Many fitness equipment units have minimal data processing, data transmission and power capabilities. Such fitness equipment units have little or no capability for processing or outputting exercise metrics or exercise results. As a result, it is difficult to incorporate the use of such fitness equipment units into an overall exercise program or exercise routine.
Exercise metric output system 20 comprises fitness equipment unit 24, display 40 and controller 50. Fitness equipment unit 24 comprises a machine or device with which a person interacts to carry out cardiovascular exercise, anaerobic exercise or combinations thereof. As schematically shown by
In one implementation, movable member 40 may comprise a footpad against which a person's foot or feet press against during exercise. Examples of fitness equipment units 24 or exercise devices that include such a footpad include, but are not limited to, elliptical machines, stepper machines, rowing machines, stationary bicycles, adaptive motion machines, ski simulation machines, and leg press machines. In one implementation, movable member 52 may comprise a belt against which the user contacts, such as those used in treadmills. In one implementation, movable member 52 may comprise a handgrip about which a person grasps to apply force during exercise. Examples of fitness equipment units 24 or exercise devices that include such handgrips include, but are not limited to, elliptical machines (swing arms), stepper machines (swing aims), adaptive motion machines (swing arms), climbing machines, pendulum motion machines, ski simulation machines, rowing machines, weight pull down machines, chest press machines and the like. In one implementation, movable member 52 may comprise a member configured to contact other portions of an anatomy such as members that contact a person's shins (leg press), a person's shoulders (squat machine), or a person thighs (abdominal exercise machine).
Display 40 comprises a display screen configured to present or display images of different graphical codes 54 that change from time-to-time depending upon different exercise metrics or exercise results. Depending upon the type of graphical code 54 to be displayed, display 40 may comprise a liquid crystal display, light emitting diode display, organic light emitting diode display (OLED), an electronic ink (e-ink) display or other types of display technology in present use or developed in the future.
Examples of a graphical code are shown in
Controller 50 comprises one or more processing units configured to receive signals representing different values for an exercise metric of fitness equipment unit 24 and to generate control signals causing display 42 present different graphical codes based on different values for the exercise metric from the fitness equipment unit 24. For example, controller 50 generates control signals causing display 40 to present a first image of a first type of a graphical code, wherein the first image represents first results for the particular exercise metric. Controller 50 may generate control signals causing display 40 to present a second image, different than the first image, of the same first type of graphical code, wherein the second image represents second results, different than the first results, for the particular exercise metric. By way of a specific example, controller 50 may generate control signals causing display 40 to present a first graphical code, such as a first QR code 54A in response to receiving signals indicating that a person is lifting a first amount of weight. Controller 50 may generate control signals causing display 40 to present a second QR code 54A, different than the first QR code 54A, in response to receiving signals indicating that a person is lifting a second amount of weight different than the first amount of weight.
For purposes of this application, the term “processing unit” shall mean a presently developed or future developed processing unit that executes sequences of instructions contained in a memory. Execution of the sequences of instructions causes the processing unit to perform steps such as generating control signals. The instructions may be loaded in a random access memory (RAM) for execution by the processing unit from a read only memory (ROM), a mass storage device, or some other persistent storage. In other embodiments, hard wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement the functions described. For example, controller 92 may be embodied as part of one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Unless otherwise specifically noted, the controller is not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software, nor to any particular source for the instructions executed by the processing unit.
Such signals may be generated using one or more sensors sensing movement of movable member 52 (or movement of other members or structures which move in response to movement of movable member 52). Such signals may also or alternatively be generated based upon selected value settings entered for exercise metrics on fitness equipment unit 24. For example, fitness equipment unit 24 may be configured to allow a person exercising to select one or more values for exercise parameters for exercise metrics on fitness equipment unit 24, wherein such values during an individual exercise session do not change or only change according to a predefined a predetermined program or control routine. In one implementation, fitness equipment unit 24 may comprise an exercise device, such as a treadmill, elliptical machine, stair stepper, and the like, wherein a person selects all the values for the particular exercise session on the exercise device, such as the speed, resistance, and duration. In such an implementation, the signals representing values for the exercise metrics may be generated directly from the selections of the values, wherein sensors are not needed to detect values for such exercise metrics. In such an implementation, the signals represent the selected values for the parameters are exercise metrics rather than sensed values.
As indicated by step 104, based upon such signals received in step 102, controller 50 generate control signals causing display 42 display different graphical codes 54. For example, during a first exercise session, a person may lift a first amount of weight, for a first number of repetitions, through a first distance, within a first period of time. Based upon such values, as represented by signals received from fitness equipment unit 24, controller 50 may cause display 40 to present a first image of a graphical code 54.
During a second exercise session, the person may lift a second amount of weight, for a second number of repetitions, through a second distance within a second period of time. Based upon such values for the second exercise session, as represented by signals received from fitness equipment unit 24, controller 50 may cause display 40 to present a second image, different than the first image, of the graphical code 54. For example, the first exercise session may result in a first QR code being presented on the second exercise session may result in a second QR code being presented.
Each of the first and second images of graphical code 54, for the first and second exercise sessions, may be captured by a camera, scanner or other code capturing device of a portable electronic device carried by the person exercising for subsequent translation, storage, analysis and use. Because system 20 and method 100 present a graphical code based upon different values for one or more exercise metrics, such values are compactly presented for fast and efficient capture by a portable electronic device, allowing such graphical codes to be translated to the exercise metric values that they represent independent of system 20 or fitness equipment unit 24. The translated graphical codes may be analyzed, stored, used and transmitted independent of system 20 or fitness equipment unit 24.
Because the analysis, storage, use and transmission of the values for the one or more exercise metrics from fitness equipment unit 24 may be performed independent of fitness equipment unit 24 or system 20, system 20 and fitness equipment unit 24 may be simpler in construction and lower in cost. Rather than having to connect fitness equipment unit 24 to a substantial power source, such as an electrical outlet, controller 50 and display 40 have a relatively small, reduced power demand, allowing them to be operated using power from a battery or rechargeable battery. Rather than having to connect fitness equipment unit 24 in a wired or wireless fashion to a network, data transmission may be carried out using the portable electronic device that captured the graphical code. Rather than having to provide fitness community 24 with processing or memory capability to analyze and store the results of an exercise session, such analysis and storage of the results may alternatively be carried out remote from unit 24 on a portable electronic device or another computing device in communication with the portable electronic device.
System 20 further facilitates incorporation of existing fitness equipment unit 24 lacking substantial processing capabilities or power supplies into overall exercise routines or programs. Because the automatic programmed generation of graphical codes 54 based upon signals representing values of exercise metrics may be carried out with little processing and with a relatively small amount of power consumption, existing fitness equipment units lacking substantial processing, data transmission capability or power availability may be easily modified or adapted to be incorporated as part of a system 20. As a result, the results of an exercise session on such fitness equipment units may be evaluated under a fitness program and may be possibly utilized for adjustment of a fitness routine or program.
Sensor 260 comprises one or more sensors to detect movement of the one or more movable members 52. In one implementation, sensor 260 may comprise one or more sensors to sense or detect values for exercise parameters or metrics such as a speed at which movable member 52 is being moved, and acceleration of movable member 52, a time duration of movement of who member 52, a level of resistance against movement of move member 52, a time of day or a date at which the exercise was initiated or completed, a number of repetitions or a number of sets of repetitions completed, and a range or distance through which movable member 52 has been moved. In one implementation, sensor 260 may comprise a photo or optical sensor having a photo emitter and photodetector. In another implementation, sensor 260 may comprise a reed switch, wherein the switch is actuated in response to a changing magnetic field. In other implementations, sensor 260 may comprise other forms of sensors relying upon optics, magnetics and the like.
Battery 262 comprises a self-contained source of electrical power. Battery 262 supplies electrical power to sensor 260, display 40 and controller 50. In one implementation, battery 262 is movable replaceable. In one implementation, battery 262 is additionally rechargeable. Battery 262 facilitate use of up system 220 circumstances where connection to an electrical outlet is difficult or impossible. In some implementations, battery 262 may be omitted.
Solar cells 264 comprise one or more devices to capture or harness solar power for use in powering sensor 260, display 40 and controller 50 and/or for use in charging battery 262. In one implementation, solar cells 264 comprise photovoltaic cells. In other implementations, solar cells 264 may comprise other forms of solar or light harnessing devices for generating electrical power or charge for use by system 220. In other implementations, solar cells 264 may be omitted.
Portable electronic device 300 comprises a portable handheld electronic device configured to capture graphical code 54 presented on display 40. Examples of such a portable electronic device (PED) 300 include, but are not limited to, a smart phone, a personal data assistant (PDA), laptop, notebook computer, tablet computer (e.g. IPAD) and MP3 player (e.g., IPOD TOUCH). In the example illustrated, PED 300 comprises input 304, display 306, code capture device 308, communication device 310 and controller 312. In other implementations, PED 300 may comprise a fewer or greater of such components so long as PED 300 includes code capture device 308.
Input 304 comprises a user interface for PED 300 by which inputs are made to PED 300. Input 304 facilitates entry of inputs or commands by a person to initiate the capture of graphical code 54 by code capture device 308 and two initiate transmission of the captured graphical 54 or in a translated graphical code 54 by communication device 310. Input 304 may additionally or alternatively facilitate viewing of a translated graphical 54 or the viewing of an overall exercise routine or program, exercise instructions or modifications to the overall exercise routine or program based upon the translated graphical code 54 representing values or results for an exercise metric of an exercise session that has just been completed. In one implementation, input 304 comprise a keyboard. In other implementations, input 304 may comprise a touchpad, a stylus, a microphone with associated speech recognition software or programming, a touch screen, buttons, switches and the like. In some implementations, input 304 may comprise a touch screen incorporated as part of display 306.
Display 306 comprises a user interface by which graphical or textual data is presented to a user. In one implementation, display 306 comprises a liquid crystal display. In other implementations, display 306 may comprise other types of display technology such as a light emitting diode display, an organic light emitting diode display (OLED), an electronic ink (e-ink) display or other types of display technology in present use or developed in the future.
Code capture device 308 comprises a device configured to capture or read the image of the graphical code 54 presented on display 40 (without being physically connected to controller 50). In one implementation, code capture device 304 comprises a camera, such as a camera including charge coupled devices or sensors arranged in a two-dimensional array or a cell phone or smart phone camera. In other implementations, code capture device 308 may comprise a charge coupled device reader, a pen-type reader comprising a light source and photo diode detecting the intensity of light reflected from graphical code 54, a laser scanner using a photo diode to measure intensity of light reflected from graphical code 54, an omnidirectional scanner or other types of presently use or future developed image capturing devices.
Communication device 310 comprises device configured to facilitate the transmission of the captured graphical code 54 or a translation of the captured graphical code 54 to external destinations such as remote computing device 302. In some implementations, communication device 310 additionally facilitates the receipt of translated graphical code 54, after graphical 54 has been transmitted to an external or remote recipient or server that performs the translation. In one implementation, communication device 3110 facilitates the receipt of instructions or overall workout routine adjustments that are based in part upon the values represented by the graphical code 54.
In one implementation, communication device 310 comprises a wired port or wired connection. In another implementation, communication device 3 and 10 comprises a wireless communication device configured to transmit data in a wireless fashion. In some implementations where communication device 310 itself translates and utilizes graphical code 54, communication device 310 may be omitted.
Controller 312 comprises generate control signals directing the operation of portable electronic device 300. Controller 312 comprises processing unit 316 and memory 318. Processing unit 316 receives graphical code 54. In one implementation, processing unit 316 facilitates forwarding of the received graphical code 54 by communication device 310 for translation in use remote from PED 300. In another implementation, processing unit 316 translates graphical code 54 to the one or more values for the one or more exercise metrics prior to forwarding the translated graphical code using communication device 310. In yet other implementations, processing unit 316 translates graphical code 54 and utilizes the translated graphical 54 in one or more fashions such as storing the translated graphical code 54, providing encouragement or suggesting workout changes communicated through display 306 based upon the translated graphical code 54 and the values for the exercise metrics. In some implementations, processing unit 316 may simply store the untranslated graphical code 54, wherein the untranslated graphical code 54 is later retrieved when PED 300 is subsequently placed in communication with an external recipient that is to translate the graphical code 54.
Memory 318 comprises a non-transient computer-readable medium or persistent storage device configured to store software, programming, computer readable instructions and/or data. In the example illustrated, memory 318 stores instructions 320, exercise program 322 and results 324. Instructions 320 comprise computer-readable code or programming configured direct the operation of processing unit 316. In one implementation, such instructions direct processing unit 316 in the translation of graphical code 54 to the values for the exercise metrics being represented by graphical code 54. Such instructions 320 further direct the other various operations for processing unit 316 described above as well as other operations for processing unit 316 pertain to the general use of PED 300.
In one implementation, part of such instructions 320 may comprise a downloaded application for collecting graphical codes and manipulating the information from the graphical codes. For example, the supplier or manufacturer of system 220 may offer an application that exercisers may download for this purpose. Although some smartphones IPODs or other PEDs may have QR Code readers or other graphical code readers, they may still lack specialized software or an application that is targeted toward manipulating the data/information from the QR codes or other graphical codes that are read by the smart phone, IPOD or other PED.
Exercise programs 322 comprise one or more applications or programs indicating recommended settings or workout parameters to be used by a person exercising so as to achieve an exercise objective or exercise or fitness target or goal. Using the data contained in such exercise programs 322, controller 316, following instructions 320, displays various recommendations using display 306. In some implementations, the values or parameters for an exercise routine or program may be adjusted based upon translated graphical codes 54 (actual exercise results or exercise values indicated by the translated graphical codes 54). In some implementations, such exercise programs may not be stored on PED 300.
Results 324 comprise stored results from an exercise session. In one implementation, results 324 may comprise stored translated graphical codes 54 (the actual exercise values for the exercise metrics). In another implementation, results 324 merely comprise the untranslated graphical code 54, wherein the untranslated graphical code 54 is to be subsequently translated. In some implementations, results 324 may not be stored in memory 318 of PED 300.
Remote computing device 302 comprises one or more computing devices remote with respect to fitness equipment unit 24. In one implementation, remote computing device 302 may comprise a computing device at a fitness facility separate from fitness equipment unit 24. In another implementation, remote computing device 302 may comprise a computing device, such as a server, remote from the fitness facility housing or containing fitness equipment unit 24. In one implementation, remote computing device 302 may be provided at a central facility servicing multiple fitness facilities at multiple geographic locations. In one implementation, the central facility may be provided by a center for an organization of multiple fitness facilities. In another implementation, the central facility may be provided by the manufacturer or supplier of fitness equipment unit 24, providing enhanced capabilities for both fitness communities 24 provided by the manufacturer or supplier of the fitness equipment unit 24. In still other implementations, remote computing device 302 may be provided as part of another fitness equipment unit distinct from fitness community 24, wherein the other fitness equipment unit has the higher end computing, data storage or data transmission capability for processing, storing and transmitting the translated or untranslated graphical code 54. For example, in one implementation, fitness or query unit 24 may be an unpowered standalone weightlifting device, wherein PED 300 may transfer the displayed results in the form of graphical code 54 to another exercise machine, such as an elliptical machine treadmill, stair stepper, adaptive motion machine and the like, which has the ability to store, process or transmit the results from the weightlifting device represented by the graphical code 54.
In the example illustrated, remote computing device 302 comprises communication device 330, controller 332 and memory room 334 storing an exercise programs 336 and exercise results 338. Communication device 330 comprises a device configured to facilitate communication between remote computing device 302 and portable electronic device 300. The configuration communication device 330 may depend upon the configuration of communication device 310. Communication device 330 facilitates the receipt of either an untranslated graphical code 54 from PED 300 or a translated graphical code 54 from PED 300, depending upon the implementation. Communication device 330 further facilitates the transmission of a translation of a received untranslated graphical code 54 to PED 300 and/or the transmission of exercise routine adjustments to PED 300 based upon the values represented by graphical code 54. In one implementation, communication device 330 comprises a wired port or wired connection. In another implementation, communication device 330 comprises a wireless communication device configured to transmit data in a wireless fashion.
Controller 332 comprises one or more processing units configured to carry out operations of server 302. In one implementation, controller 332, following instructions contained in memory 334, may be configured to receive an untranslated graphical code 54 and carry out a translation of the graphical code 54 to the corresponding values for the one or more exercise metrics. In one implementation, controller 332 basically receive already translated graphical codes 54. Using the values represented by the graphical codes 54, controller 332 may adjust existing or ongoing exercise programs or routines stored in memory 336. Controller 332 may further store the exercise values (results 338). As a result, controller 3 through two may provide access to such results to other portable electronic devices or through other computing devices connected to server 302 across a network, such as a local area network or the Internet.
As indicated by step 404, in response to input through input 304, processing unit 316 directs code capture device 308 to capture the image of the generated graphical code 54. Such may be achieved by the person positioning the lens or other opening of the code capture device 308 in close proximity to and opposite to display 40 while display 40 is presenting the image of the graphical code 54. User may then initiate the captured using input 304, similar to a person opening the shutter of a camera.
As indicated by step 406, the captured graphical code 54 is translated to the one or more values for the one or more exercise metrics. In one implementation, such translation may be carried out by controller 312. In another implementation, such translation to be carried out by a remote computing device 302 after the untranslated graphical code 54 has been transmitted thereto. In such a case, the remote computing device 302 transmits the translated graphical code 54 (the values for the one or more exercise metrics) back to PED 300.
As indicated by step 408, the translated graphical code (the values for the one or more exercise metrics of the particular exercise session) is displayed for review by the person who had adjust completed the exercise session. In one implementation, the values are displayed on display 306 by processing unit 316. As a result, person exercising may see a tally of the complete exercise session that has been captured. For example, the person may view the number of repetitions, the time to complete the number of repetitions, the resistance or weight of each repetition and/or a distant through which each weight has been moved through one or more of the repetitions. In other implementations, values for other exercise metrics may be displayed. In some implementations, step 408 may be omitted.
As indicated by step 410, the translated graphical code 54 (the values for the one or more exercise metrics of the particular exercise session) is stored. In one implementation, the values are stored as results 324 in memory 312 by processing unit 316. In another implementation, the values may alternatively or additionally be stored as results 338 in memory 334 by controller 332.
As indicated by step 412, the translated graphical code or codes 54 are used to adjust the overall exercise routine or fitness program. In one implementation, the translated graphical code or codes 54 are used by processing unit 316, following instructions 320, to adjust one or more exercise routines or programs 322 stored in memory 312. In another implementation, the translated graphical code or codes 54 are used by controller 332 at remote computing device 302 to adjust one or more exercise routines or programs 336 stored in memory 334. In yet other implementations, step 412 may be omitted.
As indicated by step 414, PED 300 displays the adjusted exercise routine or program on display 306. As a result, the person exercising is advised as how to adjust remaining exercise sessions on the same fitness equipment unit 24 or how to adjust exercise parameters or exertion levels on other fitness equipment units which are part of the overall fitness program. In some implementations, step 414 may be omitted.
As indicated by step 422, controller 50 generates an introductory graphical code and generates control signals causing display 40 to visibly present the graphical code (exemplified on the right side of
As indicated by step 426, code capture device 308 captures an image of the intro graphical code 424A displayed on display 40. As further indicated by step 426, the captured intro code 424A is then translated and displayed on display 306. In one implementation, processing unit 316, following instructions 320, translates the intro graphical code 424A, the translation of which is then displayed on display 306. In another implementation, the captured intro graphical code may be transmitted to another computing device, such as remote computing device 302 which performs the translation and returns the translated information back to PED 300 for display by display 306.
As shown on the corresponding right side of
In other implementations, the information presented as a result of the translation of the intro graphical code 424A may comprise less information or greater amounts of the same or other information. In one implementation, the contents of message 428A are entirely derived from the translation of the introductory graphical code 424A. In other words, all of the information of message 428A is codified as part of graphical code 424A. In another implementation, the translation of introductory graphical code 424A merely comprises an address (either a local address in the memory 318 of PED 300 or a remote address such as an address in memory 334 a remote computing device 302), wherein PED 300 utilizes the address from the translation to retrieve and display the contents of message 428A. In yet another implementation, the contents of message 428A may be derived from both the translation of graphical code 424A and from information retrieved from an address identified by the translation of graphical code 424A. In some implementations, steps 422 and 426 may be omitted.
Steps 436 and 438 substantially correspond to steps 402-410 of method 400. As indicated by step 436, controller 50 receives signals representing different values for one or more exercise metrics and generates graphical code 54 based upon such values for the one or more exercise metrics. As indicated by step 438, code capture device 308 captures an image of the dynamic exercise metric graphical code 54A (an example of graphical code 54 described above) displayed on display 40. As further indicated by step 426, the captured code 54A is then translated and displayed on display 306. In one implementation, processing unit 316, following instructions 320, translates the graphical code 54A, the translation of which is then displayed on display 306. In another implementation, the captured intro graphical code may be transmitted to another computing device, such as remote computing device 302 which performs the translation and returns the translated information back to PED 300 for display by display 306.
As shown on the corresponding right side of
Metric value 443 comprise a resistance value for the exercise. In the example illustrated, the value is 180 pounds, which may read by the amount of resistance or the amount of weight being moved each repetition. In other fitness equipment units, the resistance may be the amount of is applied against movement of a movable member, such as against movement of a pedal or other structure. Such a metric value may be preset as by the machine or user or may vary. In implementations where the value of the resistance may vary during a single unit, such as during a single repetition, the value 443 may represent a statistical value, such as a mean or average of the resistance during individual unit or repetition.
Metric value 444 indicates the number of units completed during a particular set or exercise session. In the example illustrated in which the exercise is lifting weights on a chest press, value 444 identifies a number of units (repetitions) in the particular set 442. With other types of fitness equipment units, this metric may alternatively comprise a distance, such as the number of miles run, road, climbed or otherwise traversed.
Duration metric value 445 comprises an elapsed amount of time consumed during completion of the number of units are repetitions. In the example illustrated, metric value 445 (14 seconds) identifies the elapsed time you lies completing the 12 repetitions. In other implementations with other fitness equipment unit, duration metric 445 may indicate the elapsed time consumed during completion of the units 444, such as the amount of time consumed to complete a run of a certain number of miles.
Date stamp 446 and timestamp 447 identify the date and time at which an exercise session is taking place. In one implementation, such values may correspond to the time at which an exercise session is started. In another implementation, such values may correspond to the time at which an exercise session is completed. In other implementations, one or more of the pieces of information illustrated in the example result 440A may be omitted. In some implementations, other information may also be presented as part of results 440A.
As further shown on the corresponding far right side of
Steps 452 and 454 are carried out when the person exercising completes a second group or set on the same fitness equipment unit 24. Step 4 and 524 and 54 are identical to steps 436 and 438 except that they are carried out respect to the second group or set of exercise units (repetitions) carried out on the same fitness equipment unit. As illustrated on the right side of
As illustrated on the right side of
Steps 462, 466, 476 and 478 essentially correspond to steps 422, 426, 436 and 438, respectively, but for being carried out with respect to a different fitness equipment unit of fitness equipment machine. In the example illustrated, such steps are carried out with respect to a fitness equipment unit (FEU2) comprising an arm curl machine. As illustrated on the right side of
As indicated by step 466, code capture device 308 captures an image of the intro graphical code 424B displayed on display 40. As further indicated by step 466, the captured intro code 424B is then translated and displayed on display 306. In one implementation, processing unit 316, following instructions 320, translates the intro graphical code 424B, the translation of which is then displayed on display 306. In another implementation, the captured intro graphical code may be transmitted to another computing device, such as remote computing device 302 which performs the translation and returns the translated information back to PED 300 for display by display 306.
As illustrated on the right side of
In other implementations, the information presented as a result of the translation of the intro graphical code 424B may comprise less information or greater amounts of the same or other information. In one implementation, the contents of message 428B are entirely derived from the translation of the introductory graphical code 424B. In other words, all of the information of message 428B is codified as part of graphical code 424B. In another implementation, the translation of introductory graphical code 424B merely comprises an address (either a local address in the memory 318 of PED 300 or a remote address such as an address in memory 334 a remote computing device 302), wherein PED 300 utilizes the address from the translation to retrieve and display the contents of message 428B. In yet another implementation, the contents of message 428B may be derived from both the translation of graphical code 424B and from information retrieved from an address identified by the translation of graphical code 424B. In some implementations, steps 462 and 466 may be omitted.
Steps 476 and 478 identical to steps 436 and 438, respectively, except that steps 476 and 478 pertain to the outputting and capturing of values or results for one or more exercise metrics on the second fitness equipment unit, the arm curl machine in the example. In the example, As indicated by step 476, controller 50 receive signals representing different values for one or more exercise metrics and generates graphical code 54C based upon such values for the one or more exercise metrics. As indicated by step 478, code capture device 308 captures an image of the dynamic exercise metric graphical code 54C (an example of graphical code 54 described above) displayed on display 40. As further indicated by step 476, the captured code 54C is then translated and displayed on display 306. In one implementation, processing unit 316, following instructions 320, translates the graphical code 54C, the translation of which is then displayed on display 306. In another implementation, the captured intro graphical code may be transmitted to another computing device, such as remote computing device 302 which performs the translation and returns the translated information back to PED 300 for display by display 306.
As shown on the corresponding right side of
In the example illustrated, a partial repetition may mean that the repetition was not complete. In other words, during one of the repetitions, the resistance or weight being lifted (40 pounds) was not moved through a distance (or angle) sufficient to qualify as a complete repetition. For example, the weights being lifted may only been lifted half the distance (or angle) sufficient (greater than a predefined threshold distance) to constitute a full arm curl repetition. In essence, results 224 indicate a value for a distance metric through which the weight has been moved. In other implementations, the results, as translated from a graphical code 54, may specifically identify a numerical value for such distance rather than a percentage of a predefined threshold distance for a unit. For example, a distance for arm curl may be identified by the degrees of an arc through which the weight is been curled. A distance for a chest press may be the vertical linear distance through which a weight has been moved.
As further shown on the corresponding far right side of
In other implementations, a single graphical code 54 may provide information for multiple sets on a particular exercise machine or fitness equipment unit 24.
Fitness equipment unit 524 comprises weight system 570, cable system 572 and exercise interface movable members 574. Weight system 570 comprises a system providing a plurality of selectable weight that may be utilized and ultimately lifted in an exercise. Weight system 570 generally includes frame 576, a stack of individually selectable weights 578, weight selection system 580 and weight lift 582.
Frame 576 comprises one or more structures movably supporting and guiding the stack of weights 578. Weights 578 comprise structures having predetermined weight amounts which are configured to be raised and lowered in the direction indicated by arrows 583 so as to provide a mechanical resistance in an exercise. In the particular example illustrated, weights 578 each comprise a solid or hollow plate of one or more metals. In other embodiments, weights 30 may comprise other materials or may comprise encapsulated materials, such as sand, water or other materials. Weights were 578 are stacked upon one another such that as a particular weight 578 is being lifted, other weights 578 stacked upon the particular weight 578 are also lifted.
Weight selection system 580 comprises a mechanism configured to permit a person to select one or more of weights 578 for lifting during an exercise. Weight selection system 580 includes a selector 584 configured selectively couple one of the weights 578 to weight lift 582. In one implementation, selector 584 may comprise a pin movably positioned within a corresponding cavity of a selected one of weights 578 and into a corresponding aperture in weight lift 582. In other implementations, selector 584 may have other configurations.
For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” shall mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. The term “operably coupled” shall mean that two members are directly or indirectly joined such that motion may be transmitted from one member to the other member directly or via intermediate members.
Weight lift 582 comprises a structure coupled to weight selection system 580 which is connected to cable system 572. In one embodiment, weight lift 582 may itself comprise a shaft or rod connected to a cable. In other implementations, weight lift 582 may have other configurations.
Cable system 572 comprises a system of pulleys and cables configured to operably couple weight lift 582 (and any connected weights 578) to exercise interface movable members 574. Cable system 572 may have any of a variety of different sizes, shapes and configurations depending upon exercise interface movable members 574. In other embodiments, exercise interface movable members 574 may be operably coupled to weight system 570 by other mechanisms.
Exercise interface movable members 574 comprise devices or mechanisms operably coupled to cable system 572 by which one or more persons may exert force against one or more structures and may move the one or more structures to raise or lift a selected amount of weight provided by weights 30578. Exercise interface movable members 574 may have various configurations depending upon which particular muscles or groups of muscles are to be exercised. Examples of exercise interface movable members 574 include, but are not limited to the following types of exercise machines: abdominal isolator, angled seated calf, abductor, seated leg curl, glute isolator, vertical and horizontal, rear delt/pec fly, lateral raise, shoulder press, vertical press, back extension, seated row, vertical row, pull down, long pull, seated dip, seated tricep extension, bicep curl, camber curl and chest press. Exercise interface movable members 574 may be provided as part of a multi-station exercise machine, a modular exercise machine or a single station exercise machine.
As shown by
Reed switches 664 comprise electrical switches supported by frame 576 proximate to and vertically along weights 578 and their associated magnets 662. Each reed switch 664 is operated by an applied magnetic field, wherein the magnetic field (from an electromagnet or a permanent magnet) causes reeds of switch 664 to come together, thus completing an electrical circuit. The stiffness of the reeds causes them to separate, and open the circuit, when the magnetic field ceases. In another implementation, a non-ferrous normally-closed contact that opens when the ferrous normally-open contact closes may be utilized. In yet other implementations, reed switch 664 may utilize mercury “wetted” contacts. In operation, weights 662 are raise or lowered past a reed switch 664, an electrical circuit is repeatedly opening closed to indicate the number of weights 578 being lifted. In the example illustrated, because sensor 660 includes multiple vertically arranged reed switches 664, the distance at which weights 578 is lifted may also be detected. In other implementations, sensor 660 may comprise a single reed switch 664.
As shown by
In the example illustrated, portable electronic device 800 comprises input 804, display 306 and code capture device 308, in addition to the other components shown and described above with respect to
Although the use of a dynamically generated and displayed graphical code to output dynamically changing information or data in response to changes in the information, (whether such changes are the result of input by a person or sensed by a sensor) has been described with respect to a fitness equipment unit or exercise machine, in other implementations, the use of dynamically generated and displayed graphical codes to output dynamically changing information or data may be extended to other applications. For example, in other applications where it may be desirable to output dynamically changing information or data from a machine, device or environment for capture, use and possible transmission to a higher computing device for processing and storage, in those circumstances where such output is difficult due to insufficient power, processing or transmission capabilities of the machine, device or environment, the above-described output systems may be extended to such other machines, devices or environments. In terms of a specific example, such a device or machine having limited power, processing or wireless or wired transmission capabilities may be provided with a low-power, low-cost, low processing device which simply presents a graphical code based on sensed changes or user input changes in settings or parameters, wherein the graphical code may be subsequently captured by a portable electronic device, allowing the data represented by the graphical code to be easily transmitted, translated, stored and processed by another device having sufficient power and processing capabilities.
Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to example embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. For example, although different example embodiments may have been described as including one or more features providing one or more benefits, it is contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with one another or alternatively be combined with one another in the described example embodiments or in other alternative embodiments. Because the technology of the present disclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology are foreseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to the example embodiments and set forth in the following claims is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting a single particular element also encompass a plurality of such particular elements.