Method and device for aiding the navigation of water sports equipment.

Abstract

A method and system for assisting the navigation of water sports equipment fitted with a device for monitoring at least one navigation parameter is proposed herein. This device is connected to user equipment suitable for wear by the user. The method comprises, by the monitoring device: collecting (301) data representative of said at least one navigation parameter, determining (302) from said data, at least one piece of information representative of said at least one parameter at a time of data collection, and transmitting (302) said at least one piece of information to the user equipment. The method further comprises, by the user equipment: generating (303) an audible notification representative of said at least one piece of information for dissemination to the user.This allows users to be provided with information regarding navigation parameters during their practice, thus enabling them to quickly improve their performance. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 3.

Description

Title of the invention: Method and Device for aiding the navigation of water sports equipment. technical field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the use of water sports equipment and in particular to real-time assistance in navigating such equipment to improve the sports performance of the practitioner. STATE OF PRIOR ART

[0002] In the practice of water sports known as "light sailing" (e.g., windsurfing, kitesurfing, dinghy sailing, etc.), the sensory information perceived by the practitioner during navigation constitutes the primary source of information that allows him to adapt his posture and reactions to the navigation situation encountered, and to optimize the settings of his equipment.

[0003] This ability of the sailor to adapt to sailing conditions improves with experience and learning following many hours of practice. However, dinghy sailing has a relatively slow learning curve since weather conditions limit sailing windows and the reproducibility of situations. Furthermore, there is a significant difference between the "sensations" actually felt by the sailor during sailing and the reality of their performance, thus limiting learning strategies based solely on perceived sensory information.

[0004] To help users improve their performance, systems exist that display certain navigation parameters on a screen or alert the user when certain navigation parameters have been reached, for example, by means of vibrations. However, the screen display during sports activities can distract the user and prevent them from concentrating on their navigation, and the vibrations can be difficult for them to interpret.

[0005] The situation can be improved. Indeed, it is desirable to provide a solution enabling dinghy sailors to accelerate their learning curve and thus rapidly improve their sporting performance. In particular, it is desirable to provide sailors with simple and easy-to-interpret information about their sailing in real time. Description of the invention

[0006] A method for aiding the navigation of water sports equipment is proposed here. This water sports equipment is equipped with a device for monitoring at least one navigation parameter of said equipment. nautical. This monitoring device is connected to user equipment suitable for wear by a user of said nautical sports equipment. This process includes:

[0007] - collect, by said monitoring device, data representative of said at minus one navigation parameter,

[0008] - determine, by said monitoring device, from said data, at least information representative of said parameter at least at a time of data collection,

[0009] - transmit, by said monitoring device, said at least one piece of information user equipment audit

[0010] - upon receipt of said at least one piece of information, generate, by said equipment user, a sound notification representative of said at least one piece of information for dissemination to said user.

[0011] Thus, it is possible to provide the user, in real time, with information representative of navigation parameters during their sporting activity. The user can then modify their posture and / or attitude based on this information and thus progress in their activity. Advantageously, this information is disseminated to the user in a simple and easily understandable manner. The user can then concentrate on their activity, while taking this information into account and thus rapidly improve their performance.

[0012] According to a particular embodiment, said at least one navigation parameter is chosen from: - a flight altitude, - a navigation speed, - a roll angle and a pitch angle, - a route and / or a heading, - a wind speed at the time of data collection, - a distance between the monitoring device and at least one instrumented buoy broadcasting its position, - a distance between said surveillance device and at least one other surveillance device equipping other water sports equipment.

[0013] According to one embodiment, said sound notification is: - a speed at the time of collection of the verbalized data and / or, - a sound, continuous or discontinuous, and having a predetermined frequency.

[0014] According to one embodiment: if a value of the flight height is less than a first predetermined threshold, then the sound frequency is between 400 Hz and 600 Hz, preferably 580 Hz, and the sound is discontinuous; if a value of the flight height is between said first predetermined threshold and a second predetermined threshold, then the sound frequency is between 400Hz and 600Hz, preferably 580Hz, and the sound is continuous; if a value of the flight height is greater than said second predetermined threshold, then the sound frequency is between 1000Hz and 2000Hz, preferably 1160Hz, and the sound is continuous.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises, where said at least one navigation parameter is speed: - determine, by said monitoring device, an average speed of said water sports equipment over a predetermined distance already covered, - compare said determined average speed with a predetermined target speed, and - if the average speed is greater than the predetermined target speed, then start a speed record attempt if it has not already started, otherwise determine a remaining distance to be covered to achieve the speed record, said information transmitted by said monitoring device, further including an indication that a speed record attempt has started or the remaining distance to be covered to achieve the speed record.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the monitoring device is further connected to at least one user terminal and said monitoring device further transmits said at least one piece of information to said at least one user terminal.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises: - collect, by said monitoring device, other data representative of at least one navigation parameter of at least one other piece of water sports equipment and / or at least one other piece of information representative of at least one navigation parameter of at least one other piece of water sports equipment.

[0018] Also proposed here is a monitoring device for at least one navigation parameter of a piece of water sports equipment. This monitoring device is installed on said water sports equipment and is connected to user equipment suitable for wear by a user of said water sports equipment. The monitoring device comprises electronic circuitry configured to: - to collect data representative of at least one navigation parameter, - to determine from said data, at least one piece of information representative of said at least one parameter at a time of data collection, - transmit said at least one piece of information to said user equipment to generate, by said user equipment, a notification representative of said at least one piece of information for dissemination to said user.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the monitoring device further comprises a housing and a mounting arm attached to the housing, said mounting arm fixing the monitoring device to said water sports equipment via fixing means already present on the water sports equipment.

[0020] A navigation aid system for water sports equipment is also proposed herein. This system comprises a monitoring device for at least one navigation parameter, fitted to said water sports equipment, and user equipment suitable for wear by a user of said water sports equipment, said user equipment being connected to said monitoring device. The system comprises electronic circuitry configured to: - to collect, by said monitoring device, data representative of said at least one navigation parameter, - to determine, by said monitoring device, from said data, at least one piece of information representative of said at least one parameter at a time of data collection, - transmit, via said monitoring device, at least one piece of information to said user equipment, - upon receipt of said at least one piece of information, generate, by said user equipment, a sound notification representative of said at least one piece of information for dissemination to said user.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the navigation assistance system further comprises at least one user terminal, said monitoring device being further connected to said user terminal, and said system further comprising electronic circuitry configured to: transmit, by the monitoring device (101), said at least one piece of information to said at least one user terminal. Brief description of the drawings

[0022] The features of the invention mentioned above, as well as others, will become clearer upon reading the following description of at least one exemplary embodiment, said description being made in relation to the accompanying drawings, among which:

[0023] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates, in side view, a piece of water sports equipment equipped with a device for monitoring navigation parameters, according to one embodiment;

[0024] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates an example of a hardware platform enabling to implement, in the form of electronic circuitry, the navigation parameter monitoring device associated with water sports equipment, according to an embodiment;

[0025] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates the steps of a navigation aid process for a water sports equipment, according to an embodiment;

[0026] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates an example of the application of a method to aid the navigation of water sports equipment, according to an embodiment.

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF IMPROVEMENTS

[0028] The general principle of this disclosure concerns the provision, in real time, to a user (i.e., the practitioner or the athlete), of information representative of navigation parameters of a water sports equipment (also referred to hereafter as sports equipment) in order to enable him to rapidly improve his sporting performance.

[0029] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates, in side view, a water sports equipment 100 equipped with a navigation parameter monitoring device 101 (or monitoring device 101), according to one embodiment.

[0030] Such sports equipment 100 is for example a board equipped with a water wing (or "foil" in English), a windsurf board ("windsurf" in English), a windsurf board equipped with a foil ("windfoil" in English), a kitesurf, a dinghy, etc., and more generally any water sports equipment called "light sailing".

[0031] Hereafter, by way of example, sports equipment 100 is considered to be a windsurfing board equipped with a foil (“windfoil”). However, sports equipment 100 can be any type of water sports equipment as described above.

[0032] In one embodiment, the monitoring device 101 comprises a housing 101a, means for storing and supplying electrical energy (e.g., batteries), sensors adapted for measuring navigation parameters, and electronic circuitry adapted and configured to implement the functions, processes, and steps described below. The electronic circuitry of the monitoring device 101, the means for supplying electrical energy, and the sensors are housed in the housing 101a. The housing 101a is, for example, a waterproof housing, enabling the monitoring device 101 to be watertight at depths of several meters. The housing 101a includes a button adapted for switching the monitoring device 101 on or off when pressed by the user 105.The 101a enclosure includes suitable means for supplying electrical energy to the storage and power supply devices, such as a USB port to which a power cable can be connected or a wireless charging system.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the sensors adapted to measure navigation parameters are one or a combination of the following sensors:

[0034] - acoustic or radar sensor enabling the determination, through the execution of a state-of-the-art known filtering algorithm, the flight altitude, denoted h, corresponding to the distance between the 101a unit and the water surface,

[0035] - GNSS system or "Geolocation and Navigation by a Satellite System" to measure the speed and position of sports equipment 100,

[0036] - inertial measurement unit or attitude measurement unit for measuring the roll angle, the angle of pitch and heading of sports equipment 100.

[0037] The monitoring device 101 further comprises a mounting arm 101b attached to the housing 101a and enabling the housing 101a to be attached to the sports equipment 100. More specifically, the monitoring device 101 is attached to the sports equipment 100 via the mounting arm 101b using the existing fastening means (not shown) already present on the sports equipment 100. These fastening means are, for example, fastening means for attaching a foil 103 to a float 102 of the sports equipment 100. These fastening means are, for example, screws for screwing the foil 103 to the float 102. In other words, it is possible to install the monitoring device 101 on any type of sports equipment 100, and in particular on any type of float 102, by reusing the existing fastenings. Therefore, there is no need for structural modification of sports equipment 100.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the monitoring device 101 comprises electronic circuitry configured to communicate with a user device 104, for example via a Bluetooth® connection. This user device 104 is intended to be worn by the user 105 during navigation. This user device 104 is adapted to transmit to the user 105 information representing navigation parameters in the form of notifications, for example, audible notifications. For example, the user device 104 is a bone conduction headset that helps limit the risk of hearing damage (e.g., eardrum perforation when falling into water with conventional headphones) and allows the user to remain focused on navigation. The user 105 can interact with the monitoring device 101 via the user device 104. For example, a human-machine interface of the user device 104 (e.g.button) allows user 105 to access a menu (e.g., audio menu) of the monitoring device 101 in order to change the configuration parameters of the monitoring device 101 before and / or during its use.

[0039] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates an example of a hardware platform for implementing, in the form of electronic circuitry, the navigation parameter monitoring device 101.

[0040] The hardware platform comprises, connected by a communication bus 210: a processor or CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201; a RAM (Random-Access Memory) 202; a ROM (Read Only Memory) 203, for example of type ROM (Read Only Memory) or EEPROM (Electrically-Erasable Programmable ROM), such as Flash memory; a storage unit, such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 204, or a storage media reader, such as an SD card reader (“Secure Digital” in English); and an I / f interface manager 205.

[0041] The I / f interface manager 205 allows the monitoring device 101 to interact with its own sensors (i.e., those integrated into the housing 101a of the monitoring device 101) and / or external sensors that are either integrated into and / or associated with the sports equipment 100 (e.g., wind sensor, sensors on instrumented buoys that transmit their position, etc.), or worn by the user 105 (e.g., heart rate sensor, etc.), for example, via Bluetooth® or WiFi® communication. The I / f interface manager 205 also allows the monitoring device 101 to interact with user equipment 104, or user terminals such as a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, smartwatch, etc., for example, to access the menu of monitoring device 101 in order to change the configuration parameters of monitoring device 101 before and / or during its use. The I / F interface manager 205 also allows monitoring device 101 to interact with other monitoring devices 101 installed on other sports equipment 100.

[0042] The processor 201 is capable of executing instructions loaded into RAM 202 from ROM 203, external memory, a storage medium (such as an SD card), or a communication network. When the hardware platform is powered on, the processor 201 is capable of reading instructions from RAM 202 and executing them. These instructions form a computer program causing the processor 201 to implement all or part of the steps, processes, and operations described herein.

[0043] All or part of the steps, processes, and operations described herein can thus be implemented in software form by the execution of a set of instructions by a programmable machine, for example, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) or a microcontroller, or be implemented in hardware form by a dedicated machine or electronic component (chip) or a dedicated set of electronic components (chipset), for example, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit). Generally, as described above, the monitoring device 101 comprises electronic circuitry adapted and configured to implement the operations, processes, and steps described herein.

[0044] Fig. 3 schematically illustrates the steps of a method for aiding the navigation of a piece of water sports equipment, according to one embodiment.

[0045] During a step 301, the monitoring device 101 collects representative data on one or more navigation parameters from its own sensors and / or external sensors. This data collection is carried out during a so-called "collection period," i.e., when the user 105 is navigating on their sports equipment 100, and according to a predetermined "collection frequency," which depends, for example, on the nature and / or capabilities of the sensors and / or navigation parameters being monitored. In one example, the predetermined collection period starts and ends at the request of the user 105, for example, via an interaction between the user 105 and the user equipment 104, which then transmits to the monitoring device 101 a request to start, or stop, the collection of navigation parameter data. In another example, the predetermined collection period starts automatically (i.e.(without user intervention 105) when a predetermined number of navigation parameters are checked, i.e., when they have reached a predetermined threshold (e.g., speed of sports equipment 100 exceeding a predetermined threshold...). This prevents user 105 from forgetting to start data collection.

[0046] The monitored browsing parameters (i.e., whose data is collected) are, for example, one or a combination of the following parameters (non-exhaustive list):

[0047] (i) the flight altitude, denoted h. Monitoring the flight altitude h allows the user 105 to know what its performance will be in terms of speed. Indeed, in the example of windfoiling, a flight height h below a first predetermined height threshold corresponds to significant foil drag and therefore a lower speed. Furthermore, the risk of touching the water increases, thus reducing the sailing speed. A flight height h above a second predetermined height threshold increases the risk of the foil lifting out of the water and therefore experiencing an abrupt stop at high speed;

[0048] (ii) speed. Indeed, speed is a navigation parameter that is difficult for the user to estimate solely through sensory information which depends greatly on environmental parameters (e.g., more or less formed swell making navigation more or less stable; wind speed, sea current, etc.);

[0049] (iii) the roll angle and pitch angle of the sports equipment 100. Analysis of the roll and pitch angles allows, a posteriori, for deduction as to whether the sports equipment 100 was properly adjusted (e.g., choice of sail consistent with the board, good adjustment of the sail and board, etc.). As the speed increases, the pitch angle decreases; generally, the roll angle is 20° and remains stable. The pitch angle must be as small as possible, i.e., below a predetermined pitch angle threshold, to improve performance;

[0050] (iv) road and heading of sports equipment 100;

[0051] (v) wind speed;

[0052] (vi) angles of the sail, if applicable.

[0053] (vii) a distance between the monitoring device 101 and one or more instrumented buoys broadcasting their position for the improvement of maneuvering training,

[0054] (viii) a distance between at least two monitoring devices equipping different sports equipment. It is thus possible to monitor the distance of a first piece of sports equipment in relation to a second piece of sports equipment.

[0055] During step 302, the monitoring device 101 determines and then transmits to the user equipment 104 representative information for each monitored navigation parameter whose data has been collected, for dissemination to the user 105. This representative information for a monitored navigation parameter is, for example, the speed of the sports equipment 100 at the time the speed data was collected. In another example, this information corresponds to the result of a comparison of the flight altitude h at the time the flight altitude data was collected with the first predetermined altitude threshold and the second predetermined altitude threshold (e.g., flight altitude h lower than the first predetermined altitude threshold).

[0056] In a step 303, the user equipment 104 generates, from the representative information of each navigation parameter for which data has been collected, a notification representing that information. More specifically, this notification allows this information to be transmitted to the user 105 in such a way that it is easily and quickly understandable by the user 105, while also being usable to improve the user 105's performance. The manner in which this information is disseminated to the user 105 via this notification is adapted to the nature of the monitored navigation parameter and to the representative information of that navigation parameter.

[0057] In one example, the information representing the speed of the sports equipment 100 at the time of collection is disseminated to the user 105, according to a predetermined frequency which can be modified by the user 105 (e.g., every 4 seconds), in the form of an audible notification verbally announcing the speed of the sports equipment 100 in knots rounded to the nearest 0.5 kt (i.e. 0.926 km / h).

[0058] In another example, the information representing the flight altitude h at the time of collection is disseminated in the form of an audible notification corresponding to a variable-frequency acoustic signal (e.g., sinusoidal), continuous or discontinuous. In particular, this audible signal allows the flight altitude h to be conveyed intuitively while limiting the complexity of the information so as not to distract the user. 105 For example, three types of acoustic signals are sent according to the information representative of the flight height h. Thus, it is possible to "re-educate" the user's navigation perceptions very effectively by providing them with objective information about the flight height h which is difficult to communicate otherwise.

[0059] For this purpose, two height thresholds are defined, for example at 30 cm and 70 cm for a piece of sports equipment 100 with a 90 cm high foil mast. It should be noted that these two height thresholds are adjustable according to the user 105, the equipment, and the sea state, including, if necessary, during navigation via interaction between the user 105 and the user equipment 104, which then transmits the modification of these height thresholds to the monitoring device 101. Thus, in an example:

[0060] - if the information representing the flight height h indicates that the flight height h is less than the first predetermined threshold (e.g., 30 cm), then the audible notification broadcast by the user equipment 104 corresponds to a discontinuous audible signal in a low frequency between 400Hz and 600Hz, preferably 580Hz;

[0061] - if the information representing the flight height h indicates that the height of vol h is greater than the first predetermined threshold (e.g., 30 cm), but less than a second predetermined threshold (e.g., 70 cm), then the audible notification broadcast by user equipment 104 is a continuous audible signal in a low frequency between 400 Hz and 600 Hz, preferably 580 Hz;

[0062] - if the information representing the flight height h indicates that the height of If vol h is greater than the second predetermined threshold (e.g., 70cm), then the audible notification broadcast by user equipment 104 is a continuous audible signal in a high frequency between 1000Hz and 2000Hz, preferably 1160Hz.

[0063] It should be noted that the sound pattern described above is an example and that other sound patterns may be possible with different sound frequency variations. For example, the sound pattern may be chosen and configured by the user 105 according to their preferences (e.g., only continuous sounds of different sound frequencies).

[0064] Fig. 4 schematically illustrates an example of the application of a navigation aid method for water sports equipment, according to one embodiment.

[0065] According to a particular embodiment, the method described above makes it possible to help the user 105 to establish a speed record when using the sports equipment 100. A "speed record" is established when the user 105 has covered with his sports equipment 100 a distance, for example, of 500m (or 1850m, etc.) at a speed greater than or equal to a predetermined target speed, denoted Vcibie.

[0066] First, user 105 sets the target speed Vcibie to be achieved in order to establish the speed record. To do this, user 105 interacts with user equipment 104 to access a menu (e.g., audio menu) of the monitoring device 101. allowing the user to set the target speed Vcibie to be achieved in order to establish the speed record. Alternatively, user 105 interacts with a user terminal such as a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, etc., to access the menu of the monitoring device 101 in order to set the target speed Vcibie.

[0067] Next, representative data for the navigation parameter corresponding to the speed of the sports equipment 100 are collected. Then, the monitoring device 101 determines an average speed Vmoy of the sports equipment 100 over a predetermined distance already traveled (e.g., over the last 50 meters) based on this speed data. The monitoring device 101 then compares the determined average speed Vmoy to the target speed Vcibie. The monitoring device 101 then transmits to the user equipment 104 information representing the speed of the sports equipment 100 corresponding to the result of the comparison of the average speed Vmoy to the target speed Vcibie.

[0068] Thus, if the average speed Vmoy is greater than the target speed Vcibie over 50m, then a speed record attempt (or "run") can be initiated. The speed information displayed by the sports equipment 100 then includes an indication that a speed record attempt can be initiated. Subsequently, the user equipment 104 generates a notification indicating that a speed record attempt has begun. The user equipment 104 transmits this notification to the user 105, for example, in the form of an audible notification verbally stating "start of the run," that the speed record attempt has begun.

[0069] From the start of the attempt, the monitoring device 101 then determines the remaining distance to be covered to reach 500m at an average speed Vmoy greater than or equal to the target speed Vcibie. This remaining distance is determined based on the evolution profile of the average speed Vmoy over a distance already covered. Thus, if the average speed Vmoy is still greater than or equal to the target speed Vcibie over a predetermined distance already covered (e.g., 200m, 400m, etc.), then the speed information displayed by the sports equipment 100 also includes an indication of the remaining distance to be covered (e.g., 300m, 100m, etc.) to establish the record. The user equipment 104 then generates an audible notification verbally indicating the remaining distance to be covered to establish the speed record, such as: "P3", "PI" for "300m gate" and "100m gate".

[0070] However, if the average speed Vmoy falls below the target speed Vcibie over a predetermined distance already covered, then the remaining distance to be covered before reaching 500m will increase. The distances remaining before reaching the stated 500m therefore do not correspond to distances actually covered by The sports equipment 100, but with remaining distances to be covered before reaching 500m at an average speed Vmoy greater than or equal to the target speed Vcibie. If the average speed Vmoy remains lower than the target speed Vcibie beyond a predetermined threshold of distance already covered, then the information representing the speed of the sports equipment 100 also includes an indication that the speed record attempt is cancelled.

[0071] Finally, when the 500m distance is reached, the information representing the speed of the sports equipment 100 also includes an indication that the 500m at an average speed Vmoy greater than or equal to the target speed Vcibie has been achieved. The user equipment 104 then generates a notification indicating that the 500m distance has been reached, for example in the form of a musical theme.

[0072] In the event that the average speed Vmoy continues to be above the target speed Vcibie beyond 500m, then the information representing the speed of the sports equipment 100 further includes an indication of the distance covered beyond 500m. The user equipment 104 then generates a notification indicating the distance covered beyond 500m, for example in the form of an audible notification verbally indicating the additional distance reached, for example "02": for "over 200m" (i.e., 200m have been covered beyond 500m at a target average speed greater than or equal to the target speed).

[0073] Similar to a 500m speed record as described above, the method according to this disclosure makes it possible to help the user 105 to establish a speed record over 1850m (i.e., nautical mile) and speed records per hour.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the monitoring device 101 records the monitored navigation parameter data in memory for subsequent analysis of the user 105's performance. After recording, the monitoring device 101 transmits the recorded data (e.g., via a Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi® connection) to a user terminal (e.g., a personal computer). Thus, the monitored navigation parameter data from several training sessions can be analyzed, for example, using a dedicated application or software installed on a user terminal such as a smartphone or personal computer. This allows the user 105 to analyze their performance by viewing the various measurement parameters (speed, altitude, angles, etc.).In one example, this post-analysis consists, among other things, of including and merging video images, wind speed, sail position, and any other information from sensors.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the monitoring device 101 also collects, during the collection period:

[0076] - representative data of one or more navigation parameters in originating from one or more other monitoring devices equipping other sports equipment and implementing the process as described above. In this case, the monitoring device 101, having collected this data, determines and then transmits to the user equipment 104 one or more pieces of information representative of the monitored navigation parameters whose data were collected by the other monitoring device(s), for dissemination to the user 105 according to the process described above, and / or

[0077] - information representative of monitored navigation parameters, including Data was collected by the other monitoring device(s) 101 also implementing the process as described above. The monitoring device 101 that collected this information then transmits this information to the user equipment 104 for dissemination to the user 105 according to the process described above.

[0078] In other words, the monitoring device 101 is also configured to process and analyze information from other monitoring devices, and transmit it to the user equipment 104 for dissemination to the user 105. It is thus possible for the user 105 to train collaboratively with other users (e.g., two athletes can train together and obtain information on their respective navigation parameters in real time, for example the real-time distance separating them or their respective speeds).

[0079] According to one embodiment, the monitoring device 101 further transmits representative information for each monitored navigation parameter whose data has been collected to a user terminal such as a computer located in a land-based control center (or station), for example via a Wi-Fi® or 3G, 4G, or 5G communication. This makes it possible to envision supervised training sessions during which a coach can monitor the athletes from the control center and transmit additional real-time information on the navigation parameters directly to them via the user equipment 104.

Claims

Demands

1. A method for assisting the navigation of a piece of water sports equipment (100), said water sports equipment (100) being equipped with a monitoring device (101) for at least one navigation parameter of said water sports equipment (100), and said monitoring device (101) being connected to a user device (104) suitable for being worn by a user (105) of said water sports equipment (100), said method being characterized in that it comprises: - collecting (301), by said monitoring device (101), data representative of said at least one navigation parameter, - determining (302), by said monitoring device (101), from said data, at least one piece of information representative of said at least one parameter at a time of data collection, - transmitting (302), by said monitoring device (101), said at least one piece of information to said user device (104),- upon receipt of said at least one piece of information, generate (303), by said user equipment (104), a sound notification representative of said at least one piece of information for dissemination to said user (105).

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein said at least one navigation parameter is selected from: - a flight altitude, - a navigation speed, - a roll angle and a pitch angle, - a route and / or a heading, - a wind speed at the time of data collection, - a distance between the monitoring device (101) and at least one instrumented buoy broadcasting its position, - a distance between said monitoring device (101) and at least one other monitoring device equipping other water sports equipment.

3. A method according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein said sound notification is: - a speed at the time of collection of the verbalized data and / or, - a sound, continuous or discontinuous, and having a predetermined frequency.

4. A method according to claim 3, wherein: - if a value of the flight height is less than a first predetermined threshold, then the frequency of the sound is between 400Hz and 600Hz, preferably 580Hz, and the sound is discontinuous, - if a value of the flight height is between said first predetermined threshold and a second predetermined threshold, then the frequency of the sound is between 400Hz and 600Hz, preferably 580Hz, and the sound is continuous, - if a value of the flight height is greater than said second predetermined threshold, then the frequency of the sound is between 1000Hz and 2000Hz, preferably 1160Hz, and the sound is continuous.

5. A method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising, where said at least one navigation parameter is speed: - determining, by said monitoring device (101), an average speed of said water sports equipment (100) over a predetermined distance already traveled, - comparing said determined average speed with a predetermined target speed, and - if the average speed is greater than the predetermined target speed, then starting a speed record attempt if it has not already started, otherwise determining a distance remaining to be covered to achieve the speed record, said information transmitted by said monitoring device (101), further comprising an indication that a speed record attempt has started or the distance remaining to be covered to achieve the speed record.

6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said monitoring device (101) is further connected to at least one user terminal and wherein said monitoring device (101) further transmits said at least one piece of information to said at least one user terminal.

7. A method according to any one of claims 2 to 6, further comprising: - collecting, by said monitoring device (101) other data representative of at least one navigation parameter of at least one other piece of water sports equipment and / or at least one other piece of information representative of at least one navigation parameter of at least one other piece of water sports equipment.

8. A monitoring device (101) for at least one navigation parameter of a water sports equipment (100), said monitoring device being fitted to said water sports equipment (100), and being connected to a user device (104) suitable for being worn by a user (105) of said water sports equipment (100), said monitoring device (101) being characterized in that it comprises electronic circuitry configured to: - collect (301) data representative of said at least one navigation parameter, - determine (302) from said data, at least one piece of information representative of said at least one parameter at a time of collection of said data, - transmit (302) said at least one piece of information to said user device (104) to generate, by said user device (104), a notification representative of said at least one piece of information for dissemination to said user.

9. Device according to claim 8, further comprising a housing (101a) and a mounting arm (101b) attached to the housing (101a), said mounting arm (101b) attaching the monitoring device (101) to said water sports equipment (100) via attachment means already present on the water sports equipment (100).

10. A navigation aid system for water sports equipment (100), said system (100) being characterized in that it comprises a monitoring device (101) for at least one navigation parameter and being fitted to said water sports equipment (100) and a user device (104) suitable for being worn by a user (105) of said water sports equipment (100), said user device (104) being connected to said monitoring device (101), said system (100) comprising electronic circuitry configured to: - collect (301), by said monitoring device (101), data representative of said at least one navigation parameter, - determine (302), by said monitoring device (101), from said data, at least one piece of information representative of said at least one parameter at a time of data collection, - transmit (302), by said monitoring device (101),said at least one piece of information said user equipment (104), - upon receipt of said at least one piece of information, generate (303), by said user equipment (104), a sound notification representative of said at least one piece of information for dissemination to said user (105).

11. Navigation assistance system according to claim 10, further comprising at least one user terminal, said monitoring device (101) further being connected to said user terminal, and said system further comprising electronic circuitry configured to transmit, through the monitoring device (101), said at least one piece of information to said at least one user terminal.

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