EP2013585A1

EP2013585A1 - Pedometer

Info

Publication number: EP2013585A1
Application number: EP07722157A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Andrea Wimmer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-04-21
Filing date: 2007-04-02
Publication date: 2009-01-14
Also published as: DE102006018545A1; WO2007121703A1; TW200745514A; DE102006018545B4; US20090093992A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for measuring the number of strides of a four-legged animal with which at least one acceleration sensor (38,29) captures the acceleration on the plane on which the animal is moving, and wherein the acceleration of the animal is generated by means of the movement of the animal's legs. The invention also relates to a device (1) for the recording of the distance that a four-legged animal has covered that comprises a housing (3) and a measuring device that is located in the housing, wherein the measuring device features a stride counter (22) that encompasses at least one acceleration sensor (38, 29), wherein the acceleration sensor (38,29) is positioned in the housing (3) in such a way that it primarily measures the acceleration on the plane on which the animal is moving. In addition, the invention relates to a system that encompasses a device (1) for the measurement of the distance that a four-legged animal has covered and a receiving unit (2) as well as a gaiter (30) that can be attached to the fetlock of a four-legged animal, in particular a horse, wherein the gaiter (30) features a mechanism (33) for attaching the device (1).

Description

description

PEDOMETER

The invention relates to a method of step counting for a four-legged animal, a device for detecting the distance traveled by an animal traveling on four legs, a system comprising a device for detecting the distance traveled by an animal traveling on four legs and a receiving unit and a gaiter for attaching to a Fessei of an on four legs moving animal.

Pedometer or so-called pedometer are known in the art. They are used by people in the exercise of walking or running sports such as hiking or endurance to help to determine the distance traveled by them and, for example, draw conclusions on training progress or condition. The pedometer used for this purpose are usually attached to the hip or on a belt, on a leg or arm of the wearer so that they can detect shocks that are triggered by the walking or running movement. A conventional pedometer is constructed such that an acceleration sensor is provided inside a housing. An example of a mechanical acceleration sensor is a pendulum, which oscillates about its axis at each step of the carrier, and which is in operative connection with a counter, which is accordingly operated to detect the number of steps. The pendulum axis of rotation is arranged in such a conventional pedomet & m in a horizontal plane, so that the pendulum by the vibrations caused by steps of the wearer in a vertical vertical plane © swings. Each vibration, which is triggered by the step of the carrier is then counted and z. B. displayed on a display. The distance traveled by the wearer can then be determined by the length of the individual steps during walking or running and their detected number. Conventional pedometers make this conversion automatically when the appropriate stride length of the wearer is entered in the pedometer.

However, it has been shown that these well-known pedometer, which respond to shocks in the movement of a person, not on the

Leg movement of a quadruped, z. B. a horse on which such a pedometer z. B. attached to the shackle react. One possible reason for this is that the stepping movement in quadrupeds, especially in horses, follows a different course of movement than that of humans. In addition, quadrupeds such as horses or ponies have very many different gaits, such as step, trot,

Gallop, tölt or passgang. Thus, conventional pedometer can not at

Horses or four-legged animals.

Especially in equitation, it is important to covered distances z. B. in unknown terrain to perform a training program, and from the results obtained training successes or the

Condition of the horse to be derived.

One way to track distances covered with a horse is to use a GPS (Global Positioning System). These

Solution is however very expensive and one is also the receipt of by the

Satellite transmitted position data dependent. In places where a good

Reception is not guaranteed, this method is therefore useless.

In addition, a GPS is sensitive and much larger than a normal pedometer. Therefore, the mounting options on the horse or on the animal are limited. Due to the high price or the value of a GPS, the is versatile, so not only on the horse but z. B. in the car, there is also a large risk of theft.

Therefore, it is the object of the present invention, a method, a device for detecting the moving by four-legged

Distance traveled, a system employing the device, and a gaiter providing a simple and cost effective way of accurately measuring the number of steps of the quadruped, and wherein the device is securable to the animal in a secure position and the animal carrying the device

Running is not affected by the attached to his leg device.

This object is achieved by means of a method having the features according to claim 1, a device having the features according to claim 12, a system having the features according to claim 27 and a gait having the features according to claim 32. Advantageous developments of the invention are defined in the respective subclaims.

According to the invention, there is provided a method of step count measurement for an animal traveling on four legs, wherein at least one acceleration sensor senses acceleration in a plane in which the animal is moving, and wherein the acceleration is caused by leg movement of the animal. Surprisingly, it has been shown that the type of motion detection is far more reliable than the already known detection of vibrations or accelerations, wherein a vibration in a vertical plane is utilized. By detecting the acceleration in the plane of movement of the animal, ie by exploiting a vibration in a substantially horizontal plane, a precise and simple measurement of the number of steps of a four-legged, in particular a horse, is possible. That is, when the animal moves in the plane, the acceleration is measured horizontally rather than through steps to measure triggered vibrations in the vertical. The number of steps of a horse, pony, camel or the like can be measured in a simple manner, no matter what gait, z. Step, Trot, Gallop, Passing or even To It, the animal moves.

To measure the acceleration, it is preferable to use a pendulum whose vibration plane is substantially parallel to the plane in which the animal moves. Preferably, the pendulum has a pendulum axis of rotation which is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of a leg of the animal (i.e., vertical) on which the measurement is made. Further preferably, a pendulum axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the leg of the animal on which the measurement is performed. The use of a pendulum as a motion sensor allows a cost-effective and easily manufacturable variant of a pedometer.

In addition, it is advantageous if the measurement of the acceleration takes place purely mechanically, since no power supply is required, which could temporarily fail and thus affects the measurement result.

An alternative embodiment provides for measurement of the acceleration in an electrical, electromechanical or electromagnetic manner. These sensors are particularly precise and sensitive and require little space in the housing of the device.

However, it is particularly advantageous if the acceleration is measured both mechanically and electronically or electromagnetically. Thus, even if the electronic or electromagnetic sensors fail, for example, due to a power failure, a precise measurement by means of the mechanical sensors would still be possible. It would also be advantageous in this case that the different sensors can be arranged or adapted such that even further components of motion in addition to those in the plane of motion, can be measured and thus an even more accurate result can be obtained.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the method for step number measurement, the length of the traveled path is determined from the detected number of steps. Preferably, the conversion may be switched from a mode that indicates the distance in kilometers to a mode that indicates the distance in miles.

Preferably, different gaits of the animal are detected by the method and used to determine the distance traveled.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the acquired data is transmitted to a receiving unit, which evaluates the data. Preferably, the data is transmitted wirelessly via an infrared interface. However, a transmission can be done via a cable, which z. B. can be connected via a USB interface.

Furthermore, according to the invention there is provided a device for detecting the distance traveled by an animal traveling on four legs, comprising a housing and a measuring arrangement provided in the housing, the measuring arrangement comprising a pedometer comprising at least one acceleration sensor, the acceleration sensor being in such a way the housing is arranged to detect an acceleration substantially parallel to a plane in which the animal is moving. As already mentioned, by measuring the acceleration in the plane of movement of the animal, a precise detection of the number of steps can be carried out in a simple manner.

In a preferred embodiment, the acceleration sensor has a pendulum whose vibration plane is substantially parallel to the plane in which the animal moves. Preferably, one runs Pendulum pivot axis (D) substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of a leg of the animal to which the device is attachable (ie vertical) and a pendulum axis (A) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the leg of the animal to which the device is attachable. The device is attachable laterally to the leg of the animal, so that at each step, the pendulum oscillates back and forth in the direction of movement.

Preferably, the housing of the device is waterproof and shockproof. This is particularly advantageous because the animal, in particular a horse, which carries the device on his fetter, so can go through water courses, without the device is destroyed or impaired in their operation.

In a preferred embodiment, in which electronic or electromagnetic acceleration sensors are provided, these are preferably piezoresistive or magnetoresistive acceleration sensors. In the piezoresistive acceleration sensors, which exploit the piezoresistive effect, an inert mass of silicon is suspended by means of a thin bending beam. As the sensor accelerates, the mass deflects the beam due to its inertia from its rest position. Piezoresistors applied on the beam change their electrical resistance because of the resulting mechanical stresses. Piezoresistive acceleration sensors have the advantage that they can be expanded to two- or even three-dimensional acceleration sensors that can measure accelerations in two or three different directions. It may also be advantageous to provide at least one amplifier for amplifying the pulses triggered by the movement of the animal.

In yet another preferred embodiment, a processor, in particular a microprocessor, is provided in the housing of the device, which processes the data obtained from the step count. So can from the measured data by means of the processor, for example, the following quantities and data are determined: the forces of the leg of the animal, the endurance, the bounce, the running behavior, the detection of irregularities in the musculoskeletal system (ie of diseases such as lameness); the distance covered, the energy consumption z. As consumed calories, the movement, ie the extension or shortening of the individual gaits, etc.

It is particularly preferred if the device has a transmitter which transmits the acquired data to an external receiving unit. In this case, it is possible that the device detects only the raw data and any further processing of the data takes place in the external unit, so that an even smaller construction of the device can be realized.

However, the device may also transmit both the raw data and data already processed by a dedicated CPU to an external unit so that the external unit merely receives and displays the data.

Preferably, the data transmission takes place wirelessly via a

Infrared interface. However, the device may additionally z. Legs

Have a USB interface, via which the data can be transmitted to an external device.

For orientation or positional detection of the distance traveled, it is particularly preferred if the device comprises a compass.

It is particularly preferred if the animal carries on at least one further leg a further device for step number detection, wherein the respective devices transmit data via transmitting and receiving units; For example, average values from the two measurement results can be formed to determine the route even more accurately. According to the invention, a system is also provided which comprises a device for detecting the distance traveled by an animal traveling on four legs of the type described above and a receiving unit, wherein the receiving unit has means for evaluating the data received from the device. This arrangement has the advantage that the receiving unit is separate from the device, which is to be arranged above the hoof on the leg of the animal for step count detection, and thus can be worn, for example, on the wrist of a rider in the form of a clock. This can now much easier view the measured and received data via a display and therefore does not have to go to the unfavorable and from the saddle from not visible place where the measuring device is mounted to view the data.

It is particularly preferred if both the device and the receiving unit each have a transmitter and a receiver, so that unimpeded data exchange can take place in both directions.

In such a configuration, it is then also a rider who is in the

Saddle is located on the animal, it is possible via an input unit, which is provided on a housing of the receiving unit, in the device which is attached to the leg of the horse, for example, manually enter data, reprogramming them or switch to another mode.

For attachment of the device to the animal or on the leg above the hoof, a fastening device is preferably provided on the housing. Particularly preferred is a fastening device in the form of Velcro straps, which are wrapped around the leg of the animal and connected to each other by a Velcro. This is a particularly simple and inexpensive solution for attaching the device to the animal, in particular to the side of the leg of the animal.

According to the invention, a gaiter for putting on a shackle of an on four legs moving animal, in particular a Horse, provided, which comprises means for fixing the device for step count detection of the animal. This has the advantage that the device itself does not have to have a fastening device, but is received directly in the gaiter on the fetter of the horse, in which it is also additionally protected against external influences.

Preferably, the gaiter has a pocket in which the device is accommodated, and which is closable, so that the device can not fall out of it even with fast gaits of the horse or jumping over an obstacle and thus lost or broken.

An embodiment of a device according to the invention for detecting the distance traveled by an animal traveling on four legs distance is shown in simplified form in the drawing and will be explained in more detail in the following description. Show it:

Fig. 1 is a front view of a device according to the invention for

Coverage of the distance traveled by an animal moving on four legs;

Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view of the invention

Apparatus shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of the system according to the invention;

Fig. 4 is a side view of a gait according to the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a front view of a device 1 according to the invention for detecting the distance traveled by an animal traveling on four legs or the system according to the invention, which the

Device 1 and a receiving unit 2 comprises. The device 1 has a Housing 3, which is made here of plastic material. However, other materials such as stainless steel or the like are possible, as long as it is ensured that the housing 3 is waterproof and shockproof. On the front side of the housing 3, a display 4 is provided for displaying the acquired data, such as, for example, the number of measured steps or the data determined therefrom, such as, for example, the distance covered. The display 4 can also serve to display data such as time, date, temperature, etc. Further, at the front of the housing 3, two input keys 5 are arranged. About these input keys 5, the operation of the device by a user is possible. Thus, via the input key, a changeover to another mode of the device, a switching of the display in the display and the input of specific data that are necessary to determine the distance on the detected number of steps and can also serve to further evaluate the data obtained. A user can via the input keys 5 z. For example, enter the stride length according to the gait (step, trot, canter, pass, tölt). It is also possible to enter via the input keys 5 the instep height of the horse or pony, which is in relation to the stride length.

At the top of the housing 3, an on / off switch 6 is provided for switching the device 1 on and off. In addition, in the on position of the switch 6, the device 1 automatically switches to an energy-saving sleep mode when a certain period of time expires, e.g. B. 10 minutes without the device 1 is operated or performs any operations. At the front of the housing 3, a reset button 7 is also provided, by the operation of the electronics (not shown), which is arranged in the interior of the housing 3 of the device 1, can be returned to an initial state. At the bottom of the housing 3 is an infrared interface 8 for wireless data transmission or data exchange (shown by the arrow in Fig. 1) with the receiving unit 2 or for example another redundant device 1, which the horse z. B. on the second front leg or on a hind leg can wear. If the horse carries several of the devices 1, the measured values z. B. can be averaged, which ensures an even greater reliability of the data. Also, this does not immediately lead to the failure of a device 1 during a trip in the field then that no measurement at all is obtained. Furthermore, an interface 9, in this case a USB interface, is provided on the underside of the housing 3 in order to transmit the data by means of a cable in order to evaluate, process or store it on an external device. For attachment of the device 1 to the leg of an animal (not shown), in particular to the fetter of a horse, 1 Velcro fastener tapes 10 are provided on the respective sides of the device, which can be wrapped around a leg and against each other at their hooked and eyelets Lock ends 11 can be fixed. However, the climbing fastener tapes 10 are detachably provided on the device 1 so that they can be removed when it is intended to place the device 1 in a gaiter which supports a horse on the fetlock.

The receiving unit 2 is outwardly the same structure as the device 1 with a housing 19, which has a display 12, two input buttons 13 for operating the receiving unit 2 by the user and a reset button 14 for resetting the electronics on the front, an on On / off switch 15 at the top and an infrared interface 16 and a USB interface 17 for data transmission at the bottom. However, the interfaces and switches can also be arranged at another suitable location of the housing 19, for example at the back. Also, the receiving unit has a bracelet, here also in the form of a Velcro fastener tape 18, which the user can put around his wrist and close to carry the receiving unit 2. Likewise, it is possible to attach a leather or nylon bracelet to the receiving unit 2 as used on conventional watches. The bracelet is detachably attached to the receiving unit 2, so that the Receiving unit 2 also z. B. on a belt or other garment by means of a clip (not shown), which is provided on the back of the receiving unit 2, can be attached. The receiving unit 2 is adapted to receive data from the device 1 and to send data to the device 1. Data received by the device 1 may be displayed on the display 12. Furthermore, the receiving unit 2 is adapted to process data received by the device 1 by providing in the housing 19 a processor (CPU) for the corresponding data processing. However, this is not necessary in the case when the device 1 itself is adapted to process all recorded measurement data itself. The device 1 and the receiving unit 2 are operated by batteries, so that their housings 3, 19 each have at the rear a flap-closed opening (not shown) into which the batteries can be accommodated.

The device 1 and the receiving unit 2 together form the system according to the invention. As mentioned above, the system is expandable by further modules of pace measuring devices attachable to other legs of the animal or other modules of receiving units for the rider or his trainer.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic plan view of the device shown in Fig. 1 1. The housing 3 consists of a lower housing half 23 and an upper housing half (not shown), which forms the lid. On the sides of the housing 3 brackets 27 are provided, to which the Velcro straps 18 can be attached. By means of the Velcro straps 18, the device 1 on the leg z. B. a horse are attached. In the lower half of the housing, an electronic unit 20, which also includes the microprocessor and the transmitting unit and the receiving unit, a power supply unit 21 and a step counter 22 are arranged. A pendulum 25 with a swing axis A and a weight 26 fixed thereto is provided in the housing. The pendulum 25 is biased by a spring (not shown). The pendulum force is adjustable via the spring. By the action of the weight 26, the pendulum 25 oscillates at each step of the horse, whereby the counting mechanism is automatically driven, forming a mechanical inclination sensor 38. The pendulum axis A oscillates in a direction in a horizontal xy plane about a pendulum axis D back and forth, which in the z direction (vertical) parallel to the longitudinal axis of a leg on which the device 1 can be attached, runs. That is, the pendulum axis A is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the horse's leg and the pendulum rotation axis D is in the z-direction (vertical) parallel to the longitudinal axis of the leg to which the device 1 is attached. When the device 1 is laterally attached to the leg of the animal, the pendulum 25 oscillates through the forward acceleration while walking with each step in the xy plane in the direction of movement of the animal. By this arrangement, which in contrast to conventional pedometers, the pendulum axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal axis of the leg and not perpendicular thereto, each step movement in each gait of a horse, pony, camel or the like can be detected. In this embodiment, the device 1 comprises both a mechanically acting acceleration sensor in the form of the pendulum 25, which is already sufficient for measuring data acquisition, as well as an electronic acceleration sensor unit 28. The electronic acceleration sensor unit 28 here consists of three one-dimensional acceleration sensors 29, which respectively acceleration in the x - Record direction, in the y-direction and in the z-direction. However, a two-dimensional or a three-dimensional acceleration sensor 29 can also be used. In a further embodiment, the device is operated exclusively by electronic acceleration sensors 29, wherein all movements or all components of the movement are detected. The obtained step data are transmitted from the step counter 22 to the electronic unit 20 for further processing and / or transmission to the receiving unit 2. Furthermore, a transmitting unit and a receiving unit for data transmission are provided in the housing 3. There When working only with electronic acceleration sensors embodiment, all motion components are measured, this is particularly suitable for detecting deviations from the usual sequence of movements, so that, for example, a lameness can be detected.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of the system according to the invention, which has the device 1 and the receiving unit 2. As mentioned above, the system is expandable module by module. The device 1 has a microprocessor 41 which receives data from the data input 5, the acceleration sensor (s) 29, as well as from a temperature sensor 39 in the case shown here. Further sensor units may be provided which detect a variety of data and transmit to the microprocessor 41, z. B. could also be provided a compass or an inclinometer. In addition, it is also possible to arrange between the sensors and the microprocessor 41 an amplifier and / or filter (not shown) which amplifies the detected signals or pulses. Furthermore, a data exchange between the microprocessor 41 and a memory 40 takes place. The memory 40 is adapted to store data entered by the user, such as the different step lengths corresponding to different gaits or also according to different horses, and also stores measurement data, e.g. For example, the number of steps per ride, as well as from the microprocessor derived therefrom further data, such as distance traveled, etc. from. Also, the memory may store predetermined and / or completed training sessions. The microprocessor 41 is further adapted to calculate from the acquired measurement data characteristics, the information about the forces of a leg of the horse, on the acceleration, endurance, bounce, running behavior, energy consumption, temperature, circulation, the movement (Lengthening or shortening of the individual gaits), etc. give. The measured and the determined data are sent to the display 4 for display weitergelθitet or are available via the input unit 5 on the display 4. The device 1 has a transmitter 43 and a receiver 42, which forward data in the form of infrared radiation via an infrared interface 16 to the receiving unit 2. However, it is equally possible to transmit the data via radio waves to the receiving unit 2. A correspondingly modified configuration of the device 1 would be necessary. The data output by the transmitter 43 of the device 1 are received by a receiver 45 of the receiving unit 2 and transmitted to a microprocessor 47. The microprocessor 47 can pass the received data on demand via the data input 13 to the display 12 so that they are displayed there; However, he can in turn process received data and transmit it via a transmitter 44 to an external device or back to the device 1.

Finally, Figure 4 shows a side view of a gaiter 30 which can be placed around the fetlock of a horse (not shown). The gaiter 30 is made of leather, but may also be made of a nylon material or any material suitable for these purposes. The gaiter is fixed by means of a lockable by a buckle strap 31 32 on the fetter of the horse. But it can also be provided more straps. It is also possible, in the case where the gaiter is made of a nylon or cotton material, to use one or more Velcro straps. At the front of the gaiter 30 (here: right in the figure), a device 33 for attaching or receiving the device 1 in the form of a bag 34 is provided. The bag 34 is placed on the surface of the gaiter 30, but may just as well be incorporated into the gaiter 30. The bag 34 has a viewing window 35 made of a transparent material, so that the display 4 of the device 1 is still visible when the device 1 is in the pocket 34. Furthermore, the pocket 34 has a flap 36 which covers the upper opening through which the device 1 is inserted into the pocket 34 and by means of a push button 37 or any other device, which lends itself to this, fires tight. Thus, even during fast gaits or during jumping, the device 1 will not fall out of the gaiter 30 and it will allow safe storage. The dashed lines indicate another position suitable for locating the pocket 34 on or in the gaiter 30.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

1 Device for detecting the distance traveled

2 receiving unit

3 housing of the device

4 display

5 input keys

6 on / off switch

7 reset button

8 infrared interface

9 USB interface

10 Velcro fastener tape

1 1 closure ends

12 display

13 input keys

14 reset button

15 on / off switch

16 infrared interface

17 USB interface

18 Velcro fastener tape

19 housing

20 electronics unit

21 power supply unit

22 step counter

23 lower half of the housing

25 pendulums

26 weight

27 brackets

28 electronic acceleration sensor unit

29 electronic acceleration sensor

30 gaiters 31 buckle

32 belt

33 Device for fixing the device

34 pocket 35 viewing window

36 flap

37 push button

38 mechanical acceleration sensor

39 temperature sensor 40 memory

41 microprocessor

42 recipients

43 stations

44 transmitters 45 receivers

46 memory

47 microprocessor

A swing axle

D Oscillating axis

Claims

claims

1 . A method of step count measurement for an animal traveling on four legs, wherein at least one acceleration sensor (38, 29) detects acceleration in a plane in which the animal is moving, and wherein the acceleration is caused by leg movement of the animal.

A method according to claim 1, wherein a pendulum (25) is used to measure the acceleration, the plane of vibration of which is substantially parallel to the plane in which the animal moves and its pendulum rotation axis (D) substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of a leg of the animal on which the measurement is made.

A method according to claim 2, wherein a pendulum axis (A) is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the leg of the animal on which the measurement is made.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the acceleration is measured mechanically.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the acceleration is measured electronically, electromechanically or electromagnetically.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the acceleration is measured mechanically and electronically.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein by the oscillation of the pendulum, the number of steps is measured, and from the detected number of steps, the length of the covered path is determined.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in which different gaits of the animal are detected and the

Determination of the distance traveled can be used.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the detected and determined data on a display (4) are displayed.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the detected data to a receiving unit (2) are transmitted, which evaluates the data.

1 1. A method according to claim 10, wherein the transmission of the data via an infrared interface (16) is carried out wirelessly.

12. A device (1) for detecting the distance covered by an animal traveling on four legs, comprising a housing (3) and a measuring arrangement provided in the housing (3), the measuring arrangement comprising a step counting unit (22) which at least an acceleration sensor (38, 29), characterized in that the acceleration sensor (38, 29) is arranged in the housing (3) such that it detects an acceleration substantially parallel to a plane in which the animal moves.

13. Device (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the acceleration sensor (38) comprises a pendulum (25) whose vibration plane is substantially parallel to the plane in which the animal moves, and its pendulum rotation axis (D) is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of a leg of an animal to which the device is attachable, and a pendulum axis (A) is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the leg of an animal to which the animal Device is fastened.

14. Device (1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the pendulum (25) mechanically actuates a counting mechanism of the step counter (22).

15. Device (1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the pendulum (25) actuates the counting mechanism of the pedometer electrically or electromagnetically.

16. Device (1) according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the housing (3) is sealed watertight.

17. Device (1) according to one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that the housing (3) is formed shockproof.

18. Device (1) according to one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that at least one further electronic acceleration sensor (29) is provided, which detects an acceleration in a horizontal direction and / or detects an acceleration in a vertical direction.

19. Device (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that the electronic acceleration sensor (29) is a piezoresistive or a magnetoresistive acceleration sensor.

20. Device (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 19, characterized in that in the housing (3) further comprises a microprocessor (41) is provided, which from the detected number of steps, the length of the traveled distance, the energy consumption, the running behavior, Changes in the course of motion, the acceleration and the endurance determined.

21. Device (1) according to one of claims 12 to 20, characterized in that on the housing (3) further comprises a temperature sensor (39) is provided, which is the temperature of the wearer of the device (1), in particular of the moving animal on four legs , certainly.

22. Device (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 21, characterized in that on the housing (3) is provided a fastening device for fastening the device (1) on a leg of the animal, in particular in the form of Velcro straps (18) ,

23. Device (1) according to one of claims 12 to 22, characterized in that on the housing (3) a display (4) is provided for displaying the detected data and the data determined therefrom by the microprocessor (41).

24. Device (1) according to one of claims 12 to 23, characterized in that the device (1) further comprises a transmitter (43) which transmits the acquired data and / or the data determined therefrom to a receiving unit (2).

25. Device (1) according to claim 24, characterized in that the data transmission to the receiving unit (2) takes place wirelessly.

26. Device (1) according to one of claims 12 to 25, characterized in that the device (1) comprises a compass, in particular a mechanical compass.

A system comprising a device (1) for detecting the distance traveled by a four-legged animal according to any of claims 12 to 26 and a receiving unit (2), the system comprising at least one microprocessor (41, 47) which is adapted to process and evaluate the data measured by the device (1).

28. The system according to claim 27, wherein the receiving unit (2) has a display (12) for displaying the received and / or evaluated data.

29. A system according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the receiving unit (2) is adapted to be worn on a wrist of a user.

A system according to any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein said means (1) for detecting the distance traveled by an animal traveling on four legs comprises a receiver (42).

31. The system according to any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein the receiving unit (2) comprises a transmitter (44).

32. A gaiter (30) for application to a shackle of an animal moving on four legs, in particular a horse, characterized in that the gaiter (30) comprises means (33) for fixing the device

(1) according to one of claims 12 to 26.

The gaiter (30) according to claim 32, characterized in that said gaiter (30) has a pocket (34) formed around said device (1) for detecting the distance traveled by an animal traveling on four legs therein take.

34. gaiter according to claim 33, characterized in that the bag (34) is closable.