Auditory feedback device and method for swimming speed

Abstract

There is provided an auditory feedback swim training device for use by a swimmer. The device includes a flow meter connectable to the swimmer and configured to measure a flow rate of fluid while the swimmer is swimming. A control unit determines a speed or distance of the swimmer from the measured flow rate. A selection tool is in operative communication with the control unit and configured to receive a user input corresponding to desired swimming performance data. An auditory feedback device is wearable by the swimmer while swimming and in operative communication with the control unit. The control unit is configured to derive the desired swimming performance data from the determined speed of the swimmer and generate a feedback signal corresponding to the derived swimming performance data. The auditory playback device is configured to project an audible signal corresponding to the feedback signal while the swimmer is swimming.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 544,994, filed Oct. 7, 2011, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH / DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND[0003]1. Technical Field of the Invention[0004]The present invention relates generally to a swim training device, and more specifically to an auditory feedback swim training device which provides real-time feedback to a swimmer while swimming without disrupting the swimmer's form.[0005]2. Description of the Related Art[0006]Swimming is a sport and pastime that is participated in throughout the world. Improvement in one's swimming ability generally requires routine training and practice. Swimming at a high level not only requires the swimmer to be in good aerobic shape, but additionally requires good form throughout a swim. Along these lines, a swimmer who positions his body so as...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is an auditory feedback swim training device that includes a flow meter, control unit, selection tool, and auditory feedback device. The device measures the flow rate of fluid relative to a swimmer while swimming and determines the speed of the swimmer based on the measured flow rate. The control unit generates a feedback signal based on the determined speed of the swimmer and sends it to the auditory feedback device for the swimmer to hear. The device can also detect individual swimming strokes and provide feedback on them. The technical effect of this invention is to provide a more effective and efficient way for swimmers to train and improve their performance.

Problems solved by technology

Thus, small changes in form or movement, such as changes in the angle of the swimmer's hand or the movement of a head, can significantly reduce the swimmer's speed and increase fatigue.

Although the lap counting and timing devices provide some measure of feedback to the swimmer, such devices do not provide real-time feedback to the swimmer.

However, those arm and leg mounted devices tend to be difficult and impractical to view without interrupting the swimming activity and breaking the swimmer's form.

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