Exercise support method, exercise support device, and exercise support program

Abstract

To properly determine an operating condition in one exercise.SOLUTION: An exercise support apparatus 10 acquires index data for representing the index of the operation of a user (subject) performing the running (one exercise), determines whether the running condition (operating condition) of the user is in the normal condition or the abnormal condition based on whether or not the value of the acquired index data may satisfy one condition including the fact being in a normal range, sets a normal range in an extended range larger than a predetermined range (one range) in one period at running, and sets the normal range in the predetermined range except for one period at running.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an exercise support method and an exercise support device. and Exercise Support Program Mu Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a known pace measurement device that measures pace (travel time per unit distance), which represents an index of movement during running, is the device disclosed in Patent Document 1. With this pace measurement device, for example, each time the user travels a predetermined distance, the user is notified of the results of a comparison between the latest pace and a predetermined standard. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-315085 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the device disclosed in Patent Document 1 notifies the user of a comparison result indicating that the latest pace is higher or lower than a predetermined standard even during periods when the pace is unstable, such as immediately after starting to run, which can hinder the user from understanding the running condition. This problem is particularly pronounced for beginners who are not accustomed to running at a stable pace from the start of running.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to appropriately determine the motion state during a certain exercise. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, an exercise support method according to the present invention includes: Acquire index data representing an index of the movement of a subject performing a certain exercise. No. 1 an acquisition step; The aforementioned No. 1 The value of the index data acquired by the acquisition step is within a normal range. or not a determination step of determining a second acquisition step of acquiring, as a stable period number, a period of the certain exercise for which the index data included in the history data relating to the certain exercise performed in the past is determined to be within the normal range in the determination step, if the period satisfies a first condition; a step of identifying a timing derived based on the number of stable periods as a stable timing at which the motion of the subject is stable when the number of stable periods satisfies a second condition different from the first condition; a setting step of switching and setting the normal range set by a first upper limit value and a first lower limit value included in the history data to a first expanded range set by a second upper limit value different from the first upper limit value derived based on the value of the index data determined to be outside the normal range in the determining step, and a second lower limit value different from the first lower limit value derived based on the value of the index data determined to be outside the normal range in the determining step, during a certain period from the start of the certain exercise to the stabilization timing; The present invention is characterized by comprising: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately determine the motion state during a certain exercise. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an exercise support system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1A is a rear view showing a state in which the exercise support device is worn by a user, and FIG. 1B is a side view showing a state in which the exercise support device is worn by a user. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the exercise support device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the terminal device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a transition of a running state (normal state or abnormal state). [Figure 6] 10 is a table showing an example of indices of running movements when running. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a stable timing specifying process. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method for identifying stable timing. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a running state determination process. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a normal range setting process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0010] The configuration of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. First, an exercise support system 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an exercise support system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the exercise support system 1 includes an exercise support device 10 and a terminal device 20.

[0012] The exercise support device 10 is a device that is worn by a user during a predetermined exercise (for example, while running), determines the running state of the user, and outputs the determination result of the running state to the terminal device 20.

[0013] 2(a) and 2(b) are diagrams showing examples of how the exercise support device 10 is worn. 2(a) and 2(b), the exercise support device 10 is attached to the user's lower back, for example, at a position above the sacrum. The exercise support device 10 is attached to the sacrum in this manner in order to accurately measure the rotational movement of the user's pelvis and the swinging of the body, but the attachment position of the exercise support device 10 is not limited to the position above the sacrum and may be, for example, the user's chest or feet.

[0014] The terminal device 20 is a terminal device that can be carried by a user during a predetermined exercise (for example, while running). Examples of the terminal device 20 include a wearable device such as a smartphone or a smart watch, a mobile phone, and the like.

[0015] Next, the internal functional configuration of the exercise support device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the exercise support device 10.

[0016] 3, exercise support device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, an operation unit 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a sensor unit 14, a display unit 15, a storage unit 16, and a communication unit 17. The components of exercise support device 10 are connected via a bus 18.

[0017] A CPU (processing unit) 11 as at least one processor controls each unit of the exercise support device 10. The CPU 11 reads out a designated program from among the system programs and application programs stored in the storage unit 16, expands it in the RAM 13, and executes various processes in cooperation with the program. Although a single CPU 11 is illustrated in FIG. 3, this is not limiting. Two or more processors such as CPUs may be provided, and the processes executed by the CPU 11 of this embodiment may be shared and executed by these two or more processors.

[0018] The operation unit 12 is equipped with a power button (not shown) for switching the power on / off, a start / stop button (not shown) for instructing the start / stop of data acquisition, etc., and the CPU 11 controls each part based on instructions from this operation unit 12.

[0019] The RAM 13 is a volatile memory and forms a work area for temporarily storing various data and programs.

[0020] The sensor unit 14 includes a motion sensor such as a three-axis acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, and a geomagnetic sensor that can detect the movement of the exercise support device 10, and a GPS receiver that can acquire the position information of the exercise support device 10, and outputs the measurement results to the CPU 11.

[0021] The display unit 15 is made up of a plurality of LED lamps and is capable of displaying the data transmission status (for example, whether data is being transmitted or not), the ON / OFF status of the GPS receiver, and the like.

[0022] The storage unit 16 is configured by a flash memory, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), etc. The storage unit 16 stores system programs and application programs executed by the CPU 11, data necessary for executing these programs, etc.

[0023] The communication unit 17 transmits the determination result of the operating state (e.g., running state) during a specified exercise (e.g., running) to the terminal device 20 based on the control of the CPU 11, and is, for example, a communication unit that adopts a wireless standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or a wired communication unit such as a USB terminal.

[0024] Next, the functional configuration of the terminal device 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the terminal device 20.

[0025] 4, the terminal device 20 includes a CPU 21, an operation unit 22, a RAM 23, a display unit 24, a storage unit 25, a communication unit 26, and a speaker unit 27. The components of the terminal device 20 are connected via a bus 28.

[0026] The CPU 21 controls each unit of the terminal device 20. The CPU 21 reads out a specified program from among the system programs and application programs stored in the storage unit 25, expands it in the RAM 23, and executes various processes in cooperation with the program.

[0027] The operation unit 22 includes, for example, a touch panel, receives touch input from the user, and outputs the operation information to the CPU 21. The touch panel is formed integrally with the display unit 24, and detects the X and Y coordinates of the position touched by the user on the display unit 24 using various methods, such as a capacitance method, a resistive film method, or an ultrasonic surface acoustic wave method. The touch panel then outputs a position signal related to the X and Y coordinates of the touch position to the CPU 21.

[0028] The RAM 23 is a volatile memory and forms a work area for temporarily storing various data and programs.

[0029] The display unit 24 is configured with an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or the like, and performs various displays according to display information instructed by the CPU 21.

[0030] The storage unit 25 is configured by, for example, a flash memory, an EEPROM, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), etc. The storage unit 25 stores system programs and application programs executed by the CPU 21, data necessary for executing these programs, etc.

[0031] The communication unit 26 receives the judgment result of the user's operating state (e.g., running state) from the exercise support device 10 worn by the user, and is, for example, a communication unit that adopts a wireless standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or a wired communication unit such as a USB terminal.

[0032] The speaker unit 27 includes a D / A converter (not shown), a speaker element (not shown), a diaphragm (not shown), etc., and converts sound data into an analog signal using the D / A converter in accordance with instructions from the CPU 21, then amplifies this analog signal to a predetermined volume using the diaphragm and emits a beep outside the terminal device 20.

[0033] Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the basic mechanisms of alert notification and alert cancellation notification executed by the exercise support system 1 will be described. Here, an alert notification is a notification indicating that the user's running state has deviated from a target state (normal state). An alert cancellation notification is a notification indicating that the user's running state has returned from an abnormal state to the target state. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a transition of a running state (normal state or abnormal state). Note that the circle marks shown in each cycle (running cycle) shown in FIG. 5 indicate that the foot corresponding to the circle is in contact with the ground. Furthermore, the shaded cycles among the cycles indicate that the value of the index data for that cycle is outside the normal range, that is, above the upper limit or below the lower limit of the normal range.

[0034] Here, the running cycle refers to the period from when one foot (for example, the right foot) touches the ground until the same foot touches the ground again. Furthermore, the index data is data that represents an index of running motion when running. As shown in FIG. 6, the indexes of running motion when running include, for example, pitch, stride, ground contact time rate, airborne time rate, braking, propulsion, vertical movement, lateral movement, sinking, forward lean angle, horizontal angle, and rotation angle (yaw). Note that the method of deriving (calculating) the index data corresponding to each index is a known technique, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 5 , the exercise support device 10 determines the current running state (normal state or abnormal state) for each cycle and determines whether the value of index data (e.g., pitch data) for the corresponding cycle is within a normal range. For example, if the current running state is normal and the index data value is outside the normal range for five consecutive cycles, such as in cycles 10 to 14, the exercise support device 10 transitions the current running state from the normal state to the abnormal state and outputs abnormal state information to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 17. As a result, the terminal device 20, having received the abnormal state information, issues an alert notification indicating that the current running state has deviated from the target state. Furthermore, if the current running state is abnormal and the index data value is within the normal range for five consecutive cycles, such as in cycles 21 to 25, the exercise support device 10 transitions the current running state from the abnormal state to the normal state and outputs normal state information to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 17. As a result, the terminal device 20, having received the normal state information, issues an alert cancellation notification indicating that the current running state has returned to the target state.

[0036] Next, the stable timing identifying process executed by the exercise support device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the stable timing identifying process. Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining a method for identifying the stable timing. Here, the stable timing means the timing when, after starting running, the running pace changes little and the running becomes stable. The stable timing identification process is executed, for example, at the timing when the measurement of the various indicators described above using the exercise support system 1 is completed, but it may also be executed at the start of the running condition determination process described below.

[0037] 7, when the stable timing identification process is started, the CPU 11 of the exercise support device 10 first acquires measurement history data from the storage unit 16 (step S1). Here, the measurement history data stores, in association with each other, information such as a measurement date and time indicating the date and time when measurement of various indices during running was started, the number of elapsed periods indicating the number of periods elapsed between the start (the timing at which it is determined in step S23 of the running state determination process (see FIG. 9) that running has started) and the finish (the timing at which it is determined in step S33 of the running state determination process (see FIG. 9) that a predetermined ending operation has been performed), index data indicating the values ​​of the various indices measured for each period, and upper and lower limit values ​​used when determining whether the values ​​of the various indices are within normal ranges. For example, as shown in the table of Figure 8, multiple measurement results (eight in the table of Figure 8) specified by measurement dates and times such as 10:08 on April 20, 2021, 9:52 on April 23, 2021, ..., 10:50 on May 2, 2021 are stored as measurement history data. Note that the CPU 11 may acquire the above measurement history data from the terminal device 20 or a server (not shown) on the network via the communication unit 17.

[0038] Next, the CPU 11 identifies one of the measurement results (for example, a measurement result with the measurement date and time of 10:08 on April 20, 2021; see FIG. 8) from the measurement history data (step S2).

[0039] Next, the CPU 11 clears the OK count that counts the number of stable periods (described later) (step S3).

[0040] Next, the CPU 11 acquires index data (for example, pitch data) for each period from the measurement results identified in step S2 (step S4).

[0041] Next, the CPU 11 determines whether one of two conditions is satisfied (step S5). Here, the first of the two conditions is that the index data acquired in step S4 is for more than 300 cycles since the start of running, and the second condition is that the maximum cycle of the index data included in the measurement results identified in step S2 is less than 300 cycles. The purpose of the first condition is to speed up the stable timing identification process and reduce the processing load by cutting off at 300 cycles. The purpose of the second condition is to ensure the reliability of the identified stable timing by rejecting data (measurement results) with a maximum cycle less than 300 cycles.

[0042] In step S5, if it is determined that one of two conditions is satisfied (step S5; YES), the CPU 11 advances the process to the determination process of step S12.

[0043] Also, if it is determined in step S5 that neither of the two conditions is met (step S5; NO), the CPU 11 determines whether the value of the index data (index value) is within the normal range based on the information on the upper and lower limits stored in the above-mentioned measurement history data (step S6).

[0044] In step S6, if it is determined that the value of the index data (index value) is not within the normal range (step S6; NO), the CPU 11 stores the value of the index data as an abnormal index value in the storage unit 16 (step S9). For example, in the measurement result with the measurement date and time of April 20, 2021, 10:08, if it is determined that the values ​​of the index data for cycles 1 to 3, 7, 14, 15, 29, and 42 are not within the normal range (exceed the upper limit of the normal range), the values ​​of the index data are stored in the storage unit 16 as abnormal index values ​​(index values ​​above the upper limit). Furthermore, in the measurement result with the measurement date and time of April 20, 2021, 10:08, if it is determined that the values ​​of the index data for cycles 20 to 23, 36, and 37 are not within the normal range (below the lower limit of the normal range), the values ​​of the index data are stored in the storage unit 16 as abnormal index values ​​(index values ​​below the lower limit). In the table in Figure 8, "-" indicates that the index data value for the corresponding cycle is within the normal range. "O" indicates that the index data value for the corresponding cycle exceeds the upper limit of the normal range. "U" indicates that the index data value for the corresponding cycle is below the lower limit of the normal range. "S" indicates the number of stable cycles (described below).

[0045] Next, the CPU 11 clears the OK count (step S10), and then returns the process to step S4, and repeats the subsequent processes.

[0046] Furthermore, in step S6, if it is determined that the value of the index data (index value) is within the normal range (step S6; YES), the CPU 11 increments the OK count by 1 (step S7).

[0047] Next, the CPU 11 determines whether the value of the OK count is less than 25 (step S8).

[0048] If it is determined in step S8 that the value of the OK count is less than 25 (step S8; YES), the CPU 11 returns the process to step S4 and repeats the subsequent processes.

[0049] Furthermore, in step S8, if it is determined that the OK count value is not less than 25, that is, the OK count value has reached 25 (step S8; NO), the CPU 11 stores the current number of periods as the stable number of periods in the storage unit 16 (step S11). For example, in the measurement result shown in FIG. 8 with the measurement date and time set to 10:08 on April 20, 2021, the 67 periods in which the OK count value has reached 25 as a result of successive increments are identified as the stable number of periods and stored in the storage unit 16.

[0050] Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not all measurement results have been identified by repeatedly executing step S2 (step S12).

[0051] In step S12, if it is determined that all measurement results have not been identified from the measurement history data (step S12; NO), the CPU 11 returns the process to step S2 and repeats the subsequent processes.

[0052] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S12 that all measurement results have been identified (step S12; YES), the CPU 11 derives the average of each stable period count stored in the storage unit 16 for all measurement results (step S13). For example, in the case of the measurement results shown in Fig. 8, the stable period counts "67", "54", "73", "62", "45", "75", "78", and "48" are stored in the storage unit 16, so in step S13, the average of these stable period counts, "63", is derived.

[0053] Next, the CPU 11 determines whether the average number of stable periods derived in step S13 is equal to or less than 100 periods (step S14).

[0054] In step S14, if it is determined that the average number of stable periods is 100 periods or less (step S14; YES), the CPU 11 identifies the average number of stable periods as a stable timing and stores it in the storage unit 16 (step S15). Then, the CPU 11 ends the stable timing identification process.

[0055] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S14 that the average number of stable periods is not 100 periods or less (step S14; NO), CPU 11 does not identify the average number of stable periods as a stable timing and leaves the stable timing undetermined (step S16). Then, CPU 11 ends the stable timing identification process. Here, it is empirically known that when running on flat ground, stable running is usually possible within one minute after starting running, that is, within 100 periods. If stable running is not possible for one minute or more after starting running, it is considered that trail running or the like is being performed. Therefore, if it is determined that the average number of stable periods is not 100 periods or less, the average number of stable periods is not identified as a stable timing and leaves the stable timing undetermined.

[0056] Next, the running condition determination process executed by the exercise support device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the running condition determination process. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the normal range setting process executed in step S21 of the running condition determination process. The running condition determination process is started when, for example, a start / stop button (not shown) of the operation unit 12 is operated to instruct start.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 9, when the running condition determination process is started, the CPU 11 of the exercise support device 10 first executes a normal range setting process (step S21).

[0058] As shown in FIG. 10, when the normal range setting process is started, the CPU 11 first determines whether or not the stable timing has been specified (step S211).

[0059] In step S211, if it is determined that the stable timing has been identified (step S211; YES), the CPU 11 sets the period during which the normal range is set to an expanded range larger than the predetermined range to the period from the start of running until the stable timing (step S212).

[0060] Next, the CPU 11 derives the average value and maximum value of each index value (upper limit over index value) stored in the memory unit 16 as exceeding the upper limit value of the normal range in the above-mentioned stable timing identification process (step S213).

[0061] Next, the CPU 11 sets the intermediate value between the average value and the maximum value calculated in step S213 as the upper limit of the expansion range (step S214).

[0062] Next, the CPU 11 derives the average and minimum values ​​of each index value (lower limit under index value) stored in the memory unit 16 as being below the lower limit of the normal range in the above-mentioned stable timing identification process (step S215).

[0063] Next, the CPU 11 sets the intermediate value between the average value and the minimum value calculated in step S215 as the lower limit of the enlarged range (step S216), and then the CPU 11 returns the process to the running condition determination process.

[0064] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S211 that the stable timing has not been specified, i.e., that the stable timing is undetermined (step S211; NO), the CPU 11 sets the period during which the normal range is set to an expanded range larger than the predetermined range to the period up to 50 cycles after the start of running (step S217).

[0065] Next, CPU 11 sets the enlarged range to a range 1.5 times the predetermined range (step S218). Specifically, CPU 11 sets the upper limit value of the enlarged range to a corrected upper limit value derived by the following formula (1), and sets the lower limit value of the enlarged range to a corrected lower limit value derived by the following formula (2), thereby setting the enlarged range to a range 1.5 times the predetermined range. Then, CPU 11 returns the process to the running condition determination process. Correction upper limit value = (upper limit value - target value) / 2 + upper limit value (1) Correction lower limit value = (lower limit value - target value) / 2 + lower limit value (2)

[0066] 9, next, the CPU 11 outputs measurement start information to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 17 (step S22). As a result, the terminal device 20 that has received the measurement start information displays, for example, message information urging the user to start running on the display unit 24 under the control of the CPU 21.

[0067] Next, the CPU 11 determines whether the user has started running (step S23). Specifically, the CPU 11 compares at least one of the increase in the user's pitch, the increase in the user's stride, and the increase in the user's speed, which are derived based on sensing information (e.g., acceleration information, angular velocity information, etc.) acquired from the sensor unit 14, with a threshold, and determines whether the user has started running based on the comparison result (increase in the user's pitch, stride in the user's stride, and speed), and determines whether the user has started running based on the comparison result (increase in the user's stride > threshold). More specifically, the CPU 11 determines that the user has started running if the increase in the user's stride is greater than the threshold, and determines that the user has not started running if the increase in the user's stride is equal to or less than the threshold. The CPU 11 may also determine whether the user has started running based on whether or not a predetermined operation indicating the start of running has been performed on the operation unit 12.

[0068] In step S23, if it is determined that the user has not started running (step S23; NO), the CPU 11 repeats the determination process of step S23. Note that, if it is determined that a predetermined ending operation has been performed by the operation unit 12 while the determination process of step S23 is being repeated, the CPU 11 ends the running state determination process.

[0069] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S23 that the user has started running (step S23; YES), the CPU 11 sequentially acquires sensing information (for example, acceleration information, angular velocity information, etc.) from the sensor unit 14 (step S24).

[0070] Next, the CPU 11 sequentially derives index data for each running cycle based on the sensing information (step S25).

[0071] Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the current cycle (running cycle) is within the set period for which the enlarged range was set in the normal range setting process (step S21) described above (step S26).

[0072] In step S26, if it is determined that the current cycle is within the set period (step S26; YES), the CPU 11 skips step S27 and advances the process to the determination process of step S28.

[0073] Furthermore, in step S26, if it is determined that the current cycle is not within the set period (step S26; NO), the CPU 11 returns the normal range to the predetermined range (step S27). Note that after the normal range is returned to the predetermined range in the processing of step S27, the normal range is maintained as the predetermined range.

[0074] Next, the CPU 11 determines whether the current state (current running state) is normal or not (step S28).

[0075] If it is determined in step S28 that the current state is normal (step S28; YES), the CPU 11 determines whether the value (index value) of the index data (for example, pitch data) derived in step S25 is outside the normal range (step S29). Here, it is assumed that the normal range (upper limit and lower limit) is set for each index.

[0076] In step S29, if it is determined that the index value is not outside the normal range (step S29; NO), the CPU 11 advances the process to step S33.

[0077] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S29 that the index value is outside the normal range (step S29; YES), the CPU 11 determines whether the value (index value) of the index data (e.g., pitch data) derived in step S25 has fallen outside the normal range five consecutive times (step S30).

[0078] In step S30, if it is determined that the index value has not fallen outside the normal range five times in succession (step S30; NO), the CPU 11 advances the process to step S33.

[0079] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S30 that the index value has fallen outside the normal range five times in a row (step S30; YES), the CPU 11 determines that the operating state (running state) of the user (subject) is in an abnormal state, and transitions the current state (current running state) from a normal state to an abnormal state (step S31).

[0080] Next, the CPU 11 outputs abnormal state information to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 17 (step S32). As a result, the terminal device 20 that has received the abnormal state information notifies the terminal device 20 of a deviation from the target state (normal state) by, for example, activating the vibration function of the device under the control of the CPU 21, and also displays alert information indicating the deviation from the target state on the display unit 24, and outputs a beep from the speaker unit 27 to notify the terminal device 20 of the deviation from the target state. Note that instead of or together with the beep, a voice may be output to notify the terminal device 20 of the deviation from the target state. The notification of the deviation from the target state (normal state) may be made by at least one of activating the vibration function of the device, displaying alert information on the display unit 24, and outputting a beep.

[0081] Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not a predetermined ending operation has been performed through the operation unit 12 (step S33).

[0082] In step S33, if it is determined that the predetermined ending operation has not been performed by the operation unit 12 (step S33; NO), the CPU 11 returns the process to step S24 and repeats the subsequent processes.

[0083] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S33 that a predetermined ending operation has been performed by the operation unit 12 (step S33; YES), the CPU 11 ends the running state determination process. At this time, the CPU 11 stores in the storage unit 16 as measurement history data the measurement results (measurement date and time, the number of cycles elapsed from the start to the finish, index data measured for each cycle, upper and lower limit values ​​used when determining whether the values ​​of various indexes are within normal ranges, etc.) from when it is determined in step S23 that running has started until when it is determined in step S33 that the predetermined ending operation has been performed.

[0084] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S28 that the current state is not normal, i.e., is an abnormal state (step S28; NO), the CPU 11 determines whether the value (index value) of the index data (e.g., pitch data) derived in step S25 is within a normal range (step S34).

[0085] In step S34, if it is determined that the index value is not within the normal range (step S34; NO), the CPU 11 advances the process to step S33.

[0086] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S34 that the index value is within the normal range (step S34; YES), the CPU 11 determines whether the value (index value) of the index data (e.g., pitch data) derived in step S25 has been within the normal range five times in a row (step S35).

[0087] In step S35, if it is determined that the index value has not been within the normal range for five consecutive times (step S35; NO), the CPU 11 advances the process to step S33.

[0088] Furthermore, in step S35, if it is determined that the index value has been within the normal range for five consecutive times (step S35; YES), the CPU 11 determines that the operating state (running state) of the user (subject) is in a normal state, and transitions the current state (current running state) from an abnormal state to a normal state (step S36).

[0089] Next, the CPU 11 outputs normal state information to the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 17 (step S37), and the process proceeds to the determination process of step S33. Here, the terminal device 20 that has received the normal state information, under the control of the CPU 21, notifies the terminal device 20 that it has returned to the target state (normal state) by, for example, activating the vibration function of the device, and also hides the above-mentioned alert information that was displayed on the display unit 24, and outputs a beep from the speaker unit 27 to notify the terminal device 20 that it has returned to the target state (normal state). Note that instead of or together with the beep, a sound may be output to notify the terminal device 20 that it has returned to the target state (normal state). The notification that it has returned to the target state (normal state) may be made using at least one of the above-mentioned means of activating the vibration function of the device, hiding the alert information, and outputting a beep.

[0090] As described above, according to this embodiment, the exercise support device 10 acquires index data representing indicators of the movement of a user (subject) who is running (a certain exercise), and determines whether the user's running state (movement state) is normal or abnormal based on whether or not certain conditions (steps S28 to S30, steps S34 to S35 of the running state determination process (see FIG. 9)) including that the value of the acquired index data is within a normal range are satisfied. During a certain period while running, the normal range is set to an expanded range larger than a predetermined range (a certain range), and during periods other than the certain period while running, the normal range is set to the predetermined range. Therefore, by setting the normal range to an expanded range during a certain period, the exercise support device 10 can reduce the occurrence of index data values ​​falling outside the normal range. For example, by setting the certain period as a period during which the running pace is unstable, the occurrence of the user's running condition being determined to be abnormal during that period can be reduced, thereby preventing the user from having difficulty understanding their running condition. As a result, the exercise support device 10 can appropriately determine the running condition during running.

[0091] In addition, when the exercise support device 10 determines that the user's running state (operation state) is abnormal, it outputs abnormal state information indicating that the user's running state is abnormal to the speaker unit (output unit) 27 of the terminal device 20. Therefore, according to the exercise support device 10, for example, by setting the above-mentioned certain period as a period when the running pace is unstable, it is possible to reduce the output of abnormal state information indicating that the user's running state is abnormal from the speaker unit 27 of the terminal device 20 during that period. This makes it possible to prevent problems such as the pace being disrupted due to the output of the abnormal state information during a period when the running pace is unstable.

[0092] Furthermore, the exercise support device 10 identifies the stable timing at which the user's movements become stable while running, based on measurement history data relating to past running, and sets the normal range as an expanded range, taking the period from when the running starts until the identified stable timing as a certain period. Therefore, according to the exercise support device 10, it is possible to make it difficult to determine that the running state is abnormal during the period until the stable timing when the user's movements become stable. This makes it possible to prevent problems such as the pace being disrupted due to the output of the abnormal state information immediately after the start of running until the stable timing.

[0093] Furthermore, the exercise support device 10 identifies the timing at which the last of the index data that has been determined to have a value within the normal range for a predetermined number of consecutive times (e.g., 25 times) while the user is running is acquired based on the index data obtained from the measurement history data, thereby increasing the reliability of the stable timing.

[0094] Furthermore, if the user has run multiple times in the past, the exercise support device 10 identifies the stable timing as the average of the timings (stable cycle numbers) at which the last index data was acquired during each run, thereby further increasing the reliability of the stable timing.

[0095] In addition, based on the index data obtained from the measurement history data, the exercise support device 10 derives the average value and maximum value of the index data values ​​that exceed the upper limit value that defines a predetermined range (a certain range), and sets the intermediate value between the average value and the maximum value as the upper limit value of the expanded range, and derives the average value and minimum value of the index data values ​​that fall below the lower limit value of the predetermined range, and sets the intermediate value between the average value and the minimum value as the lower limit value of the expanded range. Therefore, according to the exercise support device 10, when setting the expansion range, it is possible to set the expansion range taking into consideration the characteristics of the running movement of the user immediately after starting to run, and therefore it is possible to appropriately determine the movement state of the user immediately after starting to run.

[0096] Furthermore, if the identified stable timing exceeds a predetermined specific target period (e.g., 100 cycles), the exercise support device 10 invalidates the stable timing, and if the stable timing is invalid, sets the expansion range to a range that is a predetermined number of times (e.g., 1.5 times) a predetermined range (a certain range) for a predetermined expansion setting period (e.g., 50 cycles immediately after starting running). Therefore, according to the exercise support device 10, if the identified stable timing exceeds a predetermined specific target period, i.e., if the reliability of the stable timing is low, the expanded range is set to a range that is a predetermined number of times larger than the predetermined range for a predetermined expanded set period, making it difficult to determine that the running condition while running is abnormal. This makes it possible to prevent problems such as the pace being disrupted due to the output of the abnormal condition information immediately after starting running until the expanded set period.

[0097] Furthermore, the exercise support device 10 derives index data for each running cycle, where one cycle is the time from when one foot touches the ground until the same foot touches the ground again, so that the exercise support device 10 can derive index data in accordance with the running motion of the user, thereby enabling the user to more accurately determine the running condition during running.

[0098] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and that various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0099] For example, in the above embodiment, the exercise support device 10 determines that the running state during running has transitioned from a normal state to an abnormal state if it determines that index data whose values ​​are outside the normal range have been derived five consecutive times in a normal state, and determines that the running state during running has transitioned from an abnormal state to a normal state if it determines that index data whose values ​​are within the normal range have been derived five consecutive times in an abnormal state. However, the criteria for each determination are not limited to "derived five consecutive times." The criteria for the determination can also be "derived under a predetermined condition." For example, if it determines that index data whose values ​​are outside the normal range have been derived in nine out of ten cycles, it may determine that the running state during running has transitioned from a normal state to an abnormal state, or if it determines that index data whose values ​​are within the normal range have been derived in nine out of ten cycles, it may determine that the running state during running has transitioned from an abnormal state to a normal state. Also, for example, if it is determined that index data whose value is outside the normal range for five seconds or more is derived, it may be determined that the running state while running has transitioned from a normal state to an abnormal state, and if it is determined that index data whose value is within the normal range for five seconds or more is derived, it may be determined that the running state while running has transitioned from an abnormal state to a normal state. This allows for more flexible determination of the running state while running.

[0100] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, different criteria may be used for determining whether the running state while running has transitioned from a normal state to an abnormal state and whether the running state has transitioned from an abnormal state to a normal state. For example, by using the criterion for determining whether the running state while running has transitioned from a normal state to an abnormal state as "deriving index data whose values ​​are outside the normal range in 9 out of 10 cycles," and the criterion for determining whether the running state while running has transitioned from an abnormal state to a normal state as "deriving index data whose values ​​are within the normal range in 7 out of 10 cycles," it becomes possible to more flexibly determine the running state while running.

[0101] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, regardless of whether the user's current driving condition is normal or abnormal, if index data whose values ​​are not within the normal range are derived at a predetermined frequency after derivation of index data whose values ​​are not within the normal range, the user's driving condition may be determined to be abnormal, and if index data whose values ​​are within the normal range are derived at a predetermined frequency after derivation of index data whose values ​​are within the normal range, the user's operating condition may be determined to be normal.

[0102] In the above embodiment, the normal range for determining the running state while running and / or the predetermined conditions for determining that the running state while running has transitioned from a normal state to an abnormal state or from an abnormal state to a normal state may be set to a desired normal range and / or predetermined conditions based on a user operation. This allows the normal range and / or predetermined conditions to be changed depending on the situation when running, making it possible to more accurately determine the running state while running.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the terminal device 20 is used to notify the user of deviation from the target state (normal state) and return to the target state, but this is not limiting. For example, the exercise support device 10 itself may be equipped with a vibration function, a display unit, and a speaker unit similar to those of the terminal device 20, and may activate the vibration function to notify the user of deviation from the target state (normal state), display alert information indicating the deviation from the target state on the display unit, and output a beep from the speaker unit notifying the user of deviation from the target state. Alternatively, the exercise support device 10 itself may activate the vibration function to notify the user of return to the target state (normal state), hide the alert information displayed on the display unit, and output a beep from the speaker unit notifying the user of return to the target state (normal state).

[0104] In the above embodiment, the stable timing identification process (see FIG. 7) identifies stable timings for all measurement results in the measurement history data. However, stable timings may be identified for each group classified by predetermined conditions (e.g., training method (pace running, jogging, interval training, etc.), running environment (up-and-down, track, etc.), season (spring, summer, fall, winter), physical condition (lack of sleep, fatigue, etc.)). In such a case, for example, when starting measurement of various indices while running, a user operation to specify the group is performed via the operation unit 12 of the exercise support device 10 or the operation unit 22 of the terminal device 20, and the measurement results are recorded with the specified group associated with them. Then, in the normal range correction process (see FIG. 10), the normal range is corrected based on the stable timings for the group specified when starting the running condition determination process (see FIG. 9), i.e., when starting measurement of various indices while running. The groups to which the measurement results are associated when they are recorded may not necessarily be designated based on user operation, but may instead be designated based on the average heart rate during a predetermined period of time while running (100 cycles immediately after starting lining up). In such cases, the conditions for grouping are set in advance, such as group A if the average heart rate is 93 to 108, group B if the average heart rate is 109 to 131, and group C if the average heart rate is 132 to 150.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the certain period is the period from the start of a certain exercise to the specified stable timing, but a period set in response to a user operation performed via the operation unit 12 of the exercise support device 10 or the operation unit 22 of the terminal device 20 may also be used. In this case, the user can set the certain period to any period, such as the period during which water is being taken while running.

[0106] In the above embodiment, the exercise support device 10 is configured to execute the stable timing identification process (see FIG. 7) and the running state determination process (see FIG. 9). However, for example, while the user is running, the exercise support device 10 sequentially acquires sensing information and derives index data for each running cycle based on the sensing information. The terminal device 20 may then sequentially acquire the index data from the exercise support device 10 and execute the running state determination process. The terminal device 20 may also store the measurement history data described above and execute the stable timing identification process instead of the exercise support device 10. In such a case, the terminal device 20 may acquire the measurement history data from a server (not shown) on the network via the communication unit 26.

[0107] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the stable timing is determined based on the running cycle, but the stable timing may also be determined based on, for example, the running time or the running distance.

[0108] In the above embodiment, when the measurement results during running are stored as measurement history data, running state information indicating the running state (normal state or abnormal state) for each running cycle may be further associated and stored as shown in Fig. 5. This makes it possible to grasp the running state during running from the measurement history data even after running has finished.

[0109] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the exercise is running, but it may also be swimming, skiing, snowboarding, skating, cycling, etc., and of course, any known data can be used as index data in such cases.

[0110] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes the scope of the invention described in the claims and their equivalents. The inventions described in the claims originally attached to this application are as follows. The claim numbers described in the appendix are the same as those of the claims originally attached to this application.

[0111] [Note] <Claim 1> an acquiring step of acquiring index data representing an index of a movement of a subject performing a certain exercise; a determining step of determining whether the motion state of the subject is normal or abnormal based on whether or not a certain condition including that the value of the index data acquired by the acquiring step is within a normal range is satisfied; a setting step of setting the normal range to an expanded range larger than the certain range during a certain period while the certain exercise is being performed, and setting the normal range to the certain range during periods other than the certain period while the certain exercise is being performed; An exercise support method comprising: <Claim 2> 2. The exercise support method according to claim 1, further comprising an output step of causing an output unit to output abnormal state information indicating that the motion state of the person being measured is in the abnormal state when the motion state of the person being measured is determined to be in the abnormal state. <Claim 3> a step of identifying a stable timing at which the subject's movement becomes stable while the subject is performing the certain exercise, based on history data relating to the certain exercise performed in the past; a determining step of determining whether the certain exercise has started, 3. The exercise support method according to claim 1, wherein in the setting step, the period from when it is determined in the determining step that the certain exercise has started to when the stable timing identified in the identifying step is set as the certain period, and the normal range is set as the expanded range. <Claim 4> In the acquiring step, the index data is successively acquired while the subject is performing the certain exercise, 4. The exercise support method according to claim 3, wherein in the specifying step, a timing at which the last of the plurality of index data whose values ​​are determined to be within the normal range a predetermined number of times consecutively while the subject is performing the certain exercise is acquired is specified as the stable timing based on the index data obtained from the history data. <Claim 5> 5. The exercise support method according to claim 4, wherein in the identifying step, if the subject has performed the certain exercise multiple times in the past, an average of the timings at which the last index data was obtained when the certain exercise was performed each time is identified as the stable timing. <Claim 6> 6. The exercise support method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein in the setting step, an average value and a maximum value of the values ​​of the index data that exceed an upper limit value that defines the certain range are derived based on the index data obtained from the history data, and an intermediate value between the average value and the maximum value is set as the upper limit value of the expanded range, and an average value and a minimum value of the values ​​of the index data that are below a lower limit value of the certain range are derived, and an intermediate value between the average value and the minimum value is set as the lower limit value of the expanded range. <Claim 7> In the setting step, If the stable timing identified by the identifying step exceeds a predetermined specific target period, the stable timing is invalidated; If the stabilization timing specified in the specifying step is invalid, the expansion range is set to a range that is a predetermined multiple of the certain range for a preset expansion setting period. 7. The exercise support method according to claim 4, wherein the exercise support method comprises: <Claim 8> 8. The exercise support method according to claim 3, wherein the identifying step identifies the stable timing based on a cycle when a series of movements is repeated in the certain exercise. <Claim 9> 9. The exercise support method according to claim 1, further comprising a period setting step of setting the certain period based on a user operation. <Claim 10> 10. The exercise support method according to claim 1, wherein the certain exercise is running performed by the subject who is a human. <Claim 11> 11. The exercise support method according to claim 10, wherein in the acquiring step, the index data is acquired for each running cycle, with one cycle being the time from when one foot touches the ground until the same foot touches the ground again. <Claim 12> 12. The exercise support method according to claim 1, wherein the determining step determines that the motion state of the subject is abnormal if a condition is satisfied in which, after the acquisition of index data whose value is not within the normal range, index data that is not within the normal range is acquired at a predetermined frequency. <Claim 13> 13. The exercise support method according to claim 1, wherein the determining step determines that the motion state of the person being measured is normal if a condition is satisfied that, after the acquisition of index data whose value falls within the normal range, index data falling within the normal range is acquired at a predetermined frequency. <Claim 14> acquiring index data representing an index of a movement of a subject performing a certain exercise; determining whether the motion state of the subject is normal or abnormal based on whether the acquired value of the index data satisfies certain conditions, including whether the value is within a normal range; During a certain period while the certain exercise is being performed, the normal range is set to an expanded range larger than the certain range, and during periods other than the certain period while the certain exercise is being performed, the normal range is set to the certain range. An exercise support device comprising a processing unit. <Claim 15> Computer, a derivation means for deriving index data representing an index of a movement of a subject performing a certain exercise; a determination means for determining whether the motion state of the subject is normal or abnormal based on whether or not a certain condition including that the value of the index data derived by the derivation means is within a normal range is satisfied; a setting means for setting the normal range to an expanded range larger than the certain range during a certain period while the certain exercise is being performed, and for setting the normal range to the certain range outside the certain period while the certain exercise is being performed; An exercise support program characterized by functioning as a <Claim 16> An exercise support system including an exercise support device worn by a subject performing a certain exercise, and a terminal device carried by the subject while performing the certain exercise, The exercise support device includes: a first processing unit having a function of acquiring index data representing an index of a movement of the subject performing the certain exercise; The terminal device a second processing unit having a function of outputting abnormal state information indicating that the motion state of the subject is abnormal to an output unit; The first processing unit or the second processing unit is determining whether the motion state of the person being measured is normal or abnormal based on whether or not a certain condition including that the value of the index data acquired by the first processing unit is within a normal range is satisfied; During a certain period when the certain exercise is being performed, the normal range is set to an expanded range larger than the certain range, and during periods other than the certain period when the certain exercise is being performed, the normal range is set to the certain range; the second processing unit outputs the abnormal state information to an output unit when the first processing unit or the second processing unit determines that the motion state of the person being measured is the abnormal state. An exercise support system characterized by: [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 1 Exercise support system 10 Exercise support device 11 CPU 12 Control section 13 RAM 14 Sensor unit 15 Display 16 Memory section 17 Communications Department 20 Terminal equipment 21 CPU 22 Control section 23 RAM 24 Display 25 Memory section 26 Communications Department 27 Speaker section

Claims

1. a first acquisition step of acquiring index data representing an index of a movement of a subject performing a certain exercise; a determining step of determining whether the value of the index data acquired in the first acquiring step is within a normal range; a second acquisition step of acquiring, as a stable period number, a period of the certain exercise for which the index data included in history data relating to the certain exercise performed in the past is determined to be within the normal range in the determination step, if the period satisfies a first condition; a step of identifying a timing derived based on the number of stable periods as a stable timing at which the motion of the subject is stable when the number of stable periods satisfies a second condition different from the first condition; a setting step of switching and setting the normal range set by a first upper limit value and a first lower limit value included in the history data to a first expanded range set by a second upper limit value different from the first upper limit value derived based on the value of the index data determined to be outside the normal range in the determining step, and a second lower limit value different from the first lower limit value derived based on the value of the index data determined to be outside the normal range in the determining step, during a certain period from the start of the certain exercise to the stabilization timing; An exercise support method comprising:

2. The determining step determines whether or not the value of the index data is within the first expansion range set by the setting step. The exercise support method according to claim 1 .

3. The first condition is whether the index data is determined to be within the normal range a predetermined number of times in succession.

3. The exercise support method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The second condition is whether the value of the stable period number is equal to or less than a predetermined period number.

4. The exercise support method according to claim 1, wherein the exercise support method comprises:

5. The identifying step identifies the stable timing as an average of a plurality of stable cycle numbers in history data when the subject performs the certain exercise a plurality of times.

5. The exercise support method according to claim 1, wherein the exercise support method comprises:

6. The setting step: based on the index data included in the history data, deriving an average value and a maximum value of the index data values ​​that exceed the first upper limit value of the normal range, and setting an intermediate value between the average value and the maximum value as the second upper limit value of the first expanded range; deriving an average value and a minimum value of the index data values ​​that are below the first lower limit value of the normal range, and setting an intermediate value between the average value and the minimum value as the second lower limit value of the first expanded range; 6. The exercise support method according to claim 1, wherein:

7. The identifying step identifies the stable timing as undetermined if the number of stable periods does not satisfy the second condition, the setting step, when the stabilization timing is undetermined, switches and sets the normal range to a second expanded range different from the first expanded range set by a third upper limit value that is a predetermined number times larger than the first upper limit value in the normal range and a third lower limit value that is a predetermined number times larger than the first lower limit value in the normal range; 7. The exercise support method according to claim 1, wherein the exercise support method comprises:

8. In the setting step, when the cycle of the certain movement is not within the certain period, the range for determining the value of the index data is switched to the normal range set by the first upper limit value and the first lower limit value. The exercise support method according to any one of claims 3 to 7.

9. 9. The exercise support method according to claim 1, wherein the certain exercise is running performed by the subject.

10. The period is the period from when one foot touches the ground during running until the same foot touches the ground again. The exercise support method according to claim 9 .

11. acquiring index data representing an index of a movement of a subject performing a certain exercise; determining whether the acquired index data value is within a normal range; If a period of the certain exercise, for which the index data included in history data relating to the certain exercise performed in the past is determined to be within the normal range, satisfies a first condition, the period is acquired as a stable period number; identifying a timing derived based on the number of stable periods when the number of stable periods satisfies a second condition different from the first condition as a stable timing when the motion of the subject is stable; During a certain period from the start of the certain exercise to the stabilization timing, the normal range set by the first upper limit value and the first lower limit value included in the history data is switched to a first expanded range set by a second upper limit value different from the first upper limit value derived based on the value of the index data determined to be outside the normal range, and a second lower limit value different from the first lower limit value derived based on the value of the index data determined to be outside the normal range. An exercise support device comprising a processing unit.

12. Computer, a first acquisition means for acquiring index data representing an index of a movement of a subject performing a certain exercise; a determination means for determining whether the value of the index data acquired by the first acquisition means is within a normal range; a second acquisition means for acquiring a period of the certain exercise, for which the determination means has determined that the index data included in the history data relating to the certain exercise performed in the past is within the normal range, as a stable period number when the period satisfies a first condition; an identification means for identifying a timing derived based on the number of stable periods as a stable timing at which the motion of the subject is stable when the number of stable periods satisfies a second condition different from the first condition; a setting means for switching and setting the normal range, which is set by a first upper limit value and a first lower limit value included in the history data, to a first expanded range, which is set by a second upper limit value different from the first upper limit value derived based on the value of the index data determined by the determination means to be outside the normal range, and a second lower limit value different from the first lower limit value derived based on the value of the index data determined by the determination means to be outside the normal range, during a certain period from the start of the certain exercise to the stabilization timing; An exercise support program characterized by functioning as a

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