U.S. patent application number 11/462522 was filed with the patent office on 2008-02-07 for internet enabled motivational exercise system and apparatus.
Invention is credited to Ayman Hakki.
Application Number | 20080032864 11/462522 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39029918 |
Filed Date | 2008-02-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080032864 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hakki; Ayman |
February 7, 2008 |
Internet Enabled Motivational Exercise System and Apparatus
Abstract
An exercise apparatus and method comprises an internet enabled
display device operatively connected to the exercise apparatus such
as a treadmill allowing a user to exercise while using the internet
for emailing, shopping or general browsing. At least one thumb
activated input device is disposed on a gripping area of the
apparatus allowing a user to control a pointing device while
exercising. In order to motivate the user to maintain and meet
optimum physiological reading parameters, the apparatus utilizes a
control system that varies the output to the display device
depending on the user's activity. If the heart-rate or other
physiological reading indicator is outside of selected goal
parameters, the display becomes less useable. As the user adjusts
the level of exercise output and returns within the acceptable
parameters, the display is restored to optimum usability.
Inventors: |
Hakki; Ayman; (Washington,
DC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATWRITE LLC
408 W. MAIN ST.
MARSHALLTOWN
IA
50158-5759
US
|
Family ID: |
39029918 |
Appl. No.: |
11/462522 |
Filed: |
August 4, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/8 ;
482/54 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 71/0622 20130101;
A63B 69/0035 20130101; A63B 2230/062 20130101; A63B 71/0686
20130101; A63B 2071/0658 20130101; A63B 22/0056 20130101; A63B
2225/20 20130101; A63B 22/02 20130101; A63B 2230/067 20130101; A63B
22/0605 20130101; A63B 2230/06 20130101; A63B 2230/065
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/8 ;
482/54 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/00 20060101
A63B071/00; A63B 22/02 20060101 A63B022/02 |
Claims
1. An internet enabled exercise system and apparatus comprising: a
frame; an exercise element moveably attached to said frame; a
display adapted to display information to a user; at least one
sensor to detect at least one physiological reading of said user; a
control system to analyze and operate on said at least one
physiological reading; said control system also being adapted to
vary the usability of said display based on said at least one
physiological reading; at least one handrail disposed on said frame
adapted to support said user; and at least one input device
disposed on said at least one handrail adapted to input information
to said control system.
2. The internet enabled exercise system and apparatus according to
claim 1 wherein said exercise element is a treadmill track.
3. The internet enabled exercise system and apparatus according to
claim 1 wherein said exercise element is a stair stepper.
4. The internet enabled exercise system and apparatus according to
claim 1 wherein said exercise element is stationary bicycle.
5. The internet enabled exercise system and apparatus according to
claim 1 wherein the usability of said display is varied by
defocusing said display when said at least one physiological
reading is outside a predetermined range.
6. The internet enabled exercise system and apparatus according to
claim 1 wherein the usability of said display is varied by fading
the output of said display when said at least one physiological
reading is outside a predetermined range.
7. The internet enabled exercise system and apparatus according to
claim 1 wherein the usability of said display is varied by flashing
said display when said at least one physiological reading is
outside a predetermined range.
8. The internet enabled exercise system and apparatus according to
claim 1 wherein the usability of said display is varied by
displaying a message on top of said information displayed when said
at least one physiological reading is outside a predetermined
range.
9. The internet enabled exercise system and apparatus according to
claim 1 wherein said at least one physiological reading includes a
heart-rate reading.
10. The internet enabled exercise system and apparatus according to
claim 1 wherein said at least one input device is a thumb activated
input device.
11. The internet enabled exercise system and apparatus according to
claim 1 wherein said at least one sensor is a motion sensor.
12. The internet enabled exercise system and apparatus according to
claim 12 further comprising a console disposed on a visible portion
of said at least one handrail whereby said at least one
physiological reading is displayed to said user.
13. An internet enabled exercise system and apparatus comprising:
an exercise apparatus capable of being connected to an electronic
network; means for sensing at least one physiological reading from
a user and for preparing the sensed reading for use as a control
signal; means for displaying networked information to said user;
and means for adjusting the usability of said network information
based on said control signal.
14. The internet enabled exercise system and apparatus according to
claim 13 wherein said means for sensing at least one physiological
reading is a rotary motion sensing device.
15. The internet enabled exercise system and apparatus according to
claim 13 wherein said means for sensing at least one physiological
reading is a heart-rate sensing device.
16. The internet enabled exercise system and apparatus according to
claim 13 wherein said at least one physiological reading includes a
heart-rate reading.
17. An exercise system and apparatus comprising: at least one CPU
with associated hardware and software for controlling said exercise
system and apparatus; an internet access device operatively
connected to said CPU; at least one sensing device for converting
at least one physiological reading into useable input for said CPU;
and a display for displaying internet information wherein said
display usability is varied based on the output from said at least
one sensing device.
18. The exercise system and apparatus according to claim 17 wherein
said internet access device is a modem.
19. The exercise system and apparatus according to claim 17 further
comprising a console whereby at least one physiological reading is
displayed to a user.
20. The exercise system and apparatus according to claim 17 wherein
said at least one physiological reading includes a heart-rate
reading.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] During the 90's, the percentage of overweight and obese
people in the United States jumped to over 60 percent. Perhaps as
disturbing is the trend for our youth to be overweight as well.
Heart disease and other health problems are believed to be the
result of our ever increasing waistlines. Although experts seem to
be continually changing their recommendations concerning our diet,
almost all agree that exercising is an important component to a
healthy lifestyle. While our ancestors tended to work at much more
physical jobs that made the need for regimented and consistent
exercise less important, the modern lifestyle filled with time and
labor saving devices combined with an increase in "office" jobs and
television and video entertainment has really heightened the need
for deliberate exercise.
[0002] An explosion in health clubs and gyms has accompanied our
desire to trim down, but the majority of people who join these
establishments drop out after only a short period of time. Many
people purchase home exercise equipment and many of these devices
become clothes racks or dust catchers as people find themselves
unmotivated to use them after a period of time. Many people
perceive themselves to be too busy or tired to exercise and prefer
to relax in front of the television or computer monitor as they
surf the internet. Often people tend to "lose track of time"
chatting with friends, reading and writing emails, shopping, etc.
while browsing the world wide web, but this does little to help
with exercise.
[0003] A need exists for an exercise apparatus and system appealing
to users that lack a high level of commitment to an exercise
program and allows them to engage in other activities while
exercising. Additionally, a need exists for an exercise apparatus
that motivates and rewards the user; thereby encouraging continued
exercising and adoption of a healthier lifestyle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] An exercise system and apparatus comprises an internet
enabled display device operatively connected to the exercise
apparatus such as a treadmill allowing a user to exercise while
using the internet for emailing, shopping or general browsing. At
least one thumb activated input device is disposed on a gripping
area of the apparatus allowing a user to control a pointing device
while exercising. In order to motivate the user to maintain and
meet optimum physiological reading parameters, the apparatus
utilizes a control system that varies the output to the display
device depending on the user's activity. If the heart-rate or other
physiological reading indicator is outside of selected goal
parameters, the display becomes less useable. As the user adjusts
the level of exercise output and returns to within the acceptable
parameters, the display is restored to optimum usability.
[0005] Other features and advantages of the instant invention will
become apparent from the following description of the invention
which refers to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective view an alternative embodiment of
the present invention.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a perspective of view of yet another embodiment of
the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a console display according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a front view showing a console display according
to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a front view of a thumb input device according to
the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a side view of a thumb input device according to
the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 8 is a flow chart depicting the logic of the control
system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] Reference is now made to the drawings in which reference
numerals refer to like elements. FIGS. 1-3 show an exercise
apparatus of the present invention in which the exercise apparatus
5 comprises a frame 12 made of metal or other suitably strong
material to stabilize apparatus 5. Frame 12 has nonskid treads (not
shown) or pads along a bottom portion therein to ensure that
exercise apparatus 5 does not move during use. Although frame 12 is
shown having a substantially rectangular shape, it is understood
that other configurations such as a tubular frame are suitable.
[0015] A vertical support and handrail 30 is provided to allow the
user to comfortably and safely mount exercise apparatus 5 and to
provide a gripping portion during use. Vertical support and
handrail 30 has only one full support side and a smaller rail
section on an opposite side. This enables easy access to exercise
apparatus 5. Although exercise apparatus 5 is shown having only one
full size handrail 30, same size handrails would be acceptable and
rails could extend the full length of frame 12 or any length less
than full.
[0016] A tread 10 is provided allowing the user to walk, jog or run
depending on personal selection settings. Tread 10 rolls on rollers
(not shown) rotatably connected to frame 12 as is known in the art.
Tread 10 is controlled by circuitry allowing the user to select the
level of activity desired with the system programming making the
required adjustments in the performance of tread 10 as is known in
the art. Of course, other apparatus would be suitable for use with
the present invention such as a stair climber (not shown),
stationary bicycle (not shown), or any other suitable exercise
apparatus.
[0017] A housing 35 encloses the electronics (not shown) necessary
to operate exercise apparatus 5 as is known in the art.
Additionally, housing 35 covers an internet enabled device (not
shown) such as a computer with an internet connection. A display
device 15 displays both exercise specific information and internet
content depending on user input. Display 15 is a touch sensitive
LCD panel as is known in the art and allows the user to input
selected information such as age, weight, sex, etc. enabling a
control program to tailor specific exercise routines and goals as
is known in the art. Of course, other displays could be used such
as plasma screen or CRT device to display the required information.
Input could be provided in the form of a keyboard instead of touch
screen.
[0018] At least one USB port 25 is provided to allow a user a
convenient way to store personal information without the need to
enter the information prior to each use. A flash card (not shown)
is inserted into USB port 25 and is read by the computer (not
shown) as is known in the art. Each user simply inserts a personal
memory device into USB port 25 for customized exercise activities
without the need for constant re-entry of information. Other
embodiments are suitable such as an internal hard drive accessible
by computer (not shown) to allow customization without re-entry of
information. Multiple users could be accommodated depending on the
size of the memory unit (not shown) installed. Additionally, USB
port 25 could be located at any other convenient location such as
on housing 35 or handrail 30. To allow the user to input
information while exercising, at least one thumb operated input
device 20 is disposed on handrail 30. Other input configurations
are acceptable such as WiFi, Bluetooth, infrared, etc as is known
in the art.
[0019] Now referring to FIG. 2, a computer 40 is mounted directly
on display 15 as is known in the art. In this embodiment, control
systems are implemented within software instructions run by a CPU
(not shown) as is known in the art. Physiological information is
graphically displayed on display 15 and the user enters information
by touching the appropriate area of display 15 as is known in the
art. An internet connection such as DSL, T1, dial-up modem, WiFi or
any other suitable connection as is known in the art is used to
connect computer 40 to the internet.
[0020] With reference to FIG. 3, an embodiment is shown having a
physiological readings console 45 mounted on handrail 30 allowing
continuous monitoring of physiological readings without requiring
space on display 15. Although console 45 is shown appearing below
display 15, other arrangements are contemplated such as a side
mounted console (not shown), top mounted console (not shown) or
mounting console 45 to some other convenient location.
[0021] FIGS. 4 and 5 depict two embodiments of physiological
readings consoles 45 and 47 respectively. Physiological readings
console 45 is shown having three display areas 52, 50 and 48 where
physiological reading information such as heart-rate, target
heart-rate, etc. is displayed as is known in the art. Buttons 54,
56 and 58 allow resets and cycling of information displayed.
Physiological readings console 47 is shown having programmable
display 57 used to display physiological information such as
heart-rate. Information is displayed graphically to allow the user
to quickly interpret his or her level of activity and performance
while exercising. Input slide switches 51 and 49 are provided to
vary selectable parameters such as contrast, sound etc. User
selects display information using buttons 53. Other embodiments are
suitable such as touch screen input (not shown) instead of buttons
53 and are known in the art. It is well known in the art to monitor
heart rate and to output the results as an electrical signal which
can further be processed or displayed depending on the desired
function. An example of a system that measures heart beat on a
treadmill is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,530,866 to Lo et al dated
Mar. 11, 2003 which the applicant incorporates herein by reference.
The patent to Lo utilizes a grip which the user holds while
exercising. The grip holds conventional sensors to measure heart
beats. U.S. Pat. No. 4,319,581 to Cutter issued on Mar. 16, 1982
which the applicant incorporates herein by reference, discloses
monitoring a user's heart pulse rate by gripping handles with built
in sensors. Of course other methods of measuring physiological
indicators are known in the art such as infra-red transducers,
finger cuffs, etc. and would be suitable to provide input the
control program.
[0022] It is well known in the art to calculate ideal heart rate
ranges for individuals and the ideal rate depends on age, general
health condition, etc. One known calculation has a user subtracting
their age from 220 and calculating between 65% to 75% as a target
heart rate. Other factors such as weight are also important and can
be used to tailor use of the present invention. One indicator used
when exercising is known as "burn rate." This is a measurement of
the calories used per unit of time such as cal/hr. There is
generally a direct relationship between burn rate and weight. For
example, a 220 lb individual will have a burn rate twice that of a
110 lb person. Age and desirable burn rate is typically linear with
a 20 year old having nearly twice the maximum burn rate as allowed
for a 70 year old. The present invention allows a user to select
between at least a light and moderate exercise routine.
Additionally, a strenuous setting could be added as an option for
more advanced users.
[0023] Now with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, a thumb operated input
device 20 is shown having a touch sensitive surface that converts
the movement of a thumb 21 to pointing input for computer (not
shown) as is known in the art. Other input configurations are
suitable such as mounting a joystick (not shown) on handrail 30
(FIGS. 1-3) or other pointing device as is known in the art. Thumb
operated input device 20 is customizable allowing user to optimize
the pointer movement facilitating use while exercising.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a flow chart outlining the logic used by the
present invention to provide motivation for the user. A user starts
the exercise routine 100 by activating exercise apparatus 5 (FIGS.
1-3). If the user has a saved profile 110, the selected profile is
displayed 120 for review by the user. If the user does not have a
saved profile, then the user is prompted to select and/or enter
information 115 such as weight, height, sex etc. so that an
exercise program can be selected that matches the user's goals and
health status. The inputted profile is displayed for review by user
120. If the user wants to edit the profile, he or she is returned
to the manual input stage 115 and is given the opportunity to edit
the settings and then the profile is redisplayed 120 for approval.
If the user approves the profile 125, a start page is displayed
which begins the selected exercise routine. As the user exercises,
physiological reading information 135 such as heart-rate,
rotational speed, pulse, etc. is sent to control program 140 for
sampling. If the physiological readings are within the goal
parameters 145, the display screen is optimized for usability 155.
However, if the physiological readings fall outside the goal ranges
145, then the screen output is affected in such a way as to reduce
usability 150 such as blurring of the screen, dimming or adjusting
the contrast or by fading or becoming increasingly transparent as
is known in the art thereby motivating the user to adjust his or
her behavior returning the physiological readings within the goal
ranges and restoring usability of the display. The display function
155 is returned to control program 140 for sampling at predefined
intervals to provide real-time feedback to the user. In another
embodiment, the user is warned that his or her activity is falling
outside of the goal parameters before display usability is reduced.
Additionally, the screen could be made to flash or a simple audio
warning could be repeated until the physiological readings are back
within acceptable parameters.
[0025] Although the instant invention has been described in
relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations
and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those
skilled in the art.
* * * * *