WO2018178457A1

WO2018178457A1 - Sports training method and smart medicine ball for carrying out said method

Info

Publication number: WO2018178457A1
Application number: PCT/ES2018/070236
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rafael BERENGUER VIDAL; Rafael MELENDRERAS RUIZ; Pedro Emilio ALCARAZ RAMÓN; Andres MARTINEZ MORENO
Original assignee: Fundacion Universitaria San Antonio
Priority date: 2017-03-30
Filing date: 2018-03-23
Publication date: 2018-10-04
Also published as: ES2735649B2; ES2735649A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a sports training method and to a smart medicine ball for carrying out said method, consisting of a medicine ball (1) of variable diameter and weight which contains electronic measuring means (2) that communicate wirelessly with a portable device (41) which is external to and independent from the ball (1) and which runs a software application with a graphic interface (4) that displays information collected on each launch, or with a server (42) via the Internet (I). The electronic measuring means (2) are an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor (21) connected to a microprocessor (22) and a wireless communication module (3) via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The ball also incorporates a light indicator (23), buzzer (24) and/or NFC tag (25), a battery (5) that can be recharged by a wireless charging system (7), and a switch (6) for switching the system on and off.

Description

DESCRIPTION

METHOD OF SPORTS TRAINING AND INTELLIGENT MEDICINAL BALL TO CARRY OUT THE SAID METHOD

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The invention, as expressed in the statement of the present specification, relates to a sports training method and an intelligent medicine ball for carrying out said method, providing structural and constitutive characteristics, which will be described in detail below, which assume an improvement of the current state of the art within its field of application.

Particularly, the object of the invention is focused on a method of training with a medicine ball provided with intelligent electronic measuring means that communicates wirelessly with a portable electronic device such as smartphone, electronic tablet, PC, portable or similar, the which executes a software application through whose graphical interface it is possible to access information processed from the data collected by said means, which are configured with the purpose of converting it into an instrument capable of determining, in a reliable and valid way, the mechanical power production at each launch, in addition to detecting possible decreases in power production due to fatigue.

FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION

The field of application of the present invention is part of the industry sector dedicated to the manufacture of accessories and control devices for sports training, particularly covering the field of development and improvement of sports performance as well as quantification and load analysis of sports training.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The ball of considerable size that is used as an implement in ball sports and other games is considered "ball." In most games where balls are used,

REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) It is sought to move it with parts of the body or with some tool in order to introduce it into a goal area that varies according to the game or sport.

Some of the parameters that are decisive for this objective to be achieved are speed, acceleration, angle of departure, etc. Being these parameters dependent on the technique, as well as the force applied by the athlete who manages it. Traditionally, these parameters have been measured indirectly, using photogrammetry techniques, which have problems such as the time required for analysis, cost, infrastructure, etc.

However, technological development has led to the emergence of devices, essentially electronic, that allow the measurement of these variables immediately, as well as the transmission of the parameters to external devices. An example of these developments is the soccer ball developed by Adidas ®, there are also examples of rugby ball and golf balls.

On the other hand, a medicine ball (also known as exercise ball, medicine ball, med ball, or conditioning balloon) is a ballast ball with an approximate diameter of 35 cm, often used for rehabilitation and strength training. It also plays an important role in the field of sports medicine. The medicine balls are normally sold with weights between 0.5 and 20 kg, being able to be higher, and are used effectively in plyometric training to increase the mechanical power in athletes in all sports ⁽¹⁾ . In addition, the medicine ball is used for initiation in strength training in children, since it allows to overcome the fear that children usually have when using free weight exercises.

The objective of the present invention is therefore the development of a sports training method and a medicine ball with specific characteristics that clearly differ from any other ball known in the field of sports training. It should be noted that, in the review of the state of the art, no work has been found (patents, publication, etc.) that has focused on a similar technological development for the medical ball.

As mentioned, this type of ball is mainly used for the purpose of

REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) increase mechanical power in athletes who use it. Recent studies have shown that training using "optimal power" values (maximum value of mechanical power developed by mobilizing loads of different masses) may be the best strategy for improving sports performance ^{(2, 3)} . In fact, previous research has indicated that the production of external mechanical power could be a determining factor that differentiates between the performance of athletes in sport ^(4_6) . Therefore, it would be desirable to develop a method and a device that allows the measurement and recording of said variable in real time in order to optimize training and improve performance in sport.

As a result, the development and improvement of external mechanical power production has been the focus of many training programs. In fact, it has been suggested that athletes who train with loads that maximize the production of mechanical power (using the optimal load) can produce the greatest developments in dynamic performance ⁽⁷⁾ . In fact, different investigations have indicated that training with loads that produce the greatest productions of mechanical power are the best stimulus for future improvements in power ^(8_10) .

However, in order to correctly prescribe the training stimulus for its improvement, the maximum power production must be controlled at each repetition. Direct measurement of speed and indirect power can help control mechanical power at each repetition. There are devices that directly measure the speed, and indirectly the power when performing exercises with overloads or machines, however, most of them measure it linearly, are expensive and, in many cases, unreliable. But above all, they are not very specific, since they do not mimic the actions of the launch.

Thus, and in order to be able to work knowing the power developed in each launch, in addition to knowing how fatigue affects the production of the same, a device or technique that allows determining said variable in real time is missing. However, with the methods of calculation of power that exist in the market (linear encoder, tracking systems, etc.) it is impossible to be able to measure the mechanical power developed by the athlete when using a medicine ball in real time.

Therefore, the objective of the present invention is focused on the development of a balloon

REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) medicinal instrumented in a way that is able to determine, reliably and validly, the production of potency in each launch and to detect possible decreases in the production of the same by the effect of fatigue. It should be noted that, at least on the part of the applicant, the existence of no other medical balloon or other invention of similar application is known that has the same or similar technical, structural and constitutive characteristics as those presented here, according to It is claimed.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION The method of sports training and the intelligent medicine ball to carry it out that the invention proposes are thus configured as a novelty within its field of application, the distinguishing characterizing details being conveniently included in the claims. Finals that accompany this description. As noted above, what the invention proposes is, on the one hand, a sports training method, to determine the power and other characteristics of the user, and on the other, a medicine ball, designed for said sports training method that is distinguished by being provided with electronic measuring means that allow, through a smartphone, electronic tablet, PC, laptop or other device usable as a graphical interface with which they communicate wirelessly, to have reliable and valid information to determine the production of mechanical power in its launch.

Specifically, the object of the invention, consisting of a medicine ball that can be composed of different materials such as leather, rubber or plastic, internally incorporates a measurement sensor that, associated with a microprocessor, allows obtaining all the data that makes possible the described determination of power production. Said sensor is located right in the center of the ball, to allow more accurate data collection. Specifically, the electronic means incorporated by the ball comprise several parts. First, the aforementioned a measurement sensor, consisting of an inertial measurement unit or IMU (inertial measurement unif), which measures speed, orientation and gravitational forces, using a combination of accelerometer and gyro, which is responsible for collecting all the necessary information and that, is connected to a microprocessor and a

REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) Wireless communication module, which allows data to be sent to the user, and the user can access it through a graphical interface.

This communication module allows the data to be sent directly to a server through a communications network. The ball also incorporates a light indicator as well as an acoustic warning (buzzer) to provide information to the user. To facilitate synchronization and linking with the portable device, the invention may also include an NFC tag (Near Field Communication or near field communication tag). On the other hand, it also comprises a power system consisting of a battery, to power said components, and a charging system, since the battery is preferably rechargeable, being also preferably a wireless charging system, for that the connectors do not suffer damage with the use of the ball, with a specific recharge base provided for it; and finally, a switch that allows you to turn the system on and off.

Thus, the method of sports training that the present invention proposes, applicable for the development and improvement of sports performance as well as to obtain the quantification and analysis of the load, contemplates the use of a medicine ball that incorporates, internally, electronic means of measurement that communicate, wirelessly, with a portable electronic device external to the ball (smartphone, electronic tablet, PC, laptop or similar), which executes a software application through whose graphic interface the information collected on each launching the ball, determining, among others, the production of power at each launch, or, simply, is used to configure the ball, so that it has two modes of use: one with permanent connection to the portable device in which it is it finds the graphical interface, and another one of autonomous way once configured by means of said device.

With all this, the advantages and possibilities of use for the sports training provided by the ball are multiple:

- It is configured as a measuring system inserted inside the ball itself.

- It allows the system to be autonomous, not requiring the use of external elements such as cameras, radars, detectors or sensors.

REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) - Allows the use of the system outdoors, not requiring additional infrastructure to the device itself.

- It allows to protect the system against inclement weather (dust, rain, wind) by the watertightness of the components, which are thus housed inside the ball.

- Allows a reduction in cost and ease of use by the user.

- Provides a mechanical power measurement system through acceleration with a simple and economical system, which allows the method to be adapted to different balls with different weight, as well as simple calculation and derivation of other parameters (throwing distance, speed, statistics, etc.)

- Through a processing algorithm, it allows parameter calculation, device calibration, automatic launch detection, as well as filtering for noise suppression in the measured signal.

- It allows the transmission of information wirelessly, that is, it allows the transmission of data without the need for wiring or connectors, and, therefore, avoids the need for a connection port susceptible to breakage due to the impacts that the ball receives in its use . In addition, the fact that the data transmission is wireless also allows control of the ball through more than one device simultaneously, for example a smartphone and an electronic computer or tablet.

- It allows the calculation and rendering of data in real time, since it allows instant feedback to the athlete about the power used in each launch; allows the athlete to regulate their training through an expert system; it involves an artificial intelligence system located outside the ball; and allows a coach to have real-time information about the performance the athlete is getting at each pitch.

- It provides a perfect protection of the electronics against shocks (rugge electronic device), essential for the realistic use and without failures in the medium and long term of the device.

- In turn, in the "with permanent connection" mode it is possible to manage several smart medicine balls through a single portable device (smartphone, tablet, PC, laptop or similar), in order to monitor collective or group training .

In addition, it also provides the following advantages:

- Allows you to use a mobile device as a user interface, which makes it easier for the system

REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) In general, it is low cost, by using the computing power and screen of the mobile for calculations, analysis, study and rendering of data, and allows software update to add new functionalities and capabilities to the system without the need for hardware reconstruction

- Allows the wireless charging of the power battery, avoiding the existence of a physical connector capable of breaking due to the use of the ball (blows / impacts of the ball with the floor and walls)

- It allows the sending of data to the cloud, which, in turn, allows you to back up the data in case of loss of the mobile device, share data with coach, with other users, with athlete / player, etc., the comparison anonymously or personally with other athletes using the system, and updating the firmware of the ball wirelessly.

- Allows to solve "bugs" (errors) in software, improve features and add functionalities, as well as the possibility of customization

- Allows the development of a software API for mobile application (English: Application Programming Interíace, application programming interface) allowing the generation of different software applications by third-party developers and an open-use standard for the device.

- It has low battery consumption

- Allows geolocation, allows to determine georeferences, parameterize height and meteorological parameters such as wind and atmospheric pressure.

Given the foregoing, it is found that the described method of sports training and smart medicine ball to carry out said method represent an innovation of structural and constitutive characteristics unknown until now for the purpose to which it is intended, reasons that together with its practical utility , provide it with sufficient grounds to obtain the privilege of exclusivity that is requested.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description that is being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, the present specification is attached, as an integral part thereof, of a plan, in which for illustrative purposes and not limiting the following has been represented:

REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) Figure number 1.- Shows a schematic and sectional view of an example of the intelligent medicine ball, object of the invention, showing the main parts and elements it comprises, including the battery recharge base provided therein.

Figure number 2.- Shows, in a block diagram, a flow chart of the operation of the components of the balloon of the invention and the transmission of data thereof to carry out the training method proposed by the invention. Figure number 3.- Shows, in block diagram, the flow of operating stages of the ball when it is permanently connected to the portable device (smartphone, tablet, PC, laptop).

Figures 4a and 4b.- They show, in two block diagrams, the flow of stages of operation of the ball in autonomous mode corresponding, respectively, to the configuration of the same and those of use.

Figure number 5.- Shows a block diagram that specifies the stages of the calibration process of the applicable device for both the operating mode with permanent connection and for the autonomous operating mode.

Figure number 6.- It shows a block diagram detailing the stages of the launch process applicable both for the operating mode with permanent connection and for the autonomous operating mode.

Figure number 7.- Shows a block diagram detailing the stages of the calculation and rendering of results applicable to the operating mode with permanent connection. Figure 8.- Shows a block diagram detailing the stages indicating the stages of data calculation in the autonomous mode of operation.

And figure number 9.- Shows a schematic representation of the medicine ball in an option to use it in autonomous mode and with data connection to the internet from several computers and devices such as smartphone, electronic tablet, etc.

REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In view of the aforementioned figures, and in accordance with the numbering adopted, an example of a non-limiting embodiment of the recommended intelligent medical balloon can be seen, which comprises the parts and elements indicated and described in detail below.

Thus, as observed mainly in Figures 1 and 2, the medical ball (1) in question is a spherical body, of variable diameter and variable weight, usually between 0.9 and 11 Kg., Made of leather, rubber or plastic, which incorporates, internally, electronic measuring means (2) with power (5) and associated with a wireless communication module (3) that communicates with a portable electronic device (41) (smartphone type, electronic tablet, PC, portable or similar), external and independent to the ball (1), which executes a software application through whose graphic interface (4) shows the information collected on each launch of the ball. With this, the training method proposed by the invention contemplates the use of said balloon (1) and said application executed in a portable electronic device (4) to obtain information to determine, among others, the production of power in each launch.

More specifically, said electronic measuring means (2) that internally incorporates the balloon (1) comprise at least one measuring sensor (21) type IMU, with accelerometer and gyroscope, which is placed right in the center of the balloon (1 ) and connected to a microprocessor (22) and the wireless communication module (3), which allows data to be sent to the graphical interface (4), from which the user accesses them, or directly to a server ( 42) through a communications network such as the Internet (I); preferably, also comprising a light indicator (23) as well as an acoustic warning or buzzer (24), as well as an NFC tag (25). Also, the ball is provided with a battery as a feeding system (5) and a switch (6) that opens or closes the circuit of said feeding, to turn the system on and off.

Preferably, the graphic interface (4) belongs to a specific software application with the possibility of Internet connection implemented in a portable electronic device (41) with a screen, such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, (laptop type). And communication

REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) The module (3) of the balloon (1) with said portable device (41) is carried out via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

In any case, the battery (5) is preferably rechargeable through a wireless charging system (7), by electromagnetic system by means of turns (71) provided for this purpose in the balloon (1) and in a charging base (8 ) configured with a hemispherical surface (9) of suitable dimensions to those of the balloon (1), to hold it, and provided with the corresponding connection (10) to the electrical network.

With all this, the balloon (1) can operate with two optional modes of use: in mode with permanent connection to portable device (41), in which the operation is carried out by means of it, or, in autonomous mode where the device Portable (41) is used only to configure the ball (1), the ball (1) being completely autonomous in its use. For the operation of the system two types of software are contemplated. On the one hand, the software, which we will call "operation", responsible for acquiring the specific information of the ball launch and its subsequent processing. Said software is distributed, being implemented partly in the electronics of the ball (1) and partly in the portable device (41) connected to it. On the other hand there is the software, which we will call the "application" related to the training plan to be applied in the work sessions, which is executed in the portable device (41) constituting the part of the graphical interface (4) that allows the configuration of specific parameters by the coach, and with which the information resulting from the execution of the operating software can be accessed, that is, parameters such as the mechanical power of the launch, etc. In addition, it will be programmed to notify the user when the power production decreases and thus be able to stop the launches in order to recover. The ultimate goal of the medicine ball (1) is to work developing the maximum possible mechanical power with the mass of the ball selected at each launch and always in real time. Thus, the ball (1) allows to carry out a sports training method that comprises two optional modes of use, one with permanent connection to the portable electronic device (41) with the graphic interface (4), where it shows in real time the information collected on each launch of the ball (1), and another autonomously, in which the interface (4) is only used to configure the electronic means (2) of the ball (1) and the

REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) Information collected can be studied later in said portable electronic device (41) or in another, each comprising different operating stages, which have been represented in Figures 3 to 8, by corresponding block graphics, numbered according to the following:

In the operating mode with permanent connection to the portable electronic device (41) of the graphic interface (4), a portable device (smartphone, tablet, laptop) permanently connected to the balloon (1) via a wireless network, Bluetooth or Wifi. And the stages of the use procedure, as shown in Figure 3, are basically the following:

- System initialization stage (500). The system is initialized by pressing the button (6) located on the ball. The mobile application of the graphic interface (4) on the portable device (41) is also initialized. This process is similar to activate the ball (1) if it is in autonomous mode.

- Stage of linking with the ball (510). From the application started on the portable device (41), a link via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth technology is activated with the ball (1). In the first use a link with the device will be necessary. This can be activated using the button (6) on the ball. There is also the possibility of fast linking the portable device (41) to the NFC tag (25) that optionally incorporates the balloon (1) under its outer covering (provided that the portable device incorporates said NFC technology). Pairing will only be necessary on the first use of the ball (1) in said portable device (41). The possibility is provided that the same balloon (1) can be controllable from several portable devices (41) or that the same portable device (41) can monitor the activity of several medical balls (1).

- Device configuration stage (520). The configuration process will also be necessary at the first use or when the user or the training plan is modified. It will be necessary to indicate the specific characteristics of the ball (weight, diameter, etc.), the training plan parameters (repetitions, throwing thresholds, etc.) as well as the technical parameters for the transmission configuration (user, password, transmission speed , etc.)

- Device calibration stage (530). It must be done when initializing the ball (1), or after intensive use. As can be seen in Figure 5, said calibration stage

REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) It comprises, in turn, a calibration request stage (532) where a calibration request is made. This can be done from the portable device (41) through the graphic interface (4) or through a verbal command (voice control). Next, the balloon (1) must remain at rest (534) for a few seconds, the electronic means (2) receive the data at rest and calculate the calibration parameters (536). The balloon (1) indicates to the user, by means of the light indication (23) or acoustic warning (24) to the user that the calibration process is finished (538). This indication is also reflected in the portable device (4). - Verification stage (540). The process of verifying the state of the medicine ball (1) is carried out internally in the hardware of the ball (1). During this process the system detects whether the ball (1) is in motion or not, there are two possibilities of operation: - If no movement is detected: the system remains on hold for a certain period of time. If no movement is detected after this period of time, the system enters the idle state whose main function is energy saving, going to a completion stage (580). - If movement is detected: the system remains active and reading data continuously, going to the launch detection stage (550).

- Launch detection stage (550) The process of detecting the launch of the ball (1) is carried out internally in the hardware of the medicine ball (1). It is the critical process of the system, because it is responsible for determining when launches of the medicine ball (1). It is divided into several threads as seen in Figure 6.

The sensor (21) collects acceleration data of the medicine balloon (1) continuously (552). The microprocessor (22) is responsible for analyzing the data (554) and determining the exact moment of the release of the medicine balloon (1). This decision is made through a filter that works by threshold (configurable in the device configuration stage (520)). When the acceleration of the medicine ball (1) exceeds a certain value, it is interpreted as an initiation of the ball (556), otherwise data is read continuously (552).

REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) When an effective launch (556) is carried out, the sufficient amount of data is collected to be able to calculate the mechanical launching power accurately in a later step (570). When the microprocessor (22) collects the data, a series of filters (558) are applied to the data read by the sensor (21) in order to increase its quality.

- Stage of sending data (560). The process of sending data is performed when the hardware or electronic means (2) integrated in the medicine ball (1) detects that a ball has been launched. To do this, the data is first compressed to reduce its size and increase the speed of sending data. After said compression, the medicine balloon hardware sends the data to the graphic interface (4) using the chosen wireless communication method (3) (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth).

In the event that the communication is interrupted or an error occurs during the sending process, the hardware of the ball will be informed for new data forwarding.

- Calculation stage and data analysis (570). The process of calculating and analyzing the data is carried out internally in the application software or graphical interface (4) installed in the portable device (41). During this process, the mechanical power values obtained during the launch of the medical balloon (1) are calculated thanks to a series of formulas and algorithms that allow obtaining said mechanical power through the acceleration data of the medical balloon. In addition, information is provided to the user about the different launches that have been made. This process is detailed in figure number 7. In addition to the mechanical power the device can provide other data of interest for the training method such as throwing speed or length or height reached.

The application installed in the portable device (41) performs an adaptive filtering of the received data (572) in order to clean the acceleration data and minimize the possible errors produced during the transmission of the launch data. In addition, an estimate is made of the orientation and trajectory followed by the ball (574) whose objective is to make the reading of the data as accurate as possible. For this purpose, a relationship is established between the external reference system (external! Coordinate system) to the medicine ball (1), which is the place where the launching subject is located and the internal reference system

REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) (infernal coordinate system), which is the relative position of the sensor (21) with respect to the external reference system.

Subsequently, the mobile application performs a series of calculations that allow obtaining speed and finally, the calculation of mechanical power (576), which is the value of maximum interest. With the results obtained, the user can carry out various operations, among which the uploading of the data of the medicine ball (1) to the cloud, rendering and recording of the data, collection of statistics of different launches, evolution of the work of force , real-time monitoring of training, etc., stage indicated in the scheme of figure 7 with reference (578).

- Completion stage (580). It is the last stage that is performed on both the ball (1) and the portable device (41), and can be carried out manually or automatically. - Manually when the device is turned off using the switch (6) or when the application installed on the portable device (41) is closed.

- Automatically when the balloon (1) runs out of battery (5) or when the idle state starts as mentioned in the verification stage (540). For its part, in the autonomous mode of operation of the balloon (1), a portable device (41) (smartphone, electronic tablet, laptop, laptop) with the graphic interface (4) is required only to configure the device. The other functions are performed independently of it and will be carried out in the electronic hardware or means (2) included in the medicine balloon (1), the stages comprising it being represented in the scheme of Figure 4a.

In this operating mode, the portable device (41) (smartphone, electronic tablet, laptop, laptop) is used only to configure the balloon (1). The portable device (41) can be used to check results once the training is finished or later. For use, the balloon (1) will operate autonomously, proceeding to the measurement and calculation of the data after launch and sending said data autonomously to a server through a communications network (sending data to the cloud).

Thus, as said scheme in Figure 4a shows, the configuration of the ball (1) in said

REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) mode of use, includes:

- A system initialization stage (600). The system initialization process is analogous to the initialization stage (500) described for the permanent connection mode.

- Stage of connection with the ball (610). The connection with the balloon (1) from the portable device (41) is similar to that described for the permanent connection mode. It will be necessary to link both devices, that is, balloon (1) and portable device (41) in the first use, and can be activated from the graphic interface (4) or application in the portable device (4) and using the switch button (6) of the ball (1) or, using the NFC tag (25) if it has one.

- Device configuration stage (620) The configuration process is similar to that described in the configuration stage (520) for the permanent connection mode, with the exception that the parameters of the Wi-Fi network are also configured ( SSID, password, etc.) so that the balloon (1) allows to connect autonomously to the network and transmit data later.

- Completion stage (630). This step involves the disconnection of the balloon (1) with the portable device (41), to then proceed to the automatic connection of the balloon (1) to the Wi-Fi network for sending launch data. The balloon (1) is connected to the network (710), or in case of absence of activity it enters into sleep mode (770) (stages indicated in Figure 4b).

The stages of use of the balloon (1) in the autonomous mode, represented in the scheme of Figure 4b, comprise:

- Stage of initialization of the ball (700). The system is initialized by pressing the switch button (6) located on the ball (1). By means of an acoustic warning of the buzzer (24) or visual of the light device (23), it warns the user that it has been correctly initialized. - Stage of connection of the ball to the net (710). The network connection process is carried out automatically. If the device has been configured correctly, the connection to the wireless network will be established automatically and the user will be notified by an acoustic or visual signal. Otherwise, the user must reconfigure the device.

REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) - Balloon calibration stage (720). The calibration process in autonomous mode is similar to the calibration process with permanent connection to portable device (530), the stages of which are represented in the scheme of figure 5. Although it presents a fundamental difference and is that in the permanent connection mode The user is the one who decides to carry out the calibration of the system and in the autonomous mode the system is the one who decides when the calibration should be carried out. However, the user can force the calibration from the configuration options. The ball (1) will notify the user when it is self-calibrating using an acoustic or visual signal. - Verification stage (730). This process is similar to the status process in the mode with permanent connection to a portable device in its verification stage (540), also with two possibilities, that movement is detected or movement is not detected.

- Launch detection stage (740) This process is similar to the launch detection process (550) in the mode with permanent connection to a portable device, the specific stages of which are represented in the scheme in Figure 6.

- Calculation and analysis stage (750). The process of calculation and analysis of the data is carried out internally in the hardware of the ball (1). During this process the mechanical power values obtained during the launch of the medical balloon (1) are calculated thanks to a series of algorithms and formulas that allow obtaining said mechanical power values by means of the acceleration data of the medical balloon. In addition, information is recorded on the different launches that have been made, or other parameters of interest for training. This process is represented in the scheme in Figure 8.

The microcontroller (22) performs an adaptive filter with the data that makes it possible to clean the acceleration data and minimize the possible errors produced by the sensor (21) during launch (752). In addition, an estimate is made of the orientation and trajectory followed by the ball whose objective is to make the reading of the data as accurate as possible. To this end, a direct relationship is established between the external reference system to the medicine ball (1), what is the place where the subject making the launch is located and the internal reference system, which is the relative position of the sensor ( 21) with respect to the external reference system (754).

Subsequently, the microcontroller (22) performs a series of calculations that allow obtaining

REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) the speed and later, the calculation of the mechanical power, which is the value of maximum interest (756).

It should be noted that the processes specified in the calculation and analysis stage (750) are mainly performed on the hardware of the ball (1). However, some calculations or estimates, which use the history of the data recorded along different releases for a given user or several of them, can be carried out later on the server (42) or even on the portable device (41) after downloading said historical data.

- Stage of sending data to the cloud (760). Data submission process. The results obtained are sent, via the Internet (I) to a server (42) that allows the user to perform various operations such as rendering and recording of data, collection of statistics of different launches, evolution of force work, monitoring real-time training, etc. This information can be distributed, in addition to the portable device (41) that has the graphical interface (4) implemented, to different computing devices (41 ') portable or not, simultaneously, as shown in Figure 9.

- Completion stage (770). It is the last process performed on the ball (1). It can be carried out manually or automatically.

- Manually when the ball is turned off using the switch (6).

- Automatically when the balloon (1) runs out of battery (5) or when the idle state of the verification stage (730) begins.

As mentioned, Figure 5 shows a diagram detailing the subsidiary stages comprising the stage of calibration of the balloon (1) (indicated with reference (530) for the mode with permanent connection to the portable device (41) and with reference (720) for the autonomous mode In turn, figure 6 details the subsidiary stages comprising the launch stage (550) for the use mode with permanent connection to the portable device (41) and (740) for the autonomous mode Figure 7 is a diagram of the steps or subsidiary stages of the step of calculating and rendering results (570) for the mode with permanent connection to the portable device 41. And Figure 8 is a scheme of the subsidiary stages of the data calculation and analysis stage (750) for the autonomous use mode.

REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) Describing sufficiently the nature of the present invention, as well as the way of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to make its explanation more extensive so that any person skilled in the art understands its scope and the advantages that derive from it, stating that, within its essentiality, it may be carried out in other embodiments that differ in detail from that indicated by way of example, and to which it will also achieve the protection that is sought provided that it does not alter, change or modify its fundamental principle .

Bibliography

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2. Haff GG, Nimphius S. Training principies for power. Strength Cond J. 2012; 34 (6): 2-12.

3. Hawley JA, Williams MM, Vickovic MM, et al. Muscle power predicts freestyle swimming performance. Br J Sports Med. 1992; 26 (3): 151-5.

4. Baker D. A series of studies on the training of high-intensity muscle power in rugby league football players. J Strength Cond Res. 2001; 15 (2): 198-209.

5. Carlock JM, Smith SL, Hartman MJ, et al. Therelationshipbetweenverticaljumppower estimates and weightlifting ability: a field-test approach. J Strength Cond Res. 2004; 18 (3): 534-9.

6. Wilson GJ, Newton RU, Murphy AJ.etal.Theoptimaltrainingloadforthedevelopment of dynamic athletic performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1993; 25 (11): 1279-86.

7. McBride JM, Triplett-McBride T, DavieA.etal.Theeffectofheavy-vs. light-loadjump squats on the development of strength, power, and speed. J Strength Cond Res. 2002; 16 (1): 75-82.

8. Toji H, Kaneko M. Effect of multiple-load training on the force-velocity relationship. J Strength Cond Res. 2004; 18 (4): 792-5

9. Hoffman JR, Ratamess NA, Cooper JJ, et al. Comparison of loaded and unloaded jump squat training on strength / power performance in college football players. J Strength Cond Res. 2005; 19 (4): 810-5.

10. Ignjatovic AM 1, Markovic ZM, Radovanovic DS. Effects of 12-week medicine ball training on muscle strength and power in young female handball players. J Strength Cond Res. 2012 Aug; 26 (8): 2166-73

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Claims

An intelligent medicine ball (1) consisting of a spherical body, of variable diameter that is characterized in that it incorporates, internally, electronic measuring means (2) with electrical supply (5); and where said electronic measuring means (2) are associated with a wireless communication module (3) that communicates with a graphical interface (4) of a software application executed in a portable electronic device (41) from which it accesses a Username; or directly to a server (42) through a communications network such as the Internet (-

The balloon (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the portable electronic device (41) is a smartphone, tablet, laptop, in which the specific software application with the possibility of Internet connection has been implemented.

The balloon (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the electronic measuring means (2) comprise at least one measuring sensor (21) type IMU, with accelerometer and gyroscope, connected to a microprocessor (22) and to the wireless communication module (3).

The balloon (1) according to claim 3 characterized in that the measuring sensor (21) is located right in the center of the spherical body of the balloon (1).

The balloon (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that it also incorporates a light indicator (23).

The balloon (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 characterized in that it also incorporates an acoustic warning or buzzer (24).

The balloon (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 characterized in that it also incorporates an NFC tag (25).

The ball (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the communication of the communication module (3) of the ball (1) with the graphic interface (4) is via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

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9. The balloon (1) according to any of claims 1 to 8 characterized in that it has a rechargeable battery (5) as a power system and a switch (6) that opens or closes the circuit of said power, to turn on and off the system.

The balloon (1) according to claim 9 characterized in that the battery (5) is rechargeable through a wireless charging system (7), by electromagnetic system by means of turns (71) provided in the balloon (1) and in a recharge base (8) with connection (10) to the mains.

1 1. A sports training method that is characterized in that it comprises the stages of:

to. The configuration of the specific parameters of a sports training that includes, at least, the launching of an intelligent medical ball (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10;

b. The acquisition of the data related to the launch of the ball (1); Y

C. The real-time calculation of the speed and mechanical power of each throw of the ball (1);

and where said balloon (1) is wirelessly connected to a portable device (41) by:

a permanent connection mode between the balloon (1) and the portable device (41), where at least the data of the mechanical power of the launch and speed is shown in real time on a graphical interface (4) of the portable device ( 41); Y

an autonomous mode, where the portable device (41) configures the specific training parameters, the ball (1) being completely autonomous in its use and in sending data to a server (42) where at least the data of mechanical power and launch speed.

12. The method according to claim 11 comprising a step of notifying a user when the power production at the launch of the ball (1) decreases.

13. The method according to claim 1 wherein in the operating mode with permanent connection between the balloon (1) and the portable device (41) comprises: a stage

REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) system initialization (500); a stage of linking with the ball (510) by button (6) or NFC tag (25); a device configuration step (520); a device calibration stage (530); a stage of verification (540) of detection or not of movement; a launch detection stage (550); a data sending stage (560), by means of the wireless communication form (3) chosen

Wi-Fi or Bluetooth; a stage of calculation and analysis of data (570); and a completion stage (580).

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that in the launch detection stage (550), the sensor (21) of the balloon (1) collects acceleration data of the medical balloon (1) continuously (552 ), the microprocessor (22) of the balloon (1) is responsible for analyzing the data (554) and determining the exact moment of the launch of the medical balloon (1), a decision that is taken by means of a filter that works through a configurable threshold in the stage device configuration (520); so that when the acceleration of the medicine ball (1) exceeds a certain value, it is interpreted as an initiation of the ball (556), otherwise data is read continuously (552).

15. The method according to claim 13 characterized in that in the step of calculating and analyzing data (570), the application installed in the portable device (41) performs an adaptive filtering of the received data (572) in order to clean the acceleration data and minimize the possible errors produced during the transmission of the launch data; In addition, an estimate is made of the orientation and trajectory followed by the ball (574) whose objective is that the reading made of the data is very precise, for which a relationship is established between the reference system external to the medicine ball ( 1), what is the place where the launching subject is located and the internal reference system, which is the relative position of the sensor (21) with respect to the external reference system; and subsequently, the mobile application performs the calculations to obtain at least speed and mechanical power (576).

16. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that in the autonomous mode of operation the portable device (41) is used only to configure the balloon (1) and comprises a first configuration process and a second use process; in

REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) where the first configuration process comprises: a system initialization stage (600); a stage of connection with the ball (610), by means of the switch button (6) of the ball (1) or NFC tag (25); a device configuration stage (620); and an end stage (630) with the disconnection of the balloon (1) from the portable device (41), to proceed to the automatic connection of the balloon (1) to the Wi-Fi network for sending launch data; and where the second use process comprises: a stage of initiation of the balloon (700); a stage of connection of the ball to the net (710); a ball calibration stage (720), which occur autonomously but the user can force from the configuration options; a verification stage (730); a launch detection stage (740), with subsidiary stages identical to those of claim 13; a calculation and analysis stage (750) that is performed internally in the hardware of the balloon (1) with subsidiary stages analogous to those of claim 14; a stage of sending data to the cloud (760); and a completion stage (770).

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