U.S. patent application number 10/709875 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-08 for exercise apparatus and method for tracking number of steps.
This patent application is currently assigned to JOHNSON HEALTH TECH CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Goldapske, Eric James, Nelson, Derek, Pyles, Nathan.
Application Number | 20050272564 10/709875 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35449713 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050272564 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pyles, Nathan ; et
al. |
December 8, 2005 |
Exercise apparatus and method for tracking number of steps
Abstract
Disclosed is an exercise apparatus for use in accurately and
automatically tracking number of steps taken by a user both on and
off of an exercise machine. The apparatus comprises a step counter
such as a pedometer for counting number of steps taken by a user,
the step counter continually counting cumulative number of steps
taken in a given time period both while the user is on and off of
the exercise machine, the step counter having a first communication
means for periodically communicating the current cumulative step
count to a console of an exercise machine while the user uses the
exercise machine; and, the console comprising, a second
communication means for receiving the current cumulative number of
steps from the step counter while the user uses the exercise
machine. The apparatus may further comprise a data processor, a
display and a memory means.
Inventors: |
Pyles, Nathan; (Lake Mills,
WI) ; Nelson, Derek; (Lake Mills, WI) ;
Goldapske, Eric James; (Sun Prairie, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATRICIA SMITH KING
SUITE 22
222 NORTH MIDVALE BOULEVARD
MADISON
WI
537055072
|
Assignee: |
JOHNSON HEALTH TECH CO.,
LTD.
No.26, Ching Chuan Road, Taya Hsiang
Taichung Hsien
TW
|
Family ID: |
35449713 |
Appl. No.: |
10/709875 |
Filed: |
June 2, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/54 ;
482/8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2220/17 20130101;
A63B 24/0062 20130101; A63B 2230/00 20130101; G01C 22/006 20130101;
A63B 22/0257 20130101; A63B 2225/15 20130101; A63B 2225/50
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/054 ;
482/008 |
International
Class: |
A63B 071/00; A63B
022/04 |
Claims
1. An exercise apparatus, comprising: a. a step counter for
continually counting a cumulative number of steps taken by a user
throughout a period of time both while the user is on and off of an
exercise machine, the step counter comprising a first communication
means for periodically communicating a current value of the
cumulative number of steps taken by the user to a console of the
exercise machine while the user is on the exercise machine; and, b.
the console comprising, a second communication means for
periodically receiving the current cumulative number of steps from
the step counter while the user uses the exercise machine.
2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the step counter
comprises an accelerometer to determine step count.
3. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the exercise machine
is selected from the group consisting of a treadmill and an
elliptical trainer.
4. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein communication between
the first and second communication means is wireless.
5. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the console further
comprises a display.
6. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the console further
comprises memory means for storing historical user data.
7. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the step counter
further comprises memory means for storing historical user
data.
8. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising memory
means for storing historical user data comprising the cumulative
number of steps taken by the user by time period.
9. The exercise apparatus of claim 8, wherein the console further
comprises a third communication means for communicating with the
memory means.
10. An exercise apparatus, comprising: a. a step counter for
continually counting a cumulative number of steps taken by a user
throughout a period of time both while the user is on and off of an
exercise machine, the step counter comprising a first communication
means for periodically communicating a current value of the
cumulative number of steps taken by the user to a console of the
exercise machine while the user is on the exercise machine; and, b.
the console comprising, i. a second communication means for
periodically receiving the current cumulative number of steps from
the step counter while the user uses the exercise machine; and, ii.
a data processor for calculating a current remainder number of
steps yet to be taken as a difference between the current
cumulative number of steps taken and a goal number of steps; and,
iii. a display for displaying the remainder number of steps.
11. The exercise apparatus of claim 10, wherein the step counter
comprises an accelerometer to determine step count.
12. The exercise apparatus of claim 10, wherein the exercise
machine is selected from the group consisting of a treadmill and an
elliptical trainer.
13. The exercise apparatus of claim 10, wherein communication
between the first and second communication means is wireless.
14. The exercise apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first
communication means further communicates the goal number of steps
to the console.
15. The exercise apparatus of claim 10, wherein the goal number of
steps is input to the console.
16. The exercise apparatus of claim 10, wherein the console further
comprises memory means for storing historical user data comprising
the cumulative number of steps taken by the user by time
period.
17. The exercise apparatus of claim 10, wherein the step counter
further comprises memory means for storing historical user data
comprising the cumulative number of steps taken by the user by time
period.
18. The exercise apparatus of claim 10, further comprising memory
means for storing historical user data comprising the cumulative
number of steps taken by the user by time period.
19. The exercise apparatus of claim 18, wherein the console further
comprises a third communication means for communicating with the
memory means.
20. An exercise apparatus, comprising: a. a step counter for
continually counting a cumulative number of steps taken by a user
throughout a period of time both while the user is on and off of an
exercise machine, the step counter comprising a first communication
means for periodically communicating a current value of the
cumulative number of steps taken by the user to a console of the
exercise machine while the user is on the exercise machine; and, b.
the console comprising, i. a second communication means for
periodically receiving the current cumulative number of steps from
the step counter while the user uses the exercise machine; and, ii.
a display; and, iii. a memory means for storing historical user
data comprising the cumulative number of steps taken by the user by
time period.
21. The exercise apparatus of claim 20, wherein the step counter
comprises an accelerometer to determine step count.
22. The exercise apparatus of claim 20, wherein the exercise
machine is selected from the group consisting of a treadmill and an
elliptical trainer.
23. The exercise apparatus of claim 20, wherein communication
between the first and second communication means is wireless.
24. The exercise apparatus of claim 20, wherein communication
between the first and second communication means is wired.
25. The exercise apparatus of claim 20, wherein the console further
comprises a data processor.
26. The exercise apparatus of claim 25, wherein the data processor
retrieves the historical user data from the memory means and
transforms said historical user data into a log format, and wherein
the display displays the log-formatted historical user data.
27. The exercise apparatus of claim 25, wherein the data processor
calculates progress toward a goal number of steps.
28. An exercise apparatus, comprising: a. a step counter for
continually counting a cumulative number of steps taken by a user
throughout a period of time both while the user is on and off of an
exercise machine, the step counter comprising a first communication
means for periodically communicating a current value of the
cumulative number of steps taken by the user to a console of the
exercise machine while the user is on the exercise machine; b. a
memory means for storing historical user data comprising the
cumulative number of steps taken by the user by time period; and,
c. the console comprising, i. a second communication means for
periodically receiving the current cumulative number of steps from
the step counter while the user uses the exercise machine; ii. a
third communication means for communicating the cumulative number
of steps to the memory means; and, iii. a display.
29. The exercise apparatus of claim 28, wherein the historical user
data comprises the cumulative number of steps taken by the user by
time period.
30. An exercise apparatus, comprising: a. a step counter for
continually counting a cumulative number of steps taken by a user
throughout a period of time both while the user is on and off of an
exercise machine, the step counter comprising, i. a first
communication means for periodically communicating a current value
of the cumulative number of steps taken by the user to a console of
the exercise machine while the user is on the exercise machine; ii.
a memory means for storing historical user data comprising the
cumulative number of steps taken by the user by time period; and,
b. the console comprising, i. a second communication means for
periodically receiving the current cumulative number of steps from
the step counter while the user uses the exercise machine; and, ii.
a display.
31. A method for tracking number of steps taken, comprising: a.
providing an exercise apparatus, comprising, i. a step counter for
counting a cumulative number of steps taken by a user during a time
period, the step counter comprising a first communication means for
communicating the cumulative number of steps taken by the user to a
console of an exercise machine; and, ii. the console in
communication with the step counter while the user uses the
exercise machine and comprising a second communication means for
receiving the cumulative number of steps from the step counter; b.
at commencement of using the exercise machine, initiating
communication between the step counter and the console; and, c.
exercising.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein the console further comprises a
data processor.
33. The method of claim 31, wherein the console further comprises
memory means for storing historical user data comprising the
cumulative number of steps taken by the user by time period.
Description
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0001] Many people rely on programs of physical exercise to attain
and to maintain health. Several such programs require that a person
perform a daily minimum amount of exercise. For example, the
10,000-step program requires that a person perform a minimum of
10,000 steps of walking, running or the like each day for an
average cumulative distance of over 5 miles.
[0002] In order to achieve this type of goal, many people wear a
pedometer throughout their day to monitor the number of steps
completed while walking about or running. The minimum number of
steps may be completed on a piece of exercise machine such as a
treadmill. A problem arises, however, in enabling accurate tracking
of the cumulative total steps achieved both on and off of the
exercise machine with minimal effort on the part of the person
performing the exercise.
[0003] Information potentially relevant to attempts to address
these and related motivational problems can be found in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,705,972 to Takano et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,842,266 to Sweeney,
Sr. et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2004/0063547A1
to Wong et al.; 2001/0031031A1 to Ogawa et al.; Japanese Patent
Publication Nos. 2001299732A to Ya Man Ltd.; 2000356529A to
Narutomi Hanako; 11056819A to Hitachi Ltd.; and, 11076453 to Senoh
Corp. However, each of these references suffers from one or more of
the following disadvantages: (1) it requires that a user manually
transfer data on number of steps achieved while off the exercise
machine from a pedometer to an exercise machine; (2) it requires
that an elaborate estimation of stride- or strike-length be made in
order to convert time spent on the exercise machine to number of
steps, leading to inaccurate equivalent step counts, failure to
account for variations in a user's stride length over time and
limiting use of the equipment to one user of known stride-length;
(3) it relies on elaborate mechanisms within the exercise machine
to detect number of steps; and/or, (4) it relies on the pedometer,
with its limited capacity for processing and storage of data, for
calculation and storage of cumulative step data limiting its longer
term tracking and logging capabilities.
[0004] For the foregoing reasons there is a need for an exercise
apparatus that enables accurate and automatic tracking of number of
steps taken by a user on and off of an exercise machine.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0005] The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method
for employing same that satisfy the need for an exercise apparatus
that enables accurate and automatic tracking of number of steps
taken by a user on and off of an exercise machine. The apparatus is
an exercise apparatus for use in accurately tracking number of
steps taken by a user on and off of an exercise machine that solves
the above-discussed problems.
[0006] In one version, the exercise apparatus comprises a step
counter for continually counting a cumulative number of steps taken
by a user throughout a period of time both while the user is on and
off of an exercise machine, the step counter comprising a first
communication means for periodically communicating a current value
of the cumulative number of steps taken by the user to a console of
the exercise machine while the user is on the exercise machine;
and, the console that comprises a second communication means for
periodically receiving the current cumulative number of steps from
the step counter while the user uses the exercise machine. The
console may further comprise a data processor for calculating a
progress indication and a display.
[0007] In another version, the step counter comprises an
accelerometer to determine step count.
[0008] In another version, communication between the first and
second communication means is wireless.
[0009] In another version, communication between the first and
second communication means is wired.
[0010] In another version, the console or the step counter further
comprises a memory means for the storage of user-specific
historical data.
[0011] In another version, the exercise apparatus further comprises
a memory means and the console further comprises a third
communication means for communicating user-specific data to the
memory means.
[0012] In yet another version, a method for employing the exercise
apparatus described above is disclosed.
[0013] Several objects and advantages of the present invention are:
(a) to provide an exercise apparatus that enables a user to easily
and accurately track number of steps taken each day in order to
facilitate accomplishment of a goal number of steps; (b) to provide
an apparatus with communication means between components that
eliminates the need for manual input of step count by a user to an
exercise machine; (c) to provide an apparatus that improves
accuracy of step count data by restricting sensing of steps taken
to one device, a step counter such as a pedometer, which is
employed while the user is exercising both on and off of an
exercise machine, thus eliminating errors that result when data are
combined across devices; (d) to improve the accuracy of step count
by employing a step counter that uses an accelerometer to determine
step count; and, (e) to further enable storing and analysis of
historical data by user for the tracking of performance over
time.
[0014] The reader is advised that this summary is not meant to be
exhaustive. Further features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following description, accompanying drawings and appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0015] For a better understanding of the present invention,
reference may be made to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0016] FIG. 1, shows a version of the exercise apparatus comprising
a console and a step counter;
[0017] FIG. 2, shows a version of the exercise apparatus in use
with a treadmill and where communication between the console and
step counter is wireless;
[0018] FIG. 3, shows a version of the exercise apparatus in use
with a treadmill and where communication between the console and
step counter is wired;
[0019] FIG. 4, shows a version of the display of the console;
and,
[0020] FIG. 5, shows a version of the exercise apparatus wherein
the memory means is separate from the console and wherein
communication between the console and the memory means is
wireless.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Referring now specifically to the figures, in which
identical or similar parts are designated by the same reference
numerals throughout, a detailed description of the present
invention is given. It should be understood that the following
detailed description relates to the best presently known embodiment
of the invention. However, the present invention can assume
numerous other embodiments, as will become apparent to those
skilled in the art, without departing from the appended claims. For
example, the synchronizable console and step counter of the present
invention may be associated with exercise machines other than
treadmills such as elliptical trainers, exercise bicycles,
steppers, and the like.
[0022] It should also be understood that, while the methods
disclosed herein may be described and shown with reference to
particular steps taken in a particular order, these steps may be
combined, sub-divided, or re-ordered to form an equivalent method
without departing from the teachings of the present invention.
Accordingly, unless specifically indicated herein, the order and
grouping of the steps is not a limitation of the present
invention.
[0023] Detailed Description Apparatus
[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, one version of the present invention is
an exercise apparatus 100 comprising a step counter 200 and a
console 300 of an exercise machine 400 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The
apparatus 100 allows a user to accurately and easily complete a
daily program of stepping (e.g., the popular 10,000 step program),
by tracking number of steps taken while exercising both on and off
of an exercise machine 400.
[0025] The step counter 200 is a device that monitors the number of
steps a user performs throughout the user's day (or other period of
time) based on their body's movement. In one version, the step
counter 200 is a pedometer worn by a user (typically on their hip,
but may be worn on a shoe or elsewhere) to detect and to record the
number of steps taken by the user as they walk or run throughout
the day, whether those steps are taken on or off of the exercise
machine 400. Other forms of step counters besides pedometers may
also be employed by a user.
[0026] The step counter 200 is reset in order to reset the number
of steps to zero (0) at the beginning of a time period during which
cumulative number of steps taken are to be counted. The step
counter 200 may be resettable by the user by means of a reset
button, switch or the like. Alternatively, the step counter 200 may
have an integrated time of day function and reset automatically at
the beginning of each time period. Other options are also possible
for resetting the step counter 200. For example, the time period
may be set by an exercise program integrated into the step counter
200 or the console 300 similarly as described for the goal number
(see below). Time periods may be any period of time in which the
user wishes to track his or her exercise. For example, the time
period may be a day; portion of a day; week; month or any other
time period.
[0027] The step counter 200 continually tracks a cumulative number
of steps taken by the user since being reset (or, cumulative step
count 312). Generally, the step counter 200 will include a display
window 210 (see FIG. 1) where the cumulative step count 312 is
indicated and viewable by the user.
[0028] In one version, the step counter 200 employs an
accelerometer technology to determine step count. The accelerometer
may be a single-axis accelerometer or a multi-axis accelerometer.
For example, a dual-axis accelerometer may be employed. The
accelerometer provides improved accuracy in the detection of
motion, thereby improving the accuracy of step count sensing over
step counters based on the more commonly employed pendulum
mechanism. However, in other versions of the invention, step
counters employing pendulum mechanisms or other technologies may
also be used as the step counter 200.
[0029] The step counter 200 is in communication with the console
300 when the user is using the exercise machine 400. The step
counter 200 comprises a first communication means for communicating
the cumulative number of steps taken by the user from the step
counter 200 to the console 300. In one version, the step counter
200 has a "send" button, or the like, to enable the user to
initiate communication between the step counter 200 and the console
300 when the user begins using the exercise machine 400. Cumulative
step count data 312 is then periodically communicated by the step
counter 200 to the console 300 throughout the user's workout on the
exercise machine 400. In this way, step count 312 is accurately and
continually detected by the step counter 200 alone without the need
to employ flawed estimations of step count based on stride lengths
and distances or other data provided by the exercise machine
400.
[0030] All step count data 312 is provided by the step counter 200
which continually detects steps taken, with none provided by the
exercise machine 400. This eliminates the errors and inaccuracies
that can result when step counts from different devices, such as
pedometers and treadmills, using different step count sensor
techniques, are combined.
[0031] The console 300 of the exercise machine 400 generally
comprises (a) a second communication means for receiving the
cumulative step count 312 from the step counter; and, optionally
also, (b) a data processor for performing various calculations; and
(c) a display 310.
[0032] In one version, and as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3, the
exercise machine 400 is a treadmill. A treadmill is an exercise
machine where the user walks or runs on an endless belt suspended
between two rollers. The belt may be propelled by the user's own
power or may be powered by a motor which rotates one of the rollers
to drive the endless belt. In another version, the exercise machine
400 may be an elliptical trainer, an exercise machine where the
user is in a standing position with each foot on a separate pedal
platform arm while moving the pedal platform arms in an elliptical
path. Typically this is achieved when one end of the pedal platform
arm moves in a circular path, while the other end of the pedal
platform arm moves in a reciprocating path. However, the console
300 of the present invention may be adapted for use with other
types of exercise machines 400 such as steppers, exercise bicycles
or the like.
[0033] Communication between the first communication means of the
step counter 200 and the second communication means of the console
300 may be wireless (see FIGS. 1 and 2) or wired (see FIG. 3). This
feature eliminates the need for the user to manually input step
count data 312 from steps taken off of the exercise machine 400 to
the console 300.
[0034] In one version, radio frequency (RF) communication, or radio
frequency data communication (RFDC), is employed to enable wireless
communication of data between the step counter 200 and console 300.
A frequency of 5.5 kHz may be employed in some versions to take
advantage of communication technology already present in the
consoles of some currently available exercise machines. However,
other versions may employ other radio frequencies or other wireless
communication technologies such as infra red (IR)
communication.
[0035] When RF communication is employed, the first and second
communication means may be a transmitter and receiver,
respectively, or both transceivers to enable two-way
communications. In the case of IR communication the first and
second communication means may be IR transceivers. In any case, the
console 300's transceiver (RF, IR, or other) may be positioned at
the console 300 or elsewhere on the exercise machine 400, such as
on a handlebar.
[0036] In another version, wired communication is employed (see
FIG. 3). In this version the user uses a connector 318 to connect
the step counter 200 to the console 300 via their respective
communication ports. In this version, the first and second
communication means would comprise the connector 318 and
communication ports located on the step counter 200 and console
300. It should be noted that the communication port of the console
300 may be positioned at the console 300 or, alternatively,
elsewhere on the exercise machine 400 such as on a handlebar.
[0037] The console 300's second communication means periodically
receives the cumulative step count data 312 from the step counter
200 as the user exercises on the equipment 400. Generally, a
cumulative step count from the user's activities prior to using the
exercise machine 400 will be communicated to the console 300 when
the user begins exercising on the equipment. As the user exercises
on the equipment 400, current cumulative step count data 312 will
be periodically communicated to the console 300 from the step
counter 200. The console display 310 may be updated with the
current step count 312 from the step counter 200 every 10 steps or
at some other frequency depending on the particular version of the
apparatus 100 employed.
[0038] In one version, the console 300 further comprises a data
processor. The console 3000's data processor is a computing device
programmed to perform various calculations automatically including
those on the cumulative step count data 312. The data processor may
further perform calculations based on historical data for a
particular user by retrieving that data from a memory means 500
(see below).
[0039] The data processor may further calculate progress toward a
goal number of steps (see FIG. 4). For example, in one version,
progress toward a goal number of steps is calculated as a remainder
number of steps 314 yet to be taken by the user to complete a goal
number of steps. Alternatively, progress toward the goal number of
steps may be calculated as a percent completion 316 by dividing the
goal number of steps by the cumulative number of steps 312. A
simple "count-up" display, displaying the cumulative number of
steps take 312, may also be used to indicate progress.
[0040] The display 310 may display one or more of these progress
indicators including cumulative step count 312, remainder number of
steps 314, percentage of goal obtained 316, and/or any number of
other alternative measures (see FIG. 4). When the progress
indication indicates that the goal number of steps have been
completed, it may trigger a further indication of goal attainment
such as a congratulatory message in graphics, sounds, or
combination of the two as positive feedback to the user.
[0041] The goal number of steps may be 10,000 steps as used in one
popular exercise program, or some other number depending on the
user's particular program and may be constant or vary over time.
For example, many health and fitness programs encourage a build up
period during which the user gradually works up to some higher goal
number of steps, starting with smaller goals initially.
[0042] The goal number of steps may be set by the user by inputting
the goal number into the console 300 or the step counter 200,
depending on the particular version. When input to the step counter
200, the goal number may be communicated to the console 300 by the
same first communication means as is used to transmit step count
312. In another version, the user may manually input the goal
number to the console 300.
[0043] Alternatively, the goal number may be set automatically by
means of a software program, such as so-called "smart coaching"
software, incorporated into either the console 300 or step counter
200. Such a program may provide for a progressive and gradual
improvement in fitness and health, or may provide for some other
type of fitness program depending on the needs of the particular
user.
[0044] The console 300 will generally comprise a clock indicating
date and time of day to enable the tracking of historical data for
a user.
[0045] As mentioned above, user data such as cumulative steps taken
312, steps remaining 314, other progress indications and other user
data (e.g., goal number of steps) may be displayed on the display
310 (see FIGS. 1 and 4). The display 310 will generally be the
display screen of the console 300. The display 310 may also serve
to display other data pertinent to the particular type of exercise
machine 400 such as incline, distance, speed, or calories burned,
for example, which are commonly displayed on treadmills.
[0046] The display 310 may further function to display the
historical user data (see below in versions including a memory
means 500 for storing historical user data). Data regarding step
count 312 may be displayed as sub-divided by steps taken on versus
off of the exercise machine.
[0047] The exercise apparatus 100 of the present invention may
further comprise a memory means 500 for storing user-specific
historical data, that is, data on cumulative step count 312 by date
by time period or the like. Historical data on number of steps
taken 312 may, for example, be stored in a log format by date to
enable tracking of the user's performance over time. This
historical data may be used to calculate cumulative totals by day,
month or year, average daily totals or the like. The user's log and
other data may be accessed by the user and displayed using the
display 310 in table or other graphical formats (such as progress
graphs and the like) to help motivate and encourage the user to
stay with his or her program.
[0048] In one version, the console 300 further comprises the memory
means 500. In this version, the memory means 500 may be a memory
chip(s) or the like, with the data thus stored accessible by the
data processor. The data processor may use the log and other
historical user data stored by the memory means 500 to calculate
the cumulative totals, average daily totals, and to make other
calculations.
[0049] This version would be common where the exercise machine 400
is located in a home environment. The user would conveniently be
able to store, retrieve and display his or her data using the
console 300. For example, the console 300 may have a "Log Summary"
button or the like for use by the user when they want to view their
historical log information. Likewise, it may have a "View Graph"
button or the like for use by the user when they want to view
graphical presentations of their historical data. The period
displayed may be keyed to the number of presses of the "View Graph"
button. For example, one press may show a graph of the last 7 days,
the second press shows the last 30 days, and a third press shows
the last year.
[0050] In the case of multiple users in a single household, a
unique user identification (or, user ID) may be used and
communicated to the console 300 from the user's step counter 200
when the exercise machine 400 is used. In this way, historical data
are stored in the memory means 500 by user in addition to by date
and time (or other time period). The user ID may be preset in the
step counter 200 and/or it may be set (or modified) by the
individual.
[0051] Alternatively, the memory means 500 may be located in the
step counter 200. In this version, the step counter 200 may further
comprise means for communicating user information to another device
such as a personal computer, PDA or the like.
[0052] As a further alternative, the memory means 500 may be
located elsewhere as part of a device such as a computer [i.e.,
general purpose computer of any type including desktops, laptops,
hand-held computers (such as personal data assistants (PDA)),
mobile phones, or other technologies], or a Web site (where data
are stored on a remote server).
[0053] In this version, the console 300 would further comprise a
third communication means enabling communication of the user's data
to the memory means 500 located elsewhere. The third communication
means may be wireless or wired and communicate with the memory
means 500 via a local area network (LAN), the Internet or other
wide area network (WAN), by means of RF or IR communication (or
other wireless communication technologies), or by means of a
connector (or other form of wired communication). For example,
referring to FIG. 5, the memory means 500 is depicted as part of a
server in wireless communication with the console 300.
[0054] This version (i.e., where the memory means 500 is located
elsewhere), may be typically employed when the exercise machine 400
is located in a health club or the like where many different users
will use a given piece of equipment 400. A user ID stored in the
step counter 200 may be communicated to the console 300, along with
the step count 312, at commencement of exercise on the equipment
400. Data from the user's exercise session may then be communicated
from the console 300 to the memory means 500 and stored by user ID.
The memory means 500 may be memory in a computer located at the
health club or off-site. The computer may function as a server
accessible via a LAN or the Internet (or other WAN). The user's
data may be accessible by personal trainers or therapists in
addition to the user in order to evaluate the user's performance
and program. As with the home version described above, the user ID
may be pre-set in the user's step counter 200 by the maker of the
step counter, the health club, the user or otherwise.
[0055] Detailed Description Method of Use
[0056] The method for using the above-described exercise apparatus
generally comprises: providing the exercise apparatus; at
commencement of using an exercise machine, initiating communication
between the apparatus" step-counting means and console; and,
exercising.
[0057] Typically a user puts the step-counting means 200 (e.g., a
pedometer) on his or her hip and resets the device prior to
beginning their day. As mentioned above, an automatic reset may
alternatively be employed. Any step activity taken during the day
(or other time period) will be counted by the step counter 200 and
the user need not pay attention to the device as they proceed with
their normal activities.
[0058] If at the end of the day, the user has not yet taken the
goal number of steps (e.g., 10,000 steps), they may complete the
remainder number of steps on an exercise machine 400 such as a
treadmill, elliptical trainer or the like. The user simply
initiates communication between the step counter 200 and the
console 300 of the exercise machine 400 by pushing a "send" button
or other similar switching device. In the case of the wired
communication version, the user may plug a connector 318 into the
first communication means of the step counter 200 and second
communication means of the console 300 to initiate
communication.
[0059] The step counter 200 is then in communication with the
console 300 and communicates the cumulative step count 312 to the
console 300. For example, if the user has completed 6,000 steps,
that step count 312 will be communicated to the console 300 at
commencement of using the exercise machine 400.
[0060] As the user proceeds to exercise using the equipment 400
(i.e., the user is on the exercise machine 400), the step counter
200 will continue to track cumulative step count 312 and
periodically communicate that number to the console 300. The
console 300 will periodically update the display (e.g., every 10
steps or so) so that it indicates one or more progress indicators
such as the current cumulative step count 312, the remainder number
of steps to be completed 314 and/or other indications of progress
(e.g. percent completed 316, etc.) (see FIG. 4).
[0061] Once the progress indication shows that the goal has been
attained (e.g., 100% complete), the user may choose to cease
exercise. Otherwise, the user may continue until his or her goal is
achieved.
[0062] Though the above may be a typical sequence of use, exercise
may occur in other orders depending on the user and their
particular situation that day. For example, the user may commence
exercise on a particular day using the exercise machine 400, then
complete his or her goal number of steps off the equipment 400. In
this case, the user simply monitors his or her progress by
periodically checking the step counter display 210. Alternatively,
the machine may be used intermittently throughout the day.
[0063] In the event that the exercise program is completed off the
machine 400, the user may still initiate communication between the
step counter 200 and console 300 at the end of the day, so that the
daily progress may be recorded in the memory means 500 of the
console 300 just as it would be if the machine 400 were used to
complete a day's program.
[0064] Historical data in log form as well as calculations of
cumulative totals by day, month or year, average daily totals or
the like, is available to the user. The user's information may be
accessed by the user (e.g., by pressing a "Log Summary" button or
the like) and displayed using the display 310 in table or other
graphical formats (such as progress graphs, etc., by pressing a
"View Graph" button or the like) to help motivate and encourage the
user to stay with his or her program.
[0065] In versions of the invention used at health clubs or
elsewhere by many users, the memory means 500 may be located away
from the exercise machine 400 and thus the user accesses his or her
information differently than with the home version described above
(see FIG. 5). A user might access the data at a computer terminal
at the health club, at the user's home or elsewhere by logging into
the club's computer or a Web site over a LAN or the Internet, by
the user's unique ID. The user's ID, in this version, is stored in
the user's step counter 200 and communicated to the console 300
along with step count data 312. The user's data is then stored by
user ID in the memory means 500.
[0066] Similarly for the home version where there are multiple
users, user ID's may be communicated to the console 300 and the
user's data stored in the memory means 500 by user ID.
[0067] Advantages
[0068] The previously described versions of the present invention
have many advantages, including: (a) to provide an exercise
apparatus that enables a user to easily and accurately track number
of steps taken each day in order to facilitate accomplishment of a
goal number of steps; (b) to provide an apparatus with
communication means between components that eliminate the need for
manual input of step count by a user to an exercise machine; (c) to
provide an apparatus that improves accuracy of step count data by
restricting sensing of steps taken to one device, a step counter
such as a pedometer, which is employed while the user is exercising
both on and off of an exercise machine, thus eliminating errors
that result when data are combined across devices; (d) to improve
the accuracy of step count by employing a step counter that uses an
accelerometer to determine step count; and, (e) to further enable
storing and analysis of historical data by user for the tracking of
performance over time.
[0069] The present invention does not require that all the
advantageous features and all the advantages need to be
incorporated into every embodiment thereof.
[0070] Closing
[0071] Although the present invention has been described in
considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions
thereof, other versions are possible. For example, the apparatus
and method of the present invention may be used with exercise
machine other than treadmills such as elliptical trainers,
steppers, bicycles and the like. Therefore, the spirit and scope of
the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the
preferred versions contained herein.
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