GB2536791A

GB2536791A - Weight distribution analysis

Info

Publication number: GB2536791A
Application number: GB1602770.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rees Emily
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-02-18
Filing date: 2016-02-17
Publication date: 2016-09-28
Also published as: GB201502733D0; GB201602770D0

Abstract

Analysing a weight distribution of a seated person 6, e.g. a horse rider or equestrian, using sensors 1, e.g. provided in a sensor mat, pad, or membrane. Sensor data is collected using a data acquisition device 2, e.g. a mobile device or smartphone, to provide a communication, e.g. visually, audibly or in a tactile form, relating to the measured weight distribution. Feedback may be provided in real-time or live, so a rider may adjust their posture immediately. Feedback may be tailored or customised according to the user's level of experience or expertise. A gyroscope and/or accelerometer may be included, a fall may be detected, and an alert generated. Also claimed is a saddle comprising pressure sensor(s) for detecting a pressure exerted on its seating surface.

Description

Weight Distribution Analysis This invention relates generally to posture analysis and, more particularly, to the posture of a seated person. The invention is particularly suited for, but not limited to, use in detecting the weight distribution of a horse rider seated in a saddle. The invention may also be used in other contexts such as, for example, the analysis of a wheelchair user's posture. The invention can also be sued to detect a fall -either of a wheelchair user or animal rider, or of the animal.

Posture concerns the position of an individual's body or its composite parts. Good posture results in minimal strain being placed on supporting muscles and ligaments during movement or weight-bearing activities. Conversely, poor posture increases such strain and can give rise to various problematic and potentially painful conditions.

With respect to horse riding, good posture and an even weight distribution is essential for effective rider-horse communication. Moreover, the rider's posture can have a direct impact on the welfare of the horse because an itnbalanced riding position can increase stress and strain on the horse's body which, in turn, increases the risk of back and spine problems, poor muscle development and even lameness. Therefore, it is important for the rider and horse alike that the rider is balanced correctly in the saddle.

Correct posture can be difficult to learn and can require much expert training and assistance. This is especially true for disabled riders who often find it difficult to maintain a balanced position.

The PLIANCE® system from Novel GmbH measures the dynamic pressure distribution between the saddle and the horse using a thin elastic sensor mat comprising 2 x 128 sensors. The mat is positioned between the saddle and the horse's back. Pressure-related data is gathered from the sensors during a ride using a device worn around the rider's waist. After the ride, the data is uploaded to a Windows-based PC running specially adapted software. The software uses the data gathered from the sensor mat to identify any gait asymmetry of the horse which may be associated with physiological back problems or poor saddle fit. As the system measures pressure distribution under the saddle this data does not necessarily relate to the rider's posture because other factors, such as saddle fit, can affect the under-saddle pressure points. Moreover, as it is designed for the post-ride assessment of saddle fitting, it does not provide a solution for generating in-ride information relating to the rider's posture.

Similarly, the Medilogic® and TekScan® saddle systems provide a similar PC-based arrangements comprising a sensor pad which is positioned under the saddle so as to measure saddle fit and pressure between the horse and the underside of the saddle. Other systems have been disclosed for providing means of measming the pressure between the underside of a saddle and a horse's back: EP2490590, DE102007030583, U55375397. None of these provide the app-based advantages of the present invention.

Thus, it is desirable to provide a tool which can monitor, detect and analyse the weight distribution of a seated individual. Ideally, such a tool would be able to provide on-going and continuous feedback to enable the individual to adapt and improve their posture. Moreover, such a solution would be less expensive to manufacture that prior art technologies, and also be easy and intuitive to use for the rider and/or a trainer. Further still, such a solution would be portable and mobile so that it can be used wherever it is required, such as outside on a field, thus providing a flexible and adaptable analysis tool. Ideally, the solution would be suitable for use with off-the-shelf computing devices, such as tablet computers and smart phones, which are small, lightweight, portable and in common usage. Also, such a solution would preferably have the ability to detect a fall and generate an alert which can be used to call for help.

Such an improved solution has now been devised.

Thus, in accordance with the present invention there is provided a solution as defined in the appended claims.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a posture analysis system.

Preferably, the system comprises: one or more sensors for measuring the weight distribution of a rider on a horse or other animal; an app-based component for a handheld computing device, the component arranged and configured to use data generated by the one or more sensors to provide a communication relating to the weight distribution of the rider on the horse or other Thus, the invention may provide an apparatus for sensing, measuring, and/or analysing the pressure excited on the back of a horse. The horse may be a simulator. It may be a mechanical horse or bull or riding training device. The invention can be used to detect. weight distributions which might otherwise cause stress to an animal and affect its physical welfare. As an additional benefit, it may also assist the rider in learning correct or improved posture.

As the solution is app-based, the component may be downloaded to the device for installation thereon. The app-based aspect of the invention provides several benefits in that it can be used with handheld, portable devices which are in common usage today. Thus, the user does not need to obtain any specialised hardware in order to use the invention. 20 Moreover, as the data is stored on the user's mobile device it may be readily combined and integrated with other app-based solutions stored on the device. As the functionality and interfaces of app-based solutions are familiar to most mobile device users, the app-based nature of the invention provides an intuitive arrangement which is easy for users to learn and use.

Preferably, the one or more sensors are provided in or on a saddle or other appliance arranged to be carried by the animal.

Preferably, the system further comprises a data acquisition device arranged and configured 30 to: collect the data from the one or more sensors; transmit the data to the handheld computing device.

The data acquisition device may be arranged and configured to transmit the data wirelessly to the handheld computing device. The data acquisition device may comprise a battery. It may comprise memory for storing the data. It may receive the data from the sensors via wired or wireless means. The data acquisition device may be attached to the rider, or may be carried on/in the saddle, or on/in a saddle cloth.

The data may be transmitted wirelessly from the data acquisition device to the handheld computing device. In one embodiment, the device is arranged and configured so that it can establish a wireless communication session with the handheld computing device. This may be, for example, a Bluetooth connection. Additionally or alternatively, the device may be arranged to transmit data using iBeacon technology, NEC, WiFi or RE technology. The invention is not intended to be limited by the wireless protocol(s) used for transmission of the data.

The communication may relate to the weight distribution of the rider as measured by the one or more sensors, relative to the saddle or horse.

The sensor may be any type of sensor known in the art. The sensor may measure pressure exerted by the rider's body at a particular location on the saddle. For example, it may be a mechanical sensor or an electrical sensor. A combination of sensor types may be used. Thus, the sensor(s) may detect and measure the pressure excited on the upper (scat) surface of the saddle as opposed to the underside of the saddle (facing the horse's back).

As the sensor(s) are provided between the saddle and the rider (as opposed to between the horse and the rider in the prior art) a more accurate analysis of the rider's weight distribution can be provided using fewer sensors. Advantageously, this reduces the cost and complexity of the invention compared with prior art arrangements and also reduces the weight of the invention.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, fewer than 100 sensors may be provided. Preferably, fewer than 10 sensors may be provided.

The handheld computing device may be a tablet computer, smart phone or any other mobile device having a processor and associated memory. This provides the benefit that die invention is mobile and can thus be used in a variety of situations and environments not possible with the prior art arrangements. For example, it may be held by a trainer who is working with a rider.

The app-based component may be a mobile app. Thus, the handheld computing device (which may be referred to as a 'mobile' device) may have a software component installed on it to enable it to receive data from the acquisition device and generate the communication in one or more formats. It may comprise an interface to enable the user (eg rider or trainer) to configure and control the invention.

The app-based component may receive data generated by the one or more sensors either directly or via the data acquisition device. Processing of the sensor data may be performed on the data acquisition device, or on the handheld computing device (perhaps by the app-based component) or by both.

The handheld computing device may comprise one or more input mechanisms such as a keypad, keyboard or microphone. It may comprise one or more presentation arrangements such as a screen, a vibration mechanism and/or a speaker. The screen may be a touch screen. The handheld/mobile device may be arranged and configured for wireless communication via the intemet or a telecommunications network, or Bluetooth, or any other wireless transmission protocol.

The communication may be provided in visual, audible and/or tactile form. It may be communicated to a user (rider) on the horse or not on the horse (e2 a trainer or coach). The different forms of communication provide a more versatile arrangement than those known in the art. For example, an audible communication can assist a blind rider who would not be able to read a visual communication on a screen. A tactile communication may assist a deaf rider.

The visual communication may be provided in die form of dots or markers shown on a graphical representation. The graphical representation may show a segmented view corresponding to the saddle, with markers indicating where pressure is detected by the sensor(s). The markers may be colour coded to indicate the amount of pressure detected.

Thus, the number, location and/or colour of the markers may provide information about the rider's weight distribution. For example, if the communication shows that a significant amount of weight is being placed on the front left portion of the saddle, the ride can adjust their position to provide a more even distribution.

The tactile communication may be provided in the form of vibration. The vibration may be generated on the computing device and/or one or more further devices. For example, one or more vibrational devices may be provided on a mat positioned between the rider and the horse so that the rider can feel the location of the vibration and adjust his/her position in the saddle accordingly. The vibrational devices may be provided within the same mat or carrying body as the one or more sensors. Additionally or alternatively, the vibrational devices (s) may be worn on the user's body. The vibrational device(s) may be in wired or wireless communication with the mobile computing device and/or the data acquisition unit.

Preferably, the communication provides information relating to the weight distribution of the rider relative to the saddle. The communication may provide guidance as to how the rider is currently positioned (and thus how their weight is currently distributed relative to the saddle) and/or may provide corrective guidance as to how the rider should re-position their body, (to re-distribute their weight) relative to the saddle in order to provide a correct or at least improved riding posture. For example, the communication may advise the rider to sit more to the back of the saddle and to the right.

Preferably, the system is arranged to collect the data iteratively to enable continuous and/or real-time communication during a ride. Thus, the communication is modified in a dynamic manner as the weight distribution of the rider alters. Thus, the feedback is virtually instantaneous. A 'ride' may be a period or duration of time during which the rider's weight distribution is sensed or detected in the saddle by the sensors. The real-time, in-ride provision of feedback is a significant benefit of the invention because it allows the rider to adjust their posture immediately and receive on-going feedback as a result of that adjustment. This means that the rider is able to experience what 'correct' posture feels like while in the saddle and is, therefore, more likely to be able to replicate that posture during a subsequent ride. This is an improvement over prior art arrangements which only provide the communication after the ride has been completed.

The sensors may be arranged to measure the pressure exerted on the horse across an area of the horse's back. Each sensor may measure the pressure at a particular location within that area. Preferably, the one or more sensors are carried partially or completely in or on a body such as a pad, membrane or mat. The body comprising the sensors may be contoured and/or deformable to conform to the shape of the saddle. It may be proportioned or dimensioned so as to cover substantially the area of the saddle seat. Thus, the invention may be smaller in size than prior art arrangements which are provided beneath the saddle and cover a larger area.

The sensors may be incorporated into a cushion or 'seat saver' designed to fit between the saddle and the rider. A plurality of sensors may be interconnected to provide a mesh which is placed within the mat. One or more sensors may be removable from the mat.

Additionally or alternatively, one or more sensors may be permanently connected to the mat. The sensors may be provided in or on a neoprene mat.

The communication may be adjustable and/or customised relative to the ability and/or experience of the rider. For example, the communication provided by the invention for a novice rider may be different from that provided to an experienced rider. This provides the benefit that the information or instruction provided by the invention is of greater utility to the rider. The invention may be configured to enable a user to indicate a level of riding experience. The level of experience may then be used to determine a zone or area of acceptable weight distribution ('sweet spot') for that level of experience. The zone of acceptable weight distribution for a more advanced rider may be larger than that which is acceptable for a less experienced rider. Corrective guidance may be communicated to the user/rider if the data received from the sensor(s) indicates that the rider's weight is outside die zone deemed appropriate for their indicated level of experience. The invention may enable a user to change their indicated level of experience.

The invention may be referred to as an app-based system. It may comprise one or more 5 cloud-based components. For example, data generated by the invention may be stored and/or processed remotely in the cloud. The invention may be configured for use by one or more users. The user(s) may be required to register with the system and to log into it eg via the handheld device before use. The user may be required to authenticate with the system prior to use. Data relating to the user and/or horse may be stored by the invention 10 either on the handheld device or on a remote computing device such as a server. The handheld device may be configured for wireless communication with the server.

The system may further comprise at least one gyroscope arranged or positioned to enable calculation of the position or tilt of the rider and/or horse.

The system may further comprise at least one accelerometer arranged or positioned to detect acceleration or deceleration of the horse.

The system may be arranged and configured to detect a fall event of the rider from the 20 horse, preferably wherein the system is arranged to generate and/or transmit an alert to a remote destination.

Also in accordance with the invention there is provided a method corresponding to the system as defined above. Features described above in relation to the system of the 25 invention may also be applicable to the method and vice versa.

The method comprising the step of arranging an app-based component for a handheld computing device to: receive data generated by one or more sensors for measuring the weight distribution of the rider on a horse; and use the data to provide a communication relating to the weight distribution of the rider on the horse.

Preferably, the one or more sensors are provided in or on a saddle.

The method may further comprise die steps: collecting the data from the one or more sensors in a data acquisition device; transmitting the data from the data acquisition device to the mobile computing device.

The communication may be provided in visual, audible and/or tactile form. Preferably, the communication is adjustable or customised relative to the ability and/or experience of the rider. The data may be collected so as to enable continuous and/or real-time provision of the communication during a ride. The one or more sensors may be carried, partially or completely, in or on a body such as a pad, membrane or mat Also in accordance with the invention there is provided a kit of parts comprising: a body such as a pad, mat or, membrane comprising a plurality of sensors and configured to conform or adapt to the contours of (the upper portion or surface of) a horse's saddle; a data acquisition device arranged and configured to collect data from the plurality of sensors; and a saddle cloth arranged to carry, enclose or hold the data acquisition device.

Also according to the invention there is provided a horse saddle comprising a plurality of sensors arranged to detect the weight distribution of a horse rider, the sensors being carried in or on the saddle. The saddle may further comprise a data acquisition device arranged and configured to collect data from the plurality of sensors. The data acquisition device may be arranged and configured to transmit the data to a handheld computing device.

The invention is not intended to he limited for use with equine-related uses. It may also he used in relation to a seated user of a device. The device may be a mechanical horse or bull. 30 It may be, for example, a wheelchair. It may be an item of sporting equipment.

Thus, also in accordance with the invention there is provided a method comprising the step of arranging an app-based component for a handheld computing device to: receive data generated by one or more sensors for measuring the weight distribution of a user carried on a seating platform; and use the data to provide a communication relating to the weight distribution of the user on the seating platform.

The handheld computing device may comprise an app-based component as described above. The one or more sensors may be provided in or on the seating platform.

The seating platform may be a saddle or part of a chair. The user may be a rider of an animal or device. The seating platform may form part of a wheelchair or vehicle.

It should be noted that one or more features described above in relation to one aspect or embodiment of the invention may also be applicable to one or more other aspects or embodiments of the invention. For the sake of brevity and clarity, features described in relation to the first aspect of the invention may not have been repeated above in relation to the other aspects or embodiments but the invention is not intended to he thus limited.

Thus, the invention provides a cost-effective, lightweight, mobile and flexible solution for 20 providing real-time detection and measurement of a seated user's weight distribution.

These and other aspects of the present invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to, the embodiment described herein. An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompany 25 drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an illustrative embodiment of the invention in use.

Figures 2 to 12 show examples of screens which the user may be presented with by a user 30 interface provided in conjunction with an illustrative embodiment of the invention installed on a mobile phone.

Figure 2 shows a menu screen which may be presented to the user, requiring the user to register with the system prior to first use, or log into the system prior to use after registration.

Figure 3 shows a menu screen which may be presented to the user to enable the user to register with the system. The user's details such as name, user name and password can be entered via such a screen.

Figure 4 shows a menu screen which may be presented to the user to enable the user to 10 choose options such as pairing the handheld device to the data acquisition device, reviewing an existing ride, adding a new horse to the user's profile, or recording a new ride.

Figure 5 shows a menu screen which may be presented to the user to enable the user to 15 register a new horse with the user's profile. This may be arrived at by choosing the 'new horse' option from the screen shown in Figure 4.

Figure 6 shows a menu screen which may be presented to the user to indicate and store a rider's experience level.

Figure 7 shows a menu screen which may be presented to the user to let the user review data generated and stored during a previously recorded ride. The recorded rides are stored according to horse and/or date recorded.

Figure 8 shows a menu screen which may be presented to the user when a data from a new (ie not previously recoded) ride is to be generated and stored.

Figure 9 shows a menu screen which may he presented to the user during a 'visual' ride. A video of the ride is shown, presenting the rider's weight distribution in a dynamic graphical 30 representation.

Figure 10 shows a menu screen which may be presented to the user during an 'audio' ride during which the data is communicated in audio form.

Figure 11 shows a menu screen which may be presented to the user in accordance with an 5 embodiment of the invention, and illustrates the weight distribution of the rider using markers positioned on a segmented representation of the saddle.

Figure 12 shows a menu screen which may be presented to the user to enable the user to update his/her stored details.

Figure 13 shows a schematic of one illustrative embodiment of the invention, comprising 8 pressure sensors, a programmable microcontroller and a (Bluetooth) transmission cornponent.

Figure 14 shows an illustration of how an embodiment of the invention may represent the weigh( distribution of a horse rider in a graphical form, and shows the 'sweet spot' zone within which the weight distribution should lie.

The following embodiment describes the invention being used in relation to a horse and 20 rider. It should be noted that the invention is not intended to be thus limited. A wheelchair or other seated appliance may be used and fall within the scope of the invention.

As shown in Figure 1, an illustrative embodiment of the invention comprises a neoprene mat which houses a number of electric sensors, although any type or sensor can be used.

This may be referred to as the 'sensor mat' 1. In one embodiment of the invention there are 8 sensors carried by, in or on the mat 1. Each sensor detects and measures the rider's weight at a particular point on the saddle 3.

The sensors are in communication with a battery-powered acquisition device 2 carried on 30 the horse 5 or rider 6 so that data gathered by the sensors 1 can be collected and processed. In one embodiment, the acquisition device 2 is held within a pocket provided on a saddle cloth 4 which is placed over the horse's back, under the saddle.

The acquisition device 2 comprises a board which carries various components such as those shown in Figure 13: 1. The sensor component This component is used to take the sensor readings from the FSRs (Force Sensing Resistor) and feed them into the processing component 2. The power component This supplies power to the sensor component, processing component and the transmission component 3. The processing component 15 This is a small microcontroller unit. 15 such as, for example, an Arduino mini. In one embodiment, the board has 8 analogue inputs which allows 8 pressure sensors 17 to be connected so that their readings can be collected for processing. The board 15 can be powered by 9V and 5V. The board is programmed and handles the transmission to the Bluetooth modules 4. The transmission component 16 the transmission component 16 connects to the processing component 15 (microcontroller). In one embodiment, the transmission component 16 is a Bluetooth module which handles the connection to the handheld device (not shown in Figure 13). The Bluetooth module 16 may transmit to the phone anything that it receives from the microcontroller 15, and may can also receive commands from the handheld device for transmission to the microcontroller.

The sensor mat 1 can be placed directly onto the saddle 3 or, more preferably, it is incorporated into a pad or cushion such as a 'saddle saver'. Saddle savers are used by horse riders to provide additional comfort during a ride. The rider 6 places the saddle saver on top of the saddle 3 and then the rider 6 sits on top of the saddle saver. In one or more embodiments, the saddle saver is adapted to receive the sensor mat. This provides comfort for the rider. Importantly, the sensor mat is positioned between the rider and the saddle.

When a horse rider's weight is correctly distributed on the horse's back, this position is sometimes referred to as the 'sweet spot'. The sweet spot area 18 is illustrated in Figure 14. This is the position in which the rider is correctly balanced on the horse. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the sweet spot is calculated using a formula which lakes the pressure readings from the sensors as follows: In this formula ii is the number of sensors. xi is the value retrieved from the pressure sensor. This value is always a positive value and in one embodiment it ranges from 10 to 1024. wi is the weight of the sensor. One or more sensors may be deemed to be more important than others and thus may be given a weight. In some embodiments, the weight is 1 for all the sensors but this can be increased based on the importance of the sensor concerned. For example, if the sensors at the back of the saddle are more important than those at the front, they can be given a weight of, say, 1.2. This will ensure that the pressure exerted on the back sensors is given more significance.

In one embodiment, the calculation of the 'Sweet Spot' is required in X and Y coordinates.

To determine the X and Y coordinate of the sweet spot the following equations may be used: Van.

S.=1" 2 2 X = ysz s yrs Tin q.

where Si is the pressure exerted on the sensors and xiyi is the location of the sensors.

In order to improve the performance of the equation, when the sensors are moved, the xi v must be changed to reflect the placement of the sensors.

In one or more embodiments, the invention can also comprise one or more gyroscopes. These permit the app to interpret the weight distribution of the rider by taking into consideration the position and tilt of the rider and/or horse. An advantage of this feature is that it enables the system to understand or detect when die amount of pressure on a specific sensor might be a result of the tilt of the horse or the rider.

Additionally or alternatively, the invention can also comprise at least one accelerometer which enables the system to calculate the acceleration of the horse. It also enables the invention to detect an increase is speed or decrease of speed. This information, in combination with the gyroscope, enables the invention to better analyse the pressure exerted on a specific sensor or on the entire pad.

The Accelerometer and gyroscope can also detect a fall of the horse or the rider. In one embodiment, this is combined with a cell phone, tablet or other communication device which is able to alert the emergency services or specific individuals of the problem. Thus, the invention provides an improved alert generation and transmission solution.

This system used on different platforms (e.g. horse or wheelchair) and can be used for fall detection. This provides a significant safety benefit. which can be used to safeguard the welfare of the rider and/or horse. This is especially useful when a rider is riding in isolation without any one to assist in the event of a fall, and also of benefit for individuals who are vulnerable to falls such as disabled riders or wheelchair users.

In order to use the invention, the user installs a software component (app) onto a mobile, handheld computing device such as a smart phone or tablet computer. In order to use the invention, the user must be registered with the system. If the user is already registered they can choose a 'sign in' option on a menu as shown in Figure 2. If however, the user has not previously registered they must do so before first use. In order to register with the system the user (e.g. rider or trainer) provides registration data such as name, user name, password, level of riding experience and so on. A typical registration screen is shown in Figure 3. These are saved either locally (on the mobile device) or, more preferably, remotely (on a server). Some or all of the data may be stored in the cloud.

The user's data may be stored in a profile which can be updated at a later date. This update process can be performed using menu options and data entry fields as illustrated in figure 12, which enables the user to edit previously stored data and settings.

After registration, the user's chosen password is used to perform a verification process prior to allowing the user to utilise the system. The user can also register one or more horses with the system by providing a name for each registered horse -as shown in figure 5.

Once registered and logged into the system, the user is presented with an options screen as illustrated in Figure 4. From this screen the user is able to reload data stored from previous rides 7, or register a new horse with the system 8, or record data from a new ride 9. These functions are chosen by the user via a touchscrecn interface. In some embodiments, the interface may be chosen to enable other forms of interaction eg via spoken commands. This can be useful for users with certain disabilities.

The interface allows the rider to choose a horse and/or ride type at the start of each new ride. The ride type might be 'visual' 10 or 'audio' 11. Figure 8 shows a typical screen which can be used to choose a ride type and horse for the ride. The visual ride 10 will produce a real time, dynamic representation of the rider's weight distribution on the screen as the ride progresses. The weight distribution data is not only shown on the screen but is also recorded on the device as the ride progresses. The data may be sent to a server for storage either during or after the ride. The rider can stop, pause or re-start the ride on the handheld device using icons provided via the interface. The data and horse name is displayed for information. During an audio ride presented the feedback is provided in audible form as well as on the screen. Figures 9 and 10 show illustrative screens which can be used to present information during visual and audio rides respectively. Figure 11 shows a screen of a ride review ie playback.

During the ride, the data gathered from the sensor mat 1 is sent, via the acquisition device 2, to the handheld computing device (not shown). The acquisition device and the handheld device are in wireless communication for this purpose. Any suitable wireless protocol may be used such as WiFi or Bluetooth®. The acquisition device and handheld device may be paired so that a communication channel can be established between them for the transfer of data.

The processing of the sensor data may be performed on the data acquisition device and/or the handheld device. In one or more other embodiments, some or all of the processing may be performed on a server and delivered to handheld device for presentation to the user.

The screen of the handheld device is segmented into four quadrants as shown in figures 9 to 11. These may be referred to, clockwise, as front right 12a, back right 12b, back left 12e and front left 12d. The midpoint of the screen is where the user's weight should, ideally, be centred (in the 'sweet spot'). This is shown as the intersection 13 of the orthogonal reference lines. As the visual ride progresses, the sensor data is shown as dots or markers 14 within the segments. These can be colour coded to provide an indication as to the amount of pressure measured at a particular point.

If the rider's posture is correct, the weight distribution data will show markers 14 centred or clustered around the intersection 13 of the reference lines. If the rider's posture is incorrect, then the markers 14 will be shown spaced from the intersection 13. Using this visual representation, the rider or trainer can see where the weight is currently bearing down cg forwards and to the left. In the example shown in figure 11, it can be seen that the markers 14 are clustered mainly in the front left segment 12d of the screen. This indicates that the user needs to move their left hip backwards and to the right to shift their body weight. The markers move on the screen as the ride progresses. This enables in-ride correction of posture not possible with prior art arrangements.

The feedback provided by the system can be tailored for the rider's indicated level of riding experience eg beginner, novice, intermediate, advanced intermediate, advanced.

The user can indicate their riding level to the system via a screen such as that shown in figure 6. This setting is then used to determine an acceptable weight distribution area (or sweet spot) for that level of rider. For example, an advanced rider would be expected to have better posture, and be able to maintain and control their weight distribution within a smaller area on the horse. A less experienced rider would not be expected to keep their weight distribution within such a diminished zone.

If the data from the sensors indicates that the rider's weight is within the sweet spot area determined by the preselected riding skill level, the app confirms correct weight distribution. This confirmation may be communicated in one or more ways, as discussed above eg tactile feedback, audible and/or visual. Corrective instructions are (only) given if the weight distribution is determined as being outside the appropriate sweet spot for the level of experience.

Thus, in one sense the invention provides a user-specific, customisable posture-analysis apparatus which provides improved communication and measurement of a seated rider/user's weight distribution.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be capable of designing many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed in parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claims. The word "comprising" and "comprises", and the like, does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in any claim or the specification as a whole. In the present specification, "comprises" means "includes or consists of' and "comprising" means "including or consisting of'. The singular reference of an element does not exclude the plural reference of such elements and vice-versa. The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In a device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures arc recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1 A system comprising: one or more sensors for measuring the weight distribution of a rider on a horse; an app-based component for a handheld computing device, the component arranged and configured to use data generated by the one or more sensors to provide a communication relating to the weight distribution of the rider on the horse.
2. A system according to claim I wherein the one or more sensors are provided in or on a saddle.
3. A system according to claim 1 or 2 and further comprising a data acquisition device arranged and configured to: collect the data from the one or more sensors; transmit the data to the handheld computing device.
4. A system according to claim 3 wherein the data acquisition device is arranged and configured to transmit the data wirelessly to the handheld computing device.
5. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the communication is provided in visual, audible and/or tactile form.
6. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the system is arranged to collect the data iteratively to enable continuous and/or real-time communication during a ride.
7. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the one or more sensors are carried partially or completely in or on a body such as a pad, membrane or mat.
8 A system according to any of preceding claim wherein the communication provides information relating to the weight distribution of the rider relative to a saddle, or how the weight distribution should be adjusted.
9. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the communication is adjustable and/or customised relative to the ability and/or experience of the rider.
10. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the system further comprises at least one gyroscope arranged or positioned to enable calculation of the position or tilt of the rider and/or horse.
11. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the system further comprises at least one accelerometer arranged or positioned to detect acceleration or deceleration of the horse.
12. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the system is arranged and configured to detect a fall event of the rider from the horse, preferably wherein the system is arranged to generate and/or transmit an alert to a remote destination. 15 13 A method comprising the step of arranging an app-based component for a handheld computing device to: receive data generated by one or more sensors for measuring the weight distribution of the rider on a horse; and use the data to provide a communication relating to the weight distribution of the rider on the horse.14. A method according to claim 13 wherein the one or more sensors are provided in or on a saddle.15. A method according to claim 13 or 14 and further comprising the steps of: collecting the data from the one or more sensors in a data acquisition device; transmitting the data from the data acquisition device to the handheld computing device.16. A method according to claim 15 wherein the data is transmitted wirelessly from the data acquisition device to the handheld computing device.17. A method according to claims 13 to 16 wherein the communication is provided in visual, audible and/or tactile form.18. A method according to claims 13 to 17 wherein the data is collected iteratively to enable continuous and/or real-time provision of the communication during a ride.19. A method according to claims 13 to 18 wherein the one or more sensors are carried in or on a body such as a pad, membrane or mat.20. A method according to claims 13 to 19 wherein the communication provides information relating to the weight distribution of the rider relative to a saddle or a horse, or relating to how the weight distribution should be adjusted.21 A method according to claims 13 to 20 wherein the communication is adjustable or customised relative to the ability and/or experience of the rider.22. A method according to claims 13 to 21 and further comprising the steps of: i) using at least one gyroscope arranged or positioned to calculate the position or tilt of the rider and/or horse; ii) using at least one accelerometer to detect acceleration or deceleration of the horse; and/or iii) detecting a fall event of the rider from the horse, and preferably generating and/or transmitting an alert to a remote destination. 25 23. A kit of parts comprising: a body such as a pad, mat or, membrane comprising a plurality of sensors and configured to conform or adapt to the contours of a horse's saddle; a data acquisition device arranged and configured to collect data from the plurality of sensors; and a saddle cloth arranged to carry, enclose or hold the data acquisition device.24. A horse saddle comprising one or more sensors arranged to detect and/or measure pressure exerted on the seating surface of a saddle.25. A horse saddle according to claim 24 and further comprising a data acquisition device arranged and configured to collect data from the one or more sensors.26. A saddle according to claims 24 or 25 wherein the data acquisition device is further arranged and configured to transmit the data to a handheld computing device.27. A saddle according to claim 24 to 26 and further comprising: i) at least one gyroscope arranged or positioned to calculate the position or tilt of the rider and/or horse; ii) at least one accelerometer to detect acceleration or deceleration of the horse; 28. A method comprising the step of arranging an app-based component for a handheld computing device to: receive data generated by one or more sensors for measuring the weight distribution of a user carried on a seating platform; and use the data to provide a communication relating to the weight distribution of the user on the seating platform.29. A method according to claim 28 wherein: i) the one or more sensors are provided in or on the seating platform; ii) the seating platform is a saddle and the user is a rider of an animal or device; or iii) the seating platform forms part of a wheelchair.30. A method according to claim 28 or 29 and further comprising the steps: i) using at least one gyroscope arranged or positioned to calculate the position or tilt of the user and/or seating platform; ii) using at least one accelerometer to detect acceleration or deceleration of the animal or seating platform; and/or iii) detecting a fall event of the user from the animal or seating platform, and preferably generating and/or transmitting an alert to a remote destination.