U.S. patent application number 11/618858 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-14 for portable exercise scripting and monitoring device.
This patent application is currently assigned to OUTLAND RESEARCH, LLC. Invention is credited to Louis B. Rosenberg.
Application Number | 20070135264 11/618858 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38140163 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070135264 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rosenberg; Louis B. |
June 14, 2007 |
Portable exercise scripting and monitoring device
Abstract
An apparatus, method and computer program product for a portable
exercise scripting and monitoring including includes a processor, a
separate and user affixable wireless motion sensor configured to
wirelessly send motion signals to the processor in dependence on
detection of exercise motions associated with either a user's body
part or a dynamic element of an exercise apparatus to which the
motion sensor is affixed. A datastore is provided and coupled to
the processor and configured to retrievably store one or more user
configurable or selectable exercise regimens, each exercise regimen
including a plurality of prescribed exercise activity sets, each
set including a prescribed exercise type and a number of prescribed
repetitions to be performed by the user. An exercise monitoring
program accesses an exercise regimen and sequences through a
plurality of exercise activity sets included therein, for each
outputting an indication to the user the prescribed exercise type
and the number of repetitions to be performed in accordance,
processing the motion signals sent from the motion sensor as the
user performs the prescribed exercise activity set, interactively
counting the number of prescribed repetitions performed by the user
in dependence on the processed motion signals, and determining when
the user has performed the prescribed number of repetitions of the
exercise set.
Inventors: |
Rosenberg; Louis B.; (Pismo
Beach, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LAW OFFICE OF PHILIP A STEINER
846 HIGUERA STREET
SUITE 4
SAN LUIS OBISPO
CA
93401
US
|
Assignee: |
OUTLAND RESEARCH, LLC
P.O.Box 3537
Pismo Beach
CA
93448
|
Family ID: |
38140163 |
Appl. No.: |
11/618858 |
Filed: |
December 31, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11298434 |
Dec 9, 2005 |
|
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11618858 |
Dec 31, 2006 |
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60811637 |
Jun 6, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/8 ;
482/9 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2209/08 20130101;
A63B 21/078 20130101; A63B 2225/50 20130101; A63B 2023/0411
20130101; A63B 2024/0068 20130101; A63B 2220/17 20130101; A63B
2024/0009 20130101; A63B 2071/0625 20130101; A63B 2220/13 20130101;
A63B 21/0724 20130101; A63B 21/072 20130101; A63B 71/0622 20130101;
A63B 23/1236 20130101; A63B 24/0062 20130101; A63B 21/0628
20151001; A63B 2071/0663 20130101; G09B 7/02 20130101; A63B 24/0084
20130101; A63B 71/0686 20130101; A63B 2225/20 20130101; A63B
2220/40 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/008 ;
482/009 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/00 20060101
A63B071/00 |
Claims
1. A portable exercise scripting and monitoring device comprising:
a processor having operatively coupled thereto; a separate and user
affixable wireless motion sensor configured to wirelessly send
motion signals to the processor in dependence on detection of
exercise motions associated with either a user's body part or a
dynamic element of an exercise apparatus to which the motion sensor
is affixed; a datastore configured to retrievably store one or more
user configurable or selectable exercise regimens, each exercise
regimen including a plurality of prescribed exercise activity sets,
each prescribed exercise activity set including a prescribed
exercise type and a number of prescribed repetitions to be
performed by the user for the prescribed exercise type; a memory
having operatively loaded therein an exercise monitoring program IS
including instructions executable by the processor to; access an
exercise regimen, sequence through a plurality of prescribed
exercise activity sets included in the accessed exercise regimen,
and for each prescribed exercise activity set output an indication
to the user the prescribed exercise type and the number of
prescribed repetitions to be performed, process the motion signals
sent from the motion sensor as the user performs the prescribed
exercise activity set, interactively count the number of
repetitions performed by the user during the exercise activity set
in dependence on the processed motion signals and determine when
the user has performed the number of prescribed repetitions of the
prescribed exercise activity set.
2. The portable exercise scripting and monitoring device according
to claim 1 wherein the output is generated in a human cognizable
format selected from the group consisting of; an audio output, a
visual output and any combination thereof.
3. The portable exercise scripting and monitoring device according
to claim 1 further including an audio processing subsystem coupled
to the processor and configured to audibly output a current
repetition count of a current exercise activity set contemporaneous
with the exercise movements of the user.
4. The portable exercise scripting and monitoring device according
to claim 1 further including a display coupled to the processor and
configured to visually output a current repetition count of a
current exercise activity set contemporaneous with the exercise
movements of the user.
5. The portable exercise scripting and monitoring device according
to claim 1 wherein the exercise monitoring program further includes
instructions executable by the processor to retrievably store in
the datastore, an exercise history for each of the plurality of
exercises activity sets performed by the user.
6. The portable exercise scripting and monitoring device according
to claim 5 wherein the exercise history includes a time value
associated with each performed repetition of the exercise activity
set, the time value indicating the length of time required by the
user to perform each repetition.
7. The portable exercise scripting and monitoring device according
to claim 1 wherein the motion sensor is magnetically affixable to
the dynamic element of the exercise apparatus.
8. The portable exercise scripting and monitoring device according
to claim 1 wherein the outputted repetition count is either an
increasing count indicative of the number of prescribed repetitions
completed by the user in the prescribed exercise activity set or a
decreasing count indicative of the number of prescribed repetitions
remaining to complete the prescribed exercise activity set.
9. The portable exercise scripting and monitoring device according
to claim 2 wherein the exercise monitoring program further includes
instructions executable by the processor to output an audio
representation of the number of repetitions remaining to be
completed in the prescribed exercise activity set.
10. The portable exercise scripting and monitoring device according
to claim 1 wherein the motion sensor is selectively affixable to an
article of clothing, a wrist band, a belt, or a shoe worn by the
user.
11. The portable exercise scripting and monitoring device according
to claim 1 wherein the exercise monitoring program further includes
instructions executable by the processor to determine an elapsed
time between each of a plurality of repetitions performed by a
user.
12. The portable exercise scripting and monitoring device according
to claim 11 wherein the exercise monitoring program further
includes instructions executable by the processor to determine and
output in a human cognizable format, a representation of the user's
performance in dependence on the elapsed time and a predefined
exercise goal.
13. The portable exercise scripting and monitoring device according
to claim 12 wherein the exercise monitoring program further
includes instructions executable by the processor to heuristically
define a future exercise activity set in dependence on the
determined user's performance.
14. The portable exercise scripting and monitoring device according
to claim 1 wherein the exercise monitoring program further includes
instructions executable by the processor to store in the datastore
a digital representation of at least one of; a number of prescribed
repetitions completed, an elapsed time between completed
repetitions, an exercise type performed, a weight level used, a
current date, a current time and any combination thereof.
15. The portable exercise scripting and monitoring device according
to claim 1 wherein at least one of the prescribed exercise activity
sets further includes an indication of a weight level to be used
when the user performs the prescribed exercise activity set.
16. The portable exercise scripting and monitoring device according
to claim 3 wherein the exercise monitoring program further includes
instructions executable by the processor to output audio
representations of words of encouragement in dependence on an
elapsed time between two sequential repetitions of a current
exercise activity set.
17. The portable exercise scripting and monitoring device according
to claim 1 wherein each exercise regimen defines a prescribed order
in which an included plurality of prescribed exercise activity sets
are to be performed by a user.
18. A method for providing a portable exercise scripting and
monitoring device comprising: providing a datastore configured to
retrievably store one or more user configurable or selectable
exercise regimens, each exercise regimen including a plurality of
prescribed exercise activity sets, each exercise activity set
including a prescribed exercise type and a number of prescribed
repetitions to be performed by a user; providing an exercise
monitoring program including instructions executable by a processor
associated with the portable exercise scripting and monitoring
device for; accessing a stored exercise regimen from the datastore,
sequencing through a plurality of prescribed exercise activity sets
included in the accessed exercise regimen and for each prescribed
exercise activity set, outputting an indication to the user the
prescribed exercise type and the number of prescribed repetitions
to be performed, processing the signals sent from a motion sensor
coupled to the processor as the user performs the prescribed
exercise activity set, interactively counting the number of
repetitions performed by the user during the exercise activity set
in dependence on the processed signals and determining when the
user has performed the number of prescribed repetitions included in
the prescribed exercise activity set.
19. The method for providing a portable exercise scripting and
monitoring device according to claim 18 further including
configuring the motion sensor to be separately affixable to either
a user's body part or a dynamic element of an exercise
apparatus.
20. The method for providing a portable exercise scripting and
monitoring device according to claim 18 further including providing
a motion sensor that may be magnetically affixed to a movable
portion of an exercise apparatus.
21. The method for providing a portable exercise scripting and
monitoring device according to claim 18 further including providing
a motion sensor that may be selectively affixed to an article of
clothing, a wrist band, a belt, or a shoe worn by the user.
22. The method for providing a portable exercise scripting and
monitoring device according to claim 18 wherein the outputting is
generated in a human cognizable format selected from the group
consisting of; an audio output, a visual output and any combination
thereof.
23. The method for providing a portable exercise scripting and
monitoring device according to claim 22 further including
outputting a current repetition count as either an increasing count
indicative of the number of repetitions completed by the user in
the prescribed exercise activity set or as a decreasing count
indicative of the number of prescribed repetitions remaining to
complete in the prescribed exercise activity set.
24. The method for providing a portable exercise scripting and
monitoring device according to claim 18 further including
instructions executable by the processor for determining an elapsed
time between each of a plurality of consecutive repetitions
performed by the user.
25. The method for providing a portable exercise scripting and
monitoring device according to claim 24 further including
instructions executable by the processor for determining and
outputting in a human cognizable format an assessment of the user's
current performance in dependence at least in part on the elapsed
time and a predefined exercise goal.
26. The method for providing a portable exercise scripting and
monitoring device according to claim 25 further including
instructions executable by the processor for heuristically
determining a future exercise activity set in dependence on the
user's current performance assessment.
27. The method for providing a portable exercise scripting and
monitoring device according to claim 18 further including
instructions executable by the processor for storing in a datastore
coupled to the processor, a digital representation of at least one
of; a number of prescribed repetitions completed, an elapsed time
between the completed repetitions, an exercise type performed, a
weight level used, a current date, a current time, and any
combination thereof.
28. The method according to claim 22 further including outputting
an updated repetition count as performed by the user during an
exercise activity set contemporaneous with the exercise movements
of the user.
29. A computer program product embodied in a tangible form
comprising instructions executable by a processor associated with a
portable exercise scripting and monitoring device to; access an
exercise regimen, sequence through a plurality of prescribed
exercise activity sets included in the accessed exercise regimen
and for each exercise activity set, output an indication of a
prescribed exercise type and a number of repetitions of the
prescribed exercise type, process a plurality of motion signals
sent from a motion sensor coupled to the processor as a user
performs the prescribed exercise activity set, interactively count
the number of repetitions performed by the user in dependence on
the processed motion signals and determine when the user has
performed the number of prescribed repetitions of the prescribed
exercise activity set.
30. The computer program product according to claim 29 further
including instructions executable by the processor for storing in a
datastore coupled to the processor, a representation of at least
one of; a number of prescribed repetitions completed, an elapsed
time between the completed repetitions, an exercise type performed,
a weight level used, a current date, a current time and any
combination thereof.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a non-provisional application claiming
benefit and priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) from co-pending
U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/811,637 filed on Jun. 6,
2006 to the instant inventor and a common assignee; this
application is also a continuation of applicant's co-pending U.S.
non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 11/298,434 filed on
Dec. 9, 2005;
[0002] this application is also a related application to the
following co-pending U.S. patent applications Ser. No. 11/285,534
filed on Nov. 22, 2005; Ser. No. 11/298,434 filed on Dec. 9, 2005;
Ser. No. 11/267,079 filed on Nov. 3, 2005; Ser. No. 11/539,598
filed on Oct. 6, 2006; Ser. No. 11/563,610 filed on Nov. 27, 2006;
Ser. No. 11/555,784 filed on Nov. 22, 2006; Ser. No. 11/427,320
filed on Jun. 28, 2006; Ser. No. 11/461,375 filed on Jul. 31,
2006;
[0003] this application is also a related application to co-pending
PCT application PCT/US2006/004373 filed on Feb. 7, 2006;
[0004] the aforementioned patent applications are all to the
instant inventor and a common assignee and are hereby incorporated
by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein.
INVENTIVE FIELD
[0005] The present inventive embodiments relate generally to a
personal computing device, such as a PDA or cellular telephone or
portable media player and more specifically to a personal computing
device wirelessly interfaced with a motion sensor unit and
configured to monitor exercise and/or sports related activities of
a user.
BACKGROUND
[0006] It has become a very common activity for a wide range of
individuals to go to a gym and exercise upon a variety of exercise
machines, including free weight systems and universal gym machines.
Because people often use a wide variety of exercise machines it is
often difficult for a user to keep track of how many repetitions
the user has performed during a current or previous exercise set.
In many cases, it is often difficult for a user to follow a
preplanned exercise regimen if it involves a complex sequence of
prescribed exercise sets, each of differing exercise types, varying
exercise repetition numbers, and varying weight level settings. To
assist a user in the following of such complex exercise regimens, a
user may utilize a written exercise plan that describes the regimen
but such a written document is cumbersome to use during physical
exercise sessions.
[0007] Also, a user may take performance notes upon a written
exercise document but taking such notes is slow and cumbersome and
a user typically lack the ability to document critical performance
data other than a confirmation that the sets were actually
performed as planned. As such, there is a substantial need for
automated tools to assist a user in following a complex exercise
regimen across a variety of exercise types and a plurality of
pieces of exercise equipment as well as a need to assist a user in
better documenting critical performance parameters about the user's
execution of the various exercise sets within the complex exercise
regimen.
[0008] In addition, it has become a very common activity for a wide
range of individuals to bring a personal computing device such as a
personal media player, cell phone, and/or personal digital
assistant to the gym with them. Such devices are often used in the
gym with headphones for listening to music. Manual entry of such
data into a user's personal computing device however is slow and
cumbersome and distracting from an exercise regimen itself. As
such, manual entry would offer little if any benefit over a paper
document. In fact, manual data entry may be slower and more
cumbersome than using a traditional paper document.
[0009] What is therefore needed is an automated and convenient
arrangement by which a personal computing device of a user can
automatically monitor a user's progress through a diverse exercise
regimen involving a plurality of exercise sets and variety of
different exercise types, prompting the user as to each sequential
exercise set required, tracking the user's progress through each
exercise set, recording data relating the user's performance.
[0010] Unless otherwise indicated herein, the approaches described
in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application
and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this
section.
SUMMARY
[0011] The various exemplary embodiments described herein address
the limitations in the relevant art and provides an apparatus,
system and method which provides an automated repetition counting
system in which a personal computing device is programmed to
monitor, count, store, and report the exercise repetitions
performed by a user. In an exemplary apparatus embodiment, a
portable exercise scripting and monitoring device is provided. The
personal computing device comprises; a processor, a separate and
user affixable wireless motion sensor configured to wirelessly send
motion signals to the processor in dependence on detection of
exercise motions associated with either a user's body part or a
dynamic element of an exercise apparatus to which the motion sensor
is affixed.
[0012] A datastore is coupled to the processor and configured to
retrievably store one or more user configurable or selectable
exercise regimens, each exercise regimen including a plurality of
prescribed exercise activity sets, each prescribed exercise
activity set including a prescribed exercise type and a number of
prescribed repetitions to be performed by the user for the
prescribed exercise type.
[0013] A memory is coupled to the processor and includes an
operatively loaded exercise monitoring program. The exercise
monitoring program comprises instructions executable IS by the
processor to access an exercise regimen and select an exercise
activity set included therein, output an indication to the user of
the prescribed exercise type and the number of repetitions to be
performed in accordance with the selected exercise activity set,
process the motion signals sent from the motion sensor as the user
performs the prescribed exercise activity set, interactively count
the number of prescribed repetitions performed by the user in
dependence on the processed motion signals to determine when the
user has performed the number of repetitions of the prescribed
exercise activity set, sequence through a plurality of prescribed
exercise activity sets included in the accessed exercise regimen,
output to the user an indication of the prescribed exercise type
for each prescribed exercise activity set, the number of
repetitions to be performed, a count of the number of prescribed
repetitions performed by the user and continue until the number of
prescribed repetitions for each of the prescribed exercise types
has been performed by the user.
[0014] In an exemplary methodic embodiment, a method for providing
a portable exercise scripting and monitoring device comprises
providing a datastore configured to retrievably store one or more
user configurable or selectable exercise regimens, each exercise
regimen including a plurality of prescribed exercise activity sets,
each exercise activity set including a prescribed exercise type and
a number of prescribed repetitions to be performed by a user;
providing an exercise monitoring program including instructions
executable by a processor associated with the portable exercise
scripting and monitoring device.
[0015] The executable instructions comprise accessing a stored
exercise regimen from the datastore and selecting an exercise
activity set included therein, outputting an indication to the user
the prescribed exercise type and the number of prescribed
repetitions to be performed, processing the signals sent from a
motion sensor coupled to the processor as the user performs the
prescribed exercise activity set, interactively counting the number
of prescribed repetitions performed by the user in dependence on
the processed signals to determine when the user has performed the
number of repetitions included in the prescribed exercise activity
set, sequencing through a plurality of prescribed exercise activity
sets included in the accessed exercise regimen and for each
prescribed exercise activity set, outputting to the user an
indication of the prescribed exercise type and number of
repetitions, counting the number of prescribed repetitions
performed by the user and continuing until each of the number of
repetitions for each of the prescribed exercise types has been
performed by the user.
[0016] In an exemplary computer product embodiment, a computer
program embodied in a tangible comprises instructions executable by
a processor associated with a portable exercise scripting and
monitoring device to access an exercise regimen and select a
prescribed exercise activity set therein, output an indication of a
prescribed exercise type and a number of repetitions of the
prescribed exercise type, process a plurality of motion signals
sent from a motion sensor coupled to the processor as a user
performs the prescribed exercise type, interactively count the
number of prescribed repetitions performed by the user in
dependence on the processed motion signals to determine when the
user has performed the number of repetitions of the prescribed
exercise activity set, sequence through a plurality of prescribed
exercise activity sets included in the accessed exercise regimen
and for each exercise activity set, output to the user an
indication of the prescribed exercise type, prescribed number of
repetitions, count the number of prescribed repetitions performed
by the user, and continue until each of the number of prescribed
repetitions for each of the prescribed exercise types has been
performed by the user. The tangible form of the computer program
may be any of optical media, logical media and magnetic media.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0017] The features and advantages of the various exemplary
embodiments will become apparent from the following detailed
description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings. Where possible, the same reference numerals and
characters are used to denote like features, elements, components
or portions. It is intended that changes and modifications can be
made to the various embodiments without departing from the true
scope and spirit of the inventive subject matter as defined in the
claims.
[0018] FIG. 1--depicts a generalized block diagram of a portable
computing device.
[0019] FIG. 2A--depicts an exemplary embodiment of a magnetically
affixable wireless motion sensor.
[0020] FIG. 2B--depicts an exemplary embodiment of a clip affixable
wireless motion sensor.
[0021] FIG. 2C--depicts an exemplary embodiment of a strap
affixable wireless motion sensor.
[0022] FIG. 3A--depicts an exemplary time varying profile of
accelerometer data collected from a motion sensor affixed to a
dumbbell during a curl exercise.
[0023] FIG. 3B--depicts an exemplary time varying profile of
accelerometer data collected from a motion sensor affixed to a
weight during a bench press exercise.
[0024] FIG. 4A--depicts an exemplary embodiment where a user is
disposed in a starting position to perform a repetitive exercise
activity using a universal style of exercise equipment.
[0025] FIG. 4B--depicts an exemplary embodiment where a user has
extended a dynamic element of the universal style of exercise
equipment to perform the repetitive exercise activity.
[0026] FIG. 4C--depicts an exemplary embodiment where a user is
extending a dynamic element of a free weight bench press to perform
the repetitive exercise activity.
[0027] FIG. 5--depicts an exemplary process flow chart of the
various embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] A large variety of exercise activities involve repetitive
motions, such as lifting weights, doing sit-ups, doing push-ups,
doing pull-ups, or doing squats. In all such repetitive exercise
activities a user performs a sequence of repetitive exertions of
the same or a similar form. Each completed repetitive motion is
commonly referred to as a repetition or a "rep." A single
repetition of a weight lifting exercise activity, for example,
generally involves the raising and lowering of the weights within
certain spatial limits. A single repetition of a push-up exercise
activity, for example, generally involves the raising and lowering
of the user's own body within certain spatial limits. Users
generally perform a target number of repetitions to be performed,
the target number being commonly referred to as a "set." Thus, a
single set of a repetitive exercise may involve a user repeatedly
performing the exercise in a rapid sequence to complete a set. The
user typically mentally counts each repetition to his or herself to
keep track of progress toward completing the exercise set.
[0029] At the completion of the set, the user generally rests for a
few moments before beginning another next set. The rest period may
be accompanied by a manual recording on a paper log of the date,
time, weight and the number of repetitions performed to determine
progress toward an exercise goal. A full exercise regimen of a user
generally involves a planned plurality of exercise sets. Commonly a
user will perform multiple sets of each of a variety of different
exercise types, each set being of a variety of different repetition
counts and a variety of different weight settings or difficulty
settings.
[0030] Such is a common protocol for exercise within a gym or home.
However, mental counting and then manual recording of each exercise
activity performed is cumbersome, time consuming and difficult to
maintain complete records of an extended time span. In addition,
keeping track of a complex preplanned exercise regimen that is to
be followed by the user, whether the keeping track is done mentally
or on paper, may be cumbersome, time consuming, and difficult to
update and maintain over extended time spans. The various exemplary
embodiments described herein provides the user with am automated
exercise scripting and monitoring system in which a personal
computing device is configured to store an exercise regimen of a
plurality of exercise sets, monitor the user's progress through
each of the exercise sets within the exercise regimen by counting
exercise repetitions performed by the user, record performance data
relating the user's execution of each of the plurality of exercise
sets, and report progress and/or performance data to the user
during and after the exercise regimen.
[0031] The various exemplary embodiments described herein operate
through an automated process of counting performed exercise
repetitions across a variety of different exercise types when a
user when engaged in a repetitive exercise activity. A motion
sensor that may be selectively affixable to a body part of a user
or a movable portion of a piece of exercise equipment is provided
to collect motion data related to a user's exercise activities and
communicate a motion signals to a personal computing device that is
close proximity to the exercising user. Where necessary, programs,
algorithms and routines may be programmed in a high level language
object oriented language, for example, Java (.TM.) C++, C#, C,
CORBA, Visual Basic (.TM.) or low level assembly language.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, a generalized exemplary block diagram
of a personal computing device 100 is depicted. The personal
computing device may take a variety of forms, including a personal
digital assistant, a smart phone, a portable media player or other
portable programmable electronic device that may be worn or carried
about by a user during an exercise session. In many embodiments, a
portable media player may be preferred because of their common
usage during exercise. In such embodiments the portable media
player may be configured to perform a repetition counting
functionality and/or an exercise prompting functionality while also
playing music files to the user. In some such embodiments, audio
representations of the repetition counting and/or the exercise
prompt may be provided in audio combination with the music file
output using audio mixing circuits contained in a audio processing
subsystem 65 described below. In some embodiments the music may be
temporarily paused or muted during the audio output of a repetition
count and/or exercise prompt.
[0033] With respect to the technical details of the personal
computing device 100, the device generally includes a
communications infrastructure 90 used to transfer data, memory
addresses where data files are to be found and routing of control
signals among the various components and subsystems associated with
the personal computing device 100. A processor 5 is provided to
interpret and execute logical instructions stored in the memory 10.
The memory 10 is the primary general purpose storage area for
instructions and data to be processed by the processor 5. The term
"memory" 10 is used in its broadest sense and includes RAM, EEPROM
and ROM.
[0034] A secondary memory subsystem 30 may also be provided which
houses a logical media storage drive 45, one or more optional
retrievable storage units such as a hard disc drive 35 and a
removal storage unit 40. One skilled in the art will appreciate
that the hard drive 35 may be replaced with flash type or other
non-volatile logical memory. The removable storage unit 40 may be
used to update programs and data with new release versions. The
secondary memory may be used as a datastore for the storage of one
or more exercise regimens, exercise history records, and where
applicable, musical media files.
[0035] The secondary memory 30 may store a variety of information
related to exercise scripting and monitoring features and
functions. In some embodiments the secondary memory 30 stores one
or more planned exercise regimens, each exercise regimen being
comprised of a plurality of prescribed exercise sets, each
prescribed exercise set comprising at least an indication of a
prescribed exercise type and a prescribed number of repetitions to
be performed of that exercise type. In some embodiments one or more
exercise sets also include an indication of a weight level or
difficulty level to be used in the performance of the prescribed
exercise type. In some embodiments the exercise regimen also
includes an indication of the order in which a plurality of
exercise sets are to be performed by the user. In some embodiments
the secondary memory 30 stores digital audio files that may be
retrieved and played to the user during repetition-counting, the
digital audio files including audio phrases and words such as
counts "one", "two", "three", etc. as well as words of
encouragement such as "good job" and "good set" and motivational
comments such as "just three more," and "just two more" and "last
one" an "push." In addition the digital audio files may include
descriptive phrases that identify each of a plurality of different
exercise types such as "bench press," "sit-ups," "leg press,"
"shoulder press," "squats" and "push ups". In some embodiments a
text-to-speech software routine may be used to convert stored
textual data indicative of exercise types and/or repetition counts
to audible sounds that may be perceived as corresponding
vocalizations by a user.
[0036] In addition, sound effects that may be selectively stored
for use in repetition counting, the sound effects for example
including the sound of an explosion or of a hammer banging on an
anvil to be played upon completion of each repetition, thereby
accentuating the experience with an abstract audio enhancement.
[0037] A timing circuit 15 is provided to coordinate activities
within the personal computing device in near real time. The
processor 5, memory 10 and timing circuit 15 are operatively
coupled to the communications infrastructure 90.
[0038] The processor 5 is programmed with executable instructions
to orchestrate repetition counting, regimen scripting, and regimen
monitoring in conjunction with input signals received from a user
interface 60 and an internal transceiver 65. The executable
instructions are included in one or more exercise monitoring
programs. The repetition counting features includes monitoring
sensor signals from one or motion sensors 75A, B, determining from
the motion sensor signals the enactment and/or completion of each
sequential physical repetition, the counting of cumulative
repetitions during an exercise set, the storage of the counting of
cumulative repetitions, the visual and/or audio display of a
current repetition count to the user, and the determination and/or
indication that a current set has been successfully completed.
[0039] Repetition counting may also include monitoring the timing
between sequential physical repetitions and/or the display of
motivational messages to the user during a set based at least in
part upon the count and/or timing of detected physical repetitions.
The repetition counting features may also include accentuating
detected repetition events such as the lifting and/or lowering of
weights, with audio reports such as output audible phrases and/or
output audio sound effects.
[0040] A display interface 20 is provided to drive a display 25
associated with the personal computing device 100. The display
interface 20 is operatively coupled to the communications
infrastructure 90 and provides signals to the display 25 for
visually outputting both graphical displays and alphanumeric
characters. The display interface 20 may include a dedicated
graphics processor and memory to support the displaying of graphics
intensive media. The display 25 may be of any type (e.g., cathode
ray tube, gas plasma) but in most circumstances will usually be a
solid state device such as liquid crystal display (LCD) and/or a
combination of light emitting diodes (LED). In some embodiments,
the display 25 may be provided in a head-mounted form factor (not
shown) such that a user can view information while keeping his or
her hands free for exercise activities.
[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, the head-mounted display 25 may
provide repetition counting information, exercise regimen prompts,
and/or exercise performance assessments upon a semi-transparent
screen such that a user may view the real physical world through
the screen while simultaneously viewing repetition counting
information and/or other exercise information overlaid upon and/or
around the user's view of the real physical world. For example, the
current repetition-count may be displayed as a small overlaid
graphic upon the user's direct view of the real physical world.
Similarly, an exercise prompt may be displayed to the user
indicating the exercise type and exercise count for the next
exercise set to be performed by the user in a current exercise
regimen.
[0042] An internal power source (not shown), such as a battery
and/or photocell supplies electrical energy to operate the
electrical circuits included in the personal computing device 100.
A communications interface 55 is provided which allows for
standardized electrical connection of peripheral devices to the
communications infrastructure 90 including, serial, parallel, USB,
Bluetooth, and Firewire(.TM.) connectivity. The communications
interface 55 may also be used to transfer exercise history data
from the datastore 30 to a personal computer for viewing, analysis
and longer term storage. The communication interface 55 may also be
used to download a preplanned exercise regimen to the datastore 30
from a personal computer or network server.
[0043] For example, a user interface 60 and a transceiver 50 are
operatively coupled to the communications infrastructure 90 via the
communications interface 55. For purposes of this specification,
the term user interface 60 includes the hardware and operating
software by which a user interacts with the personal computing
device 100 and the means by which the personal computing device 100
conveys information to the user and may include certain
interactions with the display interface 20 and display 25, for
example a touch screen. The user may, for example, use the user
interface 60 to select a preplanned exercise regimen from a
plurality of exercise regimens stored in memory and/or may use the
user interface 60 to define and/or modify an exercise regimen.
[0044] The transceiver 50 facilitates the remote exchange of data
and synchronizing of signals between the personal computing device
100 and the motion sensor 75 (FIG. 2). The transceiver 50 may also
be used to communicate with other portable computing devices in
coordinated repetition counting and/or competitive repetition
counting with other exercising users.
[0045] In one exemplary embodiment, the transceiver 50 is
envisioned to be of a radio frequency type normally associated with
computer networks for example, wireless computer networks based on
BlueTooth (.TM.) or the various IEEE standards 802.11x, where x
denotes the various present and evolving wireless computing
standards, for example WiMax 802.16 and WRANG 802.22. Alternately,
digital cellular communications formats compatible with for example
GSM, 3G, CDMA, TDMA and evolving cellular communications standards.
Both peer-to-peer (PPP) and client-server models are envisioned for
implementation in the various exemplary embodiments. In a third
alternative exemplary embodiment, the transceiver 50 may include
hybrids of computer communications standards. In an exemplary
embodiment, the motion sensor 75 sends motions signals over a
wireless telecommunications link 85 compatible with the transceiver
50.
[0046] In another exemplary embodiment, the transceiver 50 is
configured as an RFID transceiver (scanner) for accessing an RFID
chip configured as a motion sensor. In this exemplary embodiment,
the transceiver transmits phase, pulse or frequency modulated
signals, which if in sufficient proximity to the transceiver 50,
energizes the RFID chip 75 causing the chip to transpond with an
identification code colloquially known as a "barking bar code." The
identification code is then received by the transceiver 50.
[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, the RFID transceiver 50 may also
be operative to program the RFID chip, causing data to be
transmitted to the chip and stored within it. Such embodiment may
be used, for example, to enable the personal computing device 100
to selectively program an RFID chip. In this exemplary embodiment,
the transceiver determines repetitive motions based on Doppler
effects and/or changes in radio frequency field strength received
from the RFID chip.
[0048] The user interface 60 employed on the personal computing
device 100 may include a pointing device (not shown) such as a
mouse, thumbwheel or track ball, an optional touch screen (not
shown); one or more push-button switches 60A, B one or more sliding
or circular potentiometer controls (not shown), one or more voice
recognition units (not shown), and one or more other type switches
(not shown.) The user interface 60 provides interrupt signals to
the processor 5 that may be used to interpret user interactions
with the personal computing device 100. Various exemplary
embodiments may incorporate portions of the user interface 60 with
the display interface 20 and display 25. One skilled in the art
will appreciate that the user interface devices which are not shown
are well known and understood.
[0049] An audio processing subsystem 65 is provided and operatively
coupled to the communications infrastructure 90. The audio
processing subsystem 65 provides for the output of sounds
corresponding to exercise prompts, repetition counting feedback,
voice output reciting the current count and/or other repetition
counting statistics, voice output of encouraging phrases and/or
performance assessments, sound effects, and/or other repetition
counting or exercise regimen related audible phrases. The sound
effects may be programmed to correspond with a user's physical
motion of a piece of exercise equipment. For example, as a weight
is lifted and lowered, a sound effect may be played that emulates
the sound of pumping, sawing, hammering, and/or otherwise emulating
a physical activity that conveys strength and power.
[0050] The pitch and/or volume of a sound effect may be varied with
the detected physical motion of the exercise equipment, for example
with the magnitude of the detected acceleration of the exercise
equipment. The audio processing subsystem 65 may include digital to
analog conversion and analog to digital conversion circuits, mixing
circuits, integration circuits and audio amplification circuits.
The audio processing subsystem 65 includes a speaker output 65A or
a headphone jack. Connection of a set of headphones 65A includes
both traditional cable and wireless arrangements such as
BlueTooth(.TM.) which are known in the relevant art.
[0051] In another exemplary embodiment, one or more motion sensors
75A, B may be electrically connected to the communications
infrastructure 90 by a sensor interface 70. In this alternate
exemplary embodiment, one of the motion sensors 75A may be
contained within the personal computing device and another 75B
electrically connected by a thin wire cable to the sensor interface
via an external jack (not shown.)
[0052] The personal computing device 100 is envisioned to be
encompassed within a highly portable housing such as a palm-sized
case or smaller form factor which may be held or worn by the user
analogous to the various designs of, for example, the compact and
highly portable Apple iPod (.TM.). In addition, the personal
computing device 100 need not be a specialized piece of hardware,
but may employ commercially available handheld devices such as a
portable game player, portable media player, personal data
assistant (PDA) or a suitably equipped cellular telephone. The
personal computing device 100 is also envisioned to be built into a
wrist-watch and worn like a watch on the user's wrist during play
or incorporated in a set headphones and/or suitably equipped eye
glasses.
[0053] The personal computing device 100 includes an operating
system, the necessary hardware and software drivers necessary to
fully utilize the devices operatively coupled to the communications
infrastructure 90, and programmatic instructions operatively loaded
into the memory 10 to perform exercise scripting and monitoring
functions in conjunction with user's interactions with user
interface 60 and data received from the motion sensor unit 75 via
the transceiver 50.
[0054] Additional programmatic instructions may be provided to
perform data logging where the data collected from the motion
sensor 75 or derived there from may be stored for future analysis,
replay, or downloading to other computers via the communications
interface 55. This collected data could be used for assessment and
training purposes. Other programmatic instructions of the exercise
monitoring program may provide current status information, such as
the current repetition count in the current set, the number of sets
thus far performed, and/or a comparison with previous exercise
sessions stored in memory. Such information may be displayed
visually upon the personal computing device and/or as audio reports
from the audio output hardware of the portable computing
device.
[0055] FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C provide various exemplary embodiments of
the motion sensor 75. In general, the motion sensor 75 is disposed
at a location and in a manner such that as a user performs a
repetitive exercise activity, the motion sensor 75 provides an
acceleration signal with a time varying profile, the form of the
time varying profile including a cyclic signal in which each cycle
generally represents or is indicative of a single repetition of the
repetitive exercise activity.
[0056] In a first exemplary embodiment, a motion detector 175 is
coupled to a low power transmitter 150. The motion detector 175
generally includes a motion sensor such as an accelerometer along
with any required signal conditioning and/or processing
electronics. The motion detector 175 and transmitter 150 are
embodied in a lightweight casing 125. In this first exemplary
embodiment, the motion sensor 75 is intended to be affixed to a
portion of the exercise apparatus which the user sets in motion by
the magnetism of a magnetic element 155 within or upon the casing
125. The user affixes the motion sensor 75 to, for example, a
dynamic element of a universal exercise equipment (FIGS. 4A, B) or
a side of weight (FIG. 4C) using the metal construction of the
exercise equipment to affix the magnet 155 of the motion detector
75. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the transmitter 150
may be a transceiver, for example, an RFID chip. Where necessary, a
battery and/or solar power supply (not shown) may be provided to
electrically power the motion sensor 75. For example, the user may
magnetically affix the motion sensor 75 to a barbell when
performing a curl exercise and then magnetically affix the motion
sensor 75 to the weights of a leg press machine when performing leg
press exercises. In this way the user may selectively affix the
motion sensor 75 to the movable portion of the piece of exercise
equipment that is appropriate for a given exercise type of a
scripted exercise regimen.
[0057] In a second exemplary embodiment, the motion sensor 75 is
provided with a user affixable clip 160. The clip 160 allows the
user to place the motion sensor 75 on an article of clothing, wrist
band, belt or shoe worn by the user. This allows the user to
selectively affix the motion sensor 75 to the portion of the body
which is to be exercised. For example, the user may clip the motion
sensor 75 to a worn wristband when performing arm motion exercises
and then clip the motion sensor 75 to the user's shirt when
performing push-ups or pull-ups. In this way the user may
selectively affix the motion sensor 75 to the body part or location
that is appropriate for a given exercise type of an scripted
exercise regimen.
[0058] In a third exemplary embodiment, the motion sensor 75 is
provided with a strap 170. The strap 170 may be used to affix the
motion sensor to a limb of the user or be suspended from a dynamic
element of the exercise equipment. For example, the user may strap
the motion sensor 75 to his or her wrist when performing arm motion
exercises and then strap the motion sensor 75 to the user's ankle
when performing leg motion exercises. In this way the user may
selectively affix the motion sensor 75 to the body part that is
appropriate for a given exercise type of an scripted exercise
regimen.
[0059] In a forth exemplary embodiment, the motion sensor 75
includes two or more of the magnetic element 155, the clip element
160, and the strap element 170, thereby enabling a user to
selectively affix the sensor unit to a wide range of body parts,
body locations, and exercise equipment types as appropriate when
performing a diverse exercise regimen. In some embodiments the user
is provided with a wristband, ankleband, and/or other wearable band
with a magnetically attractive surface such that the magnetic
element 155 of the sensor may be selectively affixed to the
wristband, ankleband, and/or other wearable band.
[0060] In embodiments where the motion sensor 75A is incorporated
into personal computing device 100, no external communication is
required. In such an embodiment, the personal computing device may
include a magnet 150, clip 160 or strap 170 such that the unit can
be selectively affixed to the movable piece of exercise equipment
during repetition counting activities. In some embodiments the
motion sensor 75 may be selectively affixable to the computing
device 100 and/or selectively affixable to a body part and/or
movable portion of a piece of exercise equipment.
[0061] The motion detector 175 may be configured to have multiple
sensing axes (for example X, Y, and Z) although only a single
sensing axis is generally required. In an exemplary embodiment,
multiple axes optionally including one or more orientation axes
(roll, pitch, and/or yaw) may be employed to differentiate between
actual exercise movements and random or spurious user movements. A
variety of different detector types 175 may be used as the motion
sensor 75, although in general, accelerometers are preferred.
Accelerometers are generally low in cost and may be configured or
selected to determine instantaneous and/or average accelerations
acting upon the motion sensor casing 125 in which the motion
detector 175 is incorporated into.
[0062] FIGS. 3A and 3B provides accelerometer generated signal
trace output recorded during repetitive exercise events. The motion
data includes a time varying profile indicative of the sequence of
repetitions of the user's exercise activity. In a preferred
embodiment the personal computing device 100 is configured to
process the motion signals to determine if and when singular
repetitions of the exercise activity have been performed, and
maintain a cumulative count of the repetitions over a period of
time referred to herein as an exercise activity set. The ordinate
accelerometer data is graphed in units of millivolts 350, which is
proportional to acceleration such that 2100 millivolts represents a
normalized non-accelerated state of 0 G and fluctuations above and
below the threshold 2100 millivolts value depicts positive and
negative accelerations imparted upon the motion sensor 75
respectively. The abscissa is graphed over time on a scale of
seconds 300; each graph depicting a 10 second long portion of an
exercise session performed by a user. In some embodiments the
sensor data may be pre-processed by electronics within the motion
detector 175 prior to data transmission to the personal computing
device 100.
[0063] The accelerometer signal trace depicted in FIG. 3A, was
obtained from a motion sensor 75 coupled to a dumbbell performed in
a curling exercise activity. As is depicted in FIG. 3A,
acceleration data is collected and processed continually over time
as the user performs the repetitive dumbbell curl exercise. The
acceleration data captured by the motion sensor 75 depicts a
characteristic cyclic time varying profile H1, H2, H3 305A, 305B,
305C such that each similar and characteristic cycle of the profile
depicts the data collected during each repetition of the curl
exercise. The time intervals between each repetition T1, T2 310A,
310B may be used to determine the start and completion of a
repetition. A pulse-height analysis may be performed on each of the
varying profile H1, H2, H3 305A, 305B, 305C to discriminate against
noise and/or unintentional movements. Alternately, or in
conjunction therewith, a minimum positive and negative signal
threshold may be established to determine when a characteristic
repetitive exercise motion has occurred. A plurality of such
threshold levels may be used to further improve the signal
processing by the personal computing device 100 to identify
characteristic repetitive exercise motion profiles
[0064] As also depicted in FIG. 3A, the elapsed time between the
completion of one exercise repetition and the completion of a
subsequent exercise repetition is indicated as ET1, and ET2 330A,
330B. These elapsed time values are indicative of how much time was
required to complete each subsequent exercise repetition. The
elapsed time values and/or the change in elapsed time values across
an exercise set may be used by the routines of the exercise
monitoring program, alone or in part, to assess the ease at which a
user performs the exercise repetitions. Long elapsed time values
and/or lengthening elapsed time values across an exercise set may
be used to determine that a user struggled with an exercise set.
Short elapsed time values and/or elapsed time values that do not
significantly lengthen across an exercise set may be used to
determine that a user performed the set with ease. In this way the
routines of the exercise monitoring program may used elapsed time
values, alone or in part, to assess the level of ease of difficulty
at which a user performed an exercise set as compared to a stored
exercise standard and/or as compared data stored for to previous
exercise sets performed by the user.
[0065] If for example, the elapsed time between reps is greater
than a certain threshold, it may be determined by exercise
monitoring program that the user is struggling to perform the
exercise set. If on the other hand the elapsed time between reps is
less than a certain threshold, it may be determined by the exercise
monitoring program that the current exercise set is too easy for
the user. Based upon such assessments the software of the exercise
monitoring program may be configured to make changes and/or make
recommendations for changes to future planned exercise activity
sets, for example changing the prescribed weight level and/or the
prescribed repetition count for future exercise activity sets of
the same exercise type. For example, if a user is assessed to be
struggling with a particular weight level, the routines of the
exercise monitoring program may be configured to prescribe a
lighter weight level in a future set of the same exercise type.
Similarly if a user is assessed to be performing a current set of a
particular exercise with too much ease, the routines of the
exercise monitoring program may be configured to prescribe a
heavier weight for a future exercise set of that exercise type.
[0066] In some embodiments an assessment of user performance may be
computed based upon a detected rate of change of elapsed time
between reps across an exercise activity set. For example, if the
elapsed time between reps is detected as rapidly increasing across
a portion of an exercise activity set, it is likely that the user
is fatigued and is struggling with the final reps of the set. Based
upon such an assessment the routines of the exercise monitoring
program may be configured prescribe lower weight and/or fewer reps
in a future exercise activity set of the same exercise type. In
this way the exercise monitoring program can help coach the user,
guiding him or her to appropriate weight levels, resistance levels,
and/or target set counts, based upon the time varying profile of
his or her completed activities. More specifically, based upon the
elapsed time between reps in a given set and/or based upon the
changes in elapsed time across an exercise activity set. In this
way elapsed time between repetitions and/or the changes in elapsed
time across an exercise activity set may be used to heuristically
change a current or future exercise regimen, adjust the prescribed
repetition count and/or the prescribed weight level
accordingly.
[0067] Referring again to FIG. 3A, each repetitive event H1, H2, H3
305A, 305B, 305C has a characteristic waveform which may also be
used for discrimination purposes and/or identifying the type
repetitive motion exercise being performed. For example, pattern
matching techniques may be used to assess the data for the
characteristic signal profiles. In some exemplary embodiments, the
motion signal data is filtered and/or processed with signal
processing techniques to further extract characteristic time
varying profiles indicative of a repetitive exercise motion. In
general such profiles demonstrate both an upper and lower peak as
the exercise equipment is oscillated by the user during, for
example, a typical weight lifting activity. Thus, an upper and
lower signal threshold may be set and the data may be processed to
asses the exceeding of the upper and lower signal threshold within
certain time constraints. If the data is determined to exceed the
upper and lower signal thresholds within the time constraints, it
may be inferred that a characteristic cycle is present within the
time varying signal representative of an exercise repetition.
[0068] The accelerometer signal trace depicted in FIG. 3B, was
obtained from a motion sensor 75 coupled to a weight used in
performing a bench press exercise activity. The time varying motion
signals were collected and processed continually over time as the
user performs the repetitive bench press exercise. Bench pressing
involves different physical motions and generates another
characteristic time varying profile. However, the motion signal
data follows a similar characteristic cyclic time vary profile that
is highly prominent in the data and easy to identify by signal
processing techniques.
[0069] Analogous to the motion signal trace depicted in FIG. 3A,
the acceleration data captured by the motion sensor 75 for the
bench press exercise, depicts a characteristic cyclic time varying
profile H1, H2, H3 315A, 315B, 315C such that each similar and
characteristic cycle of the profile depicts the data collected
during each repetition of the bench press exercise. As before, the
time intervals between each repetition T1, T2 320A, 320B may be
used to determine the start and completion of a repetition. Also,
as before, the elapsed time values ET1 and ET2, 340A, 340B may be
used in alone or in part in determining a user's performance level
in an exercise activity set and heuristically change a future
exercise activity set accordingly.
[0070] As with the curl exercise motion data, the personal
computing device 100 may be configured to process the motion data
generated during the bench press exercise to determine if a
characteristic profile is present and if so increment an internal
repetition-counter variable. Analogous signal processing techniques
may be performed as described previously.
[0071] In an exemplary embodiment, a repetition counter variable is
set to 0 at the start of each new exercise activity set performed
by the user. As will be described with respect to FIG. 5, a user
generally performs each new exercise activity set in response to an
exercise activity set prompt displayed by portable computer 100,
the exercise activity set prompt indicating based upon data the
accessed of a stored exercise regimen, that a new set is to be
performed and informing the user as to the prescribed exercise type
and a prescribed number of repetitions to be performed of that
exercise type. The exercise activity set prompt may be displayed
visually and/or aurally to the user as text, graphics, and/or audio
vocalizations. In response to receiving the exercise activity set
prompt, for example a message indicating that the next set to be
performed in an arm-curl exercise activity type, of 10 repetitions,
with a weight level of twenty pounds, the user acquires the
required free weight dumbbells, affixes the sensor unit, and begins
performing the prescribed exercise activity set.
[0072] The routines of the exercise monitoring program may
determine that the new exercise activity set has begun being
performed in response to a first characteristic repetition profile
being detected in the exercise sensor data. Alternately the user
may explicitly inform the portable computer 100 as to the start of
the exercise activity set by entering a user command through a user
interface, for example pressing a start button or uttered a start
verbal command. Either way the set begins; the routines of the
exercise monitoring program captures and processes motion signal
data as the user performs the exercise.
[0073] In an exemplary embodiment, when a first characteristic
cycle of time varying data is detected that indicates the
performance of an exercise repetition, the counter variable is
changed from 0 to 1, indicating that 1 repetition has been counted.
At the same time the personal computing device 100 may be
configured to output the number "1" upon the display 25 of the
portable computing device 100, indicating that one repetition has
been performed. Alternately, or in conjunction therewith, an
audible sound conveying the vocal word "one" to the user may be
output through the headphones 65A.
[0074] Such a textual and/or verbal count output is then produced
for each subsequent repetition until the user finishes a defined
exercise activity set. Data stored within the pre-planned exercise
regimen generally defines a prescribed set count to be performed by
the user, thereby informing the routines of the exercise monitoring
program running upon the personal computing device 100 when to stop
counting. For example, the exercise regimen may define a set as 10
repetitions, indicating that the user is to perform 10 repetitions
of the set. Alternately, the personal computing device 100 may be
configured to stop counting when a time delay above a certain
threshold is detected after a last characteristic sensor signal
indicating a completed repetition is detected.
[0075] For example, if more than 10 seconds elapsed after the last
time varying cycle indicative of an exercise repetition is
detected; the exercise monitoring program may assume the set has
been completed, possible because the user is too fatigued to
perform any more. In an exemplary embodiment, the counting is
ceased automatically in response to either of the prescribed
exercise repetition count being reached for the exercise activity
set, or a time delay being measured after a last repetition that
exceeds a certain threshold.
[0076] Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a user may affix a
magnetically affixable motion sensor 75 to a dynamic element
(crossbar) of a weight lifting exercise machine that moves in a
characteristic manner during typical exercise repetitions. For a
single axis sensor embodiment, the user may align the sensor axis
with the most pronounced direction of motion of the dynamic
element. The magnetically affixable motion sensor 75 being
operative to detect the motion induced when the weights are lifted
in response to a user performing an exercise activity. For example,
the exercise machine may be a bench press machine, the bench press
machine such that physical weights are raised and lowered in
response to a user's bench press exercise activity as depicted in
FIGS. 4A and 4B.
[0077] In this example, as the user performs the bench press
exercise, he or she is lifting and lowering a portion of the
weights in a repetitive motion. The magnetically affixed motion
sensor 75 is lifted and lowered though a defined range of motion
causing a characteristic cyclic motion signal to be generated data.
Motion signals generated by the motion sensor 75 are captured
repeatedly over time at defined polling rate and transmitted
wirelessly 85 to the personal computing device 100 which shown
affixed to the user's belt. In this way, the personal computing
device 100 monitors the exercise as described previously. An
analogous exemplary arrangement is depicted in FIG. 4C where a user
is performing bench press exercises using free weights. In this
exemplary embodiment, the personal computing device 100 is shown
strapped to a limb of the user. As the user lifts the weights from
the bench, a magnetically affixed motion sensor 75 is likewise
lifted and lowered though a defined range of motion causing a
characteristic cyclic motion signal to be generated and captured by
the personal computing device 100.
[0078] The user may be wearing headphones 65A (not shown) and thus
be receiving an audio count from the personal computing device 100,
the audio count indicating the number of repetitions thus far
performed in the current exercise activity set. In some embodiments
the audio count is articulated as an upward count of the number of
repetitions thus far performed in the exercise activity set while
in other embodiments the audio count is articulated as a downward
count of the number of repetitions remaining to be completed in the
exercise activity set. Upon completion of the last repetition in
the current exercise activity set, the routines of the exercise
monitoring program access the stored exercise regimen, determine a
next exercise activity set to be performed by the user, and issue
an exercise activity set prompt to the user. The exercise activity
set prompt to the user may be an audio message delivered through
headphones informing the user that the next exercise activity set
is also a bench press activity, also of 10 repetitions, but now at
the new weight level of 120 pounds. The user adjusts the weights
and performs the next exercise activity set, the counting process
repeating for the new exercise activity set.
[0079] It should be noted that whether the output repetition count
is visual and/or aural, upward or downward, output on every
repetition or every other repetition, are parameters that are user
configurable through the user interface of the portable computing
device 100. Also the exercise regimen is user adjustable and/or
user selectable and/or user downloadable through a user interface
of the portable computing device 100.
[0080] FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary process flow chart for the
various embodiments of the exercise monitoring program. The process
is initiated 500 by a user affixing a motion sensor by way of a
clip, strap or magnet 502 to an item worn by the person 504 for
example, clothing, wristband, belt or shoe, 506, a body part of the
user, for example a wrist or ankle or neck, or a movable portion of
a piece of exercise equipment 508 which is intended for use. When
affixed to the exercise equipment, the motion sensor is dispose on
a dynamic element so as to detect exercise motions of the user 510.
In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor element is selectively
oriented by the user such that the sensing axis is aligned with a
prominent direction of motion of the body part or movable exercise
equipment portion. For multi-axis sensing embodiments the alignment
step may not be necessary.
[0081] The user then causes the exercise monitoring program to
execute 512 on the personal computing device. An exercise regimen
is accessed from a datastore containing one or more exercise
regimens 514. The exercise regimen may have been entered directly
into the portable computer 100 by the user through a user
interface, may have been downloaded from an external computer or
server, or may have been automatically generated by routines of the
exercise monitoring program in response to entered exercise
objectives of the user. The exercise regimen may have been selected
by the user from among a plurality of stored exercise regimens in a
memory of the portable computing device 100. Each exercise regimen
may include one or more exercise activity sets to be performed 516
by the user. Each exercise activity set includes a defined exercise
type 518 and the number of repetitions to be performed by the user
520. Each exercise activity set may also include a prescribed
weight level or difficulty setting for the exercise type. Each
exercise regimen, included plurality of exercise set activities,
exercise type and number of repetitions may be prescribed or
otherwise defined by the user to accomplish an exercise goal.
[0082] The prescribed exercise type, number of prescribed
repetitions, and optional prescribed weight level, is then
outputted to the user 522. In an embodiment, a weight level to be
used is outputted as well 522. The outputted information may be
provided visually, audibly or a combination of both 524. If the
motion sensor is not currently affixed to a location that is
appropriate for the prescribed exercise type, the user will move
the sensor unit at this time, affixing or reaffixing the motion
sensor by way of a clip, strap or magnet 523 to an item worn by the
person 504 for example, clothing, wristband, belt or shoe, 506, a
body part of the user for example a wrist or ankle or neck, or a
movable portion of a piece of exercise equipment 508 which is
appropriate for the prescribed exercise type. The user may then
optionally press a button or otherwise indicate to the portable
computer through the user interface that he or she is about to
begin performing the exercise activity set.
[0083] The user begins performing the prescribed exercise activity
set 526 which causes the motion sensor to send signals to the
personal computing device. The received motion signals 528 are
processed by the exercise monitoring program 530. The exercise
monitoring program interactively counts the number of repetitions
performed by the user in dependence on the process motion signals
532. The number of repetitions performed by the user (either the
number completed or the number remaining to complete a set) 534 is
outputted to the user 534 while the user performs the exercise
activity set, repeatedly updating the user as to his or her
repetition count progress. As previously discussed, the outputted
information may be provided visually, audibly or a combination of
both 524.
[0084] The exercise monitoring program determines from the
interactive repetition count 532 whether the user has completed the
prescribed number of repetitions 538. If the user has not completed
the prescribed number of repetitions 538, the exercise monitoring
program may optionally output an encouragement to the user 536 and
continues monitoring 528 and processing 530 of the received motion
signals until the prescribed number of repetitions 538 have been
completed by the user. The counting process continues until at
least one of two conditions are met; either the user completes the
prescribed number of repetitions as determined at 538 or the user
has not completed the prescribed number of repetitions but an
elapsed time threshold has been exceeded as determined at 540. If
neither of these conditions is met, the motion signals continue to
be processed 530 and counted 532 and output 524. If one of these
conditions is met, it is determined at 542 that the exercise set
has been completed by the user, either successfully or through a
time-out due to fatigue. If the user has not completed the entire
exercise activity set 542, the exercise monitoring program may
output another encouragement to the user 536 and continues
monitoring 528 and processing 530 of the received motion signals
until the prescribed number of repetition sets 538 have been
completed by the user. The selection of the particular words of
encouragement may be made based upon the elapsed time between
sequential exercise sets.
[0085] For example if the elapsed time between repetitions is
detected at a slow and/or slowing pace, the routines may infer
through programmed rules that the user is struggling with the
exercise activity. The personal computing device may then be
programmed to output responsive audible phrases such as "push"
and/or "almost there" and/or "only two left". If on the other hand
the elapsed time between sequential exercise repetitions is
detected as being faster, the routines may determine through
programmed rules that the user is performing with ease and may not
output any audible phrases or may output responsive phrases such as
"you are doing great" or "just keep it up." It should be noted that
the time thresholds used for such programmed rules may be user
configurable and/or may be stored with the exercise regimen itself
relationally associated with each exercise activity set and/or may
be based, at least in part, upon a storage of past user performance
in similar exercise activity sets.
[0086] Once the exercise set has been completed 542, exercise
history data related to the exercise regimen is recorded in the
datastore 546. The exercise history data includes the number of
repetitions completed, the elapsed time for the full exercise
activity set, the elapsed time between each of a plurality of
sequential exercise repetitions, the exercise type performed, the
weight level used and the current date and time 548. Thereafter,
the exercise monitoring program determines whether the entire
exercise regimen has been completed 544 (i.e., if all of the
prescribed exercise activity sets included in the exercise regimen
have been performed by the user). If the exercise regimen has not
been completed, the exercise monitoring program advances to the
next ordered exercise activity set to be performed by the user 550
as indicated by the exercise regimen. The portable computer 100
then outputs an exercise prompt to the user 522, indicating the
next exercise type and number of prescribed repetitions to be
performed in the next exercise activity set. If the exercise
regimen has been completed, the exercise monitoring program
optionally heuristically determines from the recorded exercise
history 546 an assessment of exercise performance during the
exercise regimen and optionally modifies a future exercise regimen
552 of the user, for example adjusting the prescribed number of
sets, prescribed number of repetitions, and/or prescribed weight
levels used in at least a portion of a future exercise regimen
based upon the assessment. Once the regimen has been completed, the
process ends 554.
[0087] The foregoing described exemplary embodiments are provided
as illustrations and descriptions. They are not intended to limit
the various embodiments to the precise forms described. In
particular, it is contemplated that functional implementation may
be implemented equivalently in hardware, software, firmware, and/or
other available functional components or building blocks. No
specific limitation is intended to a particular arrangement or
processing sequence. Other variations and embodiments are possible
in light of above teachings, and it is not intended that this
Detailed Description limit the scope of invention, but rather by
the Claims following herein.
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