Pressure-sensitive fitness floor with integrated finish line detection and signal display

Abstract

Fitness floor with integrated finish line detection, characterized in that it has one or a plurality of pressure sensors arranged in the area of ​​the finish line, which generate a signal when an athlete crosses the finish line.

Description

I. Technical area:

[0001] The invention relates to a fitness floor or sports floor, in particular for use in sports competitions or fitness tests, which is equipped with pressure sensors and a lighting system to detect and visually indicate the crossing of a finish line. II. State of the art:

[0002] In sporting competitions, especially in running events or fitness tests, the finish time is often determined by manually evaluating camera images mounted at the finish line. These solutions are error-prone, expensive to purchase, and require complex installation and sufficient space for the camera equipment. Furthermore, inadequate image quality or suboptimal camera positioning poses the risk of incorrect evaluation. III. Description of the invention:

[0003] The invention is based on the object of providing a more cost-effective, reliable and easy-to-install system for detecting the crossing of a finish line, which also provides immediate feedback to both the athlete and the competition staff.

[0004] This task is solved by a fitness floor (A) with the following features as shown in the Fig. : 1. The floor comprises at least one location, preferably in the area of ​​a finish line Z, a plurality of pressure sensors (B) which can detect the contact of an athlete with the floor. 2. The pressure sensors are arranged and configured to detect whether the finish line has been completely crossed (e.g. whether the foot is completely over the line). 3. An LED lighting system (C) is integrated in the finish line area, which provides visual feedback depending on the sensor value detected, for example: ◯ Green light when the finish line is crossed correctly, ◯ Red light in case of incorrect or incomplete crossing. 4. The system is connected to a timing unit (E) which automatically saves the finish time when the finish line is reached for the first time and, if necessary, displays it on a display or via an interface. 5. Optional: The sensor (B) and lighting technology (C) is integrated into a modular floor element that can be retrofitted into existing floor coverings. IV. Advantages of the invention: • Immediate visual feedback for athletes and judges, • Less installation effort compared to camera systems, • Regardless of lighting conditions or lines of sight, • Reduced susceptibility to errors due to objective pressure measurement, • Modular design allows easy retrofitting. V. Example:

[0005] In a preferred embodiment, the fitness floor (A) consists of a longer rolling track, with the pressure sensors (B) being mounted underneath and operating capacitively, piezoelectrically or, in the simplest case, via a closed circuit when the pressure sensor is stepped on, as in Fig. The lighting system (C) is mounted behind the finish line and is controlled by a control unit (D and E), which evaluates the sensor data in real time. Data processing and communication are carried out via an integrated microcontroller module (D) or a central control unit (E), as shown in Fig. The entire technology is embedded in a non-slip and weather-resistant fitness floor for indoor and outdoor use. VI. Conclusion

[0006] The present invention represents an innovative solution for finish line measurement and result display (in the form of light) of people in sports and training environments. By integrating pressure sensors and lighting technology into the floor, a precise, cost-effective, and user-friendly alternative to conventional measurement methods and result display is created. IX. List of reference symbols A fitness and sports floor B one or more pressure sensors C Lighting technology D Microcontroller for WLAN-enabled electronics of the pressure sensor or lighting technology E central WLAN-enabled control unit Z finish line

Claims

[1] Fitness floor with integrated finish line detection, characterized by that it has one or a plurality of pressure sensors arranged in the area of ​​the finish line, which generate a signal when an athlete crosses the finish line. [2] Fitness floor according to claim 1, characterized by that a lighting unit is provided which outputs a specific colour via the light display depending on the signal from the pressure sensors. [3] Fitness floor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the pressure sensors can detect the athlete's complete crossing of the finish line. [4] Fitness floor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sensors are connected to a timing unit that stores a target time when the sensors are triggered for the first time. [5] Fitness floor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the sensor unit and the lighting system are integrated into a modular floor element. [6] Fitness floor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sensor unit and the lighting system are integrated into a rollable floor element.

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