Smart fencing glove

Abstract

A fencing glove equipped with a sensor integrating an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer, capable of recognizing the typical athletic movements and gestures of a fencer during a bout (parries, footwork, lunges, simple and complex actions, touches, thrusts, etc.). The glove, equipped with this sensor, communicates via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and transmits data to an electronic device, such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone. This device runs an application (or software) capable of processing the received data, counting repetitions, and generating personalized statistics to improve the user's performance. The invention also provides the possibility of recording and viewing this data via an external database.

Description

Title of the invention: Smart fencing glove

[0001] The present invention relates primarily to the monitoring and evaluation of athletic performance during fencing. In particular, it relates to a model in which a sensor applied to a fencing glove recognizes the movements specific to this discipline and transmits them telematically, in the form of data, to an electronic device. The latter is then able to receive, process, and analyze this data, and then present it to the user in the form of statistics and recommendations aimed at promoting personal improvement.

[0002] Improving an athlete's performance depends on their ability to correct their errors, whether these errors are related to posture, technique, or strategy. Therefore, it is essential to be able to review one's own athletic performance. This model helps athletes practicing fencing to obtain objective data on their bouts through the monitoring, processing, and analysis of their actions specific to this discipline.

[0003] In the field of fencing, the use of video as an analytical tool is currently the only existing means of evaluating athletic performance. However, due to the very nature of this sport, this method proves to be complex, time-consuming, and provides only qualitative data, which is therefore subject to interpretation.

[0004] The use of devices designed to monitor physical performance is widespread. For example, pedometers are traditionally used to record data related to endurance activities such as running. However, due to the specific nature of fencing, the athletic movements are fundamentally different and unique. Indeed, the discipline includes a multitude of complex movements such as parries, thrusts, lunges, and footwork, the particularity of which prevents any precise recognition or tracking by existing devices, initially designed for other sports.

[0005] Although the use of smartwatches to quantitatively track training is becoming widespread, their use in fencing proves uncomfortable, if not impossible, due to the regulation attire and the mandatory wearing of fencing gloves. Indeed, only the forearm of the non-weapon hand is permitted to remain uncovered. The potential installation of a device on this arm would nevertheless be ineffective, as it makes involuntary movements related to balance, rendering it unsuitable for collecting relevant data due to the asymmetrical nature of the sport.

[0006] Thus, in view of previous attempts and the technical problems already mentioned, there is a real need to have the proposed invention available.

[0007] The present invention relates to the application of a sensor to a fencing glove and its telematic connection to an electronic device with which it communicates continuously, transmitting data. The smart fencing glove, equipped with the associated technological elements, is compact in form, with only a power button and a charging port enabling communication with the external environment.

[0008] The invention can be implemented in different ways: as a method, as a system, or as a computer-readable medium. As a method, the invention comprises applying the sensor to the glove, its ability to recognize athletic movements once connected, and its communication with an external electronic device.

[0009] As a system, the invention comprises at least a fencing glove, a sensor interacting with each athletic movement by transmitting data, and software or an external application to provide further processing and evaluation.

[0010] As a medium readable by a computer or a smartphone, the invention refers to the software part (program or application), which includes at least: a computer code (model) for recognizing fencing movements; a code to ensure the correct transmission of data from the sensor to the electronic device; and a code to receive, process, monitor and evaluate the data, as well as to display the results on the screen of said device.

[0011] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description below, in connection with the accompanying drawings illustrating, by way of example, the main features of the invention.

[0012] Certain specific features of the embodiment of the present invention will now be examined in detail. Although the invention is described with reference to the embodiments mentioned above and as shown in the figures, it should be noted that it is not limited to these embodiments alone. On the contrary, the invention is intended to include all variants, modifications, and equivalents falling within the scope defined by the appended claims.

[0013] Fencing is a complex sport, characterized by perfect coordination between movements and cognitive processes. Consequently, the preparatory phase, in terms of strategy and tactics, plays a crucial role. Due to the large number of athletes, not all can benefit from individualized attention from fencing masters. Thus, as mentioned in the prior art, the only currently available artificial method for monitoring performance relies on the use of video. However, this technology has limitations, as it is subject to subjective interpretations, which makes the analysis longer and more complex.

[0014] The present invention provides a solution to these problems, by facilitating the collection, analysis and evaluation of data, with the aim of improving the personal performance of the athlete practicing fencing.

[0015] In order to extract numerically usable data from the movements of an athlete — that is to say usable in mathematical, statistical models, as well as in kinematic and dynamic physics analyses — it was necessary to use a sensor capable of quantifying the displacement of a physical body via its acceleration.

[0016] The sensor mentioned consists of an electronic board on which an accelerometer, a gyroscope and a magnetometer are integrated. The sensor also includes a wireless communication module using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology enabling telematic transmission, as well as a connection system with the outside [Fig.1].

[0017] The accelerometer measures the acceleration of the body along the direction of movement. Acceleration is thus considered along three conventional axes, designated X, Y and Z. The accelerometer therefore allows the acceleration to be measured in a three-dimensional space [Fig.5] and [Fig.6].

[0018] The gyroscope measures the rotational speed around the acceleration axes (X, Y and Z), thus providing a series of additional data allowing the motion to be estimated with greater accuracy [Fig.7].

[0019] The magnetometer measures the electromagnetic stresses to which the body is subjected. It also helps to determine the distance between the sensor and the fencer's body, because, due to the nature of the equipment, the area valid for the touch is electrified [Fig.8].

[0020] The sensor is further equipped with a CPU card for data processing, as well as internal memory.

[0021] Thanks to these components, the sensor is able to collect relevant data enabling the recognition of the athlete's movements.

[0022] In order to encode the signals from the accelerometer, gyroscope and magnetometer, firmware has been installed. This is essential during the initial configuration phase.

[0023] Due to the inherent complexity of the mathematical and computer description of the motion of a body in space, it would have been extremely difficult to define, from scratch, each characteristic of the motion using high-degree differential equations. It was therefore decided to record all the targeted motions using machine learning software, in order to to recognize them by a system based on inferential statistics applied to computer science.

[0024] The recording of the movements was carried out by the systematic repetition thereof, under controlled conditions.

[0025] After the collection and statistical processing of the data, a model was developed, making it possible to recognize these movements with a high degree of probability.

[0026] To ensure the transmission of data to the outside, computer code was developed and the previously mentioned model was integrated into it. In this way, the sensor is able to recognize a movement, evaluate its correct execution and transmit the data telematically to an electronic device such as a computer, tablet or smartphone [Fig.4].

[0027] To make the sensor autonomous, several electronic components were connected to it by means of wires. These components include lithium-polymer (Li-Po) batteries, an on / off switch, a step-up voltage converter with storage, and a circuit board module dedicated to battery charging. The connection diagram is shown in [Fig. 1].

[0028] The device thus constituted, composed of the sensor and the other connected components, is placed inside the glove cuff, in a low-exposure area, as illustrated in [Fig.2] and [Fig.3].

[0029] The assembly is carried out by sewing, gluing or magnetic fastening. The only parts in contact with the outside are the on / off switch and the battery charging port.

[0030] The entire device is further enclosed in a waterproof case, in order to ensure its protection against water in case of washing the glove.

[0031] Once the movement is recognized, the sensor transmits the data via a Bluetooth connection to an electronic device.

[0032] To enable correct data recognition, software (or an application) has been developed that can use the Bluetooth connection to receive the transmitted information. This software / application is based on computer code and allows the user to access several functionalities: a. Reading the data, with text labels for the movements recognized, and numerical values ​​for the repetitions performed; b. Processing of movements using statistical analyses; c. The evaluation of personal performance, comparison with reference models and the generation of explicit recommendations to improve future performance; d. Checking the accuracy of the execution of the movements; e. Chronological recording of personal performance; f. Sending information to a database; g. Bluetooth connection management; h. The ability to access other users' statistics via the database; i. The recreation of complete training sessions when both athletes use the invention simultaneously.

[0033] The main results achieved by the present invention are as follows: a. Recognition of movements and counting of repetitions; b. Instant data processing to facilitate understanding; c. Increased efficiency in analyzing one's own attacks; d. Improved ability to identify one's mistakes; e. Possibility of strategically preparing an assault in advance; f. Greater autonomy in the educational management of students (athletes); g. Greater independence in accessing information and qualitative and quantitative assessments of his performance, even in the absence of a fencing master; h. Possibility of training without weapons, while correctly executing the movements.

[0034] For a definitive understanding of this detailed description, reference should be made to the claims section. Brief description of the drawings

[0035] a. Fig. 1 illustrates the interconnection scheme between the sensor and the other electronic components. b. Figures [Fig. 2] and [Fig. 3] respectively represent the glove equipped with the sensor and the associated electronic parts, viewed from the front and side. These components are considered to be integrated into the tissues, inside the glove. c. Figure 4 illustrates the data flow diagram, from the sensor to the electronic device with specific software or application. d. Figures [Fig.5], [Fig.6], [Fig.7] and [Fig.8] show how the sensor perceives space along the three axes X, Y and Z. They illustrate respectively: the axes, the acceleration along these axes, the rotation around the axes, and the electromagnetic field around them.

Claims

1. Demands Method for tracking and analyzing fencing movements using a sensor integrated into the glove: has. A process, comprising: i. The application of a sensor integrating an accelerometer, a gyroscope and a magnetometer on a fencing glove, including its direct integration into the glove; ii. The use of machine learning technology for the recognition of certain athletic actions and gestures specific to fencing; iii. The establishment of a unidirectional communication link between the sensor integrated into the glove and an external data processing device, in which the sensor collects data from movements and external electromagnetic stimuli, and then transmits them to said device; iv. The processing, by the external device, of the data received from the sensor, to produce a real-time feedback; v. The provision, via the processing device, of real-time feedback and evaluation to the user, depending on the execution of any fencing gesture or action; vi. The recording of data in a database and the possibility of accessing it later. The process in which the provision of real-time feedback by the device includes: i. The identification of the type of parry, touch, movement, thrust, general movement or complex fencing action, as well as the counting of their respective repetitions; ii. The generation of personalized statistics for each user; iii. The classification of each athlete within a database for preparatory consultation purposes;

2. iv. Comparison of the recovered fencing style profile with the user's current profile and with a reference profile based on the correct execution of the initially defined gestures; v. The proposal to modify the current fencing style based on the results of the comparison. c. The process, further comprising: i. The aggregate update of the current fencing style profile after the recording of a new data set, and the recording of each event according to a time metric (training date). ii. The process further comprising: iii. Providing additional feedback to the user, based on the updated fencing style profile to which they are attached. iv. The process by which the current fencing style profile is established from a plurality of previous bouts and training sessions. v. The process in which the external data processing device is a computer, tablet or smartphone on which software or an application is installed. Fencing performance tracking and analysis system integrating a sensor and an external processing device: has. b. d. A system comprising: i. A fencing glove; ii. A sensor integrating an accelerometer, a gyroscope and a magnetometer, equipped with the components necessary for power supply and current flow management, as well as a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module; iii. An external electronic data processing device, communicating with the sensor by radio waves via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), the user's performance data including at least one current fencing style profile, corresponding to a series of movements executed during training or match, their respective repetitions, as well as statistical analyses summarizing athletic performance; iv. An external database for the collection and recording of said data. The system in which the sensor recognizes certain athletic fencing gestures, such as the type of parry, touches, movements, thrusts, movements in general and complex fencing actions. The system also includes: i. A computer code installed on the sensor, designed to recognize movements using a model based on machine learning; ii. A code enabling the transmission of data to the external electronic device, in which said machine learning model is also integrated. The system in which the external data processing device processes the data received from the sensor in order to produce real-time feedback by means of the following operations: i. The collection and display of detected data; ii. The statistical organization of this data; iii. Retrieving a style profile template fencing; iv. Comparison of the retrieved model with the user's current profile; v. The proposal to modify the current fencing style profile based on this comparison. e. The system in which the data is processed by the device further includes: i. Updating the current fencing style profile after a modification has been suggested. f. The system further comprising: i. Providing additional feedback to the user, based on the updated fencing style profile. g. The system in which the current fencing style profile is established from a plurality of bouts from previous training.

3. Electronically readable medium comprising software or an application for real-time monitoring and evaluation of fencing performance: has. b. A medium readable by an electronic device such as a computer or smartphone, comprising at least one computer code in the form of software or an application, intended to provide real-time feedback, said software or application comprising: i. A computer code enabling the telematic association of the sensor with the electronic device via a Bluetooth (BLE) connection, as well as a unidirectional link ensuring the transmission of data from the sensor to said device; ii. A computer code intended for displaying results, correctly identifying athletic movements and counting their respective repetitions; iii. A computer code for processing statistical data and for evaluating performance in chronological order; iv. A computer code intended for the transmission of data from the electronic device to an external database (writing to the database); v. A computer code intended for extracting data from the external database to the electronic device (reading from the database). The medium, readable by an electronic device such as a computer or smartphone, in which the code intended to provide real-time feedback further includes: i. A computer code to retrieve a fencing style profile template; ii. A computer code to compare the retrieved fencing style profile model with the user's current fencing style profile; iii. A computer code to suggest a modification of the current fencing style profile based on said comparison. c. The medium readable by an electronic device such as a computer or smartphone further comprising: i. Computer code intended to update the fencing style profile after a modification of the current profile has been suggested. d. The medium readable by an electronic device such as a computer or smartphone, further comprising: i. Computer code intended to provide additional feedback to the user, based on the updated fencing style profile. e. The medium readable by an electronic device such as a computer or smartphone in which the current fencing style profile is established from a plurality of previous bouts and training sessions.

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