Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US7967730?dq=6,928,433
Timestamp: 2015-08-04 00:11:07
Document Index: 797340884

Matched Legal Cases: ['Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 04']

Patent US7967730 - System and method for controlling an exercise apparatus - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inAdvanced Patent SearchPatentsThe various embodiments of the present invention generally provide a control system and a process for an exercise apparatus configurable into a combined treadmill and stepper mode. The apparatus may also be configured into stepper only and treadmill only modes. The apparatus generally includes a master...http://www.google.com/patents/US7967730?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US7967730 - System and method for controlling an exercise apparatusAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS7967730 B2Publication typeGrantApplication numberUS 12/619,276Publication dateJun 28, 2011Filing dateNov 16, 2009Priority dateFeb 28, 2003Fee statusPaidAlso published asUS7618346, US20040209738, US20100062904Publication number12619276, 619276, US 7967730 B2, US 7967730B2, US-B2-7967730, US7967730 B2, US7967730B2InventorsDouglas A. Crawford, Bradley J. SmithOriginal AssigneeNautilus, Inc.Export CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (104), Non-Patent Citations (3), Referenced by (3), Classifications (30), Legal Events (4) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetSystem and method for controlling an exercise apparatus
US 7967730 B2Abstract
The various embodiments of the present invention generally provide a control system and a process for an exercise apparatus configurable into a combined treadmill and stepper mode. The apparatus may also be configured into stepper only and treadmill only modes. The apparatus generally includes a master control unit, a first sensor, in communication with the master control unit, which generates a first signal indicative of an effective tread speed for the apparatus, and a resistive element that includes at least one resistance level. Using the first signal, the resistance level, and empirical information, the amount of energy expended by a user of the apparatus may be calculated and the operation of the apparatus controlled. Various sensors, actuators and information, such as that obtained from various data structures, may be utilized in performing calculations and controlling the features, functions and operation of the apparatus.
The present application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/789,579 entitled “System and Method For Controlling an Exercise Apparatus” filed on Feb. 26, 2004, which is a non-provisional application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. �119(e) to: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/450,890 entitled “System and Method For Controlling an Exercise Apparatus” filed on Feb. 28, 2003; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/450,789 entitled “Dual Deck Exercise Device” filed on Feb. 28, 2003; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/451,104 entitled “Exercise Device With Treadles” filed on Feb. 28, 2003, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties, as if fully described herein.
U.S. application Ser. No. 10/789,182 entitled “Dual Deck Exercise Device” filed on Feb. 26, 2004, which is a non-provisional application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. �119(e) to: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/450,789 entitled “Dual Deck Exercise Device” filed on Feb. 28, 2003, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/451,104 entitled “Exercise Device With Treadles” filed on Feb. 28, 2003, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/450,890 entitled “System and Method For Controlling an Exercise Apparatus” and filed on Feb. 28, 2003;
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/789,294, entitled “Exercise Device with Treadles” filed on Feb. 26, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,553,260; which is a non-provisional application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. �119(e) to: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/450,789 entitled “Dual Deck Exercise Device” filed on Feb. 28, 2003, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/451,104 entitled “Exercise Device With Treadles” filed on Feb. 28, 2003, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/450,890 entitled “System and Method For Controlling an Exercise Apparatus” and filed on Feb. 28, 2003;
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/065,891 entitled “Exercise Device With Treadles” filed on Feb. 25, 2005, which is a non-provisional application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. �119(e) to: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/548,265 entitled “Exercise Device With Treadles” filed on Feb. 26, 2004; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/548,786 entitled “Control System and Method For an Exercise Apparatus” filed on Feb. 26, 2004; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/548,787 entitled “Hydraulic Resistance, Arm Exercise, and Non-Motorized Dual Deck Treadmills” filed on Feb. 26, 2004;
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/065,770 entitled “Dual Treadmill Exercise Device Having a Single Rear Roller” filed on Feb. 25, 2005, which is a non-provisional application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. �119(e) to: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/548,811 entitled “Dual Treadmill Exercise Device Having a Single Rear Roller” filed on Feb. 26, 2004; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/548,786 entitled “Control System and Method For an Exercise Apparatus” filed on Feb. 26, 2004; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/548,787 entitled “Hydraulic Resistance, Arm Exercise, and Non-Motorized Dual Deck Treadmills” filed on Feb. 26, 2004; also U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/065,770 is a continuation-in-part of: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/789,182 filed on Feb. 24, 2004; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/789,294 filed on Feb. 26, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,553,260; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/789,579 filed on Feb. 26, 2004;
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/065,746 entitled “Upper Body Exercise and Flywheel Enhanced Dual Deck Treadmills” filed on Feb. 25, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,517,303, which is a non-provisional application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. �119(e) to: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/548,786, entitled “Control System and Method For an Exercise Apparatus” filed on 26 Feb. 2004; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/548,265 entitled “Exercise Device With Treadles” filed on Feb. 26, 2004; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/548,787 entitled “Hydraulic Resistance, Arm Exercise, and Non-Motorized Dual Deck Treadmills” filed on Feb. 26, 2004; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/548,811 entitled “Dual Treadmill Exercise Device Having a Single Rear Roller” filed on Feb. 26, 2004; also U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/065,746 is a continuation-in-part of: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/789,182 filed on Feb. 26, 2004; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/789,294 filed on Feb. 26, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,553,260; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/789,579 filed on Feb. 26, 2004; and
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/067,538 entitled “Control System and Method For an Exercise Apparatus” filed on Feb. 25, 2005, which is a non-provisional application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. �119(e) to: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/548,786, entitled “Control System and Method For an Exercise Apparatus” filed on 26 Feb. 2004; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/548,265 entitled “Exercise Device With Treadles” filed on Feb. 26, 2004; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/548,787 entitled “Hydraulic Resistance, Arm Exercise, and Non-Motorized Dual Deck Treadmills” filed on Feb. 26, 2004; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/548,811 entitled “Dual Treadmill Exercise Device Having a Single Rear Roller” filed on Feb. 26, 2004; also U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/067,538 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/789,579 filed on Feb. 26, 2004; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/789,182; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/789,294 filed on Feb. 26, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,553,260.
INVENTIVE FIELD
The inventive field relates to systems and processes for controlling the features, operation and functions of exercise apparatus. More specifically, the inventive field relates to systems and processes for controlling the features, operation and functions of an exercise apparatus which combines walking, running and/or striding type movements (which commonly occur in a horizontal or substantially horizontal direction) and stair climbing, stepping and/or climbing type motions (which commonly occur in a vertical or substantially vertical direction).
To date, various exercise apparatus have been developed which facilitate in-door walking, running and/or striding type motions (hereinafter, collectively “striding”), i.e., motions in a horizontal or substantially horizontal direction without requiring the exerciser to actually change their present location. Examples of such devices include, but are not limited to, treadmills, elliptical trainers (which are generally designed to mimic a running motion while reducing the impact of running upon joints and other devices) and other like devices. Further, various exercise apparatus have been developed which facilitate and/or simulate stair climbing, stepping (as in rolling steps), and/or climbing type motions (hereinafter, collectively “stepping”), i.e., motions in a vertical or substantially vertical direction without requiring the exerciser to actually change their vertical position or physical location. Also, to date an exercise apparatus has been developed which combines striding and stepping type motions into a single physical motion.
In one embodiment of the present invention, an exercise apparatus comprising, a master control unit, a first sensor, in communication with the master control unit, which generates a first signal indicative of an effective tread speed for the apparatus, and a resistive element that includes at least one resistance level is provided. The exercise apparatus of this embodiment, may also further comprise a data structure containing data indicative of the amount of energy expended for a given resistance level. The master control unit, in such embodiment, may access the data structure and determine the amount of energy expended based upon at least one of the first signal and at least one resistance level.
FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of the various sensors, actuators, signals and devices utilized in one embodiment of the control system of the present invention.
The various embodiments of the present invention provide a control system and process for a combination exercise apparatus which simulates a combined striding and a stepping type motion. Such motion may be characterized as being similar to walking or running on a beach, climbing a loose surface and similar motions wherein an exerciser's foot slides partially while stepping. Further, the various embodiments of the present invention provide a control system and process for controlling the exercise apparatus regardless of whether the apparatus is configured to facilitate a combination striding and stepping motion, a striding only motion, a stepping only motion, or some other motion(s). Also, the various embodiments of the present invention, as discussed in greater detail hereinbelow, provides systems and processes for estimating and/or calculating the amount of energy exerted by an exerciser when using the exercise apparatus in a combination striding/stepping mode, a striding only mode and/or a stepping only mode. Other modes, and energy calculations related thereto, may also be calculated by various embodiments of the control systems and processes of the present invention.
The control system and processes of the present invention desirably control the combination striding and stepping motions and calculates the energy expended by an exerciser thereof. To accomplish such control and/or energy calculation features and functions, at least one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, includes: a Master Control Unit 10 (“MCU”), a Tread Control Unit 20 (“TCU”), a Tread Speed Sensor 30 (“TSS”), a Step Sensor 40 (“SS”), an Exerciser Input Interface 50 (“UII”), and an Exerciser Output Interface 60 (“UOI”), as well as the computer programs and data structures necessary to control and calculate energy expenditures. Each of these components are described in greater detail hereinbelow. It is to be appreciated that various embodiments of the present invention may include all, some, or none of these components.
At least one embodiment of the present invention includes an MCU 10. The MCU 10 may be utilized to control various aspects of the operation, features and/or functions of the exercise apparatus (hereinafter, the “apparatus”). The MCU provides those output signals necessary to control the operation of the apparatus including, but not limited to, driving the tread belts. The MCU also receives various input signals which provide status and other operational information.
One output signal the MCU may be configured to generate is shown in FIG. 1, as a tread control signal 15. The tread control signal 15 desirably provides control signals to the “TCU” 20. These control signals may be in a digital signal format, an analog signal format, a combination digital and analog signal format and other formats, should a specific implementation of the present invention so require.
The various embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention may also be configured to include an SS 40. The SS may be configured to provide a Step Signal 45 to the MCU which indicates how often a given tread is raised or lowered and thus, a “step” taken by an exerciser of the apparatus. The features, functions and operation of the SS are described in greater detail hereinbelow.
Referring still to FIG. 1, the various embodiments of the present invention may also include one more UIIs 50 which are in communication with the MCU via communication link 55. In addition to providing input devices by which the exerciser may specify an effective tread speed, the UII may also be configured to include input devices by which the exerciser may input and/or specify various other parameters including, but not limited to, the exerciser's weight, a desired workout setting, a workout time, a desired program routine, and others. Further, the UII may be utilized by the exerciser to control the operation of the apparatus during a “workout,” for example, by increasing or decreasing the effective speed of the treads, the angle of the treads, the step resistance, or other parameters. The features, operations and functions of the UII, as provided for in various embodiments of the present invention, are described in greater detail hereinbelow.
Master Control Unit (“MCU”)
The MCU also generally includes some form of memory or data storage device or data storage reading device. Examples of memory/storage devices which may be used separately or in conjunction with the apparatus include, but are not limited to, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, RAM, DRAM, RDRAM, SDLRAM, EDO DRAM, FRAM, non-volatile memory, Flash memory, magnetic storage devices, optical storage devices, removable storage devices (such as memory sticks and flash memory cards), and the like. The MCU also commonly includes and/or is connected to a power supply. Battery backup may be provided as necessary to preserve exerciser settings and/or other information. The MCU also may be configured to include various types of input and/or output ports. Common examples of such I/O ports (“I/O”) include, but are not limited to, serial ports, parallel ports, RJ-11 and RJ-45 interface ports, DIN ports, sockets, universal serial bus ports, “firewire” or IEEE 802.11 ports, wireless interface ports, smart card ports, video ports, PS/2 ports, and the like. One should appreciate that the MCU is not limited to any specific devices and/or system or component configurations, and may be provided, in whole or in part, as a single unit, a plurality of parallel units, remote units (e.g., one provided via an external device, such as a local or remote personal computer), distributed units or in any other configuration capable of supporting the features and functions of the various embodiments of the present invention.
Tread Control Unit (“TCU”)
As discussed above, at least one embodiment of the present invention includes a TCU 20 which controls the speed of rotation of the treads on the respective treadles. In one embodiment, the TCU controls the operation of a motor, which drives the treads, by utilizing digital signals from the MCU. Such digital signals may be in any suitable signal format, for example, Pulse Width Modulation (“PWM”) signals may be utilized. As is commonly appreciated, PWMs can be utilized to control the operating speed of D.C. motors, and thus the speed of any tread connected directly or indirectly to such motor, by varying the time period during which the D.C. motor is powered. Such time period may be varied by pulsing on/off an input current provided to the motor. PWM may also be utilized to control the rotational speed of the motor by controlling the duty cycle of the motor, i.e., the longer the duty cycle, the longer a drive current is provided, or by modifying the pulse duration of any given duty cycle (i.e., a longer pulse width generally equates to a longer “on” period for the motor). The MCU directly or indirectly, via the TCU, may be configured to control the electricity provided to the motor such that the rotational speed of the motor shaft and the treads connected directly or indirectly thereto are correspondingly controlled. Further, by periodically directing the application of electrical pulses to the motor, via the TCU, the MCU may increase or decrease the rotational speed of the motor shaft which, in turn, results in a corresponding increase or decrease in the speed of the treads. It is to be further appreciated, that the rotational speed of the motor shaft may be slowed and/or stopped by applying a current in an opposite directional flow (which may be a negative or positive current, depending upon the specific implementation utilized) so as to apply a decelerating or braking effect to the motor shaft. In short, the MCU, in at least one embodiment, provides tread control signals to the TCU. Such tread control signals directly or indirectly control the operation of the motor and thereby control the speed and/or direction of the treads.
It is to be appreciated that for certain alternative embodiments, the MCU may be configured to provide, and the TCU configured to receive and act upon, tread control signals which result in the motor rotating the treads in a second or opposite direction, wherein a first tread direction is defined as the direction of travel of the treads away from a console such that as an exerciser faces the console the exerciser effectively walks on the treads and towards the console, and the second tread direction is defined as the direction of travel of the treads towards the console such that as the exerciser faces the console the exerciser effectively walks backwards and away from the console. It is to be appreciated that when the motor is driving the treads in the second tread direction, an exerciser may suitably position themselves such that they are facing 180 degrees away from the console, and as the tread progresses towards the console, the exerciser effectively utilizes a “stepping-up” motion. The location and configuration of the various embodiments of the console for the present invention are described in greater detail in the related applications.
Tread Speed Sensor (“TSS”)
More specifically, in at least one embodiment of the present invention, a TSS includes a read switch (hereinafter, the “tread switch”) which is configured to detect the passing of a magnet (hereinafter, the “tread magnet”) situated on a pulley or other component that is attached directly or indirectly to the motor/drive mechanism. With each corresponding rotation of the pulley and/or the drive shaft (gearing and the like may be utilized), the tread magnet passes the tread switch, which detects the passing of the tread magnet and outputs a tread speed signal 35 to the MCU 10. The MCU receives and utilizes the tread speed signal to calculate the effective speed of the treads.
As mentioned previously, the effective tread speed, for at least one embodiment, may vary over a range of 0.7 to 4.0 miles per hour. The desired effective tread speed may be specified by an exerciser via an UII 50, which is connected to the MCU 10, for example, by incrementing or decrementing the desired effective tread speed using, for example, “+” or “−” buttons. The use of push buttons to increment or decrement control settings is well known in the art and is not discussed further herein. Additionally and/or alternatively, the effective tread speed may be controlled based upon non-exerciser inputs, such as those provided by pre-programmed routine, those provided by an instructor (for example, in an exercise class setting), or otherwise.
Step Sensor (“SS”)
As discussed previously, various embodiments of the present invention may be configured to include a SS (40), for detecting whenever an exerciser takes a “step.” In one embodiment, the SS is configured to detect the relative movement of a rocker arm. As described in the related applications, the rocker arm creates a dependency between the right and left treadles such that as one treadle falls (or travels towards the ground) the other automatically rises, and vice versa. Detecting and/or sensing the relative movement of the rocker arm may be accomplished utilizing, for example, a read switch (hereinafter, the “step switch”) and a corresponding magnet (hereinafter, the “step magnet”). In this embodiment, as the right tread is moved in a first direction (i.e., up or down relative to an axis about which the tread may rotate), the step magnet attached to the rocker arm correspondingly passes by the step switch which generates a step signal 45 for communication to the MCU. Similarly, when the left tread is lowered, the rocker arm and the step magnet correspondingly moves in an opposite or second direction and past the step switch and generating a step signal 45. Regardless of the direction of rotation of the rocker arm, the read switch may be positioned to detect the up/down movement of the step magnet and thereby the rocker arm to which it is attached and correspondingly each step (which may be a full step or a portion thereof) taken by the exerciser. Such detections are suitably communicated to the MCU.
It is to be appreciated that the location of the step magnet relative to the axis about which the rocker arm rotates may determine the depth of each “step” (or up/down motion of a given tread) necessary for a “step” to be detected by the read switch. As such, in one embodiment of the present invention, the step magnet and corresponding step switch are positioned on the rocker arm so as to detect “steps” of at least one (1) inch of declination/inclination.
User Input Interface (“UII”)
User Output Interface (“UOI”)
The various embodiments of the present invention also generally include one or more UOIs 60. Such UOIs are utilized to communicate, from the MCU to the user or others over communications link 65, real-time status information and/or pre- or post-exercise routine related information. Such information may include energy expended, “steps” climbed, feet gained, distance traveled, percentage of exercise above a given threshold (e.g., anaerobic or aerobic), and/or others. Further, such information may be communicated to an exerciser or other via practically any available output devices. Examples of those output devices supported by the various embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to: video display devices, such as light emitting diodes, liquid crystal display devices, flat panel displays, cathode ray tube displays, head-up displays, and visor based displays; audible display devices, such as speaker and headphones, both wired and wireless; hard-copy output devices such as printers; tactile output devices; and others.
The various embodiments of the present invention may be utilized, desirably, in at least one, some, or all, of three different modes: stepper only mode; treadmill mode and treadclimber mode. Each of these modes is discussed in greater detail hereinbelow. In certain embodiments of the present invention, only the treadclimber mode is supported. In other embodiments, the treadclimber and stepper modes are supported, the treadclimber and treadmill modes are supported or the stepper and treadmill modes are supported. As discussed in greater detail in the related applications, at least one embodiment of the apparatus includes a locking mechanism, which, upon activation, “locks” the left and right treadles parallel to each other so that the combined decking effectively provides a single platform. Other embodiments may not include this locking feature and other embodiments may not be configured to rotate the treadles while one is stepping upon them (i.e., the apparatus in certain embodiments may be configured to not operate in treadclimber mode). Thus, it is to be appreciated that the present invention may be configured into different embodiments of steppers, treadmills and treadclimbers as particular implementations and/or utilizations specify.
The apparatus may be configured to operate as a “stepper” (hereinafter, “S-mode”). When configured in S-mode, the MCU generally does not provide any tread control signals to the motor (or those signals, if any, the MCU does provide may be utilized to minimize or otherwise control the rotation of the drive shaft and, by extension thereof, the rotational motion of the treads). Since the motor may not be powered and the pulley is desirably not rotating, the MCU should not receive any tread speed signals from the TSS, when in S-mode. However, in the event that the tread magnet is aligned with the tread switch, the TSS may generate a continuous tread speed signal and the MCU may be configured to ignore this signal while in stepper mode. The MCU, however, does continue to receive step signals with each “step” initiated by the exerciser and to process such step signals so as to calculate the amount of “work” or calories currently being expended by the exerciser at that time.
More specifically, it is to be appreciated that users of exercise devices, such as the apparatus of the present invention, generally desire to receive current, elapsed and/or final indications of how much “work” is expended during a “workout,” or a given segment thereof (such as, a snapshot in time, over a given interval, or over the extended period of a single and/or a plurality of workout sessions). Commonly, exercisers measure the amount of “work” performed during exercising in terms of calories “burned.” In order to determine the number of calories “burned,” one commonly needs two parameters: the V02 associated with a given exercise; and the weight of the exerciser. In general, the amount of calories “burned” per minute for a given exercise routine may be expressed by the following equation:
The first part of this equation, the exerciser's weight, is directly or indirectly provided by the user of the apparatus. As discussed previously hereinabove, the MCU is configured to receive user inputs, via the UII, which may include the exerciser's weight. As such, the exerciser may directly provide their weight to the apparatus in order to calculate calories burned. Alternatively, the apparatus may be configured to indirectly receive the exerciser's weight information, for example, by using a “scale” to measure the weight of the exerciser. Various types of scales are well known in the art and may be utilized in conjunction with the present invention to determine an exerciser's weight.
As mentioned above, the second component necessary to determine the amount of calories burned for a given workout is V02. It is commonly appreciated that V02 varies based upon the type of exercise being performed (e.g., running, swimming, stepping, biking, weight lifting and the like) and the workout setting or resistance level associated with the exercise. For well established exercise routines, such as, running on flat grounds or on an incline, cycling, and stepping (for a given step height), the V02 expended has been well documented by the American College of Sports Medicine (“ACSM”) and may be obtained from equations and/or charts provided by the ACSM.
For a stepper function, such as that provided by at least one embodiment of the present invention, when configured in S-mode, ACSM established formulas or other formulas may be utilized. However, in the present embodiment, a non-ACSM formula, as described hereinbelow, is utilized because of the interdependencies which exist between the left and right treadles. This formula may be used to determine the amount of V02 expended when performing a stepping action based upon the inches per minute “obtained” by the exerciser. In general, this relationship may be expressed by the following equation:
V02 stepping=(HT�0.04)+3.5 (wherein “H T”=total height gained in inches per minute) (Equation #2)
In general, in order to determine V02, the MCU needs the total height “HT” of all of the steps taken by the exerciser over a given time period. Since the actual height of any given step taken by an exerciser may vary from a previous or subsequent step, over an extended time period, HT may also vary. As such, it is commonly appreciated that an exerciser will often take steps of less than full height and, therefore, less than the optimal V02 will be expended by the exerciser over any given time period. In order to accurately reflect the amount of work actually performed by an exerciser, in general, an exercise apparatus, such as the various embodiments of the present invention should account for irregular stepping, as exemplified by less than full steps or extended duration steps (i.e., when the exerciser rests while stepping or when the step comes into contact with a bottom stop). Often, these variations in stepping and/or step height, and thus the determination of V02 actually expended by the exerciser, may be calculated based upon measurements of the actual step height taken and the frequency of stepping. It is to be appreciated that in various embodiments of the present invention, the actual step height may be directly measured using potentiometers, encoders or the like.
However, other embodiments of the present invention may not include or utilize a potentiometer, encoder or other sensor to directly measure step height taken by an exerciser and, thus, the MCU cannot directly calculate the total step height HT over a given time period. Instead, the apparatus may be configured to determine V02 based upon those step signals generated by the SS. When the MCU is not provided with measured step height information, the MCU may be configured to extrapolate the step height, based upon the number of steps per minute by the exerciser “Ractual,” as detected by the SS, in order to determine the V02 expended by the exerciser over a given time period.
More specifically, at least one embodiment of the apparatus may be configured to calculate the total step height HT based upon the number of step signals received per minute by the MCU from the SS times the default step depth “D” (in inches or other comparable measurements) credited to the exerciser based upon an average step rate Ravg. Ravg may be determined based upon empirical studies, for example, those conducted at a constant resistance level for a constant exerciser's body weight.
For example, a first exerciser weighs 175 pounds or 79.54 kGs and is optimally exercising at a first resistance level (i.e., Ractual=Ravg). Also, assume that Ravg equals 40 steps/minute (i.e., based upon empirical studies, it may be determined that the first exerciser, optimally working out at a given resistance level, should be able to complete forty (40) full steps per minute). Further assume that D equals six inches (i.e., the maximum step depth is assumed to be six (6) inches). As such, the first exerciser, during each minute working out at this exertion level, should “obtain” a total step height HT (which may be defined as Ravg�D) of: 40 steps�6 inches=240 inches/minute. Using the formula set forth above as equation #2, the exerciser's V02 therefore would be: (240�0.04)+3.5=13.1. Further, using equation #1, the calories burned per minute by the exerciser would be 5.2 cal/min.
Another mode the apparatus may be configured to operate in is treadmill only mode (hereinafter, “T-mode”). When in T-mode, the left and right treads are desirably fixed at a given incline. In one embodiment, such incline is set at a ten (10) degree slope, but, in other embodiments, other degrees of slope may be utilized.
Another mode the apparatus may be configured to operate in is referred to hereinafter as TreadClimber mode or “TC-mode”. As discussed herein in greater detail, when in TC-mode the apparatus functions as both a stepper and a treadmill (i.e., it facilitates stepping and striding in a combined motion). Input signals may be received by the MCU from both the TSS (providing an indication of the effective tread speed) and the SS (providing an indication of the steps per minute). When in TC-mode the MCU may also be configured to output tread control signals to the TCU and/or other output signals.
Preferably at least ten (10) data samples are collected for each combination of resistance level and effective tread speed. As discussed previously, the V02 expended should not vary based upon exerciser weight, however, for statistical sampling purposes, data is collected based upon exercisers of varying weights. Once the desired number of data samples are collected 416, such data points may be suitably compiled and may be graphed, listed in tables, “curve-fitted” (for example, using the before-mentioned curve-fitting software or comparable software) or otherwise manipulated in order to determine the V02 associated with a given resistance level and effective tread speed 418. One example of the results of measuring the calories per minute expended by a 160 pound exerciser of an apparatus of the present invention is shown in FIG. 5. In this figure, the effective tread speed is held constant while the resistance level (as specified by the “Workout Setting”) is varied. As such, a substantially proportional increase in calories per minute occurs as the resistance level is incremented from an “easy” workout setting of level 1 to a “difficult” workout setting of level 12. In contrast, FIG. 6 provides a representation of the calories per minute expended by a 160 pound exerciser at given resistance levels as the effective tread speed is increased. As shown in FIG. 6, a one mile per hour increase in the effective tread speed results in an increase of approximately 2.5 calories per minute, for this empirical study.
A matrix may then be developed which identifies available test subjects (i.e., those having passed the screenings) and the trials desired 704. For at least one embodiment, a cover-over design may be employed in developing the matrix so that all available test subjects (hereinafter, “participants”) perform all of the trials.
Based upon the results of the beforementioned statistical and/or other data analysis, data points are obtained that can be mapped or “curve-fitted” (as discussed previously hereinabove) in or order to obtain graphs, tables, algorithms, data structure or the like which describe, specify or otherwise set forth the relationships between resistance levels, effective tread speeds, V02, calories burned per a given time period, and/or any other parameter as desired by specific implementations of the present invention 714.
The initialization of the apparatus, for at least one embodiment of the present invention, may suitably begin with depressing the “power” button 800. Other techniques for starting the apparatus may also be employed, such as, by beginning to depress the pedals. Following power being applied to the apparatus, the MCU may request various information, such as the exerciser weight may be requested and the exerciser may input such information, for example, by using the faster (“+”) and slower (“−”) speed buttons. Further, if the apparatus has been previously used, the apparatus may be configured to automatically display the last exerciser's weight and such weight may be changed as desired 802-804-806.
The desired resistance level or “workout setting” may also be inputted into the MCU 808. It is to be appreciated that the actual resistance level for certain embodiments of the present invention may be manually adjusted using the workout level dials on each hydraulic cylinder and by entering a corresponding input into the MCU via the UII. However, it is to be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to manually adjusted resistance levels, and that other embodiments may include resistance levels that are set automatically or semi-automatically set under the direction and/or guidance and control of the exerciser, the MCU and/or other local or remote controller, processors or other devices. Such resistance levels may be suitably controlled by hydraulic, pneumatic, electro-mechanical, mechanical, electro-magnetic, separately or in combinations thereof, and/or using other method, processes, or devices which may be used or configured to control the resistance level or “workout setting” of any particular embodiment of the present invention.
Referring again to FIG. 8, when the inputted resistance level is set at “0” 810, for at least one embodiment of the present invention, the MCU desirably proceeds into T-mode 812. When in T-mode, the exerciser may initiate the rotation of the treads by various inputs, for example, pressing the “start/stop” button 814. Further, the exerciser or the MCU may specify a desired effective tread speed 816. When specified by the exerciser, the effective tread speed, as detected by the TSS and determined by the MCU, may be increased or decreased by utilizing the “+” and “−” buttons, respectively.
While the foregoing discussion has been primarily directed to a single embodiment of the present invention, it is to be appreciated that the present invention is not so limited. As discussed in general above, the present invention may be configured to utilize a wide variety of control units, sensors, actuators, inputs, and outputs. More specifically and with particular reference to the control unit and/or data processing aspects of the present invention, it is to be appreciated that a wide range of controllers/processors may be utilized. In some embodiments, a processor/controller may not even be included. As such, the range over which the MCU may operate generally includes essentially “dumb” processors, which may provide little, if any, control functions and/or capabilities and which may be configured to primarily receive data inputs and generate outputs for display to the exerciser, to highly advanced processors, such as those which utilize advanced microprocessor architectures (for example, PENTIUM microprocessors). Such processors may be combined with other devices to provide personal computer like capabilities, features and functions, and may be configured such that such processor(s) may control various if not all of the features, operations and functions of the present invention as discussed hereinabove, as well as provide additional features, functions and/or control capabilities. Thus, it is to be appreciated that the various embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those described herein and that other embodiments may be utilized to control the features, functions and operations of the apparatus.
Further, the various embodiments of the present invention may include a wide variety, quantity, quality, range and type of sensors and/or sensing devices. As discussed above, the present invention may be configured to include practically any sensor that is compatible with a given implementation of the present invention. Such sensors may be configured to monitor various, any and/or all of the features and/or functions of the apparatus. Some of these functions may relate to how an exerciser utilizes and/or enjoys the apparatus. Sensors, for example, may monitor speed, inclination, step height, step depth, impact of the exerciser's foot upon the treads (for example, to determine whether the exerciser steps heavily or lightly and to adjust system performance based thereon), pressure applied by the exerciser to any handles (for example, to determine if the exerciser is “cheating”), heart rate or other biometric indicators of the exerciser's physical condition, stride length (for example, in order to determine whether the treads should be shifted towards or away from the console in order to provide the exerciser with a more optimal and/or comfortable workout), and others. Similarly, sensors may be provided which separately or in a multifaceted role monitor parameters other than those related to the exerciser's experience. Such parameters may include motor hours, shock or hydraulic system use (for example, how many compressions a shock has performed in order to determine when servicing may be needed), and other parameters.
With regard to inputs provided to a control unit(s), inputs may be provided by any of the beforementioned controllers (for example, inputs from a slave or remote control device, such as the TCU), sensors and actuators. Further, inputs may be provided by exercisers. Exerciser inputs, for example, may run the gamut from demographic indicators (e.g., height, weight, age, smoking/non-smoking), to medical history information (for example, whether the exerciser has had a heart attack or has heart disease—thereby providing a greater emphasis upon controlling the workout based upon the exerciser's heart rate, or requiring a longer cool-down period), to workout goals, or other information. Inputs may also be provided by others and/or other devices, systems or processes. For example, various embodiments of the present invention may be configured to operate in a group or class setting wherein an instructor or others specify a goal for the effective tread speed, resistance levels, target heart rate, and others. Such “goals” may or may not be adapted or custom tailored by the MCU in each apparatus as particular exerciser requirements may specify (for example, an apparatus associated with an overweight exerciser in a class may be tailored to operate at a lower starting resistance level (while still increasing or decreasing the resistance levels during the workout, as specified by an instructor) than the instructor or a triathlete in the same class setting may utilize. Further, inputs may be provided by automated systems, such as workout videos which may include triggers in the video signal that indicate to the apparatus when to change a setting for a given actuator. Similarly, inputs may be provided by remote or local computer programs, software routines and other devices.
Utilizing a variety of control, sensor, actuator, input, and/or output possibilities, the various embodiments of the present invention may be configured to support a wide range of settings and operations. For example, an embodiment may be configured to support the switching between the three different modes during a work-out based upon an exerciser or other input. An apparatus may be provided which supports the changing of the horizontal or vertical axis about which a tread pivots, the depth of such pivot, the height of a step and/or other settings. Embodiments may be provided which include cross-talk capabilities between multiple apparatus, for example, using wired or wireless communication links. Embodiments may be provided which support the recording of exerciser performance and/or setting configurations on removable smart cards—such an embodiment may be desirable in gym, hotel or other settings.
It is to be appreciated that the present invention has been described in detail with respect to certain embodiments and examples. Variations and modifications may exist which are within the scope of the present invention as set forth by the claims, the specification and/or the drawing figures.
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