Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method that allows users to customize audible and visible signals, such as music or video, to maintain a pre-determined or specified pace or to achieve a new pace in repetitive motion activities such as, but not limited to, running, walking, swimming, cycling, aerobics, and the like. Other applications of the system and method include, but are not limited to, enhancing the results of medical rehabilitation programs, physical therapy, weight loss programs, disc jockey services, and industries or manufacturing settings where repetitive motion is common and where audible cues designed to help users maintain a consistent pace are useful. Other features of the invention include providing target- or pace-specific advertisements, and broadcasting target- or pace-specific information about athletes.

Abstract: A weight-lifting exercise machine enables an athlete to lift a mass from an initial resting position. After the athlete releases the mass, the machine cushions the fall of the mass, such that the mass returns to its resting position without assistance from the athlete. The movements of the athlete and the mass can be tracked, preferably by wireless accelerometers attached respectively to the athlete and the mass, and data on such movements can be stored and analyzed. The machine provides a monitor to enable the athlete to track the progress of the exercise, and to determine whether the exercise is being performed correctly.

Abstract: There is provided a audio pacing device including a sensing unit, such as heart rate monitoring unit, to obtain a parameter, such as heart-beat rate (pulse), of a user in physical exercise, a memory to store a plurality of audio signals having predetermined tempo indications (e.g. beats per minute values); and a processing unit configured to (1) determine whether the intensity of the parameter of the user should be increased, decreased or maintained by using the parameter of the user from the heart rate monitor and a predetermined reference value, and (2) dynamically select and render an audio signal having (or adjusted to have) an audio-tempo that enables the user to accordingly increase, decrease or maintain exercise intensity, respectively.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for athletic performance monitoring with body synchronization analysis are disclosed. In one example, a first sensor output associated with a movement of an user foot and a second sensor output associated with a movement of an user arm are received, the user arm on a body side opposite the user foot. The first sensor output and the second sensor output are analyzed to identify a degree of synchronization between the movement of a user foot and the movement of a user arm.

Abstract: In a class of embodiments, a method and apparatus for detecting freefall of a disk device (thereby predicting that the disk device will likely suffer imminent physical impact) and typically also preventing damage that a disk drive of the device would otherwise suffer if and when a predicted impact occurs. In some embodiments, a disk device includes a freefall detection processor and a CPU. The freefall detection processor is configured to monitor acceleration data to determine whether the disk device is in freefall and to perform at least one other operation (e.g., decoding of MP3-encoded audio data to generate decoded audio data) while the CPU performs at least one other task. Other embodiments pertain to a portable device including a digital audio processing subsystem and an accelerometer.

Abstract: There is provided an audio pacing device including a sensing unit, such as heart rate monitoring unit, to obtain a parameter, such as heart-beat rate (pulse), of a user in physical exercise, a memory to store a plurality of audio signals having predetermined tempo indications (e.g. beats per minute values); and a processing unit configured to (1) determine whether the intensity of the parameter of the user should be increased, decreased or maintained by using the parameter of the user from the heart rate monitor and a predetermined reference value, and (2) dynamically select and render an audio signal having (or adjusted to have) an audio-tempo that enables the user to accordingly increase, decrease or maintain exercise intensity, respectively.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of generating haptic cues for pacing and monitoring are disclosed. After sensing an event via a component, a process for generating haptic cues generates an input in response to the event. The component, in one example, may be a sensor or a combination of a sensor and a haptic actuator. Upon receipt of the input, the process retrieves a haptic signal from a tactile library in response to the input. A haptic feedback in response to the haptic signal is subsequently generated.

Abstract: An audible playback device that allows an athlete, such as a runner, to conveniently listen to audible content and receive athletic performance information. A device may be employed to both playback audible content and provide monitored performance information to a user. The performance information may be provided to a user audibly, so that the user does not need to move the monitoring device's user interface to a viewable position, or visually. For example, if the user does not wish to interrupt the audible content, the user may elect to view athletic information visually on a display.

Abstract: An exercise monitoring method and system in one embodiment includes a communications network, a wearable transducer configured to generate physiologic data associated with movement of a wearer, and to form a communication link with the communications network, a system memory in which command instructions are stored, a user interface operably connected to the computer, and a system processor configured to execute the command instructions to receive the generated physiologic data, analyze the received physiologic data with a multilayer perceptron/support vector machine/hidden Markov (MSH) model, model the analyzed physiologic data, and generate feedback based on a comparison of the model and a stored exercise object.

Abstract: A multi-mode athleticism movement measurement system includes an athlete-borne acceleration sensor and an athleticism processing device to determine athleticism information based upon one or more timing measurements from the athlete-borne acceleration sensor, the athleticism information corresponding to any of multiple athleticism measurement modes available on athleticism processing device and selectable by a user. A data link between the athlete-borne acceleration sensor and the athleticism rating processing device transmits the one or more timing measurements from the athlete-borne acceleration sensor to the athleticism rating processing device.

Abstract: A content reproducing apparatus is disclosed which includes: a sensor; a discrimination circuit configured to discriminate whether a movement of a user is a first movement or a second movement based on a detection output from the sensor; a storage configured to store contents; a reproduction circuit configured to reproduce the contents; and a control circuit configured to supply the reproduction circuit with contents retrieved from the storage in accordance with a discrimination output from the discrimination circuit.

Abstract: A first notification signal generation apparatus (first music playback apparatus) is attached to an upper arm of a first exercising person. The first notification signal generation apparatus includes a display, an operation button 4a, and a sensor that detects an exercise condition of the first exercising person 1a, such as repetition tempo. The sensor is either built in, or connected external to, the first notification signal generation apparatus. A second notification signal generation apparatus (second music playback apparatus) also includes the same elements as the first notification signal generation apparatus. A second exercising person performs repetitive exercise in synchronization with a repetition notification tempo (music tempo) of a notification signal (music), and therefore shares a value of certain exercise information, obtained during his or her repetitive exercise, with the first exercising person. Thus, the first and second exercising person can share a value of certain exercise information.

Abstract: An audible playback device that allows an athlete, such as a runner, to conveniently listen to audible content and receive athletic performance information. A device may be employed to both playback audible content and provide monitored performance information to a user. The performance information may be provided to a user audibly, so that the user does not need to move the monitoring device's user interface to a viewable position, or visually. For example, if the user does not wish to interrupt the audible content, the user may elect to view athletic information visually on a display.

Abstract: Method enabling an athlete (3) performing a muscular training exercise to determine a setpoint for the rate of displacement of the displaced mass (2), comprising the following steps: 1) determining at least one initial setpoint rate at which said mass has to be displaced; 2) during the athlete's training exercise, measuring a series of acceleration values (a(n)) using a portable accelerometer (30) according to the displacements of said mass; and 3) depending on said series of acceleration values, having said portable accelerometer calculate at least one modified setpoint rate.

Abstract: A multi-mode athleticism movement measurement system includes an athlete-borne acceleration sensor and an athleticism processing device to determine athleticism information based upon one or more timing measurements from the athlete-borne acceleration sensor, the athleticism information corresponding to any of multiple athleticism measurement modes available on athleticism processing device and selectable by a user. A data link between the athlete-borne acceleration sensor and the athleticism rating processing device transmits the one or more timing measurements from the athlete-borne acceleration sensor to the athleticism rating processing device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of generating haptic cues for pacing and monitoring are disclosed. After sensing an event via a component, a process for generating haptic cues generates an input in response to the event. The component, in one example, may be a sensor or a combination of a sensor and a haptic actuator. Upon receipt of the input, the process retrieves a haptic signal from a tactile library in response to the input. A haptic feedback in response to the haptic signal is subsequently generated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method that allows users to customize audible and visible signals, such as music or video, to maintain a pre-determined or specified pace or to achieve a new pace in repetitive motion activities such as, but not limited to, running, walking, swimming, cycling, aerobics, and the like. Other applications of the system and method include, but are not limited to, enhancing the results of medical rehabilitation programs, physical therapy, weight loss programs, disc jockey services, and industries or manufacturing settings where repetitive motion is common and where audible cues designed to help users maintain a consistent pace are useful.

Abstract: An intra-repetition exercise system which allows comparison of actual performance of intra-repetition exercise characteristics (2) to pre-established target performance of intra-repetition exercise characteristics (3) by an exerciser (1).

Abstract: An audible playback device that allows an athlete, such as a runner, to conveniently listen to audible content and receive athletic performance information. A single device may be employed to both playback audible content and provide monitored performance information to a user. The performance information may be provided to a user audibly, so that the user does not need to move the monitoring device's user interface to a viewable position.

Abstract: An exercise system includes a local system having an exercise apparatus and an associated local computer, where the local computer controls and monitors the operation and use, respectively, of the exercise apparatus. The system further includes a remote system having a remote computer, and a transmission medium including a telephone line that couples the local system to the remote system for data communication between the local system and the remote system. The remote system may receive local system data from the local system concerning the use of the exercise apparatus, and the local system may receive remote system data from the remote system concerning the operation of the exercise apparatus. The local computer preferably controls the operation of the exercise apparatus based upon a modifiable script stored in a read/write memory of the local computer, which can be updated by the remote system.

Abstract: The improved jump ropes devices described herein generally include a source of rhythmic sound, a sensor for determining the motion of the jump rope, and a visual output (e.g., feedback) for indicating how well a user is moving or jumping in time to the rhythmic component of the sound. The device may also include a controller for receiving input from the source of rhythmic sound and the sensor, and controlling the visual output. Methods of using the devices are also described.

Abstract: A multi-functional athletic training system for automating many currently manually implemented tasks and performing reaction time, football receiver pattern, and shuttle/split training exercises, including one or more identical training domes, a touchpad unit, and a handheld control unit. In each mode of operation, different cue methods such as MANUAL VISUAL, MANUAL VISUAL & AUDIBLE, CADENCE and PAD may be selected to vary and train the athlete to respond to different starting cues.

Abstract: The improved jump ropes devices described herein generally include a source of rhythmic sound, a sensor for determining the motion of the jump rope, and a visual output (e.g., feedback) for indicating how well a user is moving or jumping in time to the rhythmic component of the sound. The device may also include a controller for receiving input from the source of rhythmic sound and the sensor, and controlling the visual output. Methods of using the devices are also described.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pacing human exercises includes a sequence of pre-recorded, repetitive humanly perceptible signals in which a first, accented signal pulse, such as the first beat in a four-four measure of musical time, establishes a repetitive rhythmic tempo to thus provide timing track signal for synchronizing various phases of an exercise. The rhythmic pulses, which are preferably provided by a percussion instrument such as a drum and accompanied by musical tones, are accompanied by instructions verbalized by an exercise trainer in synchronization with the timing track signal. The perceptible signals are preferably audible and are optionally accompanied by or replaced by visibly perceptible signals such as flashing lights.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method that allows users to customize audible and visible signals, such as music or video, to maintain a pre-determined or specified pace or to achieve a new pace in repetitive motion activities such as, but not limited to, running, walking, swimming, cycling, aerobics, and the like. Other applications of the system and method include, but are not limited to, enhancing the results of medical rehabilitation programs, physical therapy, weight loss programs, disc jockey services, and industries or manufacturing settings where repetitive motion is common and where audible cues designed to help users maintain a consistent pace are useful.

Abstract: An audible playback device that allows an athlete, such as a runner, to conveniently listen to audible content and receive athletic performance information. A single device may be employed to both playback audible content and provide monitored performance information to a user. The performance information may be provided to a user audibly, so that the user does not need to move the monitoring device's user interface to a viewable position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable electronic device and computer software product. The portable electronic device comprises a motion detector for generating motion data characterizing the local movement of the portable electronic device, a motion intensity determiner for determining a instantaneous motion intensity value of the user of the portable electronic device from the motion data, and an active time counter for determining an active time accumulation that sums up the time periods, during which the instantaneous motion intensity value meets predefined activity criteria.

Abstract: An uniaxial acceleration sensor senses an acceleration. An analog to digital (AD) converter converts the acceleration into a digital sensor value. A square-value calculating unit calculates a square value of the sensor value. A zero-point determining unit determines whether the square value is zero and every time the square value becomes zero, instructs an energy calculating unit to output energy. The energy calculating unit calculates the energy by integrating the square value. Upon receiving instructions to output the energy, the energy calculating unit outputs the stored energy to a threshold comparing unit. The threshold comparing unit compares the energy with a predetermined threshold. A tentative walking processing unit counts the number of times the energy is equal to or larger than the predetermined threshold. A step calculating unit calculates steps by dividing a counter value of the tentative walking processing unit by two.

Abstract: A personal training device (10) adapted to assist a user in reaching performance goals, navigating, and accumulating performance statistics. In a preferred embodiment, the device broadly comprises a housing (10); an attachment mechanism (30); a GPS component (40); a user interface (50), including an input portion (52) and an output portion (54); a processor (60), including a timer (62) and a memory element (64); a data interface (70), including an input portion (72) and an output portion (74); an audio component (80); and a power supply (90). The device (10) is adapted to store goal information, monitor performance using GPS-derived data, and communicate performance information.

Abstract: An exercise console is disclosed as including a housing and a display incorporated into the housing. The display is adapted to align substantially parallel to the top surface of the housing. A tilt mechanism connects the display to the housing and is operable by a user to tilt the display to a nonparallel angle with respect to the housing. In another aspect in accordance with the invention, the exercise console includes a substantially fixed array of buttons incorporated into the housing. The buttons provide to a user various input options which are selectable in a pre-determined sequence by operation of the buttons to program the exercise console. Various indicators are associated with the buttons and inform the user which input options are next available for selection after the user has selected one or more input options.

Abstract: A lap counter for use by a swimmer, has a case for attaching to the swimmer, and a compass sensor housed in the case for providing an output signal which changes between opposite directions along which the swimmer swims back and forth. An operating circuit includes a processor programmed to distinguish the change in the output signal of the compass sensor between the opposite directions to identify a reversal in direction of swimming by the swimmer and to count laps, each lap being based on two successive reversals in direction. The processor may also be programmed to distinguish the change in the compass sensor output signal to detect a rise above an upper threshold and a subsequent fall below a lower threshold, or vice versa, to identify, a wave in the output signal that represents a swimming stroke of the swimmer and to count the strokes.

Abstract: A personal training device (10) adapted to assist a user in reaching performance goals, navigating, and accumulating performance statistics. In a preferred embodiment, the device broadly comprises a housing (10); an attachment mechanism (30); a GPS component (40); a user interface (50), including an input portion (52) and an output portion (54); a processor (60), including a timer (62) and a memory element (64); a data interface (70), including an input portion (72) and an output portion (74); an audio component (80); and a power supply (90). The device (10) is adapted to store goal information, monitor performance using GPS-derived data, and communicate performance information.

Abstract: A personal training device is provided for a participant of pace-based physical training. The device includes an input for receiving an input signal indicative of a pace of the participant, and a comparator coupled to the input for comparing the pace of the participant to a predefined criteria. The personal training device further includes a training partner positioner for generating a position of a virtual training partner relative to the participant based on an output of the comparator, and a training partner audio source for providing audio representative of sounds from the virtual training partner. Still further, the personal training device includes a spatial audio processor for producing a multi-dimensional audio signal comprising the audio from the audio source, the multi-dimensional audio signal providing the audio at a spatial location represented by the position generated by the training partner positioner.

Abstract: The improved jump ropes devices described herein generally include a source of rhythmic sound, a sensor for determining the motion of the jump rope, and a visual output (e.g., feedback) for indicating how well a user is moving or jumping in time to the rhythmic component of the sound. The device may also include a controller for receiving input from the source of rhythmic sound and the sensor, and controlling the visual output. Methods of using the devices are also described.

Abstract: A method and system for assisting a user in maintaining a predetermined pace along a track with a specific predetermined end goal. The preferred embodiment uses a PDA or similar device to allow a user set a specific course goal and to enter (or download) a previous profile pace target along with checkpoint data for a specified track, detecting start/stop and checkpoints along a course, normalizing the user time at each checkpoint and providing wireless speech ‘behind/ahead’ feedback (either time or energy) to a user at each checkpoint along a specified track. The present invention may provide the user with a variable pace along a track or course utilizing upcoming terrain, percentage of work completed and/or user power profiles and may normalize a user goal to other competitors having faster or slower track times.

Abstract: An interactive exercise device for measuring and displaying exercise performance parameters, the interactive exercise device including a step measuring device that outputs a step signal corresponding to each step walked by a user, a processor for determining a plurality of exercise performance parameters based on the step signals output from the step measuring device, a memory for storing the determined exercise performance parameters, a menu-driven interface display for displaying a plurality of menus, the menus for displaying at least the determined exercise performance parameters, a user input device for operation by the user to select a display of one of the menus on the interface display and to provide input data corresponding to a selected display, and an interface connection for connecting the interactive exercise device to an external computing device, the interface connection supporting an upload of the determined exercise performance parameters from the interactive exercise device to the external co

Abstract: A portable performance monitoring apparatus for use in physical exercises, comprising an exercise performance sensor, signal processing means for processing exercise performance signals delivered by the exercise performance sensor and for transforming the exercise performance signals into performance parameters, means for converting the performance parameters into audio information, and means for delivering the audio information to a user.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a device for monitoring a movement of a user includes a sensor module, a processor, and a feedback module. The sensor module is capable of generating positional information describing a movement of a user. The processor is capable of determining based on the positional information that the user has performed a predetermined movement. The feedback module is capable of generating sensory feedback in response to determining that the user has performed the predetermined movement.

Abstract: An intra-repetition exercise system which allows comparison of actual performance of intra-repetition exercise characteristics (2) to pre-established target performance of intra-repetition exercise characteristics (3) by an exerciser (1).

Abstract: A method for interpreting data representing forces and torques exerted by a right and left foot on a first and second plate treadmill to determine forces and torques exerted on the right and left foot over a specified period of time. A plurality of signals is preferably analyzed to produce data readings from the first and second plates to determine an occurrence of feet contact on the plates and feet departure from the plates. The data from the signals is then separated into a side A dataset and a side B dataset. Each of the datasets is then matched to one of the individual's feet. The resulting determination of forces and torques exerted on the feet provides a more complete analysis of an individual's progress during injury or rehabilitation.

Abstract: A retrofittable exercise data collection system and method of collection of data concerning the performance of weightlifters and the like which can be attached to a power rack used by weightlifters and detached after use or alternatively set up in freestanding arrangement in which by emitted electromagnetic radiation coupled detectors the movement of a barbell past such emitters may be detected and the speed of passage calculated by determining the interval between occlusion of the detector beams between adjacent detectors, the height of such occluded detectors being related to the portion of the musculature of the weightlifter that is undergoing extension or retraction during exercise.

Abstract: A system and method of hierarchical monitoring for subordinate assessment is described. Generally, the system receives remotely sensed data about a user's physiology and contextual state, and extracts features that are related to the workload currently being experienced by a single subordinate and/or group of subordinates. The system builds workload indices based on levels of these features. The system uses statistical process control techniques in conjunction with the workload indices to identify suboptimal user states. Information regarding a particular subordinate or the group of subordinates may be presented in a variety of different ways. As a result, a superior can easily determine the condition of the one or more subordinates and make task adjustments to influence workload levels.

Abstract: A personal training device is provided for a participant of pace-based physical training. The device includes an input for receiving an input signal indicative of a pace of the participant, and a comparator coupled to the input for comparing the pace of the participant to a predefined criteria. The personal training device further includes a training partner positioner for generating a position of a virtual training partner relative to the participant based on an output of the comparator, and a training partner audio source for providing audio representative of sounds from the virtual training partner. Still further, the personal training device includes a spatial audio processor for producing a multi-dimensional audio signal comprising the audio from the audio source, the multi-dimensional audio signal providing the audio at a spatial location represented by the position generated by the training partner positioner.

Abstract: In an elliptical step exercise apparatus distance traveled can be approximated by determining the portion of the ellipse traversed by a foot pedal where the user applies force to the pedal. This portion can be considered equivalent to the amount of foot travel on a treadmill and modified as a function of speed to simulate the gait of a user at various speeds so as to provide an approximation of the distance traveled by a user as if he were running on a treadmill. This process can be further modified for use with an elliptical exercise apparatus where the stride length can be changed such that the simulated distance will be increased with increased stride length.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods allow users to employ audio stimuli to provide a desired cadence set, series of pre-arranged and programmed stress inducing or mitigating periods, in combination with other desired parameters to allow users to recover from disease or bodily injury by following a prescribed methodology from a healthcare provider, or others, or to increase or enhance fitness. Conventional music delivery systems function in complement with the instant teachings, as do the business methods and related kits which are disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic console with a system for indicating the motion power having one large indicating area with light color change and one setting/comparing area. Judging from the change of light color in the indicating area, the observer (operator himself and other related persons) can easily acquire the relevant information of the current dynamic status of this exercise apparatus or the current physical status of the operator. Meanwhile, in the setting mode, the user can define a specific light color of the LED in this setting/comparing area to make a simple visual comparison with the light color in the indicating area to judge whether the current exercise or physical status of the user corresponds to that of the “setting color”.

Abstract: There is provided an audio pacing device including a sensing unit, such as heart rate monitoring unit, to obtain a parameter, such as heart-beat rate (pulse), of a user in physical exercise, a memory to store a plurality of audio signals having predetermined tempo indications (e.g. beats per minute values); and a processing unit configured to (1) determine whether the intensity of the parameter of the user should be increased, decreased or maintained by using the parameter of the user from the heart rate monitor and a predetermined reference value, and (2) dynamically select and render an audio signal having (or adjusted to have) an audio-tempo that enables the user to accordingly increase, decrease or maintain exercise intensity, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for selecting and modifying particular exercise videos from a stored database into a customized digital-format exercise regime viewable by an individual.

Abstract: A method (10) and system (50 or 200) for music selection based on pace can include tracking (12) a pace as used on an exercise equipment device (61), receiving (14) a pace value representative of the pace via a short range wireless transmission at an audio output device (51), searching (16) a media library within the audio output device for a media file with a pace closest to the pace value received, and presenting(18) a media file having the pace closest to the pace value received. The method can further optionally include t automatically playing (20) the media file if the pace closest to the pace value received is an exact match and adjusting (22) to the pace value the pace of a song when the song is within a user settable range or percentage of the pace value.