U.S. patent application number 14/343379 was filed with the patent office on 2014-08-07 for sensor device and system for fitness equipment.
This patent application is currently assigned to Paofit Holdings Pte. Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is Andrei Richard Frank, Marc Scott Hardy. Invention is credited to Andrei Richard Frank, Marc Scott Hardy.
Application Number | 20140221160 14/343379 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47832668 |
Filed Date | 2014-08-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140221160 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hardy; Marc Scott ; et
al. |
August 7, 2014 |
Sensor Device and System for Fitness Equipment
Abstract
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a sensor devices
and corresponding systems for various fitness equipments to
determine information corresponding to one or more activities of a
user utilizing the equipments. The information may include speed,
pressure, stride, and one or more other activities of the user. In
an embodiment, the information may be measured when the sensor
device is in constant contact with a fitness equipment (treadmill)
but is not fastened to the exercise treadmill equipment. The
information may be measured by one or more sensors that may be
embedded in the sensor device. The measured information may be
transmitted from the sensor device to data processor of an external
device. Such information corresponding to various activities of the
user may be utilized further for various applications.
Inventors: |
Hardy; Marc Scott;
(Singapore, SG) ; Frank; Andrei Richard; (Toronto,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hardy; Marc Scott
Frank; Andrei Richard |
Singapore
Toronto |
|
SG
CA |
|
|
Assignee: |
Paofit Holdings Pte. Ltd.
Singapore
SG
|
Family ID: |
47832668 |
Appl. No.: |
14/343379 |
Filed: |
September 10, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
September 10, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2012/002552 |
371 Date: |
March 6, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61532464 |
Sep 8, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2024/0065 20130101;
A63B 2220/30 20130101; A63B 22/0664 20130101; A63B 2220/51
20130101; A61B 2560/0204 20130101; A63B 2225/50 20130101; A63B
22/02 20130101; A63B 22/0605 20130101; A63B 2220/806 20130101; A61B
5/6895 20130101; A63B 2225/20 20130101; A63B 2220/805 20130101;
A63B 22/0076 20130101; A61B 5/1118 20130101; A63B 2220/40 20130101;
A63B 2220/16 20130101; A63B 24/0062 20130101; A63B 21/0054
20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/8 |
International
Class: |
A63B 24/00 20060101
A63B024/00 |
Claims
1. A sensor system for collecting user activity data from an
exercise apparatus, the sensor system comprising: a wheel mechanism
for measuring a plurality of characteristics corresponding to a
moving tread of the exercise apparatus, wherein the wheel mechanism
is in physical contact with the moving tread, without having to be
fastened to the exercise apparatus; a plurality of sensors
configured for determining a plurality of parameters corresponding
to one or more activities performed by a user of the exercise
apparatus, the plurality of parameters being determined based on
the measured plurality of characteristics of the moving tread; and
a data communication interface for transmitting the measured
plurality of parameters to a data processor, wherein the physical
contact between the wheel mechanism and the moving tread is
maintained by a spring-based mechanism.
2. The sensor system of claim 1, wherein the wheel mechanism
comprises a primary wheel and a secondary wheel, the primary wheel
being utilized for measuring a speed of the moving tread and the
secondary wheel being utilized for measuring tilt of the moving
tread in conjunction with the primary wheel.
3. The sensor system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
parameters comprises speed of the user, downward pressure applied
to the moving tread by the user, and the one or more activities of
the user on the moving tread.
4. The sensor system of claim 1 further comprising: a power source
for powering the plurality of sensors and the data communication
interface; and a circuit board for managing the power sources, the
plurality of parameters and the data communication interface.
5. The sensor system of claim 2, wherein the primary wheel
comprises a series of magnets adjoined thereto, the series of
magnets being utilized to interface with a magnetic based sensor,
of the plurality of sensors, for measuring rotation of the primary
wheel.
6. The sensor system of claim 2, wherein the primary wheel
incorporates a regular pattern of grooves, and wherein an LED light
and LED sensor are used to measure the rotation of the primary
wheel through the grooves.
7. The sensor system of claim 2, wherein the primary wheel
comprises a pattern of reflective surfaces and a sensor for
counting changes in surface reflection for measuring the rotation
of the primary wheel.
8. The sensor system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensors
comprises a rotation sensor attached to an axis of the primary
wheel for measuring a rotation speed of the wheel.
9. The sensor system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensors
comprises a piezoelectric sensor for measuring downward pressure
exerted towards floor by the exercise apparatus, the piezoelectric
sensor being placed under a load bearing point of the exercise
apparatus.
10. The sensor system of claim 1, wherein an infrared sensor is
placed alongside the exercise apparatus for capturing data about
the user's activity when moving on the exercise apparatus.
11. The sensor system of claim 10, wherein a monochrome CMOS sensor
is used to enhance an effectiveness of the infrared sensor.
12. The sensor system of claim 1 further comprising a camera
pointed at the moving tread of the exercise apparatus, the camera
being used to capture data about the user's activity when moving on
the exercise apparatus.
13. The sensor system of claim 1, wherein the wheel mechanism
comprises a primary arm and a secondary arm corresponding to a
primary wheel and a secondary wheel of the wheel mechanism, the
spring-based mechanism corresponds to the primary arm and the
secondary arm to force at least one of the primary wheel and the
secondary wheel in upward direction towards the tread of the
exercise apparatus.
14. The sensor system of claim 13, wherein the wheel mechanism
maintains the secondary arm at a constant angle range relative to a
horizontal line and irrespective of the primary arm's angle
relative to the horizontal line.
15. The sensor system of claim 13, wherein the upward force exerted
through a spring-based mechanism linked to the secondary arm is
independent of the spring based force exerted on the primary arm
connected to the secondary arm.
16. The sensor system of claim 1, wherein the data communication
interface comprises a transceiver and utilizes at least one of a
wireless and a wired data transmission technology to transmit the
measured plurality of parameters to the data processor.
17. The sensor system of claim 4, wherein the power source is a
lithium battery, the battery is rechargeable.
18. The sensor system of claim 4, wherein the power source is
managed by a protocol for utilizing power from the wired connection
when power from both a wired connection and a battery source are
detected as available, and wherein unused power from the wired
connection is utilized for recharging the battery source.
19. The sensor system of claim 4, wherein the power source is
managed by a protocol to reduce power consumption by lowering an
operating cycle of the circuit board when the power source is a
battery.
20. The sensor system of claim 4, wherein the power source
corresponds to harvested renewable sources comprising at least one
of solar panels and the kinetic energy generated by at least one of
the exercise apparatus and the activities of the user on the
exercise apparatus, and wherein the renewable sources are used for
at least one of supplying power and recharging a battery.
21. A sensor device for collecting user activity data from an
exercise apparatus without requiring access to mechanics of the
exercise apparatus, the sensor device comprising: a housing
comprising multiple layers containing a plurality of sensors, a
circuit board and a power source, the housing being attached to a
pedal of the exercise apparatus, the plurality of sensors
configured for measuring one or more parameters corresponding to
one or more activities performed by a user on the pedal of the
exercise apparatus; and a data communication interface coupled to
the circuit board, the data communication interface configured for
transmitting the measured parameters to a data processor.
22. The sensor device of claim 21, wherein the one or more
parameters comprises at least one of pressure applied to the pedal
and motion of the pedal.
23. The sensor device of claim 21 wherein the multiple layers
comprise: one or more upper layers for enabling the user to place
foot thereon; and one or more lower layers placed on a surface of
the pedal.
24. The sensor device of claim 21 further comprising: a power
source for powering the sensors and the data communication
interface; and a board-based electrical circuit for managing the
power sources, sensor data and data communication interface.
25. The sensor device of claim 21, wherein the housing is of a
plate-type structure, the plate-type structure being adjustable
based on an original surface area of the pedal.
26. The sensor device of claim 21, wherein the circuit board and
battery are designed and housed in a manner to remain isolated from
a pressure applied by the user's foot.
27. The sensor device of claim 21, wherein one or more pressure
sensors are placed between the multiple layers, the one or more
pressure sensors configured to capture a change in a pressure when
the multiple layers are compressed between the user's foot and the
pedal.
28. The sensor device of claim 21 comprises one or more
piezoelectric sensors.
29. The sensor device of claim 21 further comprising a series of
interconnected compressible chambers containing liquid and
connected up to a liquid pressure sensor, the chambers being placed
in between the multiple layers, wherein on applying the pressure,
the multiple layers press upon the chambers forcing the liquid to
exert pressure on the connected liquid pressure sensor.
30. The sensor device in claim 21 wherein the plurality of sensors
comprise at least one accelerometer-type sensor for providing data
about motion of the pedal.
31. The sensor device of claim 21, wherein the data communication
interface comprises a transceiver and utilizes at least one of a
wireless and a wired data transmission technology to transmit the
measured plurality of parameters to the data processor.
32. The sensor device in claim 24, wherein the power source is a
rechargeable lithium battery for providing power for one or more
operations of the sensor device.
33. The sensor device in claim 24, wherein the power source is
managed by a protocol for utilizing power from the wired connection
when power from both a wired connection and a battery source are
detected as available, and wherein unused power from the wired
connection is utilized for recharging the battery source.
34. The sensor device of claim 24, wherein the power source is a
wired connection and utilized via one of USB connection using USB
HID protocol and an external plug.
35. The sensor device in claim 24, wherein the power source is
managed by a protocol to reduce power consumption by lowering an
operating cycle of the circuit board when the power source is a
battery.
36. The sensor device in claim 24 wherein the power source
corresponds to harvested renewable sources comprising of at least
one of solar panels and kinetic energy generated by a force applied
by the user to the pedal, wherein the renewable sources are used
for at least one of supplying power to the sensor device and
recharging the battery.
37. The sensor device of claim 21 further comprising a mechanism
for preventing slippage of the user from the housing placed over
the pedal of the exercise apparatus.
38. The sensor device of claim 21 further comprising a system to
attach the housing to the pedal, the system includes counterweights
placed on an opposite side to the multiple layers to provide the
pedal with a counter weight to maintain a pedal balance.
39. The sensor device of claim 38, wherein the system to attach the
housing to the pedal includes brackets for locking around one or
more edges of the pedal, the brackets allow attaching and detaching
the plurality of sensors contained by the housing.
40. The sensor device of claim 21, wherein small plates are
attached with an adhesive to a surface of the pedal allowing
attaching and detaching of the housing.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application relates to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application, "System and method for merging objects with a
real-life video stream," filed on Sep. 8, 2011, Ser. No.
61/532,464, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention generally relates to sensors
technology, and in particular, to a sensor device and system for
detecting user information through fitness equipment.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] There is a growing interest in developing entertainment or
other types of application for fitness equipment. Some equipment
manufacturers have added viewing screens, plug-in capabilities for
music players such as the iPod or iPhone, and even Internet
connecting capabilities to some fitness equipment machines. In some
cases the information about the user's performance is logged in
such a way as to be accessible at a later point in time or shared
with others on the web. Further, there is interest in using the
fitness equipment as part of a wider entertainment or gaming
experience, where the activity itself (for example jogging,
cycling, etc.) or parameters thereof (for example speed, direction,
force) are used as controls of computer games, video players or
other entertaining add-ons to the exercise activity.
[0004] Further, information regarding user's exercise pattern may
need to be recorded for determining health status of the user. For
example, the exercise parameters such as speed, direction, pressure
may need to be checked regularly so as to keep the health of the
user under control. Existing systems provide options for ways to
open up or bolt on permanent hardware add-ons to these machines for
measuring some parameters such as speed of the user, direction of
the user and calories burnt by the user. However opening up a
particular equipment to add any functionality is a complicated,
expensive and time consuming task, and will in most cases
permanently alter or damage the equipment. For example, if ten
equipments are placed in a gym then each equipment needs to be
configured separately to provide the functionality for measuring
some parameters related to user's performance on the equipment.
This adds on to the expense of any fitness centre in configuring or
reconfiguring the equipment for measuring performance of the
user.
[0005] Based on the aforementioned and to provide further related
functionalities and convenience, there is a need for means by which
usage information related to a user (such as speed, direction,
force, incline, etc.) can be extracted real time from a fitness
equipment machine without altering or damaging the equipment itself
and with minimal fitting requirement. Thus, the means should be
arranged in minimal time and cost to provide an ease in determining
various information related to the user.
DISCLOSURE OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0006] Embodiments for the present invention provide a sensor
system for collecting user activity data from an exercise
apparatus. The sensor system may include a wheel mechanism
configured to be in physical contact with a moving tread of the
exercise apparatus for measuring a plurality of characteristics
corresponding to the moving tread. Further, the sensor system may
include a plurality of sensors configured for determining a
plurality of parameters corresponding to one or more activities
performed by a user of the exercise apparatus. The plurality of
parameters may be determined based on the measured plurality of
characteristics of the moving tread. Further, the sensor may
include a data communication interface for transmitting the
measured plurality of parameters to a data processor. Herein, the
physical contact between the wheel mechanism and the moving tread
is maintained by a spring-based mechanism.
[0007] Hereinabove, the exercise apparatus may have a tread (such
as a treadmill) that needs to be in contact with the sensor device.
The abovementioned sensor system may be implemented by a sensor
device for determining information corresponding to activities of
the user on the exercise apparatus.
[0008] Further, embodiments of the present invention provide a
sensor device for collecting user activity data from an exercise
apparatus. The sensor device includes a housing comprising multiple
layers containing a plurality of sensors, a circuit board and a
power source. The housing may be attached to a pedal of the
exercise apparatus. The plurality of sensors measures one or more
parameters corresponding to one or more activities performed by a
user on the pedal of the exercise apparatus. Further, the sensor
device may include a data communication interface coupled to the
circuit board, the data communication interface configured for
transmitting the measured parameters to a data processor.
[0009] Herein above, the multiple layers may include an upper layer
against which the user's foot is placed and a lower layer that is
placed against a pedal surface of the exercise apparatus. Further,
sensors and data communication interface, and a board-based
electrical circuit for managing the power sources, sensor data and
data communication interface may be provided. Also, a system may be
provided to attach the housing (plate-type structure) to the pedal
of the exercise apparatus. Additionally, in an embodiment, the
sensor device may implement a system to determine information
corresponding to activities of the user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Having thus described the invention in general terms,
reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are
not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein
[0011] FIG. 1 is an exemplary block diagram representing
implementation of a sensor system, in accordance with various
embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary implementation of a sensor
device in accordance with some embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 3 depicts a more detailed diagram of the sensor device
in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a more detailed diagram of an alternative
structure of the sensor device in accordance with some embodiments
of the present disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates a process of measuring tilt or angle of a
treadmill using the sensor device in accordance with some
embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates components of a base of the sensor device
in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates a detailed view of a Primary Wheel of the
sensor device in accordance with some embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic diagram of the Main Circuit
Board in accordance with some embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic diagram of the Sub Circuit
Board in accordance with some embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0020] FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C illustrate a primary wheel, a main
circuit board and a sub circuit board in accordance with some
embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0021] FIGS. 11A and 11B depict pictorial view of the sensor device
in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 12 illustrates implementation of the sensor device by
utilizing an infrared sensor, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 13 illustrates a sensor device depicting the underside
of a pedal plate in accordance with some embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 14 illustrates a sensor device depicting the top side
of the pedal plate in accordance with some embodiments of the
present disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of peizo-based sensors that
connects to the pedal plate in accordance with some embodiments of
the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 16 is a diagram depicting underside view of the
piezo-based sensor that may be utilized for the pedal plate in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 17 illustrates an implementation of the sensor device
utilizing a pedal plate in accordance with some embodiments of the
present disclosure; and
[0028] FIG. 18 illustrates a flow chart depicting power management
in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION AND INDUSTRIAL
APPLICABILITY
[0029] Illustrative embodiments of the invention now will be
described more fully henceforth with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention
are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different
forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set
forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this
disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers
refer to like elements throughout.
[0030] The present disclosure provides a device implementing a
sensor system that may be utilized with an exercise apparatus for
determining and transferring information corresponding to one or
more activities performed by a user on the exercise apparatus. The
exercise apparatus may include, but is not limited to, an apparatus
that involves usage of a tread, such as a treadmill and any
apparatus involving usage of pedals, such as elliptical machines,
rowers, cycles, bicycles and the like. In an embodiment, the device
implementing the sensor system may be placed under the exercise
apparatus in a way that the device comes in contact with the tread
of the exercise apparatus but does not require configuring the
exercise apparatus in anyway. The device may measure data related
to the user's activities on the tread of the exercise apparatus
through variations in the moving tread.
[0031] In another embodiment, the device may include independent
plate sensors for various exercise apparatuses such as, but are not
limited to, elliptical machines, rowers and cycles. An independent
pedal plate sensor may include a flexible plate that may be placed
on a pedal area of any fitness machine having a pedal. The user may
apply pressure to the pedal or may move thereon. Such pressure and
movement may be measured by the device having plate sensors.
[0032] The measured data may be stored and/or transmitted to an
external data processor. The measured data may help in determining
user's information such as, but is not limited to, movement (e.g.,
cadence) and force (pressure). In an embodiment, the data may be
utilized further to know the health status of the user utilizing
the exercise apparatus for fitness.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 1 that illustrates an exemplary block
diagram 100 representing implementation of a sensor system 102, in
accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. The
sensor system 102 may be a device or implemented by a device for
determining and transmitting data related to a user's activities,
on an exercise apparatus 104, to any external data processor 106 of
any external device such as a PC, a laptop, a smart-phone and a
like. As represented through a connection link, the device or the
sensor system 102 may be in physical contact with the exercise
apparatus 104. For example, the exercise apparatus 104 may be a
treadmill and the device implementing the sensor system 102 may be
placed on the floor directly underneath the treadmill where a
section of the tread on the underside is exposed.
[0034] The sensor system 102 may include a wheel mechanism 108 that
may be linked with a plurality of sensors 110 for determining
information corresponding to the user of the exercise apparatus 104
based on the functioning of wheel mechanism 108. The determined
information (hereinafter may interchangeably be referred to as
`sensor data`) may be transmitted to the external processor 106
through a communication interface 112.
[0035] The wheel mechanism 108 may be in physical contact with a
moving tread of the exercise apparatus for measuring a plurality of
characteristics related to the moving tread. The characteristics
related to the moving tread may include, but are not limited to,
variations in speed of the moving tread, and tilt of the moving
tread. The wheel mechanism 108 may include a primary wheel and a
secondary wheel that may be utilized for measuring speed and tilt
of the moving tread. In an embodiment, the secondary wheel may be
smaller in size and lighter than the primary wheel. The wheels
(primary wheel and the secondary wheel) may be placed in contact
with the tread from underside of the tread of the exercise
apparatus 104 as the wheels mechanism 108 may allow the wheels to
swing upwards to the underside of the tread.
[0036] Further, the wheels mechanism may include support means such
as swing arms with each wheel. For example, the primary wheel may
be connected to a primary swing arm from one side; and the
secondary wheel may be connected to one side of a secondary swing
arm. Further, the secondary wheel may be connected to the primary
wheel through the other side thereof. Hereinafter, the primary
wheel and the secondary wheel may collectively be referred to as
`wheels`. The concept of the primary wheel and the secondary wheel
is explained in detail further in conjunction with FIGS. 3, 4, 5
and 7 of this disclosure.
[0037] Further, the primary wheel may include a sub circuit board
(explained further in conjunction with FIG. 7) that may include the
sensors 110 to determine a plurality of parameters corresponding to
one or more activities performed by a user of the exercise
apparatus. The plurality of parameters may be determined by the
sensors 110 based on the measured plurality of characteristics of
the moving tread. For example, rotation speed of the primary wheel
may increase or decrease based on the moving tread of the exercise
apparatus 104. Similarly, the height of the wheels may vary based
on variation in the angle of the moving tread. Thus, accordingly,
based on the characteristics of the moving tread (such as speed and
height of the moving tread, downward force applied (on the wheels)
by the moving tread and the like), as determined by the wheels
mechanism, the sensors 110 may detect one or more activities
performed by the user on the moving tread. For example, the sensors
110 may determine the speed of the user; and pressure/force applied
by the user by analyzing rotation speed of the primary wheel,
variation in heights between the primary and secondary wheels,
downwards pressure applied to the moving tread by the user on the
tread.
[0038] Further, a range of sensors may be used to measure the
parameters related to activities of the user as explained in detail
in conjunction with FIGS. 2 and 7. The measured plurality of
parameters may be transmitted to the external processor 106 via the
communication interface 112.
[0039] The communication interface 112 may utilize wireless data
transmission technology to transmit the determined sensor data to a
remote data processor. Such wireless data transmission technology
may include, but is not limited to, radio frequency, blue tooth,
Wi-Fi, NFC (Near Field Communications) and infrared. Further, the
communication interface 112 may utilize a wired connection by using
USB HID protocol or the like to transmit the determined sensor data
to the data processor 106.
[0040] In an embodiment, the communication interface 112 may
include a transceiver that may be placed onto the floor near the
exercise apparatus 104 for receiving the sensor data and
transmitting the received sensor data to the external device (such
as a PC or a laptop and the like). For example, a transceiver may
be placed on the floor close to pedal plates (of the exercise
apparatus) for receiving the sensor data wirelessly from the pedal
plates and then transmitting it wirelessly or via wired
transmission, to the external device that may include a software
for using the received data (sensor data). Further, in an
embodiment, the sensor data may be processed by a processor (not
shown) of the sensor system 102. For example, the sensor system 102
may utilize an inbuilt processor to convert Analog signals of the
sensor data into digital signals before transmitting the data to
the external processor 106. Similarly, a USB HID transceiver may be
plugged into the external device, having the processor 106, to
receive the sensor data and transmit the received sensor data to
another external device.
[0041] Further, the sensor system 102 may include a power source
114 and a main circuit board, such as a circuit board 116. The
power source 114 may be utilized for powering the sensors 110 and
the communication interface 112. The power source 114 and the
communication interface 112 may be managed by a circuit board 116.
In an embodiment, power source 114 may be implemented through a
power management circuit that may be managed through the circuit
board 116. The circuit board 116 is explained further in
conjunction with FIG. 6.
[0042] FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary implementation of a sensor
device in accordance with some embodiments of the present
disclosure. As shown, a sensor device 202 may be placed below an
exercise apparatus, such as a treadmill 204 to make a physical
contact with a tread 206 of the treadmill 204. Such physical
contact between the sensor device 202 and the tread of the
treadmill 204 may be required for measuring data corresponding to
activities of a user on the treadmill 204. For example, if a user
changes an angle of the treadmill 204, increases a speed of the
treadmill 204 or performs any other activity on the treadmill 204
then the sensor device 202 may sense the user's activities
accordingly.
[0043] Further, the sensor device 202 may transmit the data
corresponding to the user's activities through radio frequency
signal transmission 208 to a USB HID radio frequency transceiver
210 that may be placed into an external device 212. The external
device 212 may include, but is not limited to, a PC, a laptop, and
a mobile device. The external device 212 may be placed in the
vicinity of the treadmill 204 to receive the data from the sensor
device 202 and to transmit the data further to any other
device.
[0044] The sensor device 202 may include a base 214 that may be
placed on the floor under the treadmill 204. The base 214 may
include a main circuit board, a power management circuit, and a
communication interface. Further, the base 214 may be linked to a
wheel mechanism (including, but is not limited to, a primary wheel
and a secondary wheel) through a primary swing arm. Hereinafter,
the primary wheel and the secondary wheel may collectively be
referred to as `wheels`. The primary swing arm 216 may be attached
to the base at one end and to a primary wheel at another end so
that a force that may be applied to the primary swing arm 216 may
cause the other arm to swing in upward direction until the wheels
(the primary wheel and the secondary wheel) make contact with the
underside of the tread of the treadmill 204.
[0045] Further, the primary swing arm 216 may be attached to a
secondary swing arm axis at the other end. The secondary swing arm
axis corresponds to a secondary swing arm that may be attached to
the primary wheel at one end and a secondary wheel at another end.
The secondary swing arm may also be linked to a sub circuit board
that may be located next to the primary wheel. Thus, the secondary
swing arm may be linked to the primary swing arm 216 at the
secondary swing axis that may be positioned in a manner such that
the primary wheel and the secondary wheel may remain in suspended
broadly horizontal balance (like traditional scales).
[0046] The wheels may measure the characteristics related to
tread's movements and accordingly the sensor device 202 may
determine various parameters corresponding to one or more
activities of the user of the treadmill 204. The concept of the
wheels (the primary wheel and the secondary wheel) is explained
further in conjunction with FIGS. 3, 4, 7 and 10A.
[0047] In an embodiment, the sensor device 202 may include a
pressure pad 218 between floor and the tread 206. The pressure pad
218 may be connected to an extendable detachable electrical cord
220 that may be attached to the base 214 and ultimately connected
to the main circuit board of the sensor device 202. The pressure
pad 218 may include a pressure sensor to determine if actually
anyone is present and moving on the treadmill when the treadmill is
in motion. A secondary benefit of the pressure pad 218 (may be
referred to as `pressure sensor 218`) may include an ability to
derive the runners pace and therefore stride (when combined with
speed data).
[0048] Further, the pressure sensor 218 may be connected to an
extendable cord that may be attached to the base 214 and thereby
ultimately linked to the main circuit board (not shown) located in
the base 214. The pressure pad (or the pressure sensor) 218 may be
placed directly under one of the load bearing points of contact
between the treadmill and the ground on which it is placed as
illustrated by FIG. 2. The pressure pad 218 may measure a change in
pressure and relay this data back to the main circuit board of the
base 214. In an embodiment, the pressure sensor may include a
tailor-made piezo sensor pressure pad that may include reverse
amplification of the sensor output signal. The pressure sensor 218
may be designed to require a degree of pressure to be applied to
determine the force applied by a user of the treadmill. For
example, a light touch may not be utilized in determining a load
and thereby enhance accuracy in determining exact load through the
user's weight/activities when the user uses the treadmill (or any
other similar exercise apparatus).
[0049] Further, information corresponding to the force or pressure
applied by the user may be determined by utilizing the pressure
sensor. The information may be analyzed to measure various
parameters corresponding to activities of the user. The measured
parameters may be transmitted through the base 214 to the external
device 212 that may have a software to receive and further utilize
the received data for various applications. The measured parameters
may determine if there is a frequent change in pressure exerted by
the user that may be attributed to activities of the user on the
treadmill. The sensor device 202 may transmit its sensor readings
(data) either directly (i.e. wired) with a remote computer through
a USB interface 210 that may be using USB HID protocol and
transmitting 50 data packets per second. Further, the sensor data
may be transmitted wirelessly using a monolithic RF GFSK
transceiver which may receive and transmit data intelligently. In
an embodiment, the working ISM frequency band of the monolithic RF
GFSK transceiver may vary between 2.4 and 2.5 GHz.
[0050] It may be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that
the device may have a built-in frequency synthesizer, power
amplifier, crystal oscillator, modulator and other functional
modules. By using Radio Frequency transmission 208, the sensor
device 202 may transmit data for up to 20 meters and may require no
line of sight. Further, in an embodiment, the sensor device 202
itself may include a software application (that may be embedded in
the base 214 (of the sensor device 202)) to analyze the sensor's
data corresponding to activities (such as pressure exerted)
performed by the user on the treadmill (or any other similar
exercise apparatus).
[0051] Further, in an embodiment, the information determined by the
sensor device 202 may be processed by an inbuilt processor and/or
an external processor. For example, the sensor device 202 may
include a processor for converting an analog signal into a digital
signal prior to transmitting the determined information to the
external device 212. In another embodiment, the sensor device 202
may transmit the determined information to the external device 212
that may have a software application to utilize the information
corresponding to the user's activities.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 3 that depicts a more detailed diagram of
the sensor device 202 in accordance with some embodiments of the
present disclosure. As shown, the sensor device 202 may communicate
with an external device 212, such as a laptop, through a USB
interface 210 utilized by the external device. The sensor device
202 may be placed under an exercise apparatus, such as treadmill,
as explained previously in conjunction with FIG. 2.
[0053] The sensor device 202 may include a base 302 that may be
placed on the floor 304. The base 302 may be in contact with a
wheel mechanism containing a primary wheel 306 and a secondary
wheel 308. The secondary wheel 308 may be smaller and lighter than
the primary wheel 306. Hereinafter, the primary wheel 306 and the
secondary wheel 308 may collectively be referred to as `wheels`.
The base 302 may be connected to the primary wheel 306 through a
main swing arm 310 (may interchangeably be referred to as a
`primary arm`). The main swing arm 310 may further be attached to
an axis of a secondary swing arm 314. Further, a primary spring
system 316 may be fixed to an axis of the main swing arm 310 so
that a force that may be applied to the main swing arm 310 may
cause another end of the primary swing arm 310 to move upward until
the wheels make contact with underside of the treadmill's tread,
such as the tread 206.
[0054] Further, the secondary swing arm 312 may be connected to the
primary wheel 306 at one end and the secondary wheel 308 at another
end. Further, the secondary swing arm 312 may be attached to a sub
circuit board 318 that may be located alongside the primary wheel
306. Additionally, the secondary swing arm 312 may be linked to the
primary swing arm 310 at the axis 314 of the secondary swing arm.
The axis 314 may be positioned such that the two wheels at either
end remain in suspended broadly horizontal balance.
[0055] In an embodiment, the primary wheel 306 may contain
plurality of magnets that may be placed in sequence of alternative
directions, such as north, south, north . . . and so on. Further,
the primary wheel 306 may contain internal bearings that may enable
the wheel to spin around a fixed axis. An image of the primary
wheel is provided in FIG. 10A.
[0056] Further, the base 302 may include a main circuit board 320
that may be a 32-bit embedded chip based on the ARM Cortex-M3
Kernel. The main circuit board 320 may manage a USB interface, a
power management circuit, a radio frequency (wireless) interface,
pressure measurement circuit and RS232 communication interface. In
an embodiment, the RS232 communication interface may receive data
packets every 13 ms from the sub circuit board 318. Further, the
RS232 may be a source of power for the sub circuit board 318. The
base 302 may further include a rechargeable lithium battery 322
(located near to the main circuit board 320) and a USB input port
324 that may link to the Main Circuit Board 320. The USB port 324
may provide (optional) a data transfer link and a power source to
recharge the battery. Further, a pressure pad 218 on an extendable
detachable electrical cord 220 may be attached to the base 302 and
ultimately be connected to the main circuit board 320. A schematic
of the main circuit board 320 is provided in FIG. 8 and an image of
the main circuit board is provided in FIG. 10B.
[0057] Further, the sub circuit board 318 may be an 8-bit
microcontroller among STM8S series of ST Microelectronics. The Sub
Circuit Board may include an RS232 interface that may connect via a
wire link to the main circuit board 320, a speed sensor circuit
(not shown) and tilt angle circuit (not shown). A schematic of the
Sub Circuit Board is provided in FIG. 9 and an image of the Sub
Circuit Board is provided in FIG. 10C.
[0058] Further, a radio frequency signal transmission 208 may be
from the main circuit board 320 that may be received by a USB HID
radio frequency transceiver 210 that is placed into the external
device 212 (such as a laptop, a desktop, a smart-phone and the
like) positioned in the vicinity of the exercise apparatus, such as
a treadmill.
[0059] The sensor device 202 may be implemented to measure
activities performed by a user of the exercise apparatus by
maintaining contact with an exposed underside of the tread. As
shown the sensor device 202 may be placed on the floor 304 making
contact with the tread 206 of the treadmill. The main swing arm 310
may lift the primary wheel 306 and the secondary Wheel 308 until
both the swing arms make contact with the underside of the tread
206. It may be noted that the sensor device 202 may be placed in a
position to enable the wheels clear unimpeded access to the tread
so that the wheels do not come into contact with the treadmill's
frame. The sustained upward force of the primary swing arm 310 may
ensure that both the primary wheel 30 and the secondary wheel 308
retain contact with the tread even if the tread bounces, changes
angle or changes height. The height of the base 302 may be extended
or the main swing arm 310 may be extended to further expand the
height of the sensor device 202.
[0060] FIG. 4 illustrates a more detailed diagram of an alternative
structure of the sensor device in accordance with some embodiments
of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 includes a sensor device 202 that
may include a wheel mechanism (containing a primary wheel 306 and a
secondary wheel 308, as explained previously in conjunction with
FIG. 3) to measure characteristics (such as the variation in the
movement and tilt) of a tread, a plurality of sensors for sensing
and collecting the information corresponding to a user of an
exercise apparatus (such as a treadmill) based on the measured
characteristic. The collected information may be processed and
provided to an external device (such as the external device 212)
through a communication interface (such as a USB port 324).
[0061] Further, the collected information may be processed by
transforming analog signal information into digital signal
information prior to transmitting the information to the external
device 212. In an embodiment, the collected information may
directly be sent to the external device 212 having suitable
software to utilize the collected information for any required
application. Due to this, no prior processing of the collected
information may be required before sending the information to the
external device 212. For example, if the information corresponding
to user's activities is required for entertainment purposes or
measuring health status for the user, the collected information may
be processed and provided to a software application that may be
required for analyzing the collected information for the required
application, such as for providing entertainment, determining the
health status of the user and so on.
[0062] The external device 212 may include a USB HID radio
frequency transceiver for receiving the collected information from
the sensor device and the received information may further be
transmitted to any other device for the required usage.
Additionally, the USB HID radio frequency transceiver may be
utilized to transmit initial data values to the sensor device 202
for further processing of the collected information. Thus, it may
be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the sensor
device 202 may further be advanced according to the required usage
of the user's activities data (as collected by the sensor device
202).
[0063] A key objective of the structure outlined in FIG. 2 is to
keep both the primary wheel and the secondary wheel in contact with
a tread regardless of the height, tilt or bounce of the treadmill.
The present disclosure may provide a number of different
embodiments for maintaining the contacts of the wheels with the
tread. FIG. 4 may outline one such embodiment that may be
understood more clearly in conjunction with descriptions of FIGS. 2
and 3.
[0064] Specifically, FIG. 4 shows that the primary wheel 306 is
placed at the end of the main swing arm 310 instead of the end of
the secondary swing arm 312 (as shown in FIG. 2). The secondary
swing arm axis 314 is changed so that it may also double up as the
primary wheel axis. Further, the secondary swing arm axis 314 may
also have an extension bit that may be linked to a position cable
402. The primary wheel 306 may rotate around the secondary swing
arm axis 314 with the axis itself only rotating with the movement
of the secondary swing arm 312. Further, at the secondary swing arm
axis 314, a secondary spring system 404 may be attached that may
apply an upward force to the secondary swing arm 312 so that the
secondary wheel 308 may also be forced up.
[0065] The position cable 402 may be connected at one end to an
axis of the main swing arm 310 located at the base 302 and at the
other end the secondary swing arm 312. The position cable 402 may
be of a fixed length and set such that the highest point of the
secondary wheel 308 is higher than the highest point of the primary
wheel 306. The difference in height of the primary wheel 306 and
the secondary wheel 308 may approximate between 20 and 30 degrees
(i.e. a bit more than the maximum tilt of treadmills). Further, the
secondary wheel 308 may maintain the higher position via the upward
force applied from the secondary spring system 404. In an
embodiment, if the treadmill tread is at a tilt of 25 degrees, then
the wheels will remain in the same position relative to each other.
If the treadmill tread is at a lesser angel or horizontal, then the
small wheel (secondary wheel 308) may be correspondingly forced
down. Further, in case, the small wheel is forced down, there is
some slack built up in the position cable 402, however, the slack
may be minor. Further, the process of measuring tilt or angle of a
treadmill using the sensor device 202 is explained further in
conjunction with FIG. 5.
[0066] FIG. 5 illustrates a process of measuring tilt or angle of a
treadmill using the sensor device in accordance with some
embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, a tread 206 of an
exercise apparatus (treadmill) has changed from an original
horizontal position (represented by a dark grey line) to a new
tilted position (shown by a dotted line). In such tilted position
of the tread, a primary wheel 306 and a secondary wheel 308 may be
pressed up against the tread surface 206 (dotted line) and thus may
change their vertical heights relative to one another.
[0067] Further, as shown the secondary wheel 308 may be lifted
higher than the primary wheel 306. The change in heights of the
secondary wheel 308 is illustrated by an arrow 502. Further, the
secondary swing arm 312 may also change its angle as the secondary
swing arm 312 is linked to the axis of both wheels. This change in
the secondary swing arm 312 is depicted as change in its position
from a dotted line of the secondary swing arm 312 to a grey solid
line of the secondary swings arm 312. Further, the change in the
angle of the secondary swing arm 312 may be measured by an angle
sensor located on a sub circuit board 318 that is attached to the
secondary swing arm 312. This change in the angle of the secondary
swing arm 312 may provide data that may be needed to calculate the
tilt of the treadmill.
[0068] In this embodiment, the angle sensor that may include a
G-Cell capacitive tri-axel accelerometer (MEMS) to measure
accelerated forces along the X, Y and Z axis. The sensor may be
calibrated for a non-linear angle measurement and the analog data
output. The analog data output may then be converted into a digital
data, via a separate analogue-to-digital converter, before being
transmitted to the main circuit board 320 via an RS232 interface.
The data may be stored to the main circuit board's flash memory
where the data may be read and converted into a degree reading
prior to an external transmission via the RF transceiver.
[0069] Alternative arrangements for measuring tilt in the secondary
swing arm 312 (based on the change in the angle of the tread 206)
may include placement of the tilt sensor directly on the secondary
swing arm 312 or on the secondary wheel 308 instead of the sub
circuit board 318 located next to the primary wheel 306. Another
embodiment may be the inclusion of several radar based sensors onto
the base 302 and linking such sensors into the main circuit board
320.
[0070] Further, the information measured by the sensor device may
be communicated to an external device through a communication
interface 324 of the base 302. The description corresponding to the
base 302 and transmission of the sensor information to the external
device is explained previously in conjunction with FIGS. 2, 3, and
4, thus not repeated here for the sake of brevity.
[0071] FIG. 6 illustrates components of a base of the sensor device
in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
Specifically, FIG. 6 depicts various components that may be
involved in power management depending on available power source.
The base 302 may include, but is not limited to, a main circuit
board 320, a battery 322 and a USB port (interface) 324. The
external power source may be provided through the USB interface 324
connected to the main circuit board 320 in the Base 302.
[0072] In an embodiment, a 5V power cable is connected to the USB
interface 324. A Low Drop Out (LDO) voltage regulator may then be
applied to reduce the working voltage used by the Circuit Board to
3.3V. An internal power source may include the battery 322 such as
a rechargeable lithium battery 322. The battery's regular power
supply may be in the range of 3.6V to 4.2V. The LDO voltage
regulator used for the external power source is similarly used to
reduce the battery's power supply to 3.3V. It may be appreciated by
a person skilled in the art that the system embodied in this
example can power itself for between 20 and 40 hours.
[0073] Further, in an embodiment, if there is no external (USB)
power source, the core chip of the sensor system (implemented by
the sensor device) may rely on the lithium battery 322. If the
lithium battery is in use, the core chip may lower the operating
frequency of the sensor system to help extend the life of the
battery before recharge is needed.
[0074] An LED light is also added to the main circuit board 320 to
detect if the battery output is below 3.6V. If it is determined
that the battery output is below 3.6V, then the battery 322 may
need to be recharged. Further, if there is an external (USB) power
source and the core chip also detects the lithium battery 322, the
core chip may use the external (USB) power source to both power the
circuit boards (such as the main circuit board 320) and recharge
the lithium battery.
[0075] Further, it may be appreciated by a person skilled in the
art that the system described above may also include an energy
harvesting system to further prolong the energy sources or indeed
potentially render the sensor device wholly self sufficient. Using
magnets in a rotating wheel to measure speed also allows the
magnetic energy to be harvested for energy purposes. Further,
brushless rotor motor may also be attached to a small wheel to
ensure decent rotations speed. Alternatively, new technologies that
can harvest energy from motion like "reverse electro-wetting" or
variants thereof may be applied. However, in all instances, the
level of energy harvested may need to be balanced against the total
force applied to the treadmill surface which may interfere with the
treadmills performance. The process of power management system of
the sensor device is explained further in detail in conjunction
with FIG. 18.
[0076] Referring now to FIG. 7 illustrates a detailed view of a
Primary Wheel of the sensor device, such as the sensor device 202,
in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
Specifically, FIG. 7 depicts magnets formation of the primary wheel
306 that may be utilized by a wheel mechanism of the sensor device.
The description of the FIG. 4 is to focus on the primary wheel
system of the wheel mechanism of the sensor device.
[0077] It may be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that
the wheel mechanism may be implemented by the sensor system of the
sensor device to determine the variations in various
characteristics of the tread. Further, the usage of wheel mechanism
may provide many advantageous features to implement the sensor
system. Some of the benefits may include cheap (less cost), simple
and reliable. More specifically, the wheel mechanism utilized by
the sensor device may be resilient against vibration levels,
various features of the tread's surface, speed, and environmental
conditions. Additionally, the sensor device and wheel mechanism
thereof requires just a sustained contact with the tread surface
that enables movement in the wheels (of the wheel mechanism) with
the movement in the tread of the treadmill and thus requires no
special fitting of any kind. Further, various other aspects of the
wheel mechanism (of the sensor device) may be understood when read
in conjunction with description of FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5.
[0078] As depicted, the detailed view of the primary wheel that may
interface with a system of a speed sensor is provided. One of the
objectives of the sensor device is to independently measure the
speed of the movement of a tread of an exercise apparatus (such as
treadmill) without requiring any interference with the treadmill. A
number of sensors may apply, although in many cases sensors may
require some form of interference such as special treadmill
fittings, markings applied to the tread, etc.
[0079] As shown in FIG. 4, the primary wheel 306 may have a sub
circuit board 318 that may be located next to the primary wheel 306
of the sensor device. The sub circuit board 318 may have a sensor
system that may measure the rotation of the primary wheel 306. The
Sub Circuit Board 318 may not rotate with the Primary Wheel 306 but
rather is fixed to the movement of a Secondary Swing Arm 312. One
end of the Secondary Swing Arm 312 may be attached to the Primary
Wheel 306 and another end of the secondary swing arm 312 may be
connected to a Secondary Wheel (shown in FIG. 3) of the wheel
mechanism. The secondary swing arm 312 is explained previously in
conjunction with FIGS. 3, 4 and 5. Further, a range of sensor
solutions may be utilized to independently measure the rotation of
the Primary Wheel 306.
[0080] In one embodiment, a speed sensor may be utilized to measure
speed of the rotation of the primary wheel 306. The speed sensor
may include, but is not restricted to, one or more Hall switches
that may be fixed into the Sub Circuit Board 318. The positions of
the Hall switches may be tailored to a specific configuration of
the Primary Wheel 306 and, in particular, the placement of magnets
702 that may be built inside the Primary Wheel 306.
[0081] In an embodiment, the magnets may be built into the Primary
Wheel 306 in a sequence of alternative directions such as first
north, then south, and then north and so on. A chip timer counter
may be set to generate a signal based on the movement of magnets
with the movement of the primary wheel 306. For example, a signal
may be generated in case pulse is rising that is the case when a
magnet approaches a hall switch. Similarly, a signal may be
generated when pulse falls that is case the magnet departs a hall
switch. Due to this, two signals may be generated for every
instance a magnet passes by a hall switch (although only every
other magnet is valid). It may be appreciated by a person skilled
in the art that more than one hall switches may be utilized for
determining more data per revolution and thus increasing the
accuracy of the data for a given rotation.
[0082] In another embodiment, instead of building magnets 702 into
the Primary Wheel 306, slots or reflectors may be used in their
place. For example, an LED or similar light emission may be
positioned next to the slots or reflectors that may be built into
the Primary Wheel 306. Accordingly, an LED or similar light sensor
may position to count the light emissions that may appear through
the slots or bounce off the reflectors as the Primary Wheel 306
rotates.
[0083] Additionally, in another embodiment, instead of building
magnets, slots or reflectors into the Primary Wheel 306, a rotation
sensor may be attached directly to an axis of the Primary Wheel
306. Herein, the axis of the primary wheel 306 may be fixed such
that the rotation sensor may rotate with the Primary Wheel 306.
[0084] FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic diagram of a Main Circuit
Board, such as the main circuit board 320, in accordance with some
embodiments of the present disclosure. The main circuit board may
be utilized to enable functioning of a sensor device, such as the
sensor device 202, for determining activities of a user on an
exercise apparatus, such as a treadmill. The main circuit board may
be a 32-bit embedded chip based on the ARM Cortex-M3 kernel.
Further, the main circuit board may include various components that
may be connected with conductive cables.
[0085] The main circuit board may include, but is not limited to, a
USB interface, a power management circuit, a wireless interface,
such as radio frequency interface, a pressure management circuit
and RS232 communication interface. The power to the main circuit
board may be provided through a rechargeable battery, such as a
lithium battery. Further, battery may be recharged through a USB
input port that may be externally connected to the main circuit
board. Further, the USB port may provide a data transfer link.
Further, the data may be transferred through the radio frequency
interface of the main circuit board. A radio frequency may be
transmitted from the main circuit board that may be received by a
USB HID radio frequency transceiver that may be connected to an
external device placed in the vicinity of the treadmill.
[0086] Further, the main circuit board may be connected with other
circuits of the sensor device. The main circuit board may receive
data from a plurality of sensors and may store the received data in
a flash memory of the main circuit board. The stored data may be
read and processed or converted into a degree reading corresponding
to the activities of the user on the tread. The processed data may
be transmitted to an external device through a radio frequency
transceiver.
[0087] The RS232 interface of the main circuit board may receive
data packets every 13 ms from a sub circuit board. Further, the
RS232 interface of the main circuit board may be a source of power
for the sub circuit board. The sub circuit board is explained
further in conjunction with FIG. 9.
[0088] Referring now to FIG. 9 that illustrates a schematic diagram
of the Sub Circuit Board, such as the sub circuit board 318, in
accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The sub
circuit board may be positioned alongside a primary wheel, such as
the primary wheel 306, of the wheel mechanism of the sensor device.
The sub circuit board may include an RS232 interface that may
connect to the main circuit board of the sensor device, a speed
sensor circuit, and a tilt angle circuit via wired link.
[0089] The sub circuit board may include a range of sensor
solutions that may be used to independently measure the rotation of
the primary wheel. The sub circuit board may not rotate with the
rotation of the primary wheel but may be fixed to the movement of a
secondary swing arm, such as the secondary swing arm 312 (as
explained previously in conjunction with FIGS. 3 and 7.
[0090] In an embodiment, a speed sensor may include one or more
Hall switches that may be fixed into the sub circuit board. The
positions of the Hall switches may be tailored according to the
specific configuration of the primary wheel. Particularly, the hall
switches may be positioned based on the placement of magnets in the
primary wheel. Further, a chip timer counter may be set to generate
a signal for both pulse rising (when the magnet approaches a hall
switch) and pulse falling state (the case when the magnet departs a
hall switch). The sub circuit board may receive a power for
operation from the main circuit board. Further, the functioning of
the sub circuit board is explained previously in conjunction with
FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 7. The image of the sub circuit board is depicted
in FIG. 10C.
[0091] FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C illustrate a primary wheel, a main
circuit board and a sub circuit board, respectively, in accordance
with some embodiments of the present disclosure. A sensor device,
such as the sensor device 202, may implement a sensor system based
on a wheel mechanism, a plurality of sensors, and circuitry to
provide support for implementing the operations of the sensor
system. The sensor system may be implemented to determine a user's
activities on an exercise apparatus without requiring any fitting
mechanism for the sensor device into the exercise apparatus.
[0092] FIG. 10A depicts a primary wheel, such as the primary wheel
304 (as described previously in conjunction with FIG. 3) that is a
part of the wheel mechanism of the sensor device (or sensor
system). The primary wheel 304 may be in touch with a tread of an
exercise apparatus (such as treadmill) and may be utilized to
estimate speed of the user on the treadmill. The primary wheel 304
may include, but is not limited to, a plurality of magnets, such as
the plurality of magnets 702 (as depicted in FIG. 7) that may be
arranged in sequence of alternate directions. For example, a North
Pole of a magnet may be next to a South Pole of another magnet and
then North Pole of a third magnet and so on.
[0093] The primary wheel may be alongside a sub circuit board that
may include one or more Hall switches. The positions of the Hall
switches may be tailored according to the specific configuration of
the primary wheel. Particularly, the hall switches may be
positioned based on the placement of magnets in the primary wheel.
The primary wheel 306 is explained previously in conjunction with
FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 7 thus detailed description for the primary wheel
is not repeated here for the sake of brevity.
[0094] Further, FIG. 10B depicts an image of a main circuit board
1002 that may be utilized by a sensor device. The main circuit
board 1003 may be same as the main circuit board 320 (as explained
previously in conjunction with FIGS. 3 and 6). Thus, the
description corresponding to main circuit board is not repeated
here for the sake of brevity. Further, a cable 1004 may be utilized
for connecting the main circuit board 1002 with various other
components such as the wheel mechanism and sub circuit board of the
sensor device. Further, FIG. 10C depicts an image of a sub circuit
board 1006 that is explained previously as the sub circuit board
318 in conjunction with FIGS. 3, 7 and 9.
[0095] FIGS. 11A and 11B depict pictorial views 1100 of the sensor
device, such as the sensor device 202, in accordance with some
embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the sensor device
1100 may include, but is not limited to, a base 1102, a primary
wheel 1104, a secondary wheel 1106, a primary swing arm 1108, and a
secondary swing arm 1110. The base 1102, such as the base 302, may
include a main circuit board, a battery and a USB port, as
explained previously in conjunction with FIG. 6. Further, the
primary swing arm 1108 is shown as connected to the base 1102
through one end thereof and to the secondary swing arm 1110 through
another end of the primary swing arm 1108. Further, as shown, the
primary wheel 1104 and the secondary wheel 1106 may be connected
through the secondary swing arm 1110.
[0096] The sensor device 1100 may be placed on the floor underside
of a tread of an exercise apparatus (such as a treadmill). The
Primary Swing Arm 1108 may lift the Primary wheel 1104 and the
Secondary Wheels 1106 upwards until both the wheels make contact
with the underside of the tread. It may be noted that the sensor
device may be placed in a position that enables the wheels clear
unimpeded access to the tread such that the wheels do not come into
contact with the treadmill frame. The sustained upward force of the
Primary Swing arm 1108 may ensure both Wheels (the primary wheel
1104 and the secondary wheel 1106) retain in contact with the tread
even if the tread is bouncing, changes angle or changes height.
Further, height extensions may be added to the base 1102 to raise
the height of the wheels so as to make contact with the tread.
Further, to raise the height of the wheels, the Primary Swing Arm
1108 may be extended to further expand the height range of the
sensor device.
[0097] For example, as shown, FIG. 11A shows the wheels in lower
position with the bent state of the primary swing arm 1108.
Alternatively, FIG. 11B shows the raised primary swing arm 1108 so
as to raise the wheels up to the level of the tread (not
shown).
[0098] The `base 1102`, the `primary wheel 1104`, the `secondary
wheel 1106`, the `primary swing arm 1108` and the `secondary swing
arm 1110` are explained previously as the `base 302`, the `primary
wheel 306`, the `secondary wheel 308`, the `primary swing arm 310`
and the `secondary swing arm 312` respectively in conjunction with
FIGS. 2 to 5. Thus the detailed functional implementation of the
sensor device 1100 is not repeated here for the sake of
brevity.
[0099] FIG. 12 illustrates implementation of a sensor device
utilizing an infrared sensor, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present disclosure. FIG. 12 depicts a rearview of a treadmill
1202, a sensor base 1204, an infrared sensor 1206, an adjustable
stand 1208 for the infrared sensor 1206, and a wired link 1210 to
link the infrared sensor 1206 with the sensor base 1204 for base
power and wireless transmission of data that may be collected by
the infrared sensor 1206.
[0100] As depicted, the infrared sensor 1206 may be placed next to
the treadmill to get a clear view of the surface of tread of the
treadmill 1202. An infrared sensor 1206 (laser sensor) that may or
may not be combined with a monochrome CMOS sensor for added
sensitivity, may be mounted on a small stand 1208 that may provide
the infrared sensor 1206 with a clear view of the area of contact
between the user and the tread.
[0101] The infrared sensor 1206 may be linked to a Main Circuit
Board, such as the main circuit board 320, located in the sensor
base 1204 via a wired connection 1210. The data from the infrared
sensor 1206 may be used to track movements of the user on the
treadmill without requiring any contact with the user. This data
(from the infrared sensor 1206) may be used in place of a Primary
Wheel, such as the primary wheel 306, to estimate the speed of the
user on the treadmill. Further, the data from the infrared sensor
1206 may be utilized in place of using a pressure sensor, such as
the pressure sensor 218 (as depicted in FIG. 3), to indentify the
presence of the user and force/pace corresponding to the user.
[0102] In another embodiment, a video camera (not shown) may be
used in place of the infrared sensor 1206. The video camera may
capture information corresponding to activities of the user using
the treadmill. The video camera may be used with video analytics
that may be applied to the information captured by the video camera
for calculating the user's movements (if any) on the treadmill.
[0103] In yet another embodiment, a sensor may be placed on the
user themselves to collect data corresponding to the user's
activities that may be transmitted to the Main Circuit Board of the
sensor base 1204. Such sensor may be an accelerometer included in a
device or object that may be held or worn by the user. For example,
the sensor may be implemented through a smart phone that may
collect data and can then transmit that data to the main circuit
board of the sensor base 1204. Further, for example, a separate
accelerometer may be attached to the user's shoes that may
determine the user's information such as the pace, speed and
pressure applied by the user on the treadmill. The data may be
transmitted from the sensor to the main circuit board via Bluetooth
or an alternative wireless technology.
[0104] FIG. 13 illustrates a sensor device depicting the underside
of a pedal plate 1300 in accordance with some embodiments of the
present disclosure. The pedal plate may be attached to a pedal area
of an exercise apparatus, such as elliptical machines, rowers,
cycles and similar other apparatuses having pedal functionalities.
A user of the exercise apparatus may apply a pressure to the pedal
plate that may be placed over the pedal area to use the exercise
apparatus. The sensor device 1300 may be utilized to measure
various parameters, such as movement (e.g., cadence) and force
(pressure) associated with one or more activities of the user on
the exercise apparatus. The various parameters may be measured
without requiring access to the mechanics of the exercise
apparatus.
[0105] The pedal plate may be housing for number of layers
containing, but is not limited to, a plurality of sensors, a
circuit board and a power source. The circuit board and the power
source may be designed and housed in between the user's feet and
the pedal of the exercise apparatus so as to remain isolated from a
pressure applied by the user on the sensor device. The multiple
layers of the pedal plate (may hereinafter interchangeably be
referred to as `plate` or `housing`) may include, but are not
limited to, one or more upper layers (upper plates and a center
plate) for enabling the user to place foot (feet) thereon and one
or more lower layers (underplate plates) that may be placed on a
surface of the pedal.
[0106] As shown, the plate (housing) may include a number of layers
such as upper plates 1302, 1304, 1306, 1308 and a center plate 1310
for facilitating the user to place his/her feet thereon. The upper
plates may then be affixed to one of two underplates, such as an
underplate 1312 and an underplate 1314, using plate position
adjustment screws (as shown in FIG. 14). The underplate 1312 and
the underplate 1314 may collectively be referred to as
`underplates`. The positions of the upper plates may be adjusted in
and out along plate adjustment grooves 1316, 1318, 1320 and 1322
located in the underplates. The underplates may be moved closer
together or further apart with an adjustable underplate 1324 that
may be a part of 1312. The adjustable underplate 1324 may allow the
underplate 1312 to move in and out of the underplate 1314. The
position of the underplates may be fixed using a width
adjuster.
[0107] Further, the plurality of sensors may be attached to the
underside of the underplates 1312 and 1314. The plurality of
sensors may include a sensor 1326, a sensor 1328, a sensor 1330, a
sensor 1332 and a sensor 1334 (hereinafter may be referred to as
the `sensors`). Further, a rechargeable power source 1336 (such as
a battery), a plate circuit board 1338 and strap linkages 1340,
1342, 1344, and 1346 may also be attached to the underside of the
underplate. The plate circuit board 1338 may be connected to the
power source 1336 and to the sensors.
[0108] The sensors may measure data, such as speed, force/pressure
applied by the user on the pedal plate (the housing placed on the
pedal of the exercise apparatus), based on one or more activities
of the user on the pedal plate. For example, one or more pressure
sensors may be placed between the multiple layers. The pressure
sensors (such as piezoelectric sensors) may capture a change in the
pressure, applied by the user, when the multiple layers are
compressed between the user's foot and the pedal. The plate circuit
board 1338 may collect the data from the sensors (hereinafter may
be referred to as `sensor data`) and transmits the sensor data via
radio frequency to a data processor of an external device, such as
a personal computer, a laptop, mobile device (e.g., smartphone) and
the like. The plate circuit board 1338 may include a USB port
1348.
[0109] The sensors and plate circuit board 1338 may be powered by
an independent power source, such as a rechargeable lithium battery
1336. The battery 1336 may be recharged via a USB plug 1348 that is
attached to the plate circuit board 1338 which in turn directs
energy towards the battery 1336. In an embodiment, power may also
be energy that may be harvested from alternative forms of battery
and energy such as micro solar panels, kinetic movement and/or
pressure applied (by the user) to the pedal.
[0110] It may be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that
all sources of energy may be viable but it is important that
associated methods used for harvesting power do not detract from
the users experience or cardio machine's performance. A sensor
system implemented by the sensor device by utilizing a power source
through a wireless means. The power through the wireless means may
be because of the physical moving nature of the pedal plate of the
sensor device (sensor system) and the importance of preventing
potential for damage to the wires or even user injury through
entanglement in the wires.
[0111] The sensor device (having pedal plate) may include a system
to transmit the sensor data wireless to a remotely located
receiver. This may use a range of possible technologies including,
but are not limited to, radio frequency, blue tooth and infrared.
The receiver may have a transceiver that may receive the sensor
data from the pedal plate (e.g. a USB plugged into a nearby PC,
laptop or similar). The transceiver may then present the data to
the software that uses the pedal plate data. Alternatively, the
system may rely on Bluetooth or similar type of technology.
[0112] The sensor system (corresponding to the sensor device) may
also include a small interim transceiver that may be placed closed
to the pedal plate, such as the pedal plate 1300. This interim
transceiver may both receive the wireless data sent by the pedal
plates and then on-sends it, wireless or via wired transmission, to
the host device housing the software that may use the sensor data
received from the pedal plate. The benefit of the interim
transceiver is that it makes the pedal plate design for data
transmission easier (closer distance, low energy consumption, line
of sight option, etc). This small transceiver may also apply extra
processing of the pedal data before on sending further and thus
reduce the technical complexity (and energy needs) of the pedal
plate.
[0113] FIG. 14 illustrates a sensor device depicting the top side
of the pedal plate in accordance with some embodiments of the
present disclosure. The top side of the pedal plate may be
understood more clearly when read in conjunction with FIG. 13 that
depicts underside of the pedal plate of the sensor device. The
upper plates 1302, 1304, 1306, 1308 and center plate 1310 may be of
a very hard material like steel or aluminium or hard plastic or a
combination or similar. The hard material of the plates may enhance
tolerance to bear a huge pressure that may be exerted by a user of
an exercise apparatus. The upper surface of the upper plates may
incorporate non-slip qualities (e.g. rubberized paint covering or
similar effect).
[0114] The position of the upper plates may be adjusted to help
enable the overall plate shape and size closely match with the
pedal shape or size on to which the plates are being placed. As
described previously in conjunction with FIG. 13, the adjustment of
the upper plates may be by moving the plates along adjustment
grooves 1316, 1318, 1320 and 1322 located in the underplates as
illustrated in FIG. 13. Once the plates are in position that may be
fixed using plate position adjustment screws 1402, 1404, 1406,
1408, the user may use the pedal plates for performing fitness
activities on the exercise apparatus. The underplates 1312 and 1314
may also have a non-slip covering on the top side.
[0115] Besides the non-slip benefit, this covering may also have a
degree of absorption flex, like a rubber layer. This may allow the
upper plates to slightly embed themselves into the underplate
surfaces when the upper plate position adjusters 1402, 1404, 1406
and 1408 are tightened. This may help to prevent upper plate slip
and also helps the upper plates and underplates to merge more
closely into a single surface for users to place their feet
thereon.
[0116] FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of peizo-based sensors that
connects to the pedal plate in accordance with some embodiments of
the present invention. Specifically, a side view of sensors
attached to an underplate of sensor device is depicted. The sensor
device may measure information (hereinafter may be referred to as
`sensor data`) corresponding to a user's activities performed on a
pedal plate of the sensor device.
[0117] The sensor data may be a combination of pressure (force
applied) and, potentially, movement (e.g., cadence) of the user on
the pedal plate (on the exercise apparatus). The combination of
force and movement may provide the necessary speed data or at least
change in speed to enable software to reasonably accurately adjust
for changing effort/speed of the user. In the case of a cadence,
the peak and trough pattern of pressure may also be used by the
software to identify when a full rotation has occurred.
Alternatively, an additional independent movement sensor may be
used, like an accelerometer. The benefit of analyzing the changing
pressure is that no further sensors are needed and thus saving cost
and preserving energy. The benefit of using an independent movement
sensor like an accelerometer is increased accuracy/reliability and
simpler software.
[0118] The pressure sensing system may use a range of standard
pressure sensing technologies. In an instance, piezo based sensors
may be used, one for each corner of the plate and one in the center
of the plate (as shown in FIG. 13). However, alternative sensor
arrays may achieve the same function. The important point is that a
number of sensors may be needed to ensure that all the pressure
applied to the pedal plate is captured even if the foot is placed
only on a part of the pedal surface.
[0119] As shown, in an embodiment, the sensors in our example
comprise two layers: a piezo sensor layer 1502 that may be fixed
underneath an underplate, such as the underplate 1312 or the
underplate 1314 (as depicted in FIG. 13) and may incorporate a hole
through the center of it. The second layer may be a sensor metal
base layer 1504. The sensor metal base layer 1504 may be in direct
contact with the surface of the pedal of the exercise apparatus.
The sensor metal base layer 1504 may have a column 1506 in the
center thereof. The column 1506 may go through the hole of the
piezo sensor layer 1502 and into a cavity 1508 just above the piezo
sensor layer 1502. The top of the column 1506 where it is inside
the cavity 1508, the column 1506 may widen out much like the head
of a nail.
[0120] The column 1506 and the cavity 1508 may enable the sensor
metal base layer 1504 to have a tiny amount of movement latitude
relative to the rest of the plate items which are fixed together.
This movement latitude may allow the pressure exerted by the piezo
sensor layer 1502 that may be in direct contact with the sensor
metal base layer 1504 to vary. It is this variance that may be
measured by the piezo sensor. Data comprising the total variance of
all the sensors may be used to calculate the total pressure being
applied by the user to the pedal. Each sensor may be attached by a
wire 1510 to the plate circuit board 1338 shown in FIG. 13.
[0121] Reference is now made to FIG. 16 that shows an underside
view of the piezo-based sensor that may be utilized for the pedal
plate in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
The underside view of the piezo-based sensor may be understood more
clearly when read in conjunction with FIG. 15. As shown, the
circumference of the metal base layer 1504 of the piezo-based
sensor may be marginally smaller than the circumference of the
piezo sensor layer 1502 as illustrated by the underside view of
sensors in FIG. 16. This ensures that the entire downward force
that may ultimately be taken by the sensor metal base plates (metal
base layer 1504) such as is fully captured by the piezo sensor area
(i.e., piezo sensor layer 1502).
[0122] An alternative to the piezo sensor technology may be a
system of interconnected compressible chambers containing fluid
(hereinafter may be referred to as `liquid chambers`) and may be
connected to a liquid pressure sensor. The chambers may be placed
in between multiple layers of the pedal plate. As downward pressure
may be applied via the underplate, the multiple layers may press
upon the chambers forcing the liquid to exert pressure on the
connected liquid pressure sensor.
[0123] Further, it may be appreciated by a person skilled in the
art that functioning of the sensor system (sensor device) is not
restricted to usage of piezo-based sensor or a liquid sensor.
Further, a plurality of sensors may be utilized based on a
requirement for measuring various parameters associated with the
force and motion applied by the user on the pedal plate of the
sensor device.
[0124] FIG. 17 illustrates an implementation of the sensor device
utilizing a pedal plate in accordance with some embodiments of the
present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 17 depicts a plate-type
structure (housing, as explained previously in conjunction with
FIG. 13) on top of a pedal (of an exercise apparatus) with a foot
placed on top of the plate and straps that hold the plate onto the
pedal. The plate may be attached to the pedal by any one of a
variety of means depending on circumstances and pedal
attributes.
[0125] As shown, in an embodiment, the design assumes stretchy
robust material straps 1702, 1704 that may connect to four strap
linkages 1340, 1342, 1344 and 1346 (shown in FIG. 12) placed on
underplates, such as the underplates 1312, 1314. These may include,
but are not restricted to, (i) micro Velcro pads attached to each
side with adhesive (ii) a stretchable fabric into which the plates
may be inserted and the fabric may then be wrapped around the pedal
like a sock (iii) tiny plates that may be fitted and able to clamp
on the vertical edges and then may provide a means for connecting
with the plate.
[0126] The material straps 1702 and 1704 may join at the strap
underside 1706 that may be on the opposite side to the side with
the plate. The strap underside 1706 may include a counterweight of
sorts that can help to maintain any original intended pedal weight
equilibrium (e.g., one side of the pedal is designed through weight
distribution to always be facing upwards). The strap underside 1706
or other areas of the strap may also support some of the components
shown in the diagrams as being in the plate. For example, the
battery and USB connection may be house somewhere within the straps
that fix the plate to the pedal. This may help to minimize the
required size of the plate and may provide natural counter balance
for the pedal.
[0127] Further, sensors, such as the sensors 1326, 1328, 1330,
1332, and 1334 (as shown in FIG. 13) may be embedded below the
under plates. As shown, in FIG. 17, the sensor 1326 (and others
sensors) may be placed below the under plates 1312 and 1314 that
are placed below upper plates, such as the upper plates 1302, 1304,
1306 and 1308. The plate-structure (including sensors) may be
placed above a pedal 1708 of the exercise apparatus (as shown by a
rotating axel 1710 for linking the pedal 1708 with the exercise
apparatus).
[0128] As shown, a foot 1712 of the user may be placed on the plate
(on the upper plates 1312 and 1314) that may be linked to the
pedal. The movement (speed) and/or force (pressure) applied by the
user may be measured by the sensors, such as the sensor 1326. The
measured data may be transmitted through radio signal 1714 from a
circuit board of the plate to an external device. The external
device may have a radio frequency transceiver 1716 to receive the
radio signals 1714 corresponding to the measured sensor data that
may be utilized further based on the requirement. For example, the
received data may be analyzed to determine fitness status of the
user.
[0129] FIG. 18 illustrates a flow chart of a method of power
management in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure. The power management in a sensor system while
determining a plurality of characteristics of a user's activities
on an exercise apparatus may be understood more clearly when read
in conjunction with FIG. 6. The order in which the method is
performed is not intended to be construed as limitation, and
further any number of the method steps may be combined in order to
implement the method or an alternative method without departing
from the scope of this disclosure.
[0130] At step 1802, it is determined that If there is an external
(USB) power source is available to provide power to the sensor
device. If no external (USB) power source is available then the
method may proceed to step 1804 (as shown by `No` pointer from step
1802). At step 1804, the core chip of the sensor device may rely on
lithium battery and may receive power from the lithium battery
power circuit boards. Further, if the lithium battery is being
used, the core chip will lower the operating frequency of the
system to help extend the life of the battery before recharge is
needed. An LED light may also be added to Circuit Board to detect
when the battery output is below 3.6V (i.e. it needs to be
recharged).
[0131] Further, If at step 1802, it is determined that a USB is
connected as an external power source, then the method may proceed
to step 1806 (as shown by `Yes` pointer from step 1802) to
determine if lithium battery is also connected. If, at step 1806,
the presence of lithium battery is determined (as shown by `Yes`
pointer from step 1806), it depicts that both the sources (USB and
lithium batteries) are present and accordingly the core chip may
use the external (USB) power source to both power the circuit
boards and recharge the lithium battery. Further, if, at step 1806,
it is determined that the lithium battery is not connected (as
shown by `Yes` pointer from step 1806), then USB power source may
be utilized for powering the system.
[0132] Further, the method implemented by the sensor device is not
restricted to above mentioned embodiment of power management, as
mentioned herein. Further, various embodiments that are explained
in FIGS. 1 to 17 may be utilized to implement various method steps
to carry out processes that may be implemented by the sensor device
(sensor system) as explained here above. Further, the invention is
not limited to above-mentioned embodiments and examples and many
other embodiments and examples may be implemented in light of the
invention without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0133] Advantageously, the present disclosure provides a fitness
equipment sensor device and a system for determining various
parameters corresponding to user's activities on an exercise
apparatus. Such parameters may be used further for various other
applications such as, but not limited to, providing interactive
interface, entertainment, determining fitness status of a user and
so on. The sensor device does not require any special fitting to
receive information corresponding to the user using the exercise
apparatus. In one embodiment, the sensor device may use wheel
mechanism for the exercise apparatuses having a tread surface (such
as treadmill). Due to usage of wheel mechanism, the sensor device
provides cheap, simple and reliable solutions. Further, embodiments
of the present disclosure provide a sensor device that may be
utilized for exercise apparatuses having pedals system, such as
cycles, rowers and the like. The information corresponding to the
user may include, but is not limited to, user's speed (and
therefore stride, when combined with information related to speed),
and force applied on the exercise apparatus.
[0134] An additional advantageous feature of the sensor device is
that the device can work with any kind of treadmill regardless of
age, brand, size or design. All treadmills will have a section of
the tread exposed on the underside when the treadmill is in its
ready-for-use position. The one variable is the height of the
underside tread from the ground and the level of variation in
height while in use. To accommodate this, a mechanical system may
be applied that enables the device's wheels to maintain contact
with the exposed underside tread.
[0135] Further, to provide accuracy in determining the user's
information, the sensor device for exercise apparatuses such as
treadmills may uses magnets in the wheels that may passes by hall
switches to determine data per revolution of the wheels more
accurately.
[0136] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the sensor
device may implement a system to process the information measured
by the sensor device (`sensor data`) prior to transmitting the
information to another device for further usage thereof. Also, the
sensor device may implement a method for power management that may
utilize rechargeable battery system. Further, the sensor device may
implement a system for harvesting energy from various ways that may
provide prolong energy source for the system. For example, the
system may utilize kinetic energy from the user's motion on the
exercise apparatus.
[0137] Further, the system may use magnets in a rotating wheel to
measure speed that may allow the magnetic energy to be harvested
for energy purposes. Further, brushless rotor motor may also be
attached to a small wheel to ensure decent rotations speed.
Alternatively, new technologies that can harvest energy from motion
like "reverse electrowetting" or variants thereof may be applied.
However, in all instances, the level of energy harvested may be
balanced against the total force applied to the treadmill surface
which may otherwise interfere with the treadmills performance.
[0138] It may be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that
the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned
embodiments. Further, various other embodiments may also be
implemented through the features provided by the system. Also, the
usage of terminology such as `first user`, `second user` may not be
considered a restrictive aspect of the present invention as such
terminologies are used just for the purpose of better explanation.
It may be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the
invention is not limited to the advantages as mentioned here above.
Further many other advantages may be understood in light of the
description given above without departing from the scope of the
invention.
[0139] The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has
been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the
illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or
to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many
modifications and variations are possible in view of the above
teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to
best explain the principles of the invention and its practical
applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best
utilize the invention and various embodiments with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
[0140] Embodiments of the invention are described above with
reference to block diagrams and schematic illustrations of methods
and systems according to embodiments of the invention. It will be
understood that each block of the diagrams and combinations of
blocks in the diagrams can be implemented by computer program
instructions. These computer program instructions may be loaded
onto one or more general purpose computers, special purpose
computers, or other programmable data processing translator to
produce machines, such that the instructions that execute on the
computers or other programmable data processing translators create
means for implementing the functions specified in the block or
blocks. Such computer program instructions may also be stored in a
computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other
programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular
manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable
memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction
means that implement the function specified in the block or
blocks.
[0141] While the invention has been described in connection with
what is presently considered to be the most practical and various
embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be
limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is
intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements
included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The
invention has been described in the general context of computing
devices, phone and computer-executable instructions, such as
program modules, being executed by a computer. Generally, program
modules include routines, programs, characters, components, data
structures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement
particular abstract data types. A person skilled in the art will
appreciate that the invention may be practiced with other computer
system configurations, including hand-held devices, multiprocessor
systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics,
network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like.
Further, the invention may also be practiced in distributed
computing worlds where tasks are performed by remote processing
devices that are linked through a communications network. In a
distributed computing world, program modules may be located in both
local and remote memory storage devices.
[0142] This written description uses examples to disclose the
invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and
using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated
methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the
claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled
in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope
of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ
from the literal language of the claims, or if they include
equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from
the literal languages of the claims.
* * * * *