Abstract: An apparatus for measuring heart rate is provided which comprises a sensor for generating a signal which includes the biopotential signal produced by a heart. This signal is filtered, amplified and digitized. A microcomputer autocorrelates the digitized signal. A plurality of signal indication routines then scan the autocorrelated output for the presence of periodic signals. Each of the signal indication routines uses different search criteria, such as peak and waveform detection, and generates a candidate heart rate. An arbitrator then selects one of the candidate heart rates according to predetermined criteria. These criteria include the value of previously selected heart rates.

Abstract: An information, communication and control system for use in a health club which accumulates data from various types of exercise equipment and permits a number of exercise machines to be raced against one another. The exercise machines are equipped with keyboards from which users can enter data including their handicap (ability level) and the desired length of race. A central controller includes memory for storing data accumulated from the exercise machines and programs. The controller, responsive to the programs and input data, conducts a race between two or more exercise machines and displays the progress of the race on a video monitor. The controller can also be used to set up exercise programs for users on the various machines based on user performance data accumulated from the machines over time.

Abstract: A control for a DC motor coupled to a user interface to provide a counterforce which simulates a weight stack in an exercise machine. The control includes a position transducer coupled to the motor to provide a signal proportional to the displacement of the user interface. In one embodiment a circuit is provided to generate a control signal which follows the displacement signal when it is less than a maximum torque signal, the control voltage following maximum torque signal when it is less than the displacement signal. In a second embodiment a microprocessor control unit is responsive to the displacement signal to provide a control signal for the motor which starts increasing from a first value when the user interface is displaced an initial amount and which continues gradually increasing to a maximum value as the user interface is moved through a given displacement from the initial displacement.

Abstract: In an exercise machine where an electric motor is used to simulate a weight stack a more realistic feel plus stability of operation is achieved by compensating the torque output of the motor for the mechanical characteristics of the machine including inertia, friction and gravitational effects on the user interface. Also by controlling the motor so as to increase its output torque as a function of the displacement of the user interface, it is possible to produce a measure of the user's strength. A heavy negative feature which may be selected by the user is provided as well. The exercise machine additionally includes a computer control which allows a pyramid type exercise program to be implemented.

Abstract: A control system for a health club which stores user records including user activity data in order to monitor and control use of the club's facilities. A central controller includes a memory for storing the user records including attendance data and accounting data, and a main control which is responsive to the user record data for determining whether a user is authorized to use the club's facilities. The central controller is coupled to various club facilities and equipment such as a computerized scale to prevent use thereof if a user is not authorized. The central controller also stores user history data such as user weight data for the computerized scale to alleviate data storage problems.

Abstract: A pin ball machine which incorporates a micro processor instead of relays and hard wiring wherein the processor is programmed such that when the coin switches, the flipper switches and the various scoring switches of the machine are energized the computer accumulates and drives indicators to indicate the score as well as drives the flippers, the sling shots and other units of the playfield to provide an improved machine.