Patent Publication Number: US-9889334-B2

Title: Devices and methods for determining the weight of a treadmill user

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent application 61/791,025 filed on Mar. 15, 2013. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to exercise equipment. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to treadmills and methods of determining the weight of a user on a treadmill. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The weight of a user may be required to utilize various features of a treadmill. For example, the calorie expenditure by a user while exercising on a treadmill may be more accurately estimated by utilizing the weight of the user. In view of this, prior to each use of a treadmill, a user may be required to input their current weight. This may be cumbersome and time consuming to the user, and requires that the user accurately know their current weight. Accordingly, a user may unintentionally input an inaccurate weight. 
     Also, it may be embarrassing to a user to enter their weight into a treadmill located in view of others, such as at a fitness club or gym, and disclose their current weight. Thus, the person may intentionally input an inaccurate weight to avoid disclosing their current weight to others. Accordingly, in addition to being a time consuming annoyance to users, requiring a user to enter their current weight via a treadmill console may result in inaccurate and unreliable results. 
     In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to be able to acquire the weight of a treadmill user without requiring the user to input their weight manually into the treadmill. Additionally, it would be desirable to be able to calculate a reasonably accurate calorie expenditure by a user on a treadmill without first requesting that the user input their weight manually. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect of the disclosure, a method of determining a person&#39;s weight may comprise driving a treadbelt of a treadmill with a drive motor while a person is positioned on the treadbelt, measuring an electric current utilized by the drive motor, and analyzing the measured electric current to determine the weight of the person positioned on the treadbelt of the treadmill. 
     In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include positioning the treadbelt to simulate a declining slope. 
     In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include positioning the treadbelt to simulate an inclining slope. 
     In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include analyzing the measured electric current to determine the weight of the person positioned on the treadbelt of the treadmill by comparing the measured electric current to a value on a lookup table. 
     In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include analyzing the measured electric current to determine the weight of the person positioned on the treadbelt of the treadmill by inputting the measured electric current into a mathematical function. 
     In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include driving the treadbelt of the treadmill with the drive motor while the person is positioned on the treadbelt by driving the treadbelt at a linear speed less than about 2.25 meters per second. 
     In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include analyzing the measured electric current by analyzing an average measured electric current over a period of time. 
     In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include determining a cadence of the person positioned on the treadbelt. 
     In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include analyzing an average measured electric current over a period of time by analyzing an average measured electric current over a period of time corresponding to the determined cadence. 
     In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include changing the slope of the treadbelt while measuring the electric current utilized by the drive motor. 
     In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method of calculating calories expended while exercising on a treadmill may include measuring the weight of a person on a treadmill, and utilizing the determined weight to calculate calorie expenditure. 
     In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include automatically determining the weight of the person on the treadmill by driving a treadbelt of the treadmill with a drive motor while the person is positioned on the treadbelt, measuring an electric current utilized by the drive motor, and analyzing the measured electric current to determine the weight of the person positioned on the treadbelt of the treadmill. 
     In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include positioning the treadbelt to simulate a declining slope. 
     In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include analyzing the measured electric current to determine the weight of the person positioned on the treadbelt of the treadmill by comparing the measured electric current to a value on a lookup table. 
     In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include analyzing the measured electric current to determine the weight of the person positioned on the treadbelt of the treadmill by inputting the measured electric current into a mathematical function. 
     In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include driving the treadbelt of the treadmill with the drive motor while the person is positioned on the treadbelt by driving the treadbelt at a linear speed less than about 2.25 meters per second. 
     In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include analyzing the measured electric current by analyzing an average measured electric current over a period of time. 
     In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include determining a cadence of the person positioned on the treadbelt. 
     In one aspect of the disclosure, a treadmill may comprise a platform, a treadbelt extending over the platform, a drive motor positioned and configured to drive the treadbelt, an electrical current sensor configured to measure the electrical current utilized by the drive motor, and a computer programmed and configured to analyze measured electrical current usage by the drive motor to determine the weight of a person positioned on the treadbelt. 
     In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, may further include a rear deck height adjustment mechanism, and a front deck height adjustment mechanism. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of the present methods and systems and are a part of the specification. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of the present systems and methods and do not limit the scope thereof. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a treadmill configured to automatically determine the weight of a user, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic view of a computer and sensor arrangement of the treadmill of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of a drive mechanism of the treadmill of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of deck height adjustment mechanisms of the treadmill of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  depicts a block diagram of a computer system suitable for implementing the present systems and methods. 
     
    
    
     Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 1 , a treadmill  10  may include a frame  12  and a deck  14  having a front end pivotally attached to the frame  12 . The deck  14  may include a treadbelt  16  that is exposed at an upper region of the deck and provides a movable, continuous running surface during operation of the treadmill  10 . Additionally, the frame  12  may include one or more handrails  18  to provide support and balance to a user. 
     The treadmill  10  may additionally include a console  20 . The console  20  may be mounted on the frame  12  of the treadmill  10  so that it may be readily accessible and viewable to a user positioned on the treadmill  10 . The console  20  may include inputs and outputs to allow the user to communicate with the treadmill  10  via the console  20 . The console  20  may include a visual display, such as a video screen  22  to provide visual communication to the user. The console  20  may also include an audio output, such as an audio jack for the connection of headphones and/or a speaker, to provide audio communication to the user. Input devices may facilitate the entry of data by a user, such as a desired operating speed for the treadbelt, a desired incline, and information about the user. For example, the inputs of the console may include one or more of buttons, a touch screen, a microphone, and a camera for inputting information through the console  20 . 
     The console  20  may include a computer  24  located therein, which may include a processor  26  and a memory  28 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . In further embodiments, the computer  24  may not be located in the console  20 , but may be in communication with the console  20 . The computer  24  may be configured to receive data from the inputs of the console  20  and from sensors  30  of the treadmill  10 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , a drive motor  32  may be associated with the treadbelt  16 . The drive motor  32  may be positioned and configured to drive the treadbelt  16 . For example, the drive motor  32  may be connected to a roller  34  via a drive belt  36  and the treadbelt  16  may be positioned over the roller  34 . 
     The treadmill  10  may also include one or more sensors for collecting data while a user is running and/or walking on the treadbelt of the treadmill. For example, a sensor  30  may be positioned and configured to sense the electrical current utilized by the drive motor  32 . The computer  24  may be configured to receive data from the sensor  30  and to analyze the data with the processor  26 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the deck  14  may be supported by a deck frame  42 , which may include a left side rail and a right side rail connected by laterally extending cross-members. A front roller may be rotatably coupled to and extend between the side rails at a front end of the deck. Likewise, a rear roller may be rotatably coupled to and extend between the side rails at a rear end of the deck  14 . Additionally, a support surface  38  (see  FIG. 1 ) may be coupled to and extend between the side rails at a location between the front and rear rollers. The treadbelt  16  may be routed around the rollers and the support surface  38 , to provide a continuous running surface. 
     A rear deck height adjustment mechanism  40  may be located at a rear end of the deck  14 . In one embodiment, the rear deck height adjustment mechanism  40  may be rotatably coupled to the side rails of a deck frame  42 . The rear deck height adjustment mechanism  40  may comprise a cross-bar  44 , and legs  46  extending from the cross-bar. Each leg  46  may include a wheel  48  positioned to contact the floor underlying the treadmill  10 . 
     A lever arm  50  may extend from a central region of the cross-bar  44  of the rear deck height adjustment mechanism  40 . Accordingly, when a force is applied to the lever arm  50  a torque may be applied to the rear deck height adjustment mechanism  40  and the legs  46  of the rear deck height adjustment mechanism  40  may rotate relative to the deck frame  42 . 
     A first motor  52 , for operating the rear deck height adjustment mechanism  40 , may be located at the front end of the deck  14 . An elongate power transmission device  54  may extend from the first motor  52  to the lever  50  of the rear deck height adjustment mechanism  40 . For example, the elongate power transmission device  54  may comprise a screw extending from the first motor  52  located at the front of the deck  14  to the lever  50  of the rear deck height adjustment mechanism  40 . A nut may be hinged to the lever  50  of the rear deck height adjustment mechanism  40 , and the screw may extend through the nut. Accordingly, helical threads of the screw may be intermeshed with corresponding helical threads of the nut. 
     A front deck height adjustment mechanism  60  may be located at a front end of the deck  14 . In one embodiment, the front deck height adjustment mechanism  60  may be rotatably coupled to the side rails of the deck frame  42 . The front deck height adjustment mechanism  60  may comprise a cross-bar  62 , and arms  64  extending from the cross-bar  62 . Each of the arms  64  may also be rotatably coupled to the frame  12  of the treadmill  10 . 
     A lever arm  66  may extend from a central region of the cross-bar  62  of the front deck height adjustment mechanism  60 . Accordingly, when a force is applied to the lever arm  66  a torque may be applied to the front deck height adjustment mechanism  60  and the arms  64  of the front deck height adjustment mechanism  60  may rotate relative to the deck frame  42  and the frame  12  of the treadmill  10 . 
     A second motor  68 , for operating the front deck height adjustment mechanism  60 , may be located at the front end of the deck  14 . A power transmission device  70  may extend from the motor  68  to the lever  66  of the front deck height adjustment mechanism  60 . For example, a screw may extend from the motor  68  to the lever  66  of the front deck height adjustment mechanism  60 . A nut may be hinged to the lever  66  of the front deck height adjustment mechanism  60 , and the screw may extend through the nut. Accordingly, helical threads of the screw may be intermeshed with corresponding helical threads of the nut. 
     In some embodiments, a lift assist device (not shown), for facilitating the movement of the deck between the operating position and the storage position, may extend between the deck frame  42  and the frame  12  of the treadmill  10 . 
     For a particular treadmill design, empirical data may be collected by operating the treadmill  10  with users of various weights positioned on the treadbelt  16 . Optionally, weight may be incrementally applied to a user positioned on the treadbelt  16  of the treadmill  10  to collect empirical data. While the user is positioned on the treadbelt  16 , the treadbelt  16  may be moved by the drive motor  32  and the electrical current utilized by the drive motor  32  may be measured by the sensor  30  and recorded by the computer  24 . 
     The angle of the deck  14 , and thus the treadbelt  16 , may be selected that may facilitate distinguishable data signals collected from users of differing weight. For example, the deck  14  angle may be positioned at a decline, simulating a declining slope (i.e., simulating walking downhill). 
     In operation, a user may power on the treadmill  10 , such as by pressing a button on the console  20 , or by inserting a safety key into a receptacle in the console  20 . The user&#39;s feet may be positioned on the treadbelt  16  of the treadmill  10  and the treadmill  10  may begin a weight determination procedure. 
     To determine the user&#39;s weight, the drive motor  32  may drive the treadbelt  16  while the user is positioned on the treadbelt  16 . As the treadbelt  16  is driven with the drive motor  32 , the user may begin to walk. As a non-limiting example, the treadbelt  16  may be driven at a linear speed less than about 2.25 meters per second. 
     As the user walks on the treadbelt  16 , the electric current utilized by the drive motor  32  may be measured with the sensor  30 . The measured electric current may then be analyzed by the computer  24  to determine the weight of the user positioned on the treadbelt  16  of the treadmill  10 . 
     In order to collect electric current data that may provide a more accurate and reliable weight determination, the treadbelt  16  may be positioned to simulate a slope, such as an inclining slope or a declining slope. Optionally, the slope of the treadbelt  16  may be changed while measuring the electric current utilized by the drive motor  32 . 
     In some embodiments, analyzing the measured electric current to determine the weight of the person positioned on the treadbelt  16  of the treadmill  10  may comprise comparing the measured electric current to a value on a lookup table, which may be stored in the memory  28  of the computer  24 . In further embodiments, analyzing the measured electric current to determine the weight of the user positioned on the treadbelt  16  of the treadmill  10  may comprise inputting the measured electric current into a mathematical function with the computer  24 . 
     Additionally, an average measured electric current over a period of time may be analyzed to improve accuracy and reliability. The cadence of the user walking on the treadbelt  16  may be determined by measuring cyclic features of the data, such as peaks in energy usage. The determined cadence of the user may then be utilized to analyze an average measured electric current, such as an average maximum current (i.e., peak current) or an average minimum current, over a period of time that corresponds to the user&#39;s cadence. 
     After a user&#39;s weight has been automatically determined, the determined weight may be utilized by the computer  24  to calculate calories expended by the user while exercising on the treadmill. The calorie expenditure may then be displayed via the console. Optionally, if the user desires, the determined weight may also be displayed via the console. 
       FIG. 5  depicts a block diagram of a computer system  510  suitable for implementing the present systems and methods. Computer system  510  includes a bus  512  which interconnects major subsystems of computer system  510 , such as a central processor  514 , a system memory  517  (typically RAM, but which may also include ROM, flash RAM, or the like), an input/output controller  518 , an external audio device, such as a speaker system  520  via an audio output interface  522 , an external device, such as a display screen  524  via display adapter  526 , serial ports  528  and  530 , a keyboard  532  (interfaced with a keyboard controller  533 ), multiple USB devices  592  (interfaced with a USB controller  591 ), a storage interface  534 , a floppy disk unit  537  operative to receive a floppy disk  538 , a host bus adapter (HBA) interface card  535 A operative to connect with a Fibre Channel network  590 , a host bus adapter (HBA) interface card  535 B operative to connect to a SCSI bus  539 , and an optical disk drive  540  operative to receive an optical disk  542 . Also included are a mouse  546  (or other point-and-click device, coupled to bus  512  via serial port  528 ), a modem  547  (coupled to bus  512  via a serial port), and a network interface  548  (coupled directly to bus  512 ). 
     Bus  512  allows data communication between central processor  514  and system memory  517 , which may include read-only memory (ROM) or flash memory (neither shown), and random access memory (RAM) (not shown), as previously noted. The RAM is generally the main memory into which the operating system and application programs are loaded. The ROM or flash memory can contain, among other code, the Basic Input-Output system (BIOS) which controls basic hardware operation such as the interaction with peripheral components or devices. For example, the application to implement the present systems and methods may be stored within the system memory  517 . The application may compute the weight determination methodologies described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-4  based on signals received from the current sensor. Additionally, the ROM or flash memory may contain any number of lookup tables used to determine a user&#39;s weight. Applications resident with computer system  510  are generally stored on and accessed via a non-transitory computer readable medium, such as a hard disk drive (e.g., fixed disk  544 ), an optical drive (e.g., optical drive  540 ), a floppy disk unit  537 , or other storage medium. Additionally, applications can be in the form of electronic signals modulated in accordance with the application and data communication technology when accessed via network modem  547  or interface  548 . 
     Storage interface  534 , as with the other storage interfaces of computer system  510 , can connect to a standard computer readable medium for storage and/or retrieval of information, such as a fixed disk drive  544 . Fixed disk drive  544  may be a part of computer system  510  or may be separate and accessed through other interface systems. Modem  547  may provide a direct connection to a remote server via a telephone link or to the Internet via an internet service provider (ISP). Network interface  548  may provide a direct connection to a remote server via a direct network link to the Internet via a POP (point of presence). Network interface  548  may provide such connection using wireless techniques, including digital cellular telephone connection, Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) connection, digital satellite data connection or the like. 
     Many other devices or subsystems (not shown) may be connected in a similar manner (e.g., GPS devices, digital cameras and so on). Conversely, all of the devices shown in  FIG. 5  need not be present to practice the present systems and methods. The devices and subsystems can be interconnected in different ways from that shown in  FIG. 5 . The operation of a computer system such as that shown in  FIG. 5  is readily known in the art and is not discussed in detail in this application. Code to implement the present disclosure can be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as one or more of system memory  517 , fixed disk  544 , optical disk  542 , or floppy disk  538 . The operating system provided on computer system  510  may be MS-DOS®, MS-WINDOWS®, OS/2®, UNIX®, Linux®, or another known operating system. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     The weight of a user may be required to utilize various features of a treadmill. For example, the calorie expenditure by a user while exercising on a treadmill may be more accurately estimated by utilizing the weight of the user. In view of this, prior to each use of a treadmill, a user may be required to input their current weight. This may be cumbersome and time consuming to the user, and requires that the user accurately know their current weight. Accordingly, a user may unintentionally input an inaccurate weight. 
     Also, it may be embarrassing to a user to enter their weight into a treadmill located in view of others, such as at a fitness club or gym, and disclose their current weight. Thus, the person may intentionally input an inaccurate weight to avoid disclosing their current weight to others. Accordingly, in addition to being a time consuming annoyance to users, requiring a user to enter their current weight via a treadmill console may result in inaccurate and unreliable results. 
     To address the foregoing issues, the methods and devices disclosed herein enable the acquisition of the weight of a treadmill user without requiring the user to input their weight manually into the treadmill. Additionally, the methods and devices disclosed herein enable the calculation of a reasonably accurate calorie expenditure by a user on a treadmill without first requesting that the user input their weight manually. 
     A treadmill may include a base and a deck having a front end pivotally attached to the base. The deck may include a treadbelt that is exposed at an upper region of the deck and provides a movable, continuous running surface during operation of the treadmill. Additionally, the frame may include one or more handrails to provide support and balance to a user. 
     The treadmill may additionally include a console, and the console may include a computer located therein, which may include a processor and a memory. In further embodiments, the computer may not be located in the console, but may be in communication with the console. The computer may be configured to receive data from the inputs of the console and from sensors located about the treadmill. 
     A drive motor may be associated with the treadbelt. The drive motor may be positioned and configured to drive the treadbelt. For example, the drive motor may be connected to a roller via a drive belt and the treadbelt may be positioned over the roller. 
     A rear deck height adjustment mechanism may be located at a rear end of the deck, and a front deck height adjustment mechanism may be located at a front end of the deck 
     The treadmill may also include one or more sensors for collecting data while a user is running and/or walking on the treadbelt of the treadmill. For example, a sensor may be positioned and configured to sense the electrical current utilized by the drive motor. The computer may be configured to receive data from the sensor and to analyze the data with the processor. 
     For a particular treadmill design, empirical data may be collected by operating the treadmill with users of various weights positioned on the treadbelt. Optionally, weight may be incrementally applied to a user positioned on the treadbelt of the treadmill to collect empirical data. While the user is positioned on the treadbelt, the treadbelt may be moved by the drive motor and the electrical current utilized by the drive motor may be measured and recorded. 
     The angle of the deck, and thus the treadbelt, may be selected that may facilitate distinguishable data signals collected from users of differing weight. For example, the deck angle may be positioned at a decline, simulating a declining slope (i.e., simulating walking downhill). 
     In operation, a user may power on the treadmill, such as by pressing a button on the console, or by inserting a safety key into a receptacle in the console. The user&#39;s feet may be positioned on the treadbelt of the treadmill and the treadmill may begin a weight determination procedure. 
     To determine the user&#39;s weight, the drive motor may drive the treadbelt while the user is positioned on the treadbelt. As the treadbelt is driven with the drive motor, the user may begin to walk. As a non-limiting example, the treadbelt may be driven at a linear speed less than about 2.25 meters per second. 
     As the user walks on the treadbelt, the electric current utilized by the drive motor may be measured with the sensor. The measured electric current may then be analyzed by the computer to determine the weight of the user positioned on the treadbelt of the treadmill. 
     In order to collect electric current data that may provide a more accurate and reliable weight determination, the treadbelt may be positioned to simulate a slope, such as an inclining slope or a declining slope. Optionally, the slope of the treadbelt may be changed while measuring the electric current utilized by the drive motor. 
     In some embodiments, analyzing the measured electric current to determine the weight of the person positioned on the treadbelt of the treadmill may comprise comparing the measured electric current to a value on a lookup table, which may be stored in the memory of the computer. In further embodiments, analyzing the measured electric current to determine the weight of the user positioned on the treadbelt of the treadmill may comprise inputting the measured electric current into a mathematical function with the computer. 
     Additionally, an average measured electric current over a period of time may be analyzed to improve accuracy and reliability. The cadence of the user walking on the treadbelt may be determined by measuring cyclic features of the data, such as peaks in energy usage. The determined cadence of the user may then be utilized to analyze an average measured electric current over a period of time that corresponds to the user&#39;s cadence. 
     After a user&#39;s weight has been automatically determined, the determined weight may be utilized to calculate calories expended by the user while exercising on the treadmill.