GB2634082A

GB2634082A - A system for determining a height of a jump

Info

Publication number: GB2634082A
Application number: GB2314960.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bacon David
Original assignee: Boom Time Ltd
Current assignee: Boom Time Ltd
Priority date: 2023-09-29
Filing date: 2023-09-29
Publication date: 2025-04-02
Also published as: GB202314960D0

Abstract

A system for determining a height of a jump includes an apparatus attachable to an object for transporting a user e.g. mountain bike, skateboard, surfboard, ski, snowboard. The apparatus includes a pressure sensor 100 for measuring atmospheric pressure, an accelerometer 102, a gyro sensor 104 for taking angular velocity measurements of the object; and a controller connected to the sensors. A computer processor 510 obtains the measurements from the apparatus and compares two or more acceleration measurements to determine if a jump has commenced, and, if so, analysing one or more pressure, acceleration and angular velocity measurements to determine a height of the jump. Length and duration of jump may be calculated using pressure, angular velocity and acceleration measurements. The apparatus may include a GPS sensor 108.

Description

A SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING A HEIGHT OF A JUMP

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for determining a height of a jump. In particular, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for a mountain bike for determining the height of a jump on a mountain bike.

BACKGROUND

Apparatus for recording statistics for bikes are known. For example, apparatus for recording speed, cadence, incline and distance travelled on a bicycle, as well as assisting with navigation, e.g., bicycle satellite navigation, for cycle routes are known. However, these apparatuses are typically directed to the needs / requirements of road cyclists. Therefore, these apparatuses do not deliver against the specific needs of users that participate in other bicycle sports, e.g., mountain biking where other statistics than those mentioned above are a core focus.

Therefore, there is an unmet need within the mountain bike market, and other adventure sports, for recording data / information relevant to those sports. The present invention seeks to solve one or more of the above problems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure we provide a system for determining a height of a jump, including: an apparatus attachable to an object for transporting a user for determining a height of a jump of the object, including: a pressure sensor for taking pressure measurements of local atmospheric pressure; an accelerometer sensor for taking acceleration measurements of the object; a gyro sensor for taking angular velocity measurements of the object; and a controller operatively connected to the pressure sensor, accelerometer sensor and gyro sensor respectively for obtaining pressure, acceleration and angular velocity measurements from the pressure sensor, accelerometer sensor and gyro sensor; and a computer including a processor configured for obtaining the measurements from the apparatus and comparing two or more acceleration measurements to determine if a jump has commenced, and, if it has been determined a jump has commenced, analysing one or more pressure, acceleration and angular velocity measurements to determine a height of the jump.

The computer may be operably connectable, e.g., wirelessly connectable, to the apparatus so the measurements may be downloadable from the apparatus, in use.

The system may include an object for transporting a user, e.g., a vehicle such as a bike to which the apparatus is attachable.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure we provide an apparatus for determining a height of a jump for use in a system according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure we provide an apparatus for determining a height of a jump, including: a pressure sensor for taking pressure measurements of local atmospheric pressure; an accelerometer sensor for taking acceleration measurements of a vehicle to which the apparatus is attached; a gyro sensor for taking angular velocity measurements of the vehicle; and a controller operatively connected to the pressure sensor, accelerometer sensor and gyro sensor respectively for receiving pressure, acceleration and angular velocity measurements from the pressure sensor, accelerometer sensor and gyro sensor, said controller being configured for comparing two or more acceleration measurements to determine if a jump has commenced, and, if it has been determined a jump has commenced, analysing one or more pressure, acceleration and angular velocity measurements to determine a height of the jump.

The controller may be configured for analysing one or more pressure, acceleration and angular velocity measurements to determine a length of a jump.

The controller may be configured to compare a plurality of, or series of three or more, acceleration measurements to determine if a jump has commenced.

The controller may be configured to analyse a plurality of, or series of three or more, pressure, acceleration and angular velocity measurements to determine a height of the jump.

The accelerometer sensor may measure acceleration in a generally vertical axis.

The controller may be configured for analysing one or more or all of the pressure, acceleration and angular velocity measurements to determine a duration of the jump.

The controller may be configured for comparing two or more acceleration measurements to determine if a jump has been completed, and, if it has been determined a jump has been completed, analysing one or more or all the pressure, acceleration and angular velocity measurements to determine a duration of a jump.

The apparatus or system of the first or second aspects may include a time recordal device for determining a time; wherein the controller receives time measurements from the time recordal device, in use; wherein the controller is configured for analysing pressure, acceleration, angular velocity and time measurements to determine a duration of a jump.

The controller may be configured for analysing one or more time measurements, or a plurality or series of time measurements, to determine a height of a jump and / or a length of a jump.

The controller may be configured to identify a first predetermined series of pressure and / or acceleration and / or angular velocity measurements, or a first predetermined series of changes in pressure and / or acceleration and / or angular velocity measurements, to determine when a jump has commenced.

The controller may be configured to identify a second predetermined series of pressure and / or acceleration and / or angular velocity measurements, or a second predetermined series of changes in pressure and / or acceleration and / or angular velocity measurements, to determine when a jump has been completed.

The controller may take measurements from the gyro sensor to determine an orientation of the apparatus relative to the object prior to use.

The controller may be configured to determine if multiple jumps have occurred, in use.

The accelerometer sensor may be a three axis accelerometer sensor.

The apparatus or system of the first or second aspects may include a magnetometer sensor for determining an orientation of the apparatus, in use, said magnetometer sensor may be operatively connected to the controller and the controller may be configured for receiving magnetometer measurements from the magnetometer sensor, said controller may be configured for comparing first and second respective magnetometer measurements, or a plurality of magnetometer measurements, from the magnetometer sensor to determine if a jump has commenced and / or has been completed, and analysing magnetometer measurements from the magnetometer sensor to determine a height and / or length and / or duration of a jump.

The apparatus or system of the first or second aspects may include a GPS sensor for determining a location of the apparatus, in use, said GPS sensor may be operatively connected to the controller and the controller may be configured for receiving GPS measurements from the GPS sensor, said controller may be configured for comparing first and second respective GPS measurements, or a plurality of GPS measurements, from the GPS sensor to determine if a jump has commenced and / or has been completed, and analysing GPS measurements from the GPS sensor to determine a height and / or length and / or duration of a jump.

The apparatus or system of the first or second aspects may include a further pressure sensor for measuring a local atmospheric pressure, said further pressure sensor may be operatively connected to the controller and the controller may be configured for receiving pressure measurements from the further pressure sensor, said controller may be configured for comparing first and second respective pressure measurements, or a plurality of pressure measurements, from the further pressure sensor to determine if a jump has commenced and / or has been completed, and analysing pressure measurements from the further pressure sensor to determine a height and / or length and / or duration of a jump.

The apparatus or system of the first or second aspects may include a printed circuit board (PCB) on which one or more or all the following are mounted: a) the controller.

b) the pressure sensor.

c) the accelerometer sensor.

d) the gyro sensor.

e) the magnetometer sensor.

f) the GPS sensor.

g) the further pressure sensor.

The apparatus or system of the first or second aspects may include a battery, e.g., a rechargeable battery.

The apparatus or system of the first or second aspects may include a transmitter or connector for transmitting measurements, e.g., stored in memory, from the apparatus to a computer, e.g., a Bluetooth transmitter.

The apparatus or system of the first or second aspects may include a housing in which a remainder of the apparatus, e.g., the PCB, the controller, the pressure sensor, the accelerometer sensor, the gyro sensor, the time recordal device, the magnetometer sensor, the GPS sensor, the further pressure sensor and the battery, may be positioned.

The pressure sensor may be positioned for permitting airflow over the pressure sensor.

The housing may include an opening through which air may flow, in use; and wherein the pressure sensor may be positioned so that air that passes through the opening flows over the pressure sensor, e.g., at, near or adjacent the opening.

The apparatus or system of the first or second aspects may include an attachment device for attaching the apparatus to a vehicle, e.g., a bike.

The attachment device may include first and second attachment portions, wherein the first attachment portion may be releasably connectable to the second attachment portion.

The first attachment portion may be attachable to the housing and the second attachment portion may be for attachment to a vehicle, e.g., a bike.

The attachment device may be attachable to handlebars of a bike, in use.

The apparatus may be a mountain bike jump sensing apparatus.

The apparatus or system of the first or second aspects may include a memory for storing the pressure, acceleration, angular velocity, time, magnetometer and GPS measurements and / or the height of the jump and / or the length of the jump and / or the duration of the jump.

The apparatus or system of the first or second aspects may include a screen for displaying information from the memory to a user in use.

The screen may display one or more or all of: a) a jump height; b) a jump length; c) a jump duration; d) an orientation of the apparatus; e) a run time, e.g., since movement is first sensed.

The controller may determine one or more or all of the jump height, the jump length and the jump duration in real time, e.g., as the jump may be occurring.

The second aspect of the present disclosure may include one or more or all the features of the first aspect of the present disclosure.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure we provide a bike including an apparatus according to the first and / or second aspects of the present disclosure.

The third aspect of the present disclosure may include one or more or all the features of the first

and / or second aspects of the present disclosure.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure we provide a method for determining a height of a jump, including: a) providing an apparatus according to any of the first to third aspects of the present

disclosure;

b) taking pressure, acceleration and angular velocity measurements from the pressure sensor, accelerometer sensor and gyro sensor; c) comparing two or more acceleration measurements to determine if a jump has commenced; and d) if a jump has commenced, analysing one or more pressure, acceleration and angular velocity measurements to determine a height of a jump.

Steps c) and / or d) may be performed remotely from the apparatus, e.g., on the computer.

Steps c) and / or d) may be performed on the controller of the apparatus.

The fourth aspect of the present disclosure may include one or more or all the features of the first and / or second and / or third aspects of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In orderthat the present disclosure may be more readily understood, preferable embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in 30 which: FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus embodying the present disclosure attached to a bike; FIGURE 2 is an enlarged view of the apparatus of figure 1; FIGURE 3 is a front view of the apparatus without the attachment device; FIGURE 4 is an exploded view of the apparatus of figure 3; FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of the attachment device; FIGURE 6 is a schematic diagram of the components of the apparatus; FIGURE 7 is a graph showing accelerometer measurements; FIGURE 8 is a graph showing pressure measurements; and FIGURE 9 is a schematic diagram of a system embodying the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Referring to figure 1, there is shown an apparatus 10 for determining a height of a jump in accordance with the present disclosure. In figure 1, there are shown first and second apparatus 10, 10a. The first and second apparatus 10, 10a are substantially the same, except for their respective attachment devices, and so, with the exception of the attachment devices, only the first apparatus 10 will be described in detail.

The apparatus 10 may, in use, be attached to an object / vehicle for which data / information may want to be recorded. In other words, the apparatus 10 may be mountable to an object / vehicle, e.g., a mountain bike, for recording data / information associated with the object / vehicle. The apparatus 10 may be attached to a bike 1, e.g., a mountain bike, as shown in figure 1. In embodiments, the apparatus 10 may be a mountain bike jump sensing apparatus. In embodiments, the apparatus 10 may be attachable to other object / vehicles, e.g., a BMX (bicycle motor-cross), a skateboard, a snowboard, skis, a surfboard, a buggy, a quadbike, a kiteboard etc. The apparatus 10 may include a housing 12 in which a remainder of the apparatus 10, or components of the apparatus 10, e.g., a PCB, controller, pressure sensor, accelerometer sensor, gyro sensor, time recordal device, magnetometer sensor, GPS sensor, further pressure sensor and battery (described in more detail later), may be positioned. As shown in figure 4, the housing 12 may include first and second parts 120, 122. The first part 120 may include a base 124 and a sidewall 126. The first part 120 may define a recess 121. The recess 121 may stow or secure the PCB and the components attached to the PCB. The second part 122 may include a top 128 and a second sidewall 130. The second part 122 may define a further recess 123. The first and second parts 120, 122 may be releasably connectable to each other, e.g., using one or more fasteners such as bolts, screws or clips. The fasteners may be positioned at a periphery of the top and / or base 128, 124 of the housing parts 120, 122. A seal 125 may extend about a periphery of the first and / or second parts 120, 122. The other of the first and / or second parts 120, 122 may include a groove 127 which extends about a periphery of the first and / or second part 120, 122 for receipt of the seal 125. The seal 125 and the groove 127 may be complementary in shape. When assembled, the sidewall 126 and the second sidewall 130 may be substantially aligned, e.g., coplanar.

This may be advantageous for assembly of the apparatus 10 and / or the servicing / maintenance of the apparatus 10. The housing 12 may be generally cuboidal in shape. In embodiments, the housing 12 may be other shapes, e.g., cube, prismatic, pyramidal, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The apparatus 10 may include an attachment device 14 for attaching the apparatus 10 to an object / vehicle 1, e.g., a bike. The attachment device 14 may be attachable to handlebars 2 of the bike 1, in use.

The attachment device 16 may include first and second attachment portions 160, 162 (see figure 2).

The first attachment portion 160 (shown in figure 2) may be attachable to the housing 12. In embodiments, the housing 12 may include first and second protrusions 140, 142 (see figure 3 in particular) which extend away from a remainder of the housing 12. The first and second protrusions 140, 142 may be provided on the first part 120 of the housing 12. In embodiments, the first and second protrusions 140, 142 may be provided on the second part 122 of the housing 12. The first and second protrusions 140, 142 may extend generally orthogonally away from the housing 12, e.g., the sidewall 126 of the housing 12. The first and second protrusions 140, 142 may be generally parallel. In embodiments, the first and second protrusions 140, 142 may extend at an angle from the housing 12, e.g., the sidewall 126 of the housing 12. In embodiments, the first and second protrusions 140, 142 may not be parallel. The first and second protrusions 140, 142 may define first and second openings. The first and second openings may be substantially aligned for permitting a fastener 150 to extend therethrough in use. The first and second protrusions 140, 142 may be substantially the same. In embodiments, the first and second protrusions 140, 142 may differ.

The first attachment portion 160 may include a first attachment portion base 161. The base 161 may include a first clip part 163 for connection to the second attachment portion 162. A plurality of first attachment protrusions 164 may extend upwardly from the first attachment portion base 161.

The protrusions 164 may be substantially the same as the protrusions 140, 142 of the housing 12.

In the present embodiment, three first attachment protrusions 164 may be provided. In embodiments, more or fewer first attachment protrusions 164 may be provided. The first attachment protrusions 164 may interdigitate with the first and second protrusions 140, 142 of the housing 12. The fastener 150 may then pass through the protrusions 140, 142, 164 to secure the housing 12 relative to the first attachment portion 160.

The second attachment portion 162 may be for attachment to the object / vehicle 1. The second attachment portion 162 may include a gripping member 166 for gripping a portion of the object / vehicle. The gripping member 166 may grip around the handlebars of a bike. In embodiments, the gripping member 166 may use a suction cup or the like to secure the second attachment portion 162 to the object / vehicle 1. The gripping member 166 may be able to be adjusted to adjust the grip of the gripping member 166 to ensure the second attachment portion 162 is securely fastened to the object / vehicle 1. A gripping member fastener 168 may be provided for adjusting the grip of the gripping member 166. The gripping member fastener 168 may be pivotally attached to the second attachment portion 162 for permitting easy removal of the second attachment portion 162 from the object / vehicle 1. The second attachment portion 162 may include a connection member 170 for connecting the second attachment portion 162 to the first attachment portion 160. The connection member 170 may include a connection member base 172 and may include a retaining device 174. The retaining device 174 may be a second clip part. The second clip part may be biased to a retaining position.

The first attachment portion 160 may be releasably connectable to the second attachment portion 162. In use, the first attachment portion base 162 may be slid along the connection member base 172. The retaining device 174 may then extend around the first clip part 163 and clip into place so as to retain the first attachment portion 160 relative to the second attachment portion 162. A fastener plate 176 of the first attachment portion 160 may then be folded down into recesses of the first clip part 163 to secure the first and second attachment portions 160, 162 relative to each other.

The fastener plate 176 may be elastically deformable.

In embodiments, as shown on the second apparatus 10a, the attachment device 14 may not include first and second attachment portions 160, 162. For example, the attachment device 14 may simply include protrusions 164 as described above and a gripping member 166 as described above for attaching the apparatus 10a to the object / vehicle 1 (as shown in figure 5).

Referring to figure 6, the apparatus 10, includes a pressure sensor 100 for taking pressure measurements of local atmospheric pressure. In embodiments, the apparatus 10 may include a further pressure sensor 100a for taking further pressure measurements of local atmospheric pressure. In embodiments, three or more pressure sensors may be provided. The apparatus 10 includes an accelerometer sensor 102 for taking acceleration measurements of an object / vehicle 1 to which the apparatus 10 is attached. The apparatus 10 may include two or more accelerometer sensors in embodiments. In embodiments, a single accelerometer sensor may be provided. The apparatus 10 includes a gyro sensor 104 for taking angular velocity measurements of the object / vehicle. The apparatus 10 may include two or more gyro sensors in embodiments. In embodiments, a single gyro sensor may be provided. The apparatus 10 includes a controller 110 operatively connected to the pressure sensor 100, accelerometer sensor 102 and gyro sensor 104 respectively for receiving pressure, acceleration and angular velocity measurements from the pressure sensor 100, accelerometer sensor 102 and gyro sensor 104. The apparatus 10 may include a magnetometer sensor 106 for determining an orientation of the apparatus 10, in use. The magnetometer sensor 106 may be operatively connected to the controller 110 and the controller 110 may be configured for receiving magnetometer measurements from the magnetometer sensor 106. The apparatus 10 may include two or more magnetometer sensors in embodiments. In embodiments, a single magnetometer sensor may be provided. The apparatus 10 may include a GPS sensor 108 for determining a location of the apparatus 10, in use. The GPS sensor 108 may be operatively connected to the controller 110 and the controller 110 may be configured for receiving GPS measurements from the GPS sensor 108. The apparatus 10 may include two or more GPS sensors in embodiments. In embodiments, a single GPS sensor may be provided. The apparatus 10 may include a time recordal device 112 for determining a time. In embodiments, the apparatus 10 may not include a time recordal device.

The apparatus 10 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) 180 on which one or more or all the following are mounted: a) the controller 110.

b) the pressure sensor 100.

c) the accelerometer sensor 102.

d) the gyro sensor 104.

e) the magnetometer sensor 106.

f) the GPS sensor 108.

g) the further pressure sensor 100a.

The components may be mounted on one side of the PCB 180. In embodiments, the components may be mounted on both or multiple sides of the PCB 180. The PCB 180 may be generally rectangular in plan view, as shown in figure 4. In embodiments, the PCB may take other shapes without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The PCB 180 may be secured / stowed in the first part 120 of the housing 12. In embodiments, the PCB 180 may be secured / stowed in the second part 122 of the housing 12.

The pressure sensor 100 may convert the current pressure experienced on the sensor 100 into pressure measurements which may then be obtained by the controller 110. In particular, the pressure sensor 100 may convert the current pressure experienced on the sensor 100 into electrical signals which may then be received by the controller 110. The pressure sensor 100 may determine a local atmospheric pressure in which the apparatus 10 may be positioned. Because atmospheric pressure changes with altitude it may be possible to determine an elevation of the apparatus 10.

The pressure sensor 100 may be positioned for permitting airflow over the pressure sensor 100.

The housing 12 may include an opening 1200 through which air may flow, in use. The opening 1200 may be generally circular. In embodiments, the opening 1200 may be other shapes without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The pressure sensor 100 may be positioned so that air that passes through the opening 1200 flows over the pressure sensor, e.g., at, near or adjacent the opening.

The accelerometer sensor 102 may measure the vibration, or acceleration, of the apparatus 10, and therefore the object / vehicle 1 to which it may be attached. This measurement may then be obtained by the controller 110, or the sensor 102 may send the measurement as an electrical signal to the controller 110. The accelerometer sensor 102 may therefore measure an element of object / vehicle movement which may assist in determination of full object / vehicle movement and jumps. In particular, the accelerometer sensor 102 may be used to determine if a jump has commenced and / or finished and / or determine a duration of a jump (as described in more detail below). The accelerometer sensor 102 may measure acceleration in a generally vertical axis. In embodiments the accelerometer sensor may measure acceleration in a generally horizontal axis.

In embodiments the accelerometer sensor may measure acceleration in two or more generally horizontal axes which may be generally orthogonal to each other. The accelerometer sensor 102 may be a three axis accelerometer sensor.

The gyro sensor 104 may sense angular velocity produced by movement of the gyro sensor 104.

The angular velocity measurement may then be obtained by the controller 110. The angular velocity measurement may be converted into an electrical signal which may be sent to the controller 110. This sensor 104 may therefore measure an element of object /vehicle movement which may assist in determination of full object / vehicle movement and jumps. The gyro sensor 104 may also permit minor changes in orientation to be identified. For example, the controller 110 may take measurements from the gyro sensor 104 to determine an orientation of the apparatus 10 relative to the object / vehicle 1 prior to use. This may be beneficial for calibrating the apparatus 10 prior to use, e.g., if the pressure sensor 100 and / or accelerometer sensor 102 are not aligned as they were previously, so that measurements from previous jumps may be compared.

The magnetometer sensor 106 may be a passive instrument that measures changes in the Earth's magnetic field. The magnetometer may therefore measure the orientation of the apparatus 10. This may then assist in determination of the vehicle's movement and jumps. The magnetometer measurement may be obtained by the controller 110. The magnetometer measurement may be converted into an electrical signal which may be sent to the controller 110.

The GPS sensor 108 may receive signals from satellites. This may in turn assist in determining a location and height of the GPS sensor 108 (the GPS measurement). The GPS measurement may be obtained by the controller 110. The GPS measurement may be converted into an electrical signal which may be sent to the controller 110. The GPS sensor 108 may therefore provide a location and positional movement of the apparatus 10, and so in turn the object / vehicle 1. This information may assist in determination of full object / vehicle movement and jumps. The GPS sensor 108 may link to multiple global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) concurrently. This is beneficial for determining a relationship to jump characteristics as a more accurate determination of vehicle position may be determined.

The time recordal device 112 may keep track of local time to the apparatus 10. The time recordal device may track time independently, may receive a local time via a local telecommunications network or it may be determined by information from the GPS sensor 108. The controller 110 may obtain or receive time measurements from the time recordal device 112, in use.

The apparatus 10 may include a battery 400. The battery 400 may be a rechargeable battery, e.g., a Li-ion battery. The battery 400 may be positioned in the housing 12. The battery 400 may, in particular, be positioned and / or stowed / held in the second part 122 of the housing 12. The further recess 123 of the second part 122 may stow or secure the battery 400. In embodiments, the battery 400 may be positioned and / or stowed / held in the first part 120 of the housing 12. A connector 410 may be operably connected to the battery 400 so the battery 400 may be charged.

The connector 410 may be positioned on or mounted to the PCB 180. In embodiments, the connector 410 may be positioned on or connected to the second part 122 of the housing 12. In embodiments the battery 400 may be wirelessly chargeable. The battery 400 may be operably connected to the PCB 180 to provide power to the PCB and the components thereon.

The apparatus 10 may include a memory 420 for storing the pressure and / or acceleration and / or angular velocity and / or time and / or magnetometer and / or GPS measurements obtained from the pressure sensor 100, acceleration sensor 102, gyro sensor 104, time recordal device 112, magnetometer 106 and GPS sensor 108. The memory 420 may store the height of the jump and / or the length of the jump and / or the duration of the jump. The memory 420 may be operatively associated with the controller 110. The controller 110 may obtain the measurements from the respective sensors and then may instruct the memory 420 to store the measurements.

The apparatus 10 may include a transmitter or data connector 430 for transmitting measurements, e.g., stored in memory 420, from the apparatus to a computer 500. The computer 500 may be a server, laptop, smartphone or cloud device. The connector 430 may be a wired connector such as a USB connection or USB-C connection or lightning connector. The transmitter may be a Bluetooth transmitter or other near field transmitter.

The apparatus 10 may include a screen 600 for displaying information from the memory 420 to a user in use. The screen 600 may display one or more or all of: a) a jump height; b) a jump length; c) a jump duration; d) an orientation of the apparatus; e) a run time, e.g., since movement is first sensed.

In embodiments, the screen 600 may display measurements from the sensors. The screen 600 may display any of a) to c) in real time, i.e., as they are occurring, or may display any of a) to c) after the jump has been completed. The screen may continuously display d) and e) or a user may be able to toggle between each of a) to e) to decide what information to display. The screen 600 may be an LCD or LED display. The screen 600 may be a touchscreen display. The screen 600 may be a colour display. In embodiments, the screen 600 may be relatively small compared to the housing 12. In embodiments no screen may be provided. These may be advantageous in improving the strength / resilience of the apparatus 10.

The controller 110 is configured for comparing two or more acceleration measurements, from the acceleration sensor 102, to determine if a jump has commenced. In embodiments, the controller 110 may be configured to compare a plurality of, or series of three or more, acceleration measurements to determine if a jump has commenced. In particular, the controller 110 may be configured to identify a first predetermined series of acceleration measurements 200, or a first predetermined series of changes in acceleration measurements, to determine when a jump has commenced. The first predetermined series of acceleration measurements, or changes in acceleration measurements, may start to attenuate, or decrease in amplitude, for example (as shown in figure 7) when the jump has commenced.

The controller 110 may be configured for comparing two or more acceleration measurements, from the acceleration sensor 102, to determine if a jump has been completed. In embodiments, the controller 110 may be configured to compare a plurality of, or series of three or more, acceleration measurements to determine if a jump has been completed. In particular, the controller 110 may be configured to identify a second predetermined series of acceleration measurements 210, or a second predetermined series of changes in acceleration measurements, to determine when a jump has been completed. The second predetermined series of acceleration measurements, or changes in acceleration measurements, may increase in amplitude, for example (as shown in figure 7) when the jump has been completed. The second predetermined series of acceleration measurements, or changes in acceleration measurements, may suddenly and / or dramatically increase in amplitude, when the jump has been completed.

The period from the beginning of the first predetermined series of acceleration measurements 200 to the end of the second predetermined series of acceleration measurements 210 may define a duration of the jump 220. The duration of the jump 220 may be a duration of time.

The controller 110 may be configured for comparing two or more pressure and / or further pressure and / or angular velocity and / or magnetometer and / or GPS measurements, from the pressure sensor 100 and / or further pressure sensor 100a and / or gyro sensor 104 and / or magnetometer sensor 106 and / or GPS sensor 108, to determine, or assist in determining, if a jump has commenced. In embodiments, the controller 110 may be configured to compare a plurality of, or series of three or more, pressure and / or further pressure and / or angular velocity and / or magnetometer and / or GPS measurements to determine, or assist in determining, if a jump has commenced. In particular, the controller 110 may be configured to identify a first predetermined series of pressure and / or further pressure and / or angular velocity and / or magnetometer and / or GPS measurements, or a first predetermined series of changes in pressure and / or further pressure and / or angular velocity and / or magnetometer and / or GPS measurements, to determine, or assist in determining, when a jump has commenced. The first predetermined series of pressure measurements / further pressure measurements, or changes in pressure measurements / further pressure measurements, may start to increase, for example when the jump has commenced. The first predetermined series of magnetometer and / or angular velocity measurements, or changes in magnetometer and / or angular velocity measurements, may start to attenuate, or decrease in amplitude, for example when the jump has commenced. This may be due to a lack of rotational or orientation change once a jump has commenced. The first predetermined series of GPS measurements, or changes in GPS measurements, may start to increase, for example when the jump has commenced. These measurements, in hand with the acceleration measurements, may increase confidence that a jump has commenced.

The controller 110 may be configured for comparing two or more pressure and / or further pressure and / or angular velocity and / or magnetometer and / or GPS measurements, from the pressure sensor 100 and / or further pressure sensor 100a and / or gyro sensor 104 and / or magnetometer sensor 106 and / or GPS sensor 108, to determine, or assist in determining, if a jump has been completed. In embodiments, the controller 110 may be configured to compare a plurality of, or series of three or more, pressure and / or further pressure and / or angular velocity and / or magnetometer and / or GPS measurements to determine, or assist in determining, if a jump has been completed. In particular, the controller 110 may be configured to identify a second predetermined series of pressure and / or further pressure and / or angular velocity and / or magnetometer and / or GPS measurements, or a second predetermined series of changes in pressure and / or further pressure and / or angular velocity and / or magnetometer and / or GPS measurements, to determine, or assist in determining, when a jump has been completed. The second predetermined series of pressure measurements / further pressure measurements, or changes in pressure measurements / further pressure measurements, may start to decrease, for example when the jump has been completed. The second predetermined series of magnetometer and / or angular velocity measurements, or changes in magnetometer and / or angular velocity measurements, may increase in amplitude, for example when the jump has been completed. The second predetermined series of magnetometer and / or angular velocity measurements, or changes in magnetometer and / or angular velocity measurements, may suddenly and / or dramatically increase in amplitude, when the jump has been completed. This may be because of the commencement of rotational or orientation change once the jump has been completed. The second predetermined series of GPS measurements, or changes in GPS measurements, may start to decrease, for example when the jump has been completed. These measurements, in hand with the acceleration measurements, may increase confidence that a jump has been completed.

If it is determined that a jump has commenced, the controller 110 analyses one or more pressure, acceleration and angular velocity measurements to determine a height of the jump. In other words, the controller 110 may be configured to analyse one or more pressure, acceleration and angular velocity measurements to determine a height of the jump. In embodiments, the controller 110 may be configured to analyse a plurality of, or series of three or more, pressure, acceleration and angular velocity measurements to determine a height of a jump. In embodiments, the controller 110 may also be configured to analyse one or more magnetometer and / or GPS and / or further pressure and / or time measurements to determine a height of the jump. In embodiments, the controller 110 may be configured to analyse a plurality of, or series of three or more, magnetometer and / or GPS and / or further pressure and / or time measurements to determine a height of a jump. Such measurements may improve the accuracy or confidence of the determination of the height of the jump. The acceleration, angular velocity and magnetometer measurements may be used in an algorithm for tracking the object / vehicle's trajectory through the air. The acceleration, angular velocity and magnetometer measurements may be used for determining a starting velocity for the jump. The GPS measurements may also be used for determining a starting velocity for the jump.

If it is determined that a jump has commenced, the controller 110 may analyse one or more pressure and / or acceleration and / or angular velocity measurements to determine a length of the jump. In other words, the controller 110 may be configured to analyse one or more pressure, acceleration and angular velocity measurements to determine a length of the jump. In embodiments, the controller 110 may be configured to analyse a plurality of, or series of three or more, pressure and / or acceleration and / or angular velocity measurements to determine a length of a jump. In embodiments, the controller 110 may also be configured to analyse one or more magnetometer and / or GPS and / or further pressure and / or time measurements to determine a length of the jump. In embodiments, the controller 110 may be configured to analyse a plurality of, or series of three or more, magnetometer and / or GPS and / or further pressure and / or time measurements to determine a length of a jump. Such measurements may improve the accuracy or confidence of the determination of the length of the jump.

If it is determined that a jump has commenced, the controller 110 may analyse one or more pressure and / or acceleration and / or angular velocity measurements to determine a duration of the jump. In other words, the controller 110 may be configured to analyse one or more pressure, acceleration and angular velocity measurements to determine a duration of the jump. In embodiments, the controller 110 may be configured to analyse a plurality of, or series of three or more, pressure and / or acceleration and / or angular velocity measurements to determine a duration of a jump. In embodiments, the controller 110 may also be configured to analyse one or more magnetometer and / or GPS and / or further pressure and / or time measurements to determine a duration of the jump. In embodiments, the controller 110 may be configured to analyse a plurality of, or series of three or more, magnetometer and / or GPS and / or further pressure and / or time measurements to determine a duration of a jump. Such measurements may improve the accuracy or confidence of the determination of the duration of the jump.

The controller 110 may be configured to determine if multiple jumps have occurred, in use. For example, figure 8 shows pressure measurements from a downhill run on a mountain bike. The pressure measurements clearly show jumps 300 taking place at roughly 10 seconds, 13 seconds and 16 seconds. The run then completes with an uphill section 310 and the rider completes the course (indicated by the period of inactivity 320 after 26 seconds). The controller 110 may be configured to analyse one or more pressure and / or acceleration and / or angular velocity and / or magnetometer and / or GPS and / or further pressure and / or time measurements to determine if multiple jumps have occurred.

The controller 110 may determine one or more or all of the jump height, the jump length and the jump duration in real time, e.g., as the jump is occurring. In embodiments, the controller 110 may determine one or more or all of the jump height, the jump length and the jump duration after the user has come to rest.

A second embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described. The same reference numerals as used in reference to the first embodiment will be used with the addition of a prime () symbol. The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiments. Therefore, only the differences will be described.

Referring to figure 9, there is provided a system 1000' for determining a height of a jump. The system 1000' includes an apparatus 10' attachable to an object 1' for transporting a user for determining a height of a jump of the object 1'. The apparatus 10' includes the same components as the apparatus 10. However, the controller 110' is not configured for obtaining the measurements from the sensors, comparing two or more acceleration measurements to determine if a jump has commenced, and, if it has been determined a jump has commenced, analysing one or more pressure, acceleration and angular velocity measurements to determine a height of the jump. Instead, the controller simply obtains these measurements. The controller 110' may then store the measurements in memory 420' as in the previous embodiment. The computer 500' includes a processor 510'. The processor 510' may be configured for completing the determinations and analyses that the controller 110 did previously. The processor 510' is configured for obtaining the measurements from the apparatus 10' and comparing two or more acceleration measurements to determine if a jump has commenced. If it has been determined a jump has commenced, the processor 510' analyses one or more pressure, acceleration and angular velocity measurements to determine a height of the jump.

The computer 500' may be operably connectable to the apparatus 10' so the measurements may be downloadable from the apparatus 10', in use. The connection may be a wireless connection, e.g., Bluetooth or a near field connection as described above.

The system 1000' may include an object for transporting a user, e.g., a vehicle such as a bike, to which the apparatus 10' may be attachable. The attachment means 14' may be similar to those described in respect of the first embodiment.

A method for determining a height of a jump will now be described. Firstly, an apparatus 10, 10' as described above is provided. The apparatus 10, 10' may then be attached to an object for transporting a user. Pressure, acceleration and angular velocity measurements are then taken from the pressure sensor 100, accelerometer sensor 102 and gyro sensor 104. Further measurements may also be taken from the magnetometer 106 and / or GPS 108 and / or further pressure 100a sensors and / or time recordal device 112. Two or more acceleration measurements are then compared to determine if a jump has commenced. If a jump has commenced, then the step of analysing one or more pressure, acceleration and angular velocity measurements to determine a height of a jump is completed. The step of determining if a jump has commenced and / or the step of analysing one or more pressure, acceleration and angular velocity measurements to determine a height of a jump is completed may be performed remotely from the apparatus 10, 10', e.g., on the computer 500. 500', or the apparatus 10 may perform these steps.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The invention may also broadly consist in the parts, elements, steps, examples and/or features referred to or indicated in the specification individually or collectively in any and all combinations of two or more said parts, elements, steps, examples and/or features. In particular, one or more features in any of the embodiments described herein may be combined with one or more features from any other embodiment(s) described herein.

Protection may be sought for any features disclosed in any one or more published documents referenced herein in combination with the present disclosure.

Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and/or to encompass equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A system for determining a height of a jump, including: an apparatus attachable to an object for transporting a user for determining a height of a jump of the object, including: a pressure sensor for taking pressure measurements of local atmospheric pressure; an accelerometer sensor for taking acceleration measurements of the object; a gyro sensor for taking angular velocity measurements of the object; and a controller operatively connected to the pressure sensor, accelerometer sensor and gyro sensor respectively for obtaining pressure, acceleration and angular velocity measurements from the pressure sensor, accelerometer sensor and gyro sensor; and a computer including a processor configured for obtaining the measurements from the apparatus and comparing two or more acceleration measurements to determine if a jump has commenced, and, if it has been determined a jump has commenced, analysing one or more pressure, acceleration and angular velocity measurements to determine a height of the jump.
2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the computer is operably connectable, e.g., wirelessly connectable, to the apparatus so the measurements may be downloadable from the apparatus, in use.
3. A system according to claim 1 or claim 2, including an object for transporting a user, e.g., a vehicle such as a bike to which the apparatus is attachable.
4. An apparatus for determining a height of a jump for use in a system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
5. An apparatus for determining a height of a jump, including: a pressure sensor for taking pressure measurements of local atmospheric pressure; an accelerometer sensor for taking acceleration measurements of a vehicle to which the apparatus is attached; a gyro sensor for taking angular velocity measurements of the vehicle; and a controller operatively connected to the pressure sensor, accelerometer sensor and gyro sensor respectively for receiving pressure, acceleration and angular velocity measurements from the pressure sensor, accelerometer sensor and gyro sensor, said controller being configured for comparing two or more acceleration measurements to determine if a jump has commenced, and, if it has been determined a jump has commenced, analysing one or more pressure, acceleration and angular velocity measurements to determine a height of the jump.
6. An apparatus or system according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured for analysing one or more pressure, acceleration and angular velocity measurements to determine a length of a jump.
7. An apparatus or system according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to compare a plurality of, or series of three or more, acceleration measurements to determine if a jump has commenced.
8. An apparatus or system according to any preceding claim wherein the controller is configured to analyse a plurality of, or series of three or more, pressure, acceleration and angular velocity measurements to determine a height of the jump.
9. An apparatus or system according to any preceding claim wherein the accelerometer sensor measures acceleration in a generally vertical axis.
10. An apparatus or system according to any preceding claim wherein the controller is configured for analysing one or more or all of the pressure, acceleration and angular velocity measurements to determine a duration of the jump.
11. An apparatus or system according to any preceding claim wherein the controller is configured for comparing two or more acceleration measurements to determine if a jump has been completed, and, if it has been determined a jump has been completed, analysing one or more or all the pressure, acceleration and angular velocity measurements to determine a duration of a jump.
12. An apparatus or system according to any preceding claim including a time recordal device for determining a time; wherein the controller receives time measurements from the time recordal device, in use; wherein the controller is configured for analysing pressure, acceleration, angular velocity and time measurements to determine a duration of a jump; optionally wherein the controller is configured for analysing one or more time measurements, or a plurality or series of time measurements, to determine a height of a jump and / or a length of a jump.
13. An apparatus or system according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to identify a first predetermined series of pressure and / or acceleration and / or angular velocity measurements, or a first predetermined series of changes in pressure and / or acceleration and / or angular velocity measurements, to determine when a jump has commenced; and / or wherein the controller is configured to identify a second predetermined series of pressure and / or acceleration and / or angular velocity measurements, or a second predetermined series of changes in pressure and / or acceleration and / or angular velocity measurements, to determine when a jump has been completed.
14. An apparatus or system according to any preceding claim including a magnetometer sensor for determining an orientation of the apparatus, in use, said magnetometer sensor being operatively connected to the controller and the controller being configured for receiving magnetometer measurements from the magnetometer sensor, said controller being configured for comparing first and second respective magnetometer measurements, or a plurality of magnetometer measurements, from the magnetometer sensor to determine if a jump has commenced and / or has been completed, and analysing magnetometer measurements from the magnetometer sensor to determine a height and / or length and / or duration of a jump;
15. An apparatus or system according to any preceding claim including a GPS sensor for determining a location of the apparatus, in use, said GPS sensor being operatively connected to the controller and the controller being configured for receiving GPS measurements from the GPS sensor, said controller being configured for comparing first and second respective GPS measurements, or a plurality of GPS measurements, from the GPS sensor to determine if a jump has commenced and / or has been completed, and analysing GPS measurements from the GPS sensor to determine a height and / or length and / or duration of a jump;
16. An apparatus of system according to any preceding claim including a further pressure sensor for measuring a local atmospheric pressure, said further pressure sensor being operatively connected to the controller and the controller being configured for receiving pressure measurements from the further pressure sensor, said controller being configured for comparing first and second respective pressure measurements, or a plurality of pressure measurements, from the further pressure sensor to determine if a jump has commenced and / or has been completed, and analysing pressure measurements from the further pressure sensor to determine a height and / or length and / or duration of a jump.
17. An apparatus or system according to any preceding claim including a housing in which a remainder of the apparatus, e.g., the PCB, the controller, the pressure sensor, the accelerometer sensor, the gyro sensor, the time recordal device, the magnetometer sensor, the GPS sensor, the further pressure sensor and the battery, is positioned.
18. An apparatus or system according to any preceding claim wherein the pressure sensor is positioned for permitting airflow over the pressure sensor.
19. An apparatus or system according to claim 18 when dependent, directly or indirectly, on claim 17 wherein the housing includes an opening through which air may flow, in use; and wherein the pressure sensor is positioned so that air that passes through the opening flows over the pressure sensor, e.g., at, near or adjacent the opening.
20. An apparatus or system according to any preceding claim including a memory for storing the pressure, acceleration, angular velocity, lime, magnetometer and GPS measurements and / or the height of the jump and / or the length of the jump and / or the duration of the jump.
21. An apparatus or system according to claim 20 including a screen for displaying information from the memory to a user in use; optionally wherein the screen displays one or more or all of: a) a jump height; b) a jump length; c) a jump duration; d) an orientation of the apparatus; e) a run time, e.g., since movement is first sensed.
22. An apparatus or system according to any preceding claim wherein the controller determines one or more or all of the jump height, the jump length and the jump duration in real time, e.g., as the jump is occurring.
23. A bike including an apparatus according to any preceding claim.
24. A method for determining a height of a jump, including: a) providing an apparatus according to any preceding claim; b) taking pressure, acceleration and angular velocity measurements from the pressure sensor, accelerometer sensor and gyro sensor; c) comparing two or more acceleration measurements to determine if a jump has commenced; and d) if a jump has commenced, analysing one or more pressure, acceleration and angular velocity measurements to determine a height of a jump.
25. A method according to claim 24 wherein steps c) and / or d) are performed remotely from the apparatus, e.g., on the computer; or wherein steps c) and / or d) are performed on the controller of the apparatus.