JP2004016444A - Running support device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a running support device that automatically measures a lap time for a prescribed section and makes the result of measurement available when needed in a course, the distance of which is not known when one is going to do running. <P>SOLUTION: The running support device has a running distance detection means measuring a distance in a user's walking or running, a running time timing means measuring time for the distance, a condition setting means priorly setting conditions that the user desires, and a computation means carrying out computing on the basis of information obtained by the foregoing means. Furthermore, the device has a storage means storing information obtained by the running distance detection means, the running time timing means or the computation means and and a reporting means reporting the information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a running support device that supports a user's running. In particular, it relates to automatic lap time measurement.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a wristwatch with a lap time measurement function has been known as a support device for a runner.
The conventional lap time measuring device measures the lap time by the user pressing the lap measurement button of the wristwatch when passing through the distance display point, using the distance display of every 1 km provided by the operator of the road race tournament on the course as a guide. I was measuring.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional lap time measuring device as described above has problems in the following points.
That is, in order to measure the lap time, it is an essential condition that the operator of the road race tournament performs distance display as a guide for each predetermined distance. In a famous tournament with many contestants, a detailed distance display for each 1 km may be displayed, but in many local tournaments, the distance display is often only a rough display such as a middle point of a course. In addition, even if the tournament has a detailed distance display, erroneous operations such as clearing the running time from the start will occur if the reset button is pressed accidentally by pressing the lap measurement button on the watch There was a problem.
[0004]
Therefore, the present invention can automatically measure the lap time for each predetermined section on a course where the distance of the running section is not known when the user runs, and know the measurement result as necessary. It is an object of the present invention to provide a running support device that can perform a running. Note that “running” in the present invention includes “running” or “walking”.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention provides a running support device configured as in the following (1) to (7) to achieve the above object.
(1) travel distance detecting means for measuring a travel distance in running such as running or walking of the user;
Traveling time counting means for measuring the traveling time for the traveling distance,
Condition setting means for setting in advance the conditions desired by the user;
Calculating means for calculating based on the information obtained by each of the means,
A running support apparatus comprising: a storage unit that stores information obtained by the traveling distance detection unit, the traveling time counting unit, or the calculation unit, and a notification unit that reports the information.
(2) The running support device according to (1), wherein the traveling distance detection unit is a traveling distance detection sensor that continuously measures a traveling distance in a time series.
(3) The running support device according to (1), wherein the running distance detecting unit is a unit that measures a running distance from a running section information transmitting unit provided on a running course.
(4) When the lap time is measured or updated in the lap time measurement section set by the condition setting means, the fact that the lap time has been measured is reported by the reporting means, and the latest lap time is reported for a predetermined time. The running support device according to any one of the above (1) to (3), having a configuration.
(5) At the target lap time set by the condition setting means, a predetermined target zone is provided, and the actual running lap time is compared with the target zone by the calculating means, to determine whether the actual running lap time is within the range of the target zone. The running support device according to any one of (1) to (4), further including a configuration for determining whether the vehicle is faster or slower than the zone and performing a notification in accordance with the state of the zone.
(6) Predicting arrival at a predetermined point in the calculating means from a predetermined point set by the condition setting means, a running distance measured by the running distance detecting means and a running time measured by the time measuring means, or a lap time. The running support device according to any one of (1) to (5), further including a configuration that calculates a time and notifies the notification unit of the time.
(7) The running support device according to any one of (1) to (6), further including communication means for communicating with an external information processing device such as a personal computer or a portable terminal.
[0006]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
By applying the above configuration, it is possible to realize a running support device capable of automatic lap time measurement as described below. For example, by directly or indirectly measuring the traveling distance of the user and calculating the traveling time obtained by the timing means and the computing means based on the data of the lap time measurement section set in advance by the condition setting means, It is possible to obtain a running support device capable of automatic lap time measurement in which the latest lap time is reported by the reporting means every time the vehicle passes through the lap time measurement section.
According to this, the following is possible.
▲ 1 ▼. Lap times can be measured even if there is no indication of distance in road race competitions.
▲ 2 ▼. Even in a tournament with a detailed distance display, erroneous operations such as clearing the running time from the start by accidentally pressing the reset button by pressing the lap measurement button on the watch as in the conventional example The problem of occurrence can be eliminated. Then, the user can concentrate on running without worrying about pressing the lap time measurement button accurately.
(3). Even in daily training, even in a place where the distance on the course is not clear, it is possible to effectively perform interval training, build-up training, and the like that change.
▲ 4 ▼. You can train effectively without a timekeeper.
[0007]
In addition, in order to support the user's pace distribution, a target lap time zone is set in the setting means, and the measured lap time is compared with the target lap time zone. If the user is within the lap time zone (target pace) or exceeds the upper limit of the target lap time (slow pace), the user can be notified and notified to the user by the notification means according to the respective comparison results, so that the user has an appropriate pace It is possible to run while confirming that
[0008]
In addition, in order to predict the passage time of a predetermined point, a predetermined point set in advance by the setting unit, a traveling distance measured by the traveling distance detecting unit and a traveling time measured by the timer unit, or calculated by the computing unit. By calculating the estimated time required to reach a predetermined point from the lap time by the calculating means and notifying the notifying means, it is possible to predict a passing time at a point desired by the user during traveling, and to perform a road race. In a tournament where a goal time is predicted in a tournament or the like, and in a tournament where a gateway is provided on the way, it is possible to run while confirming the passing time on the way. In other words, it is possible to know the pace distribution that can keep the barrier passage time and the goal time on the way, so that if you pass the barrier one minute earlier, you will not be dismissed and you can finish the race safely It is possible to support runners. Also, by setting the points of the aid station provided on the course, it is possible to know in advance how far you can reach the aid station, which has the effect of encouraging users.
[0009]
In addition, by providing a communication function in the running support device, it is possible to transfer information such as the measured travel time to the external information processing device such as a personal computer or a portable information terminal, or the calculated travel time for the travel distance and the lap time of each section By doing so, it is possible to assist the user in running, such as checking and managing the running state at that time.
[0010]
【Example】
Hereinafter, examples of the present invention will be described.
[Example 1]
A running support device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of the running support device, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing that a traveling distance of a user is directly measured.
[0011]
1 and 2, reference numeral 1 denotes a mileage detecting means for measuring a mileage of a user, 2 denotes a timing means, 3 denotes setting means for the user to set various conditions, and 4 denotes a running support device. Control means (calculation means), 5 is storage means for storing the results calculated by the control means, 6 is notification means for notifying the user of various information, and 7 is communication means for communicating with an external information processing device.
[0012]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the traveling distance detection sensor 1a is attached to the leg of the user and continuously measures the traveling distance of the user during running in time series. In starting the run, the user presses a measurement start button (not shown) to clear the data such as the travel distance and the travel time, and start the measurement. Then, the operation is executed by the operation means 4 based on the information.
[0013]
Next, a case where the automatic lap time measurement and the traveling distance are directly measured in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the realization of automatic lap time measurement.
FIG. 3 shows an example in which the setting unit 3 sets the lap time measurement section to be measured every 1 km. Generally, lap times are measured every 1 km and 5 km, but the lap time measurement section can be arbitrarily set by the setting means 3.
The running support device described above clears the running distance and the running time by pressing the measurement start button at the start point where the user starts running, and the measurement is started from zero.
The distance traveled since the user started running is continuously measured in time series. At this time, the traveling time measured by the timer 2 and the traveling distance measured by the traveling distance detection sensor 1a are stored in the storage 5 in correspondence with each other.
Then, when the lap time measurement distance 1 km set in advance by the setting means 3 is reached, the lap time Tr1 of 1 km from the start point to the 1 km point is displayed on the notifying means 6 for a predetermined time t1. The notification unit 6 notifies the user of the fact that the lap time has been measured and displayed by sound or voice in order to notify the user. Further, at night or the like, when the lap time measurement is completed, the notifying unit 6 emits light, and the lap time is displayed on the notifying unit 6 for a predetermined time t1.
[0014]
After the lap time display is displayed for the predetermined time t1, the display of the notification means 6 is switched to the display of the total travel time from the start point to the local point. The same processing is performed again at a point where the vehicle has traveled 2 km, and the lap time Tr2 required from 1 km to 2 km is displayed for a predetermined time t2. Thereafter, the same process is repeated every time the vehicle travels 1 km, which is the lap time measurement distance set by the setting means 3.
Further, the lap time for each lap time measurement distance set by the setting means 3 is stored in the storage means. The measurement of the travel distance, the travel time or the lap time is completed by pressing a measurement end button (not shown).
[0015]
When the running is completed and the above measurement is completed, the lap time stored in the storage means 5 can be read out to the notification means 6 and displayed. In addition, the communication means 7 transfers information such as the running time with respect to the running distance from the running support device and the lap time of each section to an external information processing device such as a personal computer or a portable information terminal to check and manage the running state at each time. Can be.
As described above, the lap time for each lap time measurement section set in advance by the setting means 3 can be automatically measured, so that the lap time can be measured even if there is no distance display as a guide in a road race tournament, etc., and the running support of the user It becomes possible to do.
[0016]
Also, even in a tournament with a detailed distance display, the lap measurement button on the wristwatch is pressed by mistake and the reset button is pressed accidentally as in the conventional example, and the running time from the start is cleared. It is possible to eliminate the problem of erroneous operation. Then, the user can concentrate on running without worrying about pressing the lap time measurement button accurately.
Further, even in daily training, even in places where the distance on the course is not clear, it is possible to effectively perform changing interval training, build-up training, and the like, and it is possible to greatly support the running life of the user.
[0017]
[Example 2]
With reference to FIG. 4, a case where the user's pace distribution is supported in the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing support for the user's pace distribution.
As shown in FIG. 4, an example will be described in which the setting unit 3 sets the lap time measurement section to Dn. The setting means 3 sets a lower limit Tr (min) and an upper limit Tr (max) of the target lap time in the lap time measurement section Dn. For this setting, only the target lap time Tr (type) may be input, and the calculation means 4 may automatically set predetermined target lap time zones (lower limit Tr (min), upper limit Tr (max)).
[0018]
In FIG. 4, Trn is a lap time of a section from the point Pn-1 to the point Pn. At the point where the user has passed the point Pn, the lap time Trn, which is an actually measured value, is compared with a preset target lap time zone.
Based on this comparison result, the first notification is given to the user when the lap time Trn is less than the target lap time lower limit Tr (min) ((1). Trn <Tr (min)), that is, when the pace is faster than the target. . If the lap time Trn is within the range between the target lap time lower limit Tr (min) and Tr (max) ((2). Tr (min) ≦ Trn ≦ Tr (max)), that is, if the lap time is at the target pace, the second To the user.
When the lap time Trn exceeds the target lap time Tr (max) ((3). Tr (max) <Trn), that is, when the pace is slower than the target pace, a third notification is given to the user.
[0019]
As described above, the actual lap time for the target lap time zone can be appropriately compared and notified to the user, so that the user can run while checking whether the pace is appropriate.
Here, the notification according to the actual lap time and the target lap time zone is performed by the notification means 6 with different sounds (state (1): pi / pi / state (2): pi / state (3): p), sound (state (1)). 1 ▼: fast / state ▲ 2 ▼: good pace / state ▲ 3 ▼: slow) or display color (state ▲ 1 ▼: red / state ▲ 2 ▼: green / state ▲ 3 ▼: yellow) Any method that can easily determine the pace state is acceptable.
[0020]
[Example 3]
Referring to FIG. 5, a description will be given of a running support device that predicts a passage time at a predetermined point and predicts the average from the average speed according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a method of obtaining a prediction of a passing time at a predetermined point from an average speed up to a local point.
With reference to FIG. 5, a description will be given of an example in which a user travels from a start point and arrives at a point Pa to predict a passing time of a predetermined point Pck.
First, the point Pck for which the expected passage time is to be known is input by the setting means 3. When the user wants to know the expected passage time of the point Pck, the user can confirm the expected passage time of the point Pck by pressing a not-shown estimated passage time button.
[0021]
Next, when confirming the expected passage time of the point Pck at the point Pa, the average speed of this section is obtained by the calculating means 4 from the travel time Ta from the start point P0 to the point Pa and the travel distance Da. Predict the passage time of Pck. It is possible to set a plurality of points for which the passing time is desired to be known, and when the passing expected time confirmation button is pressed, the notifying means 6 displays the passing expected time of the point closest to the traveling direction from the currently traveling point. I do. Also, each time the predicted passage time confirmation button is pressed, the predicted passage time of each point may be sequentially displayed from the point closest to the traveling direction from the current traveling point.
[0022]
By predicting the passing time at the point desired by the user while the user is traveling in this way, predicting the goal time at road race competitions etc., and confirming the passing time on the way at tournaments where there is a gateway on the way It is possible to run while running. In other words, it is possible to know the pace distribution that can keep the barrier passage time and the goal time on the way, so that if you pass the barrier one minute earlier, you will not be dismissed and you can finish the race safely It is possible to support runners.
[0023]
[Example 4]
Referring to FIG. 6, a description will be given of a running support device for predicting a passing time at a predetermined point and predicting from a speed at a local point according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a method of obtaining the estimated passing time at a predetermined point from the speed at the local point.
FIG. 6 illustrates an example in which the user travels from the start point P0 and arrives at the point Pn, and predicts the passage time of the predetermined point Pck.
[0024]
As in the third embodiment, it is possible to confirm the expected passage time by setting the point Pck where the expected passage time is to be known and pressing the estimated passage time confirmation button.
When confirming the expected passage time of the point Pck, the calculation means 4 calculates the travel time Tn from the start point P0 to the point Pn and the lap time in the lap time measurement section set in advance by the calculating means 4 in the immediate vicinity of the point Pn for which the expected passage time is to be confirmed. The speed of the lap time Trn (section from point Pn-1 to point Pn) is obtained, and the passing time at point Pck is predicted from the speed.
[0025]
In this way, by confirming the expected passage time of the point Pck from the traveling speed at the point where the expected passage time is to be confirmed, it is possible to estimate the passage time in consideration of the pace down due to the user's fatigue, and the passage time on the way is determined. In addition, the accuracy of the prediction of the limit goal time is improved. Then, it is possible to assist the user in completing the race.
[Example 5]
Referring to FIG. 7, a description will be given of a running support device for automatically measuring a lap time and indirectly measuring a traveling distance according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating indirect measurement of the traveling distance of the user.
As shown in FIG. 7, the traveling distance detecting means 1 in FIG. 1 includes a plurality of traveling distance information transmitting means 1b (P0, P1, P2,..., Pn-1,. Pn) to obtain travel distance information.
[0026]
When the user passes through each installation point, a signal from the traveling distance information transmitting means 1b is received by the communication means 7, distance information is obtained, and the calculation means 4 executes the calculation.
The seventh embodiment is the same as the seventh embodiment except that the lap time is automatically displayed every time the vehicle passes through each installation point of the traveling distance information transmitting means 1b, and the effects of the first to fourth embodiments can be obtained.
[0027]
If the traveling distance information transmitting means 1b (P0) is provided at the start line point as shown in FIG. 7, the following processing can be performed.
It may start from a distance far away from the starting line in road races with many participants. It can take up to 10 minutes for the participants to cross the start line after the start of the event is signaled by the tournament organizer.
[0028]
In such a case, when a start signal is given, the measurement start button of the running support device is pressed to start the measurement. When the user passes the start line, the communication means 7 of the running support device receives a signal of the traveling distance information transmitting means 1b (P0) provided at the start line point, and the measurement start button is pressed to start the measurement. The time Tbef from the start to the passage of the start line is stored in the storage means 5 and the measurement time of the time measurement means 2 is set to zero, so that the measurement of the traveling time can be resumed.
This makes it possible to measure the traveling time T from the start line to the goal. Further, the total travel time (Tbef + T) from the start signal is known by calculating the time Tbef from the start line passing through the start line and the travel time T from the start line to the goal stored in the storage means 5 by the calculation means 4. It is also possible.
[0029]
In the present embodiment, the running support device to which the running distance detection sensor 1a and the running distance information transmitting means 1b are individually applied has been described, but a running support system may be configured by combining these. In this case, it is possible to correct a slight increase in the travel distance by the travel distance detection sensor 1a due to the course taking place in the race by using the signal of the travel distance information transmitting means 1b.
[0030]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, when a user runs, on a course where the distance of the running section is not known, the lap time for each predetermined section can be automatically measured, and the measurement result can be known as necessary. It is possible to realize a running support device that can perform the running.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of a running support device for explaining a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating direct measurement of a traveling distance of a user for explaining the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating realization of automatic lap time measurement for explaining the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating assistance in allocating a pace of a user for explaining a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a third embodiment of the present invention, showing a method of obtaining a prediction of a passing time at a predetermined point from an average speed up to a local point.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a fourth embodiment of the present invention, showing a method of obtaining an estimate of a passing time at a predetermined point from a speed at a local point.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating indirect measurement of a traveling distance of a user for explaining a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1: Traveling distance detecting means 1a: Traveling distance detecting sensor 1b: Traveling distance information transmitting means 2: Clocking means 3: Setting means 4: Computing means (control means)
5: storage means 6: notification means 7: communication means

Claims (7)

Travel distance detection means for measuring the travel distance in running such as running or walking of the user,
Traveling time counting means for measuring the traveling time for the traveling distance,
Condition setting means for setting in advance the conditions desired by the user;
Calculating means for calculating based on the information obtained by each of the means,
A running support apparatus comprising: a storage unit that stores information obtained by the traveling distance detection unit, the traveling time counting unit, or the calculation unit, and a notification unit that reports the information. The running support device according to claim 1, wherein the running distance detection unit is a running distance detection sensor that continuously measures a running distance in a time series. The running support device according to claim 1, wherein the running distance detecting means is means for measuring a running distance from running section information transmitting means provided on a running course. In the lap time measurement section set by the condition setting means, when the lap time is measured or updated, the lap time is notified by the notifying means, and the latest lap time is notified for a predetermined time. The running support device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: At the target lap time set by the condition setting means, a predetermined target zone is provided, and the calculation means compares the actual running lap time with the target zone, and the actual running lap time is within the range of the target zone or faster than the target zone. The running support device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the running support device is configured to determine whether the speed is late or not and to notify the notifying unit according to the state. From the predetermined point set by the condition setting means, the travel distance measured by the travel distance detection means and the travel time measured by the timing means, or the lap time, the calculation means calculates the expected arrival time at the predetermined point. The running support device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a configuration for notifying the notification unit. The running support device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising communication means for communicating with an external information processing device such as a personal computer or a portable terminal.

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