WO2012085440A1

WO2012085440A1 - Method of calibrating a measurement device and associated measurement device

Info

Publication number: WO2012085440A1
Application number: PCT/FR2011/053075
Authority: WO
Inventors: Cédric MORIO
Original assignee: Decathlon
Priority date: 2010-12-22
Filing date: 2011-12-20
Publication date: 2012-06-28
Also published as: FR2969756A1; EP2656009A1; RU2013134011A; CN103339475A

Abstract

The subject of the present invention relates to a method for calibrating a measurement device (PODO) able to estimate the distance actually travelled by an individual during a time period T, said method comprising: a) a step of input (50) consisting in inputting at least one physiological data item (DATA) comprising a known item of information relating to the physiology of said individual; b) a calculation step (51) consisting in calculating the length of stride (L_ stride) of said individual as a function of said physiological data item (DATA) input.

Description

METHOD FOR CALIBRATING A MEASURING DEVICE

AND MEASURING DEVICE

Technical area

The object of the present invention is in the field of measuring devices, and in particular in the field of measuring devices of the type for example pedometer.

More specifically, the object of the present invention is to provide a calibration method for calibrating a measuring device; calibration of the measuring device according to the present invention provides a reliable device capable of providing an accurate estimate of the distance actually traveled by a user for a period of time.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term "measurement device" is intended to mean all types of device capable of counting the number of steps. Among the measuring devices within the meaning of the present invention, there are included the so-called conventional pedometers, the "step-watch" and the so-called "speed & distance" measuring systems, or the USB-pedometer keys. State of the art

Pedometers of the state of the art are generally adapted to provide a more or less accurate estimate of the distance actually traveled by an individual during a period of time.

Generally, this distance traveled is calculated according to the following formula: Distance traveled = step length x walking frequency x running time To perform this calculation, the walking frequency is measured by the pedometer using specially adapted means that do not here the object of the present invention.

For purely informational purposes, these means can be any type of sensor that can detect a relative kinematic change of the system such as for example the conventional technologies of pedometers called "hammer" or means of analysis of relative motion as piezoelectric technologies, accelerometric, magnetometric , or gyrometric. According to the formula above, in order to accurately estimate the distance traveled, the pedometer must also know the value relative to the step length.

By default, on a certain category of entry level pedometers, this value is equal to a fixed length: 1 meter for example.

Such factory setting inevitably implies a very rough estimate of the distance actually traveled by the user. This lack of precision is not acceptable for a user who wishes to have accurate information about his physical activity.

Indeed, with such a technology, two people who do a physical activity together and who travel the same distance will be allocated by their respective pedometer a distance traveled that can be very different from one user to another, this is to as much more true if it is about a man and a woman who walk together and who have a priori a step length very different.

On other pedometers, supposed to be more advanced, the user must inform before its use its step length.

However, the user usually has no clear idea of this value. Indeed, a typical user does not usually know the actual length of his steps. This information seems indeed difficult to appreciate for any user.

There exists in the state of the art a solution to precisely calibrate its pedometer so as to estimate this step length.

This solution consists first of all in measuring a distance, for example a distance of 10 meters. It is then necessary to walk this distance on foot, and to count the number of steps made during this journey, for example 14 steps. Finally, it is necessary to divide the distance traveled in relation to the number of steps actually taken over this distance.

With the values retained above by way of example, the value of the step length estimated by this method is equal to 10/14 = 0.71, a length of step estimated to be equal to 71 centimeters. The Applicant submits, however, that this calibration process is very tedious, and can lead to errors due in particular to the count of the number of steps, the evaluation of the reference distance, or the short length of the distance traveled.

In addition, users do not usually take the time to do such manipulation. The Applicant notes that, in many cases, users retain the value of the default setting.

As a refinement, there are also so-called intelligent solutions to improve this value relative to the estimation of the step length.

Such solutions are disclosed in particular in documents JP2008191046 and JP2008191047.

In these documents, it is proposed a solution in which the user informs, as soon as he knows, the value of the distance traveled.

With this known value, the pedometer will be able to recalculate the step length to improve the prediction as the user uses his pedometer.

This solution, which is based on the same principle as that described above, requires the user to systematically enter the distance traveled, of course when it is known.

This intelligent solution therefore allows only an estimate of the value of the step length by learning. In any case, it does not allow a single calibration step that provides a reliable device.

The Applicant submits that there are also complex solutions to determine the step length as a function of physiological parameters that are measured, and which require complex manipulations and equipment; these solutions are known in particular from WO 2005/0800917.

In any event, the Applicant observes a manifest defect in the method of measuring device calibration.

Indeed, the applicant considers that the various teachings proposed in the state of the art do not offer satisfactory solutions allowing a simple use of the pedometer allowing the provision of an accurate estimate of the distance traveled.

Summary of the object of the present invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a simple and effective solution to the aforementioned problems among other problems, cost and manufacturing issues obviously being considered in the subject of the present invention.

One of the technical problems that the object of the present invention solves therefore consists in proposing a solution aiming at a simple, almost automatic and precise calibration of a measuring device.

For this purpose, the object of the present invention relates to a method for calibrating a measuring device of the type for example a pedometer, the measuring device according to the present invention being able to estimate the distance actually traveled by an individual during a period of time. fixed time.

Advantageously, the calibration method according to the present invention comprises the following steps:

an input step consisting in entering at least one physiological datum comprising information relating to the physiology of the individual (preferably this information is known), and

- A calculation step of calculating the step length of the individual according to the physiological data entered.

This succession of technical steps, characteristic of the present invention, allows a simple calibration of the measuring device so that the latter is able to provide an accurate estimate of the distance actually traveled.

According to the invention, the physiological data input includes information relating to the stature of the individual. It is observed that, generally, this information is known.

According to the invention, the step length, noted here L_step, which is calculated during the calculation step is obtained by the following formula:

L_step = (0.4389 ± ε \) x DATA + (0.0246 ± ε2) In this formula, DATA is the physiological data input, εΐ is a first tolerance index, and ε2 is a second tolerance index.

Advantageously, the first tolerance index ε \ is less than or equal to 0.026 and the second tolerance index ε2 is less than or equal to 0.0588.

Correlatively, the object of the present invention relates to a computer program including instructions adapted for performing the steps of the calibration method as described above, especially when said program is executed by a computer or any other system. equivalent.

Such a computer program can use any programming language, and be in the form of a source code, an object code, or an intermediate code between a source code and an object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other desirable form.

Similarly, the subject of the present invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium or any other equivalent system, on which is recorded a computer program comprising instructions for performing the steps of the calibration method according to the present invention.

On the one hand, the recording medium can be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the medium may comprise storage means, such as a ROM, for example a CD-ROM or a microelectronic circuit-type ROM, or a magnetic recording means, for example a diskette of the type " floppy says "or a hard drive.

On the other hand, this recording medium can also be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, such a signal can be conveyed via an electric or optical cable, by conventional radio or radio or by self-directed laser beam or by other ways. The computer program according to the invention can in particular be downloaded to an Internet type network.

Alternatively, the recording medium may be an integrated circuit in which the computer program is incorporated, the integrated circuit being adapted to execute or to be used in the execution of the method in question. The object of the present invention also relates to a measuring device such as a pedometer able to estimate the distance actually traveled by an individual during a period of time.

Advantageously, the measuring device according to the present invention comprises:

- Input means configured to allow input of at least one physiological data comprising information relating to the physiology of an individual (preferably, this information is known); and

a first calculation means configured to allow the calculation of the step length of the individual as a function of the physiological data inputted.

This combination of technical means, characteristic of the present invention, allows the calibration of the measuring device so that the latter is able to provide an accurate estimate of the distance actually traveled.

According to the invention, the physiological data comprises information relating to the stature of the individual.

According to the invention, the first calculation means is configured to calculate the pitch length, noted here L_step, according to the following formula:

L_step = (0.4389 ± εΥ) x DATA + (0.0246 ± εΐ)

In this formula, DATA is the physiological data input, ε \ is a first tolerance index, and ε2 is a second tolerance index.

Advantageously, the measuring device according to the present invention comprises a recording medium as described above, readable by the measuring device and on which is recorded a computer program comprising instructions for carrying out the steps of the method calibration as described above.

Thus, the object of the present invention by its various functional aspects, its advantageous characteristics, and the implemented algorithm, overcomes the various drawbacks noted in the state of the art by allowing a calibration simple, quasi-automatic and accurate measurement device through a single entry of a physiological data comprising information relating to the physiology of the individual, this information being a priori known by said individual. Brief description of the figures

Other features and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description below, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 2, which illustrate an example of embodiment that is devoid of any limiting character and on which:

- Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a measuring device adapted to implement the steps of the calibration method according to a particular embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing schematically the various steps of the calibration method according to a particular embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed description of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention

A calibration method and a measuring device according to a particular embodiment of the present invention will now be described together with reference to FIGS. 1 to 2.

Allowing an individual to be able to easily calibrate his measuring device is one of the objectives of the present invention.

In the embodiment described here, the object of the present invention relates to a method of calibrating a PODO measuring device capable of estimating the distance actually traveled by an individual during a period of time T.

In the embodiment described here, the PODO measuring device is a pedometer. Of course, any other measuring device within the meaning of the present invention can be envisaged.

As mentioned above, the pedometers of the state of technique require a tedious calibration during which it is necessary to perform many operations: to travel a given distance by counting the number of steps, then divide this distance traveled by the number of not counted to get an approximate value of the step length. The object of the present invention proposes to solve the various disadvantages encountered above with this kind of pedometers by proposing a simple solution in which the calibration requires the single entry of a single piece of information which is known a priori of its user. , and which allows an accurate estimate of the length of the user's step.

For this purpose, in the example described here, the calibration method according to the present invention comprises an input step S0 in which, during the first use of the PODO pedometer, the user must grasp, by means of input MO, a physiological data DATA comprising known information relating to its physiology.

The input means MO may consist of any type of manual input type keyboard, touchpad or other, or voice input means for entering and integration into the PODO pedometer this data DATA.

The physiological data DATA preferably comprises information relating to the stature of the individual. By stature in the sense of the present invention is meant the anthropomorphic definition of the term, namely the height or size of the individual.

It should be noted that, generally, within a few centimeters, the user of a PODO pedometer knows this information.

The user can also enter, for other purposes, other physiological data such as its weight, age, sex, etc., in order, for example, to be able to calculate the heat energy expended.

Then, in the example described here, the PODO pedometer according to the present invention comprises a first calculation means Ml configured to allow, during a first calculation step S1, the calculation of the pitch length L_ step as a function of the physiological data entered DATA.

This not estimated step length L_ is then used by the pedometer

PODO to accurately estimate the distance actually traveled by the user during a period of time T. In the embodiment described here, the step length L_ not calculated during the calculation step S1 is obtained by the following formula:

L_step = (0.4389 ± ε) x DATA + (0.0246 ± ε 2)

In this example, ε 1 is a first tolerance index which is preferably less than or equal to 0.026, and ε2 is a second tolerance index which is preferably less than or equal to 0.0588.

For example, an individual A measuring 1.50 meters in height captures a DATA data equal to 1.50 meters during the input step S0.

In this example, the calculation step SI described above returns a step length L_ step of a value of 0.68295 meters, or about 68.3 centimeters.

In another example, an individual B measuring 1.90 meters of stature enters a data value equal to 1.90 meters during the input step S0.

In this example, the calculation step SI returns a pitch length L_ step of a value of 0.85851 meter, or about 85.9 centimeters.

In the embodiment described here, the pedometer according to the present invention further comprises a recording medium CI readable by the measuring device PODO and on which is recorded a computer program PG comprising instructions for the execution of steps of the calibration method as described above.

The object of the present invention is characterized by a simplification and automation of the calibration in order to estimate the more precise pitch length.

It should be observed that this detailed description relates to a particular embodiment of the present invention, but in no case this description is of any nature limiting to the subject of the invention; on the contrary, its purpose is to remove any imprecision or misinterpretation of the claims that follow.

Claims

1. Method for calibrating a measuring device (PODO) of the type for example a pedometer capable of estimating the distance actually traveled by an individual during a period of time T, said calibration method being characterized in that it comprises the steps following:

- an input step (S0) of entering at least one physiological data (DATA) comprising known information relating to the physiology of said individual, the physiological data (DATA) comprising information relating to the stature of the individual; and

a calculation step (SI) of calculating the step length (L_step) of said individual as a function of said entered physiological data (DATA), the step length (L_step) calculated during the calculation step (IF ) being obtained by the following formula:

L_step = (0.4389 ± ε) x DATA + (0.0246 ± ε 2)

in which ε \ is a first tolerance index, and ε2 is a second tolerance index, so that said measuring device (PODO) is able to allow the provision of an accurate estimate of the distance actually traveled.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first tolerance index ε \ is less than or equal to 0.026 and the second tolerance index ε2 is less than or equal to 0.0588.

3. Computer program (PG) comprising instructions adapted to allow the execution of the steps of the calibration method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, especially when said computer program (PG) is executed by a computer or on a pedometer-type measuring device (PODO).

4. A computer-readable recording medium (CI) or a pedometer-type measuring device (PODO) on which a computer program (PG) is recorded including instructions for executing the steps of the pedometer method. calibration according to any one of claims 1 or 2.

Pedometer-type measuring device (PODO) capable of estimating the distance actually traveled by an individual during a period of time T, said device (PODO) being characterized in that it comprises:

an input means (MO) configured to enable the input of at least one physiological data item (DATA) comprising known information relating to the physiology of an individual, the physiological data item (DATA) comprising information relating to the stature of the individual; and

a first calculation means configured to allow the calculation of the pitch length (L _step) of said individual as a function of said entered physiological data (DATA), the first calculation means being configured to calculate the step length (L_ step); ) according to the following formula:

L = pitch (0.4389 ± ε) x DATA + (0.0246 ± ε 2) where ε \ is a first tolerance index, and ε2 is a second tolerance index,

so that said measuring device (PODO) is able to allow the provision of an accurate estimate of the distance actually traveled.

6. Measuring device (PODO) according to claim 5, characterized in that the first tolerance index ε 1 is less than or equal to 0.026 and the second tolerance index ε2 is less than or equal to 0.0588.

7. Measuring device (PODO) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that it comprises a recording medium (CI) readable by said measuring device (PODO) and on which is recorded a computer program ( PG) including instructions for carrying out the steps of the calibration method according to claim 1 or 2.