Athlete Route Planning System with Interval Training Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current navigation and athletic performance monitoring systems fail to provide routes tailored to the specific needs of athletes, particularly for interval training sessions that require specific types of routes and efficient time management, such as avoiding busy roads and traffic lights, and do not account for individual athlete preferences.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that determine a route by calculating the length of individual sections based on personal athlete data, matching these sections against map data, and assigning criteria such as exercise type, duration, and preferences, allowing for personalized route planning that considers topological, street, and traffic information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a general navigation system is used for athletes, then basic route guidance is provided, but the route does not meet specific athletic training needs such as interval training requirements and personal preferences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroute adaptability to athletic needsVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The route is divided into multiple sections, each associated with specific exercise types (e.g., warming up, jogging, running at maximum speed, stretching). The system calculates the length of individual sections based on personal athlete data and matches them against map data to create a customized training route that meets specific athletic needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts route parameters based on real-time athlete performance data and personal preferences stored in a database. It calculates section lengths using average speed and intended time, and can adapt the route during exercise to ensure training goals are met while avoiding busy roads and traffic lights.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the training session route does not return to the starting point, then the training coverage is increased, but time is lost walking back home or to the car after finishing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining efficiencyVSAvoidtime lost returning to start
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The route planning system incorporates a return-to-start function that automatically ensures the training session ends at the same location it began. This multi-functional capability allows the system to both maximize training coverage and eliminate the need for additional return travel, thereby improving overall productivity without time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the route is calculated based on map data only, then the routing is simple, but it cannot address individual athlete needs such as avoiding busy roads or specific exercise requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepersonalization to athlete needsVSAvoidroute planning complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calculations of section lengths using personal athlete data (average speed, intended time) before matching against map data. It pre-assigns exercise types to route sections and incorporates personal preferences such as avoiding busy roads and traffic lights, thereby personalizing the route before the athlete even begins training.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A database acts as an intermediary between the route calculation algorithm and the map data. It stores and retrieves personal athlete entries including average speed, exercise preferences, and route constraints, enabling the system to personalize routes without significantly increasing computational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2317283B1Method and System for planning the route for an athlete
Publication Date: 2012.09.05 VODAFONE HOLDING GMBH
  • EP2317283B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2317283B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for planning a route for an athlete, wherein a processing unit (10) determines a route and matches at least part of the determined route against map data. Furthermore a system for planning a route for an athlete is described, wherein the system comprises a processing unit (10) having a determining unit (11) for determining a route and a matching unit (12) for matching at least part of the determined route against map data