U.S. patent application number 13/173729 was filed with the patent office on 2012-01-05 for method and apparatus for controlling the load parameters of training device.
Invention is credited to Nil SCHELZIG.
Application Number | 20120004074 13/173729 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44736131 |
Filed Date | 2012-01-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120004074 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SCHELZIG; Nil |
January 5, 2012 |
Method And Apparatus For Controlling The Load Parameters Of
Training Device
Abstract
The invention relates to a method for controlling load
parameters of an exercise machine (2) as a function of the heart
rate of an exercising person, wherein the heart rate of the
exercising person is captured by a heart rate sensor (8), a
controller (4) modulates pulse signals corresponding to the heart
rate on the basis of saved exercise programs, and wherein the
exercise machine (2) follows a preprogrammed exercise program on
the basis of modulated pulse signals (16), said program having been
selected in advance by the exercising person using a control unit
(6) of the exercise machine (2).
Inventors: |
SCHELZIG; Nil; (Overath,
DE) |
Family ID: |
44736131 |
Appl. No.: |
13/173729 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 24/0062 20130101;
A61B 5/002 20130101; A63B 2024/0093 20130101; A61B 5/6831 20130101;
A63B 2225/50 20130101; A63B 24/0087 20130101; A61B 5/0245 20130101;
A63B 2230/062 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/4 |
International
Class: |
A63B 24/00 20060101
A63B024/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 1, 2010 |
DE |
10 2010 030837.4 |
Claims
1. A method for controlling load parameters of an exercise machine
as a function of the heart rate of an exercising person, wherein
the heart rate of the exercising person is captured by a heart rate
sensor, a controller modulates pulse signals corresponding to the
heart rate on the basis of saved exercise programs, and wherein the
exercise machine follows a preprogrammed exercise program on the
basis of the received modulated pulse signals, said program having
been selected in advance by the exercising person using a control
unit of the exercise machine.
2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the pulse
signals corresponding to the heart rate are transmitted in a first
transmitting step from a transmitter connected to the heart rate
sensor to the controller, and the modulated pulse signals are
transmitted in a second transmitting step from the controller to a
receiver of the exercise machine, or directly to the control unit
of the exercise machine.
3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the
controller receives the pulse signals corresponding to the heart
rate directly from the heart rate sensor, and transmits the
modulated pulse signals to a receiver of the exercise machine via a
transmitter connected to the controller.
4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the
modulated pulse signals are transmitted from the transmitter of a
chest strap on which the heart rate sensor is also provided.
5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that a
transmitter connected to the heart rate sensor transmits pulse
signals corresponding to the heart rate via a receiver of the
exercise machine to the controller connected to the receiver in a
first transmitting step, and the controller transmits the modulated
pulse signals to the control unit of the exercise machine in a
second transmitting step.
6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that at least
one transmitting step is performed wirelessly and in an analog
manner.
7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that at least
one transmitting step is performed wirelessly and in a digital
manner, particularly using Bluetooth technology.
8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that at least
one transmitting step takes place in encrypted form, particularly
if two transmitting steps are performed in an analog manner, or two
transmitting steps are performed in a digital manner.
9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that at least
one transmitting step is performed by means of a connecting
cable.
10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the
exercise programs are loaded into the controller via a physical
interface and saved there.
11. A controller for controlling load parameters of an exercise
machine as a function of the heart rate of an exercising person,
characterized in that the controller comprises a receiving unit
implemented for receiving pulse signals corresponding to the heart
rate, comprises a modulation unit modulating the pulse signals
corresponding to the heart rate on the basis of saved exercise
programs, and comprises a transmitting unit implemented for
transmitting the modulated pulse signals.
12. The controller according to claim 11, characterized in that the
controller comprises a hardware memory in order to save the
exercise programs.
13. The controller according to claim 12, characterized in that the
controller comprises a physical interface in order to save the
exercise programs in the hardware memory of the controller.
14. The controller according to claim 11, characterized in that the
controller comprises connectors for connecting cables in order to
receive pulse signals corresponding to the heart rate and/or to
transmit modulated pulse signals via connecting cables.
15. The controller according to claim 11, characterized in that the
transmitting unit of the controller is implemented for wirelessly
transmitting the modulated pulse signals in an analog or digital
manner.
16. The controller according to claim 11, characterized in that the
receiving unit of the controller is implemented for wirelessly
receiving the pulse signals corresponding to the heart rate in an
analog or digital manner.
17. The controller according to claim 11, characterized in that the
controller comprise a display and/or an input device.
18. A chest strap having a heart rate sensor, a transmitter, and a
controller according to claim 11.
19. The chest strap according to claim 18, characterized in that
the controller is connected to the heart rate sensor on the input
side and to the transmitter on the output side.
20. Exercise equipment for controlling load parameters of an
exercise machine as a function of the heart rate of an exercising
person, comprising an exercise machine and a heart rate sensor for
capturing the heart rate of the exercising person, the exercise
machine comprising a receiver for receiving pulse signals
corresponding to the heart rate of an exercising person and a
control unit connected thereto for controlling the load parameter
as a function of an exercise program, characterized in that a
controller according to claim 11 is provided.
21. Exercise equipment according to claim 20, characterized in that
the exercise equipment comprises a transmitter connected to the
heart rate sensor and particularly to the heart rate sensor in a
chest strap according to claim 18.
22. Exercise equipment according to claim 20, characterized in that
the controller is provided on the exercise machine and is connected
to the control unit at the output side.
23. Exercise equipment according to claim 22, characterized in that
the controller is connected to the receiver on the input side.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a method for controlling
load parameters of an exercise machine as a function of the heart
rate of an exercising person, wherein the heart rate of the
exercising person is captured by a heart rate sensor, and wherein
the exercise machine follows a pre-programmed exercise sequence on
the basis of captured heart rate signals, said sequence having been
selected in advance by the person on a control unit of the exercise
machine. The invention further relates to a controller, a chest
strap, and exercise equipment for performing the method.
[0002] Exercise equipment of the type indicated above are known and
described, for example, in EP 0 650 695 B1. The exercise equipment
known from said publication comprises an exercise machine and a
heart rate monitor.
[0003] The exercise machine is a treadmill, suitable for varying
load parameters as a function of the heart rate or pulse frequency
of an exercising person during an exercise program. The exercise
machine can alternatively particularly be a bicycle ergometer, or a
different fitness machine, if variable load or resistance control
is allowed. To this end, the exercise machine comprises a control
unit implemented as a micro-processor controlled time measurement
and load parameter control device, and is connected to a receiver
suitable for receiving pulse signals corresponding to the pulse
frequency of the exercising person.
[0004] The heart rate monitor is implemented as a chest strap that
uses integrated skin electrodes to generate pulse signals that
correspond to the heart rate. Alternatively, ear clips are
particularly used to capture the heart rate. The heart rate sensor
is connected to a transmitter that transfers the pulse signals
corresponding to the heart rate to the exercise machine for
controlling the load parameter.
[0005] During exercise, the exercising person wears the chest strap
in order to capture the heart rate. The pulse signals generated by
the skin electrodes and corresponding to the heart rate are
transmitted by the transmitter on the chest strap to the receiving
unit on the exercise machine. The exercise machine control unit
varies the load parameter of the exercise machine based on the
received pulse signals.
[0006] The exercising person can also select an exercise program
from a number of exercise scenarios, limited by the manufacturer,
using the exercise machine control unit. The exercising person can
typically choose between at least one endurance program and one
time-base interval program. If the exercising person selects the
endurance program, for instance, at a desired heart frequency of
130 beats per minute during the program, then the control unit
reduces the resistance or running speed of the belt if the heart
rate of the exercising person rises above the selected heart rate
of 130 beats per minute.
[0007] One problem of said exercise equipment is that the potential
programs are limited to the manufacturer's prescribed number of
predetermined training sequences. Individual exercise scenarios
adapted to the current performance capability of the exercising
person cannot be run.
[0008] Starting from said state of the art, the object of the
present invention is to allow individual exercise programs using
conventional exercise machines.
[0009] In order to achieve said object, the present invention
proposes a method for controlling load parameters of an exercise
machine of the type indicated above, wherein a controller modulates
pulse signals corresponding to the heart rate as a function of the
heart rate of an exercising person, wherein the heart rate of an
exercising person is captured by a heart rate sensor, and transmits
the modulated pulse signals to a receiver on the exercise machine,
and wherein the exercise machine follows a preprogrammed exercise
program on the basis of the received modulated pulse signals, said
program having been selected in advance by the person using an
exercise machine control unit.
[0010] A predetermined exercise sequence or exercise program can
be, for example, an endurance program, wherein the exercising
person selects a heart rate of 130 beats per minute, for example,
at the exercise machine. The exercise machine will then vary the
load parameter or the resistance of a bicycle ergometer, for
example, such that said selected heart rate of 130 beats per minute
is constantly maintained by the exercising person.
[0011] According to the invention, a controller is connected
between the heart rate sensor and the exercise machine, in which
individualized exercise plans for an exercising person are stored.
The controller is implemented for superimposing the saved
individualized exercise plans on the prescribed exercise sequences
of the exercise machine. To this end, it converts the pulse signals
captured by the heart rate sensor into modulated pulse signals
deviating from the heart rate signals. The controller then forwards
the modulated signals to the exercise machine. In other words,
pulse signals deviating from the actual heart rate are simulated by
the controller and forwarded to the exercise machine in order to
control the load parameters thereof. If, in the example given, the
exercise machine were to reduce the resistance of the bicycle
ergometer for an increasing heart rate above the previously
selected heart rate of 130 beats, in order to thereby reduce the
heart rate of the exercising person, then the controller can
simulate a constant or even falling heart rate to the exercise
machine by means of the modulated pulse signals, in order to thus
maintain or increase the load. Based on the modulated pulse
signals, a conventional exercise machine can execute any exercise
scenario in said manner, such as an interval program, an
individually tuned strength endurance program, or a race on a
track, if such an exercise program has been selected at the
controller. It should be clear that the exercise machine can also
alternatively be a treadmill, a rowing ergometer, or another
fitness machine having controllable load parameters.
[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the method according
to the invention, the pulse signals corresponding to the heart rate
are transmitted in a first transmitting step from a transmitter
connected to the heart rate sensor to the controller, and the
modulated pulse signals are transmitted in a second transmitting
step from the controller to an exercise machine receiver, or
directly to the exercise machine control unit. Transmitting the
modulated pulse signals to the exercise machine receiver enables
the controller to be used flexibly and easily, without requiring
interference with per se known exercise equipment comprising a
heart rate monitor and a exercise machine of the type indicated
above. The controller can thus be carried on the body of the
exercising person, for example, and can establish the connection to
its counterparts automatically or upon command. The potential that
the modulated pulse signals can be transmitted directly to the
exercise machine control unit means that the controller can be
provided in or one the exercise machine, for example, for enhancing
the exercise machine. The controller receiving unit can thereby be
used for receiving the pulse signals without having to establish a
connection between the controller and the exercise machine
receiver.
[0013] In an alternative embodiment of the method according to the
invention, the controller receives the pulse signals corresponding
to the heart rate directly from the heart rate sensor and transmits
the modulated pulse signals to an exercise machine receiver via a
transmitter connected to the controller. For example, the modulated
pulse signals can be transmitted from the transmitter on the same
chest strap on which the heart rate sensor is provided. Directly
forwarding the pulse signals from the heart rate sensor to the
controller makes it possible to integrate both components
particularly in a per se known chest strap. The exercising person
can thus use the chest strap during exercise for capturing the
heart rate and for transmitting the modulated pulse signals without
having to carry an additional device. In the same way, the
controller can receive the pulse signals directly from the heart
rate sensor of an ear clip, and can be integrated with the same in
the ear clip.
[0014] In a second alternative embodiment, a transmitter connected
to the heart rate sensor transmits pulse signals corresponding to
the heart rate via an exercise machine receiver to the controller
connected to the receiver in a first transmitting step, and the
controller transmits the modulated pulse signals to the exercise
machine control unit in a second transmitting step. This allows a
conventional heart rate monitor, particularly a chest strap, to be
used without changes to the construction. A transmitter connected
to the heart rate sensor transmits the pulse signals corresponding
to the heart rate to the exercise machine receiver in a per se
known manner. The controller that modulates the pulse signals and
transmits them to the exercise machine control unit is connected to
the receiver. A conventional exercise machine can thus be expanded
by simply installing the controller, allowing individualized
programs.
[0015] In a preferred manner, at least one transmitting step can be
performed wirelessly in the same manner. Analog transmitters and
receivers distributed with typical exercise equipment can thus be
used.
[0016] At least one transmitting step can further be performed
wirelessly and digitally, particularly using Bluetooth technology.
Primarily modern exercise machines can thus be used, particularly
those having a Bluetooth interface. By using different transmission
types in the two transmitting steps, it can further be prevented
that the pulse signals from the transmitter connected to the heart
rate sensor are transmitted directly to the exercise machine
receiver.
[0017] It is also possible that at least one transmitting step
takes place in encoded form, particularly if two transmitting steps
are performed in analog, or two transmitting steps are performed in
digital. Transmitting in encoded form can prevent direct
transmission of the pulse signals from the transmitter connected to
the heart rate sensor to the exercise machine receiver. This
ensures that the pulse signals corresponding to the heart rate are
transmitted to the controller and not to the exercise machine
control unit.
[0018] Alternatively, at least one transmitting step can be
performed using a connector cable. This allows older exercise
machines, in particular, that do not have a radio receiver to be
connected. It is furthermore conceivable to use a connector cable
to connect the transmitter connected to the heart rate sensor to
controller.
[0019] According to a further embodiment of the present invention,
the exercise programs can be loaded into the controller via a
physical interface, and saved there. The exercise programs can
thereby be adjusted or created on an external system, particularly
a computer, and loaded into the controller by means of the physical
interface. Exercise programs having other controllers of other
exercising persons can further be exchanged via said interface. The
interface can allow a wireless data transmission, such as a
Bluetooth or infrared interface, or connections for USB, mini-USB,
or firewire data cables.
[0020] A further object of the present invention is a controller
for controlling load parameters of an exercise machine as a
function of the heart rate of an exercising person, comprising a
receiving unit designed for receiving pulse signals corresponding
to the heart rate, comprising a modulation unit for modulating the
pulse signals corresponding to the heart rate on the basis of saved
exercise programs, and comprising a transmitting unit designed for
transmitting the modulated pulse signals. It is particularly
advantageous if the controller is used for implementing the above
method.
[0021] In a refinement of the controller according to the
invention, said controller comprises a display and/or an input
device. The exercising person can thus select a suitable exercise
plan from a plurality of individualized exercise programs by using
the display and/or the input device. It further enables the
exercising person to control the data exchange via the physical
interface.
[0022] An object of the invention further relates to a chest strap
having a heart rate sensor, a transmitter, and a controller of the
type indicated above. The exercising person can thus use the chest
strap during exercise for capturing the heart rate and for
transmitting the modulated pulse signals without having to carry an
additional device.
[0023] A further object of the present invention finally relates to
exercise equipment for controlling load parameters of an exercise
machine as a function of the heart rate of an exercising person,
comprising a exercise machine and a heart rate sensor for capturing
the heart rate of the exercising person, comprising an exercise
machine and a heart rate sensor for capturing the heart rate of the
exercising person, wherein the exercise machine comprises a
receiver for receiving the heart rate and uses the controller in
exercise equipment made of an exercise machine and a heart rate
monitor comprising a controller of the type indicated above. It is
particularly advantageous if the controller is provided in the
exercise equipment comprising the exercise machine and the heart
rate sensor.
[0024] With respect to further advantageous embodiments of the
invention, reference is made to the sub-claims and the following
description of three embodiment examples, referencing the attached
drawing. Shown in the drawing are
[0025] FIG. 1 a schematic view of exercise equipment according to a
first embodiment of the present invention,
[0026] FIG. 2 a schematic view of exercise equipment according to a
second embodiment of the present invention,
[0027] FIG. 3 a schematic view of exercise equipment according to a
third embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of exercise equipment 1
according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The
exercise equipment 1 comprises an exercise machine 2, a heart rate
monitor 3, and a controller 4 connected between the exercise
machine 2 and the heart rate 3.
[0029] The exercise machine 2 is a bicycle ergometer 5, suitable
for varying load parameters as a function of the heart rate or
pulse frequency of an exercising person during an exercise program.
The exercise machine 2 can also alternatively particularly be a
treadmill, a rowing ergometer 5a, or another fitness machine 5b
having controllable load parameters. The exercise machine 2
comprises a control unit 6 implemented as a
microprocessor-controlled time measurement and load parameter
control device, controlling the load parameters of the exercise
machine 2 as a function of the pulse frequency of the exercising
person. Said control unit is connected to a receiver 7 of the
exercise machine 2 suitable for receiving pulse signals
corresponding to the pulse frequency of the exercising person.
[0030] The heart rate monitor 3 is shown here in the form of a
chest strap. Said monitor is implemented in a per se known manner
as an elastic electrode strap having a heart rate sensor 8. The
heart rate sensor 8 comprises two skin electrodes 8a, 8b integrated
in the chest strap, generating the pulse signals 9 corresponding to
the heart rate on the basis of the captured R-impulse of the
exercising person. A transmitter 10 is connected to the heart rate
sensor 8, implemented as a radio transmitter having a short range,
in order to transmit the pulse signals 9 corresponding to the heart
rate. The chest strap 3 comprises a power supply, not shown in
detail, typically provided in the form of a lithium button
cell.
[0031] In the per se known exercise arrangement made of an exercise
machine 2 and chest strap 3, the controller 4 is connected between
the exercise machine 2 and the chest strap 3. The controller 4 is a
portable device that can be carried on the body of an exercising
person and comprises a power supply that is not further described.
Said device comprises a receiving unit 11 designed as a complement
to the transmitter 10 of the chest strap 3, in order to receive
pulse signals 9 transmitted by the transmitter 10. A modulation
unit 12 suitable for modulating the pulse signals 9 on the basis of
exercise programs saved in a hardware memory 13 is connected to the
receiving unit 11. The controller 4 further comprises an integrated
physical interface 14 implemented as a Bluetooth interface in order
to upload and download exercise programs to and from the hardware
memory 13. An input device, not shown in further detail, and a
display, not shown in further detail, are implemented such that the
exercising person can select exercise programs, control the
Bluetooth interface 14, and check the charge condition of the
controller 4. A transmitting unit 15 is connected to the modulation
unit 12 and implemented such that the pulse signals 16 modulated in
the modulation unit 12 can be transmitted to the exercise machine 2
by radio. A connector, not shown in further detail, is implemented
for enabling a power supply to charge the internal rechargeable
battery. This can be a USB connector.
[0032] In order to exercise using the exercise equipment 1, an
exercising person puts on the chest strap 3 in a known manner.
During the exercise on the bicycle ergometer 5, the heart rate
sensor 8 captures the heart rate of the exercising person and
generates pulse signals 9 corresponding to the heart rate. Said
signals are transmitted to the transmitter 10 and transmitted from
there to the receiving unit 11 of the controller 4 via the radio
interface. Said first transmitting step takes place in encrypted
form in order to prevent direct transmission of the pulse signals 9
to the receiver 7 of the exercise machine 2. The received pulse
signals 9 are fed to the modulation unit 12 and modulated there on
the basis of an exercise program saved in the hardware memory
13.
[0033] The exercise programs are individualized exercise plans in
digital form that can be adapted to the current performance
capability of the exercising person and the desired exercise goals.
The exercising person can thus select a suitable exercise plan from
a plurality of individualized exercise programs by using the
display and/or the input device, not described in further detail,
of the controller 4. By means of a computer, the exercising person
is also able to load prefabricated exercise programs for a
particular performance range and a desired goal from a database on
the Internet, or personal exercise programs created by means of a
provided computer software, onto the controller 4 via the physical
interface 14. It is also possible for the person to exchange
exercise programs with other controllers of other exercising
persons, particularly via the Bluetooth interface 14.
[0034] In the second transmitting step, the modulated pulse signals
16 are transmitted by radio from the transmitting unit 15 to the
receiver 7 of the exercise machine 2 in non-encrypted analog form.
The exercising person can use the control unit 6 connected to the
receiver 7 to select an exercise scenario from a limited number of
saved exercise sequences. The exercise sequences of a control unit
6 typically comprise at least one endurance program. The exercising
person can, for example, thereby select a heart rate of 130 beats
per minute. The control unit 6 will then vary the load parameter or
the resistance of a bicycle ergometer 5, for example, such that
said selected heart rate of 130 beats per minute is constantly
maintained by the exercising person. Said property is used by the
controller 4, such that a modified or modulated heart rate 16 is
provided to the control unit 6 in order to be able to actively
control the variation of the load parameter or resistance of the
bicycle ergometer 5. Each desired exercise program previously
selected by the exercising person at the controller 4 can thereby
be superimposed on the selected endurance program. If, for example,
the control unit 6 were to reduce the resistance of the bicycle
ergometer for an increasing heart rate above the previously
selected heart rate of 130 beats, in order to thereby reduce the
heart rate of the exercising person, then the controller 4 can
simulate a constant, falling, or rising heart rate to the control
unit 6 by means of the modulated pulse signals 16, if such is
required according to the selected exercise program. Based on the
modulated pulse signals 16, a conventional exercise machine can
thus execute any exercise scenario, such as an interval program, an
individually tuned strength endurance program, or a race on a
track, if such an exercise program has been selected at the
controller 4.
[0035] FIG. 2 shows exercise equipment 17 according to a second
embodiment of the present invention. The exercise equipment 17
comprises an exercise machine 2, a chest strap 3, and a controller
4 connected between the exercise machine 2 and the heart rate
monitor 3, wherein the controller 4 is integrated in the chest
strap 3 in comparison to the first embodiment of the present
invention according to FIG. 1.
[0036] A heart rate sensor 8 of the chest strap 3 is directly
connected to a receiving unit, not shown, of the controller 4.
Similarly to the first embodiment of the present invention, the
controller 4 is implemented such that it is suitable for modulating
the pulse signals 9 corresponding to the heart rate on the basis of
the exercise programs saved in the hardware memory. The controller
4 further comprises a physical interface implemented as a Bluetooth
interface in order to upload and download exercise programs. An
analog radio transmitter integrated in the chest strap 3 is
connected to the controller 4 in order to wirelessly transmit
modulated pulse signals 16 from the modulation unit of the
controller 4 to the exercise machine 2.
[0037] The exercise machine 2 corresponds to the first embodiment
of the present invention according to FIG. 1.
[0038] In order to operate the exercise equipment 17, an exercising
person puts on the chest strap 3 in a known manner. During the
exercise on the bicycle ergometer 5, the heart rate sensor 8 of the
chest strap 3 captures the heart rate of the exercising person and
generates pulse signals 9 corresponding to the heart rate. Said
signals are modulated by the controller 4 connected to the heart
rate sensor analogously to the first embodiment of the present
invention. The modulated pulse signals 16 are then transmitted by
radio by the analog transmitter of the chest strap 3 connected to
the controller 4 to the exercise machine 2. The first wireless
transmitting step is thus eliminated with respect to the exercise
equipment 1 according to FIG. 1. The exercise machine 2 further
behaves analogously to the first embodiment of the invention.
[0039] FIG. 3 shows exercise equipment 17 according to a third
embodiment of the present invention. The exercise equipment 17
comprises an exercise machine 2 and a heart rate monitor 3. The
exercise machine 2 comprises a receiver 7, a control unit 6, and
controller 4. The controller 4 is integrated in the exercise
machine 2, wherein said controller is wired to the receiver 7 on
the input side and to the control unit 6 on the output side.
[0040] Analogous to the first embodiment of the present invention,
a heart rate monitor 3 in the form of a chest strap is implemented
here. A transmitter 10 of the chest strap 3 is suitable for
transmitting pulse signals 9 corresponding to the heart rate to the
receiver 7 of the exercise machine. The receiver 7 is wired to the
controller 4 in order to transmit the pulse signals 9 to the same.
The modulation of the pulse signal 9 corresponds analogously to the
first embodiment. The controller 4 is ultimately wired to the
control unit 6 on the output side, in order to transmit the
modulated pulse signals 16 directly to the control unit 6.
[0041] Alternatively, the transmitter 10 can be suitable for
transmitting pulse signals 9 corresponding to the heart rate
directly to the receiving unit 11 of the controller 4. A wired
connection of the controller 4 to the receiver 7 on the input side
can be eliminated. On the output side, the controller 4 is wired to
the control unit 6.
[0042] In order to operate the exercise equipment 17, an exercising
person puts on the chest strap 3 in a known manner. In contrast to
the first embodiment of the present invention, the transmitter 10
transmits the pulse signals 9 corresponding to the heart rate
directly to the receiver 7 of the exercise machine. The controller
4 wired to the receiver receives the pulse signals 9 corresponding
to the heart rate and modulates said signals analogously to the
first embodiment of the present invention. The controller 4 then
transmits the modulated pulse signals 16 to the control unit 6
connected via a wired connection. The control unit 6 behaves
analogously to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] Alternatively, the transmitter 10 transmits pulse signals 9
corresponding to the heart rate directly to the receiving unit 11
of the controller 4.
* * * * *