BE1027416B1 - TRAINING INSTALLATION FOR TRAINING A SPORTS TECHNIQUE - Google Patents

Abstract

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a training equipment (100) for training a sports technique of a user. The training equipment (100) contains: (i) a training device (200) with an adjustable resistance, (ii) a measurement system (300) for measuring a current body position of the user, and (iii) a control system (400) for the setting the adjustable resistance in function of the measured current body position. In it, the measuring system (300) measures at least a current frontal area, or optionally a current three-dimensional shape, of the user.

Description

Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to sports training equipment and in particular such training equipment for the purpose of simulating realistic or magnified realistic conditions.

Background of the Invention While training for sports such as cycling, running, walking, rowing, skiing, etc. in real life conditions (e.g., in the open air) offers the most realistic conditions, there are also significant drawbacks.

For example, the weather conditions, unexpected or otherwise, can hinder and / or prevent training.

Partly related to this, it is difficult to exercise control over all kinds of environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity, oxygen percentage, wind strength and direction, but also (traffic) pressure, etc.

Performance in top sport is situated at the limit of what is possible, both physical / motor and cognitive.

The limiting factor for achieving groundbreaking performance is often training: amount, intensity and how the athlete interacts with the environment and sports aids, each time at the limit of what is possible.

Moreover, the more variable, less controlled conditions also significantly increase the risk of injuries and even serious accidents in training at the limit of those possibilities.

Especially when you have to train for very challenging interactions, just think of a descent in a cycling race, where the consequences of a mistake are catastrophic, it is desirable to train in a simulated environment.

In a realistically simulated environment, one can train against or beyond the limits of what would be possible in the real environment without the harmful consequences of an error.

In addition, exercising outdoors is typically more time consuming; e.g. for transport to and from the training location, unpacking and packing of material, etc. a lot of costs and resources are used.

Despite the emergence of portable electronics, it is still less evident to determine physiological parameters in these circumstances {e.g. heart rate, acidity, etc.) correctly throughout the training (for example due to interference with uncontrolled parameters). A realistic perception of the actual environment is also important for recreationists, for example for rehabilitation (whereby the boundaries are also constantly sought to push the boundaries of what is physically or cognitively possible for the user).

To partially meet this requirement, all kinds of training installations suitable for indoor training are known. For bicycles, there are, for example, training installations in which a bicycle is attached to or on a training device, such as a roller bench or bicycle trainer, or dedicated total systems, such as an exercise bike. A roller dynamometer is a device in which one or more wheels (e.g. typically at least the rear wheel) of the bicycle is placed on a set of rollers, while with a bicycle trainer the bicycle (with or without a rear wheel) is fixedly mounted to the device. There are, for example, various types of treadmills, whether motorized or not. With a motorized treadmill, the walking deck is powered by a motor and the user walks on the moving walking deck (without having to contribute to this movement); with a non-motorized or manual treadmill, on the other hand, the user has to set the running surface in motion. At lower speeds, a treadmill can also be used for walking (sometimes also called a walking belt in that context), but on the other hand, steppers are also known for this purpose.

Among the known training installations are also training installations with an adjustable resistance and power; i.e. wherein the resistance experienced by the user and the power that the user must deliver, when using the training installation, can be set to different values. It may be necessary for the user to perform this adjustment himself (e.g. via a mechanical lever or digital adjustment) or this may be controlled automatically by a control system. The latter could, for example, be a software program for simulating a bicycle track (e.g. Zwift) that can adjust the adjustable resistance of an interactive bicycle trainer (e.g. Tacx Genius Smart T2080 Full Connect Edition) in function of a slope to be simulated.

However, the number of parameters experienced under real conditions that these known training installations can simulate, and thereby the realism obtained, is still limited. In particular, the lack of instantaneous setting of parameters to a changing simulated environment means that the user's experience does not correspond to what it would be like in the real environment, due to too abrupt, unrealistic transitions. Therefore, training indoors can currently only fulfill a supporting or additional function to training in real conditions. This is not only felt at the recreational level, but certainly also at the top sport level, where training takes place at the cutting edge and where small changes can make the difference. Thus, there is still a need for better indoor sports training systems, with increased realism and / or increased training efficiency.

A simulation tool can also ensure that a bicycle can be adjusted to individual characteristics for optimal performance (e.g. speed, comfort and / or safety). However, given the complex relationship between attitude, ability and performance, which is also highly individual, the desired optimization is not trivial and therefore only partially resolved in the state of the art.

Summary of the Invention It is an object of embodiments of the present invention to provide good systems for training a user's sports technique. This object is achieved by training equipment, training modules and uses according to the present invention.

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a training installation for training a sports technique of a user. The training equipment contains: (i) a training device with an adjustable resistance, (ii) a measuring system for measuring a current body position of the user, and (iii) a control system for setting the adjustable resistance in function of the measured current body position . In this, the measuring system measures at least a current frontal area, or optionally a current three-dimensional shape, of the user.

It is an advantage of embodiments according to the present invention that the training installation allows to simulate conditions with increased realism (e.g. a more accurate simulation). It is a further advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the increased realism provides better (e.g., more efficient, more relevant) training.

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the user receives physical feedback on his posture. It is a further advantage of embodiments of the present invention that they achieve more effective training.

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that body posture can be measured and used instantaneously. It is an advantage of embodiments according to the present invention that it allows the user to receive real-time feedback on his body position. It is a still further advantage of embodiments of the present invention that both a measured 2D frontal area and a 3D shape of the user can be utilized.

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that it can be trained under controlled conditions. It is a further advantage of embodiments of the present invention that it can be trained under safe conditions. It is a still further advantage of embodiments of the present invention that training can be performed independently of external factors such as weather conditions.

In particular embodiments, the training device can be a bicycle device or a walking device or a stepping device.

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the inventive principles are applicable to various sports and / or activities.

In embodiments, the resistance set by the control system can simulate air resistance for the measured current body position.

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the effect of body posture on perceived air resistance can be simulated. It is a further advantage of embodiments according to the present invention that the effect of other athletes can also be simulated here.

In embodiments, the resistance set by the control system can simulate a conversion between a linear and a rotational kinetic energy.

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that cornering effects can be simulated.

It is a further advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the limits for cornering can be learned without a great risk of injury.

In embodiments, the resistance set by the control system can be a function of the measured current body position and one or more simulated quantities selected from wind direction, wind speed, slope and rolling resistance.

It is an advantage of embodiments according to the present invention that various simulated quantities, measured quantities and / or set parameters can be included in the simulation. It is a further advantage of embodiments according to the present invention that the realism of the simulation thereby further increases.

In embodiments, the measurement system may include a sensor for measuring electromagnetic waves or sound waves.

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the measurement system can operate according to different physical principles.

In embodiments, the measurement system can include a camera.

In embodiments, the current body position may be measurable by the measuring system at a frequency of at least 1 Hz, preferably at least 10 Hz, more preferably at least 30 Hz.

In embodiments, the adjustable resistor can be adjustable to a frequency of at least 1 Hz, preferably at least 10 Hz, more preferably at least 30 Hz.

It is an advantage of embodiments according to the present invention that the actual body position can be measured and / or the adjustable resistance can be set at a relatively high frequency (e.g., substantially continuous). It is a further advantage of embodiments of the present invention that they not only provide the user with real-time physical feedback, but also make this feedback feel natural.

In embodiments, the training equipment may further include: (iv) a device for adjusting an incline of the training device.

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the incline of the training device can be adjusted. It is a further advantage of embodiments according to the present invention that the user can thereby train a realistic posture for the set degree of incline.

In embodiments, the training equipment may further include: (v) an imaging system for visualizing information about a simulated trajectory.

It is an advantage of embodiments according to the present invention that visual information, e.g., about the track and / or about the current body position, can be displayed to the user.

In embodiments, the training facility may further include: (vi) a wind generator for generating an air displacement.

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that wind and / or cooling can be simulated.

In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a training module for a training equipment according to an embodiment of the first aspect, connectable to the adjustable resistance training device. The training module contains: (i) a measuring system for measuring a current body position of the user, and (ii) a control system for setting the adjustable resistance in function of the measured current body position. In this, the measuring system measures at least a current frontal area, or optionally a current three-dimensional shape, of the user.

In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a use of a training equipment according to an embodiment of the first aspect, or a training module according to an embodiment of the second aspect, for training a sports technique of a user.

In embodiments, the user may experience real-time physical feedback regarding their posture during exercise.

Specific and preferred aspects of the invention are set out in the appended independent and dependent claims. Features of the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims and with features of other dependent claims as indicated and not just as expressly set forth in the claims.

These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the following described embodiment (s).

Brief Description of the Figures FIG 1 and FIG 2 are schematic representations of embodiments of the present invention.

In the different figures, the same reference numbers refer to the same or similar elements.

Detailed Description of Illustrative Embodiments The present invention will be described with reference to particular embodiments and with reference to particular drawings, however, the invention is not limited thereto, but is limited only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are not limiting. In the drawings, for illustrative purposes, the dimensions of some elements may be enlarged and not drawn to scale. The dimensions and the relative dimensions sometimes do not correspond to the current practice of the invention. Reference numbers in the claims are not to be interpreted as limiting the scope of protection.

Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like are used in the specification and in the claims to distinguish similar elements and not necessarily to describe an order, neither in time, nor spatially, nor in order or in any other way. manner. It is to be understood that the terms used in this manner are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are adapted to operate in a different order than described or illustrated herein.

In addition, the terms below, above, and the like are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily to describe relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so employed may be used interchangeably with their antonyms under given circumstances, and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are also adapted to operate in orientations other than those described or illustrated herein.

It should be noted that the term "contains" or "comprises", as used in the claims, is not to be construed as being limited to the means described below; this term does not exclude other elements or steps. It is thus to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the mentioned characteristics, values, steps or components referred to, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other characteristics, values, steps or components, or groups thereof. The terms “contains” and “includes” thus cover the situation in which only the listed features are present and the situation in which these features and one or more other features are present. Thus, the scope of the term "a device comprising means A and B" should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. It means that with respect to the present invention, A and B are the only relevant components of the device.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the occurrence of the terms "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification may not necessarily refer to the same embodiment each time, but can do so. Furthermore, the specific features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art based on this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together into a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining disclosure and aiding the understanding of one. or several of the various inventive aspects. In any event, this method of disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the invention requires more features than explicitly stated in any claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects reside in less than all of the features of a single prior disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the detailed description are hereby explicitly incorporated into this detailed description, with each self-contained claim as a separate embodiment of this invention.

Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some, but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of various embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention, and constitute various embodiments, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. . For example, in the following claims, any of the described embodiments can be used in any combination.

Numerous specific details are highlighted in the description provided herein. Either way, it is understandable that embodiments of the invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail to keep this description clear.

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a training installation for training a sports technique of a user. The training installation contains: (i) a training device with an adjustable resistance, (ii) a measuring system for measuring a current (eg instantaneous) body position of the user, and (iii) a control system for setting the adjustable resistance in function of the measured current body position. The measuring system measures at least a current frontal area, or optionally a current three-dimensional (3D) shape, of the user.

Within the present invention it was recognized that existing training installations are limited solely or mainly to muscle and / or fitness training, and contribute little to the development of sport-specific technique (eg physical, mental, knee-jerk and / or interaction sport techniques for the sport in matter). Indeed, if we take as an example a user on a known bicycle trainer, even if the resistance thereof is set in function of a simulated incline, the user will not receive any feedback about his posture, cornering technique, riding with other cyclists (eg teammates and / or or competitors), etc. Due to the lack of this feedback, these training installations do not help you to learn these sports techniques.

To accommodate this, it was conceived within the present invention that, in order to improve the realism of the simulation, it is primarily important that the user experiences real-time physical feedback regarding his current body position. In this context, "physical feedback" is understood to mean that the user physically experiences the influence of the body posture (e.g. more or less aerodynamic) in the form of a proportional increase or decrease of the perceived physical load (e.g. muscle load). The experienced physical feedback is typically based on the simulation of realistic conditions, whether or not enlarged (cf. infra). This physical feedback allows the user to not only look for a theoretically optimal body posture (ie a most aerodynamic posture, as obtained from wind tunnel experiments), but also to experience how feasible it is to maintain it for a long time and / or how it can be maintained. body posture lends itself to the maximum transfer of the generated power, and also to train the body to this posture. The fact that this feedback is of a physical nature, unlike eg.

visual feedback (eg information about the posture on a screen, as is the case for example with the Bioracer Aero system), contributes strongly to the training, because it maximizes the learning processes in the body (e.g. also via the subconscious mind). can be engaged. For example, muscle memory is more easily built up when the body (also) has direct physical feedback, compared to, for example, only indirect visual feedback. Linking the actual body position to the real-time experienced physical feedback thus allows to improve various aspects of the biomechanical efficiency of the user.

Performance optimization is always a trade-off between the posture of a user (e.g. athlete or recreationist) on the one hand and the geometry of the sports equipment used and on the other hand the performance that must be delivered in that configuration.

For example, endurance sports such as cycling and rowing require the sports equipment to be adapted to the user's geometry and biomechanics. The posture of the user and also the sports equipment are variable during the exercise of the sport (e.g. change of gear in cycling, hands on the handlebars versus sprint position). Both affect the performance delivered. Note that in cycling, the posture / position that is biomechanically most efficient, i.e., the one where the most power can be delivered, is typically not efficient from a usage and performance standpoint. For example, in an exercise bike one sits upright to deliver a lot of power, but that posture does not result in stability in practice and also does not optimize the speed at the (sub) maximum power supplied by the user.

The geometry of a user on his or her bicycle is a trade-off between: 1) performance (eg speed and duration with which it is maintained), 2) individual biomechanics (eg body measurements and cycling position, allowing a certain amount of power to be delivered, resulting in a best possible performance) and 3) stability / safety (eg guaranteed control over the steering wheel and accurate steering). These three factors in the design of a bicycle and the positioning of the user have been weighed up through experience and tradition. When configuring a (racing) bicycle to suit the user, the device is usually first adapted to the biomechanics of the user (e.g. saddle height is adjusted in function of the inseam length). The user is then placed in an aerodynamically efficient position, in a trade-off with comfort and power output (e.g. adjustment of handlebar height, saddle-handlebar distance). It is an advantage of the present invention that the balancing between the above three factors can be done integrally, systematically and to a substantially absolute optimum.

For example, in state-of-the-art wind tunnel experiments, the effect of cycling posture on the drag coefficient can be investigated. For example, the position of a rider on the bicycle can be selected that has the least resistance (most aerodynamic position). Systems such as Bioracer Aero also simulate this. The (aerobic) power that can be delivered with such a posture, however, decreases drastically and the exact course is in any case strongly personal. This can be seen in some sprinters who are trained to deliver anaerobic power for a short time (e.g. 10 seconds) in the most aerodynamic position and can also deliver a competitive advantage / high speed during that short time.

The drag coefficient €, of rider and bicycle is a function of the rider's posture h (incl. The geometry of the bicycle): Cw = Cy (h). The maximum delivered power Wnax that a rider can deliver during a given time t also depends on that attitude, and therefore implicitly also on Cy: Wax = Wnax (h) = Wrax Cy). On the other hand, the power that a rider must deliver to maintain a given absolute speed vo (relative to the ground) is dependent on the frictional force F as a result of air resistance: W F, vy. In a first approximation and on a horizontal course, F is proportional to the relative speed v (with respect to the surrounding air): Fy <v2 Cy.

The present training installation makes it possible to link the complex, individual relationship between available power during a certain time, posture, absolute and relative speed, in order to optimize the performance (e.g. speed, comfort and safety).

In embodiments, the user can optionally be further supported (eg in addition to the physical feedback} with the help of sensory feedback, such as visually perceptible information (eg on a screen), an auditory signal or haptic feedback. For the latter two, for example, the frequency or intensity. , or also tone in the case of an auditory signal, rise or fall as a better or worse posture is assumed.

In embodiments, the training device can be a bicycle device or a walking device or a stepping device. In embodiments, the bicycle device can be an exercise bike, roller bench or bicycle trainer. In embodiments, the walking device can be a treadmill, such as a motorized or non-motorized treadmill. In embodiments, the stepping device can be a walking belt, a treadmill, or a stepper. In one embodiment, the training device can be a bicycle on a treadmill. The power can be controlled via the treadmill. In cooperation with the measuring system, the position of the cyclist on the treadmill can also be fixed (e.g. by adjusting the speed of the treadmill if the user deviates). The advantage of a treadmill bicycle is that the sense of balance can also be realistically simulated. For treadmills and / or walking tires, the non-motorized versions typically contribute to the perceived realism, as moving forward on a motor-driven tread differs significantly from walking on a conventional surface.

In embodiments, the resistance set by the control system can be a function of the measured current body position and one or more simulated quantities, such as wind direction, wind speed, gradient (eg uphill or downhill), rolling resistance (eg for simulating a type of surface, wet or dry road surface, etc.), etc. The simulated quantities can also take into account other simulated objects (eg buildings) and / or people (eg competitors or teammates). For example, the effect of pacemakers or moving in a platoon or in fans can be simulated, for example through their effect on the perceived air resistance. In embodiments, the resistance set by the control system may be a function of the measured current body position and one or more measured or determined quantities, such as center of mass, center of gravity, forces exerted on the bicycle handlebar, etc. In embodiments, the resistance set by the control system may be a function of the measured actual body position and a measured actual body movement (eg static, kinematic and dynamic characteristics of the user). In embodiments, the resistance set by the control system can be a function of the measured current body position and one or more preset or determined parameters, such as user weight, resistance coefficient, etc. It goes without saying that the more quantities, factors and parameters included. The more realistic the simulation obtained can be in determining the set resistance.

In embodiments, the resistance set by the control system can simulate air resistance for the measured current body position. To simulate the air resistance, the resistance (here expressed as a work to be delivered W) can be set, for example, according to W x F, v, with FR, the simulated air resistance and vo the simulated displacement speed (relative to the ground). If the angular velocity w and radius r of a wheel are known, the simulated displacement velocity vo can be obtained from v, = wr. The air resistance H, can in turn be obtained from F, = = pv? ACy with p the air density, A the current frontal area, v the simulated speed relative to the medium (i.e. the air) and C, the drag coefficient. For the relative speed v holds v = vo + Vyy with vw the component of the simulated air speed in the same direction and opposite sense as the simulated displacement speed vo. The resistance coefficient Cw for a cyclist on a racing bicycle is approximately 0.70-1.15 and depends, among other things, on the position on the bicycle (i.e. the body posture). Above, the air resistance H #, calculated on the basis of frontal area A; this approach is typically adequate. However, in embodiments it is possible to calculate these even more accurately with the aid of computer models, e.g. on the basis of a measured current 3D shape of the user. Wind tunnel measurements can also feed the interaction feedback model.

In embodiments, the resistance set by the control system can simulate an acceleration resistance. For simulating the acceleration resistance, the resistance (here expressed as a work to be delivered W) can be set, for example, according to W x mav, with m the total mass (eg the mass of the user and the simulated mass of a bicycle), a the simulated acceleration (= dvy / dt with t in time) and vo the simulated displacement speed. This formula can possibly be further refined with, for example, the rotational energy of the bicycle wheel.

In embodiments, the resistance set by the control system can simulate a conversion between a linear and a rotational kinetic energy. In embodiments, the conversion may be a linear to rotational kinetic energy conversion and / or a rotational to linear kinetic energy conversion. The conversion between these energy forms is particularly relevant for the simulation of curves. In addition, the user can also be given feedback on the cornering technique used. For the ideal angle voor for taking a bend applies: tan 0 = wg with 7; the radius of the turn and g the acceleration of gravity. If the training installation detects that the cornering technique used had led to a fall or accident in real conditions, this can also be reported to the user. Use can also be made of the quantities determined by the training installation, such as center of mass, center of gravity, forces exerted on the bicycle handlebars, etc. and how these change (e.g. are shifted) while taking the simulated bend). This functionality is particularly relevant for an exercise bike placed on a treadmill. In this way, the user can train and optimize his cornering technique, e.g. for a simulated descent or a simulated slope training (such as for an attack on the hour record). In addition, the user can safely discover his limits; without the risks of accidents and injuries as in real conditions.

In embodiments, the resistance set by the control system may be an increase in realistic resistance. For this purpose, for example, a constant or dynamic scaling factor can be added to the above formulas. By magnifying the physical feedback experienced by the user (e.g. by increasing the effect on the resistance of a small change in posture), a higher training efficiency can be advantageously achieved, for example because small improvements and / or deteriorations that can be relatively unnoticed remain (or the consequences of which are only slowly felt) are immediately clearly physically visible thanks to the enlargement. Within this invention, such magnification, based on realistic conditions, is not classified as "unrealistic". On the contrary, in a sense, this can be seen as simulating training with “parachute resistance”. This setting can be found, for example, on the Matrix S Drive treadmill.

In embodiments, the measurement system may include a sensor for measuring electromagnetic waves (e.g., visual or infrared waves) or sound waves.

In embodiments, the measurement system may include a camera, such as an optical camera or infrared camera. In embodiments, the camera can be a depth camera. In embodiments, the metering system may include multiple (e.g., two, three, four, etc.) cameras. The images from two or more cameras can, for example, be combined to determine a 3D shape of the user. In embodiments, the measurement system may include sonar.

In embodiments, the current body position can be measured by the measuring system at a frequency of at least 1 Hz, preferably at least 10 Hz, more preferably at least 30 Hz. In embodiments, the adjustable resistor may be adjustable to a frequency of at least 1 Hz, preferably at least 10 Hz, more preferably at least 30 Hz.

In order to provide real-time feedback, the current body position is preferably measured relatively frequently (e.g. once per second, or faster) and the adjustable resistance is adjusted to the same or a comparable frequency. In this way, a momentary body posture (i.e. a posture that reflects the actual body posture at the moment) can be measured and the resistance can be updated in real time on the basis of this.

In embodiments, the training equipment may further include: (iv) a device for adjusting an inclination of the training device. It was also recognized within the present invention that existing training equipment in which the resistance is set in function of a simulated incline do not allow the user to train a realistic body position for this incline. Indeed, although these training equipment can decrease or increase the resistance depending on the slope, the orientation of the user remains unchanged. This is in contrast to a true uphill or downhill movement, where the changed orientation with regard to the direction of gravity requires a different attitude. Therefore, to further improve the realism of the simulation, embodiments of the present invention provide for the use of a device for adjusting the inclination of the training apparatus.

By "adjusting an inclination of the training device" is understood here that the user experiences a different orientation with respect to the direction of gravity.

In the case of a device for walking and / or walking, this may, for example, be a device that adjusts the slope of a walking surface.

At a device for bicycles, at least the inclination of the combination handlebar, saddle and pedals can be adjusted.

In embodiments, the training device may be on a platform that is adjustable in incline.

In embodiments, the training equipment may further include: (v) an imaging system for visualizing information about a simulated trajectory.

In embodiments, the imaging system may be a screen, a virtual reality system (VR), or an augmented reality system (AR).

Information about the simulated trajectory can be, for example, information about a course to be covered (e.g. next turn, gradient, surface, etc.) and / or information about wind direction and / or speed, temperature, etc.

In alternative or complementary embodiments, the display system may also be for visualizing information related to the set resistance.

This information can be, for example, information about the set resistance itself, the current body position (e.g. the current frontal surface or 3D shape), the wind direction and / or speed, the rolling resistance, etc.

The information can be displayed on its own (i.e., in absolute terms) or relative to a checkpoint (e.g., a percent difference from a reference value, such as a value relative to a base position). In embodiments, the training facility may further include: (vi) a wind generator for generating an air displacement.

In embodiments, the wind generator can be a fan.

The wind generator can be used advantageously for simulating the air displacement that would be experienced in real conditions (eg as a function of the simulated displacement speed of the user with respect to the simulated wind direction and speed) and / or simulating cooling (eg. heat dissipation in function of simulated air displacement, humidity, temperature, etc.). In this way a more realistic simulation is again obtained.

In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a training module for a training equipment according to an embodiment of the first aspect, connectable to the adjustable resistance training device. The training module contains: (i) a measuring system for measuring a current body position of the user, and (ii) a control system for setting the adjustable resistance in function of the measured current body position. The measuring system measures at least a current frontal area, or optionally a current three-dimensional shape, of the user.

In embodiments, any feature of any embodiment of the second aspect may, independently, be as described for any embodiment of another aspect.

In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a use of a training equipment according to an embodiment of the first aspect, or a training module according to an embodiment of the second aspect, for training a sports technique of a user.

In embodiments, the user may experience real-time physical feedback regarding his posture during exercise (e.g., in relation to a simulated environment).

In embodiments, any feature of any embodiment of the third aspect may, independently, be as described for any embodiment of another aspect.

The invention will now be described on the basis of a detailed description of various examples. However, it is understood that other embodiments of the present invention can also be configured, according to the knowledge of those of skill in the art, without departing from the technical teachings of the present invention. The invention is therefore limited only by the accompanying claims.

Example 1 FIG 1 illustrates a bicycle training rig 100.

The training installation 100 comprises a training device 200 with adjustable resistance (eg an interactive bicycle trainer), a camera 300 for measuring a current frontal area of the user, and a control system 400 for setting the adjustable resistance in function of the measured current. frontal surface of user and bicycle.

For example, the resistance can be set so that the user must deliver a work W: Wx (EK, + ma) vVo with FH, the simulated air resistance, m the total mass, a the simulated acceleration and vo the simulated displacement speed.

The simulated air resistance Fy, can be denoted as F, = = pv2AC, with p the air density, A the measured actual frontal area, v the simulated speed relative to the medium (i.e. the air) and C, the drag coefficient.

Example 2 FIG 2 illustrates a training installation 100 as in Example 1, extended with a second camera 310, a device 500 for adjusting a slope of the training device 200, a display 600 and a fan 700. These may also be connected to the control system. 400 to provide information thereto or to be set by it.

For example, the device 500 may consist of a platform underneath the training device 200 on adjustable legs, so as to be able to change the slope of the platform and thus allow the user to assume a realistic posture for that slope.

The display 600 allows to display a simulated course and / or other information (e.g., related to the measured current body position) to the user.

Wind and / or cooling can then be simulated again using the fan 700.

By using the two cameras 200 and 210, an actual 3D shape of the user can be derived in this case, which in turn allows to calculate the simulated air resistance F, instead of from the actual frontal area.

Claims (18)

CONCLUSIONS 1.- A training installation (100) for training a sports technique of a user, comprising: i. a training device (200) with an adjustable resistance, il. a measurement system (300) for measuring a current body posture of the user, and iii. a control system (400) for setting the adjustable resistance as a function of the measured actual body position; characterized in that the measurement system (300) is adapted to measure in real time the change of the user's current body position over time via at least a current frontal area, or optionally a current three-dimensional shape, of the user, and that the control system (400) is adapted to set the adjustable resistance based on a frictional force (Fw) experienced by the user over time due to air resistance, where the frictional force is calculated from the real-time measured actual body position. A training installation (100) according to claim 1, wherein the control system is configured to take into account that a power (W) that a user must deliver to maintain an absolute speed (vo) is proportional to the frictional force (Fu ) experienced by the user, which is a function of the relative speed (v), so W x F, (v) vy, where the frictional force (Fy) is in the first approximation a function of the user's actual frontal area, and proportional to the square of a relative velocity (v) with respect to surrounding air (W «x C ,, v2 vo). The training installation (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the training device (200) is a bicycle device or a walking device or a stepping device. The training installation (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the resistance set by the control system (400) simulates an air resistance for the measured current body position. The training equipment (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the resistance set by the control system (400) simulates a conversion between a linear and a rotational kinetic energy. The training installation (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the resistance set by the control system (400) is a function of the measured current body position and one or more simulated quantities selected from wind direction, wind speed, slope and rolling resistance. The training installation (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the measuring system (300) comprises a sensor for measuring electromagnetic waves or sound waves. The training installation (100) according to claim 6, wherein the measurement system (300) comprises a camera. The training installation (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the current body position is measurable by the measuring system (300) at a frequency of at least 1 Hz, preferably at least 10 Hz, more preferably at least 30 Hz. The training installation (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustable resistance is adjustable to a frequency of at least 1 Hz, preferably at least 10 Hz, more preferably at least 30 Hz. The training installation (100) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: iv. a device (500) for adjusting an inclination of the training device (200). The training facility (100) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: v. An imaging system (600) for visualizing information about a simulated trajectory. The training installation (100) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: vi. a wind generator (700) for generating an air displacement. A training module for a training installation (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, connectable to the training device (200) with adjustable resistance, comprising: ii a measuring system (300) for measuring a current body position of the user, and ii . a control system (400) for setting the adjustable resistance as a function of the measured actual body position; characterized in that the measurement system (300) is adapted to measure in real time the change of the user's current body position over time via at least a current frontal area, or optionally a current three-dimensional shape, of the user, and that the control system (400) is adapted to set the adjustable resistance of a paired training device based on a frictional force (Fw) experienced by the user over time as a result of air resistance, where the frictional force is calculated from the real-time measured current body position. A training module according to claim 14, wherein the control system (400) is configured to take into account that a power (W) that a user must deliver to maintain an absolute speed (vo) is proportional to the frictional force (Fu ) experienced by the user, which is a function of the relative speed (v), so W x F, (v) vy, where the frictional force (Fy) is in the first approximation a function of the user's actual frontal area, and proportional to the square of a relative velocity (v) with respect to surrounding air (W «x C ,, v2 vo). Use of a training installation (100) according to any of claims 1 to 13 or a training module according to claim 14 or 15, for training a sports technique of a user. The use according to claim 16, wherein the user experiences real-time physical feedback with regard to his posture during exercise. The use according to claim 17, wherein the user also experiences real-time sensory feedback with regard to his posture during sports.