Description:Technical field
[0001] The subject matter in general relates to monitoring physical activities of a user. The subject matter in particular relates to monitoring physical fitness sessions of the user, tracking the activities, performance, improvements in the performance etc. of the user.

Background

[0002] Physical exercise and fitness are becoming important factors in maintaining health. There are different types of physical activities performed by people, for example, stretching exercises, running, playing different types of games like shuttle badminton, tennis etc. Also people may want to improve their body flexibility and track using some parameters.

[0003] When users want to perform physical activities, exercises, tracking the physical activities and also tracking the users’ performance over a period of time becomes important. The performance feedback provided to the users can lead to users focusing on any gaps in the activity or challenges faced during the activities.

[0004] There are known arts which monitor user activities. The known art WO2025089556A1 discloses a method for tracking and measuring body flexibility and balance of a user during physical activity. The method includes capturing sensor data from a plurality of wearable devices for tracking and determining body posture, analyzing the captured sensor data to determine a plurality of parameters including information related to body posture and physical metrics including balance and flexibility, and displaying a balance score, a flexibility score, and transition over time based on the analysis.

[0005] The known art US 2020/0151595 A1 discloses processing sensor data in order to optimize or otherwise improve training of users for achievement of goals in relation to performing an activity. The system can iteratively adapt training in a personalized manner, with assessment of training results and subsequent modification of training regimens, in order to provide improved alignment between users and their goals. However in this prior art the sensors are embedded in the garments worn by the user. The prior arts disclose processing a set of signals, the performance dataset characterizing form and exertion features across a set of muscles of the user in association with performance of the activity.

[0006] The known arts focus on wearable sensors worn by the users and analyze the sensor data about physical features of the users. However these do not provide monitoring under wide scenarios like playing a game with another player in the actual play area, do not provide feedback regarding individuals body flexibility by reaching over wide angles, regions etc. The known arts do not guide the user to seamlessly perform the activities through audio and visual indications. The known arts do not automatically suggest improvements in the performance of the user. The known arts do not allow to set the targets manually by the user for the physical activities, step-wise or for the entire session.

[0007] The disclosed subject matter addresses the above issues.

Summary

[0008] The subject matter is defined in the independent claims. Further details are defined in the dependent claims.

[0009] The subject matter discloses a system, a monitoring device, a set of tracking devices, methods to monitor user performance during physical activities. The system helps the user to improve the body flexibility, quick movements etc. The tracking device comprises at least one of a narrow band proximity sensor and a wide band proximity sensor. The tracking device comprises notification units. The user configures a session in the monitoring device. The monitoring device identifies the number of tracking devices required and a sequence to activate the tracking devices. Once the session is started, the tracking devices guide the user to approach them in a sequence, by generating notifications. The timing to complete individual activities and the session are configure in monitoring device. A report for the performance of the user is displayed.

Brief description of the drawings

[0010] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, similar reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
Figure 1 illustrates a context under which the system operates, according to one embodiment of the subject matter.
Figure 2A and 2B illustrate a block diagram of the monitoring device, according to an embodiment.
Figure 3A and 3B illustrate a block diagram of the tracking device, according to an embodiment.
Figures 4A, 4B and 4C illustrate use cases of the system, according to an embodiment.
Figure 5 illustrates a sample menu on the monitoring device, according to an embodiment.
Figure 6A and 6B illustrates a method for monitoring a user performance during physical activities, the method performed by a monitoring device, according to an embodiment.
Figure 7 illustrates a method for monitoring a user performance during physical activities, the method performed by a tracking device, according to an embodiment.
Detailed description
[0011] The subject matter now will be described with exemplary embodiments. However, the claimed subject matter may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described herein. These embodiments are provided only as examples so that this disclosure is clear and concise.

[0012] Only the details/components required to describe the claimed subject matter in specific, are disclosed in this document. The details/components which are commonly known or understood by people skilled in the art may not be covered in this document. The ‘narrow band proximity sensor’, ‘wide band proximity sensor’ are collectively referred as sensors and individually as sensor. The ‘list of activities’ and ‘session’ may be used interchangeably. The ‘visual notification unit’ and ‘audio notification unit’ are referred as notification unit collectively or individually. The ‘first detection’, ‘second detection’ and ‘detection’ are used interchangeably.

[0013] Figure 1 illustrates a context under which the system 100 operates to monitor a user performance during physical activities, according to one embodiment.

[0014] Shown in figure 1 are at least one monitoring device 102, communicating with a plurality of tracking devices 104a-104d.

[0015] The tracking devices 104a-104d are referred collectively as tracking devices 104 or individually as tracking device 104. Four tracking devices 104 are shown as an example, however the number may vary and the number is configurable by the user through a menu in the monitoring device 102.

[0016] In an embodiment, the monitoring device 102 may be a handheld device like a mobile phone, a Personal Digital Assistant, a tablet etc. In an embodiment, the monitoring device 102 may be a laptop or any other computer device capable of wireless communication with the tracking devices 104. In figure 1, the monitoring device 102 is shown as a mobile phone as an example.

[0017] The monitoring device 102 is shown as positioned on a tripod. However, the positioning on tripod is not mandatory. The monitoring device 102 may be placed at any suitable place, ex, on a table, within a range to communicate with the tracking devices 104. The dotted lines in the figure 1 represent the wireless communication between the monitoring device 102 and the tracking devices 104. The wireless communication may use a Bluetooth communication, a LAN or a WLAN or any other wireless communication.

[0018] In an embodiment the monitoring module has cloud interface to store the reports of the user performance in the report management module 108 on the server. Various cloud services like amazon web services are available for cloud interfaces and storage.

[0019] Figure 2A and 2B illustrate block diagrams of the monitoring device 102, according to an embodiment.

[0020] The monitoring device 102 comprises a first processor unit 200, a first memory unit 202, a first communication unit 204, an audio unit 206 and a touchscreen 208. Only the important components are shown and described.

[0021] The first communication unit 204 may be Bluetooth unit, a LAN, WLAN unit etc. The audio unit 206 is a speaker or a head phone. The touchscreen 208 is the mobile phone display.

[0022] The first memory unit 202 comprises the monitoring module 210 to operate the features of the subject matter according to an embodiment. The monitoring device 102 may be one of a mobile phone, a tablet, a laptop etc. As these devices are already known, they are not described in detail.

[0023] The monitoring module 210 and its sub-modules may be developed using any of the languages like, C, C++, embedded C, JAVA etc. The flowchart of the monitoring module 210 is illustrated in figure 6 as part of a method according to an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 2B illustrates the block diagram of the monitoring module 210. The monitoring module 210 comprises sub-modules, namely, user input module 212, processing module 214, first communication module 216 and reporting module 218.

[0025] The user input module 212 receives the user inputs through the touchscreen. The user inputs are used to configure the tracking devices 104.

[0026] The processing module 214 processes the user inputs to create a new session or to retrieve an existing session. The different inputs entered by the user are processed to determine the session for physical activities.

[0027] The first communication module 216 is responsible to send and receive data from the tracking devices 104 through the first communication unit 216.

[0028] The reporting module 218 generates a report regarding the user performance at the end of the session.

[0029] All the above modules may be implemented software/firmware.

[0030] Figure 3A illustrates a block diagram of the tracking device 104, according to an embodiment.

[0031] The tracking device 104 comprises a second processor unit 300, a second memory unit 302, a sensor unit 303 comprising at least one of a narrow band proximity sensor 304 and a wide band proximity sensor 306, a communication unit 308, a visual notification unit 310a, and an audio notification unit 310b.

[0032] The second memory unit 302 comprises the tracking module 314 to operate the tracking devices 104 according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the memory 302 comprises one or more volatile and non-volatile memory components which are capable of storing data and instructions to be executed.

[0033] The narrow band proximity sensor 304 and the wide band proximity sensor 306 are referred collectively as sensors or individually as sensor. Microwave sensors are used for wide band sensing, ultra sonic sensors for narrow band sensing.

[0034] The communication unit 308 may be Bluetooth unit, a LAN unit, a WLAN unit etc.

[0035] The visual notification unit 310a and audio notification unit 310b are collectively or individually referred as notification unit 310.

[0036] The visual notification unit 310a may comprise at least one lamp. The audio notification unit 310b may comprise a speaker, an alarm unit or a buzzer unit.

[0037] Some of the units referred herein may be implemented in hardware or firmware or a combination.

[0038] The power supply unit 312 may supply power through mains or through batteries.

[0039] The first and second processor units 200, 300 may comprise one or more of central processing units (CPU), graphical processing units (GPU), digital signal processors (DSP), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), a controller, field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or any other hardware device, a firmware device, or any combination of these. The processor 300 is configured using its control registers, input output ports, firmware, etc. to perform the operations described herein.

[0040] In an embodiment, the second memory unit 302 comprises one or more volatile and non-volatile memory components which are capable of storing data and instructions to be executed.

[0041] Figure 3B illustrates block diagram of the tracking module 314. The tracking module 314 comprises sub-modules, namely, second communication module 316, an activation module 318 and a detection module 320. These sub-modules are described in subsequent paragraphs.

[0042] Now the functioning of the system 100 comprising the monitoring device 102 and the tracking devices 104 will be explained with respect to figures 1-3.

[0043] The monitoring device 102 comprises the monitoring module 210. The monitoring module 210 is executed/opened to create a new use case/session or to retrieve already available use case/session. The session is a list/sequence of activities and the activity is the detection of the user by one tracking device104.

[0044] The use cases/sessions may be created off-line and stored in the monitoring module 210 for fetching. The sensors 304, 306 are configured by the user for a new session, i.e. whether the wide band sensor 306 or narrow band sensor 304 need to be used. The list/number of tracking devices 104 required is configured based on the chosen use case. The sequence of the tracking devices 104 in which order the user needs to approach them, is configured, based on the chosen use case. For example, the sequence may be a random sequence, a circular sequence or a zig-zag sequence or intelligent sequence or timing based on the chosen player’s past performance. In an embodiment, total expected time for completing complete activity and/or time for reaching each tracking device 104. The tracking devices 104 are positioned in corresponding positions as per the sequence configured. The use case/session is started on the monitoring module 210.

[0045] The above functionality is performed by the user input module 212.

[0046] The monitoring module 210 establishes communication with each tracking device 104 involved in the list/sequence/session. The communication may be using a Bluetooth connection, LAN, WLAN, Wi-Fi connection etc. The tracking devices 104 are identified by their unique identifiers and assigned a sequence number. Each tracking device 104 is having unique id. The tracking module 314, based on the tracking device 104 to be invoked, sends command to the corresponding tracking device 104.

[0047] The above functionality is performed by a first communication module 216.

[0048] Some pseudo code of communication is shown below, as an example:

From monitoring device to tracking device (104):
For every session,
Send Init device_id; //device sensors will be activated
Send threshould_value; //Value within which player is supposed to reach to
// the device
From tracking device (104) to monitoring device (102):
PowerOff sensor, if it is ultrasonic;
Send player_time; //with milli seconds
Send if_player_reached_within_the_time; //1 or 0 to classify if player reached within set threshold timeout
[0049] The above functionalities are developed as functions or libraries.

[0050] The first communication module 216 sends an activation command to a first tracking device 104 in the sequence to activate the selected sensor 304, 306 and to generate a notification at the tracking device 104. The activation command comprises a device id (device identifier) of the tracking device 104 so that only the addressed tracking device 104 receives the activation command and activates the required sensor 304, 306 and the notification unit 310a, 310b. Some examples of pseudo-code are shown below:
Adjust beep_sound;
Turn on/off beep_sound;
Select wider or narrow_sensor;
[0051] The above functionalities are developed as functions or libraries.

[0052] The monitoring module 210 displays on the touchscreen, the information regarding which tracking device 104 is the first in the sequence and keeps updating the same.

[0053] The first tracking device 104 receives the command, activates the selected sensor 304 or 306 and also generates audio/visual notifications to guide the user. Based on the configuration of the sensors, i.e. which sensor is selected by the user, the tracking device 104 powers on corresponding sensor 304 or 306.

[0054] The first tracking device 104 activates a notification unit 310. A visual and/or an audio notification is generated by the first tracking device 104, for example a red lamp is switched on and regular beeps are generated. The first tracking device 104 starts a timer 309 and records the time as start of activity. The user or a player or a person starts moving towards the tracking device 104 which is generating the notification.

[0055] If the player reaches the first tracking device 104 in the sequence, the tracking device 104 lights a green lamp and a long beep is generated. The timer 309 is stopped, indicating end of activity. The tracking device 104 sends information to monitoring module 210 to indicate that the first activity is completed and also sends the start time of the activity and end time of the activity indicated by the timer 309. The monitoring device 102 records the time taken for each activity and for the session.

[0056] The monitoring module 210 sends activation command to the next tracking device 104 in the sequence and the above flow continues till the sequence is completed to cover all the tracking devices 104.

[0057] At the end of all the tracking devices 104, the monitoring module 210 processes the data received from the tracking devices 104. The processing is done by the processing module 214. The time for each activity, each session, previous sessions by the same user are analyzed.

[0058] The reporting module 218 generates a report and displays in table and graph format about details on how long player or person took to move to different tracking devices 104, i.e. time taken to complete each step/activity, the total time taken for the session, the time taken by the same user in earlier attempts for the same use case etc. The reports are stored in the monitoring device 102 as well as in a report management module 108 on the cloud server. The user can see the history on how the time taken for each activity has been observed at different timelines.

[0059] In an embodiment, the monitoring module 210 automatically adjusts time for improvement based on the performance of the player or person. Adjusting the time for improvement may be, for example, reducing the target time by a certain percentage, ex. 10% from the achieved time. This is done automatically by the monitoring device 102, if this feature is activated in the menu in the monitoring module 210.

[0060] The Tracking module 314 comprise various modules for managing the functionalities of the tracking devices 104. Some are mentioned below:

[0061] Second communication module 316: This module may be implemented as combination of hardware and firmware. Hardware comprises the output ports of the second processor 302, the signals connected to the communication unit 308 etc. The second communication module 316 receives and sends information from/to the monitoring device 102 through the second communication unit 308. When the user starts a session by configuring the session, the second communication module 316 receives an activation command to activate one sensor among the low band proximity sensor 304 or the wide band proximity sensor 306 and also to generate the notifications at the selected tracking devices 104. Once the presence of the user in the proximity of the sensors 304, 306 is detected, the second communication module 316 sends the information regarding user detection and also the time information to the monitoring device 102 through the second communication unit 308.

[0062] Activation module 318: This module may be implemented as combination of hardware and firmware. Hardware comprises the output ports of the second processor 302, the bus connected to the sensors 304, 306 etc., the bus connected to the notification units 310 a, 310b etc. Once the activation command is received, the activation module 318 configures/activates the sensors 304, 306 by providing power to the required sensor 304, 306. Only one of the two sensors 304, 306 is used during a session. The activation module 318 activates the notification units 310a, 310b when the user starts and also at every step/activity. The notifications are generated when the user is detected in the proximity of the sensors 304, 306.

[0063] Detection module 320: This module may be implemented as combination of hardware and firmware. Hardware comprises the input ports of the second processor 302, the signals coming from the sensors 304, 306 etc. The detection module 320 receives the sensor data from the sensors 304, 306 which indicates presence of the user in the proximity of the sensors 304, 306. Receiving the sensor data may be through hardware signals, interrupts etc. at the second processor unit 300. The activated sensor 304, 306 starts listening to the detection signal. Once the user presence is detected, the second communication module 316 sends the information regarding detection of the user and time information to the monitoring device 102 by the communication module 316.

[0064] The tracking module 314 and its sub-modules may be implemented using any of the languages, like, C, C++, embedded C, JAVA etc.

[0065] Figure 4A, B, C illustrates different use cases of the tracking device 104, according to an embodiment.

[0066] In figure 4A, the tracking devices 104 are positioned near four corners of an imaginary square enclosure. The user needs to follow the imaginary dotted arrow path to complete the activity. Once the use case is started on the monitoring module 210, the monitoring module 210 sends command to tracking device 104a, as 104a is the first tracking device in the sequence in the use case. The red lamps on the tracking device 104a starts blinking and also beeps are generated, indicating the user needs to move towards the tracking device 104a. The monitoring unit 102 generates audio notifications to guide the user. The tracking devices 104 starts the timer 309.

[0067] The user moves towards the tracking device 104a. Once the sensor 304 or 306 in the tracking device 104a detects proximity of the user, the tracking device 104a sends information to the monitoring device 102 indicating that the user completed first activity and also the start time of the activity and end time of the activity is sent to the monitoring device 102. The timer 309 is stopped, the red lamp is switched off and a green lamp is switched on in the tracking device 104a. The monitoring device 102 records the start time and the end time. The monitoring device 102 sends a command to tracking device 104d, as 104d is the next tracking device in the sequence in the use case. The red lamp at the tracking device 104d starts blinking and also beeps are generated, indicating the user needs to move towards the tracking device 104d. The timer 309 is started by 104d.

[0068] The user moves towards the tracking device 104d. Once the sensor in the tracking device 104d detects proximity of the user, the timer 309 is stopped. The tracking device 104d sends information to the monitoring device 102 indicating that the user completed second activity. Also the start time of the activity and end time of the activity is sent to the monitoring device. The red lamp is switched off and a green light is switched on in the tracking device 104d. The monitoring device 102 records the time.

[0069] The steps repeat for other tracking devices 104b and 104c. Then the entire activity is complete. The monitoring module 210 generates a report and displays data in table and graph regarding the time taken for each activity/step, total time taken to complete entire sequence/session etc.

[0070] Figure 4B illustrates another use case where the user is stretching his leg. The tracking device 104 is positioned at a convenience distance from the leg of the user. The user tries to reach the tracking device 104. If the user reaches the tracking device 104 a green lamp is switched on. The user can gradually increase the distance of the tracking device 104 from the leg and try to reach it. This helps in increasing the flexibility in the body and muscles.

[0071] Figure 4C illustrates another use case where the user is stretching his hand to reach the tracking device 104. This use case may be helpful in physio-therapy of the hand if there was any problem with the hand, ex. a post fracture recovery.

[0072] Figure 5 illustrates a sample main menu displayed on the monitoring device 102, according to an embodiment. The main menu allows the user to retrieve an existing session or create a new session. The monitoring device 102 provides options to press ‘Retrieve session’ or ‘Create new session’. If the input from the user is received as ‘Retrieve session’, the menu prompts for name of the session to be retrieved. When the name session name is entered, the session is searched and if exists, the session is retrieved. When the session is retrieved, the session parameters are automatically filled in the menu from the retrieved session.

[0073] Alternately, if the input from the user is received as ‘Create new session’, a new session is created and the user is prompted for a name for the new session.

[0074] The inputs form the user are received for the name of the session and also the session parameters. The user inputs are sensor type, number of tracking devices 104 involved in the session, target time for each step of the session, total target time for the session, number of cycles to repeat and rest time between two cycles. Here step refers to the time required for reaching from one tracking device 104 to another tracking device 104. All the fields related to time are optional. If the user skips entering the fields for timing, the report may not reflect any timing information.

[0075] Once the session parameters filled, the session can be saved.

[0076] The above functionality is performed by the user input module 212.

[0077] The session is ready now. When the user presses ‘Start session’ the session starts.

[0078] There are other menus available for retrieving/creating sessions. The sessions may be created for different type of sessions/activities/use cases. Some examples are given below:

[0079] Game specific: Badminton – footwork, Football dribble, Athletes running or quick movement

[0080] Running between two points (short runs)

[0081] Custom assessments- define own assessments by selecting number of devices, dragging and dropping different devices and setting distance between them.

[0082] From templates: Different prebuilt templates to choose from based on target activity, and number of devices

[0083] There are menus to view reports of sessions including past sessions.

[0084] The tracking devices 104 may be placed on the ground during the physical activities of the user or at knee level or above. The tracking devices 104 are able to detect the user presence at different heights from the ground.

[0085] Figure 6 illustrates a method 600 for monitoring the user performance during physical activities, the method 600 performed by a monitoring device 102, according to an embodiment. The method 600 starts with step 602.

[0086] The step 602 discloses receiving a list of activities to be completed, the list of activities comprising a sequence of tracking devices 104 the user needs to approach.

[0087] The step 604 discloses identifying the number of tracking devices 104a-104d required for the activities.

[0088] The step 605 discloses establishing a communication with the required number of tracking devices 104a-104d.

[0089] The step 606 discloses assigning a sequence for the tracking devices (104a-104d) involved in the activities.

[0090] The step 608 discloses identifying a first tracking device (104a) in the sequence, for the user to approach.

[0091] The step 610 discloses sending an activation command to the first tracking device 104a. The activation command comprises a device id of the tracking device 104 so that only the addressed tracking device 104 receives the activation command.

[0092] The step 612 discloses receiving from the first tracking device 104a, a first detection information indicating a user presence in the proximity of the first tracking device 104a. Also the start time and end time of the activity is received from the tracking device 104.

[0093] The step 614 discloses recording a completion of a first activity.

[0094] The step 616 discloses identifying, from the sequence of tracking devices 104, a second tracking device 104 for the user to approach.

[0095] The step 618 discloses sending an activation command to the second tracking device 104.

[0096] The step 620 discloses receiving from the second tracking device 104 a second detection information indicating the user presence in the proximity of the second tracking device 104.

[0097] The step 622 discloses recording completion of a second activity.

[0098] The method 600 further discloses below details:

[0099] The method 600 comprises sending an activation command to the next tracking device 104c in the sequence, receiving, form the next tracking devices 104 in the sequence a detection information indicating the user presence in the proximity of the next tracking device 104 in the sequence and recording completion of the next activity in the activity list, till all the activities in the activity list are completed or the set time elapses.

[0100] The method 600 discloses receiving the list of activities to be completed, comprising one of creating a new list of activities using a menu or retrieving a list of activities from the first memory unit 202.

[0101] The method 600 comprises recording a time taken to compete each activity and total time taken to complete all the activities.

[0102] The method 600 comprises displaying the time taken to compete each activity and total time taken to complete all the activities on the display of the monitoring device 102.

[0103] The method 600 comprises retrieving from a database the time taken to complete each activity and total time taken to complete all the activities, for a similar sequence, in the past attempts by the user.

[0104] The method 600 comprises displaying a graph of the time taken to complete each activity considering all the attempts of the user for the same sequence of activities.

[0105] Figure 7 illustrates a method 700 of monitoring a user performance during physical activities, the method 700 performed by a tracking device 104, according to an embodiment. The method7600 starts with step 702.

[0106] The step 702 discloses establishing communication with the monitoring device 102.

[0107] The step 704 discloses receiving an activation command to activate one sensor among the low band proximity sensor 304 or the wide band proximity sensor 306 and to activate a notification unit 310.

[0108] The step 706 discloses activating one sensor among the low band proximity sensor 304 or the wide band proximity sensor 306, based on the command.

[0109] The step 708 discloses activating at least one notification unit 310a, 310b.

[0110] The step 710 discloses sensing proximity of the user through the activated narrow band proximity sensor 304 or the wide band proximity sensor 306.

[0111] The step 712 discloses sending information regarding user in the proximity, to the monitoring device 102.

[0112] The method 700 discloses activating the at least one notification unit 310a, 310b comprises at least one of: switching on a lamp, generating an audio output and generating a beep.

[0113] Given below are some examples how the mobile applications/monitoring module 102 are developed for Android mobile applications.

[0114] Tools and technologies:

Android Studio, Java or Kotlin programming language, Android Software Development Kit, Android Native Development Kit, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth module, Message Queuing Telemetry Transport, MQTT broker.

[0115] Android SDK: Software development kit for tools and libraries for developing Android apps.
[0116] Android NDK: A software development kit that provides tools and libraries for developing native code for Android apps
[0117] MQTT: A messaging protocol for IoT devices.
[0118] When an Android app for a mobile phone is developed and installed on an Android device, ex. a mobile phone, the monitoring device 102, it interacts with connected devices, tracking devices 104, using various protocols such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or MQTT. The Android app sends and receives data to and from the connected device using these protocols. The Android SDK provides a set of APIs that allow to interact with connected devices and send/receive data.

[0119] The subject matter provides various technical advantages, some are described below:

[0120] The subject matter helps the user in the field of fitness and healthcare. The system 100 can be used for training, improving flexibility and agility of the body and also for physio-therapy for patients to improve muscle/limb flexibility.

[0121] The subject matter proposes two types of sensors 304, 306, which can detect users from 5 cm range to 4 meters range. Also, there is an option to set if detection needs to be broader or narrower. Narrower sensing helps in accurate detection up to cm level. The two sensors 304, 306 also act as back up for each other during failure of any one.

[0122] Integrating the devices 102, 104 with monitoring module 210 helps in capturing real time data and on the fly apply different analytics to enhance players’ quick movement. The analytics may comprise suggestions to improve the target timing by certain percentage, for example, 10% lower time compared to last attempt for the sequence completion.

[0123] The system 100 is easy to access. The monitoring module 210 provides different pre-programmed sequence for sports persons. Based on the player's performance, the monitoring module 210 automatically increases the speed of the player. There are multiple notifications guiding the player to move to the identified tracking device 104. The notifications include information on the mobile phone screen, voice, lamps, as well as beep. After successfully reaching the identified tracking device 104, the system 100 automatically gives a beep signal or lamps that says if player reached within set duration or not, if the time is configured in the menu.

[0124] The system 100 generates reports regarding the present performance of the player. The present performance can be compared with earlier performance reports and the improvements can be tracked.

[0125] The system 100 has pre-programmed options for the users comprising different game configurations, therapy configurations etc.

[0126] The system 100 provides the user with options to create a new session, save it and retrieve it at any time.
 
Reference numerals and their description:

100 Context under which the system 100 works
102 Monitoring device
104a-104d Tracking devices
106 User
108 Report management module on server
200 First processor unit
202 First memory unit
210 monitoring module
204 First communication unit
206 Audio unit
208 Touch screen
300 Second processor unit
302 Second memory unit
304 Narrow band proximity sensor
306 Wide band proximity sensor
308 Communication unit
309 Timer
310a-301b Notification units
312 Power supply unit
314 Tracking module
316 Second communication module
318 Activation module
320 Detection module
, C , C , Claims:We claim:
1. A system (100) for monitoring a user performance during physical activities, the system (100) comprising:
a monitoring device (102) comprising:
a first processor unit (200);
a first memory unit (202) coupled to the first processor unit (200);
a touchscreen (208) coupled to the first processor unit (200), to receive user inputs; and
a monitoring module (210) to monitor the user;
and
a plurality of tracking devices (104a-104d) communicating with the monitoring device (102), the plurality of tracking devices (104a-104d) comprising:
a second processor unit (300),
a second memory unit (302) coupled to the second processor unit (300);
a sensor unit (303) to sense presence of a user approaching the tracking device (104);
a second communication unit (308) to communicate with the monitoring device (102);
at least one notification unit (310a, 310b) to guide the user towards at least one of the tracking devices (104); and
a tracking module (314) to track and control the tracking devices (104a-104d).
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the monitoring module (210) comprises:
a user input module (212) to receive user inputs for at least one session, wherein the session comprises a sequence of activities, and wherein each activity comprises detection of the user by at least one tracking device (104);
a processing module (214) to process the received user inputs to configure the tracking devices (104);
a first communication module (216) to:
establish a communication with tracking devices (104a-104d);
send at least one activation command to at least one of the tracking devices (104) to activate the sensor unit (303); and
receive, from the tracking devices (104), at least one detection information indicating a user presence in the proximity of the tracking devices (104); and
a reporting module (218) to generate a report regarding the user performance.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the monitoring device (102) comprises at least one of a mobile phone, a tablet and a laptop.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the monitoring device (102) is configured to:
send an activation signal to the next tracking device (104c) in the sequence, receive form the next tracking devices (104c) in the sequence a detection information indicating the user presence in the proximity of the next tracking device (104c) in the sequence and recording completion of the next activity in the activity list, till all the activities in the activity list are completed;

5. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the monitoring device (102) is configured to create a new list of activities using a menu or retrieve a list of activities from the first memory unit (202).

6. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the monitoring device (102) is configured to:
record a time taken to compete each activity and total time taken to complete all the activities;
display time taken to compete each activity and total time taken to complete all the activities on the display of the monitoring device (102);
retrieve from a database the time taken to complete each activity and total time taken to complete all the activities, for a similar sequence, in the past attempts by the user; and
display the time taken to complete each activity and time taken to complete all the activities, considering all the attempts of the user for the same sequence of activities.

7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication unit (308) comprises at least one of a Bluetooth unit, a Local Area Network (LAN) unit, a Wireless Local Area Network and a Wi-Fi network.

8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the tracking devices (104) comprise at least one timer (309) to record at least one of: start time of the activity, start time of the session, end time of the activity, and end time of the session.

9. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sensor unit (303) comprises a narrow band proximity sensor (304) and a wide band proximity sensor (306).

10. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the tracking module (314) comprises:
a second communication module (316) to:
establish at least one communication with monitoring device (102);
receive at least one activation command from the monitoring device (102) to activate one of the sensors (304) or (306) in the sensor unit (303);
activate one of the sensors (304, 306) and activate at least one notification unit (310a, 310b); and
send at least one detection information indicating a user presence in the proximity of the tracking device (104) to the monitoring device (102);
an activation module (318) to:
activate one sensor among the low band proximity sensor (304) or the wide band proximity sensor (306), based on the command; and
activate at least one notification unit (310a, 310b) of the tracking device (104);
and
a detection module (320) to detect proximity of the user through the activated narrow band proximity sensor (304) or the wide band proximity sensor (306).

11. A method (600) of monitoring a user performance during physical activities, the method (600) performed by a monitoring device (102), the method (600) comprising:
receiving (602) a list of activities to be completed, the list of activities comprising a sequence of tracking devices (104) a user needs to approach;
identifying (604) the number of tracking devices (104a-104d) required for the activities;
establishing (605) a communication with the required number of tracking devices (104a-104d);
assigning (606) a sequence for the tracking devices (104a-104d) involved in the activities;
identifying (608) a first tracking device (104a) in the sequence, for the user to approach;
sending (610) an activation command to the first tracking device (104a);
receiving (612) from the first tracking device (104a) a first detection information indicating a user presence in the proximity of the first tracking device (104a);
recording (614) a completion of a first activity;
identifying (616), from the sequence of tracking devices (104), a second tracking device (104) for the user to approach;
sending (618) an activation command to the second tracking device (104);
receiving (620) from the second tracking device (104b) a second detection information indicating the user presence in the proximity of the second tracking device (104); and
recording (622) a completion of a second activity.

12. The method (600) as claimed in claim 11 comprising:
sending an activation signal to the next tracking device (104c) in the sequence, receiving, form the next tracking devices (104c) in the sequence a detection information indicating the user presence in the proximity of the next tracking device (104c) in the sequence and recording completion of the next activity in the activity list, till all the activities in the activity list are completed.

13. The method (600) as claimed in claim 11 wherein receiving the list of activities to be completed, comprises one of creating a new list of activities using a menu or retrieving a list of activities from the first memory unit (202).

14. The method (600) as claimed in claim 11 comprising recording a time taken to compete each activity and total time taken to complete all the activities.

15. The method (600) as claimed in claim 11 comprising displaying time taken to compete each activity and total time taken to complete all the activities on the display of the monitoring device (102).

16. The method (600) as claimed in claim 11 comprising retrieving from a database the time taken to complete each activity and total time taken to complete all the activities, for a similar sequence, in the past attempts by the user.

17. The method (600) as claimed in claim 16 comprising displaying a graph of the time taken to complete each activity considering all the attempts of the user for the same sequence of activities.

18. A method (700) for monitoring a user performance during physical activities, the method (700) performed by a tracking device (104), the method (700) comprising:
establishing (702) communication with a monitoring device (102);
receiving (704) an activation command to:
activate one sensor among the low band proximity sensor (304) or the wide band proximity sensor (306); and
to activate at least one notification unit (310a, 310b) of a tracking device (104);
activating (706) one sensor among the low band proximity sensor (304) or the wide band proximity sensor (306), based on the command;
activating (708) at least one notification unit (310a, 310b) of the tracking device (104);
sensing (710) proximity of the user through the activated narrow band proximity sensor (304) or the wide band proximity sensor (306); and
sending (712), to the monitoring device (102), information regarding user in the proximity to indicate end of an activity, on detection of the user.

19. The method (700) as claimed in claim 18, wherein activating the at least one notification unit (310a, 310b) comprises at least one of: switching on a lamp, generating an audio output and generating a beep.

20. The method (700) as claimed in claim 18, wherein sending the information regarding user in the proximity, to the monitoring device 102 comprises, sending start time of an activity, start time of a session, end time of an activity and end time of a session.