U.S. patent application number 14/702799 was filed with the patent office on 2016-11-10 for system and method for recording exercise data.
The applicant listed for this patent is Yu Wu. Invention is credited to Yu Wu.
Application Number | 20160325140 14/702799 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57223251 |
Filed Date | 2016-11-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160325140 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wu; Yu |
November 10, 2016 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RECORDING EXERCISE DATA
Abstract
A method includes engaging a signal transmission module with a
signal detection module. The signal detection module is located in
an exercise machine. The signal transmission module may be a device
worn or carried on by a person who is going to perform an exercise
on the exercise machine. Signals transmitted from the signal
transmission module are detected by the signal detection module.
The method also includes performing the exercise on the exercise
machine. Exercise data is recorded by a measurement module. The
measurement module is located in the exercise machine.
Inventors: |
Wu; Yu; (Austin,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Wu; Yu |
Austin |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57223251 |
Appl. No.: |
14/702799 |
Filed: |
May 4, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2225/20 20130101;
A63B 22/0048 20130101; A63B 2220/50 20130101; A63B 2220/836
20130101; A63B 2225/50 20130101; A63B 2220/30 20130101; A63B
22/0605 20130101; A63B 22/0664 20130101; A63B 2220/20 20130101;
A63B 2225/54 20130101; A63B 22/02 20130101; A63B 2225/105 20130101;
H04W 4/18 20130101; A63B 2220/17 20130101; A63B 2230/06 20130101;
A63B 21/0724 20130101; A63B 22/04 20130101; H04W 4/80 20180201;
A63B 2225/107 20130101; A63B 2220/833 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 24/00 20060101
A63B024/00; A63B 21/06 20060101 A63B021/06 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: engaging a signal transmission module with
a signal detection module, wherein the signal detection module is
located in an exercise machine, wherein the signal transmission
module may be a device worn or carried on by a person who is going
to perform an exercise on the exercise machine, or a person who is
going to perform an exercise on the exercise machine, and wherein
signals transmitted from the signal transmission module are
detected by the signal detection module; and performing the
exercise on the exercise machine, wherein exercise data is recorded
by a measurement module, and wherein the measurement module is
located in the exercise machine.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the measurement module comprises
a measurement unit, a processor, a storage, a signal receiving
device, and a first communication device, wherein the signal
detection module is configured to transmit the signals to the
signal receiving device when the signal detection module detects
the signals from the signal transmission module, wherein the
measurement unit is configured to measure the exercise data,
wherein the processor is configured to process the exercise data,
wherein the storage is configured to store the exercise data, the
signals the signal receiving device receives from the signal
detection module, and information associated with the exercise
machine, and wherein the first communication device is configured
to transmit the signals the signal receiving device receives from
the signal detection module, the information associated with the
exercise machine, and the exercise data to a server, a device, or
both.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the signal detection module and
the signal receiving device comprise a short range communication
device.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the signal detection module and
the signal receiving device comprise a Bluetooth networking device,
an ANT+ networking device, a Cellular networking device, another
type of device, or any combination thereof, wherein the first
communication device comprises a Wi-Fi device, and wherein the
processor comprises a microcontroller.
5. The method of claim 2, wherein two or more of the signal
detection module, the signal receiving device, and the first
communication device are integrated into one device.
6. The method of claim 2, wherein the measurement unit comprises a
load cell, an acceleration transducer, or both.
7. The method of claim 2, wherein the server is accessible to the
first device for storage, analysis, or both, wherein the first
device comprises a personal digital assistant (PDA), a second
communication device, a computing device, another type of device,
or any combination thereof, wherein the second communication device
comprises a wireless telephone or a smart phone, and wherein the
computing device comprises a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a
tablet computer, a netbook computer, or a smartbook computer.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the exercise data comprise
amounts of weight the person lifted, numbers of liftings per set
the person repeated, number of sets he performed, rest periods
between sets, explosiveness, specific settings, heart beat rates,
time at which the person performed an item of the exercise,
distances the person finished, speeds, resistance levels, another
type of data, or any combination thereof, and wherein the specific
settings comprise seat heights or orientation when the person
exercises on an adjustable exercise machine.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the signal transmission module is
the person who is going to exercise or a device located within a
wristband, a ring, a badge, a watch, a necklace, a container, a
portable device, or any combination thereof, which may be worn or
carried on by the person during the exercise, and wherein the
portable device comprises a wireless telephone or a smart
phone.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the signal detection module and
the signal transmission module identify the identity of a person
who is going to exercise on an exercise machine.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the signals comprise
identification information uniquely associated with the person.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the signal detection module is
positioned in a location in the exercise machine so that the signal
detection module is capable of detecting the signals transmitted by
the signal transmission module when the person is in an exercise
posture.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein the signal detection module is
located within a ring, and wherein the ring is attached to the
exercise machine.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein the exercise machine is a
weightlifting station, wherein the signal detection module is
located on a handle of the weightlifting station, and wherein the
handle is a location to which the person applies force during a
weightlifting exercise.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein engaging a signal transmission
module with a signal detection module comprises the person holding
the handle of the exercise machine so that the signal detection
module is capable of detecting the signals from the signal
transmission module.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein engaging a signal transmission
module with a signal detection module comprises positioning the
person in an exercise posture so that the signal detection module
is capable of detecting the signals from the signal transmission
module.
17. A method comprising: holding a handle of a weightlifting
station in a weightlifting posture so that a signal detection
module is capable of detecting signals transmitted from a signal
transmission module, wherein the signal transmission module may be
a device worn or carried on by a person who is going to perform
weightlifting on the weightlifting station, wherein the signal
detection module is located in the weightlifting station, and
wherein the signals correspond to identification information
uniquely associated with the person; and performing weightlifting
on the weightlifting station, wherein exercise data is recorded by
a measurement module, wherein the measurement module is located in
the weightlifting station, wherein the identification information
associated with the person, information associated with the
weightlifting station, and the exercise data are transmitted to a
server, a device, or both.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the measurement module
comprises a measurement unit, a microcontroller, a storage, a
signal receiving device, and a first communication device, wherein
the signal detection module is configured to transmit the signals
to the signal receiving device when the signal detection module
detects the signals from the signal transmission module, wherein
the measurement unit is configured to measure the exercise data,
wherein the microcontroller is configured to process the exercise
data, wherein the storage is configured to store the signals
received by the signal receiving device, the information associated
with the weightlifting station, and the exercise data, and wherein
the first communication device is configured to transmit the
identification information associated with the person, the
information associated with the weightlifting machine, and the
exercise data to the server, the device, or both.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the measurement unit comprises
a load cell, an acceleration transducer, or both, wherein the
signal detection module and the signal receiving device comprise a
Bluetooth networking device, an ANT+ networking device, a Cellular
networking device, or another type of short range wireless
communication device, and wherein the third communication device
comprises a Wi-Fi device, or another type of long range wireless
communication device.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein two or more of the signal
detection module, the signal receiving device, and the first
communication device are integrated into one device.
21. The method of claim 17, wherein the signal transmission module
is located within a wristband, a ring, a badge, a watch, a
necklace, a container, a portable device, or any combination
thereof, which may be a device worn or carried on by the person
during weightlifting.
22. The method of claim 17, wherein the signal detection module is
located on the handle of the weightlifting station, and wherein the
handle is a location to which the person applies force during a
weightlifting exercise.
23. The method of claim 17, wherein the signal transmission module
comprises a proximity integrated circuit card, and wherein the
signal detection module comprises a proximity coupling device.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein the signal transmission module
comprises a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, and wherein
the signal detection module comprises a radio-frequency
identification (RFID) reader.
25. The method of claim 17, wherein the exercise data comprise
amounts of weight the person lifted, numbers of liftings per set
the person repeated, numbers of sets he performed, rest periods
between sets, explosiveness, and specific settings, another type of
data, or any combination thereof, and wherein the specific settings
comprise seat heights or orientation when the person performed
weightlifting on an adjustable weightlifting station.
26. An apparatus, comprising: a signal transmission module
configured to transmit signals, wherein the signals comprise
identification information uniquely associated with a person who
wears or carries on the signal transmission module and is going to
perform an exercise on an exercise machine, wherein the signal
detection module is positioned in a location in the exercise
machine so that the signal detection module is capable of detecting
the signals transmitted by the signal transmission module when the
person engages the signal transmission module with the signal
detection module, wherein exercise data is recorded by a
measurement module, wherein the measurement module is located in
the exercise machine, and wherein the identification information
associated with the person, the exercise data, and information
associated with the exercise machine are transmitted to a server, a
device, or both.
27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the signal transmission
module is located within a wristband, a ring, a badge, a watch, a
necklace, a container, a device, or any combination thereof,
wherein the signal transmission module comprises a proximity
integrated circuit card, and wherein the signal detection module
comprises a proximity coupling device.
28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the signal transmission
module comprises a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, and
wherein the signal detection module comprises a RFID reader.
29. An apparatus, comprising: a measurement unit configured to
measure exercise data during exercise on an exercise machine; a
signal receiving device configured to receive signals, wherein the
signals represent identification information of an person who
exercises on the exercise machine; a processor configured to
process the exercise data and the signals; and a communication
device configured to transmit the exercise data and the signals to
a server, a device, or both, wherein the measurement unit, the
signal receiving device, the processor, and the communication
device are located in the exercise machine.
30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the exercise machine
comprises a weightlifting station, wherein the processor comprises
a microcontroller, and wherein the measurement unit comprises a
load cell, an acceleration transducer, or both.
31. The apparatus of claim 29, further comprising: a storage
configured to store the identification information of the person,
the exercise data, and information associated with the exercise
machine.
Description
I. FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure is generally related to a system and
method for recording exercise data.
II. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
[0002] In modern society, a person is more and more conscious of
her health. To improve or maintain health, the person may choose to
go to a health club for a workout. The workout may include running
on a treadmill and lifting weights on a weight station. To keep
track of performance over time and determine exercise levels, the
person desires to record and analyze exercise data. For example,
the person, for each type of weightlifting exercise, wants to
record amounts of weight lifted, number of liftings for each set
repeated, numbers of sets performed, rest periods between sets, and
specific settings such as seat heights and orientations adopted on
adjustable machines. As another example, the person wants to
collect exercise data, including heart rates, time, distances,
speeds, and resistance levels when the person ran on a
treadmill.
[0003] Recording the exercise data generally involves use of a
handheld device equipped with specialized software programs, such
as a personal digital assistant (PDA). The person may scroll
through a menu of available exercises, identify her intended
exercise, and enter performance information upon completion of the
exercise. However, during exercise, the person needs to carry the
hand-held device from one exercise machine (e.g., a weight station
or treadmill) to another exercise machine. In addition, the person
needs to manually input the information and exercise data.
III. SUMMARY
[0004] This disclosure presents particular embodiments of an
exercise data recording system that is configurable to
automatically identify (e.g., by a person's fingerprint, voice or
by wearing a wristband containing a radio-frequency identification
(RFID) tag on a wrist) a person who is going to perform an exercise
(e.g., weightlifting) on an exercise machine (e.g., a weightlifting
station), record exercise data (e.g., amounts of weight the person
lifted per set), and transmit the identification information
associated with the person (e.g., ID No. of the person),
information associated with the exercise machine (e.g., ID No. of
the weightlifting station), and the exercise data to a server, a
device (e.g., a smart phone), or both for storage, analysis, or
both. Thus, the exercise data can be automatically recorded and
uniquely tracked to the person without manually inputting the
identification information of the person, the exercise data, or
both.
[0005] In a particular embodiment, an exercise data recording
system includes a signal transmission module (e.g., a RFID tag
housed in a wristband). The signal transmission module may be a
device worn or carried on by a person who is going to perform an
exercise on an exercise machine, or a person herself who is going
to perform an exercise on an exercise machine. The exercise data
recording system also includes a signal detection module (e.g., a
fingerprint scanner or a RFID reader contained in a ring attached
to the exercise machine). When the person is in an exercise posture
(e.g., holding a handle of a weightlifting station), the signal
detection module detects signals associated with the person's
identity (e.g., fingerprint, voice or ID No. of the person)
transmitted from the signal transmission module. The exercise data
recording system further includes a measurement module. The
measurement module includes a signal receiving device which is
configured to receive the signals transmitted from the signal
detection module. The measurement module also includes a processor
(e.g., a microcontroller) that is configured to record exercise
data when the person performs the exercise. The measurement module
further includes a storage which is configured to store information
associated with the exercise machine, the signals received from the
signal detection module, and the exercise data. The measurement
module finally includes a communication device (e.g., a Wi-Fi
device) that is configured to transmit the signals, the information
associated with the exercise machine, and the exercise data to a
server, a device, or both for storage, analysis, or both.
[0006] In another particular embodiment, a method of recording
exercise data includes engaging a signal transmission module (e.g.,
a person or a RFID tag located within a wristband that is worn by a
person who is going to exercise on an exercise machine, such as a
weightlifting machine) with a signal detection module (e.g., a
fingerprint scanner or a RFID reader located within a ring attached
to the exercise machine). The signal detection module is located in
an exercise machine (e.g., a handle of the weightlifting machine to
which the person applies force during weightlifting). Signals
transmitted from the signal transmission module are detected by the
signal detection module. The signals represent identification
information of the person so that exercise data collected by the
exercise machine can be uniquely tracked to the person. The method
also includes performing the exercise on the exercise machine.
Exercise data is recorded by a measurement module of the exercise
machine. The signals, the exercise data, and information associated
with the exercise data can be stored in a storage of the exercise
machine, transmitted to a server, a device, or both.
[0007] One particular advantage provided by at least one of the
disclosed embodiments is that the signal transmission module is
capable of transmitting the identification information associated
with the person who exercises to the exercise machine. Thus, the
exercise data can be uniquely tracked to the person without
manually inputting her identification information.
[0008] Another particular advantage provided by at least one of the
disclosed embodiments is that the identification information of the
person and the exercise data are automatically recorded. Thus,
inconvenience resulting from manually inputting the identification
information and exercise data is avoided.
[0009] Other aspects, advantages, and features of the present
disclosure will become apparent after review of the entire
application, including the following sections: Brief Description of
the Drawings, Detailed Description, and the Claims.
IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a particular embodiment of
an exercise data recording system;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a particular embodiment of a
signal transmission module in the exercise data recording
system;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a particular embodiment of a
signal detection module in the exercise data recording system;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a particular embodiment of a
signal transmission module that transmits signals to a signal
detection module;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a particular embodiment of a
measurement module in the exercise data recording system; and
[0015] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a particular embodiment of a
method of recording exercise data.
V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] This disclosure relates generally to an exercise data
recording system. The exercise data recording system is
configurable to be coupled to a multitude of exercise machines
(i.e., a weightlifting station and a treadmill) in a health club.
Prior to preforming an exercise (i.e., in an exercise posture) on
an exercise machine, the exercise machine may automatically detect
identification information (e.g., ID No.) of a person who
exercises. When the person exercises, the exercise machine may
automatically record exercise data (e.g., amounts of weight
lifted). The exercise data and identification information of the
person may be sent to and stored in a server or a device (e.g., a
smart phone), which may be tracked for analysis.
[0017] Referring to FIG. 1, a block diagram of a particular
embodiment of an exercise data recording system is disclosed and
generally designated 100. In FIG. 1, for purpose of illustration,
the system 100 includes a multitude of signal transmission modules
101, which may be persons themselves 102 or devices worn or carried
on by persons 102 who exercise in a health club 103, a multitude of
exercise machines 104-109 (e.g., a weightlifting station 104, a
treadmill 105, an exercise bike 106, an elliptical and cross
trainer 107, a stepper 108, and a free weight 109), a terminal 110,
and a server 111. Alternatively, the exercise machines 104-109
include multiple number and types of weightlifting stations 104,
treadmills 105, exercise bikes 106, elliptical and cross trainers
107, steppers 108, and free weights 109. The system 100 may also,
in the alternative, include multiple terminals 110. The exercise
machines 104-109, the terminal 110, and the server 111 may be
located in the health club 103. The signal transmission modules 101
and a first device 112 (e.g., a smart phone) may be coupled to the
exercise machines 104-109. The server 111 may be coupled to the
exercise machines 104-109. The server 111 may also be coupled to a
second device (e.g., a terminal 110, a smart phone 113, or a lap
top 114) via a wide area network 115. The first device 112 and the
second device 113 may be a same device. The system 100 is capable
of automatically identifying the persons 102, recording exercise
data the persons 102 performed on the exercise machines 104-109,
storing the exercise data on the server 111, and tracking the
exercise data for analysis.
[0018] The signal transmission module 101 may be configured to
transmit signals that may be detected by a signal detection module
in an exercise machine (e.g., one of the exercise machines 104-109)
when a person is going to exercise on the exercise machine. The
signal detection module will be discussed in details in following
figures and paragraphs. The signal transmission module 101 may be
any device or person that may transmit signals to the signal
detection module. As an example, the signal transmission module 101
includes a proximity integrated circuit card, such as a
radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag. The signal transmission
modules 101 may be located within a container. Examples of the
container include a wristband, a ring, a badge, a watch, a
necklace, a device (e.g., a smart phone), another type of
container, or any combination thereof. The container may be worn or
carried on by the person who exercises. The signals may represent
identification information (e.g., ID No.) uniquely associated with
the person. It should be noted that the identification information
of the person may also be obtained by using a smart phone to scan a
barcode or a quick response (QR) code, or by the person's
fingerprint or voice.
[0019] The signal detection module may be configured to detect the
signals transmitted by the signal transmission module 101. The
signal detection module may include a proximity coupling device,
such as a RFID reader, or a fingerprint scanner. The signal
detection module may also include a mechanism that may be
configured to transmit the signals the signal detection module has
detected to a signal receiving device of a measurement module that
is also located in the exercise machine 104-109. The mechanism may
be a short range communication device, such as a Bluetooth
networking device, an ANT+ networking device, or a Cellular
networking device. The signal detection module may be placed in the
exercise machine 104-109 in any form. For example, the signal
detection module is directly attached to the exercise machine
104-109. Alternatively, the signal detection module is located
within a container (e.g., a ring) that is attached to the exercise
machine 104-109. As another example, the signal detection module is
located within the exercise machine 104-109, such as within the bar
of the free weight 109. The signal detection module may be
positioned in any location in the exercise machine so that, when
the person is in an exercise posture, the signal detection module
is capable of detecting the signals from the signal transmission
module. For example, if the person is going to perform a
weightlifting exercise on a weightlifting station 104, the person
first needs to hold a handle to which the person will apply force.
At that moment, the signal detection module will detect the signals
transmitted from the signal transmission module 101. As a result,
the weightlifting station 104 will identify the person and later
record the exercise data under the person's name since the signals
represent the identification information of the person. As another
example, if the person is going to perform an exercise by using a
free weight 109, the person would hold the bar of the free weight.
The signal detection module located on the bar or within the bar
will detect the signals transmitted from the signal transmission
module 101.
[0020] The measurement module may include the signal receiving
device, a measurement unit, a processor, a storage, and a
communication device. The measurement module will be discussed in
details in a following figure and paragraphs. The measurement
module may be positioned in any location of the exercise machine
104-109. For example, in a free weight, the measurement module may
be located within the bar. Alternatively, the measurement module
may be attached to the bar. The components of the measurement
module may be integrated into one device. Alternatively, the
components of the measurement module may be a combination of
separate devices and positioned in different locations of the
exercise machine 104-109. For example, in a free weight 109, the
measurement unit may be located in or on the weights while the
processor, the storage, and the communication device may be located
within or on the bar.
[0021] The signal receiving device may be configured to receive the
signals detected and transmitted by the signal detection module.
The signal receiving device may be a short range communication
device, such as a Bluetooth networking device, an ANT+ networking
device, or a Cellular networking device. The signals may represent
identification information of the person who exercises. The signals
may also represent information associated with the exercise machine
104-109. For example, in a free weight 109, the signal receiving
device may receive data from the signal transmission module located
within or on the weights. The data may represent amounts of
weight.
[0022] It should be noted that the signal receiving device may
also, in the alternative, be configured to directly receive the
identification signals from the signal transmission module, such as
a portable device (e.g., a smart phone with a Bluetooth device and
a camera) that is carried on by the person during the exercise. For
example, when the person is in the exercise posture, the signal
receiving device may receive the signals from the smart phone
carried on by the person, and the identification information of the
person may thus be identified.
[0023] The measurement unit may be configured to measure primitive
exercise data. The design of the measurement unit may accommodate
to types of the exercise machines 104-109 and the primitive
exercise data the measurement unit will measure. For example, in a
weightlifting station 104, the measurement unit may include a load
cell to measure amount of weights, an acceleration transducer to
measure explosiveness, or both. As another example, in a free
weight 109, the measurement unit may include an identification
signal transmission unit that may be located on a weight plate and
able to transmit data indicating amount of weight of the weight
plate. As a further example, the measurement unit may include
sensors to measure seat heights or orientation when the person
exercises on an adjustable exercise machine. In an aerobic
exercise, the measurement unit may include sensors to measure heart
rates and distances the person has finished.
[0024] The processor may be configured to process the primitive
exercise data, the signals the signal receiving device received
from the signal detection module, and information associated with
the exercise machine 104-109 (e.g., ID No. of the exercise
machine). Processing the primitive exercise data may include
producing derivative exercise data. For example, in a weightlifting
station, the load cell may produce the primitive exercise data such
as amounts of weight lifted. Based on the primitive exercise data,
the processor may produce the derivative exercise data, such as
numbers of liftings per set the person repeated, number of sets the
person performed, and rest periods between the sets. As another
example, in an aerobic exercise, the processor may produce time at
which the person performed an item of the exercise, speeds, and
resistance levels.
[0025] The processor may further be configured to send the exercise
data (i.e., the primitive exercise data and the derivative exercise
data), the signals, and the information associated with the
exercise machine 104-109 to a communication device for
transmission. The processors may include a microcontroller, a
digital signal processor (DSP), a central processing unit (CPU),
hardware or software control logic, another type of device, or any
combination thereof.
[0026] The storage may be configured to store the exercise data,
the signals the signal receiving device received from the signal
detection module, and the information associated with the exercise
machine. The storage may include a volatile memory, a non-volatile
memory, or any combination thereof. The volatile memory may include
a random access memory (RAM), such as a dynamic random access
memory (DRAM) or a static random access memory (SRAM). The
non-volatile memory may include a hard disk, a flash memory, a
tape, a magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM), a read-only
memory, a cache-base memory, a register-based memory, a tangible
non-transitory memory, another type of memory, or any combination
thereof. The storage may be a separate unit or integrated into the
processor.
[0027] The communication device may be configured to transmit the
exercise data, the signals the signal receiving device received
from the signal detection module, and the information associated
with the exercise machine 104-109 to a server 111, a device 112, or
both. The communication device may include a local area wireless
networking device, such as a Wi-Fi device.
[0028] It should be noted that two or more of the signal detection
module, the signal receiving device, and the communication device
may be integrated into one device. For example, in a free weight
109, the signal detection module and the signal receiving device
may be integrated into one device.
[0029] The server 111 may be configured to receive the data (e.g.,
the exercise data, the identification information of the person,
and the information associated with the exercise machine) from the
communication device, store them in a storage, and perform services
upon request. For example, the server 111 may provide services on a
request directly from a device (e.g., a terminal 110 located in the
health club 103, a smart phone 113 or a laptop 114) via a network
115. The request may include retrieving the exercise data or
performing an analysis on the exercise data.
[0030] The devices 110, 113 and 114 may include a personal digital
assistant (PDA), a communication device, a computing device,
another type of device, or any combination thereof. The
communication device may include a wireless telephone or a smart
phone. The computing device may include a desktop computer, a
laptop computer, a tablet computer, a netbook computer, or a
smartbook computer. The network 115 may be any network such as a
local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a metropolitan
area network (MAN), a public switched telephone network (PSTN), a
wireless network, or any combination thereof.
[0031] In operation, when a person 102 is going to exercise on an
exercise machine 104-109 (e.g., a weightlifting station 104) in a
health club 103, the person 102 wears or carries on a signal
transmission module 101. When the person 102 is in an exercise
posture on one of the exercise machines 104-109, the signal
transmission module 101 may transmit signals that may be detected
by a signal detection module in the exercise machine 104-109. The
signals may represent identification information (e.g., ID No.)
uniquely associated with the person. For example, if the person
performs a weightlifting exercise on a weightlifting station 104,
the person 102 first needs to hold a handle. At that moment, the
signal detection module may detect the signals transmitted from the
signal transmission module 101. As a result, the exercise machine
104 may identify the person and track exercise data under the
person's name since the signals represent the identification
information of the person.
[0032] The signal detection module may transmit the signals the
signal detection module has detected to a signal receiving device
of a measurement module that is also located in the exercise
machine 104-109. When the person starts to exercise, a measurement
unit of the measurement module may measure the exercise data. For
example, in a weightlifting exercise, the exercise data may include
amounts of weight the person lifted, numbers of liftings per set
the person repeated, number of sets he performed, rest periods
between sets, explosiveness, and specific settings. The specific
settings may include seat heights or orientation when the person
exercised on an adjustable exercise machine. In an aerobic
exercise, the exercise data may include heart rates, time at which
the person performed an item of the exercise, distances the person
has finished, speeds, and resistance levels.
[0033] A processor of the measurement module may process the
exercise data, the signals the signal receiving device received
from the signal detection module, and information associated with
the exercise machine (e.g., ID No. of the exercise machine). The
processor may also store them in a storage of the measurement
module. The processor may further send them to a communication
device of the measurement module for transmission. It should be
noted that two or more of the signal detection module, the signal
receiving device, and the communication device may be integrated
into one device. For example, the signals transmitted by the signal
transmission module may be directly detected by the integrated
device that may in turn transmit the signals to a server 111 or
another device 112 (e.g., a smart phone).
[0034] The server 111 may receive the data (e.g., the
identification information of the person, the exercise data, and
information associated with the exercise machine) from the
communication device, store them in a storage, and provide services
on a request directly from a device (e.g., a terminal 111, a smart
phone 113 or a laptop 114) via a network 115. The request may
include retrieving the exercise data or performing an analysis on
the exercise data.
[0035] FIG. 1 thus illustrates an exercise data recording system
100 that includes a multitude of signal transmission modules 101
(e.g., a wristband containing a RFID tag), a multitude of exercise
machines 104-109 (e.g., a weightlifting machine), a server 111, and
a terminal 110. Each of the exercise machines 104-109 includes a
signal detection module and a measurement module. The signal
detection module and the measurement module may be integrated into
one device. The measurement module may include a signal receiving
device (e.g., a handle ring containing a RFID reader and a
Bluetooth networking device), a measurement unit (e.g., a load
cell, an acceleration transducer, or both), a processor (e.g., a
microcontroller), a storage, and a communication device (e.g., a
Wi-Fi device). The exercise data recording system 100 is capable of
automatically identifying a person who exercises, recording
exercise data on the exercise machines 104-109, storing the
exercise data in a server 111, and retrieving for analysis.
Accordingly, the exercise data recording system 100 is capable of
automating data recording during an exercise without manually
inputting the identification information, the exercise data, or
both.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 2, a particular embodiment of a signal
transmission module is disclosed and generally designated 200. In
an illustrative embodiment, the signal transmission module 200 may
be implemented in the exercise data recording system 100 of FIG. 1.
The signal transmission module 200 may correspond to the signal
transmission module 101 of FIG. 1. The signal transmission module
200 may be configured to transmit signals that may be detected by a
signal detection module in an exercise machine (e.g., one of the
exercise machines 104-108 of FIG. 1) when a person is in an
exercise posture on the exercise machine 104-109. The signal
transmission module 200 may be any device that may transmit the
signals to the signal detection module. As an example, the signal
transmission module 200 may include a proximity integrated circuit
card, such as a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag 201. The
signal transmission modules 200 may be located within a container.
The container may be worn or carried on by the person. For example,
the person wears a wristband 202 that houses a RFID tag on her
wrist during her exercise. Other examples of the container may
include a ring, a badge, a watch, a necklace, a smart phone,
another device, or any combination thereof. The signals may
represent identification information (e.g., ID No.) uniquely
associated with the person.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 3, a particular embodiment of a signal
detection module is disclosed and generally designated 300. In an
illustrative embodiment, the signal detection module 300 may be
implemented in the exercise data recording system 100 of FIG. 1.
The signal detection module 300 may be configured to detect the
signals transmitted by the signal transmission module (e.g., 101 of
FIG. 1 and 200 of FIG. 2). The signal detection module 300 may
include any device that is capable of detecting the signals. An
example of the signal detection module 300 may include a proximity
coupling device, such as a RFID reader 301. The signal detection
module 300 may also include a mechanism 302 that may be configured
to transmit the signals the signal detection module 300 has
detected to a signal receiving device of a measurement module that
is also located in the exercise machine 104-109 of FIG. 1. The
mechanism 302 may be a short range wireless communication device,
such as a Bluetooth device, an ANT+ device, or a Cellular device.
The signal detection module 300 may be located in a container
(e.g., a ring 303) that is attached to the exercise machine 104-109
of FIG. 1.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 4, a particular embodiment of a signal
transmission module that transmits signals to a signal detection
module is disclosed and designated 400. In an illustrative
embodiment, the signal transmission module 401 and the signal
detection module 402 may be implemented in the exercise data
recording system 100 of FIG. 1. In the weightlifting station 104 of
FIG. 1, the signal detection module 402 may be located within a
ring and attached to a handle 403 of the weightlifting station 104
of FIG. 1 as shown in FIG. 4. The handle 403 is a location to which
the person applies force when the person performs a weightlifting
exercise on the weightlifting station 104 of FIG. 1. The person may
wear a wristband that houses the signal transmission module 401 on
her wrist 404. When the person begins to perform weightlifting, the
person may first hold the handle 403. At that moment, the signal
transmission module 401 is within the coupling range of the signal
detection module 402. As a result, the signal detection module 402
may detect the signals transmitted from the signal transmission
module 401.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 5, a particular embodiment of a
measurement module implemented in a weightlifting station (e.g.,
the weightlifting station 104 of FIG. 1) with different views
501-503 is disclosed and designated 500. In an illustrative
embodiment, the measurement module 500 may be implemented in the
exercise data recording system 100 of FIG. 1. The measurement
module 500 may include the signal receiving device 504, a
measurement unit 505, a processor 506, a storage 507, and a
communication device 508. The signal receiving device 504 may be
configured to receive the signals detected and transmitted by the
signal detection module 300 of FIG. 3, and 402 of FIG. 4. The
signal receiving device 504 may be a short range wireless
communication device. The signal receiving device 504 may include
any device that is capable of receiving the signals, such as a
Bluetooth networking device, an ANT+ networking device, or a
Cellular device. It should be noted that the signal receiving
device 504 may also, in the alternative, be configured to directly
receive the signals from a portable device 112 of FIG. 1 (e.g., a
smart phone) that is carried on by the person 102 of FIG. 1 during
the exercise.
[0040] The measurement unit 505 may be configured to measure
exercise data. The design of the measurement unit 505 may
accommodate to the type of each exercise machine and the exercise
data the measurement unit 505 will measure. For example, in a
weightlifting station 104 of FIG. 1, the measurement unit 505 may
include a S-shape load cell 509, an acceleration transducer 510, or
both. It is noted that the load cell 509 may be any shape and is
not limited to the S-shape. In a weightlifting exercise, the
exercise data may include amounts of weight the person lifted,
numbers of liftings per set the person repeated, number of sets the
person performed, rest periods between sets, explosiveness, and
specific settings. The specific settings may include seat heights
or orientation when the person exercises on an adjustable exercise
machine. In an aerobic exercise, the exercise data may include
heart rates, time at which the person performed an item of the
exercise, distances the person has finished, speeds, and resistance
levels.
[0041] The processor 506 may be configured to process the exercise
data, the signals the signal receiving device 504 received from the
signal detection module 300 of FIG. 3, and 402 of FIG. 4, and
information associated with the exercise machine (e.g., ID No. of
the exercise machine). The processor 506 may also be configured to
store them in the storage 507. The processor may further be
configured to send them to the communication device 508 for
transmission. The processors 506 may include a microcontroller, a
digital signal processor (DSP), a central processing unit (CPU),
hardware or software control logic, another type of device, or any
combination thereof. The processor 506 may be coupled to the
measurement unit 505 via a connection wire 511.
[0042] The storage 507 may be configured to store the exercise
data, the signals the signal receiving device 504 received from the
signal detection module 300 of FIG. 3 and 402 of FIG. 4, and the
information associated with the exercise machine. The storage 507
may include a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, or any
combination thereof. The volatile memory may include a random
access memory (RAM), such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM)
or a static random access memory (SRAM). The non-volatile memory
may include a hard disk, a flash memory, a tape, a magnetoresistive
random access memory (MRAM), a read-only memory, a cache-base
memory, a register-based memory, a tangible non-transitory memory,
another type of memory, or any combination thereof. The storage 507
may be a separate unit or integrated into the processor 506.
[0043] The communication device 507 may be configured to transmit
the exercise data, the signals the signal receiving device 504
receives from the signal detection module 300 of FIG. 3 and 402 of
FIG. 4, and the information associated with the exercise machine to
a server 111 of FIG. 1, a device 112 of FIG. 1, or both. The
communication device 507 may include a local area wireless
networking device, such as a Wi-Fi device. It should be noted that
two or more of the signal detection module 300 of FIG. 3 and 402 of
FIG. 4, the signal receiving device 504, and the communication
device 507 may be integrated into one device.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 6, a flow chart of a particular embodiment
of a method of recording exercise data is disclosed and designated
600. The method 600 may be illustrated with reference to FIGS.
1-5.
[0045] At 601, the method 600 includes a multitude of signal
transmission modules 101, 200 and 401 worn or carried on by persons
102 who exercise in a health club 103. The signal transmission
module 101, 200, and 401 may be configured to transmit signals that
may be detected by the signal detection module 300 and 402 in an
exercise machine (e.g., one of the exercise machines 104-109) when
a person who is going to exercise on the exercise machine 102. The
signal transmission module 101, 200 and 401 may include any device
that may transmit signals. As an example, the signal transmission
module 101, 200 and 401 may include a proximity coupling device
with a proximity integrated circuit card, such as a radio-frequency
identification (RFID) tag 201. The signal transmission module 101,
200 and 401 may be located within a container. As an example, the
container is a ring 202 worn in a wrist of the person. Other
examples of the container may include a wristband, a badge, a
watch, a necklace, a smart phone, another device, or any
combination thereof. The container may be worn or carried on by the
person. The signals may represent identification information (e.g.,
ID No.) uniquely associated with the person.
[0046] Prior to initiating an exercise, the person will be in an
exercise posture. For example, the person holds a handle 403 of a
weightlifting station 104. As a result, the signal transmission
module 101, 200, and 401 is coupling with the signal detection
module 300 and 402. For example, the signal transmission module 401
is coupling with the signal detection module 402 attached to the
handle 403. Accordingly, the signal detection module 300 and 402
may detect the signals from the signal transmission module 101,
200, and 401. The signal detection module 300 and 402 may include a
proximity coupling device with a proximity integrated circuit card,
such as a RFID reader 301. The signal detection module 300 and 402
may also include a mechanism 302 that may be configured to transmit
the signals the signal detection module 300 and 402 has detected to
a signal receiving device 504 of a measurement module 500 that is
also located in the exercise machine 104-109. The mechanism 302 may
be a short range wireless communication device, such as a Bluetooth
device, an ANT+ device, or a Cellular device. The signal detection
module 300 and 402 may be placed in the exercise machine 104-109 in
any form. As an example, the signal detection module 300 and 402
may be directly attached to the exercise machine 104-109. As
another example, the signal detection module 300 and 402 may be
located in a container (e.g., a ring 303) that is attached to the
exercise machine 104-109. The signal detection module 300 and 402
may be positioned in any location in the exercise machine so that,
when the person 102 is in an exercise posture, the signal detection
module 300 and 402 is capable of detecting the signals from the
signal transmission module 101, 200, and 401.
[0047] The signal detection module 300 and 402 may transmit the
signals the signal detection module 300 and 402 detects to the
signal receiving device 504 of the measurement module 500. The
signal receiving device 504 may be a short range wireless
communication device, such as a Bluetooth networking device, an
ANT+ networking device, or a Cellular device.
[0048] It should be noted that the signal receiving device 504 may
be configured to receive the signals (i.e., the identification
information) directly from a portable device (e.g., a smart phone)
that is carried on by the person during exercise, rather than from
the signal transmission module 101, 200, and 401. It should also be
noted that the signal receiving device 504 and the signal detection
module 300 and 402 may be integrated into one device. The signals
may be stored in the storage 507 of the measurement module 500. The
signals may also be, in the alternative, transmitted by the
communication device 508 of the measurement module 500 to the
server 111, the device 112, or both.
[0049] Moving to 602, once the person is in the exercise posture,
the person may start to exercise. The measurement unit 505 of the
measurement module 500 may automatically record exercise data. The
design of the measurement unit 505 may accommodate to each of the
exercise machines 104-108 and the exercise data the measurement
unit 505 will measure. For example, in a weightlifting station, the
measurement unit 505 may include the S-shape load cell 509, the
acceleration transducer 510, or both, which are coupled to the
processor 506 of the measurement module 500 via the connection wire
511. In a weightlifting exercise, the exercise data may include
amounts of weight the person lifted, numbers of liftings per set
the person repeated, number of sets the person performed, rest
periods between sets, explosiveness, and specific settings. The
specific settings may include seat heights or orientation when the
person exercises on an adjustable exercise machine. In an aerobic
exercise, the exercise data may include heart rates, time at which
the person performed an item of the exercise, distances the person
has finished, speeds, and resistance levels.
[0050] The exercise data may be processed by the processor 506 of
the measurement module 500. The processor 506 may store the
exercise data in the storage 507 of the measurement module 500, and
send the exercise data to a communication device 508 of the
measurement module 500 for transmission. The processor 506 may also
send the information stored in the storage 507 associated with the
exercise machine 104-109 to the communication device 508 for
transmission.
[0051] The processor 506 may include a microcontroller, a digital
signal processor (DSP), a central processing unit (CPU), hardware
or software control logic, another type of device, or any
combination thereof. The storage may include a volatile memory, a
non-volatile memory, or any combination thereof. The volatile
memory may include a random access memory (RAM), such as a dynamic
random access memory (DRAM) or a static random access memory
(SRAM). The non-volatile memory may include a hard disk, a flash
memory, a tape, a magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM), a
read-only memory, a cache-base memory, a register-based memory, a
tangible non-transitory memory, another type of memory, or any
combination thereof. The storage may be a separate unit or
integrated into the processor.
[0052] The communication device 508 may transmit the exercise data,
the signals the signal receiving device received from the signal
detection module 300 and 402, and the information associated with
the exercise machine 104-108 to a server 111, a device 112, or
both. The communication device 508 may include a local area
wireless networking device, such as a Wi-Fi device. It should be
noted that the signal receiving device 504 and the communication
device 508 may be integrated into one device. It should also be
noted that the signal detection module 300 and 402, the signal
receiving device 504, and the communication device 508 may be
integrated into one device.
[0053] In response to a request from the device 110, 113 or 114 via
the network 115, the server 111 may retrieve the exercise data or
perform an analysis on the exercise data. The device 113 or 114 may
include a personal digital assistant (PDA), a communication device,
a computing device, another type of device, or any combination
thereof. The communication device may include a wireless telephone
or a smart phone. The computing device may include a desktop
computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a netbook computer,
or a smartbook computer. The network 115 may be any network such as
a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a
metropolitan area network (MAN), a public switched telephone
network (PSTN), a wireless network, or any combination thereof.
[0054] The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is
provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make or use the
disclosed embodiments. Various modifications to these embodiments
will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the
principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments
without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the
present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments
shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope possible
consistent with the principles and novel features as defined by the
following claims.
* * * * *