Abstract: Method and assembly for measuring the speed of or distance covered by a runner. According to the invention, the angular displacement of the foot is measured, and the distance of the trunk from a reference, such as the foot or the ground, is determined. On the basis of these data it is possible to calculate the speed or distance.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring distance in the game of golf includes an electro-mechanical DriveGauge.TM. which is provided with a large, easy-to-read display and which registers the player's strides in yards. The apparatus is preferably contained in an attractive housing having a belt clip and the display is mounted "upside down" so that the player may read the display without removing the apparatus from his/her belt. A large prominently colored reset button is preferably provided adjacent to the display so that the display may be quickly and easily reset to zero after a measurement is noted by the player. According to a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, an electromechanical transducer is coupled through a noise filter to a counter which is coupled through a display control and driver to a large four digit LCD display. A clock oscillator is coupled to a system clock unit which provides clock signals for the noise filter and the display control and driver.

Abstract: A received data processing system is composed of a transmitter which includes a transmission unit which sends by radio sensor data such as a pulse rate obtained by a pulse sensor, a wrist watch which receives the sensor data from the transmitter using a reception unit and displays it on a display, and an external storage attached removably to the wrist watch for storing the received sensor data. Since the transmitter is attached closely to the human body to sense a pulse rate, detection of the pulse rate is ensured even if the user is in exercise. Since data on the pulse rate is stored in the removable external storage through the wrist watch, the system can process a large amount of data.

Abstract: A pace calculation device including an oscillator and a frequency divider used for timing purposes, an amplifier and a speaker for generating a signal sound, and a CPU for performing an operation. Times taken for a runner to run any first distance twice each at a different pace to the signal sound are measured. The CPU draws a relation between a pace and a run time on the basis of data on two different paces at each of which the runner run the first distance and data on the run times taken for the runner to run. A run time taken for the runner to run at any pace any second distance which the runner should run in a target run time is measured. The CPU calculates a pace at which the runner runs the second distance in the target run time on the basis of the relation, data on the pace at which the runner run the second distance, and the run time taken for that run. The speaker generates a signal sound on the basis of data on the pace calculated by the CPU.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately measuring an amount of exercise taken by a walker in terms of a walking speed, the distance traveled and the energy consumed. Impacts made by contacts of a foot of the walker with the ground are detected by a detector so as to produce corresponding contact signals. The number of the contact signals in a predetermined unit of time is counted by a processor to obtain a pitch in the unit of time, and a stride of the walker is calculated from said pitch and the height of the walker by the processor according to a predetermined empirical relationship of ST=(0.1688.times.HT)/(1-0.0174.times.PI.times.HT), where ST is the stride in meters, PI is the pitch in number of steps every 10 seconds, and HT is the walker's height in meters. The data on said height are inputted to the processor beforehand. Then the stride is multiplied by the pitch, to obtain and display a walking speed of the walker in said unit of time. The energy, e.g.

Abstract: The automatic orientation device according to the invention for walkers and the blind is a small light weight and easily man-carried instrument. It contains an electronic-digital-calculating for continually determining the vectorial sum of the steps made by converting these steps into electrical pulses proportional to the strides and by automatic determination of the direction by means of a direction emitter in order to calculate the distance and direction covered from the point of departure. Whether by walking, running or horse riding the user is thus provided with optical or acoustic indicating or with perceptible vibrations indicating the distance and direction from the point of departure. In this way any person, including the blind, can find his way to the point of departure without any means of assistance, or geographical map or town plan, and in particular when the visibility is extremely poor.

Abstract: An exercise measuring instrument according to the present invention employs an acceleration sensor which comprises a piezoelectric piece having a pair of piezoelectric elements stuck to each other. An output waveform of the acceleration sensor is supplied to an amplifier, gain of which is changed in accordance with an exercise mode selected out of a walking mode, an exercise-walking mode and a jogging mode, and thereby an output level of the amplifier is kept at somewhat an equal voltage level, although the voltage level of the output waveform of the acceleration sensor is different between the exercise modes. This improvement allows an accurate measurement of exercise.

Abstract: An electronic monitoring apparatus for detecting and indicating contact and non-contact of an athlete's shoes with the ground has pressure sensitive means on each shoe on the bottom surface. The pressure sensitive means are connected to a signal generator in each shoe, producing signals indicative of contact or non-contact. The signal in one shoe is transmitted to the other shoe, where the signals are combined to actuate an indicator when both shoes are out of contact. The signal generators can also be arranged to produce signals indicative of a heel to toe sequence, in which case the pressure sensitive means on each shoe is divided into two zones, one at the heel and one adjacent the toe area.

Abstract: A sensor to be activated by the ground for sensing a user's movements includes a conductor that contacts the user's skin or maintains a specific distance relative to the user's skin; an electronic device connected to the conductor and responding to changes of electrical charges carried by the user resulting from his movements, thereby generating corresponding electronic AC signals; a DC to AC converter ot convert said electronic Ac signals into DC voltage signals; and a voltage level changing meter having a voltage range and operative to generate a signal when the DC voltage signals are outside the preset range.

Abstract: The number of calories consumed by subject performing an exercise routine is approximated with a computer having a predetermined cycle time during which the distance travelled by the subject is determined. Indications of the subject weight, sex and age are entered into a memory of the computer to cause the computer to compute and store an indication of the number of calories the subject burns in traversing a predetermined distance during the computer cycle time. The calories consumed by the subject during the cycle time are calculated from the stored indication and the distance travelled during the cycle time. The indications of calculated consumed calories are accumulated over several consecutive cycle times. To determine distance travelled, signals from a pedometer are combined in the computer with a subject's stored stride length signal.

Abstract: There is described an exercise measuring device intended to be attached to a person's body or clothing to indicate that a predetermined level of activity is being maintained. In the form of the device shown a pendulum is mounted for movement between two adjustable stops so that movement of the person's body causes the pendulum to impact alternately on the stops. Electronic or electrical circuitry may be included to count the impacts on one or both stops, and audible or visible signals may be given when predetermined numbers of impacts have been registered.

Abstract: With the apparatus of the invention, any acceleration/deceleration in the direction of movement is sensed by a pendulum. Electrical signals derived therefrom are used for solving the differential equation of oscillation of the pendulum for determining the acceleration, velocity and/or the distance covered by the moved body within a desired time period.

Abstract: The invention relates to a movement counter with a pendulum weight pivotably mounted in a roughly vertically located plane when the instrument is in the use position and which acts on an indicating means with which is associated a scale for the distance covered and whose pendulum part can be set by a manually adjustable stop, whose adjusting means project through an opening in the casing. Apart from the scale for indicating the distance covered, a second scale is provided, whereon the indicating means indicates the average step length after covering a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A pair of running shoes provided with a housing at the heel thereof, into one of which an electronic device is removably mounted. The electronic device comprises a normally open inertia switch for producing a footstrike count, an oscillator crystal for providing a stopwatch function, a sound generating device, a battery power source and a gate array for counting time and footstrikes. The electronic device together with a computer and a cable for enabling communication between the computer and the electronic device in the shoe form a computer shoe system for enabling accurate information to be obtained with respect to a period of usage of the shoes of one or more users as well as enabling a running log to be maintained.

Abstract: A process and system for measuring information concerning movement factors, and to values, which can be calculated therefrom, particularly stride length, stride number, stride time and running time, via a pair of shoes (1, 2), each of which is provided with a transmitter (S1 or S2), a receiver (E1 or E2), and a signal time measuring device (counter Z1 or Z2). A direct signal (t.sub.dir.) emitted by the front shoe (1) in response to ground contact is received by the rearward shoe (2), is transferred in conformance to time parameters to the first shoe 1 as a reflected signal (refl.). The direct and reflected signals as well as the readouts of both counters (Z1 and Z2) are transmitted to a computer unit, particularly, a high-frequency computer unit for use in determination of the movement information.

Abstract: A system with pressure sensors (5, 12), transmitters (8, 16, 18) and receivers (10, 21) provided in running shoes (2, 3) that upon the shoes (2, 3) leaving or contacting the ground (14) emit and/or receive respective signals (S1, S2, S3, S4). Signals (S1, S2, S4) are formed which are received by a receiver (21) that is independent of the shoes and which are evaluated in an evaluation unit (23). The distance between the feet (FA) is determined from when a front striding foot hits the ground and the rear foot lifts off based upon the timing between the signals using an approximating formula. From the times and the stride length other values movement characteristics of the user may be determined as well.

Abstract: An athletic shoe system for running disciplines and a process for emitting and/or exchanging information concerning movement factors of running disciplines enabling the athlete to always be sufficiently informed regarding his/her training program that is in progress or completed. In particular, in an area of the sole that is less stressed during use, at least one free space is provided where a transmitter is housed which, via a sensor provided in the sole, can emit at least one output signal. In accordance with preferred embodiments, a transmitter in a first shoe of a pair of shoes receives the signals from the sensor and transmits emissions in correspondence with their receipt. The transmitted emissions are received by a remote receiver, that is linked with a computer, and the remote receiver receives the transmitted emissions directly from the transmitter of the first shoe and indirectly via a receiver and transmitter of a second shoe of the pair.

Abstract: An electronic pedometer for use on a footwear is disclosed. The pedometer comprises a step sensor and an electric counter connected thereto, both mounted on the instep of the footwear. The step sensor senses a flexing motion that the instep of the footwear undergoes each time of the user just kicks the ground with the footwear and provides upon sensing such motion an output indicative of each step taken by the user. An electronic counter has therein electric components forming a computing circuit which receives the outputs from the sensor to compute based thereupon the number of steps taken and the distance covered, the resulting measurements being visually indicated on a display section of the counter. The sensor and the counter is connected by means of a resilient band by the utilization of which they are secured or mounted on the instep of the footwear.

Abstract: An electronic pedometer for use on a footwear is disclosed. The pedometer comprises a step sensor carried by the footwear for sensing each step that the user takes to provide an output indicative thereof. Connected to the sensor is a mount base which is secured to the footwear and has thereon a first terminal electrically connected to the step sensor. A counter, which is detachably mounted on the mount base, has therein various electronic components forming a computing circuit and includes a display section. The counter is provided with a second terminal which comes into electrical connection with the first terminal on the mount base when mounted thereon so that the computing circuit receives the outputs from the sensor to compute based thereupon the number of steps taken and the distance travelled by the user. The resulting measurements of the computing circuit are visually indicated on the display section of the counter.

Abstract: A device for measuring the speed of a person while running along a surface is disclosed. A pressure switch or transducer located in a shoe senses when a foot of the runner is in contact with the surface and produces a foot contact signal having a duration proportional to the time the foot is in contact with the surface. A radio frequency transmitter is coupled to the pressure switch or transducer and transmits the foot contact signal. A radio frequency transmitter receives the foot contact signal transmitted by the frequency transmitter and a microprocessor coupled to the radio frequency receiver calculates, solely from the foot contact signal, an output speed signal representing the speed of the runner. A liquid crystal display coupled to the output of the microprocessor displays the speed of the runner in accordance with the output speed signal.

Abstract: The present invention not only accumulates the number of steps walked, but also sounds delightful music to entertain the walker's body and mind, and further, it can make a sound with beats to inspire the walker's spirit and vigor.

Abstract: A condition regulating device for meters for measuring the quantity of motion which have a sensor including a pendulum for sensing vibrations, and components for transmitting the swinging of the pendulum to a display for displaying the swinging of the pendulum as a function of the quantity of motion. The device includes an externally threaded regulating shaft having both its ends rotatably supported on a frame, a movable member designed to be in engagement with the external thread of the shaft and reciprocate axially in association with the rotation of the shaft, a lower limit stopper for the pendulum, which is integral with the movable member, a buffer lever rotatably mounted on the frame, which is designed such that, when the acceleration acting upon the pendulum exceeds a certain value, it buffers the swinging of the pendulum and the other end secured to the other end of the buffer lever.

Abstract: A boot or shoe incorporating means (12) for detecting when a step is made, and means (5) for recording and displaying the total of the steps so recorded. The means (5) may be a mechanical counter and may be operated by a push button (11) mounted in the heel of the shoe. Alternatively the counter may be an electronic counter. In either case, the counter may be operated by an inertially operated mechanism. Where electronic counting means is used, the boot or shoe may incorporate a micro-processor and may be arranged to display, at will, such quantities as total number of steps made distance walked, means speed, etc., and may even be associated with pulse rate or blood pressure sensing means whereby these quantities may also be displayed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for determining the number of steps and the distance walked.The present invention not only accumulates the number of steps walked, but also determines the distance which the walker has walked.

Abstract: A pedometer for indicating distance traveled by a user in walking or running. A mechanical digital counter is provided and driven by a gear train from a ratchet wheel. A pivoted pendulum is maintained in an at-rest position by a first biasing spring which is suitable for use during walking. During running when more kinetic energy is developed in the pendulum, a second biasing spring may be selectively engaged with the first biasing spring to increase the tension thereof for absorbing the additional energy without damage to the apparatus. A movable stop for the pendulum is provided having an external adjustment knob to set the pendulum travel in accordance with the length of stride of the user. The user may change the length of stride and the walk/run mode without resetting of the digital distance indicator.

Abstract: In the sole the invention assembles a piece of electronic counter which can automatically accumulate the steps when walk. It includes a piece of touch stick which will be compressed for the action of walking with interval, apiece of knowing stick which compresses with interval to produce electronic sign, a set of apparatus which arranges above every electronic sign to be a stable electric circuit of pulse, and a set of apparatus can make electronic counter select the above-number or below-number.

Abstract: A runners watch which includes a lightweight case dimensioned to be worn on the wrist of the wearer. A display face is formed on the case. Clock circuitry is disposed within the case for operating the display face in order to display the time of the day, the date and elapsed time to the wearer. A sensor in the case detects the stride of the wearer when the wearer is running or jogging. Circuitry within the case is responsive to the sensor for computing the distance traveled by the wearer. Circuitry within the case is also responsive to the sensor for computing the rate of travel by the wearer. Switches are provided on the case for being operated to display the computed distance and the computed rate of travel.

Abstract: A pedometer is disclosed which calculates the distance a user walks, jogs or runs by electronically measuring the length of each stride taken by the user. Stride length is measured using ultrasonic waves. The pedometer comprises an ultrasonic generator module which is strapped to one leg of the user. An ultrasonic detector module is strapped to the other leg of the user. The generator module emits pulses of ultrasonic energy which are detected by the detector module. A processor and display module in the form of a wristwatch is also provided. The processor module is used to calculate stride length based on the speed of sound and the time delay between pulses emitted and detected by the leg-mounted modules. The pedometer is capable of displaying on a digital display the distance traveled, time per unit distance, elapsed time and time of day. The pedometer is also programmed to compensate for a variety of measurement errors.

Abstract: A pedometer assembly comprises a base disc, pendulum adapted to swing at every step and a display panel. This display panel is rotatably in response to swinging movement of the pendulum and is provided at its periphery with a cylindrical wall. The wall is scored or provided on its outer surface with graduation for indicating the number of repetitions. The surface of the display panel is provided with a proportional diagram adapted for use in the determination of the relation between the number of repetitions, the distance which has been run, and the amount of calories consumed.

Abstract: A pacing timer for a runner which includes an internal memory for storing split distances and target times as well as a variety of stride lengths which correspond to various speeds of the runner. The logic circuitry of the timer determines the runner's stride time in accordance with this data and sounds a repeating stride tone. A number of features are shown, including means for altering the stride time by activation of controls during the run, displaying distance traversed, a catch-up means for redefining the stride time so that the runner can recover lost time, means for displaying the runner's status at any given instant in regard to his target time, means for computing deficit times into target times for future splits so that the runner can get back on schedule or change schedule, and means for recording the runner's performance in the device's internal memory for output to a magnetic record member for storage and future use.

Abstract: A portable self-contained computational device for use by a striding athlete, such as a jogger, includes a stride length selector permitting the athlete to preselect a normal length of stride and a rate selector permitting the athlete to preselect a desired rate of travel by striding, as in minutes/mile. Circuitry of the device generates repetitive signals at a desired striding cue, or pacing, rate. A signalling device provides perceptible striding cues to the athlete in response to these repetitive signals. The device includes a computing circuit responsive to the rate selector to provide incremental distance measurements periodically. An accumulator accumulates the incremental distance measurements and a display provides to the athlete an indication of the accumulated total of the incremental measurements, thus indicating the total distance covered by the athlete's striding in synchronism with the striding cues.

Abstract: The number of steps taken while walking are counted by straining a fatigue life gauge to change its electrical resistance each time the device is stepped on by a subject. The change in resistance of the fatigue life gauge is measured to ascertain the approximate number of steps taken.

Abstract: An electronic pedometer is constructed by a combination of a calculator of the hand-held type and a weighted balance switch closed in response to the strides taken by the person wearing or carrying the pedometer. The stride-actuated switch is connected in parallel with the contacts of a function key of the calculator, such as the "add" or "subtract" key. The distance covered by the wearer in a normal stride is entered in a conventional fashion into the calculator by operation of the appropriate data entry keys. Then, each time a step is taken by the user, this data is added or subtracted (in accordance with the function selected by the user) to continuously provide an indication of the distance traveled or distance remaining to be traveled. Alternatively, the calculator may be used to provide a unit count of each step taken and this total then may be multiplied in the calculator by a constant corresponding to the average distance of each step taken by the user.

Abstract: A device for the recording of the number of steps taken by a pedestrian incorporates a digital incremental counter in the heel -- or attached to the heel -- of a shoe. An operating member projects below the heel and initiates actuation of the counter each time the heel is brought into contact with the ground. Reading the digital display at the beginning and at the end of a stage in a trip yields the number of steps taken and a rough measure of the distance traversed. A reset lever or button may also be provided to zero the display at the start of the measurement cycle.