Monitoring unit for exercising in and / or on the water

Abstract

A monitoring unit for exercising in and / or on water containing at least one measurement sensor, a power supply system, a mounting system and a wireless communication system, a control unit with preinstalled applications and a user interface is characterised that the unit of a size of between 40mmx30mmxl0mm (length from 40mm, width from 30mm, depth from 10mm, respectively) and 90mmx70mmx20mm (length to 90mm, width to 70mm, depth to 20mm, respectively), is a device put on an oar, paddle, user's hand or the user's leg, consisting of a PCB electronic board (17) together with a battery (4) enclosed in a case (2); the following items are mounted on the board (17): from 1 to 2 water detection sensors (11), from 1 to 5 force sensors (13) and from 1 to 2 sensors detecting depth below the water surface (14), from 1 to 2 IMUs (12) connected to the microcontroller (7) - supplied with an RF circuit and an external memory (8) - by means of digital busses (10), which communicates wirelessly (16) with the control unit (1).

Description

[0001] Monitoring unit for exercising in and / or on the water

[0002] The subject matter of the application is a monitoring unit for exercising in and / or on the water, intended for use during trainings of swimming and rowing, water rehabilitation therapy, water aerobics and other physical exercises performed in the water.

[0003] The existing solutions lack universality and cannot be used by both swimmers and rowers, and other users during water rehabilitation therapy, water aerobics and other physical exercises performed in the water. Swimmers and rowers use different devices - the former rely on swimmer’ s paddles, the latter - on training simulators, which are, for the most part, bulky and troublesome in operation and transport.

[0004] The European patent application EP 2 581 042 A2 describes a portable device for analysing and monitoring exercise done by a user, comprising at least a portable support (2), electric power supply means, sensor means (3) for measuring the exercise done by the user during at least one predetermined period of time, expressed in the form of one non-dimensional parameter, at least one memory (4) designed to archive data relating to the measurement of exercise done by the user, display means (5) for displaying the measurement of the exercise done by the user and the data archived in the memory, data communication means (6a), (6b) for communicating with at least one processing unit (7a), (7b); wherein the sensor means (3) comprise at least an accelerometer connected to respective means for processing and treating the signals generated by it, characterized in that said memory (4) is provided with at least one algorithm configured to set a daily exercise goal which the user must reach, based on the exercise values recorded in the past by the user.

[0005] The paper by F. K. Fuss, S. Fundel, Y. Weizman, R. Masterton Smith, Smart oar blade for hydrodynamic analysis of rowing (Procedia Engineering 147 (2016), pp. 735-740) discusses A smart oar blade with piezoresistive sensors on either side was developed, celibrated, and tested hydrostaticalyy, hydrodynamically and during rowing. For instrumenting a wooden plate, a low-cost but highly accurate sensor made of a conductive piezo-resisitive polymer was cselected. The size of the sensor was 0, 16x0, 16 large and 0, 1 mm thick. Two sensor layers were sandwiched between two aluminum foil electrodes. The wooden plate was instrumented on both sides. Each sensor was connected to a 100 Q. reference resistor in series, and the voltage signal was recorded across the reference resistor with a microcontroller running at a baud rate of 9600 bits per second with a 12 bit analog to digital converter resolution. (...) The instrumented wooden plate (0,2x03x0,01 m) was connected to an aluminum tube and made waterproof. (...) an additional wooden plate (0,16x0,16m, 0,003m thick) was added on top of each outer electrode.

[0006] Patent US 8036826B2 proposes a data logger for a monitoring sports which includes an accelerometer, a gyro sensor to sense angular displacement, a GPS unit to sense position and velocity, a magnetometer to sense direction of movement, a heart rate monitor, and a controller programmed to manipulate the data and provide a display of the heart rate, speed, and other sport parameters. The data can be stored or transmitted to a remote computer for use by the coach. The device is useful in football codes, athletics, swimming, snow sports and cycling.

[0007] Patent 126326 describes a Finnish invention - a method for analyzing swimming technique, comprising measuring pressure exerted on the hand during a handstroke with at least one pressure sensor (12) attached to a hand of a swimmer; measuring acceleration in three dimensions during the handstroke with at least one acceleration sensor (13) attached to the hand of the swimmer; and calculating from the measured values a profile of the handstroke, characterized in that the profile of the handstroke comprise a quantity and direction of the force during the handstroke.

[0008] Another invention protected under this patent is a system for analyzing swimming technique, comprising a measuring element (10) configured to be attached to a hand of a swimmer, the measurement element comprising at least one pressure sensor (12); at least one acceleration sernsor (13); a memory element (11); a communication element (16); and a processor (15); an analyzing element (30); wherein the processor and the analyzing element (30) are configured to cause carrying out of the method of any preceding claim.

[0009] Another invention for which a patent application has been filed is a computer program comprising computer code for causing performing the method of any of claims 1 to 10, when executed by a processor, as well as A non-transitory memory medium comprising the computer program of claim 14.

[0010] In order to support individuals learning to swim, professional and amateur swimmers, as well as rowers (professionals and amateurs), equipment has been developed to correct errors committed during excersise.

[0011] The solution according to the invention can be used by professional, semi-professional and amateur swimmers and rowers. The solution according to the invention can also be used for rehabilitation and other exercises (e.g. aerobics) in the water. Faulty swimming or rowing technique can lead to injuries and unnecessary effort which does not influence on the improvement of results achieved. Both swimming and rowing requires precise movements of certain body parts, and in the case of rowing - a correct grip of the oar. The precision can be developed through monitored training. No piece of equipment has been developed so far that could be applied by both swimmers and rowers. The solution facilitates the supervision of a swimming of rowing training.

[0012] The solution according to the invention can also be used in rehabilitation (both post- injury and in persons with disabilities) as well as during the performance of exercises in the water, such as aerobics or other physical exercises.

[0013] The advantages of the solution according to the invention include universality, easiness of use and small size, which minimizes the resistance of water occurring when using devices of this type, which extend beyond the contours of a hand, leg or oar.

[0014] A monitoring unit for exercising in and / or on water containing at least one measurement sensor, a power supply system, a mounting system and a wireless communication system, a control unit with preinstalled applications and a user interface, is characterised by the unit of a size of between 40mmx30mmx10mm (length from 40mm, width from 30mm, depth from 10mm, respectively) and 90mmx70mmx20mm (length to 90mm, width to 70mm, depth to 20mm, respectively), is a device put on an oar, paddle, user’s hand or the user’s leg, consisting of a PCB electronic board together with a battery enclosed in a case; the following items are mounted on the board: from 1 to 2 water detection sensors, from 1 to 5 force sensors and from 1 to 2 sensors detecting depth below the water surface, from 1 to 2 IMUs connected to the microcontroller - supplied with an RF circuit and an external memory - by means of digital busses, which communicates wirelessly with the control unit.

[0015] Preferably, the monitoring unit is oval.

[0016] Preferably, the monitoring unit is in the shape of a cuboid.

[0017] Preferably, the IMU unit is a system containing a triaxial accelerometer, triaxial gyroscope, and triaxial magnetometer.

[0018] Preferably, the IMU unit is a system containing a triaxial accelerometer and a triaxial gyroscope.

[0019] Preferably, the control unit is a mobile device and / or a wearable device.

[0020] Preferably, the mobile device and / or wearable device is a Tablet, or a PC, or a smartphone, or a smartwatch, or a dedicated device of Tablet type. Preferably, the control unit is a stationary device.

[0021] Preferably, the stationary device is a PC.

[0022] Preferably, the microcontroller is equipped with a real-time clock.

[0023] Preferably, the microcontroller has antenna with output filters.

[0024] Preferably, the user interface is composed of a button and at least one multicolour information LED.

[0025] Preferably, inside the unit is a vibration motor.

[0026] Preferably, there is an identification device in the form of a passive NFC Tag, inside the case.

[0027] Preferably, there is an identification device in the form of a QR Code on the surface of the case.

[0028] Preferably, the device is equipped with one water detection sensor.

[0029] Preferably, the device is equipped with two force detectors.

[0030] Preferably, the device is equipped with the capacitive force detector.

[0031] Preferably, the device is equipped with the resistance force detector.

[0032] Preferably, the device is equipped with one sensor of depth below the water surface.

[0033] Preferably, the device is equipped with one IMU.

[0034] Preferably, components of the monitoring unit, comprising: from 1 to 2 water detection sensors, from 1 to 5 force sensors, from 1 to 2 sensors detecting depth below the water surface and QR code are located on the part of the monitoring unit which is not adjacent to the oar, swim paddle, user’s hand or user’s leg.

[0035] Preferably, arrangement of the monitoring unit components is shown in Fig. 1.

[0036] Preferably, the fastening system for the monitoring unit intended for use by users exercising with or without swim paddles as well as on an oar comprises a strap with a fastening device in the form of a press stud, where the fastening device has a tensioning strap.

[0037] Preferably, the fastening system for the monitoring unit intended to use by users (who do not use swim paddles) is a two-spot fastening system comprising elastic rubber tensioning straps attached to the hand or to the oar.

[0038] Preferably, the fastening system for the monitoring unit used on the foot is from 3- to 4-spot fastening system comprising elastic rubber tensioning straps attached to the foot.

[0039] Preferably, the unit is embedded in a swimmer glove, if used on the hand.

[0040] Preferably, the unit is embedded in a swimmer band, if used on the foot. Preferably, the fastening system for the monitoring unit intended for swimmers using swim paddles uses a screw or a press-stud or an adhesive.

[0041] Preferably, the fastening system for the monitoring unit intended for rowers uses a screw or a press-stud or an adhesive.

[0042] Preferably, the fastening system for the monitoring unit intended for rowers is the sleeve (with the unit inside) pulled over the oar blade.

[0043] A dedicated device comprises a tablet computer with a preinstalled application, whose one of functions is to control one or a larger number of monitoring units. Another functionality is the data display, e.g. for the coach.

[0044] In order to assign the monitoring unit to a particular user - what is especially relevant in the event of a group training, where multiple individuals use the monitoring unit according to the invention - the device has been equipped with a passive NFC Tag or a QR Code. The obj ective is to establish connection, for the duration of training, between the control unit and the monitoring unit selected from all monitoring units within the range of the control unit.

[0045] The device status is communicated to the user by means of LED diodes in multicolour. A multifunction button makes it possible to control the process.

[0046] The external memory registers and stores measurement data and device configuration data.

[0047] The MU collects data and transmits it to the server via the control unit. The data processing is carried out using an appropriate algorithm that makes it possible to calculate: the number of pool lengths the user swims (broken or not broken down by styles, if used by swimmers), the distance covered, in metres (broken or not broken down by styles, if used by swimmers), the average speed (broken or not broken down by styles), the time of swimming (broken or not broken down by styles). Thus, movements performed by the swimmer wearing the unit can be verified for accuracy.

[0048] The force sensor makes it possible to transmit data on the maximum stroke pressure (broken or not broken down by styles), as well as the pressure in time, to the control unit. Based on this data, the control unit can use an appropriate algorithm to calculate the total pressure.

[0049] The monitoring unit according to the invention uses an appropriate application to determine the rest time during a training, the number of swimming cycles (broken down by swimming styles) and the duration of particular swimming phases (broken down by swimming styles and arms). The water detection sensor, the force sensor, the IMU, and the sensor of depth below the water surface collect data which, processed with the use of an appropriate algorithm, make it possible to determine the change in the duration of particular swimming phases.

[0050] The haptic signals generated by the vibration motor facilitate self-control while swimming and notify the user of a faulty position of the hand and / or foot and / or oar.

[0051] The monitoring unit to be used on the swimmer’s hand or leg should be ergonomic and adapt to the shape of the user’ s hand (metacarpus) or foot. Such a shape of the panel guarantees that the device will not hinder the swimming movements.

[0052] The monitoring unit intended for a swimmer who does not use swim paddles could be in the shape of : an ellipse, an oval, a cuboid. This shape helps to hide easily in the palm of the swimmer and does not impede his movements.

[0053] The fastening system of the monitoring unit used by swimmers comprises a band with a press-stud, which can be fastened on the swimmer’s hand. A tensioning strap makes it possible to adjust the band to the size of the hand. Thus, the unit can be fastened by means of a single strap.

[0054] The monitoring unit intended for a swimmer using swim paddles should be fastened between the swimmer’s fingers and their wrist, i.e., in the metacarpus section. Considering the fastening method of most of the swim paddles available on the market, the metacarpus is the most convenient location for the fastening of the monitoring unit.

[0055] When used by rowers, the monitoring unit needs to be fastened on the side of the oar which pushed the boat.

[0056] If worn on the foot, for the convenience of the user the device should be fastened on the upper part of the foot.

[0057] The monitoring unit works within a system which receives, analyses and displays data collected by the device. The system comprises the following components :

[0058] 1.The E-commerce system, which facilitates the purchase of the device, subscription of the service, and management of users and subscriptions.

[0059] 2.The administrator application, which supports the management of the system.

[0060] 3. The mobile application that is designed to:

[0061] - pair and connect devices which are within the range of the control unit, and store the devices previously paired,

[0062] - management of the transmission of data from the device to the server, - communicate the device status,

[0063] - presentation of statistical data,

[0064] - management of the application and firmware updates,

[0065] - building a community of users.

[0066] 4. The user panel is designed to:

[0067] - connect with the device,

[0068] - management of the transmission of data from the device to the server, communicate the device status,

[0069] - user profile management,

[0070] - building a community of users, presentation of data and statistical data

[0071] 5. The server application is designed to the processing of raw measurement data, transmitted from the device via the app, into statistical data for the user :

[0072] - number of pool lengths (broken down or not broken down by styles),

[0073] - distance in metres (broken down or not broken down by styles),

[0074] - mean speed (broken down by styles), duration of swimming (broken down or not broken down by styles),

[0075] - maximum pressure (broken down by styles),

[0076] - pressure in time (broken down by styles),

[0077] - rest time (between exercises),

[0078] - number of swimming cycles (broken down by styles),

[0079] - frequency of swimming cycles (broken down by styles),

[0080] - duration of particular swimming phases (broken down by styles and arms),

[0081] - change in the duration of particular swimming phases (broken down by styles and arms), change in the duration of particular swimming phases.

[0082] 6. The database server stores measurement data.

[0083] The best communication between the devices is carried out via the Bluetooth Law Energy interface. The interface is designed for communication between the monitoring unit and the mobile application. Thus, the interface is designed to:

[0084] - transmit measurement data between the monitoring unit and the mobile application,

[0085] - transmit diagnostic data between the monitoring unit and the mobile application,

[0086] - update the monitoring unit firmware from the mobile application, set up and control the monitoring unit from the mobile application.

[0087] When the monitoring unit is immersed in water, it does not transmit data to the server. Therefore, to support data synchronization, the algorithm has been used.

[0088] The subject matter of the invention is shown in example versions and in figures, where: Fig. 1 shows a view of the unit on the side where the sensors are mounted, in use, i.e. on a hand, leg, swimming paddle, oar; Fig. 2 shows a block diagram of deployment of the unit components and system operation. Fig. 3 shows two-spot fastening system for the monitoring unit on the hand. Fig. 4 shows the band as the fastening system for the monitoring unit using on the foot. Fig. 5 shows four-spot fastening system for the monitoring unit on the foot of the user. Fig. 6 shows the fastening system for the monitoring unit on the oar uses a screw or a press-stud. Fig. 7 shows the fastening system for the monitoring unit as a strap with a fastening device in the form of a press stud, where the fastening device has a tensioning strap. Fig. 8 shows the unit embedded in a glove (with the unit inside) as the fastening system for the monitoring unit. Fig. 9 shows the sleeve (with the monitoring unit inside) as the fastening system for the monitoring unit. Fig. 10 shows the fastening system for the monitoring unit as a swim paddle uses a screw. Example 1.

[0089] The oval panel of a size of 50mm x 40mm x 15mm has a Bluetooth Low Energy wireless connection with the smartphone as the control unit 1. The phone 1 has the application, shown in the block diagram in Fig. 2, preinstalled, as well as a dedicated user interface. The monitoring unit is enclosed in the case 2. The case houses a power supply system 3 and a charging socket; the power supply system is equipped with a battery 4. The user interface comprises one multicolour LED diode 5 and a tactile switch 6. The microcontroller 7, equipped with an RF circuit, external memory 8, and an antenna with output filters 9, is connected, via digital buses 10, with the following components: a capacitive water sensor 11, one IMU 12, two capacitive force sensors 13, and one pressure sensor for measuring the depth under water as a sensor detecting depth below the water surface 14. There is a QR code 15 on the case 2. The monitoring unit communicates wirelessly 16 with the control unit 1. One capacitive water sensor 11, two capacitive force sensors 13, one sensor detecting depth below the water surface 14, one IMU 12 are situated on a PCB electronic board 17. The space 18 of the microcontroller 7 equipped with an RF circuit, an external memory 8, an antenna with output filters 9, a battery 4 and a tactile switch 6 and a RGB LED 5 jest is shown in the block diagram in Fig. 1. The monitoring unit has a two-point fastening system in the form of elastic bands, to be fastened on the hand shown in Fig. 3.

[0090] Example 2.

[0091] The oval panel of a size of 90mm x 70mm x 20mm has a Bluetooth Low Energy wireless connection with the smartwatch as the control unit 1. The smartwatch 1 has the application, shown in the block diagram in Fig. 2, preinstalled, as well as a dedicated user interface. The monitoring unit is enclosed in the case 2. The case houses a power supply system 3 and a charging socket; the power supply system is equipped with a battery 4. The user interface comprises one multicolour LED diode 5 and a tactile switch 6. The microcontroller 7, equipped with an RF circuit, external memory 8, and an antenna with output filters 9, is connected, via digital buses 10, with the following components: two capacitive water sensors 11, two IMUs 12, two capacitive force sensors 13, and two pressure sensors for measuring the depth under water as a sensor detecting depth below the water surface 14. There is a passive NFC Tag 15 on the case 2. The monitoring unit communicates wirelessly 16 with the control unit 1 . Two capacitive water sensors 11, two capacitive force sensors 13, two sensor detecting depth below the water surface 14, two IMUs 12 are situated on a PCB electronic board 17. The space 18 of the microcontroller 7 equipped with an RF circuit, an external memory 8, an antenna with output filters 9, a battery 4 and a tactile switch 6 and a RGB LED 5 jest is shown in the block diagram in Fig. 1. The fastening system for the monitoring unit on the oar uses a screw is shown in Fig. 6.

Claims

Claims1. A monitoring unit for exercising in and / or on water containing at least one measurement sensor, a power supply system, a mounting system and a wireless communication system, a control unit with preinstalled applications and a user interface, wherein the unit of a size of between 40mmx30mmxl0mm (length from 40mm, width from 30mm, depth from 10mm, respectively) and 90mmx70mmx20mm (length to 90mm, width to 70mm, depth to 20mm, respectively), is a device put on an oar, paddle, user’s hand or the user’s leg, consisting of a PCB electronic board (17) together with a battery (4) enclosed in a case (2); the following items are mounted on the board (17): from 1 to 2 water detection sensors (11), from 1 to 5 force sensors (13) and from 1 to 2 sensors detecting depth below the water surface (14), from 1 to 2 IMUs (12) connected to the microcontroller (7) - supplied with an RF circuit and an external memory (8) - by means of digital busses (10), which communicates wirelessly (16) with the control unit (1).

2. The monitoring unit of claim 1, wherein the monitoring unit is oval.

3. The monitoring unit of claim 1, wherein the monitoring unit is in the shape of a cuboid.

4. The monitoring unit of claim 1, 2 and 3, wherein the IMU unit (12) is a system containing a triaxial accelerometer, triaxial gyroscope, and triaxial magnetometer.

5. The monitoring unit of claim 1, 2 and 3, wherein the IMU unit (12) is a system containing a triaxial accelerometer and a triaxial gyroscope.

6. The monitoring unit of claim 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, wherein the control unit (1) is a mobile device and / or a wearable device.

7. The monitoring unit of claim 6, wherein the mobile device and / or wearable device is a Tablet, or a PC, or a smartphone, or a smartwatch, or a dedicated device of Tablet type.

8. The monitoring unit of claim 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, wherein the control unit (1) is a stationary device.

9. The monitoring unit of claim 8, wherein the stationary device is a PC.

10. The monitoring unit of claim from 1 to 9, wherein the microcontroller (7) is equipped with a real-time clock.

11. The monitoring unit of claim from 1 to 10, wherein the microcontroller (7) has antenna with output filters.

12. The monitoring unit of claim from 1 to 11, wherein the user interface is composed of a button (6) and at least one multicolour information LED (5).

13. The monitoring unit of claim from 1 to 12, wherein inside the monitoring unit is a vibration motor.

14. The monitoring unit of claim from 1 to 13, wherein there is an identification device (15) in the form of a passive NFC Tag, inside the case (2).

15. The monitoring unit of claim from 1 to 12, wherein there is an identification device (15) in the form of a QR Code on the surface of the case (2).

16. The monitoring unit of claim from 1 to 15, wherein the device is equipped with one water detection sensor (11).

17. The monitoring unit of claim from 1 to 16, wherein the device is equipped with two force detectors (13).

18. The monitoring unit of claim 17, wherein the device is equipped with the capacitive force detector (13).

19. The monitoring unit of claim 17, wherein the device is equipped with the resistance force detector (13).

20. The monitoring unit of claim from 1 to 19, wherein the device is equipped with one sensor of depth below the water surface (14).

21. The monitoring unit of claim from 1 to 20, wherein the device is equipped with one IMU (12).

22. The monitoring unit of claim from 1 to 21, wherein components of the monitoring unit, comprising: from 1 to 2 water detection sensors (11), from 1 to 5 force sensors (13), from 1 to 2 sensors detecting depth below the water surface (14) and QR code are located on the part of the monitoring unit which is not adjacent to the oar, swim paddle, user’s hand or user’s leg.

23. The monitoring unit of claim from 1 to 22, wherein arrangement of the monitoring unit components is shown in Fig. 1.

24. The monitoring unit of claim from 1 to 23, wherein the fastening system for the monitoring unit intended for use by users exercising with or without swim paddles as well as on an oar comprises a strap with a fastening device in the form of a press stud, where the fastening device has a tensioning strap (19).

25. The monitoring unit of claim from 1 to 23, wherein the fastening system for the monitoring unit intended to use by users (who do not use swim paddles) is a two-spot fastening system comprising elastic rubber tensioning straps (19) attached to the hand or to the oar.

26. The monitoring unit of claim from 1 to 23, wherein the fastening system for the monitoring unit used on the foot is from 3- to 4-spot fastening system comprising elastic rubber tensioning straps (19) atached to the foot.

27. The monitoring unit of claim from 1 to 23, wherein the unit is embedded in a swimmer glove, if used on the hand.

28. The monitoring unit of claim from 1 to 23, wherein the unit is embedded in a swimmer band, if used on the foot.

29. The monitoring unit of claim from 1 to 23, wherein the fastening system for the monitoring unit intended for swimmers using swim paddles uses a screw or a press-stud or an adhesive.

30. The monitoring unit of claim from 1 to 23, wherein the fastening system for the monitoring unit intended for rowers uses a screw or a press-stud or an adhesive.

31. The monitoring unit of claim from 1 to 23, wherein the fastening system for the monitoring unit intended for rowers is the sleeve (with the unit inside) pulled over the oar blade.

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