Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Exercise Device Having Communication Linkage
For Connection With External Computing Device
Technical Field
[0001] In general, the present invention relates to exercise equipment.
More specifically,
the present invention relates to exercise devices that lack integrated display
screens and/or
user input controls but include a communication linkage for communicating with
an external
computing device that includes a display screen and/or user input controls
that selectively
increase and decrease the difficulty level of an exercise being performed.
Background
[0002] Most conventional exercise devices include consoles. Consoles may
include
internal electronics, such as a memory and a processor. Consoles may also
include a user
interface. The user interface of an exercise device console may provide a user
of the exercise
device with one or more display screens and one or more user input controls.
User input
controls may be used to input data into the exercise device. For example, a
user input control
may be used to selectively adjust the difficulty level of an exercise being
performed on the
exercise device. Display screens may be used to show exercise or non-exercise
related data.
[0003] Console interfaces have become more sophisticated over time. For
example,
exercise devices today may have a number of display screens that may be used
to show color
television programming or a virtual environment in which the user is
exercising. User input
controls have also become more sophisticated over time. For example, an
exercise device
may include touch sensitive user input controls. The increase in
sophistication of console
interfaces has increased the cost to manufacture and purchase exercise
devices.
Disclosure Of The Invention
[0004] In one aspect of the disclosure, an exercise device includes a
frame.
[0005] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the
exercise device includes a console attached to the frame.
[0006] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the
console lacks display screens.
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[0007] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with any of
the aspects
herein, the exercise device includes a mounting structure attached to the
frame that may be
used to selectively secure an external computing device to the exercise
device.
[0008] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with any of
the aspects
herein, the exercise device includes a communication linkage that selectively
and
communicatively connects the console with the external computing device.
[0009] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with any of
the aspects
herein, the exercise device includes a selectively adjustable actuator that
adjusts one or more
operating parameters of the exercise device.
[0010] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with any of
the aspects
herein, the actuator is communicatively connected to the communication
linkage.
[0011] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with any of
the aspects
herein, the selectively adjustable actuator receives control commands from the
external
computing device via the communication linkage when the external computing
device is
communicatively connected to the console and secured to the mounting
structure.
[0012] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with any of
the aspects
herein, the console further lacks user input controls that cause the
selectively adjustable
actuator to adjust the one or more operating parameters of the exercise
device.
[0013] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with any of
the aspects
herein, the exercise device is communicatively connectable to the external
computing device
via a wired communication linkage.
[0014] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with any of
the aspects
herein, the wired communication linkage comprises a USB port.
[0015] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with any of
the aspects
herein, the exercise device is communicatively connectable to the external
computing device
via a wireless communication linkage.
[0016] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with any of
the aspects
herein, the wireless communication linkage comprises either a Bluetooth or Wi-
Fi wireless
transmitter.
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[0017] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with any of
the aspects
herein, the mounting structure selectively secures the external computing
device through a
gravitational attachment.
[0018] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with any of
the aspects
herein, the mounting structure includes a bracket that assists in selectively
securing the
external computing device to the mounting structure.
[0019] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with any of
the aspects
herein, the mounting structure includes a magnet that assists in selectively
securing the
external computing device to the mounting structure.
[0020] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with any of
the aspects
herein, the selectively adjustable actuator is a fan motor.
[0021] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with any of
the aspects
herein, the exercise device is a treadmill and the selectively adjustable
actuator is a belt
motor.
[0022] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with any of
the aspects
herein, the exercise device is either an elliptical machine or an exercise
bike and the
selectively adjustable actuator is a brake.
[0023] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with any of
the aspects
herein, data relating to an exercise being performed on the exercise device is
sent to the
external computing device via the communication linkage when the external
computing
device is communicatively connected to the console.
[0024] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with any of
the aspects
herein, the data sent to the external computing device via the communication
linkage
comprises cadence information, stride length information, or user weight
information.
[0025] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with any of
the aspects
herein, the console includes electronics which modifies the controls commands
received
through the communication linkage.
[0026] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with any of
the aspects
herein, an exercise system includes an external computing device that is
individually and
selectively mountable on a first exercise device and a second exercise device.
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[0027] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with any of
the aspects
herein, the external computing device is individually communicatively
connectable to each of
the first and second exercise devices, and has user input controls that cause
the first actuator
to adjust the one or more operating parameters of the first exercise device
when the external
computing device is communicatively connected to the first exercise device and
that cause
the second actuator to adjust the one or more operating parameters of the
second exercise
device when the external computing device is communicatively connected to the
second
exercise device.
[0028] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with any of
the aspects
herein, the first and second consoles of the exercise system each further lack
display screens.
[0029] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with any of
the aspects
herein, the external computing device of the exercise system comprises a
display screen that
displays information related to an exercise being performed on the first
exercise device when
the first exercise device is communicatively connected to the external
computing device and
displays information related to an exercise being performed on the second
exercise device
when the second exercise device is communicatively connected to the external
computing
device.
[0030] In another aspect of the invention that may be combined with any of
the aspects
herein, the external computing device is a telephone.
[0031] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, a method
for controlling an exercise device comprises loading console interface
software onto an
external computing device.
[0032] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the method
further includes initiating the console interface software on the external
computing device.
[0033] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the method
further includes establishing a communication link between the external
computing device
and an exercise device having a selectively adjustable actuator.
[0034] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the method
further includes securing the external computing device to the exercise
device.
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[0035] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the method
further includes adjusting the selectively adjustable actuator in response to
inputs received via
the user input controls on the external computing device.
[0036] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects
herein, the
method further includes displaying on the external computing device data
relating to an
exercise being performed on the exercise device.
Brief Description Of The Drawings
[0037] Figure 1 illustrates an exercise system according to one embodiment
of the present
invention.
[0038] Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of an exercise system according
to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] Figure 3 illustrates a flow chart showing steps that may be
implemented in a
method for controlling an exercise device with an external computing device.
[0040] Figure 4 illustrates a flow chart showing steps that may be
implemented in a
method for wirelessly connecting an exercise device with an external computing
device.
[0041] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a treadmill
communicatively connected
to an external computing device.
[0042] Figure 6 illustrates a view of an external computing device.
[0043] Figure 7 illustrates a second view of an external computing device.
Best Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention
[0044] Figure 1 illustrates an exercise system 100 according to one
embodiment of the
present invention. Exercise system 100 includes two exercise devices 110 and
130, and an
external computing device 150. In exercise system 100, exercise device 110 is
a treadmill,
exercise device 130 is a stationary bike, and external computing device 150 is
a tablet-type
computer with a touch sensitive screen.
[0045] Exercise devices 110 and 130 include moveable members 112 and 132,
respectively. A moveable member, according to the present invention, can be
any part of an
exercise device that moves during a user's performance of an exercise on the
exercise device.
For example, with regard to exercise device 110, moveable member 112 is a
belt, which
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provides a surface upon which a person using exercise device 110 may walk or
run during
performance of an exercise. With regard to exercise device 130, moveable
member 132 is a
set of pedals, which a user may rotate with his or her feet during performance
of an exercise.
Exercise devices 110 and 130 may include moveable members in addition to those
identified
herein. For example, exercise devices 110 and 130 may include fans, which may
also be
considered moveable members according to the present invention.
[0046] Exercise devices 110 and 130 include one or more actuators.
Actuators, according
to the present invention, selectively adjust an operating parameter on an
exercise device. For
example, an actuator may adjust the difficulty level of an exercise being
performed on the
exercise device. On exercise device 110, an actuator comprising a motor may
selectively
adjust the speed at which moveable member 112 rotates. On exercise device 130,
an actuator
comprising a brake may selectively adjust the resistance applied to the
rotational movement
of moveable member 132. An actuator may also adjust the speed of a fan or
adjust another
operating parameter that is associated with another moveable member on an
exercise device.
[0047] Exercise devices 110 and 130 include frames 114 and 134,
respectively. A frame,
according to the present invention, can be any part of an exercise device that
imparts
structural support and/or stability to the exercise device. Frames 114 and 134
also provide
support to mounting structures 116 and 136, respectively. For example, frame
114 of
exercise device 110 includes upright members 118a and 118b, which provide
support to
mounting structure 116. Frame 134 of exercise device 130 includes an arm
member 138,
which provides support to mounting structure 136.
[0048] Mounting structures, according to the present invention, can include
any structure
on which an external computing device may be selectively secured to the
exercise device.
Mounting structures can selectively secure an external computing device in a
number of
different ways. For example, an external computing device may be selectively
secured to a
mounting structure through a gravitational attachment, as is the case with
exercise device
110. Specifically, mounting structure 116 includes a flat back panel 120 and a
lip portion
122, on which external computing device 150 can be selectively placed. Flat
back panel 120
and lip portion 122 may be oriented such that gravitational force maintains
external
computing device 150 on exercise device 110.
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[0049] An external computing device may be selectively secured to a
mounting structure
through a frictional attachment, as is the case with exercise device 130.
Specifically,
mounting structure 136 includes a flat back panel 140 and brackets 142, which
hold external
computing device 150 in place. Flat back panel 140 and brackets 142 may be
oriented such
that friction maintains external computing device 150 on exercise device 130.
[0050] Most conventional exercise devices include consoles. A console on an
exercise
device may include a user interface and electronics. A user interface may
include one or
more user input controls and one or more display screens. The user input
controls may be
used to input control commands or other data into the exercise device.
Specifically, user
input controls may be used to select a desired workout program, change the
difficulty level of
a selected workout, or input other data into the exercise device. User input
controls may
include one or more buttons, dials, knobs, switches, or other input
mechanisms.
[0051] Display screens may display data related to an exercise being
performed. For
example, a graphical profile may show difficulty level of each time or
distance segment of a
workout. Display screens may also provide a first person view of a path to be
travelled by a
user during the course of his or her exercise program. Display screens may
further illustrate
numerical data, such as the current difficulty level, speed, incline, number
of calories burned,
or heart rate. Display screens may also display data that is not related to an
exercise being
performed. For example, display screens may provide entertainment, such as
television
programming, movies, games, or the Internet.
[0052] The electronics on a console may include a processor and other
components that
receive and process control commands or other data that is received through
the user input
controls. The electronics on a console may modify the control commands and
deliver signals
reflective of the control command to an actuator or another part of the
exercise device. For
example, if a command is received from the user input control to increase the
speed of the
belt on a treadmill, the console electronics may process the command and
deliver a signal to
the belt motor to increase speed.
[0053] Exercise devices 110 and 130 optionally include console electronics.
These
electronics may be located anywhere on exercise devices 110 and 130. For
example, these
electronics may be located behind mounting structures 116 and 136 or within a
hollow
portion of frame 114 or 134. Unlike most conventional exercise devices,
however, exercise
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devices 110 and 130 lack integrated display screens and user input controls
that selectively
increase and/or decrease one or more operating parameters on exercise devices
110 and 130.
[0054]
Rather, external computing device 150 is communicatively connectable to
exercise devices 110 and 130 and can serve as a user interface for exercise
devices 110 and
120. External computing device 150 may serve as a user interface for a number
of different
exercise devices.
[0055] In
order for external computing device 150 to serve as the user interface for
either
exercise device 110 or exercise device 130, external computing device 150 must
be
communicatively connected to either exercise device 110 or exercise device
130. This
connection can be established in a number of different ways. For example,
exercise device
110 may communicate with external computing device 150 wirelessly. Exercise
device 110
may include a wireless communication linkage 124a, which may be a Bluetooth
transmitter, a
Wi-Fi transmitter, or another type of wireless communication linkage.
Wireless
communication linkage 124a communicates with a wireless communication linkage
124b on
external computing device 150. Wireless communication linkage 124b may be a
Bluetooth
transmitter, a Wi-Fi transmitter, or another type of wireless communication
linkage. As
described in more detail hereafter, exercise device 110 may also includes a
wireless
connection input mechanism 126, which may be used to create or confirm a
connection with
external computing device 150 or broadcast a pairing request to external
computing device
150.
[0056]
Exercise device 130 may communicate with external computing device 150
through a wired connection. Exercise device 130 may include a wired
communication
linkage 144a, which may be a USB drive or another type of wired communication
linkage.
Wired communication linkage 144a communicates with a wired communication
linkage 144b
on external computing device 150. Wired communication linkage 144b may be a
USB drive
or another type of wired communication linkage. A wire 146 can be used to
connect wired
communication linkage 144a with wired communication linkage 144b.
[0057]
Indicators 128 and 148 on exercise devices 110 and 130, respectively, may
provide an alert that the exercise device is communicatively connected to
external computing
device 150. For example, indicators 128 and 148 may be lights. These lights
may illuminate
when a communication connection has been established with external computing
device 150.
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[0058]
Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram 200 of an exercise system according to
one
embodiment of the present invention. An exercise device 210 includes one or
more actuators
212. Actuator 212 may selectively adjust one or more operating parameters of
exercise
device 210. Exercise device 210 also includes one or more moveable members
214.
Actuator 212 may selectively adjust the movement of moveable member 214.
Exercise
device 210 includes a mounting structure 216. Exercise device 210 further
includes console
electronics 218. Console electronics 218 may comprise a memory 220. Memory 220
may
store exercise programs, information relating to a prior or future use of
exercise device 210,
or other data. Finally, exercise device 210 includes a communication linkage
222.
[0059] An
external computing device 250 is also included in block diagram 200.
External computing device 250 includes one or more display screens 252.
Display screen
252 may be an LED display, an LCD, or another type of display. External
computing device
250 also includes user input controls 254. User input controls may comprise a
touch screen
or a button, a mouse, a keyboard, a dial, a knob, a switch, or another type of
input
mechanism. External computing device 250 further includes a memory 256. Memory
256
may store exercise programs, other information relating to an exercise
performed or to be
performed on exercise device 210, or other data. Finally, external computing
device 250
includes a communication linkage 258.
[0060]
Mounting structure 216 may be used to selectively secure external computing
device 250 to exercise device 210.
Communication linkages 222 and 258 may
communicatively connect exercise device 210 with external computing device
250. This
connection may be a wired or wireless connection 224.
[0061]
Figure 3 is a flow chart that illustrates steps that may be implemented in a
method
300 for using an external computing device as a user interface on an exercise
device. In a
first step 302, console interface software is loaded onto an external
computing device that
includes one or more user input controls and a display screen. Software may be
loaded onto
the external computing device in a number of different ways. For example, the
software may
be downloaded over the Internet from a website or the software may be uploaded
from a
storage device, such as a disk or memory stick. Once the software is loaded
onto the external
computing device, the software may be initiated in a second step 304.
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[0062] Next, a communication link is created between the external computing
device and
an exercise device. This communication link may be a wired link as illustrated
in step 306 or
a wireless liffl( as illustrated in step 308. In the case of a wired
connection, a wire may be
inserted into communication linkages on the external computing device and
exercise device.
Establishing a wireless connection will be discussed in greater detail below
in connection
with Figure 4.
[0063] In step 310, the exercise device may be placed in a "locked"
position, which
precludes the exercise device from establishing a communication link with
another external
computing device. For example, the exercise device may include a processor
having control
data that allows it to recognize when a connection, either wired or wireless,
to an external
computing device exists. Once a connection to an external computing device is
detected, the
exercise device may deny an attempt from another external computing device to
establish a
connection with the exercise device.
[0064] Next, data may be transmitted from the exercise device to the
external computing
device in step 312. This data may comprise information regarding the type of
exercise device
that is connected to the external computing device. For example, the exercise
device may
transmit data identifying itself as a treadmill, an exercise bike, an
elliptical machine or
another type of exercise device to the external computing device. The
transmitted data may
further comprise the types of actuators and moveable members that the exercise
device
includes. Further, the exercise device may identify a range associated with
each operating
parameter included in the exercise device. For example, transmitted data may
include the
speed limits of a belt motor on a treadmill. This information may be necessary
so that the
external computing device can control actuators that are a part of the
exercise device and so
that operating parameters can be selectively adjusted within acceptable
ranges.
[0065] The external computing device may also be secured to the exercise
device in step
314. Step 314 may be accomplished at any point during method 300. For example,
securing
the external computing device to the exercise device may precede the
initiation of the
software step 304 and the establishing of a communication link in step 306 or
step 308.
Following the steps in method 300 in the sequence identified in method 300 is
not required in
order to use an external computing device as a user interface on an exercise
device.
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[0066] Once the exercise device is communicatively connected to the
external computing
device, the user input controls on the external computing device can be used
to selectively
adjust the actuator(s) on the exercise device in step 316. In addition, in
step 318, data relating
to an exercise being performed on the exercise device can be displayed on the
display screen
of the external computing device.
[0067] There are a number of ways that an exercise device can be wirelessly
linked to an
external computing device. Figure 4 is a flow chart that illustrates steps
that may be
implemented in method for accomplishing step 308 of Figure 3. Specifically,
method 308
provides steps for wirelessly linking an exercise apparatus to an external
computing device.
In a first step 402, an external computing device that has a wireless
communication linkage is
brought within wireless range of an exercise device that also has a wireless
communication
linkage.
[0068] A link may be created between the external computing device and the
exercise
device by broadcasting a pairing request from the exercise device, as shown in
step 404.
Such as pairing request may be broadcast by the exercise device through input
into a user
input device on the exercise device. For example, wireless connection input
mechanism 126
(illustrated in Figure 1) may be engaged by a user to broadcast a pairing
request. In a step
406, the external computing device can confirm a connection with the exercise
device
through user input at the external computing device.
[0069] In one embodiment, an exercise device that broadcasts a connection
request may
be open for pairing for a limited amount of time after the pairing request is
broadcast, as
shown in step 405. For example, an exercise device may be open for pairing
with an external
computing device for five seconds after the pairing request is broadcast. If
no connection is
confirmed within that five seconds, the exercise device may return to step 404
and may not
be connected to an external computing device until a new pairing request is
broadcast by the
exercise device and confirmed at the external computing device within an
acceptable amount
of time.
[0070] A link may also be created between the external computing device and
the
exercise device by broadcasting a general pairing request from the external
computing
device, as shown in step 408. In a step 410, the exercise device can confirm
the connection
with the external computing device through user input at the exercise device.
For example,
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wireless connection input mechanism 126 (illustrated in Figure 1) may be
engaged by a user
to confirm the pairing request broadcast by the external computing device.
[0071] Alternatively, an external computing device may identify any
exercise device(s)
within its wireless range in a step 412. In a step 414, the external computing
device may then
broadcast a pairing request to a specific exercise device identified in step
412. Again, in step
410, the exercise device can confirm the connection with the external
computing device
through user input at the exercise device. Wireless connection input mechanism
126
(illustrated in Figure 1) may be engaged by a user to confirm the connection
with the external
computing device.
[0072] Once a communication link is established between an exercise device
and an
external computing device, the external computing device can serve as a
control console to
the exercise device. Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a treadmill
500 with an
external tablet computer 550 selectively secured thereto. Treadmill 500 is
communicatively
connected to external tablet computer 550. Treadmill 500 includes a belt 510.
Treadmill 500
also includes at least one actuator, which selectively adjusts an operating
parameter of
treadmill 500. For example, an actuator on treadmill 500 may selectively
adjust the speed at
which belt 510 rotates.
[0073] While treadmill 500 may include some console electronics, treadmill
500 lacks
integrated user input controls for selectively adjusting the at least one
actuator and further
lacks an integrated display screen. External tablet computer 550, which is
communicatively
connected to treadmill 500, provides treadmill 500 with user input controls
for selectively
adjusting the at least one actuator and also provides a display screen.
[0074] Figure 6 illustrates a more detailed view of external tablet
computer 550. External
tablet computer 550 includes a touch-sensitive screen 551 with buttons 552,
554, and 556.
Buttons 552, 554, and 556 are user input controls that may selectively adjust
an actuator on
treadmill 500. For example, touching one of buttons 552, 554, 556 may send a
signal to
treadmill 500 that increases and/or decreases the speed of belt 510. This
signal may be sent
directly to a belt motor on treadmill 500 or it may be processed by console
electronics within
treadmill 500 before being delivered to the belt motor.
[0075] In addition to selectively adjusting an actuator on treadmill 500,
buttons 552, 554,
and 556 may be used to select a workout program or input any other data that
may be related
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or unrelated to a user or the exercise to be performed on treadmill 500. This
data may or may
not be modified or processed by console electronics in treadmill 500.
[0076] External tablet computer 550 may also receive data from a user from
sources other
than buttons 552, 554, and 556. For example, tablet computer 550 may receive
data relating
to a physiological condition of a user from sensors worn on the body of the
user. Sensors
worn by a user may sense a user's heart rate, blood pressure, temperature,
caloric burn rate,
or other condition. This data may be transmitted to tablet computer 550
through a wired or
wireless communication linkage.
[0077] External tablet computer 550 also includes display screens 558 and
560.
Information relating to a sensed condition of a user may be displayed on
screens 558 and/or
560. For example, screens 558 and/or 560 may display information relating to a
user's heart
rate, blood pressure, temperature, caloric burn rate, or other condition.
[0078] External tablet computer 550 may further receive data from exercise
device 500.
Information relating to data received from exercise device 500 may also be
displayed on
screens 558 and/or 560. For example, external tablet computer 550 may receive
data from
exercise device 500 relating to a user's cadence (or foot falls per unit
time), stride length,
weight, heart rate or the like.
[0079] Information relating to data received by external tablet computer
550 from
treadmill 500 may also be displayed on screens 558 and/or 560. For example, in
Figure 6
display screen 560 shows a graphical profile of a workout program. The data
used to create
this graph may be received from treadmill 500 or may be stored within the
memory of tablet
computer 550.
[0080] Display screens 558 and 560 may also illustrate a path to be
travelled by a person
exercising on treadmill 500. For example, a first person view of a trail may
be shown. The
view of the trail may advance at a speed that corresponds to the speed at
which belt 510 is
rotating. In addition, exercise device 500 may implement the terrain that is
displayed. For
example, an area of increased incline that is shown on a display screen may be
implemented
on treadmill 500 in order to create a more realistic experience.
[0081] Display screens on an external computing device may, but need not
display
information relating to an exercise being performed on the exercise device to
which the
computing device is secured. According to the present invention, an external
computing
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device may display images or information that is unrelated to an exercise
being performed.
For example, an external computing device may display current event
information such as
stock information, the news, or weather information.
[0082] In addition, entertainment, including television programming, the
internet,
movies, games, etc., may be displayed on an external computing device. In one
embodiment
of the present invention, a display screen may be split between exercise
related information
and data and non exercise related information and data. For example, Figure 7
illustrates
another view of external tablet computer 550. Display 574 provides
entertainment while
buttons 570 and 572 may be used to increase and/or decrease the speed of belt
510. Buttons
570 and 572 may also be used to control the entertainment that is displayed on
display 574.
For example, if display 574 illustrates a game, buttons 570 and/or 572 may be
used to play
the game. Thus, tablet computer 550 includes a non-exercise related display
screen and
buttons that provide exercise related user input controls and non-exercise
related user input
controls.
Industrial Applicability
[0083] In general, the present invention relates to exercise devices that
lack, in whole or
in part, a console. For example, an exercise device of the present invention
may lack display
screens and/or user input controls that selectively adjust an operating
parameter of the
exercise device. A console interface, or the portions of a console interface
that are absent
from an exercise device of the present invention may be provided by an
external computing
device that is communicatively connected to the exercise device. The external
computing
device may be individually and selectively connected to multiple exercise
devices to as to
provide a display screen and user input controls to a number of different
exercise devices.
[0084] While the invention has been described in the context of motorized
treadmills, and
stationary bikes, one of skill in the art will understand that the invention
is not limited to any
particular type of exercise device. To the contrary, the present invention can
be readily
adapted to any motorized device or any other device that utilizes motors,
solenoids, or any
other electrically driven actuators to control any operating parameter of a
moveable member
on an exercise device.
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[0085] For example, exercise devices may include treadmills, exercise
bikes, Nordic style
skiers, rowers, steppers, hikers, climbers, elliptical machines, and striding
exercise machines.
Operating parameters may include but are not limited to belt speed,
resistance, incline, stride
length, fan speed or other similar operating parameter. A moveable member can
be any part
of an exercise device that moves during the performance of an exercise on that
device. An
actuator may be any device that selectively adjusts the operating parameters
of a moveable
member.
[0086] External computing devices according to the present invention need
not be tablet-
type computers with touch sensitive screens. External computing devices may
include lap
top personal computers, telephones, or another computing device. Information
and
commands may be input into an external computing device via one or more
buttons, dials,
knobs, switches, or another input mechanism.
[0087] Mounting structures can selectively secure an external computing
device to an
exercise device in a number of different ways. For example, a mounting
structure may secure
a computing device through a purely gravitational attachment. Alternatively, a
computing
device may be secured to a mounting structure via a magnet, a suction
attachment, a clamp, a
strap, or another structure that selectively secures the external computing
device to the
exercise device. In addition, mounting structure may be adjustable such that
external
computing devices of all different sizes may be selectively secured to an
exercise device.
[0088] An exercise device that is communicatively connected to an external
computing
device may send and receive information to and from the external computing
device. For
example, an exercise device may send information regarding the actuators,
moveable
members, and the range of operating parameters to the external computing
device. For
example, if a treadmill is communicatively connected to an external computing
device, the
exercise device may send a signal to the external computing device that
identifies a belt
motor and incline motor. In addition, the exercise device may send a signal to
the external
computing device that the belt motor has operating parameters that range from
0 mph to 15
mph. The exercise device may also send a signal to the external computing
device that the
incline motor has operating parameters that range from 0 degrees to 20
degrees.
[0089] The information that is transmitted from the exercise device to the
external
computing device may affect the appearance of the display screens and the
quantity or type of
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user input controls. For example, an external computing device that is acting
as the user
interface for a treadmill may have user input controls that control the speed
of the belt, the
incline of the deck, and the speed of a fan. An external computing device that
is acting as the
user interface for an exercise bike may only have user input controls that
control the speed of
a fan and the amount of resistance to be applied by a brake to a flywheel.
[0090] An external computing device, according to the present invention,
may include a
memory capable of storing and implementing workout programs on an exercise
device.
These workout programs by be acquired by the external computing device over
the Internet
from a website or from a memory device that is compatible with the external
computing
device. In addition, workout programs stored within the memory of an external
computing
device may be uploaded to an exercise device and stored within the memory of
the exercise
device's console electronics.
[0091] Information regarding an exercise that has been performed on an
exercise device
may be stored in a memory within the console electronics on the exercise
device.
Alternatively, this information may be transmitted to an external computing
device and stored
within memory on the external computing device. Further still, this
information may be
transmitted, by either the exercise machine or the external computing device
to a remote
computer to be stored. For example, the external computing device may send
this or other
data for storage at a website. In this embodiment, a user may access
information regarding
his or her exercise sessions from any computing device that can access the
website.
Information that may be gathered and stored may include the type of workout
program
performed, the number of calories burned, the duration of the workout, the
user's heart rate
during the workout, etc.
[0092] Once an exercise device is communicatively connected to an external
computing
device, the exercise device may run exercise programs that are stored within
the memory of
the console electronics on the exercise device. Alternatively, the exercise
device may run
exercise programs that are stored within the memory of the external computing
device.
Further still, an exercise program may be streamed to the exercise device
through the external
computing device over the Internet.
[0093] In alternative embodiments, an external computing device may display
both
exercise related and non-exercise related data. For example, an external
computing device
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may display a graphical profile that shows difficulty level of each time or
distance segment of
a workout on a first display screen and television programming or other non-
exercise related
data on a second display screen. The external computing device in this
embodiment may
include user input controls that control both the exercise device and the non-
exercise related
data displayed on the second display screen.
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