JP7559466B2 - Athletic performance monitoring device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an athletic performance monitoring device.

There are technologies that use computers to assist with jogging and walking. For example, the technology in Patent Document 1 provides a jogging course that is similar to the jogging that the user normally does, regardless of the user's current location. In addition, the technology in Patent Document 2 receives a weather forecast for locations along the jogging route, and if the forecasted weather is determined to be unsuitable for jogging, notifies the user of the reason why it is unsuitable.

JP 2011-120740 A JP 2009-224898 A

The technologies in Patent Documents 1 and 2 cannot provide support when the user's physical condition or the weather changes during exercise involving movement, such as jogging or walking.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide an exercise performance monitoring device that supports movement in response to changes in the user's physical condition and weather during exercise involving movement, such as jogging or walking.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, an exercise performance monitoring device according to the present invention includes an exercise information processing unit that generates exercise performance information of an object to be evaluated based on map information, biometric information of a user input after an exercise involving movement has been started, and positioning information of the movement; a storage unit that stores setting information in which a route is set in the map information based on the map information and position information of a starting point and a destination point of the exercise involving movement, and the exercise performance information; an evaluation unit that makes an exercise cessation determination based on the exercise performance information of the object to be evaluated and past exercise performance information stored in the storage unit; and a support information generation unit that generates support information to support the user's movement based on a result of the exercise cessation determination. The information associates pace speed information of the movement per unit distance, load information of the movement per unit distance, and the biological information, and the evaluation unit compares the exercise performance information of the subject to be evaluated with exercise performance information of a comparison target that matches the load information of the movement of the exercise performance information of the subject to be evaluated among the past exercise performance information stored in the memory unit, and if the pace speed information of the movement in the exercise performance information of the subject to be evaluated is smaller than the pace speed information of the movement in the exercise performance information of the comparison target and the biological information in the exercise performance information of the subject to be evaluated indicates a deterioration in physical condition compared to the biological information in the exercise performance information of the comparison target, the evaluation unit determines to stop the exercise.

The athletic performance monitoring method according to the present invention includes a setting information generating step in which a route is set in the map information based on map information and position information of a starting point and a destination point of an exercise involving movement; an athletic information processing step in which athletic performance information of an evaluation target is generated based on the map information, biometric information of the user input after the exercise involving movement is started, and positioning information of the movement; an evaluation step in which an exercise cessation determination is made based on the athletic performance information of the evaluation target and stored past athletic performance information; and a support information generating step in which support information for supporting the user's movement is generated based on the result of the exercise cessation determination.

The program of the present invention causes a computer to execute the following steps: a setting information generation step in which a route is set in the map information based on map information and position information of a starting point and a destination point of an exercise involving movement; an exercise information processing step in which exercise performance information of an evaluation target is generated based on the map information, the user's biometric information input after the exercise involving movement is started, and positioning information of the movement; an evaluation step in which an exercise cessation determination is made based on the exercise performance information of the evaluation target and stored past exercise performance information; and a support information generation step in which support information for supporting the user's movement is generated based on the result of the exercise cessation determination.

The present invention can assist with movement even if changes in physical condition or weather occur during exercise involving movement, such as jogging or walking.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an exercise performance monitoring device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the exercise performance monitoring device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of map information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the exercise performance monitoring device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of information generation processing steps for generating athletic performance information of a subject to be evaluated according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of exercise performance information of a subject to be evaluated according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of past exercise performance information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a determination step for determining whether to continue exercising or to stop exercising according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of an exercise performance monitoring device according to a modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an exercise performance monitoring device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the exercise performance monitoring device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a determination step for determining whether to continue exercising or to stop exercising according to the second embodiment.

The following describes in detail the embodiments of the athletic performance monitoring device 1, athletic performance monitoring method, and program according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[First embodiment]
<Athletic performance monitoring device>
1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an athletic performance monitoring device according to a first embodiment. The athletic performance monitoring device 1 is connected to a communication network 2. A first server 40 is connected to the communication network 2, and the athletic performance monitoring device 1 can request information from the first server 40 and receive information from the first server 40 via the communication network 2. In the first embodiment, the athletic performance monitoring device 1 includes a first information terminal 10, a second information terminal 20, and a third information terminal 30.

The first information terminal 10 is a computer with a communication function, such as a mobile phone or a smartphone. The second information terminal 20 is a wristwatch-type wearable terminal, such as a smartwatch. The third information terminal 30 is a hearable terminal that is worn on the ear, such as a wireless earphone. The third information terminal 30 may also be a neck-type speaker that is worn around the neck.

<First information terminal>
The first information terminal 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an exercise performance monitoring device according to the first embodiment. The first information terminal 10 has a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, an input unit 13, a display unit 14, a communication unit 15, and a positioning unit 16.

The control unit 11 is, for example, a calculation processing device equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory. The control unit 11 executes instructions included in a program 12P stored in the storage unit 12. By executing the program 12P in cooperation with hardware resources such as the CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, and storage unit 12, the control unit 11 has the functions of a goal setting unit 11A, a position information processing unit 11B, a movement information processing unit 11C, an evaluation unit 11D, and a support information generation unit 11E. The control unit 11 can be said to be a so-called computer.

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of map information according to the first embodiment. The goal setting unit 11A sets the target time and distance for the user to exercise, the starting point Ps, the target point Pg, and the route MR shown in Figure 3, and registers landmarks RA1, RA2, ST1, ST2, and ST3. The goal setting unit 11A reads out map information 12B from the memory unit 12, displays map information MP1 of the area around the user's current location on the display unit 14, and waits for input from the user. Here, the map information 12B is information obtained from the first server 40 in response to a map information request from the first information terminal 10.

An example of map information around the user's current location will be described using FIG. 3. The user displays map information MP1, which is part of map information 12B and is a desired location for jogging, on the display unit 14. Map information MP1 shows, as an example, an example of a jogging course around Lake WP. Note that landmarks RA1 and RA2 are rest areas with lots of shade or where one can take shelter from the rain, and landmarks ST1, ST2, and ST3 are boarding and disembarking points for public transportation.

The goal setting unit 11A receives input from the user, displays the starting point Ps on the display unit 14, and stores the position information of the starting point Ps in the setting information 12A of the storage unit 12. The goal setting unit 11A receives input from the user, displays the target point Pg on the display unit 14, and stores the position information of the target point Pg in the setting information 12A of the storage unit 12. The landmarks RA1, RA2 and ST1, ST2, and ST3 may be automatically extracted from the map information MP1 and registered in the setting information 12A. The target point Pg may be set based on the target exercise time or target distance from the starting point Ps.

If landmarks RA1, RA2, ST1, ST2, and ST3 are in map information MP1, landmarks RA1, RA2, ST1, ST2, and ST3 can be searched for using map information MP1.

The goal setting unit 11A generates a route MR based on the position information of the starting point Ps and the position information of the target point Pg, and stores it in the setting information 12A of the memory unit 12. The goal setting unit 11A stores the distance from the starting point Ps to the target point Pg as the target distance in the setting information 12A of the memory unit 12.

The goal setting unit 11A accepts user input from the input unit 13 and stores information on the target time in the setting information 12A of the storage unit 12. The goal setting unit 11A calculates a target pace speed per unit distance from the target distance and the target time, and stores the calculated target pace speed in the setting information 12A. The target pace speed is, for example, a travel speed per kilometer as a guideline.

The location information processing unit 11B acquires location information indicating the current location from the positioning unit 16. In this embodiment, the location information processing unit 11B requests map information 12B of the surrounding area of the current location from the first server 40 via the communication network 2. The location information processing unit 11B stores the map information 12B acquired from the first server 40 in the memory unit 12.

When exercise involving movement, such as jogging or walking, is started, the position information processing unit 11B extracts the change in altitude during movement based on the map information 12B, calculates the maximum altitude, minimum altitude, and gradient that is the load during movement per unit distance, and outputs the results to the exercise information processing unit 11C.

The exercise information processing unit 11C acquires bioinformation input from the second information terminal 20 or the third information terminal 30 via the communication unit 15. Biometric information is, for example, information on the user's heart rate and information on the user's breathing sounds. The exercise information processing unit 11C associates a data identifier (data ID), the recording date, pace speed information, maximum altitude, minimum altitude, and gradient information output from the position information processing unit 11B, and the biometric information acquired from the second information terminal 20 or the third information terminal 30, and creates exercise performance information 12C, and stores the exercise performance information 12C in the storage unit 12. Storing the data identifier (data ID) in the exercise performance information 12C allows the recording date, pace speed information, maximum altitude, minimum altitude, and gradient information, and biometric information to be managed together.

The evaluation unit 11D determines whether to stop exercising based on the exercise performance information 12C of the subject to be evaluated and past exercise performance information 12C stored in the storage unit 12 on a different day in the past. When the evaluation unit 11D determines to stop exercising, it stores a record of the results of the exercise cessation in the evaluation information 12D.

The support information generating unit 11E generates support information 12E that supports the user's movement. The support information 12E is, for example, a recommended course including a detour route, and the recommended course is displayed on the display unit 14. The support information 12E may be displayed on the display unit 24 of the second information terminal 20. The support information 12E may be audio guidance output from the speaker 34 of the third information terminal 30.

The memory unit 12 has setting information 12A, map information 12B, athletic performance information 12C, evaluation information 12D, support information 12E, and a program 12P.

The input unit 13 can receive various operations for the first information terminal 10. The input unit 13 is, for example, an operating means such as a physical switch for the first information terminal 10, or a touch panel arranged on top of the display unit 14.

The display unit 14 is a display including, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display. The display unit 14 displays an image based on the video signal output from the control unit 11.

The communication unit 15 includes a communication unit that performs wireless communication to connect to the communication network 2 via a mobile phone line or the like. The communication unit 15 includes a communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication to connect to the second information terminal 20 and the third information terminal 30.

The positioning unit 16 can receive positioning signals from positioning satellites, which are artificial satellites, and calculate position information (information on longitude, latitude, and altitude). For example, the positioning unit 16 uses the Global Positioning System (GPS) or the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System. The positioning unit 16 includes a magnetic sensor that measures geomagnetism, and adds azimuth information to the position information. The positioning unit 16 outputs the position information to the position information processing unit 11B of the control unit 11.

<Second Information Terminal>
The second information terminal 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The second information terminal 20 has a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, an input unit 23, a display unit 24, a communication unit 25, a time measurement unit 27, and a sensor unit 28.

The control unit 21 is, for example, a calculation processing device equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory. The control unit 21 executes instructions included in a program stored in the storage unit 22. By executing the program in cooperation with hardware resources such as the CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, and storage unit 22, the control unit 21 has the function of a bio-information processing unit 21A. The control unit 21 can be said to be a so-called computer.

The input unit 23 can receive various operations for the second information terminal 20. The input unit 23 is, for example, an operating means such as a physical switch for the second information terminal 20, or a touch panel arranged on top of the display unit 24.

The display unit 24 is a display including, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display. The display unit 24 displays an image such as the time based on the video signal output from the control unit 21.

The communication unit 25 includes a communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication to connect to the first information terminal 10.

The time measurement unit 27 counts the reference clock signal of the timing generator to obtain time information.

The sensor unit 28 has a heart rate sensor 28A and a physical quantity sensor 28B. The sensor unit 28 may have other sensors such as a blood pressure sensor. The heart rate sensor 28A measures the pulse rate per unit time. The physical quantity sensor 28B has a three-axis acceleration sensor and measures the user's movements, such as the number of steps taken, from acceleration information. In addition to the three-axis acceleration sensor, the physical quantity sensor 28B may also have a three-axis angular velocity sensor and a geomagnetic sensor to measure the user's movements in more detail.

The biometric information processing unit 21A also stores the heart rate information, which is biometric information measured by the sensor unit 28, in the memory unit 22. The biometric information processing unit 21A outputs the biometric information to the control unit 11 of the first information terminal 10 via the communication unit 25.

<Third Information Terminal>
The third information terminal 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The third information terminal 30 has a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a microphone 33, a speaker 34, and a communication unit 35.

The control unit 31 is, for example, a calculation processing device equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory. The control unit 31 executes instructions included in a program stored in the storage unit 32. By executing the program in cooperation with hardware resources such as the CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, and storage unit 32, the control unit 31 has the functions of a sound output unit 31A and a signal processing unit 31B. The control unit 31 can be said to be a so-called computer.

The memory unit 32 stores signal information from the microphone 33, sound information from the communication unit 35, etc.

The microphone 33 can capture the breathing sounds of the user. The microphone 33 is, for example, a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) microphone.

The speaker 34 converts the output of the sound output unit 31A into a frequency that can be recognized by the user. The speaker 34 notifies the user of the support information 12E based on the sound output signal output from the control unit 31.

The communication unit 35 includes a communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication to connect to the first information terminal 10.

The signal processing unit 31B of the control unit 31 stores the signal from the microphone 33 in the memory unit 32. The signal from the microphone 33 includes information on the user's breathing sounds. The information on the user's breathing sounds is bioinformation. The signal processing unit 31B outputs the bioinformation including the information on the user's breathing sounds to the control unit 11 of the first information terminal 10 via the communication unit 35.

<First server>
The first server 40 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The first server 40 is a server device that accumulates map information 42A and transmits requested map information 12B from the map information 42A. The first server 40 includes a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, and a communication unit 45.

The control unit 41 is, for example, a processing device equipped with a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory. The control unit 41 can be considered a so-called computer.

The memory unit 42 stores map information 42A.

The communication unit 45 is a communication unit. The communication unit 45 may connect to the communication network 2 and perform communication by either the Internet or direct communication such as a mobile phone line.

<Information processing in athletic performance monitoring devices>
Next, the operation of the athletic performance monitoring device 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. Figure 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the athletic performance monitoring device according to the first embodiment. Figure 5 is a flowchart of an information generation processing step for generating athletic performance information of an evaluation subject according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 is an example of athletic performance information of an evaluation subject according to the first embodiment. Figure 7 is an example of past athletic performance information according to the first embodiment. Figure 8 is a flowchart of a judgment step for judging whether to continue exercising or to stop exercising according to the first embodiment.

When a user is performing exercise that involves movement, such as jogging or walking, the user first performs initial settings on the exercise performance monitoring device 1. The following describes an example in which the user operates the exercise performance monitoring device 1 on the jogging course shown in Figure 3.

As shown in FIG. 4, the user activates the first information terminal 10 and starts the athletic performance monitoring method. The positioning unit 16 starts positioning and obtains location information of the current location (step S101).

The location information processing unit 11B acquires location information indicating the current location from the positioning unit 16. The location information processing unit 11B requests map information MP1 of the surrounding area of the current location from the first server 40 via the communication network 2 (step S102).

The first server 40 receives the request (step S401). The first server 40 transmits map information MP1 of the area around the user's current location from the map information 42A (step S402).

The location information processing unit 11B receives the map information MP1 from the first server 40 and stores it in the memory unit 12 (step S103).

The goal setting unit 11A receives input from the user via the input unit 13, and the settings are input (step S104). The goal setting unit 11A stores the input setting information 12A in the storage unit 12 (step S105).

Specifically, the following processing is performed. The goal setting unit 11A accepts input from the user and stores the starting point Ps and the target point Pg. The goal setting unit 11A generates a route MR and stores it in the setting information 12A of the storage unit 12. The goal setting unit 11A stores the distance from the starting point Ps to the target point Pg as the target distance in the setting information 12A of the storage unit 12. The goal setting unit 11A stores information on the target time in the setting information 12A of the storage unit 12. The goal setting unit 11A calculates a target pace speed per unit distance from the target distance and target time, and stores it in the setting information 12A.

When exercise is started, the user inputs a trigger to start exercise via the input unit 23 of the second information terminal 20 (step S201). This starts the operation of the time measurement unit 27 and the sensor unit 28.

The biometric information processing unit 21A generates biometric information from the heart rate measured by the sensor unit 28 (step S202).

The control unit 21 transmits the biometric information to the first information terminal 10 through communication between the communication unit 25 and the communication unit 15 (step S203).

The control unit 31 generates biometric information including the user's breathing sounds from the signal acquired from the microphone 33 (step S301).

The control unit 31 transmits the biometric information to the first information terminal 10 through communication between the communication unit 35 and the communication unit 15 (step S302).

The first information terminal 10 receives the biometric information from the second information terminal 20 (step S106).

The athletic information processing unit 11C performs athletic information processing to generate athletic performance information 12C by associating the data identifier (data ID), the recording date, the maximum altitude, minimum altitude, and gradient information output from the position information processing unit 11B, and the biometric information acquired from the second information terminal 20 or the third information terminal 30 (step S107). The athletic performance information 12C is stored in the memory unit 12.

The motion information processing step (step S107) is specifically executed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 5. The motion information processing unit 11C calculates the pace speed of movement (step S501). The motion information processing unit 11C generates the pace speed information of movement from the time measured by the time measurement unit 27 and the positioning information of the positioning unit 16.

The location information processing unit 11B extracts the change in altitude during movement based on the map information 12B, and calculates the maximum altitude, minimum altitude, and gradient that is the load during movement per unit distance (step S502). Since the athletic performance information 12C includes gradient information, the evaluation unit 11D can extract athletic performance information 12C for comparison even if the jogging course shown in FIG. 3 includes slopes and mountain paths that include ups and downs.

The exercise information processing unit 11C calculates the average heart rate and heart rate zone per unit time (1 minute) based on the heart rate information from the biometric information (step S503). Since the user's age is pre-stored in the setting information 12A, the maximum heart rate is obtained by estimating the maximum heart rate = 220 - the user's age. The exercise information processing unit 11C classifies the user into one of heart rate zones 1 to 5 based on the average heart rate and maximum heart rate, and stores the result in the memory unit 12.

The exercise information processing unit 11C calculates heart rate zone 1 when the average heart rate is between 50% and 60% of the maximum heart rate. The exercise information processing unit 11C calculates heart rate zone 2 when the average heart rate is between 60% and 70% of the maximum heart rate. The exercise information processing unit 11C calculates heart rate zone 3 when the average heart rate is between 70% and 80% of the maximum heart rate. The exercise information processing unit 11C calculates heart rate zone 4 when the average heart rate is between 80% and 90% of the maximum heart rate. The exercise information processing unit 11C calculates heart rate zone 5 when the average heart rate is 90% or more of the maximum heart rate.

The exercise information processing unit 11C calculates the respiration level based on the information on the user's breathing sound from the biometric information (step S504). The breathing level is calculated by extracting sound pressure from the user's breathing sound, classifying it into one of breathing levels 1 to 5, and storing it in the memory unit 12. As the user's exercise intensity increases and breathing becomes harder, the breathing level increases. The exercise information processing unit 11C associates at least pace speed information, gradient information, and biometric information including the average heart rate, heart rate zone, and breathing level to generate exercise performance information 12C, and stores the exercise performance information 12C in the memory unit 12 (step S505).

When the processing from step S501 to step S505 is completed, athletic performance information DD1 of the evaluation target shown in FIG. 6 is generated and added to athletic performance information 12C in storage unit 12. The athletic performance information DD1 shown in FIG. 6 has a data identifier (data ID) A001, and includes information on the recorded date when the current user exercised, pace speed, maximum altitude, minimum altitude, and gradient, as well as biometric information including average heart rate, heart rate zone, and respiration level.

The athletic performance information 12C of the memory unit 12 stores past athletic performance information DD2 stored in the memory unit 12 on a different past day, as shown in FIG. 7. The athletic performance information DD2 shown in FIG. 7 has data identifiers (data IDs) B001 to B004, and includes recorded dates when the user exercised in the past, pace speed, maximum altitude, minimum altitude, and gradient information, and biometric information including average heart rate, heart rate zone, and respiration level.

The evaluation unit 11D extracts the exercise performance information to be compared from the past exercise performance information DD2 (see FIG. 7) (step S108). In the exercise performance information DD1 to be compared shown in FIG. 6, the gradient value corresponding to the load information of the movement is +5%. Among the past exercise performance information DD2 shown in FIG. 7, the data with the data ID B002 has the same gradient value. The data with the data ID B002 corresponds to the exercise performance information to be compared. Note that the gradient value is represented by "+" indicating an upward gradient and "-" indicating a downward gradient. In this embodiment, the decimal point of the gradient value is rounded off to the nearest integer, but the gradient range, for example, 0% to 2%, may be defined in advance and stored. When there are multiple exercise performance information to be compared, the average value of each item of the maximum altitude, minimum altitude, gradient information, and bio-information acquired from the second information terminal 20 or the third information terminal 30 is calculated and used as the exercise performance information to be compared.

In the following, to simplify the explanation, the "athletic performance information to be compared" may be referred to simply as the "comparison target" and the "athletic performance information to be evaluated" may be referred to simply as the "evaluation target."

As shown in FIG. 4, if the evaluation unit 11D cannot extract a "comparison target" (step S109, No), the evaluation unit 11D returns the process to step S202. If the evaluation unit 11D can extract a "comparison target" and is evaluable (step S109, Yes), the evaluation unit 11D advances the process to step S121.

The evaluation unit 11D determines whether to continue exercising (step S121, No) or to stop exercising (step S121, Yes). The determination step (step S121) is specifically executed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 8.

As shown in FIG. 8, the evaluation unit 11D compares the pace speed of the evaluation target with the pace speed of the comparison target, and if the pace speed of the evaluation target is equal to or greater than the pace speed of the comparison target (step S601, No), the processing proceeds to step S606, determines to continue exercising, and proceeds to step S202.

The evaluation unit 11D compares the pace speed of the evaluation target with the pace speed of the comparison target, and if the pace speed of the evaluation target is smaller than the pace speed of the comparison target (step S601, Yes), the process proceeds to step S602.

The evaluation unit 11D compares the heart rate zone of the evaluation target with the heart rate zone of the comparison target, and if the heart rate zone of the evaluation target is equal to or lower than the heart rate zone of the comparison target (step S602, No), the processing proceeds to step S606, determines to continue exercising, and proceeds to step S202.

The evaluation unit 11D compares the heart rate zone of the evaluation target with the heart rate zone of the comparison target, and if the heart rate zone of the evaluation target is larger than the heart rate zone of the comparison target (step S602, Yes), the processing proceeds to step S603.

The evaluation unit 11D compares the breathing level of the evaluation target with the breathing level of the comparison target, and if the breathing level of the evaluation target is equal to or lower than the breathing level of the comparison target (step S603, No), the evaluation unit 11D proceeds to step S606, determines whether to continue exercising, and proceeds to step S202.

The evaluation unit 11D compares the respiration level of the evaluation target with the respiration level of the comparison target, and if the respiration level of the evaluation target is greater than the respiration level of the comparison target (step S603, Yes), the process proceeds to step S604, determines that exercise has been stopped, and proceeds to step S122.

As shown in FIG. 4, the support information generating unit 11E generates a recommended course as support information 12E (step S122). The recommended course will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

(Example of recommended course 1)
Assume that the user is traveling along the route MR shown in FIG. 3. The position information processing unit 11B acquires position information from the positioning unit 16, and assumes that the current position is the current point Pc1. When the evaluation unit 11D determines that exercise should be stopped near the current point Pc1, the support information generating unit 11E generates a recommended course as the support information 12E. As a recommended course, a detour route that passes through routes ER1 and ER2 with a small gradient and reaches the target point Pg is less burdensome for the user than a route returning to the starting point Ps or the route MR. Therefore, the support information generating unit 11E simulates multiple routes from the current point Pc1 to the target point Pg on the map information MP1, and generates a recommended course that moves in the order of the current point Pc1, route ER1, route ER2, and target point Pg, which has the gentlest gradient.

The support information generating unit 11E generates support information 12E based on the position information from the positioning unit 16 and the recommended course (step S123). The support information 12E is information that causes the user to recognize guidance that encourages movement along the recommended course, starting from the current point Pc1 (current position) based on the position information from the positioning unit 16. For example, the support information 12E is a route display of the recommended course, a preview arrow indicating the direction to go at a fork, preview voice guidance, a warning that the user is straying from the recommended course, and the like. The support information 12E also includes guidance to pace the user at a slow pace, as if walking, until the heart rate zone of the biometric information becomes smaller and settles down.

The support information generating unit 11E displays on the display unit 14 a recommended course that moves in the order of the current point Pc1, route ER1, route ER2, and the target point Pg (step S124). The support information generating unit 11E may also display a preview arrow indicating the direction to proceed at a fork in the road.

The support information generating unit 11E transmits the support information 12E to the control unit 21 of the second information terminal 20 via the communication unit 15. The control unit 21 of the second information terminal 20 displays the support information, such as a preview arrow indicating the direction to go at the fork, on the display unit 24 (step S204).

The support information generating unit 11E transmits the support information 12E to the sound output unit 31A of the third information terminal 30 via the communication unit 15. The sound output unit 31A outputs the support information received via the communication unit 35 to the speaker 34 as sound. As a result, the support information is notified to the user by the speaker 34 (step S303). For example, a suggestion to pace slowly, as if walking, is output from the speaker.

As described above, the exercise performance monitoring method includes a step of generating setting information 12A, a step of processing exercise information, a step of evaluation, and a step of generating support information.

In the step of generating the setting information 12A, the processes from step S101 to step S105 shown in FIG. 4 are executed by the computer program 12P. According to the step of generating the setting information 12A, a route MR is set in the map information 12B based on the map information 12B and the position information of the starting point Ps and the destination point Pg of the exercise involving movement.

In the exercise information processing step, the processes from step S106 to step S108 shown in FIG. 4 are executed by a computer program. According to the exercise information processing step, exercise performance information DD1 of the evaluation target is generated based on map information 12B, the user's biometric information input after exercise involving movement is started, and the movement positioning information. The exercise performance information DD1 is added to exercise performance information DD2, and becomes past exercise performance information at a later date.

In the evaluation step, the processes from step S109 to step S121 shown in FIG. 4 are executed by computer program 12P. According to the evaluation step, a decision to stop exercising is made based on the exercise performance information DD1 of the subject to be evaluated and past exercise performance information DD2 generated on a different day in the past.

In the support information generation step, the processes from step S122 to step S124 shown in FIG. 4 are executed by a computer program. According to the support information generation step, support information 12E that supports the user's movement is generated based on the determination result of discontinuing exercise.

＜Effects＞
In the first embodiment, the exercise performance monitoring device 1 includes an exercise information processing unit 11C, a storage unit 12, an evaluation unit 11D, and a support information generating unit 11E. The exercise information processing unit 11C generates exercise performance information DD1 of the evaluation target based on map information 12B, the user's biometric information input after the start of exercise involving movement, and the positioning information of the movement. The evaluation unit 11D determines whether to stop exercise based on the exercise performance information DD1 of the evaluation target and past exercise performance information DD2 stored in the storage unit 12 on a different day in the past. The support information generating unit 11E generates support information 12E that supports the user's movement based on the result of the determination to stop exercise .

The exercise performance monitoring device 1 and the exercise performance monitoring method and program can provide movement support even if a change in physical condition occurs during exercise involving movement, such as jogging or walking. As a result, the user can receive movement support even if the user's physical condition deteriorates during exercise involving movement, such as jogging or walking.

The athletic performance information DD1 and DD2 are associated with pace speed information of movement per unit distance, gradient which is load information of movement per unit distance, and biometric information. The evaluation unit 11D extracts athletic performance information of the comparison target (data with data ID B002) that matches the load information of movement of the athletic performance information DD1 of the evaluation target. The evaluation unit 11D compares the athletic performance information of the comparison target (data with data ID B002) with the athletic performance information DD1 of the evaluation target.

When exercising while moving, such as jogging or walking, the user's load tends to be high and the heart rate tends to increase when going up or down hills or mountain paths. In this embodiment, biometric information with the same load information on movement is compared, which can lead to confusion as to whether the exercise load is high or the user's physical condition is poor.

Then, the evaluation unit 11D can determine to stop exercising if the pace speed information of movement in the exercise performance information DD1 to be evaluated is smaller than the pace speed information of movement in the exercise performance information to be compared (data with data ID B002) and the biometric information in the exercise performance information DD1 to be evaluated indicates a worsening of physical condition compared to the biometric information in the exercise performance information to be compared (data with data ID B002). The evaluation unit 11D can evaluate that the change in the pace speed information (for example, a change in time per kilometer from 5 minutes to 12 minutes) is not due to the undulations of the jogging course but indicates a worsening of physical condition.

The support information generating unit 11E generates a detour route from the current position based on the positioning information of the movement to the target point Pg obtained by searching the map information 12B, and generates support information 12E based on the detour route. This allows the user to reach the target point Pg without getting lost, even if the route is not originally planned. Note that the support information generating unit 11E may also generate a detour route from the current position based on the positioning information of the movement to the starting point Ps obtained by searching the map information 12B.

The detour route is set based on the altitude in the map information 12B to minimize the gradient of travel, so that the user can travel with minimal physical strain even if they are feeling unwell.

[Modification of the first embodiment]
9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of an athletic performance monitoring device according to a modified example of the first embodiment. The basic configuration of the athletic performance monitoring device 1 according to the modified example is similar to that of the athletic performance monitoring device 1 of the first embodiment. In the following explanation, components similar to those of the athletic performance monitoring device 1 are given the same or corresponding symbols, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted. In the flowchart for explaining the operation of the athletic performance monitoring device 1, steps that execute the same processes are given the same or corresponding symbols, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

In the operation of the athletic performance monitoring device shown in FIG. 9, the processes of steps S301 and S302 shown in FIG. 4 are not performed. As a result, in the information generation processing step for generating athletic performance information of the evaluation subject shown in FIG. 5, the process of step S504 is not required. Therefore, after step S503, the process of step S505 is executed, and athletic performance information DD1 (see FIG. 6) without information on respiration level is stored in the memory unit 12.

Similarly, in the judgment step shown in FIG. 8 for judging whether to continue exercising or to stop exercising, there is no processing of step S603. Therefore, in step S602 shown in FIG. 8, the evaluation unit 11D compares the heart rate zone of the evaluation target with the heart rate zone of the comparison target, and if the heart rate zone of the evaluation target is larger than the heart rate zone of the comparison target (step S602, Yes), the processing proceeds to step S604.

In the modified example, past athletic performance information DD2 (see FIG. 7) is stored in the memory unit 42 of the first server 40. Therefore, when the evaluation unit 11D extracts athletic performance information to be compared from the past athletic performance information DD2 (see FIG. 7), the evaluation unit 11D requests the athletic performance information to be compared from the first server 40 (step S108).

The first server 40 receives the request (step S403). The control unit 41 of the first server 40 extracts athletic performance information to be compared from the past athletic performance information DD2 (see FIG. 7), and transmits the data with data ID B002 (see FIG. 7) (step S404).

The evaluation unit 11D receives the athletic performance information to be compared, stores it in the memory unit 12, and proceeds to step S109. In this way, by using a client-server system, it is possible to suppress an increase in the capacity of the memory unit 12.

[Second embodiment]
An athletic performance monitoring device 1 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1, 3, 5 to 7, 10, 11, and 12. Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the athletic performance monitoring device according to the second embodiment. Fig. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the athletic performance monitoring device according to the second embodiment. Fig. 12 is a flowchart of a judgment step for judging whether to continue exercising or to stop exercising according to the second embodiment. In the following description, components similar to those of the athletic performance monitoring device 1 of the first embodiment are given the same or corresponding symbols, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. In the flowcharts for explaining the operation of the athletic performance monitoring device 1, steps that execute the same processes are given the same or corresponding symbols, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

<Athletic performance monitoring device>
Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an athletic performance monitoring device according to the second embodiment. An athletic performance monitoring device 1 (see Fig. 1) is connected to a communication network 2. As shown in Fig. 10, a first server 40 is connected to the communication network 2, and the athletic performance monitoring device 1 can request information of the first server 40 and receive information from the first server 40 via the communication network 2. A second server 50 is connected to the communication network 2, and the athletic performance monitoring device 1 can request information of the second server 50 and receive information from the second server 50 via the communication network 2. In the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the athletic performance monitoring device 1 includes a first information terminal 10, a second information terminal 20, and a third information terminal 30.

<First information terminal>
The first information terminal 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

By executing a program in cooperation with hardware resources such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, and storage unit 12, control unit 11 has the functions of a goal setting unit 11A, a position information processing unit 11B, an exercise information processing unit 11C, an evaluation unit 11D, a support information generation unit 11E, and a weather information acquisition unit 11F. Control unit 11 can be said to be a so-called computer.

The weather information acquisition unit 11F acquires location information indicating the current location from the positioning unit 16. The weather information acquisition unit 11F acquires weather information 12F from the second server 50. In this embodiment, the weather information acquisition unit 11F requests weather information 12F around the current location from the second server 50 via the communication network 2 based on the location information indicating the current location. The weather information acquisition unit 11F stores the weather information 12F acquired from the second server 50 in the memory unit 12.

<Second Server>
The second server 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. The second server 50 is a server device that accumulates meteorological information 52A and transmits requested meteorological information 12F from the meteorological information 52A. The second server 50 has a control unit 51, a storage unit 52, and a communication unit 53.

The control unit 51 is, for example, a processing device equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory. The control unit 51 can be considered a so-called computer.

The memory unit 52 stores meteorological information 52A.

The communication unit 53 is a communication unit. The communication unit 53 may connect to the communication network 2 and perform communication by either the Internet or direct communication such as a mobile phone line.

<Information processing in athletic performance monitoring devices>
11, if the evaluation unit 11D cannot extract a “comparison target” (step S109, No), the evaluation unit 11D returns the process to step S202. If the evaluation unit 11D can extract a “comparison target” and is evaluable (step S109, Yes), the evaluation unit 11D proceeds to step S110.

The weather information acquisition unit 11F acquires location information indicating the current location from the positioning unit 16. The weather information acquisition unit 11F requests weather information 12F about the surroundings of the current location from the second server 50 via the communication network 2 (step S110).

The second server 50 receives the request (step S511). The second server 50 transmits the weather information 12F about the surrounding area of the user's current location from the weather information 52A (step S512).

The weather information acquisition unit 11F receives the weather information 12F from the second server 50, stores it in the memory unit 12, and proceeds to step S121 (step S111).

The goal setting unit 11A receives input from the user via the input unit 13, and the settings are input (step S104). The goal setting unit 11A stores the input setting information 12A in the storage unit 12 (step S105).

The evaluation unit 11D determines whether to continue exercising (step S121, No) or to stop exercising (step S121, Yes). The determination step (step S121) is specifically executed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 12.

As shown in FIG. 12, the evaluation unit 11D compares the pace speed of the evaluation target with the pace speed of the comparison target, and if the pace speed of the evaluation target is equal to or greater than the pace speed of the comparison target (step S601, No), the process proceeds to step S605.

The evaluation unit 11D compares the pace speed of the evaluation target with the pace speed of the comparison target, and if the pace speed of the evaluation target is smaller than the pace speed of the comparison target (step S601, Yes), the process proceeds to step S602.

The evaluation unit 11D compares the heart rate zone of the evaluation target with the heart rate zone of the comparison target, and if the heart rate zone of the evaluation target is equal to or lower than the heart rate zone of the comparison target (step S602, No), the processing proceeds to step S605.

The evaluation unit 11D compares the heart rate zone of the evaluation target with the heart rate zone of the comparison target, and if the heart rate zone of the evaluation target is larger than the heart rate zone of the comparison target (step S602, Yes), the processing proceeds to step S603.

The evaluation unit 11D compares the respiration level of the evaluation target with the respiration level of the comparison target, and if the respiration level of the evaluation target is equal to or lower than the respiration level of the comparison target (step S603, No), the processing proceeds to step S605.

The evaluation unit 11D compares the respiration level of the evaluation target with the respiration level of the comparison target, and if the respiration level of the evaluation target is greater than the respiration level of the comparison target (step S603, Yes), the process proceeds to step S604, determines that exercise has been stopped, and proceeds to step S122.

If the cancellation criteria based on the meteorological information 12F are not exceeded (step S605, No), the evaluation unit 11D proceeds to step S606, determines whether to continue exercising, and proceeds to step S202.

If the weather information 12F cancellation criteria are exceeded (step S605, Yes), the evaluation unit 11D proceeds to step S604, determines whether to cancel the exercise, and proceeds to step S122.

In this embodiment, the stop criterion according to the meteorological information 12F is an index of the wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) value (hereinafter referred to as the WBGT value), and the stop criterion is a WBGT value of 27 degrees. The evaluation information 12D stores a calculation table that can calculate a conversion value of the WBGT value from the temperature and relative humidity.

Specifically, the evaluation unit 11D calculates the WBGT value from the temperature and relative humidity in the weather information 12F, and if the WBGT value does not exceed the stop criterion of 27 degrees (step S605, No), the process proceeds to step S606, determines whether to continue exercising, and proceeds to step S202. The evaluation unit 11D calculates the WBGT value from the temperature and relative humidity in the weather information 12F, and if the WBGT value exceeds the stop criterion of 27 degrees (step S605, Yes), the process proceeds to step S604, determines whether to stop exercising, and proceeds to step S122. This makes it possible to guide the subject to a recommended course if their pace speed has slowed due to heatstroke.

For example, the cancellation criteria based on the weather information 12F may be determined to be exceeded if it is heavy rain, and determined not to be exceeded if it is light rain, cloudy, or sunny. This makes it possible to guide the user to a recommended course when the weather changes beyond the cancellation criteria based on the weather information 12F and the pace speed of the evaluation subject drops.

As shown in FIG. 11, the support information generating unit 11E generates a recommended course as support information 12E (step S122). The recommended course will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

(Example of recommended course 2)
It is assumed that the user is traveling along a route MR shown in Fig. 3. The position information processing unit 11B acquires position information from the positioning unit 16, and assumes that the current position is a current point Pc2. When the evaluation unit 11D determines to stop exercising, the support information generation unit 11E generates a recommended course as support information 12E.

When the user is experiencing poor physical condition such as heat stroke, or when the weather has changed beyond the cancellation criteria set by the weather information 12F, rather than searching for a route from the current point Pc2 to the destination point Pg, a route search is performed to a location where the user can rest with less rain, wind, and direct sunlight. Therefore, the support information generation unit 11E searches for the landmark RA1 closest to the current point Pc2. The support information generation unit 11E generates a recommended course that guides the user to the route ER11 from the current point Pc2 to the landmark RA1. As a result, when there are multiple landmarks, the landmark RA1 that is the closest distance from the current position is set as the destination, thereby reducing the user's physical exhaustion.

The support information generating unit 11E generates support information based on the position information from the positioning unit 16 and the recommended course (step S123). The support information generating unit 11E generates a detour route from the current position based on the positioning information of the movement to the position of the landmark RA1 obtained by searching the map information 12B, and generates support information 12E based on the detour route. This allows the user to reach the landmark RA1 without getting lost, even if the user takes a route that was not originally planned.

The support information generating unit 11E displays on the display unit 14 a recommended course that moves from the current point Pc2 to the route ER11 and to the landmark RA1 in that order (step S124). The support information generating unit 11E may also display a preview arrow indicating the direction to proceed at a fork in the road.

The support information generating unit 11E transmits the support information 12E to the control unit 21 of the second information terminal 20 via the communication unit 15. The control unit 21 of the second information terminal 20 displays the support information, such as a preview arrow indicating the direction to go at the fork, on the display unit 24 (step S204).

The support information generating unit 11E transmits the support information 12E to the sound output unit 31A of the third information terminal 30 via the communication unit 15. The sound output unit 31A outputs the support information received via the communication unit 35 to the speaker 34 as sound. As a result, the support information is notified to the user from the speaker 34 (step S303).

Below, we will explain an example other than recommended course example 2.

(Example of recommended course 3)
It is assumed that the user is traveling along a route MR shown in Fig. 3. The position information processing unit 11B acquires position information from the positioning unit 16, and assumes that the current position is near a current point Pc3. When the evaluation unit 11D determines to stop exercising, the support information generation unit 11E generates a recommended course as support information.

When the user is experiencing poor physical condition such as heat stroke, or when the weather has changed beyond the cancellation criteria set by the weather information 12F, a route search is performed to a rest area or the nearest transportation boarding point with less rain, wind, and direct sunlight, rather than searching for a route from the current point Pc3 to the target point Pg. Therefore, the support information generating unit 11E searches for the landmarks RA2 and ST2 that are closest to the current point Pc3 (current location). The support information generating unit 11E generates a recommended course to move from the current point Pc3 to the landmark ST2 via the landmark RA2. When the user arrives at the landmark ST2, the user can use transportation to move to the starting point Ps near the landmark ST1 or the target point Pg near the landmark ST3, thereby conserving energy. If a target set time to the target point Pg is input and it is determined that the target set time to the target point Pg will be exceeded, the support information generating unit 11E may generate a recommended course to move to the landmark ST2.

The support information generating unit 11E generates support information 12E based on the position information from the positioning unit 16 and the recommended course (step S123). The support information generating unit 11E generates a detour route from the current position based on the movement positioning information to the position of landmark RA2 or landmark ST2 obtained by searching map information 12B, and generates support information 12E based on the detour route. This allows the user to reach either landmark RA2 or ST2 without getting lost, even if the route is not originally planned.

The support information generating unit 11E displays on the display unit 14 a recommended course that moves in the order of current point Pc3, route ER21, landmark RA2, route ER22, and landmark ST2 (step S124). The support information generating unit 11E may also display a preview arrow indicating the direction to proceed at a fork in the road.

The support information generating unit 11E transmits the support information to the control unit 21 of the second information terminal 20 via the communication unit 15. The control unit 21 of the second information terminal 20 displays the support information, such as a preview arrow indicating the direction to go at the fork, on the display unit 24.

The support information generating unit 11E transmits the support information to the sound output unit 31A of the third information terminal 30 via the communication unit 15. The sound output unit 31A outputs the support information received via the communication unit 35 as sound to the speaker 34. As a result, the user is notified of the support information by the speaker 34 (step S303).

＜Effects＞
In the second embodiment, the athletic performance monitoring device 1 further includes a weather information acquisition unit 11F that acquires local weather information 12F including the location of the positioning information. The evaluation unit 11D determines whether to stop exercise based on the athletic performance information 12C of the evaluation target, the athletic performance information 12C previously stored in the storage unit 12, and the weather information 12F. This allows the athletic performance monitoring device 1 to rest the user's body even if the biological information does not indicate a deterioration in physical condition. Alternatively, the athletic performance monitoring device 1 can rest the user's body in response to changes in weather. In this way, the athletic performance monitoring device 1, the athletic performance monitoring method, and the program can support movement even if changes in physical condition or weather occur during exercise involving movement, such as jogging or walking.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the contents of these embodiments. The above-mentioned components include those that a person skilled in the art can easily imagine, those that are substantially the same, and those that are within the so-called equivalent range. Furthermore, the above-mentioned components can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the components can be made without departing from the spirit of the above-mentioned embodiments.

The athletic performance monitoring device 1 may be configured with a first information terminal 10, a second information terminal 20, or a third information terminal 30.

1 Exercise performance monitoring device 2 Communication network 10 First information terminal 11 Control unit 11A Goal setting unit 11B Position information processing unit 11C Exercise information processing unit 11D Evaluation unit 11E Support information generation unit 11F Weather information acquisition unit 12 Memory unit 12A Setting information 12B Map information 12C Exercise performance information 12D Evaluation information 12E Support information 12F Weather information 12P Program 16 Positioning unit 20 Second information terminal 27 Time measurement unit 28 Sensor unit 28A Heart rate sensor 28B Physical quantity sensor 30 Third information terminal 31A Sound output unit 31B Signal processing unit 32 Memory unit 33 Microphone 34 Speaker MP1 Map information MR, ER1, ER2, ER12, ER21, ER22 Route Pc1, Pc2, Pc3 Point Pg Target point Ps Starting points RA1, RA2, ST1, ST2, ST3 Landmarks

Claims (4)

an exercise information processing unit that generates exercise performance information to be evaluated based on map information, biometric information of the user input after the start of exercise involving movement, and positioning information of the movement;
A storage unit that stores the map information, setting information in which a route is set on the map information based on position information of a starting point and a destination point of the exercise involving movement, and the exercise performance information;
an evaluation unit that determines whether to stop exercising based on the exercise performance information of the subject to be evaluated and past exercise performance information stored in the storage unit;
and a support information generating unit that generates support information for supporting the user's movement based on the result of the exercise suspension determination,
the exercise performance information is information relating to pace speed of the movement per unit distance, information relating to load of the movement per unit distance, and the biological information;
The evaluation unit is
comparing the exercise performance information of the evaluation target with exercise performance information of a comparison target that matches the movement load information of the exercise performance information of the evaluation target among the past exercise performance information stored in the storage unit;
the pace speed information of the movement in the exercise performance information to be evaluated is smaller than the pace speed information of the movement in the exercise performance information to be compared,
When the biological information in the exercise performance information to be evaluated indicates a worsening of physical condition than the biological information in the exercise performance information to be compared, a decision is made to discontinue the exercise.
Athletic performance monitoring device. A weather information acquisition unit that acquires weather information for a region including the position of the positioning information,
The evaluation unit is
Even if the pace speed information of the movement in the exercise performance information of the evaluation target is equal to or higher than the pace speed information of the movement in the exercise performance information of the comparison target, if the weather information exceeds a predetermined cancellation criterion, a decision is made to cancel the exercise .
The athletic performance monitoring device of claim 1 . A weather information acquisition unit that acquires weather information for a region including the position of the positioning information,
The evaluation unit is
Even if the biological information in the exercise performance information of the subject to be evaluated does not indicate a deterioration in physical condition, if the meteorological information exceeds a predetermined cancellation criterion, a decision is made to stop the exercise.
3. The exercise performance monitoring device according to claim 1 or 2 . the support information generation unit generates a detour route from a current position based on the positioning information of the movement to a landmark obtained by searching the map information, the starting point, or the destination point, and generates the support information based on the detour route.
4. The exercise performance monitoring device according to claim 1.

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