012] The sensor array is completely housed within the module housing. The measured value is acquired using the sensor array, for example, using the inertial sensor. A sensor other than the inertial sensor can also be used to acquire the measured value. The acquired measured value is then used to control the computer.

[0013] In addition to the sensor array, the data processing device is located in the module housing. The data processing device converts the measured value into the input command. This is done using the conversion rule stored in the data memory. The conversion rule describes a relationship between the measured value and the input command. For example, if the measured value lies within a first value range, a first input command is used as the input command. If, however, the measured value lies within a second value range different from the first value range, a second input command different from the first input command is used as the input command.If the measured value lies in a third value range which is different from the first value range and the second value range, in particular between the first value range and the second value range, the input command is not determined or is set equal to a command which does not trigger any action of the computer.

[0014] The determined input command is then transmitted to the computer via the wireless communication connection. The wireless communication connection is preferably a Bluetooth connection, which was established by previously pairing the sensor module with the computer. The communication connection is established in particular using an HID profile, i.e. a Human Interface Device profile. This profile is intended exclusively for transmitting commands from an input device to the computer. The communication connection between the sensor module and the computer is established in such a way that the computer immediately recognizes the sensor module as an input device. For example, the sensor module presents itself to the computer as a keyboard, computer mouse, joystick, or game controller. The input device or the type of input device as which the sensor module presents itself to the computer is preferably stored in the implementation specification.This means that the input device the sensor module serves as for the computer depends on the implementation specification. If multiple sensor modules are present, they can identify themselves as input devices of the same type or of different types. For example, one of the sensor modules might identify itself as a keyboard, while another might identify itself as a mouse or joystick.

[0015] The conversion rule is part of a conversion profile, which is selected from several conversion profiles. Preferably, the several conversion profiles are stored in the data memory, and the user can select the desired conversion profile from these via a configuration connection. It can also be provided that only a single conversion profile is stored in the data memory at any time, which can be exchanged for another of the conversion profiles via the configuration connection. The sensor module presents itself as a first input device, for example a keyboard, upon selection of a first of the conversion profiles, and as a second input device, for example a computer mouse, upon selection of a second of the conversion profiles.It can also be provided that, in at least one of the implementation profiles, the sensor module presents itself to the computer as multiple input devices, in particular as multiple different input devices. For example, the input command contains a first subcommand and a second subcommand, with the sensor module transmitting the first subcommand to the computer as the first input device and the second subcommand as the second input device. This provides the sensor module with extremely high flexibility.

[0016] The sensor module described, or rather the method for its operation explained, has the advantage over known solutions in that the sensor module can be flexibly configured to the computer and the application running on it. Consequently, the user can select the application from a multitude of applications available on the computer and still always use the sensor module to control the selected application. This makes the sensor module suitable for controlling a wide variety of different applications.

[0017] Due to the use of a communication connection, preferably Bluetooth, the sensor module is largely independent of the computer's hardware, as such a communication connection is available on numerous different devices due to extensive standardization. The sensor module can also be easily adapted to various sports equipment. For example, the sports equipment can be a balance board or a swing bar.

[0018] The sensor module can also be used for sporting activities outside of the actual sports equipment, for example, by holding it in the user's hand or attaching it to the user or their clothing. In this context, the sensor module can also serve as a remote control for the computer or be integrated into a remote control, such as a game controller. This opens up numerous different possible uses while simultaneously requiring little effort to adapt the sensor module to the desired activity.

[0019] A further development of the invention provides for the use of a USB HID report descriptor as the input command. The Human Interface Device profile of the Bluetooth specification is taken from the USB specification. This defines the report descriptor, which ultimately contains a data packet with information about the state of the input device or corresponds to such. Typically, the report descriptor summarizes all state values ​​provided by the respective input device. It thus specifies in a single data packet whether and which keys of the input device have been pressed, whether and how far the input device has been moved, and similar information. The report descriptor is determined from the measured value using the conversion rule and then transmitted to the computer as an input command. There, it is evaluated, and an appropriate action is executed. The described procedure enables extremely flexible use of the sensor module.

[0020] A further development provides that the input command contains, at least temporarily, several input sub-commands, each of which is determined as a function of the measured value using the conversion rule and transmitted to the computer for separate execution as part of the input command. The input sub-commands are transmitted to the computer, for example, in a defined sequence and at a defined time interval. It can therefore be provided that the input sub-commands are spaced apart in time as part of the input command and thus transmitted to the computer for implementation there over a specific period of time. The input sub-commands are selected, for example, for the same input device and for different input devices. In this way, the input sub-commands can, in particular, correspond to different keyboard scan codes.Using the method described, command sequences can be compiled in the manner of a macro, which are selected depending on the measured value and transferred to the computer for execution.

[0021] According to the invention, it is provided that the measured value is recorded at least temporarily solely using the inertial sensor, at least temporarily solely using a further sensor of the sensor arrangement, or at least temporarily using both the inertial sensor and the further sensor. It can be provided, for example depending on the selected conversion profile, to measure the measured value solely using the inertial sensor or solely using the further sensor. However, it is preferred, for example again depending on the selected conversion profile, to use multiple sensors to determine the measured value. In particular, multiple measured values ​​are determined for this purpose, i.e. a first measured value from the inertial sensor and a second measured value from the further sensor. These measured values ​​are subsequently combined to form the measured value, which is then converted into the input command.An additional sensor could be, for example, another inertial sensor, a gyrometer (i.e., a rotation rate sensor), or an optical sensor. The procedure described enables particularly precise determination of the input command. By using multiple sensors, the inevitable measurement errors can be compensated for.

[0022] A further development of the invention provides that a conversion table, a conversion map, or a mathematical conversion relationship is used as the conversion rule. Using the conversion table or the conversion map, different values ​​of the measured value are assigned to different input commands. For example, they assign different keys or keyboard scan codes to different values ​​of the measured value. The mathematical conversion relationship is used in particular if the sensor module presents itself to the computer as a mouse, joystick, or game controller. In this case, the measured value is used as the input value and, using the conversion relationship, is converted into an output value, which is subsequently transmitted to the computer as part of the input command.Preferably, the selected conversion profile is used to determine whether the conversion table, the conversion map, or the conversion relationship is used. For example, the first conversion profile uses the conversion table or the conversion map, and the second conversion profile uses the conversion relationship. This enables high flexibility and the emulation of different input devices by the sensor module.

[0023] A further development of the invention provides that the conversion rule has at least one conversion rule data set that assigns a first value of the measured value to a first input command used as an input command and / or a second value of the measured value to a second input command used as an input command. The conversion rule data set contains information about how the measured value is to be converted into the input command. For example, the conversion rule contains several conversion rule data sets that are processed in a defined sequence. If a condition stored in the current conversion rule data set is met, it is used to convert the measured value into the input command. This again achieves a high degree of flexibility.

[0024] The invention provides that the conversion rule is part of a conversion profile, which is selected from a plurality of conversion profiles. This has already been pointed out. The plurality of conversion profiles can, for example, be stored in the data memory of the sensor module. In this case, the conversion profile is selected from the plurality of conversion profiles via the configuration connection and subsequently used to convert the measured value into the input command. However, it can also be provided that only one of the plurality of conversion profiles is stored in the data memory at a time. Changing the conversion profile or selecting the conversion profile from the plurality of conversion profiles takes place in this case by transmitting the selected conversion profile to the data memory via the configuration connection.The implementation profiles represent, in particular, presets for the implementation rule and enable particularly quick adaptation of the sensor module to different computers or different applications running on the computer.

[0025] A further development of the invention provides that the measured value is determined solely based on the inertial sensor when a first of the conversion profiles is selected, and solely based on the additional sensor when a second of the conversion profiles is selected. More generally, when the first conversion profile is selected, only a first sensor and not a second sensor is used to determine the measured value, whereas when the second conversion profile is selected, only the second sensor and not the first sensor is used for this purpose. It is therefore not necessary that all sensors of the sensor module are always used to determine the measured value. Instead, the sensor or sensors used in each case are selected depending on the conversion profile in order to achieve particularly good coordination with the computer or the application running on it.

[0026] A further development of the invention provides that the sensor module presents itself to the computer as a first input device upon selection of the first conversion profile, and as a second input device different from the first input device upon selection of the second conversion profile. Both the first input device and the second input device are each an input device selected from the input devices already mentioned. The sensor module identifies itself to the computer differently, namely depending on the selected conversion profile. This achieves a high degree of flexibility. For example, the sensor module presents itself as a keyboard upon selection of the first conversion profile, and as a computer mouse upon selection of the second conversion profile.

[0027] According to the invention, it is provided that the conversion rule is adapted via a wireless configuration connection that is different from the wireless communication connection. The configuration connection is also present, for example, between the sensor module and the computer. However, it can also be established between the sensor module and another device, for example a mobile device, in particular a cell phone or a tablet, or a games console. Using a configuration application running on this device, the conversion rule can be adapted and / or the conversion profile can be selected. This ensures the universal applicability of the sensor module. The configuration connection is preferably established by a web browser, for example via the Web Bluetooth API. The adaptation of the conversion rule is preferably also carried out via the web browser.For this purpose, it offers a corresponding user interface through which the user can make the desired adjustments.

[0028] A further development of the invention provides that the sensor module is used as the first sensor module of a sensor module arrangement which, in addition to the first sensor module, has at least one second sensor module, wherein the measured value is a first measured value and at least one second measured value is detected by means of a sensor arrangement of the at least one second sensor module, and wherein the at least one second measured value is transmitted wirelessly to the first sensor module and is taken into account when converting the first measured value into the input command and / or wherein the second measured value is converted by means of a data processing device of the second sensor module on the basis of a conversion rule stored in a data memory of the second sensor module into an input command which can be implemented directly by the computer and this input command is transmitted to the computer via a wireless communication connection.

[0029] The plurality of sensor modules comprise the first sensor module and the at least one second sensor module, preferably a plurality of second sensor modules, and form the sensor module arrangement. The sensor modules of the sensor module arrangement are preferably arranged at a distance from one another, in particular on independently movable sports equipment or on independently movable elements of the sports equipment. A measured value is determined by each of the sensor modules or the respective sensor arrangement, which is used by the respective sensor module directly or indirectly via another of the sensor modules when determining the input command. This allows different user activities to be recorded.

[0030] In a first variant, the input command is not only determined from the measured value of the sensor module or the first sensor module, but the measured values ​​of several sensor modules are used. For this purpose, at least one second sensor module is connected to the first sensor module via a wireless data transmission connection and transmits the second measured value to the first sensor module via this connection. The measured values ​​are then all incorporated into the input command. In a second variant, a separate input command is determined by each of the sensor modules from the respective measured value. The respectively determined input command is then transmitted to the computer via the wireless communication connection or a respective wireless communication connection. Each of the sensor modules represents an input device for the computer, so that the computer executes the input commands of several input devices in the form of the sensor modules.This results in particularly high motivation for the user.

[0031] The invention further relates to a sensor module for a piece of sports equipment, in particular for carrying out the method according to the explanations in the context of this description, wherein the sensor module has, in a module housing, a sensor arrangement designed to detect a movement of the sensor module and comprising an inertial sensor, wherein the sensor module is provided and designed to detect a measured value by means of the sensor arrangement for controlling a computer different from the sensor module. The sensor module is further provided and designed to convert the measured value, by means of a data processing device arranged in the module housing, based on a conversion rule stored in a data memory of the sensor module, into an input command that can be directly implemented by the computer and to transmit this input command to the computer via a wireless communication connection.

[0032] The sensor module is characterized in that it is adaptable to different sports equipment, wherein the conversion rule is a component of a conversion profile which is selected from a plurality of conversion profiles and adapted via a wireless configuration connection different from the communication connection, wherein the sensor module outputs itself as a first input device upon selection of a first of the conversion profiles and as a second input device different from the first input device upon selection of a second of the conversion profiles, and that the measured value is recorded, depending on the selected conversion profile, at least temporarily solely by means of the inertial sensor, at least temporarily solely by means of a further sensor of the sensor arrangement, or at least temporarily by means of both the inertial sensor and the further sensor.

[0033] The advantages of such a sensor module design and such a procedure have already been pointed out. Both the sensor module and the method for its operation can be further developed according to the explanations in this description, so reference is made to these in this regard.

[0034] The invention also relates to a sensor module arrangement having a plurality of sensor modules and to a piece of sports equipment having a sensor module according to the statements made in this description. With regard to the advantages and possible advantageous developments, reference is made to these in their entirety. The sports equipment may have only a single sensor module. However, it may also be provided that the sports equipment has a plurality of sensor modules, which are preferably mounted on the sports equipment at a distance from one another. These sensor modules may be interconnected via communication technology and transmit only a common input command to the computer. Alternatively, they transmit their respective input commands to the computer separately from one another and thus represent a plurality of different input devices of the computer.

[0035] The sports equipment is preferably designed as a balance board or a swing bar. Different designs can be distinguished for the balance board. In a first design of the balance board, a support part is attached beneath a board, via which the board can be tilted or deflected against a surface, so that it can be tilted in any direction. The support part can have any shape, in particular it can be partially spherical, cuboid-shaped or the like. The support part can be made of a rigid material which is not compressed, or at least not significantly compressed, even when loaded with the user's body weight. Alternatively, the support part is made of a flexible, in particular an elastic material. In a second design, the board is placed on a roller, via which it is supported on the surface.As a result, the board cannot be tilted in all directions as in the first design, but can only be tilted about one axis or two different axes. However, during a tilting movement, a lateral movement of the board occurs due to the resulting rotational movement of the roller.

[0036] The swing bar is a flexible, particularly elastic bar, which preferably has a handle. Furthermore, at least one weight is preferably attached to the bar; in particular, several weights are attached to the bar on opposite sides relative to the handle. In particular, the weight is arranged at one end of the bar, or the weights are arranged at different ends of the bar.

[0037] The sports equipment is preferably part of a sports equipment arrangement. This arrangement particularly preferably comprises a plurality of sports equipment pieces, in particular different sports equipment pieces. The sports equipment pieces are, in particular, pieces that can be used simultaneously by the user. In particular, the sports equipment arrangement comprises the balance board and the swing bar, with at least one sensor module being arranged on both the balance board and the swing bar. Additionally, a sensor module can be part of the sports equipment arrangement as a handheld device, with the handheld device being provided and designed to be held by the user in their hand.

[0038] Finally, the invention relates to a computer program product comprising instructions that cause the sensor module to execute the explained method according to the embodiments of this description. Reference is again made to the entire description for the advantages and possible advantageous developments.

[0039] The features and feature combinations described in the description, in particular the features and feature combinations described in the following description of the figures and / or shown in the figures, can be used not only in the respective combination specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, embodiments are also considered to be encompassed by the invention that are not explicitly shown or explained in the description and / or the figures, but which follow from or can be derived from the explained embodiments.

[0040] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, without limiting the invention. Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a sensor module arrangement with several sensor modules for a sports device.

[0041] The Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a sensor module arrangement 1, which has a first sensor module 2 and a plurality of second sensor modules 3, 4 and 5. The sensor module arrangement 1 or its sensor modules 2, 3, 4 and 5 are assigned to different pieces of sports equipment 6 and 7, wherein the first piece of sports equipment 6 is designed as a swing bar and the second piece of sports equipment 7 is designed as a balance board. Specifically, the first sensor module 2 is part of a handheld device or is designed as a handheld device that a user holds in their hand. The second sensor modules 3 and 4 are assigned to the first piece of sports equipment 6 and the second sensor module 5 is assigned to the second piece of sports equipment 7. In the illustrated embodiment, the sports equipment 6 and 7 and the handheld device are used by the same user. However, they can also be used by different users, or only one of the sports equipment 5 and 6 and the handheld device or only the handheld device is present.

[0042] Each of the sensor modules 2, 3, 4, and 5 has a module housing 8, in which a sensor arrangement and a data processing device are arranged. The sensor arrangement or each of the sensor arrangements each has an inertial sensor, for example an acceleration sensor and / or a gyrometer. With the help of the respective sensor arrangement, the sensor modules 2, 3, 4, and 5 record measured values, whereby the measured value of the first sensor module 2 is also referred to as the first measured value and the measured values ​​of the second sensor modules 3, 4, and 5 are also referred to as the second measured values. For example, it is provided that the sensor modules 2, 3, 4, and 5 determine a respective input command from the respective measured value and each transmit this to a computer 11 via a wireless communication connection 9. Thus, several of the communication connections 9 shown in dashed lines are present.Alternatively, the second sensor modules 3, 4, and 5 transmit the second measured values ​​to the first sensor module 2 via data transmission connections 10. The first sensor module 2 determines an input command from the first measured value and the second measured values, which is transmitted to the computer 11 via the wireless communication connection 9.

[0043] Each of the sensor modules 2, 3, 4, and 5, but especially the handheld device, optionally has at least one operating element. It is preferably provided that an operating command is generated and transmitted to the computer 11 even when the operating element is actuated by the user.

[0044] For example, at least one input device 12 is connected to the computer 11, a keyboard in the illustrated embodiment. Of course, the computer 11 can be present without an input device. The sensor module 2 or the sensor modules 2, 3, 4, and 5 also present themselves to the computer 11 as input devices. Accordingly, the computer implements the input command transmitted by the sensor module(s) immediately and directly, in particular without further interpretation of the input command by a driver. For this purpose, the input command preferably contains a USB HID report descriptor, which is configured analogously to a report descriptor transmitted by the input device 12. The described sensor arrangement or the described procedure enables flexible use of the sensor module arrangement 1.In particular, it is adaptable to an application running on the computer 11, so that the input command determined from the measured value serves to control the computer 11 or the application as intended. This allows the user of the sensor module arrangement 1 to select the application running on the computer 11 from a multitude of applications. This, in turn, results in a strong bond to the sensor module arrangement 1 and a high motivation to use the sports equipment 6 and 7. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 Sensor module arrangement 2 1. Sensor module 3 2. Sensor module 4 2. Sensor module 5 2. Sensor module 6 sports equipment 7 sports equipment 8 module housings 9 Communication connection 10 Data transmission connection 11 computers 12 Input device

Claims

[1] Method for operating a sensor module (2) for a piece of sports equipment (6), wherein the sensor module (2) has, in a module housing (8), a sensor arrangement configured to detect a movement of the sensor module (2), with an inertial sensor, and wherein, for controlling a computer (11) different from the sensor module (2), a measured value is detected by means of the sensor arrangement, wherein the measured value is converted by means of a data processing device arranged in the module housing (8) on the basis of a conversion rule stored in a data memory of the sensor module (2) into an input command that can be directly implemented by the computer, and said input command is transmitted to the computer (11) via a wireless communication connection (9), characterized byin that the sensor module (2) is adaptable to different sports equipment (6), wherein the conversion rule is part of a conversion profile which is selected from a plurality of conversion profiles and is adapted via a wireless configuration connection which is different from the communication connection, wherein the sensor module (2) outputs itself as a first input device when a first of the conversion profiles is selected and as a second input device which is different from the first input device when a second of the conversion profiles is selected, and in that the measured value is recorded as a function of the selected conversion profile at least temporarily solely using the inertial sensor, at least temporarily solely using a further sensor of the sensor arrangement or at least temporarily using both the inertial sensor and the further sensor. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that a USB HID report descriptor is used as the input command. [3] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the measured value is recorded at least temporarily using the inertial sensor alone, at least temporarily using another sensor of the sensor arrangement or at least temporarily using both the inertial sensor and the other sensor. [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a conversion table, a conversion map or a mathematical conversion relationship is used as the conversion rule. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the implementation rule has at least one implementation rule data set which assigns a first value of the measured value to a first input command used as an input command and / or a second value of the measured value to a second input command used as an input command. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the sensor module (2) is used as the first sensor module of a sensor module arrangement (1) which, in addition to the first sensor module (2), has a second sensor module (3, 4, 5), wherein the measured value is a first measured value and at least one second measured value is detected by means of a sensor arrangement of the at least one second sensor module (3, 4, 5), and wherein the at least one second measured value is transmitted wirelessly to the first sensor module (2) and is taken into account when converting the first measured value into the input command and / or wherein the second measured value is converted by means of a data processing device of the second sensor module (3, 4, 5) on the basis of a conversion rule stored in a data memory of the second sensor module (3, 4, 5) into an input command which can be implemented directly by the computer (11), and this input command is transmitted to the computer (11) via a wireless communication connection. [7] Sensor module (2) for a sports device for carrying out the method according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor module (2) has, in a module housing (8), a sensor arrangement configured to detect a movement of the sensor module (2), with an inertial sensor, and wherein the sensor module (2) is provided and configured to detect a measured value by means of the sensor arrangement for controlling a computer (11) different from the sensor module (2), wherein the sensor module (2) is further provided and configured to convert the measured value by means of a data processing device arranged in the module housing (8) based on a conversion rule stored in a data memory of the sensor module (2) into an input command that can be directly implemented by the computer (11) and to transmit this input command to the computer (11) via a wireless communication connection (9), characterized byin that the sensor module (2) is adaptable to different sports equipment (6), wherein the conversion rule is part of a conversion profile which is selected from a plurality of conversion profiles and is adapted via a wireless configuration connection which is different from the communication connection, wherein the sensor module outputs itself as a first input device when a first of the conversion profiles is selected and as a second input device which is different from the first input device when a second of the conversion profiles is selected, and in that the measured value is recorded as a function of the selected conversion profile at least temporarily solely using the inertial sensor, at least temporarily solely using a further sensor of the sensor arrangement or at least temporarily using both the inertial sensor and the further sensor. [8] Sports equipment (6) with a sensor module (2) according to claim 7. [9] Computer program product comprising instructions causing the sensor module (2) according to claim 7 to carry out the method according to one or more of claims 1 to 6.

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