U.S. patent application number 14/487912 was filed with the patent office on 2015-03-19 for exercise support device, exercise support method, and exercise support program.
This patent application is currently assigned to CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Takehiro AIBARA, Ryohei YAMAMOTO.
Application Number | 20150081061 14/487912 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52668666 |
Filed Date | 2015-03-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150081061 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
AIBARA; Takehiro ; et
al. |
March 19, 2015 |
EXERCISE SUPPORT DEVICE, EXERCISE SUPPORT METHOD, AND EXERCISE
SUPPORT PROGRAM
Abstract
An exercise support device of the present invention includes a
sensor section which obtains motion data related a user's body
motion while exercising, and a data processing section which
identifies whether the motion data obtained by the sensor section
are related to first motion of swinging the right foot toward a
traveling direction or related to second motion of swinging the
left foot toward the traveling direction, and obtains, from the
motion data, first exercise data related to the first motion and
second exercise data related to the second motion. The data
processing section analyzes the user's body motion based on
comparison between the user's exercise form and the exercise status
based on the first exercise data and the user's exercise form and
the exercise status based on the second exercise data.
Inventors: |
AIBARA; Takehiro; (Tokyo,
JP) ; YAMAMOTO; Ryohei; (Tokyo, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD. |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
52668666 |
Appl. No.: |
14/487912 |
Filed: |
September 16, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
700/91 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/6831 20130101;
A61B 5/1122 20130101; A61B 5/0002 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
700/91 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/06 20060101
A63B071/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 18, 2013 |
JP |
2013-192714 |
Claims
1. An exercise support device comprising: a sensor section which
obtains motion data related to a body motion of a user while
exercising; and a data processing section which identifies whether
the motion data obtained by the sensor section are related to first
motion of the user swinging a right foot toward a traveling
direction or related to second motion of the user swinging a left
foot toward the traveling direction, and obtains, from the motion
data, first exercise data related to the first motion and second
exercise data related to the second motion.
2. The exercise support device according to claim 1, wherein the
sensor section obtains, as the motion data, acceleration data
corresponding to acceleration in an extending direction of a body
axis of the user and angular velocity data corresponding to angular
velocity of a rotating motion along the body axis in a rotating
direction, and wherein the data processing section identifies
whether the motion data are related to the first motion or related
to the second motion, based on a value of the acceleration data and
polarity of a value of the angular velocity data at specific
timing.
3. The exercise support device according to claim 2, wherein the
data processing section sets, as the specific timing, timing at
which the value of the acceleration data indicates a predetermined
change corresponding to a motion of the user landing with one of
the right foot and the left foot with respect to time.
4. The exercise support device according to claim 1, wherein the
data processing section obtains changes to time progress of an
exercise form and an exercise status of the user corresponding to
the first motion and changes to time progress of an exercise form
and an exercise status of the user corresponding to the second
motion, based on the obtained first exercise data and the obtained
second exercise data; and analyzes the body motion of the user
based on comparison between the changes to time progress of the
exercise form and the exercise status corresponding to the first
motion and the changes to time progress of the exercise form and
the exercise status corresponding to the second motion.
5. The exercise support device according to claim 1, wherein the
data processing section measures a plurality of exercise cycles
corresponding to cycles of motions of the left foot and the right
foot of the user in the motion data, and detects changes in an
exercise form and an exercise status of the user based on
comparison of a value of the motion data for each of the exercise
cycles.
6. The exercise support device according to claim 5, wherein the
data processing section performs normalization processing for
correcting a time length of each of the plurality of exercise
cycles to an equal time length, and detects changes in the exercise
form and the exercise status based on comparison of the value of
the motion data for each of the exercise cycles whose time lengths
have been corrected by the normalization processing.
7. The exercise support device according to claim 1, further
comprising: an information providing section which provides the
user with exercise support information for supporting a way of
moving a body while exercising, wherein the data processing section
judges, based on the motion data, whether or not an exercise form
and an exercise status of the user are each in a specific state set
in advance, and generates a notification signal in accordance with
a judgment result, and wherein the information providing section
provides predetermined notification information based on the
notification signal as the exercise support information.
8. The exercise support device according to claim 7, wherein the
information providing section visually, tactually, or aurally
provides the user with the exercise support information.
9. The exercise support device according to claim 7, wherein the
data processing section analyzes changes in the exercise form and
the exercise status while exercising, and wherein the information
providing section provides the exercise support information to the
user while exercising.
10. The exercise support device according to claim 1, further
comprising: a storage section which stores the motion data obtained
by the sensor section at any time, wherein the data processing
section analyzes the body motion of the user after the exercise is
ended, based on the motion data stored in the storage section.
11. The exercise support device according to claim 10, further
comprising: an information providing section which provides the
user with exercise support information for supporting a way of
moving a body while exercising, wherein the sensor section, the
storage section, the data processing section, and the information
providing section are directly or indirectly connected to a
network, respectively, wherein the data processing section receives
the motion data stored in the storage section via the network, and
analyzes the way of moving the body of the user based on the
received motion data, and wherein the information providing section
receives a result of analysis by the data processing section via
the network, and provides the user with the exercise support
information based on the received analysis result.
12. An exercise support method comprising: a step of obtaining
motion data related to a body motion of a user while exercising;
and a step of identifying whether the obtained motion data are
related to first motion of the user swinging a right foot toward a
traveling direction or related to second motion of the user
swinging a left foot toward the traveling direction, and obtaining,
from the motion data, first exercise data related to the first
motion and second exercise data related to the second motion.
13. The exercise support method according to claim 12, wherein
acceleration data corresponding to acceleration in an extending
direction of a body axis of the user and angular velocity data
corresponding to angular velocity of a rotating motion along the
body axis in a rotating direction are obtained as the motion data,
and wherein whether the motion data are related to the first motion
or related to the second motion is identified based on a value of
the acceleration data and polarity of a value of the angular
velocity data at specific timing.
14. The exercise support method according to claim 13, wherein
timing at which the value of the acceleration data indicates a
predetermined change corresponding to a motion of the user landing
with one of the right foot and the left foot with respect to time
is set as the specific timing.
15. The exercise support method according to claim 12, wherein
changes to time progress of an exercise form and an exercise status
of the user corresponding to the first motion and changes to time
progress of an exercise form and an exercise status of the user
corresponding to the second motion are obtained based on the
obtained first exercise data and the obtained second exercise data,
and wherein the body motion of the user is analyzed based on
comparison between the changes to time progress of the exercise
form and the exercise status corresponding to the first motion and
the changes to time progress of the exercise form and the exercise
status corresponding to the second motion.
16. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored
thereon an exercise support program that is executable by a
computer, the program being executable by the computer to perform
functions comprising: processing for obtaining motion data related
to a body motion of a user while exercising; and processing for
identifying whether the obtained motion data are related to first
motion of the user swinging a right foot toward a traveling
direction or related to second motion of the user swinging a left
foot toward the traveling direction, and obtaining, from the motion
data, first exercise data related to the first motion and second
exercise data related to the second motion.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No.
2013-192714, filed Sep. 18, 2013, the entire contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to an exercise support device,
an exercise support method and an exercise support, program.
Specifically, the present invention relates to an exercise support
device, an exercise support method, and an exercise support program
by which the motion status (exercise status) of a human body at the
time of exercise can be precisely grasped to be improved.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] In recent years, because of rising health consciousness,
more and more people are performing daily exercises, such as
running, walking, and cycling, to maintain their wellness or
improve their health condition. In addition, an increasing number
of people are aiming to participate in a race such as a marathon
race through these daily exercises.
[0006] These people are very conscious of and interested in
measuring various biological and exercise information and recording
the measurement result so as to grasp their own health conditions
and exercise status. The people aiming to participate in a race
have an objective of achieving a successful record in the race, and
therefore are very conscious of and interested in efficient and
effective training methods.
[0007] In order to fulfill these demands, various products and
technologies have been developed as of now. For example, Japanese
Patent Application Laid-Open (Kokai) Publication No, 2010-264246
discloses a portable fitness monitoring device which provides
various biological information and exercise information to the user
while training. When using this portable fitness monitoring device,
the user wears various sensors such as a heart rate meter, an
accelerometer, and a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver so as
to measure various performance parameters such as a heart rate
while exercising, distance, speed, the number of footsteps, and
calorie consumption, which are provided to the user as current
information.
[0008] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (Kokai)
Publication No. 2006-110046 discloses a running-style learning
device that is used by a track-and-field player for running
practice. In this running-style learning device, acceleration and
angular velocity in three axis directions of the running user are
detected, and a result of comparison with a target value set in
advance is provided to prompt the user to check and correct the
running style per footstep.
[0009] Most of the people continuously performing exercise to
maintain their healthy conditions, including those aiming to
participate in a race or the like, do not have much opportunity to
receive appropriate coaching from an instructor or the like with
regard to their exercise methods, exercise form, etc. Also, it is
very difficult for them to grasp their body balance at the time of
exercise (for example, running) and judge whether the balance is
appropriate, whereby they may continue exercise without maintaining
their body balance. In this case, the exercise is not only
inefficient but also may damage the body.
[0010] In the above-described devices and technologies, the
biological information and exercise information of the user while
exercising are detected and provided as they are to the user, or a
result of the analysis of the information is provided to the user.
That is, information useful for improving the user's form, way of
using the body and the like while exercising is not provided.
[0011] When performing accurate image analysis or analytic
diagnosis of an exercise form or the like, a large-scale and
complex apparatus is required. However, this apparatus is available
only in part of educational organizations, sports associations, and
the like, and cannot be used by ordinary people other than
top-level athletes.
[0012] As a device by which the user can easily observe his or her
exercise form at the time of exercise such as running there is an
imaging device that captures moving images and high-speed moving
images which is sold at a relatively low price.
[0013] However, when using this imaging device, cooperation of a
third party other than the user is required to capture moving
images while exercising. Therefore, using this device in every
daily exercise such as running is difficult. Also it takes time to
analyze the captured moving images Therefore, feeding the imaging
result, its analysis result, and the like back to the user while
exercising on a real-time basis is also difficult,
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present invention has an advantageous effect in that an
exercise support device, an exercise support method, and an
exercise support program can be provided by which a user's form,
way of using the body, and the like while exercising can be
precisely and easily measured.
[0015] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention,
there is provided an exercise support device comprising; a sensor
section which obtains motion data related to a body motion of a
user while exercising; and a data processing section which
identifies whether the motion data obtained by the sensor section
are related to first motion of the user swinging a right foot
toward a traveling direction or related to second motion of the
user swinging a left foot toward the traveling direction, and
obtains, from the motion data, first exercise data related to the
first motion and second exercise data related to the second
motion.
[0016] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided an exercise support method comprising: a step of
obtaining motion data related to a body motion of a user while
exercising; and a step of identifying whether the obtained motion
data are related to first motion of the user swinging a right foot
toward a traveling direction or related to second motion of the
user swinging a left foot toward the traveling direction, and
obtaining, from the motion data, first exercise data related to the
first motion and second exercise data related to the second
motion.
[0017] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium
having stored thereon an exercise support program that is
executable by a computer, the program being executable by the
computer to perform functions comprising: processing for obtaining
motion data related to a body motion of a user while exercising;
and processing for identifying whether the obtained motion data are
related to first motion of the user swinging a right foot toward a
traveling direction or related to second motion of the user
swinging a left foot toward the traveling direction, and obtaining,
from the motion data, first exercise data related to the first
motion and second exercise data related to the second motion.
[0018] The above and further objects and novel features of the
present invention will more fully appear from the following
detailed description when the same is read in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings. It is to be expressly understood, however,
that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are
not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are schematic views of an exercise
support device according to a first embodiment of the present
invention
[0020] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are functional block diagrams showing
structural examples of the exercise support device according to the
first embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of three axis directions in an
acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor applied in the
first embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an example of an exercise support
method to be performed in the exercise support device according to
the first embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a diagram for describing processing for cutting
out one cycle of running motions in the exercise support method
according to the first embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B are first diagrams for describing
processing for identifying the left or right foot at the time of
running in the exercise support method according to the first
embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B are second diagrams for describing the
processing for identifying the left or right foot at the time of
running in the exercise support method according to the first
embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 8 is a first graph of a specific example when
processing for normalizing and averaging an exercise cycle is
performed in the exercise support method according to the first
embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 9 is a second graph of the specific example when
processing for normalizing and averaging an exercise cycle is
performed in the exercise support method according to the first
embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 10 is a first graph of change to time progress in the
average of maximum values of acceleration components in a vertical
direction (x-axis direction) in the exercise support method
according to the first embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 11 is a first graph of change to time progress in the
distribution of the maximum values of the acceleration components
in the vertical direction (x-axis direction) in the exercise
support method according to the first embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 12 is a second graph of change to time progress in the
average of maximum values of acceleration components in the
vertical direction (x-axis direction) in the exercise support
method according to the first embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 13 is a second graph of change to time progress in the
distribution of the maximum values of the acceleration components
in the vertical direction (x-axis direction) in the exercise
support method according to the first embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 14A, FIG. 14B and FIG. 14C are schematic diagrams
showing an exercise support device according to a second embodiment
the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B are functional block diagrams showing
structural examples of a sensor device applied to the exercise
support device according to the second embodiment
[0034] FIG. 16 is a functional block diagram showing a structural
example of a notifying device applied to the exercise support
device according to the second embodiment;
[0035] FIG. 17 is a flowchart of an example of an exercise support
method to be performed in the exercise support device according to
the second embodiment;
[0036] FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram of an exercise support
device according to a third embodiment of the present
invention;
[0037] FIG. 19 is a functional block diagram showing a structural
example of an information processing device applied to the exercise
support device according to the third embodiment;
[0038] FIG. 20 is a functional block diagram showing a structural
example of a network server applied to the exercise support device
according to the third embodiment; and
[0039] FIG. 21 is a flowchart of an example of an exercise support
method to be performed in the exercise support device according to
the third embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0040] Hereafter, an exercise support device, an exercise support
method, and an exercise support program according to the present
invention are described in detail with reference to the
drawings.
[0041] Note that, although embodiments described below are provided
with, various technically-preferable limitations in order to carry
out the present invention, these limitations are not intended to
limit the scope of the present invention to the embodiments and
examples shown in the drawings,
First Embodiment
Exercise Support Device
[0042] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are schematic views of an exercise
support device according to a first embodiment the present
invention.
[0043] FIG. 1A is a schematic view of a state where the exercise
support device according to the present embodiment has been worn on
the human body, and FIG. 1B is an external view of a structural
example of a sensor device applied in the exercise support device
according to the present embodiment
[0044] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are functional block diagrams showing
structural examples of the exercise support device according to the
present embodiment.
[0045] FIG. 2A is a functional block diagram showing a structural
example of the exercise support device according to the present
embodiment and FIG. 2B is a functional block diagram showing
another structural example of the exercise support device according
to the present embodiment.
[0046] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of three axis directions in an
acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor applied in the
present embodiment.
[0047] The exercise support device according to the first
embodiment includes, for example, a chest-mount-type sensor device
(hereinafter referred to as a "chest device" for convenience of
explanation) 100 which is worn on the chest of a user US who is a
measurement subject, as depicted in FIG. 1A.
[0048] The chest device 100 mainly includes, for example, a device
body 101 that detects the exercise status and biological
information of the user US and a belt section 102 that is wound
around the chest of the user US so that the device body 101 is worn
on the user US, as depicted in FIG. 1B.
[0049] In the present embodiment, this device body 101 including an
acceleration sensor 110 and an angular velocity sensor 120
described below is preferably worn on or near the body axis (the
center line of the body) of the upper body of the user US.
[0050] Specifically, the chest device 100 (device body 101) mainly
includes, for example, the acceleration sensor (sensor section)
110, the angular velocity sensor (gyro sensor; sensor section) 120,
an operation switch 130, a computing circuit (data processing
section) 140, a memory 150, a notifying section (information
providing section) 160, and an operating power supply 170, as
depicted in FIG. 2A. The acceleration sensor 110 measures the ratio
of change in motion speed (acceleration) of the user US while
exercising.
[0051] In the present embodiment, the acceleration sensor 110,
which has a three-axis acceleration sensor, detects acceleration
components in three axis directions orthogonal to one another, and
outputs the detection result as acceleration data.
[0052] Here, an axis extending in a vertical direction with respect
to the running user US is defined as x axis, and a downward (ground
direction) acceleration component is defined as being in +
direction, as depicted in FIG. 3. This x axis substantially
coincides with an extending direction of the body axis of the user
US.
[0053] An axis extending in a lateral direction with respect to the
user US is defined as y axis, and a leftward acceleration component
is defined as being in + direction.
[0054] An axis extending in a front-back direction with respect to
the user US is defined as z axis, and a forward (traveling
direction) acceleration component is defined as being in +
direction.
[0055] Acceleration data obtained by the acceleration sensor 110 is
stored in the memory 150 described below in association with time
data generated by the computing circuit 140 described below.
[0056] The angular velocity sensor 120 measures a change (angular
velocity) in the motion direction of the user US while
exercising.
[0057] In the present embodiment, the angular velocity sensor 120,
which has a three-axis angular velocity sensor, detects angular
velocity components that occur in the rotating direction of a
rotating motion along each of three axes orthogonal to one another,
and outputs the detection result as angular velocity data.
[0058] Here, an angular velocity component occurring in a clockwise
direction with respect to + direction of the acceleration component
of each of three x, y, z axes orthogonal to one another is defined
as being in + direction, as depicted in FIG. 3. Here, the angular
velocity component occurring in the rotating direction of x axis
substantially coincides with an angular velocity occurring around
the body axis of the user US.
[0059] Angular velocity data obtained by the angular velocity
sensor 120 is stored in the memory 150 described below, in
association with time data generated by the computing circuit 140
described below.
[0060] The operation switch 130 includes at least a power supply
switch. By the user US operating the operation switch 130, driving
power to be supplied from the operating power supply 170 to each
section in the device body 101 is supplied or interrupted to
control ON (start) and OFF (stop) of the power supply of the chest
device 100.
[0061] Here, a structure may be adopted in which the operation
switch 130 further includes a sensor control switch and the start
or end of a sensing operation in the acceleration sensor 110 or the
angular velocity sensor 120 is controlled by the user US operating
the operation switch 130.
[0062] Note that a structure may be adopted in which the operation
switch 130 only has the power supply switch, and a sensing
operation in the acceleration sensor 110 or the angular velocity
sensor 120 is started by the user US operating the operation switch
130 to turn ON (start)) the power supply of the device body 101,
and ended by the user US operating the operation switch 130 to turn
OFF (stop) the power supply of the device body 101.
[0063] The computing circuit 140 is a computing device such as a
CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit)
including a timing function, and performs processing in accordance
with a predetermined control program based on a predetermined
operation clock. As a result, the computing circuit 140 controls
operations in the respective sections, such as a sensing operation
by the acceleration sensor 110 and the angular velocity sensor 120,
various data storing and reading operations on the memory 150, and
a notifying operation by the notifying section 160, so as to
achieve predetermined functions.
[0064] By performing processing in accordance with a predetermined
algorithm program, the computing circuit 140 performs analysis
processing regarding the exercise form and exercise status of the
user US based on acceleration data obtained by the acceleration
sensor 110 and angular velocity data obtained by the angular
velocity sensor 120. Then, the computing circuit 140 performs
processing for outputting a notification signal for controlling
operations in the notifying section 160 in accordance with the
analysis result.
[0065] Note that the control program and the algorithm program to
be executed. In the computing circuit 140 may be stored in the
memory 150 described below, or be incorporated into the computing
circuit 140 in advance.
[0066] The memory 150, which includes a non-volatile memory, stores
acceleration data obtained by the acceleration sensor 110 and
angular velocity data obtained by the angular velocity sensor 120
in a predetermined storage area in association with time data.
[0067] Also, the memory 150 temporarily stores various data for use
when processing is performed in accordance with the predetermined
control program and algorithm program in the above-described
computing circuit 140 or various data generated when processing is
performed in accordance with these programs.
[0068] Moreover, the memory 150 stores, in a predetermined storage
area, a result of analysis processing regarding an exercise form
and an exercise status obtained by the above-described computing
circuit 140 performing processing in accordance with the
predetermined algorithm program.
[0069] Here, the memory 150 may include a ROM (Read Only Memory) or
a flash memory, and may store the above-described predetermined
control program or algorithm program.
[0070] Note that a non-volatile memory portion constituting the
memory 150 may be partially or entirely in a form of a removable
storage medium such as a memory card, and may be structured to be
removable from the chest device 100.
[0071] The notifying section 160 has, for example, a vibrating
section or an acoustic section, and generates predetermined
vibration information or sound information based on a notification
signal from the computing circuit 140 as exercise support
information so as to notify the user US. Specifically, the
vibrating section has a vibrating device (vibrator) such as a
vibration motor or oscillator. By generating vibration information
such as a predetermined vibration pattern or its magnitude, the
notifying section 160 tactually provides or reports various
information to the user US.
[0072] The acoustic section has an acoustic device such as a buzzer
or loudspeaker. By generating sound information such as a
predetermined timbre, sound pattern, or voice message, the acoustic
section aurally provides or reports various information to the user
US.
[0073] Note that the notifying section 160 may include both of the
acoustic section and the vibrating section described above, or may
include only one of the acoustic section and the vibrating
section.
[0074] The operating power supply 170 supplies driving electric
power to each section of the chest device 100 (device body 101). As
the operating power supply 170, for example, a primary battery such
as a commercially-available coin-shaped battery or button-shaped
battery or a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery or a
nickel-metal-hydride battery can be used.
[0075] In addition to these primary battery and secondary battery,
it is possible to apply a power supply by an energy harvest
technology for generating electricity by energy such as vibrations,
light, heat, and electro-magnetic waves.
[0076] Note that the chest device 100 may include, in addition to
the acceleration sensor 110 and the angular velocity sensor 120,
other sensors such as a heartbeat sensor 180 and a GPS receiving
circuit 185 as depicted in FIG. 2B.
[0077] Here, the heartbeat sensor 180 detects a change in a cardiac
potential signal of the user US while exercising, and outputs the
detection result as heartbeat data (biological information).
[0078] The heartbeat data obtained by the heartbeat sensor 180 is
stored in a predetermined storage area of the memory 150 in
association with time data.
[0079] The GPS receiving circuit 185 detects the current position,
altitude, and the like of the user US by receiving electric waves
from a plurality of GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites, and
outputs the detection result as GPS data (geographic
information).
[0080] The GPS data obtained by the GPS receiving circuit 185 is
stored in a predetermined storage area of the memory 150 in
association with time data.
[0081] These biological information and GPS data are used by the
computing circuit 140 to detect a state where an abnormal exercise
load has been exerted or used when relevance between the exercise
form and the exercise status of the user US is analyzed. The
details will be described further below.
[0082] (Exercise Support Method)
[0083] Next, an exercise support method for the exercise support
device according to the present embodiment is described,
[0084] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an example of the exercise support
method to be performed for the exercise support device according to
the present embodiment
[0085] FIG. 5 is a diagram for describing processing for cutting
out one cycle of running motions in the exercise support method
according to the present embodiment.
[0086] FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B, FIG. 7A, and FIG. 7B are diagrams for
describing processing for identifying the left or right foot at the
time of running in the exercise support method according to the
present embodiment.
[0087] In the exercise support method according to the present
embodiment, the user US first operates the operation switch 130 of
the chest device 100 worn on the body to turn on and start the
chest device 100, as depicted in the flowchart of FIG. 4 (Step
S101).
[0088] Then, a sensing operation starts in the acceleration sensor
110 and the angular velocity sensor 120 of the chest device
100.
[0089] As a result, acceleration components and angular velocity
components in the three axis directions while the exercise
(running) of the user US are detected and collected as acceleration
data and angular velocity data (hereinafter collectively referred
to as "motion data"), and stored in a predetermined storage area of
the memory 150 at any time (Step S102).
[0090] Note that the sensing operation in the acceleration sensor
110 and the angular velocity sensor 120 herein is performed, for
example, at a sampling frequency of 100 to 200 times per second
(that is, 100 Hz to 200 Hz).
[0091] Next, based on the collected motion data, the computing
circuit 140 performs processing in accordance with a predetermined
algorithm program, and thereby performs analysis processing
regarding the exercise form and the exercise status as follows
(Step S103).
[0092] Specifically, the computing circuit 140 performs, for
example, exercise cycle cutting out processing for cutting out one
cycle as a basic running motion of running or the like from the
collected motion data; left/right motion identification processing
for identifying motion data for each cycle so as to judge which of
left and right foot motions in the running motions the motion data
are related to; and exercise status judgment processing for judging
the quality of the user's way of running including the exercise
form and the left-right balance in the series of running
motions.
[0093] (1) Exercise Cycle Cutting-Out Processing
[0094] In general, in running motions in a running exercise, two
steps of left and right legs from when a step of one foot is taken
(takeoff of the left foot in the drawing) until when another step
of the same foot is taken (takeoff of the left foot) via the
landing of this foot (landing of the left foot) after the landing
and takeoff of the other foot (landing and takeoff of the right
foot) can be defined as one cycle (running cycle or exercise
cycle), as depicted in an upper portion of FIG. 5.
[0095] On the other hand, in the series of running motions,
acceleration components in a vertical direction (x-axis direction)
in acceleration data obtained by the acceleration sensor 110 show a
signal waveform that is cyclic for each step of the left and right
legs, as depicted in a lower portion of FIG. 5.
[0096] That is, two cycles of acceleration components in the
vertical direction correspond to one cycle (running cycle) in the
running motions.
[0097] Accordingly, by a specific base point (which will be
described below in descriptions of the left/right motion
identification processing) being set based on the acceleration
components in the vertical direction obtained by the acceleration
sensor 110, motion data for each cycle (a period of a series of
motions where the right foot and the left foot are alternately
moved once, a motion cycle) can be stably cut out, and the time
length of one cycle can be accurately measured.
[0098] A pitch which is an index generally used in running and the
like indicates a footstep per minute. Therefore, by measuring the
number of cycles per minute in a signal waveform of the
acceleration components in the vertical direction depicted in the
lower portion of FIG. 5, a current (or immediately-preceding) pitch
can be calculated.
[0099] (2) Left/Right Motion Identification Processing
[0100] In the processing for cutting out one cycle in the running
motions described above, only the acceleration components in the
vertical direction are used. Thus, as for a motion for each step,
it cannot be identified whether the signal waveform indicates a
footstep when a motion of swinging the right foot forward is
performed or indicates a footstep when a motion of swinging the
left foot forward is performed.
[0101] Also, it is known that, when an exercise status, not limited
to running motions, is being sensed by various sensors, various
noises due to motions of muscles of the human body and vibrations
transferred to the devices are mixed into motion data. This
indicates that the above-described time of one cycle may not be
able to be accurately measured.
[0102] Thus, in the present embodiment, processing for identifying
whether motion data indicate emotion of swinging the left foot or
indicates a motion of swinging the right foot in the running
motions and processing for suppressing influences of various noises
included in the motion data are simultaneously performed by use of
a method depicted in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B.
[0103] By using FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, a method of setting timing as
a base point of one cycle in the above-described exercise cycle
cutting-out processing is described.
[0104] Here, the graph of FIG. 6A represents signal waveforms
indicating acceleration components of the user US while exercising
in the vertical direction (x-axis direction). The graph of FIG. 6B
represents signal waveforms indicating angular velocity components
occurring in the rotation direction of the x axis.
[0105] In FIG. 6A, a signal waveform SA1 represents acceleration
components themselves (so-called raw data) in the x-axis direction
detected by the acceleration sensor 110, and a signal waveform SA2
represents components obtained by filtering processing by a
low-pass filter being performed on the signal waveform SA1 to
diminish frequency components higher than a predetermined cutoff
frequency.
[0106] Similarly, in FIG. 6B, a signal waveform SJ1 represents
angular velocity components themselves (raw data) in the rotating
direction of the x-axis detected by the angular velocity sensor
120, and a signal waveform SJ2 represents components obtained by
filtering processing by a low-pass filter being performed on the
signal waveform 531 to diminish frequency components higher than a
predetermined cutoff frequency.
[0107] As depicted in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, the signal waveform SA1
of the acceleration components in the x-axis direction detected by
the acceleration sensor 110 and the signal waveform SJ1 of the
angular velocity components regarding the x axis detected by the
angular velocity sensor 120 both have portions in which the
waveform is greatly changed (indicated by NA and NJ in FIG. 6A and
FIG. 6B; so-called shook waveforms) due to a shock when the foot of
the running user US is landed, and the like.
[0108] These changes in waveform are signal components that are
very useful in analyzing the exercise form (running form) and the
exercise status.
[0109] However in the processing for cutting out one cycle
(exercise cycle) in the running motions and the processing for
distinguishing between the motion of the left foot and the motion
of the right foot in the running motions described above, these
changes in waveform serve as signal components which impair
favorable processing, together with other noises.
[0110] Thus, in the present embodiment, strong filtering processing
is performed on the signal waveform SA1 of the acceleration
components in the x-axis direction and the signal waveform SJ1 of
the angular velocity components regarding the x axis by using a
low-pass filter where a cutoff frequency has been set at low.
[0111] As a result, high frequency components including the
above-described shock waveforms are diminished from the signal
waveform SA1 of the acceleration components and the signal waveform
SJ1 of the angular velocity components, and signal waveforms SA2
and SJ2 where the shock waveforms have been smoothed are obtained,
as depicted in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B.
[0112] Here, in the signal waveform SA2 of the acceleration
components in the x axis direction obtained by the filtering
processing described above, timing (indicated by P1 in the drawing)
when the value of the acceleration is equal to or smaller than
-1000 mG (=-1 G; equivalent to acceleration of gravity)
approximately matches with landing timing when the foot of the user
US lands the ground, as depicted in FIG. 6A.
[0113] As depicted in FIG. 6A, in the signal waveform SA1 of the
acceleration components themselves in the x-axis direction detected
by the acceleration sensor 110, the timing of a minimum value of
the acceleration (the peak of an absolute value of the
acceleration; indicated by P2 in the drawing) appearing after the
timing of P1 in the above-described signal waveform SA2
approximately matches with maximum weight timing when the body
weight is fully on the entire left or right foot of the user
US.
[0114] In the present embodiment, the timing when the acceleration
has the minimum value P2 is set as a base point (a starting and end
point) in the processing for cutting out one cycle (exercise cycle)
in the running motions described above.
[0115] As depicted in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, in the signal waveform
SJ2 of the angular velocity components occurring in the rotating
direction of the x axis obtained by the filtering processing
described above, the polarity of an angular velocity (indicated by
P3 in the drawing) at the same time as the timing of the minimum
value P2 in the signal waveform SA1 of the acceleration components
in the x-axis direction is detected.
[0116] Here, FIG. 1A depicts a general relation between running
motions in a running exercise or the like and angular velocities of
the chest of the human body.
[0117] That is, in a series of motions (first motion) where the
left foot is swung down, landed, and kicks the ground, and then the
right foot is swung forward to jump, the chest rotates in a
clockwise direction (a + direction; positive).
[0118] On the other hand, in a series of motions (second motion)
where the right foot is swung down, landed, and kicks the ground,
and then the left foot is swung forward to jump, the chest rotates
in a counterclockwise direction (a - direction; negative), as
depicted in FIG. 7B.
[0119] That is, by detecting the polarity of an angular velocity
occurring in the rotating direction of the x axis in a
predetermined period including the timing when the entire weight is
on the left or right foot, the rotating direction of the body while
exercising can be found. Once the rotating direction of the body is
found, it can be judged whether the landing foot is the right foot
or the left foot.
[0120] In the motion data depicted in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, the
polarity of the angular velocity P3 at the same time as the timing
of P2 in the signal waveform SJ2 of the angular velocity components
occurring in the rotating direction of the x-axis direction is
positive (+), which indicates that the upper body of the user US
including the chest is rotating in the clockwise direction.
Therefore, it is judged that the left foot has been landed on the
ground and the right foot is about to be moved forward.
[0121] By setting a specific base point as described above, one
cycle in running motions in a running exercise or the like can be
accurately cut out, and the motions of the left and right feet can
be appropriately judged.
[0122] The graphs depicted in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B are merely
examples of the acceleration components in the vertical direction
(x-axis direction) and the angular velocity components occurring in
the rotating direction of the x axis obtained by the chest device
100 worn on the chest.
[0123] According to various verifications by the inventors, the
acceleration components and the angular velocity components are
greatly affected by the user's exercise form (running form) way of
running, wearing position of the sensor device, and the like.
[0124] For example, when a sensor device is worn on the hip in
place of the above-described chest device 100, a large phase
difference from the angular velocity obtained by the chest device
occurs, and the polarity of the signal waveform of the angular
velocity components depicted in FIG. 6B may be reversed.
[0125] In this case, in the above-described left/right motion
identification processing, the polarity serving as a reference for
identifying whether the landing foot is the right foot or the left
foot (the relation between running motions and angular velocities
depicted in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B) may be reversed.
[0126] (3) Exercise Status Judgment Processing
[0127] Next, based on one cycle in the running motions cut out by
the exercise cycle cutting-out processing and the motions of the
left and right feet judged by the left/right motion identification
processing described above, the quality of the exercise form and
the presence or absence of a change in the exercise status of the
user US are judged.
[0128] First, as described above, in the running motions in the
running exercise, a series of motions depicted in FIG. 5 are formed
of cyclic motions repeatedly performed as depicted in FIG. 6A and
FIG. 6B.
[0129] Here, in the running motions depicted in FIG. 6A and FIG.
6B, little changes included in a signal waveform of each footstep
do not have great influences in judging the exercise form (running
form).
[0130] Thus, in order to appropriately grasp a feature of the
exercise form (running form), it is required to accurately cut out
one cycle in the running motions described above and average the
cyclic motions while exercising.
[0131] As a result, a tendency of relatively large changes in a
signal waveform for each cycle can be grasped and, based on the
average thereof the quality of the exercise form, a change in the
exercise status, and the like can be judged.
[0132] As described above, in the present embodiment, in order to
stably and precisely cut out one cycle irrespective of the shape of
the signal waveform of the acceleration components in the vertical
direction (x-axis direction), the processing for cutting out one
cycle is performed by taking the timing of the minimum value P2 as
a base point, which appears following the timing of P1 at which the
value of the signal waveform SA2 of the acceleration components in
the x-axis direction after the filtering processing is equal to or
smaller than -1 G the signal waveform SA1 of the acceleration
components in the x-axis direction, as depicted in FIG. 6A.
[0133] Here, in the graph depicted in FIG. 6A, the case has been
described in which the timing of P2, which is a minimum value
appearing first among minimum values of the signal waveform SA1 of
the acceleration components which appear following the timing of P1
at which the value of the signal waveform SA2 of the acceleration
components in the x-axis direction after the filtering processing
is equal to or smaller than -1 G, is taken as a base point.
However, the present invention is not limited thereto.
[0134] That is, for example, in the signal waveform SA1 of the
acceleration components in the vertical direction (x-axis
direction) depicted in FIG. 6A, the case has been described in
which two downward peaks appear per footstep.
[0135] It has been found that the shape of the signal waveform
including these peaks depends largely on the running form and the
way of running of the user US who is a measurement target. That is,
for example, one peak may appear per footstep, or three peaks may
appear per footstep.
[0136] As such, one or plurality of downward peaks may appear per
footstep in the acceleration components in the vertical direction
(x-axis direction). Thus, the processing for cutting out one cycle
may be performed by taking timing of a specific minimum value (for
example, the second minimum value or the minimum value that appears
last) as a base point among minimum values of the signal waveforms
SA1 of the acceleration components appearing after the timing of P1
in the signal waveform SA2.
[0137] According to various verifications by the inventors, one
cycle can be more stably and accurately cut out by performing
processing for cutting out one cycle by taking the timing of a
minimum value appearing last as a base point among minimum values
of the signal waveform SA1 of the acceleration components appearing
after the timing of P1 in the signal waveform SA2.
[0138] The time length of one cycle in the running motions cut out
as described above based on the acceleration components in the
x-axis direction has a slightly varied value for each cycle.
Accordingly, normalization processing is performed in which the
time lengths of the respective cycles are normalized to have the
same time length (100 msec in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9). Then, processing
for averaging the signal waveforms for the respective cycles
subjected to the normalization processing is performed.
[0139] A specific example in which the normalization processing and
the averaging processing have been performed on exercise cycles is
depicted in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9.
[0140] FIG. 8 is a graph representing results obtained by cutting
out one cycle in running motions as described above for
acceleration components in three axis directions and angular
velocity components occurring in the rotating direction of each
axis when one downward peak appears per footstep in acceleration
components in the vertical direction (x-axis direction), and by
performing the normalization processing and the averaging
processing.
[0141] FIG. 9 is a graph representing results obtained by cutting
out one cycle in running motions for acceleration components in
three axis directions and angular velocity components occurring in
the rotating direction of each axis when two downward peaks appear
per footstep in acceleration components in the vertical direction
(x-axis direction), and by performing the normalization processing
and the averaging processing.
[0142] Here, in the graphs depicted in FIG. 3 and FIG. 9,
overwritten results obtained by normalizing signal waveforms for
ten cycles in running motions are represented by fine lines, and an
average of the signal waveforms is represented by a bold line.
[0143] As is evident from these graphs by the above-described
series of processing, the signal waveforms of the respective cycles
have small mutual fluctuations and can be cut out in a relatively
stable state.
[0144] Thus by performing the normalization processing and the
averaging processing on exercise cycles, a feature (a first
analysis item) of the exercise form (running form) and the way of
running including the tilt of the body (body axis), the degree of
rotation, and the like when the user US is running at a constant
speed can be clarified.
[0145] Here, in the normalization processing and the averaging
processing on the exercise cycles in the running motions described
above, when a value obtained by adding one cycle of a signal
waveform difference of each cycle with respect to the average value
of the exercise cycles exceeds a predetermined value set in
advance, processing for excluding this cycle from targets for the
averaging processing is performed.
[0146] As a result, motion data including an abnormal value can be
excluded, and a feature of the intrinsic exercise form and the way
of running of the user US can be more accurately grasped.
[0147] Also, in the normalization processing and the averaging
processing on these exercise cycles in the running motions
described above, processing for judging whether or not signal
waveforms above or below the average value of the exercise cycles
(or out of a predetermined range of the average value) have been
sequentially detected is performed.
[0148] As a result, whether or not the exercise status such as the
exercise form or the exercise speed (running speed) has been
changed can be detected for each exercise cycle (a second analysis
item).
[0149] In the left/right motion identification processing in the
running motions described above, the current acceleration
components in the vertical direction (x-axis direction) is detected
and stored in the memory 150, together with a result of judgment as
to whether the signal waveform indicates the left foot or the right
foot. Then, processing for analyzing the balance of force of
kicking (kicking force) on the ground with the left or right foot
in the running motions (a third analysis item) is performed.
[0150] Specifically, the acceleration components in the vertical
direction at the time of the judgment as to whether the signal
waveform indicates the left foot or the right foot is substantially
proportional to the kicking force at the time of kicking on the
ground with the judged foot in the running motions.
[0151] Accordingly, by calculating the average or distribution of
acceleration components at predetermined time intervals (for
example, ten seconds) and analyzing their changes to time progress,
the left-right balance of kicking force in the running motions of
the running exercise and changes in the balance can be
clarified.
[0152] FIG. 10 to FIG. 13 depict specific examples of graphs of
changes to time progress in the average and distribution of
acceleration components in running motions of a running exercise
calculated with subjects (runners) of different learning levels or
training levels as targets.
[0153] FIG. 10 graphically depicts the averages of maximum values
of acceleration components in the vertical direction (x-axis
direction) per ten seconds in motion data regarding running motions
of a running exercise or the like collected with a trained or
practiced subject as a target, with reference to elapsed time.
[0154] FIG. 11 graphically depicts the distribution of the maximum
values of the acceleration components in the motion data collected
with the above-described subject as a target, with reference to
elapsed time
[0155] FIG. 12 graphically depicts the averages of maximum values
of acceleration components in the vertical direction (x-axis
direction) per ten seconds in motion data regarding running motions
collected with a untrained or unpracticed subject as a target, with
reference to elapsed time.
[0156] FIG. 13 graphically depicts the distribution of the maximum
values of the acceleration components in the motion data collected
with the above-described subject as a target, with reference to
elapsed time.
[0157] Here, in the graphs depicted in FIG. 10 to FIG. 13, the
averages or distributions of vertical-directional
(x-axis-directional) acceleration components of each of the left
and right feet (first exercise data, second exercise data)
identified by the left/right motion identification processing are
indicated by fine lines with different thicknesses, and the
averages or distributions of vertical-directional acceleration
components of both feet are indicated by a bold line.
[0158] In the graph depicted in FIG. 10, by analyzing the maximum
value averages of the acceleration in the vertical direction
(x-axis direction), it can be found that a difference between the
kicking forces of the left and right feet is increased with time by
running motions being performed for a long period of time.
[0159] In the graph depicted in FIG. 11, by analyzing the maximum
value distribution of the acceleration in the vertical direction,
it can be found that fluctuations of the kicking forces of the left
and right feet are extremely small in a relatively short time
range.
[0160] From these, it can be found that the subject's (runner's)
way of running itself is stable but the left and right feet tends
to become unbalanced with time.
[0161] On the other hand, in the graph depicted in FIG. 12, by
analyzing the maximum value averages of the acceleration in the
vertical direction, it can be found that a difference between the
kicking forces of the left and right feet is not increased with
time even when running motions are performed for a long period of
time, and these kicking forces are substantially equivalent to each
other.
[0162] In the graph depicted in FIG. 13, by analyzing the maximum
value distribution of the acceleration in the vertical direction,
it can be found that fluctuations of the kicking forces of the left
and right feet are consistently large throughout a relatively short
time range.
[0163] From these, it can be found that the left and right feet are
not unbalanced so much but the subject's way of running itself is
unstable.
[0164] As such, in the above-described left/right motion
identification processing for running motions, whether the motion
data obtained while the running have been generated from the left
foot or been generated from the right foot is judged and the change
tendency in a long period of time is analyzed, whereby the feature
of the exercise for (running form) and the change tendency of the
way of running including the left-right balance can be
identified.
[0165] In the above-described left/right motion identification
processing for running motions, the acceleration components in the
vertical direction (x-axis direction) obtained while the running
are subjected to filtering processing by a low-pass filter, and
motions of the left and right feet are distinguished based on the
polarity of the signal waveform SJ2 of the angular velocity
components occurring in the rotating direction of the x axis at the
same time as the timing at which the signal waveform SA1 of the
acceleration components has the minimum value P2 after the timing
(P1) at which the signal waveform SA2 is equal to or smaller than
-1 G (acceleration of gravity).
[0166] This method is to address the fact that an exercise cycle
(one cycle) is required to be accurately measured when changes in
the user's exercise form and exercise status in each cycle of the
running motions are analyzed in the above-described exercise status
judgment processing.
[0167] Here, in the processing for judging the user's exercise form
and exercise status in the running motions, if the analysis item
does not require accurate measurement of the exercise cycle and,
for example, the balance between kicking forces of the left and
right feet in the running motions (the third analysis item) is to
be analyzed, the following method can also be adopted.
[0168] That is, in the signal waveform SA1 of the acceleration
components in the vertical direction (x-axis direction) depicted in
FIG. 6A, timing is measured at which the acceleration components
are changed to be increased (that is minimum value P2) after the
acceleration components are decreased to exceed a predetermined
value (for example, double the acceleration of gravity; -2 G=-2000
mG).
[0169] As a result, the maximum weight timing at which the body
weight is fully on the left or right foot of the user US can be
detected without influences of relatively small noises included in
the x-axis-directional acceleration components themselves detected
by the acceleration sensor 110.
[0170] In the signal waveform 531 of the angular velocity
components occurring the rotating direction of the x axis depicted
in FIG. 6B or the signal waveform SJ2 obtained by performing
filtering processing on the signal waveform SJ1 the polarity of the
angular velocity at the same time as the above-described timing is
detected.
[0171] When the polarity is positive (+), it is identified that the
left foot has been landed and the chest has been rotated in the
clockwise direction. On the other hand, when the polarity is
negative (-), it is identified that the right foot has been landed
and the chest has been rotated in the counterclockwise
direction.
[0172] In the present embodiment, in the structure where the chest
device 100 includes sensors such as the heartbeat sensor 180 and
the GPS receiving circuit 185 for detecting biological information
and geographic information as depicted in FIG. 2B, the following
analysis processing may be performed.
[0173] That is, for example, the computing circuit 140 performs
processing for calculating a heart rate based on heartbeat data
continuously measured by the heartbeat sensor 180 while running
motions and analyzing relevance between the numerical values
thereof and changes in the numerical values and the feature of the
exercise form and the changes in the exercise status described
above.
[0174] As a result, an exercise load which changes the exercise
form and the way of running including left-right balance (that is,
an exercise load which causes a left-right imbalance) can be
judged.
[0175] Here, as with the graphs depicted in FIG. 10 to FIG. 13,
changes to time progress in the biological information such as the
measured heart rate may be graphically depicted.
[0176] Various data (analysis data) and the analysis result
generated in the above-described analysis processing are stored in
a predetermined storage area of the memory 150 in association with
one another or in an independent state.
[0177] Here, as the data to be stored in the memory 150, the
analysis data and the analysis result generated in the
above-described analysis processing are preferentially stored, and
motion data itself (raw data) obtained by the acceleration sensor
110 and the angular velocity sensor 120 are deleted as needed,
whereby the storage capacity for data storage can be reduced.
[0178] In particular, in the above-described analysis processing of
the present embodiment, accelerations and angular velocities for a
plurality of cycles are averaged and the exercise form and the
feature of the way of running are judged based on the average.
Therefore, large-capacity motion data itself are not required to be
stored in the memory 150, and the storage capacity of the memory
150 can be reduced.
[0179] Then, in accordance with results of the various analysis
processing described above, the computing circuit 140 generates and
outputs a notification signal for notifying the user US of the
analysis result at any time.
[0180] Here, the computing circuit 140 generates the notification
signal for notifying the user US of the state (such as an abnormal
state) when, for example, changes in the exercise form (running
form) and the exercise status obtained from the various analysis
processing described above exceed a range or a threshold set in
advance to indicate a favorable state.
[0181] Next based on the notification signal outputted from the
computing circuit 140, the notifying section 160 generates
predetermined vibration information or sound information while
exercising and notifies the user US of the above-described results
of the various analysis processing (in particular, an abnormal
state) as exercise support information (Step S104).
[0182] Accordingly, the exercise support information is tactually
and aurally provided, whereby the user US can infallibly recognize
changes, abnormality, and the like of the exercise form and the
exercise status while exercising.
[0183] Next, the computing circuit 140 judges whether to end the
series of processing described above (Step S105).
[0184] Specifically, the computing circuit 140 judges whether the
user US has turned the power supply of the chest device 100 OFF or
has performed an operation for stopping the sensing operation in
the acceleration sensor 110 and the angular velocity sensor 120
(whether a device stop instruction has been provided).
[0185] When judged that a device stop instruction has not been
provided, the computing circuit 140 returns to Step S102 to
repeatedly perform the above-described exercise support method
(Steps S102 to S104).
[0186] On the other hand, when judged that a device stop
instruction has been provided, the computing circuit 140 ends the
above-described exercise support method.
[0187] As described above, in the present embodiment, the single
chest device 100 obtains motion data while exercising, and analyzes
changes in the user's exercise form and exercise status. Then, when
judged that the user US is in a specific state, the single chest
device 100 provides the user US with exercise support information
for notification of the current state substantially on a real-time
basis.
[0188] Therefore, only by wearing the exercise support device
having the simple structure, the user US can recognize changes,
abnormality, and the like of the exercise form and the exercise
status while exercising substantially on a real-time basis and can
quickly correct the exercise form, the exercise status, and the
like, and thereby can learn an exercise method (way of running) for
keeping an appropriate form and status.
[0189] In the present embodiment, an analysis result based on
motion data obtained while exercising is notified to the user US by
the notifying section 160 substantially on a real-time basis.
However, the present invention is not limited thereto.
[0190] That is, the chest device 100 described in the present
embodiment may further include an interface section for
transferring various data to an external information processing
device (for example, a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet
terminal: not depicted in the drawings).
[0191] Accordingly, analysis data and an analysis result generated
in the analysis processing based on motion data obtained while
exercising and stored in the memory 150 may be transferred to an
external information processing device via the above-described
interface section after the end of the exercise, and may be
displayed on a display section or the like of the information
processing device as numerical value data or graphs such as those
depicted in FIG. 8 to FIG. 13.
[0192] In this case, from the chest device 100 to the external
information processing device, the analysis data and the analysis
result generated in the above-described analysis processing or only
the analysis result is transferred, without including the motion
data itself obtained while exercising. Thus, the time required for
the data transfer can be significantly reduced.
[0193] As a result, the feature of the exercise form, the tendency
of changes in the exercise status, and the like can be visually
provided to the user US. Therefore, the user US can intuitively
grasp his or her exercise form, way of running, and the like, and
can effectively reflect the analysis result in future
exercises.
[0194] The interface section included in the chest device 100 will
be described in detail in a second embodiment.
Second Embodiment
[0195] Next, an exercise support device and an exercise support
method according to the second embodiment of the present invention
are described.
[0196] In the above-described first embodiment, the feature of an
exercise form, changes in an exercise status, and the like are
analyzed based on motion data of the user US obtained while
exercising singly by the chest device 100 worn on the body and,
when a specific state is detected, the user US is informed via the
notifying section 160 provided in the chest device 100 on a
real-time basis.
[0197] In the second embodiment of the present invention, in
addition to the chest device 100, a separate notifying device worn
on the body is provided, and the result of the analysis of the
feature of the exercise form, the changes in the exercise status,
and the like is provided to the user US via this notifying device
on a real-time basis
[0198] (Exercise Support Device)
[0199] FIG. 14A, FIG. 14B and FIG. 14C are schematic diagrams
showing the exercise support device of the second embodiment
according to the present invention.
[0200] Here, FIG. 14A is a schematic view of a state in which the
exercise support device according to the present embodiment has
been worn on the human body.
[0201] FIG. 14B is an external view of a structural example of a
sensor device applied to the exercise support device according to
the present embodiment.
[0202] FIG. 14C is an external view of a structural example of a
notifying device applied to the exercise support device according
to the present embodiment
[0203] FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B are functional block diagrams showing
structural examples of the sensor device applied to the exercise
support device according to the present embodiment.
[0204] Here, FIG. 15A is a functional block diagram showing a
structural example of the sensor device according to the present
embodiment
[0205] FIG. 15B is a functional block diagram showing another
structural example of the sensor device according to the present
embodiment.
[0206] FIG. 16 is a functional block diagram showing a structural
example of the notifying device applied in the exercise support
device according to the present embodiment.
[0207] Note that sections similar to those of the above-described
first embodiment are provided with the same reference numerals and
descriptions therefor are simplified.
[0208] The exercise support device according to the second
embodiment includes, for example, the chest device 100 that is worn
on the chest of the user US and a wristwatch-type or wristband-type
notifying device (hereinafter referred to a "wrist device" for
convenience of explanation) 200 that is worn on the wrist (forearm)
or the like, as depicted in FIG. 14A.
[0209] The chest device 100 has an outer appearance equivalent to
that of the above-described first embodiment, as depicted in FIG.
14B.
[0210] The wrist device 200 mainly includes, for example, a device
body 201 which notifies the user US of at least an analysis result
such as the feature of an exercise form and changes in an exercise
status, and a belt section 202 that is wound around the wrist of
the user US so that the device body 101 is worn on the user US, as
depicted in FIG. 14C.
[0211] The chest device 100 has the same structure as that of the
above-described first embodiment (refer to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B)
except that the notifying section 160 is excluded and an interface
section 190 is provided, as depicted in FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B, for
example.
[0212] Note that the chest device 100 may have a structure which is
the same as that of the above-described first embodiment (refer to
FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B) but further includes the interface section
190.
[0213] Here, the acceleration sensor 110, the angular velocity
sensor 120, the operation switch 130, the computing circuit 140,
the memory 150, and the operating power supply 170 are equivalent
to those of the above-described first embodiment, and therefore not
described herein.
[0214] The interface section 190 functions as at least a
communication interface when transmitting to the wrist device 200 a
notification signal generated based on a result of processing
executed by the computing circuit 140 for analyzing the exercise
form and the exercise status of the user US which is.
[0215] The interface section 190 may transmit, in addition to the
notification signal, analysis data and an analysis result generated
in the above-described analysis processing and stored in the memory
150 (specifically, data required for graphical display depicted in
FIG. 8 to FIG. 13) to the wrist device 200.
[0216] As a method for transferring data, information, and the like
between the chest device 100 and the wrist device 200 via the
interface section 190, various wireless communication methods such
as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and WiFi (wireless fidelity
(registered trademark)) and various wired communication methods via
a communication cable such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable
can be adopted.
[0217] The computing circuit 140 performs processing in accordance
with a predetermined control program, and thereby controls an
operation of transferring data in the interface section 190, in
addition to various operations described in the first
embodiment.
[0218] Specifically, the wrist device 200 mainly includes, for
example, an operation switch 230, a computing circuit 240, a memory
250, a notifying section (information providing section) 260, an
operating power supply 270, and an interface section 290, as
depicted in FIG. 16.
[0219] The operation switch 230 may be a push-button-type switch
provided protruding from a side surface of the device body 201 as
depicted in FIG. 14C, or may be a touch-panel-type switch provided
on the front surface side (visual field side) of a display section
262 provided as the notifying section 260 described below.
[0220] The operation switch 230 is used for various input
operations, such as operation control when notifying a result of
analysis processing performed in the chest device 100 and settings
of items to be displayed on the display section 262.
[0221] The computing circuit 240, which is a computing device such
as a CPU or MPU including a timing function, performs processing in
accordance with a predetermined control program, and thereby
controls operations in each section such as a notifying operation
in the notifying section 260 described below and a data transfer
operation in the interface section 290 described below so as to
achieve a predetermined function.
[0222] The control program to be executed in the computing circuit
240 may be stored in the memory 250 described below, or may be
incorporated into the computing circuit 240 in advance.
[0223] The memory 250, which has a non-volatile memory, stores at
least a notification signal transmitted from the chest device 100
based on an analysis result in a predetermined storage area in
association with time data generated by the computing circuit
240.
[0224] In addition to the above-described notification signal, the
memory 250 may store analysis data and its analysis result
generated in analysis processing and transmitted from the chest
device 100 in a predetermined storage area in association with time
data.
[0225] The memory 250 may store the above-described predetermined
control program.
[0226] Note that a non-volatile memory portion constituting the
memory 250 may be partially or entirely a removable storage medium
such as a memory card so as to be removable from the wrist device
200.
[0227] The notifying section 260 includes, for example, the display
section 262, a vibrating section 264, and an acoustic section 266,
as depicted in FIG. 16.
[0228] The display section 262 has a display panel of, for example,
a liquid-crystal type or light-emitting-element type. Based on at
least a notification signal transmitted from the chest device 100,
the display section 262 displays predetermined image information
and character information and emits light-emitting information such
as a predetermined light-emission color, light-emission pattern, or
the like so as to visually notify the user US of exercise support
information.
[0229] The display section 262 may display the analysis data and
the analysis result transmitted from the chest device 100 as they
are as numerical value data, or may display graphs such as those
depicted in FIG. 8 to FIG. 13.
[0230] Also, the display section 262 may display various
information such as current time, running time, pitch, and lap
time.
[0231] The vibrating section 264 and the acoustic section 266 have
functions equivalent to those of the notifying section 160 of the
chest device 100 in the above-described first embodiment and, by
generating predetermined vibration information and sound
information based on at least a notification signal transmitted
from the chest device 100, tactually and aurally provide the user
US with exercise support information.
[0232] Here, the exercise support information provided by the
vibrating section 264 and the acoustic section 266 may be provided
in conjunction with the display of the display section 262.
[0233] Note that the notifying section 260 may be structured to
include at least one of the display section 262, the vibrating
section 264, and the acoustic section 266.
[0234] The operating power supply 270 supplies driving electric
power to each section in the device body 201 of the wrist device
200.
[0235] As the operating power supply 270, a known primary battery
or secondary battery, or a power supply by an energy harvest
technology or the like can be applied, as with the case of the
above-described chest device 100.
[0236] The interface section 290 functions as at least a
communication interface when receiving a notification signal
transmitted from the chest device 100.
[0237] In addition to the notification signal, the interface
section 290 may receive analysis data and an analysis result
generated in analysis processing performed in the computing circuit
140 of the chest device 100.
[0238] (Exercise Support Method)
[0239] Next, the exercise support method in the exercise support
device according to the present embodiment is described.
[0240] FIG. 17 is a flowchart of an example of the exercise support
method to be performed in the exercise support device according to
the present embodiment.
[0241] Here, procedures equivalent to those of the above-described
first embodiment are simplified.
[0242] In the exercise support method according to the present
embodiment, the user US first turns on and activate the chest
device 100 and the wrist device 200 worn on the body (Step S201),
as depicted in the flowchart of FIG. 17.
[0243] As a result, synchronization of an operation clock and the
like are performed between the chest device 100 and the wrist
device 200.
[0244] Then, a sensing operation starts in the acceleration sensor
110 and the angular velocity sensor 120 of the chest device 100. As
a result, motion data of the user US while exercising (while
running) are collected, and stored in a predetermined storage area
of the memory 150 at any time (Step S202).
[0245] Next, as with the above-described first embodiment, the
computing circuit 140 performs various analysis processing
including exercise cycle cutting-out processing, left/right motion
identification processing, and exercise status judgment processing
(Step S203).
[0246] As a result, a notification signal for notifying the user US
of an analysis result is generated according to the result of
various analysis processing described above.
[0247] Specifically, for example, when the exercise form (running
form) and changes in the exercise status obtained from the various
analysis processing deviate from a favorable state set in advance,
a notification signal for notifying the user US of the current
state (such as an abnormal state) is generated.
[0248] Next, the generated notification signal is transferred from
the chest device 100 to the wrist device 200 at any time via the
interface section 190 by, for example, a wireless communication
system (Step S204).
[0249] Then, based on the notification signal transmitted from the
chest device 100, the wrist device 200 generates predetermined
display, vibrations, or sound from the notifying section 260 while
exercising, and thereby notifies the user US of the result of the
various analysis processing (in particular, an abnormal state) as
exercise support information (Step S205).
[0250] As a result, the exercise support information is visually,
tactually, and aurally provided to the user US. Therefore, the user
US can infallibly recognize changes, abnormality, and the like of
the exercise form and the exercise status while exercising.
[0251] Next, the computing circuit 140 judges whether to end the
series of processing described above. When judged that the
processing is not to be ended, the computing circuit 140 returns to
Step S202 and repeatedly performs the series of exercise support
method (Steps S202 to S205). When judged that the processing is to
be ended, the computing circuit 140 ends the exercise support
method.
[0252] As described above, in the present embodiment, motion data
while exercising are obtained by the chest device 100 worn on the
chest of the user US, and changes in the user's exercise form and
the exercise status are analyzed. Then, when it is judged that the
user US is in a specific state, a notification signal for notifying
this state is transmitted at any time to the wrist device 200 worn
on a wrist of the user US.
[0253] Subsequently, exercise support information based on the
notification signal received by the wrist device 200 is provided to
the user US substantially on a real-time basis.
[0254] Accordingly, from the exercise support information provided
from the wrist device 200 worn on the wrist, the user US can
recognize changes, abnormality, and the like of the exercise form
and the exercise status while exercising substantially on a
real-time basis and can quickly correct the exercise form, the
exercise status, and the like. As a result, the user US can learn
an exercise method (way of running) for keeping an appropriate form
and state.
[0255] In this case, from the chest device 100 to the wrist device
200, only the notification signal generated based on the analysis
result described above is transmitted, without including the motion
data and the like obtained while exercising. Therefore, electric
power required for the data transmission can be significantly
reduced. As a result, the exercise support device (the chest device
100 and the wrist device 200) can be driven for a long period of
time.
[0256] In the present embodiment a notification signal generated in
accordance with an analysis result based on motion data obtained by
the chest device 100 while exercising is transmitted to the wrist
device 200 at any time, and the user US is notified of the
notification signal as exercise support information substantially
on a real-time basis. However, the present invention is not limited
thereto.
[0257] That is, a configuration may be adopted in which the
exercise support device of the present embodiment transmits
analysis data and an analysis result acquired in analysis
processing based on motion data obtained by the chest device 100
while exercising to the wrist device 200 at any time, and displays
the analysis data and the analysis result on the display section
262 of the wrist device 200 as numerical value data or graphs such
as those depicted in FIG. 8 to FIG. 13.
[0258] As a result, the feature of the exercise form, the tendency
of changes in the exercise status, and the like can be visually
provided to the user US substantially on a real-time basis, whereby
the user US can intuitively grasp his or her exercise form, way of
running, and the like, and can quickly reflect the analysis result
in the current exercise.
[0259] Also, in the present embodiment, an analysis result based on
motion data obtained by the chest device 100 while exercising is
notified to the user US by the wrist device 200 substantially on a
real-time basis. However, the present invention is not limited
thereto.
[0260] That is, a configuration may be adopted in which, as with
the above-described first embodiment, analysis data and an analysis
result generated in analysis processing based on motion data
obtained by the chest device 100 while exercising and stored in the
memory 150 are transmitted to an external information processing
device (for example, a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet
terminal; not depicted in the drawings) via the interface section
190 after the end of the exercise, and displayed on a display
section or the like of the information processing device as
numerical value data or graphs such as those depicted in FIG. 8 to
FIG. 13.
[0261] As a result, the user US can intuitively grasp his or her
exercise form, way of running, and the like and can effectively
reflect the analysis result in future exercises.
[0262] Moreover, in the present embodiment, the wrist device 200
worn on a wrist of the user US is used as a notifying device for
notifying the user US of an analysis result and its notification
signal based on motion data obtained by the chest device 100 while
exercising. However, the present invention is not limited
thereto.
[0263] That is, the notifying device applicable to the present
embodiment can be any device as long as it can visually, tactually,
and aurally provide an analysis result as exercise support
information via a human sense. Therefore, as the notifying device,
various types of devices can be adopted such as an earphone type
device that is worn on an ear, a necklace type device that is worn
on a neck, or a sport-glass type device. Also, this device may be
included in a smartphone and worn on an upper arm.
Third Embodiment
[0264] Next, an exercise support device and an exercise support
method according to a third embodiment of the present invention are
described.
[0265] In the above-described first and second embodiments,
analysis processing regarding an exercise form and an exercise
status is performed based on motion data of the user US obtained by
the chest device 100 while exercising.
[0266] In the third embodiment motion data obtained by the chest
device 100 are transferred to an external information processing
device and analysis processing regarding an exercise form and an
exercise status is performed in the external information processing
device.
[0267] (Exercise Support Device)
[0268] FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram showing the exercise support
device of the third embodiment according to the present
invention.
[0269] Fits 19 is a functional block diagram showing a structural
example of an information processing device applied to the exercise
support device according to the present embodiment
[0270] FIG. 20 is a functional block diagram showing a structural
example of a network server applied to the exercise support device
according to the present embodiment.
[0271] Note that sections similar to those of the above-described
first and second embodiments are provided with the same or
equivalent reference numerals, and descriptions therefor are
simplified.
[0272] The exercise support device according to the third
embodiment includes, for example, the chest device 100, an
information processing device 300, a network 400, a network server
500, and a user terminal 700, as depicted in FIG. 18.
[0273] Here, the chest device 100 has a function for storing motion
data obtained while exercising in the memory 150 at any time as
with the configuration described in the above-described first and
second embodiments, and a function for performing data transfer
with the information processing device 300 outside the chest device
100.
[0274] That is, the chest device 100 does not have the function
described in the first and second embodiments which is required for
performing analysis processing regarding the exercise form and the
exercise status of the user US based on motion data obtained while
exercising.
[0275] The information processing device 300 is an electronic
device which transmits various data at least from the chest device
100, via a wireless communication or wired communication system or
a memory card or the like.
[0276] The information processing device 300 includes a function
for connection to the network 400 and a web browser function as
described below.
[0277] As the information processing device 300, general-purpose
devices such as notebook-type or desktop-type personal computers
301 and 304, a smartphone 302, a tablet terminal 303 or dedicated
devices (omitted in the drawings) are adopted, as depicted in FIG.
18.
[0278] In the present embodiment, the information processing device
300 can be applied as the user terminal 700 described below.
[0279] Specifically, the information processing device 300 mainly
includes, for example, an input operating section 330, a computing
circuit 340, a memory 350, a display section 360, an operating
power supply 370, and an interface section 390, as depicted in FIG.
19.
[0280] The input operating section 330 is an input device such as a
keyboard, a mouse, a touch pad, or a touch panel provided to the
personal computers 301 and 304, the smartphone 302, the tablet
terminal 303, and the like.
[0281] This input operating section 330 is used to select an icon
or menu displayed on the display section 360 or to indicate a point
on a screen display, whereby a function corresponding to the icon,
the menu, or the point is performed.
[0282] The computing circuit 340, which is a computing device
having a timing function, performs processing in accordance with a
predetermined control program, and thereby controls operations in
the respective sections, such as an operation of displaying various
information on the display section 360 and an operation of
transmitting data in the interface section 390.
[0283] The control program to be executed in the computing circuit
340 may be stored in the memory 350 described below, or be
incorporated into the computing circuit 340 in advance. The memory
350 temporarily stores motion data received via the interface
section 390 in a predetermined storage area.
[0284] In a configuration where the information processing device
300 is used as the user terminal 700 for viewing an analysis result
of the exercise form and the exercise status of the user US
subjected to analysis processing in the network server 500, the
memory 350 stores analysis information received via the network 400
in a predetermined storage area.
[0285] This memory 350 may be partially or entirely a removable
storage medium so as to be removable from the information
processing device 300, as with the above-described chest device 100
and wrist device 200.
[0286] The display section 360 has a display panel of for example,
a liquid-crystal type or light-emitting-element type, and displays
a communication status and a transfer condition when at least
motion data received from the chest device 100 is transferred to
the network server 500 via the network 400 described below.
[0287] In the configuration where the information processing device
300 is applied as the user terminal 700, the above-described motion
data and its analysis data are displayed on the display section
(information providing section) 360 as they are as numerical value
data or as graphs such as those depicted in FIG. 8 to FIG. 13.
[0288] The operating power supply 370 supplies driving electric
power to each section of the information processing device 300.
[0289] In a portable electronic device (mobile device) such as the
smartphone 302 or the tablet terminal 303, a secondary battery such
as a lithium-ion battery is adopted as the operating power supply
370.
[0290] In the notebook-type personal computers 301 and 304, a
secondary battery or a commercial-alternating current power supply
is applied.
[0291] In a desktop-type personal computer, a commercial
alternating current power supply is applied.
[0292] The interface section 390 functions as an interface when
receiving motion data obtained by the chest device 100 from the
chest device 100.
[0293] The interface section 390 has a function for connection to
the network. 400 such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area
Network).
[0294] The network 400 is a computer network where motion data and
analysis information can be transmitted and received between the
information processing device 300 and the network server 500.
[0295] Here, the network 400 may be a publicly-usable network such
as the Internet, or a network that is limitedly usable by a
specific group such as a business enterprise, an organization
specific to an area, or an educational organization.
[0296] The network server 500 is connected to the information
processing device 300 via the network 400 described above. This
network server 500 is an application server having a function for
performing at least analysis processing regarding the exercise form
and the exercise status of the user US described in the first or
second embodiment, based on motion data obtained while exercising
and transferred from the information processing device 300.
[0297] Specifically, the network server 500 mainly includes, for
example, an input operating section 530, a computing circuit (data
processing section) 540, a memory 550, a display section 560, an
operating power supply 570, an interface section 590, and a
database 600, as depicted in FIG. 20.
[0298] Here, the input operating section 530, the display section
560, and the operating power supply 570 have functions equivalent
to those of the input operating section 330, the display section
360, and the operating power supply 370 of the information
processing device 300 described above, and therefore are not
described herein.
[0299] The database 600 may be incorporated in the network server
500, may be externally provided to the network server 500, or may
be directly connected to the network 400.
[0300] The computing circuit 540 and the memory 550 have functions
equivalent to those of the computing circuit 140 and the memory 150
in the above-described first and second embodiments.
[0301] That is, the computing circuit 540, which is a computing
device having a timing function, performs processing in accordance
with a predetermined control program, and thereby controls
operations in the respective sections such as operations of storing
and reading motion data, analysis data, an analysis result, and the
like in the memory 550 or the database 600, an operation of
displaying various information on the display section 560, and an
operation of transmitting data in the interface section 590.
[0302] This computing circuit 540 performs processing in accordance
with a predetermined algorithm program, and thereby performs the
analysis processing regarding the exercise form and the exercise
status of the user US described in the first and second
embodiments, based on motion data received via the interface
section 590.
[0303] Analysis data and an analysis result generated by this
analysis processing are stored in, for example, a predetermined
storage area of the database 600.
[0304] By the user US using the user terminal 700 to access the
network server 500, the computing circuit 540 accordingly reads out
analysis data and an analysis result requested by the user US from
the database 600, and generates web display data for displaying
them in a display format using numerical values, graphs, and the
like on the web browser of the user terminal 700.
[0305] Then, the web display data is transmitted as analysis
information to the user US terminal 700 via the network 400.
[0306] Note that the control program and the algorithm program to
be executed in the computing circuit 540 may be stored in the
memory 550, or be incorporated into the computing circuit 540 in
advance.
[0307] The memory 550 is used when processing is performed in the
above-described computing circuit 540 in accordance with a
predetermined control program or algorithm program, or temporally
stores various data generated when processing is performed in
accordance with the program.
[0308] The interface section 590 functions as an interface when
motion data transferred from the above-described information
processing device 300 are received or analysis information
including an analysis result of the exercise form and the exercise
status of the user US obtained by analysis processing in the
network server 500 is transmitted to the user terminal 700.
[0309] The user terminal 700 is an electronic device having a
structure equivalent to that of the above-described information
processing device 300 (refer to FIG. 19).
[0310] By the user US accessing the network server 500, the user
terminal 700 receives web display data generated in the network
server 500 via the network 400 and causes the data to be displayed
by a web browser.
[0311] As a result, analysis data and an analysis result generated
in analysis processing based on motion data obtained while
exercising are displayed on the display section as numerical value
data or graphs such, as those depicted in FIG. 8 to FIG. 13.
[0312] Note that, as the user terminal 700, the information
processing device 300 which is used for transmitting motion data to
the network server 500 may be applied as it is or an electronic
device having a network connecting function different from the
information processing device 300 may be applied.
[0313] (Exercise Support Method)
[0314] Next, the exercise support method for the exercise support
device according to the present embodiment is described.
[0315] FIG. 21 is a flowchart of an example of the exercise support
method to be performed for the exercise support device according to
the present embodiment.
[0316] Here, procedures equivalent to those of the above-described
first and second embodiments are simplified.
[0317] In the exercise support method according to the present
embodiment, the user US first turns on and activates the chest
device 100 worn on the body (Step S301), as depicted in the
flowchart of FIG. 21.
[0318] Next, the user US starts exercise (Step S302) Simultaneously
with the start of this exercise, or before or after the start of
this exercise, a sensing operation starts in the chest device 100,
and motion data of the user US while exercising are collected and
stored in a predetermined storage area of the memory 150 (Step
S303).
[0319] This motion data collection continues until the user US ends
the sensing operation in the chest device 100 simultaneously with
the end of the exercise or before or after the end of the exercise
(Step S304).
[0320] Next, the motion data stored in the memory 150 of the chest
device 100 are transmitted to the information processing device 300
via a wireless communication system or wired communication system
or a memory card or the like, and the information processing device
300 transfers the motion data to the network server 500 via the
network 400 (Step S305).
[0321] The motion data (transfer data) transferred to the network
server 500 are stored in a predetermined storage area of the memory
550.
[0322] Next, in the network server 500, the computing circuit 540
performs various analysis processing including exercise cycle
cutting-out processing, left/right motion identification
processing, and exercise status judgment processing based on the
motion data stored in the memory 550 (Step S306), as with the
above-described first and second embodiments.
[0323] As a result, the feature of the user's exercise form,
changes in the exercise status, and the like are analyzed, and the
analysis data and the analysis result generated in the analysis
processing are stored in a predetermined storage area of the
database 600.
[0324] Next, the user US operates the information processing device
300 or the user terminal 700 to access the network server 500 via
the network 400.
[0325] Then, by the user US performing an operation for requesting
the display of arbitrary analysis information, the computing
circuit 540 of the network server 500 reads out the analysis data
and the analysis result stored in the database 600, and generates
web display data having a predetermined display format in
accordance with the request.
[0326] Subsequently, the interface section 590 transmits the
generated web display data to the information processing device 300
or the user terminal 700 as analysis information, via the network
400.
[0327] Then, the analysis information transmitted to the
information processing device 300 or the user terminal 700 is
displayed on the display section 360 as numerical value data or
graphs such as those depicted in FIG. 8 to FIG. 13 by use of a web
browser (Step S307).
[0328] Here, in the configuration where graphs such as those
depicted in FIG. 8 to FIG. 13 are displayed on the display section
360 of the information processing device 300 or the user terminal
700, the graphs of FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 representing the features of
acceleration and angular velocity for a short period of time (one
cycle) and the graphs of FIG. 10 to FIG. 13 representing the
tendencies of changes of acceleration for a long period time may be
associated with each other based on time data so as to be
switchable and displayed.
[0329] As described above, in the present embodiment, motion data
while exercising are collected by the chest device 100 worn on the
chest of the user US, and transferred by the information processing
device 300 to the network server 500 via the network 400 after the
end of the exercise. In the network server 500, analysis processing
regarding the user's exercise form and the exercise status is
performed.
[0330] Then, by the user US using the information processing device
300 or the user US terminal 700 to access the network server 500,
the analysis data and the analysis result generated by the analysis
processing are transmitted from the network server 500 as analysis
information, and displayed on the display section 360 of the
information processing device 300 or the user US terminal 700 as
numerical value data or graphs such as those depicted in FIG. 8 to
FIG. 13.
[0331] As a result, the feature of the exercise form, the tendency
of changes of the exercise status, and the like can be visually
provided to the user US. Accordingly, the user US can intuitively
grasp his or her exercise form, way of running, and the like, and
can effectively reflect the analysis result in future
exercises.
[0332] Note that the information processing device 300 of the
present embodiment only requires a function for transferring motion
data to the network server 500 and a function for displaying
analysis information by a web browser.
[0333] Therefore, as the information processing device 300, even an
electronic device with a relatively low computing processing
capability and a relatively small memory storage capacity can be
favorably adopted, by which the exercise support device according
to the present invention can be inexpensively and easily
structured.
[0334] Also, in the present embodiment, the network server 500
performs analysis processing regarding the user's exercise form and
the exercise status.
[0335] Accordingly, by the algorithm program regarding the analysis
processing being updated at any time in the network server 500, the
analysis processing can be always performed with the latest method
and the feature of an exercise form, the tendency of changes in an
exercise status, and the like can be precisely analyzed.
[0336] Moreover, in the present embodiment, motion data transferred
from the chest device 100 and analysis data and an analysis result
generated by analysis processing are stored in the memory 550 of
the network server 500 and/or the database 600.
[0337] Accordingly, by the storage capacity of the memory 550
and/or the database 600 being increased as needed, even a large
amount of motion data, analysis data, and the like can be reliably
stored, and appropriate analysis information can be provided to the
user US.
[0338] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, motion data obtained
by the chest device 100 are transferred by the information
processing device 300 to the network server 500 via the network 400
and the network server 500 performs analysis processing regarding
the user's exercise form and the exercise status.
[0339] However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and
the information processing device 300 provided outside the chest
device 100 may perform the analysis processing regarding the user's
exercise form and the exercise status.
[0340] In this configuration, the information processing device 300
has a function for performing the analysis processing regarding the
user's exercise form and the exercise status by the computing
circuit (data processing section) 340 performing processing in
accordance with a predetermined algorithm program. Accordingly, the
information processing device 300 is not required to have a
function for connection to the network 400.
[0341] Therefore, even when the information processing device 300
is in an environment where it is impossible (or difficult) to
establish connection to the network 400, the analysis processing
regarding the user's exercise form and the exercise status can be
favorably performed, and the analysis data and the analysis result
can be displayed on the display section 360 as numerical value data
or graphs such as those depicted in FIG. 8 to FIG. 13.
[0342] As a result, the feature of the exercise form, the tendency
of changes of the exercise status, and the like can be visually
provided to the user US, whereby the user US can intuitively grasp
his or her exercise form, way of running, and the like, and
effectively reflect the analysis result in future exercises.
[0343] Still further in the above descriptions of each embodiment,
the chest device worn on the chest has been described as an example
of a sensor device applied to the exercise support device. However,
the present invention is not limited thereto, and the sensor device
may be any device as long as it can be worn on the body axis of the
hip, neck, or the like or its nearby portion.
[0344] Yet still further, in the above descriptions of each
embodiment, running has been described as an example of exercise
for which the present invention is used. However the present
invention is not limited thereto, and can be used for various
exercises where cyclic motions such as walking are performed.
[0345] While the present invention has been described with
reference to the preferred embodiments, it is intended that the
invention be not limited by any of the details of the description
therein but includes all the embodiments which fall within the
scope of the appended claims.
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