SENSOR-BASED ASSISTIVE DEVICE FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED SWIMMERS
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Sveriges Riksidrottsförbund |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 350 000 |
| Project duration | November 2019 - August 2021 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Digital health |
Purpose and goal
The aim of this project was to develop and test a system device that allows visual impaired people to swim without the need of any assistance (i.e. tapper).
Expected results and effects
A freely available App have been developed on the Garmin Connect IQ platform that works in conjunction with all Garmin watches and a beacon. This app allows the beacon, using Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication, to send three types of tactile feedback to any Garmin watches. These feedback can be used for instance to inform the swimmer to change swimming direction, to correct the position within the swimming lane, to change swimming pacing to mention some of the possible applications.
Planned approach and implementation
The following activities have been performed: -Workshops to review the needs and functionalities of the prototype -Brainstorming and analysis of the possible and available technical solutions -Feasibility studies and alfas testing of different possible technical solutions -Data analysis and validation from our feasibility studies -Developed applications on iOS, Android, Garmin Connect, Movesense. -Developed back-up communication system between beacon and sensor wore by the swimmer for safety reason -Ecological validity testing