U.S. patent application number 11/465387 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-01 for apparatus and method for altering exercise device electronics and functionality.
This patent application is currently assigned to Nautilus, Inc.. Invention is credited to Adam P. Hubbard.
Application Number | 20070049466 11/465387 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37758512 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070049466 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hubbard; Adam P. |
March 1, 2007 |
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ALTERING EXERCISE DEVICE ELECTRONICS AND
FUNCTIONALITY
Abstract
A treadmill or other form of exercise equipment including a
receptacle or other communication port adapted to provide a
communication pathway to a cartridge or other removable memory
and/or processing platform such that operation of electronics and
software resident in some portion of the exercise equipment may be
conveniently modified. In one particular form, the treadmill
includes a receptacle in a console. A cartridge includes a memory
and associated processing electronics. The cartridge is adapted to
fit within the receptacle and engage communication ports or
connections within the receptacle. Upon recognition of a cartridge
within the receptacle, modification of some portion of the
operation of the electronics, modifications to software within the
exercise equipment, etc. may be undertaken as a function of
whatever modification is provided by way of a new application, an
addition to an existing application, a new subroutine, a
modification of a subroutine, a control code, or some other
treadmill electronics or software modification programming provided
in the cartridge.
Inventors: |
Hubbard; Adam P.; (Boulder,
CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DORSEY & WHITNEY, LLP;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
370 SEVENTEENTH STREET
SUITE 4700
DENVER
CO
80202-5647
US
|
Assignee: |
Nautilus, Inc.
Vancouver
WA
98683
|
Family ID: |
37758512 |
Appl. No.: |
11/465387 |
Filed: |
August 17, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60709744 |
Aug 19, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/54 ;
482/8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2225/15 20130101;
A63B 22/0076 20130101; A63B 22/0605 20130101; A63B 22/0664
20130101; A63B 24/00 20130101; A63B 22/0056 20130101; A63B 22/02
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/054 ;
482/008 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/00 20060101
A63B071/00; A63B 22/02 20060101 A63B022/02 |
Claims
1. An exercise device comprising: a processor arrangement including
at least one inactivated application; at least one communication
port in electrical communication with the processor arrangement,
the at least one electrical port configured to receive a removable
memory arrangement including at least one control code; and upon
receipt of the at least one control code, the processor arrangement
configured to activate the inactivated application.
2. The exercise device of claim 1 further comprising a receptacle
operably associated with the at least one electrical port.
3. The exercise device of claim 2 wherein the receptacle defines an
asymmetrical aperture.
4. The exercise device of claim 2 wherein the at least one
electrical port includes a first port with a voltage supply and a
second port providing a data communication line to the processor
arrangement.
5. The exercise device of claim 4 wherein the at least one
electrical port further comprises a third port providing a clock
line.
6. The exercise device of claim 5 wherein the at least one
electrical port further comprises a fourth port providing a ground
line.
7. The exercise device of claim 2 wherein the receptacle defines a
locking aperture adapted to receive a protrusion of the removable
memory arrangement.
8. A memory cartridge for use in communicating with exercise
equipment, the memory cartridge comprising: a first cover defining
at least one first rib, the at least one rib defining an inset
portion; a second cover coupled with the first cover, the second
cover defining at least one second rib adapted to at least
partially abut the at least one first rib; and a memory card
secured between the first cover and the second cover, the memory
card within the inset portion.
9. The memory cartridge of claim 8 whereby the memory cartridge is
adapted to be plugged into a receptacle of the exercise
equipment.
10. The memory cartridge of claim 8 wherein: the first cover
defines a first boss defining a first threaded aperture and a
second boss defining a second threaded aperture; the second cover
defines a first aperture in alignment with the first threaded
aperture, and a second aperture in alignment with the second
threaded aperture; and wherein a first screw is secured with the
first threaded aperture and the first aperture and a second screw
is secured with the second threaded aperture and the second
aperture to couple the first cover with the second cover.
11. The memory cartridge of claim 8 wherein the at least one first
rib defines three ribs, wherein each rib defines an inset portion
with a width dimension corresponding with a width dimension of the
memory card.
12. The memory cartridge of claim 11 wherein the at least one
second rib defines three ribs adapted to at least partially abut
the corresponding three ribs of the at least one first rib.
13. The memory cartridge of claim 8 wherein: the first cover
defines a first bottom portion; the second cover defines a second
bottom portion; and wherein the first bottom portion and second
bottom portion collectively define an asymmetrical shape.
14. The memory cartridge of claim 13 wherein the asymmetrical shape
is a trapezoid.
15. The memory cartridge of claim 9 further comprising a locking
mechanism adapted to secure the memory cartridge within the
receptacle.
16. The memory cartridge of claim 15 wherein the locking mechanism
defines a tab integrated within the second cover, the second tab
pivotally supported on the second cover.
17. The memory cartridge of claim 16 wherein the locking mechanism
includes a protrusion.
18. The memory cartridge of claim 8 wherein the second cover
defines means for locking the cartridge within a receptacle of an
exercise device.
19. The memory cartridge of claim 8 wherein the first cover defines
means for securing the memory cartridge.
20. The memory cartridge of claim 8 wherein the second cover
defines means for securing the memory cartridge.
21. The memory cartridge of claim 8 wherein the memory card
comprises: a voltage supply line in electrical communication with a
memory device; a data line in electrical communication with the
memory device; a clock line in communication with the memory
device; and at least one ground line in communication with the
memory device.
22. The memory cartridge of claim 21 further comprising: a resistor
coupled between the voltage supply line and the data line; a
resistor coupled between the voltage supply line and the clock
line; and a capacitor coupled between the voltage supply line and
the at least one ground line.
23. The memory cartridge of claim 21 further comprising: a first
contact coupled with the voltage supply line; a second contact
coupled with the data line; a third contact coupled with the clock
line; and a fourth contact coupled with the at least one ground
line.
24. A method for modifying electronic control, software, or some
other portion of an exercise device processing arrangement, the
method comprising: recognizing insertion of a removable memory
arrangement in a communication port of the exercise device;
determining whether the removable memory includes a modification of
some portion of the electronic control, software, or some other
portion of the exercise device processing arrangement; and
modifying the electronic control, software, or some other portion
of the exercise device processing arrangement in accordance with
data present within the removable memory.
25. The method of claim 24 wherein the data includes at least one
control code for activating a software component present within
some portion of the electronic control, software, or some other
portion of the exercise device processing arrangement.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a non-provisional application
claiming priority to co-pending provisional application No.
60/709,744 titled "Exercise Device" filed on Aug. 19, 2005, which
is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Aspects of the present invention involve an exercise device,
such as a treadmill, elliptical, exercise bicycle, stair machine,
rowing machine, or the like, configured to include a communication
port by which electronics and software associated with the same,
may be conveniently modified.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Modern exercise equipment oftentimes includes electronics
and associated software for numerous purposes. For example,
treadmills typically include a drive motor and an associated
control board that drive the tread belt that forms the
walking/running surface, an elevation motor and associated control
board that allows a user to modify the incline of the walking
surface, preprogrammed workout routines that control belt speed
and/or incline, heart rate calculation electronics, and user
performance programming that provides indications of the
performance of the user (e.g. calories burned, miles walked, etc.).
Such a treadmill will include various types of user inputs to
control operation of the treadmill as well as a display, speakers,
and perhaps other forms or mediums for the user to receive
information concerning his workout as well as to control operation
of the treadmill. Other forms of exercise equipment, such as
elliptical trainers, exercise bicycles, etc., also include a host
of electronics.
[0004] What is often missing, however, from exercise equipment is a
convenient way to update, modify, delete, add or otherwise alter
the myriad of electronic controls and software such that a user may
customize his exercise equipment, upgrade his exercise equipment,
or otherwise alter the configuration of the electronics and
associated software.
SUMMARY
[0005] One aspect of the present invention involves an exercise
device, such as a treadmill, elliptical, exercise bicycle, etc.,
that includes a processor arrangement with at least one inactivated
application. The exercise device includes at least one
communication port in electrical communication with the processor
arrangement. The at least one electrical port is configured to
receive a removable memory arrangement including at least one
control code. Further, the processor arrangement is configured to
activate the application upon receipt of the at least one control
code.
[0006] Another aspect of the present invention involves a memory
cartridge for use in communicating with exercise equipment, such as
a treadmill, elliptical, exercise bicycle, etc. The memory
cartridge includes a first cover defining at least one first rib
defining an inset portion. The cartridge further includes a second
cover coupled with the first cover, the second cover defining at
least one second rib adapted to at least partially abut the at
least one first rib. Finally, the cartridge includes a memory card
secured between the first cover and the second cover, and within
the inset portion.
[0007] Another aspect of the present invention involves a method
for modifying electronic control, software, or some other portion
of an exercise device processing arrangement. The method involves
recognizing insertion of a removable memory arrangement in a
communication port of the exercise device. Next, the method
involves determining whether the removable memory includes a
modification of some portion of the electronic control, software,
or some other portion of the exercise device processing
arrangement. Finally, the method involves modifying the electronic
control, software, or some other portion of the exercise device
processing arrangement in accordance with data present within the
removable memory.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a treadmill including a
console defining a cartridge receptacle, the receptacle providing a
communication port for a cartridge including some form of data
storage medium arranged to communicate with processing electronics,
memory or the like, within the console or within some other portion
of the treadmill, conforming to aspects of the present
invention;
[0009] FIG. 2A is a close-up isometric view of the treadmill and
cartridge as shown in FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 2B is a further close-up isometric view of a receptacle
for receiving the cartridge;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a close-up isometric view of the treadmill as
shown in FIG. 1, except that the cartridge is inserted in the
receptacle;
[0012] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a cartridge conforming to
aspects of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the cartridge of FIG. 4;
[0014] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a front cover of the
cartridge;
[0015] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a rear plate or cover of the
cartridge;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a side view of the cartridge;
[0017] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the cartridge particularly
illustrating the bottom of the cartridge (the bottom being the side
inserted into the receptacle);
[0018] FIG. 10 is an electrical schematic drawing of the receptacle
and some console electronics along with the cartridge electronics;
and
[0019] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating one method conforming to
aspects of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0020] Aspects of the present invention involve an exercise device
adapted to upgrade, add, activate, or otherwise modify processor
functionality, control functionality, motor controls, built-in
exercise routines, and the like by way of receiving and recognizing
communication with a memory having the processor functionality,
etc., or control codes adapted to activate the functionality, etc.
Further aspects of the invention involve a cartridge housing the
memory where the cartridge is specially suited to interface with
the exercise equipment. Additional aspects of the invention involve
methodologies present in either the exercise device or the
cartridge for causing the exercise device to recognize the
cartridge and to act on the information stored in the memory
therein.
[0021] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a treadmill 10 conforming to
aspects of the present invention. The treadmill includes a frame 12
supporting various features of the treadmill. A tread belt 14
stretches longitudinally from the rear of the treadmill to the
front portion of the treadmill. The tread belt is supported by a
front and a rear roller (not shown). The tread belt is the surface
a user walks or runs on during exercise. A front shroud 16 is
located at the front of the treadmill. The shroud covers an
elevation motor, drive motor, and related electronic control boards
(not shown). The elevation motor is configured to actuate an
elevation assembly 18 located at the bottom front portion of the
treadmill. The elevation assembly is adapted to raise and lower the
front of the treadmill in order to provide varying degrees of
inclination for the tread belt. The drive motor is configured to
rotate the front roller thereby driving the tread belt. Other
components may also be located under the front shroud.
[0022] A console assembly 20 is supported above the front portion
of the treadmill by left and right uprights (22, 24). The console
supports a processor board in communication with a display and user
inputs. The processor board includes various electronics configured
for operation of the treadmill. The processor board and other
electronics may also include memory storing various software
programming for preconfigured workout routines, user performance
(e.g., calories burned, miles run, etc.), heart rate calculation,
treadmill diagnostics, drive and elevation, motor control, amongst
other possible programming.
[0023] In one particular implementation, a user data storage
application, a workout diary application, a heart rate based
preprogrammed workout routine application, and possibly other
applications are stored in the memory, but are in an inactive
state. Upon receipt of a proper control code, the targeted
application or applications will become active (usable by a user
and the treadmill processing electronics). The user data storage
and workout diary applications provide a means for a user to store
the results of particular workout sessions. The heart rate based
preprogrammed workout routines provide for control of speed and/or
incline of the treadmill so that the user reaches target heart
rates, provide workout routines where treadmill control is
programmed to step the user through different heart rates, and
provide a routine intended to determine the fitness level of the
user.
[0024] The upper front portion of the console assembly 20 includes
a cartridge receptacle 26 adapted to receive a cartridge 28. The
cartridge supports a data storage medium or "memory" adapted to
communicate with the console electronics and particularly the
processor board. The memory within the cartridge may store software
changes, upgrades, modifications, control codes, or other
configuration changes for the console software and electronics, as
well as other exercise device electronics. In one particular
implementation, the memory within the cartridge includes at least
one byte of data configured to enable functioning or operation of
software present within the console electronics, but disabled. The
data is arranged to enable or activate the disabled software when
the cartridge is inserted into the receptacle. The disabled
software in the console electronics may be resident within the
processor board or within memory structures associated with the
treadmill electronics.
[0025] Rearward of the console assembly is a crossbar 28 situated
between the left and right uprights (22, 24). The crossbar supports
electrodes 30 for the user to grasp and which are configured to
receive heartbeat signals from the user and transmit those
heartbeat signals to the processor board or some other processing
platform for calculation of heart rate. The heart rate is used by
the heart rate based programming. The crossbar also supports an
input assembly that may include speed and elevation input controls.
The speed and elevation input controls may communicate with the
console electronics which in turn transmit the speed and elevation
inputs to the elevation and drive motor control boards, or may
communicate directly with the elevation and drive motor control
boards.
[0026] FIG. 2A is an isometric view of the console 20, and FIG. 2B
is a close-up view of the cartridge receptacle 26. As shown in
FIGS. 2A and B, the cartridge receptacle defines a trapezoidal
aperture 32. As will be discussed in further detail below, the
cartridge 28 includes a matching trapezoidal feature providing a
key function so that the cartridge may be properly inserted into
the cartridge receptacle. Other shapes or keying arrangements may
be employed in order to ensure that the cartridge is properly
inserted into the cartridge receptacle. FIG. 3 is a second
isometric view of the console assembly illustrating the cartridge
inserted into the receptacle.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a rear isometric view of one particular
implementation of a cartridge 28, conforming to aspects of the
present invention. The cartridge includes a front cover 34
connected with a back plate 36. A memory card (e.g., a memory chip
secured on a printed circuit board) or other form of memory and/or
electronics are housed within the cartridge, and discussed further
below. A locking mechanism 38 is located in the back plate near the
top of the cartridge. The locking mechanism is configured to secure
the cartridge in the cartridge receptacle 26. In one particular
example, the locking mechanism includes a locking protrusion 40
extending outwardly from the back plate. The locking protrusion
defines a slanted bottom face 42 and a top face 44 substantially
perpendicular to the back plate of the cartridge. The locking
protrusion is adapted to snap into a corresponding lock slot 46
(see FIG. 2B) in the receptacle. The lock slot defines an upper
surface adapted to engage the top face of the locking protrusion.
Further details of the locking mechanism are discussed with respect
to FIG. 7 below.
[0028] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the cartridge, illustrating
the front cover 34, memory card 48, back plate 36, and a cover
decal 50. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the inside of the front
cover 34. Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the front cover defines
an outside wall 52, a first side wall 54, a second side wall 56,
and an arcuate top wall 58. Collectively the walls define an
enclosure with an open back and an open bottom. A lower rib 60
extends between the side walls and extends rearward the outside
wall 52 in a lower section of the front cover. A middle rib 62
extends between a left boss 64 and a right boss 66 and extends
rearward of the outside wall. The bosses each define threaded
apertures adapted to receive the bolts 68 (shown in FIG. 5) which
secure the back plate 36 to the front cover 34. The middle rib is
located above the lower rib, and generally in a middle section of
the front cover. Above the middle rib, an upper rib 70 extends
between the side walls (54, 56) and extends rearwardly of the
outside wall 52. Each of the ribs define a recess or indentation
adapted to receive the memory card 48.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 6, the memory card defines a first section
72 with a first width dimension, and a second section 74 with a
second width dimension, less than the first width dimension. The
recess 76 in the lower rib has a width adapted to receive the
second section of the memory card, but not the first section of the
memory card. The indentations (78A, 78B) in the upper ribs include
recesses or indentations of a width dimension sufficient to receive
the first section of the memory card. The arrangement of the
indentations ensures that the memory card cannot be inserted in the
cartridge upside down. In one particular implementation, the depth
of the indentations are approximately equal the corresponding depth
of the memory card such that a first face 80 of the memory card is
substantially in alignment with the rearward faces of the ribs.
[0030] A first longitudinal rib 82 and a second longitudinal rib 84
extend upwardly from the upper rib 70 to the top wall 58 of the
cartridge. The longitudinal ribs also extend rearwardly from the
outside wall of the cartridge. The bottom section of each
longitudinal rib defines an indentation (86, 88) of a depth
approximately equal the depth of the memory card. When properly
inserted into the rib indentations, an upper edge 90 of the memory
card 48 is in engagement with the indentations in the longitudinal
ribs. This arrangement situates the memory card in a substantially
fixed longitudinal arrangement within the cartridge. When the
memory card is secured within the cartridge, an electrical
interface portion 92 of the card extends downwardly from the lower
rib 60. When the cartridge is secured in the slot, the card and
electrical interface engage a port within the slot 26. The port is
in electrical communication with the console electronics and may
also be in communication with other treadmill electronics.
[0031] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the back plate 36. The
locking mechanism 38 is defined in the approximately upper half of
the back plate. The locking mechanism defines a generally T-shaped
arrangement. The bottom 94 of the T-shape is secured to the back
plate. All other portions of the locking mechanism are not secured
to the back plate. In one particular example, the back plate is
fabricated in a single molding process, and a slot 96 separates the
lock and the remaining structure of the back plate. To secure the
T-shaped locking mechanism to the remaining portion of the back
plate, no slot is provided along the bottom portion of the T. In
this way, the lock may move slightly with respect to the back
plate, the connection between the back plate and the lower portion
of the T forming generally a pivot area about which the T may move
relative to the back plate.
[0032] By pressing inward on the top portion 98 of the T, a user
may move the protrusion 40 (see FIG. 4) inward with respect to the
cartridge. Such a movement disengages the protrusion from the lock
slot 46 to allow removal of the cartridge from the receptacle.
During insertion of the cartridge into the receptacle, the
protrusion initially abuts the receptacle opening and is forced
inward as the slanted lower face of the protrusion moves downward
into the receptacle. The locking T is generally biased such that it
seeks to maintain a generally coplanar orientation with respect to
the back plane of the back plate. As such, when the protrusion
reaches a sufficient depth within the receptacle such that it
aligns with the locking operation, it snaps into the locking
aperture 46.
[0033] The back plate defines a second lower rib 100, a second
middle rib 102, and a second upper rib 104 adapted to correspond
with the lower 60, middle 62, and upper 70 ribs of the front cover.
The second lower, middle, and upper ribs define faces adapted to
engage the first face 80 of the memory card when the memory card is
properly fitted within the cartridge indentations (76, 78A, 78B.
The second upper rib 106 of the back plate does not extend across
the full width of the back plate but is rather divided into two
portions with a middle area removed to allow the locking mechanism
to move relative to the back plate.
[0034] Bolt receptacles 108 are defined along the outside edges of
the back plate. Each bolt receptacle defines an aperture adapted to
align with the corresponding threaded aperture, in the front cover
bosses (66, 68). An outside edge 110 of the back plate defines the
same general shape as the inside edge of the front cover at the
rear of the front cover. The back plate is adapted to fit into the
front cover. Further, the bolt receptacles are adapted to engage
the corresponding front cover bosses and properly locate the rear
plate within the front cover such that the plane of the back plate
is generally in alignment with the rearmost outer edge of the front
cover.
[0035] FIG. 8 is a side view of one example of the cartridge 28. As
discussed earlier, a locking protrusion 40 extends rearwardly from
the cartridge. A grip 112 is located in the top of the cartridge.
The grip defines a generally arcuate surface between the side
walls. Additionally, an offset 114 having a gripping depression is
formed in the upper wall. As such, the grip defines an indentation
such that a user may have a positive surface to grasp the cartridge
and withdraw it from the receptacle.
[0036] FIG. 9 illustrates an isometric view of the cartridge 28
particularly focusing on the bottom and rear of the cartridge. As
shown in FIG. 9, when the front cover is assembled with the back
plate, the lower surface of the cartridge defines a trapezoidal
shape 116 adapted to fit within the corresponding trapezoidal shape
32 of the cartridge receptacle 26. Additionally, the memory card
48, particularly the portion of the memory card that allows
communication and engagement with the port in the receptacle,
extends downward from the bottom wall 118 of the cartridge. The
bottom wall is defined by the first lower rib 60 in the front cover
and the second lower rib 100 in the back plate. The cartridge
receptacle also may define a trapezoidal slot adapted to receive
the trapezoidal bottom edge of the cartridge.
[0037] FIG. 10 is an electrical schematic of the console
electronics 120 and the cartridge 28. Referring first to the
console electronics, the console electronics, as mentioned
elsewhere herein, include a processor 122 and associated memory
124. The processor and memory are collectively referred to as a
processor assembly or processor board herein. The processor
assembly includes a data 126 and clock line 128 coupled with
corresponding data and clock connectors (ports) within the
cartridge receptacle. Additionally, the console electronics
provides a five volt VCC source voltage and at least one ground
line and corresponding connectors (ports) within the cartridge
receptacle. The connections/ports may be provided in one connection
assembly.
[0038] Referring now to the cartridge electronics, in one
particular example, the cartridge electronics includes a memory
chip 130 coupled with a printed circuit board 132. The printed
circuit board includes a VCC trace 134 coupled with the memory,
data and clock line traces (136, 138) coupled with the memory, and
at least one ground line trace 140 coupled with the memory.
Further, connectors are coupled with the VCC, data, clock, and at
least one ground line trace. The cartridge connectors are adapted
to provide a connection with the corresponding receptacle
connectors, when the cartridge is properly inserted into the
cartridge receptacle. In one particular implementation, the memory
chip is a one megabit nonvolatile random access memory.
Additionally, communication with the memory chip is provided by way
of the I.sup.2C communication scheme. Other removable memory means
may also be employed in various embodiments of the present
invention, including USB, memory stick, etc.
[0039] In one particular implementation employing the I.sup.2C
communication scheme, a 4.7K ohm resistor 142 is coupled between
VCC and the data line. A second 4.7K ohm resistor 144 is coupled
between VCC and the clock line. Finally, a capacitor 146 is coupled
between VCC and ground.
[0040] FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart of one method conforming to
aspects of the present invention. In one particular implementation,
in order to modify the software or operation of the console
electronics or other portion of the exercise device electronics,
the console electronics must first be powered off (operation 1).
Next, the cartridge is inserted into the receptacle in order to
establish a connection between the memory within the cartridge and
the processor assembly. It is possible to create an electrical
connection between the external memory and the console electronics
other than the cartridge and receptacle implementation illustrated
herein. In one particular example, when the cartridge is inserted
into the receptacle, the protrusion causes the locking mechanism to
first be depressed inwardly with respect to the cartridge as the
angular face of the protrusion abuts against the corresponding
locking aperture. When the cartridge is fully inserted into the
receptacle, the protrusion moves past the upper edge of the
corresponding locking aperture such that the T-shaped locking
mechanism snaps into its rest position and the locking protrusion
is secured within the corresponding aperture. The snapping motion
may provide an audible indication that the cartridge is properly
inserted into the receptacle.
[0041] Once the cartridge is properly inserted into the receptacle,
the console electronics are powered on (operation 3). Upon power
on, the console electronics are adapted to recognize that the
cartridge, and particularly the memory assembly within the
cartridge, is connected or in electrical communication with the
console electronics (operation 4). Once the cartridge is
recognized, first the processor determines whether the cartridge
and/or associated alterations in the memory of the cartridge are
compatible with the current implementation of the console
electronics (operation 5). If there is no compatibility, alteration
is halted (operation 6). In some implementations, a message may be
presented on the console display.
[0042] If the alterations or new applications present on the
cartridge memory is compatible, then the processor assembly
determines whether the software change of the cartridge is proper
(operation 7). Various aspects of the software change may be
considered in determining whether a change is proper. Such
determinations may include a comparison of the change configured
within the cartridge memory and whether that change has already
been incorporated into the console electronics. Another comparison
may include whether the change would represent an earlier version
of the software that is already present on the console, in which
case a change may not be allowed. Again, if the change is not
proper, then alteration is halted (operation 6). If a change is
proper, then the software alteration present in the cartridge
memory is uploaded to the processor assembly (operation 8). In some
implementations, a message, such as "upgrade complete" may be
presented on the display.
[0043] In one particular implementation, the cartridge memory may
include one or more byte patterns configured to activate a software
routine already present on or within the processor assembly. For
example, the processor assembly may include the above discussed
user data storage, workout diary, preset heart rate workout
routines, or other preset applications. The byte arrangements may
be configured to activate one or more of the preset routines. In
another example, the cartridge memory includes the actual
applications configured to run some particular routine and such
application is uploaded from the memory to the processor assembly.
Other changes may also be employed by way of the cartridge such as
general upgrades, motor and elevation control board upgrades,
diagnostic upgrades, and any other software or processor upgrades.
The cover decal may include descriptive text indicating the type of
upgrade present in the cartridge memory. It is also possible to
alter the memory of the cartridge after an upgrade has been
performed. The alteration may be used to limit the number of times
any one particular cartridge is used.
[0044] Although preferred and other embodiments of this invention
have been described above with a certain degree of particularity,
those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the
disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of
this invention. Various embodiments of the invention are described
with respect to a treadmill type exercise device, however, aspects
of the present invention may be embodied in other types of exercise
equipment, such as an elliptical trainer, an exercise bicycle, a
rowing machine, a stair climbing machine, etc. Embodiments of the
invention also illustrate the receptacle as being provided in a
console at the front of the exercise device, however it is possible
to locate the receptacle or other data communication port at any
location of whatever type of exercise device the invention is
implemented. Further, various particular shapes of the receptacle
and cartridge are illustrated, such shapes may be modified as any
particular implementation of the invention requires or in any shape
desired.
[0045] All directional references (e.g., upper, lower, upward,
downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above,
below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are
only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's
understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, and do
not create limitations, particularly as to the position,
orientation, or use of the invention unless specifically set forth
in the claims. Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled,
connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may
include intermediate members between a connection of elements and
relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do
not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and
in fixed relation to each other.
[0046] In some instances, components are described with reference
to "ends" having a particular characteristic and/or being connected
to another part. However, those skilled in the art will recognize
that the present invention is not limited to components which
terminate immediately beyond their points of connection with other
parts. Thus, the term "end" should be interpreted broadly, in a
manner that includes areas adjacent, rearward, forward of, or
otherwise near the terminus of a particular element, link,
component, member or the like. In methodologies directly or
indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are
described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled in
the art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged,
replaced, or eliminated without necessarily departing from the
spirit and scope of the present invention. Various electrical
connections are illustrated in various embodiments herein, however,
the claims should not be construed to require any electrical
connection require a direct connection, as it is contemplated that
transmission of a signal, data, or provision of other electrical
requirements may be achieved through a direct connection as well as
communication through intermediate components, through a
transmission medium, wirelessly, with analog or digital signals,
etc. It is intended that all matter contained in the above
description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be
interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in
detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit
of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
[0047] It will be recognized by those skilled in the art, that
various elements discussed with reference to the various
embodiments may be interchanged to create entirely new embodiments
coming within the scope of the present invention. It is intended
that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the
accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and
not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without
departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the
appended claims.
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