Distance And Human Activity (e.g., Pedometer, Nonpowered Golf Carts) Patents (Class 377/24.2)
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Patent number: 11596350Abstract: The present invention relates to a system (1) for estimating cardiovascular fitness of a person, comprising a heart rate monitor (10) for acquiring a heart rate signal including information about the heart rate of the person, an activity monitor (20) for acquiring an activity signal indicative of physical activity of the person, a classifier (30) for classifying the activity of the person based on the acquired activity signal, a selector (40) for selecting one or more heart rate features obtained from the acquired heart rate signal based on the acquired heart rate signal and the classification of the activity for use in an estimation of the cardiovascular fitness of the person, and an estimator (50) for estimating the cardiovascular fitness of the person based on the one or more selected heart rate features.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2019Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Francesco Sartor, Alberto Giovanni Bonomi
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Patent number: 11532394Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for assessing a state of an epilepsy disease or a comorbidity thereof are provided. The methods comprise receiving at least one autonomic index, neurologic index, stress marker index, psychiatric index, endocrine index, adverse effect of therapy index, physical fitness index, or quality of life index of a patient; comparing the at least one index to at least one reference value; and assessing a state of an epilepsy disease or a body system of the patient based on the comparison. A computer readable program storage device encoded with instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform the method described above is also provided. A medical device system capable of implementing the method described above is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2018Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: FLINT HILLS SCIENTIFIC, LLCInventor: Ivan Osorio
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Patent number: 11051720Abstract: A system and method for collecting motion data using a fitness tracking device located on an arm of a user, detecting that the arm is constrained based on the motion data, estimating a stride length of the user based on the motion data and historical step cadence-to-stride length data, calculating fitness data using the estimated stride length, and outputting the fitness data to the user.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2017Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Daniel J. Perry, Edith M. Arnold, Hung A. Pham, Jonathan M. Beard, Karthik Jayaraman Raghuram, Vinay R. Majjigi
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Patent number: 10527452Abstract: A method of calibrating a wearable electronic device including a location data unit and an inertial motion unit includes providing a calibration table including default calibration data for the wearable electronic device and determining if location data is available from the location data unit. The method also includes determining if the calibration table has been updated to achieve predetermined thresholds and receiving, from the location data unit, location data associated with the wearable electronic device as a function of time if the location data is available. The method further includes computing a travel speed of the user based on the location data if the location data is available, receiving, from the inertial motion unit, user stride data as a function of time, updating the calibration table using the travel speed and the user stride data, and providing data from the updated calibration table to the user.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2016Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.Inventors: Olivier Theytaz, Daniel Bonanno, Jean-Michel Chardon
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Patent number: 10470704Abstract: The present invention relates to a system (1) for estimating cardiovascular fitness of a person, comprising a heart rate monitor (10) for acquiring a heart rate signal including information about the heart rate of the person, an activity monitor (20) for acquiring an activity signal indicative of physical activity of the person, a classifier (30) for classifying the activity of the person based on the acquired activity signal, a selector (40) for selecting one or more heart rate features obtained from the acquired heart rate signal based on the acquired heart rate signal and the classification of the activity for use in an estimation of the cardiovascular fitness of the person, and an estimator (50) for estimating the cardiovascular fitness of the person based on the one or more selected heart rate features.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2014Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Francesco Sartor, Alberto Giovanni Bonomi
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Patent number: 10314361Abstract: A shoe has a sensor system operably connected to a communication port. Performance data is collected by the system and can be transferred for further use via the communication port. The shoe may contain an electronic module configured to gather data from the sensors. The module may also transmit the data to an external device for further processing. Users can use the collected data for a variety of different uses or applications.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2016Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Amos, James C. Meschter, Matthew A. Nurse, Andrew A. Owings, Jeffrey C. Pisciotta, Allan M. Schrock
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Patent number: 10271769Abstract: A performance information notification device according to an application example includes: an acquisition unit which acquires information indicating at least one of load exercise and rest in interval exercise; and a notification unit which reports performance information about at least one of a time during which the load exercise is carried out and a time during which the rest is carried out, based on the information indicating at least one of the load exercise and the rest.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2017Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventors: Eiji Miyasaka, Osamu Yamada
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Patent number: 10247558Abstract: A travel direction determination apparatus is provided, including: a sensor signal acquisition unit that acquires sensor signals from sensors mounted in a mobile device; a first travel direction calculation unit that calculates a travel direction of the user without relying on a walking state of the user; a second travel direction calculation unit that calculates the travel direction of the user based on the sensor signals when the user who holds the mobile device is in a walking state; and a determination unit that determines the travel direction of the user first to the travel direction calculated by the first travel direction calculation unit, and then to the travel direction calculated by the second travel direction calculation unit, responding to changes in the state of the user from non-walking state to walking state.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2016Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: Asahi Kasei Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shiro Kobayashi, Masahiro Konda, Yuko Akagi
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Patent number: 10137329Abstract: The present disclosure provides a smart walking recommendation apparatus and a corresponding method, the apparatus includes an information obtaining module configured to obtain destination information and appointed arrival time information, a positioning module configured to obtain a start position of a user, a central processing module configured to calculate a distance from the start position to a destination based on the start position and the destination information, and determine whether to recommended walking based on the distance from the start position to the destination, an empirical speed, and the appointed arrival time information, and an output module configured output a walking recommendation to the user in response to determining to recommend walking.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2016Date of Patent: November 27, 2018Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.Inventors: Yu Gu, Hongli Ding, Kai Zhao, Ying Zhang, Yifei Zhang
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Patent number: 10137025Abstract: A device for electrical stimulation of muscles involved in the physiological gait of a human includes an element for electrical muscle stimulation. A sensor detects information relevant to the muscle stimulation. The sensor includes a gyroscope constructed to detect information including an angular speed ? and a swing direction in an extension direction and flexion direction of an anatomical lower leg of the human. An evaluation unit, including a microprocessor, evaluates the information detected by the gyroscope, determines a defined switching time for the muscle stimulation on the basis of the angular speed ? and the swing direction, and transmits the determined switching time to a control and regulation unit that triggers muscle stimulation by the element in response to receipt of the determined switching time.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2015Date of Patent: November 27, 2018Assignee: EVOMOTION GMBHInventors: Joerg Fior, Ralf Gentz
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Patent number: 10080503Abstract: A watch or other type of portable electronic console that employs a number of different functions in order to improve its usability. The watch may, for example, allow a user to connect the watch to one or more remote electronic devices, such as an electronic performance sensor or MP3 player. The watch then displays information related to the connected electronic devices. Still further, the watch may allow a user to control the operation of one or more connected remote electronic devices. Thus, if the watch is connected to a remote speed/distance monitor employing a calibration variable, then the watch may allow the user to adjust the calibration variable.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2017Date of Patent: September 25, 2018Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Prstojevich, Christopher A. Robinette, Theodore H. Helprin, Charles W. Case, Jr.
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Patent number: 10004051Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling traffic of a second electronic device, which interworks with a first electronic device, in the first electronic device is provided. The method includes detecting occurrence of an event which needs to be notified to the second electronic device, determining a time to notify the occurrence of the event based on a driving time of the second electronic device, and transmitting an event occurrence notification signal to the second electronic device at the determined notification time.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2017Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ok-Seon Lee, Hyeon-Jin Kang, Sang-Jun Moon, Yong-Seok Park, Kang-Jin Yoon
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Patent number: 9921058Abstract: Methods and systems for dynamic tracking of on-stage objects using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) presented herein do not require illumination to track a randomly moving object and are easily configurable for various stage sizes and for stages movable relative to the ground. In some instances, a tracking method includes determining an initial state of an MEMS motion tracker carried on a dynamic object, such as a performer. Acceleration and orientation information gathered by the motion tracker is monitored. A change of state in response to the monitored acceleration and orientation information is then determined. An instant state is calculated using the change of state and the initial state. Actuation signals based on the calculated instant state are generated for actuating a gimbal. The gimbal faces a device supported thereby toward the dynamic object.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS INTERNATIONAL N.V.Inventors: Vikas Kumar Sinha, Nishant Omar
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Patent number: 9795323Abstract: A computer-implemented method is described. The computer-implemented method is used for populating data of a graphical user interface (GUI). The computer-implemented method includes generating one or more graphical elements of one or more activities captured by a monitoring device. The monitoring device is usable by a user during the capturing. The method further includes generating a timeline including a time period over which the activities are performed. The timeline includes a chronological order of time within the time period. The method further includes generating an activity symbol for one or more of the activities performed during the time period. The activity symbol has an image that is graphically overlaid on the graphical elements of the activities.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2015Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Fitbit, Inc.Inventors: Shelten Gee Jao Yuen, James Park, Hans Christiansen Lee
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Patent number: 9748464Abstract: Aspects relate to an energy harvesting device adapted for use by an athlete while exercising. The device may utilize a mass of phase-change material to store heat energy, the stored heat energy subsequently converted into electrical energy by one or more thermoelectric generator modules. The energy harvesting device may be integrated into an item of clothing, and such that the mass of phase change material may store heat energy as the item of clothing is laundered.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2016Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Summer Schneider, Vikram Malhotra, Marcus Ward, Jerry Wiant, Ingo Stark, Pamela Heidt, Stephen Kreiger
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Patent number: 9539469Abstract: A display system comprising a user terminal apparatus configured to transmit a swimming image to a display apparatus, the display apparatus configured to reproduce the swimming image received from the user terminal apparatus, and a sensing apparatus configured to sense, while the user is swimming, user location information in real time, and transmit the sensed user location information to the user terminal apparatus or the display apparatus. The user terminal apparatus or the display apparatus displays swimming information of the user based on the received user location information.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2014Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: So-la Lee, Dong-jin Na, Dong-seok Lee, Hyun-mook Choi
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Patent number: 9314171Abstract: A blood pressure measurement device measures a pulse period of a patient and includes a memory, a threshold calculation section, a rest/unrest condition determination section, and a display unit. The memory stores data of the measured pulse period and data of a pulse period of past measurement of the patient. The threshold calculation section calculates a threshold value range based on the data of the pulse period of the past measurement of the patient. The rest/unrest condition determination section determines whether the patient was under the rest condition or the unrest condition during blood pressure measurement by comparing the measured pulse period with the threshold value range. The display unit displays the blood pressure measured and whether the blood pressure was measured when the patient was in the rest condition or the unrest condition.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2013Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: OMRON HEALTHCARE Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mika Ezoe, Yukiya Sawanoi, Shingo Yamashita
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Patent number: 9216341Abstract: A wearable device for monitoring and providing real-time feedback about a swimmer's body motion and performance, in particular, body orientation and forward speed, is provided. The device comprises a three-axis accelerometer, optionally a three-axis gyroscope, a memory, and a microcontroller configured to process the sensor input, calculate a swimmer's performance and provide feedback to the swimmer through an output. The output can be an earpiece or a swimming goggle with a digital display.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2009Date of Patent: December 22, 2015Inventor: Xipu Li
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Patent number: 9149213Abstract: A procedure for calibrating walking and/or running measurements in an exercise-related apparatus are provided. As a result of a user running and walking a given distance which may be the same or different for running and walking, respective running and walking motion metrics are obtained during a calibration phase. A relation between the obtained running and walking motion metrics are then used to compute a calibration value applied to calibrate one of running and walking measurements during an exercise.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2012Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: Polar Electro OyInventor: Mika Niemimäki
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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: 8965732Abstract: A wearable device has a carrier having an aperture. A device has a USB connection and a protrusion wherein the protrusion is received in the aperture to connect the device to a wristband. The device is a USB type device having athletic functionality. The device may further be configured to receive calibration data such that a measured distance may be converted to a known distance based on athletic activity performed by a user.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2013Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Christopher A. Robinette, Hector Moll-Carrillo, Matt Capozzi, Michael T. Hoffman, Tomislav Lakovic
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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: 8879685Abstract: An electromotive unit that produces an electric current in response to a pressure applied thereto when a user lands the ground on his/her foot while walking or running, or a pressure detector that detects variation in the applied pressure is formed like a flat plate and arranged within a small space in a shoe. A wire material is provided to deliver, outside the shoe, the electric current produced in response to the pressure applied when the user lands the ground on his/her foot or a signal indicative of the variation in the applied pressure. The wire material is connected to a pedometer unit outside the shoe to perform counting. The wire material can be fixed and mounted onto a desired portion in the opening of the shoe by using a fastener or by being formed as a fixable wire material.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2012Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Inventor: Kozo Oshio
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Patent number: 8749348Abstract: One disclosed method involves providing a first device comprising a sensor configured to sense a stimulus experienced by the first device, a controller configured to process data received from the sensor and thereby obtain processed sensor data, a transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit the processed data, and a battery configured to supply power to at least the controller and the transmitter. The first device is operated in a first operational mode in which the sensor, the controller, and the transmitter are used at least occasionally to obtain and transmit processed data. When the battery is in a low power condition, the first device is operated in a second operational mode wherein the sensor, controller, and transmitter are not used to obtain and transmit processed sensor data, but wherein the first device at least occasionally transmits a signal that indicates a low power condition of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2012Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventor: Thomas P. Blackadar
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Patent number: 8712723Abstract: A method for monitoring human activity using an inertial sensor includes continuously determining an orientation of the inertial sensor, assigning a dominant axis, updating the dominant axis as the orientation of the inertial sensor changes, and counting periodic human motions by monitoring accelerations relative to the dominant axis.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2011Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: DP Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Philippe Kahn, Arthur Kinsolving, Mark Andrew Christensen, Brian Y. Lee, David Vogel
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Patent number: 8645062Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a step detection. An accelerometer measurement in the form of a multi-dimensional acceleration vector is obtained. The magnitude of the accelerometer measurement is filtered using a low pass filter. A threshold for a down-crossing is provided as is a threshold for an up-crossing. A step detection is triggered if the magnitude of the accelerometer measurement is greater than or equal to the threshold for an up-crossing.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2013Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: June Chul Roh, Deric Wayne Waters, Srinath Hosur, Goutam Dutta
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Patent number: 8517896Abstract: A wearable device has a carrier having an aperture. A device has a USB connection and a protrusion wherein the protrusion is received in the aperture to connect the device to a wristband. The device is a USB type device having athletic functionality. The device may further be configured to receive calibration data such that a measured distance may be converted to a known distance based on athletic activity performed by a user.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2009Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Christopher A. Robinette, Hector Moll-Carrillo, Matt Capozzi, Michael T. Hoffman, Tomislav Lakovic
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Publication number: 20130028368Abstract: An electromotive unit that produces an electric current in response to a pressure applied thereto when a user lands the ground on his/her foot while walking or running, or a pressure detector that detects variation in the applied pressure is formed like a flat plate and arranged within a small space in a shoe. A wire material is provided to deliver, outside the shoe, the electric current produced in response to the pressure applied when the user lands the ground on his/her foot or a signal indicative of the variation in the applied pressure. The wire material is connected to a pedometer unit outside the shoe to perform counting. The wire material can be fixed and mounted onto a desired portion in the opening of the shoe by using a fastener or by being formed as a fixable wire material.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Inventor: Kozo OSHIO
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Patent number: 8355888Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 21, 2008Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.Inventors: Nahum Chernoguz, Avraham Kagan
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Patent number: 8350696Abstract: System and method for tracking assets comprises determining if an asset is inside a geofence area, using a first set of asset monitoring parameters to monitor operation of the asset, if the asset is inside the geofence area, and using a second set of asset monitoring parameters to monitor operation of the asset, if the asset is outside the geofence area. The invention further comprises a system and method for providing one or more competitors with an asset tracking device, wherein the asset tracking device allows each competitor's location to be monitored, defining one or more geofence areas on a racetrack, and detecting when the competitors enter a designated geofence area.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2011Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Independent Witness, IncorporatedInventors: Scott McClellan, Eric Capps, Todd Follmer
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Patent number: 8311768Abstract: A step count measuring system includes a pedometer and a step count managing apparatus which are able to communicate with each other. In the pedometer, a step count value sequentially detected for each unit of time is stored, and a time counted in the pedometer is stored as first time data by being brought into associated with each of the step count values. When a battery is replaced in the pedometer, a reset is executed to start initialization processing, and the time stored as first time data is stored as second time data which can be discriminated from the first time data. A recording time of each of the step count values being associated with the first time data before the initialization processing is set on the basis of the time counted by the step count managing apparatus, and a recording time of each of the step count values being associated with the second time data after the initialization processing is set on the basis of the second time data.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2009Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignees: Nintendo Co., Ltd., Creatures Inc.Inventors: Hideaki Fukutome, Naoya Morimura, Hirofumi Matsuoka
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Patent number: 8264328Abstract: One disclosed method involves providing a first device comprising a sensor configured to sense a stimulus experienced by the first device, a controller configured to process data received from the sensor and thereby obtain processed sensor data, a transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit the processed data, and a battery configured to supply power to at least the controller and the transmitter. The first device is operated in a first operational mode in which the sensor, the controller, and the transmitter are used at least occasionally to obtain and transmit processed data. When the battery is in a low power condition, the first device is operated in a second operational mode wherein the sensor, controller, and transmitter are not used to obtain and transmit processed sensor data, but wherein the first device at least occasionally transmits a signal that indicates a low power condition of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2010Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventor: Thomas P. Blackadar
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Patent number: 8027803Abstract: The present invention relates to a traveling direction measuring apparatus usable as a pedestrian navigation system in locations where it is difficult to obtain high positioning accuracy such as inside buildings or around multistory buildings where a GPS cannot be used. An acceleration detecting section (1) detects 3-axes acceleration of the traveling direction measuring apparatus, which varies with the walking of the pedestrian. An acceleration data acquiring section (2) obtains 3-axes acceleration data repeatedly by the number of prescribed times or more, said 3-axes acceleration data varies with the walking of the pedestrian. A first gravity acceleration calculating section (3) calculates, when the pedestrian is walking with holding the traveling direction measuring apparatus in a generally fixed attitude, gravity acceleration by averaging acceleration data sets during several steps obtained by the acceleration data acquiring section (2).Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2010Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Asahi Kasei EMD CorporationInventors: Toru Kitamura, Masaya Yamashita
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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: 7999670Abstract: System and method for tracking assets comprises determining if an asset is inside a geofence area, using a first set of asset monitoring parameters to monitor operation of the asset, if the asset is inside the geofence area, and using a second set of asset monitoring parameters to monitor operation of the asset, if the asset is outside the geofence area. The invention further comprises a system and method for providing one or more competitors with an asset tracking device, wherein the asset tracking device allows each competitor's location to be monitored, defining one or more geofence areas on a racetrack, and detecting when the competitors enter a designated geofence area.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2007Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Inthinc Technology Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Scott McClellan, Eric Capps, Todd Follmer
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Publication number: 20110149694Abstract: The swim device includes a wrist unit system wearable on a wrist and a hand, at least one hand sensor unit that is wearable on a hand, and at least one foot sensor unit wearable on a foot. The wrist unit system includes a wrist unit and at least one pressure sensor. The wrist unit includes an integrated circuit chip (ICC) computer; a battery; an alarm, a display and housing with input buttons, and a wrist band with an embedded antenna. The hand/foot sensor unit includes an integrated circuit chip (ICC) computer with a battery. The pressure sensor is attached to a cap that is worn on the first segment of a finger or big toe in such a manner that the pressure sensor faces the water-bound side of the finger or big toe.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Inventor: Masami Sakita
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Patent number: 7962308Abstract: A body motion detecting method calculates an acceleration-of-gravity vector from acceleration vectors, which are detection outputs of a multi-axial acceleration sensor. The method extracts a vertical component of acceleration, using the acceleration vectors from the acceleration sensor and the calculated acceleration-of-gravity vector. The method further detects peaks in the extracted vertical component of acceleration, and detects body motion in the vertical direction by analyzing the detected peaks. Related body motion detecting device and computer readable medium are also described.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2007Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Kenichi Makino
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Patent number: 7959539Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 2, 2007Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Omron Healthcare Co., Ltd.Inventors: Naoki Takeishi, Kenji Eda, Kenji Hashino, Taiga Sato, Yasuyuki Togoe
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Patent number: 7881902Abstract: A method for monitoring human activity using an inertial sensor includes continuously determining an orientation of the inertial sensor, assigning a dominant axis, updating the dominant axis as the orientation of the inertial sensor changes, and counting periodic human motions by monitoring accelerations relative to the dominant axis.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2010Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: DP Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Philippe Kahn, Arthur Kinsolving, Mark Andrew Christensen, Brian Y. Lee, David Vogel
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Patent number: 7877226Abstract: An apparatus and method for counting exercise repetitions are provided for counting exercise repetition even when an exerciser attaches the apparatus in different places and along different orientations of his or her body. The apparatus and method utilizes acceleration data along at least three axes and determines that a valid step is taken by the exerciser if at least one of acceleration profiles falls within at least one of pre-defined thresholds. Moreover, a method of identifying an optimal axis for exercise repetition measurement is disclosed by comparing the acceleration profiles of previous steps with amplitude, cycle and rhythm thresholds.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2008Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: IDT Technology LimitedInventors: Raymond Chan, Mun Hoong Leong, Li Li
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Patent number: 7867141Abstract: A physical activity measuring system analyzes analyzing body motions of a user to accurately determine the exercise intensity. The system includes a portable device which is adapted to be carried by the user and is equipped with a body sensor and an indicator for indication of the exercise intensity. The body sensor senses the user's body motions to give corresponding motion strength. The portable device has a processor which constitutes an exercise calculator which has a predetermined relationship between a default standard deviation of the motion strength and an exercise intensity scale. The exercise intensity calculator collects a time series data of the motion strengths within a predetermined first time frame, obtains a standard deviation of thus collected motion strengths, and converting the standard deviation into an instant exercise intensity within the intensity scale in accordance with the predetermined relationship.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2005Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshihiro Matsumura, Matsuki Yamamoto, Hideki Nakamura, Yasuko Yamamoto, Junji Ikeda, Masayuki Mitsui, Tadaharu Kitadou, Kazunori Kidera
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Patent number: 7805277Abstract: To provide a step number measuring apparatus in which a reduction in electric power is intended by a simple constitution, and which can correspond to plural movements. A CPU calculates a moving motion pitch on the basis of a detection signal from sensors that a switching circuit has selected, calculates the moving motion pitch by performing a processing having been selected from among plural kinds of processings, which have been stored in a memory, on the basis of the detection signal from the sensors that the switching circuit has selected, calculates the moving motion pitch by selecting the other processing among the plural kinds of processings when both the moving motion pitches differ, and performs a step number measurement by the selected processing when both the moving motion pitches become the same.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2007Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.Inventor: Keisuke Tsubata
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Patent number: 7805275Abstract: A traveling direction measuring apparatus including 3-axes acceleration detecting means for detecting acceleration, and acceleration data acquiring means for repeatedly obtaining 3-axes acceleration data, said 3-axes acceleration varying with walking of a pedestrian, the traveling direction measuring apparatus including means for calculating, when the pedestrian is walking with holding said traveling direction measuring apparatus in a generally fixed attitude, gravity acceleration by averaging acceleration data sets during several steps obtained by said acceleration data acquiring means, means for calculating frequency components corresponding to duration of one step of the acceleration data sets projected on a plane perpendicular to the calculated gravity acceleration, and means for estimating a moving direction of the pedestrian seen from a terminal coordinate system associated with said traveling direction measuring apparatus according to frequency components.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2006Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Asahi Kasei EMD CorporationInventors: Toru Kitamura, Masaya Yamashita
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Patent number: 7792658Abstract: To realize miniaturization and detection of a walk state in which no arm is swung in an electronic pedometer in which at least a walk sensor is used in a state of being worn on a wrist. An acceleration sensor is disposed so that a sensitivity axis of the acceleration sensor is located in a range of 30° or smaller in a counterclockwise direction from the direction of 90° with respect to a longitudinal direction of a belt. A user of an electronic pedometer wears the electronic pedometer on his/her left wrist using the belt and starts processing for counting the number of steps by manipulating a manipulation portion, and also starts to walk, thereby starting counting the number of steps. The user checks the counted number of steps and the measured time period based on displayed contents on a step number display portion and a time display portion of a display portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2007Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.Inventor: Yoshinori Sugai
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Patent number: 7787943Abstract: There provided a heart rate monitor that includes a pair of electrodes, a program control panel having a power supply, a vibration feedback module for advising the user when predetermined heart rates have been reached, and a data retrieval member. The electrodes are arranged to be in contact with the swimmer's body and connected to a microcontroller in a program control panel. The program control panel has a plurality of heart rate selection members that provide a signal for sending to the swimmer when the predetermined heart rate has been reached. When the predetermined heart rate is reached, the signal is sent to a vibration feedback module. Another aspect of the present invention is to log heart rate data and swimming duration. This is accomplished by providing the program control panel with blue tooth zone selectors that export data from the program control panel and imports the data to a hand held computer.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2007Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Inventor: Daniel K McDonough
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Publication number: 20100189209Abstract: A step rate optimization device (12). The device includes a timer, a pedometer, an arterial waveform sensor (24), a processor and an indicator (16). The timer is adapted to measure a predetermined period of time and issue a first signal indicative thereof. The pedometer is adapted to measure the number of a user's steps over the predetermined period of time and issue a second signal indicative thereof. The arterial waveform sensor (24) is adapted to issue a third signal indicative of the user's arterial pulse waveform over the predetermined period of time. The processor is adapted to receive said first, second and third signals and determine and issue a fourth signal indicative of the user's dominant stride rate frequency, the user's dominant pulse rate waveform frequency and the interaction of the user's dominant stride rate frequency and the user's dominant pulse rate waveform frequency in the range of approximately 0-8 Hz.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2008Publication date: July 29, 2010Applicant: ATCOR MEDICAL PTY. LTD.Inventor: Michael F. O'Rourke
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Patent number: 7698097Abstract: A method for controlling a pedometer includes the steps of: generating a signal correlated to movements of a user of the pedometer; and detecting steps of the user on the basis of the signal. The method moreover envisages the steps of checking whether sequences of detected steps satisfy pre-determined conditions of regularity; updating a total number of valid steps if the conditions of regularity are satisfied; and preventing the updating of the total number of valid steps if the conditions of regularity are not satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2006Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.R.L.Inventors: Fabio Pasolini, Ivo Binda
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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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Patent number: 7670303Abstract: A body motion measuring apparatus is described, embodiments of which include an apparatus for detecting the magnitudes of motions in different directions at a time using body motion sensors, calculating the size V of a composite vector based on the relationship between the magnitudes of the motions, comparing the size V of the composite vector with a reference value to determine whether the size V of the composite vector is adequate, calculating an angle ? based on the relationship between the magnitudes of the motions when V is determined to be adequate, calculating a body motion output M taking the angle ? into account, and counting a predetermined body motion based on the relationship between M and a predetermined elapsed time.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2004Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Tanita CorporationInventors: Tomio Sato, Kenji Nishibayashi
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Patent number: 7653508Abstract: A method for monitoring human activity using an inertial sensor includes continuously determining an orientation of the inertial sensor, assigning a dominant axis, updating the dominant axis as the orientation of the inertial sensor changes, and counting periodic human motions by monitoring accelerations relative to the dominant axis.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2006Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: DP Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Philippe Kahn, Arthur Kinsolving, Mark Andrew Christensen, Brian Y. Lee, David Vogel