OF A USER ON A TRACK

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the sector of apparatus and methods for controlling those activities, such as training sessions, which include a distance to be covered along a route which has reference passage points, as typically occurs, for example, on athletics tracks. In particular, the invention relates to the control and monitoring of training sessions with successive steps with a method, a wearable device and a system. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

The last two decades have seen a rapid development and a significant increase in tools for controlling training sessions. This controlling typically takes the form of:

- receiving instructions on training plans and, possibly, designing training plans;

- informing the user, especially during the course of training sessions; - detecting at least one parameter of the user doing the training, using sensors;

- recording the user parameters in relation to the training and, possibly, also to other factors such as for example the date and the environmental conditions;

- providing the collected data, following processing thereof.

The control is preferably of the cyclical type, i.e. the collected data influence the successive training plans.

EP2509016A1 includes examples of methods, systems, products and software for the control of the training sessions.

The training plans often comprise a series of successive training steps, with each training step including a specific activity. These training steps are generically subdivided into active steps and recovery steps, or rest steps; in athletics, the active steps are generally known as running steps. The single training step can be programmed differently, for example on the basis of distance, time, the pressure of a button, the calories burned and/or the heartbeat frequency of the user.

The devices used during training sessions interact with the user to help him/her to follow the training plan, for example by providing information and receiving instructions, and detect and record the position, the duration and the user parameters. These parameters can relate to a vital parameter, such as for example the heartbeat, or the movements of the user, for example detected by an accelerometer. Like devices are described in EP2581120A1 or in EP2856936A1. These devices are usually wearable, i.e. are worn by the user, and can comprise several parts, for example connected to one another with wireless connections. A further example is provided by US2007260482A1 : an accelerometer and/or a GPS sensor are used for detecting the position of the user and thus for determining the advancement of the training with respect to predefined time and distance between reference passage points.

Solutions such as those described in EP2581120A1 or EP2856936A1 lose in terms of usefulness in zones where the position detectors do not function correctly, as can occur in zones not covered by satellite signals or on athletics tracks where the running space is of the same order of magnitude as the intrinsic GPS error, and even more when the user is running along a curve. For this reason EP2581120A1 combines the data coming from a plurality of sensors, the measurement thus obtained is imprecise and the control inaccurate. Like considerations are valid for US2007260482A1 ; for example the accelerometer does not provide the user with a clear indication relating to the effective performance. The absence of clear indications on the rhythm of the user prevents controlling the training with a plurality of undesired concomitant effects: the user does not receive correct data about the training plan, so that the recordings do not correspond to the training plan and the comparison of recordings of like steps is compromised. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aim of the present invention is to obviate the drawbacks of the prior art by helping the user to carry out the training plans and thus record the effective performances, which can thus be effectively compared.

These and other aims, which will be obvious to the expert in the sector from a reading of the following text, are attained by means of a method for recording the performances of a user along a route with reference passage points according to claim 1 , of a wearable device for controlling the training sessions along routes with reference passage points according to claim 12 or of a system for comparing training session performances along routes with reference passage points according to claim 16.

In accordance with the teachings of the present document, the user is followed during the course of the training and helped in respecting the training steps of the training plan, using appropriate signals and further exploiting the presence, along the route, of known passage points which act as spatial references.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Specific embodiments of the invention will be described in the following part of the present description, according to what is set down in the claims and with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which:

- figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a training plan with active steps and rest steps; - figures from 2 to 15 schematically describe the application of the method of the invention and, in part, the use of the wearable device according to the invention;

- figure 16 illustrates an embodiment of a system according to the invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS With reference to the accompanying drawings, reference numeral 1 relates to a training plan of a user on a route with reference passage points. By way of example, in figures from 2 to 15 the route is an athletics track which has straight lines and curves of equal length. The reference passage points (4) have been exemplified and represented by segments cutting the track; in the case of athletics tracks the user knows, at almost all times, the distance which she/he has covered and therefore the reference passage points (4), i.e. points which the user recognises precisely, can be many more than represented by way of example herein.

An embodiment of a method for recording performances of a user who is training on routes with reference passage points (4) comprises steps of:

- defining a training plan (1) of a user on a route with reference passage points (4), the training plan (1) comprising a sequence of training steps which has active steps (11) and at least one rest step (12), each active step (11) being associated to a distance to be covered (13) and to time sub- intervals (14) and each rest step (12) being associated to a respective time interval (16) and being between two active steps (11);

- carrying out the sequence by starting a time measurement of the first training step and starting the time measurement of the successive training steps at the termination of the respective preceding training step, up to measuring the time of the final training step. In the steps of defining a training plan (1) the time sub-intervals (14) associated to each active step (11) are advantageously established on the basis of the distance between passage points of the reference passage points (4) so that each time sub-interval (14) indicates a predetermined time between two passage points.

Very advantageously, in the step of carrying out the sequence:

- at least the duration of each active step is recorded (11 );

- a signal is emitted between the time sub-intervals (14) in order to indicate to the user the predetermined moment for the passage by a passage point of the reference passage points (4) so that the user can compare his or her effective time performance with the predetermined time performance;

- the termination of the each active step (11) takes place when the user has travelled the distance to be covered (13). The distance covered by the user is evaluated on the basis of the passage of the user at passage points of the reference passage points (4).

The above-described method enables effective following of a training plan (1), being able to record the time performance of the user and, possibly, user parameters which in reality reflect the activities included in the plan and consequently are able to correctly control the user’s performances. These effects can be obtained without any need for a technical positioning system. The effects of the method are also evident from the sequence shown in figures from 2 to 15 relative to the training plan (1 ) of figure 1.

The predetermined routes are preferably cyclical, for example an athletics track; in general the user determines her/his own position in a cyclic route. This leads to an advantage both for when the user determines the end of the time interval (15, 16), and for the effectiveness of the signals between the time sub-intervals (14). A training plan (1) can also comprise two successive active steps (11); the active steps (11) can possibly include different intensities between them and/or various types of run, walk or pedalling.

Generally the termination of the rest steps (12) is determined by the user or on the basis of the duration of the rest step (12).

Figure 1 is a diagram of an example training plan (1) which includes:

- an active step (11) F1 of 45 seconds with time sub-intervals (14) of 15 seconds, to cover 300 metres;

- a rest step (12) F2 of 120 seconds;

- an active step (11) F3 of 190 seconds with time sub-intervals (14) of 38 seconds, to cover 1000 metres;

- a rest step (12) F4 of 180 seconds;

- an active step (11) of 85 seconds with time sub-intervals (14) of 17 seconds, to cover 500 metres;

- a rest step (12) of 180 seconds;

- steps F5 and F6, not illustrated;

- an active step (11) F7 of 108 seconds with time sub-intervals (14) of 18 seconds, to cover 600 metres.

Note that, as will be clarified in the following, the time sub-intervals (14) might be defined by the user in spatial terms and then transformed into time terms, as happens for example for step (F1 ).

Like considerations apply also to the time intervals (15) of the active steps (11); if the user training times are already known for each distance to be covered (13), the passage from the time to the distance to be covered (13) consequently follows. They can also be defined as percentages with respect to the best time of the user for that distance to be covered (13).

A user who is training on routes with reference passage points makes a plurality of evaluations at points of the distance already run. For example, in an athletics track of 400 metres there are signs on the ground surface every 100 metres and often at intermediate distances; in the case of cyclical routes the distance covered also derives from the number of revolutions completed. This aspect is schematically represented in the track at the centre of the active step (11) (F3) of figure 1 : the distance covered, being 1000 metres, is represented with two and a half laps of the athletics track. On the track, the user easily remembers the starting position and, consequently, the final, or intermediate, position of the active step (11).

In figures from 2 to 15 the training plan (1) is carried out according to the method of the present invention. The diagram shown in each figure is subdivided into four quadrants which describe, in clockwise direction starting from the top left quadrant: - the position of the user within the route, in this case an athletics track;

- an input (28), for example a button, or a signal, for example a sound signal;

- the total time (C) that has passed since the start of training and the elapsed time of the step;

- the characteristics of the step under way. The position of the user is indicated with arrows. Further, a stylised hare and tortoise are used for when the user is respectively faster or slower than envisaged in the training plan (1); in both cases the user is not precisely following the training plan (1).

From the analysis of figures from 2 to 13, it can be seen how the total time (C) does not correspond to the sum of the time intervals (15, 16). From the analysis of figures from 2 to 15, it can be seen how the user is clearly informed on the progress of the active step (11).

Further, each training plan (1) can be classified by categories. This enables researching and planning the training sessions more easily, using the system described in the following. Examples of categories can be aerobic power and lactacid capacity. Therefore the categories group together training plans having a same type; typically these share the same training means.

Each active step (11) is preferably associated to a respective time interval (15) and in the step of carrying out the sequence: - a signal is emitted when, or a predetermined time before, the time interval

(16) associated to each rest step (12) has passed, if the rest step (12) has not already terminated; and, very preferably,

- a signal is emitted when the time interval (15) has passed that is associated to each active step (11) in such a way as to indicate to the user the predetermined moment for the passage from the last passage point of the reference passage points (4) of the active step (11), if the active step (11) has not already terminated.

As illustrated in the foregoing, the user more preferably commands the termination of each active step (11). The user thus follows his/her performance not only between the intermediate passages but also at the end of each training step.

The recording of the effective duration of the one or more active steps (11) and, preferably, of the rest steps (12), enables having a full picture of the users’ performances. The signal emitted between the time sub-intervals (14) is preferably an acoustic and/or a tactile signal. The duration of the signal must be such as to enable the user to understand the exact instant signalled: more preferably, the acoustic signal has a duration of lower than 1 second, often below 0.5 seconds. The tactile signal is typically a vibration or the acoustic signal is a short tone, for example a “beep”. At least for the active steps (11) it is preferable for the user to receive the information passively, in order to prevent him or her losing coordination or concentration.

Generally the signal at the termination of each training step is also an acoustic and/or a tactile signal, more preferably of the above-described types. Towards the conclusion of a rest step (12) there might be an emission of a countdown.

In the rest steps (12), the acoustic/tactile signal can be accompanied or replaced by a visual signal; for example in a case where the method is implemented with a wearable device (2), this could for example be a smartwatch and its screen could change from red to yellow and lastly to green to indicate the start of the successive time interval (15).

In general the active steps (11) are associated to a respective time interval (15) which represents the objective time of the user. Preferably, in this case, in the step of defining a training plan (1 ):

- reference passage points (4) are selected that are equidistant with respect to one another;

- the time sub-intervals (14) are calculated by subdividing the time interval (15) of the respective active step (11) by the ratio between the distance to be covered (13) and the distance between selected passage points of the reference passage points (4). Equal time sub-intervals (14) facilitate both the step of defining a training plan (1), requiring the entering of a smaller number of data, and the step of carrying out the sequence since the user better recognises passage points selected.

Obviously in some circumstances, for example in the event that the distance between reference passage points (4) is not constant or in the case that it is desired to follow a progression during the course of the time interval (15) it is preferable for the user to establish different durations in the time sub-intervals (14).

The user preferably commands the termination of each rest step (12) and the duration of each training step is recorded, i.e. also the duration of the at least one rest step (12). By commanding the termination of each rest step (12) the user is freer in reaching the reference passage point (4) from which to start the successive step.

A particular case is when a first active step (11) is followed immediately by a second active step (11). It is in fact preferable for the user to decide whether to intervene or not intervene to terminate the first active step (11 ) with the passage at the reference passage point (4), in order to prevent his or her having to lose coordination or concentration. In the event that the first active step (11) is not terminated, the first active step (11) and the second active step (11) initially programmed as separate become a single active step (11) and the first active step (11) is a time sub-interval (14).

At least for one active step (11) or for the active steps (11), a single signal is preferably not emitted but a plurality thereof, at predetermined time distances; for example 2 seconds between the first and second signal. In this way the user can know by how long he/she is in advance or behind with respect to the training plan (1), by receiving a clear indication with respect to how much she/he needs to slow down or accelerate.

The predetermined time distance is preferably 1 second or 0.5 seconds.

Preferably for at least one active step (11 ), a first and a third acoustic and/or tactile signal are emitted respectively before and after the acoustic and/or tactile signal between the time sub-intervals (14) and both at the same time distance therefrom. Preferably the signal for when the respective time interval (15) has passed is acoustic and/or tactile and, for at least an active step (11), a first and a third acoustic and/or tactile signal are emitted respectively before and after the signal of when the respective time interval (15) has passed and both at the same time distance therefrom.

During the step of carrying out the sequence, at least one parameter of the user is preferably recorded; the user parameters detected and recorded can be many, for example the heartbeat, the length of the step, the fall of the step, the maximum consumption of oxygen (V0 ₂ max), the length of the foot rest on the ground and many others. More preferably, at least one vital parameter of the user is measured and recorded. Generally at least the heartbeat frequency is recorded. The detection of the vital parameters allows best assessment of the performance that, due to the teachings of the present invention, is as most coherent as possible with the predetermined performance. An embodiment of the wearable device (2) for controlling training sessions along routes with reference passage points (4) comprises a processor (21), a timer (22), a signaller (23) for emitting signals, a communication interface (26) for receiving a training plan (1) on a route with reference passage points (4), a memory (27) for memorising the training plan (1), a recording module for recording the duration of at least the active steps (11) of the training steps and an input (28) for receiving instructions.

The wearable device (2) is configured to receive a training plan (1) comprising a sequence of training steps which has active steps (11) and at least one rest step (12), each active step (11) being associated to a distance to be covered (13) and to time sub-intervals (14) and each rest step (12) being associated to a respective time interval (16) and being between two active steps (11).

The processor (21) is advantageously configured for:

- starting the timer (22) to measure the first training step of the sequence and for starting the timer (22) for measurement of each of the successive training steps of the sequence at the termination of the respective preceding training step of the sequence, up to when the timer (22) has measured the final training step of the sequence;

- starting the recording module to record at least the duration of the active steps

(11 ); - activating the signaller (23) to emit a signal between the time sub-intervals (14) associated to each active step (11), in order to indicate to the user the predetermined moment for the passage by a passage point of the reference passage points (4) so that the user can compare his or her effective time performance with the predetermined time performance; - establishing the termination of each of the active steps (11) on the basis of the instructions received from the input (28).

The wearable device (2) helps the user to follow the training plan (1) and enables actuation of the above-described method.

The termination of the rest steps (12) is generally determined by the respective time interval (16) of by the input (28). The input (28) preferably receives a start instruction for the timer (22) to measure the first interval but numerous variants are possible; for example the start can be determined by the detection of the sensor (24, 25) or autonomously by the processor (21) based on the time of day.

The wearable device (2) might therefore not comprise a localising apparatus of the user, for example a GPS receiver.

The communication interface (26) is preferably configured also to transmit the duration of the active steps (11 ) or training steps.

The recording module is preferably configured to record the duration of all the training steps. The processor (21) is preferably configured so that the inlet (28) determines the termination of each training step.

More preferably a respective time interval (15) is associated to each active step (11) and the processor (21) is configured to activate the signaller (23) to emit a signal when the time interval (15) of each active step (11) has passed, in order to indicate to the user the predetermined moment for the passage from the last passage point of the reference passage points (4), if the active step (11) has not already terminated.

The processor (21) is very preferably configured to activate the signaller (23) to emit a signal when either a predetermined time has passed, or a predetermined time interval before the time interval (16) for each rest step (12) has passed, if the rest step (12) has not already terminated.

The preferred embodiments described in the foregoing can be combined with one another to obtain a wearable device (2) which allows various settings according to the user’s preferences. The input (28) can be of various types; for example in the case of a smartwatch the input (28) can comprise an integrated digitizer with a screen or a lateral button. The input (28) can comprise a microphone.

For example in the case of an input (28) with a button or an integrated digitizer or a microphone, in a preferred operating mode the user presses or calls at the start of the training session which begins with an active step (11) and then at the end of each training step which corresponds to the start of the successive training step. In this case the user presses or calls to take the time that has really passed in each active step (11 ) and rest step (12).

In a preferred embodiment the input (28) is connected to a wireless button.

This is so that the user avoids losing coordination by nearing the hands to the wrist or elsewhere or by calling with his/her voice.

The wireless button can be, for example, Bluetooth and can be held in the user’s hand so as to enable establishing the start and/or the termination of the training steps by dint of the simple pressure of the thumb. A version like the above- described is schematically represented in figures 14 and 15.

The wearable device (2) preferably comprises a sensor (24, 25) for detecting at least one user parameter and the communication interface (26) is configured also to transmit the detections of the at least a parameter of the user. Some examples of user parameters are described in the foregoing and more preferably the at least a parameter comprises a vital parameter. The sensor (24, 25) can be for example a heartbeat detector (24) or an accelerometer (25). The memory (27) preferably also memorises the detected user parameters.

The wearable device (2) can comprise a plurality of parts, for example figure 16 provides a heartbeat frequency detector, connected wirelessly, for example via Bluetooth, to the processor (21). The wearable device (2) preferably comprises or is a smartwatch; the wearable device (2) very preferably comprises a digital application that determines, at least partly, the described configuration.

By way of example the following includes a description of the use of the wearable device (2), comprising a digital application for the training plan (1) illustrated in figure 1.

Once the wearable device (2), provided with a touchscreen and a button, is positioned and active, the application that includes a list of the training plans (1) for that day is called up and the user can choose which to start up.

The screen preferably shows the user the characteristics of the training plan (1) and of the active step (11) which is about to be followed, for example the distance to be covered (13), the time interval (15, 16) and the time sub-intervals (14).

At the moment of starting the user can start the training programme by clicking on the screen and/or on the button. At the end of each active step (11) the user will have to click the screen and/or the button again, and the application records the relative duration. During the active step (11) the clock will vibrate and/or will sound, preferably at regular time intervals, in such a way that the user understands whether the user is running too slowly or too quickly.

Preferably, following the click on the screen and/or on the button that determines the termination of the active step (11), the screen will change colour and will show the remaining time to the termination of the rest step (12), and also indicates the characteristics of the following active step (11) and, possibly, the duration of the active step (11 ) just completed.

Preferably, at a predetermined time before the, for example, 5 seconds, or at the end of the rest step (12) the wearable device (2) will vibrate and/or will sound. The user will be able to start the successive active step (11) by clicking on the screen and/or on the button. The application preferably memorises the duration of the rest step (12) and sends it to a server (3), in real-time if the communication interface (26) is functioning.

An embodiment of the system for comparing training session performances along routes with reference passage points (4) comprises a wearable device (2) according to the invention and a server (3).

The server (3) comprises:

- an interface module for providing information on the training sessions and for receiving training plans (1) each comprising a sequence of training steps which has active steps (11) and at least one rest step (12), each active step (11) being associated to a distance to be covered (13) and to time sub intervals (14) and each rest step (12) being associated to a respective time interval (16) and being between two active steps (11);

- a communication module for receiving the detections of the sensor (24, 25) and, preferably, for sending the training plans (1) to the wearable device (2);

- a memory module for memorising the training plans (1) and the detections of the sensor (24, 25);

- a research module for seeking, in the memory module, the detections of the sensor (24, 25) and transmitting them to the interface module.

The memory module active steps advantageously memorises the detections of the sensor (24, 25) that took place during the active steps (11) placing the detections in relation with the distance to be covered (13) associated to each active step (11) and the research module is configured to seek and transmit the detections which share the same distance to be covered (13).

The communication module is preferably configured to receive the duration of the training steps, the memory module memorises the detections of the sensor (24, 25) of the training steps placing the detections in relation to the respective duration and the research module is configured to transmit the durations together with the detections which share the same distance to be covered (13).

If the training plan (1) is associated to a category, the memory module is preferably configured to memorise the detections of the sensor (24, 25) placing the detections in relation to the respective category and the research module is configured to transmit detections also selected on the basis of the category.

In general the research in the running time steps is carried out in terms of the distance to be covered (13): i.e. all the active steps (11) associated to a distance to be covered (13), for example 300 metres, are requested to be shown. The research can further be filtered by active steps (11) and by category; for example: active steps (11) with the distance to be covered (13) being 600 metres from April 1 st to April 30th of the lactacid capacity category.

The research module preferably calculates the mean and standard deviation of the detections of the user parameters and/or of the durations that share the same distance to be covered (13) and/or category. Both the categories and the training plans (1) are preferably defined by the user, although automations of various ranges can be present.

The interface module preferably enables the entering of training plans (1), but these might be generated autonomously or be received by other service servers. For example the time interval (15, 16) can be defined directly by the user by entering the numerical value or as a percentage of the user’s best time for the preselected distance to be covered (13) or a software program can process the plan on the basis of some user data.

The interface module is generally configured to program the training plans (1) using a calendar. The user can thus define her or his own training calendar day by day. More than one training session can be programmed for a single day.

The wearable device (2) preferably automatically loads the training plan (1) for that day and, possibly, that time of that day.

Figure 16 is a diagram by way of example of a system that comprises a wearable device (2) and a server (3) the interface module of which can be called up by a remote computer (B). The term server (3) is understood to mean any entity which acts as a data processor regardless of its form, for example material or virtual, i.e. in a cloud. The specific embodiment of the other elements, for example the interface and research modules, varies as a consequence.

The step of definition of the training plans (1) is preferably managed by the interface module which can be operated, for example, by the PC or smartphone. The data between the wearable device (2) and the server (3) are usually transmitted via existing telecommunications structures (A), for example via Wi-Fi or 4G/5G data.

The wearable device (2) is preferably synchronised in real-time with the server (3), so each modification to the training plan (1) and to the calendar is communicated in real-time and, vice versa, the detections and/or recordings of the wearable device (2) are transferred in real-time to the server (3).

The data are preferably processed in local mode from the wearable device (2) and sent to the server (3) which can carry out further processing; in the case of non- operation of the communication interface (26), the training data are at least temporarily saved locally.

It is understood that the above has been described by way of non-limiting example and that any constructional variants are considered to fall within the protective scope of the present technical solution, as claimed in the following.