U.S. patent application number 10/745343 was filed with the patent office on 2004-10-07 for encoded metabolic data for transfer and subsequent use, methods of use, and apparatus for using the encoded metabolic data.
Invention is credited to Kofoed, Scott A., Orr, Joseph A..
Application Number | 20040198554 10/745343 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33101073 |
Filed Date | 2004-10-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040198554 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Orr, Joseph A. ; et
al. |
October 7, 2004 |
Encoded metabolic data for transfer and subsequent use, methods of
use, and apparatus for using the encoded metabolic data
Abstract
Systems and methods that generate and transfer data
representative of a subject's metabolism for subsequent use with
one or more different exercise apparatus are provided. Exercise
apparatus which are configured to receive such data, as well as to
use such data to calculate exercise results which are tailored to a
subject to whom the data applies, are also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Orr, Joseph A.; (Park City,
UT) ; Kofoed, Scott A.; (Salt Lake City, UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TRASK BRITT
P.O. BOX 2550
SALT LAKE CITY
UT
84110
US
|
Family ID: |
33101073 |
Appl. No.: |
10/745343 |
Filed: |
December 22, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60435905 |
Dec 20, 2002 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/8 ;
482/901 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 24/00 20130101;
A63B 2230/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/008 ;
482/901 |
International
Class: |
A63B 071/00 |
Claims
1. A method of encoding results of an exercise metabolic test,
comprising: providing a fixed number of characters, each of the
characters corresponding to a value associated with a metabolic
parameter, the fixed number of characters corresponding, in
combination, to at least one metabolic parameter; obtaining data
corresponding to the at least one metabolic parameter; and
determining at least one identifier corresponding to the data, the
at least one identifier comprising at least a portion of the fixed
number of characters, which comprises an individual metabolic
code.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the fixed number of
characters comprises providing a fixed number of characters to
correspond to a plurality of metabolic parameters.
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: organizing a
plurality of identifiers corresponding to each of the plurality of
metabolic parameters into a predetermined sequence and length of
the fixed number of characters to provide the individual metabolic
code.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein obtaining data comprises
obtaining data corresponding to at least one of a heart rate, a
heart rate at a peak exertion, a heart rate at an anaerobic
threshold, a number of calories burned, a number of calories burned
at a peak exertion, a number of calories burned at an anaerobic
threshold, an age, a weight, and a sex.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein obtaining data further comprises
calculating a linear relationship between the heart rate and the
number of calories burned.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising inputting the
individual metabolic code into a processing element for measuring
at least one metabolic parameter of a subject during activity by
the subject.
7. The method of claim 6, further comprising calculating the at
least one metabolic parameter based at least partially upon the at
least one identifier of the individual metabolic code.
8. The method of claim 7, further comprising outputting the at
least one metabolic parameter.
9. An apparatus for use during exercise, comprising: a monitor
configured to measure at least one measured metabolic parameter
during activity by a subject; and a processing element in
communication with the monitor and configured to: receive an
individual metabolic code; decode the individual metabolic code;
calculate at least one calculated metabolic parameter based on the
at least one measured metabolic parameter and the individual
metabolic code; and output the at least one calculated metabolic
parameter.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising an exercise
device.
11. An exercise machine, comprising: an exercise component; a
monitor configured to measure at least one measured metabolic
parameter during activity by a subject; and a processing element in
communication with at least one of the exercise component and the
monitor and configured to: receive an individual metabolic code;
decode the individual metabolic code; calculate at least one
calculated metabolic parameter based on the individual metabolic
code and at least one of a parameter of the subject measured by the
monitor and a at least one parameter of the exercise component
during exercise by the subject; and output the at least one
calculated metabolic parameter.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] Under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e), priority is
claimed from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No.
60/435,905, filed on Dec. 20, 2002, the disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated by reference by this reference as if set forth
herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to methods and
protocols for encoding and transferring metabolic data for
subsequent use during exercise or physical exertion and, more
specifically, to methods and protocols for encoding and
transferring metabolic data for subsequent use in tailoring
metabolic data obtained during exercise or physical exertion to the
subject to which the encoded metabolic data corresponds. In
addition, the present invention includes apparatus with which the
encoded metabolic data may be used.
[0004] 2. Background of Related Art
[0005] Metabolic rate is the rate at which a subject (e.g., an
individual) produces heat, or metabolizes, consumes, or "burns,"
energy in the form of calories that the subject's body has stored
from food consumed by the subject. Various methods have long been
used to determine the metabolic rate of a subject.
[0006] One example of a method for determining the metabolic rate
of a subject includes determining the subject's metabolic rate at
rest, while awake with no physical exertion, which is also commonly
referred to in the art as the "resting metabolic rate" (RMR) or
"basal metabolic rate" (BMR) of the subject. Resting metabolic rate
is the number of calories that may be consumed by a subject over a
given period of time (e.g., one day) if the subject were not to be
subjected to any physical activity, or exertion, over that period
of time. The resting metabolic rate of a subject is often used by
nutritionists and personal trainers working with a subject, as well
as by the subject themselves, to develop a diet or exercise regimen
for the subject that will help the subject achieve one or more
particular goals, such as improving the cardiovascular health and
fitness of the subject, reducing the subject's weight, improving
the subject's strength, and the like.
[0007] As another example, exercise metabolic tests are often used
to extract key physiologic information about a subject at exercise.
Such a test may be conducted at varying degrees, or intensities of
exercise or other physical exertion. The exercise metabolic test
uses a metabolic analysis system to evaluate the maximum oxygen
consumed during exercise (Peak VO.sub.2) or VO.sub.2 max. The test
also determines the anaerobic threshold or point at which the
subject begins to incur an oxygen debt or when the subject's
metabolism begins to be anaerobic. Heart rate is also monitored
during the exercise metabolic test so that the heart rates at which
the metabolic events (peak and anaerobic threshold) can be used for
markers of exercise intensity during later exercise sessions.
[0008] In the typical exercise metabolic test, the protocol calls
for measurement of oxygen consumption and heart rate at steadily
increasing exercise intensity levels. The exercise workload is
increased until the subject reaches the point of exhaustion. The
data is then analyzed to determine peak heart rate and VO.sub.2
levels, as well as heart rate and VO.sub.2 levels at anaerobic
threshold. The number of calories burned is calculated directly
from the measured oxygen consumption (VO.sub.2) by use of known
algorithms.
[0009] The results of an exercise metabolic test can be used to
tailor future exercise tests to the specific needs of the subject.
For example, the results of an exercise metabolic test may be used
to develop an exercise program with particular characteristics
(e.g., intensity, duration, type or types of exercise, combinations
thereof, etc.) to achieve a particular goal (e.g., improve
cardiovascular fitness and health, weight loss, strength
conditioning, etc.). They can also be used to calculate the precise
amount of calories that are burned during an exercise session based
on the heart rate as measured during the exercise session.
[0010] One of the main benefits of an exercise metabolic test is
the ability to measure the amount of calories burned at various
levels of exercise intensity. Again, simultaneously measured heart
rates can be measured and used to provide a relationship between
heart rate and caloric expenditure during future exercise
sessions.
[0011] Nonetheless, the inventors are not aware of any methods or
systems for inputting exercise metabolic data from an exercise
metabolic test into apparatus (e.g., one or more processing
elements of exercise apparatus or apparatus to be used during
exercise) during exercise or other physical exertion to provide a
subject to which the exercise metabolic data corresponds with
accurate information on the results of such physical exertion.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] To make the results of an exercise test more useful, they
should be readily and easily communicated to metabolism monitoring
equipment that will indicate to a subject the affects (e.g., number
of calories burned during the course of physical exertion) that the
exercise or other physical exertion has on the subject. The present
invention includes systems and methods for providing data
representative of a subject's metabolism and subsequent use of such
data in one or more processing elements of different exercise
apparatus or apparatus that are to be used during exercise or other
physical exertion. In addition, exercise apparatus which are
configured to receive such data, as well as to use such data to
calculate exercise results which are tailored to a subject to whom
the data applies, are also within the scope of the present
invention.
[0013] One aspect of the present invention includes methods for
configuring data into an easily transferable form. The present
invention includes encoding metabolic data that pertains to a
particular subject into a simple form (e.g., in the form of numeric
digits, letters, or a combination thereof) that can be easily
remembered by the subject. Alternatively, the data may be stored in
any known and useful manner (e.g., in a bar code, magnetically,
electronically, etc.).
[0014] When the subject exercises or otherwise physically exerts
him or herself, the encoded data may be used by that subject to
provide the subject with accurate information about that subject's
metabolism during the physical exertion. By way of example only,
the encoded data may be entered into a processing element
associated with metabolic monitoring equipment (e.g., exercise
equipment, a portable monitoring device to be used by the subject,
etc.). One or more metabolic characteristics (e.g., heart rate,
oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide elimination, etc.) may be
measured as the subject subsequently exercises and the encoded data
used to provide the subject with tailored information about the
metabolic results (e.g., the number of calories burned, rate at
which calories are burned) of the subsequent exercise.
[0015] Another aspect of the present invention includes metabolism
monitoring equipment including at least one processing element
configured to receive the encoded metabolic data for a subject and
to provide the subject with information about the results of the
exercise which is tailored to the subject. Such metabolism
monitoring equipment includes, but is not limited to, computers of
exercise equipment, portable exercise monitors configured to be
carried by the subject, and the like.
[0016] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through a
consideration of the ensuing description and the appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] In the drawings, which depict various aspects of exemplary
embodiments of the present invention:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an example of
portable metabolism monitoring equipment according to the present
invention; and
[0019] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an example of
exercise equipment including a computer comprising metabolism
monitoring equipment according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] Personalized metabolic data for a subject may be obtained by
any of a variety of techniques that are known in the art. Exercise
metabolic tests are exemplary techniques for obtaining personalized
metabolic data. The exercise metabolic testing may be effected at
one exercise intensity or at a plurality of different exercise
intensities. During exercise metabolic testing, flow rates and
carbon dioxide and/or oxygen levels of the respiration of subject
may be determined with known apparatus and by known techniques.
Additionally the heart rate of the subject may be determined, as
known in the art.
[0021] From this information, various characteristics of the
subject's metabolism, or "metabolic data," may be determined, as
known in the art, including, without limitation, the subject's
heart rate at anaerobic threshold, the subject's peak heart rate,
and the number of calories per hour burned by the subject at both
anaerobic threshold and peak effort. The obtained data may then be
encoded into a form which may be memorized and remembered by the
subject to whom it pertains and which will be "understood" by, or
have meaning to, a processing element associated with apparatus
into which such encoded data is subsequently input. Alternatively,
or in addition, the metabolic data may then be provided to the
subject on a card (e.g., in print, on a magnetic strip, as a bar
code, in a semiconductor chip carried by the card, etc.).
[0022] By way of example only, and not to limit the scope of the
present invention, the encoded data may take the form of a
pre-specified number of characters, such as digits, letters, or a
combination of digits and letters. If letters are included, they
may correspond to numbers in a known manner, such as the numbers
that are accompanied by various letters on a touch-tone telephone
keypad. As an example of the number of characters that are to be
remembered by the individual or stored on a card, the metabolic
data that pertains to a particular subject may be stored as a
seven-digit number, similar to a telephone number. As another
example, the metabolic data that pertains to the subject may be a
nine-digit number, similar to a Social Security Number.
[0023] The data which is encoded is preferably useful in providing
a basis for subsequent measurements of the metabolic activity of
the subject with whom it is associated (e.g., as the subject
exercises). As an example, the encoded data may include information
about a variety of metabolic parameters, including, without
limitation, the heart rate at peak or anaerobic threshold, the
caloric burn rate at either peak or anaerobic threshold, and the
slope of the line relating heart rate to caloric burn.
[0024] A few examples of the manner in which such encoding may be
effected follow.
EXAMPLE 1
[0025] Form of Code: AAB-BCCC,
[0026] where
[0027] AA is the heart rate at anaerobic threshold minus (-)
80,
[0028] BB is the calories per hour burned at anaerobic threshold
divided by (/) 10
[0029] CCC is the slope of the line relating calories per hour to
heart rate multiplied by (.times.) 10.
[0030] If necessary, a leading zero may be applied.
[0031] As an example of the use of this type of code, if the
following metabolic parameters have been measured for a particular
subject:
1 Heart rate at Anaerobic 132 Beats per minute Threshold Peak Heart
Rate 176 Beats per minute Calories per hour at 456 Calories per
hour Anaerobic Threshold Calories per hour at 903 Calories per hour
Peak Effort Slope 10.15 Calories per hour/beats per minute, the
encoded number would then be 524-6102 or its equivalent
KAHN102.
[0032] the encoded number would then be 524-6102 or its equivalent
KAHN102.
[0033] Once this data has been input into a processing element
associated with another apparatus, it may be decoded by use of the
following algorithm:
Calories per hour=10.times.BB+{CCC.times.[(AA+80)-HR]}/10,
[0034] where HR is a heart rate of a subject measured as the
subject is exercising.
EXAMPLE 2
[0035] Form of code: AAA-BBCC,
[0036] where
[0037] AAA is the heart rate at anaerobic threshold,
[0038] BB is the calories per hour burned at anaerobic threshold
divided by 10, and
[0039] CC is the inverted slope in beats per calorie.
[0040] Using the exemplary data given above in EXAMPLE 1, the
modified slope would be 5.91 beats per calorie burned. We round to
the nearest whole number to give 6 beats per calorie. The encoded
value would then be 132-4606 or its equivalent 1ECHO0O.
[0041] The decoding equation would be:
Calories per hour=10.times.BB+[(AAA-HR)/CC].times.60
[0042] Note that we must multiply by 60 to convert to calories per
hour from calories per minute.
[0043] This embodiment has the advantages of being more intuitively
understood. Specifically, using the first three digits for the
entire heart rate at anaerobic threshold. Another intuitive
advantage is use of the beats per calorie factor as a whole number.
The disadvantage of this scheme is that it has poor resolution for
some test results.
EXAMPLE 3
[0044] A variation of the embodiment of Example 2 that corrects
this problem shifts the heart rate and allows 1 more digit for the
beats per calorie portion of the encoded result. The encoding then
becomes:
[0045] AAB-BCCC,
[0046] where
[0047] AA is the heart rate at anaerobic threshold -80,
[0048] BB is the calories per hour at anaerobic threshold divided
by 100,
[0049] CCC is beats per calorie at anaerobic threshold (beats per
minute, multiplied by 60 minutes per hour, divided by calories per
hour at anaerobic threshold) multiplied by 10.
[0050] Using the data provided in EXAMPLE 1, (AA=132-80=52;
BB=456/100.apprxeq.5; CCC=132.times.60/456).times.10=174), the
encoded value would be 520-5174.
[0051] Alternatively, the heart rate and caloric burn rate at
anaerobic threshold could be replaced by the corresponding heart
rate and caloric burn rate at peak VO.sub.2 and the numbers
inserted into known algorithms to provide information (calories
burned, calories burned per hour, etc.) tailored to the subject
during physical exertion.
[0052] A variety of other schemes would be well within the skill of
one in the art and, thus, are also within the scope of the present
invention.
[0053] In addition to the schemes of EXAMPLES 1-3, other parameters
may be encoded. By way of example only, heart rates at peak or
anaerobic threshold may be encoded, as may the age, weight, sex,
body type, etc. of the subject to whom the encoded metabolic data
pertains.
[0054] As an example of the use of such encoded metabolic data, it
may be entered into a processing element of an exercise apparatus
or other device associated with exercise (e.g., a heart rate
monitor, etc.) and decoded by the exercise apparatus. When the
subject to whom the encoded data pertains uses that exercise
apparatus, and one or more characteristics of the subject's
metabolism are measured during exercise (e.g., heart rate), the
decoded data may be used along with the measured characteristics to
calculate at least one metabolic parameter (e.g., calories burned).
That metabolic parameter may then be output by the processing
element, such as on a display screen of the exercise apparatus.
[0055] FIG. 1 illustrates a portable metabolic monitor 10, such as
a heart rate monitor. As shown, portable metabolic may include a
wristband 11 or other known means for snugly securing a cardiac
rate monitor 14 to an appropriate location on the body of a
subject. In addition, portable metabolic monitor 10 includes a
processing element 12 (e.g., a processor, microcontroller, etc.)
and memory 13 associated with processing element 12. Processing
element 12 also communicates with cardiac rate monitor 14, as do an
output element 16, an input element 17, and an optional
communication device 18.
[0056] Cardiac rate monitor 14 comprises a known type of cardiac
rate monitor and is configured to sense the pulse of a subject when
positioned in proximity to a location on the subject, such as the
subject's wrist or neck, where the pulse or cardiac rate of the
subject can be accurately measured.
[0057] Input element 17 is useful for entering information, such as
encoded metabolic data according to the present invention, into
processing element 12. By way of example only, input element may
comprise a multi-directional key, multiple single-directional keys,
or a numeric, alphanumeric, or alphabetical key pad.
[0058] Data or other information derived from the measured cardiac
rate of individual I is communicated to individual I through output
element 16. Output element 16 may includes a display screen of a
known type, such a light emitting diode (LED) or a field emission
display (FED). Alternatively, output element 16 may comprise
another type of visual display element, an audio alarm or other
audio output device, or any other known type of output element that
would be useful for communicating information to the subject. As
another alternative, portable metabolic monitor 10 may include a
combination of different types of output elements 16.
[0059] Communication device 18, if included, may be configured to
facilitate communication between processing element 12 of portable
metabolic monitor 10 and external apparatus, including cards with
information encoded thereon (e.g., by way of a bar code reader,
radiofrequency receiver, etc.) and other electronic devices.
Communication device 18 may comprise any known communication
element, such as a laser bar code scanner, a radiofrequency (RF)
receiver, an infrared (IR) port, a universal serial bus (USB) port,
or any other suitable type of input/output (I/O) port. In any
event, the transmittal of data signals, or carrier waves, or other
information to processing element 12 through communication device
18 may be controlled by one or both of processing element 12 of
portable metabolic monitor 10 and a processing element of an
external electronic device.
[0060] Once the encoded metabolic data is input into processing
element 12, it may be used by processing element 12 to calculate,
in real-time during physical exertion, metabolic information that
is tailored to the subject. Processing element 12 may then cause
such metabolic information to be output to output element 16 and,
optionally, stored in memory 13 for later access by the
subject.
[0061] With continued reference to FIG. 1, an example of the use of
portable metabolic monitor 10 is illustrated. Encoded metabolic
data which corresponds to the subject using portable metabolic
monitor 10 is entered into processing element 12. Entry of the
encoded metabolic data may, by way of example only, be effected
manually (e.g., through input element 17) or with a card (from
which information is "read" by communication device 18).
[0062] Portable metabolic monitor 10 is worn by a subject in such a
manner that cardiac rate monitor 14 is in proximity to a location
on the subject where the cardiac rate, or pulse, of the subject can
be accurately monitored and measured. In use, cardiac rate monitor
14 communicates signals, or carrier waves, representative of the
cardiac rate of the subject to processing element 12.
[0063] Upon receiving signals representative of the cardiac rate of
the subject, processing element 12 determines a metabolic rate of
the subject based on the measured cardiac rate and metabolic rate
data of the subject that has been input therein (e.g., by use of
input element 17 or communication device 18). The calculated
metabolic rate of the subject may then be communicated from
processing element 12 to output element 16, as known in the art.
Accordingly, if output element 16 is a display screen, various data
representative of the metabolic rate of the subject may be shown in
a numerical or graphic format. For example, the total number of
calories burned by the subject over a specified duration of time
may be displayed, the rate at which the subject is currently
burning calories may be displayed, or other data representative of
the metabolic rate of the subject may be displayed. In addition,
other information, such as the current time, the elapsed duration
of physical exertion by the subject, and the current or average
cardiac rate of the subject, may be shown on the display screen of
output element 16.
[0064] Turning now to FIG. 2, a portion of an exercise machine 20,
such as a treadmill, a so-called "elliptical" machine, a stationary
bicycle, a stair climbing machine, a rowing machine, a weight
machine, or the like, is depicted. Like portable metabolic monitor
10 (FIG. 1) may include a processing element 22, memory 23, a
cardiac rate monitor 24, an output element 26, and input element
27, and, optionally, a communication device 28. With the possible
exception of cardiac rate monitor 24, each of these elements is
similar to its counterpart in portable metabolic monitor 10.
[0065] Cardiac rate monitor 24 may have any known or otherwise
suitable configuration for use with a particular type or brand of
exercise machine, such as a monitor embedded within a handle 25 of
exercise machine, a band configured to be positioned on a portion
of the body of a subject, or the like. Alternatively, the physical
exertion of a subject may be measured by other means, such as the
amount of power that must be generated to maintain a particular
pace on the exercise machine or to complete a particular amount of
work using the machine.
[0066] Use of encoded metabolic data with exercise machine 20 is
substantially the same as that described above in reference to use
of portable metabolic monitor 10 (FIG. 1).
[0067] As an alternative to relying solely upon information
provided by cardiac rate monitor 24, however, metabolic data which
is calculated during the course of physical exertion by a subject
may be based completely or partially (e.g., along with cardiac rate
data) on information about the amount of energy expended (or work
conducted) by the subject during such physical exertion. The amount
of energy expended by the subject may be determined by processing
element 22 as a function of the direct amount of energy (e.g., in
watts or joules) required by the subject to effect movement of an
exercise component (not shown) of exercise machine 20, as known in
the art.
[0068] Although the foregoing description contains many specifics,
these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present
invention, but merely as providing illustrations of some of the
presently preferred embodiments. Similarly, other embodiments of
the invention may be devised which do not depart from the spirit or
scope of the present invention. Features from different embodiments
may be employed in combination. The scope of the invention is,
therefore, indicated and limited only by the appended claims and
their legal equivalents, rather than by the foregoing description.
All additions, deletions and modifications to the invention as
disclosed herein which fall within the meaning and scope of the
claims are to be embraced thereby.
* * * * *