Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
  • G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
  • G16H10/00—ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data
  • G16H10/60—ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data for patient-specific data, e.g. for electronic patient records
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
  • G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
  • G16H15/00—ICT specially adapted for medical reports, e.g. generation or transmission thereof
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
  • A61M2205/60—General characteristics of the apparatus with identification means
  • A61M2205/6027—Electric-conductive bridges closing detection circuits, with or without identifying elements, e.g. resistances, zener-diodes
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
  • A63B21/06—User-manipulated weights
  • A63B21/062—User-manipulated weights including guide for vertical or non-vertical weights or array of weights to move against gravity forces
  • A63B21/0626—User-manipulated weights including guide for vertical or non-vertical weights or array of weights to move against gravity forces with substantially vertical guiding means
  • A63B21/0628—User-manipulated weights including guide for vertical or non-vertical weights or array of weights to move against gravity forces with substantially vertical guiding means for vertical array of weights
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
  • A63B2220/10—Positions
  • A63B2220/13—Relative positions
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
  • A63B2220/30—Speed
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
  • A63B2225/15—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment with identification means that can be read by electronic means
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
  • A63B2225/20—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment with means for remote communication, e.g. internet or the like
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B2230/00—Measuring physiological parameters of the user
  • A63B2230/04—Measuring physiological parameters of the user heartbeat characteristics, e.g. ECG, blood pressure modulations
  • A63B2230/06—Measuring physiological parameters of the user heartbeat characteristics, e.g. ECG, blood pressure modulations heartbeat rate only
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
  • G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
  • G16H40/00—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices
  • G16H40/60—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices
  • G16H40/63—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices for local operation

Definitions

• the present invention relates to exercise information systems, and more particularly, to a system for monitoring and analyzing exercise performance and results to provide accurate exercise related information for decision support, facilities management, entertainment, and the like.
• exercisers often undertake exercise programs with specific objectives in mind. Some exercisers may desire to increase their strength and flexibility to improve athletic performance. Other exercisers may be concerned primarily with aerobic exercises for health maintenance. Others may exercise under the care and direction of a physician or a physical therapist as part of a rehabilitation program or program designed to maintain physical strength during aging.
• an ideal exercise program or model can be devised.
• Such models may be dynamic, as in the case of programs designed to build strength, or constant, as in the case of programs designed to maintain a given level of fitness. Irrespective of the type of exercise program to be used, exercise information can be helpful in determining whether the exerciser is following the model program, encouraging the exerciser to perform in accordance with the standards of the model program, and to evaluate whether the model program has been properly selected for the individual exerciser or needs modification.
• Performance information describes how an exerciser is accomplishing a given task. For example, performance information can indicate whether a certain number of miles are being run each week at a given rate, whether a given amount of weight is being lifted with a prescribed form, or whether the exercise intensity is sufficient to maintain the heart rate above a threshold limit for a prescribed period.
• Results information shows the effect of a fitness program on the exerciser's body. Exampies include resting heart rate, body weight, percentage body fat, lean body weight and various fat levels in the blood (such as cholesterol and high density lipoproteins).
• a model program designed for aerobic exercise often entails maintaining the exercise intensity above a threshold heart rate (determined primarily by age) for a predetermined amount of time.
• a model exercise program designed for aerobics and strength building simultaneously might entail training on a circuit of exercise machines. Information needed for such circuit training would include cardiovascular endurance parameters such as heart rate, as well as data on the exerciser's form as it compared to an ideal form to guide strength building.
• cardiovascular endurance parameters such as heart rate
• exercise information can be helpful. For example, performance information if received while performing exercise can serve to motivate the exerciser. It is often helpful to provide this motivational information in the form of a game or as entertainment to establish and maintain the exerciser's interest.
• Performance information provided during exercise can also be used to improve and guide actual performance. Performance information and results information can also be used to evaluate the particular fitness program being used as well as to enable the exerciser to evaluate his or her performance and results as compared to similar individuals.
• Exercise information has value to persons other than the actual exerciser.
• Operators of exercise facilities can use exercise information to improve facility scheduling, improve exercise program effectiveness and improve safety.
• data on facility usage can provide the basis for scheduling customers' visits and results information collected over time and compared to established standards can indicate program improvement features.
• Insurance companies, government agencies, physicians, and other health care providers have a need for reliable and accurate exercise-related information.
• Such organizations can use exercise information to analyze the benefits of exercise and determine how exercise can best be integrated into a person's health maintenance program.
• Existing equipment has provided exercise information on a limited basis only. For example, individual data collection and generating devices, such as pulse monitors and watches, are currently available.
• computerbased information systems which rely on manual data input of limited performance and results data are being used in some exercise facilities. Also, computer-based systems are used in some research facilities.
• the system of the present invention is a base which will support many types of exercise machines and instruments used in a facility or home environment.
• the primary elements of the base are a data communications network with a standard interface, measurement and display units, and a host computer with support software. These base elements form a system organized around a data network supporting data exchange between data measurement, display, analysis, storage and reporting devices. Instruments that can measure and transmit data about exercise performance and results can be interfaced with the base components to expand the measurement collection, display, analysis, communications, storage and reporting system.
• the system of the present invention is designed to be used in an exercise facility or home. It can also be used in a laboratory, clinic, or testing environment. It is designed primarily to support the decision-making needs of the everyday exerciser. Such a system can support effective exercise programs throughout an exerciser's life.
• the system provides information that is accurate, unbiased and reliable to serve as the best possible input to decision processes. This information can be readily understood and can provide the basis for entertainment.
• the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes the following features: (1) measurement of exercise performance and results data,
• FIG 1 is a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating the exercise machines, major system components and the connections therebetween.
• Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a single MDU and its interfaces with the remainder of the preferred embodiment of Figure 1.
• Figure 3 is a rear elevation view of an exercise machine equipped with a Machine Data Unit (MDU) according to the present invention.
• MDU Machine Data Unit
• FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the front panel of the Machine Data Unit (MDU) computer, including the display.
• MDU Machine Data Unit
• Figure 5 is a side elevation view of an exercise machine equipped with an MDU computer according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention and illustrating the mounting of the MDU computer.
• Figure 6 is a detailed view of the mounting bracket of Figure 5.
• Figure 7 is a block diagram of the exercise information system.
• Figure 8 is a schematic of the Identification
• FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the MDU computer for the exercise information system of Figure 7.
• FIG 10 is a block diagram of the Network Control Unit (NCU) for the exercise information system of Figure 7.
• NCU Network Control Unit
• FIG 11 is a block diagram of the Reception Data Unit (RDU) for the exercise information system of Figure 7.
• Figure 12 is a schematic of a pulse-shaping amplifier utilized in the IDU of Figure 8.
• Figure 13 is a schematic of the MDU computer illustrated in Figure 9.
• Figure 14 is a timing diagram illustrating the manner in which data is transferred between two microprocessors in the MDU computer of Figure 13.
• Figure 15 is a timing diagram showing another method of transferring data between two microprocessors in the MDU computer of Figure 13.
• Figure 16 is a schematic of the Network Control
• Figure 17 is a flow chart illustrating the function and operation of the Power-Up/Reset Module for the data processor (DP) of the Machine Data Unit (MDU) computer.
• Figure 18 is a flow chart illustrating the function and operation Interrupt Service routine for the data processor (DP) of the Machine Data Unit (MDU) computer.
• FIG 19 is a flow chart illustrating the function and operation of the Pulse Service Routine for the DP of the Machine Data Unit (MDU) computer.
• MDU Machine Data Unit
• Figure 20 is a flow chart illustrating the function and operation of the Position Sensor routine of the data processor (DP) of the Machine Data Unit (MDU) computer.
• Figure 21 is a flow chart illustrating the function and operation of the Episode Start routine for the data processor (DP) of the Machine Data Unit (MDU) computer.
• Figure 22 is a flow chart illustrating the function and operation of the Idle routine for the data processor (DP) of the Machine Data Unit (MDU) computer.
• DP data processor
• MDU Machine Data Unit
• Figure 23 is a flow chart illustrating the function and operation of the Plug ID routine for the data processor (DP) of the Machine Data Unit (MDU) computer.
• Figure 24 is a flow chart illustrating the function and operation of the 5-lb Weight routine for the data processor (DP) of the Machine Data Unit (MDU) computer.
• Figure 25 is a flow chart illustrating the function and operation of the Lift Weight routine for the data processor (DP) of the Machine Data Unit (MDU) computer.
• DP data processor
• MDU Machine Data Unit
• Figure 26 is a flow chart illustrating the function and operation of the Button routine for the data processor (DP) of the Machine Data Unit (MDU) computer.
• DP data processor
• MDU Machine Data Unit
• Figure 27 is a flow chart illustrating the function and operation of the Repetitions routine for the data processor (DP) of the Machine Data Unit (MDU) computer.
• Figure 28 is a flow chart illustrating the function and operation of the Beats Per Minute routine for the data processor (DP) of the Machine Data Unit (MDU) computer.
• Figure 29 is a flow chart illustrating the function and operation of the Quail routine for the data processor (DP) of the Machine Data Unit (MDU) computer.
• Figure 30 is a flow chart illustrating the function and operation of the Bars routine for the data processor (DP) of the Machine Data Unit (MDU) computer.
• DP data processor
• MDU Machine Data Unit
• Figure 31 is a flow chart illustrating the functions and operation of the Quality routine for the data processor (DP) of the Machine Data Unit (MDU) computer.
• DP data processor
• MDU Machine Data Unit
• Figure 32 is a flow chart illustrating the function and operation of the Revise Quail Display routine for the data processor (DP) of the Machine Data Unit (MDU) computer.
• DP data processor
• MDU Machine Data Unit
• Figure 33 is a flow chart illustrating the function and operation of the Revise Bar routine for the data processor (DP) of the Machine Data Unit (MDU) computer.
• DP data processor
• MDU Machine Data Unit
• Figure 34 is a flow chart illustrating the function and operation of the Revise Beats Per Minute routine for the data processor (DP) of the Machine Data Unit (MDU) computer.
• Figure 35 is a flow chart illustrating the function and operation of the Revise Quality routine for the data processor (DP) of the Machine Data Unit (MDU) computer.
• Figure 36 is a flow chart illustrating the function and operation of the Revise Repetition routine for the data processor (DP) of the Machine Data Unit (MDU) computer.
• DP data processor
• MDU Machine Data Unit
• Figure 37 is a flow chart illustrating the function and operation of the Configuration routine for the data processor (DP) of the Machine Data Unit (MDU) computer.
• Figure 38 is a flow chart illustrating the function and operation of the Initialization routine for the message processor (MP) of the Machine Data Unit (MDU) computer.
• Figure 39 is a flow chart illustrating the function and operation of the Main Routine for the message processor (MP) of the Machine Data Unit (MDU) computer.
• Figure 40 is a flow chart illustrating the function and operation of the Communications Program for the host computer.
• the exercise information system of the present invention can accommodate several exercise modes and environments.
• the invention is described herein, however, primarily with respect to preferred embodiments designed for a specific exercise mode and environment. It is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to these preferred embodiments, and many possible modifications of these embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. It is intended that the present invention include all embodiments within the spirit of the invention as defined in the claims, including all legally equivalent embodiments.
• the preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figures 1-39 was designed to operate in a circuit training exercise mode and in the environment of an indoor exercise facility.
• the specific circuit training mode selected was one using equipment from Nautilus Sports Medical Industries, Inc., of DeLand, Florida.
• Each exercise machine uses a variety of techniques to provide variable resistance.
• Each exercise machine is designed to work a single muscle group.
• a typical exercise session requires the use of eight to twelve different exercise machines and should be completed in twenty to thirty minutes.
• the exerciser is expected to work each individual muscle group to the point of momentary muscular failure before proceeding to the next exercise.
• Resistance levels are set to cause muscle failure to occur between eight and twelve repetitions of the exercise. In general, if more than twelve repetitions are done, the resistance is increased on the subsequent session. During a repetition, the resistance is ideally raised and lowered in prescribed time intervals in a smooth fashion, with no significant pauses at the beginning or end.
• Most of the exercise machines are designed for a single exercise, although several of the machines are multiple-exercise machines.
• the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 includes a circuit with the following Nautilus machines (listed in circuit order): Hip and Back, Leg Extension, Leg Curl, Pullover and Torso Arm, Torso Arm, Double Shoulder, Multi Triceps, Multi Curl, Hip Abduction-Aduction.
• This circuit has nine exercise machines and eleven different exercises (i.e., two of the machines are doubleexercise machines.
• the preferred embodiment employs a modular system design.
• the modules are designed to interface with the data system, exercisers and exercise equipment on a retrofit basis. They are designed to be as independent as possible, thus allowing the possibility of building an information system in a step-by-step manner as needs occur and budgets permit.
• the exercise Machine Data Unit can operate in a stand-alone configuration without connection to the network. This configuration supports exercise measurement and display without storage, analysis and reporting.
• Figure 1 is a schematic of a preferred embodiment 10 of the present invention. Individual machine data units
• MDUs 12 are retrofitted to previously uninstrumented exercise machines 14 to collect and display data.
• Exercise machines with integrated instrumentation (EMWII) (not shown) can also be connected to the system with appropriate interfacing.
• Each MDU or EMWII is connected to the Network Control Unit (NCU) 16 that connects the data network to a host computer 18.
• the host computer collects, organizes, records and reports the data.
• the NCU "polls" the individual MDUs and EMWIIs to obtain the data and relay these data to the host computer.
• the NCU acts as a controller and distributor for the data collection network.
• the Machine Data Unit (MDU) 12 includes a computer-based collection, transmission and display unit, referred to herein as the "MDU computer 20," a weight stack position sensor 22, an Identification Unit (IDU) 24, and associated attachment and positioning brackets (see Figures 5 and 6).
• the various electrical components of the MDU are connected by multiconductor cable.
• the MDU is connected to the Network Control Unit by conventional telephone modular cable and the network manager to the host computer with multiconductor cable.
• To prepare the preferred embodiment of the system to collect data at an exercise facility, the exerciser's name, age, and an identification number are entered through a keyboard 26 connected to the host computer. This data registers an exerciser on the system. Each exerciser is issued a unique identification plug 27 prior to an exercise session.
• This plug has a unique pair of resistors which are measured by the MDU computer.
• the measured resistance values accompany the exercise data as it is transferred through the network to the host computer.
• the host computer matches the resistance measurements with the manually entered exerciser's name through a software-based table.
• the system will also automatically record data using special MDUs (not shown) attached to equipment, such as weight scales or blood pressure monitors (not shown), to measure results data.
• special MDUs attached to equipment, such as weight scales or blood pressure monitors (not shown)
• the system will provide an automat ed means of collecting, organizing, storing and reporting the decision support information needed for the exerciser and others to make informed decisions about exercise program management. It is expected that others will design and build special EMWIIs and MDUs to connect into the system as components.
• This decision support system can be supplemented with "expert" system software to provide informational feedback through the MDUs and EMWIIs to assist the decision maker with helpful suggestions. This information feedback can be in the form of audio, visual, and printed information.
• MDUs Machine Data Units
• MDUs 12 for each exercise machine 14 consist of three major components which attach to the exercise machine.
• a schematic drawing of these three components of a single MDU 12 and their interfaces with other parts of the system is shown in Figure 2.
• the first component is a position sensor 22, which determines the position and speed of movement of the exercise machine 14 weight stack 15. The amount of weight to be moved is selected by inserting a mechanical weight selection key 26 through the weight stack.
• the position sensor attaches to the weight selector key with a wire 28 that is attached to a spring-loaded "take-up" reel 29 which moves an analog potentiometer as illustrated in Figure 3.
• the potentiometer generates an electrical signal which is sent to an MDU computer 20 by a connecting cable 31.
• This position sensor is capable of working with any exercise machine which uses a key-locked weight stack.
• the second component is a microprocessor-based computer known as the MDU computer 20.
• the MDU computer 20 is packaged in a separate enclosure and includes two Motorola MC68705 8-bit microprocessors with associated components manufactured by Motorola Semiconductor Products of Phoenix, Arizona.
• One microprocessor, designated "DP” for data processor measures the resistance of the position sensor potentiometer, measures the time between exercise heart rate pulses, and formats the display.
• the second microprocessor, designated "MP" for message processor is used primarily to communicate between the DP and the Network Control Unit.
• Each microprocessor chip uses assembly language software created for the invention as described in more detail below.
• potentiometers On the back face of the enclosure for the MDU computer 20 are four potentiometers which are used to set the "start-up" parameters of the MDU. Because all MDU modules 12 are identical, these potentiometers are used to specify constants which will tailor the assembly language software for a given MDU 12 to the exercise machine.
• the first potentiometer specifies a unique MDU identification number which associates it with a specific exercise machine or station. This identification accompanies the other data collected by the MDU as it is transferred to the host computer.
• the second potentiometer determines whether the MDU will display heart rate data or energy expended data on its display. It also designates the prescribed lift and lower times of the weights.
• the third potentiometer is set to the position sensor value read when the weight selection pin is placed in the top weight of the exercise machine weight stack. This value is used by the MDU for computing the amount of weight lifted in any given exercise episode.
• the fourth potentiometer specifies the position of the weights at which the timing indicator is to begin movement. Generally, the weights are 3-4 inches above the exercise machine weight stack at the beginning of the episode and do not return to the stack until the episide has completed.
• the front face 30 of the MDU computer 20 enclosure 32 includes an alphanumeric liquid crystal display (LCD) 34 and heart rate indicator lamp 36.
• LCD liquid crystal display
• this display is two rows of sixteen charac ters and shows real-time data.
• Figure 4 shows the specific format and type of data displayed.
• Circuit training exercisers can use the following information: the recommended speed of the exercise; the actual speed of the exercise; the number of repetitions; the quality rating or score (ranging from 0 to 99); the heart rate; and energy expended in kilocalories.
• the recommended and actual speed of the exercise are displayed by a pair of linear indicators 38, 40 located on the right-hand side of the LCD.
• a first linear indicator, 38 on the top right-hand side of the display moves to the right at the recommended lift rate of two seconds and retracts at the recommended lowering rate of four seconds.
• a second linear indicator 40 is positioned directly below the first, and displays the actual movement of the weight stack. Instantaneous comparison of these two indicators allows the exerciser to establish the proper exercise speed.
• the number of completed repetitions is displayed in a two-character display 42 positioned at the top lefthand corner of the display. One repetition is counted for each pair of lift and lower movements.
• the lift stroke is counted when the movable weight of the exercise machine extends past the position designated as the upper threshold.
• the lower stroke is counted when the movable weight extends below a lower threshold.
• the upper and lower thresholds are established uniquely for each exerciser based on the maximum position of the movable weight during the first repetition of the exercise.
• the lower left-hand corner 46 of the display is used to allow either the heart rate or the energy expended by the exerciser during the exercise to be displayed.
• the selection between these two data is made by the second potentiometer of the MDU computer.
• three of the MDUs measure and display heart rate. These three MDUs are placed on the first and last exercise machine in the circuit and on a machine in the middle of the circuit. All other MDUs display the energy expended during the exercise. The calculation of energy is based on an estimate from published studies of energy expenditure during Nautilus weight training.
• the energy expenditure is estimated using the following formula:
• the constant 4960 is a conversion used to calculate kilocalories from foot pounds and to relate empirical data to exercise machine measurements.
• the third component of the MDU 12 is an identification unit (IDU) 24, which detects pulse rate for the MDUs displaying such information and provides a receptacle for the exerciser identification plug.
• IDU identification unit
• three buttons 48, 50, 52 on the identification unit are labeled “yes,” “no” and “enter,” and are used to answer questions presented on the MDU computer display. For exampie, when the exerciser first mounts the exercise machine, the display will ask whether a supplemental weight is on the weight stack. The exerciser responds to this inquiry by pressing the "yes" or "no” button on the box.
• the IDU 24 Connected to the IDU 24 are two hand-grip electrode sensors 54. These sensors slide over the hand-grips on an exercise machine. When the exerciser holds the grips, the electrode sensor measures the heart rate from the differential electrical signal between the exerciser's two palms. The sensor electronics resident in the IDU enclosure amplify the signal and shape it to form a digital pulse for each exerciser heart beat. This type of pulse selector was selected to mitigate any inconvenience to the exerciser associated with obtaining a reliable pulse signal. Convenience is very important in a non-laboratory environment where exercisers do not want to attach sensors to their bodies. In the preferred embodiment, the heart rate is displayed preceding or following an exercise episode, when the hand-grips are grasped with a firm but relaxed grip.
• the three components in the MDU 12 are preferably attached to an exercise machine with brackets 56 that are designed to be universally applied to various types of exercise machines.
• the brackets are modular and can be fitted together to allow proper positioning of the various MDU components.
• the brackets use a clamping system which permits them to be attached to the exercise machines without any changes to these machines.
• Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a typical MDU component mounted to an exercise machine using the brackets of the preferred embodiment.
• an MDU computer 20 pivotally connected to an adjustable-length support bar 58 to enable viewing by an exerciser E, is preferably mounted to the exercise machine frame 61 by a bracket according to the present invention.
• Figure 6 illustrates the bracket connection in more detail.
• Three cork strips 62 engage the outer surfaces of the exercise machine frame 61.
• a C-shaped member 64 engages the opposite sides of two of the three cork strips, as best illustrated in Figure 6.
• the third cork strip is engaged by a plate 66 that is adjustably mounted to the interior of the C-shaped member by a nut 67 and bolt 69 combination as shown.
• a tube section 68 is mounted to the outside of the C-shaped member to receive the adjustable support member that holds the MDU computer. Holes 70 are preferably drilled in the tube section to enable the support member to be held in place using cotter pins.
• Each exercise machine 14 ( Figure 1) includes a Machine Data Unit (MDU) 12a, b, c . . . n which are each connected to the Network Control Unit (NCU) 16 by respective multiconnector cables 102a, b, c . . . n.
• MDU 12 includes the Machine Data Unit computer 20, the identification unit (IDU) 24, and position sensor 22, all of which have been described briefly above.
• the IDU 24 performs a number of functions, including the receipt of an identification plug 27 uniquely identifying the exerciser.
• the IDU 24 is also connected to two hand-grips 54 which are grasped by the exerciser to allow the MDU 12 to determine the exerciser's heart rate.
• the position sensor 22 measures the position of a weight select pin 26 inserted in the weight stack of the exercise machine 14.
• the position sensor 22 measures the position of the weight select pin 26 by measuring the length of wire 28 extending between the position sensor 22 and the weight select pin 26. Since the weight select pin 26 normally moves upwardly with the weights during exercise, the lowermost position of the weight select pin 26 provides an indication of the number of weights selected for the exercise, while the movement of the pin 26 from its lowermost position provides an indication of the magnitude and speed of weight movement.
• the Reception Data Unit 108 designates a specific identification plug 27 as being associated with a specific exerciser.
• the exerciser is given an identification plug 27 which is inserted into the RDU 108 along with an identification of the exerciser through a keyboard, membership identification card, or the like.
• the exercise system 10 then associates the specific identification plug 27 with that exerciser as the identification plug 27 is inserted in the IDU 24 of each MDU 12a, b, c . . .n.
• the RDU 108 is connected to the NCU 16 through a conventional telephone modular cable 110.
• the NCU 16 is also connected to the host computer 18 through a current loop converter 112 and pairs of wires 114, 116.
• the host computer 18 is a conventional general purpose computer, such as an IBM Personal Computer, International Business Machines of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, or an equivalent.
• IDU Block Diagram A block diagram of the identification unit (IDU) and ID plug 27 is illustrated in Figure 8.
• the ID plug 27 is a conventional three-conductor plug commonly used in the telephone field to receive signals designated as "tip”, “ring,” and “sleeve”.
• the ID plug 27 includes a prong having three electrically isolated contact areas 120a, b, c that are connected to respective contacts 122a, b, c in the body of the plug 27.
• Resistor 124 is connected between contact 122a and a common contact 122c, while resistor 126 is connected between contact 122b and common contact 122c.
• resistor 124 is thus effectively connected between the IDR1 and ground outputs and resistor 126 is effectively connected between the IDR2 and ground outputs.
• the values of each of the resistors 124, 126 may be any one of a large number of discrete values.
• the total number of combinations of resistors 124, 126 will be equal to the square of the number of discrete possible values for each resistor 124, 126.
• resistors are commercially available in at least 32 discrete values between 10.2 ohms and 1.2 megaohms.
• the hand-grips 54a, b are connected to a pulse-shaping amplifier 140, which is described in greater detail below.
• the pulse-shaping amplifier 140 is a low noise amplifier that boosts the differential signal imparted between the hand-grips 54a, b and provides a pulse having predetermined characteristics for each beat of the exerciser's heart.
• the pulse-shaping amplifier 140 also illuminates a light-emitting diode (LED) 142 on the face of the IDU 24 for each heartbeat.
• LED light-emitting diode
• the final set of basic components are the push button switches 48, 50, 52 for indicating respective "yes,” “no,” and “enter” responses in reply to inquires on the MDU computer display 34 ( Figure 2).
• One terminal of each of the switches 48, 50, 52 is connected to ground through respective resistors 144, 146, 148.
• the other terminal of each switch 48, 50, 52 is connected to each other and to a common YNE output.
• the values of the resistors 144, 146, 148 are selected at three different values so that the resistance on the YNE output indicates which of the three switches 48, 50, 52 has been actuated.
• a block diagram of the exercise Machine Data Unit computer 20 is illustrated in Figure 9.
• the MDU computer 20 receives and processes information indicative of (1) the identity of the exerciser, (2) "yes,” “no,” and “enter” inputs by the exerciser, (3) the exerciser's heart rate, and (4) the position of the weight stack on the exercise machine.
• the MDU computer 20 stores the data that it receives and processes and transmits such, data to the NCU 16 ( Figure 7) at the appropriate time.
• the heart of the MDU computer 20 is the data processor (DP) computer 160.
• the exerciser information outputs IDR1 and IDR2 and the YNE output from the IDU 24 ( Figure 8) are inputs to the data processor 160 on respective analog-to-digital (A/D) channels.
• a voltage divider is connected to each A/D channel.
• One leg of the divider is a 5.7 kohm resistor connected to a precision voltage source.
• the other leg is the resistance to ground provided by the input signal.
• the variable resistance from the weight stack position sensor 22 ( Figure 2) is applied directly to a respective A/D input of the data processor 160.
• the data processor 160 by measuring the voltage on its input lines for a given channel, determines a binary number for the IDR1, IDR2, YNE lines, and position sensor.
• the IDU 24 generates a pulse having a predetermined characteristic for each heartbeat of the exerciser when the exerciser is grasping the hand-grips.
• This HEART pulse is applied through drivers 162, 164 to the LED 36 ( Figure 9) to provide a visual indication to the exerciser of his or her heart rate.
• the output of the driver 162 also interrupts the data processor 160.
• the heart rate is calculated, then displayed digitally, as previously described.
• the data processor 160 is interrupt-driven so that it suspends processing the main program and jumps to respective interrupt subroutines when either of its two interrupt inputs are triggered.
• the other interrupt input to the data processor 160 is generated by the message processor (MP) 170, which, like the data processor 160, is also interrupt-driven.
• MP message processor
• the data processor 160 and message processor 170 can interrupt each other.
• the data processor 160 and message processor are also interconnected through an 8 bit A-BUS and an 8 bit B-BUS.
• the A-BUS is also used by the data processor to drive the LCD display 34 ( Figure 2).
• the most important function of the message processor (MP) 170 is to communicate with the NCU 16 ( Figure 7) at the completion of an exercise episode in order to transmit to the host computer 18 data generated at each exercise machine.
• the message processor 170 communicates with the host computer 18 via the NCU 16 through a conventional universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART) 172.
• UART 172 communicates with the message processor 170 through the 8 bit B-BUS, and it also generates an interrupt for the message processor 170.
• the UART 172 receives serial data from the host computer 18 (via the NCU 16), stores that data, and then transmits parallel data to the message processor 170.
• the UART 172 also receives parallel data from the message processor 170, stores such data, and transmits corresponding serial data to the host computer 18 (via the NCU 16). Serial data from the host computer 18 (via the NCU 16) is applied to the UART 172 through a buffer 174, and the UART 172 applies serial data to the host computer 18 (via the NCU 16) through a buffer 176.
• the other major function of the message processor 170 is to configure the data processor 160 according to the characteristics of the exercise machine with which it is used.
• the MDU computers for all of the exercise machines are identical, even though the characteristics of the exercise machines vary among each other.
• four configuration potentiometers 178a-178d are adjusted to input (1) the MDU station or identification number, (2) whether the display 34 will display heart rate or energy expended, as well as to set the recommended time to raise and lower the exercise machine weights, (3) specify the location of the top weight, and (4) specify the location of the weights at which the timing indicator is to begin movement.
• Each of the potentiometers 178a-d is connected to a respective A/D input of the message processor 170.
• the message processor 170 measures the wiper voltage of each potentiometer 178a-d to determine the information set on the potentiometers 178a-d and passes this information to the data processor 160.
• the Network Control Unit (NCU) 16 is illustrated in block diagram form in Figure 10.
• the basic function of the NCU is to allow the host computer 18 (Figure 7) to sequentially communicate with each of the MDUs 12.
• the output of the host computer 18 is applied to an output multiplexer 180.
• the multiplexer 180 sequentially connects the output from the host computer 18 to each of several output lines which are connected to respective MDUs 12 ( Figure 9).
• the output of each MDU 12 is connected to a respective input of an input multiplexer 182.
• the output of the multiplexer 182 is applied to the input to the host computer 18.
• the signals are applied to and received from the host computer 18 through a current loop converter 112 ( Figure 7).
• the multiplexers 180, 182 are under common control of a counter 184 which sequentially selects one output multiplexer 180 and the corresponding input multiplexer 182. Thus, both the output and the input of the host computer 18 are connected to the same MDU 12.
• the counter 184 is incremented by an activity detector and an MDU advance oscillator 186. Basically, the activity detector and oscillator 186 monitor the lines to and from the host computer 18. In the event that data is being transmitted to or received from the host computer 18, the activity detector and oscillator 186 maintain the output of the counter 184 constant.
• the multiplexers 180, 182 then maintain the input to and output from the host computer connected to the MDU to which data is being sent and received by the host computer 18.
• the host computer 18 In the event that the host computer 18 ceases to communicate with the MDU 12 for a predetermined period, the lack of data on the input multiplexer 180 and the output multiplexer 182 is sensed by the activity detector and oscillator 186. Activity detector and oscillator 186 then increment counter 184 so that the multiplexers 180, 182 connect the host computer 18 to the next MDU 12 in sequence for a predetermined period.
• the Reception Data Unit (RDU) 108 includes a reception processor (RP) which may be a Motorola MC68705 microprocessor.
• the RDU performs the function of associating a given ID plug/resistor combination with a specific individual. Accordingly, an individual inserts an identification plug 27 (Fig. 7) into a conventional jack 200. The sleeve contact of the plug 27 is connected to ground, while the remaining two contacts of the plug are connected to A/D inputs of the reception processor (RP) 202. Inserting the plug 27 in the jack 200 effectively places resistor 124 ( Figure 8) between the first A/D input to the processor 202 and ground, and resistor 126 between the second A/D input to processor 202 and ground.
• resistor 124 Figure 8
• the exerciser then places a conventional identification card 204 into a conventional identification card reader 206.
• the card reader 206 generates a signal on the control bus informing the processor 202 that data is present on the data bus of the card reader.
• the processor 202 then reads the data from the card reader 206.
• the processor 202 In response to an inquiry from the host computer through NCU 16 and buffer 210, the processor 202 outputs the identifying information contained on the card 204 and the associated ID plug value to the host computer 18 through NCU 16 and driver 212. Thereafter, and until the ID plug 27 is associated with a different identification card 204, the host computer 18 will identify the individual corresponding to card 204 as the current user of every exercise machine whose MDU is receiving that ID plug 27.
• IDU Pulse-Shaping Amplifier Schematic A schematic of the pulse-shaping amplifier 140 utilized in the IDU 24 ( Figure 8) is illustrated in Figure 12.
• the right hand-grip 54a is applied to the noninverting input of a high gain operational amplifier 300 through capacitor 302.
• the left hand-grip 54b is connected to high gain operational amplifier 304 through capacitor 306.
• a resistor 308 having a high resistance value is connected between the hand-grips 54a, b in order to reference the amplifiers 300, 304 to each, other.
• the noninverting inputs to operational amplifiers 300, 304 are biased at a reference level through respective resistors 310, 312.
• the reference voltage is determined by voltage divider resistors 314, 316 and filtered by capacitor 318.
• the reference voltage is preferably about 50% of the peak output voltage of the operational amplifiers 300, 304.
• the outputs can swing equal amounts in a negative direction to approximately zero volts and positively to the peak output voltage of the amplifiers 300, 304.
• Feedback resistors 320, 322 control the gain of the operational amplifiers 300, 304 and, in combination with respective capacitors 302, 306, determine the frequency response characteristics of the amplifiers 300, 304.
• the gains of amplifiers 300, 304 level off at about 40 db at slightly over 0 . 1 Hz .
• the outputs of amplifiers 300, 304 are applied to respective inputs of a third operational amplifier 320 through respective series combinations of resistor 322 and capacitor 324, and resistor 326 and capacitor 328.
• the capacitors 324, 328 once again decouple the amplifier 320 from DC offsets generated by the amplifiers 300, 304, yet level the gain of amplifier 320 at the ratio of feedback resistor 330 to resistor 326 at a relatively low frequency.
• Amplifier 320 is, like amplifiers 300, 304, biased at a reference voltage through resistor 332 so its outputs can swing positively and negatively by equal amounts.
• the gain of amplifier 320 levels off at about 26 dB at approximately 15 Hz.
• the overall gain of amplifiers 300, 304 and 320 thus equals about 66 dB.
• the output of amplifier 320 is applied through resistor 338 to the AMPOUT output of the pulse-shaping amplifier 140.
• an ECG waveform consists of a series of waves designated the P-wave, Q-wave, R-wave, S-wave and T-wave.
• the most prominent wave of the ECG is the R-wave, which is preceded by the Q-wave and followed by the S-wave. Since the R-wave is the most prominent portion of the ECG waveform, it is used to indicate the presence of each heartbeat.
• One problem with triggering off the R-wave results from the fact that ECG signals have a baseline that often drifts substantially due to electrical noise. This baseline drift makes it difficult to establish a reference for comparison with the ECG waveform in order to identify the R-wave.
• the detector circuit 340 solves the baseline drift problem by automatically establishing a voltage reference for each heartbeat.
• the R-wave is a negative going waveform that is applied through diode 342 to pull the voltage on capacitor 344 to approximately one-half volt higher than the voltage at the lowest point of the R-wave.
• This reference on capacitor 344 is then applied to the positive input of a comparator 346 through resistor 348. Since the value of resistor 348 as well as the input impedance of the comparator 346 is relatively high, the comparator 346 does not substantially load the capacitor 344.
• the voltage between the inputs to the comparator 346 is approximately equal to the amplitude of the R-wave during the S-wave of the ECG waveform. This property will be true regardless of the variations in the baseline or offset of the ECG waveform.
• the negative input to comparator goes positive with respect to the reference voltage on its positive input, the output of comparator 346 goes high, thereby signaling the presence of the R-wave.
• the baseline of the R-wave is less positive during the next R-wave
• the voltage across capacitor 344 is pulled lower through diode 342.
• the baseline goes more positive on the next heartbeat, the voltage across capacitor 344 cannot be pulled positively through diode 342. For this reason, capacitor 344 is slowly charged through resistor 352.
• the detector 340 drives a maximum heart rate discriminator circuit 360 which functions to produce a heart rate pulse for each heartbeat in the event that the heart rate is below a predetermined value but to produce zero output for excessively high heart rates.
• the output of the detector 340 is applied through diode 362, which charges capacitor 364 each time amplifier 346 generates a positive going pulse. At the termination of the pulse from amplifier 346, capacitor 364 slowly discharges through resistor 366. The voltage across capacitor 364 is applied to a comparator 368 through resistor 370. The negative input of comparator 368 receives a reference voltage through resistor 372.
• the reference voltage is generated by potentiometer 374, which is manually adjusted to select the heart rate threshold at which . no heart rate pulse is produced.
• the threshold voltage is selected by potentiometer 374 so that it is less than the positive input to comparator 368 when capacitor 364 is being charged through diode 362 by the pulse at the output of amplifier 346.
• the voltage across capacitor 364 eventually becomes less than the reference voltage generated by potentiometer 374.
• the output of comparator 368 goes high.
• the period from the end of one heartbeat to the next becomes relatively small.
• the time between the termination of one pulse at the output of amplifier 346 to the start of the next one then becomes insufficient to allow capacitor 364 to discharge to the reference voltage selected by potentiometer 374. Under these circumstances, the output of amplifier 368 remains negative and thus does not generate a pulse for each beat of the heart.
• the maximum heart rate discriminator 360 applies its output from comparator 368 to an edge detector circuit 380 which functions to generate a short, positive going pulse each heartbeat. It does this by differentiating and level shifting the output of comparator 368. Accordingly, the output of comparator 368 is applied to ground through capacitor 382 and resistor 384, which together function as a differentiator. This differentiator circuit generates a short, positive going pulse on the leading edge of the positive going pulse generated at the output of comparator 368.
• the baseline voltage across resistor 384 is set by a reference voltage generated by voltage divider resistors 386, 388 and filtered by capacitor 390. This reference voltage is coupled to resistor 384 through diode 392.
• the voltage across resistor 384 is thus equal to the reference voltage just before the start of the pulse at the output of comparator 368.
• the voltage across resistor 384 increases by an amount equal to the amplitude of the pulse from comparator 368 and then quickly discharges through the reference voltage through resistor 384.
• the negative going signal applied through capacitor 382 is clamped to the reference voltage through diode 392.
• the voltage across resistor 384 is thus a level-shifted differentiation of the leading edge of the pulse at the output of amplifier 368.
• the level-shifted differentiation of the pulse from amplifier 368 is applied through resistor 394 to one input of a comparator 396.
• the other input to comparator 396 receives the reference voltage through resistor 398.
• Comparator 396 functions to generate a square wave from the exponentially detained signal applied to its positive input through resistor 394.
• Comparator 396 drives a pulse-forming circuit 400, which generates a pulse having a manually adjustable width for each pulse at the output of comparator 396. Accordingly, the pulse at the output of comparator 396 is applied to capacitor 402 through diode 404. Thus, capacitor 402 is charged to substantially the peak voltage of the pulse from comparator 396. At the end of the pulse from comparator 396, diode 404 becomes back-biased and capacitor 402 discharges through resistor 406. The voltage across capacitor 402 is applied to the positive input of a comparator 408 through resistor 410. The negative input to comparator 408 receives a reference voltage through resistor 412. The reference voltage is generated by pulse width potentiometer 414.
• the reference voltage is selected so that it is less than the voltage across capacitor 402 when capacitor 402 is charged by the pulse at the output of comparator 396 through diode 404. However, after a duration determined by the value of the reference voltage generated by potentiometer 414, the voltage across capacitor 402 discharges to less than the reference voltage. At this point, the output of comparator 408 once again falls to zero. Thus, the width of the pulse generated at the output of comparator 408 is inversely proportional to the amplitude of the reference voltage generated by potentiometer 414. It is thus seen that the pulse-forming circuit 400 functions in substantially the same manner as the maximum heart rate discriminator circuit 360.
• the manually adjustable pulse at the output of comparator 480 is applied through resistor 420 to comparator 422, which has its negative input connected to the threshold voltage through resistor 424.
• the threshold voltage prevents comparator 422 from generating outputs responsive to noise signals.
• Comparator 422 functions as a driver circuit to illuminate light-emitting diode 142 ( Figure 8) through resistor 428 each heartbeat.
• the pulse at the output of comparator 408 also drives a pulsing current sink 430.
• the output of comparator 408 is applied to the base of transistor 432, which is biased through resistors 434 and 436.
• Resistor 438 is connected between the emitter of transistor 432 and ground to regulate the flow of current through the transistor 432 when it is turned on.
• the anode of light-emitting diode 36 is connected to a positive voltage while its cathode is connected to the collector of transistor 432.
• transistor 432 saturates, thereby pulling current through light-emitting diode 142.
• the MDU includes two processors, a data processor 160 and a message processor 170, both of which may be a Motorola MC68705 microprocessor.
• the data processor 160 and message processor 170 are driven by a conventional oscillator circuit consisting of crystal 500 and. capacitors 502, 504.
• the 3.6862 mHz oscillator signal is also applied to the clock input of a flip-flop 506 which is biased high through pull-up resistor 508. Since the Q* output of flip-flop 506 is connected to its data (D) input, flip-flop 506 toggles, thus generating an output of half the clock frequency for use by other portions of the MDU circuitry.
• the data processor 160 and message processor 170 include respective internal program read-only memories (ROMs) and internal random access memories (RAMs). They also each include an internal analog-to-digital converter (A/D) which requires reference voltages.
• the higher reference voltage V RH is applied to the PD5 inputs of the microprocessors 160, 170, while the low voltage reference VRL is a ground applied to the PD4 inputs to the processors 160, 170.
• the analog signals applied to the data processor are the ID plug signals IDR1 and IDR2, which are applied to the PD0 and PD1 inputs to data processor 160.
• the POS signal indicative of the position of the weight stack is applied to the PD2 input of the data processor 160.
• the signals indicative of the resistances of the "yes,” “no, "enter” switches 48, 50 and 52, respectively, is applied to the PD3 A/D input of the data processor 160.
• the data processor 160 determines the identity of the ID plug 27 ( Figure 8), the position of the weight stack and the identity of the "yes,” “no,” “enter” switch being actuated.
• the A/D inputs of the message processor 170 receive the signals from the configuration potentiometers 178a-d in order to program the MDU computer to the specific exercise machine with which it is used.
• the data processor 160 and message processor 170 also include three sets of 8 bit buses.
• the PA0-PA7 port of the data processor 160 and the message processor 170 constitute the A-BUS.
• the A-BUS is always used as an output from the data processor 160 and as an input to the message processor 170.
• the PB0-PB7 port of the data processor 160 and message processor 170 constitute the B-BUS.
• the B-BUS is always an input to the data processor 160, but it is used as both an input to and an output from the message processor 170.
• the A-BUS is biased high through a set of pull-up resistors 510, while the B-BUS is biased high through a set of pull-up resistors 512.
• the message processor 170 also includes the usual power-up reset circuitry for placing the processor 170 in a known state upon power-up.
• the supply voltage is applied to the RESET* input of message processor 170 through a resistor 518.
• the RESET* input remains low for a predetermined period upon power-up. After a predetermined period, the RESET* input goes high, thus allowing the message processor 170 to begin executing its internal program.
• a similar circuit is used to reset the data processor 160 at power-up.
• the RESET* input to the data processor 160 is connected to capacitor 521, which is normally at ground potential at power-up.
• Capacitor 521 then begins charging through resistor 523, and after a predetermined period, the RESET* input to the data processor 160 goes high, thus allowing the data processor 160 to begin executing its internal program.
• the data processor receives inputs from the identification plug 27, the weight stack position sensor 22 and the "yes,” “no,” “enter” switches 48-52 which are applied to the A/D inputs of the data processor 160.
• the data processor 160 also drives a conventional LCD display 530.
• the data processor 160 outputs the data to the display 530 through the A-BUS.
• the display 530 is also controlled by three outputs of the C port of the data processor 160.
• the display 530 is enabled by a high at the PCI output of processor 160, thereby inputting the data on the A-BUS into one of several registers when the read/write* input applied through the PC2 output of processor 160 is low.
• the data on the A-BUS is written into the register selected by the register select line connected to output PC3 of the data processor 160.
• the display 530 thus receives the data to be shown on the face of the display 530 in a series of 8 bit bytes on the A-BUS which are written into respective internal registers.
• the registers then continuously apply the data to the display circuitry.
• the MDU 12 also includes a conventional random access memory (RAM) 540 that is connected to the B-BUS for use by the message processor.
• RAM random access memory
• the RAM 540 contains ten address inputs in addition to a chip select input.
• the chip select for the RAM 540 is, in effect, an additional bit of addressing. Since the buses of the processors 160, 170 are only 8 bits in length, address latches 546, 548 are provided to generate addresses of larger than 8 bits. The address latches 546, 548 are, in turn, controlled by a decoder 550.
• the decoder 550 is controlled through outputs PC1-PC4 of the message processor 170. Basically, the F0-F2 signals to the decoder 550 generated by outputs PC2-PC4 of the message processor 170 select one of the eight outputs of the decoder 550.
• the IOP signal (PC1 of the processor 170) to the decoder 550 goes high, the selected output of the decoder 550 goes low.
• the ARL* output of decoder 550 is selected, the address on the B-BUS is clocked into address latch 548.
• the ARH* output of decoder 550 is selected, the data on the B-BUS is clocked into the other address latch 546.
• the CLR* inputs to the address latches 546, 548 are held high through resistor 552 to allow the address latches 546, 548 to operate.
• the decoder 550 also generates an RCS* pulse at its Y5 output that is used as a chip select for the RAM 540.
• the MDU 12 determines the heart rate of the exerciser from the pulse generated at the output of the amplifier 140 ( Figure 8), which is generated once each heartbeat.
• the heart pulse at the output of amplifier 140 is applied through computer 560 to one of the interrupt inputs of the data processor 160.
• the processor 160 then jumps to an interrupt subroutine in order to service the interrupt before returning to the main program.
• the operation of the interrupt subroutine basically involves checking the status of an internal counter in the data processor 160.
• the internal counter is either incremented or decremented at a known rate so that the difference in the count of the internal counter between consecutive calls of the interrupt subroutine is an indication of the period between consecutive heartbeats.
• a level shifting circuit in the form of comparator 560, resistor 562, and capacitor 564 is used. Resistor 562 biases the HEART output of the amplifier 140 positively, while capacitor 564 provides filtering to prevent the data processor 160 from being interrupted by noise pulses.
• the negative input to the comparator 560 receives a reference voltage V R , generated as described below. Thus, when the heart output of amplifier 140 is less than the reference voltage V R , the data processor 160 is interrupted. When the heart signal is greater than V R , the output of comparator 560 is high.
• the leading edge of the negative going pulse at the output of comparator 560 is also applied to a driving circuit 570 for light-emitting diode 36 ( Figure 9).
• the driving circuit 570 functions to illuminate the light-emitting diode (LED) 36 for a predetermined period each heartbeat.
• a percentage of the negative going pulse at the output of comparator 560 is applied to the negative input of comparator 572 through voltage divider resistors 574, 576.
• the negative going pulse at the output of comparator 560 is also applied to the positive input of comparator 572 through a diode 578.
• the positive input of comparator 572 is biased high through resistor 580 and is connected to ground through capacitor 582.
• comparator 572 turns on LED 36 for a predetermined period upon the occurrence of each HEART pulse generated by amplifier 140 ( Figure 8).
• the major function of the message processor 170 is to transmit data from the data processor 160 to the host computer 18 ( Figure 7). This is accomplished by transferring data from the data processor 160 to the message processor 170 over the A-BUS. The data is then transferred to a conventional, universal synchronous receiver/transmitter (UART) 586 which may be a Model SY6551 sold by Synertek, Inc., of Santa Clara, California. Basically, the UART 586 contains a transmitter shift register into which the data on the B-BUS is written in parallel. The data is then serially shifted out of the transmitter shift register to the host computer 18. Serial data from the host computer 18 is written into a receiver shift register which then applies the data in parallel to the B-BUS. Internal timing for the UART 586 as well as the serial receive and transmit clock rates are provided by the clock signal generated by the flip-flop 506.
• UART universal synchronous receiver/transmitter
• the UART 586 is initially reset at power-up by a low applied to its RES* input by resistor 518 and capacitor 520, which are also used to reset the data processor 160 and message processor 170.
• a read/write R/W* input to the UART 586 is generated by a byte on the PB3 port of the message processor 170 being latched to the Q3 output of the address latch 546.
• a high R/W* signal causes data to be read from the UART 586 in parallel, while a low R/W* signal applied to the UART 586 allows data to be written into the UART 586 in parallel.
• the message processor 170 generates a chip select signal CS0 through the address latch 546 which selects the UART 586 for communication through the B-BUS.
• the message processor 170 also generates register select signals RS0, RS1 through the address latch 548.
• the register select inputs RS0, RS1 allow the message processor 170 to read and write data into various internal registers in the UART 586 through the B-BUS.
• registers include the transmitter shift register and receiver shift register mentioned above, a status register used to indicate to the message processor 170 the status of various functions internal to the UART 586, a control register used to select the mode of operation of the UART 586 including word length, number of stop bits, and a command register used to control specific transmit/receive functions such as the parity bit configuration and interrupt operation.
• the UART 586 also receives an enable input generated at the PCS output of the message processor 170 to indicator that a B-BUS read or write operation is occurring.
• the B-BUS write signal is also applied to the data processor 160 and the RAM 540, but respective chip selects for the three components specify which of the three is to receive the data.
• the communication between the MDU computer 20 and the host computer 18 ( Figure 7) is solely through two serial data lines. There are no other signal lines coordinating the operation of the message processor 170 to the host computer 18.
• the UART generates an interrupt signal to the message processor when its transmit buffer is empty or when its receive buffer is full. In order to avoid losing subsequent received characters, the message processor responds to the receiver interrupt by emptying the receive buffer. To allow continuous transmission of the characters to the host computer, the message processor responds to the transmitter interrupt by leading the transmit buffer.
• the data from the UART 586 is applied to the host computer 18 through a comparator 588 which, through the use of voltage divider resistors 590, 592, serves a level shifting function.
• voltage divider resistors 590, 592 generate a reference voltage V R (which, as explained above, is also applied to the negative input of comparator 560), to which the data being transmitted by the UART 586 is compared.
• Capacitor 594 is provided to prevent the comparator 588 from responding to noise.
• the data from the host computer 18 is applied to the UART 586 through a second comparator 596 which also compares the incoming data stream to the reference voltage V R .
• the data processor 160 and message processor 170 communicate with each other through "handshake" sequences illustrated in Figures 14 and 15. The sequence illustrated in Figure 14 is used to transfer data from the data processor 160 to the message processor 170 through the A-BUS.
• the data processor needs service (DPNS) signal is generated by the data processor 160 at its PC4 output.
• the DPNS signal is generated when an exercise on an exercise machine is finished and the data processor 160 thus has data available to send to the host computer 18 via the message processor 170.
• the message processor 170 specifies a register to read from the DP by outputing the register numbers on the B-BUS and then the message processor generates a low message processor selects data processor (MPSELDP) signal through decoder 550 at T 1 .
• MPSELDP data processor
• Data processor 160 then services the interrupt by jumping to an interrupt subroutine which, among other things, reads the register number specified by the message processor 170 on the B-BUS and then outputs the data from the selected register onto the A-BUS.
• the data processor 160 informs the message processor 170 at T 2 that the data from the selected register is present on the A-BUS by generating a low B-BUS acknowledge (BBUSACK) signal at its PC6 output which interrupts the message processor 170.
• BBUSACK low B-BUS acknowledge
• the message processor 170 then services the interrupt at time T 2 by recording the data on the A-BUS.
• the message processor 170 After the data on the A-BUS has been accepted by the message processor 170, the message processor 170 generates a high MPSELDP signal through decoder 550 at time T 3 to inform the data processor 160 that the transfer of data from the data processor 160 to the message processor 170 is complete.
• the handshake sequence for transferring data from the message processor 170 to the data processor 160 over the B-BUS is illustrated in Figure 15.
• the message processor.170 When the message processor.170 is to transfer data to the data processor 160, it outputs the data to be transferred onto the B-BUS at T 0 .
• the message processor 170 At T 1 , the message processor 170 outputs a low B-BUS WRITE signal on its PC5 output.
• the message processor 170 then generates a low MPSELDP signal at T 2 through the decoder 550 which interrupts the data processor 160.
• the data on the B-BUS is then written into the data processor 160.
• the data processor When the transfer is complete, the data processor generates a low BBUSACK signal at T 3 on its PC6 port which interrupts the message processor 170 to inform the message processor 170 that the transfer has been completed.
• the Network Control Unit (NCU) 16 ( Figure 7) is illustrated in Figure 16. Reference may also be made to the block diagram of the network control unit 16 in Figure 10, wherein components that are identical in both figures are given the same reference numeral. Data from the MDUs 12 are applied to the input multiplexer 182, which connects one of its inputs to a single output, depending upon the 4 bit code generated by counter 184. The 4 bit code from counter 184 is applied through continuously enabled drivers 600. The 4 bit code from the counter 184 that specifies the MDU being accessed is also applied to the output multiplexer 180 which connects a single input to one of several outputs. The operation of the Network Control Unit is best explained sequentially from power-up.
• a SOFT START signal is generated by resistors 602, 604, capacitor 606, and inverters 608, 610.
• the input to inverter 608 is low just after power is applied to the system because of the presence of capacitor 606.
• the low applied to inverter 608 is reflected as a low at the output of inverter 610.
• Capacitor 606 then begins charging through resistor 602 and, after a predetermined period, the output of invertor 610 goes high.
• the low at the output of invertor 610 clears retriggerable one shots 612, 614 and 616. However, the clear is not removed until the output of inverter 610 goes high after a predetermined period, as explained above.
• a similar circuit consisting of resistors 620,
• capacitor 624, and inverter 626 provides a signal that is high upon power-up but goes low after a predetermined period.
• the time constant of capacitor 624 and resistor 620 is greater than the time constant of capacitor 606 and resistor 602 so that the output of inverter 626 goes low after the clear has been removed from the one shots 612, 614, 616.
• the falling edge of the low at the output of invertor 626 is applied to the A clock input of one shot 616.
• One shot 616 will trigger on the falling edge of a signal applied to its A clock input as long as its B input is high, which will be the case since one shot 614 was cleared at power-up.
• One shot 616 then generates a positive going clock (CLK) pulse at its Q output having a duration determined by the time constant of resistor 630 and capacitor 632.
• This positive going CLK pulse clocks counter 184 to cause the multiplexers 180, 182 to access the next MDU 12.
• the CLK output of one shot 616 is also applied to the A input of one shot 612.
• One shot 612 On the trailing edge of the CLK pulse from one shot 616, one shot 612 is triggered.
• One shot 612 then generates a negative going pluse MDA* at its Q* output having a duration determined by the time constant of resistor 634 and capacitor 636.
• This negative going MDA* pulse is applied through NAND gate 638 to the output multiplexer through inverter 640 and drivers 600.
• the MDA* pulse is received by the MDU 12 being accessed and functions to invite the MDU 12 to send any data that it has available.
• the data is applied to the input multiplexer 182, which then outputs the data to the host computer 18 through the NCU 16.
• the data is applied to NAND gate 644, which applies the data to the A input of one shot 614.
• the MDA* pulse has terminated so that the B input to one shot 614 is continuously high.
• One shot 614 is then triggered at its A input by each falling edge of the data from NAND gate 644, thereby generating a negative going DMH* pulse having a duration at least equal to the time constant of resistor 635 and capacitor 637.
• One shot 614 is retriggerable so that as long as data is being sent to the host computer 18 by the MDU 12, the Q* output of one shot 614 remains low. Under these circumstances, one shot 616 does not get retriggered, and the counter 184 thus keeps the multiplexers 180, 182 connected to the same MDU 12.
• the MDU 12 has completed sending data to the host computer 18, one shot 614 times out and the positive going edge of the DMH* pulse triggers one shot 616.
• One shot 616 once again generates a CLK pluse that increments the counter 184 so that the counter 184 causes the multiplexers 180, 182 to access the next MDU 12.
• the CLK pulse at the output of one shot 616 then generates another MDA* pulse to invite the MDU 12 to send data in the same manner as explained earlier.
• the data being transmitted by the MDU 12 to the host computer 18 will then keep the counter 184 from being incremented in the same manner as explained above so that the multiplexers 180, 182 continue to access that MDU 12.
• an MDU 12 Once an MDU 12 has established communication with the host computer 18 by sending data in response to an MDA* pulse, data transmitted by the host computer 18 to the MDU 12 will also prevent the counter 184 from being incremented.
• Data from the host computer is applied to an opto-isolator 650 having a light-emitting diode (LED) 652 optically coupled to a phototransistor 654.
• the collector of transistor 654 is biased high through resistors 656. Thus, current flowing through LED 652 turns on transistor 654 pulling the output of opto-isolator 650 low.
• Opto-isolator 650 thus functions as an isolating inverter.
• the data generated by the host computer 18 is applied by the opto-isolator 650 to both NAND gate 638 and NAND gate 644.
• Enabled NAND gate 638 thus couples the data from the host computer 18 to the input of the output multiplexer 180 through inverter 640 and driver 600.
• the data from the host computer 18 is also coupled through the NAND gate 644 to retrigger the one shot 614 before it times out so that one shot 616 does not generate subsequent CLK pulses.
• the CLK pulse causes the counter 184 to increment the multiplexers 180, 182 to the next MDU 12.
• the CLK pulse generated by one shot 616 then generates the negative going MDA* pulse, which invites the MDU 12 being accessed to send data. If the MDU 12 being accessed does not send any data, the one shot 614, which was triggered by the MDA* pulse, times out. When one-shot 614 times out, the trailing edge of the DMH* pulse triggers one shot 616, which once again generates a CLK pulse to increment the counter 184 to the next MDU 12.
• the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes computer programs for each of the microprocessors in the MDU computer 20: the data processor 160 and the message processor 170.
• the specific coding for these programs will, of course, vary depending on the type of microprocessors used in the MDU computers 20, and will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description of the programs modules which follows.
• the function and operation of the Power-Up/Reset Module for the data processor 160 is illustrated in the flow chart of Figure 17.
• the Power-Up/Reset Module initializes the data processor 160 ports for function and direction.
• the display 34 ( Figure 9), which is exclusively controlled by the data processor 160, is initialized for number of characters (wide or narrow characters, one or two lines). RAM variables are initialized, and system interrupts are enabled.
• the Idle job is scheduled (see below). All jobs have "to be executed" job flags.
• the scheduler has bit and word pointers which point to job flags. Following initialization, bit and word job scheduler pointers are set to zero. Jobs are scheduled by related jobs.
• the scheduler working on a priority basis, determines if a job is scheduled, then executes the job. If the job has completed successfully, its job flag is cleared and the scheduler resets the pointers and begins again. If a job has not completed successfully, its flag remains set and the following scheduled job is executed.
• the interrupt service routine for the data processor 160 is illustrated in the flow chart of Figure 18.
• an interrupt timeout, bus handshake, or heart pulse interrupt
• the interrupt source is determined. If a heart interrupt, then the clock time is noted (for calculation of beats per minute), the pulse service job is scheduled, and control is returned to the previously active job or to the scheduler.
• a timer interrupt jobs are scheduled according to the machine's mode. In the READY mode, the data processor 160 awaits weight movement; in the ACTIVE mode, weights are moving and the episode is in progress; in the CONFIGURATION mode, the special configuration plug is installed and the system is being configured.
• the function and operation of the Pulse Service routine for the data processor 160 are illustrated in the flow chart of Figure 19.
• the period is computed between consecutive calls of the interrupt service routine. If the period is reasonable, then the Beats-Per-Minute job is scheduled. If not reasonable, the period is discarded.
• Position Sensor routine for the data processor 160 are illustrated in the flow chart of Figure 20.
• the weight position channel of the processor's analog-to-digital converter is read. If the new value differs from the previous reading, then the Repetitions and Bar jobs are scheduled.
• Episode Start routine for the data processor 160 are illustrated in the flow chart of Figure 21. This routine initializes all episode-dependent variables, such as number or repetitions, heart rate, and exercise duration.
• This routine displays the "PHYSIO DECISIONS Press Y to begin” message and sets up the YES/NO/ENTER and TIMEOUT vectors.
• Plug ID routine for the data processor 160 are illustrated in Figure 23.
• IDU 24 Figure 7
• the plug's resistances are read and converted to digital form.
• This routine reads the plug values and determines if the plug represents an exerciser or the Configurator. If the Configurator plug is recognized, the Configurator job is scheduled.
• 5-LB WEIGHT The function and operation of the 5-lb Weight routine for the data processor 160 are illustrated in Figure 24.
• the question is displayed: "Is a 5-1b weight in use?"
• Vectors for possible responses point to specific jobs. The vectors are used by the Button job and determine which job will be executed upon pressing the designated button or occurrence of timeout. The Button job is then scheduled.
• BUTTON The function and operation of the Button routine for the data processor 160 are illustrated in Figure 26.
• This routine continually examines the push-button switches 48-52 ( Figure 8) until either a switch is pressed or a 10-second timeout has occurred. If the YES switch 48 was pressed, the job designated by the YES vector is scheduled. Likewise, the NO and ENTER switch vectors cause their respective jobs to be scheduled. If 10 seconds have passed since the button job was first executed, the job designated by the TIMEOUT vector is scheduled. The BUTTON job remains scheduled until a button is pressed or the timeout occurs.
• the function and operation of the Lift Weight routine for the data processor 160 are illustrated in Figure 25. This routine calculates the weight at which the weight selection pin 26 ( Figure 7) is positioned based on previously established configuration information and the A/D converter reading at the beginning of the exercise episode.
• the function and operation of the Repetitions routine for the data processor 160 are illustrated in Figure 27.
• the repetition counter is incremented after the completion of a proper repetition. A proper repetition has occurred if the weights pass the lower threshold, the upper threshold, then the lower threshold again. The first repetition establishes the thresholds. The Revise Repetitions job is then scheduled.
• BPM Beats-Per- Minute
• the function and operation of the Quail routine for the data processor 160 are illustrated in Figure 29.
• This routine provides the exerciser with a model for weight movement based on time.
• the timing indicator, the "quail” is moved across the display at the prescribed rate (e.g., 2 seconds right, 4 seconds left).
• the exerciser should keep his weight position matched to the quail position on the display in order to achieve the greatest exercise benefit.
• the correct quail display is selected.
• the Revise Quail job is then scheduled.
• BARS The function and operation of the Bars routine for the data processor 160 are illustrated in Figure 30.
• the actual position of the weights is represented to the exerciser on the display by a dynamic indicating bar.
• the length of the bar is proportional to the weight position.
• a Bar display is selected based on the position of the weights.
• the Revise Bar job is then scheduled.
• the function and operation of the Quality routine for the data processor 160 are illustrated in Figure 31.
• the Quality routine calculates a score to guide the exerciser in controlling the rate of the exercise.
• the score is determined primarily as a function of the difference between the recommended and actual lift and lower times.
• the score is calculated by the previously described formula.
• the Revise Quality routine is then scheduled.
• FIG. 32-36 illustrate the function and operation of the various routines for the data processor 160 for revising the MDU displays. Repetitions, Quality, Quail, Bar, and BPM/KCAL are updated to the display in this group of routines.
• the function and operation of the Configurator routine are illustrated in Figure 37.
• the Configurator routine allows the fitness facility operator to configure the data processor 160 for heart rate or energy expended display, MDU station identification number, position sensor value read when the weight selection pin is installed in the top weight of the weight stack, and an offset portion sensor value corresponding to the beginning of an exercise episode, and MDU identification number.
• the routine also allows the operator to configure the data processor 160 for the starting point of weight movement for each of his different exercise machines.
• This routine displays MDU type, MDU ID, and weight position information.
• the displayed values are set by the small potentiometers accessible from the back of the
• the Initialization routine for the message processor 170 is illustrated in Figure 38.
• Message processor ports are initialized for function and data direction. That is, the ports can be used to send or receive data to and from multiple destinations.
• RAM variables are initialized, and system interrupts are enabled.
• the main routine is executed.
• the function and operation of the Main Routine of the message processor 170 are illustrated in Figure 39.
• the message processor 170 loops awaiting indication from the data processor 160 that either the exercise on the attached exercise machine is complete or the configuration job is in progress. Each condition is indicated by the setting of a flag bit in the data processor 160.
• the message processor retrieves data from the necessary data processor registers which it requires to build the episode message.
• the message processor 170 formats the episode data into a message for transmission to the host computer 18 through the NCU 16. A checksum is calculated and appended to the message. If the host computer 18 does not acknowledge the message, then the message is sent again. After three attempts, the message processor 170 discards the present message and returns to await the next set of data from the data processor 160.
• the message processor reads the four configuration potentiometers 178a, b, c, d and transfers their values to the data processor.
• the central element of the data system is the Network Control Unit (NCU) 16, which is a "polling" device that periodically requests data from the MDUs or the EMWIIs.
• the MDUs and EMWIIs are continuously collecting data.
• the MDU computer 20 formats the data into a message which is sent to the NCU 16 immediately following a "poll."
• the NCU will maintain the link between the "polled” MDU and the host computer until neither the MDU 12 nor the host computer 18 has sent a character through the NCU for approximately 30 milliseconds. While the link is being maintained by the network manager, the MDU 12 will wait for an acknowledge character from the host computer 18. If an acknowledge character is not received, the MDU 12 will retransmit the exercise episode message up to two additional times. The NCU will then establish a link between the next MDU 12 and the host computer and generate the poll character.
• NCU Network Control Unit
• the exercise system may have two configurations of NCU: master and slave.
• the master NCU is configurable for one to sixteen channels.
• Slave NCUs are configurable for one to sixteen additional channels.
• the maximum number of channels supported by the preferred embodiment is 64.
• Slave NCUs provide continuous low voltage power and poll the MDUs connected to them. When sequentially activated by the master NCU, the slave NCUs will sequentially poll up to sixteen slave channels. The repeating sequence of polls is, therefore, master channels 1 through 16, slave channels 17 through 32, slave channels 33-48, and slave channels 49-64.
• the MDU computers 20 can be attached not only to the circuit training exercise machines but also to exercise bicycles, treadmills, or results measurement devices (such as scales that automatically measure and record body weight).
• the communications manager collects the data from the MDU computers 29 or EMWIIs and forwards it to the host computer.
• the host computer 18 organizes exercise data received from the Network Control Unit, stores it, and prepares it for printing.
• the host computer 18 consists of a keyboard 26, a cathode-ray tube monitor display, a printer, disk storage, and a computing unit which includes a serial, data port and a battery-backed clock/calendar circuit.
• the preferred embodiment incorporates the following computer: an International Business Machines (IBM) personal computer with 512 kilobytes random access memory, one flexible disk drive, one 10 mb fixed disk, the disk operating system software, a serial port, and a battery-backed clock/calendar circuit.
• IBM International Business Machines
• the host computer monitor is used to display a summary of each exerciser's session.
• Each exerciser's session is summarized on a single line on the monitor. Twenty exercisers summaries can be shown on the monitor simultaneously. The summary sessions "scroll" off the top of monitor screen when a new session is added at the bottom. Each exerciser's summary stays on the monitor for as long as it takes nineteen more exercisers to finish, which gives the exerciser adequate time to review it.
• a summary report for an exerciser is printed in the evening following an exercise session. This report is provided to the exerciser at the beginning of the next exercise session. Summary reports for multiple exercise sessions can also be provided to show progress over extended periods. The software which generates these reports is described subsequently.
• the host can also generate reports for the exercise facility operator. These reports can be used by the facility operator for scheduling and other facility operating decisions. This software is described below. System Computer Software
• the system software includes programs in the MDU, RDU and host computer in the preferred embodiment.
• an assembly language program resides in internal read-only memory (ROM) .
• ROM read-only memory
• Flow charts of the routines of this program are shown in Figures 17-37.
• the ROM image of this program is listed in Table I.
• the message processor 170 and the Reception Data Unit reception processor have assembly language programs which reside in the internal ROM.
• Flow charts of the message processor programs (comprising the Initialization Routine and Main Routine) are shown in Figures 38 and 39.
• the ROM image of this program is listed in Table II.
• the software for these microprocessors was previously described above.
• the On-Line program must run while the data collection from the MDUs is being acquired.
• the Report program must run periodically to provide timely printed reports for use by the exercisers and the facility operations staff. In the preferred embodiment, the report generator cannot run simultaneously with the On-Line program.
• the host computer programs are stored on-disk and loaded into random access memory (RAM) .
• RAM image of the On-Line program, including the Communications program, is listed in Table III.
• the RAM image of the Report program is listed in Table IV.
• the Communications routine for the host computer is illustrated in Figure 40.
• This software is resident in the host computer 18 and runs in background to the On-Line program described below.
• the Communications software is a receiver of the messages sent by the message processor 170 via the NCU 16. If a message was received without error, as determined by proper checksum, then an acknowledgement is sent to the NCU 16.
• the message elements are stored in an array for subsequent retrieval by the On-Line program.
• the On-Line program is so called because, in the preferred embodiment, the program runs full-time during fitness club operating hours.
• the program displays a one-line summary of each exerciser's performance on a circuit of Nautilus exercise machines.
• the display is similar to that of an airline terminal, with new information coming on at the bottom and old information scrolling off near the top.
• the top three lines of the display contain the header including column names.
• the program inputs are:
• a string of successive episodes would look like: 1,1,110,10,24,45,68,71,85
• IDDATA.DAT Another input is customer data, in a file called "IDDATA.DAT,” which includes personal ID, birthday, last name, first name, sex and weight:
• the On-Line program also uses time and date, that is, an operator date/time entry on startup or a date/time memory circuit in the computer is required.
• ARCHIVE2.DAT is the compressed version of the
• the Report program generates the following daily and monthly reports.
• the Daily Loading Report shows numbers of exercisers as a function of time of day.
• the input is ARCHIVE2.DAT.
• the Flow Pattern Report shows numbers of exercisers as a function of day and time for an entire month. At present, this program asks for the desired month on the way in. Uses ARCHIVE2.DAT as an input.
• the Performance Summary Report lists all the session reports for an individual exerciser for a given month. The report also lists the group average values for the age/sex groups of which the exerciser is a member. The program asks for the desired month and for the exerciser's personal ID on the way in. If "ALL" is chosen instead of an individual personal ID, then a performance summary report is generated for all exercisers represented in ARCHIVE2.DAT, usually all exercisers for the last month. Inputs are ARCHIVE2.DAT and GROUPAVG.DAT.
• GROUPAVG.DAT is an ASCII file with sums of each of the session report elements, along with the corresponding occurrence count, for each demographic; e.g., if there were eight sessions completed by men 40-44, then the corresponding GROUPAVG.DAT record would have one field each for the sum of all eight actual resistances, all eight actual reps, all eight average rep times (pos), ...., all eight calories burned, along with the number "8" as the final field, representing. the number or count of exercisers in the 40-44 age group. Thus, the average can be found at any time by dividing the sums by the count.
• the Group Averages Report lists the session average results for all preselected demographics.
• the program prints out GROUPAVG.DAT, which has been produced periodically from the previous GROUPAVG.DAT file as updated by the current ARCHIVE2.DAT file.
• each exerciser will have an exercise prescription entered into the host computer.
• the host computer 18 will automatically send a specific prescription instruction to the MDU to guide the exerciser's decisions.
• the MDU computer software can be extended to evaluate the exerciser's gracefulness while doing heavy work.
• the MDUs developed for the prototype were designed to operate with circuit training exercise equipment. Additional MDUs will retrofit exercise bicycles, treadmills, rowing machines and other exercise equipment. Also, MDUs can be retrofitted to weight scales, body composition instruments, blood pressure monitors and other medical instruments so that data from these results measurement devices can be automatically added to the system data base. Preferred embodiments of the system will also be able to include a variety of aerobic exercise modes. When instrumented with the MDUs, these exercise machines represent another component in the exercise facility information system. Because the exercise information system is modular, a wide variety of these MDU modules can be developed to support the system. Modularity permits data to be automatically collected and reported for most forms of exercise which use stationary exercise machines.
• These new MDUs will display the appropriate type of performance data required by the particular piece of exercise equipment.
• the exercise bicycle MDU will show distance, pedal resistance, energy consumed, time and heart rate. Such data will be continuously obtained and displayed during the exercise session and fed to the host computer for storage, organization and reporting.
• the design of all MDUs preferably follows the basic design of the preferred embodiment described above. Sensors are included to obtain data such as exercise machine resistance, distance or speed. This data is fed into the MDU computer, which will organize the data, provide appropriate data for display, and send the data through the network manager to the host computer. Displays are preferably relatively simple but support the exerciser's need for decision support information.
• the present system can also accommodate data from non-stationary forms of exercise that can be monitored with personal data units (PDUs).
• PDU personal data units
• the PDU is a device about the size of a hand calculator that is worn on a belt by the exerciser. Displays on the PDU show appropriate data while exercising, sensors obtain the data, and memory within the PDU records the data.
• the PDU will transfer the recorded data to the system host computer by means of a special connecting plug.
• the PDU can record running or walking distances using a digital pedometer. It also includes a heart rate sensor to be worn by the exerciser. It also has a magnetic pickup sensor which can be attached to a bicycle wheel to get distance and speed data while bicycling.
• the PDU includes a receptacle into which the exerciser inserts an identification plug. This plug will identify the person to the PDU. The resulting data will be identified with the particular exerciser when transmitted by the PDU to the host computer so that the data is properly recorded in the system.
• the PDU will automatically obtain data for the system when an exerciser is walking, running or cycling. This will extend the capabilities of the system to these popular aerobic exercises that take place away from a stationary exercise facility. The continuity of data obtained from such non-stationary exercise forms may be needed to reinforce the decision to continue an exercise program.
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• 1987
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