U.S. patent number RE44,650 [Application Number 13/452,812] was granted by the patent office on 2013-12-17 for exercise activity recording system.
The grantee listed for this patent is Brent Anderson, Douglas E. Nichols. Invention is credited to Brent Anderson, Douglas E. Nichols.
United States Patent |
RE44,650 |
Anderson , et al. |
December 17, 2013 |
Exercise activity recording system
Abstract
A multiple exercise activity recording system in which each
piece of equipment, exercise movement exercise area, fitness
activity or biometric in a facility where exercises are pre-formed
is assigned to an exercise identification module. Each exercise
identification module is linked or coupled to a terminal with a
display and a manual input device. Each user is assigned a personal
identification device that is presented or inputted into the
terminal before or after the exercise equipment or exercise area is
used. After exercising, the user activates the exercise
identification module assigned to the exercise equipment or to the
exercise area. Upon activation, one or more sub-routines
automatically run in the terminal. Prompts presented on the display
then request user input of information pertinent to the exercise
activity. The inputted information may be stored in the terminal or
immediately transmitted to a permanent member data file on a local
or remote server.
Inventors: |
Anderson; Brent (Kirkland,
WA), Nichols; Douglas E. (Redmond, WA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Anderson; Brent
Nichols; Douglas E. |
Kirkland
Redmond |
WA
WA |
US
US |
|
|
Family
ID: |
49725960 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/452,812 |
Filed: |
April 20, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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10819052 |
Mar 24, 2009 |
7507183 |
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60461204 |
Apr 7, 2003 |
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Reissue of: |
12383469 |
Mar 23, 2009 |
7699752 |
Apr 20, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/1; 482/9;
705/2; 482/8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B
24/0075 (20130101); A63B 24/00 (20130101); G16H
20/30 (20180101); A63B 2225/20 (20130101); A63B
2225/50 (20130101); G16H 10/65 (20180101); A63B
2225/15 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63B
15/02 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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96/26495 |
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Aug 1996 |
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WO |
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2005/099827 |
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Oct 2005 |
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WO |
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2010/117616 |
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Oct 2010 |
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WO |
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Other References
International Search Report received in International Application
No. PCT/US2005/011734, dated Aug. 25, 2006, 2 pages. cited by
applicant .
International Search Report received in International Application
No. PCT/US2010/028292, dated Oct. 26, 2011, 2 pages. cited by
applicant .
Mantoro, et al., "Toward the Recognition of User Activity Based On
User Location in Ubiquitous Computing Environments," International
Journal of Computer Science and Security, vol. 2(3), Aug. 3, 2008,
pp. 1-59. cited by applicant.
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Primary Examiner: Richman; Glenn
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Davis Wright Tremaine LLP Colburn;
Heather M.
Parent Case Text
This utility patent application is a continuation in-part
application of the Utility U.S. Pat. No. 7,507,183, issue date Mar.
24, 2009, (Ser. No. 10/819,052), filed Apr. 6, 2004 which is based
on the provisional patent application (Ser. No. 60/461,204) filed
on Apr. 7, 2003.
Claims
We claim:
1. A physical exercise records system, comprising: a. a plurality
of .[.exercises.]. .Iadd.exercise .Iaddend.activity data sources;
b. a unique identifying EIDM associated with each said exercise
activity data source; c. a terminal linked or coupled to each said
EIDM used with said exercise data sources, said terminal including
a display, means for inputting data into said terminal, means for
identifying an means for identifying a user, and working memory;
and.[.,.]. d. an exercise software program loaded into said working
memory of said terminal, said exercise software program runs a
plurality of sub-routines each associated with one said EIDM, said
sub-routines .[.presents.]. .Iadd.present .Iaddend.on said display
at least one exercise data entry page after said EIDM is identified
and interrogated that queries a user to input exercise activity
data relevant to the exercise activity data source.
2. The physical exercise records system, as recited in claim 1,
wherein said unique identifying EIDM associated with each said
exercise activity data source is an identification contact
button.
3. The physical exercise records system, as recited in claim 2,
wherein said identification contact button is attached to said
exercise activity data source.
4. The physical exercise records system, as recited in claim 2,
wherein said means for identifying a user is a contact button
manually pressed against said contact button attached to said
exercise activity data source.
5. The physical exercise records system, as recited in claim 3,
wherein said means for identifying a user is an identification
contact button assigned to a specific user that is selectively
pressed against said contact button attached to said exercise
activity data source.
6. The physical exercise records system, as recited in claim 2,
wherein said identification contact button is attached to said
terminal.
7. The physical exercise records system, as recited in claim 2,
wherein said means for identifying a user is a contact button
manually pressed against said contact button attached to said
exercise activity data source.
8. The physical exercise records system, as recited in claim 7,
wherein said means for identifying a user is an identification
contact button assigned to a specific user that is selectively
pressed against said contact button attached to said exercise
activity data source EIDM interrogation means and said EIDM is an
optical reader and a compatible tag element capable of being
interrogated by said optical reader.
9. The physical exercise records system, as recited in claim 1,
wherein said EIDM interrogation means and said EIDM is a RFID
reader and compatible tag element.
10. The physical exercise records system, as recited in claim 1,
further including a server capable of receiving the input records
from said terminal.
11. The physical exercise records system, as recited in claim 10,
further including a wireless communication link between terminal
and said server.
12. A physical exercise records system, comprising: a. an
.[.exercises.]. .Iadd.exercise .Iaddend.activity data source; b. an
exercise coupled electronic contact identification button coupled
to said exercise activity data source; c. a terminal linked or
coupled to said exercise coupled electronic contact identification
button .[.couple.]. .Iadd.coupled .Iaddend.to said exercise
activity data source, said terminal including a display, means for
inputting data into said terminal, means for identifying an means
for identifying a user, and working memory; and.[.,.]. d. an
exercise software program loaded into said working memory of said
terminal, said exercise software program runs a plurality of
sub-routines each associated with one said EIDM, said sub-routines
.[.presents.]. .Iadd.present .Iaddend.on said display at least one
exercise data entry page after said EIDM is identified and
interrogated that queries a user to input exercise activity data
relevant to the exercise activity data source.
13. A method for recording and monitoring exercise activities by
members of .[.a.]. .Iadd.an .Iaddend.exercise facility that
contains a plurality of exercise activity data sources each
associated with an identifiable EIDM, said exercise facility
includes at least one terminal coupled to said .[.EIDM's.].
.Iadd.EIDMs .Iaddend.used with a plurality of terminals, said
terminal includes a display, .[.a data input means,.]. and a
software program that executes a EIDM specific sub-routine that
requests specific exercise performed at .Iadd.the .Iaddend.exercise
activity data source to be manually inputted into said terminal,
said method comprising: a. selecting an exercise activity data
source coupled or linked to an EIDM and to said terminal; b.
performing an exercise with said exercise activity data source; c.
identifying the user on said terminal; and.[.,.]. d. inputting data
into said display on said terminal in response to .[.said.].
.Iadd.a .Iaddend.sub-routine page that pertains to the exercise
performed with said exercise activity data source.
.Iadd.14. A system for use with a user, the system comprising: a) a
plurality of exercise activity data sources; b) a unique
identifying EIDM associated with each of the exercise activity data
sources; c) a terminal linked or coupled to each of the EIDM used
with the exercise data sources, the terminal including a display,
an input device configured to receive input from the user, and a
working memory; and d) an exercise software program loaded into the
working memory of the terminal, the exercise software program runs
a plurality of sub-routines each associated with one of the EIDM,
the sub-routines presenting on the display at least one exercise
data entry page after a particular EIDM is identified and
interrogated, the at least one exercise data entry page querying
the user to input exercise activity data relevant to the exercise
activity data source associated with the particular
EIDM..Iaddend.
.Iadd.15. The system of claim 14 for use with a portable user
identification device associated with the user, the portable user
identification device comprising a personal identification code,
wherein the terminal is further configured to receive the personal
identification code from the portable user identification
device..Iaddend.
.Iadd.16. A device for use with a user, the device comprising: a
reader configured to read each of a plurality of unique
identifiers, each of the plurality of unique identifiers being
associated a different exercise activity data source; at least one
processor connected to the reader; a memory connected to the
processor, the memory comprising a plurality of sub-routines
executable by the at least one processor, the at least one
processor executing at least one of the sub-routines after a
selected one of the plurality of unique identifiers is read by the
reader; an input device configured to receive input from the user;
and a display device connected to the processor, the executing at
least one of the sub-routines instructing the processor to display
on the display device a data entry page that queries the user to
input exercise activity data, using the input device, relevant to
the exercise activity data source associated with the selected one
of the plurality of unique identifiers..Iaddend.
.Iadd.17. The device of claim 16, wherein the reader is an optical
reader and the unique identifier is a symbol readable by the
optical reader..Iaddend.
.Iadd.18. The device of claim 16, wherein the reader is a RFID
reader and the unique identifier is a RFID tag readable by the RFID
reader..Iaddend.
.Iadd.19. The device of claim 16 for use with a server, further
comprising: a wireless transmitter configured to communicate
wirelessly with the server and transmit at least a portion of the
exercise activity data input by the user to the
server..Iaddend.
.Iadd.20. The device of claim 16 for use with a server, further
comprising: a communication connection configured to communicate
with the server and transmit at least a portion of the exercise
activity data input by the user to the server..Iaddend.
.Iadd.21. A system for use with a user, the system comprising a
plurality of symbols, each symbol uniquely identifying a different
one of a plurality of exercise activity data sources; and a
handheld device comprising: a reader configured to read each of the
plurality of symbols; at least one processor connected to the
reader; a memory connected to the processor, the memory comprising
a plurality of sub-routines executable by the at least one
processor, the at least one processor executing at least one of the
sub-routines after a selected one of the plurality of symbols is
read by the reader; an input device configured to receive input
from the user; and a display device connected to the processor, the
executing at least one of the sub-routines instructing the
processor to display on the display device a data entry page that
queries the user to input exercise activity data, using the input
device, relevant to the exercise activity data source associated
with the selected one of the plurality of symbols..Iaddend.
.Iadd.22. The system of claim 21, wherein the symbol is positioned
on or near the associated exercise activity data
source..Iaddend.
.Iadd.23. The system of claim 21, wherein the reader is an optical
reader and the symbol is an optical symbol readable by the optical
reader..Iaddend.
.Iadd.24. The system of claim 21, further comprising a server,
wherein the handheld device further comprises a wireless
transmitter configured to communicate wirelessly with the server
and transmit at least a portion of the exercise activity data input
by the user to the server..Iaddend.
.Iadd.25. The system of claim 21, further comprising a server,
wherein the handheld device further comprises a communication
connection configured to communicate with the server and transmit
at least a portion of the exercise activity data input by the user
to the server..Iaddend.
.Iadd.26. A physical exercise records system comprising: a) a
plurality of exercise activity data sources; b) a unique
identifying EIDM associated with each said exercise activity data
source; and c) a terminal linked or coupled to each said EIDM used
with said exercise data sources, said terminal including: a
display, means for inputting data into said terminal, and a
plurality of sub-routines each associated with one said EIDM, said
sub-routines present on said display at least one exercise data
entry page after said EIDM is identified and interrogated that
queries a user to input exercise activity data relevant to the
exercise activity data source..Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to exercise metrics recording systems, and
more particularly, to exercise metrics recording systems located in
health club/gym facilities that offer different pieces of exercise
equipment and exercise activities to its members.
2. Description of the Related Art
There are approximately 22 thousand fitness centers and health
clubs in the United States serving approximately 40 million
members. The health club industry is characterized by rapid growth
in club members (8% per annum) and an explosion in exercise related
activities and equipment. There has also been tremendous growth in
information related to the optimal use of exercise equipment
including: the best use of time devoted to exercise, long term
impact of specific exercise activity, avoidance of injury, and
preferred combinations of exercises.
To help individual health club members maximize the benefit of time
spent exercising, most health clubs offer professional training
services. Professional training services support the goals of
maximizing the benefit of time expended toward exercise, injury
avoidance, and maintaining a long-term focus to a given exercise
regime. Professional training services (as currently offered)
require the trainer to directly participate in his or her clients'
exercise sessions to observe and track activity and performance.
Direct participation by the professional trainer in most or all of
his or her clients' exercise sessions carries with it a number of
negative attributes, including very high service costs, advance
scheduling requirements for exercise sessions, regimentation of
recreational workout activity into `hard core` training sessions
and, for some, a `loss of privacy` in exercise activity that many
health club members view negatively.
An effective exercise metrics recording system enabling individuals
to independently record their exercise activity in a digital format
would permit fitness professionals to effectively counsel and/or
train the individual system member without necessitating the
trainer's direct participation in each of the client's day to day
workouts. Such an exercise metrics recording system would also
eliminate advance scheduling and aesthetic problems associated with
the use of professional training services. Most important, such an
exercise metrics recording system would permit professional
counseling services to be rendered more efficiently at prevailing
price levels, and enable health clubs to provide a much broader
range of fitness training/counseling services to address the needs
and price constraints of the majority of health club members.
Finally, the digital exercise and fitness records produced by such
an exercise metrics recording system could be provided to third
parties not affiliated with the health club or fitness center, such
as doctors, therapists, managed healthcare providers, corporate
wellness program administrators, etc., who have an interest in the
health and well-being of particular health club members.
Two basic approaches have been attempted toward the goal of
recording exercise activity onto a digital medium: "active network
systems" and "scripted training systems."
Active network systems deploy a local electronic network in the
health club with each exercise machine equipped with a display
monitor, data input means and sensors, and operating as a data
collection node. The health club member identifies himself or
herself to a particular machine or workout station via entry of a
personal identification number on a key pad at the workout station.
Upon completion of the exercise, certain performance information
collected by sensors at the workout station is transmitted to a
central server where individual exercise records are stored. Active
network systems are effective where exercise equipment operates at
a fixed location in the gym or fitness center, and where each piece
of exercise equipment in the network supports only one or two
exercise movements.
Active network systems encounter problems dealing with any
equipment that is mobile or capable of being employed in
multiplicities of exercise movements. Free weights are the most
obvious example of exercise equipment that cannot be linked in an
active network system. In addition to problems accommodating data
input from some types of exercise equipment, active network systems
do not support tracking of activity-related exercise (e.g., aerobic
dancing; running; basketball; etc). Additionally, the provisioning
of electrical power to active networked systems and the
installation of network monitors, data input means, and sensors at
each piece of the networked equipment result in high capital
installation costs and high recurring maintenance costs. Active
network systems are also costly to expand as new exercise machines
and methods are brought into the health club.
The second means to record exercise-related activity involves the
use of dedicated software programs operating on PDAs or similar
handheld devices. Exercise software programs fall into two
categories: "menu-driven database programs" and "scripted exercise
routine systems."
Exercise menu-driven programs involve simple database lookup
programs applied to the tracking of fitness activity. Using a PDA
or similar handheld device, the health club member scrolls through
a preprogrammed menu of commonly available exercises, identifies
his or her intended exercise activity, and enters certain
performance information into the handheld device upon completion of
the exercise. The principal problem with menu-driven database
programs as applied to health and fitness records is the length and
complexity of the menu necessary to accommodate the literally
thousands of exercise options available in a typical health club.
The burden of cycling through available workout options to locate
the desired entry point in the database program has rendered
menu-driven database programs too burdensome for most health club
members and impractical as effective exercise metrics tracking
systems. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,493,485; 4,409,992; 4,408,183; and
5,890,997.
Scripted exercise records systems exist in multiple forms. In their
simplest embodiment, a piece of paper can be carried through a work
out with an exercise program written on it, as the User follows the
prescribed routine he/she checks boxes and writes down performance
data. Systems have been developed to simplify the task of data
entry and data conversion into a digital format by introducing a
PDA or similar handheld device configured to store user exercise
performance data relative to an exercise script which is carried on
the PDA like device or recorded on a work out card to be read by
the PDA. There are many number of innovations relative to script
based exercise records systems, but the identification of these
script based exercise record systems as "related art" is
problematic. Scripted systems simply do not meet the challenge of
identifying what exercise activity/s a User elected to perform
during a given work out. Rather than address the multiple thousands
of combinations related exercise data source, and possible
combinations of weight used, repetitions completed, time, distance,
speed, resistance level etc., scripted systems allow the User to
record performance against a narrowly defined exercise program. The
user performs the prescribed exercise and then records certain
performance information by hand or into a PDA or similar handheld
device which contains the exercise script. The limitations placed
on data input sources by script based exercise records systems
represent a fundamental difference relative to the subject
invention and other "related art" described herein. Script-based
exercise systems necessarily require members to strictly follow a
prescribed training program in order to track performance. While
most health club members follow generalized patterns in their
exercise and recreation The majority of health club members do not
strictly follow training programs, (The average health club member
being over 30 years old and more interested in maintaining a
reasonable level of fitness than running a marathon or "body
sculpting". Accordingly, script-based systems have enjoyed limited
acceptance among health club members. Finally, while Script based
systems are not precisely "related art," a second issue is worth
noting that has kept these systems from enjoying wide applications
in the health and fitness club market.
An exercise script for a PDA can be written by anyone for use by a
health club member in the gym. While the health club operator can
control perimeter facility access, the health club operator cannot
control access to individual exercise apparatus or compel the use
of his or her club based training services in conjunction with the
script based system. In fact, script based exercise records systems
operate to introduce internet/non resident trainer competition into
a health club, threatening a major revenue source for the typical
health club. The end result being relegation of script based
systems to treatment related exercise programs (Health care
provider prescribed) and limited acceptance by interne
trainers.
A need exists for a new exercise metrics collection system for a
health club capable of collecting, transferring, storing, and
managing individual exercise records of its members, without the
operating restrictions and high costs described herein above. The
new system will differ from existing methods, offering its members
easy and flexible operation unencumbered by scripted exercise
routines which are directive in nature. Such a system should accept
data input from any fitness data source including activity-based
workouts (e.g., aerobic dancing; running; basketball; etc.),
stretching, all forms of resistance training (including exercises
using free-weights), and biometric monitoring devices. In addition
system should be materially less expensive to install and maintain
than are active network systems, and must provide for control over
access to the system, particularly its exercise identification
component
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an inexpensive,
easy to use exercise recording system specifically designed for use
in a health club and other sports and fitness facilities which
offers different pieces of exercise equipment and exercise
activities to its members.
It is another object of the present invention to provide such a
system that uses handheld devices or terminals that allow members
to easily record various exercise activities in the facility.
It is another object of the present invention to provide such a
system that provides exercise machine or exercise activity related
sub-routines to the member that instructs the member regarding the
type of data to be inputted into the handheld device to terminal by
the member after the exercise is completed.
It is another object of the present invention to provide such a
system that allows health club trainers the option to selectively
program the handheld device or terminal for specific members
instructing the members to include or more specific types of
exercise and the exercise level to be preformed on those
recommended exercises.
It is another object of the present invention to provide such a
system that is relatively inexpensive to assemble, install and
maintain.
It is another object of the present invention to provide such a
system that uses only handheld devices or terminals that are
uniquely configured and provided by the health club for use in the
health club.
It is another object of the present invention to provide such a
system that does not require the direct participation of a trainer
during or after every exercise session.
It is another object of the present invention to provide such a
system that does not require a member to perform exercise activity
according to a prescribed sequence.
It is another object of the present invention to provide such a
system that can be linked to other health clubs so that members'
exercise records may be aggregated and quantitatively or
qualitatively evaluated, and shared.
It is another object of the present invention to provide such a
system that can centrally store, protect and discretely distribute
individual exercise records in such a way as to allow individual
records to address member exercise activity preformed away from the
member's home gym and further to allow for the distribution of
individual exercise records to interested and authorized third
parties (healthcare providers, weight loss clinics, insurance
providers, DoD [force readiness] Etc.)
It is another object of the present invention to provide such a
system that can deploy statistical analysis and data base tools
against a centrally stored collection of, individual exercise
records to provide business and public interest related data mining
against the system's population of individual records.
It is another object of the present invention to provide such a
system that deploys software tools which apply statistical analysis
and fitness related information/principles against an individual's
exercise records to aid in maintaining safe and effective exercise
patterns.
These objects are met by an exercise activity records system
disclosed herein that enables users to easily record different
exercise activities performed in the facility. In a first
embodiment, the system includes a portable handheld device capable
of being pre-programmed by the trainer for a specific member that
is then used by the member to record exercise activities. The
system also includes a unique identifying "exercise identification
module", hereinafter referred to as an EIDM, attached to or located
in the proximate vicinity of an exercise activity source. The
handheld device includes a display monitor, a data input means, and
an EIDM interrogation means used query the EIDM. During use, the
member activates the handheld device which executes an exercise
data collection software program loaded into the working memory of
the handheld device. When the member selects a piece of exercise
equipment or an exercise activity, (e.g. weight lifting), the EIDM
interrogation means is activated and used to interrogate the EIDM.
When the EIDM is identified, the exercise data collection software
program automatically executes a software sub-routine specifically
designed for the individual and the specific exercise activity
source associated with the EIDM. More specifically, the sub-routine
presents a data entry page on the display monitor. The data entry
page identifies the exercise machine or activity, the type of
exercise to be completed, and presents a plurality of prompts
requesting specific information from the member regarding the
exercise activity performed on the exercise activity data source.
The information that is inputted into the handheld device using the
input means is directly stored in a temporary member data file on
the handheld device or transmitted directly to a permanent member
file stored on a local server located in the health club. If the
information is stored in a temporary member data file on the
handheld, it is later uploaded to the local server. Each time the
member moves to a new exercise data activity source, the EIDM
interrogation means and the EIDM are used to quickly identify the
exercise activity data source and present the proper sub-routine
associated with the exercise activity.
In another embodiment of the invention, the exercise activity
source in the facility where exercises are preformed is assigned to
an EIDM but each EIDM is linked or coupled to a stationary terminal
connected to or located near the exercise activity source. The
terminal, which may be linked exclusively to one exclusively
exercise activity source and one EIDM or may be linked to multiple
exercise activity sources and EIDMs, is connected to a display and
an optional manual input device. The EIDM associated with each
exercise activity source may be located at or near the exercise
activity source or it may be mounted on the terminal's front panel
or on a multiple exercise activity demonstration board. Loaded into
the memory of the terminal is an exercise data collection software
program and user data file.
Each user is assigned a personal identification code which must be
manually inputted into the terminal or assigned an electronic
identification device that interfaces with the EIDM or another
compatible input device to input the user's identification into the
terminal. The personal identification code or electronic
identification device transmits the user's identification
information to the terminal before or after the exercise equipment
or exercise area is used. An example of an electronic
identification device assigned to a user is an I-button. During
use, the user's I-button is pressed against a compatible, terminal
linked I-button connected or linked to the terminal that
automatically transmits the user's personal identification code
into the terminal. In the preferred embodiment, the terminal
I-button also acts as an EIDM, which, when activated by the user's
I-button, automatically informs the terminal which exercise
activity source is selected and also informs the terminal of the
user's identification information.
After exercising, the user activates the EIDM associated with the
exercise activity source. When the EIDM is activated, a
sub-routines and prompts relating to the exercise are then
presented on the terminal's display. The user then manually inputs
exercise specific information into the terminal in response to the
prompts.
The key differences between the first and second embodiments, is
that mobile and fixed components of the system are reversed. In the
first embodiment, after the EIDM is activated, a data exchange
sequence is initiated by the handheld. In the second embodiment,
when the user activates the EIDM, a data exchange sequence is
initiated in the terminal. In both embodiments, a sub-routine
specific to the exercise activity source is automatically
generated. In the second embodiment, the identification sequence is
directed towards identifying the user to the terminal and to the
specific exercise selected by the system user. The EIDM is now in a
fixed location as are the terminal with the exercise date program,
the exercise specific sub-routines and the processor. The only
mobile component is the user's identification codes or input
device. Also, inputted information may be stored in the terminal or
immediately transmitted to a permanent member data file on a local
or remote server
In both embodiments, the system may includes a local server located
in the facility with permanent member data files that contains the
inputted records from the handheld devices or terminals used by
members in the club. In another embodiment, the local server is
replaced by an uplink terminal connected to a remote server located
in a network operations center, hereinafter referred to as a NOC,
that via the Internet. In both embodiments, a data base software
program designed to collect the uploaded records in the handheld
device's or terminal's temporary member data file and then present
the information to the trainer and/or member when connected to the
server.
The system will also use a tool set of software programs,
hereinafter referred to as a `tool set`, which support data
colorations unique to exercise metrics and associated directly or
indirectly to the member's specific workout history. The system
will cross track and display to the health and, fitness
professional any number of relationships and data correlations to
the member's work outs. In addition, the tool set will maintain and
display state of the art information to fitness professional
counseling the member identifying areas of concern/progress and
offering alternative course of action (in terms of exercise) to
effectively counsel the member relative to his/her exercise
regime.
Using the above-described device, a method of recording the
exercise routines in a health club, an exercise facility or medical
facility is also provided. During use, the member selects a health
club or facility with different exercise activity data sources each
associated with a unique EIDM. When the member visits the health
club or facility, he or she may be provided a handheld device as
describe above loaded with various software sub-routines associated
with the EIDMs or a user identification code. As the member moves
throughout the health club or facility, he or she performs various
exercise activities, and inputs data in response to the sub-routine
prompts. When the exercise activity is completed, the temporary
member data file on the handheld device or terminal is uploaded to
the local server or to the remote server on the NOC. The fitness
data base software program on the local server or remote server is
then used by the trainer to review a member's data file. The tool
set provides the trainer access to the most recent information
relative that members exercise needs as well as a backup to the
trainer's own record review insuring that all areas of concern have
been identified and addressed by the trainer relative to the
member.
The subject invention deployed an architecture which is unique and
novel relative to the collection of individual workout information
in a health club environment.
Unlike the prior art active network systems identified herein, the
subject invention deploys a handheld or a terminal to collect
individual exercise records with this step the subject invention
becomes an order of magnitude cheaper than active network systems.
With the elimination of the active network approach the subject
invention becomes far more flexible in its operation, allowing the
system to breakaway from fixed machine limitations of active
network systems to embrace free weights, basketball, running,
handball etc. (and activity which can be expressed as a
numeric.
Deployment of a handheld or a terminal in the system together with
an EIDM with which the handheld or terminal shares a relationship
and the location of that EIDM on or around its represented exercise
activity source allows the user to gather data from anywhere in the
health club or facility any time in any order. In this manner, the
invention is not confined to a scripted workout and allows him/her
to simply approach and query the EIDM for the exercise intended
rather than run through multiple menus or fumble through a phone
book of optical symbol tag/RFID tags to tell the data collection
device what exercise the member intends to do next to further the
subject invention.
By using unique identifiers relative to each exercise activity
source at a specific site, and by providing an "encrypted"
response/disclosure capability for each EIDM, access to the system
becomes controllable. The subject invention becomes potentially
profitable to the health club therefore available to members in a
health club environment.
The over aching structure deployed in the subject invention for the
transfer handling of data related to individual workout records
insures, (via database software and the tool set that the gym
members records are made available to fitness professionals at the
gym and that via tool set/fitness professional combination the
member receives stat of the art counseling services. Beyond
counseling applications the subject inventions network structure,
user authentication functions and records capability will allow
individual fitness records to be made available to authorized and
interested third parties. In addition the cumulative data base of
member user activity and preferences developed for via the system
can be "mined" as a data resource for both public and private
sector interests.
Lastly, and a the core of the subject invention is a simple easy to
use, installable system which provides the means to break the
requirement for gym based fitness professional to participate in
every member workout in order to effectively counsel that
member.
Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present invention
will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon
a reading of the following detailed description of presently
preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present
invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
In this respect, before explaining the current embodiment of the
invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is
not limited in its application to the details of construction and
to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following
description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is
capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out
in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology
and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions
and should not be regarded as limiting
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an illustration of the health club exercise recording
system.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the handheld device being used to
interrogate an EIDM.
FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the handheld device.
FIG. 4 is a rear plan view of the handheld device.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the handheld device.
FIG. 6 is an illustration of an exercise data page shown on the
display monitor.
FIG. 7 is an illustration of various exercise equipment showing
different sub-routines executed to display different exercise data
pages to the member.
FIG. 8 is an illustration of the second embodiment of the exercise
activity recording system.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT (S)
Referring to the accompanying FIGS. 1-8, there is shown a system 10
for easily recording the exercise activities performed with or
without exercise equipment that does not require the direct
participation of a trainer. The system includes a portable handheld
device 15 used to input exercise information that is uploaded to a
local server 95. A fitness tools software program 50 loaded into
the working memory of the local server 95 is used to collect the
uploaded records from the handheld device 15 and store them in a
permanent member data file 52. The member or authorized individuals
can then use the fitness tools software program 50 to review the
member data files to determine the member's fitness or training
levels.
The handheld device 15 is lightweight, portable, and ruggedized to
make it shock, heat, and moisture tolerant. Loaded into the memory
of the handheld device 15 is an exercise data collection software
program 35 that activates a built-in exercise identification module
interrogation means, referred to as an EIDM interrogation means
used to detect a unique EIDM attached to or located in the vicinity
of the exercise activity data source. When the EIDM is
interrogated, the exercise data collection software program 35
automatically executes a subroutine 80-85 designed for the specific
exercise activity data source 10 which sub-routine includes a
date/clock function that automatically records start and stop times
and the elapsed time for the exercise, as well as rest intervals
between exercises. The sub-routine 80-85 presents one or more data
entry pages 60A-60F with a plurality of prompts 61 displayed
thereon each designed to sequentially elicit information manually
inputted by the member into the handheld device 15. The exercise
information is then stored in a temporary member data file 37 on
the handheld device 15 that later is uploaded to a local server 95
via an uplink terminal, a wireless communication link or a hardwire
connection. Each time the member moves to a new exercise activity
data source 10, the EIDM interrogation means and EIDM are used to
quickly identify the exercise activity data source 10 and present
the proper exercise data entry page 60 and prompts 61 associated
therewith.
The exercise data collection software program 37 automatically
executes the specific sub-routine 80-85 associated with an
identified exercise activity data source 10A-10E (see FIG. 7). The
exercise activity data source 10 may include a treadmill 10A, a
stair machine 10B, an elliptical machine 10C, free weights 10D, or
a weight machine 10E with a single or a plurality of weight
stations as shown in FIG. 7. The exercise activity data source 10
may also be a weight lifting station, a basketball court, an
aerobic exercise room, a stretching mat or room, a jump rope, a
heart rate monitor, a blood pressure monitor, etc. (not shown).
When the exercise activity data source 10 is recognized, the
exercise data collection software program 35 automatically presents
the exercise data page 60 that presents a plurality of prompts 61
suitable for the exercise activity data source 10.
The EIDM interrogation means and EIDM provide a communication link
between the handheld device and the exercise equipment. In the
preferred embodiment, the EIDM interrogation utilizes an EIDM
comprised of a computer chip, a chip housing ("can"), a pictorial
representation of the exercise or activity which the subject EIDM
is associated with and a "reader/receiver" incorporated within the
handheld capable of powering and communicating with the EIDM via a
physical contact "1-wire protocol" data exchange link. The EIDM is
a compatible ID tag 40, such as a printed identification
label/hieroglyph, a radio transducer, or barcodes capable of being
detected or interrogated by the EIDM interrogation means.
The local server 95 is designed to receive uploaded temporary
member data files 37 from the handheld device 15, use the fitness
tools software program 50 to collect and store the member files in
permanent member data file 52, and then use the fitness tools
software program 50 to evaluate and present the information in the
permanent member data file 52 to the member or authorized
individuals. In a second embodiment of the system, shown in FIG. 2,
the local server 95 is replaced by an uplink terminal that connects
to a remote server located in or connected to a network operations
center, NOC.
The Network Operations Center (NOC) provides a central repository
for the system's data base. In addition, the NOC provides a WAN
presence to provide records access for club based fitness
professionals working with the system's users. The NOC also
provides the WAN presence by which User records input can be made
from sources outside of the gym (from home or "on the road"). The
NOC also provides system updates, billing as well as network
security and document security functions these functions enable
delivery of individual exercise records or WAN records access to
authorized third parties with and interest in individual or group
exercise records, including but not limited to: treating
physicians, rehabilitation, therapy professionals, NCAA and other
athletic interests, Dept of Defense (e.g. national guard force
readiness, corporate wellness incentive programs
As shown in FIG. 3, the handheld device 15 includes a display
monitor 25 and an input means. In the preferred embodiment, the
input means is a set of ten numerical keys 26 located on the front
surface 16 of the device 15. In other embodiments, the input means
could be a combination monitor and "touch screen" functionality
(not shown) with the ten numerical keys displayed thereon. Mounted
inside the device 15 are batteries 28 (AA, AAA or 9 Volt) designed
to supply a DC electric current. Mounted on the front surface 16 of
the device is an "Identification" button 21. Mounted on the side
surfaces 17 of the device 15 are a power switch 22 and an optional
display monitor brightness switch 23. Mounted on the front surface
16 is a function key 24 and an optical reader activation button 21.
Also, mounted on a side 17 or front surface 16 is a small speaker
(not shown) to provide audible cues to a member, such as a cadence
tone during certain exercises. Mounted on the rear surface 19 is an
optional belt clip or hook and loop connector pads (not shown). In
other embodiments, a biometric security means, such as a
fingerprint reader 25, may be included to prohibit inadvertent use
of the handheld device by another member during the course of the
exercise session. Also, mounted inside the device 15 is an optional
wireless transmitter 27 enabling the device 15 to communicate with
a wireless receiver 32 connected to the local server 95. The
handheld device 15 may also include an optional network connection
port 33 enabling the device 15 to communicate directly with the
local server 95 or to the uplink terminal.
During use, the member activates the handheld device 15 and holds
the optical reader 30 to read the ID tag 40 to interrogate and
identify the fitness exercise activity data source 10. Once the
fitness exercise activity data source 10 is identified, the
exercise activity collection data software program 35, loaded into
the handheld device's working memory, automatically auto-configures
the device 15 and presents the proper exercise data page 60 for the
fitness exercise activity data source 10. A representative exercise
data sheet, shown in FIG. 6, is then presented on the display
monitor 25.
On the exercise data page 60 is shown a plurality of prompts 61
that the member responds to after completion of the exercise
activity. When the exercise activity is completed, the member
manually inputs the data using the keys 26. The inputted exercise
activity information is then stored in the temporary member file 37
for later uploading to the central server 95.
As more clearly shown in FIG. 7, each exercise activity data source
(10A-10E shown) is assigned a sub-routine 80-84 that presents a
specific exercise data page 60 A-E to the display monitor 25. The
nature of the prompts 61 may be the same or different. With some
exercise equipment or activity, a second sub-routine 85 and a
second specific exercise data sheet 60F are presented.
The permanent member data file 55 provides a comprehensive record
of his or her cumulative exercise activity and achieved fitness
level. This file 55 can then be evaluated and reviewed by
club-based fitness professionals to provide a broad range of
counseling services to members, and the record can be provided to
medical professionals or other third parties away from the fitness
center who may have legitimate interests in the fitness level of
any particular member.
In another embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 8, each piece
of equipment, exercise movement area, fitness activity or biometric
equipment (called exercise activity source 10) in a facility where
exercises are preformed is assigned to an EIDM. Each EIDM is linked
or coupled to a stationary terminal 120 connected to or located
near the exercise activity source 10. The terminal 120 is coupled
to a display 122 and a manual input device 124. Terminal 120 may be
used exclusively with one piece of exercise activity source 10 or
with a plurality of exercise activity sources. The EIDM associated
with each exercise activity source 10 may be located at or near the
exercise activity source 10 or it may be mounted on the terminal's
front panel or on a single or multiple exercise activity
demonstration board 130. Loaded into the memory of the terminal 120
is an exercise data collection software program 35 and a temporary
data user file 37.
Each user is assigned a personal identification code 140 which must
be manually inputted into the terminal 120 or assigned a portable
user identification device 150 that interfaces either directly with
the EIDM coupled to the exercise activity source or to the terminal
120, or with an input device 124 attached to linked to the terminal
120.
The user identification device 150 contains the user's personal
identification code 140 that must be transmitted to the terminal
120. The terminal 120 then uses the user's personal identification
code 140 to determine the user file in which to temporarily store
the exercise data. The user's personal identification code 140 may
be inputted or transmitted to the terminal 120 before or after the
exercise activity source is used.
An example of a portable user identification device 150 assigned to
a user is an I-button 150 designed to communicate with a terminal
linked I-button 132. During use, the user's I-button 150 is pressed
against the terminal linked I-button 132 and automatically
transmits the user's personal identification code 140 into the
terminal 120. In the preferred embodiment, the terminal I-button
132 is also linked to a specific exercise activity source so that
it also acts as an EIDM, which, when activated by the user's
I-button 150, simultaneously informs the terminal 120 which
exercise activity source is selected and identifies the user to the
terminal 120.
In the terminal based embodiment, when the EIDM is activated, a
sub-routine and one or more prompts relating to the exercise
activity source are then presented on the terminal's display 122.
The user then manually inputs the exercise performance information
into a manual input device 124 coupled to the terminal 120 in
response to the prompts.
In this embodiment, the mobile and fixed components of the system
are reversed with respect to the first embodiment described above.
When the user activates the EIDM, a data exchange sequence is
initiated in the terminal which initiates a user input
identification exchange and a sub-routine specific to the exercise
activity source. The identification sequence is directed towards
identifying the system user to the terminal and to the specific
exercise selected by the system user. The EIDM is now in a fixed
location as are the terminal 120 with the exercise data program,
the exercise specific sub-routines and the processor. The only
mobile component is the user's electronic identification device.
Also, inputted information may be stored in the terminal 120 or
immediately transmitted to a permanent member data file on a local
or remote server.
In both embodiments, the complete member records generated by
system in combination with a centralized database for the system's
records storage and records access support the development and
application of a set of software tools which will be regularly
update with the most current fitness information. The tool set is
directed toward providing the fitness professional working with a
user with the following information with which to counsel that user
toward the safes most effective, most fun usage of his/her time in
the gym. Allocation of time in the gym (strength vs. cardio) (legs
vs. arms) (back vs. stomach) etc; Strength and muscle balance
between various muscle groups Joint usage during work outs;
Increases or decreases in muscle strength, flexibility or endurance
Allocation of repetitions between muscle groups; Changes in time of
day for workout, work out duration, rest time between individual
exercises; and, Changes is any of the forgoing as they relate to
modifications in work out activity as a result of an event recorded
by the User into the system or as the result of a fitness
professional's input to the User by way of preferred changes to the
Users work out regime.
The system Tool will review User health and fitness activity and
performance against "norms" for his/her age sex, time in the gym,
Etc. Tools will high light "trouble areas" identified by this
analysis and offer the fitness counselor input as to possible
changes to the Users exercise activity.
The system tool will review User health and fitness activity and
performance against inputs to the Users personal exercise record by
health healthcare professionals, therapists etc. and display areas
of concern or interest unique to that specific user.
SYSTEM OPERATION
The following operating scenario describes the system using the
first embodiment of the system that uses an exercise identification
module interrogation means and the EIDM as an optical reader 30 and
ID tag 40, respectively. It should be understood, however, that the
optical reader 30 and ID tag 40 could be replaced with a radio
frequency or infrared transmitter and receiver or other wireless or
physical contact/hardwire transmitting and receiving devices medium
for wireless communication between the handheld device and the
exercise activity data source's EIDM.
Prior to commencing the exercise activity, the member activates the
EIDM component on the handheld. When the exercise activity data
source 60 is identified, the sub-routine associated 80-84 with the
exercise activity data source 10 is automatically executed. The
exercise data page prompts 61 are then sequentially presented on
the display monitor 25. The member enters data in response to
prompts 61 displayed on the handheld device 15 for temporary
storage in the handheld device 15 relative to the specific
exercise. The member repeats this recording process for each
exercise performed throughout the course of the exercise sessions.
Upon completion of the exercise session, the temporary data files
are uploaded into the member's permanent exercise activity file on
the local central server 95. Alternatively, the handheld device is
placed in the uplink terminal which automatically uploads the
temporary data files to the member permanent files on a central
server on the NOC. The fitness tools program is then used to review
the permanent files and issue comments and recommendations to the
member.
With the second embodiment of the system that uses a terminal 120,
the user first selects and exercise using the EIDM on located on or
near the exercise activity source, on the terminal, or a
demonstration board setup near the terminal 120. The user then
exercises on or with the exercise activity source. When the
exercise is completed, the user manual inputs his or her
identification code into the input means connected to the terminal
120. If the user uses a user and terminal I-buttons, the steps of
selecting an EIDM associated with the desired exercise activity
source and the user's identification information are combined.
After the EIDM is selected, one or more the user then inputs
exercise specific data in response to the prompts. The user repeats
this recording process for each exercise performed throughout the
course of the exercise sessions. Upon completion of the exercise
session, the temporary data files are uploaded into the member's
permanent exercise activity file on the local central server
95.
In summary, the method of collecting, transmitting, and recording
an exercise routine comprising the following steps: (1) selecting
an exercise activity data source each assigned a unique EIDM; (2)
selecting a handheld device 15 or a terminal 120 with user
identification input means, said handheld device or terminal
including an exercise activity data collection software program 35
and an exercise identification module interrogation means, said
exercise activity data collection software program 35 used to
automatically execute a plurality of prompts 61 that request
activity information for each unique EIDM and store the exercise
activity information in a temporary member file 37; (3) connecting
the handheld device or terminal to a server 95 and uploading the
data in the temporary member file to a permanent member file; (4)
loading a fitness tools software program 50 into said server 95,
said fitness tools program 50 used to evaluate and review the data
in the permanent member file 37 to determine the fitness level of a
member and recommend future exercises.
While a preferred embodiment of the exercise recording system has
been described in detail, it should be apparent that modifications
and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the
true spirit and scope of the invention. With respect to the above
description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional
relationships for the components of the invention, to include
variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of
operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and
obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships
to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the
specification are intended to be encompassed by the present
invention. For example, the term "exercise activity data source" is
used to encompass every exercise equipment activity or
non-equipment activity. The term "wireless communication link and
EIDM" are meant to encompass all means of wireless communication in
which an exercise activity is recognized by the handheld device or
terminal. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative
only of the principles of the invention.
* * * * *