Multifunctional portable device and system for physical and neurocognitive training

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multifunctional portable device and system for physical and neurocognitive training. The device comprises a casing consisting of a casing body and a casing lid. The casing houses therein a visual interface, a controller with wireless connection, a battery, a vibrating motor, one or more sensors configured to measure at least one parameter selected from distance, acceleration, angular velocity in different axes, heart rate, blood oxygen level, force and weight. The multifunctional portable device comprises assembly elements located on the casing that are configured to allow a user to perform physical training and allow one or more users to perform neurocognitive training.

Description

MULTIFUNCTIONAL PORTABLE DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR PHYSICAL AND NEUROCOGNITIVE TRAINING DESCRIPTIVE MEMORANDUM FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention falls within the field of sports and physiological training devices, specifically in the development of portable electronic systems that combine neurocognitive training and physiological monitoring. These devices are designed to improve athletic performance by assessing and training athletes' physical, technical, tactical, and cognitive skills. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In the last century, sport has undergone significant technical evolution, driven primarily by the scientific and technological advances of the modern era and the global relevance and widespread popularity of various sporting activities, thanks in part to technology and its globalization. Alongside this evolution, the last couple of decades have seen explosive professionalization and technological advancement, a phenomenon emerging from multiple fronts. Among these is innovation in clothing, accessories, and equipment, which is particularly evident in sports that rely on technical devices (such as motorsports and cycling), as innovation in this area often translates into improved athletic performance due to external factors.

[0003] In gyms and fitness centers, technological evolution is also evident, but rather than major infrastructure innovations, the modernization of technologies from the last century is more apparent. Regarding this part of the industry (also applicable to athletic disciplines), a significant advancement has been the development of increasingly compact, intelligent, and easily mobile-connected physiological monitoring devices. Innovation is also seen in digital interfaces (applications) and in the field of virtual reality.

[0004] These technologies can benefit individuals for health, aesthetic, and / or professional reasons. In team sports such as soccer, basketball, baseball, and others, there are other innovations focused on neurocognitive, motor, and reflex training. These devices, while not exclusive to individual use, originated with pioneering users in team sports, seeking to enhance rapid processing and reaction to sensory stimuli.

[0005] In this regard, neuroscience applied to improving athletic performance has gained considerable relevance. Currently, there are devices that focus on improving specific skills such as visual acuity, peripheral vision, reaction time, and eye-hand coordination. Some commercial examples of these devices include the Neurotracker 3D-MOT, the Footbonaut, and Helix, as well as visual training devices like the Impulse Strobe Glasses and Nike SPARQ Vapor Strobe Eyewear. However, a drawback of these devices is that they do not comprehensively combine the measurement of skill progress and physiological monitoring on a single platform.

[0006] The use of technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning in sports training has opened new possibilities for personalizing and optimizing training programs. However, many current systems do not fully exploit the potential of these technologies to offer a comprehensive solution that includes both physical and cognitive training.

[0007] Patent literature also discloses solutions focused on assisting training, such as US patent 9855484B, which describes a sports performance measurement unit capable of measuring numerous athletic performance parameters for an athlete, whether during practice or competition. The measured parameters can be used by the athlete to assess improvements in their performance and to compare their performance level with that of their peers. The sports performance measurement unit can also be configured to transmit the detected sensor data to a personal processing unit, such as a smart device, for the calculation of one or more sports performance parameters.

[0008] US patent 10661148 B2 describes a method and system for recognizing complex movement and gesture patterns using a pair of wrist (or ankle) bands that detect movement and analyze it to determine the user's movements in the sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes. An optional front-facing camera can be used to augment the data stream collected by the motion-sensing bands worn by the user. Games and training applications used in conjunction with the motion-sensing system provide the user with appropriate feedback, incentives, and scoring through visual, audible, and haptic mechanisms.

[0009] Most of the solutions mentioned so far focus on neuromotor training of agility and reflexes with mechanical exercises, and a minority on physiological measurements. None combine both.

[0010] While the state of the art shows a very high level of development in techniques for measuring both skill progress (light devices) and physiological monitoring technologies, both worlds converge in the use of pseudo-intelligent applications. which, through algorithms, generate statistics and predictions for the user. However, most are based on personal progress and consider primarily parameters of mechanical skill and physical condition, neglecting the neuropsychological and emotional aspects.

[0011] The present invention seeks to combine the qualities of the various solutions mentioned, with particular emphasis on training techniques provided by neuroscience, the use of the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, and physiological monitoring. All of this is applied to a portable, multifunctional physical device, presented as a guide or companion for physical and neurocognitive training, for individuals and teams. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] According to a first aspect of the invention, a multifunctional portable training device is proposed comprising a housing formed by a housing body and a housing cover, wherein the housing contains: a. a visual interface; b. a wirelessly connected controller; c. a battery; d. a vibrating motor; e. one or more sensors configured to measure at least one selected parameter of: distance, acceleration, angular velocity on different axes, heart rate, blood oxygen level, force, and weight.

[0013] The multifunctional portable device comprises mounting elements located in the housing that are configured to allow a user to perform physical training and to allow one or more users to perform neurocognitive training.

[0014] The proposed device has an advantage over those prior art devices discussed in the previous section, which are designed to perform only one function, either physical training or neurocognitive training. In contrast, the multifunctional wearable device of the present invention allows both functionalities in the same unit.

[0015] The mounting elements comprise a slot arranged on a pair of opposite faces of the housing body and configured to mount the device simply and quickly to a first type of accessories for physical or neurocognitive training.

[0016] The mounting elements also include a loop located on a pair of opposite walls of the housing body and configured to mount the device simply and quickly to a second type of accessory for physical or neurocognitive training.

[0017] According to another modality, the visual interface consists of an RGB array or matrix of LED lights, which allows the user to be given instructions or information with good visibility, as well as quickly and intuitively using various colors.

[0018] The one or more sensors of the multifunctional wearable device are selected from: a distance sensor, a motion sensor, an optical sensor, and a pressure sensor. The use of different types of sensors, as will be explained later, gives the device greater versatility compared to state-of-the-art devices, allowing it to measure and record various parameters related to the user's own data, as well as measure parameters for use during training, provide feedback to the user, activate alerts, and more.

[0019] The device's wireless controller comprises a processor and a storage medium configured to store a program that includes instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the device to: - Enter a data acquisition mode and activate one of: the distance sensor, the optical sensor, and the pressure sensor, to measure user data and store it on the storage medium; - enter a physical training mode and run pre-loaded routines on the storage medium that activate the visual interface, the vibration motor, and one or more sensors; - Enter a neurocognitive training mode and run preloaded routines on the storage medium that activate the visual interface, the vibrating motor, and one or more sensors.

[0020] The fact that the device can be programmed in different modes selectable by the user or trainers, advantageously allows for an integrated training experience incorporating training strategies for physical and brain stimulation.

[0021] According to a second aspect of the invention, a system for physical and neurocognitive training is proposed, comprising one or more multifunctional wearable devices as described above. It further comprises a terminal apparatus configured to connect wirelessly to the one or more multifunctional wearable devices, wherein the terminal apparatus comprises an application and a graphical interface. The one or more multifunctional wearable devices are wirelessly connected to the terminal apparatus.

[0022] The terminal device is a smartphone, but it can be any other suitable equipment such as a computer.

[0023] According to one configuration, the terminal device is configured to receive, store, and process data acquired by one or more sensors of one or more multifunctional wearable devices. It is also configured to send physical training routines and neurocognitive training routines to one or more multifunctional wearable devices.

[0024] In a preferred mode, the terminal device connects directly to one or more multifunctional handheld devices via a wireless connection such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. In this mode, the terminal device stores the data received from and sent to the devices.

[0025] In an alternative approach, devices connect via the internet to a remote server, which stores the data received from and sent to the devices. In this mode, the data is consumed and displayed on the terminal device that connects to the server via the internet.

[0026] The system comprises accessories configured to connect to mounting elements of the multifunctional portable device. These accessories include a base or mount with tabs for attaching to the mounting elements. The accessories are selected from: a stake, a tripod, and a harness.

[0027] The accessories may also include straps for attaching to the mounting elements of the multifunctional portable device. In one embodiment, these straps comprise a first portion configured to anchor to a bar and a second portion configured to attach to a gripping means for weighing a user by means of the device's pressure sensor.

[0028] The proposed system advantageously allows the fusion of IoT (Internet of Things) technology with customized routines, achieving a network of interconnected devices to generate interactive visual interfaces and allow real-time monitoring of users' movement and physiological parameters. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0029] As part of the application, the following representative figures of the invention are presented, which show preferred configurations of the same and, therefore, should not be considered as limiting the definition of the claimed subject matter. - Figure 1 illustrates the multifunctional portable device of the present invention. - Figure 2 illustrates the components of the multifunctional portable device of the present invention. - Figures 3a and 3b illustrate examples of different accessories with which the multifunctional portable device of the present invention can be integrated. - Figure 4a illustrates an example of using the multifunctional portable device as a unit of measurement or calibration. - Figure 4b illustrates another example of using the multifunctional portable device as a weighing unit. - Figure 5 illustrates an example of using the multifunctional portable device as an individual physical training unit. - Figures 6a and 6b illustrate examples of use of the multifunctional portable device as a group and neurocognitive training unit. Figure 7 illustrates a schematic of the system for physical and neurocognitive training of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] According to Figure 1, the multifunctional handheld device 1 consists of a parallelepiped-shaped housing comprising a housing body 2 and a housing cover 3, the latter being transparent to allow viewing of a visual interface contained within the housing. The housing body 2 includes mounting elements, which in the illustrated embodiment consist of a slot 4.1 arranged on one pair of opposite faces of the housing body 2 and a loop 4.2 located on the other pair of opposite faces of the housing body 2. The mounting elements are used to mount the multifunctional handheld device onto accessories as will be described later.

[0031] The casing also includes a button 5 that protrudes from a recess located in the casing cover 3 and which allows the user to interact with the device, such as selecting usage modes, activating and deactivating functionalities, configuring the device, etc.

[0032] According to the exploded view in Figure 2, inside the housing, i.e. between the housing body 2 and the housing cover 3, there is a distance sensor 6, a visual interface 7, a wireless controller 8, a motion sensor 9, a battery 10, a vibrator motor 11, and an optical sensor 12. Additionally, the housing includes a pressure sensor (not illustrated).

[0033] The Distance Sensor 6 is a state-of-the-art distance sensor, similar to those used for obstacle detection, robot navigation, drones, and autofocus in cameras. This sensor is configured to calculate the distance to an object by emitting a pulse of infrared light and measuring the time it takes for the light to return after reflecting off the object. This sensor is capable of measuring distances from 30 mm to 2 meters with high accuracy and speed.

[0034] The visual interface 7 consists of an RGB LED array or matrix that uses high-brightness Neopixel LEDs, acting as a screen to display luminous notices or indications to the user, such as animations, number countdowns, flashing of different colors, among others.

[0035] The wireless controller 8 consists of a state-of-the-art electronic board comprising a microcontroller, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, digital pins, ADC, DAC, and various wired connectivity buses. The electronic board is integrated with a circuit board. Printed Circuit Board (PCB) to which each of the components housed inside the casing are connected.

[0036] The Motion Sensor 9 is a state-of-the-art motion sensor, similar to those used in robotics, drones, or virtual reality devices, to provide accurate information about motion and orientation. This sensor comprises an accelerometer and a gyroscope, configured to measure acceleration along three axes (X, Y, Z) and angular velocity around these three axes.

[0037] Battery 10 is a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery configured to power the controller and sensors of the handheld device. The battery can be recharged via a cable connected to the device and a power source, as well as wirelessly using existing state-of-the-art technologies.

[0038] Vibrating motor 11 consists of a state-of-the-art high-frequency haptic actuator, configured to provide tactile sensory feedback to the user.

[0039] The Optical Sensor 12 is a state-of-the-art optical pulse and oximetry sensor, similar to those used in smartwatches and fitness trackers. It is designed to measure heart rate and blood oxygen level (SpO2), using infrared LED technology along with a photodetector to measure light absorption through the skin.

[0040] Finally, the pressure sensor is a state-of-the-art pressure sensor based on nanoscale pressure-sensitive materials, complemented by an ultrathin film substrate with a low Young's modulus and disposable paper. The sensor's resistance value changes when it detects external pressure, and the pressure signal is converted into electrical signals that are processed by the controller.

[0041] As shown in Figures 3a and 3b, the multifunctional handheld device 1 can be used with different accessories depending on the user's chosen application. For example, for use as a neurocognitive training device, an adjustable-angle stake 10 is provided, which is suitable for placing the device on uneven surfaces such as grass or soil. A tripod 11 is also provided for placing the device on stable or smooth surfaces. Both the stake 10 and the tripod 11 comprise a coupling base 13 with tabs 14 configured to fit into slots 4.3 of the multifunctional handheld device 1, as shown in Figure 3b.

[0042] Referring to Figure 3a, when the device is to be used for physical training, straps 15 are provided that connect to loops 4.2 of the device. These straps can be used to attach the device to different parts of the user's body or to secure it to fixed elements, as will be explained later. Additionally, a mount 16 is provided to attach the wearable device to a torso harness (see Figure 5). For this purpose, the mount 16 includes tabs 13. configured to fit into slots 4.3 of the device and slots to attach to the straps of a harness.

[0043] Figure 4a illustrates a configuration in which the multifunctional wearable device 1 is used to acquire data or create a user profile. For example, the figure shows an athlete with the multifunctional wearable device attached to one of their wrists, for example, by a strap like the one illustrated in Figure 3a. When the device is configured in user data acquisition mode, the device's distance sensor is able to measure, for example, the user's shoulder height, shoulder width, and head-to-shoulder height, as well as other measurements not shown, such as torso length, arm length, hip width, etc.

[0044] Measuring and recording these user parameters is crucial because every body is different, and exercises must be performed precisely, as even a small variation in the position and angle of certain body parts can drastically alter the exercise's effectiveness. In this case, the device can combine the incline data measured by the motion sensor with the distance to the ground data measured by the distance sensor to guide the athlete toward perfecting their technique. For example, this can be achieved by displaying lights of a specific color on the visual interface to indicate the starting point of an exercise and using a different color when the user surpasses a predefined distance.

[0045] The multifunctional portable device 1 also allows the user's weight to be measured and recorded, for example, based on the modality in Figure 4b, where the device is hung on a bar 20 by means of the straps 15 of Figure 3a, and using the pressure sensor incorporated in the device, the user's weight is measured when he hangs from the device using, for example, a handle 21 anchored to one of the straps 14.

[0046] These measurements are recorded by the device controller and subsequently transmitted to a terminal device, allowing the determination of user parameters and adaptation of the interaction of sports routines, as well as creating training plans based on the athlete's physiological indices.

[0047] In other modes, the device is configured to measure different parameters such as muscle tone or body fat percentage to assess the user's kinesiological state. This assessment allows for a motor and neurological evaluation to understand, for example, the athlete's starting point and create basic routines that evaluate reflexes or reaction speed, strength, and acceleration in performing specific tasks, among other things.

[0048] As previously stated, the portable device of the invention can be used for physical and neurocognitive training as shown in the example in Figure 5, which shows an athlete carrying the multifunctional portable device 1 in a harness as described based on figure 3a, in this case a chest harness suitable for running.

[0049] In one mode, the device may be preloaded with instructions that tell the user to modify the speed or trajectory, for example, by turning on lights of different colors in the visual interface and / or receiving haptic signals generated by the device's vibrating motor.

[0050] In an example of pre-loaded instructions, a green light means run fast, a yellow light plus slow vibration means jog, and a red light plus fast vibration means slow down. A series of distractors are included, which can be a red or yellow light alone, slow or fast vibrations alone, and vibration plus non-corresponding lights (i.e., yellow plus fast vibration and vice versa).

[0051] If the user interacts incorrectly, the device can alert them with a specific vibration and light pattern, and can also record errors and measure performance.

[0052] In a second example of pre-loaded instructions, the vibration has the following meanings: 3 taps turn right, 2 taps turn left, 2 taps plus green light push-ups between runs, green light no vibration jump, red light run backwards, red light and vibration acceleration.

[0053] The exercises mentioned above serve to train both the physical aspect and the memory of the user since a significant amount of instructions must be remembered, as well as concentration (focus) and reaction time.

[0054] Figures 6a and 6b illustrate examples of how the multifunctional handheld device is used for group neurocognitive training. Specifically, Figure 6a shows a reaction time training exercise where the device is tossed between two players. A green light on the device's visual interface indicates that the game has started, and the game continues as long as the light is on. The device begins with its vibration motor off and starts a random internal timer. After the random time has elapsed, the device vibrates to signal that it should be thrown to the opponent as quickly as possible by the player whose turn it is.

[0055] Figure 6b illustrates a group exercise in which several players form a circle and place their multifunctional handheld device 1 on the ground, mounted on the stake or tripod shown in Figure 3a. One player starts with the ball, and a light on the visual interface of one of the devices will randomly illuminate to indicate to the player with the ball that they should throw it to that point. The ball's departure and arrival are recorded because the throwing player must try to pass their foot over the device, and this movement is registered by the distance sensor.

[0056] As shown in Figure 7, the multifunctional handheld device 1 can connect wirelessly to a terminal device 30, such as a smartphone, as illustrated. The mobile terminal device records the data received from the multifunctional handheld device 1 in an application to provide real-time information and tracking of the user's progress through a graphical user interface. This interface can also display a training schedule, as well as a section with progress statistics and the user's health parameters recorded by the device. Furthermore, the application installed on the terminal 30 can create and send to the multifunctional handheld device 1 the various training routines commanded by the controller, which are then delivered to the user via the visual interface and / or the vibration motor.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A multifunctional wearable device (1) for training comprising a housing formed by a housing body (2) and a housing cover (3), wherein the housing contains: a visual interface (7); a wirelessly connected controller (8); a battery (10); a vibrating motor (11); or one or more sensors configured to measure at least one selected parameter of: distance, acceleration, angular velocity on different axes, heart rate, blood oxygen level, strength, and weight; wherein the multifunctional wearable device (1) comprises mounting elements located on the housing that are configured to allow a user to perform physical training and to allow one or more users to perform neurocognitive training.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the mounting elements comprise a groove (4.1) arranged on a pair of opposite faces of the housing body (2).

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mounting elements comprise a loop (4.2) located on a pair of opposite walls of the housing body (2).

4. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the visual interface (7) consists of an RGB array or matrix of LED lights.

5. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more sensors are selected from: a distance sensor (6), a motion sensor (9), an optical sensor (12), and a pressure sensor.

6. The device according to claim (5), wherein the wireless controller (8) comprises a processor and a storage medium configured to store a program that includes instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the device to: - Enter a data acquisition mode and activate one of: the distance sensor (6), the optical sensor (12), and the pressure sensor, to measure data from a user and store it on the storage medium; - enter a physical training mode and run pre-loaded routines on the storage medium that activate the visual interface (7), the vibrating motor (11) and one or more sensors; - enter a neurocognitive training mode and run preloaded routines on the storage medium that activate the visual interface (7), the vibrating motor (11) and one or more sensors.

7. A system for physical and neurocognitive training comprising one or more multifunctional wearable devices (1) according to any of claims 1 to 6; and a terminal apparatus (30) configured to connect wirelessly to the one or more multifunctional wearable devices (1), the terminal apparatus (30) comprising an application and a graphical interface; wherein the one or more multifunctional wearable devices (1) are wirelessly connected to the terminal apparatus (30).

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the terminal apparatus (30) is configured to receive, store and process data acquired by one or more sensors of one or more multifunctional portable devices (1).

9. The system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the terminal apparatus (30) is configured to send physical training routines and neurocognitive training routines to one or more multifunctional portable devices (1).

10. The system according to any of claims 7 to 9, which further comprises accessories configured to connect to mounting elements of the multifunctional portable device (1).

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein said accessories comprise a coupling base (13) or mount (16) with tabs (14) for coupling to the mounting elements.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the accessories are selected from: a stake (10), a tripod (11) and a harness.

13. The system according to claim 10, wherein said accessories comprise straps (15) for coupling to the mounting elements.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein said straps comprise a first portion configured to be anchored to a bar (20) and a second portion configured to be coupled to a gripping means.

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