WO1999064894A2

WO1999064894A2 - Novel system and method for assisting impaired person in swimming

Info

Publication number: WO1999064894A2
Application number: PCT/US1999/013075
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ginger A. Ford
Original assignee: Ford Ginger A
Priority date: 1998-06-12
Filing date: 1999-06-09
Publication date: 1999-12-16
Also published as: WO1999064894A3; AU4338499A

Abstract

A system for detecting the position of a person in a pool (2), comprises a transmitter positioned in the pool (2), a receiver (20) for receiving the signal from the transmitter (16a-16f) and generating a stimulus, with the receiver (20) being positioned on the person. The pool (2) may contain a lap lane (4) and a series of transmitters (18a-18f) traverses the center of the lap lane. The receiver (20) may comprise a disc member with a suction means for attaching to a person. In another embodiment, the transmitter and the receiver are configured as a single unit (42). A method of detecting the position of the swimmer within a pool includes placing the person within the lap lane (6) and allowing the person to advance within the lap lane (6). A signal is transmitted from a transmitter (16) and the signal is received. In response to the received signal, a first tactile stimulus is generated which is felt by the person. This tactile stimulus indicates to the person that he/she is on course. In the event that the tactile stimulus is no longer sensed, the method may further comprise altering the course that the person is transverse within the lap lane (6). The signal from the transmitter (16a-16f) located on the bottom of the pool (2) continues to transmit a signal which in turn said signal is received once the receiver is positioned above the transmitter (16).

Description

DESCRIPTION NOVEL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ASSISTING IMPAIRED PERSON IN SWIMMING

TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to a system and method for exercising and swimming. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, the invention relates to a system and method for exercising and teaching an impaired person independent swimming.

BACKGROUND ART Swimming is a recreational activity enjoyed by millions of people throughout the world. The tremendous benefits of swimming as a health and exercise tool are well documented. One group of individuals who have not been able to enjoy the sport of independent swimming are the impaired, such as the visually impaired and/or deaf. The visually impaired and/or deaf swimmer is totally dependent on a sighted person to cue them by touching them with a rod or long stick to keep them on a straight course as well as warning them as to the approaching end of a lap lane. This being the only cue they get, they are unable to swim at full speed because they are unaware of their position in the pool until they reach the end of the pool. Each swimmer has to have someone "spot" them in the pool. Therefore, these handicapped individuals are totally dependent on someone to coach them and cannot perform at maximum athletic ability.

No prior art systems have been developed that can safely accommodate a handicapped person such as a visually impaired or deaf person. Some of the prior art systems have attempted to aid swimmers in navigation. For instance, in U.S. 3,802,088 entitled "Guidance System for Underwater Swimmers" the inventor discloses a guidance system which includes a means for sensing external magnetic fields and generating a proportional alternating voltage. There is further included a sensing means for producing electrical voltage representing a deviation from a predetermined heading with the amplitude of the voltage being directly proportional to the magnitude of the deviation. The patent teaches that the underwater swimmer wears certain equipment that includes a pair of earphones. A magnetometer is included which measures the strength of the earth' s magnetic field, producing a proportional alternating output voltage. The phase of this voltage is compared to the phase of an alternating excitation or reference voltage to determine if the "error" in direction is to the left or to the right. A stimulus is fed to the right or left earphone, depending on the direction of the error that the swimmer is heading. When the swimmer is "on course", no stimulus is received. When the swimmer is "off course", a stimulus is received.

In U.S. 4,037,328, entitled "Spatial Orientation Device", the inventor describes a compass device (such as a magnetometer or fluxgate sensor) that is mounted at the end of a boom. The boom is indirectly attached to a diver. The compass device is connected to an audio signal generator so that signals are generated if the swimmer deviates to either side of the predetermined course. There is provided with the invention an audible tone generating means receiving said proportional electrical voltage, with the proportional electrical voltage being generated by the compass. Therefore, as the diver deviates from the predetermined course direction, the audio signal generator signals to the diver this change of course.

The U.S. Patent 5,125,010 entitled "Lap Counting System" discloses a transmitter that is worn by the swimmer. There is also included a receiver that would be stationed at some point outside the pool . Therefore, this patent describes having a radio communication range between a radio transmitter and radio receiver. The lap counting system increments a lap count each time the distance between the receiver and transmitter become smaller than the communication range. Thus, the device allows a swimmer a method to count the number of laps swam. Nevertheless, there is no system that is disclosed nor taught that would aid an impaired person to swim. Therefore, there is a need for a method and system that will enable persons with handicaps, such as visual impairment or deafness, to independently swim. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

A system for detecting the movement of a person in a pool is disclosed. The system will comprise means for transmitting a signal, with the transmitting means being positioned on the bottom of the pool. Also included is a means for receiving the signal, with the receiving means being positioned on the person within the pool . The system will also include means, operatively associated with the receiving means, for generating a stimulus to the person in response to the signal .

In the preferred embodiment, the pool contains a lap lane and the series of transmitters traverses the center of the lap lane. In one embodiment, the transmitters are placed in 3 to 5 yard intervals along the bottom of the pool and will start and finish at 3 yard distances from the ends of the lap lane. The transmitters may be detachably positioned on the bottom of the pool, or alternatively, they may be permanently mounted on the bottom.

According to the teachings of the present invention, the receiver may comprises a disc member with a suction means for attaching to the person. Alternatively, the receiver may comprises an elastic band member having operatively attached the receiving and generating means, with the elastic band being worn by the person. In one embodiment, the receiver extends about the entire circumference of the band member.

In one of the embodiments, the transmitter means are positioned about the perimeter of the pool so that the stimulus means generates the stimulus when the person nears the perimeter of the pool thereby preventing the swimmer from colliding with the ends of the pool. The transmitter and receiver may be powered via an electrical power means for energizing the transmitter and receiver. Alternatively, the transmitter and receiver may be powered via a solar power means for energizing the transmitter and receiver means. A method of detecting the position of a swimmer, such as a disabled person, within a pool is also disclosed. The pool may contain a lane. The method includes placing the person within the lap lane and advancing the person within the lap lane so that the person progresses on a course. A signal is transmitted from a transmitter located on the bottom of the pool and the signal is received with a receiver means that is located on the person. In response to the received signal, a first tactile stimulus is generated which is felt by the person. This tactile stimulus indicates to the person that he/she is on course. In the event that the tactile stimulus is no longer sensed, the method may further comprise altering the course that the person is traversing within the lap lane. The signal from the transmitter located on the bottom of the pool continues to transmit a signal which in turn said signal is received by the receiver means once the receiver means is positioned above the transmitter. A second tactile stimulus is generated to the person in response to the signal reception. This indicates to the person that he/she is back on course.

In one of the preferred embodiment, the person is a visually impaired person, and the transmitter comprises a series of transmitters located along a center line of the lap lane. With this embodiment, the step of receiving the signal comprises proceeding above the transmitter by the person, and receiving the signal with the receiver means when the person is over the transmitter. Further, the step of receiving the signal further includes terminating the reception of the signal when the receiver is not above the transmitter .

In a third embodiment, which is the most preferred embodiment of this application, a system for detecting the position of a swimmer in a pool is described. This system includes means for transmitting a signal, and wherein the transmitting means is attached to the swimmer. The system also consist of reflector means, located on the bottom of the pool, for reflecting the signal. The novel system also includes a receiver, attached to the swimmer and operatively associated with the transmitting means, for receiving the reflected signal. This embodiment includes means, attached to the swimmer and operatively associated with the receiver, for generating a stimulus to the swimmer in response to re lected signal .

In this system, the pool may contain a lap lane and the reflecting means is placed along a center line of the bottom of the pool and traverses the center of the lap lane. Also in this embodiment, the transmitting means and said receiver means are configured as a single disc unit with a suction means for attaching to the swimmer.

An advantage of the present invention includes allowing the visually impaired and/or deaf person to learn how to swim. Scientific studies have shown that there are mental and physical health benefits for children, adults, and seniors that are produced by physical exercise such as swimming. The benefits of reducing health risks associated with the proper exercise are innumerable. Another advantage is that swimming lessons will reduce the number of drownings and water related accidents with the physically impaired.

Another advantage is the physically impaired will have an opportunity to rehabilitate after injury or accident. Yet another advantage is the device does not impair or monopolize auditory sense. Still yet another advantage is that the transmitters may be detachably placed on the bottom of the pool and may be luminescent. Another advantage is that the teachings of the present invention are applicable for use with an impaired person and a kick-board in the event the person needs this swimming aid i.e. the kick board may contain the transmitter/receiver means. A feature of the present invention includes the receiver and transmitters will not impede swimming. Both receiver and transmitter are small, easy and painless to apply and remove. Another feature is that the receiver band can be sized to fit a range of child/adult sizes. Another feature is the device allows for all types of swim strokes. Yet another feature includes use of either an electrical power system or a solar powered system.

Another feature is that the receiver/transmitter may be operatively associated together and worn by the swimmer. In this embodiment, a reflector strip may be traversed along the bottom center of a lap lane. This embodiment precludes the placement of electronics (either a transmitter and/or receiver) at the bottom of the pool. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a swimming pool with lap lanes therein.

FIGURE 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a swimmer traversing a lap lane .

FIGURE 3 is a front cross-sectional view of a swimmer within a lap lane.

FIGURE 4 is an illustration of a second embodiment wherein a pool has a series of transmitters disposed about the perimeter of the pool . FIGURE 5 is a side cross-sectional view of a swimmer traversing a lap lane in accordance with the teachings of the third embodiment of this invention.

BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring to Fig. 1, a perspective view of the swimming pool 2 with the lap lanes 4_, 6 disposed therein will now be described. The swimming pool 2 will have the first end 8 and the second end 10. The lap lanes 4 and 6 are separated by the lane divider 12 which may be a rope with associated floats as is well known. The dashed line 14 illustrates the imaginary dividing line between lap lanes 4, 6. Also depicted in Fig. 1 is the first series of transmitters 16a- 16f which are positioned on the bottom of the lap lane 6. The lap lane 4 also contains the second series of transmitters 18a-18f, with transmitters 18a-18f also being positioned on the bottom of the pool 2. The transmitters are commercially available from ORE Offshore Division of Accu Sonic Technologies, Inc. Of Massachusetts under the name

Underwater Acoustic Positioning Device & System.

The transmitters 16a-16f and 18a-18f will generate a signal. The signal will promulgate through the water to the surface of the pool 2. In one embodiment, the transmitters will generally be spaced 3 to 4 feet apart on the bottom of the pool 2. Also, the transmitters will terminate about 3 to 4 feet from the respective ends 8, 10 of the pool 2. The transmitters may be powered by electrical power systems such as individual batteries placed within the transmitters. Alternatively, the transmitters may be powered by solar energy.

Referring now to Fig. 2, a side cross-sectional view of a swimmer traversing a lap lane will now be described. Generally, the swimmer will traverse the lap lane 6 on a course from the first end 10 to the second end 8. The swimmer 20 will have attached a receiver means, denoted by the numeral 20, for receiving the signal emitting from the transmitter 16a-16f and generating a tactile stimulus to the swimmer. The receiver means 20 is commercially available from ORE Offshore Division of Accu Sonic Technologies, Inc. Of Massachusetts under the name Underwater Acoustic Positioning Device & System. The receiver means 20 is attached to the swimmer in a variety of different manners. For instance, the receiver means 20 may be operatively associated with a suction disc. In the event that the swimmer is swimming the American crawl, the receiver means 20 is positioned on the swimmer's chest. In the case where the swimmer is swimming a back stroke, the receiver 20 is attached to the swimmer's back. The receiver 20 should be positioned so that it may receive the signal emitting from the transmitters . This feature of the invention will be described in greater detail with reference to Fig. 4.

As shown in Fig. 2, the swimmer will traverse the lap lane 6. The swimmer will be in the first position denoted by the numeral 22a. As noted earlier, the receiver means 20 will receive the signal and thereafter generate a stimulus to the person in response to the signal. As the swimmer travels down the lap lane 6, he/she will travel over the next transmitter, assuming that the swimmer is on course (i.e. down the center of the lap lane 6) . Once the swimmer is in the position shown as numeral 22b, the transmitter's 16d emitting signal will be picked up by the receiver means 20 and in turn the generating means will generate a stimulus to the swimmer, said stimulus being indicative that the swimmer is above the transmitter and "on course". Fig. 2 also depicts the swimmer in a third position, namely position 22c. Again, the transmitter's 16d emitting signal will be picked up by the receiver means 20 and in turn the generating means will generate a stimulus to the swimmer, said stimulus being indicative that the swimmer is on course .

Fig. 3 is a front cross-sectional view of the swimmer within the lap lane 6. As depicted, the swimmer may be in the positioned shown in Fig. 2 as position 22a, 22b, or 22c which is represented in Fig. 3 as 24. In other words, position 24 corresponds to the swimmer being in the center of the lane and on course. Therefore, in the position 24, the emitting signals from the transmitter 16 are picked-up by the receiver 20. However, in the position shown in position 26, the emitting signal from the transimtter 16 will not be picked-up. Accordingly, the receiver means 20 will not produce the tactile stimulus. The swimmer will realize that he/she has veered off course (since he/she is not picking up the stimulus) and will alter his/her course appropriately, for example, to the position shown as 24. Alternatively, the swimmer may deviate to the position shown as numeral 28. However, in the location shown as position 28, the emitting signal from the transmitter 16 will not be picked-up. Accordingly, the receiver means 20 will not produce the tactile stimulus. The swimmer will realize that he/she has veered off course (since he/she is not picking up the stimulus) and will alter his/her course appropriately, for example, to the position shown as 24.

According to the teachings of the present invention, the swimmer may wear the receiver 20 in various positions on his body. As described earlier, the receptors 20 may be worn by the swimmer in several ways. One method is for the swimmer to wear two small flat discs that adhere to the skin on the swimmer back and/or chest by suction. This would be similar to the suction discs that are used for EKG leads. The disc would be applied to the back when the person is swimming on his back

(for instance, during the back stroke) or to his chest when the person is swimming on his chest (for instance, during the American crawl) .

Another method by. which the swimmer can attach the receptor to his/her body is the use of an elastic band. The band may be applied about the chest, arms, biceps, legs, etc. In the preferred embodiment, the band is applied about the chest. The receptor 20 will be positioned for reception with the transmitter. In the preferred embodiment, the receptor 20 is encompassed throughout the entire circumference of the elastic band. Thus, the same band may be worn for the breast stroke, back stroke etc. Referring now to Fig. 4, an illustration of another embodiment will now be described wherein a pool 2 has a series of transmitters 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e, 32f disposed about the perimeter 34. As shown, the transmitter means 32a-32f are positioned about the perimeter 34 of the pool 2 . The receiver 20 is worn by the person within the pool. The person will move about the pool 2 freely. Once the person gets close to the edge of the pool, the stimulus means generates a stimulus thereby warning the person that he/she is near the perimeter 34. Therefore, the person will avoid colliding with the walls of the pool.

The method herein disclosed for teaching an impaired person to swim within the pool 2 with reference to Figs. 1, 2 and 3 comprises placing the person within the lap lane 6 and allowing the person to advance in the lane 6. The transmitters (16a-16g) are emitting signals from the bottom of the pool 2. The person will be wearing a receptor 20 as per the teachings of the present invention. The receptor 20 will pass over a specific transmitter so that the receptor 20 receives a signal emitted from the corresponding transmitter 16f which in turn will cause the generating of a first tactile stimulus to the person in response to the signal reception. This tactile response will indicate to the person that he/she is over the transmitter. This will also indicate to the person that he/she is in the center of the lane 6, and therefore, on course.

In the event that the person veers off course i.e. away from the center of the lane, the receptor 20 will no longer receive transmitted signals since the receptor 20 is no longer above any of the transmitters. The swimmer will recognize that he/she is no longer receiving the tactile stimulus and will alter his heading accordingly. The transmitters will continue to transmit signals and when the receptor 20 is positioned above a transmitter, for instance transmitter 16d, the receptor will generate the tactile stimulus as previously described thereby indicating to the swimmer that he/she is in the center of the lane. The swimmer may continue to proceed in this manner until he/she has swam the entire length of the pool.

Referring now to Fig. 5, a cross-sectional view of the third embodiment, which is the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, will now be discussed. Fig. 5 illustrates a swimmer 20 traversing a lap lane 6 on a course from the first end 10 to the second end 8. The swimmer 20 will have attached a transmitter/receiver means, denoted by the numeral 42, for transmitting and receiving a signal emitting and thereafter generating a tactile stimulus to the swimmer. The transmitter/receiver means 42 is commercially available from ORE Offshore Division of Accu Sonic Technologies, Inc. Of Massachusetts under the name Underwater Acoustic Positioning Device & System. The transmitter/receiver means 42 is attached to the swimmer in a variety of different manners, all as previously described. For instance, the transmitter/receiver means 42 may be operatively associated with a suction disc. In the event that the swimmer is swimming the American crawl, the transmitter/receiver means 42 is positioned on the swimmer's chest. In the case where the swimmer is swimming a back stroke, the transmitter/receiver 42 is attached to the swimmer's back. The transmitter/receiver 42 should be positioned so that it may be directed against the reflective member 44, with the reflective member 44 being positioned on the bottom of the pool . The reflective member 44 will reflect the transmitted signal from the transmitter/receiver 42 when the swimmer is properly positioned over the reflective strip 44 according to the teachings of the present invention.

As shown in Fig. 5, the swimmer will traverse the lap lane 6. The swimmer will be in the first position denoted by the numeral 46a. As noted earlier, the transmitter/receiver means 42 will also receive the reflected signal and thereafter generate a stimulus to the person in response to the signal. As the swimmer travels down the lap lane 6, the generated signals will bounce off of the reflector 44, assuming that the swimmer is on course (i.e. down the center of the lap lane 6) . Once the swimmer is in the position shown as numeral 46b, the reflected signal will be picked up by the transmitter/receiver means 42 and in turn the generating means will generate a stimulus to the swimmer, said stimulus being indicative that the swimmer is above the reflector 44 and "on course". Fig. 5 also depicts the swimmer in a third position, namely position 46c. Again, the reflected signal will be picked up by the transmitter/receiver means 42 and in turn the generating means will generate a stimulus to the swimmer, said stimulus being indicative that the swimmer is on course.

When the swimmer veers off course (i.e. no longer in the center of the lap lane over the reflective member 44) , the signals will no longer be reflected, which in turn, will preclude generation of the tactile stimulus to the swimmer. The swimmer will have to adjust his heading to the center of the lap lane over the reflective member 44 so that tactile stimulus generation may resume thereby indicating to the swimmer his position and that he/she is back on course.

Changes and modifications in the specifically described embodiments can be carried out without departing from the scope of the invention which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims .

Claims

CLAIMSI claim:

1. A system for detecting the position of a person in a pool comprising: -a series of transmitters located on the bottom of the pool, said transmitters emitting a signal;

-a receiver worn by the person, said receiver capable of receiving said signal and producing an output response in the form of a stimulus; -and wherein the person wearing said receiver is visually impaired.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the pool contains a lap lane, and wherein said series of transmitters traverses the center of said lap lane.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein said transmitters are placed in three to five yard intervals.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein said transmitters are detachably positioned on the bottom of the pool .

5. The system of claim 2 wherein said receiver comprises a disc member with a suction means for attaching to the person.

6. The system of claim 2 wherein said receiver comprises an elastic band member having operatively attached thereto said receiver, and wherein said elastic band is worn by the person.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein said transmitter is powered via an electrical power means for energizing said transmitter; and wherein said receiver is powered via an electrical power means for energizing said receiver.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein said transmitter is powered via a solar power means for energizing said transmitter; and wherein said receiver is powered via a solar power means for energizing said receiver.

9. A system for detecting the movement of a person in a pool comprising:

-means for transmitting a signal, said transmitting means being positioned in the pool;

-means for receiving said signal, said receiving means being position on the person within the pool;

-means, operatively associated with said receiving means, for generating a stimulus to the person in response to said signal.

10. The system of claim 9 wherein the pool contains a lap lane, and wherein said transmitter means are positioned on the bottom of the pool and traverses the center of said lap lane.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein said transmitter means are detachably positioned on the bottom of the pool.

12. The system of claim 11 wherein said receiver means comprises a disc member with a suction means for attaching to the person.

13. The system of claim 12 wherein said receiver means comprises an elastic band member having operatively attached said generating means, and wherein said elastic band is worn by the person.

14. The system of claim 13 wherein said transmitter means is powered via an electrical power means for energizing said transmitter means and said receiver means is powered via an electrical power means for energizing said receiver.

15. The system of claim 9 wherein said transmitter means are positioned about the perimeter of the pool so that the stimulus means generates a stimulus when the person nears the perimeter of the pool .

16. A method of detecting the position of a swimmer within a pool containing a lap lane, the method comprising:

-placing the person within the lap lane;

-advancing the person within the lap lane so that the person progresses on a course;

-transmitting a signal from a transmitter located on the bottom of the pool;

-receiving said signal with a receiver means, said receiver means being located on the person;

-generating a first tactile stimulus to the person in response to said signal reception.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the person is a visually impaired person, and wherein said transmitter comprises a series of transmitters located along a center line of the lap line, and wherein the step of receiving said signal comprises:

-proceeding above said transmitter by the person; -receiving said signal with the receiver means when the person is over said transmitter;

-altering the course of the person within the lap lane;

-transmitting a signal from a transmitter located on the bottom of the pool; -and wherein said receiver means no longer receives said transmitted signal .

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising:

-altering the course of the person within the lap lane;

-transmitting a signal from a transmitter located on the bottom of the pool;

-receiving said signal with a receiver means; -generating a first tactile stimulus to the person in response to said signal reception.

19. A system for detecting the position of a swimmer in a pool, the system comprising: -means for transmitting a signal, and wherein said transmitting means is attached to the swimmer;

-means, located on the bottom of the pool, for reflecting said signal;

-means, attached to the swimmer and operatively associated with said transmitting means, for receiving said reflected signal;

-means, attached to the swimmer and operatively associated with said receiving means, for generating a stimulus to the swimmer in response to the reception of said reflected signal by said receiving means.

20. The system of claim 19 wherein the pool contains a lap lane, and wherein said reflecting means is placed along a center line on the bottom of the pool so that said reflection means traverses the center of said lap lane; and wherein said transmitting means and said receiver means are configured as a single disc unit with a suction means for attaching to the swimmer.