GPS World

Tag: athletic training

  • Kinexon Wins 10th European Satellite Navigation Competition with Athlete Tracking Analysis

    Kinexon Wins 10th European Satellite Navigation Competition with Athlete Tracking Analysis

    Photo: Kinexon

    Online analysis of athletes’ tactical, technical, and physical capability is the focus of this year’s newly named Galileo Master, Kinexon GmbH.

    The 10th European Satellite Navigation Competition (ESNC) recognized the best products, services, and innovations that facilitate the use of satellite navigation in everyday life. At the 2013 awards ceremony, prizes worth a total of about EUR 1 million were presented in 32 categories. The ceremony helped kick off the European Space Solutions conference, which is taking place November 5-7 at Alte Kongresshalle München.

    ESNC 2013 gave participants from all around the world the chance to vie for any one of 25 regional prizes. In addition, topic-specific special prizes were sponsored by the following partners: the European GNSS Agency (GSA), the European Space Agency (ESA), the German Aerospace Center (DLR), and — for the first time this year — the European Patent Office (EPO) and Metaio GmbH. Students and research assistants were also encouraged to submit their ideas to the ESNC University Challenge.

    Athletic analysis is playing an increasingly important role in modern sport training. The underlying idea — known as the Hawthorne effect — is simple: if you can measure your performance, you can also improve it. Following this principle, two research assistants from Technische Universität München (Germany) founded the company Kinexon GmbH at the ESA Business Incubation Centre Bavaria and developed a cloud-based solution for analyzing and visualizing training data on mobile devices.

    Kinexon’s solution kits athletes out with a small, portable location sensor and feeds the resulting data into the cloud by means of a stationary base antenna. This enables users to track and analyze performance parameters and tactical movements down to the centimeter in real time.

    In particular, however, it was the solution’s user-friendliness during training and relatively low cost (compared to the camera-based systems commonly seen today) that won over the international jury of experts in the European Satellite Navigation Competition. So far, the high price of such systems has limited their use to professional sport; Kinexon’s system will now give amateur clubs the chance to benefit from adding online analysis to their training activities, as well.

    Along with the sport sector, this flexible satellite-based localization system also exhibits huge potential in tapping into further markets, including healthcare, logistics, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). “We’re pleased to be supporting Kinexon at ESA BIC Bavaria,” affirms Thorsten Rudolph, CEO of Anwendungszentrum GmbH Oberpfaffenhofen. The Kinexon system, the first version of which is set for market launch in November 2013, managed to edge out more than 400 other ESNC entries from nearly 50 countries.

    Gerd Gruppe, member of the Executive Board, German Aerospace Center (DLR), conferred the EUR 20,000 grand prize on Kinexon GmbH founders Oliver Trinchera and Alexander Hüttenbrink.

    “DLR sets great store in technology transfer,” Gruppe said. “After all, innovations form the basis of economic success and hold considerable potential for society. The ESNC has developed into a driving force behind the innovative use of satellite navigation technologies and a starting point for numerous successful start-ups in Germany, Europe, and the rest of the world.”

    Winners of the 10th European Satellite Navigation Competition

    In addition to the overall winner, the Galileo Master, the 10th European Satellite Navigation Competition rewarded Special Prizes in seven different categories and 25 prizes to regional winners.

    Special Prize Winners 2013 
    GSA :: The most promising EGNOS application idea
    Jelle Reichert, JOHAN, The Netherlands :: JOHAN: the Digital Oracle for Field Sports, Including GNSS Player Tracking in Real Time
    Keywords: Mobile Location Based Services, sports,  real-time tracking, health
    ESA Innovation Prize & 2nd in Overall Ranking
    Jan Walter Schroeder and team, SenSovo, Germany :: Sensovo Navipal: A New Way to Feel Directions
    Keywords: tactile navigation, wearable technology, tourism, outdoor sports, visually impaired
    DLR :: Robust GNSS – Safety for Success
    Bastiaan Ober and John Wilde, Integricom, DW International, The Netherlands :: Galileo-Based Ionospheric and Interference Monitoring for Aviation
    Keywords: signal security, real-time monitoring, aviation,  interference
    EPO :: Best Patented Innovation
    Gaël Scot and team, CNES, France :: Two Patents for Improved Galileo System Performance
    Keywords: signal security, patents, high-end GNSS receivers
    Metaio :: The most innovative location-based Augmented Reality application
    Steve Lee and team, Stevenson Astrosat, United Kingdom :: WinterVision: Augmented Reality for Winter Road Safety
    Keywords: augmented reality, road safety, driver assistance system, emergency response
    University Challenge & Portugal
    Luis Gomes and Filipe Sousa, Outcapsa, Portugal :: GeoAgenda: Innovative Geo-located Agenda Concept
    Keywords: LBS, smart personal organiser, meeting tool
    GNSS Living LabPrize & North Rhine-Westphalia / Germany & 3rd in Overall Ranking
    Adalbert Rajca and Yasotharan Pakasathanan , ampido GmbH, Germany :: Ampido: The Car Park in Your Pocket
    Keywords: Location Based Services, smart city application, park-sharing, share economy

     

    Regional Prize Winners 2013
    Aquitaine/France
    Romain Desplats and team, CNES, France :: Physiotrack: Track Your Physical Progress
    Keywords: sports tracking, health, performance monitoring, physical exercise forecast
     Arab Middle East & North Africa (MENA)
    Hussain Saleh, Ghent University, Belgium :: A Generic GNSS Network for Disaster MonitoringKeywords: emergency management, disaster monitoring, big data, artificial intelligence
    Austria
    Dr Clemens Strauß and Gernot Hollinger, Strauß & Hollinger : GeoIT OG, Austria :: ENViGUARD: The App That Helps Keep Your City Clean
    Keywords: smart waste management, crowdsourcing, LBS, public health, pollution control, environmental protection
    Baden-Württemberg / Germany
    Erich Franke and team,  AFUSOFT Kommunikationstechnik GmbH, Germany :: SaltHawk: Innovative Winter Road Safety System
    Keywords:  road safety, environmental protection, road service management
    Bavaria / Germany & Overall Winner
    Dr Oliver Trinchera and Dr Alexander Hüttenbrink , KINEXON GmbH, Germany :: KINEXON: Precise Localisation and Sports Monitoring
    Keywords: precise tracking, wearable technology, sports, health, logistics
    Bulgaria
    Nikolay Staykov and team, Mobilly, Bulgaria :: Mobilly: A Next-Generation Travel Planner
    Keywords: LBS, travel planner, local discount campaigns, couponing
    Catalonia / Spain
    Rafael Olmedo and Carlos Barreto, GEKO NAVSAT, SpainNAVMATE: The Low-Cost Safety Solution for the Great Outdoors
    Keywords: wearable technology, emergency management, outdoor navigation, outdoor sports
    Czech Republic
    Jiří Mikoláš and team, Be interactive, Czech Republic :: Augmented Prague: The Innovative Sight Seeing App
    Keywords: Augmented Reality, AR, LBS, tourism, city guide

     
    Estonia
    Mari Loorman, Estonia :: LASIK: Optimising Children’s Physical Activity
    Keywords: children’s health, physical activity, computer addiction
    Flanders / Belgium
    Joeri Spitaels and team, QraQon, Belgium :: Winnetou: Improved Security for Freight Wagons
    Keywords: freight tracking, transport security, solar-powered
    Gipuzkoa / Spain
    Jon Sánchez Ugarte, OnSiteBIM, Spain :: BimOn! Making Building Smarter with AR
    Keywords: Augmented Reality, AR, construction sites, building models, LBS
    Hesse / Germany & 3rd in Overall Ranking
    Lukas Wagner and team, Notificatio UG, Germany:: AlarmApp: Location-based Emergency Notification System
    Keywords: emergency management, volunteer fire fighters, LBS
    Ireland
    Paula Kelleher and James Mannix, Geomanics Ltd, Ireland :: CarSafari: Every Trip an Adventure
    Keywords: in-car entertainment, tourism, education, location-based advertising
    Japan
    Hitomi Inaba and team, University of Tokyo, Japan :: TrustSync: Secure Time and Frequency Synchronisation
    Keywords: high precision, signal security, synchronisation, GNSS receivers, financial networks
    Lithuania
    Saulius Rudys and Mantautas Rudys, Lithuania :: Improved Indoor and Underground Navigation Accuracy
    Keywords: indoor navigation, GNSS repeater, precise navigation
    Lombardy / Italy
    Mirko Antonini and Alessandro Di Felice, SpaceEXE Srl, Italy :: COPPI: Monitoring and Tracking of Cyclists
    Keywords: professional cycling teams, sports tracking, health, real-time performance monitoring
    Mexico
    Victor Jose Gatica-Acevedo and team, National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico :: AMBER Alert: Recovering Lost Children Through GNSS Integration
    Keywords: seach and rescue, LBS, notification, tracking
    The Netherlands
    Willem Folkers, Folkline, The Netherlands :: The Anti-Spoofing GNSS Receiver
    Keywords: signal security, safety critical applications, Galileo PRS (public regulated service)
    Nice-Sophia Antipolis / France
    Yann Hervouet and team, Instant System, France :: Real-Time Solutions for Public Transport PassengersKeywords: real-time trip planner, smart public transport, real-time schedule information
    North Rhine-Westphalia / Germany & GNSS Living Lab Prize & 3rd in Overall Ranking
    Adalbert Rajca and Yasotharan Pakasathanan , ampido GmbH, Germany :: Ampido: The Car Park in Your Pocket
    Keywords: Location Based Services, smart city application, park-sharing, share economy
    NorwayHarald Skinnemoen and team, AnsuR, Norway :: GNSS-Enabled Do-It-Yourself Insurance Claims                 
    Keywords: LBS, insurance claims, geo-tagged images, crowdsourcing
    Øresund / Denmark & Sweden
    Andreas Ekengren and team, PingPal AB, Sweden :: Pingpal: Privacy-Protected Positioning for Your App
    Keywords: social networking, cloud solution, privacy protection
    Portugal & University Challenge
    Luis Gomes and Filipe Sousa, Outcapsa, Portugal :: GeoAgenda: Innovative Geo-located Agenda Concept
    Keywords: LBS, smart personal organiser, meeting tool
    Switzerland
    Che-Tsung Lin and team, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Taiwan :: See Through: Driving as You’ve Never Seen Before
    Keywords: driver assistance, V2V communication, road saftey
    United Kingdom
    Georgios Michalakidis and team, ManagePlaces Limited, United Kingdom :: ManagePlaces: Location-Based Project Management
    Keywords: field staff management, LBS, mobile workflow management, cloud solution

     

     

  • TomTom Redesigns GPS Sport Watch

    TomTom Redesigns GPS Sport Watch

    TomTomWatches

    This summer, TomTom will make available a new range of GPS watches to deliver at-a-glance performance information for runners, cyclists and swimmers. The ultra-slim TomTom Runner and TomTom Multi-Sport GPS sport watches feature an extra-large display, full-screen graphical training tools, and one-button control to make it easier for users to access the information needed to stay motivated and achieve their goals.

    “We know that most GPS watches on the market are too bulky and complicated to use while training,” said Corinne Vigreux, managing director, TomTom Consumer. “Just as we developed easy-to-use navigation products that changed the way that people move from A to B, we have developed a range of ultra-slim GPS sport watches that are far more comfortable to wear and far easier to use. Runners and multi-sport athletes can now view their performance information at-a-glance, making it easier to achieve their fitness goals.”

    The new TomTom watches feature an extra-large, high-resolution and high-contrast display that makes it easy for runners and multi-sport enthusiasts to quickly see their distance, time and pace while they workout even in bright sunshine, TomTom said.

    The new watches feature TomTom’s Graphical Training Partner. Easy-to-read full-screen graphics help users get the most out of their workouts. They can view their real-time performance at-a-glance with three graphical training modes:

    Race: Race against a personal best or most recent run. Quickly track performance with real-time graphics, to continue to improve run-after-run.
    Goal: Set a distance, time or calorie goal and see progress toward that goal with simple, full-screen graphics and alerts.
    Zone: Set a target for pace or heart-rate (with optional heart-rate monitor) and track progress in a simple full-screen graph throughout a workout.

    The new TomTom range includes an intuitive one-button control that enables users to easily navigate up-down-left-right through menus to access key stats and watch features, the company said. Unlike the majority of existing GPS watches on the market that feature multiple small and hard-to-operate buttons, the one-button control is easy to operate while moving and can be easily controlled in all weather conditions and while wearing gloves.

    In addition to their ability to deliver at-a-glance performance information, the TomTom Runner and TomTom Multi-Sport include advanced features designed to address the needs of runners and multi-sport enthusiasts alike:

    Ultra-slim design: At just 11.5mm, the slim design of the watch module comfortably fits men and women, and all wrist sizes.
    Indoor tracker: Accurately track indoor runs using built-in sensors to count strides, so that users can monitor pace and distance even while running on a treadmill.
    QuickGPSFix: Get started faster by using the latest in GPS and GLONASS satellite technology to quickly find their precise location.
    Multi-platform compatibility: Sync, analyze and share stats on popular running sites and community platforms, including the TomTom MySports website, MapMyFitness, RunKeeper, TrainingPeaks and MyFitnessPal.
    Super-tough display: Scratch- and impact-resistant glass stays easy-to-read, workout after workout.
    Weather- and waterproof: Waterproof up to 50 meters/5ATM.
    Long-lasting battery: Up to 10-hour battery life (GPS mode).
    Bluetooth smart: Connect to sensors using the latest wireless technology.
    Heart rate monitor: Use the Bluetooth Smart Heart Rate Monitor to track training zone for weight control, performance or speed.

    TomTom Multi-Sport includes all the features included in TomTom Runner, and also allows multi-sport athletes to track their distance, time, speed and other key metrics when they cycle or swim. The TomTom Multi-Sport is also enhanced with the following features and options:

    Dedicated bike mount: Easily see key stats at-a-glance with the specially designed bike mount.
    Cadence sensor: Track cadence, speed and distance, indoors and out.
    Built-in altimeter: Accurately track elevation, ascent, descent and grade with the built-in barometric altimeter.
    Swimming motion sensor: Check detailed swim metrics such as laps, strokes, time and speed, and calculate a SWOLF score to show swim efficiency.

    The TomTom Runner and TomTom Multi-Sport will be available in Summer 2013.

  • Trimble Launches New Mobile Apps, Website for Sportsmen

    Trimble has launched a new mobile mapping product for hunters and anglers. The launch includes two smartphone apps (Trimble GPS Hunt and Trimble GPS Fish), one tablet app (Trimble GPS Maps), and a new Website — GPSHuntFish.com.

    The offerings combine the latest in mobile GPS technology and Trimble’s exclusive outdoor maps to help sportsmen plan trips, navigate in remote areas, record GPS information, and privately share details with friends.

    “We are excited to launch a comprehensive solution for hunters and anglers,” said Rich Rudow, general manager at Trimble Outdoors. “Now hunters can scout a future hunt at GPSHuntFish.com then send maps and GPS details to their iPhone, Android, or iPad to use in the field. In addition, they can print custom waterproof maps that compliment the digital maps displayed in the mobile apps.”

    The launch includes:

    Trimble GPS Hunt App

    Runs on: iPhone and Android phones

    Find hunting spots on detailed outdoor maps, navigate in remote areas and track wildlife. The Trimble GPS Hunt app uses the GPS built into smartphones to track position in the field—even in areas without a cell or data connection. In addition, users can mark waypoints, record tracks, view weather forecasts, see sun and moon phases, and view compass and trip details.

    Trimble GPS Fish App

    Runs on: iPhone and Android phones

    Use Trimble GPS Fish to record fishing trips and keep a report of daily catches. Pinpoint the exact location of each catch, take photos, record GPS tracks, and view detailed street, topo and terrain maps. Use the app to return to previous fishing hotspots. In addition, with an Elite membership, users have access to more than 6,900 lake maps showing 10-foot lake depth contours.

    Trimble GPS Maps App

    Runs on: iPad

    Plan and organize your next hunting trip or fishing trip with the Trimble GPS Maps app. Research hunting lands, find fishing spots and scout access roads on your iPad. This app allows users to fade between street, aerial and topographic maps, and instantly copy-and-paste GPS coordinates onto the digital maps.

    GPSHuntFish.com

    Works on: PC and Mac with an Internet connection

    GPSHuntFish.com is a portal for all of the Trimble hunting and fishing apps. In addition, users can view and store their trips, view maps in large format, and print maps at home or as a custom print by MyTopo.com. All trips created in the Trimble fishing and hunting apps are stored in the Trip Cloud, an online service that auto-syncs trips between a computer, smartphone and tablet device.

    Trimble Elite

    Works with Trimble GPS Fish, Trimble GPS Hunt, Trimble GPS Maps, GPSHuntFish.com

    Trimble Elite members have access to public land boundaries for 46 states, lake maps for 6,900 lakes, forest road overlays for 134 national forests, real-time weather maps, online trip planning tools and discounts off printed maps. In addition, users can pick from a library of 3,000 Mega Offline Map bundles. These topo map bundles can be downloaded by state, county, or hunt unit and be accessed on the mobile device in remote areas, even with no cell or data connection.

    How to Buy. Trimble GPS Hunt and Trimble GPS Fish are available in the Apple App Store and Google Play store. Trimble GPS Maps are available in the Apple App Store. Each app comes in a free or pro version for $4.99. The Elite membership is available for purchase in all the apps and at GPSHuntFish.com for $29.99/year or $2.99/monthly.

  • TIMEX Expands GPS Portfolio with IRONMAN Run Trainer 2.0

    TIMEX Expands GPS Portfolio with IRONMAN Run Trainer 2.0

    Timex has introduced the Timex IRONMAN Run Trainer 2.0, a next-generation GPS-enabled watch that tracks pace, distance, heart rate, and elapsed time. This upgraded device is a smaller, more refined version of the brand’s signature Timex IRONMAN Run Trainer 1.0 GPS watch and is equipped with a reversible, high-resolution display and advanced interval training capabilities.

    The introduction of the Timex IRONMAN Run Trainer 2.0 marks a further expansion of the Timex GPS portfolio, following the recent launches of Timex Marathon GPS, Timex IRONMAN  Run Trainer 1.0, Timex Cycle Trainer  2.0 and Timex IRONMAN  Global Trainer Bodylink System.

    “We heard from the running community that they wanted a smaller, more comfortable GPS watch,” said Sam Martin, Senior Brand Manager, Sports. “We are excited to deliver on that need with the upgraded Run Trainer 2.0, enabling more efficient training through advanced technology.”

    The Timex IRONMAN Run Trainer 2.0 is designed for athletes who want to maximize the efficiency of their training. The watch offers a crisp, high-resolution display, but is smaller than the Run Trainer 1.0 to better fit a wider variety of wrist sizes. Armed with a chronograph and featuring hands-free split recording capability, the Run Trainer 2.0 includes Interval Training based on distance and time with vibrating and audible alerts. It has an eight-hour Li-ion battery life and is water resistant up to 50 meters.

    Like other Timex downloadable products, this Run Trainer 2.0 is customizable through a computer device agent for all settings and is compatible with TrainingPeaks and MapMyFitness.com, among others. It utilizes ANT+ wireless technology for chest and foot pod sensors to provide heart rate and indoor/cadence-based training data for runners looking to improve their performance.

    The Timex IRONMAN Run Trainer 2.0 will be available later this month in U.S. sports specialty retailers and on Timex.com at $224.95 for Speed + Distance or $274.95 (with Flex Tech Digital 2.4 HRM chest sensor).

  • Magellan Launches Switch Series GPS Fitness Watches in Europe

    Magellan Launches Switch Series GPS Fitness Watches in Europe

    Magellan today announced that it has expanded the worldwide availability of the Magellan Switch Series of crossover GPS watches to Europe for athletes who run, bike, swim or participate in a variety of outdoor activities. The Magellan Switch and Switch Up watches are available this month from select retailers and through Magellan’s European distribution network.

    To support its European users, Magellan has also expanded its Magellan Active website with additional languages including French, Spanish, German, Italian and Dutch as well as English. Magellan Active makes it convenient for multisport athletes who record their performance data on Magellan’s Switch Series to easily upload and track data online with intuitive charts, maps and metrics, from a single location, Magellan said.

    “Magellan is continuing to further enrich the lives of multi-sport athletes worldwide with best-in-class fitness watches and innovative tools to help them take control of their active lifestyles,” said Clark Weber, Senior Director of Fitness Products for Magellan. “The Switch Series is rapidly gaining popularity with fitness enthusiasts, and we are pleased to work with our European distribution partners to make our GPS watches available to consumers throughout Europe.”

    Both Switch watches include features such as an Activity Pacer that shows runners if they are on target with their goal, and provides specific targets to attain the desired result. The Switch GPS watch, designed primarily for runners, includes nine customizable sport profiles, high-resolution display, eight hours of battery life, a high-sensitivity GPS receiver, 50-meter water resistance, and compatibility with ANT+ sensors. The Switch Up GPS watch has the same features as the Switch GPS watch but includes a barometric altimeter for precise elevation data, a thermometer to monitor and capture outside temperature, vibration alerts for notification in louder environments, and a quick-release mounting system to transition between sports.

    The Magellan Switch Series is available from Magellan’s European distribution partners serving UK, France, Germany, Turkey, Spain, Italy, Austria, Switzerland and Benelux.

    Developer API Program. Magellan also is making available its Magellan Active Developer API program. Third-party websites and applications can now access activity data from Magellan Active and import data into their websites once customer permission has been granted. A Magellan Active Web Widget can be embedded in any website for uploading activities and gives users the ability to upload activities and perform device software updates from within a personal website or HTML Widget/Gadget.

  • Bryton Enhances Sports Monitoring Equipment with u-blox GPS

    bryton

    Bryton Incorporated has chosen to integrate u-blox’ UBX-G6010 GPS single chip to give its sports electronics products location-aware features. Founded in 2009, Taiwan-based Bryton has established a brand of GPS-enabled sports monitoring devices dedicated to four main activities: cycling, fitness, outdoor adventure and athletic training.

    “At Bryton, we understand the mindset of sport enthusiasts, and know exactly what they are looking for when they shop for electronic equipment to enhance their exercise experience: it must be smart, small, attractive, accurate, dependable, and packed with interesting and useful features that make their workouts more fun and informative,” said Wolf Lin, President at Bryton Inc.

    “u-blox’ extremely small GPS chip solution requires very few external components, meaning we don’t need to allocate much space in our products to achieve state-of-the-art, extremely sensitive GPS positioning capability,” added Lin. “Another primary feature is long battery life. Thanks to u-blox’ low power chip design with sophisticated power saving modes, the GPS receiver, which must be active much of the time, requires only a small fraction of the device’s power.”

    Bryton evaluated leading vendors of GPS technology and selected u‑blox’ GPS single-chip based on four key product features: small size, high sensitivity, low-power consumption, and upgradability.

    Bryton markets its products under two main product categories:

    Rider. An extensive line of waterproof bike computers that provide navigation while monitoring location, distance, elevation, route history as well as heart rate and calories usage.

    Cardio. Smart sports watches for runners with integrated GPS that delivers accurate time, pace, distance, stride, lap information and much more.

  • Polar Launches Integrated Training Device, RC3 GPS

    Polar, a heart-rate training technology company, has released the RC3 GPS wrist device, a new training device with fully integrated GPS.

    The RC3 GPS has been developed to provide sports and fitness enthusiasts with an all-in-one training device with the GPS technology built in. Ergonomically designed, with naturally placed buttons, the RC3 GPS has a breathable wristband for maximum comfort, Polar said. Weighing 58 grams and measuring 1.37-centimeters in depth, the device has a huge digital display that makes it easy to read and customizable, allowing a user to display up to three rows of training data.

    The RC3 GPS combines the latest GPS technology with “Smart Coaching” — training guidance and features developed by Polar over the last 35 years. The device contains a wide range of easy-to-use heart rate based features including “Sports Profile,” where users preselect a sport and can monitor intensity specific to the demands of that discipline, and “Training Benefit,” where instant intuitive feedback is given straight after exercise.

    The RC3 GPS also includes the “Back to Start” GPS feature that directs users back to their starting point in the shortest distance possible. RC3 GPS users can now check out the more adventurous routes and explore them knowing that at the touch of a button they can be directed back to their starting place.

    The RC3 GPS uses SiRFstar IV technology. It has a 250 mAH Li-Pol fixed rechargeable battery that allows users to train for up to 12 hours without the need to recharge.