FR3114976A1 - Space-saving communication device and system for water sports - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a space-saving sound diffusion device for water sports comprising a waterproof casing and incorporating a miniaturized electronic diffusion module (1200), said electronic module (1200) comprising first reception means (1210) configured to receive at at least one signal containing audio information from a communication terminal (2000) and means (1220) for generating an audio transcription of said signal, said waterproof case having a volume of less than 55cm3 and said electronic module (1200) being sized to be housed in said waterproof case.

Description

Space-saving communication device and system for water sports

The present invention relates to the field of electronic accessories for water sports.

The present invention relates more particularly to a sound diffusion device for practicing a water sport having a reduced volume and a communication system between trainer and practitioner incorporating such a device.

By sound diffusion device within the meaning of the present, is meant throughout the following description an electronic device allowing the generation of a sound wave according to at least one listening system from a signal containing audio information. Such a device can be used for the communication of instructions between the practitioner and his trainer as an audio receiver or even for the broadcasting of music for the comfort or synchronization of the practitioner.

The present invention will thus find many advantageous applications in the field of water sports, in particular in learning and training in swimming, kitesurfing or canyoning.

State of the art

The Applicant observes that the development of information and communication technologies leads to the proliferation of electronic devices, in particular connected devices allowing information to be exchanged using a variety of communication channels.

As such, the field of swimming and water sports in general presents specific constraints that limit the use of conventional solutions. Indeed, any electronic device intended to be used in this field must both respect strict sealing criteria while presenting a minimal bulk and an advantageous profile so as not to interfere with the practice of a sporting discipline.

A variety of electronic devices have been developed under these conditions to improve performance monitoring of a practitioner, particularly a swimmer. In particular, the use of smart sensors embedded in the swimming goggles makes it possible to measure a plurality of parameters, such as the swimmer's heart rate, the number of calories burned, the distance traveled or the number of movements performed. A similar solution applicable to a wider variety of water sports also exists in the integration of smart sensors into smartwatches. However, these solutions have limited communication capabilities and can only communicate the information obtained at short range, preventing performance monitoring during the practice of water sports.

Similarly, the means of communication developed to date are alternatively too limited in range to allow constant transmission of information for the practice of water sports or too cumbersome to be carried by a practitioner in a comfortable manner.

The Applicant therefore submits that to date there is no satisfactory alternative solution allowing the reception of audio information during the practice of water sports without presenting congestion for the practitioner.

The present invention aims to improve the current situation described above.

The present invention aims more particularly to remedy the above limitations by proposing a device capable of being worn by a practitioner without excessive bulk and allowing communication with this practitioner.

To this end, the object of the present invention relates in a first aspect to a space-saving sound diffusion device for water sports comprising a waterproof casing and integrating a miniaturized electronic diffusion module.

In other words, the sealed casing forms a hollow body defining the main structure of the device and receiving electronic components forming the electronic module, so that the electronic module is protected from the external environment. The device may include additional elements depending on its design, for example means of attachment to an accessory of the practitioner such as swimming or diving goggles, a sports or swimming headband or even a canyoning helmet.

Advantageously, the electronic module comprises first reception means configured to receive at least one signal containing audio information coming from a communication terminal according to a communication channel of a first wireless communication mode.

The person skilled in the art understands here that the first wireless communication mode is selected to allow the communication of audio information over a sufficient range for the practice of water sports as well as according to additional criteria of simplicity of the electronic components to be implemented. or the availability of communication channels. This first mode of wireless communication allows, for example, the communication of audio information reliably within a range of 100 m suitable for the practice of indoor water sports.

The first reception means can be paired with the communication terminal so as to receive any audio information transmitted by the communication terminal according to a given communication channel. They can also be associated with a given communication channel on which the communication terminal is capable of transmitting a signal.

Advantageously, the electronic module comprises means for generating an audio transcription of the signal.

It is understood here that the generation means make it possible to process the signal received by the reception means so as to produce an audio transcription that is as faithful as possible of the audio information contained in the signal. These generating means may include sound broadcasting means or even generate an audio transcription that can be directly used by sound broadcasting means.

Advantageously, according to the invention, the sealed case has a volume of less than 55 cm ³ and the electronic module is sized to be able to be housed in the sealed case.

It is understood here that the electronic module has a total volume less than the internal volume of the sealed case and is arranged so as to be able to be housed in the sealed case.

It is additionally understood that the volume of the device can be substantially greater than the volume of the sealed case by the incorporation of means external to the sealed case, in particular means for fixing the device. The waterproof case constituting in other words the main body of the device, the size generated by such external means remains negligible.

Thanks to the present invention, the sound diffusion device can be worn by the practitioner of a water sport and allow the communication of audio information to this same practitioner without interfering with the practice of the water sport, in particular the practice of swimming.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the electronic module comprises a circuit for selecting the first reception means configured to select the communication channel from among a first range of communication channels.

It is understood here that the first reception means are capable of receiving signals over a plurality of communication channels, which can be grouped together according to a first range of communication channels. The selection circuit makes it possible to identify a communication channel belonging to the first range of communication channels on which a signal is transmitted, or even to set the desired communication channel independently of the presence of a signal.

Preferably, the first wireless communication mode is a radio frequency communication mode, the first communication channel range is a radio frequency slot, the selection circuit being configured to scan the slot to the reception of the at least one signal.

It is understood here that the first selection circuit makes it possible to continuously vary the radio frequency on which the first reception means are calibrated and to stop scanning on a radio frequency on which a signal is received. Of course, the selection circuit is configured to resume scanning the frequency interval once signal reception is complete.

This design makes it possible to receive signals according to a plurality of communication channels belonging to a first range of communication channels without requiring manual adjustment. The sound broadcasting device can thus receive audio information according to several different communication channels in succession.

It is further understood that the radio frequency interval can be a continuous, discontinuous or discrete interval depending on the operation of the first selection circuit.

Preferably, the radio frequency range is in the range 30 MHz to 3 GHz, preferably 433 MHz to 434 MHz.

The 30MHz to 3GHz interval corresponds to the VHF (“Very High Frequency” or in French “Very High Frequencies”) and UHF (“Ultra High Frequencies”) bands. It is understood that the radio frequency range selected depends on physical properties such as attenuation caused by the medium and additional criteria such as the allocation of radio frequencies and the availability or saturation of a given frequency range.

In a particular embodiment, the device comprises a communication antenna.

It is understood here that the communication antenna makes it possible to increase the range of the first reception means. Such an antenna can increase the range from 100m to 15km in an open area, which increases the possibilities of using the device for outdoor aquatic activities, for example aquatic activities such as kitesurfing or canyoning.

Preferably, the communication antenna is arranged on the casing, outside the latter.

Such an antenna occupying a negligible volume, it is possible to design a device comprising an antenna without additional bulk for the practitioner.

In a specific embodiment, the generating means are configured to generate the transcription according to a sound broadcasting system of the type:

- classic broadcast by loudspeaker; and or

- intra-auricular diffusion; and or

- diffusion by bone conduction.

The sound diffusion system is selected according to its simplicity of implementation, the comfort or preferences of the practitioner and its compatibility with the aquatic or underwater environment. Of course, any other present or future sound diffusion system suitable for listening in an aquatic environment can also be considered.

Preferably, the electronic module comprises at least one connection port of an audio amplification system of the sound diffusion system.

It is understood here that the connection port makes it possible to connect an audio amplification system, for example a pair of in-ear headphones or a bone conduction headset, to the electronic module while ensuring the continuity of the sealed envelope. The connection port can optionally include a removable cover to maintain the tightness of the case when the connection port is not in use.

In an additional embodiment, the electronic module comprises second reception means configured to receive at least one item of information representative of a setting according to a second mode of communication.

It is understood here that the second reception means can be distinct from the first reception means or even partially or completely merged with the first reception means. The information representative of a setting may correspond to a plurality of modifications to the operation of the device, including:

- starting, stopping or placing the device on standby; and or

- a change of the communication channel or of the first range of communication channels of the first wireless communication mode; and or

- a change in sound system or sound system volume.

This design makes it possible to control the sound diffusion device remotely and to transmit commands to the miniaturized electronic module without requiring a physical interface included in the device.

Preferably, the second communication mode is a short-range wireless communication mode, in particular of the “Bluetooth” type.

It is understood here that the device can receive a setting before or after the practice of the water sport, and that the second mode of communication can be selected mainly according to the simplicity of information transfer without criteria associated with the range or the medium.

A second aspect of the present invention relates to a communication system between at least one water sports practitioner and a trainer, which comprises:

- a communication terminal from the trainer to the practitioner configured to transmit at least one signal containing audio information according to a third mode of communication;

- at least one sound diffusion device according to the first aspect of the invention worn by said practitioner; And

- a remote electronic entity serving as a gateway between the terminal and the at least one sound broadcasting device, the remote electronic entity being configured to receive the at least one signal according to the third mode of communication and to transmit the at least one signal according to the communication channel of the first communication mode.

In other words, the communication terminal communicates with the remote electronic entity according to the third communication mode, and the remote electronic entity communicates with the at least one sound diffusion device according to the first communication mode, so to allow the transmission of a signal containing audio information from the communication terminal to the sound broadcasting device via the remote electronic entity.

The third communication mode may correspond to a short-range communication mode, for example a communication mode similar to the second communication mode described above. This design makes it possible, for example, to facilitate the transmission of additional information to the audio information from the communication terminal to the remote electronic entity.

The communication terminal corresponds for example to a personal electronic device of the smart phone type (“Smartphone”) or computer configured to communicate with the remote electronic entity according to the third mode of communication, for example by executing software or an application dedicated to communication with the remote electronic entity. The third mode of communication is then selected for its ease of implementation by the personal electronic device.

In one mode of implementation, the remote electronic entity is configured to select the communication channel from a second range of communication channels.

It is understood here that the second range of communication channels may correspond to the first range of communication channels or even to a total or partial grouping of a plurality of first ranges of completely or partially distinct communication channels, each first range of channels communication being associated with a sound diffusion device.

This design allows, depending on the selection action, to transmit the signal containing audio information to one or more given sound delivery devices.

It is for example possible to design a communication system comprising several sound diffusion devices, in which the electronic module of each sound diffusion device is configured to receive a signal according to a distinct communication channel and in which the remote electronic entity is configured to transmit a signal according to the communication channel of a specific sound broadcasting device.

It is also possible to design a communication system comprising several sound diffusion devices, in which the electronic module of each sound diffusion device is configured to receive a signal according to a communication channel of a first range of communication channels, each first range communication channels comprising at least one common communication channel and at least one dedicated communication channel and in which the remote electronic entity is configured to transmit a signal according to the common communication channel or the dedicated communication channel of a device accurate sound delivery.

Preferably, the at least one signal contains at least one piece of information representative of the command and the remote electronic entity is configured to select the communication channel from the at least one piece of information representing the command.

It is understood here that the representative command information is only transmitted from the communication terminal to the remote electronic entity without transmission to the at least one sound broadcasting device.

The communication terminal is for example configured to communicate with the at least one sound broadcasting device before and/or after the practice of the water sport according to a third communication mode similar to the second or to the first communication mode so that each device sound broadcast is associated with a communication channel or a first communication range identified by the communication terminal.

According to one design, the communication terminal transmits a two-part signal containing audio information and representative control information to the remote electronic entity, which transmits the part of the signal containing the audio information according to a communication channel selected from representative order information.

Thus, by the various functional and structural technical characteristics above, the Applicant proposes a sound diffusion device and a communication system between coach and practitioner of a water sport allowing the wearing by at least one practitioner of a diffusion device sound capable of receiving audio information during a water sport without interfering with the practice and the transmission of audio information to the at least one practitioner.

Brief description of figures

The characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the description below with reference to the appended Figures 1 to 8 illustrating a plurality of embodiments which are devoid of any limiting character and in which:

FIG. 1 represents a schematic front view of a sound diffusion device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a schematic top view of a device according to Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a schematic side view of a device according to Figure 1.

FIG. 4 represents a schematic side view of a sound diffusion device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 shows a schematic front view of a blanking strip included in a device according to Figure 1.

Figure 6 shows a schematic rear view of a blanking strip included in a device according to Figure 1.

FIG. 7 represents a miniaturized electronic module included in a device according to FIG. 1.

Figure 8 shows a schematic view of a communication system between at least one swimmer and a trainer comprising at least one device according to Figure 1.

detailed description

The present invention will now be described in the following with reference in conjunction to Figures 1 to 8 appended to the description.

As indicated in the preamble of the description, current solutions for combining electronic devices for water sports are limited to integrating smart sensors into swimming goggles or connected watches with limited communication capabilities.

One of the objectives of the present invention consists in allowing the wearing by a practitioner of a water sport of a sound diffusion device able to communicate continuously with a remote transmitter, in particular a device of a trainer located on dry land. .

This is made possible in the example described below, which considers use of the device by at least one swimmer wearing a pair of swimming goggles, the swimmer corresponding to the practitioner of the water sport mentioned above.

It will be understood here that this example is not limiting and that the invention will find other applications for the use of miniaturized sound diffusion devices, for example in the practice of other sports disciplines.

According to the example of FIG. 8, a plurality of devices 1000a, 1000b and 1000c developed within the framework of the present invention are worn by a plurality of swimmers in an aquatic environment 11000, for example a closed aquatic environment of the swimming pool type or an environment open aquatic of the sea type. Devices 1000a, 1000b and 1000c can be designed specifically to be worn over swimmers' swimming goggles and have a structure similar to device 1000 as illustrated in Figure 1.

This device 1000 comprises a hollow and sealed casing 1100, for example a hollow body of rectangular section having an internal face 1110 and an external face 1120 opposite one another. As illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the inner face 1110 has a flat and smooth surface and is intended to rest in contact with the swimmer's head when the latter is wearing swimming goggles, while the outer face 1120 comprises means removable fixing 1300 of the device 1000 on a fastening strap of a pair of swimming goggles.

In this example, the fixing means 1300 comprise two branches 1310a and 1310b extending from the casing 1100, for example from two opposite side edges of the external face 1120, and curved towards this same external face 1120 so that the two branches 1310a and 1310b and the outer face 1120 form between them a first housing 1330 for receiving the fastening strap.

According to the example of FIG. 4, the free ends 1311a and 1311b of the two branches 1310a and 1310b are arranged facing each other and separated from each other so as to form a first passage slot 1320 opening onto the first reception accommodation 1330.

Optionally, the two branches 1310a and 1310b have an elastic structure arising from their thickness and/or from the selected material allowing them to be deformed slightly and to widen and/or narrow the first passage slot 1320 or even to bring the branches 1310a and 1310b closer together. of the outer face 1120, for example to hold the strap sandwiched between the branches 1310a and 1310b and the outer face 1120.

Preferably, the free ends 1311a and 1311b are separated by a width substantially equal to 3 mm when the two branches 1310a and 1310b are in the rest position, so that a fastening strap of flat or rectangular cross section can be inserted into the first housing 1330 along its width but cannot pass through the first passage slot 1320 along its length. It is also possible to design two branches 1310a and 1310b positioned relative to the outer face 1120 at a maximum distance of approximately 3 mm also so as to prevent any accidental rotation of the strap relative to the device 1000 and to minimize the size associated with the fastening means 1300.

In keeping with the underlying concept of adapting the attachment means 1300 to a plurality of tether strap cross-sections, the first passage slot 1320 can accommodate a closure strip 1340 as illustrated in Figures 1-3 , 5 and 6. Depending on the design, this may partially or punctually obstruct the first passage slot 1320 or extend over its entire length (FIG. 2) in order to prevent the passage of the fastening strap through the first passage slot 1320 independently of their respective dimensions.

According to the example of FIG. 5, the closure strip 1340 has an H-shaped cross-section forming two grooves 1341a and 1341b, each groove 1341a and 1341b being sized to receive a free end 1311a and 1311b of the branches 1310a and 1310b. This design constrains the shutter bar and the device 1000 according to five degrees of freedom, makes it possible to associate and dissociate the shutter bar 1340 from the device 1000 by translation of the shutter bar 1340 along the first slot of passage 1320 and can of course be supplemented by a variety of means making it possible to facilitate or solidify the assembly, for example the inclusion in the grooves 1341a and 1341b and/or on the free ends 1311a and 1311b of the branches 1310a and 1310b d a click system.

In this same example, the closure bar 1340 is provided with a gutter 1350 having two arms 1351a and 1351b whose free ends form a second passage slot 1360 opening onto a second receiving housing 1370. In one design, the gutter 1350 and the closure bar 1340 form a single piece element and the free ends of the two arms 1351a and 1351b have the H-shaped cross section comprising the grooves 1341a and 1341b, which is traversed by the second passage slot 1360. The shape of the second housing 1370 being defined by the shape of the cross section of gutter 1350, it is possible to adapt device 1000 to any form of fastening strap by providing a suitable gutter 1350 without modifying housing 1100. Preferably, gutter 1350 has a circular or oval internal cross-section and the arms 1351a and 1351b have an elastic structure allowing to widen the second fe passage slot 1360 before inserting the closing bar 1340 provided with the gutter 1350 in the first passage slot 1320.

It is also possible to design a gutter 1350 separate from the closure bar 1340, which is provided with means for receiving the free ends of the arms 1351a and 1351b to facilitate the replacement and exchange of the gutter 1350. In such a design , the cross-section in H is full, which also facilitates its realization.

Optionally, the shutter bar 1340 is provided with locking means in translation, for example locking means forming a one-piece element with a shutter bar 1340 alone or even removable locking means associated with a shutter bar 1340 fitted with a 1350 gutter.

According to the example of Figures 5 and 6, the locking means comprise a locking element 1342 of rectangular section designed to be inserted into two grooves 1352a and 1352b provided on the arms 1351a and 1351b of the gutter 1350 and comprising hand a stop 1342a (Figure 6) preventing any translation, on the other hand a latch 1342b capable of moving from an open position in which the latch 1342b is arranged in the extension of the grooves 1352a and 1352b to a closed position where the latch is arranged substantially perpendicular to the grooves 1352a and 1352b, so as to block the movement of the closure strip 1340, the gutter 1350 and the housing 1100.

The swimmer can thus pass the strap for attaching the swimming goggles into the first receiving housing 1330 or the second receiving housing 1370, insert the closing strip 1340 into the first passage slot 1320 so as to close it or to associate the gutter 1350 with the device 1000 according to the selected reception housing and activate the locking means to ensure the integrity of the device 1000 and its retention on the fastening strap.

Additionally, the hollow box 1100 integrates an electronic module 1200 configured for sound diffusion, for example the electronic module 1200 illustrated in FIG. 7 and comprising a plurality of elements. The elements of the electronic module 1200, for example the elements 1210, 1220, 1230, 1240, 1250 and 1260, individually or in combination, can be integrated into a single electronic circuit, into several integrated circuits and/or into discrete electronic components. The elements of the electronic module 1200 are also selected and arranged relative to each other so as to form a miniaturized electronic module 1200 that can be housed in a waterproof case 1100 with a volume of less than 55cm ³ to ensure minimal bulk for the swimmer .

Thus, the electronic module 1200 comprises first reception means 1210 configured to receive at least one signal containing audio information, for example information coming directly or indirectly from a communication terminal 2000, according to a first wireless communication mode. The electronic module 1200 integrates for example a radio module comprising the first reception means 1210, here a radio receiver, and allowing the reception of a signal according to one or more given radio frequencies.

In this same example, the electronic module 1200 also incorporates a selection circuit 1230 of the first reception means 1210 configured to select the radio frequency on which the first reception means 1210 receive the signal. The selection circuit 1230 is for example configured to scan a specific radio frequency interval and pick up any signal emitted on this radio frequency interval to allow multi-channel listening, the radio frequency interval then corresponding to a first range of communication channels of the first mode of wireless communication.

It is obviously possible to design first reception means 1210 and a selection circuit 1230 suitable for any other wireless communication mode and operating on the same principle. The first wireless communication mode is selected by those skilled in the art taking into account the simplicity of implementation of the first reception means 1210 and of the selection circuit 1230 inside a miniaturized electronic module 1200, of the availability of communication channels associated with the first wireless communication mode and also the communication range.

This same range can also be improved if necessary by arranging a communication antenna on the device 1000. Such a communication antenna is for example fixed on a side face of the housing 1100 so as not to hinder the movements or the swimmer's vision and makes it possible to increase the range of the first means of communication 1210 in a manner adapted to the spatial constraints of the aquatic environment 11000. In the context of radiofrequency communication, the addition of a communication antenna thus makes it possible to reach an effective range of 15 km facilitating communication in an open aquatic environment, for example for swimming in open water.

In addition to the first reception means 1210 allowing the reception of a signal containing audio information, the electronic module 1200 comprises means 1220 for generating an audio transcription of the signal for its broadcast to the swimmer. In the example described above, the generation means 1220 are for example incorporated in the radio module and can comprise additional means configured to filter the noise, adapt the output volume or even select a sound diffusion system. Depending on the design of device 1000, the sound delivery system can be pre-selected to match the means built into device 1000 or adaptable from among a plurality of sound delivery systems according to the swimmer's preferences.

Similarly, the electronic module 1200 can include at least one sound diffusion system incorporated in the generation means 1220 or even comprise a connection port 1240 of an audio amplification system 3000 of the sound diffusion system. Such an audio amplification system 3000 corresponds for example to a pair of in-ear headphones or to a bone diffusion headset connected to a connection port 1240, for example according to a wireless connection or according to a wired connection via an element physical interface elements 1240a, 1240b or 1240c as shown in Figures 1 and 3. Obviously, the physical interface elements 1240a, 1240b and 1240c are designed to allow the connection of the audio amplification system 3000 to the electronic module 1200 ensuring the tightness of each part. It is also possible to design physical interface elements 1240a, 1240b and 1240c designed for the connection of other external elements allowing reloading and/or parameterization of elements 1210, 1220, 1230, 1240, 1250 and/or 1260.

In particular, the electronic module 1200 described in FIG. 7 incorporates a battery 1260 designed to provide sufficient autonomy to the device 1000 for the practice of sports activities, for example autonomy of several hours, while ensuring minimal bulk. Such a battery can for example incorporate a magnetic charging system, for example a “Qi” type wireless charging system and/or be connected to at least one of the physical interface elements 1240a, 1240b and 1240c depending on the compactness of the selected solution, its ease of implementation or its average lifespan.

Optionally, the electronic module 1200 can include other elements that fulfill auxiliary functions facilitating the operation of the first receiving means 1210, the generating means 1220 and/or the control circuit 1230. The electronic module 1200 can thus include second reception means 1250 configured to receive at least one item of information representative of a setting. The information representative of a setting corresponds to any information or command that can impact the operation of the constituent elements of the electronic module 1200. Such a design makes it possible to limit the number of physical interface elements 1240a, 1240b and 1240c necessary while allowing a plurality of device settings including:

- starting, stopping or placing the device on standby; and or

- a change of the communication channel or of the first range of communication channels of the first wireless communication mode; and or

- a change in sound system or sound system volume,
the second receiving means 1250 being configured to control the first receiving means 1210, the generating means 1220 and/or the control circuit 1230 according to the information representative of a setting.

Obviously, the second reception means 1250 are not constrained to the same criteria as the first reception means 1210. If it is therefore possible to design a device 1000 in which the first reception means 1210 and the second reception means 1250 are confused, for example by the transmission of information representative of settings via radio frequency communication, a short-range communication module is provided here suitable for receiving information once the swimmer wearing the device 1000 has left the aquatic environment 11000 , for example before the practice of swimming for a startup and a setting of the device 1000 according to the preferences of the swimmer. This design then makes it possible to avoid any range constraint and to select a second communication mode associated with the second reception means 1250 making it possible in a simple manner to transmit commands, for example a wireless communication mode of the “Bluetooth” type.

According to FIG. 7, provision is made for the signal containing audio information and the at least one representative parameter information both to come from a communication terminal 2000. It is of course possible to provide, in a variant, a plurality of communication terminals 2000 , each being capable of transmitting information to the device 1000 according to a given mode of communication. It is also possible to design a single communication mode allowing both transmissions, as stated above.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, a communication system 10000 is designed here, for example between the swimmers evolving in the aquatic environment 11000 and a trainer aiming to communicate instructions to said swimmers, in which a remote electronic entity 4000 is configured to receive the signal containing audio information according to a third mode of communication and transmitting it according to the first mode of communication. According to this design, the second and third modes of communication can be confused and the communication terminal 2000 can then transmit the signal containing audio information and occasionally the at least one piece of information representative of parameter setting according to the second communication mode only. The selection of a second mode of communication commonly used in the public, in particular a short-range wireless communication mode of the “Bluetooth” type or any other appropriate present or future wireless communication mode, thus makes it possible to access the system 10000 communication device using a personal electronic device such as a smart phone or computer serving as a 2000 communication terminal via a dedicated application or program and facilitating the trainer's interaction with the 10000 communication system.

In this example, the remote electronic entity 4000 includes reception means according to the third communication mode and transmission means according to the first communication mode. In accordance with the communication modes selected in the example above, the remote electronic entity 4000 comprises an electronic module integrating a “Bluetooth” type module in wired communication with a radio module comprising transmission means and therefore allows the conversion of the first signal transmitted at short range by the communication terminal into a second signal received at medium or long range by the sound diffusion devices 1000a, 1000b and 1000c.

In addition to the action of the selection circuit 1230 described above, the communication terminal 2000 can transmit at least one piece of information representative of the command intended for the remote electronic entity 4000 impacting its operation. The electronic entity 4000 can for example transmit the signal containing audio information according to a communication channel selected according to the representative command information and corresponding or not to a communication channel associated with the devices 1000a, 1000b and/or 1000c according to their respective settings. This design then makes it possible to select from the communication terminal 2000 the device(s) 1000a, 1000b and 1000c with which to communicate. It is also possible to design a variety of additional commands transmitted by the communication terminal 2000 to the remote electronic entity 4000 according to their design, in particular start-up, shutdown or standby commands as set out above with regard to second reception means 1250.

Thus, it will be understood that the present invention provides a sound diffusion device capable of being fixed on a fastening strap of a pair of swimming goggles providing stable fastening for a variety of cross-sections of fastening strap and adaptable according to the specific characteristics of the cross-section considered. The sound diffusion device further comprises a miniaturized electronic module capable of being housed in a 55cm ³ sealed box forming the main body of the device to ensure minimal bulk for the practice of swimming while allowing the continuous reception of a signal containing audio information. This device can be included in a communication system comprising several devices in communication with a communication terminal associated with a trainer via a remote electronic entity serving as a gateway.

It should be noted that this detailed description relates to a particular embodiment of the present invention, but that in no case this description is in any way limiting to the subject of the invention; on the contrary, it aims to remove any possible imprecision or any misinterpretation of the following claims.

It should also be noted that the reference signs placed between parentheses in the following claims are in no way limiting; these signs have the sole purpose of improving the intelligibility and understanding of the following claims as well as the scope of the protection sought.

Claims (11)

Space-saving sound diffusion device (1000) for water sports comprising a waterproof casing (1100) and integrating a miniaturized electronic diffusion module (1200), said electronic module (1200) comprising:
- first reception means (1210) configured to receive at least one signal containing audio information from a communication terminal (2000) according to a communication channel of a first wireless communication mode; And
- means for generating (1220) an audio transcription of said signal;
wherein said waterproof case (1100) has a volume of less than 55cm ³ and said electronic module (1200) is sized to be able to be housed in said waterproof case (1100). Device (1000) according to claim 1, wherein said electronic module (1200) comprises a selection circuit (1230) of said first receiving means (1210) configured to select said communication channel from a first range of communication channels. Apparatus (1000) according to claim 2, wherein said first wireless communication mode is a radio frequency communication mode, said first communication channel range is a radio frequency slot, said selection circuit (1230) being configured to scanning said interval until said reception of said at least one signal. Device (1000) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, which comprises a communication antenna. Device (1000) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, in which the said generation means (1220) are configured to generate the said transcription according to a sound diffusion system of the type:
- classic broadcast by loudspeaker; and or
- intra-auricular diffusion; and or
- diffusion by bone conduction. Device (1000) according to claim 5, in which said electronic module (1200) comprises at least one connection port (1240) of an audio amplification system (3000) of said sound diffusion system. Device (1000) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, in which the said electronic module (1200) comprises second reception means (1250) configured to receive at least one item of information representative of a setting according to a second communication mode. Device (1000) according to Claim 7, in which the said second communication mode is a short-range wireless communication mode, in particular of the “Bluetooth” type. Communication system (10000) between at least one water sports practitioner and a trainer, which comprises:
- a communication terminal (2000) from said trainer to said practitioner configured to transmit at least one signal containing audio information according to a third mode of communication;
- at least one sound diffusion device (1000a, 1000b, 1000c) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 worn by said practitioner; And
- a remote electronic entity (4000) serving as a gateway between said terminal (2000) and said at least one sound broadcasting device (1000a, 1000b, 1000c), said remote electronic entity (4000) being configured to receive said at least one signal according to said third communication mode and transmitting said at least one signal according to said communication channel of said first communication mode. Communication system (10000) according to claim 9, wherein said remote electronic entity (4000) is configured to select said communication channel from a second range of communication channels. Communication system (10000) according to claim 10, in which said at least one signal contains at least one information representative of command and in which said remote electronic entity (4000) is configured to select said communication channel from said at least information representative of the order.