Real Time Feedback Swim Training System and Method Based on Instantaneous Speed

• US 20140200116A1
• Filed: 01/17/2014
• Published: 07/17/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 01/17/2013
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Alex Aquatics
• Original Assignee: Alex Aquatics
• Inventors: Boutov, Alex, Krylov, Andrei
• Application Number:
  US14/158,423
• Publication Number:
  US 20140200116A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 482/55
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2244/20 Swimming
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0686 Timers, rhythm indicators or pacing apparatus using electric or electronic means
• CPC Class Codes: G01P 3/50 for measuring linear speed G01P3/56 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 5/16 using electromagnetic waves other than radio waves
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 2207/30196 Human being; Person
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 2207/30204 Marker
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 7/292 Multi-camera tracking
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/0038 Sports

Abstract

A swim training system and method includes a signal delivery sub-system configured to deliver signals to the swimmer and a machine vision sub-system with a detector and a target marker to be worn by a swimmer. The detector is configured to detect the target marker. A controller is configured to operably control the machine vision sub-system. A data processing sub-system is configured to process data collected by the machine vision sub-system and to generate signals for the signal delivery system. During a swim training session, the detector tracks a location of the target marker and transmits speed data to the data processing sub-system. The data processing sub-system processes the speed data and generates signals that are transmitted to the swimmer via the signal delivery sub-system in real time during the swim session. The signals are representative of a real time speed characteristic of the swimmer.

Claims

1. A swim training system comprising:

a signal delivery sub-system configured to deliver signals to a swimmer;

a machine vision sub-system having a detector and a target marker to be worn by the swimmer, the detector configured to detect the target marker;

a controller configured to operably control the machine vision sub-system; and

a data processing sub-system configured to process data collected by the machine vision sub-system and to generate signals for the signal delivery system,

wherein, during a swim training session of the swimmer, the detector tracks a location of the target marker and transmits speed data to the data processing sub-system, wherein the data processing sub-system processes the speed data and generates signals that are transmitted to the swimmer via the signal delivery sub-system in real time during the swim session, the signals representative of a real time speed characteristic of the swimmer.

2. The swim training system according to claim 1, wherein the target marker is a light belt, which carries one or more lights visible to the machine vision sub-system.

3. The swim training system according to claim 2, wherein the one or more lights include a plurality of omni-directional LED lights.

4. The swim training system according to claim 1, wherein the signal delivery sub-system includes an in-ear audio transmitter worn by the swimmer.

5. The swim training system according to claim 1, wherein the signal delivery sub-system includes a remote FM transmitter and an FM receiver worn by the swimmer and tunable to a desired FM channel.

6. The swim training system according to claim 1, wherein the data processing sub-system includes an electronic device with a data processor.

7. The swim training system according to claim 1, wherein the detector of the machine vision sub-system includes one or more video cameras.

8. The swim training system according to claim 7, wherein the one or more video cameras are configured for underwater use and to detect the target marker under water.

9. The swim training system according to claim 1, wherein the real time speed characteristic includes a desired instantaneous swim speed range between a low threshold speed and a high threshold speed.

10. The swim training system according to claim 9, wherein the signal delivery sub-system can deliver a first signal when an instantaneous swim speed of the swimmer is slower than the low threshold speed, a second signal when the instantaneous swim speed of the swimmer is faster than the high threshold speed, and a third signal when the instantaneous swim speed of the swimmer is within the desired instantaneous swim speed range.

11. The swim training system according to claim 10, wherein the first signal is a first auditory signal, the second signal is a second auditory signal different from the first auditory signal, and the third signal is the absence of an auditory signal.

12. A swim training method comprising:

providing a signal delivery sub-system, a data processing sub-system, and a machine vision sub-system having a detector and a target marker;

attaching the target marker to a swimmer;

placing the detector of the machine vision sub-system so as to detect the target marker on the swimmer;

operating a controller to control the machine vision sub-system;

tracking the target marker via the detector as the swimmer moves during a swim session;

sending data from the machine vision sub-system to the data processing sub-system during the swim session;

processing the data at the data processing sub-system; and

transmitting signals to the swimmer via the signal delivery sub-system in real time during the swim session, the signals representative of a real time speed characteristic of the swimmer.

13. The swim training method according to claim 12, wherein the step of providing includes providing one or more cameras that can detect the target marker.

14. The swim training method according to claim 12, wherein the step of providing includes providing a light belt that carries one or more lights detectable by the detector of the machine vision sub-system.

15. The swim training method according to claim 12, wherein the step of placing includes placing the detector under water.

16. The swim training method according to claim 12, wherein the step of operating a controller includes configuring a programmable electronic device to operate the machine vision sub-system.

17. The swim training method according to claim 12, wherein the step of transmitting includes transmitting an audible signal to the swimmer.

18. The swim training method according to claim 12, wherein the step of transmitting includes transmitting two or more different audible signals to the swimmer via an ear piece of the signal delivery sub-system.

19. The swim training method according to claim 12, wherein the step of processing includes comparing a desired instantaneous swim speed range between a low threshold speed and a high threshold speed to an instantaneous swim speed of the swimmer during the swim session.

20. The swim training method according to claim 19, wherein the step of transmitting includes transmitting a first signal when an instantaneous swim speed of the swimmer is slower than the low threshold speed, a second signal when the instantaneous swim speed of the swimmer is faster than the high threshold speed, and a third signal when the instantaneous swim speed of the swimmer is within the desired instantaneous swim speed range.