ES2386945B1 - EQUIPMENT TO DETERMINE AND MONITOR THE PHYSICAL AND TECHNICAL EXERCISE, IN SWIMMING. - Google Patents

Abstract

Measuring equipment to determine and monitor physical exercise and technique, in swimming, comprising: # - a swimsuit (2) that incorporates a series of sensors (3), which capture a series of physical parameters of the swimmer, and an interface (5) incorporating a transmitter of said signals to a computer (8) for processing and presenting the information obtained; # - a set of cameras (9), which move longitudinally, synchronously with the swimmer, transmitting the images obtained to the control computer (8) for processing and display; # - a computer or computer equipment (8) that receives the data captured by the sensors (3) and the images of the cameras (9), in the that the data is processed to determine various variables related to the movement of the swimmer; which is shown on the screen associated with the images of the athlete from different angles.

Description

Equipment to determine and monitor physical exercise and technique, in swimming.

Object of the invention

The present invention, as its own title indicates, refers to equipment to measure and monitor physical exercise, in order to improve swimming efficiency, providing users and their trainers with information on the different types of forces: flotation , of resistance and propulsives, etc., that are observed in the movements that the swimmer exerts in the water, that allow to improve his style and determine his physical conditions, as well as to control his performance and level of improvement in the sport practice.

The information is provided in real time, so that the coach-swimmer binomial can correct mistakes or make proposals according to the results that are occurring at the exact moment. It is therefore about monitoring the swimmer at all times; nevertheless, the monitoring of the control sessions allows to determine the level of improvement of the swimmer, as well as the influence of the corrective measures taken in the development of his training. The correction of postures during swimming, or in the launching into the pool is also possible when monitoring the exercise, to be able to make a later study of the angle of attack, the forces exerted on the water, the physical effort to which it is subjected the swimmer, etc. In general, the team provides complete information about the movements of the swimmer in the water, their vital signs, their hydrodynamic characteristics, etc., all of which tend to facilitate the technical improvement in the sports exercise of the swimming.

Background of the invention

Today, measuring equipment of various physiological and mechanical parameters is known during the effort made by an athlete, during the race, pedaling, etc., in general during the practice of outdoor sports. For example, document ES-2170024 describes a device with these characteristics. These equipments incorporate various temperature, sweating and heart rate sensors, which are placed in the athlete's body, in which a device for transmitting the signals captured by them is also fixed, for reception by a computer equipment through the which determines the effort made and how it has affected the body of the athlete.

The transfer of these methods to swimming is unfeasible because, on the one hand, the cables that connect the various sensors prevent adequate swimming movement, in addition there must be a wiring to physically connect the athlete with the computer terminal, since no one is known Signal transmission medium, which is wireless and can be used underwater. As a result, the methods available today do not allow measuring in a practical and precise way the forces involved in executing a specific swimming style. A measurement of the resultant of all the acting forces can be achieved, but not a quantification of each of the components.

In addition, this monitoring can only be done for a short period of time, because both the dynamometer and the endless pool, do not allow the swimmer to use the system for long periods, because they fatigue it excessively: the first is limited by the cable that joins the swimmer with the measuring instrument and the second one because of the speed that the water carries, which must be high so that the swimmer remains immobile. Both techniques condition the usual position of the swimmer in the water.

In US-5005140 and US-5258927 a method and a device for monitoring and measuring the physical exercise of a diver are described in which hydrodynamic devices are used that make measurements to detect pressure changes in liquids in enclosed spaces, which they remain in contact with a body part of a person, determining the difference in pressure that is transformed into a signal, which is compared with another calibrated signal to convert it into a digital signal, so that it can be evaluated by a computer, in The data is stored corresponds to the exercise performed and the level of exercise performed. The problem presented by this device is the one that has already been indicated above: the need for wiring between the sensors and between the swimmer and the information processing team.

Description of the invention

The proposed system aims to solve all these inconveniences and allow users to have a greater perception of what is taking place in the water. In the first place, in order not to have the same limitations as current methods and devices, a device free of cables on the body that limits the mobility of the swimmer is proposed. This absence of cables also affects the transmission of the data measured in the swimmer's body to the treatment terminal thereof, which is done by wireless means even though the swimmer is logically in the water. This total absence of cables allows the user not to notice the smallest difference between his usual swim and that made when using the device of the invention, so that the transfer of the experiments is maximum.

According to a fundamental characteristic of the invention, sensors that measure pressure, temperature, heart rate, etc. they are installed in a suit specially designed for this method, in which they are placed, either fixed on said suit, or as part of it; regardless of the type of sensor used, since they can be like those that are currently marketed, or others that may arise in the future, for example sensors that use nanotechnology and that can be applied to the suit material, or movable and attached to the suit by means of a fixation, with which it can be used with different suits, being able to customize these sensors to each swimmer.

The suit incorporates a transmitter through which the signals captured by said sensors are sent wirelessly through the aquatic environment, using a radio frequency transmitter and a receiver antenna of said signal, also located in the aquatic environment, of so that the device can be used in a pool equipped with wave receivers. Studies carried out by the inventor have proved that it is possible to transmit an electromagnetic signal through an aquatic environment; those that are more suitable, due to the distance and amplitude of the captured signal, are signals that have a wavelength in the radiofrequency band. These studies have been carried out inside a pool, from a mobile transmitter (which would be the swimmer) to a receiver consisting of an antenna introduced into the water, fixed on one side of the pool. In the development of the invention it is planned to place more than one antenna along the pool so that there is "coverage" in the entire swimming area. A transmission using acoustic waves, instead of electromagnetic waves, can also be used in the ultrasonic band, for example.

In those places where it is not possible to install a radio frequency receiver, for example at sea, it is planned to install a flash memory in which the data is stored, and then download it to the computer for processing.

As for the swimsuit that is part of this equipment, indicate that it is preferably an integral competition swimsuit, which covers the entire body of the swimmer, including head, hands and feet, The incorporation of the sensors or measuring elements and the The transmitter in the suit is carried out in a way that does not affect or condition the athlete's swimming technique. These garments have a proven comfort since they adapt perfectly to the body and the cables between sensors and the RF transmitter are integrated in it, so that they do not affect the mobility and adaptability conditions of the same. It is possible to make the suit using smart fabrics that incorporate this "wiring" on the fabric itself, through a technology based on special inks, which allow to measure different parameters such as pressure or temperature.

Another important feature of this invention is to equip the pool with a system of robotic cameras, which provide images of the swimmer from different views. The cameras that capture images from a lower, upper and lateral point of the swimmer move in unison with him along the pool. The images captured by said cameras are also computerized to synchronize them with the data supplied by the suit, said process providing information on accelerations, speeds, trajectories, angles of attack, forces, etc., The visualization from various angles, together with the multiple data taken from the analysis of these images, as well as the data provided by the suit's sensors, provide an overview of the movements of the swimmer in the water, their vital signs, their hydrodynamic characteristics, etc., all of them tending to facilitate technical improvement in the sport of swimming. The viewing of a swimming session is done by the real-time preparer, who is in communication with the swimmer to transmit orders through the headphones that he carries, which receive the acoustic signal using a return channel of the electromagnetic signal captured for the sensors of the suit. Each session of nothing is recorded on the corresponding computer equipment so that the swimmer, once finished his exercise can visualize those sequences that are of interest.

Description of the figures

To complement the description that is being made and in order to facilitate the understanding of the characteristics of the invention, a set of drawings is attached to the present specification in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented:

Figure 1 shows a general view of the equipment of the invention, which includes an endowment in the swimmer and another in a swimming pool (1).

Figure 2 represents a general view of a swimming pool (1) in which the arrangement and assembly of the chambers (9) for monitoring the swimmer is observed.

Figure 3 shows the swimsuit (2) that is part of the equipment of the invention.

Preferred Embodiment of the Invention

The equipment to determine and monitor physical exercise and technique, in swimming that includes:

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An integral swimsuit (2), which adapts perfectly to the swimmer's body and includes:

o A series of sensors (3) that capture the pressures between the body of the swimmer and the water in the environment in which it moves.

o An interface that concentrates the signal of all the sensors (3) existing in the suit (2) that:

•

It is transmitted by radiofrequency (RF) or acoustic waves through a series of antennas (6) placed in the aquatic environment;

•

They are stored in a memory placed in the suit itself (2), for later treatment.

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A set of cameras (9), located in longitudinal lanes of the pool (1), that move synchronously with the swimmer along the pool, focusing it from above (9a), from below (9b) and laterally ( 9c); as well as two other cameras (9d-9e) located in the headwaters of the pool, which record the turn phase from a frontal plane.

All these cameras transmit in real time their signal to a control center, or computer equipment, capable of carrying out their treatment and, based on them, determining a series of variables of the swimming action that the athlete performs. Either exclusively based on the information they provide and / or based on the information provided by the sensors (3) located in the swimmer's suit (2).

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A computer (8) that presents interfaces through which it receives the data captured by the sensors (3) and the images captured by the cameras (9). In this equipment a software has been implemented that treats all this data and calculates in series to various formulas and programs a series of variables, such as: accelerations, speeds, trajectories, angles of attack, forces, etc., all of them related to swimmer movement Data are also extracted from the athlete's vital signs and, finally, images from different angles are shown through the screen of said computer equipment so that the coach has an informed visual reference throughout the training phase. This equipment is equipped with a memory in which it stores each training session so that the athlete can also analyze it after finishing his exercise.

The communication between the transmitter (5) existing in the suit (2) and the computer (8) is carried out in a first stage by means of radio frequency (RF) signals, which are picked up by one of the antennas (6) located at along the pool (1), which connect by means of a conductor (7) with said computer (8). The wavelength of this signal, according to calculations performed that are not the subject of this report, is in the radio frequency band, specifically previous experiments conducted by the inventor focused on a frequency of 433Mhz. although this value is not considered limiting within the scope of the invention. The communication is carried out in a bidirectional sense, so that the coach has control of his swimmer at all times and can also intervene when deemed appropriate, by sending audible communications through headphones placed in the swimmer's ears, or by through a display placed on the glasses of the same.

The suit (2), represented in Figure 3, is an integral competition swimsuit. The garment covers the entire body of the swimmer, including head, hands and feet and its comfort is more than proven. Thus, it is about incorporating the measuring elements and the transmitter so that they do not hinder the movements of the athlete. The sensors (3) are placed in strategic places to measure the requested forces. There are areas of the body on which only certain types of forces act (for example, on the trunk or head, only resistive, non-propulsive forces act; in others, only propulsive forces are exerted, such as the forearms and the area of the legs that go from the knees to the instep.

The electrical wiring (4) used in the suit (2) does not affect the mobility of the swimmer; a flat and flexible cable is used, which allows a great variety of movements without any difficulty. A representation of the swimsuit with the built-in pressure sensors can be seen in Figure 3. It is possible to make the suit using smart fabrics that incorporate this “wiring” on the fabric itself, by means of a technology based on special inks, which allow Measure different parameters such as pressure or temperature. In addition to the sensors (3) the transmitter (5) is incorporated, which is as small as possible. This unit will also include the battery that feeds the entire system and the conversion logic to pass the sensor data to the format required by the transmitter; in those cases in which there is no such means of transmission, but resort to storing the data in a memory, said memory will be integrated in this unit (5).

Once the nature of the invention has been sufficiently described, as well as a preferred embodiment, it is stated for the appropriate purposes that the materials, shape, size and arrangement of the described elements may be modified, provided that this does not imply an alteration. of the essential features of the invention claimed below:

Claims (7)

1.-Measuring equipment to determine and monitor physical and technical exercise in swimming, which includes:

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a swimsuit (2), which adapts perfectly to the body of the swimmer, which includes a series of sensors (3) that capture the pressures between the body of the swimmer and the water of the environment in which it moves, as well as another series of variables of temperature, heart rate and other vital signs of the swimmer; also provides an interface

(5) in which the signal of all the sensors (3) existing in the suit (2) is concentrated, which incorporates a transmitter of said signals to a computer (8) for processing and presenting the information obtained;

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a set of cameras (9), located in longitudinal lanes of the pool (1), that move synchronously with the swimmer along it, focusing it from different angles, which transmit the images captured in real time to the computer of control (8), so that it carries out its treatment and, based on them and the variables captured by the sensors (3) of the suit (2) determine a series of parameters that are a function of the exercise performed by the athlete;

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a computer or information processing equipment (8) that presents interfaces through which it receives the data captured by the sensors (3) and the images captured by the cameras (9), in which a software for processing this data and calculating various variables, such as: accelerations, speeds, trajectories, angles of attack, forces, etc., all of them related to the movement of the swimmer; as well as a series of vital signs of the athlete; which presents a screen that shows: the images of the athlete in the pool from different angles, together with the values of these variables.

2. Equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that the communication between the transmitter (5) existing in the suit (2) and the computer (8) is carried out in a first stage by means of electromagnetic and / or acoustic signals, which they are picked up by one of the antennas (6) located along the pool (1), which connect by means of a conductor (7) with said computer (8). 3. Equipment according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the wavelength of the data transfer signal between the swimmer and the antennas (6) existing in the pool is in the radio frequency gamma. 4.-Equipment, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication between the swimmer and the computer (8) is carried out in a bi-directional sense, so that the coach has control of his swimmer at all times and can also intervene when he deems appropriate , by sending the same means audible communications through headphones or a display placed on the swimmer's glasses. 5. Equipment according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the interface (5) is provided with a memory in which it stores each training session. 6.-Equipment, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the suit (2) consists of an integral competition swimsuit, which covers the entire body of the swimmer, including head, hands and feet and incorporates a plurality of sensors (3) and the transmitter (5) so that it does not hinder the movements of the athlete. SPANISH OFFICE OF THE PATENTS AND BRAND Application no .: 201130181 SPAIN Date of submission of the application: 11.02.2011 Priority Date: REPORT ON THE STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE 51 Int. Cl.: See Additional Sheet RELEVANT DOCUMENTS

Category

56 Documents cited Claims Affected

TO

US 3952352 A (WAN LAWRENCE A ET AL.) 04/27/1976, description; figures. 1-6

TO

US 2010304934 A1 (WOODSON PETER S) 12/02/2010, description; figures. 1-6

TO

JP 7135586 A (VICTOR COMPANY OF JAPAN ET AL.) 05/23/1995, figures & summary of the 1-6

EPODOC database (Recovered from EPOQUE; AN JP-27955193-A).

TO

US 2004201675 A1 (MURAKOSHI TAKAHIRO ET AL.) 10/14/2004, description; figures. 1-6

TO

US 2009030333 A1 (MCDONOUGH DANIEL K) 01/29/2009, description; figures. 1-6

TO

US 4654010 A (HAVRILUK ROD) 03/31/1987, description; figures. 1-6

TO

US 2008218332 A1 (LYONS MICHAEL) 09/11/2008, description; figures. 1-6

TO

US 5907281 A (MILLER JR BENJAMIN K ET AL.) 05/25/1999, description; figures. 1-6

TO

US 2009009342 A1 (KARJALAINEN MARKKU) 01/08/2009, description; figures. 1-6

Category of the documents cited X: of particular relevance Y: of particular relevance combined with other / s of the same category A: reflects the state of the art O: refers to unwritten disclosure P: published between the priority date and the date of priority submission of the application E: previous document, but published after the date of submission of the application

This report has been prepared • for all claims • for claims no:

Date of realization of the report 24.04.2012

Examiner I. Rodríguez Goñi Page 1/5

REPORT OF THE STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE Application number: 201130181 CLASSIFICATION OBJECT OF THE APPLICATION A63B31 / 00 (2006.01) A61B5 / 00 (2006.01) A63B24 / 00 (2006.01) Minimum documentation sought (classification system followed by classification symbols) A63B, A61B Electronic databases consulted during the search (name of the database and, if possible, terms of search used) INVENTIONS, EPODOC, WPI  WRITTEN OPINION Date of Written Opinion: 24.04.2012 Statement

Novelty (Art. 6.1 LP 11/1986)

Claims Claims 1-6 IF NOT

Inventive activity (Art. 8.1 LP11 / 1986)

Claims Claims 1-6 IF NOT

The application is considered to comply with the industrial application requirement. This requirement was evaluated during the formal and technical examination phase of the application (Article 31.2 Law 11/1986).  Opinion Base.- This opinion has been made on the basis of the patent application as published. WRITTEN OPINION  1. Documents considered.- The documents belonging to the state of the art taken into consideration for the realization of this opinion are listed below.

Document

Publication or Identification Number publication date

D01

US 3952352 A (WAN LAWRENCE A et al.) 04/27/1976

D02

US 2010304934 A1 (WOODSON PETER S) 02.12.2010

D03

JP 7135586 A (VICTOR COMPANY OF JAPAN et al.) 23.05.1995

 2. Statement motivated according to articles 29.6 and 29.7 of the Regulations for the execution of Law 11/1986, of March 20, on Patents on novelty and inventive activity; quotes and explanations in support of this statement The object of the invention is a device for determining and monitoring physical and technical exercise in swimming. The subjective technical problem that is intended to be solved is an advance in performance compared to known equipment, so that it is possible to have equipment with wireless transmission systems that can be used underwater, thus avoiding the need for wiring between the sensors and information equipment. The technical solution proposed is a set of radio frequency transmitter and receiving antennas located in the aquatic environment. It should be noted that in the state of the art, although it is certainly perceived as a difficulty transmitting signals from within the water to the outside, it is known that by placing an underwater antenna such problem can be solved. However, an integration of elements can be seen in the object of the invention, which although they are known separately in the state of the art, their integration into a single device is not evident and has the effect of providing a higher performance equipment. to those already known. Therefore, the objective technical problem would be to provide a breakthrough in the state of the art with a device with more features than those known and which can be considered as a non-evident "integration" of various solutions. The object of the invention for claim 1 is a measuring device for determining and monitoring physical exercise and technique, in swimming, comprising:  a bathing suit

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that adapts perfectly to the body of the swimmer - which includes a series of sensors - that capture the pressures between the body of the swimmer and the water in the environment in which it moves - as well as another series of variables of temperature, heart rate and others vital signs of the swimmer - also provides an interface that concentrates the signal of all existing sensors in the suit - which incorporates a transmitter of these signals to a computer for processing and presenting the information obtained

 a set of cameras

-

located in longitudinal lanes of the pool -which move synchronously with the swimmer along the same -focusing it from different angles -that transmit the images captured in real time to the control computer, so that it performs its treatment and, based on them and the variables captured by the sensors of the suit determine a series of parameters that are a function of the exercise performed by the athlete

 A computer or information processing equipment

-

that presents some interfaces through which it receives the data captured by the sensors and the images captured by the cameras - in which software for processing these data and calculating various variables such as: accelerations, speeds, trajectories, angles of attack, forces, etc., all of them related to the movement of the swimmer - as well as a series of vital signs of the athlete - which presents a screen that shows the images of the athlete in the pool from different angles, together with the values of these variables

 WRITTEN OPINION Documents such as D01 are known in the state of the art, which discloses a measuring equipment to determine and monitor physical exercise in swimming, comprising:

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A device with transducers / sensors that the swimmer puts in his hand / arm and that captures the pressures between the body (hand / arm) of the swimmer and the water in the environment in which he moves. It also provides an interface that concentrates the signal of all existing sensors / transducers in the device, which incorporates a transmitter of these signals to a receiver - a camera, which records, synchronously with the measuring equipment, the movements of the swimmer

The equipment disclosed in D01, although it solves the subjective problem posed by the applicant, since it transmits the information of the swimmer to a receiving equipment, without cables, presents many differences with respect to claim 1, since it does not have a monitored bathing suit , but of a device that is placed in the hand / arm, and in addition, while D01 discloses a static camera, in claim 1 there is a set of cameras that move synchronously. Likewise, in claim 1 there is an equipment for the treatment of the information, which is not disclosed in D01. In the prior art, document D02 is also known, which discloses a measuring device to determine and monitor physical exercise, in which although sensors are arranged in the body of the swimmer, the information collected can be sent wirelessly, and there is an information processing equipment, the cameras that are also available, are static, and on the other hand, the disclosed equipment is not prepared to capture the pressures between the body of the swimmer and the water of the medium in which it moves, but rather to monitor the number of runs performed as well as variables such as the number of swimmers' pulsations. The sensors, on the other hand, are not mentioned to be arranged in a bathing suit. Finally, it should be noted document D03 that discloses a camera that moves inside a pool and has information processing equipment, but these are isolated elements that do not have the system character that can be seen in claim 1, since the rest of the elements (sensors, antennas, etc.) are missing, and thus departs quite a bit from the claimed concept. For all the above, although the claimed elements, taken in an isolated manner are known in the state of the art, it is not a mere addition thereof, but they are integrated and complemented, so that the invention, such as configured, it provides a superior performance equipment to those already known, which is not evident from the state of the art. Therefore, claim 1 is considered to be new (Art. 6.1 LP 11/1986) and implies inventive activity (Art. 8.1 LP 11/1986). Claims 2 to 6 are dependent and, therefore, are considered to be likewise new (Art. 6.1 LP 11/1986) and involve inventive activity (Art. 8.1 LP 11/1986).