U.S. patent application number 10/377296 was filed with the patent office on 2004-09-02 for exercise device with body fat monitor.
Invention is credited to Ashby, Darren, Hammer, Rodney L..
Application Number | 20040171464 10/377296 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32908110 |
Filed Date | 2004-09-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040171464 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ashby, Darren ; et
al. |
September 2, 2004 |
Exercise device with body fat monitor
Abstract
An exercise system with a body fat monitor. The exercise system
includes biometric sensors including a body fat sensor. Some of the
electrodes used by the biometric sensors are used by more than one
sensor. A body fat monitor is linked with the exercise device and
includes a processing assembly that uses an impedance sensed by the
body fat sensor in combination with user data to determine a body
fat percentage of the user. The body fat percentage is then
displayed to a user. Historical values of the body fat percentage
are stored and can also be displayed to a user.
Inventors: |
Ashby, Darren; (Richmond,
UT) ; Hammer, Rodney L.; (Lewiston, UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
David B. Dellenbach
WORKMAN, NYDEGGER & SEELEY
1000 Eagle Gate Tower
60 East South Temple
Salt Lake City
UT
84111
US
|
Family ID: |
32908110 |
Appl. No.: |
10/377296 |
Filed: |
February 28, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/54 ;
482/8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2230/06 20130101;
A63B 22/00 20130101; A63B 2230/70 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/054 ;
482/008 |
International
Class: |
A63B 071/00; A63B
022/02 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An exercise system comprising: a. an exercise device comprising:
a frame; and an operable member operably linked to the frame; and
b. a body fat monitor linked to the exercise device, wherein the
body fat monitor monitors a body fat of a user of the exercise
device.
2. An exercise system as defined in claim 1, wherein at least a
portion of the body fat monitor is integrated with a console
supported by the frame.
3. An exercise system as defined in claim 1, wherein the body fat
monitor senses an impedance of the user and determines a body fat
percentage of the user using at least the impedance of the
user.
4. An exercise system as defined in claim 1, wherein the body fat
monitor comprises: a display for conveying a body fat percentage to
the user; a processing assembly for computing the body fat
percentage of the user using at least one regression analysis that
incorporates at least the impedance of the user; and a plurality of
electrodes used by the processing assembly to determine the
impedance of the user.
5. An exercise system as defined in claim 4, wherein at least the
display and the processing assembly are integrated into a console
linked to the frame.
6. An exercise system as defined in claim 4, wherein the processing
assembly further comprises: a body fat sensor that uses the
plurality of electrodes to determine the impedance of the user; and
a biometric processor that uses the impedance and user data in the
at least one regression analysis to determine the body fat
percentage of the user.
7. An exercise system as defined in claim 6, further comprising a
heart rate monitor linked to the exercise device for determining a
heart rate of the user, wherein the heart rate is conveyed to the
user on the display.
8. An exercise system as defined in claim 8, wherein at least one
electrode included in the plurality of electrodes is shared by the
body fat sensor and the heart rate sensor.
9. An exercise system as defined in claim 6, further comprising a
body mass index monitor that monitors a body mass index of a
user.
10. An exercise system as defined in claim 9, wherein the body mass
index monitor displays a current body mass index of the user or at
least one historical value of the user's body mass index and
wherein the body mass index is updated when the user data
changes.
11. An exercise system as defined in claim 6, wherein the body fat
monitor further comprises: a measure input for activating the body
fat sensor such that the impedance of the user is measured when the
user is in contact with the plurality of electrodes; a progress
input that causes at least one historical value of the body fat
percentage to be displayed on the display; and a program input that
selects a workout routine for the user based on one or more
measurements of the body fat.
12. An exercise system comprising: an exercise device comprising: a
frame; and an operable member operably linked to the frame; and a
body fat monitor linked to the exercise device, the body fat
monitor comprising: a processing assembly having a body fat sensor,
wherein the processing assembly determines a body fat percentage of
a user; and a display for conveying the body fat percentage to the
user; and a plurality of electrodes in electrical communication
with the body fat sensor.
13. An exercise system as defined in claim 12, wherein the
processing assembly determines a body fat percentage using one or
more of: an impedance of the user sensed by the body fat sensor;
and user data that is accessed by the processing assembly, wherein
the user data includes one or more of: a height of the user; a
weight of the user; an age of the user; and a sex of the user.
14. An exercise system as defined in claim 13, wherein the
processing assembly further comprises a processor that uses at
least one regression analysis to determine the body fat percentage
of the user.
15. An exercise system as defined in claim 14, wherein the at least
one regression analysis combines the impedance of the user and user
data to determine the body fat percentage of the user.
16. An exercise system as defined in claim 14, wherein the body fat
monitor stores user data for more than one user.
17. An exercise system as defined in claim 12, wherein the body fat
monitor further comprises: a first input for activating the body
fat sensor such that the impedance of the user is measured; a
second input that causes a progress of the user to be displayed on
the display; and a third input that selects a workout routine for
the user based on one or more measurements of the body fat
percentage.
18. An exercise system as defined in claim 12, wherein the
plurality of electrodes includes a reference electrode that is
configured for use by other biometric sensors.
19. An exercise system as defined in claim 18, wherein the
processing assembly further comprises a heart rate sensor that uses
the reference electrode.
20. An exercise system as defined in claim 12, wherein the
plurality of electrodes are mounted in one or more handles linked
with at least one of the body fat monitor and the frame of the
exercise device.
21. An exercise system as defined in claim 20, wherein the
plurality of electrodes includes a first electrode mounted in a
first handle and a second electrode mounted in a second handle,
wherein the first handle and the second handle each include a
contact of a reference electrode.
22. An exercise system as defined in claim 13, wherein the
plurality of electrodes are used to determine the impedance of the
user.
23. An exercise system as defined in claim 12, further comprising a
body mass index monitor that tracks and displays a body mass index
of a user.
24. An exercise system comprising: a frame; an operable member
operably linked to the frame; and a body fat monitor linked to at
least one of the frame and the operable member, wherein the body
fat monitor comprises: a body fat sensor electrically connected to
a first electrode, a second electrode, and a reference electrode,
wherein an impedance of a user is measured using the first
electrode, the second electrode, and the reference electrode; and a
display for displaying a body fat percentage of the user, wherein
the body fat monitor computes the body fat percentage using at
least one of (i) the impedance of the user and (ii) user data.
25. An exercise system as defined in claim 24, wherein the exercise
system further comprises a heart rate sensor having a first
electrode and a second electrode, wherein the heart rate sensor
shares the reference electrode with the body fat sensor.
26. An exercise system as defined in claim 24, wherein the body fat
monitor further comprises a measure input that activates the body
fat sensor such that an impedance of a user is measured when the
user contacts the first electrode of the body fat sensor, the
second electrode of the body fat sensor, and the reference
electrode.
27. An exercise system as defined in claim 26, wherein the measure
input deactivates the heart rate sensor.
28. An exercise system as defined in claim 24, wherein the body fat
monitor further comprises a program input that provides a workout
routine for the user based on measurements from the body fat
sensor.
29. An exercise system as defined in claim 24, wherein the body fat
monitor stores measurements of a user's body fat, wherein the body
fat monitor further comprises a progress input that displays a
progress of the user over a particular time period using the stored
measurements of the user's body fat.
30. An exercise system as defined in claim 24, wherein the body fat
monitor includes a biometric processor that uses the impedance of
the user in combination with the user data stored at the body fat
monitor in at least one regression analysis to determine the body
fat of the user, wherein the user data includes one or more of: a
height of the user; a weight of the user; an age of the user; and a
sex of the user.
31. An exercise system as defined in claim 30, wherein the
biometric processor further selects at least one regression
analysis based on a body mass index of the user.
32. An exercise system comprising: a frame; an operable member
operably linked to the frame; and a monitoring assembly linked to
at least one of the frame and the operable member, the monitoring
assembly comprising: a first set of electrodes including a first
reference electrode contact; a second set of electrodes including a
second reference electrode contact; a body fat sensor electrically
connected with the first and second sets of electrodes, the body
fat sensor being adapted to measure a body fat percentage of the
user when the user contacts the first set of electrodes and the
second set of electrodes; and a heart rate sensor that is
electrically connected with the first and second sets of
electrodes, the heart rate sensor using the first set of electrodes
and the second set of electrodes to determine a heart rate of the
user when the user.
33. An exercise system as defined in claim 32, wherein the heart
rate is inactive when the body fat sensor is activated and the body
fat sensor is inactive when the heart rate sensor is activated.
34. An exercise system as defined in claim 32, wherein the
monitoring assembly comprises a console having a measure input, a
program input, and a progress input.
35. An exercise system as defined in claim 34, wherein the measure
input activates the body fat sensor to determine a body fat
percentage when the measure input is activated.
36. An exercise system as defined in claim 34, wherein the program
input uses a current measurement of body fat percentage with
previous measurements of body fat percentage to suggest a workout
routine to the user.
37. An exercise system as defined in claim 34, wherein the progress
input displays the process of a user on the display using one or
more measurements of body fat percentage.
38. An exercise system as defined in claim 34, wherein the console
stores user data for one or more users.
39. An exercise system as defined in claim 32, wherein the
monitoring assembly further comprises a biometric processor that
uses an impedance of the user sensed by the body fat sensor in
combination with stored user data in at least one regression
analysis to determine the body fat percentage of the user.
40. An exercise system as defined in claim 39, wherein the
biometric processor further selects at least one regression
analysis based on a body mass index of the user, wherein the
selected at least one regression analysis is used to determine a
body fat percentage of the user.
41. An exercise system as defined in claim 39, wherein the
biometric processor: selects a first regression analysis if the
body mass index is above a first value; selects a second regression
analysis if the body mass index is below a second value; and
averages the first regression analysis with the second regression
analysis if the body mass index is between the first value and the
second value.
42. An exercise system as defined in claim 32, wherein the body fat
sensor and the heart rate sensor are electrically connected with
the first reference electrode contact and the second reference
electrode contact.
43. An exercise system as recited in claim 32, wherein the first
set of electrodes is mounted on a first handle and the second set
of electrodes is mounted on a second handle.
44. An exercise system as defined in claim 32, further comprising a
body mass index monitor that stores a current body mass index of a
user and historical body mass index values of the user, wherein the
body mass index monitor displays the current body mass index or the
historical body mass index values of the user on a display.
45. A monitoring assembly that measures and monitors one or more
biometrics of a user for use with an exercise device, the
monitoring assembly comprising: biometric circuitry having: a heart
rate sensor electrically connected to a first heart rate electrode,
a second heart rate electrode, a first reference electrode contact,
and a second reference electrode contact; and a body fat sensor
electrically connected to a first body fat electrode, a second body
fat electrode, and the first reference electrode contact and the
second reference electrode contact; a signal processor adapted to
determine an impedance from the data generated by the body fat
sensor and to determine a heart rate from the data generated by the
heart rate sensor; a biometric processor that stores user data and
that stores one or more regression analyses, wherein the biometric
processor determines a user's body fat percentage using the
impedance from the signal processor in combination with (i) user
data and (ii) at least one regression analysis selected from the
one or more regression analyses; and a display for displaying a
user's body fat percentage and heart rate.
46. A monitoring assembly as defined in claim 45, wherein the first
heart rate electrode, the first body fat electrode, the first
reference electrode contact are mounted in a first handle linked
with the monitoring assembly.
47. A monitoring assembly as defined in claim 45, wherein the
second heart rate electrode, the second body fat electrode, and the
second reference electrode contact are mounted in a second handle
linked with the monitoring assembly.
48. A monitoring assembly as defined in claim 45, wherein the first
heart rate electrode, the second heart rate electrode, the first
body fat electrode, the second body fat electrode, and the first
and second reference electrode contacts are mounted in a frame of
an exercise device.
49. A monitoring assembly as defined in claim 45, further
comprising: a measure input for activating the body fat sensor such
that the impedance of the user is measured when a user is in
contact with the first body fat electrode, the second body fat
electrode and the reference electrode; a progress input that causes
a progress of the user to be displayed on the display such that at
least one historical value of a body fat percentage is displayed on
the display; and a program input that selects a workout routine for
the user based on one or more measurements of the body fat
percentage.
50. An exercise system comprising: a. an exercise device
comprising: a frame; and an operable member operably linked to the
frame; and b. a monitoring assembly linked to the exercise device,
the monitoring assembly including a body fat monitor, wherein the
monitoring assembly provides a workout routine for a user based on
user data provided by the user.
51. An exercise system as defined in claim 50, wherein the user
data provided by the user includes one or more of: a height of the
user; a weight of the user; an age of the user; a sex of the user;
a body fat of the user; a body mass index of the user; historical
values of the user's body mass index; historical values the user's
body fat; a heart rate of the user; historical values the user's
heart rate; and historical values of the user's use of the exercise
device.
52. An exercise system as defined in claim 50, wherein the user
data provided by the user comprises data input by the user.
53. An exercise system as defined in claim 50, wherein the user
data provided by the user comprises historical data generated by
the user's use of the exercise device.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. The Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to exercise devices.
More particularly, the present invention relates to systems,
methods, and exercise devices for measuring and monitoring
biometrics of an exercising user and more specifically to systems
and methods for measuring the body fat of a user.
[0003] 2. The Relevant Technology
[0004] In recent years, there has been an increasing interest among
individuals to monitor and improve themselves physically.
Typically, individuals are able to physically improve themselves by
setting goals relating to diet and exercise. Many of these
individuals have different reasons for beginning an exercise
program. Some individuals are motivated to reduce the risk of
certain life-shortening or debilitating illnesses, such as coronary
artery disease, hypertension, and diabetes, while other individuals
simply want to lose weight. Some individuals simply desire to
maintain their health.
[0005] The ability of people to persevere in an exercise program is
increased if people are able to monitor their progress and see the
results of their exercise program. A person who wants to lose
weight, for example, may write down the weight on a weekly basis.
Over time, that person is able to view their progress and determine
whether their exercise program is helping them achieve their
goal.
[0006] One of the ways that exercise programs help individuals
achieve their goal is by monitoring certain biometrics. One
commonly measured and monitored biometric is heart rate. In fact,
heart rate is often used to establish an exercise program that
helps a user improve their health. For example, some exercise
programs establish a target heart rate that the user must achieve
and maintain as they exercise. The benefit they receive from
exercising may be increased because they are exercising properly.
Tailoring exercise to a heart rate may only be done, of course, if
the heart rate is monitored as the user exercises. Often, users
strap sensors to their bodies in order to monitor their heart rate.
Body weight and blood pressure are other biometrics that people
monitor to help them improve their health.
[0007] Another biometric that is used to monitor exercise is body
fat. This biometric does not typically change significantly during
a single exercise session. However, body fat is a useful indication
of a person's health and provides excellent feedback that reflects
how the user's health is improving over time. Measuring and
monitoring percent body fat, however, is a more difficult task.
[0008] One generally accepted method for measuring a person's body
fat is to immerse the person in a tank of water and measure the
amount of water that is displaced. Calculations are then performed
to determine the person's percent body fat. Unfortunately, this
method is very difficult to implement in practice because it
requires a large tank of water and some reasonably expensive
equipment to operate. Additionally, the person must take the time
to go to the location of the tank to have their body fat measured
and pay a relatively large sum of money each time the test is
performed. This is inconvenient and expensive for people that wish
to monitor their percent body fat on a frequent basis.
[0009] Currently, portable machines are available which allow an
individual to calculate his or her body fat percentage without
going to a remote location. Unfortunately, many of these devices
require an individual to hook up various wires or electrodes to
particular parts of the body in order to effectuate these
measurements. These devices take time to connect to the body and
are not easily used while the person is exercising. Improper use of
these devices may also result in inaccurate measurements.
[0010] Although the knowledge of an individual's body fat
percentage is of considerable value, it would be more useful to be
able to quickly and easily take these measurements on a regular
basis, such as over a period of weeks or months. Such historical
information is particularly valuable to individuals who are on a
diet or fitness program as an indication of the progress they are
making in reducing body fat or weight over a period of time.
[0011] Many individuals who are undertaking a program of regular
exercise would like to have the ability to measure body fat
percentage on a regular basis without having to go to a location
specifically to have the measurement done or pay large sums of
money. Additionally, these individuals would like to be able to
monitor such body functions as heart rate while they are using a
particular piece of exercise device to ensure they are getting the
maximum benefit, both out of the workout routine and the exercise
device itself.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] These and other limitations are overcome by the present
invention, which relates to exercise systems and devices that
measure and monitor biometrics including, but not limited to, body
fat, heart rate, and/or body mass index (BMI). The present
invention includes a body fat sensor and/or a heart rate sensor
that may be used before, during, or after an exercise session. The
present invention is also able to track a user's body fat over time
and provide workout routines based on a user's body fat. A user's
BMI can be tracked and adjusted as the weight of the user
changes.
[0013] In one embodiment, the exercise device includes a frame that
is connected with an operable member such as a belt assembly on a
treadmill or a pedal assembly on an elliptical device. A monitoring
assembly is linked to the frame and includes a console that is
positioned such that a user easily views a display on the console
as the user exercises. The display of the console conveys a user's
body fat percentage after it is measured. The display is also able
to display historical values of the user's body fat percentage.
[0014] The monitoring assembly typically has a pair of electrodes
that may be coupled to handles grasped by a user. The handles may
be connected to the console, but the handles can alternatively be
part of the frame or of the operable member of the exercise device.
The electrodes can be used by, for example, a body fat sensor
and/or a heart rate sensor, and may be integrated into the handles.
In one embodiment, at least one of the electrodes in each handle is
shared by both the body fat sensor and the heart rate sensor. When
a person grasps a handle in each hand, the electrodes are used to
send signals through the person's body that may be analyzed. The
body fat sensor, for example, uses a signal to determine the
person's impedance. In another embodiment, the electrodes are
linked to the exercise device independently from the handles.
[0015] The impedance obtained from the body fat sensor may be used
in a regression analysis to determine the user's body fat
percentage. In one embodiment, more than one regression analysis is
available to the monitoring assembly. The regression analysis used
to determine a particular user's percent body fat may be determined
from the user's body mass index (BMI). In addition, the regression
analysis may also incorporate user data including the user's
weight, height, age, and/or sex when determining the user's body
fat percentage.
[0016] User data such as weight, height, age, and sex may be stored
by the monitoring assembly for multiple users such that the body
fat or other biometrics of multiple users may be stored and
monitored. When the body fat of a particular user is measured, the
percent body fat is determined and then displayed on the console of
the monitoring assembly. The console also has the ability to
display the user's progress in terms of body fat as well as suggest
a workout routine based on the user's body fat. The console may
also display the user's progress in terms of other biometrics.
[0017] The BMI of a user is typically defined by the weight and the
height of the As user. As a user exercises, the user's weight is
likely to change. The monitoring assembly can track and adjust a
user's BMI as the user's weight changes over time. The BMI can be
displayed to the user. In one embodiment, historical values of the
BMI are stored such that a history of the user's BMI can also be
displayed. In this manner, a user can track his or her progress
using the BMI.
[0018] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be
set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be
obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of
the invention. These and other features of the present invention
will become more fully apparent from the following description and
appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention
as set forth hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] To further clarify the above and other advantages and
features of the present invention, a more particular description of
the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments
thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is
appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of
the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of
its scope. The invention will be described and explained with
additional specificity and detail through the use of the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exercise system
comprising: an exercise device linked to a monitoring assembly in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a top view of one embodiment of a monitoring
assembly that includes a console connected to handles having
electrodes mounted thereon; and
[0022] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the monitoring assembly
illustrated in FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] The present invention generally relates to systems, methods,
and devices for measuring a user's biometrics including a user's
body fat and/or heart rate. More particularly, the present
invention relates to an exercise system that has a body fat monitor
for measuring a user's body fat and/or a heart rate monitor for
measuring a user's heart rate. In one embodiment, the biometric
sensors share a common or reference electrode.
[0024] As used herein, "exercise device" includes, but is not
limited to, treadmills, stationary bicycles, stair stepping
equipment, elliptical machines, or other device usable by a user to
perform exercise programs or regimes. Each exercise device
typically includes an operable member that is used primarily for
exercise. For example, a treadmill includes a belt assembly that
permits a user to run, jog, or walk. Both stationary bicycles and
elliptical machines typically have pedal assemblies that enable a
person to pedal or run as needed.
[0025] The present invention is described herein in context of a
treadmill, which is illustrated in FIG. 1 as a treadmill 10, but
one of skill in the art may appreciate that the present invention
may be used with other exercise devices. The treadmill 10 includes
a tread base 20 that is movably connected to a frame 12. The
connection between the tread base 20 and the frame 12 enables the
tread base 20 to be lowered or raised as needed by a user. When the
tread base 20 is lowered as illustrated in FIG. 1, the treadmill 10
may be used for exercise. When the tread base 20 is raised, the
treadmill 10 cannot be used for exercise and is usually stored
until the tread base 20 is lowered for use. Other treadmills may
include tread bases that are fixed and are unable to be moved
between an exercise position and a storage position.
[0026] The tread base 20 of treadmill 10 has a left side 16 and a
right side 18. As illustrated, the left side 16 and the right side
18 are spaced apart and are in general alignment. The tread base 20
has an endless belt 24 positioned between the left side 16 and the
right side 18. The endless belt 24 or tread is part of a belt
assembly and is configured to receive a user thereon to perform
exercises such as running, walking, jogging, etc.
[0027] The frame 12 provides support for the treadmill 10.
Therefore, the components of treadmill 10 are supported by the
frame 12 and may be considered as being linked to the frame 12. The
frame 12 is configured to be freestanding and to stably support the
treadmill 10. The frame 12 includes an upright structure 14 that
supports tread base 20 and has a left upright member 19 and a right
upright member 21 spaced from left upright member 19 and in general
alignment therewith. The frame 12 further includes, in this
example, a left support member 54 and a right support member 52.
The support members 54 and 52 may be used, for example, to help a
user maintain balance or provide support to the user as the user
performs an exercise.
[0028] FIG. 1 is an example of an exercise system 8 comprising an
exercise device 10 that is linked to a monitoring assembly 100.
[0029] The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 illustrates that
exercise system 8 of the present invention has a monitoring
assembly 100 comprising (i) a console 200 linked to the frame 12 of
device 10; and (ii) electrodes electrically coupled to the console
200. The console 200 is positioned between the left upright member
19 and the right upright member 21 such that a user may easily view
the console 200 when the user is positioned on the endless belt 24.
The console 200 has operating controls that may be controlled by a
user to operate the treadmill 10. The console 200 further includes
one or more displays that may be used by the user to identify
various parameters associated with the exercise being performed.
Although references made to the console 200 as being disposed
between upright members 19 and 21, one skilled in the art may
appreciate that the console 200 may be coupled to only one of the
upright members 19 and 21, whether or not the same is between the
upright members 19 and 21.
[0030] The console 200, in this illustration, is connected to a
handle 202 and a handle 204. The handles may be integrally coupled
to the console 200 or coupled thereto through a variety of
different manners. In this example, electrodes for one or more
biometric sensors are mounted in handles 202 and 204. The sensors
are typically contained within the console 200. The handles 202 and
204 are positioned so that a user may grasp handles 202 and 204
while exercising or while resting. The electrodes in the handles
202 and 204 are used to pass a signal through the user's body or
are used to detect signals generated by the body. One of skill in
the art may appreciate that the electrodes of the present invention
may be coupled to a variety of different structures, such as
respective handles, the frame, the console, or one or more operable
members, for example, but may, in another embodiment, be held by
the user independently of such structures.
[0031] A processor (not shown) included in the console 200 analyzes
the signals from the electrodes to determine the biometric being
measured. In this example, the handles 202 and 204 have electrodes
for a heart rate sensor and a body fat sensor mantel thereon. In
addition, the sensors share a common or reference electrode. Each
handle 202 and 204 has a reference electrode contact thereon that
typically has the same potential. In one embodiment, the biometric
sensors may be mounted in or to the frame 12.
[0032] In another embodiment that is also illustrated in FIG. 1,
electrodes for the biometric sensors are mounted in the support
members 52 and 54. In each case, the electrodes are electrically
connected with the biometric sensors, regardless of where the
electrodes are located. This permits the electrodes to be placed in
any useful location relative to the frame 12, the console 200, or
more generally exercise device 10. The electrodes may also be
configured to be held directly by a user or may be located in one
or more handheld devices that are separate from the exercise device
but in communication with the console 200. This may enable the user
to more easily hold the electrodes while the user's biometrics are
measured.
[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a monitoring assembly
100 that includes a console 200. The monitoring assembly 100, may
be linked to the frame 12 (FIG. 1) of the exercise device 10. The
console 200 includes biometric sensors that may detect and measure
various biometrics that include, but are not limited to, user's
percent body fat and a user's heart rate. In this example, the
biometric sensors are mounted in the console 200 and the electrodes
are integrated with the handles 202 and 204. The handles 202 and
204 are configured to be grasped by a user and the biometric
sensors may measure or detect biometrics of the user when the user
is in contact with the electrodes of the biometric sensors. The
handles 202 and 204 are connected to the console 200.
Alternatively, the handles can be mounted on the frame or operable
member of the exercise device.
[0034] In an alternative embodiment, the biometric sensors may be
mounted directly in the frame 12 (FIG. 1) of the exercise device or
other suitable location as previously stated. The electrodes
embedded in handles 202 and 204 are typically flush with the
surface of the handles 202 and 204 and are electrically isolated
from each other in each respective handle 202 and 204.
Alternatively, the electrodes may be raised from the surface of the
handles 202 and 204 to ensure electrical contact with a user when
the user grasps the handles 202 and 204.
[0035] In one embodiment, the body fat sensor is electrically
coupled to an electrode 210, an electrode 208 and one or more
reference electrodes. The reference electrode may have a plurality
of reference electrode contacts 214a-b. The reference electrode
contacts 214a-b have the same potential on both the handle 202 and
the handle 204 and serve as a reference for the electrodes 210 and
208. The reference electrode contacts 214a-b, for example, are
electrically connected together and may be grounded. Similarly, the
heart rate sensor is electrically coupled to an electrode 206 and
an electrode 209. In this example, the heart rate sensor and the
body fat sensor utilize the same reference electrode contacts
214a-b.
[0036] Alternatively, the heart rate sensor and the body fat sensor
do not share the same reference electrode contacts. In this
example, each sensor would have a reference electrode contact that
is separate from the reference electrode contact of the other
sensor(s). For instance, each of the reference electrodes 214a-b
could be separated into two separate electrodes. In such an
alternate embodiment, the electrodes, 206, 210, 208, and 209 would
be associated with a separate reference electrode contact.
[0037] The electrodes 206, 210 and the reference electrode contact
214 on the handle 202 and the electrodes 208, 209, and the
reference electrode contact 214 on the handle 204 are positioned
such that a user's hands contact the relevant electrodes when the
user grips the handles 202 and 204. When the user is measuring only
body fat, for example, one hand is in contact with the electrode
210 and the electrode contact 214a while the user's other hand is
in contact with the electrode 208 and the electrode contact 214b.
In one such embodiment, the electrodes 206 and 209 are not active
even though the user's hands are likely to be in contact with these
electrodes.
[0038] When the user is grasping the handles 202 and 204 in this
manner, a signal may be passed through the user's body, measured,
and analyzed to determine the user's body fat as a percentage. In
this example, the signal may originate at the electrode 210 and be
detected at the electrode 208, however it is understood that the
opposite case is also possible. The signal passed through the
user's body is typically dependent on the biometric being
measured.
[0039] In another embodiment of the present invention, the same
electrodes may be used to measure different biometrics or other
measurable characteristic or property of the human body. The
console 200, for example, may have a control that determines which
biometric is being measured by the electrodes. In this embodiment,
the electrodes 210 and 208 could be eliminated and the electrodes
206 and 209 could be used for all biometric sensors. In this
example, however, either the body fat sensor or the heart rate
sensor is inactive as the signal used by the heart rate sensor to
detect a heart rate may interfere with a signal used by the body
fat monitor to detect body fat. Only one of the sensors is active
at a particular time. The user may provide input through console
200 to activate a different sensor, which also deactivates the
other sensors such that a single sensor is active. One of the
sensors may be active by default.
[0040] The console 200 includes inputs 220, 222, and 224, such as
buttons, switches, and other controls, that are often used in
conjunction with a body fat sensor or other biometric sensor. The
input 220, when depressed by a user, activates the body fat sensor
while deactivating the heart rate sensor. The user then grips the
handles so that each hand is in contact with the appropriate
electrodes as described above and a signal is input to the user's
body through the electrode 210 in one configuration. The signal,
after passing through the body of the user, is measured at the
electrode 208. From the signal, the impedance of the user is
determined; the impedance is usually expressed in ohms. The
impedance is then used by the console 200 to determine the user's
body fat or body fat percentage.
[0041] Body fat content as a percentage of total body weight may be
measured by measuring the body's electrical impedance. The body's
impedance can be measured, for example, between the individual's
feet, between the foot and arm, or across the trunk of an
individual. Measuring a person's impedance is based, in one
embodiment, on the different electrical properties of various
biological tissues at different signal frequencies. Tissues that
contain a lot of water and electrolytes, such as muscle, are highly
conductive. Fat, bone, and air-filled spaces such as the lungs are
more resistive. The volume of these tissues may thus be determined
from measurements of their combined resistances.
[0042] In one embodiment, before the impedance may be used to
determine the user's body fat percentage, the user enters user data
into the console 200 using a user input 250. In one example, the
user data includes, but is not limited to, height, weight, sex,
and/or age data. The console 200 includes components such as a
processor, memory, and software that permit various types of data
to be stored and used. The user data can be stored, for example, in
a look up table or other data structure. Also, user data for more
than one user can be stored and accessed as needed when a biometric
such as body fat is being determined.
[0043] In another embodiment, the console 200 provides a connection
over a computer network such as the Internet that permits a user's
data to be stored remotely. The user data, for example, may be
stored as a remote web site that tracks and analyses the user data.
The data generated by the biometric sensors may also be stored
either on the console or at a remote location.
[0044] The console 200 is able to store a user's data once the data
is entered and console 200 is also able to store data for more than
one user. Before exercising, a user may use user input 250 to
scroll through a list of the users stored by the console 200 until
the appropriate user is found. The user can use the enter button of
the user input 250 to select the displayed user so that any
measurements taken during the exercise session are associated with
the that user. At this point, the console is prepared to measure a
user's biometrics.
[0045] In one embodiment, when the user depresses the measure input
220, the electrodes in handles 202 and 204 for the body fat sensor
are activated. Next, the user is instructed on display 230 to grip
handles 202 and 204 such that the user's hands are in contact with
the electrodes. If the electrodes are mounted in one or more
handheld devices or component or on the frame, then the user is
instructed to grip the handheld devices or component or the frame.
Next, the body fat sensor measures the impedance or resistance of
the user and the body fat percentage is computed by the console 200
using, in one embodiment, a regression analysis, performed by
various hardware and/or software components and modules.
[0046] The regression analysis applied to a particular user may
depend on the sex of the user and/or other characteristics. In one
embodiment, the user's sex and body mass index (BMI) are used to
identify the appropriate regression analysis. For example, if the
body mass index (BMI) of a female user is greater than 28 a first
regression analysis may be performed. If the BMI of the female user
is less than 21, a second regression analysis may be performed. If
the BMI of the female user is between 21 and 28, then the results
of the first regression analysis and the second regression analysis
may be combined or averaged. A similar approach may be performed
for male users. As the BMI of the user changes, the regression
analysis used to determine the user's body fat may changes as well.
Thus, the system stores and updates the BMI of each user
periodically or when the user enters a new weight value. By storing
current and historical values of each user's BMI, the present
invention is also able to display a user's progress in terms of the
user's BMI.
[0047] The regression analysis often utilizes height of the user,
the weight of the user, and the resistance of the user as measured
by the body fat sensor to determine the user's percent body fat.
The regression analysis may also incorporate the age of the user in
some instances. In one embodiment, the following regression
analysis is used to determine a user's body fat. In this
example:
[0048] FFM=Fat Free Mass;
[0049] BW=Body Weight in kilograms;
[0050] HT=height in centimeters;
[0051] R=resistance in ohms;
[0052] BMI=Body Mass Index=BW/HT.sup.2;
[0053] % BF=Percent Body Fat; and
[0054] % BF=(100*((BW-FFM)/BW))).
[0055] For women whose BMI<21,
FM=0.000646(HT).sup.2-0.014(R)+0.421(BM)+10.4. (1)
[0056] For women whose BMI>28,
FFM=0.00091186(HT).sup.2-0.01466(R)+0.29990(BW)-0.07012(age)+9.937938.
(2)
[0057] Equations (1) and (2) are averaged for a woman where
22<BMI<27.
[0058] For a man whose BMI<21,
FFM=0.00066360(HT).sub.2-0.02117(R)+0.62854(BW)-0.12390(Age)+9.33285
(3)
[0059] For a man whose BMI>38,
FFM=0.0008858(HT).sup.2-0.02999(R)+0.42688(BW)-)0.07002(Age)+14.52435
(4)
[0060] Equations (3) and (4) are averaged for a man where 22<BMI
<27.
[0061] After the body fat percentage is determined, it is displayed
to the user using a sensor display 240, such as one or more LCD
displays or other displays capable of displaying data visually to a
user. The sensor display 240 is also used, in one embodiment, to
display the heart rate of the user as determined by the heart rate
sensor. Alternatively, the body fat percentage or other biometric
may be displayed on a different portion of the display 230.
[0062] As a user continues to use the exercise device over time and
measure his or her biometrics, the console 200 stores values of the
user's biometrics. The progress input 224 may be used to display a
history of recent measurements or to provide a user with an
indication of how he or she is progressing. For body fat
measurements, the graphical display 240 may display a visual
representation of how the user's body fat percentage has changed
over a particular period of time.
[0063] For instance, the display may be a bar chart, pie chart, or
other visual representation of the user's biometrics. In one
embodiment, the user's initial body fat measurement and current
body fat measurement are displayed. This gives the user an
indication of their overall progress. Alternatively, body fat
measurements for a specific period of time may be displayed, thus
displaying the user's progress for the specific time period. This
enables, for example, a user to track their progress over the last
month. In addition, the user's progress may be displayed in terms
of time, workout, weight, body fat percentage, and the like.
[0064] The program input 222, such as a switch, button, or other
controller, utilizes the user's data along with their body fat
measurement(s) to identify and suggest an exercise program for the
user. This aspect of the console 200 uses the body fat measurement
in combination with a user's lifestyle to provide or recommend a
workout routine. A user may be provided with different options that
recommend fat grams, carbohydrate grams, total calories, and the
like along with a workout routine. For example, if the lifestyle of
a user is to lose weight, then the workout routine is configured
accordingly. If a user, on the other hand, simply desires to
maintain their current weight, then the workout routine is
recommended accordingly.
[0065] In one embodiment, when a user begins to use an exercise
system in accordance with the present invention, the user provides
user data (height, weight, age, sex, etc.) to the exercise system.
The user provides user data, for example, by inputting the user
data through the console 200. The user is prompted to update the
user data periodically or the user can update the user data at any
time without being prompted. The biometrics measured by the body
fat monitor and the heart rate monitor can be stored and included
in the user data. In one embodiment, as a user exercises, body fat
measurements, heart rate measurements, BMI, and the like are added
to or associated with the user data input by the user. As
previously stated, the historical values of the biometric
measurements can be displayed to the user to demonstrate the user's
progress. When a user exercises, the duration of the exercise
session, the calories burned, and other information generated by
the exercise session can become part of or is associated with the
user data. The historical data or values, for example, may include
the amount of belt revolutions and belt speed on a treadmill, the
amount of revolutions of the pedal assembly of an exercise bike,
and the like. The program input can also utilize the user data to
provide a particular workout routine for the user or to provide a
workout routine that uses biometric ranges such as a target heart
rate.
[0066] For example, when the user depresses the program input, the
monitoring assembly can provide a workout routine using a portion
of the user data such as the BMI. Alternatively, the monitoring
assembly can consider the user's weight, height, and historical
values of body fat to provide a workout routine. The workout
routine provides by the monitoring assembly can also be affected by
the information that is generated by the user's exercise sessions,
such as historical data reflecting how much the user has used the
exercise device. One of skill in the art can appreciate that the
workout routine can be provided or recommended using the user data
in a variety of different combinations.
[0067] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the monitoring assembly 100. In
FIG. 3, a biometric circuitry 300 may include, but is not limited
to, a heart rate sensor 302 and a body fat sensor 304. The heart
rate sensor 302 and the body fat sensor 304 are both connected to a
reference electrode 307. The reference electrode 307 may include
one or more reference electrode contacts as illustrated by
reference electrode contacts 214a, 214b in FIG. 2. The heart rate
sensor is also connected to the electrodes 308 (e.g. electrodes
206, 209) while the body fat sensor 304 is connected to the
electrodes 309 (e.g. electrodes 208, 210). Each sensor, when
active, generates a signal that is adapted for use with a user's
body. The heart rate sensor 302, for example, uses the electrodes
308 and 307 to measure an EKG signal. A signal processor 306 is
able to convert the data or signal from the heart rate sensor 302
into a heart rate. The signal processor 306 utilizes the signal or
data received from the body fat sensor 304 to generate a resistance
or impedance of the user.
[0068] A biometric processor 310 receives data from the biometric
circuitry 300 and displays the measured biometric data on display
230 or 240. When measuring the body fat or percent body fat of a
user, the biometric processor 310 receives an impedance from the
signal processor 306. The biometric processor 310 uses the
impedance determined by the body fat sensor 304, in combination
with user data 312 and regression data 314, to compute and display
the user's body fat percentage on the display 240 or the display
230. As previously indicated, the heart rate sensor, the body fat
sensor, and other biometric sensors are configured such that they
share at least one common electrode in one embodiment. In another
embodiment, the electrodes are common to all biometric sensors but
only one sensor is active at a time.
[0069] In another embodiment, the functionality of the signal
processor 306 may be collapsed into biometric processor 310. This
permits a single processor to compute all of the biometrics that
may be measured using the console 200. Alternatively, the
functionality of the signal processor can be collapsed into the
body fat sensor 304 and/or the heart rate sensor 306.
[0070] FIG. 3 further illustrates an example of a processing
assembly 315. The processing assembly 315 includes the body fat
sensor 304, the signal processor 306 and the biometric processor
310. The processing assembly is able to determine a user's body fat
percentage as previously described. A body fat monitor 317, which
includes the processing assembly 315, the display 240, the
reference electrode 307, and the electrodes 309, conveys the body
fat percentage to the user. The body fat monitor also conveys other
data to the user as previously described.
[0071] The present invention can also monitor the BMI of multiple
users using a BMI monitor which is included in the monitoring
assembly. The BMI is computed using the height and weight of a user
as defined previously. As a user exercises, the user data,
including the weight, is updated at times by the user or by
prompting from the BMI monitor through the display of the
monitoring assembly. The user typically updates his or her weight
as his or her weight changes over time. As the user's weight
changes, the BMI of the user also changes. The BMI of each user is
stored by the BMI monitor and can be displayed to the user. In
addition, historical values of each user's BMI is also stored by
the BMI monitor. Thus, the progress of the user in terms of BMI can
also be displayed to the user.
[0072] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
* * * * *