Angle measuring devices

Abstract

A system is provided comprising an apparatus (100) for transporting a user across a surface comprising snow and / or ice; an angle measuring device (200) configured to measure an angle of the apparatus relative to gravity; and a display (202) configured to display the angle measured by the measuring device (200). The display is located so as to be visible by a user of the apparatus during normal use of the apparatus.

Description

[0001] Angle measuring devices

[0002] FIELD

[0003] This invention relates generally to the field of inclinometers, and more specifically, methods and devices for measuring the angle of sloping terrain, for example, the slope of hills and mountains.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] There are many situations in which it is desirable to measure the angle of sloping terrain quickly and easily. Particularly when it comes to snow sports performed on hills or mountains such as skiing, snowboarding, sledding / tobogganing, and particularly in back-country skiing, having an accurate knowledge of the slope angle is particularly helpful.

[0006] Avalanches are more likely to occur on certain steepness of slopes, for example, on slopes having an angle of between 30 and 45 degrees. If the slope angle is known to be in such a danger range, it is possible to avoid such areas and slopes, or at least take extra precautions.

[0007] In addition, sports such as ski mountaineering (skimo), ski touring or the like, involve climbing mountains and also potentially descending down them on skis. When walking / skiing uphill, it is beneficial to know the climbing angle in order to ensure the most efficient climbing. Depending on fitness, the most energy efficient climb rate is achieved at around 12-15 degrees. However, it is difficult to estimate terrain slope steepness just by visual examination, particularly in the absence of other reference points.

[0008] There are several tools available to enable a user, such as a skier, to determine the slope angle at a given point. For example, users, if they know or are able to determine their exact position, may consult maps that have contour lines to estimate the slope. Measurement devices may also be used in order to help users to get more accurate results. In addition, they can also help to train and calibrate the user’s abilities to estimate steepness, so that they may have an idea of the slope even if they are without a measurement device. An inclinometer is an example instrument that can measure the angle of inclination or slope of a surface relative to the horizontal plane. These can be simple printed solutions such as stickers that can be stuck to ski poles, or stand alone cards with a set of angle markings that can be held up to the measure steepness of a distant slope by visual alignment with the angle markings.

[0009] Inclinometers may also be a dedicated tool, or an app on a phone, however in order to remain reasonably portable, they tend to be small and therefore have only a relatively short alignment edge. This short edge can cause inaccuracies when used to measure soft snow slopes. As a result, a user will typically put something larger on the slope along the fall line, such as a ski pole, and lie the inclinometer on the larger object so as to have the effect of extending the alignment edge, making it more accurate. Even with such objects, if they do not have a completely flat edge to lie on the ground, it can be difficult to get an accurate reading in icy conditions.

[0010] Therefore, such existing solutions are often inaccurate, cumbersome to use, and / or require a user to pause their activities to lie the inclinometer (and potentially a larger object) down and take a measurement or make an estimation.

[0011] There do exist devices such as those described in JPS59174175 A that use pressure sensors in a ski boot to allow for the measurement of whether a skier is leaning forward or backward, relative to the ski. However, such devices are aimed at ensuring that a skier is maintaining a correct posture whilst skiing (i.e. with their weight leaning forward over the ski), and do not provide any feedback as to the specific slope of the terrain over which they are travelling.

[0012] It would therefore be beneficial to provide a device that allows for slope angle measurements to be taken quickly so as to avoid being exposed to areas with avalanche risk for a prolonged period. In addition, it is important that the measurement is continuous and easy to read to avoid unnecessary stops when climbing uphill. SUMMARY

[0013] According to a first aspect, there is provided a system comprising, an apparatus for transporting a user across a surface comprising snow and / or ice; an angle measuring device configured to measure an angle of the apparatus relative to gravity; and a display configured to display the angle measured by the measuring device. The display is located so as to be visible by a user of the apparatus during normal use of the apparatus. The apparatus may be used for transporting a user across an inclined or sloping surface comprising snow and / or ice, such as upwardly across a sloping surface, or uphill.

[0014] In this way, the apparatus itself may be used to provide an alignment edge for the angle measuring device, and the measured angle may be conveniently displayed for the user on the apparatus such that it may be seen constantly during use.

[0015] The angle measured by the measuring device may be a pitch angle of the apparatus, relative to gravity. In this way, and as would be appreciated, a given piece of apparatus (e.g. a ski, splitboard, snowmobile, etc.) would be understood to be intended to generally travel in a given direction as a forward direction. In the example of a ski, the travel direction would be understood to be along the body of the ski towards the tip. In the example of a snowmobile, the travel direction would be understood to be aligned with the body of the snowmobile, in the direction that the snowmobile is usually configured to drive forwards. As the apparatus moves over different sloping surfaces, the tip and tail of this travel direction will change angle with respect to gravity, i.e. will result in a change of pitch angle. By measuring this pitch angle, it may give an indication of the angle of the effective slope upon which the equipment lies.

[0016] The apparatus may be an apparatus for snow sports, such as a ski, a splitboard, or a snowmobile.

[0017] As would be appreciated, depending on the apparatus, the display would be positioned appropriately such that, in use, it may be easily seen by the user. For example, for a ski, the device may be located towards the tip of the ski. In this way, when the user is standing on the ski, they may easily see the device. Similarly, if the apparatus is a snowmobile, the display may be located such that, when a user is sat on the snowmobile, the display may again be easily seen. In that case, for example, the display may be located in front of the user’s sitting position, such as near the handlebars, on the windshield, or integrated with other display equipment of the snowmobile.

[0018] The angle measuring device may comprise an electronic accelerometer sensor, and such a sensor may be configured to measure acceleration along at least 3 axes. This allows for certain sources of noise to be removed from the measurement.

[0019] The angle measuring device may further comprise communication means so as to allow the device to communicate with other devices. This allows for the angle measuring device to transmit data between devices - for example, the device may be configured to transmit data to a server via mobile communication means for remote storage. Additionally or alternatively, with such means, the device may receive data from other sources, and display the data on the display. The connection to other devices may also allow for a wireless communication with the display, and thus allow for the angle measuring device and display to be physically separated. In that case, the display could, for example, be a head-up display (HUD). Such a display could be implemented, for example, in snow goggles, wirelessly connected to the measuring device. In such a case, the display would be located so as to be visible by a user of the apparatus during normal use of the apparatus - as it would be visible in the HUD.

[0020] The angle measuring device may further comprise one or more of a thermometer, an altimeter, a barometer, and / or GPS. In this way, the device may provide more data that can be used to provide useful information to the user.

[0021] The angle measuring device may further comprise a proximity sensor configured to detect when another angle measuring device is within a threshold distance of the proximity sensor. This allows for detection of other devices that are close to each other, allowing the users to limit load on the surface by maintaining a safe distance between one another. The angle measuring device may further comprise a memory configured to store data measured by the angle measuring device. In this way, the device may be able to store historical data, for later analysis.

[0022] The measured angle of the apparatus relative to gravity may be an angle between a plane of the equipment and a plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity. As would be appreciated, the plane of the equipment would be generally seen to be the plane along which the equipment is configured to travel, in normal use. For example, where the equipment is a ski, such a plane may be defined by the body of the ski. As the user moves using the ski, they generally travel perpendicular to that plane, in normal use. Similar planes may be drawn for each example of equipment. The plane perpendicular to gravity is generally seen as a “horizontal” or “flat” plane - such that any angle measured against this is seen as a climb or a slope angle.

[0023] The angle measuring device may further comprise a visual and / or audible alarm configured to alert the user. The visual and / or audible alarm may be configured to alert the user when the measured angle is greater than a threshold angle. This allows for a warning to be shown to the user when they are in an area with increased avalanche risk.

[0024] The angle measuring device may further comprise a recommendation indicator configured to indicate to a user when the measured angle is outside a predetermined threshold band. The predetermined threshold band may be between 12 and 15 degrees. This may enable a user to ensure that they are climbing the slope effectively.

[0025] The angle measuring device may be operable in a first mode where the angle measuring device is configured to measure a climb angle of the apparatus, and a second mode where the angle measuring device is configured to measure a slope angle of a surface on which the apparatus lies.

[0026] The angle measuring device and / or display may be removable from the apparatus. The angle measuring device and / or display may further comprise a battery configured to, in use, provide power to the angle measuring device and / or display. The angle measuring device and / or display further comprise a battery. According to a second aspect, there is provided a method of measuring a slope angle of a surface using the system of the first aspect. The method comprises pointing the apparatus along the fall line of the surface; measuring an angle of the apparatus relative to gravity using the angle measuring device; and displaying the measured angle on the display. This allows for the user to easily measure the slope of a surface.

[0027] According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of measuring a climb angle of a system of the first aspect. The method comprises moving the apparatus along a surface; measuring an angle of the apparatus relative to gravity using the angle measuring device; and displaying the measured angle on the display. This allows for a user to conveniently and easily see their climb angle at all times. The surface may be an inclined or sloping surface, such as an upwardly sloping surface, or uphill.

[0028] The displaying of the measured angle on the display may be constant.

[0029] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Certain examples of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 shows an example angle measuring device on a piece of equipment;

[0032] Figure 2 illustrates an example use of the device.

[0033] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Whilst the description herein may refer to only skis, such as those that are suitable for skimo, it would be appreciated that the teaching herein might be applicable to other apparatus / equipment for transporting a user across a surface of snow and / or ice, for example equipment for snow sports, such as snowboards, split boards, sledges, snowmobiles etc.

[0035] An apparatus incorporating an angle measuring device may be seen in Figure 1. As would be appreciated, the apparatus, as illustrated in Figure 1 , is an apparatus for transporting a user across a surface comprising snow and / or ice. For example, the apparatus may comprise a ski 100, such as a ski that is suitable for skimo, or ski touring, or equally may comprise another apparatus that is suitable for snow sports.

[0036] The angle measuring device is mounted so as to remain visible to a user whilst the equipment is in use, such as transporting the user across snow and / or ice. For example, and as illustrated in Figure 1 , the angle measuring device 200 may be mounted on top of and towards the front tip of the ski 100, such that when a user is standing on the ski, the angle measuring device 200 remains easily visible to the user. Similarly, when such a device is utilised on splitboards, the display may be positioned towards the front of one or both portions of the splitboard, such that the user may easily see the display whilst climbing . In the example where the apparatus is a snowmobile, the display may be positioned such that it may be easily visible to a user who is sitting on and operating the snowmobile.

[0037] The angle measuring device is configured to measure the angle of the device, and hence the angle of the equipment, relative to gravity. For example, the angle measuring device may be configured to measure the direction of gravity by an electronic accelerometer sensor, and, from that, work out the angle of the equipment. When the equipment is in use, then this angle may be used to work out the climb angle and / or the slope angle.

[0038] The sensor may be configured to measure acceleration along at least 3 axes, so as to compensate for potential error sources such as rotation along the ski axis. Three such angles are illustrated in Figure 1 -axes x, y and z. The z-axis may be aligned with gravity, and the x-axis may be generally aligned with the intended direction of travel of the apparatus during normal use. In the example of Figure 1 , the x-axis is generally aligned with the body of the ski. When the apparatus is a snowmobile, the x-axis would be generally aligned with the direction which the snowmobile faces, and travels during normal use.

[0039] As would be appreciated, during use of the equipment, in order to work out the climb angle and / or slope angle, the angle of interest would be the “pitch” angle a (i.e. the angle that the equipment is rotated about the y-axis) which may be calculated, relative to gravity (the z-axis). Whilst climbing, this gives an indication of climb angle, and whilst pointing the equipment along the fall line, it gives an indication of slope angle.

[0040] The angle measuring device may be calibrated such that, when the equipment with the angle measuring device is lying horizontal (i.e. perpendicular to gravity), the angle measuring device measures an angle of 0 degrees. As such, any deviation from this number (as sensed by the device) indicates the measured angle of the device, and hence the angle of the equipment. This may be used to measure various angles, such as the climb angle or the slope angle, depending on the angle that is desired to be measured by the user. As would be appreciated, the angle measuring device may be placed on the equipment, such that it may utilise the part of the equipment that lies along the ground as its alignment edge, thereby measuring the angle of that part of the equipment, in use. For example, in the example of Figure 1 , the angle may be the angle of the body of the ski, which remains in contact with the ground during normal use.

[0041] The angle measurement can be calibrated so as to take into account any discrepancy between the angle of the device and the angle of the main body of the equipment. For example, in the example of Figure 1 , the angle measuring device 200 is placed on the end of a ski 100. Typically, skis may comprise an elongate body that, during normal use, lies directly on the ground / slope, and the end of the ski (as seen in Figure 1) may be angled away from the ground, in order to provide some clearance. As such, when the device 200 is placed on the end, it does not lie parallel to the body of the ski (and hence, parallel to the angle of the body of the ski / slope). In order to compensate for such a discrepancy the angle measuring device may be calibrated by, when the angle measuring device 200 lies in place on the ski, laying the ski down on a horizontal surface. The device may then record its angle offset from the measured direction of gravity, and use this to calibrate subsequent measurements.

[0042] The angle measuring device may comprise various means allowing for a visual representation of the slope on which the equipment lies. For example, as seen in Figure 1 , the angle measuring device 200 may comprise a display 202 which displays the measured angle of the ski. As illustrated, the display 202 may comprise a digital screen configured to show the current angle of the ski large enough such that the user may read the display 202 whilst standing / walking on the skis. In addition, or alternatively, the angle measuring device may comprise an alarm configured to alert the user when a dangerous slope is measured, and / or recommendation indicators, for indicating whether the user is climbing at a recommended rate.

[0043] In the example of Figure 1 , the angle measuring device 200 may comprise a visual alarm 201 configured to alert the user when the slope indicates that there is a higher risk of avalanche, for example, when the measured angle is greater than 30 degrees. As would be appreciated, in addition (or as an alternative to) visual alarm 201 , an audible alarm may be utilised so as to alert the user, if they are in danger.

[0044] In addition, as illustrated in Figure 1 , the angle measuring device 200 also includes the visual recommendation indicator 203, which may provide a simple visual indication of whether the user is climbing a slope at a recommended rate. For example, the visual recommendation indicator 203 may display a “+” when the measured angle is greater than 15 degrees, thereby indicating that the user is climbing a slope too steeply, and therefore inefficiently, a “o” when the measured angle is in the range of 12 to 15 degrees, thereby indicating that the user is climbing a slope at an ideal rate, and a when the measured angle is in the below 12 degrees, thereby indicating that the user is climbing a slope at a lower than desired rate.

[0045] Of course, the reference angles for the alarm functionality / visual recommendation indicator may be set according to a user’s preference.

[0046] Owing to the positioning of the angle measuring device on the equipment such that it may be easily viewed during regular use of the equipment, the angle measuring device may advantageously be used to give real time feedback and recommendations to the user.

[0047] For example, while the user is traversing a slope in order to climb it, the display 202 and visual recommendation indicator 203 may give real time feedback of the climb angle, and the user may utilise such information to indicate whether they are climbing at an efficient rate, or whether they should increase or decrease their climb angle. The display and indicator continue to display such recommendations during use, and so can easily be consulted as the user climbs the slope.

[0048] Equally, the positioning of the angle measuring device allows for quick and easy measurement of the slope angle, and therefore a rapid identification of whether the slope is at an increased risk of avalanche. The user may simply lift the equipment and place it along the fall line of the slope to be measured. In the example of Figure 1 , this can be done with the ski 100 attached to the user’s leg. The measured slope angle is then visible to the upright standing user on the device display 202, as is the alarm 201.

[0049] The measuring of different angles (such as a climb angle, and a slope angle as described above) might be achieved by several distinct modes of the angle measuring device. For example, the angle measuring device may have at least two measurement modes: “climb” and “slope”. Such measurement modes may be manually switched, or automatically switched, depending on the configuration of the device. For example, the “climb” mode might be active when climbing uphill, and allow for the measurement of a climb angle. The “slope” mode might be active when measuring the slope steepness, and allow for the measurement of a slope angle. The device might automatically select the climb mode when movement of the equipment is detected.

[0050] Additionally, the device may have a “downhill” measurement mode. In this way, once a user (for example, a skier) has reached the top of the slope, and wishes to travel down the slope, further measurements may be taken. For example, g-forces experienced, curvature of turns, and / or downward angle might be measured in real time by the device.

[0051] The angle measuring device may be removable from the equipment, for example, for charging, maintenance, storage and / or so that it may be moved between equipment, i.e., to another piece of compatible equipment. For example, in Figure 1 , the angle measuring device 200 may be removable from the ski 100. The ski 100 may comprise a socket into which the device 200 may be mounted for use. The angle measuring device may comprise a battery. Additionally or alternatively, the ski may comprise a battery, such that it may power the angle measuring device 200, when the device is connected to the ski 100.

[0052] The angle measuring device may comprise one or more further sensors. For example, the angle measuring device may comprise one or more of a thermometer, an altimeter, a barometer, GPS and the like.

[0053] The angle measuring device 200 may comprise a memory, for example a non- transitory memory, such that it may record the measured data (angle, temperature, pressure, altitude as appropriate), and store them within the device for later viewing. In addition or alternatively, the device may comprise communication means so as to allow the device 200 to communicate with other devices, such as a handheld device and / or a mobile phone. The communication means may be a wireless communication means such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, RFID, cellular data capabilities or the like. Through such communication means, the device may interact with an application on a connected device, such as a mobile phone. Such a connected device may then be utilised to provide further functionality to the angle measuring device. For example, the connected device may receive real time data from the angle measuring device, and record such data for later viewing, and / or to change the ranges associated with the visual recommendation indicator and / or alarms.

[0054] In addition, the display might be used to display other useful information, for example from another device paired via the communication means, owing to its convenient location that allows for it to be viewed during normal use of the equipment on which it is placed. For example, it might be desired to display heart rate during a climb as well. In doing so, the user (such as a skier) may be able to monitor and control their power usage even better than with the climbing angle only. As such, the device might be further connectable to other, external devices. For example, it might be possible to connect the device to an external heart rate monitor attached to the user’s body. The data from that external device might then be continuously transmitted to the angle measuring device, to be shown on the display (alongside the measured angle).

[0055] In addition, a connected device might act as a controller for the angle measuring device, and may be used to select the recording mode (e.g. whether the “climb” or “slope” mode is active), and / or be used to instruct the angle measuring device to calibrate (e.g. to follow the method above). As would be appreciated, such controls may additionally be realised on the device itself, for example, using physical buttons or a touch screen on the device.

[0056] All data collected from the device may be collated and analysed at a later date. For example, once recorded, the data may be transferred to a remote server for further analysis and / or storage and display. Such transfer may occur in real time, if the angle measuring device and / or a connected device is within network coverage. However, as would be appreciated, the equipment may be used in relative wilderness in the backcountry, where such connection is unavailable. In such a case, the data collected by the angle measuring device should be stored locally on the angle measuring device, or the connected device until such a data connection is available.

[0057] An example use of the device is illustrated in Figure 2, which shows a number of users 311 , 312, 313, 314, 315, each of whom may be utilising a piece of equipment, each piece of equipment incorporating the angle measuring device. For example, each user may be a skier, each utilising a ski 100 with an incorporated device 200, as illustrated in Figure 1.

[0058] Figure 2 illustrates a slope 300 having a slope angle 0, which may be measured by placing the device along the fall line F. As would be appreciated, the slope angle 0 is measured between a horizontal plane (seen as line 302 in Figure 2), which is perpendicular to the vertical line 301 (which is aligned with gravity G) and the fall line of the slope (i.e. the line that is most directly down the slope - the direction that a ball would accelerate if it were let go on the slope). Climb angle may be thought of as the angle between the horizontal plane defined as perpendicular to the vertical line 301 (or gravity G), and the path of the user. For example, the device may comprise an accelerometer that is configured to sense the direction of gravity and, from that, work out the angle of the equipment upon which it is placed.

[0059] As outlined above, the most energy efficient climb rate is generally achieved at around 12-15 degrees. In the example of Figure 2, the slope angle 0 may be greater than 15 degrees. Therefore, in order to achieve the most efficient climbing, users may “zigzag” across the slope, such that they are able to climb at a climb angle that is lower than the slope angle 0. For example, users may follow climbing path 320, which does not go directly up the slope, but rather traverse the slope at the same time, thereby shallowing out the climb angle that the users experience, allowing for the most efficient climbing. The climb angle may be between 0 degrees (i.e. when a user is directly traversing the slope) and the slope angle (i.e. when a user is directly going up the fall line of the slope). In this way, the user may vary their climb angle depending on the amount that the slope is traversed during climbing, and therefore can increase their climb angle by taking a path that goes more directly against the fall line.

[0060] As outlined above, by using the angle measuring device, a user may easily check whether they are climbing at an ideal angle. If they are climbing at too shallow an angle, as indicated by the device, then they may choose to change their path 320 such that it more directly goes up the slope against the fall line. If the angle is too steep, then they may choose to take a shallower angle, traversing the slope more.

[0061] When climbing in terrain with avalanche risk (e.g. slopes having a slope angle 0 of steeper than 30 degrees), it is important to keep the load on the snowpack low. This reduces the likelihood of triggering an avalanche. One way to achieve this is to ensure a proper distance between each user in a group climbing together. For example, a group of skiers (such as the ones illustrated in Figure 2) typically agree to keep a fixed distance of 10 to 30 meters, depending on the conditions. This is, however, easy to forget and difficult to monitor, and as such there may be groups where the distance is close to zero between some skiers, even in high risk avalanche situations.

[0062] The device may therefore be provided with a proximity sensor, such that it may detect the proximity to other devices. For example, bluetooth low energy (BLE) signaling may be used to measure distance between a transmitter / receiver pair. If all users in a group are equipped with the device, it can be used to alert the users when they get closer to each other than what they have agreed to. In the example of Figure 2, users 312 and 313 have maintained proper distance. However, users 314 and 315 have not. In such a case, the device may be configured to alert / alarm the users that they are too close to one another, thereby prompting the users to spread out. For example, alarm 201 may be configured to alert the user when the user is too close to another user. As would be appreciated, in addition (or as an alternative to) visual alarm 201 , an audible alarm may be utilised so as to alert the user, if they are in danger. Alternatively, another alarm separate to alarm 201 may be utilised. Such a proximity sensor alarm might find further use if a device is lost. For example, should the device be placed upon a ski which is lost in powder snow, then another device may be used to sense the proximity to the lost device, thereby giving an indication of the area in which the lost device is located.

[0063] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the disclosure has been illustrated by describing one or more specific examples, but is not limited to these examples; many variations and modifications are possible within the scope of the accompanying claims.

[0064] The following clauses set out features of the invention which may not presently be claimed in this application, but which may form the basis for future amendment or a divisional application.

[0065] I. A system comprising, an apparatus (100) for transporting a user across a surface (such as upwardly across a sloping surface) comprising snow and / or ice; an angle measuring device (200) configured to measure an angle of the apparatus relative to gravity; and a display (202) configured to display the angle measured by the measuring device (200); wherein the display is located so as to be visible by a user of the apparatus during normal use of the apparatus.

[0066] II. The system of clause I, wherein the angle measured by the measuring device is a pitch angle of the apparatus, relative to gravity.

[0067] III. The system of clause I or II, wherein the apparatus is an apparatus for snow sports.

[0068] IV. The system of clause III, wherein the apparatus is a ski (100). V. The system of clause IV, wherein the display is located towards the tip of the ski.

[0069] VI. The system of clause III, wherein the apparatus is a splitboard.

[0070] VII. The system of clause III, wherein the apparatus is a snowmobile.

[0071] VIII. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the angle measuring device (200) comprises an electronic accelerometer sensor.

[0072] IX. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the angle measuring device (200) configured to measure acceleration along at least 3 axes.

[0073] X. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the angle measuring device (200) further comprises communication means so as to allow the device (200) to communicate with other devices.

[0074] XI. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the angle measuring device (200) further comprises one or more of a thermometer, an altimeter, a barometer, and / or GPS.

[0075] XII. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the angle measuring device (200) further comprises a proximity sensor configured to detect when another angle measuring device is within a threshold distance of the proximity sensor.

[0076] XIII. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the angle measuring device comprises a memory configured to store data measured by the angle measuring device.

[0077] XIV. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the measured angle of the apparatus relative to gravity is an angle between a plane of the equipment and a plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0078] XV. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the angle measuring device further comprises a visual and / or audible alarm configured to alert the user. XVI. The system of clause XIV, wherein the visual and / or audible alarm is configured to alert the user when the measured angle is greater than a threshold angle.

[0079] XVII. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the angle measuring device further comprises a recommendation indicator configured to indicate to a user when the measured angle is outside a predetermined threshold band.

[0080] XVIII. The system of clause XVII, wherein the predetermined threshold band is between 12 and 15 degrees.

[0081] XIX. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the angle measuring device is operable in a first mode where the angle measuring device is configured to measure a climb angle of the apparatus, and a second mode where the angle measuring device is configured to measure a slope angle of a surface on which the apparatus lies.

[0082] XX. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the angle measuring device and / or display is removable from the apparatus.

[0083] XXI. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the angle measuring device and / or display further comprises a battery configured to, in use, provide power to the angle measuring device and / or display.

[0084] XXII. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the angle measuring device and or display further comprise a battery.

[0085] XXI II. A method of measuring a slope angle of a surface using the system of any preceding clause, the method comprising pointing the apparatus along the fall line of the surface; measuring an angle of the apparatus relative to gravity using the angle measuring device; and displaying the measured angle on the display. XXIV. A method of measuring a climb angle of a system of any of clauses I to XXII, the method comprising moving the apparatus along a surface; measuring an angle of the apparatus relative to gravity using the angle measuring device; and displaying the measured angle on the display.

[0086] XXV. The method of clause XXIV, wherein the displaying of the measured angle on the display is constant.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A system comprising, an apparatus (100) fortransporting a user across a surface comprising snow and / or ice; an angle measuring device (200) configured to measure an angle of the apparatus relative to gravity; and a display (202) configured to display the angle measured by the measuring device (200); wherein the display is located so as to be visible by a user of the apparatus during normal use of the apparatus.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the angle measured by the measuring device is a pitch angle of the apparatus, relative to gravity.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the angle measuring device further comprises a recommendation indicator configured to indicate to the user when the measured angle is outside a predetermined threshold band.

4. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is a ski (100); optionally wherein the display is located towards the tip of the ski.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the apparatus is a splitboard, or wherein the apparatus is a snowmobile.

6. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the angle measuring device (200) comprises an electronic accelerometer sensor, preferably wherein the angle measuring device (200) configured to measure acceleration along at least 3 axes.

7. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the angle measuring device (200) further comprises a proximity sensor configured to detect when another angle measuring device is within a threshold distance of the proximity sensor.

8. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the measured angle of the apparatus relative to gravity is an angle between a plane of the equipment and a plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

9. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the angle measuring device is operable in a first mode where the angle measuring device is configured to measure a climb angle of the apparatus, and a second mode where the angle measuring device is configured to measure a slope angle of a surface on which the apparatus lies.

10. A method of measuring a slope angle of a surface using the system of any preceding claim, the method comprising pointing the apparatus along the fall line of the surface; measuring an angle of the apparatus relative to gravity using the angle measuring device; and displaying the measured angle on the display.

11. A method of measuring a climb angle of a system of any of claims 1 to 9, the method comprising moving the apparatus along a surface; measuring an angle of the apparatus relative to gravity using the angle measuring device; and displaying the measured angle on the display.

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