Pedometers Patents (Class 235/105)
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Patent number: 9452319Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods estimate the distance between a player and a ball by transmitting a chirp (sweep signal) to a radio tag located on the ball. During the chirp, the frequency of the transmitted signal is changed in a predetermined fashion. The radio tag doubles the transmitted frequency and returns the processed signal to a transceiver typically located on the player. The currently transmitted frequency is then compared with the received frequency to obtain a difference frequency from which an apparatus may estimate the distance. The apparatus may simultaneously receive the processed signal from the radio tag while transmitting the sweep signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2014Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: James Molyneux, Aaron B. Weast, Brandon S. Burroughs, Scott R. Berggren, Clayton J. Lindsay, Jordan M. Rice, Bert B. Buxton, Edward S. Lowe
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Patent number: 9403060Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods estimate the distance between a player and a ball by transmitting a chirp (sweep signal) to a radio tag located on the ball. During the chirp, the frequency of the transmitted signal is changed in a predetermined fashion. The radio tag doubles the transmitted frequency and returns the processed signal to a transceiver typically located on the player. The currently transmitted frequency is then compared with the received frequency to obtain a difference frequency from which an apparatus may estimate the distance. The apparatus may simultaneously receive the processed signal from the radio tag while transmitting the sweep signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2015Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: James Molyneux, Aaron B. Weast, Brandon S. Burroughs, Scott R. Berggren, Clayton J. Lindsay, Jordan M. Rice, Bert B. Buxton, Edward S. Lowe
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Patent number: 9314685Abstract: Activities, actions and events during user performance of physical activity may be detected using various algorithms and templates. Templates may include an arrangement of one or more states that may identify particular event types and timing between events. Templates may be specific to a particular type of activity (e.g., types of sports, drills, events, etc.), user, terrain, time of day and the like.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2014Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Santoshkumar Balakrishnan, Jordan M. Rice, Steven H. Walker, Adam S. Carroll, Corey C. Dow-Hygelund, Aaron K. Goodwin, James M. Mullin, Tye L. Rattenbury, Joshua M. Rooke-Ley, John M. Schmitt
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Patent number: 9149212Abstract: A walking posture determination apparatus correlates detected acceleration of a subject with walking posture. The apparatus stores an association between walking posture levels and values of an index that represents walking posture, calculates the index value by using acceleration that is detected by an acceleration sensor, and determines the walking posture level based on the calculated index value.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2011Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: OMRON HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.Inventor: Kentaro Mori
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Patent number: 9114296Abstract: A lower leg sensing device including a housing, a leg attachment member and real time data providing member. The housing includes a position angle sensor and a foot contact sensor. The leg attachment member is configured to facilitate attachment of the housing to the lower leg of a user. The real-time data providing member provides data, in real-time, pertaining to the angle of a lower leg of a user relative to a line of gravity upon contact with an outside surface by a leg of a user. A method of providing data to a user that is running or walking is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2013Date of Patent: August 25, 2015Inventor: Walter Arthur Reynolds, III
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Patent number: 9031812Abstract: A method for generating a notification on a mobile device is provided, including: establishing a wireless connection to an activity monitoring device; receiving activity data from the activity monitoring device via the wireless connection; processing the activity data to determine an activity metric for a user of the activity monitoring device; comparing the activity metric against a predefined threshold, the predefined threshold being mapped to a notification message; in response to determining that the activity metric reaches or exceeds the predefined threshold, scheduling the notification message for display on the mobile device at a specified date and time; wherein the notification message is displayed on the mobile device at the specified date and time, the display of the notification message providing access to an application for interfacing with the activity monitoring device.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2014Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Fitbit, Inc.Inventors: Timothy Roberts, Nichiketa Choudhary
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Patent number: 8972220Abstract: Methods, devices and system are provided. One method includes capturing activity data associated with activity of a user via a device. The activity data is captured over time, and the activity data is quantifiable by a plurality of metrics. The method includes storing the activity data in storage of the device and, from time to time, connecting the device with a computing device over a wireless communication link. The method defines using a first transfer rate for transferring activity data captured and stored over a period of time. The first transfer rate is used following startup of an activity tracking application on the computing device The method also defines using a second transfer rate for transferring activity data from the device to the computing device for display of the activity data in substantial-real time on the computing device.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2014Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Fitbit, Inc.Inventors: James Park, Barry Burton, Heiko Panther, Eric Friedman
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Patent number: 8954289Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are provided for displaying monitored activity data in substantial real-time on a screen of a computing device. One example method includes capturing motion data associated with activity of a user via an activity tracking device. The motion data is quantified into a plurality of metrics associated with the activity of the user. The method includes connecting the activity tracking device with a computing device over a wireless data connection, and sending motion data from the activity tracking device to the computing device for display of one or more of the plurality of metrics on a graphical user interface of the computing device. At least one of the plurality of metrics displayed on the graphical user interface is shown to change in substantial real-time based on the motion data.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2014Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Fitbit, Inc.Inventors: Barry Burton, Heiko Panther, James Park, Eric Friedman, Shelten Yuen, Christine Brumback, Timothy Roberts
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Patent number: 8951164Abstract: A physical activity monitoring device receives an indication of one or more physical activities to be performed as an extension of a game being played on a game system and measures physical activity attributes of a user wearing the physical activity monitoring device. The physical activity monitoring device determines the user's progress towards completion of the one or more physical activities based on the physical activity attributes and outputs to the game device an indication of the user's progress towards completion of the one or more physical activities.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2013Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Daniel Morris, Ilya Kelner, Farah Shariff, Dennis Tom, T. Scott Saponas, Andrew Guillory
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Patent number: 8930163Abstract: A method for detecting a human's steps and estimating the horizontal translation direction and scaling of the resulting motion relative to an inertial sensor is described. When a pedestrian takes a sequence of steps the displacement can be decomposed into a sequence of rotations and translations over each step. A translation is the change in the location of pedestrian's center of mass and a rotation is the change along z-axis of the pedestrian's orientation. A translation can be described by a vector and a rotation by an angle.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: TRX Systems, Inc.Inventors: Kamiar Kordari, Benjamin Funk, Jared Napora, Ruchika Verma, Carole Teolis, Travis Young
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Patent number: 8747199Abstract: A computerized system and method for measuring physical activity to advance play in a game. In example embodiments, a cell phone generates a screen display and the game is played through the mobile device. The measurement of physical activity progresses the player through the game by progressing the player through “game days,” by permitting the player to travel from a current location to another location on a map of the game, by earning rewards points for the player that may be utilized in game play, etc. A specified number of steps equates with a game day and a complete game is measured in game days. The device tracks physical activity, related game days, and completion of games. During a game day, a player advances in the game as well as encounters challenges and obstacles and may be prompted to make other decisions related to the game play.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2011Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Humana Inc.Inventors: Chris Palmisano, Benjamin Gibson Sawyer
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Patent number: 8626472Abstract: An example sensor band configured for attachment to a calf of a mammal and used in measuring track and balance motion of the mammal includes one or more first sensors for sensing muscle circumferential pressure at multiple positions; one or more second sensors for sensing Earth's magnetic field; and one or more third sensors for sensing Earth's gravitational field.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2010Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Inventor: James C. Solinsky
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Patent number: 8209147Abstract: An example geolocation system for mounting on a mammal incorporates simple sensing sleeves on the calves of the body support members, combined with an accelerometer based gravity direction and force sensing at the center of mass of the body. The example system is connected to a digital processing unit and a battery power supply to integrate the sensing to determine kinetic and potential energy of the body locomotion over time in a method that integrates out the aperiodic motion of the body about the center of mass, and uses the residual motion to measure the center of mass locomotion from a known point.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2009Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: James SolinskyInventor: James Solinsky
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Patent number: 8021312Abstract: An arrangement, method and computer program for determining the physical activity level of a human being. The arrangement comprises a movement sensor to be attached to an upper limb of the human being for measuring upper limb movements, a processing unit connected to the movement sensor for filtering upper limb movements following one another more frequently than a predetermined threshold period from upper limb movements during a determination period, for forming the number of upper limb movements during the determination period from the filtered upper limb movements during the determination period, and for determining the physical activity level on the basis of the number of upper limb movements during the determination period formed from the filtered upper limb movements during the determination period.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2004Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Polar Electro OyInventors: Hannu Kinnunen, Jari Miettinen
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Patent number: 7813892Abstract: A motion detection apparatus includes an acceleration sensor which detects acceleration generated by motion of an electronic device; a motion detecting section including a statistical processing section which calculates the average value of data provided from the acceleration sensor, calculates the difference between the average value and the last value of the data obtained, and calculates a pseudo-variance value of the data from the calculated difference; a threshold comparing section which compares the pseudo-variance value calculated by the motion detecting section with a motion threshold to generate a signal value in response to determination that the pseudo-variance value has exceeded the motion threshold; a first buffer memory which sequentially stores signal values generated by the threshold comparing section at predetermined time intervals; and a signal generating section which includes means for adding up values in the first buffer memory, thereby appropriately associating with motion.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2005Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Takashi Sugawara, Kohji Kawahara, Yuji Chotoku
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Patent number: 7690556Abstract: A method and apparatus for a step counter system is described. The step counter system comprises an accelerometer to detect motion of a user, a step calculation logic to utilize the motion detected by the accelerometer to detect and count steps, and an incline logic to calculate an incline of a surface on which the user moved.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: DP Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Philippe Kahn, Arthur Kinsolving
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Publication number: 20100042322Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to generate positioning and orientation data for subjects disposed in stressed environments. In an illustrative implementation, a navigation module comprises an integration module and various sensors to determine the position and orientation of the user. In the illustrative implementation, the navigation module may cooperate with a larger navigation platform comprising a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver, inertial measurement unit (IMU), altimeter, magnetometer, pedometer, and an angular measuring device. Additionally, the illustrative integration module may comprise power and signal conditioning circuitry, a transceiver to send the position and orientation information to other cooperating components such as a monitoring device and integration software for use in processing the various sensor data.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2007Publication date: February 18, 2010Inventor: Chang-Hee Won
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Patent number: 7661588Abstract: A financial transaction card includes an enclosure, a step detector, and a processing device. The enclosure includes an account identifier linked to a financial account or record such that the financial transaction card can be used toward the purchase or use of at least one of goods and services. The step detector is positioned within the enclosure and configured to perceive movement caused each time a person carrying the financial transaction card takes a step. The processing device is positioned within the enclosure and in communication with the step detector, the processing device being configured to identify movement perceived by the step detector and to determine a cumulative number of steps taken by the person while carrying the financial transaction card. Stored-value card assemblies, methods of promoting sales of stored-value cards, methods of using a stored-value card, and other embodiments are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2007Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.Inventors: Aaron Porvaznik, Timothy P. Clegg, Primoz Samardzija
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Publication number: 20100004860Abstract: An on-foot pedestrian navigation module useful for pedestrian navigation when operated with at least a control unit and another on-foot pedestrian navigation module, comprising (a) at least a first sensor unit and a second sensor unit, wherein each sensor unit including an up/down sensor adapted for sensing an ‘up’ condition and a ‘down’ condition associated with relative displacement of the module with respect to a surface, and a signal transmitter/receiver adapted, in response to an activation signal coming from a module controller, for generating a propagating signal (b) a module controller for controlling the operation of the module in response to a control signal coming from the control unit and (c) a communication unit for enabling said module to communicate with said at least the control unit and other module, thereby facilitating collecting motion data at the control unit and integrating the motion data with motion data coming from the other module, the motion data being indicative of a condition of eType: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2008Publication date: January 7, 2010Applicant: ISRAEL AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES LTD.Inventors: Nahum Chernoguz, Avraham Kagan
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Patent number: 7623987Abstract: A shoe is improved by including: at least one accelerometer for generating acceleration signals and a processor configured to process the acceleration signals to determine one or both of speed and distance traveled of a person wearing the shoe. A shoe and a garment are provided with a wireless transmitter, to provide information about the shoe/garment or a person wearing same.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2008Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Curtis A. Vock, Dennis Darcy, Peter Flentov
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Patent number: 7608050Abstract: A portable electronic device comprises a motion sensor to detect motion and to generate motion data, and an activity monitor to detect user activity based on said motion data. A power detection circuit detects connection of said portable electronic device to an external supply power. A control circuit monitors the output signal from the detection circuit and prevents activity detection by said activity monitor while said portable electronic device is connected to said power supply.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2006Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)Inventor: Christopher John Shugg
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Patent number: 7571847Abstract: A footstep measuring apparatus and a method thereof are provided. The apparatus includes: a terrestrial magnetism sensor for outputting digital values of each axis according to movements of a body; a reference digital value generator for generating a reference digital value based on N digital values of each axis, (N?1) digital values of each axis, (N?2) digital values of each axis; a reference axis selector for searching N digital value of one axis having a maximum amplitude and selecting the one axis as a reference axis; a digital value determiner for determining whether the N digital value is larger than a reference digital value; and a controller for determining the movement as an ascending movement of one footstep when the N digital value is larger than the reference digital value.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2005Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., LtdInventors: Woo-jong Lee, Sang-on Choi
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Publication number: 20090082677Abstract: An exercise assisting device comprising a detector configured to detect at least one physiological data of a user, a control module configured to convert the at least one physiological data into at least one index in accordance with an algorithm, each of the at least one index being representative of an exercise performance level, a memory module including a first section configured to store a number of predetermined data related to a number of exercise performance levels, a second section configured to store the at least one index, and a third section configured to store the algorithm, and a display module configured to display at least one of the number of predetermined data in accordance with the at least one index.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2007Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Fu-Ming SHIH, Hsin-Yi PENG
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Patent number: 7503476Abstract: A compact multifunction pedometer and method of advertising includes a computerized calculating function to accurately determine the calorie consumption, distance and the time for exercise duration. Utilizing input data of the user's height, weight, average stride and desired time period for exercise of walking or running, the pedometer calculates, and if desired displays, the consumed calories as well as the distance traveled and lapsed time of striding or alternatively, the time remaining for a scheduled walking or running session. The calories burned during exercise are accurately determined through calculations based on the individual's stride and weight data input by the user. The pedometer is extremely compact, has easy to operate function controls and may include a belt clip for ease of use during exercise. The pedometer including surfaces suitable for displaying advertising.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2004Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: Sun Coast Merchandise CorporationInventor: Dilip Bhavnani
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Publication number: 20090054209Abstract: A Nordic walking pole has a transmission device attached thereto and a switch thereof is pushed to transmit a signal indicating the start or end of Nordic walking. A pedometer receives the signal from the transmission device to thereby detect that the start or end of Nordic walking is instructed (S107). Assuming that the Nordic mode is specified when the current walking mode is a normal walking mode, the parameter for Nordic walking is set as a parameter for the arithmetic operation (S111). Assuming that the normal walking mode is specified when the current walking mode is a Nordic mode, the parameter for the normal walking mode is set as a parameter for the arithmetic operation (S113).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2007Publication date: February 26, 2009Inventors: Naoki Takeishi, Kenji Eda, Kenji Hashino, Taiga Sato, Yasuyuki Touoe
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Patent number: 7460633Abstract: A pedometer or other portable electronic device may include substantially triangular first and second sections hinged together along a diagonal. A storage compartment is provided in one or both of the sections. The storage compartment may be accessed when the first section is pivoted open relative to the second section. A belt or pocket clip may be provided on the back of the first or second section. If used, the clip may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the hinge. A display, and control switches are provided for interaction with the electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2007Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Dard Products, Inc.Inventor: Bonni Shevin Sandy
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Publication number: 20080203144Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to shoes for measuring the quantity of motion and a method of measuring the quantity of motion using the shoes and, more particularly, to artificial intelligence shoes, in which various numerical values (calorie consumption, body fat, and a pulse), measured by a walking sensor (23), a body fat measurement unit, and a pulse sensor (21) mounted in a shoe body, are displayed in real time on a display unit (32), so that a user can periodically check his or her quantity of motion, and in which calorie consumption and body fat are calculated on the basis of the user's body conditions, so that the precision thereof is high, and such quantity of motion numerical values can be transmitted to various types of external devices, thus enabling the user to periodically manage the quantity of motion thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2006Publication date: August 28, 2008Applicant: AISON CO., LTD.Inventor: Hee-Suk Kim
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Patent number: 7353986Abstract: An electronic pedometer has a walk detecting sensor to detect a walking movement of a user and to output a walk signal corresponding to the walking movement. A walk judging circuit judges, based on a walk signal from the walk detecting circuit, whether or not the user is walking. A control circuit switches an operation of the walk detecting circuit from a continuous operation to an intermittent operation when the walk judging circuit judges that the user stops walking. During a continuous operation, the walk detecting circuit continuously detects a walk of the user, while during an intermittent operation the walk detecting circuit intermittently detects the walk of the user within a predetermined cycle.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2005Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.Inventor: Yoshinori Sugai
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Publication number: 20080082025Abstract: A device, system and method for analyzing a user's motion using a piezoelectric film to generate a plurality of deformation signals based upon an associated plurality of deformations, an EEPROM to record data associated with the plurality of deformation signals, and a transceiver to receive at least a portion of the recorded data from the EEPROM and to transmit data, wherein the analysis may determine an abnormality in the user's gait.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2006Publication date: April 3, 2008Inventors: Robert D. Hughes, Terry Dishongh
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Patent number: 7353137Abstract: A shoe-based weight measuring system, comprising: a shoe; one or more weight sensitive detectors constructed and arranged with the shoe to sense weight of a person wearing the shoe and walking or standing; a processor for processing signals from the detectors to determine a weight of the person; a remote receiver; and a communications port for wirelessly communicating the weight to the remote receiver. An on demand weight system, comprising a weight detector coupled with a shoe for sensing weight of a person on the detector, a processor processing information from the detector for determining applied weight, a personal data display, and a communications port for wirelessly relaying the applied weight to the data display.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2006Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: PhatRat Technology, LLCInventors: Curtis A. Vock, Burl W. Amsbury, Eric R. Edstrom, Robert Muir Holme, Paul Jonjak, Adrian F. Larkin, Perry Youngs
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Patent number: 7333914Abstract: A two-way motion sensor meter for measuring arm exercise. The meter is mounted on a wrist band adapted to be affixed to a user's wrist. The meter includes numeric display means driven by an electronic or mechanical system. The electronic or mechanical system includes first and second pendulums. The first pendulum is adapted to swing about an axis in a plane substantially parallel to a user's body. The second pendulum is adapted to swing about an axis in a plane substantially perpendicular to a user's body. Each pendulum is adapted to send a signal to the numeric display means each time it is caused to swing by movement of the user's arm upwardly and/or downwardly during exercise. The numeric display means is adapted to add each signal to provide a display of the total number of signals.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2006Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Inventor: Janette L. Iachini
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Patent number: 7263461Abstract: An electronic pedometer has a walk sensor that detects a walking movement of a user and outputs a walk signal corresponding to the walking movement. The walk sensor has a sensitivity axis along which a detection sensitivity of the walking movement by the walk sensor becomes a maximum. A calculation circuit calculates a number of walking steps of the user in accordance with the walk signal. A strap mounts the walk sensor on a part of the user's body so that the sensitivity axis of the walk sensor is located within a range of 30 degrees or less in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction from an axis disposed at 90 degrees with respect to a longitudinal direction of the strap.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2005Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.Inventor: Yoshinori Sugai
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Patent number: 7172563Abstract: A walking gait detection apparatus includes a microphone for picking up low-frequency-band sounds that are transmitted through the body of a pedestrian while walking and an analyzer for performing analysis. Accordingly, the gait of the pedestrian is detected. It is also possible to distinguish the gait pattern on the basis of the stance-phase time of a foot sole and the signal intensity, for example. The gait detection apparatus can accurately estimate the stride length on the basis of a detected gait cycle, the height of the pedestrian, and signals detected during walking. On the basis of low-frequency sounds picked up by the microphone while the pedestrian is walking, the pedestrian can be identified.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2005Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Kiyoaki Takiguchi, Takaaki Nakamura, Kazuhiko Aida
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Patent number: 7103471Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing dead reckoning position data, orientation, and heading of a person is disclosed. The apparatus uses an algorithm that automatically determines the appropriate set of navigation functions for personal navigation based upon the orientation of the apparatus. Dead reckoning is accomplished by combining electronic heading and motion signals from human ambulation. Individual orientation and human motion measurement is accomplished with motion sensing devices. In one implementation of the invention, a navigation device provides different heading, position, and/or orientation functionality depending on whether the navigation device is affixed to the user in a vertical position or horizontal position, or the navigation device is not affixed to the user.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2003Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Robert W. Levi, Charles T. Judd, Steven J. Davis
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Patent number: 7023422Abstract: A simple structure is provided for a cell accommodating portion of a device, in which a cover of the device is closed whether the device is being used or unused, and a cell lid of the device is prevented from being disengaged from the device. In a structure for a cell accommodating portion of a device, a protrusion piece provided on a cell lid is positioned inside the cover thereof under a condition, where the cell lid for covering the cell accommodating portion of the device, which consists of a body and an openable and closeable cover, is engaged with the device when the cover is closed. As a result, the cell lid is prohibited from sliding on the device and is prevented from being disengaged from the device for as long as the cover is closed.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2003Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Tanita CorporationInventor: Yoshinori Haraguchi
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Patent number: 6958045Abstract: A gait detection apparatus includes a microphone for picking up low-frequency-band sounds which are transmitted through the body of a pedestrian while walking and an analyzer for performing analysis. Accordingly, the gait of the pedestrian is detected. It is also possible to distinguish the gait pattern on the basis of the stance-phase time of a foot sole, the signal intensity, etc. The gait detection apparatus can accurately estimate the step length on the basis of a detected gait cycle, the height of the pedestrian, and signals detected during walking. On the basis of low-frequency-region sounds picked up by the microphone while the pedestrian is walking, the pedestrian can be identified.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2001Date of Patent: October 25, 2005Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Kiyoaki Takiguchi, Takaaki Nakamura, Kazuhiko Aida
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Patent number: 6860835Abstract: Disclosed is an exercise amount measuring device using as an exercise signal generator an inclination detector commercially available, which can detect two-dimensional movements. Use of such inclination detectors facilitates the assembly of exercise amount measuring devices. The inclination detector 1 is connected to a counter circuit via an input circuit, and the input circuit and the counter circuit are connected to an MPU via an input-and-output port. The input circuit comprises a CR circuit or a flip-flop circuit. The counter circuit counts input pulses post-chattering exclusion, which input pulses are caused by the on-and-off switching actions, which are brought every time the contact ball touches selected contact electrodes in the inclination detector.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2001Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Assignee: Ya-Man Ltd.Inventors: Iwao Yamazaki, Yoshihiro Izawa, Kimiyo Yamazaki
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Publication number: 20040140348Abstract: A simple to use and inexpensive pedometer in which a goal time of walking may be set and which will notify the user when the goal has been reached. The pedometer will include structure for establishing a goal time; apparatus for sensing walking, for summing the time walked, and for comparing the time walked with the goal time; and an alarm device for notifying the user when the goal time has been reached. A countdown display will display the total time remaining to be walked. The structure for establishing the goal time may include a button switch wherein the goal time can be increased in increments. The alarm device may be a vibrator, a speaker, headphones, or a combination of devices. The pedometer may notify the user when the user has been inactive for a period of time so as to motivate the user to get up and get moving, but which will not signal the user when not being worn.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2003Publication date: July 22, 2004Inventor: Wayne G. Fromm
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Publication number: 20040094613Abstract: A movement detecting device comprises a container (10), at least a first vibrator (16) which vibrates in accordance with a physical movement in a first direction (X), and a second vibrator (17) which vibrates about a second direction (Z), the first and second vibrators mounted in the container. The vibrations of the first and second vibrators are converted into an electric signal, and a value of the converted signal is shown on a display.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2003Publication date: May 20, 2004Inventors: Norihiko Shiratori, Kazutoyo Ichikawa, Hideki Tamura, Yuji Izawa, Masaki Terashima
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Patent number: 6604419Abstract: A method and apparatus for calculating, presenting, recalling and recording the maximum running speed of a user over a prescribed distance in miles per hour or meters per second. The result is shown in digital and iconic form on a liquid crystal display (LCD). The apparatus incorporates a micro-controller, a LCD, a motion sensor, a sound generator, press switches, and light emitting diodes. The motion sensor is used to generate a signal, in response to external motion, which is input to the micro-controller for use in calculating the speed in accordance with a prescribed formula. Upon completion of running over a fixed time period or distance, a message is displayed on the LCD to indicated the maximum speed achieved by the user during an interval of the fixed time and over the prescribed distance. The apparatus may be adapted for use on shoes, a user's wrists, or the like, for the purpose of encouraging the user to run as fast as possible, and to ensure safety of the user at night.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2001Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: BBC International, Ltd.Inventor: Rudy Guzman
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Patent number: 6418181Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a measuring arrangement for determining the speed of a runner, walker or another moving and living object by a measuring arrangement. In the actual determination of speed during use the method comprises measuring at least one measurement variable which is directly or indirectly related to the object's stepping and dependent on the speed of movement of the moving and living object. An essential feature of the method is that, before the actual determination of speed during use, the dependence between the measurement variable and the speed is at least once taught to the measuring arrangement as a formula by means of user-specific teaching information, the formula being used for the actual determination of speed during use.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2000Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Assignee: Polar Electro OyInventor: Seppo Nissilä
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Patent number: 6386041Abstract: A step counting device includes a top casing, a bottom casing, a display, and two operating buttons. A circuit board is arranged in the space between the top casing and the bottom casing. An open area is formed on the edge of the circuit board and a ceramic vibration detecting mechanism is arranged on the circuit board. One end of the ceramic vibration detecting mechanism is a fixed point located on a fixed position and the other end is a cantilever point extended to the open area of the circuit board and a heavy mass is attached to the cantilever point. The step counting device is attached on a shoe, and the step counting device will be vibrated while a user wears the shoes walking or running. The ceramic vibration detecting mechanism will receive the vibration and a tiny voltage change will be produced to become an input signal to the control circuit on the circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2000Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Inventor: David Yang
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Publication number: 20020013717Abstract: An exercise monitor including means to accurately record exercise performed by an insured individual and to generate data needed to calculate an insurance premium. Included are the functions of verifying the person's identity, verifying that he or she is actually wearing the monitor, and allowing a user to self-report his or her encrypted data. Insured clients use inexpensive exercise monitors like pedometers that encourage them to exercise. If a client wears the pedometer and it records results that meet given criteria, the insurance company gives him or her a discount on his or her insurance premium. In this way the insurance company provides an inducement for the insured to adopt a more healthy and active lifestyle. The invention includes a business system to control insurance premiums that enables the company to assume a dominant position with respect to its competitors.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2000Publication date: January 31, 2002Inventors: Masahiro Ando, Atsushi Hisano
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Patent number: 6302789Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a new pedometer with game mode which can be used as a game by a child to get some exercise such as walking and/or running without reluctance. When a vibration is detected by a vibration detector, the count values of a step-number counter and an integrating counter are incremented, and thereby a display state of a character displayed on an LCD is varied based on the count values of step-number counter and/or the integrating counter.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2001Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takahiro Harada, Kazunobu Shimizu
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Patent number: 6298314Abstract: Various methods for monitoring movement of a person involve using a sensor to generate a signal in response to movement of a person. In one embodiment, a characteristic in the signal is identified that indicates the person is walking or running and, in response to identifying the characteristic, a timer is started. In another embodiment, after the person has begun walking or running, a characteristic in the signal is identified that indicates the person has ceased walking or running and, in response to identifying the characteristic, an action is taken. In another embodiment, a characteristic in the signal is identified that is indicative of a foot of the person being in motion and, in response to identifying the characteristic, a timer is started. In another embodiment, after a foot of the person has been in motion, a characteristic in the signal is identified that is indicative of the foot ceasing to be in motion and, in response to identifying the characteristic, an action is taken.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Personal Electronic Devices, Inc.Inventors: Thomas P. Blackadar, Paul J. Gaudet, Samuel W. Joffe
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Patent number: 6254513Abstract: A pedometer includes a main body 1, two acceleration sensors 3 and 4 supported in an oscillating manner in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction at a substrate 2 within the main body 1, an angle detection sensor 5 for detecting an angle of inclination of main body 1 to the ground, and a pace counter for selecting output of either acceleration sensor 3 or 4 according to an output of angle detection sensor 5 for counting the number of paces thereby.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1999Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: Omron CorporationInventors: Masaaki Takenaka, Tsutomu Yamasawa, Tomoo Watanabe, Shinya Tanaka, Toshio Otani
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Patent number: 6219625Abstract: A shoe including weight and distance traveled monitoring device for determining a weight and distance traveled by a person wearing the shoe. The weight and distance traveled monitoring device includes a device for sensing a pressure and generating a signal indicative of the sensed pressure positioned in a heel of the shoe and a device for measuring a distance traveled by the shoe and generating a signal indicating the measured distance positioned in the heel of the shoe. A microprocessor is connected to receive the signal from the sensing device and the signal from the measuring device for processing the received signals to determine a weight of the person wearing the shoe and a distance traveled by the person wearing the shoe. A device is provided for producing and communicating an audible signal indicating the determined weight and distance traveled to the person wearing the shoe.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1998Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Inventor: Shehnaz Saini Singh
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Patent number: 6213872Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a new pedometer with game mode which can be used as a game by a child to get some exercise such as walking and/or running without reluctance. When a vibration is detected by a vibration detector, the count values of a step-number counter and an integrating counter are incremented, and thereby a display state of a character displayed on an LCD is varied based on the count values of step-number counter and/or the integrating counter.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1998Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takahiro Harada, Kazunobu Shimizu
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Patent number: 6018705Abstract: The time period that a foot is in contact with the ground during a stride taken by a user, and the period that the foot is not in contact with the ground between strides taken by the user are determined by processing and analyzing the output signal of an accelerometer. The accelerometer is mounted on the user such that its acceleration sensing axis senses acceleration in a direction substantially parallel to the bottom of the user's foot. The output of the accelerometer is high-pass filtered, amplified, and fed to the input of a micro-controller, which monitors the signal for positive and negative signal spikes that are indicative, respectively, of the moment that the foot of the user leaves the ground and the moment that the foot impacts with the ground. By measuring time intervals between these positive and negative spikes, average "foot contact times" and "foot loft times" of the user may be calculated.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1997Date of Patent: January 25, 2000Assignee: Personal Electronic Devices, Inc.Inventors: Paul J. Gaudet, Thomas P. Blackadar, Steven R. Oliver
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Patent number: 5724265Abstract: A device that measures the distance traveled, speed, and height jumped of a person while running or walking. Accelerometers and rotational sensors are placed in the sole of one shoe along with an electronic circuit that performs mathematical calculations to determine the distance and height of each step. A radio frequency transmitter sends the distance and height information to a wristwatch or other central receiving unit. A radio frequency receiver in the wristwatch or other unit is coupled to a microprocessor that calculates an output speed based upon step-distance and elapsed time, and the distance traveled of the runner from the sum of all previous step distances. The output of the microprocessor is coupled to a display that shows the distance traveled, speed, or height jumped of the runner or walker.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1995Date of Patent: March 3, 1998Inventor: Lawrence J. Hutchings