U.S. patent number 3,846,704 [Application Number 05/314,801] was granted by the patent office on 1974-11-05 for apparatus for evaluating athletic performance.
Invention is credited to Robert C. Bessette.
United States Patent |
3,846,704 |
Bessette |
November 5, 1974 |
APPARATUS FOR EVALUATING ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE
Abstract
Apparatus for evaluating an athletic performance against a
predetermined performance characterized by a plurality of lights
for affording a visual indication to an observer of the progress of
the predetermined performance and displayed so as to be comparable
to the athletic performance being evaluated; a settable central
control for sequentially energizing the lights responsive to the
predetermined performance set into the central control and elapsed
time; and a communication link between the central control and the
lights. Also disclosed are embodiments which include: (1) a pair of
setting dials are included for setting in two separate performance
times and operating in either a continuous or sequence mode to
allow one or more paces to be employed in training; (2) a variety
of other options, such as interrupting temporarily the output to
the lights; (3) preferred logic apparatus and construction
appropriate to the environment and the observer, be he spectator,
training athelete or health enthusiast; and (4) apparatus enabling
optimum training of an individual as determined by his
physiological response.
Inventors: |
Bessette; Robert C. (Fort
Worth, TX) |
Family
ID: |
23221499 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/314,801 |
Filed: |
December 13, 1972 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
340/870.28;
455/67.13; 455/67.11; 600/479; 600/483; 600/502; 340/331; 368/10;
377/20; 128/903; 340/323B; 340/332; 377/5; 434/255; 455/100 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B
5/0002 (20130101); A63B 71/06 (20130101); A63B
24/0062 (20130101); A61B 5/02416 (20130101); A63B
71/0686 (20130101); Y10S 128/903 (20130101); A63B
69/0028 (20130101); A63B 2024/0068 (20130101); A63B
2230/06 (20130101); A63B 2225/74 (20200801); A63B
2071/065 (20130101); A63B 2220/20 (20130101); A63B
2024/0071 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61B
5/00 (20060101); A61B 5/024 (20060101); A63B
71/06 (20060101); H04b 001/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;325/51,53,55,64,66,310,311,16,118,361 ;35/28,29R ;58/152E ;270/4
;235/92GA,92DN,92T ;128/2.6F,2.1A,25R ;340/331,332 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Griffin; Robert L.
Assistant Examiner: Psitos; Aristotelis M.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Wofford, Felsman, Fails &
Zobal
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. Apparatus for apprising an observer of the relativezrformance of
an athlete compared with a useful predetermined performance
comprising:
a. a power source for supplying electrical energy;
b. a timing means for indicating elapsed time;
c. a plurality of apprisal means for apprising said observer of the
progress of said predetermined performance; said plurality of
apprisal means including at least respective lights that are
visible to said observer and connected with said power source so as
to be energized responsive to output signals from a settable
central control means to afford at least a visual indication of the
progress of said predetermined performance; said apprisal means
being spaced apart and arranged so as to be compared by an observer
with the progress of said athlete along a path said athlete will
travel; each traverse along said path by said athlete being
referred to as a lap;
d. settable central control means for sequentially energizing
respective ones of said plurality of apprisal means responsive to
elapsed time and to said predetermined performance set into said
settable central control means; said settable central control means
being connected with said power source and said apprisal means for
sequentially energizing respective said apprisal means to display
progress of said predetermined performance; said settable central
control means including a time setting means for setting said
predetermined performance into said settable central control means;
said settable central control means including means for dividing
said predetermined performance into equal time increments, which
time increments represent the respective distance increments
between said plurality of apprisal means generate respective output
signals after elapse of respective said time increments; said
central control means including a timing means that emits a
plurality of time signals for repeated indications of small elapsed
time intervals; a time counter that is connected with said timing
means for accumulating said time signals; and a time comparator
means for signalling when an accumulation of said time signals is
equal to said desired time interval set into said time setting
means; said time comparator means being connected to said time
setting means and said time counter for energizing respective said
apprisal means sequentially and uniformly; and
e. communication links communicating with respective said plurality
of apprisal means and with said central control means for
energizing said apprisal means sequentially with said output
signals from said settable central control means.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said apprisal means also
includes an audio signal emitting device at each light
location.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said time comparator means
affords an output signal when said accumulation of time signals is
equal to said desired time interval for an indication of an elapsed
time based distance interval; said central control means includes a
distance setting means for setting in a desired distance; a
distance counting means for accumulating repeated indications of
elapsed time based distance intervals; said distance counting means
being connected with said time comparator means; and a distance
comparator means for signalling when an accumulation of said
indications of elapsed time based distance intervals is equal to
said distance set into said central control means; said distance
comparator means being connected with said distance setting means
and said distance counting means.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said central control means
includes two time-distance indicators including, respectively and
properly connected, two said time setting means, timing means, time
counters and time comparator means and two said distance setting
means, distance counting means and distance comparator means and
said central control means is operable in a sequential mode to
operate at two respective paces set into respective said time
setting means to complete a cycle.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein a second of said distance
comparator means effects a cycle signal; a cycle counter is
connected therewith for accumulating said cycle signals; said
central control means includes a cycle setting means for setting in
the number of cycles to be completed and a cycle comparator means
for comparing the number of cycles on said cycle counter with the
number on said cycle setting means such that said apparatus is
operable for a predetermined number of cycles at the two set paces;
said cycle comparator means being connected to said cycle counter
and to said cycle setting means.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said central control means
includes a sequence switch means for effecting operation in said
sequential mode; and includes a continuous switch means for
effecting operation in a continuous mode employing only said time
setting means, said timing means, said time counter, said time
comparator means, said distance setting means, said distance
counting means and said distance comparator in a single
time-distance indicator operating the pace set into said time
setting means; and numerical read-out means is connected with said
sequence switch means and said continuous switch means and
responsive to only one thereof for displaying the number of cycles
or laps responsive to the mode selected.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a photoplethysmograph is
connected with a counter and said counter is connected with said
timing means such that the number of heartbeats per unit time are
automatically measured to give a heartbeat rate after a particular
performance by an athlete and a numeric display is connected
therewith for displaying said heartbeat rate.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said timing means includes a
clocking means that has a clocking frequency that is proportional
to said plurality of apprisal means.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said clocking frequency is
equal to said plurality of apprisal means; said time comparator
means generates an output signal when accumulated said time signals
on said time counter equal the number set into said time setting
means; and interconnection means electrically and sequentially
connect respective apprisal means with said time comparator means
such that each time said timing means has counted the number set
into said time setting means and said time comparator means emits
an output signal the next said apprisal means is energized.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said central control means is
operable through a plurality of laps at a given pace in a
continuous mode until stopped by manually operated means.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein an apprisal reset means is
connected into said central control means as a master reset for
resetting said apprisal means to a starting point and resetting
said central control means to a starting condition.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said central control means
includes an apprisal interrupt means for temporarily stopping
energization of said apprisal means in practice and allowing the
remainder of said central control means to continue to operate to
evaluate an athlete's pacing of himself with respect to said
predetermined performance without the external stimulus of said
apprisal means.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said communication link
comprises at least one transmitter connected with said central
control means and a plurality of respective receivers; said
receivers including respective power sources and being connected
with respective ones of said apprisal means; said transmitter and
said receivers being compatible in respective frequencies of
transmission and reception and each said receiver including a
decoding means for responding to only its code and its discrete
signal such that a discrete signal transmitted from said central
control means will effect energization of a respective apprisal
means.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said central control means is
connected with said transmitter by way of a coding means for
encoding respective signals for a respective apprisal means and
each said receiver is connected with its said power source and said
apprisal means by way of a decoding means for decoding the signals
and energizing via electrical energy from said power source the
respective apprisal means only upon receipt of its respective
signal.
15. Apparatus for optimizing benefits to an athlete, or
participant, indulging in accordance with a predetermined program
based on the athlete's predetermined optimum hearbeat rate, in an
athletic performance being compared with a predetermined
performance, comprising:
a. a power source for supplying electrical energy
b. interval indicating means for indicating elapsed intervals; said
interval indicating means emitting a plurality of pulses, each
pulse designating a small elapsed interval of time;
c. a plurality of apprisal means for apprising said athlete of the
progress of said predetermined performance; said plurality of
apprisal means including at least respective lights that are
connected with said power source so as to be energized to afford at
least a visual indication of the progress of said predetermined
performance; said apprisal means being disposed along the path said
athlete is to travel, spaced apart and arranged so as to apprise
said athlete of his progress relative to said predetermined
performance;
d. settable central control means for sequentially energizing
respective ones of said plurality of apprisal means responsive to
said elapsed intervals and to said predetermined performance set
into said central control means; said central control means being
connected with said power source and by communication links in
accordance with and said apprisal means for sequentially energizing
respective said apprisal means to display progress of said
predetermined performance; said settable central control means
including a setting means for setting said predetermined
performance into said settable central control means; said settable
central control means including means for dividing said
predetermined performance linearly into equal time increments which
time increments represent the respective distance increments
between said plurality of apprisal means a time realm into and to
generate respective output signals after elapse of respective said
time increments for energizing respective said apprisal means
sequentially and uniformly such that said apprisal means can be
employed by said athlete to pace his performance at a uniform pace
throughout each respective lap comprising one traversal throughout
the path said athlete is to traverse;
e. communication links communicating with respective said plurality
of apprisal means and with said settable central control means for
energizing said apprisal means sequentially with said output
signals from said central control means;
f. measuring means for measuring heatbeats for determining a
heartbeat rate of said athlete during said athletic activity;
g. monitoring means for monitoring the output of said measuring
means; said monitoring means being connected with said measuring
means by electrical conductors and including a heartbeat
transmitter connected with said measuring means and carried by said
athlete for transmitting heartbeats signal indicative of said
hearbeats and a receiver and heartbeat rate counter connected with
said settable central control means and receiving heartbeat
indication signals from said transmitter; said counter being
connected with a timer such that the count per increment of time is
registered; said counter being connected with said central control
means by a decoder;
h. modifier means connected with said monitoring means and said
settable central control means for modifying the time between
respective energization of the respective apprisal means responsive
to said heartbeat rate in accordance with said predetermined
program; said modifier means including a comparator for comparing
the heartbeat rate of said athlete with said predetermined optimum
heatbeat rate and an up/down control for respectively increasing
and decreasing said predetermined performance to bring said
heartbeat rate of said athlete to said predetermined optimum
heartbeat rate; whereby said athlete attains a desired level of
activity without overstraining.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said elapsed interval in
element b. is a uniform time interval and a time clocking pulse is
employed in said settable central control means; and wherein a
predetermined performance in the time to run a predetermined
distance is set into said apparatus and said up/down control is
connected with an up/down counter for increasing the time if said
heartbeat rate exceeds said predetermined optimum heartbeat rate
and for decreasing the time if said heartbeat rate becomes less
than said predetermined optimum heartbeat rate whereby said time is
altered responsive to measured heartbeat rate compared with the
optimum hearbeat rate for the individual athlete.
17. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said measuring means includes
photoplethysmorgraph apparatus, said hearbeat rate counter is
connected with a holding register and a decoder and said decoder is
connected with a converter, said converter being connected with a
numeric display on said central control means for visible display
of the heartbeat rate of said athlete.
18. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said communication link
comprises at least one transmitter connected with said central
control means and a plurality of respective receivers; said
receivers including respective power sources and being connected
with respective ones of said apprisal means; said transmitter and
said receivers being compatible in respective frequencies of
transmission and reception and each said receiver including a
decoding means for responding to only its code and its discrete
signal such that a discrete signal transmitted from said central
control means will effect energization of a respective apprisal
means.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said central control means is
connected with said transmitter by way of a coding means for
encoding respective signals for a respective apprisal means and
each said receiver is connected with its said power source and said
apprisal means by way of a decoding means for decoding the signals
and energizing via electrical energy from said power source the
respective apprisal means only upon receipt of its respective
signal.
20. A method of optimizing benefits of indulging in athletic
activity in accordance with a predetermined program based on the
athlete's predetermined optimum heartbeat rate, comprising the
steps of:
a. disposing a plurality of apprisal apparatus including at least
lights along a path said athlete is to traverse and connecting said
apprisal apparatus with a settable central control via a
communication link;
b. setting a predetermined performance into said settable central
control and dividing said predetermined performance linearly into
equal time increments, which time increments represent the
respective equal distance increments between said apprisal
apparatus; said central control including a time setter, a timer
that emits a plurality of time signals for repeated indications of
small elapsed time intervals; a time counter that is connected with
said timer for accumulating said time signals; and a time
comparator for signalling when an accumulation of said time signals
is equal to said desired time interval set into said time setter;
said time comparator being connected to said time setter and said
time counter;
c. starting said athlete and said settable central control means
simultaneously and automatically, linearly and sequentially
energizing in response to said predetermined performance set into
said central control respective ones of said plurality of apprisal
apparatus, thereby affording to the athlete at least a visible
indication of the progress of the predetermined performance in the
distance realm along the path the athlete is to traverse;
d. measuring and monitoring a heartbeat rate of said athlete during
his athletic performance in attempting to match said predetermined
performance; and
e. automatically altering the time between respective energizations
of the respective apprisal apparatus in response to said heartbeat
rate of said athlete by increasing said time if said heartbeat rate
exceeds said predetermined optimum heartbeat rate and decreasing
said time if said heartbeat rate falls below said predetermined
optimum heartbeat rate
whereby said athlete attains the desired level of performance
without overstraining.
21. The method of claim 20 wherein an initial null period is
provided during which the step of automatically altering the
predetermined performance in response to the heartbeat rate is not
performed; and, thereafter, said heartbeat rate is automatically
monitored at the end of respective predetermined time intervals and
compared with said optimum heartbeat rate for said athlete for his
optimum benefits and wherein said predetermined performance is
automatically altered in accordance with said predetermined program
when said heartbeat rate departs from said optimum hearbeat
rate.
22. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said apprisal means include
both lights and audio emitting devices that are disposed along said
path said athlete is to traverse; said communication means includes
electrical conductors connected respectively with said apprisal
means and said central control means; and wherein respective
sequentially-operable connection means connect respective said
electrical conductors with said time comparator means for
energizing respective said apprisal means sequentially and
uniformly; said apprisal means being energized at a uniform pace
such that said apprisal means can be employed by said athlete to
pace his performance at a uniform pace throughout each respective
lap comprising one traversal along said path.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to apparatus for affording a real time
feedback to an observer in a format that enables evaluation of an
athletic performance by comparison with a predetermined
performance. More particularly, this invention relates to a system
that can be employed in a variety of applications; such as, (1)
controlled exercise for health enthusiasts; (2) training an
athlete; (3) prognostication of athletic prowess in competition;
and (4) adding a new dimension of spectator interest to
competition, such as track meets, olympic runs and the like, to see
if an athlete will beat a predetermined performance, such as a
world record.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A wide variety of devices have been employed in developing
healthful programs for health enthusiasts. A different variety of
devices have been employed by coaches in sports, such as track
events. Still different approaches have been employed for
attempting to predict the winner in athletic contests. None of the
prior art apparatus has enabled the doctor, coach, or the
participant to set in a desired performance to pace and train the
participant up to the desired performance level, and afford
directly comparable outputs, or apprisals.
Even different approaches have been employed to try to create and
heighten spectator interest in track events, olympic runs and the
like. For example, announcers have announced times of world records
and the like for certain races before the race begins. With the
advent of television (TV), TV monitors have shown the output of
elapsed time indicators on the viewer's, or spectator's, screen.
The problem with such apparatus heretofore is that it has not
afforded a means of giving real time feedback in a format that was
useful to compare with the relative position of the athlete along
the path the athlete is traversing.
Insofar as I am aware, the prior art has not been satisfactory and
has not supplied one or more of the desirable features of this
invention, as delineated hereinafter.
It is desirable that an apparatus have one or more of the following
desirable features to be useful in the areas of applications
indicated hereinbefore.
1. The apparatus should be adaptable enough to afford a real time
feedback in a format useful to the observer for comparing a given
athletic performance against a predetermined performance, whether
the observer be a health enthusiast pacing himself around a track
against a doctor-ordered regimen; an athlete traversing a path
against a record performance; or spectators, either in the stands
of a stadium or watching the performance on their television screen
at home.
2. The apparatus should be settable such that a desired time
interval can be set directly into the apparatus without the use of
external timing devices, such as stop watches or the like; and
function without individual supervision, one started.
3. The apparatus should be able to vary the pace between two rates
and be operable in either a continuous mode of operation at a
desired pace or be operable in a sequence mode between two or more
paces set into the control therefor.
4. The apparatus should provide read-outs convenient for use by an
operator; such as, the coach, doctor or trainer.
5. The apparatus should be operable to reset the light sequence to
a starting point and have the capability of freezing the sequence
at any time for any period of time and them resume pacing from that
point in the sequence.
6. The apparatus should have interruption means for interrupting
the apprisal means, such as the visible and audio cues to the
observer, for training a runner to pact himself; yet,
simultaneously affording an output to the operator to allow him to
monitor the athlete's relative performance.
7. The apparatus should have the capability of evaluating the
recovery curves of an athlete in order to predict his relative
performance in a given race after completion of a programmed
performance; for example, using a photoplethysmograph.
8. The apparatus should employ logic circuits to facilitate fast
response and high reliability with minimal repair and
breakdown.
9. The apparatus should employ in combination with the logic
circuitry, a clocking frequency in times per second that is the
same as the plurality of apprisal means to simplify the
interrelationship of the respective logic elements and energizing
the respective apprisal means, such as lights or light emitting
diodes.
10. The apparatus should allow tailoring a training regimen to the
individual's physiological response to obtain safely the optimum
results.
Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide apparatus
that will afford onr or more of the desirable features not
heretofore provided by the prior art.
It is a specific object of this invention to provide apparatus that
can be employed either for health programming, for training of
athletes, for predicting the best performer in an athletic contest,
or for adding a new dimension of interest to a track event by
apprising the spectators of an athlete's performance against a
predetermined performance, such as a record.
It is a specific object of this invention to provide apparatus as
described hereinafter affording a variety of modes of operation at
the option of the operator and having specific preferred
embodiments as delineated and described hereinafter.
These and other objects will become apparent from the descriptive
matter hereinafter, particularly when taken in conjunction with the
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates a partial perspective view of one embodiment of
this invention being employed in the training of an athlete.
FIG. 2 illustrates an over-all plan view of the embodiment of FIG.
1 being employed before a stadium of track spectators.
FIG. 3 illustrates a control display console useful in the
embodiment of FIG. 1.
FIGS. 4a and 4b form an overall schematic functional diagram of the
central control means of one embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the time distance interval
assembly of FIGS. 4a and 4b.
FIG. 6 is a partial electrical schematic that includes a typical
driver and apprisal means interconnection for the embodiment of
FIGS. 4a and 4b.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a heart rate monitor, of
photoplethysmograph, useful with the embodiment of FIGS. 4a and
4b.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram, partly schematic, of another embodiment
of this invention.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram, partly schematic, of still another
embodiment of this invention illustrating the insertion of a pacer
to obtain the desired physiological response for optimum results in
training an athlete.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the pacer of FIG. 9.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The apparatus of this invention is useful in a wide variety of
applications, as indicated hereinbefore and described specifically
hereinafter. In the immediately following descriptive matter and
the drawings, the embodiment will be described with respect to a
conventional ovalshaped track in which an athlete, such as a track
runner, is timed against a predetermined performance, such as a
conference or world record.
Referring to FIG. 1, an athlete, such as runner 11, is racing
around a track 13 against a predetermined performance as set into
the apparatus 15. The apparatus 15 comprises a plurality of
apprisal means 17 spaced around the track 13 for apprising an
observer, such as the athlete 11 or spectators in the stadium 19,
of the relative performance of the athlete 11 compared to the
predetermined performance; a settable central control means 21 for
sequentially energizing the apprisal means 17 responsive to the
predetermined performance set into the central control means 21 and
elapsed time; and a communication link 23 connected with the
plurality of apprisal means 17 and the central control means 21 for
energizing the respective apprisal means 17 sequentially in
response to output signals from the central control means 21.
FIG. 2 is a simplified plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1
employed with spectators 25 in the stadium 19. In FIG. 2, the track
13 is illustrated in simplified form with a single lane and with
the runner 11 keeping abreast of the energized apprisal means 17
responsive to the signal from the cetnral control means 21 via the
communication link 23. The apparatus 15 is employed for apprising
spectators 25 of the relative performance of an athlete, such as
the runner 11, compared with the predetermined performance. For
example, a record; such as, a conference record or world record;
may be set into the central control means 21 and the respective
apprisal means 17 energized sequentially around the track 13 as
time passes. As long as the runner 11 keeps abreast of the lights
he knows he is running as well as the predetermined performance,
such as the record. If he falls behind, he knows, just as the
spectators know, that he is running behind and will have to speed
up to better the predetermined performance. Conversely, if he is
leading the energized apprisal means 17 he and the spectators know
that he is on his way toward a new record. Thus, much greater
interest can be evoked from the spectators 25 and a better
performance can be obtained from the runner 11.
The plurality of apprisal means 17 are spaced apart and arranged so
as to be compared by an observer, such as a spectator or the
athlete, with performance by the athlete. The respective apprisal
means 17 can be energized to afford at least a visual indication of
the progress of the predetermined performance, converted from the
time realm to the distance realm. As illustrated, the apprisal
means 17 comprise a plurality of lights that are spaced equally
around the oval-shaped track 13. At each light is also included an
audio indicator, such as a buzzer, such that the athlete 11 does
not have to wonder whether or not the light came on or look back
over his shoulder in the event that he is leading the predetermined
performance, or record. The respective apprisal means 17 can be
located at any propitious site and at any height, but preferably
are equally spaced around the track 13 to facilitate imparting
signals thereto. For example, 16 apprisal means 17 are employed
around the track 13 to more advantageously take advantage of the
binary coded digital format conventional with electronic logic
circuits. The lights may be at any convenient height, but are
preferably located above ground level so as to be clearly visible
to both the runner 11 and the spectators 25.
Since the central control means 21 is relatively complex to
explain, it is advantageous to consider the communication link 23
first. The communication link 23 may comprise any means that is
suitable for conveying the output signals from the central control
means 21 to the respective apprisal means 17. As illustrated, the
communication link 23 comprises electrical conductors within
conduit or the like, the conductors being connected with the
respective drivers of the central control means 21 and the
respective apprisal means 17. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the
respective sections of the conduit connected with the apprisal
means 17 are primarily underground. The underground conduit and
conductors terminate in an above-ground junction box 27 into which
the respective conductors 29 from the central control means 21 can
be plugged. This construction allows the central control means 21
to be rolled into place on a dolly such as cart 31 and plugged into
the junction box 27 of the permanently installed remainder of the
system.
The central control means 21 has its primary constituents housed in
a control console 33; also referred to as a control display
console. The control console 33, FIGS. 1 and 3, contains suitable
thumb wheels and push buttons for setting the central control
system to the desired times, distances, and modes of operation. The
control console 33 also displays information of interest to the
operator. As illustrated, the control console 33 contains elapsed
time display 35. The elapsed time display 35 displays the elapsed
time in hours, minutes, seconds and tenths of a second, as
illustrated. The control console 33 also displays the number of
laps or cycles in the lap or cycle display 37. The control console
33 also displays the heartbeat rate in the heart rate display 39
when connected with a photoplethysmograph or other instrument to
nomitor the rate at which the athelte's heart is beating. Any
suitable means; such as, Nixie-tubes or the illustrated 7-tube
digit arrangement; may be employed in the respective displays.
Arranged across the face of the control console 33 are 16 panel
lights, such as panel light 41, that are energized simultaneously
with energization of a respective one of the lights comprising the
apprisal means 17 spaced around the track 13. Only the illuminated
light is illustrated, since the remainder of the lights are not
readily visible on the face of the control console 33. The control
console 33 has three time thumb wheel switches 43 serving as a time
setting means for setting in a desired time interval for traversing
a predetermined distance, such as 110 yards. The three time thumb
wheel switches 43 illustrated may be set in the range of 0-199
seconds, as will become clearer from a consideration of the logic
arrangement described hereinafter. As illustrated, the control
console 33 also has a second set of three time thumb wheel switches
45 serving as a second time setting means for setting in a desired
time interval for traversing a predetermined distance. This allows
the apparatus 15 to operate in a sequence mode employing two
different paces to assist in training a runner 11.
The control console 33 also includes first and second distance
thunb wheel switches 47 and 49 for setting in the distances over
which the respective times are to be operable in pacing the runner
11 in the sequence mode of operation. For example, if the number 4
is set into distance thumb wheel switch 47, it indicates that the
apparatus 15 will cycle at the rate set into time thumb wheel
switches 43 for a distance of 4 distance units, or 440 yards if a
distance unit is 110 yards. If, on the other hand, the distance 1
is set into distance thumb wheel switch 49, it indicates that the
unit will then adjust to the rate set by time thumb wheel switches
45 for 110 yards. This allows the runner to jog for a certain
distance and then sprint for a second distance. The second distance
may be the same as or different from the first distance.
The control console 33 also includes cycle thumb wheel switches 51
for setting in the number of cycles over which the system is to run
automatically when emplaced in the sequence mode. A cycle is one
complete operation in which the distance indicated on distance
thumb wheel switch 47 is traversed at the rate set on the time
thumb wheel switches 43 and the distance set in on distance thumb
wheel switches 49 is traversed at the rate set in on time thumb
wheel switches 45. Once the indicated number of cycles have been
completed, the apparatus 15 resets, or effectively turns itself
off.
For convenience, the time thumb wheel switches 43 and the distance
thumb wheel switches 47 are referred to as the sequence 1 switches.
Conversely, the time thumb wheel switches 45 and the distance thumb
wheel switches 49 are referred to as the sequence 2 switches.
If the apparatus 15 is to operate in the continuous mode, the time
thumb wheel switches 43 are used to set the rate at which the
apparatus 15 will operate in the continuous mode.
The control console 33 has push buttons as follows for effecting
the various control operations. The "system" button 55 serves as an
on-off switch to supply power to the apparatus 15. The "heart"
button 57 energizes the photoplethysmograph that is connected with
the control console 33 and the hear rate display 39. The "lap"
button 59 enables, or connects in, a lap counter and effects
display of the number of laps in the lap or cycle display 37. The
"cycle" button 61 enables a cycle counter and effects display of
the number of cycles in the lap or cycle display 37. The
"continuous" button 63 causes the apparatus 15 to operate in the
continuous mode at the rate set in on time thumb wheel switches 43,
as indicated hereinbefore. The "sequence" button 65 causes the
apparatus 15 to alternate between sequence 1 and sequence 2
switches for the number of cycles selected by the cycle thumb wheel
switches 51, referred to hereinbefore as operating in the sequence
mode. The "lights" button 67 is provided for disabling, or
preventing the energizing of, the apprisal means 17, including its
lights; as for checking the pacing of a runner 11. A "hold" button
69 is provided for temporarily interrupting the operation of the
apparatus 15, as by stopping it and allowing it to resume operation
at the point at which it was stopped. A "reset" button 71 is
provided for resetting the apparatus 15, or returning the system to
the initial conditions. A "start" button 73 is provided for
starting operation of the apparatus 15 in the selected mode of
operation.
The central control means 21 includes, in addition to the time
setting means for setting in a desired time interval for traversing
a predetermined distance in accordance with a record, a timing
means for indication of elapsed time and a comparator means for
signalling when the elapsed time is equal to the desired time
interval set into the central control means 21. As will be
apparent, a wide variety of timing means and comparator means may
be employed. It is instructive, in this regard, to consider early
prototype models. In an early prototype, the central control means
21 comprised a set of motor driven contacts such that by
controlling the speed of the motor, the time for the lights to
sequence around the track could be adjusted. A stop watch was used
to set the motor speed for the desired lap time. The timing means
was simply the speed of the motor driving the wiper arm on the
contacts and the comparator means was simply the stop watch and the
rheostat for controlling the speed of the motor, in conjunction
with the setting of the contacts. No read-out of elapsed time or
laps was provided. The runner 11 was provided only a visual cue as
to whether or not he was on the desired pace. The second prototype
was installed on a research basis at a prominent state university.
Firstly, the basic concept was changed from electrical to analog
electronic. An electronic circuit was and is used to control the
interval between the lighting of 16 lights spaced every 271/2 yards
around a 440 yard track. Two controls on the control unit provide a
coarse and a fine adjustment of the time interval. The basic
mechanism is a controllable resistor-capacitor (RC) time constant
circuit. After each RC time period, a stepping relay sequences to
the next light and lights it for a specific period. Secondly, the
runner is provided with an audio cue in addition to the visual cue.
This eliminates the need for the runner to look at the light to see
if he is on pace. Thirdly, a means to reset the system to the
starting point is incorporated. As with the first model, no
read-outs were or are provided for either elapsed time or number of
laps. A stop watch is required to adjust lap times and lap times
must be monitored to ensure minimal variation from the desired
time. As a result of experience with that second prototype, an
improved and preferred system was developed and is described in
detail hereinafter.
FIGS. 4a and 4b illustrate an overall functional diagram of the
central control means 21. Therein, the central control means 21
comprises the following major elements and assemblies: time base
and steering logic 77; time/distance interval (TDI) units number 1
and number 2, given the reference numerals 79 and 81; station
driver assembly 83; lap or cycle counter 85; display assembly 87;
and panel light assembly 89. The power supply that is, of course,
basic to any unit is not shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, since it is
conventional. Moreover, a heart rate nomitor, or
photoplethysmograph, is advantageously employed with the central
control means 21, but is not shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b either.
The time setting means, such as time thumb wheel switches 43; the
time base and steering logic 77; and a time/distance interval unit,
such as TDI 79, are included in a means for converting a
predetermined athletic performance from the time realm to the
distance realm for apprising an observer in the distance realm to
facilitate comparison with a current athletic performance being
evaluated.
The start button 73 is connected with reset logic 169 for starting
operation and for generating a reset signal for all storage
elements on master reset conductor 171. Similarly, the system, or
power-on, button 55 is connected with reset logic 169 for effecting
a master reset signal when power is turned on. Also, the reset
button 71 is connected with the reset logic 169 for manually
effecting a reset signal on master reset conductor 171.
The time base and steering logic 77 includes a clocking means 97
for generation of a 10 Hertz (Hz), or cycles per second, clock
signal for the elapsed time measurement and a 16 Hz clock signal
for the time counters 99 and 101 in the TDI units 79 and 81. The
clocking means 97 includes a crystal oscillator means 103 (OSC) for
generating an 80 kiloHertz (KHz) output. The crystal oscillator
means 103 is connected with a dividing circuit 105 via conductor
107. The dividing circuit 105 divides the output by 500 to yield a
clocking output of 160 Hz on conductor 109. Conductor 109 is
connected with nand gate 111 that has its other end connected with
the hold button 69 via conductor 113. Thus, depression of the hold
button 69 disables, or blocks, the clock output; thereby
interrupting the operation of the central control means 21
temporarily. The output of the nand gate 111 is connected with
divide circuit 115 via conductor 117. The divide circuit 115
divides the 160 Hz output by 16 to effect a 10 Hz clocking input
for the elapsed time display 35 and for conductor 119 to a heart
rate monitor, as will be described hereinafter.
The output pin of the nand gate 111 is also connected with dividing
circuit 121 via conductor 123. The dividing circuit 121 divides the
160 Hz output by 10 to effect a 16 Hz clocking pulse on conudctor
125. Conductor 125 is connected with both nand gates 127 and 129
for supplying the 16 Hz clocking signal input to the time counters
99 and 101 via conductors 131 and 133. The 16 Hz clocking input is
sent to only one of the time counters, however, and the nand gates
127 and 129 serve to direct it to the proper one responsive to the
mode selected and the output signal from the TDI units.
The mode is selected by depression of either the continuous (CONT)
push button 63 or the sequence (SEQ) push button 65. The continuous
push button 63 is connected with the "continuous" pin 135 of latch
137 for holding it in one condition. The sequence push button 65 is
connected with the "sequence" pin 139 of latch 137 for holding the
latch in its other condition. The output pin 141 of the latch 137
is connected with nand gate 143 via conductor 145. The nand gate
143 has its other input pin connected with conductor 147 carrying
the TDI number 1 for blocking, when the continuous button 63 is
depressed, a signal that would otherwise effect switch over to TDI
number 2. Specifically, the output pin 149 of nand gate 143 is
connected with a second latch 151. The second latch 151 has its
other input pin connected with conductor 153 which is connected
with the output from TDI number 2. The second latch 151 has its
first output pin 155 connected with the second input pin 157 of
nand gate 127 for routing the 16 Hz clocking signal via conductor
131 to time counter 99 of TDI number 1. The output pin 155 is also
connected with conductor 165 for registering of a cycle count. The
second latch 151 has its second output pin 159 connected with the
other input pin 161 of nand gate 129 for routing the 16 Hz clocking
signal via conductor 133 to time counter 101 of TDI number 2.
The time/distance interval units 79 and 81 (TDI's 1 and 2) include
the time counter portion of the timing means and a comparator
means. The TDI units 79 and 81 provide a pulse output at the proper
time intervals to the station driver assembly 83 as determined by
the mode of operation and by the time set into the respective time
thumb wheel switches 43 and 45. The TDI units 79 and 81 also
provide a pulse output after the time required to travel the
distance set on the distance thumb wheel swithces 47 and 49 to
cause a switch over to the other TDI unit, if operating in the
sequence mode. Referring to FIG. 4a, time counter 99 has its clock
pin 173 connected with conductor 131 for receiving the 16 Hz
clocking input. Time counter 99 is also connected via respective
conductors in cable 175 with comparator 177. The time counter 99
registers the clocking input in binary coded digital (BCD) format
and the respective conductors in cable 175 carry the respective
binary coded digital information to comparator 177. Comparator 177
is similarly connected with time thumb wheel switch 43 via
respective conductors in cable 179. The input from the time thumb
wheel switch 43 is also in binary coded digital format to faciliate
comparison between its signals and that of time counter 99. The
comparator 177 has its output pin 181 connected with conductor 183.
Conductor 183 is electrically connected with the count pin 185 of
distance counter 187. Similarly, conductor 183 is electrically
connected with the reset pin 189 of time counter 99 for resetting
the time counter 99 upon generation of an output pulse on output
pin 181 and energizing of a respective apprisal means 17. The
output conductor 183 is also connected with the station driver
assembly 83 for energizing the respective apprisal means 17.
Similarly, an output pulse on output pin 181 serves as a clocking
input for distance counter 187. The distance counter 187 is
connected via suitable conductors in cable 191 with comparator 193
(COMP). The comparator 193 is similarly connected via suitable
conductors in cable 195 with distance thumb wheel switch 47. As
described with respect to the digital inputs to the comparator 177,
the inputs to comparator 193 are in binary coded digital format
from, respectively, the distance counter 187 and the distance thumb
wheel switch 47. The output pin 197 of comparator 193 is connected
with conductor 147. The conductor 147 is electrically connected
with the reset pin 201 of distance counter 187 for resetting the
distance counter upon generation of an output pulse. As indicated
hereinbefore, the conductor 147 is also connected with an input pin
of nand gate 143 of the steering logic of time base and steering
logic 77.
TDI number 2 has its comparator 203 connected with its time counter
101 and its time thumb wheel switches 45 similarly as described
with respect to TDI number 1 hereinbefore. Moreover, the output
from comparator 203 is electrically connected with its distance
counter 205 and the reset pin of time counter 101. The distance
comparator 207 is connected with distance counter 205 and distance
thumb wheel switch 49, similarly as described with respect to TDI
number 1. Also, the output pin 209 of comparator 207 is connected
with reset pin 212 of distance counter 205. The output pin 209 is
connected, also, with conductor 153 that is connected with the
input of the second latch 151 of the steering logic of the time
base and steering logic 77. Thus, respective pulses on conductors
147 and 153 serve as TDI switch over signals that, in conjunction
with the steering logic, effect operation in the sequence mode.
The output pin 212 of comparator 203 is connected, via conductors
213 and 227 with the station driver assembly 83 for effecting
energization of the respective apprisal means 17, similarly as
described with respect to conductor 183 from TDI number 1.
Each of the TDI units operates similarly, since they are
constructed similarly, as indicated. FIG. 5 is a detailed
electrical schematic of one TDI unit such as time distance interval
unit 79. The schematic diagram of FIG. 5 also illustrates the use
of logic units in counting and comparing as is employed in other
elements and subassemblies in the central control means 21. The
time counter portion of the TDI assembly consists of three
counters; U8, U12 and U16 and their associated inverters and gates.
The counters are commercially available and need not have their
internal structure specifically delineated. The counter U16
receives the 16 Hz clocking input from terminal Z that is connected
with the time base and steering logic 77. Pin 14 of counter U16
serves to receive the clock input. Counters U16 and U12 will count
0 through 9. After nine clock pulses of the 16 Hz input, U16 will
have counted to 9. On the tenth clock pulse, U16 returns to 0 and
the change of state on U16 pin 11 acts as a clock for U12.
Similarly, U12 will count through nine pins and act as a clock for
U8. U8 is used only to count up to 1. Therefore, the largest number
that can be counted is 199. This limits the time selection to 199
seconds to travel the 110 yards of the predetermined distance. This
is a sufficiently slow pace for all practical purposes. Obviously,
the counter U8 could count to a higher value if desired, such as
for a longer distance. The binary coded digital counter outputs
from pins 8, 9, 11 and 12 of counters U12 and U16 and output pin 15
from counter U8 are inverted via inverters U11, and U13-U15 and
applied to nand gates U5, U9 and U10. The BCD time setting inputs
from the time thumb wheel switches, such as thumb wheel switches
43, are shown as 9 inputs that are either logic 0 or 1. Each of
these inputs is inverted and applied to one of the same series of
nand gates; the least significant bit (LSB) of the most significant
digit (MSD) from the counter being compared with the LSB of the MSD
from the thumb wheel switch and so on. For example, the terminal
labeled 6 on the interconnector 215 is connected via conductor 217
with inverter U14 and, thence, with nand gate U10. Similarly, pin
12 of U16 is connected with inverter U15 via conductor 218 and,
thence, with nand gate U10. When all the inverted counter outputs
match their corresponding thumb wheel switch inputs, the proper
time interval between lights has elasped.
The logic arrangements U6, U1, U'11 and U7 are employed to detect
this condition when all inputs to U7 are a logic 1. Pin F is
equivalent to either output pin 181 or output pin 211, FIG. 4a. The
output pin E connected with pin 6 of U'7 of the distance comparator
is equivalent to output pins 197 or 209 of FIG. 4a.
The logic 0, or time output signal, at pin F of interconnector 219
serves as a time count trigger to trigger circuits on the station
driver assembly 83 to light the appropriate lights serving as
apprisal means 17 in sequence. It could also be employed with
appropriate logic to effect other results, such as providing direct
reset signals. As illustrated, however, the time counter reset
signal is provided back to pin D on interconnector 221 by the
sequence logic on the station driver assembly. Pin D is connected
with counters U8, U12 and U16 such that they are reset to 0 to
begin to count the time interval for the next light.
Pin A on interconnector 221 corresponds to the distance reset pin
201 or 212. The distance setting pins 7, 13, 14 and 15 of
interconnector 219 correspond to the conductors in cables, such as
cable 195 of TDI 1. Pin C corresponds to input pins to the distance
counter, such as pin 185.
An additional output from the sequence logic is the distance count
input to the TDI on pin C of interconnector 219. This pulse occurs
at the same time a light station is lighted; that is, every 27.5
yards in the illustrated set up of FIG. 2. Since the distance thumb
wheels provide settings in 110 yard multiples, the distance count
input must be converted to correspond to 110 yards instead of 27.5
yards. Therefore, before application of the distance count to the
distance counter U3, the distance count pulses are divided by 4. U4
receives the distance count pulses and U4 pin 11 will be a "divided
by 4 output." U4 pin 11 then clocks U3 pin 14 every 110 yards. The
outputs of U3 (pins 8, 9, 11 and 12) are inverted and ANDED at U1
and U5 with the inverted thumb wheel switch inputs, similarly as
described hereinbefore with respect to the time counter outputs and
the time setting from the time thumb wheel switches. When the
distance counted by U3 equals the distance thumb wheel setting, U'7
pin 6 switches from logic 1 to logic 0. This distance pulse output
causes the system to switch to the other TDI assembly, if in the
sequence mode.
The master reset input on pin B resets all counters to 0.
From FIGS. 4a and 4b it can be seen that the outputs of either TDI
1 or TDI 2 are connected with the station driver assembly 83. The
station driver assembly 83 shapes the pulses for clocking and
resetting the TDI assemblies. It also counts and decodes the time
count inputs to determine which light station serving as the
respective apprisal means 17, to turn on; as well as providing
output voltage signals to drive the 16 light stations.
Specifically, the conductors 183 and 213 are connected with a four
bit counter 225 via conductor 227. The four output pins 229--232
are connected with respective input terminals of each of respective
4 to 16 line decoders 233 and 235 in, respectively, the station
driver assembly 83 and the panel light assembly 89. The decoder 233
has its output pins 1 through 16 connected with station drivers 237
for turning on the respective light stations. The decoder 235 has
its output pins 1 through 16 connected with panel light drivers for
turning on panel lights 41, FIG. 3, as will be described in more
detail later hereinafter. The output connector 27 is equivalent to
junction box 27, FIG. 1. The respective panel lights duplicate the
light stations and enable the operator to easily determine the
station that will be illuminated. The panel lights remain
illuminated whereas the station lights are turned off after a
predetermined interval.
To allow adjustment of the time interval the respective light
stations 17 remain on, there is provided a serially connected
circuit comprising conductors 227 and 241, nand gate 239 and single
shot multivibrator (MV) with adjustable potentiometer 243 connected
with the reset pin 245 of decoder 233. Thus, the operator may
adjust the trim pot, or adjustable potentiometer, for controlling
the time constant of the single shot multivibrator. The
multivibrator then provides an output pulse of variable width that
is routed to the reset input of the 4 to 16 line station driver
decoder 233. The circuit is mechanized such that the output pulse
from the decoder to the station driver is equal to the reset pulse
width from the signal shot multivibrator. The nand gate 239 is also
connected with the lights button 67 via conductor 247 for
interrupting the output to the light stations.
FIG. 6 shows the output from the output pin 256 of decoder 233 for
the 16th light and includes a typical driver and interconnection
for energizing the respective light stations 17 responsive to the
going low of the output terminal on the decoder 233. In a typical
connection, conductor 249 is connected with an output pin of
decoder 233 and with an inverter 251 that is connected with the
base 253 of transistor Q1. The emitter-collector circuit of
transistor Q1 is connected with Triac Q17 which connects the
alternating current common, illustrated by pin 1 on interconnector
255, with the particular station, such as pin K that is connected
with the 16th light station.
In addition to this ordinary interconnection between the respective
output pins of the decoder 233 and the respective light stations,
it has been found advantageous to interconnect the start button 73
with the conductor for the 16th light station to energize the 16th
apprisal means, including light and buzzer, and serve as a starting
signal for the runners on the track. This eliminates the necessity
for the use of a starting gun or the like and prevents confusion of
the runners as to when the start button is pushed. Otherwise, the
first light will not occur until the time has elapsed for
travelling 271/2yards.
To prevent generation of spurious lap count signals when the 16th
light station and buzzer is used as a starter signal, a diode 257
is interposed intermediate the juncture of the connection with
start button 73 and the output pin 256 of the decoder 233. The
decoder 233 operates on binary coded digital information from the
counter 225. For example, when the BCD code is 0001 from counter
225 the decoder 233 will effect lighting of station 1. When station
1 output of the decoder is inverted it causes conduction of
transistor Q1. When transistor Q1 conducts, the gate of the Triac
Q17 becomes positive and Q17 conducts. Q17 completes the AC path
from common to 115 volt AC through station 1 light. A buzzer is
also energized simultaneously with the light. The light and buzzer
will remain energized as long as the pulse output from the
multivibrator is applied to the decoder 233.
The conductor 259, FIG. 4b, is connected with the conductor to the
16th lamp and with the lap counter 261 of the lap or cycle counter
85 such that the lap counter 261 is advanced one time each time the
16th light station is energized, except when employed as a starter
signal as described immediately hereinbefore.
The lap or cycle counter 85 includes a lap counter 261 for counting
the number of laps completed when operating in the continuous mode.
The lap or cycle counter 85 also includes a cycle counter 263 to
count the number of cycles completed and a comparator 265 to
determine when the desired number of cycles, as set into the cycle
thumb wheel switches 51, have been completed; all when operating in
the sequence mode. The lap or cycle counter 85 also includes
display selection logic 267 for selecting whether laps or cycles
are to be displayed. Specifically, the lap counter 261 is connected
with the display selection logic 267 by way of respective
conductors in cable 273. The respective conductors conduct the
binary coded digital information to the display selection logic
267. The cycle counter 263, that is connected with output pin 155
of second latch 151 for registration of completion of a cycle, is
similarly connected with display selection logic 267 via respective
conductors in cable 275. The display selection logic displays one
or the other of the outputs from either the lap counter of the
cycle counter as determined by the button that has been depressed.
Lap button 59 is connected with third latch 271 which is connected
with the display selection logic via conductor 277 for enabling the
display of the number from the lap counter 261. Conversely, cycle
button 61 is connected with the third latch 271 to activate it into
the other state; and its other output terminal is connected with
display selection logic 267 via conductor 279 for enabling the
display of the number from the cycle counter 263. The output from
the display selection logic is connected, as indicated by arrow 281
with the binary coded digital to seven segment converter 283. The
converter 283 is connected, as indicated by arrow 285, with the lap
or cycle display 37. Thus, depression of the cycle button 61
enables display of the number of cycles that have been completed
and registered with cycle counter 263.
The cycle counter 263 and the cycle thumb wheel switches 51 are
connected with comparator 265 via respective conductors in
respective cables 287 and 289. The respective outputs are compared
by comparator 265 similarly as delineated hereinbefore with respect
to the comparators, such as comparator 177, of TDI unit 79. The
comparator 265 has its output pin 291 connected via conductor 293
with the end-of-cycle reset pin 295 on reset logic 169. This
effects generation of a master reset pulse to reset all counters
and other storage devices.
The following details are given only to ensure a complete
understanding of the lap or cycle counter 85.
The lap counter 261 consists of two conventional counters that
count from 0 through 9 in response to a pulse occurring each time a
signal occurs on conductor 259 signalling that the number 16 light
is turned on. The output from the lap counter 261, if it has been
enabled by lap button 59 in the display selection logic 267, is
inverted, decoded and displayed on the display 37 of the display
assembly 87. If the cycle push button 61 has been depressed, the
outputs of the counters and the lap counter 261 are not used. The
cycle counter 263 is similar to the lap counter, except that it
takes its counting clock input from the output pin 155 when
switching is made from TDI number 2 to TDI number 1. If the
apparatus 15 is operating in the continuous mode, no cycle count
will be present, since only TDI 1 will be employed. When the inputs
to the comparator 265 are the same, its output pin 291 will effect
a reset signal on the end-of-cycle reset pin 295 to indicate that
the desired number of cycles have been completed and the central
control means 21 may stop cycling.
The display assembly 87 decodes and displays the binary coded
digital lap or cycle count from the lap or cycle counter assembly
85; and accumulates and displays the elapsed time. The lap cycle
display assembly portion includes the binary coded digital
information to seven segment converter 283 referred to
hereinbefore, as well as the numeric display 37. The converter 283
is a commercially available item and need not be described in
detail herein. The lap or cycle count is received from the lap or
cycle counter in the binary coded digital format and is decoded to
produce output signals to light appropriate segments of
conventional seven segment displays, such as the RCA Numatrons,
that provide the numeric read-out of the lap or cycle count. The
number corresponding to the decoded information is then illuminated
by the correct combination of tubes in the seven tubes-per-digit on
display 37.
The elapsed time counter portion includes an elapsed time counter
that employs the 10 Hz output from the time base steering logic
assembly 177 as its clocking input. Each clock pulse changes the
binary coded digital output. As the first counter counts to nine it
effects a clock pulse for the next counter which registers seconds,
whereas the first counter registers tenths of a second. The second
counter counts to nine and then resets on the next clock pulse,
that clock pulse also serving as a clock input for the third
counter. The third counter differs from the first two in that it
only counts to 5 and then resets on the next clock pulse to effect
60 seconds per minute. Similarly, the next counter counts to 10,
whereas the fifth counter only counts to 5 again to register 60
minutes per hour. The last counter is an SN 7476 counter, similarly
as was U4 in the TDI assembly of FIG. 6, and only counts to 1.
Consequently, only 1 hour and 59 minutes 59.9 seconds can be
displayed in the illustrated embodiment.
The panel lamp assembly 89 provides the front panel repeater lights
41 to enable the operator to know which light station will come on
next. The binary coded digital code received from the station
driver assembly 83 indicates this information. The decoder 235
decodes the information from the counter 225 of the station driver
assembly 83 and feedback from the station drivers 237. Whichever
output is 0 is inverted to turn on a switching transistor. The
transistor furnishes a ground for the associated panel lamp. Each
panel lamp will remain on until its associated station light is
illuminated and for a predetermined time interval, such as 5
seconds, thereafter. For example, panel lamp number 1 will be on
until the light at station number 1 is energized, remains energized
for five seconds, and is deenergized. When station number 1 is
deenergized, the logic will switch and energize panel lamp number
2. Panel lamp number 16 will output a logic level change after
station number 16 has been energized and deenergized. The logic
level change is employed as an indication to the lap or cycle
counter as the completion of a lap.
The power supply may employ conventional elements to derive from
110 volts AC, the positive 4.5 volts needed for logic circuits, and
displays; and both the positive 12 volts and the negative 6 volts
needed for the heart rate monitor, or photoplethysmograph.
Specifically, 115 volts AC is applied to a primary of a transformer
which steps down the voltage to about 12 volts alternating current
for application to a diode bridge and the positive 12 volt supply.
A diode bridge full wave rectifies the voltage on the secondary.
The output of the diode bridge rectifier is filtered and regulated
using conventional transistors, Zener diode and resistor to effect
the positive 4.5 voltage output. The positive 12 volt supplies a
low current, Zener-regulated voltage supply formed by half wave
rectification and filtering with Zener diode and resistor
regulation. The negative 6 volts supply uses capacitor inverted,
full wave rectified voltage from the diode bridge with filter and
Zener diode-resistor regulator. Any other suitable way of effecting
the requisite voltages may be employed as the power supply.
Operation
In operation, the apparatus 15 will provide a series of discrete
outputs of the desired time duration to 16 apprisal means 17,
including light stations, positioned around a 440 yard oval track
in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2. These discrete
outputs are effected sequentially, and the operator may have
complete control over the elapsed time interval for each 110 yard
segment, or any multiple thereof, of the track. The operator may
also pre-select two different time intervals and allow the unit to
automatically sequence between them. The operator puts in the
desired time of from 0 to 199 seconds into the respective thumb
wheel switches 43 and 45. He also sets the desired distance into
the respective distance thumb wheel switches 47 and 49. The
distances may be 110, 120, . . . 990, and 1760 yards for the
respective numbers on the thumb wheel switches, the 1760 yards
being shown for the numeral 0.
The operator selects the continuous or sequential mode of operation
by depressing either the CONT or the SEQ buttons 63 or 65.
Depression of one of the buttons will effect the circuit delineated
hereinbefore to effect continued operation of TDI number 1 if in
the continuous mode or to effect cyclic operation of both TDI 1 and
TDI 2 in the sequence mode. Depression of the start button, after
power is on will energize the apprisal means number 16, turning on
the light and sounding the buzzer to start the runners 11 or the
like. If the continuous button 63 has been depressed, an input is
supplied to latch 137 which supplies a Q output to block nand gate
143 and prevent switchover to TDI number 2, effecting continuous
input of the 16 Hz clock from the time base and steering logic 77
to TDI number 1. The central control means 21 will continue to
cycle until the continuous mode is deselected, as by depression of
another button.
If the sequence button 65 is depressed, a set input is applied to
the latch 137 to clear nand gate 143 and allow passage of the
discrete output from the TDI number 1 distance comparator 193 to
second latch 151. The second latch 151 has the output of the TDI
number 2 distance comparator 207 applied to its set input. The
second latch 151 controls the gating of the 16 Hz clock signal to
either TDI number 1 or TDI number 2. At power on, the second latch
is preset and its low Q output on pin 159 enables and nand gate 129
to pass the 16 Hz clocking signal to TDI 1. When the TDI 1
switchover discrete output is received, the latch is cleared, the Q
output on pin 155 goes low, enabling nand gate 127 to route the 16
Hz clocking signal to TDI number 2 while the Q output on pin 159
inhibits the TDI number 1 clock input circuit.
Assume that initially the 16 Hz clocking input signal is sent to
time counter 99. The accumulated count is sent to comparator 177.
When the number is equal to the number set in on the time thumb
wheel switches 43, a discrete output, or "discrete," is formed that
provides via conductor 183 an input to the counter 225 of the
station driver assembly 83, and effects resetting of the time
counter 99 and provides a clock input to the distance counter
187.
The clock frequency chosen for the TDI time counters is directly
related to the number of light stations, 16 in this case. The
stations are positioned 440/16 yards apart, and a 16 Hz clock is
employed in order to obtain the correct elapsed time for a
preselected distance. For example, note that if the distance
selected is 440 yards and the elapsed time selected is 60 seconds,
the time interval between two light stations is 60 divided by 16
seconds (16 stations per 440 yards). The time counter 99 must now
count to 60 before the time comparator 177 will generate an output
pulse to the counter 225 of the station driver assembly 83,
required to turn on the lamp stations. The pulse out of the time
counter 99 will have a period equal to the thumb wheel setting
divided by the clock frequency, or 60/16 seconds, which is the
required interval between two stations. The distance comparator, it
will be recalled, divided the distance count pulses by 4.
Consequently, the distance comparator 193 will not produce a
switchover discrete output until the distance counter 187 has
received a count of 16 to effect the distance of 4 110-yard
increments, or 440 yards. Thus, there will be 16 intervals of 60/16
seconds obtained to light the 16 lights around the 440 yard
track.
The TDI number 1 time counter 99 will be updated by the 16 Hz clock
and the comparator 177 will put out another pulse after the proper
interval. This continues until the distance counter 187 reaches a
count equivalent the setting on the TDI number 1 distance thumb
wheel. Thereafter, the distance comparator 197 will produce a
discrete output to the steering logic via conductor 147 to effect
switchover to TDI number 2 if the sequence mode has been selected.
If in the continuous mode it will continue to cycle since the
output on conductor 147 will be blocked by nand gate 143. When
switchover is effected in the sequence mode, the TDI number 2 time
counter 101 will now be clocked by the 16 Hz input. The sequence of
operation continues as before with new time and distance inputs
from TDI number 2 thumb wheels. When the swithover discrete output
from TDI number 2 distance comparator 209 is generated, the second
latch 151 is set, the clock to TDI number 2 is inhibited and the
clocking pulse to TDI number 1 time counter 99 is enabled.
In addition to providing the logic for effecting switchover of the
clocking input between TDI numbers 1 and 2, the steering logic also
provides via output pin 155, a count for the cycle counter. This
count is used in a manner similar to the clock to the distance
counter. When the cycle count equals the thumb wheel setting, the
cycle comparator 203 generates a discrete output to the reset
logic, which resets all counters, essentially shutting off the
unit. Cycle count will be generated whenever the unit switches from
TDI 2 to TDI 1 to complete a cycle. Thus, by proper use of the
cycle thumb wheel switches 51, the operator may program the unit to
run through a desired number of cycles in the sequence mode and
then reset itself.
The number of elapsed cycles is displayed following depression of
the cycles button 61. Depression of the cycle button 61 gates the
output of the cycle counter 263 through the lap or cycle selection
logic 267 to the display 37 of the display assembly 87. Conversely,
the number of laps from the lap counter 261 is displayed following
depression of the laps button 59, as indicated hereinbefore.
Also as indicated hereinbefore, the output of the time comparators
99 and 101 are connected with the sequencing logic of the station
driver assembly 83. Specifically, the output conductors 183 and 213
are DOT-OR'ED and input to the 4 bit counter 225. The output of the
counter 225 is input to the decoders 233 and 235. The decoders
provide the output signals for the Triac drivers for the respective
light stations and the panel lamp drivers. The panel lamps are
repeaters for the light stations and enable the operator to easily
determine the station that will be illuminated. The operator may
also adjust the time a light station remains illuminated, as
indicated hereinbefore. The adjustment is provided by adjusting the
potentiometer 243 on the multivibrator to provide an output pulse
of the desired width, described in detail hereinbefore. The panel
light drivers are standard and conventional transistor driver
circuits; similarly, as are the Triac drivers.
The reset logic 169 has, in addition to the power-on-reset input
55, two inputs from the reset and start button switches 71 and 73.
Applying power to either or depressing the reset push button causes
a master reset to be generated which clears all counters and
displays. The start push button must be depressed in order to
enable the clocking means 97 and allow the unit to begin
functioning. The lights button allows the operator to turn off the
light stations positioned around the track by depression of light
button 67. This control only effects the track lights, none of the
other functions or displays are effected. The unit will continue to
sequence and the operator may monitor this on the front panel
lamps. Releasing the light button will allow the station lights to
be illuminated again, enabling checking the pacing of a runner
11.
Similarly, hold button 69 allows the operator to temporarily
interrupt the sequencing of the central control means 21, as
indicated hereinbefore.
Supplemental Apparatus
The apparatus 15 may be employed advantageously in conjunction with
a heart rate monitor, or photoplethysmograph (PPG) 93, FIG. 7. The
heart rate monitor 93 receives input pulses from sensor 301. The
sensor 301 functions like a standard PPG, using a light source and
a photocell that is sensitive to the red portion of the visible
light spectrum. Contraction and expansion of the blood vessels; for
example, in a finger placed on the sensor; responsive to respective
heartbeats modulate the light transmitted to the photocell. The
photocell is in one leg of a bridge network which is unbalanced by
the changing resistance of the photocell. The pulses generated form
an input to amplifier A1, an isolation amplifier. The output from
amplifier A1 is conducted via conductor 303 to amplifier A2 where
it is amplified about 500 times. A Schmitt trigger 305 shapes the
pulse. The first pulse sets a fourth latch 307 via conductor 309.
The fourth latch 307 generates an enable pulse for a 1 Hz clock.
The 1 Hz clocking input on conductor 311 may be formed by dividing
the 10 Hz clocking signal to the elapsed time display 87 by a 10's
counter. The fourth latch 307 ensures that the 15 second sample
period starts with the first pulse monitored. The pulses are
counted by the 6 bit counter 313 and displayed on heart rate
display 39. At the end of the 15 second sample period, a clock
input to the holding register 315 updates the heart rate display 39
on the front panel. The 6 bit counter 313 is then reset immediately
after the holding register is cleared and a new sample period
starts. A "divide by 15" counter 317 controls the sample time for
the heart rate monitor 93. The 1 Hz clock is put into the divide by
15 counter 317 to generate the 15 second clock signal and update
signals for the holding register 315 and the 6 bit counter 313. A
reset circuit 319 ensures that the update signal is generated and
put out before the clear signal is given to the 6 bit counter 313.
This is done by gating the 1 Hz clock with the 15 second output.
Two pulses each with a period of 0.5 seconds are obtained. The
heart rate is monitored for only a 15 second period. In order to
get the rate for a full minute, the output of the 6 bit counter 313
must be multiplied by 4. This is done by the binary to BCD decoder
321. The 2.sup.0 and 2.sup.1 inputs to the decoder are grounded,
which makes these inputs 0. The 2.sup.0 output of the holding
register 315 is input to the 2.sup.2 input of the decoder and so on
for the rest of the holding register outputs. This means that the
decoder sees a 1 input (2.sup.0) from the holding register as a 4
(2.sup.2) because of the shift. This provides the required
multiplication. A BCD to seven-segment converter 323 is provided
for illuminating the respective tubes equivalent to the binary
coded digital information in the seven-segment tube display 39.
In operation, a runner 11 that has finished a given performance
with the apparatus 15, places his finger on the sensor 301 and his
heart pulse rate is read out on display 39. By employing this, a
doctor can check the effect of a given exercise program on his
patient. Conversely, a coach can check how good a shape his runner
is in. In fact, there has been a 100 percent correlation to date
between those runners who are able to have the best results with
the heart rate monitor following a given performance on the track
and the winner of a given competitive event in which the runners
participated. Thus, it becomes possible to predict the winners of
athletic events by use of the heart rate monitor in combination
with the apparatus 15.
Other Embodiments
FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment that can be employed where
the expense of providing a hard wire installation, as illustrated
in FIG. 1, would be prohibitive, since the course changes. The
embodiment of FIG. 8 is employed in cross country running, cross
country skiing or the like. The apparatus of FIG. 8 could be
employed for training an athlete or for effecting the optimum
benefits to another participant indulging in the athletic activity.
Referring to FIG. 8, the apparatus includes a plurality of apprisal
means 17 disposed along the path the athlete 11 is to traverse so
as to apprise the athlete by visual indication in the distance
realm of the progress of a predetermined performance in order that
the athlete can attempt to equal that predetermined performance. A
settable central control means 21 is provided to operate similarly
as described hereinbefore. The central control means 21 is
connected with the respective plurality of apprisal means 17 by way
of a communication link, as noted hereinbefore. In FIG. 8, the
communication link comprises at least one transmitter 329 that is
connected with the central control means, as by conductor 331; and
a plurality of respective receivers 333, one of which is
illustrated in magnification for clarity in FIG. 8. The receivers
333 are connected with respective ones of the apprisal means 17.
The transmitter 329 and respective receivers 333 are compatible
such that discrete signals transmitted from the central control
means 21 will be received by the receivers 333 and effect
energization of a respective apprisal means 17.
As illustrated, the central control means 21 is connected with the
transmitter 329 by way of a coding means 335 for encoding
respective signals for respective apprisal means. Each respective
receiver 333 is connected with its apprisal means by way of a
decoding means 337 for decoding the signals and energizing the
respective apprisal means associated with it only upon receipt of
its respective and preset signal. For example, the respective
coding and decoding means may be operative responsive to binary
coded digital information. I have found it advantageous, however,
to simply use pulse width modulation for effecting a predetermined
number of pulses and employ counters in the decoding means to open
a gate and energize a respective apprisal means only when the
number of pulses that are predesignated and unique for its
respective apprisal means is counted in a predetermined counting
time interval.
The respective transmitter 329, coding means 335, decoding means
337, and receivers 333 are commercially available items of
equipment that are not being claimed, per se, herein. Accordingly,
it is not necessary to describe the construction of such well known
apparatus and further lengthen this already lengthy application. In
operation, the embodiment of FIG. 8 operates similarly as described
with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 1 except that the
communication link makes possible remote communication between the
central control means and the respective apprisal means such that
respective apprisal means can be laid out cross country for a
temporary course without requiring the expense of a hard wire
installation. Otherwise, the same flexibility of operation is
effected.
For optimum training of an athlete, such as a cross country runner
or skier, the heartbeat rate of the athlete may be compared with
the optimum heartbeat rate desired for the athlete; and the
predetermined performance that has been set into the settable
central control means 21 adjusted in response to departure of the
heartbeat rate of the athlete from the desired predetermined
heartbeat rate. Specifically, the training of the athlete is
optimized by the steps of initially automatically and sequentially
energizing the respective ones of the plurality of apprisal means
17 responsive to a predetermined performance set into the settable
central control means 21 to afford to the athlete at least a
visible indication of the progress of the predetermined performance
in the distance realm, as by illuminating lights at respective
apprisal means 17. To alleviate problems with over-controlling at
the start, an initial null period during which no adjustments are
made, is provided for the heartbeat rate of the athlete to approach
equilibrium. It is helpful, though not necessary to measure and
monitor the heartbeat rate even during the null period. Thereafter,
the heartbeat rate of the athlete is measured and monitored during
his performance. If the heartbeat of the athlete departs from the
desired heartbeat rate, the time between respective energizations
of the respective apprisal means is automatically altered in
accordance with a predetermined program to try to bring the
heartbeat rate to the desired and preset heartbeat rate for optimum
training, or benefits to the athlete. By employing this approach,
the athlete can attain any desired performance level without
overstraining.
Specifically, as the athlete 11 runs along the cross country track
339, his heartbeat rate is monitored by a photoplethysmograph (PPG)
341 sensor, such as the sensor 301 described with respect to FIG. 7
hereinbefore. As is well known, these sensors employ infrared light
and an infrared sensitive monitoring device to detect a dilation of
the capillaries responsive to the heartbeat such that a pulse is
emitted at each heartbeat. Thus, the photoplethysmograph 341 serves
as a measuring means for measuring the heartbeat rate of the
athlete during his athletic activity.
A monitoring means is then provided for monitoring the output of
the measuring means. Specifically, a heartbeat transmitter 343 is
connected with the photoplethysmograph 341 for transmitting a
pulsed signal each time there is a heartbeat. The transmitter 343
is carried by the athlete. As a part of the monitoring means, a
receiver 345 and heartbeat rate counter 347 are provided at the
central control means. The heartbeat rate counter 347 operates
similarly as described with respect to FIG. 7 hereinbefore to
effect a number that is the heartbeat rate per unit of time, as per
minute. If desired, a display such as display 39, FIG. 7, may be
provided to display the heartbeat rate.
A modifier means 349 is connected with the monitoring means and
with a settable central control means for modifying the
predetermined performance set into the settable central control
means responsive to the heartbeat rate in accordance with a
predetermined program such that the athlete attains a desired level
of activity without overstraining. The modifier means 349 may
comprise any suitable means for carrying out the program outlined
hereinbefore.
Different embodiments may be employed if desired. For example, a
small computer and a routine program worked up by a hired
programmer can be employed, although it is relatively more
expensive than the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10, described later
hereinafter. Operation of a computer version exemplifies this
embodiment simply and graphically and is helpful in understanding
the actual embodiment employed (FIGS. 9 and 10). Specifically, the
program and its respective rountes and decision blocks will become
apparent from the following example. Suppose that it is desirable
that the athlete attain a level of physical activity exemplified by
140 heartbeats per minute. Each 15 seconds, as described with
respect to FIG. 7 hereinbefore, the heartbeat rate of the athlete
is measured and monitored. Suppose that a predetermined performance
of 80 seconds for traversing 440 yards is set into the settable
central control means 21. The modifier means 349 is programmed to
alter the predetermined performance time between apprisal means 17
by 8/16 of a second for each 20 heartbeats that the runner's level
of physical activity is off of the desired 140 heartbeats per
minute. Suppose, after the null for attaining equilibrium, the
first heartbeat measured and monitored is 120 heartbeats per
minute, or negative 20. The 5.0 second interval between
energization of the respective apprisal means 17 will be altered by
negative 8/16 of a second, or shortened to 4.5 seconds, between
each pair of the 16 apprisal means 17. Suppose that after the next
15 second interval the heartbeat rate is determined to be 130,
still 10 heartbeats per minute shy of the desired 140 beats per
minute. The predetermined performance will be altered such that the
elapsed time interval between respective apprisal means is further
decreased from 4.5 seconds by 4/16 of a second to 4.25 seconds.
Suppose that after the next 15 seconds have elapsed the heartbeat
rate is determined to be 140 beats per minute. No change is made in
the predetermined performance. Suppose that after the following 15
seconds the heartbeat rate is found to be 145 heartbeats per
minute. The time is increased by two-sixteenths of a second from
4.25 to 4-6/16 of a second between energization of successive
apprisal means 17. In this way, the optimum benefits to the
participant are effected; and he is brought in on a performance at
his optimum. This allows optimizing the training of an athlete to
reach his peak performance in the shortest possible time without
overstraining.
An embodiment of the modifier means that has proved economically
feasibly is illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. Referring to FIG. 9, the
output from thumb wheel switch 43 is routed by way of
multi-conductor switches 355 and 357 through a pacer 359 whose
output is ultimately controlled by the heartbeat rate of the
athlete compared with a predetermined optimum heartbeat rate.
Expressed otherwise, the thumb wheel switch 43 is used to dial in
the desired heartbeat rate input and emplace it on the multiple
contacts illustrated generically by contact 361, FIGS. 9 and 10. A
predetermined performance in the time realm is then adjusted
upwardly or downwardly to vary the time interval between respective
energizations of respective apprisal means 17, FIGS. 1 and 8, to
bring the heartbeat rate of the athlete 11 in on the desired
optimum by altering a predetermined performance in the time realm
and using a time clocking input, as described with respect to FIGS.
4a and 4b hereinbefore. Thus, the system operates similarly as
described hereinbefore except that the binary coded digital
information sent to the time comparator 177 may be varied
responsive to the physiological response of the athlete with
respect to his optimum desired heartbeat rate.
Referring to FIG. 10, the heartbeat rate controlled pacer 359
comprises a mobile portion 363 that is carried by the athlete 11;
and a central portion 365. Specifically, the mobile portion 363
comprises two oscillators 367 and 369 that put out respective
frequencies f.sub.1 and f.sub.2. The oscillators 367 and 369 are
connected via a gate means 371 with the transmitter 343. The gate
means 371 is responsively connected with the PPG 341 such that it
transmits a first frequency f.sub.1 during a heartbeat and
transmits a second frequency f.sub.2 during the time of rest of the
heart.
Referring to the central portion 365, the terminal 361 is connected
with a storage register 373 for storing the heartbeat rate set into
thumb wheel switch 43; for example, 140. The plurality of outputs
from the storage register 373 are connected to the digital to
analogue converter 375 for providing a direct current (DC) voltage
V.sub.hrd on the output conductor 377 that is proportional to the
heartbeat rate input HR.sub.d. Receiver 345 is connected with the
frequency discriminators 1 and 2, illustrated by block 379. The
frequency discriminators 379 are connected to the "set" and "clear"
pins of pulse shaper 381 so as to provide a unit output signal upon
the occurrence of the frequency F.sub.1 denoting a heartbeat and to
provide a zero output signal for no heartbeat. The pulse shaper 381
is in effect a set-reset flip-flop for generating the desired unit
output signal only during the occurrence of a heartbeat. The pulse
shaper 381 is connected to the frequency to voltage converter 383
for generation of a DC voltage V.sub.hri that is proportional to
the rate of the heartbeats counted, or the heartbeat rate HR.sub.i
actually measured from the runner. The voltage output V.sub.hri is
sent to the voltage comparator 385 by way of conductor 387. The
output conductor 377 is also connected with the voltage comparator
385 for comparing the desired heartbeat rate HR.sub.d with the
actual heartbeat rate being measured HR.sub.i. A slave counter, or
up/down counter, 387 is connected by way of its output conductors
389 and multiconductor switch 357 with time comparator 177, which
has been described hereinbefore. The counter 387 is, in effect, an
electronic thumb wheel; or simply a counter that can be controlled
easily and by electronic inputs to effect the desired output for
being sent to comparator 177. A programmed time input 391 is
connected with the up/down counter 387 for use during the warm-up
of a runner. The up/down counter 387 may be slaved to the
programmed time input 391 by the switching of the multi-conductor
switches 355 and 357 to incorporate the heartbeat rate controlled
pacer 359 into the circuit intermediate the thumb wheel switch 43
and the comparator 177. The programmed time input has a relatively
slow time set thereinto for warm-up. The time decreases at a
predetermined rate for gradually bringing the runner up to the
desired pace before the expiration of the null period that has been
described hereinbefore. For example, the programmed time input may
initially provide a time of 110 seconds or more to travel 440
yards; the 110 seconds being decreased by 5 seconds for every 15
seconds of elapsed time interval to bring the runner up to speed.
Any other satisfactory programmed time input may be employed.
An up/down control 393 is connected with the up/down counter 387
via three conductors 395-397 for rendering the counter 387
receptive to a clocking pulse to either increase the time on the
counter or decrease the time depending upon the respective
conductor 395 or 397 that is energized by the up/down control 393.
Thereafter, an incoming clock pulse is fed over the conductor 396
to increase or decrease the setting on the counter 387 by one unit
for each pulse. Whether the counter is to be increased or decreased
depends upon whether the respective measured heartbeat rate
HR.sub.i is less than or greater than the desired heartbeat rate
HR.sub.d. A respective signal for the respective conditions will be
sent by voltage comparator 385 to the up/down control over the
respective conductors 399 and 401.
In operation, the operator operates the respective switches 355 and
357 to put the programmed time input into the up/down counter 387
that is connected with the comparator 177. The desired heartbeat
rate for the runner in question is then set into thumb wheel switch
43. The selected heartbeat rate input is stored on the register 373
whose output controls the digital to analogue converter switches to
give the desired signal, or voltage, V.sub.hrd that is proportional
to the desired heartbeat rate HR.sub.d. The signal V.sub.hrd is
sent to the voltage comparator 385. The runner paces himself
according to the lights in accordance with the programmed time
input which may alter the up/down counter settings stepwise to
gradually increase the speed at which the respective apprisal means
17 are energized. At each heartbeat, the PPG 341 carried by the
runner opens the gate means 371 to allow passage of the respective
frequency indicating a heartbeat. The heartbeat is transmitted via
transmitter 343 and is received by receiver 345. The frequency
discriminators 379 generate a discrete voltage output whenever a
correct tone is received, as f.sub.1 during a heartbeat. The pulse
shaper 381 receives the respective set and clear signals from the
frequency discriminators number 1 and number 2 to provide a series
of pulses whose frequency and duration is equal to that of the
runner's heartbeats. The frequency to voltage converter 383, which
is actually an integrator, will now generate a ramp output whose
peak value is some voltage V.sub.hri ; that is, some voltage that
is a function of the measured heartbeat rate HR.sub.i. If the
signal V.sub.hri on conductor 387 is less than the signal V.sub.hrd
on conductor 377, the comparator 385 puts out a signal on conductor
399 indicating that the HR.sub.i is less than HR.sub.d. This signal
causes the up/down control 393 to generate a down count discrete
that is sent via conductor 395 to the counter 387. The down counter
387 is now enabled to count downwardly for each clock pulse that is
received and speed up the respective energization of the apprisal
means 17. The clock pulse has a relatively low frequency and
generates one pulse for each 5 to 15 second interval, as desired.
Different clock pulse rates could be employed if desired. Thus, the
up/down counter now begins to count down from the selected time
input at the rate determined by the clock frequency. When the
runner's heartbeat rate increases above the desired heartbeat rate
HR.sub.d, the up/down control 393 is apprised via a signal on
conductor 401 that inhibits the down counting and causes the
up/down control 393 to output an up count discrete on conductor
397. Thereafter, the up/down counter 387 will count upwardly with
each respective clock pulse until the heartbeat rate HR.sub.i is
equal to the desired heartbeat rate HR.sub.d. At this point there
is no further cycling and the running rate of the runner has been
stabilized at his individual best rate of training, as determined
by his physiological response. Once the up/down counter 387 begins
to be activated electronically by inputs from the up/down
controller 393, the programmed time input 391 is disabled until it
is again cut into the circuit by operation of the multi-conductor
switches 355 and 357. The counter 387 thereby retains its own count
unless activated upwardly or downwardly by the enabling pulse on
the respective conductors 397 or 395 and the occurrence of a
clocking pulse on the conductor 396.
The described embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10 is much more economical
than the computer version described hereinbefore. The embodiment of
FIGS. 9 and 10 employs readily available logic units that can be
purchased "off-the-shelf" and connected as described and
illustrated to give an engineeringly feasible unit for optimizing
the training of the athlete.
If desired, a separate thumb wheel switch, separate comparator, and
separate heartbeat counter could be employed instead of a switch
means cutting in the heartbeat rate controlled pacer, as
illustrated in FIG. 9. If a separate thumb wheel switch,
comparator, and counter is employed, it may be switched into
control by a separate switch means and employ the heartbeat
transmitted from the athlete as a clocking pulse that is input to
the heartbeat counter. The heartbeat counter is then connected with
the comparator, similarly as described with respect to the time
clocking pulse and the time counter and time comparator of FIG. 4a.
It is ordinarily advantageous and more economical to employ the
time clocking pulse, the time counter and the time comparator in
accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 4a rather than resort to a
purely physiological counter. Moreover, the athlete's performance
in the time realm may be more directly compared with a
predetermined performance such as a world record, than can a purely
physiological performance.
General
The unit which has been described hereinbefore has a wide
flexibility and can be readily modified to provide the following
additional applications.
1. Although the apparatus to date has employed electrical cable and
radio as the communication link to connect each station in the
apprisal means 17 with the central control means 21, some
installations may be better served by use of other forms, such as
light beams, particularly over an elongate and variable path such
as might be traversed by an olympic skier, cross country runner, or
the like. For example, each light could be made to respond to a
specific frequency or pulse code, similarly as described with
respect to FIG. 8. The control unit then would output signals
appropriate to the particular lights in sequence.
2. The function of the control unit can be expanded to light more
than one light at a time. For example, two lights diametrically
opposed allow two groups to use a track at once without
interference.
3. Further to the point of 2., the central control means 31 could
be made using two or more lights of different colors. Each light
color could be programmed at its own pace and distances, allowing
two runners to use the system at one time although running at
different paces.
4. By providing means of monitoring the runner's heart rate while
running, such as by radio telemetry like is employed by the
National Aeronautics and Space Association, the apparatus 15 can be
employed to set the runner's pace as a function of his heart rate,
in accordance with a health program, similarly as illustrated in
FIG. 8.
5. The system can be modified to provide pacing along a straight
path; such as in sprinting, skiing or swimming competition courses.
Included would be starting lights to provide random timing to
simulate starting conditions.
6. In situations where competitive rules prohibit the use of pacing
lights around the track or along the path that the athlete will
traverse, models can be equipped with pacing lights and used to
increase the viewing interest of a television audience. By
superimposition, the pacing lights on the model can be made to
appear as if they were alongside the path being traversed by the
athlete. For example, light emitting diodes on a model could be
superimposed along a ski run being made by an olympic
competitor.
7. The system could be extended to apply to any training or
competitive situation where elapsed time from a starting point to a
finishing line is of interest.
While the equal spacing of the lights around a track has been
described, any other spacing along the path traversed by the
athlete could be employed if desired. For example, if desired,
logarithmic spacing with a concentration near the finish line could
be employed if desired.
Instead of the permanently installed light stations as described,
temporary installations may be employed. On the other hand, the
temporary central control means 21 can be permanently housed in
accordance with a permanently installed system, if desired.
If desired, a multivibrator can be employed for shaping the
distance pulse output from the distance comparator to obtain better
distance reset counter pulses and better inputs to the nand gates
143 or 127.
Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of
particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has
been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the
details of construction and the combination and arrangement of
parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the
scope of this invention.
* * * * *