MEASURING DEVICE

Abstract

A measuring device is provided for a training device that includes a weight, a wire that is connected to a first end of the weight, and a load generating unit configured to move the weight upward by moving a second end of the wire. The measuring device comprises a position detecting unit configured to detect the position of the weight, a load detecting unit configured to detect the load that is applied to the wire, and a display unit configured to display report data based on the detected data obtained by the position detecting unit and the load detecting unit. Each of the position detecting unit, the load detecting unit, and the display unit comprises an attachment portion, which is attachable to and detachable from the training device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of PCT Patent Application No. PCT/JP2005/000361 filed on Jan. 14, 2005, which claims priority to Japan Patent Application No. 2004-008947 filed on Jan. 16, 2004. The entire disclosures of PCT Patent Application No. PCT/JP2005/000361 and Japan Patent Application No. 2004-008947 are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a measuring device for a training device.

2. Background Information

Some training devices comprise a measuring device for measuring the exercise state of a trainee. For example, a conventional training device is known which comprises a measuring unit for counting the number of weights a trainee lifts and the number of times that he/she lifts them. The number of weights and the number of times the weights are lifted are counted with the measuring unit that is arranged in the training device, by means of a detecting unit that is arranged in each weight, and a plurality of detected units, which face the detecting units and are arranged in the main body of the training device. When a trainee lifts the weights, each of the detecting units in the weights being lifted passes in front of each of the detected units of the main body. The measuring unit counts the number of the detecting units that pass in front of the detected units, and the number of times that these units pass by, and displays to the trainee the total amount of weight he/she is using and the number of times that he/she lifts them.

However, in order to perform this measurement with the abovementioned measuring unit, it is necessary to build a plurality of detecting units and detected units corresponding to the number of weights into a training device. Consequently, many more detecting units and detected units will be required to apply the above-described measuring unit to a variety of training devices, which makes their structures more complicated. In addition, in a training machine which has the above-described structure, a measuring unit is preliminarily built into the training machine. Therefore, if a fitness center and the like would like to introduce a training device that has a measuring unit, they will have to purchase a new training device, which will impose a heavy cost burden on them.

In view of the above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that there exists a need for an improved measuring device, which can be easily attached to an existing training device afterward, and which can measure a plurality of weights with a simple structure. This invention addresses this need in the art as well as other needs, which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To solve the abovementioned problems, a first aspect of the present invention provides a measuring device for a training device including a weight, an elongated member that is connected to one end of the weight, and a load generating unit for moving the weight upwards by moving the other end of the elongated member. The measuring device comprises a position detecting unit for detecting the position of the weight; a load detecting unit for detecting a load that is applied to the elongated member; and a display unit for displaying report data based on the detection data obtained by the position detecting unit and the load detecting unit. Each of the position detecting unit, the load detecting unit, and the display unit has an attachment portion which allows each unit to be detached from the training device.

Here, the elongated member includes an elongated thin object such as a wire, an object that is flat in cross-section such as a belt, or the like, so long as it is flexible and extends from the load generating unit to the weight.

The weight is connected to the elongated member, and the load generating unit moves the weight in conjunction with movements of the other end of the elongated which a trainee moves. A load is applied to the elongated member by the weight, and a trainee exercises by using the load applied to the elongated member. Take as an example a training device that has a weight connected to one end of the elongated member, and has a moving portion such as a pedal, a handle, a bar, and the like at the other end of the elongated member. With this training device, a trainee exercises by applying force to the moving portion so as to change the position of the moving portion. A position detecting unit, a load detecting unit, and a display unit that comprise a measuring device can be attached to a training device by means of the attachment portion, and allow a trainee to see report data based on the position of the weight and the load applied to the elongated member during his/her exercise. The report data may include the position of the weight, the number of the movements of the weight, the movement distance of the weight from an initial state, the acceleration of the weight, the load applied to the elongated member, the mass of the weight, and the like, for example. Therefore, a trainee can see his/her exercise status during an exercise.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a measuring device according to the first aspect, further comprising a reflecting unit for reflecting light, which is arranged on the upper surface of the weight, wherein the position detecting unit has a light emitting portion for emitting light to the reflecting unit, and a light receiving portion for receiving reflected light from the reflecting unit.

The reflecting unit is provided on the top surface of the weight, and light is emitted from the light emitting portion toward the reflecting unit. Then, the reflected light which is reflected at the reflecting unit is received by the light receiving portion. The position of a spot of the reflected light received on the light receiving portion changes depending on the distance between the light emitting portion and the reflecting unit. The position of the weight having the reflecting unit can be calculated by measuring the change in the position of the spot.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a measuring device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the load detecting unit can be attached to the elongated member, and has a distortion receiving portion for receiving the tension applied to the elongated member, and a distortion measuring portion for measuring the distortion of the distortion receiving portion.

The distortion receiving unit provided for the elongated member is distorted in accordance with the amount of tension applied to the elongated member by the weight. A tension applied to the elongated member can be measured by measuring the distortion of the distortion measuring portion. Then, a load applied to the elongated member can be detected based on the tension.

A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a measuring device according to any of the first to third aspects, further comprising a data processing unit for performing data processing in order to display report data on the display unit, based on detected data obtained by the load detecting unit and the position detecting unit, wherein the data processing unit has a position monitoring unit for monitoring changes in the position of the weight based on the detected data detected by the position detecting unit, a load monitoring unit for monitoring changes in a load based on the detected data detected by the load detecting unit, and a mass calculation unit for calculating the mass of the weight based on the changes in the position of the weight and the changes in the load.

In the above-described training device, the weight is connected to the elongated member, and the position of the weight changes depending on the movement of the other end of the elongated member. In addition, the load is applied to the elongated member by the weight. The position monitoring unit of the measuring device monitors changes in the position of the weight. A change in the position of the weight means that the weight is moving or is stopped. Specifically, a change in the movement distance of the weight from the initial state, a change in the movement speed of the weight, a change in acceleration, and the like are cited as examples. Furthermore, the load monitoring unit monitors the load which is applied to the elongated member by the weight. The load F applied to the elongated member is represented by the following formula (1).
F=m×α+m×g   (1)

Here, F is the load applied to the pedal 5, m is the mass of the weight connected to the pedal 5, α is the acceleration of the weight, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

The position of the weight changes in accordance with movements of the other end of the elongated member, and the load applied to the elongated member changes in accordance with a change in the acceleration α. When the weight is stopped, F is nearly equal to mg (F≈mg) because the acceleration α is nearly equal to 0 (α≈0).

Here, the load F includes a dynamic load Fa and a static load Fs. The dynamic load Fa is the load that is applied to the elongated member when the position of the weight is changing, and the weight is moving with acceleration. The dynamic load Fa is represented as F=m×α+m×g (α≠0) based on the above-described formula (1). In contrast, the static load Fs is the load that is applied to the elongated member when the weight is stopped, or when the weight is moving at a constant speed (acceleration α of the weight≈0), which is represented as F≈mg. Then, the mass calculating unit calculates the mass of the weight, based on the changes in the position of the weight and the load applied to the elongated member. In other words, the acceleration α of the weight is monitored based on the changes in the position of the weights, and the mass of the weight is calculated based on the load that is applied to the elongated member when the weights are stopped and the acceleration α of the weight is nearly equal to 0 (α≈0). Alternatively, the mass of the weight is calculated based on the acceleration α of the weight which is detected when the weight is moving according to the above-described formula (1).

As described above, the measuring device according to the present invention can calculate the mass of the stopped weight and display the above-mentioned data on the display unit as well as detect the load which is applied to the elongated member. When the weight is moving, the load being lifted by the trainee is displayed. For example, the more the weight is moved vigorously, the larger the displayed value of the load will become. Consequently, this gives a trainee incentive to work out. In addition, when the weight is stopped, the mass of the weight is displayed. Therefore, the measuring device provides excellent operability in that a trainee does not have to look at the weight itself as he/she does with a conventional weight training machine, and a trainee can easily check the mass of the weight which is being used at present, the number of times he/she performed a movement in a work out, and the like by just looking at the display while maintaining his/her training position.

A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a measuring device according to the fourth aspect, wherein the mass calculation unit calculates the mass of the weight based on a load detected by the load monitoring unit, and displays the mass on the display unit when the position monitoring unit detects that the weight has stopped after movement of the weight.

Here, the state in which the weight is stopped includes a situation in which the movement of the weight completely stops. It also includes a situation in which the speed and acceleration of the weight remain below a predetermined value. When the position of the weight is moving upwards and downwards due to the reciprocating movement of the other end of the elongated member, the position of the weight will stop when the weight is located at the uppermost position or the lowermost position. When the position of the weight is stopped, the acceleration α of the weight is nearly equal to 0 (acceleration α≈0). Therefore, the load F applied to the weight is represented as the static load Fs nearly equal to mg (Fs≈mg) according to the above-described formula (1), and the mass of the weight can be calculated by detecting the static load Fs. As mentioned above, the state in which the weight is stopped includes a situation in which the weight is almost stopped as well as a situation in which the weight is completely stopped.

The mass of the weight is calculated as mentioned above when the position monitoring unit detects the weight has stopped so that that the actual mass of the weight can be accurately calculated. If the weight is calculated when it is moving, a load in accordance with acceleration of the movement will be added to the mass of the weight.

As described above, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, an accurate measurement of the mass is realized by coupling the functions of the position monitoring unit, the load monitoring unit, and the mass calculating unit.

A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a measuring device according to the fourth or fifth aspects, wherein the data processing unit further comprises a mass storing unit for storing mass data concerning weight which can be used in the training device, and the data mass calculation unit extracts from the mass storing unit the value closest to the mass of a weight calculated based on the change in the position of the weight used the training device and the load applied to the elongated member.

Data on the mass of the actual weight which will be used is stored in the mass storing unit in advance. An accurate mass of the weight can be obtained by extracting data on the mass of the actual weight which is closest to the mass of the weight which is calculated by the mass calculating unit.

The calculated data of the weight includes errors and the like. Therefore, if the calculated data is displayed on the display unit without any corrections, the data being displayed will vary for each training session, even if a trainee works out with a same load, and will result in an unclear standard for the trainee. Therefore, to prevent the abovementioned problem, the calculated data is adapted to the data on the mass of the actual weight.

A seventh aspect of the present invention provides a measuring device according to the sixth aspect, wherein the mass data includes data on the mass of a single weight which can be used in the training device, and mass data for multiples of the single mass data.

A training load for a training device such as a weight training machine is changed by changing the number of weights which have the same weight. Therefore, it is possible to apply the measuring device to this type of training device by including data on the mass of a single weight, and data on a mass which is calculated by multiplying the mass of the single weight by an integer corresponding to the number of the weights. Furthermore, the mass of a single weight may be changed depending on the training device, and the data includes the mass of a plurality of single weights which are prospectively assumed to be used, and the mass calculated by multiplying the mass of one weight by an integer. As mentioned above, the storage capacity of the mass storing unit can be kept low with no waste by limiting the mass data to the necessary and minimum data.

A measuring device according to the present invention provides a cost advantage to a fitness center and the like, because the device can be easily attached afterwards to an existing training device that does not have a measuring portion for measuring the number of times that a trainee has performed a movement in a work out and the like. In addition, because the mass of the weight is calculated based on the load applied to the wire or the like which pulls the weight, a trainee does not have to look at the weight itself in order to check the mass of the weight. A trainee can check the number of the times he/she has performed a movement in a work out and the like as well as the mass of the weight by just looking at the display. Therefore, the measuring device provides excellent operability for a trainee, because he/she does not have to move unnecessarily.

These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this original disclosure:

FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a measuring device and a training device.

FIG. 2 shows the configuration of a training device to which a measuring device is attached.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the weights of the training device.

FIG. 4 shows a method for measuring the position of the weights by the position sensor.

FIG. 5A is an enlarged perspective view of the load sensor.

FIG. 5B is an enlarged perspective view of the load sensor observed from the opposite side of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the load sensor before a load is applied to the wire.

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the load sensor after a load is applied to the wire.

FIG. 7 shows the appearance of a monitor of the measuring device.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing that the weights are moving in the direction of the arrows from the lowest position to the uppermost position of the training device.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a method for counting the number of movements of the weight.

FIG. 10A shows the relationship between a load F and a time t.

FIG. 10B shows the relationship between a load F and a time t.

FIG. 10C is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11 is an exercise status (1) to be shown on a display of the monitor.

FIG. 12 is an exercise status (2) to be shown on a display of the monitor.

FIG. 13 is an exercise status (3) to be shown on a display of the monitor.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the flow of calculating a mass of a weight and the number of movements of the weight.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Selected embodiments of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

OVERVIEW OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

A measuring device of the present invention is installed in a training device, and comprises a weight(s), a wire (corresponding to an elongated member) having a first end connected to the weight, and a load generating unit configured to move the weight upwards by moving the second end of the wire. The load generating unit moves the weight in conjunction with force which a trainee applies to the other end of the wire by means of his/her legs or hands. At this time, a load is applied to the wire by the weight, and a trainee exercises using the load applied to the wire. Here, a moving portion such as a pedal, a handle, a bar, and the like may be connected to the second end of the wire. When a trainee exercises using such a training device, he/she can exercise while viewing his/her exercise status, i.e., how much force he/she is exerting at present, how many times he/she has moved the weight, and the like. Thus, the measuring device according to the present invention detects the position of the weight, the load applied to the wire, and the like, and displays report data based on the detected data to a trainee on a monitor. Therefore, a trainee can determine his/her exercise routine, such as the number of movements of the weight and the exercise time, based on the report data displayed on the monitor. In addition, the measuring device has a simple structure in that it is not necessary to build the device into a training device, and the measuring device is detachable, for example, it can be attached to an existing training device afterward, and the like.

Furthermore, the measuring device according to the present invention detects the load which is applied to the wire by means of the weight in conjunction with exercise. Then, the measuring device calculates the mass of the weight connected to the wire based on the load. Therefore, the load applied to a trainee can be detected without providing a detecting unit(s) or a detected unit(s) corresponding to the number of weights. In addition, it is not required to measure the mass of weight in advance because it is calculated based on the detected load. Therefore, the measuring device according to the present invention can be attached easily to a training device and can calculate the mass of the weight being lifted.

Embodiment 1

A measuring device of the present invention will be explained in accordance with Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a measuring device 150 and a training device 100. The training device 100 to which the measuring device 150 is attached is located, for example, in a facility such as a fitness club, and connected to a server 300 in the facility. The server 300 is connected to the measuring device 150 and receives the exercise state of a trainee, which is obtained by the measuring device 150. In addition, the server 300 transmits personal data about a trainee that is stored in the server 300 in response to requests from the measuring device 150.

1. Training Device

First, a structure and function of the training device 100 will be explained. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the training device 100 to which the measuring device 150 is attached. Here, only the function of the structure will be explained for the training device 100. The training device 100 has a structure in which a trainee pushes a pedal with his/her feet to move the weight upwards and downwards, and a load will in turn be applied to his/her legs. The training device 100 is only illustrative and is not limited thereto.

A backrest 3 and a seat 4 are fixed to a support board 1. A pedal 5 is movably fixed to the support board 1, facing the backrest 3. A handle 17 is provided so as to support a trainee during exercise. A wire 9, a rod 11, and a plurality of weights 13 are attached to a frame 7. The weights 13 are connected to the wire 9, sliding upwards and downwards along the rod 11. The wire 9 connects the weights 13 and the pedal 5 through a plurality of pulleys 15. In addition, each of the plurality of the weights 13 has a weight adjustment hole 13a. When an adjustment bar 13b is inserted into a weight adjustment hole 13a, the weights 13 into which the adjustment bar 13b is inserted and the weights on top thereof are connected to the wire 9 as shown FIG. 3. Therefore, a trainee can adjust the load which the weights 13 apply to the pedal 5 by inserting the adjustment bar 13b into a desired position. Here, the wire 9 may be configured to connect the weights 13 and the pedal 5, and to move the weights 13 by moving the pedal 5, but is not limited to a wire. For example, the member that connects the weights 13 and the pedal 5 can be a long thin object such as a wire, an object that is flat in cross-section such as a belt, or the like, so long as it is flexible and long enough to extend between the pedal 5 and the weights 13. The structure in which the weights 13 are moved upwards by using the support board 1, the backrest 3, the seat 4, and the pedal 5, the rod 11, the pulley 15, the handle 17, and the like corresponds to the load generating unit in the claims. However, the load generating unit should be configured so as to move the weights, but the structure is not limited to the above-described structure.

A trainee exercises with the above-described training device as follows. First, a trainee inserts the adjustment bar 13b into the intended position. Next, he/she sits on the seat 4 with his/her back against the backrest 3, and puts his/her feet on the pedal 5. Then, he/she exercises by bending and extending his/her legs to move the pedal 5 backwards and forwards. Because the pedal 5 and the weights 13 are connected to each other through a plurality of pulleys 15 and the wire 9, the weights 13 move upwards and downwards repeatedly corresponding to the changes in the position of the pedal 5. Therefore, a load corresponding to the mass of the lifted weights 13 is applied to the pedal 5.

2. Measuring Device

Next, the structure and function of the measuring device 150 will be explained using FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The measuring device 150 has a data processing unit 200 comprised of a position sensor 20, a load sensor 30, a reflector plate 40, a stopper 50, a monitor 60, and a computer, for example. The measuring device 150 can be attached as follows when applied to the above-described training device 100.

The load sensor 30 is attached to the wire 9 to detect the load applied to the wire 9. The reflector plate 40, such as a reflection sheet which reflects light, is affixed to the upper surface of the uppermost weight 13. The position sensor 20 is fixed to the frame 7 to emit light toward the reflector plate 40 on the weights 13. Then, the position sensor 20 detects the position of the weights 13 by receiving the light reflected from the reflector plate 40. The stopper 50 is provided in order to prevent the weights 13 from moving beyond a predetermined position and from damaging the frame 7, for example.

The position sensor 20, the load sensor 30, and the monitor 60 are configured to be detachable from the training device. Therefore, the present measuring device has excellent versatility in that it can be attached to an existing training device, and a measurement function can be added afterwards.

The structures and functions of the position sensor 20, the load sensor 30, and the monitor 60 will be explained below more specifically.

(1) Position Sensor

First, the position sensor 20 will be explained. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the position sensor. The position sensor 20 has a light emitting element 21 such as LED, a projection lens 23, a receiving light lens 25, a light receiving element 27, and a light shielding plate 29. The position sensor 20 is arranged to face the reflector plate 40 that is affixed on the uppermost weight 13. Light is emitted from the light emitting element 21 toward the reflector plate 40. The projection lens 23 can improve directivity of the light which is emitted from the light emitting element 21. The receiving lens 25 focuses the light onto the light receiving element 27 which has been reflected by the reflector plate 40 and entered the receiving lens 25. The light shielding plate 29 prevents the light from the light emitting element 21 from entering the light receiving element 27.

When the light emitting element 21 emits light toward the reflector plate 40, the position of the light spot on the light receiving element 27 will vary depending on the distance between the position sensor 20 and the reflector plate 40. For example, when the distance between the position sensor 20 and the reflector plate 40 is A1 as shown in FIG. 4, the spot distance of the reflected light which is reflected by the reflector plate 40 is B1. In when the distance between the two is A2, the spot distance of the reflected light is B2. Here, the distance A between the position sensor 20 and the reflected plate 40 on the weights 13 can be calculated by using the spot distance B of the reflected light and the following formula (2) based on, for example, the principal of triangulation.
A=(C×f)/B   (2)

Here, C: distance between the center of the projection lens and the center of the light receiving lens, and f: focal distance of the light receiving lens.

As described above, the position of the weights 13 can be detected by using the position sensor 20. Here, the distance A1 between the position sensor 20 and the reflector plate 40 is represented as A1=(C×f)/B1, for example. In addition, the distance A2 between the position sensor 20 and reflector plate 40 is represented as A2=(C×f)/B2. As shown in FIG. 3, the position sensor 20 has an attachment structure which is attached to a frame support portion 71 with a screw holding portion 20a.

(2) Load Sensor

Next, the load sensor 30 will be explained. FIG. 5A is an enlarged perspective view of the load sensor, and FIG. 5B is an enlarged perspective view of the load sensor as seen from the opposite side of FIG. 5A. FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the load sensor before a load is applied to the wire, and FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the load sensor after a load is applied to the wire. The load sensor 30 has a distortion receiving portion 31, a wire fixing portion 33, screw portions 35a and 35b, wire supporting portions 37a to 37c, and a distortion measuring portion 39. The distortion measuring portion 39 is provided on one principal surface of the distortion receiving portion 31. Note that the distortion measuring portion 39 can adopt a known distortion gauge. The wire supporting portions 37a and 37b are provided at the other principal surface of the distortion receiving portion 31, and are fixed to both ends of the distortion receiving portion 31 respectively. In addition, the wire supporting portion 37b is fixed to the wire fixing portion 33. As shown in FIG. 6, the distortion receiving portion 31 and the wire fixing portion 33 are fixed with the screw portions 35a and 35b so that the wire 9 can be held by the wire supporting portions 37a to 37c. At this time, the wire supporting portion 37b is screwed so as to be located closer to the wire supporting portion 37c, between the wire supporting portions 37a and 37c. The distortion measuring portion 39 is located between the wire supporting portion 37b and the wire supporting portion 37a. Here, it is preferable that the distortion receiving portion 31, the wire fixing portion 33, and the wire supporting portions 37a to 37c are formed to have a predetermined width so that a wide belt or the like as well as a wire can be fixed.

Next, a method for measuring a load with the load sensor 30 will be explained using FIGS. 6A and 6B. Before a trainee starts exercising, a load is not applied to the pedal 5, and a load is not applied from the weights 13 to the wire 9 and the pedal 5. Therefore, a tension T from the weights 13 is not applied to the wire 9, and as shown in FIG. 6A, the distortion receiving portion 31 is not distorted. On the contrary, when a trainee moves the pedal 5, the weights 13 move upwards and downwards repeatedly, and the load from the weights 13 is applied to the wire 9. At this time, the load applied by the weights 13 exerts a tension T on the wire 9, and the wire 9 is pulled in the direction of the tension T. Consequently, the distortion receiving portion 31 is distorted because the distortion receiving portion 31 receives a stress σ caused by the interaction among the wire supporting portions 37a to 37c which hold the wire 9. The distortion of the distortion receiving portion 31 makes the distortion measuring portion 39 extend and contract, and changes a resistance value R of the distortion measuring portion 39. The change of the resistance value R is detected by measuring an output voltage e of the distortion measuring portion, and the stress σ is calculated. The stress σ which the distortion measuring portion 39 receives is calculated based on, for example, the following formulas (3) and (4).
ΔR/R=K×(σ/E)   (3)
e=(¼)×(ΔR/R)×E   (4)

Here, R: original resistance value R of the distortion measuring portion 39, ΔR: amount of change of the resistance value R caused by the extension and contraction of the distortion measuring portion 39, K: gauge factor, E: Young's modulus, e: output voltage of the distortion measuring portion 39.

As described above, the stress σ which the distortion measuring portion 39 receives is calculated, and the load which is applied to the pedal 5 is calculated based on the relationship between this previously calculated stress σ and the load. For example, when an angle formed by the stress σ and the distortion receiving portion 31 is referred to as θ, a relationship of stress σ=tension T×sin θ is established. Here, considering that the weights 13 and the pedal 5 are connected through a pulley or the like, and the tension T is not equal to zero (T≠0), the load is equal to coefficient multiplied by a tension T. As described above, the load which is applied to the pedal 5 is calculated.

The load which is applied to the pedal 5 may be calculated based on a relationship between a tension T and a load F by attaching a tension sensor instead of the load sensor 30 to the wire 9.

Furthermore, as described above, the load sensor 30 is configured to be attachable and detachable, and configured to hold the wire in place by the distort receiving portion 31 and the wire fixing portion 33, which are fixed with the screw portions 35a and 35b.

(3) Monitor

FIG. 7 is a view showing the appearance of monitor 60. The monitor 60 has a display 61, an input portion 63, a transponder receiving portion 65, an authentication lamp 67, and the like. The display 61 of the monitor 60 displays to a trainee, for example, the position of the weights detected by the position sensor 20, the load detected by the load sensor 30, the number of movements of the pedal 5, the mass of the weights 13, quantity of exercise, and the like. The input portion 63 accepts an input, such as a selection from an exercise menu. The transponder receiving portion 65 accepts an input such as a personal ID. The authentication lamp 67 lights up a lamp when it has identified a trainee. Furthermore, a speaker may be built into the monitor 60 in order to notify a trainee of his/her exercise state by voice.

Note that as shown in FIG. 3, the monitor 60 is attached to the frame 7 by means of the screw fixing portion 60a, and is configured to be freely attachable and detachable.

As described above, according to the present invention, because the position sensor 20 and the load sensor 30 as well as the monitor 60 are configured to be freely attachable and detachable, a measurement function and a load measuring function can be added easily to an existing training device, by attaching these portions thereto and by affixing the reflector plate 40 on the uppermost weight 13. Therefore, this provides a cost advantage for a fitness center and the like, because the function of an existing device can be improved and the existing device can continue to be used, without having to purchase a new training device with a measuring function.

(4) Data Processing Unit

Next, the structure and function of the data processing unit 200 of the measuring device 150 will be explained, using FIG. 1 again. The data processing unit 200 has a mass calculation unit 210, a position monitoring unit 220, a load monitoring unit 230, a mass storing unit 240, a display control unit 250, and a communication control unit 260. The position monitoring unit 220 monitors the changes in the position of the weights 13. In addition, the load monitoring unit 230 monitors the load which is applied to the pedal 5. The mass calculation unit 210 calculates the mass of the weights 13 based on the position of the weights 13 obtained from the position monitoring unit 220 and the load applied to the pedal 5 obtained from the load monitoring unit 230. The mass storing unit 240 stores the mass of the weights 13 that are used in the training device 100. The display control unit 250 displays the exercise state which is obtained from the position monitoring unit 220, the load monitoring unit 230, and the mass calculating unit 210, and personal data which is obtained from the server 300 via a communication control unit 260, and the like. The communication control unit 260 controls communication between the server 300 and the data processing unit 200. The structure of each unit will be explained in more detail below.

(4-1) Position Monitoring Unit

The position monitoring unit 220 monitors the changes in the position of the weights 13, which changes depending on the movements of the pedal 5 of the training device 100 that a trainee moves. Here, the change state of the position of the weights means that the weights are moving or have stopped. More specifically, it means that there has been a change in the distance moved from an initial state, the speed of movement, the acceleration, and the like. The position monitoring unit 220 obtains the position of the weights 13 which is output by the position sensor 20, and monitors the changes in the position of the weights 13.

(4-1 - 1) Change in the Position of the Weights

A method for monitoring the changes in the position of the weights 13 will be explained by taking as an example a situation in which the weights 13 are moving upwards and downwards according to the reciprocating movement of the pedal 5. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing that the weights 13 are moving in the direction of the arrows shown in FIG. 8 from the lowest portion to the uppermost portion. Table 1 shows an example of the change in the position of the weights 13, which the position monitoring unit 220 obtains at every interval time Δt3 when the weights 13 are moving as shown in FIG. 8.

TABLE 1
Time t Distance L
t = t1 La
t = t2 La
t = t3 Lb
t = t4 Lc
t = t5 Ld
t = t6 Le
t = t7 Le

Times t1 to t7 are divided by a predetermined interval time Δt3. The position monitoring unit 220 obtains a distance L between the reflector plate 40 pasted on the weights 13 and the position sensor 20 at a predetermined interval time Δt3. In addition, Table 2 shows a movement distance ΔL, movement speed V, and acceleration α of the weights 13 which the position monitoring unit 220 calculates based on the obtained distance L.

TABLE 2
	Movement
Time t	distance ΔL	Movement speed V	Acceleration α
t1 ≦ t < t2	La − La = 0	0	0
t2 ≦ t < t3	Lb − La = 0	Va = (Lb − La)/Δt3	Va/Δt3
t3 ≦ t < t4	Lc − Lb = 0	Vb = (Lc − Lb)/Δt3	(Vb − Va)/Δt3
t4 ≦ t < t5	Ld − Lc = 0	Vc = (Ld − Lc)/Δt3	(Vc − Vb)/Δt3
t5 ≦ t < t6	Le − Ld = 0	Vd = (Le − Ld)/Δt3	(Vd − Vc)/Δt3
t6 ≦ t < t7	Le − Le = 0	0	0

The change in the position of the weights monitored by the position monitoring unit 220 at a predetermined interval time Δt3 will be explained below.

(A) Monitoring the stopped State of the Weights (t1≦t<t2 and t6≦t≦t7)

At t1≦t<t2, the weights 13 are positioned at the lowest position of the reciprocating movement. At this time, the position monitoring 220 obtains a distance L=La as the position of the weights 13 at t1≦t<t2 from the position sensor 20, and stores this distance. In contrast, at t6≦t≦t7, the weights 13 are positioned at the uppermost position of the reciprocating movement. At this time, the position monitoring 220 obtains a distance Le as the position of the weights 13 at t6≦t≦t7 from the position sensor 20, and stores this distance. In addition, at t1≦t<t2 and t6≦t≦t7, the positions of the pedal 5 and the weights 13 are not changed, and the static load Fs which includes only a mass m of the weights 13 is applied to the pedal 5. Then, as shown in Table 2, the position monitoring unit 220 calculates a movement distance Δ=0 as the movement distance at t1≦t<t2 and t6≦t≦t7 based on the obtained distance L. The position monitoring unit 220 detects the position of the weights 13 in the stopped state based on the movement distance Δ=0. Furthermore, the position monitoring unit 220 may calculate the movement speed V and the acceleration α of the weights 13. At t1≦t<t2 and t6≦t≦t7, the movement speed is calculated to be V=0 and the acceleration is calculated to be α=0 because the movement distance ΔL is equal to 0 (ΔL=0). Therefore, the position monitoring unit 220 can detect that the weights 13 are in the stopped state based on the movement speed V and the acceleration α. The position monitoring unit 220 stores the changes in the position of the weights 13, such as the distance L, the movement distance ΔL, the movement speed V, and the acceleration α. Here, the state in which the weights 13 are stopped includes the state in which the weights 13 are almost stopped as well as the state in which the weights 13 are completely stopped. In other words, the position monitoring unit 220 detects that the weights 13 are stopped based on whether the movement distance ΔL is below a predetermined value. Likewise, the position monitoring unit 220 may detect that the weights 13 are stopped based on whether the movement speed V or the acceleration α of the weights 13 stays below a predetermined value.(B) Monitoring the movement of the weights (t2≦t<t6)

At t2≦t<t6, the weights 13 are moving upwards in the direction of the arrows shown in FIG. 8 under tension from the wire 9, because a trainee is applying a load to the pedal 5 and moving the pedal 5. Therefore, as shown in Table 1, a distance L which the position monitoring unit 220 obtains from the position sensor 20 differs from time to time at t2≦t<t6. Then, the position monitoring unit 220 calculates each movement distance ΔL based on the obtained distance L as shown in Table 2. The position monitoring unit 220 detects that the weights 13 are moving because the movement distance is ΔL≠0. In addition, as shown in Table 2, the movement speed V and the acceleration α may be calculated as described above. The position monitoring unit 220 detects that the position of the weights 13 is changing because the movement speed is V≠0 or the acceleration is α≠0. Then, the position monitoring unit 220 stores the changes in the position of the weights 13.

(4-1-2) The Number of Movements of the Weights

The position monitoring unit 220 counts the number of movements of the weights 13 based on the position of the weights 13, which is obtained from the position sensor 20. The number of movements of the weights 13 is counted based on, for example, the movement of the weights upwards and downwards repeatedly over a predetermined amplitude.

As shown in FIG. 9, the following requirements must be met so that a plurality of movements may be counted. First, to count the first movement, the position of the weights 13 which go up from MIN must move upwards beyond a line A, which is a predetermined bottom end line, and further move upwards beyond an upper end line B, which is set to have a predetermined distance from the line A. Then, the first count is counted when the position of the weights 13 goes over the line B. Next, to count the second movement, the position of the weights 13 which has once moved beyond the line B must go down below the line A. If the position of the weights 13 moves again beyond the line B without going down below the line A, this is not counted, because if the weights 13 are not lifted up to the predetermined distance, it is not regarded as training. Therefore, no matter how many times the weights 13 move upwards and downwards between the line A and the line B, these movements are not counted. Then, when the position of the weights 13 returns to the initial state by going down under the line A, the number is counted under the same requirements as the first count.

(4-2) Load Monitoring Unit

The load monitoring unit 230 obtains information on the load applied to the pedal 5, which is measured by the load sensor 30 at every interval time Δt3, and monitors the load. Here, it is preferable that the time when the load monitoring unit 230 obtains information on the load is coincident with the time when the position monitoring unit 220 obtains the position of the weights 13. The load F which is applied to the pedal 5 is expressed by the following formula (1).
F=m×α+m×g   (1)

Here, F: load applied to the pedal 5, m: mass of the weights 13 connected to the pedal 5, α: acceleration of the pedal 5, i.e., the acceleration of the weights 13, g: gravity acceleration.

The load includes a dynamic load Fa and a static load Fs. The dynamic load Fa is a load which is applied to the pedal 5 when the position of the pedal 5 is changing and the pedal is moving with an acceleration α. At this time, the acceleration α is not equal to zero (acceleration α≠0), and the dynamic load Fa is represented as Fa=m×α+m×g (α≠0) based on the above-indicated formula (1). In contrast, the static load Fs is a load which is applied to the pedal 5 when the pedal 5 is stopped, or when the pedal 5 is moving at a constant speed (an acceleration α of the pedal 5≈0). The static load Fs is represented as F≈mg because acceleration α≈0. A load which is measured by the load sensor 30 in a situation in which the weights 13 are moving as illustrated in FIG. 8 is shown in Table 3.

TABLE 3
Time t Distance L
t = t1 Fs
t = t2 Fa2
t = t3 Fa3
t = t4 Fa4
t = t5 Fa5
t = t6 Fs
t = t7 Fs

The load monitoring unit 230 obtains and stores the load measured by the load sensor 30 over time, and stores this information. The load monitoring unit 230 obtains the static load Fs at t1≦t<t2 and t6≦t≦t7 because the position of the weights 13 is not changed. In contrast, the load monitoring unit 230 obtains the dynamic load Fa (Fa2, Fa3, Fa4, and Fa5) at t2≦t<t6 because the position of the weights 13 is changing and the acceleration α is not equal to 0 (acceleration α≠0). By detecting the dynamic load Fa as described above, the load which is applied to the pedal 5 when the pedal 5 is moving, i.e., the load which a trainee feels during exercise, can be detected.

In addition, a change in the dynamic load Fa when acceleration α is being added may be reported as a visual image to a trainee by using an acceleration state display bar P in the display 61 of the monitor 60 in FIG. 11 as described below.

Further, the load monitoring unit 230 can use the average value of the load at a predetermined interval time Δt2 (Δt2≦Δt3) instead of the value of the load which is obtained at every predetermined interval time Δt3. This is because the effect of noise on the value of the load which is obtained at every predetermined interval time Δt3 may be reduced. FIGS. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing that the average value of the load at a predetermined interval time Δt2 can be regarded as the value of the load at every predetermined interval time Δt3. FIG. 10C shows a method for calculating an average value of the load at a predetermined interval time Δt2. The average value of the loads at a predetermined interval time Δt2 can be calculated as the average value of a load obtained at every predetermined interval time Δt1 (2×Δt1≦Δt2). The predetermined interval time Δt2 may be set so that each predetermined interval time Δt3 is included within the predetermined interval time Δt2 (see time ta in FIG. 10A), or alternatively, the predetermined interval time Δt2 may be set prior to each predetermined interval time Δt3 (see time tb in FIG. 10B). The above-described predetermined interval time Δt1 is a very short period of time, for example, one-sixtieth of a second, and the predetermined interval time Δt2 is, for example, sixteen-sixtieth of a second. The averaging of the load as described above allows the effect of noise to be reduced. For example, when the load is calculated based on a voltage which is detected by the load sensor 30, there is the risk that the detected voltage could be changed if a power source which is applied to the load sensor 30 has a ripple component, and exogenous noise is overlapped with the power source.

The load averaging is effective in, for example, the following situation. When the movement of the pedal 5 causes the position of the weights 13 to go up and down, the position of the weights 13 will almost stop when the weights 13 are located at the uppermost position or at the lowest position in their range of motion. When the position of the weights 13 is slightly changed in the stopped state, the acceleration of the weights 13 will change, and the load on the pedal 5 will change. By averaging the load at this time, errors included in the static load can be reduced.

(4-3) Mass Calculating Unit

The mass calculating unit 210 calculates the mass m of the weights 13 based on the change in the position of the weights 13 obtained from the position monitoring unit 220 and the load applied to the pedal 5 obtained from the load monitoring unit 230. The mass m of the weights 13 can be calculated based on either the static load Fs or the dynamic load Fa. This will be explained using FIG. 8, Table 1, and Table 2.

(A) Calculation of the Mass of the Weights Based on the Static load Fs (t1≦t<t2 and t6≦t≦t7)

The mass calculation unit 210 will determine that the movement distance ΔL=0, i.e., the state in which the weights 13 are stopped, as the state of the weights at t1≦t<t2 and t6≦t≦t7 from the monitoring unit 220 (see FIG. 8, Table 1, and Table 2). In addition, the mass calculation unit 210 obtains from the load monitoring unit 230 the static load Fs which is applied to the pedal 5 at t1≦t<t2 and t6≦t≦t7. At this time, the mass calculation unit 210 can calculate the mass m of the weights 13 based on information indicating that the weights 13 are stopped, i.e., the movement distance ΔL≈0, using the above formula (1). Here, m≈Fa/g is calculated as the mass m of the weights 13 as shown in Table 4.

TABLE 4
Time t      Mass m
t1 ≦ t < t2 Fs/g
t2 ≦ t < t3 Fa2/(Va/Δt3 + g)
t3 ≦ t < t4 Fa3/(Vb/Δt3 + g)
t4 ≦ t < t5 Fa4/(Vc/Δt3 + g)
t5 ≦ t < t6 Fa5/(Vd/Δt3 + g)
t6 ≦ t < t7 Fs/g

In addition, the mass calculating unit 210 may calculate the mass m of the weights 13 according to the above formula (1) based on the acceleration of the weights 13 being α≈0. which is calculated by the position monitoring unit 220.

(B) Calculation of the Mass of the Weights Based on a Dynamic Load Fa (t2≦t<t6)

The mass calculating unit 210 obtains the acceleration α (acceleration α≠0) of the weights 13 from the position monitoring unit 220 at t2≦t<t6. In addition, the mass calculating unit 210 obtains from the load monitoring unit 230 the dynamic load Fa=Fa2, Fa3, Fa4 and Fa5 which is applied to the pedal 5. Then, the mass m of the weights 13 is calculated according to the above formula (1) as shown in Table 4. The mass of the weights 13 may be calculated based on the dynamic load Fa as described above. However, the actual mass of the weights 13 can be calculated more accurately by calculating the mass of the weights 13 when the position monitoring unit 220 detects that the weights 13 are at rest. When the mass is calculated when the weights 13 are moving, the load along with the acceleration of the movement will be added to the mass of the weights. As described above, accurate measurement of the mass is realized by coupling each function of the position monitoring unit 220, the load monitoring unit 230, and the mass calculating unit.

(4-4) Mass Storing Unit

The mass storing unit 240 is provided in order to adjust a load calculated based on a detected voltage by the load sensor 30 to an accurate mass of the weights 13. More specifically, the calculated load differs slightly from the actual mass of the weights because of noise, rounding off the value the load, and the like. If the calculated load is output to the monitor 60 without any changes, it is difficult for a trainee to look at and understand the output data. Furthermore, although a trainee works out with the same load, different data will be displayed for each training session, which results in an unclear standard for the trainee. Therefore, the calculated load is adjusted to actual mass of the weights 13, by comparing the calculated load with a mass which is stored in the mass storing unit 240.

Specifically, the mass storing unit 240 stores the substantial mass of the weights 13 that are used in the training device 100. More specifically, if the mass of a single weight for the relevant training device is 2 Kg, two weights are 4 Kg, and three weights are 6 Kg. Therefore, the mass data is stored as 2 Kg, 4 Kg, 6 Kg, . . . in a table. If the mass of a weight is 5 Kg, the mass data is stored as 5 Kg, 10 Kg, 15 Kg, . . . in a table. Then, the mass calculating unit 210 compares the calculated mass of the weights with the mass data. The closest value to the calculated mass of the weights is extracted. For example, if the mass of a weight is 2 Kg, and the calculated data is 4.2 Kg, then the data 4 Kg stored in the mass storing unit 240 will be extracted. Therefore, an accurate mass of the weights which are being used can be calculated.

Note that the mass of a single weight is set by inputting it on an input screen which can be displayed on the display 61 of the monitor 60.

(4-5) Communication Control Unit

The communication control unit 260 transmits the exercise status of the trainee obtained from the position monitoring unit 220, the load monitoring unit 230, and the mass calculating unit 210 to the server 300. In addition, the communication control unit 260 receives from the server 300 personal data which has been stored in the server 300. Here, the personal data includes body height, body weight, the previous exercise status of the trainee, and the like.

(4-6) Display Control Unit

The display control unit 250 outputs the exercise status of a trainee such as the movement distance ΔL, and the number of movements of the weights 13 obtained from the position monitoring unit 220, the load applied to the pedal obtained from the load monitoring unit 230, and the mass of the weights 13 which is obtained from the mass calculation unit 210, to the monitor 60. In addition, the display control unit 250 outputs personal data received from the server 300 to the monitor 60. The display 61 of the monitor 60 displays the exercise status obtained from the display control unit 250 as shown in FIG. 11 to FIG. 13. In FIG. 11, the mass of the weights 13, the number of movements of the weights 13, and the target number of movements are displayed. In FIG. 11, P is an acceleration state display bar which shows the acceleration with which a trainee lifts the weights 13. The number of white rectangular portions displayed on the bar P correspond to the mass of the weights 13 to be lifted. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, several white rectangles will be displayed, and correspond to 30 kg. When the weights 13 are lifted slowly, the white rectangles in the bar P will not move to the right beyond their original position (e.g., beyond the position shown in FIG. 11). However, when a trainee lifts the weights 13 with great force, the while rectangles in the bar P will extend beyond their original position (rightward in FIG. 11), and proceed to a new position corresponding to the acceleration of the weights 13. Then, when the lifting of the weights 13 is stopped at the point that the upper position of the range of motion of the weights 13 is reached, for example, the white rectangles will return to the original position. As described above, the acceleration state display bar P can extend beyond the area of the original mass of the weights 13 in accordance with not only the mass of the weights, but also the training state of a trainee, and thus can arouse a trainee's interest. In FIG. 12, the previous number of movements, the best number of movements, and the like are displayed. In addition, FIG. 13 shows the present position of the weights 13, and the range in which the number of movements of the weights 13 is counted, as displayed on the monitor 60. In other words, the number of movements is counted when the weights 13 exceed the shaded area which is shown in FIG. 13. Therefore, a trainee can understand the position of the weights 13, and move the pedal 5 so that the number of the movements can be counted.

3. Flow in the Data Processing Unit

Next, the flow of the calculation of the mass of the weights 13 and the number of movements of the weights 13 in the data processing unit 200 will be explained. FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the flow when calculating the mass and the number of movements of weights 13. A trainee will place an authentication card such as an IC card and the like on the receiving portion 65 of the monitor 60 so that the measuring device 150 can identify the ID of the trainee. Then, the following process will begin when the trainee moves the pedal 5 with his/her legs.

Step S10: The position monitoring unit 220 and the load monitoring unit 230 determine whether or not a predetermined time interval Δt1 has elapsed. ¥

Step S20: The position monitoring unit 220 and the load monitoring unit 230 obtain the position of the weights 13 and the load F applied to the pedal 5 from the position sensor 20 and the load sensor 30 when the predetermined time interval Δt1 has elapsed. The position of the weights is represented by a distance L, which is the distance from the position sensor 20 to the weights 13.

Step S30: The position monitoring unit 220 and the load monitoring unit 230 stores the obtained position of the weights 13 and the obtained load applied to the pedal 5.

Step S40: The load monitoring unit 230 determines whether or not a predetermined time interval Δt2 has elapsed. If the predetermined time interval Δt2 has not elapsed, the process returns to Step S10.

Step S50: After the predetermined time interval Δt2 has elapsed, the load monitoring unit 230 averages the loads which have been stored for each predetermined time interval Δt1, within the predetermined time interval Δt2, and reduces the effect of noise.

Step S60: The position monitoring unit 220 and the load monitoring unit 230 determine whether or not a predetermined time interval Δt3 has elapsed.

Step S70: When the predetermined time interval Δt3 has elapsed, the position monitoring unit 220 calculates and stores the movement distance ΔL, the movement speed V, and the acceleration α.

Step S80: The position monitoring unit 220 determines whether or not the display control unit 250 has output the mass m of the weighs 13 to the monitor 60. In other words, the position monitoring unit 220 determines whether or not the mass m of the weights 13 has been already displayed on the display 61 of the monitor 60.

Step S90: The mass calculating unit 210 calculates the mass m of the weights 13 based on the acceleration α of the weight 13 that is calculated by the position monitoring unit 220 and the load applied to the pedal 5.

Step S100: The display control unit 250 obtains the mass m which has been calculated by the mass calculating unit 210 and outputs it to the monitor 60 so as to display it on the display 61.

Step S110: In contrast, when the mass m of the weights 13 has already been displayed, the load monitoring unit 230 outputs the load F applied to the pedal 5 to the display control unit 250. The display control unit 250 displays the load F on the display 61.

Step S120: Furthermore, when the mass m of the weights 13 has already been displayed, the position monitoring unit 220 calculates the movement distance ΔL of the weights.

Step S130: The position monitoring unit 220 determines whether or not the calculated movement distance ΔL is a predetermined value or greater.

Step S140: When the movement distance ΔL is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the number of movements of the weights 13 is incremented.

Step S150: The position monitoring unit 220 outputs the number of movements of the weights 13 to the display control unit 250. The display control unit 250 outputs the latest number of movements to the display 61. Here, when the number of movements of the weights 13 is incremented at Step 140, the updated number of movements is displayed. If the movement distance ΔL is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and the number of movements is not incremented, the current number of movements will be displayed as it is.

Step S160: The position monitoring unit 220 and the load monitoring unit 230 will determine whether or not an end instruction has been received from a trainee. If the exercise has not ended, the position monitoring unit 220 and the load monitoring unit 230 will continue obtaining the position of the weight and the load applied to the pedal 5.

As described above, the measuring device according to the present invention can calculate the mass of the weights 13 when stopped as well as detect the load applied to the wire 9, and can display the data on the monitor 60. Therefore, when the weights 13 are moving, the load corresponding to the weights 13 being lifted by the trainee is displayed. For example, the more the weights are moved vigorously, the larger the displayed value of the load will become. Consequently, this gives a trainee incentive to work out. In addition, when the weights 13 are stopped, the mass of the weights 13 is displayed. Therefore, the measuring device provides excellent operability in that a trainee can easily check the mass of the weight(s) which is being used at present, by just looking at the display while maintaining his/her training position, and the trainee does not have to look at the weights 13 as with a conventional weight training machine. Further, the measuring device according to the present invention can be attached to an existing training device that does not have a measuring portion as described above, and thus provides a cost advantage for a fitness center and the like.

Other Embodiments

Programs for carrying out the above-described methods on computers and computer readable recording media on which such a program is recorded are included within the scope of the present invention. Here, the programs may include a downloadable program. The recording media may include computer readable/writable discs, hard discs, semiconductor memories, CD-ROMs, DVDs, magneto-optical discs (MO), and the like.

General Interpretation of Terms

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term “configured” as used herein to describe a component, section or part of a device includes hardware and/or software that is constructed and/or programmed to carry out the desired function. In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and their derivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section,” “portion,” “member” or “element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts. Finally, terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. For example, these terms can be construed as including a deviation of at least ±5% of the modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the word it modifies.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A measuring device used in conjunction with a training device, the training device having a weight, an elongated member having a first end connected to the weight, and a load generating unit configured to move the weight upward by moving a second end of the elongated member, the measuring device comprising:

a position detecting unit configured to detect a position of the weight;

a load detecting unit configured to detect a load applied to the elongated member; and

a display unit configured to display report data based on the detection data obtained by the position detecting unit and the load detecting unit;

wherein each of the position detecting unit and the display unit comprises an attachment portion configured to releasably attach to the training device.

2. The measuring apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a reflecting unit configured to reflect light and arranged on an upper surface of the weight; and

the position detecting unit further comprises a light emitting portion configured to emit light toward the reflecting unit and a light receiving portion configured to receive light reflected by the reflecting unit.

3. The measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the load detecting unit is attached to the elongated member; and

the load detecting unit comprises a distortion receiving portion configured to receive tension applied to the elongated member, and a distortion measuring portion configured to measure distortion created therein by the tension received by the distortion receiving portion.

4. The measuring apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a data processing unit configured to perform data processing, and display the report data on the display unit based on the detection data obtained by the load detecting unit and the position detecting unit;

wherein the data processing unit comprises a position monitoring unit configured to monitor changes in the position of the weight based on the detection data detected by the position detecting unit, a load monitoring unit configured to monitor changes in the load based on the detection data detected by the load detecting unit, and a mass calculation unit configured to calculate the mass of the weight based on the changes in the position of the weight and the changes in the load.

5. The measuring apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the mass calculation unit calculates the mass of the weight based on the load detected by the load monitoring unit, and displays the mass of the weight on the display unit when the position monitoring unit determines that the weight has stopped after movement of the weight.

6. The measuring apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the data processing unit further comprises a mass storing unit configured to store mass data for the weight; and

the data mass calculation unit is configured to extract a value from the mass storing unit that is closest to the mass of the weight calculated based on the change in the position of the weight used and the load applied to the elongated member.

7. The measuring apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the mass data comprises mass data for a single weight, and mass data for multiples of the single mass data.