U.S. patent application number 13/733179 was filed with the patent office on 2013-07-11 for exercise device having communication linkage for connection with external computing device.
This patent application is currently assigned to ICON HEALTH & FITNESS, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.. Invention is credited to Chase Brammer.
Application Number | 20130178334 13/733179 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48744294 |
Filed Date | 2013-07-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130178334 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brammer; Chase |
July 11, 2013 |
Exercise Device Having Communication Linkage For Connection With
External Computing Device
Abstract
In general, the present invention relates to exercise devices
that lack, in whole or in part, a console. For example, an exercise
device of the present invention may lack display screens and/or
user input controls that selectively adjust an operating parameter
of the exercise device. A console interface, or the portions of a
console interface that are absent from an exercise device of the
present invention may be provided by an external computing device
that is communicatively connected to the exercise device. The
external computing device may be individually and selectively
connected to multiple exercise devices to as to provide a display
screen and user input controls to a number of different exercise
devices.
Inventors: |
Brammer; Chase; (Providence,
UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.; |
Logan |
UT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
ICON HEALTH & FITNESS,
INC.
Logan
UT
|
Family ID: |
48744294 |
Appl. No.: |
13/733179 |
Filed: |
January 3, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61583702 |
Jan 6, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 24/0087 20130101;
A63B 2225/685 20130101; G06F 1/1632 20130101; A63B 2230/01
20130101; A63B 2220/17 20130101; A63B 2209/08 20130101; A63B
2225/50 20130101; A63F 2300/1012 20130101; A63B 2071/0683 20130101;
A63B 22/0023 20130101; A63B 71/0622 20130101; A63B 22/0235
20130101; A63B 22/0605 20130101; A63B 2230/50 20130101; A63B
2225/15 20130101; A63B 2230/75 20130101; A63B 2071/0644 20130101;
A63B 2024/0096 20130101; A63B 2220/836 20130101; A63B 2230/30
20130101; A63F 13/06 20130101; A63B 2220/76 20130101; A63B
2071/0658 20130101; A63B 2225/20 20130101; A63B 22/0664 20130101;
A63B 2230/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/4 |
International
Class: |
A63B 24/00 20060101
A63B024/00 |
Claims
1. An exercise device comprising: a frame; a console attached to
the frame, the console lacking display screens; a mounting
structure attached to the frame, wherein an external computing
device can be selectively secured to the mounting structure; a
communication linkage that selectively and communicatively connects
the console with the external computing device; and a selectively
adjustable actuator that adjusts one or more operating parameters
of the exercise device and that is communicatively connected to the
communication linkage, wherein the selectively adjustable actuator
receives control commands from the external computing device via
the communication linkage when the external computing device is
communicatively connected to the console and secured to the
mounting structure.
2. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the console further
lacks user input controls that cause the selectively adjustable
actuator to adjust the one or more operating parameters of the
exercise device.
3. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the exercise device is
communicatively connectable to the external computing device via a
wired communication linkage.
4. The exercise device of claim 3, wherein the wired communication
linkage comprises a USB port.
5. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the exercise device is
communicatively connectable to the external computing device via a
wireless communication linkage.
6. The exercise device of claim 5, wherein the wireless
communication linkage comprises either a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi
wireless transmitter.
7. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the mounting structure
selectively secures the external computing device through a
gravitational attachment.
8. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the mounting structure
includes either a magnet or a bracket, which assists in selectively
securing the external computing device to the mounting
structure.
9. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the selectively
adjustable actuator is a fan motor.
10. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the exercise device is
a treadmill and the selectively adjustable actuator is a belt
motor.
11. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the exercise device is
either an elliptical machine or an exercise bike and the
selectively adjustable actuator is a brake.
12. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein data relating to an
exercise being performed on the exercise device is sent to the
external computing device via the communication linkage when the
external computing device is communicatively connected to the
console.
13. The exercise device of claim 12, wherein the data sent to the
external computing device via the communication linkage comprises
cadence information, stride length information, or user weight
information.
14. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the console includes
electronics which modify the control commands received through the
communication linkage.
15. An exercise system comprising: a first exercise device having:
a first actuator that adjusts one or more operating parameters of
the first exercise device; and a first console lacking user input
controls that cause the first actuator to selectively adjust the
one or more operating parameters of the first exercise device; a
second exercise device having: a second actuator that adjusts one
or more operating parameters of the second exercise device; and a
second console lacking user input controls that cause the second
actuator to selectively adjust the one or more operating parameters
of the second exercise device; and an external computing device
individually and selectively mountable on each of the first and
second exercise devices and individually communicatively
connectable to each of the first and second exercise devices, the
external computing device having user input controls that cause the
first actuator to adjust the one or more operating parameters of
the first exercise device when the external computing device is
communicatively connected to the first exercise device and that
cause the second actuator to adjust the one or more operating
parameters of the second exercise device when the external
computing device is communicatively connected to the second
exercise device.
16. The exercise device of claim 15, wherein the first and second
consoles each further lack display screens.
17. The exercise device of claim 16, wherein the external computing
device comprises a display screen that displays information related
to an exercise being performed on the first exercise device when
the first exercise device is communicatively connected to the
external computing device and displays information related to an
exercise being performed on the second exercise device when the
second exercise device is communicatively connected to the external
computing device.
18. The exercise device of claim 17, wherein the external computing
device is a telephone.
19. A method for controlling an exercise device, the method
comprising: loading console interface software onto an external
computing device, the external computing device having a display
and one or more user input controls; initiating the console
interface software on the external computing device; establishing a
communication link between the external computing device and an
exercise device having a selectively adjustable actuator; securing
the external computing device to the exercise device; and adjusting
the selectively adjustable actuator in response to inputs received
via the user input controls on the external computing device.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of
displaying on the external computing device data relating to an
exercise being performed on the exercise device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/583,702 filed Jan. 6, 2012.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] In general, the present invention relates to exercise
equipment. More specifically, the present invention relates to
exercise devices that lack integrated display screens and/or user
input controls but include a communication linkage for
communicating with an external computing device that includes a
display screen and/or user input controls that selectively increase
and decrease the difficulty level of an exercise being
performed.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Most conventional exercise devices include consoles.
Consoles may include internal electronics, such as a memory and a
processor. Consoles may also include a user interface. The user
interface of an exercise device console may provide a user of the
exercise device with one or more display screens and one or more
user input controls. User input controls may be used to input data
into the exercise device. For example, a user input control may be
used to selectively adjust the difficulty level of an exercise
being performed on the exercise device. Display screens may be used
to show exercise or non-exercise related data.
[0004] Console interfaces have become more sophisticated over time.
For example, exercise devices today may have a number of display
screens that may be used to show color television programming or a
virtual environment in which the user is exercising. User input
controls have also become more sophisticated over time. For
example, an exercise device may include touch sensitive user input
controls. The increase in sophistication of console interfaces has
increased the cost to manufacture and purchase exercise
devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In one aspect of the disclosure, an exercise device includes
a frame.
[0006] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the exercise device includes a console attached to
the frame.
[0007] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the console lacks display screens.
[0008] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with
any of the aspects herein, the exercise device includes a mounting
structure attached to the frame that may be used to selectively
secure an external computing device to the exercise device.
[0009] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with
any of the aspects herein, the exercise device includes a
communication linkage that selectively and communicatively connects
the console with the external computing device.
[0010] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with
any of the aspects herein, the exercise device includes a
selectively adjustable actuator that adjusts one or more operating
parameters of the exercise device.
[0011] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with
any of the aspects herein, the actuator is communicatively
connected to the communication linkage.
[0012] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with
any of the aspects herein, the selectively adjustable actuator
receives control commands from the external computing device via
the communication linkage when the external computing device is
communicatively connected to the console and secured to the
mounting structure.
[0013] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with
any of the aspects herein, the console further lacks user input
controls that cause the selectively adjustable actuator to adjust
the one or more operating parameters of the exercise device.
[0014] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with
any of the aspects herein, the exercise device is communicatively
connectable to the external computing device via a wired
communication linkage.
[0015] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with
any of the aspects herein, the wired communication linkage
comprises a USB port.
[0016] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with
any of the aspects herein, the exercise device is communicatively
connectable to the external computing device via a wireless
communication linkage.
[0017] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with
any of the aspects herein, the wireless communication linkage
comprises either a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi wireless transmitter.
[0018] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with
any of the aspects herein, the mounting structure selectively
secures the external computing device through a gravitational
attachment.
[0019] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with
any of the aspects herein, the mounting structure includes a
bracket that assists in selectively securing the external computing
device to the mounting structure.
[0020] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with
any of the aspects herein, the mounting structure includes a magnet
that assists in selectively securing the external computing device
to the mounting structure.
[0021] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with
any of the aspects herein, the selectively adjustable actuator is a
fan motor.
[0022] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with
any of the aspects herein, the exercise device is a treadmill and
the selectively adjustable actuator is a belt motor.
[0023] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with
any of the aspects herein, the exercise device is either an
elliptical machine or an exercise bike and the selectively
adjustable actuator is a brake.
[0024] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with
any of the aspects herein, data relating to an exercise being
performed on the exercise device is sent to the external computing
device via the communication linkage when the external computing
device is communicatively connected to the console.
[0025] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with
any of the aspects herein, the data sent to the external computing
device via the communication linkage comprises cadence information,
stride length information, or user weight information.
[0026] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with
any of the aspects herein, the console includes electronics which
modifies the controls commands received through the communication
linkage.
[0027] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with
any of the aspects herein, an exercise system includes an external
computing device that is individually and selectively mountable on
a first exercise device and a second exercise device.
[0028] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with
any of the aspects herein, the external computing device is
individually communicatively connectable to each of the first and
second exercise devices, and has user input controls that cause the
first actuator to adjust the one or more operating parameters of
the first exercise device when the external computing device is
communicatively connected to the first exercise device and that
cause the second actuator to adjust the one or more operating
parameters of the second exercise device when the external
computing device is communicatively connected to the second
exercise device.
[0029] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with
any of the aspects herein, the first and second consoles of the
exercise system each further lack display screens.
[0030] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with
any of the aspects herein, the external computing device of the
exercise system comprises a display screen that displays
information related to an exercise being performed on the first
exercise device when the first exercise device is communicatively
connected to the external computing device and displays information
related to an exercise being performed on the second exercise
device when the second exercise device is communicatively connected
to the external computing device.
[0031] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with
any of the aspects herein, the external computing device is a
telephone.
[0032] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, a method for controlling an exercise device
comprises loading console interface software onto an external
computing device.
[0033] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the method further includes initiating the console
interface software on the external computing device.
[0034] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the method further includes establishing a
communication link between the external computing device and an
exercise device having a selectively adjustable actuator.
[0035] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the method further includes securing the external
computing device to the exercise device.
[0036] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the method further includes adjusting the
selectively adjustable actuator in response to inputs received via
the user input controls on the external computing device.
[0037] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the method further includes displaying on the
external computing device data relating to an exercise being
performed on the exercise device.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] FIG. 1 illustrates an exercise system according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an exercise system
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart showing steps that may be
implemented in a method for controlling an exercise device with an
external computing device.
[0041] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart showing steps that may be
implemented in a method for wirelessly connecting an exercise
device with an external computing device.
[0042] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a treadmill
communicatively connected to an external computing device.
[0043] FIG. 6 illustrates a view of an external computing
device.
[0044] FIG. 7 illustrates a second view of an external computing
device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0045] FIG. 1 illustrates an exercise system 100 according to one
embodiment of the present invention. Exercise system 100 includes
two exercise devices 110 and 130, and an external computing device
150. In exercise system 100, exercise device 110 is a treadmill,
exercise device 130 is a stationary bike, and external computing
device 150 is a tablet-type computer with a touch sensitive
screen.
[0046] Exercise devices 110 and 130 include moveable members 112
and 132, respectively. A moveable member, according to the present
invention, can be any part of an exercise device that moves during
a user's performance of an exercise on the exercise device. For
example, with regard to exercise device 110, moveable member 112 is
a belt, which provides a surface upon which a person using exercise
device 110 may walk or run during performance of an exercise. With
regard to exercise device 130, moveable member 132 is a set of
pedals, which a user may rotate with his or her feet during
performance of an exercise. Exercise devices 110 and 130 may
include moveable members in addition to those identified herein.
For example, exercise devices 110 and 130 may include fans, which
may also be considered moveable members according to the present
invention.
[0047] Exercise devices 110 and 130 include one or more actuators.
Actuators, according to the present invention, selectively adjust
an operating parameter on an exercise device. For example, an
actuator may adjust the difficulty level of an exercise being
performed on the exercise device. On exercise device 110, an
actuator comprising a motor may selectively adjust the speed at
which moveable member 112 rotates. On exercise device 130, an
actuator comprising a brake may selectively adjust the resistance
applied to the rotational movement of moveable member 132. An
actuator may also adjust the speed of a fan or adjust another
operating parameter that is associated with another moveable member
on an exercise device.
[0048] Exercise devices 110 and 130 include frames 114 and 134,
respectively. A frame, according to the present invention, can be
any part of an exercise device that imparts structural support
and/or stability to the exercise device. Frames 114 and 134 also
provide support to mounting structures 116 and 136, respectively.
For example, frame 114 of exercise device 110 includes upright
members 118a and 118b, which provide support to mounting structure
116. Frame 134 of exercise device 130 includes an arm member 138,
which provides support to mounting structure 136.
[0049] Mounting structures, according to the present invention, can
include any structure on which an external computing device may be
selectively secured to the exercise device. Mounting structures can
selectively secure an external computing device in a number of
different ways. For example, an external computing device may be
selectively secured to a mounting structure through a gravitational
attachment, as is the case with exercise device 110. Specifically,
mounting structure 116 includes a flat back panel 120 and a lip
portion 122, on which external computing device 150 can be
selectively placed. Flat back panel 120 and lip portion 122 may be
oriented such that gravitational force maintains external computing
device 150 on exercise device 110.
[0050] An external computing device may be selectively secured to a
mounting structure through a frictional attachment, as is the case
with exercise device 130. Specifically, mounting structure 136
includes a flat back panel 140 and brackets 142, which hold
external computing device 150 in place. Flat back panel 140 and
brackets 142 may be oriented such that friction maintains external
computing device 150 on exercise device 130.
[0051] Most conventional exercise devices include consoles. A
console on an exercise device may include a user interface and
electronics. A user interface may include one or more user input
controls and one or more display screens. The user input controls
may be used to input control commands or other data into the
exercise device. Specifically, user input controls may be used to
select a desired workout program, change the difficulty level of a
selected workout, or input other data into the exercise device.
User input controls may include one or more buttons, dials, knobs,
switches, or other input mechanisms.
[0052] Display screens may display data related to an exercise
being performed. For example, a graphical profile may show
difficulty level of each time or distance segment of a workout.
Display screens may also provide a first person view of a path to
be travelled by a user during the course of his or her exercise
program. Display screens may further illustrate numerical data,
such as the current difficulty level, speed, incline, number of
calories burned, or heart rate. Display screens may also display
data that is not related to an exercise being performed. For
example, display screens may provide entertainment, such as
television programming, movies, games, or the Internet.
[0053] The electronics on a console may include a processor and
other components that receive and process control commands or other
data that is received through the user input controls. The
electronics on a console may modify the control commands and
deliver signals reflective of the control command to an actuator or
another part of the exercise device. For example, if a command is
received from the user input control to increase the speed of the
belt on a treadmill, the console electronics may process the
command and deliver a signal to the belt motor to increase
speed.
[0054] Exercise devices 110 and 130 optionally include console
electronics. These electronics may be located anywhere on exercise
devices 110 and 130. For example, these electronics may be located
behind mounting structures 116 and 136 or within a hollow portion
of frame 114 or 134. Unlike most conventional exercise devices,
however, exercise devices 110 and 130 lack integrated display
screens and user input controls that selectively increase and/or
decrease one or more operating parameters on exercise devices 110
and 130.
[0055] Rather, external computing device 150 is communicatively
connectable to exercise devices 110 and 130 and can serve as a user
interface for exercise devices 110 and 120. External computing
device 150 may serve as a user interface for a number of different
exercise devices.
[0056] In order for external computing device 150 to serve as the
user interface for either exercise device 110 or exercise device
130, external computing device 150 must be communicatively
connected to either exercise device 110 or exercise device 130.
This connection can be established in a number of different ways.
For example, exercise device 110 may communicate with external
computing device 150 wirelessly. Exercise device 110 may include a
wireless communication linkage 124a, which may be a Bluetooth
transmitter, a Wi-Fi transmitter, or another type of wireless
communication linkage. Wireless communication linkage 124a
communicates with a wireless communication linkage 124b on external
computing device 150. Wireless communication linkage 124b may be a
Bluetooth transmitter, a Wi-Fi transmitter, or another type of
wireless communication linkage. As described in more detail
hereafter, exercise device 110 may also includes a wireless
connection input mechanism 126, which may be used to create or
confirm a connection with external computing device 150 or
broadcast a pairing request to external computing device 150.
[0057] Exercise device 130 may communicate with external computing
device 150 through a wired connection. Exercise device 130 may
include a wired communication linkage 144a, which may be a USB
drive or another type of wired communication linkage. Wired
communication linkage 144a communicates with a wired communication
linkage 144b on external computing device 150. Wired communication
linkage 144b may be a USB drive or another type of wired
communication linkage. A wire 146 can be used to connect wired
communication linkage 144a with wired communication linkage
144b.
[0058] Indicators 128 and 148 on exercise devices 110 and 130,
respectively, may provide an alert that the exercise device is
communicatively connected to external computing device 150. For
example, indicators 128 and 148 may be lights. These lights may
illuminate when a communication connection has been established
with external computing device 150.
[0059] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram 200 of an exercise system
according to one embodiment of the present invention. An exercise
device 210 includes one or more actuators 212. Actuator 212 may
selectively adjust one or more operating parameters of exercise
device 210. Exercise device 210 also includes one or more moveable
members 214. Actuator 212 may selectively adjust the movement of
moveable member 214. Exercise device 210 includes a mounting
structure 216. Exercise device 210 further includes console
electronics 218. Console electronics 218 may comprise a memory 220.
Memory 220 may store exercise programs, information relating to a
prior or future use of exercise device 210, or other data. Finally,
exercise device 210 includes a communication linkage 222.
[0060] An external computing device 250 is also included in block
diagram 200. External computing device 250 includes one or more
display screens 252. Display screen 252 may be an LED display, an
LCD, or another type of display. External computing device 250 also
includes user input controls 254. User input controls may comprise
a touch screen or a button, a mouse, a keyboard, a dial, a knob, a
switch, or another type of input mechanism. External computing
device 250 further includes a memory 256. Memory 256 may store
exercise programs, other information relating to an exercise
performed or to be performed on exercise device 210, or other data.
Finally, external computing device 250 includes a communication
linkage 258.
[0061] Mounting structure 216 may be used to selectively secure
external computing device 250 to exercise device 210. Communication
linkages 222 and 258 may communicatively connect exercise device
210 with external computing device 250. This connection may be a
wired or wireless connection 224.
[0062] FIG. 3 is a flow chart that illustrates steps that may be
implemented in a method 300 for using an external computing device
as a user interface on an exercise device. In a first step 302,
console interface software is loaded onto an external computing
device that includes one or more user input controls and a display
screen. Software may be loaded onto the external computing device
in a number of different ways. For example, the software may be
downloaded over the Internet from a website or the software may be
uploaded from a storage device, such as a disk or memory stick.
Once the software is loaded onto the external computing device, the
software may be initiated in a second step 304.
[0063] Next, a communication link is created between the external
computing device and an exercise device. This communication link
may be a wired link as illustrated in step 306 or a wireless link
as illustrated in step 308. In the case of a wired connection, a
wire may be inserted into communication linkages on the external
computing device and exercise device. Establishing a wireless
connection will be discussed in greater detail below in connection
with FIG. 4.
[0064] In step 310, the exercise device may be placed in a "locked"
position, which precludes the exercise device from establishing a
communication link with another external computing device. For
example, the exercise device may include a processor having control
data that allows it to recognize when a connection, either wired or
wireless, to an external computing device exists. Once a connection
to an external computing device is detected, the exercise device
may deny an attempt from another external computing device to
establish a connection with the exercise device.
[0065] Next, data may be transmitted from the exercise device to
the external computing device in step 312. This data may comprise
information regarding the type of exercise device that is connected
to the external computing device. For example, the exercise device
may transmit data identifying itself as a treadmill, an exercise
bike, an elliptical machine or another type of exercise device to
the external computing device. The transmitted data may further
comprise the types of actuators and moveable members that the
exercise device includes. Further, the exercise device may identify
a range associated with each operating parameter included in the
exercise device. For example, transmitted data may include the
speed limits of a belt motor on a treadmill. This information may
be necessary so that the external computing device can control
actuators that are a part of the exercise device and so that
operating parameters can be selectively adjusted within acceptable
ranges.
[0066] The external computing device may also be secured to the
exercise device in step 314. Step 314 may be accomplished at any
point during method 300. For example, securing the external
computing device to the exercise device may precede the initiation
of the software step 304 and the establishing of a communication
link in step 306 or step 308. Following the steps in method 300 in
the sequence identified in method 300 is not required in order to
use an external computing device as a user interface on an exercise
device.
[0067] Once the exercise device is communicatively connected to the
external computing device, the user input controls on the external
computing device can be used to selectively adjust the actuator(s)
on the exercise device in step 316. In addition, in step 318, data
relating to an exercise being performed on the exercise device can
be displayed on the display screen of the external computing
device.
[0068] There are a number of ways that an exercise device can be
wirelessly linked to an external computing device. FIG. 4 is a flow
chart that illustrates steps that may be implemented in method for
accomplishing step 308 of FIG. 3. Specifically, method 308 provides
steps for wirelessly linking an exercise apparatus to an external
computing device. In a first step 402, an external computing device
that has a wireless communication linkage is brought within
wireless range of an exercise device that also has a wireless
communication linkage.
[0069] A link may be created between the external computing device
and the exercise device by broadcasting a pairing request from the
exercise device, as shown in step 404. Such as pairing request may
be broadcast by the exercise device through input into a user input
device on the exercise device. For example, wireless connection
input mechanism 126 (illustrated in FIG. 1) may be engaged by a
user to broadcast a pairing request. In a step 406, the external
computing device can confirm a connection with the exercise device
through user input at the external computing device.
[0070] In one embodiment, an exercise device that broadcasts a
connection request may be open for pairing for a limited amount of
time after the pairing request is broadcast, as shown in step 405.
For example, an exercise device may be open for pairing with an
external computing device for five seconds after the pairing
request is broadcast. If no connection is confirmed within that
five seconds, the exercise device may return to step 404 and may
not be connected to an external computing device until a new
pairing request is broadcast by the exercise device and confirmed
at the external computing device within an acceptable amount of
time.
[0071] A link may also be created between the external computing
device and the exercise device by broadcasting a general pairing
request from the external computing device, as shown in step 408.
In a step 410, the exercise device can confirm the connection with
the external computing device through user input at the exercise
device. For example, wireless connection input mechanism 126
(illustrated in FIG. 1) may be engaged by a user to confirm the
pairing request broadcast by the external computing device.
[0072] Alternatively, an external computing device may identify any
exercise device(s) within its wireless range in a step 412. In a
step 414, the external computing device may then broadcast a
pairing request to a specific exercise device identified in step
412. Again, in step 410, the exercise device can confirm the
connection with the external computing device through user input at
the exercise device. Wireless connection input mechanism 126
(illustrated in FIG. 1) may be engaged by a user to confirm the
connection with the external computing device.
[0073] Once a communication link is established between an exercise
device and an external computing device, the external computing
device can serve as a control console to the exercise device. FIG.
5 illustrates a perspective view of a treadmill 500 with an
external tablet computer 550 selectively secured thereto. Treadmill
500 is communicatively connected to external tablet computer 550.
Treadmill 500 includes a belt 510. Treadmill 500 also includes at
least one actuator, which selectively adjusts an operating
parameter of treadmill 500. For example, an actuator on treadmill
500 may selectively adjust the speed at which belt 510 rotates.
[0074] While treadmill 500 may include some console electronics,
treadmill 500 lacks integrated user input controls for selectively
adjusting the at least one actuator and further lacks an integrated
display screen. External tablet computer 550, which is
communicatively connected to treadmill 500, provides treadmill 500
with user input controls for selectively adjusting the at least one
actuator and also provides a display screen.
[0075] FIG. 6 illustrates a more detailed view of external tablet
computer 550. External tablet computer 550 includes a
touch-sensitive screen 551 with buttons 552, 554, and 556. Buttons
552, 554, and 556 are user input controls that may selectively
adjust an actuator on treadmill 500. For example, touching one of
buttons 552, 554, 556 may send a signal to treadmill 500 that
increases and/or decreases the speed of belt 510. This signal may
be sent directly to a belt motor on treadmill 500 or it may be
processed by console electronics within treadmill 500 before being
delivered to the belt motor.
[0076] In addition to selectively adjusting an actuator on
treadmill 500, buttons 552, 554, and 556 may be used to select a
workout program or input any other data that may be related or
unrelated to a user or the exercise to be performed on treadmill
500. This data may or may not be modified or processed by console
electronics in treadmill 500.
[0077] External tablet computer 550 may also receive data from a
user from sources other than buttons 552, 554, and 556. For
example, tablet computer 550 may receive data relating to a
physiological condition of a user from sensors worn on the body of
the user. Sensors worn by a user may sense a user's heart rate,
blood pressure, temperature, caloric burn rate, or other condition.
This data may be transmitted to tablet computer 550 through a wired
or wireless communication linkage.
[0078] External tablet computer 550 also includes display screens
558 and 560. Information relating to a sensed condition of a user
may be displayed on screens 558 and/or 560. For example, screens
558 and/or 560 may display information relating to a user's heart
rate, blood pressure, temperature, caloric burn rate, or other
condition.
[0079] External tablet computer 550 may further receive data from
exercise device 500. Information relating to data received from
exercise device 500 may also be displayed on screens 558 and/or
560. For example, external tablet computer 550 may receive data
from exercise device 500 relating to a user's cadence (or foot
falls per unit time), stride length, weight, heart rate or the
like.
[0080] Information relating to data received by external tablet
computer 550 from treadmill 500 may also be displayed on screens
558 and/or 560. For example, in FIG. 6 display screen 560 shows a
graphical profile of a workout program. The data used to create
this graph may be received from treadmill 500 or may be stored
within the memory of tablet computer 550.
[0081] Display screens 558 and 560 may also illustrate a path to be
travelled by a person exercising on treadmill 500. For example, a
first person view of a trail may be shown. The view of the trail
may advance at a speed that corresponds to the speed at which belt
510 is rotating. In addition, exercise device 500 may implement the
terrain that is displayed. For example, an area of increased
incline that is shown on a display screen may be implemented on
treadmill 500 in order to create a more realistic experience.
[0082] Display screens on an external computing device may, but
need not display information relating to an exercise being
performed on the exercise device to which the computing device is
secured. According to the present invention, an external computing
device may display images or information that is unrelated to an
exercise being performed. For example, an external computing device
may display current event information such as stock information,
the news, or weather information.
[0083] In addition, entertainment, including television
programming, the internet, movies, games, etc., may be displayed on
an external computing device. In one embodiment of the present
invention, a display screen may be split between exercise related
information and data and non exercise related information and data.
For example, FIG. 7 illustrates another view of external tablet
computer 550. Display 574 provides entertainment while buttons 570
and 572 may be used to increase and/or decrease the speed of belt
510. Buttons 570 and 572 may also be used to control the
entertainment that is displayed on display 574. For example, if
display 574 illustrates a game, buttons 570 and/or 572 may be used
to play the game. Thus, tablet computer 550 includes a non-exercise
related display screen and buttons that provide exercise related
user input controls and non-exercise related user input
controls.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0084] In general, the present invention relates to exercise
devices that lack, in whole or in part, a console. For example, an
exercise device of the present invention may lack display screens
and/or user input controls that selectively adjust an operating
parameter of the exercise device. A console interface, or the
portions of a console interface that are absent from an exercise
device of the present invention may be provided by an external
computing device that is communicatively connected to the exercise
device. The external computing device may be individually and
selectively connected to multiple exercise devices to as to provide
a display screen and user input controls to a number of different
exercise devices.
[0085] While the invention has been described in the context of
motorized treadmills, and stationary bikes, one of skill in the art
will understand that the invention is not limited to any particular
type of exercise device. To the contrary, the present invention can
be readily adapted to any motorized device or any other device that
utilizes motors, solenoids, or any other electrically driven
actuators to control any operating parameter of a moveable member
on an exercise device.
[0086] For example, exercise devices may include treadmills,
exercise bikes, Nordic style skiers, rowers, steppers, hikers,
climbers, elliptical machines, and striding exercise machines.
Operating parameters may include but are not limited to belt speed,
resistance, incline, stride length, fan speed or other similar
operating parameter. A moveable member can be any part of an
exercise device that moves during the performance of an exercise on
that device. An actuator may be any device that selectively adjusts
the operating parameters of a moveable member.
[0087] External computing devices according to the present
invention need not be tablet-type computers with touch sensitive
screens. External computing devices may include lap top personal
computers, telephones, or another computing device. Information and
commands may be input into an external computing device via one or
more buttons, dials, knobs, switches, or another input
mechanism.
[0088] Mounting structures can selectively secure an external
computing device to an exercise device in a number of different
ways. For example, a mounting structure may secure a computing
device through a purely gravitational attachment. Alternatively, a
computing device may be secured to a mounting structure via a
magnet, a suction attachment, a clamp, a strap, or another
structure that selectively secures the external computing device to
the exercise device. In addition, mounting structure may be
adjustable such that external computing devices of all different
sizes may be selectively secured to an exercise device.
[0089] An exercise device that is communicatively connected to an
external computing device may send and receive information to and
from the external computing device. For example, an exercise device
may send information regarding the actuators, moveable members, and
the range of operating parameters to the external computing device.
For example, if a treadmill is communicatively connected to an
external computing device, the exercise device may send a signal to
the external computing device that identifies a belt motor and
incline motor. In addition, the exercise device may send a signal
to the external computing device that the belt motor has operating
parameters that range from 0 mph to 15 mph. The exercise device may
also send a signal to the external computing device that the
incline motor has operating parameters that range from 0 degrees to
20 degrees.
[0090] The information that is transmitted from the exercise device
to the external computing device may affect the appearance of the
display screens and the quantity or type of user input controls.
For example, an external computing device that is acting as the
user interface for a treadmill may have user input controls that
control the speed of the belt, the incline of the deck, and the
speed of a fan. An external computing device that is acting as the
user interface for an exercise bike may only have user input
controls that control the speed of a fan and the amount of
resistance to be applied by a brake to a flywheel.
[0091] An external computing device, according to the present
invention, may include a memory capable of storing and implementing
workout programs on an exercise device. These workout programs by
be acquired by the external computing device over the Internet from
a website or from a memory device that is compatible with the
external computing device. In addition, workout programs stored
within the memory of an external computing device may be uploaded
to an exercise device and stored within the memory of the exercise
device's console electronics.
[0092] Information regarding an exercise that has been performed on
an exercise device may be stored in a memory within the console
electronics on the exercise device. Alternatively, this information
may be transmitted to an external computing device and stored
within memory on the external computing device. Further still, this
information may be transmitted, by either the exercise machine or
the external computing device to a remote computer to be stored.
For example, the external computing device may send this or other
data for storage at a website. In this embodiment, a user may
access information regarding his or her exercise sessions from any
computing device that can access the website. Information that may
be gathered and stored may include the type of workout program
performed, the number of calories burned, the duration of the
workout, the user's heart rate during the workout, etc.
[0093] Once an exercise device is communicatively connected to an
external computing device, the exercise device may run exercise
programs that are stored within the memory of the console
electronics on the exercise device. Alternatively, the exercise
device may run exercise programs that are stored within the memory
of the external computing device. Further still, an exercise
program may be streamed to the exercise device through the external
computing device over the Internet.
[0094] In alternative embodiments, an external computing device may
display both exercise related and non-exercise related data. For
example, an external computing device may display a graphical
profile that shows difficulty level of each time or distance
segment of a workout on a first display screen and television
programming or other non-exercise related data on a second display
screen. The external computing device in this embodiment may
include user input controls that control both the exercise device
and the non-exercise related data displayed on the second display
screen.
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