WO2001087426A2 - Method and apparatus for monitoring exercise - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for monitoring exercise Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2001087426A2
WO2001087426A2 PCT/IB2001/000835 IB0100835W WO0187426A2 WO 2001087426 A2 WO2001087426 A2 WO 2001087426A2 IB 0100835 W IB0100835 W IB 0100835W WO 0187426 A2 WO0187426 A2 WO 0187426A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
user
performance data
exercise
data
remote site
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2001/000835
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2001087426A3 (en
Inventor
Gerhard Stephanus Mynhardt
Original Assignee
M-Dev (Proprietary) Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by M-Dev (Proprietary) Limited filed Critical M-Dev (Proprietary) Limited
Priority to AU2001264150A priority Critical patent/AU2001264150A1/en
Publication of WO2001087426A2 publication Critical patent/WO2001087426A2/en
Publication of WO2001087426A3 publication Critical patent/WO2001087426A3/en

Links

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
    • A63B24/0003—Analysing the course of a movement or motion sequences during an exercise or trainings sequence, e.g. swing for golf or tennis
    • A63B24/0006—Computerised comparison for qualitative assessment of motion sequences or the course of a movement
    • 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
    • A63B24/0062—Monitoring athletic performances, e.g. for determining the work of a user on an exercise apparatus, the completed jogging or cycling distance
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
    • A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
    • 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
    • G16H20/00—ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance
    • G16H20/30—ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to physical therapies or activities, e.g. physiotherapy, acupressure or exercising
    • 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
    • G16H40/67—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 remote operation
    • 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
    • A63B24/0003—Analysing the course of a movement or motion sequences during an exercise or trainings sequence, e.g. swing for golf or tennis
    • A63B24/0006—Computerised comparison for qualitative assessment of motion sequences or the course of a movement
    • A63B2024/0009—Computerised real time comparison with previous movements or motion sequences of the user
    • 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
    • A63B24/0062—Monitoring athletic performances, e.g. for determining the work of a user on an exercise apparatus, the completed jogging or cycling distance
    • A63B2024/0068—Comparison to target or threshold, previous performance or not real time comparison to other individuals
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
    • A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
    • A63B71/0619—Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
    • A63B71/0622—Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
    • A63B2071/0625—Emitting sound, noise or music
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
    • A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
    • A63B71/0619—Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
    • A63B71/0622—Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
    • A63B2071/0625—Emitting sound, noise or music
    • A63B2071/0627—Emitting sound, noise or music when used improperly, e.g. by giving a warning
    • 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
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
    • A63B69/0028—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for running, jogging or speed-walking

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a method of and an apparatus for monitoring exercise.
  • Training or exercising at gyms is increasingly popular, and is generally considered preferable to solo training.
  • Reasons for this include a social and competitive aspect which encourages participants to continue with an exercise program, as well as monitoring and guidance of participants by personal trainers or in an exercise class. Notwithstanding this, many individuals find it difficult to attend a gym regularly, and find solo exercise relatively less satisfactory, to the extent that they may abandon an exercise program.
  • a method of monitoring exercise comprising:
  • the user will typically be a person who wishes to participate in an exercise class, but who is unable to physically to be present at such a class.
  • Said at least one physical parameter of the user may be, for example, the user's heart rate, step cadence, skipping rate, push-up rate, running cadence, cycling speed and/or power, or other relevant physical parameters according to the type of exercise being performed.
  • the physical parameters may be sensed by one or more sensors, which preferably communicate wirelessly with a portable control unit worn by the user.
  • the performance data is preferably transmitted to a remote site via the Internet or another network, and may be evaluated at the remote site in comparison with similar performance data received from other users, or in comparison with stored performance data.
  • the response data may include comments or comparative data based on goals previously set by the user, a previous performance of the user, or the performance of other users, for example.
  • the user may participate in a virtual exercise class in which a plurality of users carry out exercise at a predetermined or scheduled time, in which case the response data may include comparative data derived from the performance data of each of the plurality of users.
  • the generation of the performance data and the transmission of the performance data to the remote site may take place in real time or near real time, that is, while the user is participating in the exercise class.
  • the performance data may be generated and recorded for later uploading to the remote site, for example, in the case of exercise carried out outdoors or at a location remote from the user's computer.
  • apparatus for monitoring exercise comprising:
  • At least one sensor for monitoring a physical parameter of a user performing exercise and for generating an output signal corresponding to said parameter
  • a first processor for generating performance data from the output signal; an interface for transmitting the performance data to a remote site and for receiving response data from the remote site;
  • a second processor for generating a display containing information derived at least partially from the response data.
  • the at least one sensor may be, for example, a heart rate sensor, a step sensor, a cycle speed and/or power sensor, or any other suitable sensor for monitoring a selected exercise parameter.
  • the first processor is housed in a portable control unit which is arranged to be worn by a user and which includes an input device operable by the user for controlling the operation thereof.
  • the control unit may include a first interface for receiving the output signal from the sensor or sensors.
  • the control unit may also include a second interface for transmitting the performance data to a computer of the user.
  • the first and second interfaces are preferably wireless.
  • the apparatus preferably includes software arranged to generate a display of information derived at least partially from the response data.
  • Figure 1 is a pictorial view of the control unit of apparatus according to the invention for monitoring exercise
  • Figure 2 is a highly simplified schematic block diagram of electronic circuitry of the control unit of Figure 1 ;
  • Figures 3 and 4 are flow charts illustrating the method of the invention as applied to individual and class training sessions, respectively.
  • the present invention addresses problems experienced by individuals who wish to train or exercise but who are unable or unwilling to attend a class with other participants, or a training session. This is achieved by monitoring the individual's exercise performance, transmitting performance data to a central site for evaluation, and sending a response to the individual with feedback on his/her performance.
  • an individual may exercise alone, for example in his or her home, but by utilising the method and apparatus of the invention, be connected effectively to a trainer or a class of similar individuals.
  • a user 10 is shown wearing a portable control unit 12 which can, for example, be clipped to the waistband of his or her shorts or tracksuit, or held in position by means of a strap around the waist.
  • the control unit has a number of push buttons 14 and a display 16, typically a 240 by 120 pixel liquid crystal display (LCD).
  • LCD liquid crystal display
  • FIG. 1 shows the electronic circuitry of the control unit 12.
  • the heart of the unit is a CPU 20, preferably an integrated low-current microprocessor such as the ARM processor.
  • the CPU has associated memory 22 and controls the LCD display 16 and a beeper or sounder 24, and communicates via a short range RF interface module 26, for example utilising the new "Blue Tooth" technology.
  • the CPU 20 has a number of inputs to which are connected, inter alia, the input switches 14, a 5kHz receiver 28 for the heart rate monitor, a 125kHz receiver 30 for a cycle speed and power sensor, and a receiver 32 which receives an input from a step sensor. It will be appreciated that inputs and receivers or interfaces for various other types of sensor can be provided as required, according to the type of training or exercise being monitored.
  • the control unit is powered by a battery 34.
  • the control unit 12 is used in convention with a conventional personal computer (PC) 36 of a user and an RF modem 38 which receives signals from the RF interface module 26, together with suitable software to allow the user to access a web site which is designed to provide an on-line training and/or group exercise class functionality, as described below.
  • PC personal computer
  • RF modem 38 which receives signals from the RF interface module 26, together with suitable software to allow the user to access a web site which is designed to provide an on-line training and/or group exercise class functionality, as described below.
  • an individual connects to the web site for an on-line custom designed personal training session run by a "Virtual Personal Trainer" (see Figure 3).
  • the user connects to the web site, logs on and selects the option for a personal individual training program. If the user has previously registered, his or her details can be retrieved automatically, for example by using a user name and password, or the user may enter various identification information, including the participant's name, e-mail address, country and, optionally, a message or greeting. Further options include submitting his or her weight and a picture.
  • a Virtual Trainer display and voice are displayed, together with a program to be followed. In some cases, exercises can be performed near to the user's PC, while others, such as jogging, will be done remotely.
  • the entire exercise program may be conducted while the user is on-line, it is preferred that the user download software to his or her PC which can run the exercise program on an offline basis, so that it is only necessary to download details of the chosen exercise class for any given session, allowing the PC to go off line.
  • the downloaded program will then explain the exercise routine to the user, issue timing and start/stop instructions, for example, and collect performance data from the user via the control unit 12.
  • the relevant software and training session data are uploaded to the control unit 12, which displays relevant instructions to the user on the LCD 16.
  • the control unit 12 collects performance data from the user as he or she carries out the exercise program and transmits the data back to the PC
  • the downloaded program takes the PC online at intervals in order to upload the performance data to the web site.
  • suitable software analyses the user's performance data and evaluates it in comparison with goals set by the user, the previous performance of the user for similar exercises, or the performance of other individuals, for example, and then transmits response data back to the user's PC which can be displayed in a graphic form.
  • the user At the end of each exercise, or at the end of the exercise session, the user is afforded an opportunity to enter comments or a difficulty assessment for uploading to the web site. A summary of the individual's performance can then be transmitted back to the user's PC as a final stage in the exercise session before the user signs off.
  • the user can be provided with a number of options in order to input varying goals and preferences, to tailor the training session to the user. It is also not necessary that the training session take place at a strictly scheduled time.
  • instructions for carrying out the relevant exercise are displayed either on the PC or on the control unit 12, and performance data is collected from the user and displayed immediately on the PC or control unit, as well as being uploaded periodically to the web site for evaluation and comparison with the performance data of other participants in the class. Comparative performance data, comments and encouragement, and other information are then downloaded to each user's PC.
  • a facility can be provided for individuals to make comments on the exercises and the class.
  • a final comment is provided to users by the Virtual Trainer and participants are able to enter a final round of messages before signing off.
  • the host software running the system will operate a member database, containing all the details of each member including personal data, exercise and program preferences, current training program, historical performance data, etcetera.
  • the software will also maintain lists of current classes and will assign Virtual Trainers to classes and individual users.
  • the software will also implement an exercise programs data base.
  • the host software can be written in industry standard programming languages such as Pearl, C or Java as CGI scripts.
  • the PC used to access the web site can operate with a standard internet browser, such as Microsoft's Internet Explorer. Standard internet protocols are used for data transfer.
  • the application software which is downloaded for execution on the PC will preferably be written in Java.
  • the main advantage of the above described method and apparatus is that it allows users who are physically isolated from other individuals to participate either in a supervised training session or a group training class, with monitoring of their performance and feedback, either on a personal basis or on a comparative basis with other participants.
  • such classes can be scheduled frequently (eg. hourly or half-hourly) and at almost any time, given that it is not necessary for users to be in the same time zone as one another.
  • a portable control unit the user is not tied to his or her own PC, but can carry out exercises such as jogging remotely from the PC, with the display of relevant instructions and the collection of performance data being carried out by the portable control unit.

Abstract

A method and apparatus for monitoring exercise are disclosed. A user participating in a virtual exercise class utilises apparatus which comprises at least one sensor for monitoring a selected exercise parameter such as heart rate. The apparatus indicates a processor for generating performance data from the sensor output and an interface for transmitting performance data to a remote site. Typically, the apparatus is portable and communicates wirelessly with a PC of the user, to transmit the performance data to remote site via the Internet or another network. At the remote site, response data is generated based on the user's performance as against goals set by the user, a previous performance of the user, or the performance of other users. The response data is transmitted back to the user's PC and displayed. Thus, the user can participate in an exercise class simultaneously with other users who are all located at different sites.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING EXERCISE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a method of and an apparatus for monitoring exercise.
Training or exercising at gyms is increasingly popular, and is generally considered preferable to solo training. Reasons for this include a social and competitive aspect which encourages participants to continue with an exercise program, as well as monitoring and guidance of participants by personal trainers or in an exercise class. Notwithstanding this, many individuals find it difficult to attend a gym regularly, and find solo exercise relatively less satisfactory, to the extent that they may abandon an exercise program.
It is an object of the invention to address this phenomenon. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention there is provided a method of monitoring exercise comprising:
monitoring, at a user site, at least one physical parameter of a user performing exercise and generating an output signal corresponding to said parameter;
generating performance data from the output signal;
transmitting the performance data to a remote site;
at the remote site, evaluating the performance data, generating response data and transmitting the response data to the user site; and
at the user site, displaying information derived from the response data to the user.
The user will typically be a person who wishes to participate in an exercise class, but who is unable to physically to be present at such a class.
Said at least one physical parameter of the user may be, for example, the user's heart rate, step cadence, skipping rate, push-up rate, running cadence, cycling speed and/or power, or other relevant physical parameters according to the type of exercise being performed.
The physical parameters may be sensed by one or more sensors, which preferably communicate wirelessly with a portable control unit worn by the user. The performance data is preferably transmitted to a remote site via the Internet or another network, and may be evaluated at the remote site in comparison with similar performance data received from other users, or in comparison with stored performance data.
The response data may include comments or comparative data based on goals previously set by the user, a previous performance of the user, or the performance of other users, for example.
The user may participate in a virtual exercise class in which a plurality of users carry out exercise at a predetermined or scheduled time, in which case the response data may include comparative data derived from the performance data of each of the plurality of users.
The generation of the performance data and the transmission of the performance data to the remote site may take place in real time or near real time, that is, while the user is participating in the exercise class.
Alternatively, the performance data may be generated and recorded for later uploading to the remote site, for example, in the case of exercise carried out outdoors or at a location remote from the user's computer.
Further according to the invention there is provided apparatus for monitoring exercise comprising:
at least one sensor for monitoring a physical parameter of a user performing exercise and for generating an output signal corresponding to said parameter;
a first processor for generating performance data from the output signal; an interface for transmitting the performance data to a remote site and for receiving response data from the remote site; and
a second processor for generating a display containing information derived at least partially from the response data.
The at least one sensor may be, for example, a heart rate sensor, a step sensor, a cycle speed and/or power sensor, or any other suitable sensor for monitoring a selected exercise parameter.
Conveniently, the first processor is housed in a portable control unit which is arranged to be worn by a user and which includes an input device operable by the user for controlling the operation thereof.
The control unit may include a first interface for receiving the output signal from the sensor or sensors.
The control unit may also include a second interface for transmitting the performance data to a computer of the user.
The first and second interfaces are preferably wireless.
The apparatus preferably includes software arranged to generate a display of information derived at least partially from the response data.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a pictorial view of the control unit of apparatus according to the invention for monitoring exercise; Figure 2 is a highly simplified schematic block diagram of electronic circuitry of the control unit of Figure 1 ; and
Figures 3 and 4 are flow charts illustrating the method of the invention as applied to individual and class training sessions, respectively.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
The present invention addresses problems experienced by individuals who wish to train or exercise but who are unable or unwilling to attend a class with other participants, or a training session. This is achieved by monitoring the individual's exercise performance, transmitting performance data to a central site for evaluation, and sending a response to the individual with feedback on his/her performance. Thus, an individual may exercise alone, for example in his or her home, but by utilising the method and apparatus of the invention, be connected effectively to a trainer or a class of similar individuals.
Referring to Figure 1 , a user 10 is shown wearing a portable control unit 12 which can, for example, be clipped to the waistband of his or her shorts or tracksuit, or held in position by means of a strap around the waist. The control unit has a number of push buttons 14 and a display 16, typically a 240 by 120 pixel liquid crystal display (LCD).
The user 10 is also wearing a strap 18 which carries a heart rate monitor which transmits a short range RF output signal containing data corresponding to the user's heart rate. Figure 2 shows the electronic circuitry of the control unit 12. The heart of the unit is a CPU 20, preferably an integrated low-current microprocessor such as the ARM processor. The CPU has associated memory 22 and controls the LCD display 16 and a beeper or sounder 24, and communicates via a short range RF interface module 26, for example utilising the new "Blue Tooth" technology.
The CPU 20 has a number of inputs to which are connected, inter alia, the input switches 14, a 5kHz receiver 28 for the heart rate monitor, a 125kHz receiver 30 for a cycle speed and power sensor, and a receiver 32 which receives an input from a step sensor. It will be appreciated that inputs and receivers or interfaces for various other types of sensor can be provided as required, according to the type of training or exercise being monitored. The control unit is powered by a battery 34.
The control unit 12 is used in convention with a conventional personal computer (PC) 36 of a user and an RF modem 38 which receives signals from the RF interface module 26, together with suitable software to allow the user to access a web site which is designed to provide an on-line training and/or group exercise class functionality, as described below.
In a first variation of the method of invention, an individual connects to the web site for an on-line custom designed personal training session run by a "Virtual Personal Trainer" (see Figure 3). The user connects to the web site, logs on and selects the option for a personal individual training program. If the user has previously registered, his or her details can be retrieved automatically, for example by using a user name and password, or the user may enter various identification information, including the participant's name, e-mail address, country and, optionally, a message or greeting. Further options include submitting his or her weight and a picture. A Virtual Trainer display and voice are displayed, together with a program to be followed. In some cases, exercises can be performed near to the user's PC, while others, such as jogging, will be done remotely.
Although it is possible for the entire exercise program to be conducted while the user is on-line, it is preferred that the user download software to his or her PC which can run the exercise program on an offline basis, so that it is only necessary to download details of the chosen exercise class for any given session, allowing the PC to go off line.
The downloaded program will then explain the exercise routine to the user, issue timing and start/stop instructions, for example, and collect performance data from the user via the control unit 12. Where exercises are performed remotely from the PC, the relevant software and training session data are uploaded to the control unit 12, which displays relevant instructions to the user on the LCD 16.
From time to time, as the control unit 12 collects performance data from the user as he or she carries out the exercise program and transmits the data back to the PC, the downloaded program takes the PC online at intervals in order to upload the performance data to the web site. On the host computer of the web site, suitable software analyses the user's performance data and evaluates it in comparison with goals set by the user, the previous performance of the user for similar exercises, or the performance of other individuals, for example, and then transmits response data back to the user's PC which can be displayed in a graphic form.
At the end of each exercise, or at the end of the exercise session, the user is afforded an opportunity to enter comments or a difficulty assessment for uploading to the web site. A summary of the individual's performance can then be transmitted back to the user's PC as a final stage in the exercise session before the user signs off.
In the above described individual training application of the invention, the user can be provided with a number of options in order to input varying goals and preferences, to tailor the training session to the user. It is also not necessary that the training session take place at a strictly scheduled time.
Referring now to the flow chart of Figure 4, a similar process is followed to log onto the web site. If the user has previously registered, his or her details can be retrieved automatically, for example by using a user name and password, or the user may enter various identification information, including the participant's name, e-mail address, country and, optionally, a message or greeting. Further options include submitting his or her weight and a picture. Since a class involving other participants is being joined, it will generally be necessary to select one of a number of scheduled classes in order for the user to participate in real time or near real time.
Again, instructions for carrying out the relevant exercise are displayed either on the PC or on the control unit 12, and performance data is collected from the user and displayed immediately on the PC or control unit, as well as being uploaded periodically to the web site for evaluation and comparison with the performance data of other participants in the class. Comparative performance data, comments and encouragement, and other information are then downloaded to each user's PC. A facility can be provided for individuals to make comments on the exercises and the class. At the end of the exercise class, a final comment is provided to users by the Virtual Trainer and participants are able to enter a final round of messages before signing off.
The host software running the system will operate a member database, containing all the details of each member including personal data, exercise and program preferences, current training program, historical performance data, etcetera. The software will also maintain lists of current classes and will assign Virtual Trainers to classes and individual users. The software will also implement an exercise programs data base. The host software can be written in industry standard programming languages such as Pearl, C or Java as CGI scripts.
The PC used to access the web site can operate with a standard internet browser, such as Microsoft's Internet Explorer. Standard internet protocols are used for data transfer. The application software which is downloaded for execution on the PC will preferably be written in Java.
The main advantage of the above described method and apparatus is that it allows users who are physically isolated from other individuals to participate either in a supervised training session or a group training class, with monitoring of their performance and feedback, either on a personal basis or on a comparative basis with other participants. Depending on the demand, such classes can be scheduled frequently (eg. hourly or half-hourly) and at almost any time, given that it is not necessary for users to be in the same time zone as one another. By utilising a portable control unit, the user is not tied to his or her own PC, but can carry out exercises such as jogging remotely from the PC, with the display of relevant instructions and the collection of performance data being carried out by the portable control unit.

Claims

1. A method of monitoring exercise comprising:
monitoring, at a user site, at least one physical parameter of a user performing exercise and generating an output signal corresponding to said parameter;
generating performance data from the output signal;
transmitting the performance data to a remote site;
at the remote site, evaluating the performance data, generating response data and transmitting the response data to the user site; and
at the user site, displaying information derived from the response data to the user.
2. A method according to claim 1 wherein said at least one physical parameter of the user is the user's heart rate, step cadence, skipping rate, push-up rate, running cadence, cycling speed and/or power, or another physical parameter relevant to the type of exercise being performed.
3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the physical parameters are sensed by one or more sensors which communicate wirelessly with a portable control unit worn by the user.
4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the performance data is transmitted to the remote site via the Internet or another network.
5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the performance data is evaluated at the remote site in comparison with similar performance data received from other users.
6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the performance data is evaluated at the remote site in comparison with stored performance data.
7. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the response data includes comments or comparative data based on goals previously set by the user, a previous performance of the user, or the performance of other users.
8. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the user participates in a virtual exercise class in which a plurality of users carry out exercise at a predetermined or scheduled time, the response data including comparative data derived from the performance data of each of the plurality of users.
9. A method, according to claim 8 wherein the generation of the performance data and the transmission of the performance data to the remote site take place in real time or near real time, while the user is participating in the virtual exercise class.
10. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the performance data is generated and recorded for later uploading to the remote site.
11. A method according to claim 10 wherein the performance data is generated at an exercise location outdoors or at a location remote from the user's computer.
12. Apparatus for monitoring exercise comprising:
at least one sensor for monitoring a physical parameter of a user performing exercise and for generating an output signal corresponding to said parameter;
a first processor for generating performance data from the output signal;
an interface for transmitting the performance data to a remote site and for receiving response data from the remote site; and
a second processor for generating a display containing information derived at least partially from the response data.
13. Apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the at least one sensor is a heart rate sensor, a step sensor, a cycle speed and/or power sensor, or another suitable sensor for monitoring a selected exercise parameter.
14. Apparatus according to claim 12 or claim 13 wherein the first processor is housed in a portable control unit which is arranged to be worn by a user and which includes an input device operable by the user for controlling the operation thereof.
15. Apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 14 wherein the control unit includes a first interface for receiving the output signal from the sensor or sensors.
16. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the control unit includes a second interface for transmitting the performance data to a computer of the user.
17. Apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the first and second interfaces are wireless.
18. Apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 17 wherein the apparatus includes software arranged to generate a display of information derived at least partially from the response data.
PCT/IB2001/000835 2000-05-15 2001-05-15 Method and apparatus for monitoring exercise WO2001087426A2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2001264150A AU2001264150A1 (en) 2001-05-15 2001-05-15 Method and apparatus for monitoring exercise

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA2000/2378 2000-05-15
ZA200002378 2000-05-15

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2001087426A2 true WO2001087426A2 (en) 2001-11-22
WO2001087426A3 WO2001087426A3 (en) 2002-07-25

Family

ID=25588750

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2001/000835 WO2001087426A2 (en) 2000-05-15 2001-05-15 Method and apparatus for monitoring exercise

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2001087426A2 (en)

Cited By (28)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2003053528A1 (en) * 2001-12-10 2003-07-03 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Mobile fitness aid
FR2840714A1 (en) * 2002-06-05 2003-12-12 Pygmalyon Installation for interactive management of a sporting event running time, has terminal unit connected to data acquisition, management and storage unit to enable remote retrieval by athlete of his running times via. internet
EP1586353A1 (en) * 2004-04-15 2005-10-19 CSEM Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique S.A. - Recherche et Développement Method and device for measuring efficacy of a sportive activity
WO2005098467A3 (en) * 2004-04-09 2006-02-09 Conor O'brien Exercise monitor
EP1852062A1 (en) * 2006-05-03 2007-11-07 Polar Electro Oy Method, user-specific performance monitor, system, and computer software product
EP1897598A1 (en) * 2006-09-06 2008-03-12 Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast- natuurwetenschappelijk onderzoek TNO System for training optimisation
WO2012051660A1 (en) * 2010-10-21 2012-04-26 Workout World Pty Ltd Step-counter using telephonic monitoring
GB2495014A (en) * 2012-08-03 2013-03-27 Polar Electro Oy Transmitting, storing and processing sensor data on a network server for use with gym apparatus
US8907889B2 (en) 2005-01-12 2014-12-09 Thinkoptics, Inc. Handheld vision based absolute pointing system
US8913003B2 (en) 2006-07-17 2014-12-16 Thinkoptics, Inc. Free-space multi-dimensional absolute pointer using a projection marker system
US9017265B2 (en) 2012-08-03 2015-04-28 Polar Electro Oy Transfer of measurement data related to physical exercise
US9039533B2 (en) 2003-03-25 2015-05-26 Creative Kingdoms, Llc Wireless interactive game having both physical and virtual elements
US9044671B2 (en) 2005-08-24 2015-06-02 Nintendo Co., Ltd. Game controller and game system
US9176598B2 (en) 2007-05-08 2015-11-03 Thinkoptics, Inc. Free-space multi-dimensional absolute pointer with improved performance
CN105745695A (en) * 2013-11-08 2016-07-06 德国弗劳恩霍夫应用研究促进协会 Device and method for automatically evaluating the progression of a training exercise
US9514284B2 (en) 2007-04-20 2016-12-06 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Group coaching system and method
US9616334B2 (en) 2002-04-05 2017-04-11 Mq Gaming, Llc Multi-platform gaming system using RFID-tagged toys
CN106621286A (en) * 2017-01-14 2017-05-10 中州大学 Basketball monitoring control system
US9675878B2 (en) 2004-09-29 2017-06-13 Mq Gaming, Llc System and method for playing a virtual game by sensing physical movements
US9700806B2 (en) 2005-08-22 2017-07-11 Nintendo Co., Ltd. Game operating device
US9713766B2 (en) 2000-02-22 2017-07-25 Mq Gaming, Llc Dual-range wireless interactive entertainment device
US9731194B2 (en) 1999-02-26 2017-08-15 Mq Gaming, Llc Multi-platform gaming systems and methods
US9833141B2 (en) 2012-08-03 2017-12-05 Polar Electro Oy Transfer of measurement data related to physical exercise
CN107837498A (en) * 2017-10-11 2018-03-27 上海斐讯数据通信技术有限公司 A kind of exercise program adjustment method, apparatus and system
US9931578B2 (en) 2000-10-20 2018-04-03 Mq Gaming, Llc Toy incorporating RFID tag
US9993724B2 (en) 2003-03-25 2018-06-12 Mq Gaming, Llc Interactive gaming toy
US10010790B2 (en) 2002-04-05 2018-07-03 Mq Gaming, Llc System and method for playing an interactive game
CN109737952A (en) * 2018-12-12 2019-05-10 安徽华米信息科技有限公司 Rope skipping data processing method, device and wearable device

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2006014810A2 (en) 2004-07-29 2006-02-09 Kevin Ferguson A human movement measurement system
US7927216B2 (en) 2005-09-15 2011-04-19 Nintendo Co., Ltd. Video game system with wireless modular handheld controller
US8870655B2 (en) 2005-08-24 2014-10-28 Nintendo Co., Ltd. Wireless game controllers

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0940119A1 (en) * 1998-03-02 1999-09-08 Polar Electro Oy Switch controller for wireless transmission of physiologic measurements
US6050924A (en) * 1997-04-28 2000-04-18 Shea; Michael J. Exercise system
US6059692A (en) * 1996-12-13 2000-05-09 Hickman; Paul L. Apparatus for remote interactive exercise and health equipment

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6059692A (en) * 1996-12-13 2000-05-09 Hickman; Paul L. Apparatus for remote interactive exercise and health equipment
US6050924A (en) * 1997-04-28 2000-04-18 Shea; Michael J. Exercise system
EP0940119A1 (en) * 1998-03-02 1999-09-08 Polar Electro Oy Switch controller for wireless transmission of physiologic measurements

Cited By (61)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9861887B1 (en) 1999-02-26 2018-01-09 Mq Gaming, Llc Multi-platform gaming systems and methods
US10300374B2 (en) 1999-02-26 2019-05-28 Mq Gaming, Llc Multi-platform gaming systems and methods
US9731194B2 (en) 1999-02-26 2017-08-15 Mq Gaming, Llc Multi-platform gaming systems and methods
US10188953B2 (en) 2000-02-22 2019-01-29 Mq Gaming, Llc Dual-range wireless interactive entertainment device
US9713766B2 (en) 2000-02-22 2017-07-25 Mq Gaming, Llc Dual-range wireless interactive entertainment device
US10307671B2 (en) 2000-02-22 2019-06-04 Mq Gaming, Llc Interactive entertainment system
US9814973B2 (en) 2000-02-22 2017-11-14 Mq Gaming, Llc Interactive entertainment system
US9931578B2 (en) 2000-10-20 2018-04-03 Mq Gaming, Llc Toy incorporating RFID tag
US10307683B2 (en) 2000-10-20 2019-06-04 Mq Gaming, Llc Toy incorporating RFID tag
US10179283B2 (en) 2001-02-22 2019-01-15 Mq Gaming, Llc Wireless entertainment device, system, and method
US9737797B2 (en) 2001-02-22 2017-08-22 Mq Gaming, Llc Wireless entertainment device, system, and method
US10758818B2 (en) 2001-02-22 2020-09-01 Mq Gaming, Llc Wireless entertainment device, system, and method
WO2003053528A1 (en) * 2001-12-10 2003-07-03 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Mobile fitness aid
US11278796B2 (en) 2002-04-05 2022-03-22 Mq Gaming, Llc Methods and systems for providing personalized interactive entertainment
US10010790B2 (en) 2002-04-05 2018-07-03 Mq Gaming, Llc System and method for playing an interactive game
US10507387B2 (en) 2002-04-05 2019-12-17 Mq Gaming, Llc System and method for playing an interactive game
US9616334B2 (en) 2002-04-05 2017-04-11 Mq Gaming, Llc Multi-platform gaming system using RFID-tagged toys
US10478719B2 (en) 2002-04-05 2019-11-19 Mq Gaming, Llc Methods and systems for providing personalized interactive entertainment
WO2003105092A1 (en) * 2002-06-05 2003-12-18 Pygmalyon Installation for interactive management of a sporting event running time
FR2840714A1 (en) * 2002-06-05 2003-12-12 Pygmalyon Installation for interactive management of a sporting event running time, has terminal unit connected to data acquisition, management and storage unit to enable remote retrieval by athlete of his running times via. internet
US10369463B2 (en) 2003-03-25 2019-08-06 Mq Gaming, Llc Wireless interactive game having both physical and virtual elements
US9770652B2 (en) 2003-03-25 2017-09-26 Mq Gaming, Llc Wireless interactive game having both physical and virtual elements
US9039533B2 (en) 2003-03-25 2015-05-26 Creative Kingdoms, Llc Wireless interactive game having both physical and virtual elements
US10022624B2 (en) 2003-03-25 2018-07-17 Mq Gaming, Llc Wireless interactive game having both physical and virtual elements
US10583357B2 (en) 2003-03-25 2020-03-10 Mq Gaming, Llc Interactive gaming toy
US9993724B2 (en) 2003-03-25 2018-06-12 Mq Gaming, Llc Interactive gaming toy
US11052309B2 (en) 2003-03-25 2021-07-06 Mq Gaming, Llc Wireless interactive game having both physical and virtual elements
US9707478B2 (en) 2003-03-25 2017-07-18 Mq Gaming, Llc Motion-sensitive controller and associated gaming applications
WO2005098467A3 (en) * 2004-04-09 2006-02-09 Conor O'brien Exercise monitor
US7786856B2 (en) 2004-04-09 2010-08-31 O'brien Conor Exercise monitor
EP1586353A1 (en) * 2004-04-15 2005-10-19 CSEM Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique S.A. - Recherche et Développement Method and device for measuring efficacy of a sportive activity
US9675878B2 (en) 2004-09-29 2017-06-13 Mq Gaming, Llc System and method for playing a virtual game by sensing physical movements
US8907889B2 (en) 2005-01-12 2014-12-09 Thinkoptics, Inc. Handheld vision based absolute pointing system
US10661183B2 (en) 2005-08-22 2020-05-26 Nintendo Co., Ltd. Game operating device
US10238978B2 (en) 2005-08-22 2019-03-26 Nintendo Co., Ltd. Game operating device
US9700806B2 (en) 2005-08-22 2017-07-11 Nintendo Co., Ltd. Game operating device
US10155170B2 (en) 2005-08-22 2018-12-18 Nintendo Co., Ltd. Game operating device with holding portion detachably holding an electronic device
US9044671B2 (en) 2005-08-24 2015-06-02 Nintendo Co., Ltd. Game controller and game system
US11027190B2 (en) 2005-08-24 2021-06-08 Nintendo Co., Ltd. Game controller and game system
US10137365B2 (en) 2005-08-24 2018-11-27 Nintendo Co., Ltd. Game controller and game system
US8082030B2 (en) 2006-05-03 2011-12-20 Polar Electro Oy Method, user-specific performance monitor, system, and computer software product
EP1852062A1 (en) * 2006-05-03 2007-11-07 Polar Electro Oy Method, user-specific performance monitor, system, and computer software product
US8913003B2 (en) 2006-07-17 2014-12-16 Thinkoptics, Inc. Free-space multi-dimensional absolute pointer using a projection marker system
EP1897598A1 (en) * 2006-09-06 2008-03-12 Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast- natuurwetenschappelijk onderzoek TNO System for training optimisation
WO2008030091A1 (en) * 2006-09-06 2008-03-13 Nederlandse Organisatie Voor Toegepast-Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek Tno System for training optimisation
US8348809B2 (en) 2006-09-06 2013-01-08 Nederlandse Organisatie Voor Toegepast-Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek Tno System for training optimisation
US9514284B2 (en) 2007-04-20 2016-12-06 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Group coaching system and method
US9176598B2 (en) 2007-05-08 2015-11-03 Thinkoptics, Inc. Free-space multi-dimensional absolute pointer with improved performance
WO2012051660A1 (en) * 2010-10-21 2012-04-26 Workout World Pty Ltd Step-counter using telephonic monitoring
GB2495014A (en) * 2012-08-03 2013-03-27 Polar Electro Oy Transmitting, storing and processing sensor data on a network server for use with gym apparatus
US9833141B2 (en) 2012-08-03 2017-12-05 Polar Electro Oy Transfer of measurement data related to physical exercise
US9017265B2 (en) 2012-08-03 2015-04-28 Polar Electro Oy Transfer of measurement data related to physical exercise
US8812095B2 (en) 2012-08-03 2014-08-19 Polar Electro Oy Transfer of measurement data related to physical exercise
GB2495014B (en) * 2012-08-03 2013-10-02 Polar Electro Oy Transfer of measurement data related to physical exercise
US10682549B2 (en) 2013-11-08 2020-06-16 Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft Zur Foerderung Der Angewandten Forschung E.V. Device and method for automatically evaluating a progression of a training exercise
CN105745695A (en) * 2013-11-08 2016-07-06 德国弗劳恩霍夫应用研究促进协会 Device and method for automatically evaluating the progression of a training exercise
CN105745695B (en) * 2013-11-08 2019-02-15 德国弗劳恩霍夫应用研究促进协会 Method, analyzer and the system assessed automatically for the progress to exercise motion
CN106621286A (en) * 2017-01-14 2017-05-10 中州大学 Basketball monitoring control system
CN107837498A (en) * 2017-10-11 2018-03-27 上海斐讯数据通信技术有限公司 A kind of exercise program adjustment method, apparatus and system
CN109737952A (en) * 2018-12-12 2019-05-10 安徽华米信息科技有限公司 Rope skipping data processing method, device and wearable device
CN109737952B (en) * 2018-12-12 2022-11-01 安徽华米信息科技有限公司 Rope skipping data processing method and device and wearable device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2001087426A3 (en) 2002-07-25

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
WO2001087426A2 (en) Method and apparatus for monitoring exercise
JP5643116B2 (en) Interactive exercise equipment system
KR101931724B1 (en) Health navigation system
EP1355699B1 (en) Methods and systems for controlling an exercise apparatus using a portable remote device
CN101970066B (en) Interactive athletic training log
US7549947B2 (en) Mobile systems and methods for health, exercise and competition
US7056265B1 (en) Exercise system
US20130066449A1 (en) Athlete training system
US20140129240A1 (en) Health and Exercise Monitoring System and Method Thereof
JP2010517725A (en) How to collect and display exercise information
KR20020065441A (en) Method and Apparatus for Controlling Practical Schedule of Exercise/Diet Program
KR102317878B1 (en) Home Training Management Method in network and Management Server Used Therein
KR20010099433A (en) A Treadmill System With A Virtual Reality Function Using Avatar
LT5610B (en) Integrated wellness and sports inventor system and its realization method

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EC EE ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VN YU ZA ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ TZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
REG Reference to national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: 8642

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase
NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: JP