U.S. patent application number 11/292137 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-24 for exercise circuit system and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to Baylor University. Invention is credited to Ian Gravagne.
Application Number | 20060189440 11/292137 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36097098 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060189440 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gravagne; Ian |
August 24, 2006 |
Exercise circuit system and method
Abstract
A system and method for providing an automatic identification,
or a combination of automatic identification and automatic or
manual programmed training, for more than one user on at least one
exercise machine. The exercise machine is equipped with a user
identification device that is in data communication with a system
having an identification system and a storage database. The method
includes automatically identifying, monitoring and interfacing
exercise machine information and database information for at least
one user by detecting automatically the presence or absence of a
user identification tag and using a default profile or a specific
user profile load predetermined difficulty settings or user defined
difficulty settings into the programmable exercise machine, which
includes resistance or repetition settings.
Inventors: |
Gravagne; Ian; (Waco,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JACKSON WALKER LLP
901 MAIN STREET
SUITE 6000
DALLAS
TX
75202-3797
US
|
Assignee: |
Baylor University
Waco
TX
|
Family ID: |
36097098 |
Appl. No.: |
11/292137 |
Filed: |
December 1, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60632667 |
Dec 2, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/8 ;
482/9 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 71/0616 20130101;
A63B 2024/0009 20130101; A63B 22/0605 20130101; A63B 22/0664
20130101; A63B 22/02 20130101; A63B 2225/20 20130101; A63B 2225/50
20130101; A63B 24/0006 20130101; A63B 2225/15 20130101; A63B
2225/54 20130101; A63B 23/0494 20130101; A63B 24/00 20130101; A63B
21/0628 20151001; A63B 21/0083 20130101; A63B 2230/06 20130101;
A63B 2220/12 20130101; A63B 2225/096 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/008 ;
482/009 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/00 20060101
A63B071/00 |
Claims
1. A system for providing identification, or identification
together with programmed training, for a particular user out of
multiple users, the system comprising: at least one exercise
machine equipped with a user identification device; an
identification system; and a storage database; wherein, the
identification of the particular user is accomplished
automatically; the programmed training is accomplished
automatically or manually; and the identification system is in
communication with the storage data base, whereby settings of the
particular user can be transmitted to, and retrieved from, the
storage database.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the identification system is a
radio frequency identification ("RFID") system.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the RFID system comprises an RFID
tag and an RFID antenna.
4. The system of claim 2, further comprising a communication
network to facilitate communication between the RFID system and the
storage database.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the settings of the particular
user retrieved from the storage database are used to alter a state
of the exercise machine.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein settings of the particular user
retrieved from the storage database are displayed visually.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the exercise machine is an
adjustable-resistance machine and the settings of the particular
user retrieved from the storage database are used to adjust
resistance of the adjustable-resistance machine.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the exercise machine has a
display with a pacing bar and the settings of the particular user
retrieved from the storage database are used to prompt the user to
move a particular component of the exercise machine so that a
sensed motion matches the display with the pacing bar.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is used in a circuit
training.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the user identification device
is a tag reader.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the exercise machine is adapted
to include a microcomputer to facilitate communication, processing,
data storage, and retrieval needs of the system.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the exercise machine is equipped
with a caches memory for storing profile of the particular
user.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the storage database is in
communication with the exercise machine through a network.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the network is a local area
network ("LAN") or a wide-area network ("WAN").
15. The system of claim 1, wherein the exercise machine has at
least one sensor from which measurements from the particular user
can be collected and transmitted to the storage database.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the measurements comprise
angular or linear displacement of a moving part of the exercise
machine, the force with which the particular user exercises, the
velocity with the particular user exercises, the number of
repetitions preformed by the particular user, heart rate of the
particular user, number of calories burned by the particular user,
or a combination thereof.
17. An exercise system capable of obtaining and updating a
particular user's workout profile during the particular user's
workout, the exercise system comprising: a real-time controller; an
identification system; a resistance-producing device; and a
displacement sensor, attached to the resistance-producing device,
for measuring total amount of motion recorded at the
resistance-producing device, the displacement sensor being
connected to the real-time controller through a first communication
channel; wherein, the real-time controller is adapted to
approximate a force with which the particular user is actuating the
resistance-producing device.
18. The exercise system of claim 17, where the identification
system is a radio frequency identification ("RFID") system
communicating with the real-time controller through a second
communicating channel.
19. The exercise system of claim 17, wherein the
resistance-producing device is an adjustable resistance-producing
device connected to the real-time controller through a third
communication channel.
20. The exercise system of claim 17, wherein the
resistance-producing device is an exercise machine of a hydraulic
cylinder, a weight machine, a spring, or a combination thereof.
21. The exercise system of claim 17, wherein the displacement
sensor is a linear displacement sensor and the total amount of
motion recorded at the resistance-producing device is a linear
motion.
22. A method for automatically identifying, monitoring, and
interfacing exercise machine information and database information
for at least a first user and a second user having at least a
programmable exercise machine equipped with a user identification
device and a database comprising: (a) configuring a first user ID
number into the programmable exercise machine, wherein the first
user ID number is a default profile having a predetermined
difficulty setting for the programmable exercise machine; (b)
automatically detecting a presence or absence of a user
identification tag with the user identification device, wherein the
absence of the user identification tag automatically designates the
user as having a first user ID number; and the presence of the user
identification tag automatically designates the user as having the
second user ID number; (c) repeating step (b) if the first user ID
number is determined, or continuing to step (d) if the second user
ID number is determined; (d) querying the database information to
determine if at least a second profile exists for at least the
second user ID number; (e) repeating step (a) if the second user ID
profile does not exist; or continuing to step (f) if the second
user profile exists; (f) configuring a second user ID setting
obtained from at least the second user profile into the
programmable exercise machine, wherein the second user ID settings
are an editable profile having a second difficulty setting
determined by at least the second user; (g) repeating step (b); and
wherein, the exercise machine is in data communication with a
database.
23. The method of claim 22, further comprising, tracking usage data
of the programmable exercise machine after step (f) to be
transmitted to the database as an updated second user ID setting
when the second user is no longer exercising.
24. The method of claim 23, further comprising determining if the
second user no longer exercising by calculating a probability
function comprising: P.sub.new=(1-.alpha.)P.sub.old+.alpha.U
wherein, U=A or (B and [C.sub.1 or C.sub.2 or . . . or C.sub.n]);
A=1 if a repeated step (b) determines the presence of the second
user; and A=0 if repeated step (b) determines the presence of the
first user; B=1 if the user of the initial step (b) equals the user
of the repeated step (b); and B=0 if the user of the initial step
(b) does not equal the user of the repeated step (b); C.sub.n=1 if
a machine operating variable exceeds a predetermined threshold, and
C.sub.n=0 if the machine operating variable does not exceed the
predetermined threshold; .alpha.=a number between 0 and 1.
25. The method of claim 24, further comprising selecting the
machine operating variable as resistance or repetition.
26. The method of claim 22, further comprising, selecting the
programmable exercise machine having cache memory for loading the
second user settings and tracking usage data of the programmable
exercise machine after step (f); wherein the usage data is
transmitted to the database as an updated second user ID setting
when at least the second user is no longer exercising.
27. The method of claim 26, further comprising, updating the second
user profile with the updated second user ID setting forming an
updated second user profile, and wherein the updated user profile
comprises statistics related number of repetitions, average/peak
forces and velocities, maximum displacement of a moving part, total
energy expended, or a combination thereof.
28. The method of claim 22, further comprising, providing the user
identification tag as a radio frequency identification ("RFID") tag
in a ring shape that is worn by the user, and wherein the user
identification device comprises a proximity RFID tag detector that
interrogates a presence or absence of the ring.
29. The method of claim 22, further comprising, providing the
exercise machine in data communication with a database having a
local area network ("LAN") or a wide-area network ("WAN") data
communication connection and a site computer or an off-site
computer.
30. The method of claim 22, further comprising, providing the
exercise machine comprising elliptical machines, stationary
bicycles, electronic weight resistance machines, treadmills,
stair-step machines, and hydraulic resistance machines.
31. A system for providing identification, or identification
together with programmed training, for a particular user out of
multiple users, the system comprising: on at least one exercise
machine equipped with a tag reader and a sensor; a radio frequency
("RFID") system comprising an RFID tag and an RFID antenna; and a
storage database; wherein, the identification of the particular
user is accomplished automatically; the programmed training is
accomplished automatically or manually; the sensor can collect
measurements for the particular user and transmit the measurements
to the storage database, the identification system is in
communication with the storage data base, whereby settings of the
particular user can be transmitted to, and retrieved from, the
storage database; and the settings of the particular user retrieved
from the storage database are used to alter a state of the exercise
machine.
32. An exercise system capable of obtaining and updating a
particular user's workout profile during the particular user's
workout, the exercise system comprising: a real-time controller; a
radio frequency identification ("RFID") system comprising an RFID
tag and an RFID antenna, a resistance-producing device comprising a
hydraulic cylinder, a weight machine, a spring, or a combination
thereof; and a linear displacement sensor, attached to the
resistance-producing device, for measuring total amount of linear
motion recorded at the resistance-producing device, the linear
displacement sensor being connected to the real-time controller
through a first communication channel; wherein, the real-time
controller is adapted to approximate a force with which the
particular user is actuating the resistance-producing device; and
the RFID system is in communication with the real-time controller
through a second communication channel.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application, Ser. No. 60/632,667, entitled "Exercise Circuit System
and Method," filed on Dec. 02, 2004, having Gravagne et al., listed
as the inventor, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated
by reference.
STATEMENT OF RIGHTS TO INVENTIONS MADE UNDER FEDERALLY SPONSORED
RESEARCH
[0002] No federal grants or funds were used in the development of
the present invention.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The invention is generally related to exercise equipment
using RFID tags, sensors, display units, and network computers to
monitor and individualize exercises for a multitude of users. More
specifically, this invention is related to a method monitoring and
individualizing exercises for a multitude of users.
[0004] Circuit training is one form of exercise that allows for
simultaneous aerobic and anaerobic exercise. A systemic aerobic
workout can be achieved by doing a continuous series of anaerobic
exercises. Generally, circuit training combines about 8-10
exercises that are completed one right after the other, with little
or no rest in between. Circuit training is a fast efficient
workout, and many people that utilize circuit training want to
monitor their progress. Stopping the rapid pace of exercise for any
reason is undesirable during circuit training. This includes
stopping after every exercise routine to write down progress,
notes, or measurements. In order to minimize interruption to the
circuit training exercise routine, some machines have been
developed that can monitor various parameters and track a user's
current and past exercises. However, such machines need some type
of user action to indicate who is using the machine. Thus, even
when a machine is capable of tracking progress, it is generally
impractical and undesirable for the user to take any explicit
action to notify the exercise machine that a specific user is
presently manipulating the machine. For example, if a track runner
wanted to know and monitor his split times for each 100 meter
segment in a 400 meter race, the overall race performance would be
hampered if the runner needed to manipulate his watch (or another
monitoring device) at each 100 meter segment. Thus, it would be
impractical for the runner to do anything that altered his
performance during the race, even if the action only took a short
time (e.g. about 1 or 2 seconds), which could cost the runner the
race. Similarly, the user of circuit training equipment should NOT
stop exercising for any reason during the circuit routine. Ideally,
the user of circuit training equipment should be able to walk up to
an exercise machine and start using it with a zero time delay.
EXERCISE EQUIPMENT.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,702,719, ("the '719 patent") issued to
Michael Brown et. al., titled "Exercise Machine," describes an
exercise machine which is capable of monitoring various parameters
while the user exercises. These measurements may then be stored on
some (possibly detachable) storage device, or transmitted across a
network to a remote storage device. However, the machines described
in the '719 patent are alerted to the identity of a particular user
only if the user attaches a small computer system (termed a
"personal exercise monitor device") which can identify that user,
or if the user enters their personal identification data manually
via a keyboard or other data entry device. This is impractical for
circuit training because each user may spend a maximum of, for
example, 30 seconds at each machine. Users cannot realistically be
expected to enter keystrokes to identify themselves to the machine,
or to attach (and subsequently detach and carry with them) any type
of identifying monitor device.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,659,946, ("the '946 patent") issued to
Stephen Batchelor et. al., titled "Training System," describes a
system whereby exercise machines may adjust to a user's
personalized exercise needs, and also monitor the user's exercise
measurements. Each machine described in the '946 patent is
outfitted with a smart-card reader and a small computer system
that, after reading the contents of a user's particular card,
adjusts the machine accordingly. Sensors on the machine are
monitored by the computer system, which then stores measurements
from those sensors on the card before the user disembarks from the
machine. There are two major drawbacks to this architecture for
circuit training scenarios. The first is that, like the '719
patent, the user is not automatically identified once they engang
machine, but must place or swipe their card in the reader before
beginning the exercise. The second is that the user may not
disengage from the machine at any time, but must either wait until
the computer system indicates that the exercise is over, or
manually indicate to the computer system that he/she wishes to end
the exercise. Otherwise, that user's exercise measurements will not
be stored on the card for later retrieval.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,931,763, ("the '763 patent") issued to Nerio
Alessandri, titled "System for Programming Training on Exercise
Apparatus or Machines and Related Method," describes a system
similar to the '946 patent. In it, each exercise machine adjusts
to, and stores the exercise measurements of, a particular user that
it identifies by a "portable medium" described as an "electronic
key." As before, this key must be intentionally inserted into a
particular receptacle on the machine by the user--the
identification is not automatic. Once the user (or the machine) has
terminated the exercise, the key may not be withdrawn until the
machine's computer controller has written the pertinent exercise
measurements and statistics into the key's memory. At some point in
time, the user must then bring the key to a computer terminal so
that all of its data may be downloaded and permanently stored.
[0008] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/819,052 filed by Brent
Anderson et al., titled "Health Club Exercise Records System," and
published as 2004/0198555 A1, turns the identification problem
around. Users carry small handheld portable computers, each
equipped with a tag reader. Machines are uniquely tagged, so that
when the handheld device comes within range of a given machine's
tag, information about that machine is automatically known. Thus,
the handheld unit may display motivational information to the user
which is customized to that machine. However, no mechanism is given
by which the machine may either adjust itself to a given user's
profile, nor record and store that user's exercise measurements for
later use.
[0009] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/776,410 filed by
Watterson, et al., on Feb. 2, 2001, and titled "Methods and Systems
for Controlling an Exercise Apparatus Using a Portable Remote
Device," ("the '410 application"), and published as 2002/0022551.
The '410 application describes a portable system retrieves one or
more exercise programs from a remote communication system that
provides motivational content for a user exercising upon an
exercise mechanism. The exercise program further includes at least
one control signal that controls one or more operating parameters
of the exercise mechanism. The portable system includes a control
device configured to retrieve the exercise program and deliver the
motivational content to the user by way of an audio delivery
device, while delivering the control signals to the exercise
mechanism. A sensor communicates with the control device and tracks
one or more measurable parameters of the user during the user's
performance of the exercise program. Data representative of the one
or more measurable parameters can be delivered to the control
device for delivery to the remote communication system.
[0010] However, each of the machines listed above have problems,
especially in connection with circuit training. What is needed is
the ability for a user to walk up to an exercise machine and have
the machine automatically recognize the user, retrieve the user's
profile and modify the user's profile while the user is exercising.
One method of wireless communication between the user and the
machine is an RFID tag and RFID antenna in combination with a
communication network by which a particular user's exercise
measurements and statistics may be transmitted to a storage
database, and by which a particular user's exercise settings may be
retrieved from the database. For example, the '410 application
furthermore assumes that one given user is solely using the
machine, and it is not capable of distinguishing between multiple
users and tailoring the exercise for each one differently.
[0011] Radio Frequency Identification. Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID) is a technology that is used to locate,
identify and track many different types of items, such as clothing,
laundry, luggage, furniture, computers, parcels, vehicles,
warehouse inventory, components on assembly lines, and documents.
RFID transponders, and RFID tags, are used in much the same way as
optical bar codes, identifying the item to which they are affixed
as being a particular individual or as being part of specific
group. Unlike bar codes, RFID transponders can be read even when
they cannot be seen, and hence a "direct line of sight" for
transmitted RF energy and reflected RF energy is not required
between interrogation device and the transponder. Furthermore, the
identification numbers of a multiplicity of transponders can be
read virtually simultaneously, with little or no effort on the part
of the user to "aim" the interrogation device at each and every
transponder. Some RFID transponders can store information in
addition to that used for identification. This additional
information may also be re-programmable by the user. Information
within the transponder is typically accessed by a process variously
referred to in the art as "scanning," "reading," or
"interrogating."
[0012] RFID transponders are typically interrogated by a radio
transceiver with some added intelligence to enable it to send and
receive data in accordance with a communication protocol designed
into the transponder. When interrogating one or more transponders,
the transceiver transmits RF energy to the transponder, and encodes
information on the outgoing signal by modulating the amplitude,
phase and/or frequency of the signal. The RFID transponder can
receive this signal and interpret the information sent by the
interrogating device, and may also then respond by sending
information contained in reflected RF energy back to the
interrogating device.
[0013] RFID transponders are often classified as either active or
passive. An active transponder is continuously powered by a battery
or alternate power source. In contrast, a passive transponder
obtains its power from the RF field imposed upon it by an RFID
transponder interrogation device. A passive RFID transponder,
therefore, must remain close enough physically to the interrogating
device to obtain adequate power to operate its circuits. Typically,
the range for a passive transponder will be less than that of an
active transponder, given that the interrogating device is
transmitting the same amount of RF power at the same frequency for
both types of transponders.
[0014] RFID transponders may be constructed from discrete
components on a circuit board or they may be fabricated on a single
silicon die, using integrated circuit ("IC") techniques and needing
only the addition of an antenna to function. Transponders are
generally designed to operate in one of a number of different
frequency bands. Popular frequencies are centered around 125 kHz,
13.56 MHz, 915 MHz and 2.45 GHz. These particular frequencies are
chosen primarily because regulations in many countries permit
unlicensed operation in these bands, and the permitted transmission
power levels are suitable for communicating with and/or providing
power to the RFID transponders. Transponders operating at lower
frequencies (e.g. 125 kHz and 13.56 MHz) generally require larger
antennas, and typically employ inductive coupling via multiple-turn
coils to achieve a small antenna size. High frequency transponders
typically utilize electric field coupling via simple
half-wavelength dipole antennas. For example, 2.45 GHz transponders
can use simple paper-thin, printed-conductor antennas as small as
60 mm by 5 mm. In contrast, 125 kHz transponders typically use a
coil antenna, usually either made of many loops of wire or of a
foil spiral affixed to a substrate material. In low frequency
transponders, both coils and printed spirals must be quite large in
order to achieve an appreciable operating range. Examples of such
transponders may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,654,658 and
4,730,188.
[0015] RFID transponders are typically identified by a number
contained within a memory structure within each transponder. This
memory structure may be programmed in a variety of ways, depending
on the technology used to implement the memory structure. Some
transponders may employ factory-programmable metal links to encode
the ID. Others may employ one-time-programmable ("OTP") methods,
which allow the end user to program the ID. This is often referred
to as Write Once, Read Many (WORM) technology, or as Programmable
Read Only Memory ("PROM"). Both fusible links and anti-fuse
technologies are used to implement this method of storage. Still
other technologies allow the user to program and re-program the ID
many times. Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory
("EEPROM") and FLASH memory are examples of technologies that can
be used to implement this type of access. The transponder ID number
is typically stored in a binary format for ease of implementation,
though other representations could be used.
[0016] When multiple RFID transponders are within range of the
interrogating device, it is typically desired to be able to
identify all of the transponders in the field. Once the
transponders have been identified, their presence may be noted in a
computer database. Following identification, each of the
transponders may also be addressed individually to perform
additional functions, such as the storing or retrieving of
auxiliary data.
[0017] The ability of the system to efficiently identify the
presence of a multiplicity of transponders is highly dependent upon
the communications protocol used to interrogate the transponders.
Among those familiar with the art, a protocol suitable for allowing
multiple transponders to respond to an interrogation request is
typically referred to as an "anti-collision protocol." The process
of singling out one transponder for communication is typically
referred to as the process of "isolation."
[0018] Most anti-collision protocols communicate between an
interrogation device and RFID transponders present in an RF field
have relied upon pseudo-random number (PN) generators. PN
generators are typically used to vary the time during which the
transponders may respond, so as to eventually allow a response from
each transponder to reach the interrogation device without
colliding destructively with the response from another transponder.
Examples of such protocols can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,537,105, 5,550,547, and 5,986,570.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The following drawings form part of the present
specification and are included to further demonstrate certain
aspects of the present invention. The invention may be better
understood by reference to one or more of these drawings in
combination with the detailed description of specific embodiments
presented herein.
[0020] FIG. 1 shows a diagram of the enterprise view of the circuit
exercise system;
[0021] FIG. 2A, shows a diagram of one site within the enterprise
circuit exercise system; FIG. 2B shows an alternate diagram of one
site within the enterprise circuit exercise system without a local
computer and local database;
[0022] FIG. 3A shows an RFID tag ring; FIG. 3B shows an RFID tag
reader; and FIG. 3C shows a partial perspective view of the control
panel of an exercise machine having graphic (e.g. LCD screens),
non-graphic (e.g. LED lights); and acoustic (e.g. tones, or
speaker) feed back devices and an RFID tag reader;
[0023] FIG. 4A shows a flow diagram of a method for user
identification and usage tracking of an exercise machine without
cache; FIG. 4B shows a flow diagram having the user identification
and usage tracking of an exercise machine with cache; FIG. 4C shows
the decision tree 58 for "does the profile exist in the
database?";
[0024] FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram showing the decision tree for a
system of determining "Has the User Changed?";
[0025] FIG. 6 shows a flow diagram showing the system of updating a
user's settings for a particular machine once that user has
completed an exercise on that machine;
[0026] FIG. 7 shows a flow diagram showing the system of retrieving
a user's settings for a particular machine once that machine has
identified the user;
[0027] FIG. 8 shows a typical layout of circuit training
machines;
[0028] FIG. 9 shows a system layout of a single leg extension
exercise machine having a hydraulic cylinder and a linear
displacement sensor.
SUMMARY
[0029] A system for providing: (a) an automatic identification, or
(b) a combination of automatic identification and programmed
training (either automatic or manual), for a particular user out of
a multiple of users on at least one exercise machine which is
equipped with a user identification device, the system comprises an
identification system and a storage database, wherein the
identification system is in communication with the storage database
whereby settings of that particular user can be transmitted to, and
retrieved from, the storage database. The identification system can
be a radio frequency identification ("RFID") system, which has an
RFID tag and an RFID antenna. The system can have a communication
network facilitating the communication between the RFID system and
the storage database. The profiles of a particular user are
information stored on the database and transmitted to the exercise
machine, which can be used to change in any settings on the
exercise machine. The exercise machine can have at least one sensor
from which measurements from a particular user can be collected and
transmitted to the storage database. The system can be used in a
circuit training.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0030] Terms: It will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art
that various substitutions and modifications may be made in the
invention disclosed herein without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention.
[0031] The term "a" or "an" as used herein in the specification may
mean one or more. As used herein in the claim(s), when used in
conjunction with the word "comprising", the words "a" or "an" may
mean one or more than one. As used herein "another" may mean at
least a second or more.
[0032] While one embodiment of the present invention is discussed
in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present
invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be
embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts.
[0033] As discussed above, the invention is generally related to
exercise systems and equipment using RFID tags, sensors, display
units, and network computers to monitor and individualize exercises
for a multitude of users. More specifically, this invention is
related to a method for monitoring and individualizing exercises
for a multitude of users simultaneously. A systematic circuit
training workout utilizes a continuous series of exercises, and
these exercises can be completed in groups having up to or about
8-25 or more people that are training on up to or about 8-25
machines or mor for a fixed period of time and the exercises are
completed one right after the other, with little or no rest in
between. A typical layout of circuit training machines is shown in
FIG. 8. Due to the fast paced nature of circuit training, an
efficient workout is hampered by any stoppage of the rapid pace of
exercise for any reason, including waiting on a machine to
recognize the specific user of the machine.
[0034] Generally, in order to monitor and adjust the progress of a
defined circuit training user, certain parameters should be
identified and relayed to an interactive system without having the
user of the circuit training equipment perform any task other than
the specific circuit training exercises. Because circuit training
is generally performed in groups, any interactive system that is to
be implemented should also have the ability to perform the required
monitoring and adjusting functions with more than one user on more
than one machine simultaneously. In a preferred embodiment, the
interactive system should have the ability, theoretically, to
monitor and update a single user's profile even if the user is
exercising on two separate machines simultaneously. As used herein,
"profile" means the entire collection of settings, user ID number,
user's name, date the user last used the machine, and any other
relevant information for a particular given user. "Settings"
include information stored on the database, and transmitted to the
exercise machine, that can change in any way the state of the
machine. Thus, settings also include user information that gets
displayed or what position the valve motors must take to adjust the
resistance of the machine.
[0035] As a specific example, an interactive circuit training
system having two machines (e.g. a leg extension machine and a
chest press machine) and two human users (e.g. User 1 and User 2)
should be capable of identifying which user is using what machine.
The interactive circuit training system should be also capable of
setting or recording any machine parameters based upon the specific
user's profile. Additionally, the interactive circuit training
system should be capable of monitoring and updating the specific
user's profile based upon the user's use of any specific machine.
Thus, if User 1 is using the leg extension machine, and User 2 is
using the chest press machine, the two users and their exercise
patterns for each specific machine should be identified and
recorded as the exercises are being conducted. When the User 1 and
User 2 switch machines, this change should also be noted in the
interactive system along with the progress for each user on each of
the specific machines. However, one of ordinary skill in the art
will recognize that for a period of time when User 1 and User 2 are
switching machines, one or both machines are inactive. The
inactivity of one or both machines introduces the logistical
problem of trying to determine whether or not User 1 or User 2 has
completed a specific exercise, completed the circuit, is resting,
or has moved on to the next exercise. During the inactivity of the
machine it may not be clear whether the user profile should be
updated, or whether a specific timeout should be initiated until
the next user interacts with the machine. In order to solve this
problem, the concept of a "phantom user," User 0 in our example
above, has been introduced.
[0036] The term "phantom user," as defined herein, refers to a
default user profile that is to be considered active on any circuit
training exercise machine when a User ID tag is not detected by the
exercise equipment. For example, when human User 1 or human User 2
are switching machines, the phantom User 0 is considered to be
using any or all machines at the moment that the machines do not
identify a human user having User ID tag. Alternately, the phantom
User 0 profile may be used for a human user that does not have a
User ID tag. This concept is also discussed in detail in the
examples listed below.
[0037] Generally, an interactive system for identifying,
monitoring, and updating exercise profiles of more than one
different exercise machine users is described. The interactive
system comprises a local area network first site computer
comprising a database including a multitude of individual records
for each first site user of the multitude of different exercise
users, the records including at least an individual machine
resistant setting and a user ID number.
[0038] A method of automatically monitoring and individualizing
exercises for a multitude of users is disclosed. "Automatic," as
used herein, means that no action from the user is needed, or must
be taken, for the system to do what is recited outside the process
of mounting, using, and dismounting the exercise machine. The
method comprises the steps of providing a first-site particular
user with a unique exercise-machine proximity activated
identification tag. A first exercise site or location is provided
for a multitude of first site exercise machine users, having a
multitude of different exercise machines, some of which may be
capable of accepting a multitude of user settings for at least one
adjustable machine operating parameter (including, for example, at
least a machine resistance) is provided. The exercise machines
include a tag reader for repetitively and automatically monitoring
a proximity area unique for each exercise machine and for automatic
wireless communication with a user-worn proximity-activated
identification tag entering the proximity area and automatically
transmitting a digital signal corresponding to such identification
tag. Some of the exercise machines may also be capable of
transmitting signals relating to the user repetitions of the
machine. A local area network ("LAN") is provided for automatic
engagement and automatic communication with the exercise machines
and includes at least a first site computer, having a database
including a multitude of individual records for each of the
multitude of site users. The individual records may include a
machine user resistance setting for each different machine. The
first site computer identifies individual particular users and may
be capable of automatically providing a setting of the machine
operating parameters of the machine in accordance with individual
record of each user. The first site computer may, after
identification of the user, automatically set a first machine at an
individualized setting for a first user, when a first user is in
the proximity area of the first machine. The computer may set,
again, automatically a second machine of the multitude of different
machines at an individualized setting for a second user when the
second user is in the proximity area of the second machine. This
automatic identification and setting may continue an "Nth" machine
of the multitude of different machines at an individualized setting
for an Nth user when the Nth user is in the proximity area of the
Nth machine. The first, second and Nth machine are operated by the
first, second and Nth user respectively, typically simultaneously
during a first time period.
[0039] The first site computer may store the repetitions (or other
machine operating variable) of each machine in the records
identified with each first, second and Nth user. Optionally, the
first site computer may reset the first machine at an
individualized setting for the Nth user, when the Nth user is in
proximity area of the first machine; reset the second machine at an
individualized setting for the first user when the first user is in
proximity area of the second machine; and reset the Nth machine at
an individualized setting for the second user, when the second user
is in proximity area of the Nth machine. The first, second and Nth
machines are operated by the Nth, first and second users,
respectively, simultaneously, during a second time period, and the
first site computer stores the repetitions (or other machine
operating variable) of each machine in the records identified with
each first, second and Nth user. Optionally, the programmed first
site computer may change the individualized machine settings of the
first, second and Nth uses in response to signals received from the
machines during at least the first and second time periods. The
system includes communicating individual user records (including
identification) with a wide area network, the wide area network for
sharing information related to a multitude of user records from the
first site with a multitude of additional user records at
additional sites.
[0040] An interactive system for exercise of a multitude of
different exercise users is also disclosed. The interactive system
comprises a local area network first site computer comprising a
database including a multitude of individual records for each first
site user of the multitude of different exercise users, the records
including at least an individual machine resistant setting and a
user ID number.
[0041] A multitude of user-carried proximity-activated personalized
ID tags are provided for the site users. A first site typically
includes a circuit having at least a first and a second exercise
machine. Each machine typically includes a tag reader capable of
repetitively sampling a unique machine proximity area for the
presence of an ID tag. The reader is capable of communicating with
the LAN first site computer, and some of the machines may be
capable of adjustably accepting a machine operating parameter (one
such machine operating parameter being machine resistance). At
least some of the machines may be capable of sending a signal
relating to a machine operating variable (one such machine
operating variable being, for example, the number of repetitions
the exercise user performs on a machine-actuated moving part). The
LAN first site computer is capable of automatically identifying
individual records and of automatically receiving an initial set of
machine operating parameters including at least a machine
resistance for the first and second machines. Optionally, the LAN
first site computer is automatically, or manually, programmed to
set the first and second machines at the initial resistance
settings in response to a signal from the tag reader. In addition,
the local area network computer is typically further capable of
receiving the signal related to the machine operating variable and
may also be further capable of automatically changing the initial
settings to new settings and the new settings to subsequent
settings in response to the machine operator variable signals.
[0042] A wide area network for communication with the local area
network first site computer may be used for automatically receiving
periodically and automatically updating individual records from the
local area network first site computer and from a multiplicity of
other local area network site computers. An offsite computer
engages the WAN for communicating with the first and the
multiplicity of other LAN computer to make available records to all
site computers for identification of all site users and,
optionally, for automatically setting machine operating variables
of all site exercise machines and for optionally receiving and
changing settings in response to machine operating variables from
all such machines.
EXAMPLES
[0043] The following examples are provided to further illustrate
this invention and the manner in which it may be carried out. It
will be understood, however, that the specific details given in the
examples have been chosen for purposes of illustration only and not
be construed as limiting the invention.
Example 1
[0044] An interactive system for circuit training machines does not
need to be limited to a single exercise facility. In a preferred
embodiment, several circuit training exercise facilities (sites)
can be linked using a wide area network ("WAN") connected to a
database holding specific user profiles. As shown in FIG. 1, the
enterprise circuit exercise system (10) of the current invention
has a plurality of exercise sites (20a-d) that are in data
communication with each other and with an "off-site" computer site
(24) via a wide-area network (22), also referred to as a WAN. It is
to be understood that "Exercise Site N" (20d) indicates that there
may be one or more exercise sites (20a-d) within the enterprise
circuit exercise system (10).
[0045] Each exercise site may or may not be located in the same
city, state, or region of the world. Each exercise site has at
least one exercise machine connected to a local area network
("LAN") that is connected to the off-site database through the WAN.
Alternatively, each exercise site may have its own database that
may or may not be connected with the off-site database.
Additionally, an exercise site having its own database may have
data communication with a second site or an off-site database.
[0046] A general layout of Exercise Site 1 is shown in FIG. 2A and
FIG. 2B. Generally, a user will have a User ID tag (36a), and the
exercise machine (26a-d) will have a User ID tag reader (38) in
data communication with a database (28b or 32b). The database holds
at least some minimal information on the user, including the
information that the user does not exist, or is using a default
profile, or phantom profile. User profiles can be modified by a
specific human user by interacting with a specific exercise machine
at a specific exercise site. As shown in FIG. 2A, a human user
(34a) using Exercise Site 1 (20a), and typically all exercise sites
(20a-d), are comprised essentially of a plurality of different
exercise machines (26a-d), a site computer (28a), and a wired or
wireless local area network (30), also referred to as a LAN, to
effect communication between the exercise machines (26a-d) and the
site computer (28a). The exercise machines (26a-d), site computer
(28a), and network (30) together comprise some of the physical
embodiments of the present invention. The different exercise
machines (26a-d) of the present invention comprise the circuit of
the present invention and are well known in the art and may be
comprised of elliptical machines, stationary bicycles, electronic
weight resistance machines, treadmills, stair-step machines, or the
like. The exercise machines (26a-d) are adapted to identify a
multitude of users (34a-c) at all times during any given exercise
period and, where appropriate and desired, the exercise machines
can programmatically adjust the settings of the exercise machine
and track usage statistics of during any exercise period. As such,
each exercise machine always has an identified user profile and is
monitoring the usage statistics, even when the machine is not in
use, or a human user does not have an identification tag. Thus,
when the exercise machine does not detect the User ID tag, the user
is considered to be a "phantom" user, even when the machine is not
in use. Additionally, the exercise machines (26a-d) are adapted to
include a microcomputer (not shown) to facilitate the automatic
communication, processing, data storage, and retrieval needs of the
current invention.
[0047] FIG. 2B shows a diagram of another embodiment of the present
invention of one site within the enterprise circuit exercise system
without the use of a site computer or a local database.
[0048] Typically, an exercise machine (26a-d) of the present
invention is adaptable to have its settings, for example
resistance, programmatically (automatically or manually) adjusted.
The site computer (28a) may further comprise a local database (28b)
and an attached keyboard (28c). The local database (28b) stores all
of the settings for the plurality of exercise machines (26) for
each user (34a-c) having a User ID tag, and for the phantom user.
The local database (28b) also stores usage statistics for each user
(34a-c) on each exercise machine (26) so that the program settings
for a particular user (34a-c) on a given exercise machine (26a-d)
may be automatically or manually adjusted to accommodate that
particular user's (34a-c) changing capabilities. The program
settings are typically adjusted automatically as discussed in
detail below but may be adjusted manually via the attached keyboard
(28c). Program settings, as used herein, refer to the default
settings for a given user on a given exercise machine and will vary
from time to time as the capabilities of the particular user vary.
The site computer (28a) may be in electronic communication with a
WAN (30). Where the site computer (28a) is in electronic
communication with a WAN (30), the particular user settings stored
in the local database (28b) are periodically transmitted to an
Off-Site Computer database (32b) so that any given user's (34a-c)
settings may be retrieved from any exercise site (22).
[0049] As is seen in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the site exercise circuit
system (31) of the present invention is comprised of a plurality of
different first site exercise machines (26a-d). It is expected that
during the course of a workout routine more than one human user
(34a-c) with User ID tags (36a) will utilize substantially all of
the exercise machines (26) sequentially in a circuit-like manner as
indicated by arrows (35). Additionally, at anytime that the machine
is idle, or a user does not have a user ID tag the phantom user
will be considered to be using the machine. For example, after
completing an exercise period on Exercise Machine 1 (26a), the
particular user (34a) will proceed to Exercise Machine 2 (26b) to
commence a new exercise period. The user (34a) will repeat this
process until the user has completed his or her workout or has
reached the final machine of the circuit (32), Exercise Machine N
(26d). Typically, other human users with user ID tags will follow
so that most of the exercise machines (26a-d) of the circuit are in
use simultaneously, and in use by a phantom user when the machines
are idle.
[0050] Each particular user (34a-c) of the circuit carries an
identifying tag (36) such as a transponder which enables each
exercise machine (26a-d) to uniquely identify each user (34a-c). It
is understood that within the scope of the present application, a
particular user (32a-b) may carry the identifying tag (36) in his
or her hand or attached to a foot or ankle, by wearing the tag, by
affixing the tag to clothing or by any other means such that the
identifying tag is in close enough proximity such that it may
function to uniquely identify a particular user (34a-c) as that
user approaches or mounts an exercise machine (26a-d). In the
preferred embodiment the identifying tag (34a-c) is a Radio
Frequency Identification ("RFID") device, which is well known in
the art. An RFID device uses radio waves to automatically identify
people or objects. The RFID identifying tags (36) store an
identification number which uniquely identifies the particular user
(34a-c) on a microchip that is attached to an antenna. In alternate
embodiments, other forms of user (34a-c) identification may be
utilized. A non-exhaustive set of examples includes cards or other
items encoded with bar codes, biometric identification such as
fingerprints, or manual code entry on the exercise machine.
[0051] One embodiment of the invention utilizes an RFID
identification system, it should be understood that a RFID system
is just one of many acceptable systems capable of providing the
needed identification of a user. For example, a RFID tag in the
shape of a ring (315) can be worn by the user, as shown in FIG. 3A
and FIG. 3B. The RFID ring uses a 125 kHz RFID tag, model 1775 from
RFID, Inc., Aurora, Colo. Briefly, the RFID tag is a 12 mm
long.times.2 mm diameter glass ampoule tag (320) similar to those
used in animal identification. It can be attached rigidly to a
plastic or metal ring (310) and worn by the user. Alternatively,
the RFID tag can be sewn into an elastic band (330) and slipped
onto the user's finger.
[0052] Each exercise machine (26a-d) of the present invention is
equipped with a tag reader (38). Generally, the tag reader (38), or
interrogator, transmits electromagnetic waves which the antenna on
the identifying tag (36) is tuned to receive. The identifying tag
(36) draws power from the field created by the tag reader (38) and
uses it to power the microchip's circuits which then modulate the
waves that the identifying tag (36) sends back to the tag reader
(38) a signal which uniquely identifies the identification tag (36)
and thereby uniquely identifies the user (34a-c). The transmission
of electromagnetic waves by the tag reader (38) creates a proximity
zone (40) about the exercise machine (26), or about the tag reader
on the exercise machine, within which a user (34a-c) may be
uniquely identified. The size of the proximity zone (40) depends
upon the frequency of operation, the power of the tag reader (38),
and interference from other objects. It is expected that the
proximity zones (40) of the present invention will extend about and
beyond the tag reader of the exercise machines (26) but not so far
as to overlap with the proximity zones (40) of other exercise
machines (26). In a preferred embodiment, the user ID tag reader
(340) is mounted near one of the exercise machine's hand grips
(350), such that the user ID tag reader is activated when the user
places the user ID tag ring (315) on or near the hand grip, as
shown in FIG. 3B. For example, a Model 3020 "MicroReader" (from
RFID, Inc.) operating at 125 kHz has been used as a preliminary
prototype. The antenna for the tag reader has been integrated into
the handle of the exercise equipment. The tag reader communicates
with the real-time controller via an RS232 serial communication
channel at a speed of 9600 baud. Although not wanting to be bound
by theory, it is possible to incorporate the tag reader's
functionality into the real-time controller, which could reduce the
number of separate units used.
[0053] When a user (34a-c) enters the proximity zone (40) of an
exercise machine (26), the tag reader (38) of the exercise machine
(26) receives a signal which provides an identification number
which uniquely identifies the user (34a-c) as being different from
the default or phantom user. The exercise machine (26) transmits
this identification number to the site computer (28a) via the LAN
(30) to request the program settings for that user (34a-c) on that
type of exercise machine (26). Once the user's (34a-c) settings are
located in the local database (28b), the settings are transmitted
back to the exercise machine (26) which configures itself
accordingly. The program settings for a given user (34a-c) on a
given exercise machine (26) may include any setting which affects
the ease or difficulty with which an exercise machine is utilized
by the user. For example, for an elliptical exercise machine, the
settings may include resistance, incline, and/or programming to
vary resistance and incline during the exercise period. As an
alternate example, a programmable electronic weight resistance
system's program settings may include the initial resistance and
the distance the actuator bar is placed from the user. If the user
(34a-c) is not defined in the local database (28b), a signal is
transmitted to the exercise machine (26a-d) that the current user
is not defined within the exercise system (10) and to configure
itself with device default settings stored within an on-board
microcomputer (not shown). Generally, the device default settings
for an undefined user are the same as the phantom user and will
reflect an average of the capabilities of users known to the
enterprise circuit exercise system (10). When the user removes the
user ID tag from the ID tag reader the machine will detect a change
of users and the phantom user will become the current user until
another user ID tag is detected indicating another change of
user.
[0054] Where the exercise site (20a-b) is connected to a WAN, new
data from the exercise site's (20a-b) local database (28b) is
propagated to the Off-Site Computer database (32b) via the Off-Site
Computer (32a). New data, as used herein, refers to any user
(34a-c) data of any sort that has been created or modified since
the last propagation of data from the local database (28b) to the
Off-Site Computer database (32b). Typically, the propagation of
data from the local database (28b) to the Off-Site Computer
database (32b) occurs at regular intervals; for example, once
daily. Once the new data from each of the exercise sites (20a-d)
has been incorporated into the Off-Site Computer database (32b),
the complete set of data for all exercise sites (20a-d) is
propagated back down to the local database (28b) for each exercise
site (20a-d). In this manner, a user from any exercise site may
utilize any other exercise site and still have access to his or her
program settings.
[0055] When the user's (34a-c) settings are received by the
exercise machine (26), to confirm to the user that the exercise
machine (26) is properly configured for that user, the user's
(34a-c) name and/or serial number will be graphically displayed on
the exercise machine display device (42). See FIG. 3C for a more
detailed view of the exercise machine display device (42). When a
phantom user or an undefined user is operating the exercise machine
(26), the exercise machine display device (42) presents an
indication that the system device default settings have been used
to configure the exercise machine (26). Alternatively, the exercise
machine may have a non-graphic display device. A non-graphic
display means include an indicator light (421) (where one type of
light is used to indicate that the user ID tag has been recognized
while the other type of light is used to indicate that the user has
not been recognized, and is thus a "phantom," or undefined user).
Another type of non-graphic indicator may be an acoustic feedback
device (e.g. speaker (420)) for transmitting a voice or sound
indicator. Furthermore, a combination of graphic and non graphic
devices may be present on a single exercise machine (42), (420),
and (421). The user ID tag reader (340) is mounted near one of the
exercise machine's hand grips (350). In order to operate the
displays, user ID tag reader and other electronics located at the
exercise machine, power may be supplied using a battery or power
cable. However, in order to reduces cable clutter power may be
supplied to the machine via the same signal path as data is
transmitted back and forth using the "power-over-Ethernet" standard
IEEE 802.11af.
[0056] Upon removal of the user ID tag from the ID tag reader on a
particular exercise machine (26a-d) by the user (34a-c), statistics
related to that exercise period are transmitted to the site
computer (28a) for storage in the local database (28b). The
statistics transmitted may include number of repetitions,
average/peak forces and velocities, maximum displacement of a
moving part, total energy expended, or any other use-related
statistic that may be useful in tracking a user's development.
These statistics are aggregated by the on-board microcomputer (not
shown). Periodically, as discussed below, the site computer (28a)
will utilize the use statistics stored in the local database (28b)
for a user (34a-c) to amend the program settings for that user on
an exercise machine (26a-d) to tailor a user's (34a-c) workout
routine to the changing capabilities of that user. Further, a user
(34a-c) may manually adjust his or her program settings through
data input on attached keyboard (28c).
[0057] As mentioned above, at all times, each exercise machine has
a current user. When a human user having a user ID tag is detected,
the machine settings for that user's profile are loaded on the
machine that has detected that particular user ID tag.
Alternatively, when an ID tag is not identified by the exercise
machine, a phantom user having default settings is considered to be
using the machine. Flow diagrams showing the user identification
and usage tracking of an exercise machine are shown in FIG. 4A and
FIG. 4B. FIG. 4A shows a method for user identification and
communication between the RFID system and the database without a
cache, and FIG. 4B shows a similar system with a cache. One
advantage of having a system with cache is that once a user ID tag
is identified and the user's profile is retrieved from the
database, all the user's settings for each and every machine in the
circuit can be transmitted and stored on the cache of each separate
exercise machine rather than accessing the local area network each
time the user changes. Because there is always an active user on
the machine, either a user with the User ID tag or a phantom user,
each machine always has a phantom user profile loaded, which allows
a rapid change of users. By using a local cache on the exercise
equipment the speed with which a user's profile settings can be
loaded into the real-time controller is nearly instantaneous. If
the profile exists in the cache, no latency is incurred by
requesting the profile over the LAN and waiting for the site
computer to look up the profile and transmit it back to the
controller. Additionally, the use of local cache makes the system
of exercise machines and controllers more tolerant of temporary LAN
disruptions. However, using a local cache requires that the
real-time controller have a large enough memory to hold the
profiles for many users (e.g. about 25), which translates to a more
expensive model of microprocessor in the controller design.
[0058] This process executes in a continuous loop while the
exercise machine is in operation. When the equipment is initially
turned on and no user ID tag has been identified, the machine is
being used by the phantom user as a default. The tag reader of the
exercise machine repeatedly transmits a signal to locate a user ID
tag of a user (step 52). The tag reader transmits the interrogation
signal to locate the user ID tag in the range of about hundreds of
times per second to about once every few minutes. The preferred
rate for tag interrogation is anywhere from 100 interrogations per
second down to once every few minutes. Generally, tags are
interrogated about 10 times per second, however, some system
designed for situations other than circuit training may not need
such a fast interrogation rate.
[0059] When a particular user having the user ID tag is found (step
54), the previous users statistics are transmitted to the database,
even when the previous user is the phantom user and the particular
user's identification number and the machine type are transmitted
to the site computer to retrieve the user's program settings for
that exercise machine type (step 56). If the exercise machine has
cache, it will be checked for the user ID and settings (step 560).
When the profile is loaded in cache the user information will be
displayed (step 64) and the machine will be configured for
exercise. If the profile is not loaded in cache, the user ID and
machine type will be transmitted to the database (step 562), where
the profile will be retrieve and used to display the user
information, or the default settings will be retrieved (step 60).
If the exercise machine does not have cache, the existence of the
user profile in the database will be determined (step 58). FIG. 4C
shows a detailed flow diagram of the decision tree "does the
profile exist in the database?" in Step 58.
[0060] If the user is not defined for the exercise machine (as set
out in more detail below), the device default settings for the
exercise machine are retrieved (step 60), and the user's personal
information (e.g., name, identification number) are displayed on
the exercise machine display device to indicate to the user that
the machine is properly configured for that user (step 64).
Alternately, non-graphical indicator devices can communicate to the
user that the machine has retrieved the user's profile. The
exercise machine then configures itself for use by the user with
the settings retrieved (step 66). After the exercise machine is
properly configured, the user commences the exercise period on the
exercise machine (step 68). During the exercise period, the user's
use of the exercise machine is tracked (step 70). The variables
tracked by the exercise machine may include number of repetitions,
average/peak forces, and velocities, maximum displacement of a
moving part, total energy expended, user's heart rates, calories
burned, or a mixture thereof, or any other use-related statistic
that may be useful in tracking a user's development.
[0061] When the user removes the user ID tag from the ID tag
reader, the exercise machine will detect that the user has changed
to the phantom user. The phantom user profile will be transmitted
to the exercise machine from the database or from the cache memory
and the phantom user's usage will be tracked, even when the machine
is not actively being used.
[0062] One desired characteristic of the present invention is that
it be reliable and as robust as feasible against the possibility of
component failures. One subsystem that is most likely to fail
occasionally is the Local Area Network ("LAN"). If this happens, it
may not be possible for an exercise machine to retrieve a given
user's machine settings, nor to identify that user, as the
machine's real-time controller is out of contact with the site
computer on which resides a database of users and user profiles. To
mitigate this problem, a modification of the preferred embodiment
includes a local data cache in each machine's controller. As seen
in FIG. 4B, when a user's tag is successfully read by the machine's
tag reader, the local cache is first checked to see whether it
contains that user's profile information. If so, then the
controller does not attempt to utilize the LAN until the user
disembarks from the machine. If not, then the controller attempts
to retrieve the user's profile settings via the LAN. When the LAN
is fully operational, a profile request from any given machine is
transmitted over the LAN to the site computer. The site computer
then broadcasts that user's profile and settings to all exercise
machine controllers listening on the LAN. Each controller stores
this information in its cache. This is a particularly successful
modification of the preferred embodiment when used in a
circuit-training environment because it is highly likely that each
user will use most or all of the machines; if the cache is designed
to hold as many user profiles as there are machines in the circuit,
then each user's profile is requested via the LAN only once per
workout. Thus, a minimum number of users will be incorrectly
identified, or lose access to their profiles and settings, if a
temporary network failure occurs.
[0063] The probability of previous user still using the machine
could be determined as set out in more detail below and in FIG. 5.
The exercise machine determines whether the user has changed using
the decision tree of step 54 in FIG. 4A or 4B. FIG. 5 is a flow
diagram showing a system of determining whether a user with a user
ID tag is currently utilizing an exercise machine. It is a decision
tree asking if the user has changed. The tag reader of the exercise
machine transmits a signal to locate an identification tag of a
user. Using the response received (i.e., identification tag present
or not), the prior responses received, and the current state of the
exercise machine, the probability that the user is still using the
machine is calculated (step 84). The determination of the
probability that a user is still using the exercise machine even in
the absence of return signal to the tag reader is needed to reduce
the possibility that "false negatives" resulting from the tag
reader's queries will result in the exercise machine being returned
to its default state. In those cases, the user may still be using
the exercise machine even when the tag reader does not locate and
identification tag.
[0064] If the probability that the user is still using the exercise
machine exceeds a certain threshold (step 86), 50% for example,
then the exercise machine assumes that the user is still using the
exercise machine and continues to gather usage statistics (step
88). Otherwise, the exercise machine ceases gathering usage
statistics (step 90) and transmits the gathered statistics to the
site computer.
[0065] The probability that the user that began an exercise period
is still using an exercise machine is determined using a
probability function. An example of such a probability function is
P.sub.new=(1-.alpha.)P.sub.old+.alpha.U U=A or (B and [C.sub.1 or
C.sub.2 or . . . or C.sub.n]) [0066] where, [0067] A=1 if the tag
reader retrieves the current user's identification number, 0
otherwise; [0068] B=1 if the previous reading retrieved the current
user's identification number, 0 otherwise; [0069] C.sub.n=1 if the
Machine Operating variable exceeds a predetermined threshold, 0
otherwise; [0070] .alpha.=a number between 0 and 1.
[0071] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing one embodiment of the
system of updating a user's settings for a particular machine once
that user has completed an exercise on that machine. When a user's
exercise period on an exercise machine is completed, that machine
transmits to the site computer via the LAN usage statistics for
that user on that exercise machine during that exercise period
(step 102). These usage statistics are then stored in the local
database for review (step 104). If it is not the appropriate time
to update the user's program settings (step 106) then the process
is terminated.
[0072] Several methods have been contemplated by the inventors in
order to determine if the current exercise settings are acceptable
or need to be revised. First, the settings could be modified if a
predetermined amount of time has passed since the last
modification. Second, the settings could be modified if the user
used a given machine a predetermined number of times.
[0073] One embodiment of the system has a display with a pacing
bar. The user is instructed to move a particular component of the
machine so that the sensed motion matches the pacing display. The
pacing bar oscillation frequency can be increased, which makes the
user work faster (and thus harder). One possible statistic to keep
track of the pace is the tracking error, which is the difference
between the pacing display and the user's actual motion, and
modifies the settings if the tracking error falls below a
predetermined threshold, which is another method to determine if
the current exercise settings are acceptable or need to be
revised.
[0074] Additionally, some users may have different goals for their
workout routine. Specifically, some users may wish to exercise for
strength building, while others for cardiovascular improvement.
Still others may wish to switch between the two styles of exercise,
so settings could be modified if the user needs to switch between a
strength or cardio style exercise. This may be accomplished on
machines with adjustable resistance elements such as hydraulic
cylinders, a control signal may be sent to the resistance element
to, for example, slightly constrict a hydraulic fluid path using a
motorized valve, which makes the user work harder.
[0075] One possible sensor that could be mounted on an exercise
machine is a heart-rate monitor, whereby the settings could be
modified if the user's heart rate rises above (or falls below) a
predetermined threshold.
[0076] The timing of the review of a user's program settings for an
exercise machine may vary from machine type to machine type, site
to site, and user to user. One way of determining the appropriate
timing of a review is to review a user's program settings against
his or her usage statistics after a fixed number of periods of
exercise. By this method, a user's program settings may be reviewed
after every fifth or tenth exercise period. Another way of
determining the appropriateness of program settings review is to
rely upon the most recent usage by the user. For example, if on a
given exercise machine the user exceeded fifteen repetitions during
an exercise period or failed to achieve ten repetitions during an
exercise period, then a review of that user's program settings
would be appropriate.
[0077] If the system determines that it is appropriate to review
the user's program settings (step 106), the user's program settings
are analyzed in reference to the user's usage statistics to
determine if the program settings are currently set properly or
need to be adjusted (step 110). If the program settings are
appropriately set (step 112) then the process is terminated (step
114). If the program settings are too easy for the user's current
capabilities (step 116), then the program settings are adjusted to
make them incrementally more difficult for the user (step 118). If
the program settings are too difficult or too strenuous for the
user's current capabilities (step 116), then the program settings
are adjusted to make them incrementally less difficult for the user
(step 120). Additionally, as seen in FIG. 2A, a user or instructor
may manually adjust a user's program settings via the keyboard
(28c) attached to the site computer (28a).
[0078] Referring now to FIG. 7 which illustrates the system of
retrieving a user's settings for a particular machine once that
machine has identified the user. It is a decision tree asking the
question: Does the profile exist in the database? As used herein,
"profile" means the entire collection of settings, user ID number,
user's name, date the user last used the exercise machine, and
other relevant information pertaining to that particular user. A
request sent by an exercise machine and received by the site
computer via the LAN to retrieve the program settings for a given
user on a given exercise machine type (step 122). The site computer
queries the local database for the user's program settings using
the user identification and exercise machine type (step 124). If
the program settings are found (step 126), the site computer
retrieves the settings from the local database (step 130) and
returns those settings and a flag indicating that the user's
settings were located to the requesting exercise machine (step
132). If the program settings for the user are not found in the
local database (step 126) then a flag is returned to the exercise
machine indicating that the user's settings were not located (step
128).
[0079] The invention is illustrated by example in the drawing
figures, and throughout the written description. Although the
invention has been described with reference to specific
embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a
limited sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments,
as well as alternative embodiments of the invention will become
apparent to persons skilled in the art upon the reference to the
description of the invention. It is, therefore, contemplated that
the appended claims will cover such modifications that fall within
the scope of the invention.
Example 2
[0080] One large commercial workout establishment's routine is
simple yet varied. Gym members use exercise machines arranged in a
circle, known as a circuit training. The exercise machines are used
at 30 second intervals. When prompted, the members switch to the
next station in the circuit for a workout session of 30 minutes.
FIG. 8 shows a typical layout of circuit training machines.
[0081] One general objective of the invention is to have a system
that can obtain and update a user's workout profile during a user's
workout. The general method to achieve this objective utilized a
real-time controller, a radio frequency identification tag ("RFID")
for user identification with visual feedback, a hydraulic cylinder
to provide resistance, and a linear displacement sensor attached to
the hydraulic cylinder. For example, a leg extension machine was
one specific machine that incorporated the invention. As shown in
FIG. 9, (900) shows a leg extension machine (930) having an LCD, a
hydraulic cylinder (940), a linear displacement sensor (910), and a
RFID tag reader (950) was used to demonstrate the specifications of
this invention. The linear displacement sensor (940) measures the
total amount of linear motion recorded at the cylinder, from which
the user's total range of physical movement may be inferred. Such
displacement measurements may be obtained by sensors such as a
Linear Variable Differential Transformer ("LVDT") or a Linear
Magnetostrictive Sensor, both of which are well known in the field.
Furthermore, by periodically sampling the output of the linear
displacement sensor (for example, once every 1/100 of a second),
the velocity of the hydraulic cylinder's piston may be accurately
approximated. In this embodiment, the hydraulic cylinders exhibit a
well-known mathematical relationship between the piston velocity
and the resistive force generated by the cylinder. Thus, the
real-time controller may accurately approximate the force with
which the user is actuating the cylinder. Knowing the force and
velocity experienced by the user permits direct calculation of the
amount of work or average power expended during the exercise.
[0082] The embodiments shown and described above are only
exemplary. Even though several characteristics and advantages of
the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing
description together with details of the invention, the disclosure
is illustrative only and changes may be made within the principles
of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general
meaning of the terms used in herein and in the attached claim.
REFERENCES CITED
[0083] The following references, to the extent that they provide
exemplary procedural or other details supplementary to those set
forth herein, are specifically incorporated herein by
reference.
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
[0084] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/776,410; Publication
No.: 2002/0022551 filed by Watterson, Scott R. on Feb. 2, 2001 and
titled "Methods and Systems for Controlling an Exercise Apparatus
Using a Portable Remote Device," "the '410 application"). [0085]
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/819,052; Publication No."
2004/0198555 file by Anderson, Brent on Apr. 6, 2004 and titled,
"Health Club Exercise Records System," [0086] U.S. Pat. No.
5,931,763 filed by Nerio Alessandri on Feb. 24, 1998 and titled,
"System for Programming Training on Exercise Apparatus or Machines
and Related Method." [0087] U.S. Pat. No. 6,659,946 filed by
Stephen Batchelor on Jun. 30, 2000 and titled, "Training System."
[0088] U.S. Pat. No. 6,702,719 filed by Brown, Michael Wayne on
Apr. 28, 2000 and titled, "Exercise Machine."
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