CN106985986A - Floating system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a floating system, including a wearable device and a floating device. The wearable device is worn by a user to sense the user's movements and send a notification signal according to the user's movements. The floating device floats in the water area and is activated according to the notification signal. In this way, the floating system can provide floating assistance for the user when he/she is active in the water area.

Description

floating system

technical field

The present invention relates to an intelligent swimming gear, and in particular to a floating system.

Background technique

When summer is approaching, no matter adults or children, what they look forward to most is water activities. Although playing in the water is fun, it is not so much fun if it is accompanied by accidents. In order to avoid accidents in endless water activities, many people will carry inflatable life-saving equipment such as swimming rings, inflatable water sleeves, and life jackets. However, when these devices are tied to the user's body, it often prevents the user from enjoying water activities freely and relaxedly. Therefore, even though everyone has the common sense to equip life-saving equipment, not many people actually implement it. In particular, children and teenagers who are in the playful period are more reluctant to be bound by life-saving equipment when engaging in water activities.

For safety reasons, many people choose to conduct water activities in indoor swimming pools or on the beach with lifeguards. However, the phenomenon of drowning is similar to the performance of ordinary games. It is difficult for lifeguards and surrounding personnel to distinguish whether there is a phenomenon of drowning, so they often miss the golden rescue time, which makes regrets happen. Based on this, there is an urgent need in the art for a life-saving device that can make the user feel at ease and can quickly help the user when drowning occurs.

Contents of the invention

In view of this, the present invention provides a flotation system, which can provide assistance to the user when engaging in water activities, and can quickly help the user when the drowning situation occurs.

The floating system of the present invention is used to provide assistance for users when they are active in water areas. The floating system includes a wearable device and a floating device. The wearable device is worn by a user. The wearable device senses the user's motion and sends a notification signal according to the user's motion. The flotation device will float in the waters and act according to the notification signal.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the user action described in the above-mentioned floating system includes the user triggering a notification module on the wearable device.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the wearable device in the above-mentioned floating system further includes a sensing module for judging the user's action and causing the wearable device to generate a notification signal.

In an embodiment of the present invention, when the distance between the floating device and the wearing device in the floating system is greater than the first distance, the floating device moves toward the position of the wearing device.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the floating device in the floating system is switched between a first state and a second state, wherein the moving speed of the floating device in the first state is higher than that in the second state speed.

In an embodiment of the present invention, when the distance between the floating device and the wearing device in the floating system is greater than the second distance, the floating device is in the first state; when the distance between the floating device and the wearing device is smaller than the second distance When the distance is reached, the floating device switches from the first state to the second state.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the floating device and the wearing device in the above-mentioned floating system are connected wirelessly.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the floating device in the floating system includes a centrifugal motor, wherein the centrifugal motor is used to drive the floating device to move in the water area in a rolling manner.

In an embodiment of the present invention, there is an obstacle on the moving path of the floating device in the floating system to the position of the wearable device, and the floating device moves along an alternative path instead.

Based on the above, the present invention provides a flotation system, which can provide assistance for users to engage in water activities, and quickly provide lifesaving assistance for users. In addition, the volume of the wearable device worn by the user is smaller than that of conventional life-saving equipment, so the user's uncomfortable feeling of wearing it can be reduced, and the user's willingness to wear it can be improved.

In order to make the above-mentioned features and advantages of the present invention more comprehensible, the following specific embodiments are described in detail together with the accompanying drawings.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a floating system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a structural diagram of a floating system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is an internal structure of a floating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a system flow diagram of the floating system in standby mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a system flow diagram of the floating system in rescue mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6a is a schematic diagram of a first state of the floating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6b is a schematic diagram of a second state of the floating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of reference signs

100, 100a, 100b: wearable device

102: button

104: border

110: Notification module

120: Sensing module

130: Wireless communication module

140: Prompt module

150: Power module

200: Flotation Device

210: Wireless communication module

220: distance sensing module

230: Environmental detection module

240: Path calculation module

250: Motion Unit

260: Power module

301: Outer shell

302: base

303: circuit board

304: centrifugal motor

305: battery

306: memory

307: Function chip

308: Processor

309: Sensor

290: Extension

S401, S403, S405, S501, S503, S505, S507, S509: steps

D: distance

detailed description

The floating system shown in the present invention is used to provide lifesaving and/or swimming assistance for users to perform water activities in water areas (such as swimming pools, streams, lakes, seasides, etc.).

Please refer to FIG. 1 , the floating system includes a wearable device 100 and a floating device 200 . The wearable device 100 is a device for a user to wear on the body, and can be implemented as any accessory that can be worn on the body. For example, the wearable device 100 may include at least one of a wristband, a watch, an anklet, a necklace, a belt, a headgear, an armmuff, etc., and its type is not limited thereto. In this embodiment, the wearable device 100 is a wristband disposed on the user's wrist, and is waterproof. In this embodiment, the wearable device 100 includes the wearable devices 100a and 100b as an example. However, in another embodiment, the number of wearable devices 100 may also be more or less.

The floating device 200 floats in the water where the wearing device 100 is located. In this embodiment, the floating device 200 is also waterproof, and is preset as a sphere to facilitate rolling on water. However, in other embodiments, the floating device 200 may also have different shapes. For example, the floating device 200 can also be a cuboid, a star, an irregular body, and the like.

The wearable device 100 detects the user's motion, and sends a notification signal to the floating device 200 according to the user's motion. For example, the wearable device 100 can actively or passively detect whether the user's action meets a trigger condition. When the detected user action meets the trigger condition, the wearable device 100 will send a notification signal to the floating device 200 . On the other hand, the floating device 200 will receive the notification signal sent by the wearable device 100 and act according to the received notification signal.

Please refer to FIG. 2 , the wearable device 100 has a notification module 110 , a sensing module 120 , a wireless communication module 130 , a prompt module 140 and a power module 150 .

The notification module 110 is used to generate a notification signal according to the action triggered by the user to notify the floating device 200 to move to the location of the wearable device 100 . Please also refer to FIG. 1 , in one embodiment, the notification module 110 includes a button 102 disposed on the wearable device 100 . When the user touches or presses the button 102, the notification module 110 will generate a notification signal. In other embodiments, the notification module 110 may also include a pull ring (not shown) or a lever (not shown) disposed on the wearable device 100 . When the user pulls up the tab or turns the lever to a preset direction, the notification module 110 will generate a notification signal. However, the type of the notification module 110 is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, as long as it can be triggered by the user to generate a notification signal, it can be applied to the notification module 110 and used to detect corresponding triggering actions. That is to say, in this embodiment, the notification module 110 is passively triggered by the user, thus generating a corresponding notification signal.

The sensing module 120 is used to actively detect and judge the user's actions, and make the wearable device 100 generate the above notification signal according to the user's actions. For example, the sensing module 120 may include but not limited to sensing devices such as a gyroscope, an accelerometer, and a gravity sensor to detect the current direction, speed, and displacement of the wearable device 100 . For example, the sensing module 120 stores algorithms related to human drowning behavior. Because when drowning, people's body and limbs have special movement behaviors, for example, people will raise their hands and wave them in a large way subconsciously. Therefore, after actually analyzing the drowning behavior of the human body, the developer can write an algorithm for judging the drowning behavior of the human body into the sensing module 120 .

Taking the embodiment in which the wearable device 100 is worn on one or both hands of the user in FIG. 1 as an example, in one embodiment, the sensing module 120 will determine at least one of the speed, frequency and magnitude of the current shaking of the wearable device 100 one. When at least one of the current shaking speed, frequency and amplitude of the wearable device 100 is greater than the corresponding preset value, it means that there is a high probability that the user is drowning, so the sensing module 120 will generate the above notification signal , to notify the floating device 200 to move to the location of the wearable device 100 . Alternatively, in an embodiment, the sensing module 120 can also determine whether the movement track of the wearable device 100 conforms to a preset track. For example, the preset trajectory corresponds to the waving motion of the human body when drowning. If the movement track of the wearable device 100 matches the preset track, the sensing module 120 will generate the above-mentioned notification signal immediately.

In one embodiment, the notification module 110 and the sensing module 120 can be configured in the wearable device 100 either one or at the same time, so as to detect the user's motion and generate the above notification signal. After generating the notification signal, the wireless communication module 130 is used to send the notification signal to the floating device 200 . For example, the wireless communication module 130 may include at least one of various short-distance wireless communication modules such as a Bluetooth module, an infrared radio frequency module, and a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) module, but is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the wireless communication module 130 may also include mobile communication modules such as a third generation mobile communication (3g) module and/or a long term evolution technology (Long Term Evolution, LTE) module.

The reminder module 140 is used to remind the occurrence of a drowning event and provide rescue assistance. Also taking the wearable device 100 in the form of a wristband in FIG. . In one embodiment, when the drowning event does not occur, the light emitting elements on the frame 104 may not blink particularly to save power. When a drowning event is detected (for example, a notification signal is generated), the light emitting element on the frame 104 will start to blink. . In another embodiment, it is also possible to remind surrounding personnel that a drowning event is currently occurring by changing the luminous intensity or color of the luminous element. In another embodiment, the above-mentioned light-emitting elements may also be configured on the wearable device 100 in other configurations. In another embodiment, the prompt module 140 may also include a sound module. When a drowning event is detected, the prompt module 140 can send out a distress voice or warning sound to seek help from surrounding users.

The power module 150 is used to provide power for the wearable device 100 to operate. For example, the power module 150 includes at least one battery.

The floating device 200 has a wireless communication module 210 , a distance sensing module 220 , an environment detection module 230 , a path calculation module 240 , a motion unit 250 and a power supply module 260 .

The wireless communication module 210 is used for receiving notification signals from the wearable device 100 . Generally speaking, the wireless communication module 210 is a device compatible with the wireless communication module 130 of the wearable device 100 . For example, corresponding to the type of the wireless communication module 130, the wireless communication module 210 can be a Bluetooth module, an infrared radio frequency module, a wireless fidelity module, etc., and is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, before using the floating system, the user can wirelessly pair the wireless communication module 130 in the wearable device 100 with the wireless communication module 210 of the floating device 200 to establish a connection between the wearable device 100 and the floating device 200 wireless connection. Thereby, after launching into the water, the wireless communication module 130 and the wireless communication module 210 can communicate wirelessly through the wireless connection.

The distance sensing module 220 is used to determine the direction and distance between the wearable device 100 and the floating device 200 . In one embodiment, the floating device 200 maintains a wireless connection with the wearable device 100 continuously. For example, the wireless communication module 210 sends a request reply signal to the wearable device 100 at regular intervals (for example, 1 minute). When the wireless communication module 130 of the wearable device 100 receives the request reply signal, the wireless communication module 130 will return a confirmation signal to the wireless communication module 210 . For example, the confirmation signal may be accompanied by information related to the location of the wearable device 100 . When the wireless communication module 210 receives the confirmation signal, the distance sensing module 220 judges the distance between the wearable device 100 and the floating device 200 (for example, distance D in FIG. 1 ) according to the signal strength and direction of the confirmation signal. For example, in one embodiment, when the wearable device 100 sends back a confirmation signal, the confirmation signal will include a received signal strength indicator (Received Signal Strength Indication, referred to as RSSI), and the distance sensing module 220 can use The RSSI in the confirmation signal determines the distance between the wearable device 100 and the floating device 200 .

In one embodiment, at least one of the wearable device 100 and the floating device 200 further includes a global positioning system (GPS) module. When the wearable device 100 returns the above confirmation signal, the confirmation signal can carry the GPS coordinates of the wearable device 100 . The distance sensing module 220 can obtain the distance between the wearable device 100 and the floating device 200 according to its own GPS coordinates and the GPS coordinates of the wearable device 100 . In one embodiment, at least one of the wearable device 100 and the floating device 200 can also use a wireless network to perform global positioning system positioning.

It is worth mentioning that, please refer to FIG. 1 again, if the user wears the wearable devices 100a, 100b with both hands, the wearable devices 100a, 100b and the floating device 200 of the user's hands will form a triangle. Therefore, the distance sensing module 220 can further use the triangulation method to obtain the distance between the wearable device 100 and the floating device 200 to improve the positioning accuracy.

Referring to FIG. 2 again, the environment detection module 230 is used to detect environment parameters. For example, the environment detection module 230 may include an anemometer, anemometer, thermometer and/or an infrared transceiver to detect the current wind direction, wind force, temperature and/or whether there is an obstacle ahead or the like. It is worth mentioning that, in one embodiment, the environment detection module 230 is optional.

The route calculation module 240 is used for calculating a moving route to the location of the wearable device 100 according to the sensing result of the distance sensing module 220 . For example, the route calculation module 240 can calculate a shortest route to the location of the wearable device 100 according to the sensing result of the distance sensing module 220 . In an embodiment, the path calculation module 240 may further calculate the moving path according to the environmental parameters measured by the environment detection module 230 . For example, according to the current wind force, wind direction, temperature and/or whether there is an obstacle ahead, etc., the path calculation module 240 can adjust the moving speed of the floating device 200 accordingly and/or plan another alternative path to bypass the obstacle ahead, etc. . For example, if the current floating device 200 is moving against the wind, the path calculation module 240 may increase the moving speed of the floating device 200 . Or, if there are obstacles on the current moving path of the floating device 200 (such as: other people engaged in water sports), the path calculation module 240 can recalculate another alternative path, so that the floating device 200 changes along this alternative path Move to the location of the wearable device 100 .

The motion unit 250 is used to drive the floating device 200 to move according to the path planned by the path calculation module 240 . In one embodiment, the motion unit 250 includes at least one centrifugal motor (not shown). When the floating device 200 is going to move, the centrifugal motor will change the center of gravity of the entire floating device 200, thereby driving the floating device 200 to move in the water area in a rolling manner. In another embodiment, if the floating device 200 is not a ball and/or does not move in a rolling manner, the motion unit 250 may also include other types of motors or mechanical components, depending on practical needs. In addition, in an embodiment, the motion unit 250 may also include auxiliary devices such as a deceleration device and a turning shaft to improve the flexibility of the floating device 200 in waters.

The power module 260 is used for providing power for the operation of the floating device 200 . For example, the power module 260 may include at least one battery.

In one embodiment, the functional modules used to drive the wireless communication module 210, the distance sensing module 220, the environment detection module 230, the path calculation module 240, the motion unit 250 and the power module 260 are stored in the memory of the floating device 200 (not shown). shown), and the processor (not shown) of the floating device 200 can run these functional modules to perform corresponding functions.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the floating device 200 is an outer casing 301 to cover the inner components. In this embodiment, the outer shell 301 is a hard spherical shell made of waterproof material, so as to avoid water ingress when the floating device 200 moves on water. Of course, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the outer casing 301 can also be made of inflatable soft plastic, rubber or other foaming materials.

In one embodiment, the floating device 200 can be charged through the base 302 . For example, when the floating device 200 is placed on the base 302 , a charging unit (not shown) of the base 302 will charge the power module 260 of the floating device 200 in a wired or wireless manner. However, in other embodiments, the floating device 200 may not have the above charging function.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the inside of the floating device 200 has a circuit board 303 . The centrifugal motor 304 , the battery 305 , the memory 306 , the function chip 307 , the processor 308 and the sensor 309 are all electrically connected or directly arranged on the circuit board 303 . For example, the function chip 207 can include a GPS chip and a wireless communication chip, etc., and the sensor 209 can include sensing instruments such as the above-mentioned gyroscope, accelerometer, gravity sensor, etc. In addition, the floating device 200 can also be configured with more or less functional elements, the present invention is not limited.

In one embodiment, if no notification signal is received from the wearable device 100 indicating to move towards the wearable device 100 , the floating device 200 will be in the standby mode.

Please refer to FIG. 1 again. In order to maintain the communication capability between the wearable device 100 and the floating device 200 and provide timely rescue for the user, in one embodiment, when the floating device 200 is in standby mode, the floating device 200 will automatically The distance D between the user wearing the wearable device 100 and the floating device 200 is detected. When the distance D exceeds a first distance, the floating device 200 will automatically move to the position of the wearable device 100 until the distance D between the two is smaller than the first distance. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the distance D can also be detected by the wearable device 100 . When the distance D exceeds the first distance, the wearable device 100 will instruct the floating device 200 to move to the position of the wearable device 100 until the distance D between the two is smaller than the first distance. In one embodiment, the first distance is, for example, 5 meters, and the first distance can be adjusted according to actual needs, and is not limited to the above.

Please refer to FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 at the same time. In the standby mode, in step S401, the wireless communication module 210 of the floating device 200 will continuously obtain the position of the wearable device 100 (step S401). Then, the distance sensing module 220 determines whether the distance between the wearable device 100 and the floating device 200 (for example, the distance D in FIG. 1 ) is greater than the first distance (step S403 ). When the distance between the wearing device 100 and the floating device 200 is greater than the first distance, the floating device 200 will move to the position of the wearing device 100 (step S405 ). In the standby mode, steps S401 , S403 and S405 may be executed repeatedly to control the distance between the floating device 200 and the wearable device 100 within the above-mentioned first distance.

After receiving the above notification signal, the floating device 200 will switch from the standby mode to the rescue mode. In the rescue mode, the floating device 200 will actively move to the position of the wearing device 100 to assist the user of the wearing device 100 to float on the water surface.

Please refer to FIG. 2 and FIG. 5 at the same time. When the user is drowning or the user needs flotation assistance, if the user is still awake, the user can trigger the notification module 110 on the wearable device 100 (for example, touch or press button 102 in FIG. 1) to generate a notification signal (step S501). However, in some cases, the user may be unconscious due to a drowning situation, or may be too nervous to react in time. At this time, the sensing module 120 of the wearable device 100 can detect that the user's behavior conforms to the drowning behavior algorithm, so as to generate a notification signal (step S503 ). Then, the notification module 110 or the sensing module 120 sends the notification signal to the floating device 200 through the wireless communication module 130 (step S505 ).

After the floating device 200 receives the notification signal sent by the wearable device 100, the distance sensing module 220 of the floating device 200 first determines the position of the wearable device 100 (step S507). Then, the movement unit 250 of the floating device 200 will move the floating device 200 to the position where the wearing device 100 is located (step S509 ).

In one embodiment, the floating device 200 has two states (hereinafter referred to as the first state and the second state for short). Wherein, the moving speed of the floating device 200 in the first state is higher than that in the second state. In the rescue mode, the floatation device 200 will switch between these two states as the distance between it and the wearable device 100 changes. In one embodiment, when the distance between the floating device 200 and the wearable device 100 is greater than a second distance (for example, 0.5 meters), the floating device 200 will assume the first state to speed up the location of the wearable device 100 The speed at which the position moves. And when the distance between the floating device 200 and the wearing device 100 is less than the second distance, the floating device 200 will switch from the first state to the second state. In the second state, the moving speed of the floating device 200 becomes slower, but its shape is more conducive to assisting the user to float compared with the first state. In one embodiment, the transition between the two states includes at least a change in the appearance of the device. In addition, the distance value of the second distance is smaller than the distance value of the first distance, and the second distance may also be other distance values, depending on practical requirements.

Please refer to FIG. 6 a , in this embodiment, the floating device 200 has a plurality of extensions 290 . Here, two extension parts 290 are taken as an example. In the first state, the extension part 290 is retracted into the inside of the floating device 200 or closed on the surface of the floating device 200 , so that the floating device 200 is in the shape of a sphere in the first state. For example, when the floating device 200 is still some distance away from the wearing device 100 , the floating device 200 can quickly move towards the wearing device 100 in a rolling manner in the first state.

Please refer to Fig. 6b, when switching from the first state to the second state, the extension part 290 will extend outward from the inside of the floating device 200 or expand outward from the surface of the floating device 200, so that the floating device 200 is in the second state It is a state of a sphere plus two extended extensions 290 after deployment. The deployed extension part 290 is beneficial to stabilize the entire floating device 200 . For example, when the flotation device 200 has reached the vicinity of the wearing device 100, the user can grasp the extended extension 290 to float on the water surface.

It is worth mentioning that, in another embodiment, the first state and the second state of the floating device 200 may also be presented in other states. For example, the extension part 290 may also surround the floating device 200 and present a ring shape or other shapes. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the first state and the second state of the floating device 200 may also refer to using different power driving mechanisms and/or floating stabilization mechanisms, which is not limited by the present invention. In one embodiment, when the floating device 200 is in the standby mode, the floating device 200 is also in the first state, so as to respond to the notification signal at any time and go to the location of the wearable device 100 for rescue or assistance.

In one embodiment, when the floating device 200 is in the standby mode, the environment detection module 230 of the floating device 200 can detect the environmental parameters in real time. When the environmental parameters show that the current wind direction is wrong, the wind force and/or the wave strength are too strong, etc., causing the floating device 200 to be frequently moved away from the wearable device 100, the floating device 200 can also be switched to the second state, so as to stabilize it on the water surface current location on .

To sum up, the present invention provides a floating system capable of providing immediate lifesaving assistance during water activities. Since this flotation system is implemented by the wearable devices that are common in the daily life of users, such as wristbands, anklets, watches or glasses, etc., it can reduce the discomfort of previous users with life-saving devices (such as life jackets) feel. In addition, through the user's self-reporting or the algorithm stored in the wearable device, compared with the previous manual judgment, the occurrence of the drowning event can be known more quickly and accurately, so as to provide immediate rescue in the first time .

Although the present invention has been disclosed as above with the embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Anyone with ordinary knowledge in the technical field can make some changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be defined by the appended claims.

Claims (10)

1. A flotation system for assisting a user in water activities, comprising: a wearable device for the user to wear, the wearable device senses a user's motion and sends a notification signal according to the user's motion; and A floating device that floats in the water area and operates according to the notification signal. 2. The flotation system of claim 1, wherein the user action includes the user triggering a notification module on the wearable device. 3 . The floating system according to claim 1 , wherein the wearable device further comprises a sensing module for judging the user's action so that the wearable device generates the notification signal. 4. The floating system according to claim 1, wherein when the distance between the floating device and the wearing device is greater than a first distance, the floating device moves toward the position of the wearing device. 5. The floating system according to claim 1, wherein the floating device is switched between a first state and a second state, Wherein the moving speed of the floating device in the first state is higher than the moving speed of the floating device in the second state. 6. The floating system according to claim 5, wherein when the distance between the floating device and the wearing device is greater than a second distance, the floating device assumes the first state, Wherein when the distance between the floating device and the wearing device is smaller than the second distance, the floating device switches from the first state to the second state. 7. The flotation system of claim 1, wherein the flotation device and the wearable device are connected in a wireless manner. 8. The floating system according to claim 1, wherein the floating device comprises a centrifugal motor, wherein the centrifugal motor is used to drive the floating device to move in the water in a rolling manner. 9. The flotation system according to claim 1, wherein if there is an obstacle in a movement path of the flotation device to the location of the wearable device, the flotation device moves along an alternative path instead. 10. The floating system according to claim 6, wherein when the distance between the floating device and the wearing device is greater than a first distance, the floating device moves to the position of the wearing device, wherein the first The distance value of the second distance is smaller than the distance value of the first distance.