GB2532477A

GB2532477A - Automatic information selection

Info

Publication number: GB2532477A
Application number: GB1420637.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ahlstrom Mikko; Miettinen Michael; Nieminen Heikki; Lindman Erik
Original assignee: Suunto Oy
Current assignee: Suunto Oy
Priority date: 2014-11-20
Filing date: 2014-11-20
Publication date: 2016-05-25
Anticipated expiration: 2034-11-20
Also published as: GB2532477B; HK1221023A1; GB201420637D0

Abstract

A sports watch said watch comprises an interface for receiving movement information from at least one sensor. There are at least two display modes, wherein at least one mode is a sport mode configured to display sport-specific data. A method of selecting the appropriate mode comprises detecting a sport event based on the movement information received from the at least one sensor; and selecting the sport mode according to the detected sport event.

Description

AUTOMATIC INFORMATION SELECTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to wrist-top computers. In particular, the present invention relates to a 5 method, a sports watch and a computer program for selecting the information displayed on a sports watch.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The sports watch is a small microcontroller-operated device, for example a wrist-top computer which can be used for monitoring and/or tracking sports exercises. The recorded sports exercise data may be transmitted to the Internet and shared with other users or athletes. Results are usually compared with other users. Recorded tracks may be saved and assigned as events by users, wherein the user must manually indicate a track, route, path or any kind of comparable criteria or performance information to the computer. In this context the comparable sport information is an event.

The sports watch is a relatively small device with a limited screen size. The user interface is usually operated with a few buttons that are operable during a sport exercise such as running -thus limiting the number of buttons and increasing the size of the buttons. The sports watch must be robust enough to withstand all various elements encountered during the sports exercise. The user must press buttons in order to change the display mode, thus making the operation difficult for the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect discloses a method for selecting the information displayed on a sports watch, said watch comprising an interface for receiving movement information from at least one sensor, a display and at least two display modes, wherein at least one mode is a sport mode configured to display sport-specific data. A sport event is detected based on the movement information received from the at least one sensor; and the sport mode is selected according to the detected sport event. In an embodiment the sports watch comprises a positioning sensor providing positioning information and a wireless communication interface for receiving wireless sensor information. The wireless communication interface may be used to transmit and receive data.

In an embodiment the interface for receiving movement information from at least one sensor is integrated into the sports watch. At least one sensor may be integrated into the sports watch, wherein the sports watch may comprise at least one sensor providing movement information. In one embodiment the method comprises receiving wireless sensor information from a wireless sensor via said wireless communication interface; comparing the wireless sensor information to predefined reference data, and when the wireless sensor information corresponds to the predefined reference data; detecting and selecting the sport event according to the result of the comparison. The wireless sensor may be purposed for a specific sport, wherein detecting a specific sport from the context of the wireless sensor enables the sports watch to select the sport mode. The precefined reference data enables detecting the correct sport mode. In one embodiment the method comprises detecting at least two wireless sensors and selecting the sport mode corresponding to the at least two wireless sensors. The combination of sensor types may enable detecting the suitable sport mode. For example a wind sensor alone is suitable for archery and sailing but the combination of wind sensor and speed sensor enables to limit the sport mode to sailing. The detection of suitable sport mode may be improved by detecting further sensors.

In one embodiment the method comprises 5 connecting the sports watch to a database of performance reference data via the wireless communication interface; and receiving performance reference data from the database. In one embodiment the method comprises the sports watch collecting 10 performance data comprising movement information for a predefined period, comparing the performance data to the performance reference data and storing the performance data in the memory if the collected data is detected as a sport event.

In one embodiment the method comprises the sports watch collecting performance data to a circular buffer, comparing the collected performance data to the performance reference data, wherein the performance reference data comprises a typical value range, detecting the sport event data exceeding the typical value range and storing the sport event as a special sport event.

A second aspect discloses a sports watch comprising a display having at least two display modes, wherein at least one mode is a sport mode configured to display sport-specific data; at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer program code operating together with the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: select the information displayed on a sports watch. According to the invention the at least one processor causes the apparatus to perform at least the following: detect a sport event based on the movement information received from the at least one sensor; and select the sport mode according to the detected sport event. The sports watch may comprise various sensor configurations, for example a positioning sensor providing positioning information, a motion sensor and a wireless communication interface for receiving wireless sensor information. The sports watch comprises an interface for receiving sensor information from various sources, for example from internal sensors integrated into the sports watch.

In one embodiment the at least one processor causes the apparatus to receive wireless sensor information from a wireless sensor via said wireless communication interface; compare the wireless sensor information to predefined reference data, and when the wireless sensor information corresponds to the predefined reference data; detect and select the sport event according to the result of the comparison.

In one embodiment the at least one processor causes the apparatus to detect at least two wireless sensors and select the sport mode corresponding to the 20 at least two wireless sensors.

In one embodiment the at least one processor causes the sports watch to connect to a database of performance reference data via the wireless communication interface and receive performance reference data from the database.

In one embodiment the at least one processor causes the apparatus to detect the wireless communication interface being connectable to a database of performance references and to receive the performance reference data.

In one embodiment the at least one processor causes the apparatus to collect performance data comprising movement information for a predefined period, to compare the performance data to the performance reference data and to store the performance data in the memory if the collected data is detected as a sport event.

In one embodiment the at least one processor causes the apparatus to collect performance data to a circular buffer, to compare the collected performance data to the performance reference data, wherein the performance reference data comprises a typical value range, to detect the sport event data exceeding the typical value range and to store the sport event as a special sport event.

A third aspect discloses a non-transitory computer program comprising computer program code embodied on a tangible computer-readable medium, the computer program code configured to carry out the method as described hereinbefore.

The embodiments of the invention described hereinbefore may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the invention. A method, an apparatus, a computer program or a computer program product to which the invention is related may comprise at least one of the embodiments of the invention described hereinbefore. It is to be understood that any of the above embodiments or modifications can be applied singly or in combination to the respective aspects to which they refer, unless they are explicitly stated as excluding alternatives.

The present invention simplifies the user interface of the sports watch, requiring fewer actions from the user and still being able to visualize 30 interesting facts for the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included 35 to provide a further understanding of the invention and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments cf the invention and together with the description help to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: Figures 1-4 are flowcharts illustrating functions of embodiments according to the invention Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a sports watch.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Figure 5 illustrates a schematic picture of a sports watch according to one embodiment. The sports watch 1 comprises a housing 2 carrying a display 3. The housing 2 is attached to a wristband 4. The sports watch comprises means for user interaction, such as buttons 5 in the exemplary device. In alternative preferred embodiments, other forms of inputs can also be used, such as touch screens, dials, remote transmissions, etc. The display 3 is adapted to show information to the user.

The sports watch 1 comprises sensors arranged to the housing or sensor that are connectable to the housing wirelessly or ir some embodiments by wire. A positioning sensor provides positioning information. Examples of the positioning sensor are a compass sensor or sensors configured to acquire a position from satellite positioning systems such as GPS, GLONASS or Galileo; indoor positioning systems acquiring the information from a cell network, Wi-Fi network or from any indoor beacon system. The motion sensor is for example an inertial sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope sensor, A MEMS sensor or a sensor for measuring acceleration, tilt, shock, vibration, rotation, and a multiple degrees-of-freedom sensor.

The sports watch comprises a wireless communication interface for connecting to the sensor and receiving wireless sensor information. The interface may be NFC, RFID, Bluetooth, Wi-FI or a similar close perimeter communication. Examples of sensors connectable to the sports watch are a heart rate sensor, cycle speed sensor, cadence sensor, wind speed sensor or the like. The wireless communication interface may also be configured to connect to an IP network via a mobile data connection for receiving and transmitting data. Examples of a mobile data connection are transmission technologies such as GSM, GPRS, 3G, LTE or any other means of cellular communication. The wireless communication interface may be connectable to the IP network also via a short range connection to the mobile phone and using the mobile phone's data connection entering the IP network.

The sports watch may be part of a personal network, wherein the personal network may comprise devices or sensors connected to the sports watch wirelessly or via a wired connection. The sperts watch may utilize the information provided by other devices as the personal network enables the sensor data to be transmitted between devices connected to the personal network. For example a mobile phone or a smart phone may be connected to the sports watch, wherein the positioning data acquired by the mobile phone is sent to the sports watch. The data received by the sports watch may be sent to other devices; for example, the sports watch may receive heart rate data from a heart rate sensor and send the heart rate data information to be displayed on the mobile phone. Examples of sensors connectable to the personal network are: a cadence sensor for measuring a pedaling rate, a power meter or a wheel speed sensor for a cycle; sailing sensors such as a wind speed sensor or a wind direction sensor; any suitable sensor on a motor vehicle such as a positioning sensor. Devices on the personal network may be connected by a Bluetooth, Bluetooth LE, ANT+ or any other wireless connection interface that may support a low power transmission technology.

The sports watch comprises several sport modes configured for certain sports, wherein the sport mode may seek a predefined sensor configuration or display characteristics most suitable for that sport. Sport modes may be preconfigured for the sports watch or the user may configure additional sport modes with a desired sensor configuration, display appearance and/or values to be calculated by the sports watch. One of the display modes may be a traditional watch mode, where the display shows the time and/or date.

Figure 1 illustrates a flowchart with functions of one embodiment according to the invention. In step 101 the movement information is detected from the sensors. The movement may be detected from the GPS sensor, compass sensor or from the accelerometer. In this example the information received is typical for a certain sport that can be detected from the speed of moving, repeating cycles, directions -all indicating if the user is for example walking, running or cycling. Sensor data is checked in step 102 for whether additional data can be acquired -for example the low temperature enabling certain winter sports or altimeter data combined with temperature and speed indicates downhill skiing. In step 103 the sports watch selects automatically the display for a correct sport mode.

Figure 2 illustrates a similar starting point in steps 201 and 202 as with Figure 1, steps 101 and 102. In step 203 the sports watch checks wireless sensors. For example by detecting a cadence sensor A in step 204 and a cycle speed sensor B in step 205, the sports watch has the information that sensors related to cycling are active, since the cadence sensor transmits data and the wheel of the bicycle is spinning. In step 206 the sports watch selects a correct sport mode, which in this example relates to cycling. The cycling sport mode may be a default mode predefined in the sports watch or it may be modified and later installed in the sports watch by the user by using a computer implemented tool provided with the sports watch.

Figure 3 illustrates a flowchart where the sports watch collects data from sensors, step 301. In this example the wireless communication interface is connected to the database of performance references, step 302. The sports watch sends the performance data to the server in the IP network that is connected to a database of performance references, step 303. The database comprises previous sport performances from multiple users that have uploaded their sport performances to the database. Some performances have been stored as events -similar tracks or routes that many users can use and compare their results with each other. Events can be categorized according to age, gender or other suitable category. In step 304 the performance data sent by the sports watch is compared to the data of other performances. If the database comprises a matching event, it assigns the performance of the user as participating in the event automatically or prompts the user of whether the performance should be assigned as an event, s:_ep 305.

Figure 4 illustrates a flowchart, wherein the sports watch collects data to a circular buffer memory, step 401. The circular buffer refers to a data structure that uses a single, fixed-size buffer as if it was connected end-to-end, wherein the data is stored according to the First-In-First-Out principle. With a similar arrangement as in the example of Figure 3, the data is transmitted to the database of performance data. Within the database, the performance data is categorized and compared with the normal distribution of performances from other sports watch users. If the database detects that, compared to the group, the event is outside the normal range, step 402, the database indicates the sports watch to store data from the circular buffer as a special sport event. The information is saved rather than written over as with regular ring buffer usage. Examples of special events are jogging at unusual hours, a running time considerably faster than the user's average age group, a heart rate lower than others, faster recovery, etc. This function enables the user to highlight remarkable performances automatically or the sports watch may prompt the user to notify an extraordinary performance. It helps the user to record data even after the performance, even if he/she has forgotten to start recording the performance before the exercise. Later the user may browse the performance for example on a desktop computer, wherein special events are already highlighted.

In an embodiment the start time, end time, stating position or the finishing position of the special event is marked in the data stored in the circular buffer memory. The data may be transported from the circular buffer memory to the database or to the non-volatile memory of the sports watch, wherein the marked data is stored with the circular buffer data. The data stored may be starting from a predetermined period before detecting the special event and/or after detecting the special event.

According to various embodiments, the performance data, event data, move data or any chosen period data may be stored in the sports watch and transferred to a computer or a smart phone. The transferred data may be modified with the marked data. For example the start time and position of a running performance may be identified when a change in the speed is detected.

Changes in speed may indicate that the runner has stopped walking or has arrived to the location by car. As another example, a hiking event may be marked if the speed of the hiker is detected as being above reasonable limits, such as when the hiker has continued in a car and the speed exceeds 20km/h. The position information may be detected near a highway generally not allowed for walking, wherein the user of the sports watch may be on a motored vehicle. In an embodiment the sports watch may detect sensor data having a context with automobiles, such as the car position sensor, and mark the detection of the new sensor data. Other examples of detectable car related sensor data that may be used are the engine revcounter, oil pressure, gear, speed, accelerometer or temperature sensor. The event to be detected may be related to motorsports. The detected event data is saved on the sports watch. The performance may be easily limited to the actual performance afterwards as the performance is later viewed on a computer or smart phone. The marked position highlights at least one position or time where the surrounding parameters have changed. This may alleviate the problem where the user has not remembered to start or stop the recording of the sports data at a correct time. The problem could result in distorted performance data; for example, the average speed may calculate actions such as the user driving a car when the recorded event is purposed for running.

In an embodiment of the invention the 35 invention is implemented as computer software that is configured to execute the method and independent features described above when the computer software is executed on a computing device. The computer software may be embodied on a computer readable medium or distributed in a network such as the Internet. In one example the computer software is executed in the sports watch or in the server from a cloud computing environment.

Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in software, hardware, application logic or a combination of software, hardware and application logic. In an example embodiment, the application logic, software or instruction set is maintained on any one of various conventional computer-readable media. In the context of this document, a "computer-readable medium" may be any media or means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate or transport the instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer. A computer-readable medium may comprise a computer-readable storage medium that may be any media or means that can contain or store the instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer. The exemplary embodiments can store information relating to various processes described herein. This information can be stored in one or more memories, such as a hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, RAM, and the like. One or more databases can store the information used to implement the exemplary embodiments of the present inventions. The databases can be organized using data structures (e.g., records, tables, arrays, fields, graphs, trees, lists, and the like) included in one or more memories or storage devices listed herein. The processes described with respect to the exemplary embodiments can include appropriate data structures for storing data collected and/or generated by the processes of the devices and subsystems of the exemplary embodiments in one or more databases.

All or a portion of the exemplary embodiments can be conveniently implemented using one or more general purpose processors, microprocessors, digital signal processors, micro-controllers, and the like, programmed according to the teachings of the exemplary embodiments of the present inventions, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the computer and/or software art(s). Appropriate software can be readily prepared by programmers of ordinary skill based on the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the software art. In addition, the exemplary embodiments can be implemented by the preparation of application-specific integrated circuits or by interconnecting an appropriate network of conventional component circuits, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the electrical art(s). Thus, the exemplary embodiments are not limited to any specific combination of hardware and/or software.

If desired, the different functions discussed herein may be performed in a different order and/or concurrently with each other.

Furthermore, if desired, one or more of the above-described functions may be optional or may be combined. Although various aspects of the invention are set out in the independent claims, other aspects of the invention comprise other combinations of features from the described embodiments and/or the dependent claims with the features of the independent claims, and not solely the combinations explicitly set out in the claims.

It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that with the advancement of technology, the basic 35 idea of the invention may be implemented in various ways. The invention and its embodiments are thus not limited to the examples described above; instead they may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method for selecting the information displayed on a sports watch, said sports watch 5 comprising: an interface for receiving movement information from at least one sensor; a display having at least two display modes, wherein at least one mode is a sport mode configured to display sport-specific data, characterized by the method comprising detecting a sport event based on the movement information received from the at least one sensor; and selecting the sport mode according to the 15 detected sport event.
2. A method according to claim 1, characterized by the sports watch comprising a wireless communication interface for receiving wireless sensor information from a wireless sensor and the method comprises receiving wireless sensor information from a wireless sensor via said wireless communication interface; comparing the wireless sensor information to predefined reference data, and when the wireless sensor information corresponds to the predefined reference data; detecting and selecting the sport event 30 according to the result of the comparison.
3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by detecting at least two wireless sensors and selecting the sport mode corresponding to 35 the at least two wireless sensors.
4. A method according to any of the claims 1 to 3, characterized by connecting the sports watch to a database of performance reference data via the wireless 5 communication interface; and receiving performance reference data from the database.
5. A method according to any of the claims 1 10 to 4, characterized by the sports watch collecting performance data comprising movement information for a predefined period, comparing the performance data to the 15 performance reference data and storing the performance data in the memory if the collected data is detected as a sport event.
6. A method according to any of the claims 1 20 to 5, characterized by the sports watch collecting performance data to a circular buffer, comparing the collected performance data to the performance reference data, wherein the 25 performance reference data comprises a typical value range, detecting the sport event data exceeding the typical value range and storing the sport event as a special sport event.
7. A sports watch comprising: an interface for receiving movement information from at least one sensor; a display having at least two display modes, wherein at least one mode is a sport mode configured to display sport-specific data, at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code operating together with the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: select the information displayed on a sports watch, detect a sport event based on the movement information received from the at least one sensor; and select the sport mode according to the 15 detected sport event.
8. A sports watch according to claim 7, characterized by comprising a wireless communication interface for receiving wireless sensor information from a wireless sensor and the at least one memory and the computer program code operating together with the at least one processor cause the apparatus to receive wireless sensor information from a wireless sensor via said wireless communication 25 interface; compare the wireless sensor information to predefined reference data, and when the wireless sensor information corresponds to the predefined reference data; and detect and select the sport event according to the result of the comparison.
9. A sports watch according to claims 7 or 8, characterized by the at least one memory and the 35 computer program code operating together with the at least one processor cause the apparatus to detect at least two wireless sensors and select the sport mode corresponding to the at least two wireless sensors.
10. A sports watch according to any of the 5 claims 7 to 9, characterized by the at least one memory and the computer program code operating together with the at least one processor cause the sports watch to connect to a database of performance reference data via the wireless communication 10 interface and receive performance reference data from the database.
11. A sports watch according to any of the claims 7 to 10, characterized by the at least one memory and the computer program code operating together with the at least one processor cause the apparatus to detect the wireless communication interface being connectable to the database of performance references and to receive the performance reference data.
12. A sports watch according to any of the claims 7 to 11, characterized by the at least one memory and the computer program code operating together with the at least one processor cause the apparatus to collect performance data comprising movement information for a predefined period, compare the performance data to the performance reference data and to store the performance data in the memory if the collected data is detected as a sport event.
13. A sports watch according to any of the claims 7 to 12, characterized by the at least one memory and the computer program code operating together with the at least one processor cause the apparatus to collect performance data to a circular buffer, to compare the collected performance data to the performance reference data, wherein the performance reference data comprises a typical value range, to detect the sport event data exceeding the typical value range and to store the sport event as a special sport event.
14. A non-transitory computer program comprising computer program code embodied on a tangible computer-readable medium, the computer program code configured to carry out the method of any of claims 1 to 6.