JP2001520098A - Swimmer training system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

SUMMARY A training system and method used to improve swimmer biomechanics, stroke length and aerobic metabolism is disclosed. This system employs a computer interface (A) that allows a coach or swimmer to input a particular training strategy using a pacelight and timing system, or using a training program internal to the system. This system provides a generator for collecting data from swimmers. Some training systems automate data collection routines and operate in parallel with swim measurements. Other parts of the system analyze the swimmer's performance and output the appropriate data to the space light control circuit.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Applicants filed US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60 / 0,0 filed October 20, 1997
Claim priority under No. 62,428. The earlier application is incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates to the field of swimmers' ability improvement. More specifically, the present invention relates to a combination of equipment, software and training methods used to track and test the biomechanical and metabolic properties of swimmer performance, and the biomechanics of specific training techniques It improves the aerobic parameters and fine-tunes the technical aspects of the competition, as well as assessing the progress of swimmers.

[0003]

[Prior art]

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,391,080, a positive and negative load applied to a swimmer using electronic means by an electronic controller is used to implement a teaching / training protocol selected for the swimmer as needed. A system for controlling and monitoring is described. In this patent, to control the load applied to the swimmer through the cable,
Requires means to apply positive and negative loads to the cable connecting the swimmer and the controller. The cable of this patent has a conductive component that connects to the swimmer, a sensor that integrates close to the swimmer, and a transmitter that is close to the swimmer that transmits signals from the swimmer to a receiver at the other end of the cable. ing. In this patent, a means for applying a positive load to the swimmer, a load sensor for generating a signal responsive to the load applied to the swimmer, a means for generating a warning signal corresponding to the load sensor, and a load for the swimmer A controller for changing, an accelerator mounted on the swimmer and a transmitter connected to the accelerator are disclosed.

[0004] US Pat. No. 4,828,257 describes a weightlifting and weight training system and a training program that applies a repetitive load against the user's physical strength at an arbitrary pace based on the user's ability history and demographics. Describes how to provide. This patent also incorporates a central processing unit that operates the brake resistor. The system and method of this patent can be used by only one trained person at a time.

In US Pat. No. 4,654,010, a method and apparatus for measuring swimming techniques using a pressure transducer mounted on a swimmer and wirelessly transmitting the transducer signal to a remote receiver. Is disclosed.

US Pat. No. 4,082,267 relates to a bilaterally symmetrical constant velocity exercise device characterized by a plurality of arms provided with input means, wherein an associated mechanical device transmits the longitudinal movement of the arm to the rotational input of a mechanical component. There is a means for converting to.

US Pat. No. 3,731,921 discloses a barrel-type mechanical device for simulating and developing strokes. U.S. Pat. No. 4,479,647
Discloses a resistance exercise device compatible with swimming training, which features the mechanical apparatus shown and described in FIG. 10 of that patent and shown and described therein.
U.S. Patent Nos. 4,805,631 and 3,465,592 are of general interest.

[0008] Unfortunately, none of the above patents disclose a system and method employing a computer interface that utilizes the two primary parameters that determine the completion of a swimming technique: stroke count and swimming speed. It is desirable to have a system and method for setting the number of strokes and swimming speed of one or more swimmers during practice. Such a system allows coaches and swimmers to plan individual training periods or to use new training plans to improve their abilities.

[0009]

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a training method for improving a skill of a swimmer by providing a system capable of judging a stroke skill of the swimmer, and thereafter improving a metabolism for a swimmer to swim faster in a competition.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a system with a computer interface that allows a user to set performance parameters for individual training or to implement a new training plan.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method of training one or more swimmers by setting a swimmer's ability parameters to guide the athlete throughout the training period and during each training plan. Is to monitor the progress or shortcomings of the players.

[0012]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

Briefly, the system and method of the present invention comprises: a) equipped with a measuring instrument and an associated computer, wherein the measured swim speed and stroke speed of the athlete are determined by the instantaneous change in stroke frequency and swim speed. Maximum, minimum,
Calculate the average speed, and also the passive deceleration of the player and the effect of start and turn.

B) equipped with swimming goggles with LEDs for communicating with players via blinking signals and the like,
Tell players what part of the stroke they are currently in and help them achieve a certain number of strokes.

C) A number of computer controlled pace light strips help the athlete achieve proper swimming speed.

D) Equipped with a training model executed by a computer program to improve biomechanics, athlete's distance per stroke and aerobic metabolism, and allow trainer to input training method via pace light and timing system.

The present invention provides a “prescribed” test protocol where the training method is “defined”. This test protocol combines instantaneous velocity measurement and video analysis over the full range of stroke times. Training is directed on a progression routine and includes both biomechanical and metabolic status. Training is performed by a pace system that sets the speed and distance to swim, and can be adjusted to any number of strokes. The computerized pace system is programmed with a coach or "canned" program and can utilize specific training routines. The test protocol is also used to evaluate a player's progress and allows for "fine tuning" (start, turn, etc.) of the technical aspects of the competition. Phase 1: Test a) Biomechanics. The basis of this phase is to determine the relationship between the number of strokes and the speed and record the skills that the players have acquired. This is done by a swim meter used in combination with one or more video cameras.

The swim meter is connected to a computer and records instantaneous speed and stroke speed. The swim meter includes a DC motor, a DC generator, a brake and a series of winding pulleys that tension the ropes attached to the athlete. The output of the DC motor is input to a computer using an analog-to-digital converter board and stored in the computer for future use. The computer software uses the information obtained from the measuring device to calculate the maximum, minimum, and average speed associated with the instantaneous change in the number of strokes and the player's speed. These data are plotted as speed versus number of strokes and the distance per stroke is calculated. The software can also calculate the athlete's passive deceleration and start and turn effects.

The light emitting diode (LED) swimming goggles used are described in US Pat.
188 and incorporated herein by reference. The purpose of the goggles is to provide a visual signal to each player by flashing and to tell the player which part of the stroke is currently. Thus, goggles help the player achieve a certain number of strokes.

Pace light strips are used to help athletes achieve the proper speed. Light strips are located in the center of each lane at the bottom of the pool, allowing players to swim directly above the light strips. The types of pace light strips used in the present invention are commercially available from pacer manufacturers.

B) Metabolism. Swimming metabolic status is analyzed using established swimming protocols after measuring the presence and level of venous blood lactate. Athletes swim 50, 100, 200 and 400 meters as fast as possible, and after 8 minutes, the presence and level of venous blood lactate are measured. The rate of lactic acid accumulation is calculated and converted to oxygen equivalents. These data are plotted as a function of swimming speed and fitted exponentially to evaluate the energy cost of swimming over the entire range of swimming speeds. Phase 2: Training Biomechanical aerobic. Using the data obtained from each player, the speed / stroke times curve is moved 5-10% and a new curve is constructed by the computer. The athlete then swims at a relatively slow speed (compared to the competition), but still about 115-125% of the maximum aerobic speed (very low compared to the competition speed). Coaches use videos to instruct players to move to these new low-speed lines. Athletes improve their skills, their aerobic organs are maintained at maximum stress (lung-heart-blood-diffusion), and their muscles are trained to consume lactic acid. At the same time that swimming exceeds the aerobic maximum, lactic acid accumulates over time, and
You must stop swimming after a minute. After slowly swimming for a recovery time of 8 to 10 minutes, the athlete's muscles can remove lactic acid and repeat another interval.

This process is repeated in one hour. During this time, the swim speed gradually increases as the aerobic maximum increases, and the athlete maintains a new line with the coach. After achieving this part (curves are moving, muscles are trained, aerobic maximum is increased), the athlete moves to a 25-yard swim, strokes and speed are increased, and the athlete maintains a new line Check. Stroke count and swimming speed increase continuously,
Eventually the maximum speed is reached and during this phase the anaerobic / aerobic organs are trained. If necessary, these interval distances are 50-75 yards (or more)
Can be increased up to

Once this is achieved, the athlete will be retested, another movement of the curve will be indicated, and the entire process will be restarted from the beginning.

To complete the above program, the present invention uses a computer processing system to set the speed and number of strokes, and the coach can use a video camera to teach. The swimming speed is set using a series of programmable over / underwater lights called pace lights. The system consists of a computer, a microprocessor and a light system. The system can be trained and programmed simultaneously for each player individually, as described above, for a total of 24 players, six in each of the four lanes. The computer can be programmed to repeatedly swim a specific distance at a specific speed, and a microprocessor drives the lights to instruct the player to pace at the correct speed. The athlete is instructed on the correct number of strokes or given a pace with the correct number of strokes by the light / electronic buzzer system. One light strip is at the bottom or suspended above each of the four pool lanes. The light system is built to run 50 meters in one direction or a 25 yard pool in both directions. Thus, the computer / microprocessor-operated system can manage a specific program for six players in each of four lanes, the number of strokes and speed, which are the two most important elements of swimming. Each athlete has a specific light code (number of flashes of light) that he follows during training. The pace light system consists of a dedicated computer (8-bit microprocessor) for each player, with the buffer microprocessor and processor dedicated to scanning six processor groups. The training protocol data is stored on the host personal computer. The parameters included in the initial setting are the player identification, the swimming position of each lane (1-6), the swimming distance, the swimming time (speed), the break interval, and the predetermined number of times of swimming. The configuration parameters are stored for subsequent analysis and can be downloaded to a buffer microprocessor and the data sent to each player's individual processor.

Downloading of data is executed through the COM port of the personal computer. The buffer determines which one of the up to 24 subordinate dedicated computers will receive the settings from the host computer. Communication is to a dedicated processor.
Maintained by an internal UART (universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter) interface. The host personal computer controls the start and stop of swimming, and changes the setting parameters to the running state (online).

Data is monitored on a free one of the six dedicated microprocessors. These data are constantly scanned by another dedicated processor and the data is input from six processors through one of the 56 decoding circuits. The dedicated processor takes the logical OR of the data and the six processor data into a register group.
Thereafter, the register data is transferred to the latched bank of the lamp driver (write). This cycle is repeated at a high speed, allowing 24 players to pace themselves at individual speeds and distances and changing the rest interval. Phase 3: Fine-tuning The training described above is implemented on two days and two days off. On the “Discontinuation” date, technical training will be conducted using the light system and measuring instruments.

Examples of this part of the training are: (1) short distances (10 meters), swimming at maximum speed with the light system, and / or (2) turning and swimming using the light system, Swim at maximum speed, helped to speed up to the final distance and continue to swim at average speed after the turn.

[0027] Examples of the use of a swimming measuring instrument and a camera are as follows: (1) When starting or pushing off and sliding to fine-tune these, the athlete loses the minimum speed, and
Once this curve has been established, the slide phase is quantitatively determined by measuring when the first stroke stays above the average speed, and (3) the deceleration period (deceleration) during the stroke is measured using a measuring instrument. Identify and associate with stroke technology by video.

The training system of the present invention can be configured to use the stroke number / velocity curve in a short cycle with a slight move, or a large move in the curve (fall / winter period of college swimming). . The equipment used in the system and method of the present invention can be used stand-alone, and the coach can be used for many applications.

[0029]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The swimming characteristics are generated in the personal computer shown as A in FIG. 11 and stored or sent out to the lane via the serial port B in FIG.

All lanes receive data sent from the personal computer A,
Each lane has a code set to identify a specific lane such as lane 1, lane 2, lane 3, and the like. The data output of the personal computer has a code in software that specifies which lane receives the data and stores the data in data buffer D of buffer processor C shown in FIG.

When all the data is downloaded by the personal computer A, the buffer processor C instructs the data selector E in FIG. 12 to select a counter that receives the data. As shown in FIG. 12, the counters F, G, H, J, K, and L can receive data from the data selector E.

The data from the data buffer D is sent to each counter. The data buffer D holds stored data of the swimming characteristics of each swimmer. The counters FL have characteristic programs that can load various parameters for a particular swimmer or training time.

The counters FL start operating in response to a “start” command input from the hand of a lane starter or a personal computer.

When the characteristics are completed, the counter requests new data from the buffer processor C to the interruption selector M shown in FIG. If a bit is sent to any of the counters FL, the counter knows that the characteristic being operated by that counter is the latest characteristic. In that case, the counter does not request any more data from buffer processor C.

The processor of the counters FL generates a pass output by an internal register that reaches the programmed overflow. Output data sent from all of the six counters FL is sent to a multiplexer N shown in FIG. The multiplexers are all active lane counters, although only one or all counters may be active. Multiplexer N is a combination of a multiplexer and a microprocessor having seven registers for storing the counter output. Thereafter, the data is sent to the display driver P shown in FIG.

The swim meter used in the present invention is referred to as “Re
lationships of Stroke Rate, Distance Per Stroke, and Velocity in Competi
tive Swimming ”, Medicine and Science in Sports, Vol. 11, No. 3, pp. 278-283 (
1979) and Swimming (La Nation), incorporated herein by reference.
) by Costill, Maglischo and Richardson, an IOC Medical Commission Public
ation by Blackwell Scientific Publications, p. 215, 1994. Figure 18 on page 183 of Swimming
. Reference numeral 1 (FIG. 13 in the drawing) shows a swim meter suitable for the present invention.

The training program of the present invention is shown below. Pacer Lite-Training Program Four sets of Pacer Lite Each set of Pacer Lite can be programmed for up to six swimmers.

[0038] It should be programmed to move a distance of 50 meters in 25 yard increments.

If an intermediate distance is used, the program should start writing at the appropriate end of the pool.

All intermediate distances (meters) are between 50 and 3000 meters.

All intermediate distances (yards) are in units of 25-3000 yards.

It should be possible to program the intervals between repetitions, each training time between each repetition, and the rest element between each repetition.

The program could increase the speed of the light at the turning end of the pool to increase the turning speed.

The box in front of the computer's comport connected to the number of pacer lights used during the training period. Individual program for each swimmer Program plan for swimmer 1 Select which pacer light to train-Pacer 1 Select training distance-50 meters or 25 yards Select number of swimmers-Swimmer 1 Start training from this point on the bar program The following example for swimmer 1 Select the pacer light to train-1-4 Select the number of swimmers-1-6 Training screen for swimmer 1 Enter Browse training lines Enter training distance and set lights Enter number of iterations Enter break time between each iteration Ability to enter break time for complete line MS Word Screen To form a box and line like on Colorado Example for swimmer 1 Enter name-options Distance Number of repetitions Training speed Break 254: 11.5: 30 504: 26: 55 254: 11.5: 30 Break 1:30 Break time line Can be inserted at any time and then a variety of further sets can be programmed. Key reference at bottom of screen (Esc key to main menu).

Number of repetitions 4 Individual lines can be re-entered if necessary, but if a specific training pattern or repetition pattern is required, entering the number of repetitions will repeat that particular pattern as many times as necessary Can be.

Training Start When all swimmers and training intervals have been entered, the program constantly updates the screen to show each swimmer for each set of pacer lights, number of sensations and sets.

The training lights can all start together or can be entered separately for each set of individual sets of lights.

Added to the file to correlate training speed to number of strokes. Track swimmers over time. ASCII file for importing into a spreadsheet.

When a training set is entered, a box showing the total time adds the total time in minutes and seconds. If necessary, it may be indicated in hours, minutes, or seconds.

Any input can be deleted or backspaced. Pressing the enter key automatically moves to the next input line.

The above example requires that the lights be started at different ends of the pool based on what was input. The program automatically starts at the appropriate end of the pool for each training sensation entered.

The three-second countdown before the start can be hung on each start base to count down the last three seconds before the start of each individual interval.

Each swimmer can see his or her training period.

At the bottom of the screen is the Esc key, from which you can go to the main menu.

The program is not saved. Automatically erase itself. Specific training periods can be named and saved for future use. The database should be able to save at least 100 workouts.

Enhancement: Generation of graphs to complement stroke number, speed test and speed training programs.

Enhancement: Training period is AS exported to a spreadsheet for analysis so that training can be tracked for a particular individual over a period of time
Saved by personal name in II.

Enhancement of race or time trial The program allows the user to input the distance to swim.

A pre-programmed set of splits can be selected, or splits can be entered that increase by 50 meters or yards. When an increasing split is entered, the total time is added until the split is adjusted to reach the required time. Design Notes Training Flowchart : Software resident on a personal computer containing swimming training data.

Buffer Flowchart : Remote "smart" data distributor.

1) Flowchart for counter : A device that essentially outputs write lab information.

2) The flowchart for the counter is repeated six times. If four swimming lanes are incorporated, the counter is repeated 24 times. The counter repetition is performed for each swimmer and is therefore not limited.

The decoder flowchart is not included. The decoder scans the outputs of the counters for a particular swim lane and combines the data so that all counter data is decoded and displayed on the strobe light. This design may be changed without the end user (swimmer) noticing the difference.

If necessary, please request further information on the decoder or enclosed flowchart.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1A is a flowchart for a counter.

FIG. 1B is a flowchart for a counter.

FIG. 2A is a flowchart for a buffer.

FIG. 2B is a flowchart for a buffer.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for a trainer.

FIG. 4 shows a swimming pacer

FIG. 5 shows a main selection window.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing training practice 1 for pacerlight 1 and swimmers.

FIG. 7 shows a start training session and a monitor training session.

FIG. 8 shows a main selection window.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a race simulation mode.

FIG. 10 shows a simulated race mode.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a swimmer training system.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a swimmer training system.

FIG. 13 shows a swim meter suitable for the present invention.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of front page (81) Designated country EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE ), OA (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, SD, SZ, UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, CU, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, GB, GE, GH, GM, HU, ID, IL, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR , KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, UA, UG, US, UZ, VN, YU, ZW (72) Inventor Termin, Albert United States, New York 14217 Kenmore, Inglewood Avenue 445, Apartment 2 ( 72) Inventor The Harkin, John United States, New York 14120 North Tonawanda, Dolorer Drive 1280

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A signal emitter mounted on a swimmer's body and capable of emitting a signal that the swimmer can sense during swimming; and allowing the swimmer to sense a pace indication during swimming. A pacing system located remotely from the swimmer; and a control system capable of activating the signal emitter to generate a signal and activating the pacing system to display a pace. Swimmer training equipment. 2. The swimmer training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the signal emitted from the signal emitter corresponds to a predetermined number of swimming strokes. 3. The apparatus for training a swimmer according to claim 1, wherein the pace display corresponds to a predetermined swimming speed. 4. The swimmer training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the signal emitter is fixed to a pair of goggles worn by the swimmer. 5. The pacing system according to claim 1, wherein the pacing system comprises a plurality of pacing lights arranged along a swimming course following the swimmer.
A swimmer training apparatus according to claim 1. 6. The control system controls a signal to the signal emitter and controls the pace indicator to be a microcomputer programmed with a predetermined swimming training program to be executed. The apparatus for training a swimmer according to claim 1, characterized in that: 7. The swimming training program according to claim 6, wherein the swimming training program is a gradually progressing routine based on the biochemical and biochemical aspects of swimming.
A swimmer training apparatus according to claim 1. 8. A signal emitter mounted on the body of the swimmer and capable of emitting a signal responsive to a predetermined number of swimming strokes that can be sensed by the swimmer during swimming; A pacing system located away from the swimmer so that the swimmer can sense the pace corresponding to the swim speed; a swim measurement device for measuring the swimmer's speed; and activating the signal emitter. A control system capable of generating a signal and activating the pacing system to display a pace, wherein the control system performs a predetermined swim training based at least in part on the measurements from the swim measurement device. A swimming training system, wherein the signal and the pace display are controlled according to a program. 9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the signal emitter is fixed to a pair of goggles worn by the swimmer. 10. The system according to claim 8, wherein the pacing system is a plurality of pacing lights arranged along a swimming course following the swimmer. 11. The swim measurement device is fixed to the swimmer at a first end,
The system of claim 8, comprising a wire secured at a second end to a rotating device. 12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the rotating device is a DC generator, and the DC generator outputs a voltage proportional to the speed of the swimmer. 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the swimming training program is a gradual routine based on the biochemical and biochemical aspects of swimming. 14. Providing a swim measurement device for calculating the swim speed of a swimmer; detecting the number of swim strokes of the swimmer; testing the venous blood lactate level at a predetermined distance. Providing a swimming training program based on swimming speed, number of swimming strokes, and venous blood lactate level; and a signal emitter mounted on the body of the swimmer and capable of emitting a signal that the swimmer can sense during swimming. A pacing system located away from the swimmer so that the swimmer can sense the pace indication during the swim; and activating the signal emitter to generate a signal and activating the pacing system. The pace can be displayed, and the signal and the pace display can be displayed in the swim training. Steps and to provide an apparatus for swimmers training comprising; become more swimmers training methods and control systems for controlling according to program.