WO2011131235A1

WO2011131235A1 - Monitoring system

Info

Publication number: WO2011131235A1
Application number: PCT/EP2010/055225
Authority: WO
Inventors: Javier GUILLÉN ARREDONDO; Sergio GUILLÉN BARRIONUEVO
Original assignee: Wearable Information Technologies, S.L. (Weartech)
Priority date: 2010-04-20
Filing date: 2010-04-20
Publication date: 2011-10-27

Abstract

A monitoring system comprising one or more sensors adapted to measure one or more parameters indicating a physical status of a user, a data collection system adapted to collect said one or more parameters, and an evaluation system adapted to compare said physical status of a user with a predefined physical status, wherein at least one of said sensors is incorporated in a garment adapted to be worn by a user.

Description

MONITORING SYSTEM

The present invention relates to a monitoring system.

It is known that athletes want to monitor their own physical status when doing exercise, whether this exercise is in the form of competition or during training. Many runners for example carry with them a Velcro breast strap for monitoring their heart rate. Others use a heart rate monitor on their wrist. Although these systems do allow an athlete to gather some information during exercise or after their exercise, they suffer from several disadvantages: firstly, the heart rate monitors can easily be forgotten and secondly, they are not always very comfortable in their use. Thirdly, only very limited information, namely only the heart rate, is available.

To resolve these issues, garments have been provided with integrated sensors. EP 1 916 323 discloses a garment which comprises a band portion having electrodes in contact with the skin of a user. An electronic device can be incorporated in the garment to measure and process signals from the electrodes in contact with the skin.

WO 02/071935 discloses a garment (such as a bra or undershirt) with a sensor positioned in the chest area of the garment. Press studs are provided, to which a transmitter can be connected.

US 2005/0010096 discloses a garment to which a plurality of ECG pickup contacts are attached. The garment furthermore comprises snaps for connection with ECG sensors.

These prior art garments resolve some of the aforementioned problems. A sensor integrated in a garment cannot be forgotten and in general may be more comfortable in use. However, there still exists a need for a system which is able to provide athletes (either amateurs or professionals) with more information. There also still exists a need for a system which can actively cooperate with a user before, during or after an exercise. There further exists a need for such a system which is affordable.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a garment which at least partially fulfils these needs. The present invention is particularly aimed at runners, joggers, racewalkers, but may be used by anyone involved in any sort of physical exercise. Furthermore, the present invention may also be advantageously used by e.g. the chronically ill, people or patients known to suffer from cardiac problems, and patients recovering from a surgical intervention or cardiac episode or a disease, as will become clear from the remainder of the description.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a monitoring system comprising a garment, one or more sensors adapted to measure one or more parameters indicating a physical status of a user, a data collection system adapted to collect said one or more parameters, and an evaluation system adapted to evaluate said physical status of a user with respect to a predefined physical status, wherein at least one of said sensors is incorporated in said garment.

With such a system according to this aspect of the invention, the physical status of an athlete during or after exercise can be compared to a predefined norm. This may e.g be a simple comparison of one or more parameters with predetermined values, but may also comprise more sophisticated algorithms wherein e.g. rates of change of parameters are taken into account, parameters may be combined to define further parameters, calculations related to both an actual physical status of a user and a predefined physical status are carried out or other. When deviations from a predefined physical status occur, an athlete or his coach may be informed of this deviation either during an exercise or afterwards.

However, the invention may also be useful when e.g. monitoring a physical status of a patient under care. Sensors incorporated in a garment of such a patient may register the patient's physical status and said physical status may be compared to a predefined norm. When a deviation is noted, a patient or his caretaker may be warned.

In the context of the invention, a physical status of a user should be understood to comprise any indication relating to a physical condition of a user (heart beat, respiration rate, transpiration rate, ECG, body temperature, blood pressure or other) or a physical activity of a user (running, sitting, standing, lying, sleeping, walking, speed, location, calories burned, or other).

In some embodiments of the invention, the predefined physical status comprises a time-dependent physical status. In these embodiments of the invention, it may be taken into account that a physical status of a user does not need to be constant, nor does it constantly need to be within the same predefined boundaries. Optionally, such a time-dependent physical status is indicative of an exercise session. This option is especially suitable when a monitoring system is used by an athlete during or after physical exercise. The time-dependent physical status indicative of an exercise session may comprise one or more of the following parameters: location (route to be followed), speed, distance, rhythm, respiration rate, heart rate, body temperature, respiration amplitude, and others.

In other embodiments, a predefined physical status may be substantially constant. Such predefined physical status may e.g. refer to a predefined ECG, a predefined maximum and/or minimum heart rate, a predefined maximum respiration rate, or combinations of these. Whereas embodiments with predefined physical status indicative of training sessions may be especially useful for athletes, for other users or in other applications, a more constant predefined physical status may be more suitable.

In some embodiments, said evaluation system comprises a storage medium in which said predefined physical status can be stored. Such predefined physical status may be loaded into said evaluation system. A predefined physical status may similarly also be updated. Optionally, such a predefined physical status may e.g. be downloaded from a website.

Optionally, said predefined physical status is based on one or more of the following parameters relating to the user: age, sex, smoking habits, previous exercise or previous physical status. This way, a predefined physical status may be generated which is adapted to the situation of each user. It will be clear that such a predefined physical status will need to be different for an athlete during exercise than for a chronically ill patient with cardiac problems. The predefined physical status may be generated by a physician, by a coach or may be generated automatically by a dedicated computer program e.g. based on previous exercises performed by a user.

In some embodiments, the evaluation system is adapted to give instructions when a deviation between the physical status and a predefined physical status occurs. In these embodiments, the evaluation system may become a virtual personal trainer. When the physical status (respiration rate, transpiration rate, ECG, heart rate, speed or others) does not correspond to a predefined physical exercise, the monitoring system may give instructions to a user. These instructions may e.g. comprise instructions to slow down, to speed up, or to rest.

Optionally, either the evaluation system or data collection system is adapted to display one or more parameters indicating a physical status of a user. The system may thus be adapted to not only indicate deviations from a predefined physical status, but also in a more continuous manner display the evolution of such parameters. Examples of parameters that may be displayed: heart rate, ECG, respiration rate, respiration period, respiration amplitude, distance covered during exercise, instantaneous speed, average speed, classification of an activity.

In some embodiments, a first electronic device comprises said data collection system, said first electronic device being adapted to be connected to said garment. A first electronic device may be connected to said garment during use, to receive data from the sensors incorporated in said garment.

In some embodiments, said garment comprises one or more fasteners to which an electronic device can be removably attached for receiving data from said sensors. In these embodiments, the electronic device may be attached to the garment for use, and afterwards easily removed so that the garment may easily be washed in a normal washing machine.

In some embodiments, at least one sensor incorporated in said garment is connected to said one or more fasteners through conductive yarn. By attaching an electronic device to the fasteners, an electrical connection may thus be established with the sensors incorporated in the garment.

In some embodiments, a second electronic device comprises said evaluation system. In these embodiments, the functionalities of the evaluation system and the data collection system may thus be slit in separate electronic devices. This way, both electronic devices can be optimized with respect to the functions they are supposed to perform. The split in two separate electronic devices further may have the advantage that one electronic device can be a dedicated electronic device, developed and sold for a particular application, whereas the other electronic device may be an electronic device that is usually used for other functions, such as a mobile phone (such as e.g. a Smartphone), a PDA, or a portable media player (such as e.g. an Ipod™).

In embodiments wherein the monitoring system comprises two separate electronic devices, the devices will have to be arranged or connected in such a way that an evaluation system can receive data from a data collection system. Optionally, the first and second electronic devices comprise wireless communication technology, such as for example Bluetooth, or ZigBee.

In other embodiments, the first electronic device also comprises said evaluation system. Both functionalities thus may be comprised in a single electronic device. These embodiments also may offer various advantages to users.

Optionally, (and regardless of whether the monitoring system comprises only a first electronic device, or both a first and second electronic device) said first electronic device may further comprise a tri-dimensional accelerometer. Apart from sensors incorporated in the garment of a user, further information on a physical status of a user may be obtained from such an accelerometer.

Also optionally, said first or said second electronic device comprises a GPS sensor. Data from such a GPS sensor may be used to evaluate e.g. speed, distance covered, a route followed etc.

In some embodiments, one or more ECG sensors may be incorporated in the garment. Optionally, said ECG sensors are made from conductive yarn.

In some embodiments, a respiration sensor may be incorporated in the garment. Optionally, said respiration sensor is adapted to determine a user's respiration by registering the sensor's variation in electrical resistance due to its deformation in use. Within the scope of the invention, many further sensors may also be used, such as e.g. a thermometer, skin resistance sensor, transpiration sensor or other.

In some embodiments, the garment of the monitoring system may be a t- shirt with long sleeves, a t-shirt with short sleeves, a tank top, a leotard, a bra, a sleeveless top, halter top, spaghetti-strapped shirt, singlet, A-shirt or a tube top. However, other garments may also be used, such as e.g. trousers, arm cuff, wrist cuff, or legging. In another aspect, the invention provides a method for evaluating a physical status of a user comprising receiving one or more parameters indicating a physical status of a user originating from at least one sensor incorporated in a garment, evaluating said physical status of the user with respect to a predefined physical status, and indicating a deviation between said physical status of the user and said predefined physical status.

In some embodiments, evaluating said physical status of a user comprises comparing the intensity of a physical exercise with a pre-defined physical exercise. Such a method is especially useful for athletes, either amateurs or professionals. In some embodiments, said predefined physical status may have been previously downloaded from a dedicated website. Optionally, a predefined physical status may have been computer generated. For example, an exercise session may be computer generated taking into account the age, sex, previously performed exercise(s) and other factors into accounts. Another option is that an athlete can design his or her own exercise sessions.

In some embodiment, a deviation with respect to a predefined physical status is indicated to the user. In other embodiments, a deviation may be indicated to an athlete's coach, a remotely located medical specialist or physician, or a centre that monitors the health of employees at remote locations.

In some embodiments, indicating a deviation between said physical status of the user and said predefined physical status comprises generating an audio signal and reproducing said audio signal. When a deviation occurs, an audio signal may be generated suggesting a user to rest, to accelerate, to pause, to motivate a user or even to warn a user that an abnormality in e.g. his or her ECG has occurred. The audio signal may be reproduced by e.g. a first electronic device attached to a user's garment or by a second electronic device which may be e.g. a mobile phone.

Optionally, generating said audio signal comprises retrieving an audio signal from a data repository comprising a plurality of predetermined audio signals. A number of predetermined audio signals may be stored to deal with situations that occur relatively often during use. In some embodiments, indicating a deviation between said physical status of the user and said predefined physical status comprises generating a video signal and reproducing said video signal. Deviations, warning signals, motivations, suggestions may also be transmitted to a user by displaying them to a user. A display incorporated in for example a standard mobile phone, any kind of Smartphone, PDA, Ipod™, Iphone™ could be used.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises generating a video signal representing said one or more parameters indicating a physical status of a user, and reproducing said video signal. A display may not be used merely for displaying deviations from a predefined norm but may also be used to display e.g. ECG, and/or heart rate and/or respiration rate, average or instantaneous speed during normal use.

In some embodiments, the method furthermore comprises filtering said one or more parameters indicating a physical status of a user. Signals received from sensors (whether incorporated in a garment or not) may comprise noise. Filtering these signals may improve the quality of the signal relating to a parameter like for example an ECG. This aspect may have advantages when merely displaying these parameters but also when the parameters are evaluated with respect to a predefined physical status.

In yet a further aspect, the invention provides a computer program product comprising program instructions for causing a computing system to perform a method substantially as hereinbefore described. The program may be in the form of source code, object code, a code intermediate source and object code such as in partially compiled form, or in any other form suitable for use in the implementation of the processes according to the invention. The carrier may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program.

For example, the carrier may comprise a storage medium, such as a ROM, for example a CD ROM or a semiconductor ROM, or a magnetic recording medium, for example a floppy disc or hard disk. Further, the carrier may be a transmissible carrier such as an electrical or optical signal, which may be conveyed via electrical or optical cable or by radio or other means. When the program is embodied in a signal that may be conveyed directly by a cable or other device or means, the carrier may be constituted by such cable or other device or means.

Alternatively, the carrier may be an integrated circuit in which the program is embedded, the integrated circuit being adapted for performing, or for use in the performance of, the relevant processes.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a mobile phone, PDA or portable media player comprising a storage medium and a computer program product comprising program instructions for causing a computing system to perform a method substantially as hereinbefore described, said computer program product being stored in said storage medium.

In yet a further aspect, the invention provides an evaluation system comprising computing means for receiving one or more parameters indicating a physical status of a user originating from at least one sensor incorporated in a garment, computing means for evaluating said physical status of the user with respect to a predefined physical status, and computing means for indicating a deviation between said physical status of the user and said predefined physical status.

In some embodiments, the evaluation system may furthermore comprise computing means to download said predefined physical status from a website.

Optionally, the evaluation system comprises computing means for generating an audio signal and means for reproducing said audio signal. Also optionally, the evaluation system comprises means for generating a video signal and means for reproducing said video signal.

Particular embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following, only by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

Figures 1a - 1e schematically illustrate some embodiments of methods of monitoring according to the present invention;

Figure 2 schematically illustrates a monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figures 3a - 3d show (partial) screenshots of a website which may be used in combination with embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 4 illustrates a cross-section of an embodiment of a section of a garment which may be used in embodiments of the invention;

Figure 5 schematically illustrates a built-up of a section of a garment which may be used in embodiments of the invention.

It will be clear from the explanation that follows that some drawings are schematic, and that the size, distances, and thicknesses of elements are in some cases exaggerated or otherwise misrepresented. The chosen dimensions in the figure have merely been selected to more clearly illustrate the various aspects of the invention.

Figure 1 a schematically illustrates a first embodiment of a method of monitoring according to the present invention. In a first step 110, at least one parameter indicating a physical status of a user originating from at least one sensor incorporated in a garment is received. The garment may be e.g. a t-shirt, a bra, a tank top, halter top, arm cuff, or other. A sensor incorporated in a garment may be e.g. a thermometer, an ECG sensor, a respiration sensor, a skin resistance sensor or other.

In a next step of the embodiment of figure 1a, the physical status of the user (as determined by the parameters received from the one or more sensors) is evaluated with respect to a predefined physical status. Such evaluation may comprise, depending on the sensors used and the parameters measure, e.g. a comparison of the body temperature of a user with respect to a predefined norm to determine whether a user has fever, or a comparison of an ECG with a predefined norm to detect arrhythmia, or an evaluation of an instantaneous heart rhythm compared to a predefined heart rhythm schedule to be followed during exercise to loose weight, or yet other options.

In a further step 130, if a deviation between the actual physical status of a user and a predefined physical status is noted, such a deviation may be indicated to a user. Indicating the deviation to a user may comprise audio signals transmitted e.g. to a user's headphones and/or video signal transmitted to a device capable of reproducing it.

Optionally, the method comprises a further step 140 of displaying to a user (or a third party) the parameters obtained from the one or more sensors. Thus, it is not necessary that only a deviation is indicated to a user, instead any parameter measured may be displayed in a more continuous manner to a user.

It will be clear that the previously mentioned steps may be repeated continuously. It will also be clear that different method steps may be carried out simultaneously, e.g. while one parameter is being obtained from a sensor, a different parameter (or a previous value of the same parameter) is being evaluated with respect to a predefined physical status.

Figure 1 b schematically illustrates a second embodiment of a method according to the present invention. The same reference signs denote the same method steps. In the embodiment of figure 1 b, after receiving one or more parameters, a filter may be applied to a selection or all of these parameters to improve the quality of said parameters. If e.g. ECG sensors are used in a t-shirt, the signals received from these sensors may comprise some noise. A filter may be applied to filter out the noise partially or completely. When a comparison between the physical status of a user and a predefined physical status is made in step 120, the improved parameter may thus be used. This way, indications of inexistent deviations due to noise may be avoided.

Figure 1c shows yet a further embodiment of the present invention. Same reference signs still denote same method steps. In this embodiment, one or more parameters may be received from one or more sensors in step 110. After filtering, 115, one or more of these parameters may be sent, 117, from a first electronic device to a second device.

Optionally, said second electronic device substantially continuously displays one or more of the received parameters, 140. In this embodiment, a second electronic device comprises an evaluation system adapted to evaluate the physical status of a user with a predefined physical status, 120. If a deviation is noted, said deviation may be indicated, 130, to a user and/or a third party. Within the scope of the invention it is possible that a first electronic device comprises both a data collection system for receiving parameters from the sensors and the evaluation system for determining a deviation. In other embodiments, these functionalities may however be split: a first electronic device comprises a data collection system and a second electronic device comprises an evaluation system. In these embodiments, some form of communication needs to be established between both electronic devices, either wireless or using a cable.

Figure 1d is used to illustrate that more than one parameter may be received from the sensors. An evaluation of the physical status of a user may thus comprise a separate step for each parameter. A step 121 may e.g. comprise a comparison between a measured ECG and an ECG according to predefined norms. A step 122 may e.g. comprise an evaluation of an intensity of an exercise compared to a predefined exercise. Depicted steps 123 and 124 may comprise the comparison of further parameters with a constant or time-dependent physical status.

It will be clear that parameters may be received with different frequencies from different sensors. The evaluation of different parameters may thus also be carried out with different frequencies. It will thus also be clear that it is not necessary for one method step to be finished before a next step starts. Rather, data collection and evaluation may take place substantially continuously with possibly a different frequency for each parameter.

Figure 1e illustrates that the sensors which are adapted to measure one or more parameters indicating a physical status of a user may comprise more than one "source". One or more sensors may be incorporated in a garment that may be worn by a user. Other sensors may be comprised in another device, such as an electronic device comprising the data collection system and/or evaluation system.

Sensors which may be advantageously incorporated in a garment comprise e.g. ECG sensors, respiration sensor, thermometer, skin resistance sensor, or a transpiration sensor. Sensors which may be advantageously incorporated in a separate device comprise e.g. a GPS sensor, or an accelerometer.

Parameters measured by the sensors from the separate sources may be used in the evaluation of a physical status of a user. For example, a time- dependent predefined physical status (indicative of a training session) may comprise a route to be followed during exercise. Data from a GPS sensor may be used to determine whether a user is following said route. Another example may be that a time-dependent physical status indicative of a training session may comprise a speed profile to follow during an exercise. The instantaneous speed of a user may be determined using an accelerometer.

Figure 2 schematically illustrates a t-shirt 6 which may be used in embodiments of the present invention. The t-shirt comprises a section (e.g. a textile tube) 5 which comprises a respiration sensor 30, and ECG sensors (not shown). A first electronic device 20 may be connected to t-shirt 6.

In this embodiment, the respiration sensor 30 has an inverted U-shape

(or a rotated C-shape). A respiration sensor which can be incorporated in a garment may be made of piezo-resistive carbon covered fibres. When a user is breathing, the thorax expands and contracts. This causes the respiration sensor to change its length. This change of length causes a change of electrical resistance and such a change in electrical resistance can be measured. This way, the respiration rate and also the respiration amplitude may be measured.

In this embodiment, the t-shirt furthermore comprises ECG sensors. Apart from the ECG, also other parameters such as heart rhythm, or a variability of the ECG signal may be obtained from these sensors.

In the embodiment of figure 2, the monitoring system furthermore comprises a mobile phone 40.

First electronic device 20 comprises a data collection system adapted to collect one or more parameters from said sensors incorporated in t-shirt 6. The electronic device 20 may further be adapted to process the received parameters, and provide an improved ECG signal after e.g. filtering out noise. In some embodiments, electronic device 20 may further be provided with a display for displaying one or more of the measured parameters. In some embodiments, electronic device 20 may further be provided with loudspeakers, to e.g. give instructions to a user.

The electronic device 20 may also comprise a storage medium, such as e.g. a MicroSD memory card for storing data from the sensors obtained before, and/or during and/or after exercising. It may also conveniently comprise one or more batteries.

In the embodiment of figure 2, a mobile phone 40 comprises an evaluation system adapted to evaluate said physical status of a user with respect to a predefined physical status. The parameters collected by the data collection system in first electronic device 20 may be transmitted to second electronic device 40. For this purpose, first and second electronic device 20 may comprise a Bluetooth module. Bluetooth functionality nowadays is standard provided on most mobile phones, PDA's, and similar. It will be clear that other ways of communication can also be established between first and second electronic device. In some embodiments, e.g. a cable may be used to connect both devices. In other embodiments, wireless communication may be established using e.g. Zigbee or WiFi.

The evaluation system comprised in mobile phone 40 may compare the received parameters with one or more predefined parameters indicating a predefined physical status. To this end, mobile phone 40 may comprise a storage medium for storing such a predefined physical status. The predefined physical status may be constant or may be time-dependent (one or more parameters may vary over time). The predefined physical status may be indicative of a training exercise and may comprise e.g. one or more of the following parameters: location, speed, heart rate, respiration rate, respiration amplitude.

The evaluation system may evaluate the physical status of a user with respect to such a predefined physical status. When a deviation is noted, such a deviation may be indicated to a user or a third party. Such a deviation may be e.g. one or more of the following: the instantaneous heart rhythm is below the heart rhythm according to a predefined exercise session, a heart rate has been above a predetermined value for a prolonged period of time, the instantaneous speed is above a predetermined speed, a user is not following a predefined route, or other.

There are also various ways in which a deviation may be indicated, such as e.g.: an instruction may be shown on the screen of mobile phone 40, an alarm or voice may be transmitted by the mobile phone, for example through headphones worn by a user, or a combination of these may be used. It will thus be clear that a t-shirt (or other garment) with incorporated sensors, in combination with a first electronic device 20, and optionally in combination with a second electronic device (mobile phone or similar), may serve a useful purpose for athletes. Before, during and after physical exercise, they can monitor e.g. their ECG, respiration rate, heart rhythm, speed, distance covered during exercise, calories burned and R-R interval (period of respiration). However, similar information may also be useful for e.g. the chronically ill, people or patients known to suffer from cardiac problems, and patients recovering from a surgical intervention or cardiac episode or a disease. A monitoring system according to the invention having a garment incorporating one or more sensors may also be useful in an industrial environment, wherein it is important to monitor the physical condition of employees.

In figure 2, a second electronic device 40 was depicted as a mobile phone, but in other embodiments, the second electronic device may be e.g. a PDA, Blackberry™, Iphone™, Smartphone or a portable media player such as an Ipod™.

In embodiments of the invention, mobile phone 40 or first electronic device 20 may be provided with GPS functionalities. Data from the GPS module may be combined with data from the sensors in the garment and/or sensors in the electronic device. First electronic device 20 may furthermore comprise an accelerometer. Data from this accelerometer may be used to determine e.g. a user's instantaneous speed.

The mobile phone may furthermore be adapted to present data related to exercises in a suitable form e.g. with graphics relating to pulse rate, ECG, average speed, total distance covered etc. In some embodiments, the mobile phone may further be adapted to process the data from the sensors and may e.g. filter out noise from the sensors which was not filtered by the electronic device.

In some embodiments of the invention, the mobile phone or PDA may further be adapted to reproduce music (e.g. MP3) during exercise sessions.

Electronic device 20 may further comprise means for connecting it to a computer (such as a PC, Mac, laptop or similar). For this purpose, it may e.g. comprise a micro USB port, a normal USB port, a FireWire port or similar. Such a connection with a computer may be used to transfer data from the computer to the electronic device or vice versa or for charging the battery or batteries of the electronic device.

In the embodiment of figure 2, two separate electronic devices (first electronic device 20 attached to a garment and mobile phone 40) were used. In other embodiments of the invention, a single electronic device may be used. An advantage of these embodiments is that no separate mobile phone, PDA or similar is needed. In these embodiments, both the data collection system and evaluation system need to be provided in electronic device 20.

The electronic device thus would need to comprise at least a storage medium for storing a predefined physical status. It would further be beneficial if the single electronic device 20 in these embodiments also comprised at least loudspeakers and optionally a headphone connection. In other embodiments, electronic device 20 may comprise a screen for indicating instructions to a user and/or displaying measured parameters.

In embodiments similar to figure 2, comprising a first and second electronic device, first electronic device 20 may be simpler. In an advantageous manner, functionalities already comprised in standard mobile phones may be used, such as its screen, loudspeaker, headphone connection, GPS sensor, Bluetooth, memory space etc.

Figure 2 furthermore schematically illustrates a website 50. Mobile phone may be adapted to upload and/or download data from a dedicated website 50. Many standard mobile phones are provided with these functionalities.

A website 50 may allow users to login and collect data related to their exercises. The website may furthermore allow users to download e.g. running schedules, suitable routes for running, and an exercise to be performed. The suggested schedule, exercises and routes may e.g. be based on a user's previous exercises, and data that was collected from the sensors during these previous exercises. The suggested schedules and/or routes may furthermore be based on other personal data a user can provide at the website (e.g. the desire to loose weight, to prepare for or run a half marathon, a complete marathon or to work on endurance). The suggested schedules and/or may also be based on other personal data such as e.g. sex, age, weight, height, cardiac fitness, smoker or non-smoker. One advantage of an additional dedicated website is that storage space may be offered to users for storing data related to all their exercises. These data do thus not need to be stored on either the first or second electronic device.

It will be clear that a dedicated website may further be completed with the ability to e.g. upload photos, connect with other users of similar profile, suitable graphic representation of various parameters collected before, during or after exercise.

Figures 3a - 3d show (partial) screenshots of a website which may be used in combination with embodiments of the present invention. In figure 3a, a results section 61 graphically represents parameters 62 and 63 obtained from sensors during an exercise. In figure 3a for example, the evolution of parameters RR ("Respiration Rate") and HR ("Heart Rate") during an exercise is graphically displayed. In the same screenshot, a route section 70 is shown which may display the route that was followed during an exercise. Such data may e.g have been obtained from a GPS sensor incorporated in a first or second electronic device as was previously illustrated with respect to figure 2.

Figure 3b shows another or an alternative page of a dedicated website. As can be seen, parameters obtained from a variety of sensors can be graphically displayed in a variety of ways. In figure 3b, the following aspects have been indicated. Reference sign 61 refers to a first results section, graphically representing the evolution of a plurality of parameters during an exercise. Reference sign 64 has been used to indicate another results section with which results from different sessions may be compared with each other. Reference sign 65 indicates the length of time of a training session, and reference sign 66 an overall level of success of a session. Such an overall level of success may e.g. be calculated taking various parameters into account and establishing to which extent a user's physical status at all times was consistent with the predefined physical status. Reference sign 67 indicates an average heart rate, and reference sign 68 indicates the amount of calories burned during an exercise.

Figure 3c shows another optional feature of a dedicated website: a calendar section 72 with which training sessions may be planned. As has been mentioned before, training session may be computer generated or may be established by a user or e.g. his or her coach. Depending on the goal that a user wants to achieve, a computer program may generate a plurality of exercise sessions with varying intensity, varying distance and of varying time length.

Finally, the partial screenshot of figure 3d indicates a route to be followed during exercise in route section 70. A photo section 71 is also shown. Users may upload photos of buildings, parks, people, places of interest etc.

Figures 3a - 3d showed some partial screenshots of a website dedicated to athletes, in particular runners. It will be clear however, that similar websites could be developed for other potential users of the system and method according to the present invention.

Figure 4 illustrates a cross-section of an embodiment of a garment which may be used in embodiments of the present invention. Figure 4 shows a cross- section of a part of a t-shirt comprising a sensor apparatus. This sensor apparatus incorporated in the t-shirt comprises a first textile layer 11 , which in use is in contact with the user's skin 1. The apparatus further comprises a second textile layer 13 (which in use is on the outside of a garment) and an intermediate third layer 12.

Preferably, said first layer 11 and second layer 13 may be made of a substantially elastic material. Preferably, said first layer 11 and third layer 13 may be made from permeable ("breathing") materials. As an example of an elastic material, a combination of Thermocool ™ (commercially available from e.g. Advansa ™), nylon and lycra may be used. In a particular example, the elastic material consists of 70% Thermocool™, 20% nylon and 10% lycra. In other preferred embodiments, yet completely different materials may be used.

In the embodiment of figure 4, two ECG sensors 14 are provided in first textile layer 11. In preferred embodiments, said ECG sensors may be made of conductive yarns which may be sewn or stitched onto said textile layer 11. Further in this embodiment, silicon patches 19 may be provided. These silicon patches may serve to ensure that the ECG sensors do not move or slide too much with respect to the user's body.

Further in the embodiment of figure 4, "tracks" 15 are provided in the second textile layer 13 to electrically connect the ECG sensors 14 to fasteners 16. ECG sensors 14 are preferably placed a suitable distance apart, so as to establish a suitable difference in potential during use. To electrically connect the ECG sensors to fasteners 16, the tracks 15 may be provided. In this embodiment, the fasteners are press studs. The female parts of the press studs 16 comprise top part 16a provided in second textile layer 13, and bottom part 16b provided below intermediate layer 12. The male parts 21 of the press studs are provided on an electronic device 20 which may be attached to the sensor apparatus and garment. In accordance with the invention, the electronic device may comprise a data collection system.

Suitable materials for the tracks 15 include e.g. cotton, polyamide, polyester, or nylon substrates embedded with electrically conductive elements, like e.g. carbon, nickel, copper, gold, silver, stainless steel or titanium. Reference sign 17 has been used to indicate the connection by stitching or sewing conductive yarn between the ECG sensors 14 to tracks 15.

First electronic device 20 may be used for receiving and collecting data from the sensors. The electronic device 20 may further incorporate other sensors such as an accelerometer, preferably a three-dimensional accelerometer. Data from the ECG sensors, respiration sensor, accelerometer and optionally other sensors may be transmitted and/or analysed to assist in the training of a user.

In this embodiment, press studs were used as fasteners. It will be clear that any other suitable fastener may also be used, as long as an electrical connection can be established between the sensors and the fasteners. An example of an alternative fastener may e.g. be conductive Velcro or a socket of a plug-and- socket connection, such as e.g. a jack connector.

Preferably, the intermediate layer 12 is substantially more rigid than the first and second textile layers 11 and 13. The intermediate layer may thus locally provide a rigid zone, to which a first electronic device may be easily attached. By only providing the intermediate layer along a portion of the sensor apparatus, the other parts of the sensor apparatus may be more elastic or flexible, which may be more comfortable for users and also can enhance the performance of the respiration sensor (not shown in figure 1 ). Suitable materials for the intermediate layer include e.g. Teflon ™-based textiles (such as Gore-tex™). In other embodiments, silicon heat transfer substrates or plastic heat transfer substrates, rubber, or relatively rigid textiles may be used. It should be understood that although it is desirable that the intermediate layer is more rigid than the first and second textile layers, such rigidity will also have limits in order to safeguard a user's comfort.

Also preferably, the intermediate layer 12 is impermeable to water. This may avoid e.g. short circuits caused by excessive transpiring by a user.

Finally, in this embodiment, a heat press transfer substrate 18 may be heat pressed onto the outer layer 13. Such substrate may be decorative and e.g. comprise a logo, a drawing, a trademark name or may simply be used to mask the tracks 15. In other embodiments of the invention, such a heat press transfer substrate is not necessarily provided.

The sensor apparatus illustrated in figure 4 could also be integrated in e.g. a bra, a sports top, arm cuff, wrist cuff or other. The electronic device attached to a garment) may be adapted to not only collect the data but also evaluate the data with respect to predefined parameters indicative of a physical status of a user. In other embodiments, the first electronic device collects the parameters, optionally filters them, and subsequently transmits them to another electronic device, such as a portable media player, a PDA or a mobile phone.

Figure 5 schematically illustrates a built-up of an embodiment of a sensor apparatus which may be used in embodiments of the present invention. In this embodiment, a respiration sensor 30 (not previously shown in figure 4) has a shape resembling a rectangle, which is open on one of its longer sides. At its ends, fasteners 32 (in the shown embodiment, female parts of press studs) may be provided.

In this embodiment, the respiration sensor is provided above the ECG sensors 14, and the tracks 15 connecting the ECG sensors to fasteners 16. By suitable positioning the open rectangle with respect to the ECG sensors and tracks, a rectangular area is created by fasteners 16 and 32 of suitable dimensions for an electronic device.

With the shape of the respiration sensor, the use of the tracks 15, and the positioning of figure 5, the ECG sensors and respiration sensor may function properly, while the electronic device may be of reduced dimensions and can still be easily attached to the garment.

It will be clear that the present invention is not limited to the use of the particular sensor apparatus or garments depicted in figures 2, 4 and 5. Any kind of garment incorporating one or more sensors may be used.

Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described before, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A monitoring system comprising

a garment,

one or more sensors adapted to measure one or more parameters indicating a physical status of a user,

a data collection system adapted to collect said one or more parameters, and

an evaluation system adapted to evaluate said physical status of a user with respect to a predefined physical status, wherein

at least one of said sensors is incorporated in said garment.

2. A monitoring system according to claim 1 , wherein said predefined physical status comprises a time-dependent physical status.

3. A monitoring system according to claim 2, wherein said time-dependent physical status is indicative of an exercise session.

4. A monitoring system according to any previous claim, wherein said evaluation system comprises a storage medium in which said predefined physical status can be stored.

5. A monitoring system according to any previous claim, wherein said predefined physical status is based on one or more of the following parameters relating to the user: age, sex, smoking habits, previous exercise or previous physical status.

6. A monitoring system according to any previous claim, wherein said evaluation system is adapted to give instructions when a deviation between the physical status and a predefined physical status occurs.

7. A monitoring system according to any previous claim, wherein said evaluation system and/or said data collection system is adapted to display said one or more parameters indicating a physical status of a user.

5 8. A monitoring system according to any previous claim, wherein a first electronic device comprises said data collection system, said first electronic device being adapted to be connected to said garment.

9. A monitoring system according to claim 8, wherein said garment 1 0 comprises one or more fasteners to which said first electronic device can be removably attached for receiving data from said sensors.

10. A monitoring system according to claim 9, wherein at least one sensor incorporated in said garment is connected to said one or more fasteners through

15 conductive yarn.

1 1 . A monitoring system according to claim any of claims 8 - 10, wherein a second electronic device comprises said evaluation system.

2 0 12. A monitoring system according to claim 1 1 , wherein said second electronic device comprises a mobile phone, PDA, or portable media player.

13. A monitoring system according to claim 1 1 or 12, wherein said first and second electronic device comprise wireless communication technology.

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14. A monitoring system according to claim 13, wherein said wireless communication technology is Bluetooth or ZigBee.

15. A monitoring system according to any of claims 8 - 10, wherein said first

30 electronic device also comprises said evaluation system.

16. A monitoring system according to any of claims 8 - 15, wherein said first electronic device further comprises a tri-dimensional accelerometer.

17. A monitoring system according to any of claims 8 - 16, wherein said first 5 or said second electronic device comprises a GPS sensor.

18. A monitoring system according to any previous claim, wherein said sensors comprise one or more ECG sensors incorporated in said garment.

1 0 19. A monitoring system according to claim 18, wherein said ECG sensors are made from conductive yarn.

20. A monitoring system according to any previous claim, wherein said sensors comprise a respiration sensor incorporated in said garment.

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21 . A monitoring system according to claim 20, wherein said respiration sensor is adapted to determine a user's respiration by registering the sensor's variation in electrical resistance due to its deformation in use.

2 0 22. A monitoring system according to any previous claim, wherein said garment is a t-shirt with long sleeves, a t-shirt with short sleeves, a tank top, a leotard, a bra, a sleeveless top, a singlet or a halter top.

23. A method for evaluating a physical status of a user comprising

25 receiving one or more parameters indicating a physical status of a user originating from at least one sensor incorporated in a garment,

evaluating said physical status of the user with respect to a predefined physical status, and

if a deviation between the physical status of the user with respect to a

30 predefined physical status is noted, indicating said deviation.

24. A method according to claim 23, wherein said predefined physical status is a time-dependent physical status.

25. A method according to claim 24, wherein said time-dependent physical 5 status is indicative of an exercise session.

26. A method according to any of claims 23 - 25, wherein said deviation is indicated to the user.

10 27. A method according to any of claims 23 - 26, wherein said predefined physicafstatus has previously been downloaded from a website.

28. A method according to any of claims 23 - 27, wherein said predefined physical status is computer generated.

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29. A method according to any of claims 23 - 28, wherein receiving one or more parameters indicating a physical status of a user comprises receiving said one or more parameters from a first electronic device which is attached to said garment.

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30. A method according to claim 29, wherein said first electronic device comprises at least one further sensor.

31. A method according to claim 30, wherein said first electronic device 25 comprises a tri-dimensional accelerometer.

32. A method according to claim 30 or 31 , wherein said first electronic device comprises a GPS sensor.

30 33. A method according to any of claims 23 - 32, wherein said one or more parameters indicating a physical status of a user comprises at least one parameter originating from at least one sensor which is not incorporated in said garment.

34. A method according to any of claims 23 - 33, wherein evaluating said physical status of a user comprises comparing the intensity of a physical exercise with a pre-defined physical exercise.

5

35. A method according to any of claims 23 - 34, wherein indicating said deviation comprises generating an audio signal and reproducing said audio signal.

36. A method according to claim 35, wherein generating said audio signal 10 comprises retrieving an audio signal from a data repository comprising a plurality of predetermined audio signals.

37. A method according to any of claims 23 - 36, wherein indicating said deviation comprises generating a video signal and reproducing said video signal.

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38. A method according to any of claims 23 - 37, further comprising generating a video signal presenting said one or more parameters indicating a physical status of a user, and reproducing said video signal.

20 39. A method according to any of claims 23 - 38, further comprising filtering said one or more parameters indicating a physical status of a user.

40. A computer program product comprising program instructions for causing a computing system to perform a method according to any of claims 23 - 39.

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41. A computer program product according to claim 40, embodied on a storage medium.

42. A computer program product according to claim 40, carried on a carrier 30 signal. i

WO 2011/131235 PCT/EP2010/055225

26

43. A mobile phone, PDA or portable media player comprising a storage medium and a computer program product according to claim 40, said computer program product being stored in said storage medium.

5 44. Evaluation system comprising computing means for receiving one or more parameters indicating a physical status of a user originating from at least one sensor incorporated in a garment,

computing means for evaluating said physical status of the user with respect to a predefined physical status, and

10 computing means for indicating a deviation between said physical status of the user and said predefined physical status.

45. Evaluation system according to claim 44, furthermore comprising computing means to download said predefined physical status from a website.

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46. Evaluation system according to claim 44 or 45, furthermore comprising computing means for generating an audio signal and means for reproducing said audio signal.

20 47. Evaluation system according to any of claims 44 - 46, furthermore comprising means for generating a video signal and means for reproducing said video signal.