WO2002040112A1

WO2002040112A1 - Method and software for determining row boat rigging settings

Info

Publication number: WO2002040112A1
Application number: PCT/AU2001/001421
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Alistair Green
Original assignee: David Alistair Green
Priority date: 2000-11-14
Filing date: 2001-11-07
Publication date: 2002-05-23
Also published as: AU2002214793A1; AUPR148200A0

Abstract

Method and software for determining rowing boat parameters resides broadly in a method and software for determining rigging, cent re of gravity and plane displacement of the rowing boat including: providing data entry means having descriptions describing a plurality of parameters of a rowing boat, one or more rowers, and a coach and parameter entry means for entering values for said parameters; determining said parameters in accordance with said descriptions; entering values for said parameters into said parameter entry means; uploading said values to data storage means operably associated with data processing means; selecting one or more of said values for input to a mathematical model programmed into the data processing means, the mathematical model being arranged to model the rigging and centre of gravity settings based on the performance characteristics of the rowing boat; calculating from the selected values a set of output settings for rigging, centre of gravity and plane displacement of the rowing boat, and presenting the output settings to the user.

Description

METHOD AND SOFTWARE FOR DETERMINING ROW BOAT RIGGING SETTINGS Technical Field

THIS INVENTION relates to a method and software for determining rowing boat parameters, and in particular to the rigging settings and/or centre of gravity settings of rowing boats used in both recreational and competitive rowing. Background Art

Rigging for rowing boats used in competitive rowing t as numerous settings which may be adjusted to accommodate anatomical variations of rowers for ergonomics, comfort, and/or efficiency. A rowing boat wit properly adjusted settings is more likely to win rowing competitions because the rower or rowers are able to perform at their optimum ef iciency and the boat is moτe likely to remain in the optimum plane of displacement. However, there are numerous settings and most rowing coaches are not aware of all of the settings that may be adjusted, or tiow they should be related to a rower's particular anatomical measurements and/or physiological development. Additionally, some settings are τelated to other settings, making the selection of the optimum settings complex.

The present invention aims to provide a method and software for determining rowing boat rigging and/or centre of gravity settings which alleviate one or more of the aforementioned problems. Other aims and advantages of the invention may become apparent from the following description. Summary of the Invention

With the foregoing in view, the present invention resides broadly in a method of determining rigging and centre of gravity settings foτ a rowing boat including:

• providing data entry means having descriptions describing a plurality of parameters of a rowing boat, one or more rowers, and coach and parameter entry means for entering values for said parameters;

• determining said parameters in accordance with said descriptions;

• entering values for said parameters into said parameter entry means;

• uploading said values to data storage means operabiy associated with data processing means;

• selecting one or more of said values for input to a mathematical model programmed into the data processing means, the mathematical model b ing an πgeu 1o model the rigging and centre of gravity settings based on the performance characteristics of the rowing boat; • calculating from the selected values a set of output settings for rigging and plane displacement of the rowing boat, and

• presenting the output settings to the user. Outline of the Invention In another aspect, the invention resides broadly in a method of determining rigging settings for a rowing boat including:

• providing data entry means tiaving descriptions describing a plurality of parameters of a rowing boat, one or more rowers, and a coach and parameter entry means for entering values for said parameters; • determining said parameters in accordance with said descriptions;

• entering values for said parameters into said parameter entry means;

• selecting one or more of said values for input to a mathematical model programmed into the data processing means, the mathematical model being arranged to model the rigging settings based on the performance characteristics of the rowing boat, ^« calculating from the selected values a set of output settings for rigging and plane displacement of the rowing boat and

• presenting the output settings to the user. In another aspect, the invention resides broadly in a method of determining centre of gravity settings for a rowing boat including:

• providing data entry means having descriptions describing a plurality of parameters of a Towing boat, one or more Towers, and a coach and parameter entry means for entering values for said parameters; • determining said parameters in accordance with said descriptions;

• entering values for said parameters into said parameter entry means;

• selecting one or more of said values for input to a mathematical model programmed into the data processing means, the mathematical model being arranged to mode! the centre of gravity settings based on the performance characteristics of the rowing boat;

• calculating from the selected values a set of output settings for centre of gravity and plane displacement of the rowing boat, and • presenting the output settings to the user.

Preferably, the explanation of each of the required parameters is provided on a computer screen or the like, and the output settings are presented on the computer screen or the like and/or printer attached to the computer. The computer may be provided with an operable connection to a network or the like as a tiost, and the user may access the host by way of another computer or a computer terminal which accesses the network as a client. Alternatively, the computer may be incorporated into a handheld electronic device incorporating input modules, the mathematical model, and an output device, such as a liquid crystal display for presenting the output settings to the user. It is preferred that the network be operabiy associated with the internet and the like, with information being presented to the user in the form of one or more web pages stored on and downloadable from a web site. It is also preferred that the output settings be provided on a subscription basis such that the owner of the web site may be remunerated for providing the settings to the user. Preferably, the user receives the output settings in the form of a ngging chart and a centre of gravity chart for the rowing boat. Where a handheld device is provided, it may be operativeiy connectabie to the network by any means, including wireless means, or a stand alone electronic device.

Preferably, the calculations are performed in accordance with methods for selecting the adjustments of the settings of a rowing boat publisned by the Federation Internationaie des Societes d'Aviron ( FiSA ) in, for exampie, their instruction manuals entitled "BASIC RIGGING" and " LEVEL 11 COACHING HANDBOOK". In a preferred form, the calculations are performed in accordance with a mathematical model based upon and/oτ Tefined from methods published by FISA. However, additional ngging and centre of gravity settings and/or more refined calculations may be provided beyond those published by FISA.

In another aspect, present invention resides broadly in software for calculating rigging and centre of gravity settings for a rowing boat including.

• an input module for receiving information relating to a set of parameters of a rowing boat, one or more rowers, and a coach; • a calculating module incorporating a mathematical model arranged to model the ngging and centre of gravity settings of the rowing boat based on the performance parameters of the rowing boat and caicuiating a set of output settings -for the Tigging and centre of gravity of the rowing boat, and

• output modules for presenting the output settin s to a user. Preferably, the input module includes a web page or the like divided into rows and columns, one column having a set of blank input windows and a corresponding set of explanatory windows having an explanation of the input required from the user for the blank input window. More preferably, the input module includes one or more web pages having one or more graphical illustrations of the measurements required, a plurality of sets of input windows for input of the revelant measurements.

In a preferred form, the web pages are categorized into a " boat detail " web page setting out the details of the measurements of the boat that are to be required and spaces for the measurements to be written, a " boat measurement details " web page providing details of how to take the required boat measurements, a " body details" web page setting out details of the measurements of the rower or rowers that are Tequired and spaces for the measurements to be written, a " body measurement details " web page providing details of how to take the rower or Towers required body measurements, a " coach variables " web page setting out the preferred operational parameters that can be selected by the coach and spaces for the selections to be written, a ^u coach variables detail " web page wherein an explanation of how the selections available to the coach are determined, a " boat centre of gravity " web page setting out the details of the measurements required from the boat, rower or rowers body measurements and coach variables that are to be provided and spaces tor the measurements to be written, and a " boat centre of gravity detail " web page providing an explanation of how to obtain the measurements required for boat centre of gravity, in such form, it is preferred that the measurements, selections, variables and such like are taken and written in the spaces on a printout of the above mentioned web pages, and the information may be then uploaded to the network by way of an " input and payment " page. Alternatively, the information may be provided by way of the categorized web pages described above by directly entering the information into the blank spaces in the respective web pages. The user may be able to select whether the software produces a rigging chart and centre of gravity chart, or either of these alone. Brief Description of the Drawings

In order that the invention may be more readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention, and wherein: Input module information required and explanation,

Fig.1 is a sample printout of a " boat details " web page; Fig.2 is a sample printout of a " boat measurement details " web page; Fig.3 is a sample printout of a " body details " web page; Fig.4 is a sample printout of a " body measurement details " web page; Fig.5 is a sample printout of a " coach variables " web page;

Fig.6 is a sample printout of a " coach variables detail " web page; FigJ is a sample printout of a " boat centre of gravity" web page; Fig.8 is a sample printout of a " boat centre of gravity details " web page; Actual Input module data form. Fig.9 is a sample printout of a " Input and Payment Form " web page;

Calculating module

Fig.10 is a block diagram of software for calculating the rigging and centre of gravity settings of a rowing boat according to the invention; Fig.11 (a) is a summary of the necessary inputs to the various outputs for the rowing boat rigging chart output;

Fig.11 (b) is a summary of the necessary inputs to the output for the rowing boat longitudinal centre of gravity output; Output modules ( examples )

Fig.12 is a sample printout of a " sample rigging chart " web page; Fig.13 is a sample printout of a " rigging chart instructions " web page; and

Fig.14 is a sample printout of a " sample centre of gravity chart " web page. Figs. 1 to 8 collectively show the information required and explanation for the input module described with reference to Fig. 10. Figs. 9 and 12 to 14 collectively show the output module described with reference to Fig. 10. The web pages shown in Figs. 1 to 8 and 12 to 14 have a common hyperiink table in a separate frame ( not shown ) to enable navigation about the web site. By printing (frames of ) the web pages shown in Figs. 1 to 8, the user can use the printed sheets to obtain ail the measurements by following the instructions provided and then input the information by filling in the email form of Fig.9 and uploading it to the host computer. The Description of the Invention

INPUT MODULE

The input module is concerned with the information required for the mathematical module to calculate the rigging and the centre of gravity settings. In order to provide a convenient interface for the user, the input module is divided into two principal parts, one which presents to the user an explanation of what is required, with a convenient form to write in the information to be uploaded, and the other part to enter and upload the information to the calculation module. The first part is further divided into several categories so that the required inputs are easy for the user to understand. When the required inputs have been obtained they are entered into a form uploaded to the calculations module, from which the output settings of a rigging chart for a rowing boat are calculated.

The categories of web pages are described with reference to Figs. 1 to 8 below. The 'boat details' web page illustrated in Fig.1 is divided into sections on boat background data and coxswain details thereunder and rower position data towards the bottom of the page. Each section has a parameter explanation column divided into a plurality of rows for the parameter to be obtained. The parameter explanation column includes an abbreviation description below for the parameter to be obtained in each row and a long handed description adjacent to the abbreviation. In the boat detail section the parameters comprise: RO ( Regatta On (date) ); RA ( Regatta At ( place ) ); BN ( Boat Name ); BC ( Boat Category ); BL ( Boat Lengt ); BW ( Boat Weight ). The coxswain details section comprises: CN ( Cox's Name ); CW ( Cox's Weight ); DSC ( Distance from Stern to Centre of seat ). The Rower Position Data section comprises: PIB ( Position In Boat ); STS ( distance from Stern To Spread/span point ); WB ( Width of Boat inside washboard to washboard along spread/span line ); DB ( Depth of Boat at spread/span line top of washboard to bottom of keel ); WLW ( aterLine to Washboard with boat fully crewed and equipped ); STW ( lowest point of Seat to Top of Washboard ); PD ( Pin Diameter ); GBO ( Gate Base Offset ); ODB ( Oar Diameter at Button ); ODH ( Oar Diameter at Handle ); OOH ( Oar Offset at Handle ); FAK ( Footrest Angle to Keel ); FSA ( Footrest Separation Angle heel to heel ); FSW ( Footrest Support to Washboard ); FHK ( Footrest Heel to bottom of Keel ); OT ( Oar Type : 1 = Cleaver , 2 = Maron ); OBL ( Oar Blade Length ); OBW ( Oar Blade Width ); OBA ( Oar Blade Angle to shaft ); OW ( Oar Weight ); SAS { Seat Axle Spacing ). Where required, the units for the relevant parameters are also shown in parenthesis. In the boat data and coxswain data sections, a single parameter data column is provided alongside the parameter explanation column for information required under the beading " INPUT ". However, in the rower position data section, eight parameter data columns are provided alongside the explanation column, four under the heading " USE for All Boats " and four under the heading " USE for 8+ only ". Some of the remaining spaces on the web page are provided with explanatory notes, some of which are under the beading " RECOMMENDATIONS " . The " Boat Measurement Detail " web page illustrated in Fig. 2 includes detailed diagrammatic and written explanations including notes of what is meant and how to obtain the information for the " Boat Details " web page described with reference to Fig. 1.

The " Body Details " web page illustrated in Fig. 3 and the " Coach Variables ' web page illustration in Fig. 5 are each divided into the boat data sectio , coxswain details section and rower data section in a similar fashion to that described with reference to Fig. 1. The " Body Details ' web page has common data in relationship to the sections in reference to the boat irτf-jιτrιation and the cσxswain information as does the " Boat Details " web page . These are: RO ( Regatta On ( date ) ); RA ( Regatta At ( place ) ); BN ( Boat Name ); CN ( Cox's Name ); CW ( Cox's Weight ); DSC ( Distance from to stem to centre of seat ). The rower data section comprises: PiB ( Position In boat ); RN (Rower Name ); DOB ( Date Of Birth ); RC ( Rower Category ( "1" for a girl, "2" for a boy, "3" for a woman, "4" for a man, or "5" for a special category, where the coach nominates the vertical and lateral pitch ) ); RW ( Rower Weight ); RH ( Rower Height ); IL ( Inner Le ); OL ( Outer Le ); LL ( Lower Leg ); STH ( Sternum To Heei ); IA ( Inner Arm ); FL ( Foot Length ). In the " Coach Variable " web page, the boat data section comprises: RO ( Regatta On (date) ); RA ( Regatta At ( lace )); BN ( Boat Name ); which are common to several of the web pages to enable a reference so that the data can be filed for future reference and cross-referenced. The rower data section comprises: PIB ( Position In Boat ); SAP ( Slide Ahead of Pin ); Ol ( Oar Inboard ); SOO ( Scull Oar Overlap ); GHD ( Gate Height Difference ); SOP ( Scull Oar Position ( "1" is for L/R, "2" is for R/L ) ); GR ( Gearing Ratio ); CA ( Catch Angle ); FA ( Finishing Angle ); SS ( Spread Span ( "1" is for Fixed, "2" is for Variable ) ); LBA ( Lay-back Angle ); VP ( Vertical Pitch ); LP ( Lateral Pitch ).

The " Body Measurement Details " and " Coach Variables Details " illustrated in Figs. 4 and 6 are set out in similar fashion to the " Boat Measurement Details ". An explanation of the relevant information is given with a diagram and notes. The notes give an explanation of how to obtain the information. The parameters required under the

" Boat Details ", " Body Details " and " Coach Variables " categories are stand alone and when entered into the mathematical model can produce an output as described with reference to Fig. 12, " Sample Rigging Chart " . The " Boat Centre of Gravity ' web page illustrated in Fig. 7 is divided into four sections: boat detail, coxswain detail, rower detail and coach variables. Each of these sections has a parameter explanation column which includes an abbreviation and a long handed description adjacent to the abbreviation in similar fashion to the web pages illustrated in Figs. 1 , 3 and 5. In the boat and coxswain detail sections, a single parameter data column is provided alongside the parameter explanation column for the input information required. These parameters comprise : RO ( egatta On ( date ) ) ; RA ( Regatta At ( place) ) ; BN ( Boat Name ) ; BC ( Boat Categor ) ; BL ( Boat Length ) ; BW ( Boat Weight ) ; OW ( Oar Weight ) ; CM ( Cox's Name ) ; CW ( Cox's Weight ); DSC ( Distance from Stem to Centre of seat ); DOB ( Date Of Birth ). In the rower detail and coach variables sections, eight parameter data columns are provided alongside the parameter explanation column for the input information required. These parameters comprise : P1B ( osition tn Boat ) ; STS ( distance from Spread/span point To Stern ) ; OW ( Oar Weight ) ; RN (Rower's Name ); RW ( Rower's Weight ); RH ( Rowef s Height ); 1L ( Inner Leg ); 1A ( length of inner Arm ). in the coach variable section, the parameters comprise: SAP ( Slide distance Ahead of spread/span Point ( pin) ); 01 ( Oar Inboard ); GR ( Gearing Ratio ); CA ( Catch Angle ); FA ( Finishing Angle ); SS Span ( "1" is for set, "2" is for variable); LBA ( Lay-Back Angle ); PS ( Preferred Stroke ).

The " Boat Centre of Gravity Detail " web page illustrated in Fig. 8 gives a detailed explanation by way of diagrams and notes of what is meant and bow to obtain the information for input into the parameter data columns of Fig. 7. The parameters required under the " Boat Centre of Gravity " web page can stand alone and can produce, when the values for the parameters are entered into the mathematical model, an output as described with reference to Fig. 13 " Sample Centre of Gravity Chart " . The method of input is by an input and payment form, an example of which is attached as Fig. 9 " Sample input and Payment Form ". The data is input on to this web page then transmitted via email to the owner of the web site. It is also envisaged that the result may be uploaded instantaneously upon clearance of the payment medium. The " Sample Input and Payment Form " consists of eight sections comprising: the requesting organization; regatta details; boat details, boat measurements detail; coxswain detail; rowers' body detail; coach variables and payment form. The regatta detail, boat detail, boat measurements detail, coxswain detail, rowers' body detail and coach variables all have parameter explanation columns including an abbreviation for the parameter to be entered in each row and a long handed description adjacent to the abbreviation eσfresponding to those described with reference to Figs. 1 to 9.

In the regatta detail section the parameters comprise: RO ; (Regatta Name ) ;RA ;

"RC . in Hie boat detail section the parameters comprise: BN ; BC ; BL ; BW . In the boat measurements detail section the parameters comprise: PIB ; STS ; WB ; DB ; WLW ; STW ; PD ; GBO ; ODB ; ODH ; OOH ; FAK ; FSA ; FSW ; FHW ; OT ; OBL ; OBW ; OBA ; OW ; SAS. In the coxswain detail section the parameters comprise: CN ; CW ; DSC ; DOB . in the towers' body detail section the parameters comprise: PIB ; RN ; DOB ; RC ; RW ; RH ; IL ; OL ; LL ; STH ; IA ; FL . In the coach variables section the parameters comprise: SAP ; 01 ; GR ; CA ; FA ; SS ; LBA ; VP ; LP ; and PS .

The organization name, regatta details, boat details and coxswain sections have a single parameter data column available for input data while BC ( Boat Category ) is programmed that when a category between one and nine is entered the column/s required to be filled out are indicated by way of positions and numbers appearing in the PIB ( Position In Boat ) coiumn/s and also indicates if the coxswain details are to be filled out. Examples of this are: if "1" ( a sculler ) is indicated in the parameter box BC, "sculler" will appear in the left column of the PIB parameter box under boat measurement details, rowers' body details and coach variables and the remainder of the columns will be blank, while coxswain will not appear over the column for coxswain detail ; should "7" ( four without coxswain ) be indicated in the parameter box BC, "stroke" will appear in the left column, "3" will appear in the next column from the left, "2" will appear in the third column from the left and "bow " will appear in the fourth column from the left of the PIB parameter box under boat measurement details, rowers' body details and coach variables and the remainder of the columns will be blank while the heading coxswain will not appear over the column for coxswain detail ; and should "9" ( eight with coxswain ) be indicated in the parameter box BC, "stroke" will appear in the left column, "7" will appear in the next column from the left, "6" will appear in the third column from the left , "5" will appear in the fourth column from the left, "4" will appear in the fifth column from the left, "3" will appear in the sixth column from the left, "2" will appear in the seventh column from the left and "bow" will appear in the eighth column from the left of the PIB parameter box under boat measurement details, rowers' body details and coach variables while the heading "coxswain" will appear over the column for coxswain detail.

The boat measurements detail, rowers' body detail and coach variables all have eight parameter data columns. The columns available for use can be restricted by what is indicated in the BC parameter box as outlined in the previous paragraph. The payment form section requests credit type , card number , expiry date, name of card holder, billing address and email address along with the email address of the web site owner. CALCULATION MODULE

In the type of calculations to be performed box, there are three options: Firstly, should "1" be indicated, the input parameters needed to complete a rigging chart will appear; should "2" be indicated, only those input parameters needed to complete a centre of gravity chart will appear; should "3" be indicated, only the parameters needed to complete a rigging chart and a boat centre of gravity chart will appear. Secondly, should "1", "2", "3", or "4" ( standardized VP and LP settings ) be indicated in the RC ( rower category ) box, the parameters VP and LP under coach variables will not be indicated for inclusion, but should "5" be indicated in the RC box, the parameters VP and LP under coach variables will be indicated for inclusion. Thirdly, should "1", "2", "3' or "4" ( scull oared boats ) be indicated in the BC ( oat category ) box, the additional parameters ( SOO; GHD and SOP ) will be indicated but will not be indicated if any of the parameters "5" to "9" ( sweep oared boats ) is indicated in the BC box. The block diagram 50 illustrated in Fig. 10 shows in diagrammatic form the operational aspects of the software which produces output from data input by way of an input and payment form described with reference to Fig. 9. Data input by way of a data input module 51 is uploaded to a data storage input module 54 by way of a payment check module 52, the data flow being by way of arrows 53 and 55 respectively. If the payment check proves no good, the program flow is directed by way of arrow 56 to the output module 84 which provides for output to be emailed to the user. The data storage input module 54 checks for sufficiency of data, and if insufficient, program flow is directed by way of arrow 57 to the output module 64 which provides for the sending of email to the user indicating, for example, which information is required. Where sufficient information is provided, the program flow is directed to a calculations module 59 by way of arrow 58 which makes calculations, and directs program flow to either or both a boat rigging chart module 60 and/or a boat centre of gravity chart module 61. Output data is stored ( at least temporarily ) in a data output storage module 62, and program flow is directed to the output module 64 by way of arrow 63.

The inputs used in obtaining the outputs for the rowing " Boat Rigging Chart" can be seen in Fig. 11 (a) . The abbreviations and the longhand text are the same as used in the web input page parameters previously described. To give an example, the output " Slide Length " requires input information: RH ( Rower Height ) and SAP ( Slide Ahead of Pin ) and output " Spread Span point to Finish point" requires RH ( Rower Height ). In some of the more complicated calculations some of the inputs may be used more than once. The inputs used in obtaining the outputs for the rowing " Boat Centre of Gravity Chart " are shown in Fig. 11(b). The abbreviations and longhand text are the same as the web input page parameters previously described. OUTPUT MODULE

There are two parts to the output. They are a rigging chart, a sample of which appears as Fig. 12 " Sample Rigging Chart ", and a centre of gravity chart , a sample of which appears as Fig. 14 " Sample Centre of Gravity Chart ". The rigging chart reproduces -some of the infonτration directly whieh was provided via the input and payment form such as regatta , boat and crew basic detail along with coach variables. This is done so thafthe information can be checked for accuracy. However, such measurements or settings as slide length, spread span point to finish point, spread span point to footheel point, footrest ieei to washboard, spread span point to pin ( span ), and gate height, will be calculated along with the required oar length, catch pitch, finishing pitch, working arch, span line to finish arch point, finish arch point to catch arch point and available boat oar shift per stroke. This data is provided for each rower in the rowing i-oat tor their respective position in the boat . The coach can adjust the rigging settings of the boat to suit the each rowers physical attributes in accordance with the calculated settings. Although the sample attached only shows the first four positions in a sweep oared eight the output is able to provide for single sculls through the full range of competitive rowing i-ϊoats to a sweep Oared eight. The " Rigging Chart instructions" shown in web page Fig. 13 is provided as an adjunct to the rigging chart. The rigging chart instructions web page explains by diagram and accompanying notes how to use the output provided.

The Centre of Gravity Chart provides: an existing boat centre of gravity in comparison to the centre of the boat; a target centre of gravity; the target centre of gravity is achieved by the theoretical addition of weights; percentage increase of the wetted surface area; a crew rearrangement to achieve as near as possible the target centre of gravity without weightts; the adjusted crew target centre of gravity with weights added if necessary and recalculated wetted surface as percentage.

The centre of gravity is a stand alone module and need only have inputs into the input and payment form that appear in Fig. 7 relevant to the " boat centre of gravity ". The input module is set up to receive all variables to be entered by the coach rather than provide, for example " default " settings, and the data storage module is set up to prompt the user for missing information if a sample rigging chart is requested with insufficient information being entered. Although the invention, has been described with reference to a specific example, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in other forms within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein set forth.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. Method and software for determining rowing boat parameters resides broadly in a method of determining ngging settings for τowing boats including:

• providing data entry means having descriptions describing a plurality of parameters of a rowing boat, one or more rowers, and a coach and parameter entry means for entering values for said parameters;

• determining said parameters in accordance with said descriptions;

• entering values for said parameters into said parameter entry means;

• uploading said values to ata storage means operabiy associated with data processing means;

-* selecting one or more of said values for input to a mathematical model programmed into the data processing means, the mathematical model being arranged to model rigging settings ased on the performance characteristics of the rowing boat;

• calculating from the selected vaiues a set of output settings for rigging and plane displacement of the rowing boat, and

• presenting the output setting to the user.

2. Method and software for determining rowing boat parameters resides broadly in the method of determining the centre of gravity settings for a rowing boat including:

• determining said parameters in accordance with said descriptions;

• entering values for said parameters into said parameter entry means;

• selecting one or more of said values for input to a mathematical model programmed into the data processing means, the mathematical model being arranged to model centre of gravity settings based on the performance characteristics of the rowing boat; ^• calculating from the selected values a set of output settings for centre of gravity and plane displacement of the rowing boat, and

• presenting the output setting to the user.

3. Method and software for determining rowing boat parameters resides broadly in software for calculating rigging settings and centre of gravity settings for a rowing boat including:

• an input module for receiving information relating to a set of parameters of a rowing 5 boat, one or more rowers, and a coach;

• a calculating module incorporating a mathematical model arranged to model the Tiggtng and centre of gravity settings of the rowing boat based on the performance parameters of the rowing boat and calculating a set of output settings for the rigging and centre of gravity of the rowing boat, and 0 • output modules for presenting the output settings to a user.

4. Method and software for determining row boat Tigging settings for any one of claims 1, 2 & 3 is any method or software that provides any method and software of inputting data taken from the rower/s, the rowing means ( boats etc ), " coach/adviser " and other parameters used in the calculations of rigging settings and centre of gravity 5 settings or the like .

5. Method and software for determining row boat rigging settings for any one of claims 1 , 2 & 3 is -any method ΌT software that provides any method and software of calculating data taken from the rower/s, the rowing means (boats etc ), " coach/adviser" and other parameters used in the calculations of rigging settings and centre of gravity ϋ settings or the like.

6. Method and software for determining row boat rigging settings for any one of claims 1 , 2 & 3 is any method or software that provides any method and software of presenting the calculated output data to the users taken from the rower/s, the rowing means (boat etc ), "coach/adviser" and other parameters used in the calculations of 5 rigging settings and centre of gravity settings or the like.

Dated this seventh day of November, 2001. DAVID AL1STA1R GREEN