U.S. patent application number 14/936784 was filed with the patent office on 2016-11-10 for apparatus for recording exercise data of a weight-stack machine.
The applicant listed for this patent is Yu Wu. Invention is credited to Yu Wu.
Application Number | 20160325141 14/936784 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57223214 |
Filed Date | 2016-11-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160325141 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wu; Yu |
November 10, 2016 |
APPARATUS FOR RECORDING EXERCISE DATA OF A WEIGHT-STACK MACHINE
Abstract
An apparatus includes a measurement unit configured to measure
exercise data as a result of an exercise performed on a
weight-stack machine. The measurement unit includes a plurality of
sub-measurement units. Each of the plurality of sub-measurement
units comprises a proximity sensor. The proximity sensor is
configured to detect presence of a nearby object. Each of the
plurality of sub-measurement units is coupled to one of the
plurality of weight plates in the weight-stack machine. When the
person selects an amount of weights to exercise, presence of a
selection means is detected by the proximity sensor in one of the
plurality of sub-measurement units and, as a result, the
measurement unit is capable of determining the amount of weights
with which the person exercises.
Inventors: |
Wu; Yu; (Austin,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Wu; Yu |
Austin |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57223214 |
Appl. No.: |
14/936784 |
Filed: |
November 10, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14702799 |
May 4, 2015 |
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14936784 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2220/805 20130101;
A63B 2225/50 20130101; A63B 21/063 20151001; A63B 2220/806
20130101; A63B 21/0628 20151001; A63B 2220/52 20130101; A63B
2225/15 20130101; G06F 1/1626 20130101; A63B 2225/54 20130101; A63B
2220/801 20130101; A63B 2225/20 20130101; G06Q 10/0639
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 24/00 20060101
A63B024/00; A63B 21/062 20060101 A63B021/062 |
Claims
1. An apparatus, comprising: a measurement unit configured to
measure exercise data as a result of an exercise performed on a
weight-stack machine, wherein the measurement unit comprises a
plurality of sub-measurement units, wherein each of the plurality
of sub-measurement units comprises a proximity sensor, wherein the
proximity sensor is configured to detect presence of a nearby
object, wherein each of the plurality of sub-measurement units is
coupled to one of the plurality of weight plates in the
weight-stack machine, and wherein, when a person selects an amount
of weights to exercise, presence of a selection means is detected
by the proximity sensor in one of the plurality of sub-measurement
units and, as a result, the measurement unit is capable of
determining the amount of weights with which the person
exercises.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the proximity sensor comprises
an emitter and a receiver, wherein the emitter produces radiation
that is to be detected by the receiver, wherein the first
sub-measurement unit and the last sub-measurement unit are coupled
to another one of the plurality of sub-measurement units, wherein
each of the other sub-measurement units is coupled to two of the
plurality of sub-measurement units, wherein each of the plurality
of sub-measurement units comprises a mechanism, wherein the
mechanism of the first sub-measurement unit is configured to
receive signals as first-type input signals from output signals of
the receiver of the first sub-measurement unit and to produce
signals as output signals which are transmitted to the mechanism of
the second sub-measurement unit, wherein the mechanism of the last
sub-measurement unit is configured to receive signals as the
first-type input signals from output signals of the receiver of the
last sub-measurement unit and signals as second-type input signals
from output signals of the mechanism of the second to the last
sub-measurement unit, and to produce signals as output signals
which are transmitted to a processor, and wherein the mechanism of
each of the other sub-measurement units is configured to receive
signals as the first-type input signals from output signals of the
receiver of the sub-measurement unit and signals as the second-type
input signals from output signals of the mechanism of the preceding
sub-measurement unit, and to produce signals as output signals
which are transmitted to the mechanism of the subsequent
sub-measurement unit.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the output signals produced by
the mechanism of the last sub-measurement unit comprise amounts of
weights with which the person exercises on the weight-stack
machine, and wherein the exercise data comprise the amounts of
weights.
4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the emitter comprises an
infrared light emitter, and wherein the receiver comprises an
infrared light receiver.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the proximity sensor comprises
a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, a magnetic sensor, an
ultrasonic sensor, or another type of sensor.
6. A system, comprising: a measurement unit configured to measure
exercise data as a result of an exercise performed on a
weight-stack machine, wherein the weight-stack machine comprises a
plurality of weight plates, wherein each of the plurality of weight
plates has a substantially vertical hole, wherein each of the
plurality of weight plates has a transversal hole, and wherein,
when the plurality of weight plates are aligned and stacked, a
hollow channel is formed within the plurality of weight plates; a
stem, wherein the stem is housed within the hollow channel, wherein
the stem has a plurality of transversal holes, and wherein the
transversal hole in each of the plurality of weight plates aligns
with one of the plurality of transversal holes in the stem such
that a plurality of transversal channels are formed; and a
selection pin, wherein, when a person who exercises on the
weight-stack machine desires to exercise on a certain amount of
weights, the selection pin is inserted into one of the plurality of
transversal channels such that, when the person applies force, the
desired amount of weights is lifted through the stem; wherein the
measurement unit comprises a plurality of sub-measurement units,
wherein each of the plurality of sub-measurement units comprises an
emitter and a receiver, wherein the emitter produces radiation that
is to be detected by the receiver, wherein each of the plurality of
transversal holes in the stem is coupled to one of the plurality of
sub-measurement units, wherein the emitter produces radiation which
travels across the coupled transversal hole in the stem and is
detected by the coupled receiver, and wherein, when the person
desires to exercise on a certain amount of weights such that the
selection pin is inserted into one of the plurality of transversal
channels, optical path of the radiation produced by the emitter
corresponding to the transversal channel is blocked, the coupled
receiver is not able to detect the radiation and, as a result, the
measurement unit is capable of determining the amount of weights
with which the person exercises.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the emitter comprises an infrared
light emitter, and wherein the receiver comprises an infrared light
receiver.
8. The system of claim 6, wherein the receiver comprises a
capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, a magnetic sensor, an
ultrasonic sensor, or another type of sensor.
9. The system of claim 6, wherein the emitter and the receiver are
positioned opposite to each other across one of the plurality of
the transversal holes in the stem.
10. The system of claim 6, wherein the measurement unit further
comprises an accelerometer configured to measure numbers of
repetition the person performs for each set on a certain amount of
weights, numbers of sets, and lengths of rest periods between two
consecutive sets.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the exercise data comprise the
amounts of weight the person exercised, numbers of repetition the
person performed for each set for a certain amount of weights,
numbers of sets, lengths of rest periods between two consecutive
sets, specific settings, another type of data, or any combination
thereof, and wherein the specific settings comprise seat heights or
orientations when the person exercised on an adjustable
weight-stack machine.
12. The system of claim 10, further comprising: a signal receiving
device configured to receive signals, wherein the signals represent
identification information of the person who exercises on the
weight-stack machine, a processor configured to process the
signals, the exercise data, and information associated with the
weight-stack machine; a memory configured to store the signals, the
exercise data, and the information associated with the weight-stack
machine; and a communication device configured to transmit the
signals, the exercise data, and the information associated with the
weight-stack machine to a server, a device, or both.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the measurement unit, the
signal receiving device, the processor, the memory, and the
communication device are located in the weight-stack machine.
14. The system of claim 12, wherein the processor comprises a
microcontroller, wherein the signal receiving device comprise a
Bluetooth networking device, an IEEE 802.15.4 networking device, a
Cellular networking device, or another type of short range wireless
communication device, and wherein the communication device
comprises a Wi-Fi device, an IEEE 802.15.4 device, or another type
of wireless communication device.
15. A method, comprising: inserting a selection pin into one of a
plurality of transversal channels of a weight-stack machine to
select a certain amount of weights with which a person is to
exercise, wherein the weight-stack machine comprises a plurality of
weight plates, wherein each of the plurality of weight plates has a
substantially vertical hole, wherein each of the plurality of
weight plates has a transversal hole, and wherein, when the
plurality of weight plates are aligned and stacked, a vertical
channel is formed within the plurality of weight plates; and a
stem, wherein the stem is housed within the vertical channel,
wherein the stem has a plurality of transversal holes, and wherein
the transversal hole in each of the plurality of weight plates
aligns with one of the plurality of transversal holes in the stem
such that the plurality of transversal channels are formed; and
performing exercises on the weight-stack machine such that the
desired amount of weights is lifted through the stem, wherein
exercise data are measured by a measurement unit, wherein the
measurement unit comprises a plurality of sub-measurement units,
wherein each of the plurality of sub-measurement units comprises a
proximity sensor, wherein each of the plurality of transversal
holes in the bar is coupled to one of the plurality of
sub-measurement units, wherein the proximity sensor is configured
to detect presence of a nearby object, and wherein, when the person
exercises, presence of a selection means is detected by the
proximity sensor in one of the plurality of sub-measurement units
and, as a result, the measurement unit is capable of determining
the amount of weights with which the person exercises.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the proximity sensor comprises
an emitter and a receiver, wherein the emitter produces radiation
that is to be detected by the receiver, wherein the emitter
comprises an infrared light emitter, and wherein the receiver
comprises an infrared light receiver.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the measurement unit further
comprises an accelerometer configured to measure numbers of
repetition for each set for a certain amount of weights with which
the person performed, numbers of sets, and lengths of rest periods
between two consecutive sets.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the exercise data comprise the
amounts of weight the person exercised, numbers of repetition for
each set for a certain amount of weights with which the person
performed, numbers of sets, lengths of rest periods between two
consecutive sets, specific settings, another type of data, or any
combination thereof, and wherein the specific settings comprise
seat heights or orientations when the person performed an exercise
on an adjustable weightstack machine.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein signals representing
identification information of the person who exercises on the
weight-stack machine are detected by a signal receiving device,
wherein the signals, the exercise data, and information associated
with the weight-stack machine are processed by a processor, wherein
the signals, the exercise data, and the information associated with
the weight-stack machine are stored in a memory, wherein the
signals, the exercise data, and the information associated with the
weight-stack machine are transmitted to a server, a device, or
both, and wherein the measurement unit, the signal receiving
device, the processor, the memory, and the communication device are
located in the weight-stack machine.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the processor comprises a
microcontroller, wherein the signal receiving device comprise a
Bluetooth networking device, an IEEE 802.15.4 networking device, a
Cellular networking device, or another type of short range wireless
communication device, and wherein the communication device
comprises a Wi-Fi device, an IEEE 802.15.4 device, or another type
of wireless communication device.
Description
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part application of application
Ser. No. 14/702,799, filed May 4, 2015.
I. FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure is generally related to an apparatus
for recording exercise data of a weight-stack machine.
II. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
[0003] 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-stack machine. To
keep track of performance over time and determine exercise
progress, the person desires to record and analyze exercise data.
For example, the person, for each type of weightlifting exercises,
wants to record amounts of weights she exercises, numbers of
repetition for each set for a certain amount of weights, numbers of
sets, lengths of rest periods between any two of consecutive 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 runs on a
treadmill.
[0004] To reduce manual inputting and recording of data associated
with the person, the machine on which the person exercises, and the
exercise, and thus accurately and timely analyze exercise progress,
fitness industry is developing more and more products which are
capable of automatically inputting and recording data.
[0005] To automate data inputting and recording in a conventional
weight-stack machine, the weight-stack machine must be upgraded to
include a measurement unit (e.g., a load cell, an acceleration
transducer, or both), a processor (e.g., a microcontroller), a
memory (e.g., a random access memory (RAM) such as a dynamic random
access memory (DRAM)), a signal receiving device (e.g., a short
range wireless communication device such as a Bluetooth networking
device), and a communication device (e.g., a local area wireless
networking device such as a Wi-Fi device). However, this upgrading
is cost prohibitive since the total amount of weights which may be
used during an exercise could be very large and, accordingly, the
cost of the load cell which is capable of measuring the
corresponding amount of weights would be expensive. In addition,
addition of the load cell to the weight-stack machine would require
substantial change of the existing mechanical structure of the
weight-stack machine.
III. SUMMARY
[0006] This disclosure presents particular embodiments of an
apparatus that is configurable to measure exercise data (e.g.,
amounts of weights that a person lifts) as a result of an exercise
(e.g., weight-lifting) performed by a person on a weight-stack
machine (e.g., a weight-lifting machine). Thus, the exercise data
can be automatically recorded.
[0007] In a particular embodiment, an apparatus includes a
measurement unit configured to measure the exercise data. The
measurement unit includes a plurality of sub-measurement units.
Each of the plurality of sub-measurement units includes a proximity
sensor configured to detect presence of a nearby object. The
proximity sensor includes an emitter (e.g., an infrared light
emitter) and a receiver (e.g., an infrared light receiver). The
emitter produces radiation (e.g., infrared light) which is to be
detected by the receiver. Each of the plurality of sub-measurement
units is uniquely coupled to one of a plurality of transversal
holes in a stem of the weight-stack machine through which the
person applies force during an exercise. When the person selects an
amount of weights to exercise by inserting a selection pin into a
transversal channel which is formed by a transversal hole of a
weight plate and one of the plurality of transversal holes in the
stem, optical path of the radiation produced by the emitter coupled
to the transversal hole of the stem is blocked. As a result, the
coupled receiver is not able to detect the radiation. Accordingly,
the measurement unit is capable of determining the amount of
weights with which the person exercises.
[0008] In another particular embodiment, an exercise data recording
system includes a signal receiving device (e.g., a short range
wireless communication device, such as a Bluetooth networking
device, or an IEEE 802.15.4 device) which is configured to receive
signals (e.g., ID No. of the person who exercises) from a signal
detection device (e.g., a ring incorporating a RFID reader and a
Bluetooth device or an IEEE 802.15.4) which detects the signals
from a signal transmission device (e.g., a wristband that houses a
radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, or a smart phone). The
exercise data recording system also includes a measurement unit
(e.g., a plurality of proximity sensors, an accelerometer, or both)
which is configured to measure exercise data (e.g., amounts of
weights that the person lifts on a weight-stack machine, numbers of
repetition for each set for a certain amount of weights, numbers of
sets, and lengths of rest periods between any two of consecutive
sets). The exercise data recording system also includes a memory
which is configured to store information associated with the
weight-stack machine (e.g., ID of the weight-stack machine), the
signals received from the signal detection device, and the exercise
data. The exercise data recording system further includes a
processor (e.g., a microcontroller) that is configured to process
the signals transmitted from the signal receiving device, the
exercise data, and the information associated with the weight-stack
machine. The exercise data recording system finally includes a
communication device (e.g., a Wi-Fi device, an IEEE 802.15.4
device, or an Ethernet device) that is configured to transmit the
signals from the signal receiving device, the information
associated with the weight-stack machine, and the exercise data to
a server, a device, or both for storage, analysis, or both.
[0009] In another particular embodiment, a method includes
inserting a selection pin into one of a plurality of transversal
channels, formed by the transversal hole in a weight plate and one
of a plurality of transversal holes in a stem of a weight-stack
machine, to select a certain amount of weights with which a person
is to exercise. The method also includes performing an exercise
(e.g., weight-lifting) on the weight-stack machine such that a
desired amount of weights is lifted through the stem. The amount of
weights is measured by a measurement unit. The measurement unit
includes a plurality of sub-measurement units. Each of the
plurality of sub-measurement units includes an emitter (e.g., an
infrared emitter) and a receiver (e.g., an infrared receiver). Each
of the plurality of transversal holes in the bar is coupled to one
of the plurality of sub-measurement units. Each of the plurality of
emitters produces radiation (e.g., infrared light) which travels
across the coupled traversal hole in the bar and is to be detected
by the coupled receiver. When the person exercises, optical path of
the radiation produced by the emitter corresponding to the
traversal hole in the bar into which the selection pin was inserted
is blocked. As a result, the coupled receiver is not able to detect
the radiation and. Accordingly, the measurement unit is capable of
determining the amount of weights on which the person
exercises.
[0010] One particular advantage provided by at least one of the
disclosed embodiments is that the apparatus includes a plurality of
proximity sensors rather than a conventional load cell. Since the
cost of the conventional load cell capable of measuring the maximum
amount of weights of a weight-stack machine could be very
expensive, and the costs of the plurality of proximity sensors are
comparatively low, a large amount of money would be saved.
[0011] Another particular advantage provided by at least one of the
disclosed embodiments is that automation of data recording in a
weight-stack machine only requires installment of a plurality of
proximity sensors in the stem of the weight-stack machine. Thus,
substantial change of the existing mechanical structure of the
weight-stack machine is avoided.
[0012] 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
[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a particular embodiment of an
exercise data recording system in a weight-stack machine;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a particular embodiment of a
measurement unit in the exercise data recording system of a
weight-stack machine;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a particular embodiment
of the measurement unit in the exercise data recording system of a
weight-stack machine;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a particular embodiment of a
sub-measurement unit of the measurement unit in the exercise data
recording system of a weight-stack machine;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a particular embodiment of
a circuit portion of the measurement unit in the exercise data
recording system of a weight-stack machine; and
[0018] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a particular embodiment of a
method of recording exercise data in a weight-stack machine.
V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] This disclosure relates generally to an exercise data
recording system in a weight-stack machine (e.g., a weightlifting
machine). Prior to preforming an exercise (i.e., in an exercise
posture), identification information (e.g., ID No.) of a person who
is about to exercise may be automatically detected by the exercise
data recording system. When the person exercises, exercise data
(e.g., amounts of weights lifted, numbers of repetition for each
set for a certain amount of weights, numbers of sets, and lengths
of rest periods between any two consecutive sets) may be
automatically recorded. The exercise data, identification
information of the person who exercises, and identification
information of the weight-stack machine may be sent to and stored
in a server, a device (e.g., a smart phone), or both, and retrieved
for future analysis.
[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, a diagram of a particular embodiment of
an exercise data recording system in a weight-stack machine is
disclosed and generally designated 100. In FIG. 1, for purpose of
illustration, the exercise data recording system 100, in a
weight-stack machine 101, may include a signal receiving device
102, a measurement unit 103, a processor 104, a memory 105, and a
communication device 106. The signal receiving device 102 may
receive signals (e.g., ID No. of a person who exercises) from a
signal transmission device (e.g., a wristband that houses a
radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, or a smart phone) or a
signal detection device (e.g., a ring incorporating a RFID reader
and a Bluetooth device), and transmit the signals to the processor
104. The measurement unit 103 may measure exercise data (e.g.,
amounts of weights with which the person exercises) and transmit
the exercise data to the processor 104. The processor 104 may
process the signals from the signal receiving device 102, the
exercise data from the measurement unit 103, and the information
about the weight-stack machine 101 retrieved from the memory 105.
The processor 104 may store the processed data in the memory 105,
transmit the processed data to the communication device 106, or
both. The communication device 106 may transmit the processed data
to a server, a device (e.g., a smart phone), or both for storage,
further analysis, or both. Alternatively, the exercise data
recording system 100 may include any combination of the devices
102-106. For example, the exercise data recording system 100 only
includes the measurement unit 103, the processor 104, the memory
105, and the communication device 106. Therefore, the exercise data
recording system 100 is capable of automatically identifying the
person who exercises, recording the exercise data the person
performs on the weight-stack machine 101, storing the exercise data
on the server, and retrieving the exercise data for analysis.
[0021] The signal receiving device 102 may be configured to receive
signals detected and transmitted by a signal detection device. The
signal receiving device 102 may include a short range wireless
communication device, such as a Bluetooth networking device, an
IEEE 802.15.4 device, or a Cellular networking device. The signals
may represent identification information (e.g., ID No.) of the
person who exercises. The signals may also represent information
(e.g., ID No.) of the weight-stack machine 101.
[0022] It should be noted that the signal receiving device 102 may
also, in the alternative, be configured to directly receive signals
from 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 an exercise posture, the signal
receiving device 102 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 signal detection device may be configured to detect
signals transmitted by a signal transmission device. The signal
detection device may include a proximity coupling device, such as a
RFID reader. The signal detection device may also include a
mechanism that may be configured to transmit the signals the signal
detection device has detected to the signal receiving device 102.
The mechanism may be a short range wireless communication device,
such as a Bluetooth networking device, an IEEE 802.15.4 device, or
a Cellular networking device. The signal detection device may be
placed in the weight-stack machine 101 in any form. For example,
the signal detection device is directly attached to the
weight-stack machine 101. As another example, the signal detection
device is located within a container (e.g., a ring) that is
attached to the weight-stack machine 101. The signal detection
device may be positioned in any location in the weight-stack
machine 101 so that, when the person is in an exercise posture, the
signal detection device is capable of detecting the signals from
the signal transmission device. For example, if the person is going
to perform a weightlifting exercise on a weightlifting machine, the
person first needs to hold a handle to which the person will apply
force. At that moment, the signal detection device will detect the
signals transmitted from the signal transmission device. As a
result, the weightlifting machine 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.
[0024] The signal transmission device may be configured to transmit
signals that may be detected by the signal detection device in a
weight-stack machine 101 when a person is going to exercise on the
weight-stack machine 101. The signal transmission device may
include any device that may transmit signals to the signal
detection device. As an example, the signal transmission device
includes a proximity integrated circuit card, such as a
radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag. The signal transmission
device 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.
[0025] The measurement unit 103 may be configured to measure
exercise data. In a weight-stack machine 101, the measurement unit
103 may include a plurality of devices configured to measure a
plurality of types of data. For example, the measurement unit 103
includes a device configured to measure amounts of weights with
which a person exercises on the weight-stack machine 101. The
device which measures the amounts of weights will be described in
details in following figures and paragraphs. As another example,
the measurement unit 103 includes an accelerometer configured to
measure numbers of repetition for each set for a certain amount of
weights with which the person exercises, numbers of sets, and
lengths of rest periods between any two consecutive sets. As a
further example, the measurement unit 103 includes sensors to
measure seat heights or orientations when the person exercises on
an adjustable weight-stack machine 101.
[0026] It should be noted that the location of the measurement unit
103 designated in FIG. 1 is exemplary. The plurality of devices of
the measurement unit 103 may be positioned in different locations
of the weight-stack machine 101. For example, the device which
measures the amounts of weights is positioned within the stem 107
of the weight-stack machine 101. As another example, the
accelerometer is positioned in the location 103 designated in FIG.
1. As a further example, the sensors to measure seat heights or
orientations are positioned within seats on which the person sits
when the person exercises.
[0027] The processor 104 may be configured to process the exercise
data, the signals the signal receiving device 102 receives from the
signal detection device, and information associated with the
weight-stack machine 101 (e.g., ID No. of the weight-stack machine
101). Processing the exercise data may include producing derivative
exercise data. For example, the processor 104 processes the signals
from the signal receiving device 102, the exercise data from the
measurement unit 103, and the information associated with the
weight-stack machine 101 such that the exercise data would uniquely
correspond to the person who exercises on the weight-stack machine
101.
[0028] The processor 104 may further be configured to send the
exercise data, the signals, and the information associated with the
weight-stack machine 101 to the memory 105 for storage, the
communication device 106 for transmission, or both. The processor
104 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.
[0029] The memory 105 may be configured to store the exercise data,
the signals the signal receiving device 102 received from the
signal detection device, and the information associated with the
weight-stack machine 101. The memory 105 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 memory 105 may be a separate unit
or integrated into the processor 104.
[0030] The communication device 106 may be configured to transmit
the exercise data, the signals that the signal receiving device 102
received from the signal detection device, and the information
associated with the weight-stack machine 101 to a server, a device,
or both. The communication device 106 may include a local area
wireless networking device, such as a Wi-Fi device.
[0031] It should be noted that the signal receiving device 102, the
measurement unit 103, the processor 104, the memory 105, and the
communication device 106 may be integrated into one device.
Alternatively, the signal receiving device 102, the measurement
unit 103, the processor 104, the memory 105, and the communication
device 106 may be a combination of separate devices. The signal
receiving device 102, the measurement unit 103, the processor 104,
the memory 105, and the communication device 106 may be positioned
in one location of the weight-stack machine 101, such as on the
plate 108 of FIG. 1. Alternatively, the signal receiving device
102, the measurement unit 103, the processor 104, the memory 105,
and the communication device 106 may be positioned in different
locations of the weight-stack machine 101.
[0032] The server may be configured to receive the data (e.g., the
exercise data, the identification information of the person, and
the information associated with the weight-stack machine 101) from
the communication device 106, store them in a memory, and perform
services upon request. For example, the server provides services on
a request directly from a device (e.g., a terminal located in a
health club, a smart phone, or a laptop) via a network. The request
may include retrieving the exercise data of a person or performing
an analysis on the exercise data.
[0033] The device that is used to send the request for retrieving
the exercise data or performing an analysis on the exercise data
may include a personal digital assistant (PDA), a phone, a
computing device, another type of device, or any combination
thereof. The phone 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 through which the request is sent
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.
[0034] In operation, when a person is going to exercise on a
weight-stack machine 101 (e.g., a weightlifting machine), the
person wears or carries on a signal transmission device. When the
person is in an exercise posture in the weight-stack machine 101,
the signal transmission device may transmit signals that may be
detected by a signal detection device in the weight-stack machine
101. The signals may represent identification information (e.g., ID
No.) uniquely associated with the person who exercises. For
example, if the person performs a weightlifting exercise on a
weightlifting machine, the person first needs to hold a handle. At
that moment, the signal detection device may detect the signals
transmitted from the signal transmission device. As a result, the
weight-stack machine 101 may identify the person and track exercise
data under the person's name since the signals represent the
identification information of the person.
[0035] The signal detection device may transmit the signals that
the signal detection device has detected to a signal receiving
device 102. When the person starts to exercise, a measurement unit
103 may measure exercise data. The exercise data may include
amounts of weights with which the person exercises on the
weight-stack machine 101, numbers of repetition for each set for a
certain amount of weights, numbers of sets, lengths of rest periods
between any two consecutive sets, and specific settings. The
specific settings may include seat heights or orientations when the
person exercises on an adjustable weight-stack machine 101.
[0036] A processor 104 may process the exercise data, the signals
that the signal receiving device 102 received from the signal
detection device, and information associated with the weight-stack
machine 101 (e.g., ID No. of the weight-stack machine 101). The
processor 104 may also store them in a memory 105. The processor
104 may further send them to a communication device 106 for
transmission. It should be noted that the signal receiving device
102 and the communication device 106 may be integrated into one
device.
[0037] The server may receive the data (e.g., the identification
information of the person who exercises, the exercise data, and the
information associated with the exercise machine) from the
communication device 106, store them in a memory, and provide
services on a request directly from a device (e.g., a terminal, a
smart phone, or a laptop) via a network. The request may include
retrieving the exercise data, performing an analysis on the
exercise data, or both.
[0038] FIG. 1 thus illustrates an exercise data recording system
100 in a weight-stack machine 101. The system 100 may include a
signal receiving device 102, a measurement unit 103, a processor
104, a memory 105, and a communication device 106. The exercise
data recording system 100 is capable of automatically identifying a
person who exercises, recording exercise data as a result of an
exercise performed by the person, storing the exercise data in a
server, and retrieving for analysis. Accordingly, the exercise data
recording system 100 is capable of automating data recording during
an exercise without manually inputting or recording the
identification information, the exercise data, or both.
[0039] FIGS. 2-5 are diagrams showing a particular embodiment of a
measurement unit in an exercise data recording system of a
weight-stack machine (e.g., the measurement unit 103 in the
exercise data recording system 100 of the weight-stack machine 101
of FIG. 1). FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the particular
embodiment of the measurement unit. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional
view of the particular embodiment of the measurement unit taken
along a section A-A of FIG. 2. The section A-A is taken through the
area that includes the diameter of the stem 206 and that is
perpendicular to the plurality of transversal holes 208 of the stem
206. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of one
of a plurality of sub-measurement units of the measurement unit.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a particular embodiment of a circuit
portion of the measurement unit. The measurement unit would be
described with references to FIGS. 2-5.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 2, a particular embodiment of an exercise
data recording system is disclosed and generally designated 200. In
an illustrative embodiment, the exercise data recording system 200
may correspond to the exercise data recording system 100 of FIG. 1.
Accordingly, the signal receiving device 201, the measurement unit
202, the processor 203, the memory 204, the communication device
205, the stem 206, the plate 207, of FIG. 2, may correspond to the
signal receiving device 102, the measurement unit 103, the
processor 104, the memory 105, the communication device 106, the
stem 107, the plate 108, of FIG. 1, respectively.
[0041] The measurement unit 202 may be configured to measure
exercise data. In a weight-stack machine (e.g., the weight-stack
machine 101 of FIG. 1), the measurement unit 202 may include a
plurality of devices configured to measure a plurality of types of
data. For example, the measurement unit 202 includes a device
configured to measure amounts of weights with which a person
exercises on the weight-stack machine. As another example, the
measurement unit 202 includes an accelerometer configured to
measure numbers of repetition for each set for a certain amount of
weights with which the person exercises, numbers of sets, and
lengths of rest periods between any two consecutive sets. As a
further example, the measurement unit 202 includes sensors to
measure seat heights or orientations when the person exercises on
an adjustable weight-stack machine.
[0042] It should be noted that the location of the measurement unit
202 designated in FIG. 2 is exemplary. The plurality of devices of
the measurement unit 202 may be positioned in different locations
of the weight-stack machine. For example, the device that measures
the amounts of weights is positioned within the stem 206 of the
weight-stack machine. As another example, the accelerometer is
positioned in the location 202 designated in FIG. 2. As a further
example, the sensors that measure seat heights or orientations are
positioned within seats on which the person sits when the person
exercises. For the purpose of brevity, the measurement unit 202
refers to the device which measures the amounts of weights
hereinafter.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 3, a particular embodiment of a
measurement unit of the exercise data recording system is disclosed
and generally designated 300. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of
the stem 206 taken along the section A-A of FIG. 2. In an
illustrative embodiment, the stem 301 may correspond to the stem
107 of FIG. 1, and the measurement unit 300 may be implemented in
the exercise data recording system 100 of FIG. 1 and the exercise
data recording system 200 of FIG. 2.
[0044] The stem 301 is a device through which a person who
exercises applies force. The stem 301 may include a long metal bar
with a plurality of transversal holes 302. The plurality of
transversals holes 302 may be evenly spaced or not evenly spaced.
The stem 301 may be housed in a substantially vertical channel
formed by alignment of the substantially vertical holes in a
plurality of stacked weight plates (e.g., the plurality of weight
plates 109 of FIG. 1). Each of the plurality of stacked weights may
include a transversal hole (e.g., the transversal hole 110 of FIG.
1). Each of the plurality of transversal holes in the plurality of
weight plates aligns with one of the plurality of transversal holes
302 of the stem 301 when the plurality of weight plates are
stacked. Accordingly, a plurality of transversal channels may be
formed. When a selection pin (e.g. the selection pin 111 of FIG. 1)
is inserted into one of the plurality of transversal channels, the
weight plates including and above the weight plate which contains
the transversal hole (e.g., the transversal hole 110 of FIG. 1)
into which the selection pin is inserted may be attached to the
stem 301 such that, when a person who exercises in the weight-stack
machine applies a force, the force may correspond to the amount of
the weights attached to the stem 301.
[0045] The measurement unit 300 may include a plurality of
sub-measurement units 303. Each of the plurality of sub-measurement
units 303 may include a proximity sensor. The proximity sensor may
include a pair of an emitter 304 and a receiver 305. Each of the
plurality of sub-measurement units 303 may be coupled to one of the
plurality of transversal holes 302 in the stem 301. Each of the
plurality of sub-measurement units 303 will be described with
reference to FIG. 4.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 4, an enlarged cross-sectional view of a
particular embodiment of a sub-measurement unit implemented in the
measurement unit of the exercise data recording system in a
weight-stack machine is disclosed and designated 400. In an
illustrative embodiment, the sub-measurement unit 400 may
correspond to one of the plurality of sub-measurement units 303 of
FIG. 3. Accordingly, the emitter 401 and the receiver 402 of FIG. 4
may correspond to the emitters 304 and receivers 305 respectively
of FIG. 3.
[0047] The portion 403 is a section of the stem 301 of FIG. 3 which
includes a transversal hole 404 that corresponds to one of the
plurality of transversal holes 302 of FIG. 3. The emitter 401 may
be positioned at the bottom of the transversal hole 404.
Alternatively, the emitter 401 may be positioned at any location
along the circumference of the transversal hole 404. The receiver
402 may be positioned opposite to the emitter 401 across the
transversal hole 404. The emitter 401 may include an infrared light
emitter, and the receiver 402 may include an infrared light
receiver. As a result, the emitter 401 may produce infrared light
which is to be detected by the receiver 402. Alternatively, the
emitter 401 may produce another type of radiation such that the
radiation may be detected by the receiver 402 which may include a
capacitive sensor, inductive sensor, magnetic sensor, ultrasonic
sensor, or another type of sensor.
[0048] When a selection pin (e.g., the selection pin 111 of FIG. 1)
is not inserted into the transversal hole 404, the receiver 402 may
detect the radiation produced by the emitter 401. As a result, the
receiver 402 may output a first type of signal (e.g., a low
transistor-transistor logic (TTL) signal). When the selection pin
is inserted into the transversal hole 404, the receiver 402 may not
detect the radiation produced by the emitter 401. Consequently, the
receiver 402 may output a second type of signal (e.g., a high TTL
signal).
[0049] Returning to FIG. 3, when a person who exercises selects a
certain amount of weights to exercise, she may insert a selection
pin (e.g., the selection pin 111 of FIG. 1) into the corresponding
transversal channel formed by the transversal hole in one of the
plurality of weight plates and one of the plurality of transversal
holes 302 in the stem 301. As a result, the receiver 305
corresponding to the transversal hole 302 in the stem 301 into
which the selection pin is inserted may not detect the radiation
produced by the coupled remitter 304. Accordingly, the receiver 305
may output the second type of signals. In contrast, the other
receivers 305 corresponding to the transversal holes in the stem
301 into which the selection pin is not inserted may detect the
radiation produced by the coupled remitters 304. Accordingly, the
receivers 305 may output the first type of signals. The plurality
of receivers 305 may form a circuit with some electronic devices in
such a way that the circuit would produce an output indicating the
amount of weights with which the person exercises. A particular
embodiment of the circuit of the measurement unit 300 will be
described with reference to FIG. 5.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 5, a block diagram of a particular
embodiment of a circuit portion of the measurement unit is
disclosed and designated 500. In an illustrative embodiment, the
circuit portion 500 may be implemented in the measurement unit 300
of FIG. 3. Accordingly, the emitters 501 may correspond to the
emitters 304 of FIG. 3, and the receivers 502 may correspond to the
receivers 305 of FIG. 3.
[0051] The measurement unit may include a plurality of
sub-measurement units (e.g., the plurality of sub-measurement units
303 of FIG. 3). For an illustrative purpose, FIG. 5 only shows
three 503-505 of the plurality of sub-measurement units. Each of
the plurality of sub-measurement units may be coupled to another
one or two of the plurality of sub-measurement units. Each of the
sub-measurement units may include a proximity sensor and a
mechanism (e.g., the mechanisms 506). The proximity sensor may
include an emitter (e.g., the emitters 501), a receiver (e.g., the
receivers 502). The mechanism may include a flip flop.
Alternatively, the mechanism may include another kind of circuit
which is capable to achieving the same purpose. For each of the
sub-measurement units, the emitter may produce radiation (e.g., the
radiation 507) which is to be detected by the coupled receiver. As
a result, the receiver may output a first type of signals (e.g.,
low TTL signals) (e.g., the first type of signals 508). The
receiver may send the first type of signals to the mechanism (e.g.,
the mechanisms 506 of the sub-measurement units 503 and 505). When
a selection pin (e.g., the selection pin 111 of FIG. 1) is inserted
into one of the plurality of transversal holes (e.g., the
transversal hole 302 of FIG. 3) coupled to a sub-measurement unit
(e.g., the sub-measurement unit 504), the radiation produced by the
emitter of the sub-measurement unit may be blocked by the selection
pin. As a result, the receiver may output a second type of signals
(e.g., high TTL signals) (e.g., the second type of signals 509).
The receiver may send the second type of signals to the
corresponding mechanism (e.g., the mechanism 506 of the
sub-measurement unit 504). The mechanism (e.g., the mechanism 506
of the sub-measurement unit 504) may also receive an input signal
(e.g., the input signal 510 from the mechanism 506 of the
sub-measurement unit 503) from the mechanism of the preceding
coupled sub-measurement unit (e.g., the sub-measurement unit 503).
The mechanism (e.g., the mechanism 506 of the sub-measurement unit
504) may then produce an output signal 511 and send it to the
subsequent coupled sub-measurement unit (e.g., the sub-measurement
unit 505).
[0052] It should be noted that the mechanism of the first
sub-measurement unit in the circuit of the measurement unit may
receive only one input, i.e., from the receiver of the first
sub-measurement unit. The mechanism of the first sub-measurement
unit may not receive a signal input from the mechanism of the
preceding sub-measurement unit. The mechanism of the first
sub-measurement unit may send an output signal to the second
sub-measurement unit.
[0053] It should also be noted that the mechanism of the last
sub-measurement unit in the circuit of the measurement unit may
produce an output signal to a processor (e.g., the processor 104 of
FIG. 1) of the exercise data recording system. The mechanism of the
last sub-measurement unit may not produce an output signal to the
mechanism of the subsequent sub-measurement unit. Accordingly, the
output signal may represent the amount of weights with which the
person exercises.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 6, a flow chart of a particular embodiment
of a method of recording exercise data in a weight-stack machine is
disclosed and designated 600. The method 600 will be illustrated
with references to FIGS. 1-5.
[0055] At 601, the method 600 may include inserting a selection pin
(e.g., the selection pin 111 of FIG. 1) into one of a plurality of
transversal channels of a weight-stack machine (e.g., the
weight-stack machine 101 of FIG. 1) to select a certain amount of
weights with which a person is to exercise. The weight-stack
machine may include a stem (e.g., the stem 206 of FIG. 2 and the
stem 301 of FIG. 3). The stem may be a device through which the
person who exercises applies force. The stem may include a long
metal bar with a plurality of transversal holes (e.g., the
plurality of transversal holes 208 of FIG. 2 and the plurality of
transversal holes 302 of FIG. 3). The plurality of transversals
holes may be evenly spaced or not evenly spaced. The stem may be
housed in a substantially vertical channel formed by alignment of
the substantially vertical holes in a plurality of stacked weight
plates (e.g., the plurality of weights 109 of FIG. 1). Each of the
plurality of stacked weight plates may include a transversal hole
(e.g., the transversal holes 110 of FIG. 1). Each of the plurality
of transversal holes in the plurality of weight plates aligns with
one of the plurality of transversal holes of the stem when the
plurality of weight plates are stacked. Accordingly, the plurality
of transversal channels may be formed. When the selection pin is
inserted into one of the plurality of transversal channels, the
weight plates including and above the weight plate which contains
the selected transversal hole may be attached to the stem. When the
person who exercises on the weight-stack machine applies force such
that the attached weight plates are lifted, the amount of the force
may correspond to the amount of the weights attached to the
stem.
[0056] Moving to 602, once the person is in an exercise posture,
the person may perform exercises (e.g., weightlifting) on the
weight-stack machine such that the desired amount of weights is
lifted through the stem. Exercise data may be measured by a
measurement unit (e.g., the measurement unit 103 of FIG. 1 and the
measurement unit 202 of FIG. 2). The measurement unit may include a
plurality of devices configured to measure a plurality of types of
data. For example, the measurement unit includes a device
configured to measure amounts of weights the person exercises on
the weight-stack machine. As another example, the measurement unit
includes an accelerometer configured to measure numbers of
repetition for each set for a certain amount of weights with which
the person exercises, numbers of sets, and lengths of rest periods
between any two consecutive sets. As a further example, the
measurement unit includes sensors to measure seat heights or
orientations when the person exercises on an adjustable
weight-stack machine.
[0057] The measurement unit may include a plurality of
sub-measurement units (e.g., the plurality of sub-measurement units
303 of FIG. 3). Each of the plurality of sub-measurement units may
include a proximity sensor. The proximity sensor may include a pair
of an emitter (e.g., the emitter 304 of FIG. 3) and a receiver
(e.g., the receiver 305 of FIG. 3). Each of the plurality of
sub-measurement units may be coupled to one of the plurality of
transversal holes (e.g., one of the plurality of transversal holes
302 of FIG. 3) in the stem.
[0058] The emitter may be positioned at the bottom of a transversal
hole of the stem. Alternatively, the emitter may be positioned at
any location along the circumference of the transversal hole. The
receiver may be positioned opposite to the emitter across the
transversal hole. The emitter may include an infrared light emitter
and the receiver may include an infrared light receiver. As a
result, the emitter may produce infrared light which is to be
detected by the receiver. Alternatively, the emitter may produce
another type of radiation such that the radiation may be detected
by the receiver which may include a capacitive sensor, an inductive
sensor, a magnetic sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or another type of
sensor.
[0059] When the selection pin is not inserted into the transversal
hole, the receiver may detect the radiation produced by the
emitter. As a result, the receiver may output a first type of
signals (e.g., low TTL signals). When the selection pin is inserted
into the transversal hole, the receiver may not detect the
radiation produced by the emitter. Consequently, the receiver may
output a second type of signals (e.g., high TTL signals). The
plurality of receivers may be coupled with mechanisms (e.g.,
flip-flops) to form a circuit in such a way that the circuit would
produce an output indicating the amount of weights with which the
person exercises.
[0060] A signal receiving device (e.g., the signal receiving device
102 of FIG. 1 and the signal receiving device 201 of FIG. 2) may be
configured to receive signals detected and transmitted by a signal
detection device. The signal receiving device may be a short range
wireless communication device, such as a Bluetooth networking
device, an IEEE 802.15.4 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 weight-stack machine.
[0061] It should be noted that the signal receiving device may
also, in the alternative, be configured to directly receive the
signals from 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 an 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.
[0062] The signal detection device may be configured to detect the
signals transmitted by a signal transmission device. The signal
detection device may include a proximity coupling device, such as a
RFID reader. The signal detection device may also include a device
that may be configured to transmit the signals the signal detection
device has detected to the signal receiving device. The device may
be a short range wireless communication device, such as a Bluetooth
networking device, an IEEE 802.15.4 device, or a Cellular
networking device. The signal detection device may be placed in the
weight-stack machine in any form. For example, the signal detection
device is directly attached to the weight-stack machine. As another
example, the signal detection device is located within a container
(e.g., a ring) that is attached to the weight-stack machine. The
signal detection device may be positioned in any location in the
weight-stack machine so that, when the person is in an exercise
posture, the signal detection device is capable of detecting the
signals from the signal transmission device. For example, if the
person is going to perform a weightlifting exercise on a
weightlifting machine, the person first needs to hold a handle to
which the person will apply force. At that moment, the signal
detection device will detect the signals transmitted from the
signal transmission device. As a result, the weightlifting machine
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.
[0063] The signal transmission device may be configured to transmit
signals that may be detected by the signal detection device in the
weight-stack machine when a person is going to exercise on the
weight-stack machine. The signal transmission device may include
any device that may transmit signals to the signal detection
device. As an example, the signal transmission device includes a
proximity integrated circuit card, such as a radio-frequency
identification (RFID) tag. The signal transmission device 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.
[0064] A processor (e.g., the processor 104 of FIG. 1 and the
processor 203 of FIG. 2) may be configured to process the exercise
data, the signals the signal receiving device received from the
signal detection device, and information associated with the
weight-stack machine (e.g., ID No. of the weight-stack machine).
The processor may further be configured to send the exercise data,
the signals, and the information associated with the weight-stack
machine to a memory (e.g., the memory 105 of FIG. 1 and the memory
204 of FIG.2) for storage, a communication device (e.g., the
communication device 106 of FIG. 1 and the communication device 205
of FIG. 2) for transmission, or both. The processor 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.
[0065] The memory may be configured to store the exercise data, the
signals the signal receiving device received from the signal
detection device, and the information associated with the exercise
machine. The memory 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 memory may be a separate unit or integrated into the
processor.
[0066] The communication device may be configured to transmit the
exercise data, the signals the signal receiving device received
from the signal detection device, and the information associated
with the weight-stack machine to a server, a device, or both. The
communication device may include a local area wireless networking
device, such as a Wi-Fi device, or an IEEE 802.15.4 device.
[0067] It should be noted that the signal receiving device, the
measurement unit, the processor, the memory, and the communication
device may be integrated into one device. Alternatively, the signal
receiving device, the measurement unit, the processor, the memory,
and the communication device may be a combination of separate
devices. The signal receiving device, the measurement unit, the
processor, the memory, and the communication device may be
positioned in one location of the weight-stack machine, such as on
the plate 108 of FIG. 1. Alternatively, the signal receiving
device, the measurement unit, the processor, the memory, and the
communication device may be positioned in different locations of
the weight-stack machine.
[0068] The server 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 memory, and perform services
upon request. For example, the server may provide services on a
request directly from a device (e.g., a terminal located in a
health club, a smart phone, or a laptop) via a network. The request
may include retrieving the exercise data, performing an analysis on
the exercise data, or both.
[0069] The device that sends the service request 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 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
[0070] FIG. 6 thus illustrates a method of recording exercise data
in a weight-stack machine. The method may include inserting a
selection pin into one of the plurality of transversal channels in
the stem of the weight-stack machine. The method may also include
performing an exercise on the weight-stack machine. The method is
capable of automatically identifying a person who exercises,
recording exercise data on the weight-stack machines, storing the
exercise data in a server, and retrieving for analysis.
Accordingly, the method is capable of automating data recording
during an exercise without manually inputting and recording the
identification information, the exercise data, or both.
[0071] 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.
* * * * *