WO2004059240A2

WO2004059240A2 - Distance and speed measuring device for skis and snowboards

Info

Publication number: WO2004059240A2
Application number: PCT/EP2003/014972
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tobias Kramer
Original assignee: Tobias Kramer
Priority date: 2002-12-30
Filing date: 2003-12-30
Publication date: 2004-07-15
Also published as: WO2004059240A8; WO2004059240A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a distance and speed measuring device, particularly for skis and snowboards. A distance is determined by measuring the slope and the difference in altitude or by using a GPS receiver, the difference in altitude being measured by means of an electronic barometric pressure sensor.

Description

measuring device

The invention relates to a measuring device, in particular a measuring device for measuring distances or speeds of a skier or snowboarder.

It is known speeds of a skier or snowboarder when driving past e.g. to be measured by radar using the Doppier effect.

The object of the invention is to measure a new type of measuring device, in particular for measuring the speed and the distance traveled, in particular by a skier or snowboarder, and to display this directly to the skier or snowboarder.

The invention solves the above. and further objects by the subject matter of claims 1 and 10. Advantageous further developments and refinements of the invention are described in the subclaims.

With the invention i.a. enables simple measurement and output or display of the measured speed or distance. According to the invention, a measuring device is provided particularly advantageously, which measures the speed or distance covered by a skier or snowboarder without the use of mechanical, moving parts, by using sensors such as GPS (global position system) sensors, the speed or the distance traveled by means of satellites or the transit time of the radio signals to or from these are measured; or optical sensors, the change in the structure of the substrate using e.g. CCD sensors are periodically examined and compared with each other (from the speed or the length of the displacement, a total speed or the total distance traveled can be calculated); or optical sensors, the background with a standing wave e.g. is irradiated from a laser light source and the phase shift of the reflection is measured and the speed is calculated therefrom; or a (Prantl) pitot tube, whereby the dynamic pressure created by the journey is measured.

In addition, the speed or distance covered is advantageously measured by the combination of the slope of the slope and the height difference per time. The height difference is also advantageously measured by a highly sensitive pressure sensor, which can measure a height difference of at least 1 meter. This corresponds to a pressure difference of min 0.1 mbar. The slope of the slope is also advantageously measured by an angle sensor. The angle measurement is also advantageously based on an acceleration sensor which can measure both static acceleration (eg gravitation) and dynamic acceleration. The acceleration sensor is also advantageously based on a mechanical measuring method, the force acting on a mass being measured. (e.g. analog devices ADXL202). In addition, the acceleration sensor is advantageously based on a thermal measuring method, the displacement of a heated gas bubble being measured by temperature sensors within a housing. (e.g. memsic MXD2020). the device also advantageously already contains several pre-stored relationships between the angle (slope of the slope) and the height difference. For example, the distance covered with a gradient of 20 ° and a measured height difference of one meter is 2.9238 Vleter (according to the sine function for 20 ° and 1m) with a gradient of 25 ° and a height difference of 1 Vleter 2.3662 Meter. If the skier travels at a gradient of 20 °, for example 5 meters in height per second, this corresponds to a distance of 14.619 meters in one second, i.e. a speed of 14.619 m / s, i.e. approximately 52.63 km / h. In order to avoid, for example, that the central microcontroller has to carry out a complicated sine calculation for each measurement, it is advantageous to save a relationship table already. This relationship table can have the format shown in FIG. 1, for example. It is also advantageous to operate the device by means of a battery, in particular by means of an inexpensive button cell. It is also advantageous to design the device in such a way that it can be operated using only one push button / button or switch. It then takes over both the function of switching on the device, setting the desired functional range (eg display of the speed, display of the distance traveled, etc.) and also deleting, for example, certain stored values (eg the measured maximum speed), for example by pressing the button for a longer, predetermined time, eg 4 seconds, or switching a display area (eg switching the speed display from km / h to mph) by pressing the button for an even longer time, eg 15 seconds. The design with only one button has the advantage that the manufacturing costs will be lower than the design with 2 or more buttons. In addition, filters are advantageously provided in the device, which filter out vibrations or shocks that occur when the device is attached to a ski or snowboard. These filters can be hardware filter elements or filter stages solved by the software of the central microcontroller. It is also advantageous to ignore very fast angle changes when measuring angles, which can occur in particular when the skier or snowboarder falls. It is also advantageous to attach the device to the ski or snowboard with the aid of an elastic, shock and vibration absorbing material, for example foam, a double-sided adhesive material, or a self-adhesive Velcro fastener. It is also advantageous to assume that the increase in air pressure as the altitude decreases is directly proportional. In reality this is not the case, for example there is normally an air pressure of 1013 mbar at NN (normal zero), an air pressure of 899 mbar at a height of 1000 meters, 795 at a height of 795, 701 at 3000 m and 616 at 4000 m , as well as an air pressure of 540 mbar at an altitude of 5000 meters. Since the device cannot be known at what height it is without calibration, such an assumption makes sense. Furthermore, the heights between 1000m and 3000m are particularly interesting for a skier or snowboarder, which is why it also simplifies the calculations to be carried out by the central microcontroller if it is assumed as a mean that the air pressure increases by 1mbar as the height decreases by 10.1m. In addition to the angle of the slope, the protractor of the device advantageously also measures the angle at which the ski or snowboard is inclined to the right or left. A possible turning of the skier or snowboarder can then be calculated from this angle. This is important because the distance covered is longer when cornering and the measured speed is therefore higher. This measurement error can be compensated for by including the side slope.

Alternatively or additionally, driven curves can e.g. can also be determined by a corresponding acceleration measurement (in particular by a measurement of the accelerations acting in the "left-right" direction). It is also advantageous not to interpret an abrupt high negative acceleration acting on the acceleration (angle sensor) as an angle change, since rapid braking of the skier or snowboarder could trigger this and lead to measurement errors. It is also advantageous to design the device in such a way that different operating modes are possible or selectable Speed, display of the distance covered, display of the total distance covered on the respective day, display of the total distance covered so far, display of the ski runs covered on the respective day, display of the number of ski runs covered so far, tempe It is also advantageous to include or accumulate distances traveled only in the calculation if the distances involved are those in which the height difference results from a falling height. This has the advantage that only distances in which the skier or snowboarder descends the slope are used, and not those in which he is (idle) in the ski lift. In addition, the display of the (highest) speed and the distance covered during the last descent is automatically reset to 0 after a defined height increase (e.g. 50m). This has the advantage that this data does not have to be reset manually.

In addition, the display of the speed and the distance covered during the last descent is automatically reset to "0" after a defined increase in altitude (eg 50m) and after the next (downhill) speed data has been recognized. This has the advantage that the skier or Snowboarders can still view the data recorded in the ski lift without deleting them immediately. In addition, the display of the distance covered on the respective day, as well as the number of ski runs covered on the respective day, is automatically reset the next time the device is switched on ( For example, on the next day) and the next (downhill) speed data, this has the advantage that the skier or snowboarder can switch the device on again (for example in the evening) in order to view the daily data without deleting them the next departure the D data are automatically reset to "0". It is also advantageous to design the device so that the data of the total distance traveled so far, the maximum speed reached so far and the total number of ski runs to date by pressing the selection button or switch for more than a defined time (e.g. 3 seconds) automatically reset to "0".

It is also advantageous to design the device so that the display of the speed or the distance traveled by pressing the selection button or switch (for example 15 seconds) from the display in km / h or km to a display of miles or mph (miles / h), and / or the temperature display from the display in ° C to a display of ° F. It is also advantageous to design the device in such a way that the device is switched on by a single brief pressure on the selection button or switch. It is also advantageous to design the device in such a way that the device switches off automatically if no height difference is measured over a predefined period of time (for example 1 hour). It is also advantageous to design the device in such a way that the mode for displaying the speed is automatically activated after the device is switched on.

It is also advantageous to design the device in such a way that the display mode is changed after each short press of the selection button or switch. For example, Speed mode -

> «Short press» -> max. Speed mode -> «short press» -> distance mode -

> «Short press» -> distance traveled today -> «short press» -> total distance traveled -> «short press» -> number of departures made today -

> «Short press» -> number of total descents

It is also advantageous to design the device so that the average speed achieved during a descent is additionally displayed. It is also advantageous to design the device in such a way that the rate of descent during ski or snowboard descent or ascending speed is additionally displayed during use of the ski lift. The device is preferably attached to a ski or snowboard. The device is particularly preferably attached to the ski or snowboard with the aid of an elastic, shock and / or vibration absorbing material. It is preferably defined during the evaluation in the device that the increase in air pressure is directly proportional to the decrease in height.

In addition to the angle of the slope, the protractor of the device particularly preferably measures the angle that the ski or snowboard is inclined to the right or to the left. An abrupt high negative acceleration acting on the acceleration (angle sensor) is preferably not interpreted as a change in angle. Different operating modes are particularly preferably possible or selectable in the device, e.g. Display of the speed, display of the maximum speed reached so far, display of the distance covered, display of the total distance covered on the respective day, display of the total distance covered so far, display of the number of ski runs covered on the respective day, display of the number of ski runs covered so far, temperature display ,

Traveled distances are preferably only included in the calculation if the distances involved are those in which the height difference results from a falling height. Particularly preferably, the display of the speed and the distance covered during the last departure is automatically reset to 0 after a defined height increase (for example 50 m). The display of the speed and the distance covered during the last descent are preferably reset to "0" automatically after a defined height increase (for example 50 m) and after the detection of the next (downhill) speed data. Particularly preferably, the display of the distance covered on the respective day and / or the number of ski runs covered on the respective day is automatically reset the next time the device is switched on (for example the next day) and the next (downhill slope) speed data is recorded become. The data of the total distance traveled so far, the maximum speed reached so far and / or the total number of ski runs to date are preferably automatically reset to "0" by pressing the selection button for more than a defined time (for example 3 seconds) Display of the speed or the distance covered by switching the selection button (for example 15 seconds) longer from the display in km / h or km to a display of miles or mph (miles / h) Brief pressure on the selector switch or switch is switched on. Particularly preferably, the device switches itself off automatically if no height difference is measured for a predefined period of time (for example 1 hour). The mode for displaying the speed is preferably activated automatically after the device is switched on. It is particularly preferred after each short press of the Au the display mode. The average speed achieved during a descent is also preferably displayed. The descent speed during ski or snowboard descent or ascent speed during use of the ski lift is particularly preferably displayed.

The device is preferably attached to a ski or snowboard, and also a display device (which can display the determined data (e.g. distance and / or speed) (this can be integrated in the device). As an alternative or in addition, the device can also have a transmitting device which transmits the measured and / or determined data to a receiving device - provided remote from the device (for example by means of corresponding radio signals, for example bluetooth, GSM or UMTS signals, etc. ). The receiving device is coupled to a display device on which the data received by the receiving device are then displayed (if necessary after previous evaluation of the received data by an evaluation device coupled to the receiving device). The receiving device (and possibly also the evaluation device) can e.g. be provided in or on a bracelet, or e.g. on a watch, in particular a wristwatch, which is constructed similarly to conventional watches, in particular wristwatches (the display device provided on the watch or wristwatch can then be used as the display device - as standard anyway).

Alternatively, the function of the receiving device and / or the display device (and / or the evaluation device) can also be performed, for example, by a mobile phone (which receives the measured and / or determined data and sent by the device, and - if necessary after prior evaluation - then displays). The data (or a - predefined or selected - part of the data) can be sent from a mobile phone to a central computer (eg the highest speed achieved in each case). The data can be sent from the mobile phone, for example, using the appropriate SMS data service protocols, or, for example, using the appropriate WAP, GPRS or other mobile data service protocols. Data originating from different mobile telephones or devices, each assigned to different users, can be stored and / or evaluated, in particular compared with one another, so that, for example, the user who has the highest can be determined on the central computer Has achieved speed (and / or the second highest speed, etc.). The data stored by the central computer, in particular correspondingly evaluated, can be called up, for example, via the Internet. An anti-theft device can also be integrated into the (distance or speed measuring) device, for example attached to a ski or snowboard. If this is activated, the - anyway - provided acceleration sensor is used to detect an "unauthorized" (moving away) of the skis or snowboard (or a corresponding movement of the device) (or - for error compensation - a corresponding one) long time, for example several seconds of movement) If a corresponding movement is detected, an alarm is triggered, for example a corresponding optical and / or acoustic alarm signal is sent (and / or a corresponding theft alarm signal to one (or the above) - Receiving device arranged remotely from the device transmits (for example an or the above-mentioned mobile phone, an or the above-mentioned wristwatch, etc.), and there triggers an "alarm" (ie a corresponding optical and / or acoustic alarm signal is sent out). Alternatively or in addition, the (distance or speed measurement) device, for example attached to a ski or snowboard, can also function as a contactless (wireless sen) fulfill ski passes (correspondingly similar to corresponding, eg in special watches eg from the company Swatch®, or eg contactless ski passes integrated in special gloves. Conventional acceleration and / or pressure sensors can be used in the device as acceleration and / or pressure sensors. The ambient temperature can (generally also) be read from such sensors. Preferably, as an additional function, the ambient temperature (for example, read from the acceleration or pressure sensor (or a special sensor)) can be displayed on the above-mentioned display device (alternatively or additionally, the minimum and / or maximum temperatures in each case can be shown during operation of the device the device can be stored and displayed on the display device). Since the acceleration sensor can determine accelerations in all dimension directions (ie also in the x and y directions), the curves driven by the ski or snowboard can also be determined. This makes it possible to determine and save the complete course of a ski or snowboard descent (with slope, curves, etc.). The corresponding data can then be transferred later (eg at home) to a computer, eg PC, via a corresponding interface (eg a cable (USB), or wirelessly (eg via radio, infrared, etc.). The corresponding data can be saved there , and can be evaluated (for example, the complete departure with curves etc. can be graphically displayed on the display device assigned to the respective computer, for example by additionally specifying speeds reached at corresponding points, for example curves (for example, it is also conceivable to “readjust” the departure on PC using appropriate game software)).

Since, as explained above, by using the acceleration sensor, every acceleration in all dimensions (e.g. also in the x and y direction (e.g. defined by the base of the ski or snowboard) can be measured with high accuracy, it is possible to to store the corresponding data in the device, and to read this data (later) as described above (and, for example, to read it into a computer, for example a PC), and together with other data (for example the weight of the skier or snowboarder) calculate the forces acting on the ski or snowboard (and use this to make a very precise and type-specific setting of the corresponding binding, for example - automatically - with the help of a corresponding, Values of the binding setting calculating software loaded on the computer). For example, the corresponding acceleration and / or altitude parameter values can be stored in the device for a predetermined period of time, for example the last m minutes or s hours of the last departure (in each case measured according to predefined, relatively short time intervals (for example 0.1 seconds) ), and / or the maximum values that occurred in each case (eg in the event of a fall or in curves). It is also conceivable (in order not to have to equip every binding manufacturer with a reading device) to read out the raw data from the device by the user on the home PC, and to calculate the personal evaluation taking into account the body weight using the company's own software or the Internet, and then a printed evaluation to take the binding with you, for example, to the sports shop. To attach the device to the ski or snowboard, for example, a holder designed to match the corresponding shape of the upper surface of the ski or snowboard can be used, or, for example, a holder designed to be flexible (and therefore usable on different skis or snowboards).

The corresponding holder can e.g. U-shaped, and e.g. be made of plastic, and - lying flat - be attached to the upper surface of the ski or snowboard; the device can then be attached to the corresponding (U-shaped) bracket, e.g. inserted from above into the holder, and (with the aid of connecting means designed in a similar manner to conventional cable binders) - at a correspondingly variable height - are snapped in (and then, for example, from the left or right section of the U-shaped holder against movement be secured to the left or right (and / or from the rear or front section against movement backwards or forwards)). As an alternative to the procedure described above, the speed can be e.g. can also be measured exclusively by the acceleration sensor (without the angle being determined with the aid of the measured acceleration values in the manner explained above). The speed can then be determined in each case by appropriate integration of the acceleration values measured by the acceleration sensor. The above is advantageous Measurement carried out on the assumption that the respective pressure and the respective height are proportional to each other - the greater the height, the lower the pressure, and the smaller the height, the higher the pressure (the respectively occurring amounts of the pressure difference and the height difference being proportional to one another are)). Alternatively, the height can also be measured or determined based on a relationship other than a linear relationship, e.g. by means of corresponding formulas or tables reflecting a different relationship between height and pressure, on the basis of which the corresponding height difference can also be determined after corresponding measurement of the pressure (or the pressure difference) at intervals.

As already explained above, the invention enables simple measurement and output or display of the measured speed or distance. Particularly advantageously - or according to a further, separate aspect of the invention - a measuring device is provided according to the invention, which measures the speed or distance traveled by a skier or snowboarder without the use of mechanical, moving parts, by sensors such as GPS (global position System) sensors are used, the speed or the distance covered being measured by means of satellites or the transit time of the radio signals to or from these. The signal from the GPS satellites is received and evaluated by a GPS receiver. The current position, time and speed or distance can then be calculated from this data. The distance or speed is calculated either by calculating the position shift or by using the Doppier effect. The calculation of the speed and from this the calculation of the distance using the double effect is particularly advantageous, since the distance covered from a 3D movement can also be taken into account here without the GPS altitude information (which is relatively imprecise in terms of position) having to be included , It is also advantageous when using a GPS receiver that the device can be used in a multifunctional manner, so that the speed or distance of each moving object or person can be determined.

In addition, the speed or distance covered is advantageously measured by the combination of the slope of the slope and the height difference per time. It is also advantageous to operate the device (in particular the display device) by means of a battery, in particular by means of an inexpensive button cell.

The device (in particular the transmitting device) is also advantageously operated by means of a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. It is also advantageous to construct the device, in particular the display device, in such a way that it can be operated by means of only one button / button or switch. It then takes over the function of switching on the device, setting the desired functional area (e.g. display of speed, display of the distance traveled, etc.) as well as e.g. delete certain stored values (e.g. the measured maximum speed) e.g. by pressing the button for a longer, predetermined time e.g. 4 seconds, or switching a display area (e.g. switching the speed display from km / h to mph) by pressing the button for an even longer time, e.g. 15 seconds. The design with only one button has the advantage that the manufacturing costs are lower than the design with 2 or more buttons. In addition, filters are advantageously provided in the device, which filter out vibrations or shocks that occur when the device is attached to a ski or snowboard. These filters can be hardware filter elements or filter stages solved by the software of the central microcontroller.

Also advantageous is the device on the ski or snowboard with the help of an elastic, shock and vibration absorbing material, e.g. Foam, a double-sided adhesive material, or a self-adhesive Velcro fastener. It is also advantageous to construct the device so that different operating modes are possible or selectable. These modes of operation are e.g. Display of the speed, display of the maximum speed reached so far, display of the distance covered, display of the total distance covered on the respective day, display of the total distance covered so far, display of the number of ski runs covered on the respective day, display of the number of ski runs covered so far, temperature display ,

It is also advantageous to include or accumulate distances traveled only in the calculation if the distances involved are those in which the height difference results from a falling height. This has the advantage that only distances are used in the Skier or snowboarder descends the slope and not those in which he is (idle) in the ski lift. In addition, the display of the (highest) speed and the distance covered during the last descent is automatically reset to 0 after a defined increase in altitude (eg 50m). This has the advantage that this data does not have to be reset manually, since this is not possible for a skier in particular while driving. It is also very difficult for the driver to read his current speed from a display device while driving; he is therefore dependent on a temporary storage and later display of his highest speed in order to be able to read it afterwards while standing. In addition, the display of the speed and the distance covered during the last descent is automatically reset to "0" after a defined increase in altitude (eg 50m) and after the next (downhill) speed data has been recognized. This has the advantage that the skier or Snowboarders can still view the data recorded in the ski lift without deleting them immediately.

Also advantageous, the display device shows the respective maximum speed of an individual section of a ski run for a certain period of time, advantageously flashing. A section of a ski run can e.g. the skier remains standing (e.g. recognizable by the lack of speed information for a certain time, e.g. 10 seconds) after a running descent. After the period of time while this speed is displayed, e.g. the previous maximum speed of the respective departure is displayed again (which may be higher and would have prevented the display of the section speed). In addition, the display of the distance covered on the respective day, as well as the number of ski runs covered on the respective day, is advantageously reset automatically the next time the device is switched on (e.g. the next day) and the next (downhill slope) speed data is recorded. This has the advantage that the skier or snowboarder can switch the device on again (for example in the evening) in order to view the daily data without having to delete them, but before the next departure the data are automatically reset to "0" a clock integrated in the evaluation device, which is advantageously synchronized by the time information that can be read from the GPS signal by the GPS receiver; when the current date changes to the next day or the current time from 23:59 to 00 : 00 the display of the distance covered on the respective day and the number of ski runs covered on the respective day are automatically reset.

It is also advantageous to design the device so that the data of the total distance traveled so far, the maximum speed reached so far and the total number of ski runs to date by pressing the selection button or switch for more than a defined time (e.g. 3 seconds) automatically reset to "0". It is also advantageous to design the device so that the display of the speed or the distance covered by pressing the selection button or switch (for example 15 seconds) from the display in km / h or km is switched to a display of miles or mph (miles / h), and / or the temperature display from the display in ° C to a display of ° F. In addition, it is advantageous to design the device so that the device by a single short Pressure on the selector switch or switch is switched on. The device is also advantageous in this way design that the device switches off automatically if no speed is measured or a GPS signal is not received for a predefined period of time (eg 1 hour).

It is also advantageous to design the device in such a way that the mode for displaying the speed is automatically activated after the device is switched on. It is also advantageous to design the device in such a way that the display mode is changed each time the selection button or switch is pressed briefly. For example, Speed mode -> «short press» -> max. Speed mode -> «short press» -> distance mode -> «short press» -> distance covered today -> «short press» -> total distance covered -> «short press» -> number of departures made today -> «Short press» -> number of total descents

It is also advantageous to design the device so that the average speed achieved during a descent is also displayed. It is also advantageous to design the device in such a way that the rate of descent during ski or snowboard descent or ascending speed is additionally displayed during use of the ski lift. The device, in particular the display device, is also advantageously designed such that it can be switched between a "ski / winter sport" mode and a normal mode (and back). This has the advantage (in particular when the device is operated with a GPS receiver) that There is a special mode, for example for joggers, who have different requirements for the displayed data than, for example, skiers (with joggem, for example, the number of descents or the length of one descent is irrelevant) the display device for skiers or snowboarders as well as another (general) menu for all others (especially athletes).

The (general) menu also advantageously contains at least the following items: Current speed, daily distance, total distance

In addition, the required quality of the GPS signal is also advantageously differentiated in the display device according to which menu has been selected. For example, the use for skiers a higher quality of the GPS signal, since this is a 3D movement. In addition, the device, in particular the display device, advantageously indicates (in particular symbols such as “noGPS”) whether a sufficient GPS signal is received when operating with a GPS receiver. In addition, if “noGPS” is displayed on the Display device which signals inadequate or inadequate GPS reception; No current data, in particular speed, distance or current altitude are displayed to prevent a false display due to an inferior GPS signal.

The device is preferably attached to a ski or snowboard. The device is particularly preferably attached to the ski or snowboard with the aid of an elastic, shock and / or vibration absorbing material! Various are particularly preferred in the device Operating modes possible or selectable, e.g. display of speed, display of the maximum speed reached so far, display of the distance covered, display of the total distance covered on the respective day, display of the total distance traveled so far, display of the ski runs covered on the respective day, display of the number of the total number of ski runs completed so far, temperature display. It is preferred that distances traveled (especially in the mode for skiers or snowboarders) are only included in the calculation if the distances involved have arisen at a falling or constant height. Particularly preferably, the display of the speed and the distance covered during the last departure is automatically reset to 0 after a defined height increase (for example 50 m). The display of the speed and the distance covered during the last descent are preferably reset to "0" automatically after a defined increase in altitude (eg 50 m) and after the detection of the next (downhill) speed data. The display of the distance covered on the respective day is particularly preferred Distance, and / or the number of ski runs covered on the respective day, automatically reset the next time the device is switched on (for example the next day) and the next (downhill slope) speed data is recorded.

The display mode is particularly preferably changed after each short press of the selection button or switch. The average speed achieved during a descent is also preferably displayed. The device is preferably attached to a ski or snowboard, and also a display device (which can display the determined data (e.g. distance and / or speed) (this can be integrated in the device). Advantageously, the device can also have a transmitting device that sends the measured and / or determined data to a receiving device - provided away from the device (e.g. by means of corresponding radio signals, e.g. Bluetooth, GSM or UMTS signals, etc.). It is advantageously indicated on a display device connected to the receiving device whether there is a radio connection between the transmitter device and the receiving device, in particular by means of a symbol in the display of the display device.

The receiving device is coupled to a display device on which the data received by the receiving device are then displayed (if necessary after previous evaluation of the received data by an evaluation device coupled to the receiving device). The receiving device (and possibly also the evaluation device) can e.g. be provided in or on a bracelet, or e.g. on a watch, in particular a wristwatch, which is constructed similarly to conventional watches, in particular wristwatches (the display device provided on the watch or wristwatch can then be used as the display device - as standard anyway).

Advantageously, the transmitting device sends the previously evaluated data in individual data records to the receiving device at fixed intervals or time units (e.g. 1 second) and displays it there by the display device.

These data records can contain the following information, for example - maximum speed since the last transmission - Distance traveled since last transmission

As an alternative or in addition to the transmission of the distance traveled since the last transmission (e.g. in the last second), the distance from a certain point in time, e.g. the beginning of the measurement, etc. - the commulated or added (i.e. the total distance traveled since then) distance is transmitted to the receiving device (up to a certain value (e.g. 255)). For this e.g. (corresponding to e.g. for the transmission of the distance covered since the last transmission) 8 bits are used (which represent a - commulated or added - distance between Om and 255m).

Example:

Time (s) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Distance covered per second 10 12 11 10 11 11 40 42 45 50 55

Transmitted distance (communicated) 10 22 33 43 54 65 105 147 192 242 42

In the receiving device, the respectively received 8-bit number (current, commulated distance) is subtracted from the previously received 8-bit number (previous, commulated distance), and so - as a result - the last (e.g. in the last second) distance covered. The results obtained in each case (i.e. the determined individual distances - e.g. covered per second) are then added.

If - in relation to the number of bits used (here: 8 bits) - the maximum count has been reached (ie here: a commulated distance of 255), the count starts again at 0. This has the advantage that - if one or several data records are lost - nevertheless the respective distances can be determined.

If the device - instead of e.g. by a skier or snowboarder - e.g. from a runner, e.g. Using a jogger to measure the running speed and the distance covered can cause problems when using GPS (e.g. if the runner is jogging through a tunnel / underpass, for example, because then no GPS signal can be received (and therefore no distance data)).

This problem can be solved, for example, by storing the current position in a type of buffer (for example at the above-mentioned time intervals, for example every second). If a GPS signal is no longer received, the next second no current position is stored in the buffer or the position data previously stored in the buffer are not overwritten, but - instead - the last stored position data is retained in the buffer. The first position, which is measured again (normally) (after a GPS signal can be received again), can be compared with the last position stored in the buffer (eg by subtraction). The distance that has been determined in the meantime (or the data representing it) can be used as "correction data" (and could, for example, be sent to the display unit as part of the normal protocol). In an alternative embodiment, the function of the receiving device and / or the display device (and / or the evaluation device) can also be performed, for example, by a mobile phone (which receives the measured and / or determined data and transmitted by the device, and - if appropriate after previous evaluation - then displays). A fixedly programmed code is advantageously sent with each data record by the transmitting device. This has the advantage that if there are several transmitting and receiving devices in one area, no receiving device evaluates a data record which was intended for another receiving device. Each receiving device can advantageously be programmed automatically to a code of a transmitting device, for example by receiving only the code of one transmitting device in succession for several intervals. At the time of programming, this receiving device only accepts data records with this programmed code.

The data (or a - predefined or selected - part of the data) can be sent from a mobile phone to a central computer (e.g. the highest speed achieved in each case). The data can be e.g. are sent using appropriate SMS data service protocols, or e.g. by means of appropriate WAP, GPRS, or other mobile data service protocols. Data originating from different mobile telephones or devices, in each case associated with different users, can be stored and / or evaluated, in particular compared with one another, so that e.g. the user who has achieved the highest speed (and / or the second highest speed, etc.) can be determined. The data stored by the central computer, in particular evaluated accordingly, can e.g. can be accessed via the Internet. If the device contains a transmission device and can be operated independently of the display device, the device is particularly advantageous in such a way that it contains a fastening device with which it can be fastened to the body of a user. This can be a clip that e.g. attachment to the waistband of the user or a bracelet that allows it to be worn on the wrist or (upper) arm.

In the - e.g. An anti-theft device can also be integrated on a ski or snowboard (distance or speed measurement device). If this is activated, the - anyway - provided GPS receiver is used to detect an "unauthorized" (moving away) of the skis or snowboard (or a corresponding movement of the device) (or - for error compensation - on) a correspondingly long period of time, for example a movement lasting several seconds.) If a corresponding movement is detected, an alarm is triggered, for example a corresponding optical and / or acoustic alarm signal is sent (and / or a corresponding theft alarm signal to (or the above) - arranged remotely from the device - transmits (for example an or the above-mentioned mobile phone, an or the above-mentioned wristwatch, etc.), and there triggers an "alarm" (ie a corresponding optical and / or acoustic alarm signal is sent) ,

As an alternative or in addition, the (distance or speed measurement) device, for example attached to a ski or a snowboard, can also perform the function of a contactless (wireless) ski pass (correspondingly similarly to corresponding ones, for example in special watches, for example from Swatch®, or, for example, contactless ski passes integrated in special gloves A precise position determination is possible for a GPS receiver, the curves driven by the ski or snowboard can also be determined. This makes it possible to determine and save the complete course of a ski or snowboard descent (with a slope, curves, etc.). The corresponding data can then be transferred later (eg at home) to a computer, eg PC, via a corresponding interface (eg a cable (USB), or wirelessly (eg via radio, infrared, etc.). The corresponding data can be saved there , and can be evaluated (for example, the complete departure with curves etc. can be graphically displayed on the display device assigned to the respective computer, for example by additionally specifying speeds reached at corresponding points, for example curves (for example, it is also conceivable to “readjust” the departure on PC using appropriate game software).

The GPS position data are also advantageously transmitted by the transmitting device, in order to be able to also display navigation-relevant data, in particular on the display device. For example, map data is particularly advantageously loaded into the display device via an Internet connection established via a mobile telephone connected to the display device and evaluated there. To attach the device to the ski or snowboard, e.g. a holder adapted to the corresponding shape of the upper surface of the ski or snowboard is used, or e.g. a - flexibly designed (and therefore usable on different skis or snowboards) - bracket. The corresponding holder can e.g. U-shaped, and e.g. be made of plastic, and - lying flat - be attached to the upper surface of the ski or snowboard; the device can then be attached to the corresponding (U-shaped) bracket, e.g. inserted into the holder from above, and (with the aid of connecting means designed similarly to conventional cable ties) - at a correspondingly adjustable height - are snapped in (and then, for example, from the left or right section of the U-shaped holder against movement be secured to the left or right (and / or from the rear or front section against movement backwards or forwards).

In order to explain the invention in more detail, several exemplary embodiments are described below. Show it:

1 shows a device according to the invention for measuring the speed or distance;

Figure 2 is an assignment table for angle and distance;

Figure 3 is an illustration of the device; and

Figure 4 shows an inventive device for measuring the speed or distance according to another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the invention. Block 1 symbolizes the pressure sensor which measures the current ambient pressure and, for example, supplies an output voltage proportional to the ambient pressure. This output voltage is amplified by amplifier (2) and fed to an analog input of the microcontroller (5). Block 4 symbolizes the inclination sensor, which measures the current inclination of the device. If the device is firmly attached to the ski or snowboard, the inclination of the device corresponds to the incline of the slope on which the ski or the Snowboard located. The inclination sensor preferably consists of an inexpensive acceleration sensor that can measure both dynamic (eg vibration) and static accelerations (eg gravitation). In this case, the sensor measures the static acceleration of gravity, which is greatest at an angle of 90 ° to the earth's surface, exactly 9.81 m / s ² . The acceleration acting on the sensor also decreases with a smaller angle. The inclination sensor transmits the measured value directly to the microcontroller (5) connected to it. This enables the microcontroller to calculate the measured inclination in "°".

The microcontroller is powered by the connected batteries, preferably small button cells. In addition, a button (6) is connected to the microcontroller (5), via which the device can be controlled by the user. In addition, a display device (3) is attached to the microcontroller (5) e.g. an LCD display is connected, via which the measured data can be output. The microcontroller (5) triggers measurements according to predefined time intervals, e.g. every second (corresponding to a time measurement data provided by a time measuring device); Both the inclination and the current pressure are measured or calculated. Does the skier or snowboarder drive e.g. down a slope with a slope of 20 °, this value is transferred to the microcontroller (5). In addition, the current pressure is measured by the pressure sensor (1) and compared with the pressure measured in the last interval, from which the difference in altitude can be calculated. The air pressure rises at altitudes between 1000 meters and 3000 meters by an average of 1mbar while the height decreases by 10.1m. This mean value is permanently programmed into the microcontroller (5). Does the microcontroller measure e.g. If there is a pressure difference of + 1mbar between two intervals, this results in a difference in altitude of 10.1 m or a decrease of 10.1 meters in altitude. In a conversion table stored in the microcontroller (5), in which the distance belonging to a respective angle between 1 ° and 45 ° is given at a height difference of 1 m, the corresponding to the angle of 20 ° and the height difference of 1 meter can now be found in distance traveled during this time (1 second) can be read out. An example of such an assignment table is shown in FIG. 2. For an angle of 20 °, a distance of 2,920 meters would be read out for a height difference of 1 m.

This value is then multiplied by the measured height difference of 10.1 m and thus gives (an estimate for) the distance covered by the skier or snowboarder within the 1 second interval, in this case 29.490 m, i.e. an (estimated) speed of 29.490 m / s. After multiplying this value by 3.6, the instantaneous speed can be output directly on the display device (3), in this case 106.16 km / h.

FIG. 4 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the invention. Here, the GPS signal is received by the GPS antenna (6) and amplified by the optional amplifier (7) (LNA - low noise amplifier). The signal is then fed to the actual GPS receiver module (8). This is where the actual high-frequency filtering, amplification and processing of the received signal takes place. Together with the G PS controller (9), the actual GPS data (position, altitude, speed, time) are determined and mostly output using standardized protocols (e.g. NMEA) via, for example, a serial interface of the GPS controller (9). The microcontroller (10) converts this data into a protocol, which is then transmitted to the RF transmitter (11) and sent via the RF transmitter antenna (12). The RF receiver antenna (13) receives the transmitted data and forwards it to the RF receiver (14), where the signal is amplified, possibly demodulated and then transmitted to the microcontroller 15. The microcontroller (15) evaluates the received data and shows it on the connected display (16).

Claims

Expectations

1. Distance and / or speed measuring device, in particular for attachment to a ski or snowboard, characterized in that the distance is determined by measuring the gradient and the height difference, the height difference being measured by an electronic air pressure sensor.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the gradient is measured by an electronic angle sensor.

3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the angle measurement is carried out by an acceleration sensor which can measure both static acceleration and dynamic acceleration.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device has stored several relationships between the angle (slope of the slope) and the height difference.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device is operated by means of a battery, in particular by means of an inexpensive button cell.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device is constructed so that it can be operated by means of only one button / button or switch.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that filters are provided in the device which filter out the vibrations or shocks that occur.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device is attached to a ski or snowboard.

9. The device according to claim 8, which is fastened with the aid of an elastic, shock and / or vibration-absorbing material.

10. The device, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, for attachment to a ski or snowboard for measuring the distance traveled by the ski or snowboard Distance, and / or the speed achieved by the ski or snowboard, characterized in that an acceleration sensor is used to measure the distance and / or speed.

11. distance and / or speed measuring device, in particular with one or more of the features mentioned in claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the distance or speed is determined using a GPS receiver.

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the GPS receiver determines the distance or speed using the Doppier effect.

13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device consists of a GPS receiver device and a separate evaluation device.

14. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separate evaluation device communicates with the GPS receiving device via a wireless radio connection.

15. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device has a special “ski mode”.

16. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that different operating modes are possible or selectable, in particular, display of the speed, display of the maximum speed reached so far, display of the distance traveled, display of the total distance traveled on the respective day, display of the total distance traveled so far, display of the number of ski runs completed on the respective day, display of the number of ski runs completed so far.

17. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distances traveled are only included in the calculation if the distances involved are those in which the height difference results from a falling height.

18. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display of the (highest) speed and the distance traveled during the last descent automatically resets to 0 after a defined increase in altitude (e.g. 50m).

19. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display of the speed and the distance covered during the last departure is automatically reset to "0" after a defined height increase (for example 50 m) and after the detection of the next (downhill slope) speed data ,

20. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display device shows the respective maximum speed of an individual section of a ski run for a specific period of time, in particular flashing manner.

21. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display of the distance covered on the respective day and the number of ski runs covered on the respective day are automatically reset when the device is switched on the next time (for example the next day). and the next (downhill) speed data is collected.

22. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that is synchronized by a clock integrated in the evaluation device, which is in particular synchronized by the time information that can be read from the GPS signal by the GPS receiver; If the current date changes to the next day or the current time from 23:59 to 00:00, the display of the distance covered on the respective day and the number of ski runs covered on the respective day are automatically reset.