Smart rope with PPG heart rate feedback and mobile data analysis

Abstract

A cardiovascular training device with jump rope handles featuring integrated photoplethysmography sensors, a microcontroller for estimating heart rate during intense exercise, LED displays for showing heart rate zones, a vibration motor for tactile signals, and a rechargeable battery, providing real-time zone feedback during rope jumping.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to fitness monitoring devices with integrated photoplethysmography sensors, embedded data processing and haptic / visual feedback in jump rope handles, coupled with a mobile application for personalized cardiovascular training. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Heart rate-based training improves cardiovascular outcomes and safety. However, users often train without real-time zone feedback or rely on chest straps, which can be impractical during dynamic exercises like skipping. While PPG sensors integrated into wearables allow for optical heart rate measurement, they are prone to motion artifacts during intense activity. Studies show that combining accelerometer reference values, adaptive filtering, and rate tracking enables accurate heart rate measurement during exercise when efficiently implemented on embedded hardware. Optical design decisions (LED wavelength, photodiode geometry) and signal processing pipelines (ANC, notch filtering, spectral tracking) are critical for reliable estimations in dynamic environments.In-device feedback via LEDs and haptics can guide users to target zones without requiring them to look at a smartphone. A device-centric rope handle with integrated PPG sensors, robust artifact handling, LED / vibration zone indicators, rechargeable power supply, and app-based analysis provides a portable, user-friendly solution for safe, personalized cardio workouts. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to an intelligent jump rope device with handles equipped with integrated PPG sensor modules, a microcontroller for motion artifact-resistant heart rate measurement, LED indicators for heart rate zones, a vibration motor for tactile warning signals, and a battery. A mobile app connects to the device to calculate personalized limits, record training sessions, and provide training guidance. The device's internal memory stores up to one month of training data for synchronization. The microcontroller combines PPG with inertial data and applies adaptive filters and frequency tracking methods to ensure accurate heart rate measurements even during intense movements. The device provides real-time heart rate zone information and safety alerts, while the app visualizes trends and recommends intensity adjustments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0004] Each grip features an optical PPG module with green LEDs and a photodiode, designed for optimal signal-to-noise ratio during wrist / palm contact. This module is supported by an analog input stage and an ADC that feeds a microcontroller. This microcontroller executes heart rate pipelines specifically designed for dynamic movements such as rope skipping. Motion artifact reduction is achieved through adaptive, accelerometer-based noise reduction and notch / spectral tracking. This isolates the quasi-periodic heart rate component during intense activity, enabling low error rates in training datasets with efficient, battery-powered implementations. LED indicators on the grip display heart rate zones (e.g., warm-up, aerobic, anaerobic) via color or flashing frequency.A vibration motor provides tactile feedback when thresholds or safe limits are exceeded, enabling eye-free training control. The device firmware calculates personalized training zones based on age, resting heart rate, or app data and continuously adjusts the thresholds. Simultaneously, session summaries are stored locally and synchronized with the app when connected. The mobile application connects via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and displays heart rate, cadence, estimated energy expenditure, and training history in real time. Users can set goals, adjust zone definitions, and receive recommendations for safe training progress based on long-term data. Optical design recommendations include multi-wavelength or multi-path configurations to improve robustness across different skin tones and blood flow conditions.The firmware dynamically selects the optimal channels based on signal quality metrics to stabilize measurements despite perspiration and varying grip strength. The battery and power management enable multiple training sessions by optimizing the LED operating cycle and the microcontroller's power-saving modes. The design aims for low average power consumption, except during brief peaks in computing power, to preserve capacity. Environmental and mechanical aspects include sweat resistance, ergonomic grip shapes for consistent PPG contact, and shielding of the PPG window from ambient light to reduce optical artifacts during movement. The system implements data protection features and secure coupling for user data with optional cloud backup of sessions and zone models. The device's internal memory ensures uninterrupted operation and synchronizes seamlessly.The architecture allows firmware updates to optimize filters and models when new datasets become available. This expands device functionality without hardware changes and, if needed, supports more complex fitness programs beyond simple rope skipping.

Claims

[1] A cardiovascular training device with jump rope handles with integrated photoplethysmography sensors, a microcontroller for estimating heart rate during intense exercise, LED displays for indicating heart rate zones, a vibration motor for tactile signals and a rechargeable battery, wherein the device provides real-time zone feedback during rope jumping. [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein the microcontroller uses accelerometer-based adaptive noise reduction and frequency tracking or notch filtering methods to reduce motion artifacts and improve the accuracy of heart rate measurement during training. [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a mobile application configured to be paired with the device, calculating personalized heart rate limits, storing session data for up to one month and providing safety-oriented training guidance. [4] Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the optical module uses green LED wavelengths and dynamic channel selection to maintain signal quality under different movement, grip and skin conditions, and the firmware adjusts the LED control and sampling to achieve a balance between accuracy and battery life.