EP0841079A2 - Indication or registration system for physical condition-related parameters of a cyclist - Google Patents

Abstract

The system provides an indication or a recording of parameters representing the form or physical condition of a cyclist. It comprises a processing unit which receives information relating to the cycle itself, the cyclist and/or the environment. This information is processed in order to provide a signal representative of the cyclist's performance, his physical capacity or the amount of effort he is exerting. In one form, the processing unit may receive information regarding the power developed, and the unit memorises the maximum power developed by the cyclist. On a graphical display it is then possible to indicate to the cyclist whether the power which he develops is within a certain range (36,38,40) of this maximum power value. This information is monitored during the course of his activity on the cycle.

Description

The invention relates to an indication system and / or recording parameters representing the form, the condition or the physical capacity of a cyclist.

It is known to measure, visualize and possibly to record various parameters related to the cyclist's route: the speed, distance traveled, maximum speed reached, power. It is also known to measure the heart rate of the cyclist.

However, when we want to measure parameters related to the athlete's physical form or, more generally, the bicycle user uses bikes apartment or the like.

The invention makes it possible to measure the main parameters of the cyclist's physical form from a natural exercise and not an immobile drive.

The system according to the invention is characterized in that it includes, on the bicycle and / or portable by the cyclist, a processing unit for receiving information relating to the power and / or heart rate of the cyclist and to treat this information so as to provide a signal representing the form or the physical capacity of a cyclist or the intensity of the effort that he exercises.

The invention results from the observation that the only indication of instantaneous power or heart rate instant is insufficient to represent the physical form of the cyclist or the intensity of the effort he exerts.

In one embodiment, the processing unit receives information on the developed power; she memorizes the maximum power that the cyclist can develop, and means are provided to indicate to the cyclist whether the power he develops at every moment is in a predetermined range of fractions of maximum power, corresponding to a given intensity of training or exercise.

The processing unit is preferably arranged on a cycle. It can also be worn by the cyclist.

The maximum power is for example determined indoors using an exercise test or is determined by the cyclist himself during a training during which he provides a maximum effort.

Alternatively, instead or in combination with the medium to indicate if the developed power is in a range predetermined, a means is provided for indicating the times spent at the during an exercise in the predetermined range of powers.

In one embodiment, to measure the power, we determines the torque using a deformation measurement means on the hub of a wheel, for example the rear wheel. The power is the product of this couple by the speed.

According to another provision of the invention, the unit of treatment receives information about the heart rate of the cyclist; it memorizes the maximum value of this frequency and the system includes means for indicating whether the heart rate is found in a range at all times predetermined maximum heart rate fractions, corresponding to a given intensity of training or exercise.

Alternatively, a means is provided for indicating or memorizing times spent, during an exercise or training, in a set range of maximum heart rate fractions, corresponding to a given intensity of training or exercise.

The heart rate is for example determined by a heart rate monitor worn by the cyclist.

According to yet another provision of the invention, the unit on the one hand, signals representing the developed power and, on the other hand, signals representing the cyclist's heart rate, and it calculates the power systolic from these signals. Systolic power is the increase in power supplied by the cyclist per unit increase in his heart rate. This is the best parameter representing the physical condition of the cyclist.

Heart rate measurement is performed by example by electromagnetic field detection using the device as described in US Patent 4,625,733. The detector can be placed on the cyclist's chest and transmitted by wire or over the air to a detector located, for example, on the bicycle handlebars.

The invention also relates to a system for measuring the form or ability (or state) of a cyclist who includes a processing unit, for example mounted on a rolling cycle, and which receives signals representing, on the one hand, the frequency cyclist’s heart rate, and on the other hand, the altitude or variation cycle altitude, the processing unit calculating the ratio between the increase in altitude per unit of time and the frequency cardiac.

Alternatively, the processing unit receives signals representing the power developed by the cyclist, and calculates the relationship between the power supplied and the distance traveled, or the increase in altitude.

Alternatively, the processing unit calculates the ratio between the average power and the average increase in altitude, or average speed, when the heart rate remains within a predetermined range of values, corresponding to an intensity effort data. The processing unit can also calculate the relationship between average heart rate and increase average altitude when the cyclist develops power between predetermined values, corresponding to a given intensity of its effort.

The calculation means are preferably constituted by electronics placed in a waterproof case fixed to the handlebars, or, more generally, within reach of the cyclist. A screen of display is advantageously integrated into this electronics. The connections with data sensors such as torque, linear speed, pedaling speed and, optionally, the heart rates are either wireless or wired.

la figure 1 représente un cycle et un cycliste équipés d'un système selon l'invention,

les figures 2, 3 et 4 sont des diagrammes illustrant des propriétés du dispositif selon l'invention, et

la figure 5 est une vue d'un élément du système selon l'invention.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear with the description of some of its embodiments, this being carried out with reference to the attached drawings in which:

FIG. 1 represents a cycle and a cyclist equipped with a system according to the invention,

FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 are diagrams illustrating properties of the device according to the invention, and

Figure 5 is a view of an element of the system according to the invention.

Cycle 10 shown in Figure 1 is equipped with a system according to the invention. The latter includes a central unit 12 fixed to the handlebars 14, or close to the latter. In the example, this central unit, which is equipped with a device display (which will be described later in relation to the figure 5), must be arranged in such a way that it is visible to the cyclist 16.

The central unit 12 is connected, by a wireless link, to information-gathering bodies on the functioning of the cycle and to a device providing an indication on a physiological parameter of the cyclist.

A first sensor 18 provides a signal representing the cycle speed. Conventionally, this sensor 18 comprises by example a relay influenced by a magnet fixed on a radius of the front wheel 20. An impulse is produced at each wheel revolution. This pulse is transmitted, in the form of a digital message, to the central unit 12.

Another sensor 22 is disposed inside the hub of the rear wheel 25. It provides the torque value acting on this hub. The digital signal indicative of the torque provided by the member 22 is transmitted, by a wireless link, to the unit central 12.

A heart rate monitor 24 is applied against the chest of cyclist 16. It detects the frequency of heartbeat and transmits the corresponding signal to the central unit 12.

An altimeter 26 (Figure 5) is added to the central unit. It provides a signal indicative of atmospheric pressure; this pressure is transformed, by calculation, into an altitude in the central unit microprocessor 12.

A pedaling speed sensor 28 (Figure 1) can be added. It is fixed to the frame and measures the frequency of passage of one of the cranks. This frequency provides information on the rate of cyclist pedaling. It is transmitted to the central unit 12 for be treated in relation to other parameters, the value of couple, heart rate in particular.

The microprocessor is programmed to provide indications of the form, capacity or physical state of the cyclist thanks to data provided by bodies 18, 22, 24, 26 and 28. It also facilitates training or exercise.

Information processing carried out by the unit central 12 consists, first of all, in calculating the power developed by the cyclist. This power is proportional to the product of the torque, measured by the member 22, by the speed, measured by the member 18. As a variant, the speed is measured on the hub of the rear wheel, with a sensor which is the one already used for power measurement. Information processing takes into account also heart rate, measured by the heart rate monitor 24 and altitude or altitude change.

A first treatment consists in determining the duration during which, during training or exercise, the cyclist maintained his power in a well-defined range of values.

This power developed by the cyclist is measured in relative value, compared to a maximum power P _max introduced into the memory of the central unit 12. For this purpose, a port 30 (FIG. 5) is provided for communication with a microcomputer (not shown) or other external device for entering data into the central unit 12.

The maximum power is for example supplied using a classic type of stress test. Alternatively, the power maximum is determined directly by the central processing unit 12. In this goal, the cyclist exerts a maximum effort, that is to say, he seeks to reach the limit of its forces, for a time determined, relatively short, for example one minute. At the beginning of this calibration period, he presses a pusher 32 (figure 5). He presses the same button 32 again at the end of the test period. The maximum power is, of course, then the maximum power reached between the two pushes on the button 32.

The microprocessor of the central unit 12 determines, at from this maximum power, ranges of relative values of powers corresponding to training or exercises of varying intensities. In the example shown in Figure 2, a first range (TH1) or zone 36, corresponds to values between 50 and 60% of the maximum power. It is a moderate aerobic training. A second zone 38 (TH2) is between 75 and 85% of the maximum power; it is a sustained intensity training. Finally, we plan a final zone 40 (TH3) for which the cyclist exerts an effort included between 90 and 95% of its maximum power, which corresponds to a very intense training. The number of zones is not limiting.

The central unit calculates the time spent in each zone 36, 38, 40 during a training. To reach this goal, there is provided, on the front of the housing 42 of the central unit 12, a button 44 whose first actuation corresponds to starting a training sequence and the second actuation of which corresponds to the end of this sequence. Several sequences can be planned according to the available memory.

In the diagram of FIG. 2, the variation of the power supplied by the cyclist during a duration training T.

The microprocessor will provide, thanks to a display on a screen 46 of the housing 42, the sum of the times T ₁ , T ₂ and T ₄ during which the cyclist has remained in the zone 36, and the time T ₃ during which the cyclist has provided an average effort, in the area 38. These data T ₁ , T _2, T ₃ and T ₄ are also kept in memory.

In one embodiment, a means is provided (not shown) so that the cyclist first chooses the power in which he wishes to train and to provide him an indication, audible or visual (for example on screen 46) when it departs from the chosen area. This indication is particularly useful because it allows the athlete to dose his training.

According to another mode of use of the device, the cyclist records their performance parameters for one or several sequences that it starts and stops for example in pressing a push button such as button 44 located on the front panel of the central unit, or an independent button located on the handlebar.

During each training sequence, the training unit processing memorizes the different parameters on the same means support than those of the previous mode of use, the difference being here that the recording does not take into account the areas of preset powers.

At the end of the sequence or at the end of the training, the user visualizes in sequence the information relating to its performance, its average power, its maximum power, the heart rate, speed, etc. in the form of curves or summary table.

Viewing is also possible after unloading data on a microcomputer.

Advantageously, when the cyclist realizes at times different several sequences on an identical course or similar, for example a collar climb, a straight line of defined length, it has the possibility of comparing the different sequences. He can thus deduce the evolution of the parameters of a sequence to another, and thus assess the evolution of his condition physical.

It is also possible during the same training to succeed sequences according to modes of use different, that is to say taking into account or not the areas of preset power.

The microprocessor of the central unit is also programmed to memorize the maximum heart rate of the cyclist during a specific test of the effort or of a specific training, as described above in relation to the determination of the maximum power . From this maximum frequency F _max , zones 50, 52, 54 (FIG. 3) of heart frequencies are determined, in a similar manner to what has been described in relation to FIG. 2 for the zones of powers 36, 38 and 40.

As in the case of power zones, means are designed to indicate to the cyclist if he is deviating from the area (50, 52, 54) training he has previously chosen.

According to another arrangement of the invention, the central unit 12 is programmed to determine the systolic power, that is to say the increase DP in power supplied by the cyclist per unit of increase Df _R in the heart rate , i.e. the quantity DP / Df _R.

In the diagram of FIG. 4, the power P developed by the cyclist is plotted on the abscissa and the heart rate f _R on the ordinate. The systolic power DP / Df _R is, at each point, the inverse of the slope of the curve 60.

The cyclist can thus follow the evolution of his form physical, on the one hand, thanks to the evolution of power systolic and, on the other hand, thanks to the evolution of the curve 60. Indeed, if, for a given power P, the heart rate decreases, this generally means that the physical form of the cyclist increases. In other words, if after sessions of training or exercise, the curve 60 shifts downwards, towards position 61, this progression shows quantitatively the favorable development of the cyclist's physical condition.

In one embodiment, the curve 60 is recorded in central unit memory 12 and is discharged, thanks to port 30, to the memory of a computer which allows you to follow the evolution of curve 60 with time or the exercises practiced.

According to another provision of the invention, the unit central 12 memorizes the altitudes as indicated by altimeter 26. The microprocessor is programmed to determine other parameters indicative of the physical condition of the cyclist in function of elevation differences achieved during training.

Thus, the central unit provides the ratio between the average developed power and average elevation for an area of heart rates 50, 52 or 54. It also provides the report between the average heart rate and the average drop for an area of powers 36, 38 or 40, as well as the ratio between the rate of elevation and developed power. The elevation rate is the increase in altitude per unit of time (expressed for example in meters per hour). The central unit also indicates the ratio between the rate of elevation and the heart rate.

The data involving the rate of elevation are indicators of the physical condition of the cyclist; in addition, they are representative of the efficiency of the mountain biker, that is to say of his physical abilities.

The connection between the central unit 12 and the various sensors, which is, as already indicated above, of the wireless type, is done by digital messages.

Peripherals or receivers are interrogated in a way successive. Thus, the transmitter of the central unit 12 is addressed first to the speed sensor, then to the speed sensor of pedaling, then to the torque sensor, then to the heart rate monitor. Altimeter 26 is also interrogated periodically. However, this altimeter being integrated into the unit central, the link is wired.

Each device is assigned a unit of signal processing of each sensor and a transmitter for transmit the data to the central unit 12.

Each device is polled with a frequency relatively low, for example about every second. Of this way the frequency and the bandwidth of the signals can be chosen in ranges for which the circuits transmission and reception are common and therefore low cost.

Preferably, the central unit 12 performs all the desired functions, that is to say that its microprocessor is programmed to interrogate the various sensors, even if these are not present, and to carry out all the calculations or analyzes indicated above. However, it is not essential that all devices are installed. For example, if the cyclist is not equipped with the heart rate monitor, the central unit 12 will only carry out those of the calculations which do not involve the frequency f _R.

In Figure 5, the front of the unit is shown central 12. It includes, in addition to the screen 46, for example of the type liquid crystal, buttons 63, 62, 64, 66, 68 and 44.

The buttons 63, 62, 64 relate to the functions speed, distance traveled, maximum speed reached, time (hour and time since the start of a workout), while buttons 66 and 68 are relate to display and programming commands from power and heart rate.

The key 70 on the side allows the altimeter to be adjusted.

The system described makes it possible to follow precisely, the evolution of an athlete following one (or more) training (s). It allows, in general, to follow the form or physical capacity of the practitioner of a sport or medical monitoring, especially in the event of rehabilitation after an accident or illness. It is particularly attractive because it is well suited for training or exercise in nature, unlike the devices previously known which allow measurements only with special devices and on short times. It also allows measurements or tests relating to prolonged efforts.

Finally, the system is very useful for measuring the efforts of an athlete or the efforts to be made during a rehabilitation.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment described. In particular, any measurement parameter that can indicate the cyclist's ability or represent the effort he exerts can to be used.

Claims (10)

Indication or recording system parameter (s) representing the form or physical condition of a cyclist, in particular for training aid, characterized in that it includes, fixed on the bicycle and / or portable by the cyclist, a processing unit (12) for receiving power and / or heart rate information of the cyclist and to process this information so as to provide a signal representing the form or physical capacity of a cyclist or the intensity of the effort it exerts. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the processing unit (12) receives information on the developed power (P), or heart rate (fR), of the cyclist and memorizes the maximum power that the cyclist, or his maximum heart rate, and that includes means for indicating to the cyclist whether the power he develops at each instant, or its instant heart rate, is in a predetermined range (36, 38, 40; 50, 52, 54) of fractions of its maximum power, or heart rate maximum, corresponding to a given intensity of training or exercise. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the processing unit (12) receives information on the developed power, or heart rate, of the cyclist and memorizes the maximum power that the cyclist can develop, or its maximum heart rate, and that it involves a means to indicate or memorize the times spent during an exercise within a determined range (36, 38, 40; 50, 52, 54) of fractions of its maximum power, or its maximum heart rate, corresponding to a given intensity of training or exercise. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the processing unit (12) receives, on the one hand, signals representing the power developed by the cycle, and on the other hand, signals representing the cyclist's heart rate, said cyclist processing unit (12) calculating systolic power from of these signals. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the processing unit (12) receives, on the one hand, signals representing the power (P) developed by the cycle, or the cyclist's heart rate (fR) and, on the other hand, signals representing the altitude or the altitude variation of the cycle, said cycle unit calculating the ratio between the increase in altitude by unit of time and developed power or frequency cardiac. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the processing unit (12) receives signals representing the cyclist's heart rate, developed power and the altitude, or altitude variation, of the cycle, said unit calculating the ratio between the average power and the increase average altitude when the heart rate remains within a determined range of values, corresponding to a given intensity effort, and / or calculating the ratio of heart rate average and the average increase in altitude when the cyclist develops a power between predetermined values, corresponding to a given intensity of its effort. System according to any of the claims previous, characterized in that the signals indicative of the heart rate or power are transmitted by a wireless link to the processing unit (12). System according to claim 7, characterized in that that the processing unit (12) sequentially interrogates the devices providing the information. Application of the system according to any one of previous claims to sports training. Application of the system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, to the practice of a rehabilitation exercise of the cyclist.

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