Monitors Exercise Parameter Patents (Class 482/8)
  • Patent number: 9861856
    Abstract: A training, rehabilitation, and recovery system comprises an exercise apparatus including a user interface member coupled to a plurality of links and joints, brakes capable of resisting movement of at least a subset of the links or joints, and sensors capable of sensing movement at the joints or the user interface member. The system also includes a processor configured to receive from the sensors positional data of the links or joints over an initial movement of the apparatus by a user, from which positional coordinates of the user interface member are calculated and a reference trajectory is established. An end space is defined based on the reference trajectory. Over a subsequent movement of the apparatus by the user, the processor receives additional positional data and determines a completion of a repetition based on the positional coordinates of the subsequent movement and the defined end space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Biomotion, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel Adam Miller, Anthony Alexander Kolodzinski, George J. Davies
  • Patent number: 9861320
    Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for evaluating an exercise capability, the method including monitoring a heart rate of a user, setting a detection area to measure an exercise capability of the user based on the monitoring and body information of the user, and detecting a feature point for evaluating the exercise capability from the detection area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Younho Kim, Sangkon Bae, Byunghoon Ko, Dae-Geun Jang
  • Patent number: 9855463
    Abstract: A method includes acquiring physiological exercise data from a plurality of physiological exercise sensors applied by a group of exercisers; determining a performance metric for each exerciser on the basis of the acquired physiological exercise data; detecting whether or not a predetermined common target is met on the basis of the performance metrics; and triggering an event upon detecting that the predetermined common target is met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: POLAR ELECTRO OY
    Inventors: Mika Erkkila, Riikka Rae, Tomi Thurlin, Tuomo Korva, Tony Manninen
  • Patent number: 9839808
    Abstract: A respiratory training device provides a method for assisting in training for a more effective breathing technique, particularly when performing exercises with the device. The exercise device is constructed similar to an exercise bicycle, and having movable handle grips that motion a rotating wheel. An abdominal pad is located at the rear of the device. The device is supported on a platform and having a bench seat. In use, the user practices a particular breathing technique while pressing their abdominal area against the pad and operating the handle grips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Inventor: Delbert E. McNeil
  • Patent number: 9839394
    Abstract: A sensor system configured for use with an article of apparel includes one or a plurality of sensors formed of a polymeric material having a conductive particulate material dispersed therein and conductive leads connecting the sensors to a port. The leads may also be formed of a polymeric material having a conductive particulate material dispersed therein. The conductive material is dispersed in the sensor(s) at a first dispersion density and the conductive material is dispersed in the leads at a second dispersion density that is higher than the first dispersion density. Each of the sensors is configured to increase in resistance when deformed under pressure, which is detected by a module connected to the port. The second dispersion density is such that each of the leads has sufficient conductivity that the leads are configured to conduct an electronic signal between each sensor and the port in any state of deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tina M. Casillas, James C. Meschter, Richard L. Watkins
  • Patent number: 9833201
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for monitoring a physiological parameter of a cyclist, and methods of using the system. The system comprises a garment, a sensor, and a signal processor. The garment is configured to be worn by the cyclist. The sensor is fixedly coupled to the garment and configured to measure a signal representative of the physiological parameter during pedaling. The signal processor is operatively coupled to the sensor and configured to determine a diagnosis based on the measured signal. An alert is generated in response to the diagnosis substantially in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
    Inventors: Craig Niederberger, Peter Pfanner, James Hotaling, Matthew Clark, Andrew Graham, Michael Paradise, Michael Scott
  • Patent number: 9828060
    Abstract: A method may include determining whether a sweat sensor is available. E-assist may be provided when a sweat sensor is not available by determining a sweat threshold and determining whether the sweat threshold is surpassed. When a sweat sensor is available, e-assist may be provided when the sweat sensor senses sweat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Prakash Murugesan, Norman J. Weigert, Mark A. Manickaraj, Jarvis Chau
  • Patent number: 9824110
    Abstract: Method, system and program product for managing data representative of the personal experience of a user on an exercise equipment. During the execution of a client software application launched by the user of the exercise equipment, when the client software application sends a request of updating data representative of the state of the client software application to a database remotely disposed with respect to the exercise equipment, updated data representative of the state of the client software application are retrieved, associated to a user identification code and temporarily stored in a first memory unit of the exercise equipment. When a procedure of logout of the user on the exercise equipment is performed, the updated data representative of the state of the client software application associated with said user identification code are stored in a second memory unit of the exercise equipment and sent to the remote database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Technogym S.p.A.
    Inventors: Fabrizio Giudici, Stefano Santilli, Carlo Pescio
  • Patent number: 9811639
    Abstract: Example embodiments relate to a system, method, apparatus, and computer readable media configured to generate a multiple renditions of a user interface that is updated based upon athletic movements of two or more users remotely located from each other. The UI may be configured to simultaneously display energy expenditure values in real-time. In further embodiments, a joint energy expenditure values determined from multiple remote users may be simultaneously displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Teresa Aragones, John M. Gordon, Adriana Guerrero, Christina S. Self, Paul T. Winsper, Kristopher L. Homsi
  • Patent number: 9811309
    Abstract: An electronic device may comprise audio processing circuitry, pace tracking circuitry, and positioning circuitry. The pace tracking circuitry may be operable to selects songs to be processed for playback, and/or control time stretching applied to such songs, by the audio processing circuitry based on position data generated by the positioning circuitry, a desired tempo, and whether the songs are stored locally or network-accessible. The position data may indicate the pace of a runner during a preceding, determined time interval. The pace tracking circuitry may control the song selection and/or time stretching based on a runner profile data stored in memory of the music device. The profile data may include runner's distance-per-stride data. The electronic device may include sensors operable to function as a pedometer. The pace tracking circuitry may update the distance-per-stride data based on the position data and based on data output by the one or more sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Voyetra Turtle Beach, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Kulavik, Christopher Church
  • Patent number: 9795831
    Abstract: Athletic performance monitoring and tracking may provide multiple ways in which to track athletic movement and activity. In one example, an athletic monitoring device may include or be associated with multiple types of movement sensors and switch between the sensors or use both depending on various factors including type of workout. Workouts may also be tagged with various parameters including mood, weather, terrain, athletic equipment used and the like. In one or more examples, the parameters may be automatically determined based on location. User workouts and accomplishments may also be celebrated through messages from celebrities, family, friends and other users. In some cases, the messages may be triggered by various conditions. Coaching may also be provided to the user to help improve workouts and overall athletic performance. Running routes may also be automatically tracked, stored and shared.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. Hoffman, Kwamina Crankson, Jason Nims, Michael L. Orenstein, Kristen L. White
  • Patent number: 9789380
    Abstract: The invention is generally a system that enables a user to visually and graphically track their fitness goals using an interactive device connected to a server, wherein fitness progress data of the user is stored and made available to the user via a user interface, for example on a mobile device application or a webpage. The system of tracking fitness progress comprises a server, a database, and a device, for example a fitness booth, for taking images and gathering fitness progress data from a user. The information gathered at the fitness booth, including images, is stored in the database. Users are provided a graphical user interface to update and access their fitness progress data, thereby facilitating the user's tracking of their fitness progress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: FLEX BOOTH, INC.
    Inventor: Kiarash Jafarifesharaki
  • Patent number: 9785827
    Abstract: A system for displaying a motivational image of a user on an electronic device that includes at least a camera and a display. The system includes an adjustable mount for the electronic device that is adapted to orient the camera and display of the electronic device towards the user. The electronic device, upon detection of movement by the camera, is adapted to display the motivational image, such as a thinner representation of the user, on the display in accordance to the speed or duration of the detection of the movement of the user. The electronic device may be adapted to further receive an input from the user in order to calculate the amount of exercise required for the user to achieve the desired weight. Further, the system is able to validate the user's identity and exercise achieved as well as providing health screenings using biometric testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Inventor: Salina Dearing Ray
  • Patent number: 9763603
    Abstract: A posture improvement device, system, and method. The system for improving posture may comprise: a sensor device; posture improvement software program, comprising a posture improvement system interface; and one or more user devices. The sensor device may be physically associated with a user and may communicate with the posture improvement software program. The sensor device may comprise: one or more sensors for monitoring positions and movements of the user. The system may calculate one or more optimum postural positions for the user, based on data communicated by the sensor device and collected information about the user. The system may monitor a conformance of the user with the optimum postural positions and may display the conformance on the posture improvement system interface. The system may detect and notify the user of one or more non-conformances, such that a user is reminded to maintain at least one optimum postural position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Inventor: Kenneth Lawrence Rosenblood
  • Patent number: 9763627
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a living-body signal receiver that receives a living-body signal, and a display information processor that calculates living-body information based on a living-body signal received by the living-body signal receiver, that measures and outputs internal measurement information, and that determines whether or not the living-body signal receiver receives the living-body signal. A display is configured to display the living-body information and the internal measurement information. A display controller performs a switching operation to switch between the living-body information and the internal measurement information for display on the display based on the result of the determination by the display information processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: SEIKO INSTRUMENTS INC.
    Inventors: Takanori Hasegawa, Akira Takakura, Keisuke Tsubata, Kazuhiro Koyama
  • Patent number: 9743850
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Prstojevich, Christopher A. Robinette, Theodore H. Helprin, Charles W. Case, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9737759
    Abstract: An automatic application-based exercise tracking system and methods comprising: i) voice-transcribed or typed text natural language processing and automatic tracking to record exercises, comprehensive exercise quantities, and calories burned data, and ii) multi-exercise administration to record multiple exercises and related data in a single user voice-transcribed or typed text submission. Further, such automatic application-based exercise tracking system is usable through computers, tablets, mobile phones, smart watches, wearables and other similar devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Genesant Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Mrowka, Paola N. Robey, Daniel S. Robey, Joseph A. Croswell, Athanasios G. Christ
  • Patent number: 9742092
    Abstract: An electronic connector includes a housing and a plug extending from the housing. The plug includes at least one flexible region that provides flexing of the plug. In some example embodiments, the plug also includes at least one rigid region. The plug has at least one interconnect. Each interconnect includes a lead and a contact. The contacts are exposed on an exterior surface of the plug, such exposure being provided so as to enable electrical coupling between the plug and an electronic receptacle into which the plug may be removably inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Austin Orand, Brian L. Kash, Aaron B. Weast
  • Patent number: 9730619
    Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for linking devices to tracking devices are provided. One method includes scanning, by an activity tracking device, for a semi-unique identifier broadcasted by a device. The method connects the device with the activity tracking device after the semi-unique identifier is found to be of the device by the activity tracking device. The activity tracking device is configured to communicate with the device to obtain device identification (ID) of the device. The method then automatically links the device to the activity tracking device when the device ID of the device matches a copy of the device ID stored in the activity tracking device. In one example, the tracking devices operate as a master and the devices operate as a slave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Fitbit, Inc.
    Inventors: Jayson Messenger, Barry Burton, James Park
  • Patent number: 9733898
    Abstract: An athletic performance data system has an athletic field data collection system for obtaining athletic performance data and athlete identifying information for plural athletes at an athletic performance event. An athletic data host server receives the athletic performance test data and athlete identifying information from the athletic field data collection system, and the athletic performance data and athlete identifying information are posted to an athletic performance web site in a separate, personalized page for each of the plural athletes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Matt Sayre, Ken Black
  • Patent number: 9713744
    Abstract: Provided are a control apparatus and method for an exercise therapy device, including: an isokinetic load control part for holding and adjusting a target rotation speed value and a gain for a left pedal and a target rotation speed value and a gain for a right pedal independently, to thereby perform the isokinetic load control to control a load torque to be applied to the left pedal and a load torque to be applied to the right pedal independently; and a switch for determining which of the isokinetic load control for the left pedal and the isokinetic load control for the right pedal is to be used, to thereby switch a measured rotation speed value and a target torque value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Engineering Company, Limited
    Inventor: Hironori Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9694239
    Abstract: Athletic performance monitoring systems and methods, many of which utilize, in some manner, global positioning satellite (“GPS”) data, provide data and information to athletes and/or to equipment used by athletes during an athletic event. Such systems and methods may provide route information to athletes and/or their trainers, e.g., for pre-event planning, goal setting, and calibration purposes. Such systems and methods optionally may provide real time information to the athlete while the event takes place, e.g., to assist in reaching the pre-set goals. Additionally, data and information collected by such systems and methods may assist in post-event analysis for athletes and their trainers, e.g., to evaluate past performances and to assist in improving future performances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Case, Jr., Jason P. Martin
  • Patent number: 9682306
    Abstract: An exercise bike and an operation method thereof are provided. In a test mode, a processing unit adjusts a resistance of a pedaling activity to be a plurality of pedaling resistances and obtains a plurality of psychological values respectively corresponding to the pedaling resistances by inquiring the user about a rate of perceived exertion. The processing unit calculates the psychological values to obtain a plurality of exercise intensities respectively corresponding to the pedaling resistances and further obtain a correspondence relationship between the exercise intensities and the pedaling resistances. After the test mode ends, the processing unit determines a recommended pedaling resistance according to the correspondence relationship. In a sport mode, the recommended pedaling resistance is provided to the user for performing the pedaling activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Li-Zen Lin, Hsueh-Lin Chen, Shu-Yuan Chang, Jong-Shyan Wang, Tung-Hung Lu, Yueh-Hsuan Lee, Rong-Rong Chen
  • Patent number: 9675842
    Abstract: Portable fitness monitoring methods are disclosed. In an embodiment, a portable fitness monitoring method includes a method for providing audible output to a user during an athletic activity using a portable fitness monitoring device. The method includes the steps of receiving an audio feedback file package that includes a first audio feedback file, updating the audio feedback file package, and processing the updated audio feedback file package to provide audible output to the user through an audio output device during the athletic activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: adidas AG
    Inventors: Christian Dibenedetto, Mark Arthur Oleson, Ian Michael Munson
  • Patent number: 9669261
    Abstract: Systems and methods for fitness tracking are provided. An exercise apparatus is in networked communication with a fitness tracking computing system. The configuration and location of movable components of the exercise apparatus is determined based on sensors. This information is provided to the fitness tracking computing system via networked communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: INCLUDEFITNESS, INC.
    Inventor: James Ryan Eder
  • Patent number: 9662557
    Abstract: A therapeutic training device includes a shallow housing of a specific shape with a quadratic top surface, a quadratic bottom surface and four thin rectangular side surfaces. The housing includes an upwardly open cavity in the top surface and a flexible and transparent cover which encloses the cavity at least partially. The flexible and transparent cover has a size in the range between the size of a human fist and the size of a human foot, and defines a central part. The housing further includes a force sensor placed inside the cavity communicating with the central part. The force sensor measures the force applied on the flexible and transparent cover and generates a response signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: ENTERTAINMENT ROBOTICS/H. H. LUND
    Inventor: Henrik Hautop Lund
  • Patent number: 9648849
    Abstract: A device for determining the location of a subject includes a positioning unit for generating each time period, t, position data corresponding to the location of the subject and motion data indicative of whether the subject is moving or stationary. There is a processor unit configured to, if the motion data indicates that the subject is moving at time period t, set the location of the subject at time period t to be the location corresponding to the position data. The processor unit is also configured to, if the motion data indicates that the subject is stationary at time period t, obtain from the positioning unit the position data for the next n time periods t; determine the average position of the subject over the n time periods t; and maintain as the location of the subject, the determined average position while the subject remains stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: OnPoint Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Xinnakone Vivathana
  • Patent number: 9646137
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a lifestyle companion system are provided. The lifestyle companion system can provide a platform to conduct a user interview. Based on the user interview responses, the system can suggest activities, references, and/or plug-in modules. During performance of activities, the system can provide audio and/or visual cues related to the activities and collect data indicative of the user's performance. Based on the collected data, the system can dynamically adapt the user's goals and/or activities the user is performing or will perform. In some embodiments of the present invention, the lifestyle companion system of the present invention can be applied to fitness, nutrition, and/or medical modules. The system also can be used to facilitate synchronous group activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Glenn Gregory Gilley, Sarah A. Brody, Randall Hayes Ubillos, Mihnea Calin Pacurariu, Jesse Lee Dorogusker, Robert Edward Borchers, Donald Ginsburg
  • Patent number: 9638713
    Abstract: A non-transitory computer readable medium stores a program causing a computer to execute a process. The process includes calculating a variance of acceleration in individual sections obtained by dividing, by a first predetermined time interval, acceleration information for multiple axis directions detected from a subject whose action is to be determined; extracting, as a first candidate region, a section with the largest variance of acceleration from among the sections; calculating a variance of acceleration in individual sections obtained by shifting the first candidate region forward and backward by a second predetermined time interval; selecting, as a second candidate region, a section with the largest variance of acceleration from among the first candidate region and the sections obtained by shifting the first candidate region forward and backward; calculating a feature value for the second candidate region; and determining the action of the subject based on the feature value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hideto Yuzawa
  • Patent number: 9623315
    Abstract: Athletic performance sensing and/or tracking systems include components for measuring or sensing athletic performance data and/or for storing and/or displaying desired information associated with the athletic performance to the user (or others). Such systems can allow users a wide variety of options in creating workouts, selecting and presenting media content during the athletic performance, etc., e.g., to help keep users entertained and motivated. In some instances, user feedback may be used, optionally in combination with objective data relating to a workout, to control features of the workout routine, to control the music or other media content selected and/or presented, and/or to control features of future workout routines and/or the presented media content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond W. Riley, Kevin W. Hoffer, William E. Berner, Allan M. Schrock, James A. Niegowski, William F. Rauchholz
  • Patent number: 9618527
    Abstract: A method of monitoring the use of exercise equipment at an exercise facility having a plurality of items of exercise equipment, the method comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of usage monitors, each associated with an item of exercise equipment, monitoring the usage of the plurality of items of exercise equipment concurrently using the usage monitors, and thereby calculating, for at least some of the items of exercise equipment, a measure of the proportion of the period of time during which respective items of exercise equipment are used. In some embodiments, the usage monitors can detect when an item of exercise equipment is occupied, even if it is not being operated, for example using a heat sensor. A graphical representation may be prepared of the usage of items of exercise equipment at each of a plurality of locations within the exercise facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Rhoderick Euan McGown
  • Patent number: 9616266
    Abstract: Physical training apparatus, at least comprising a frame, a load which is to be gripped by a user and which is provided as a load shaft arranged on the frame and rotatable through a determined rotation angle, wherein an electric motor is provided to produce a torque exerted on the load shaft, the electric motor being coupled by means of first coupling means to a reaction shaft, which reaction shaft is coupled by means of second coupling means to the load shaft, wherein the rotation angle of the load shaft is limited to a value of less than 360°, and the second coupling means are adapted to exert a torque on the load shaft during a rotation of the load shaft limited to this value of less than 360°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Onder de Linden B.V.
    Inventor: Johannes Dominicus Schröer
  • Patent number: 9610047
    Abstract: A biometric monitoring device with a display is provided. The biometric monitoring device may track the completion progress towards one or more biometric performance goals and provide a goal celebration indicator upon completion of a biometric performance goal and subsequent receipt of an input signal. In some implementations, the completion of a biometric performance goal may be signaled prior to receipt of the input signal using a secondary indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Fitbit, Inc.
    Inventors: Christine Boomer Brumback, David Wayne Knight, Jayson Dean Michilena Messenger, Jung Ook Hong
  • Patent number: 9583001
    Abstract: Information about a time at which a vehicle of public transportation passes an arbitrary point is provided. A timetable generating device includes: an obtaining unit which obtains location information of a specified point which is an arbitrary point along a route and for which a timetable is to be generated; a time identifying unit which identifies a passage time at which a vehicle of public transportation passes the specified point; a timetable generating unit which generates a timetable that includes the identified passage time; and a timetable outputting unit which outputs the generated timetable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Hitachi Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeto Ahiko
  • Patent number: 9572503
    Abstract: A software app for a mobile device is disclosed for alerting a custodian of a person to be protected of an emergency situation involving the person to be protected. The app includes software instructions for carrying out a method including: establishing a range of normal heart rates for the person using a heart rate monitor; detecting a heart rate for the person that is outside of the established range; activating at least one of a camera, a microphone, an accelerometer, and a location indicator on the mobile device carried by the person; establishing a wireless data connection between the mobile device and a communication network; and transmitting data to the custodian from the activated camera, microphone, accelerometer, or location indicator via the communication network. The app can notify a custodian of a medical or safety emergency as it is happening, giving that custodian the ability to immediately notify emergency personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Eric DeForest
  • Patent number: 9569562
    Abstract: A video game in possession of and/or in the proximity of a patient. The patient computing system receives an indication that it is to begin a game, and executes the game using identified game parameters that are associated with the patient by a clinician as part of a disease therapy program. As the game executes, game state progresses in response to physical activity of the patient, causing the patient to exercise. The physical activity is received as input into the patient computing system. Such input causes game state to be progressed dependent on the identified game parameters that are associated with the game. Thus, the game is tailored for the patient by a clinician in order to motivate physical activity that is medically beneficial to the patient in order to advance through the disease therapy program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: The University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Grzegorz Wlodzimierz Bulaj, Carol S. Bruggers, Roger Alan Altizer, Jr., Robert R. Kessler, Craig Bernreuter Caldwell, Wade Ray Patterson, Kurt Joseph Coppersmith, Laura Mae Warner, Brandon H. Davies
  • Patent number: 9566517
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and a method for visualizing synthetic objects within a real-world video clip. The embodiments allow interactive, synthetic objects or characters to appear as if they are “embedded” inside or form part of a video clip. These objects move independently of the environment within the video clip and are controlled by a user. In one embodiment the video frames are set as textures in the furthermost layer in a 3D environment viewer or 3D “engine”. In another embodiment separate layers of video frames are superimposed with the synthetic objects on an output screen and synchronizing the movements and the field of view settings to give the perception that only one camera is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Paofit Holdings Pte Ltd.
    Inventors: Marc Scott Hardy, Andrei Richard Frank
  • Patent number: 9566472
    Abstract: In a first aspect, a method is provided that includes the steps of (1) providing a monitor for determining a level of exercise performance performed by an exerciser and for outputting a signal representative of the performance level; (2) using the monitor to measure a level of exercise performance performed by an exerciser; (3) outputting from the monitor a signal representative of the performance level; (4) providing a video game having a character, the video game inputting and being responsive to the performance level signal output by the monitor, the video game using the performance level signal to control a performance level of the video game character; and (5) while the exerciser is not exercising, controlling a performance level of the video game character based on a performance level signal output by the monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Inventor: Brian M. Dugan
  • Patent number: 9522076
    Abstract: An orthotic brace and brace hinge where the brace comprises two hinge elements operably connected and at least one hinge element having a magnetic field that provides a magnetic force urging one of the hinge elements in a pre-determined direction. Embodiments of the present invention generally utilize magnetic forces to stabilize, influence and/or maintain adjacent joint portions in pre-determined desired relationships and for constraining motion and/or rotation of the joint portions. Through the use of the repelling and attracting forces of magnets, mechanical forces in the brace and brace hinge can be replaced or supplemented to reduce the force put on joint bones, to influence the bones so that the joint is biased into certain positions or to apply different forces through different points of joint flexion. Embodiments of braces with magnetic fields on other brace elements are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: THE LONNIE AND SHANNON PAULOS TRUST
    Inventor: Lonnie E. Paulos
  • Patent number: 9511261
    Abstract: A training script device is described that conveniently allows a user to create a training script defining one or more steps of a workout routine, where each step may include an activity, a duration for performing that activity, and an intensity at which the activity is to be performed. Further, one or more steps of the training script can be self-starting in response to performance data detected by sensors of training script device executing the training script. This conveniently frees the athlete from having to continuously monitor the status of his or her workout activities. Still further, the training script device conveniently allows a user to transfer training scripts to other training script devices, so that athletes can share successful training scripts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Clark, Theodore H. Helprin, Albert Shum
  • Patent number: 9511203
    Abstract: A system and a method include a display configured to display video and/or still images, and an image source that is in communication with the display and configured to allow content of the image source to be displayed on the display. Further, the system and method include a physiological information gatherer configured to obtain a current physiological information of a patient when the patient is positioned to see the video and/or still image on the display. A processor is configured to receive the current physiological information from the physiological information gatherer, and the processor, being in communication with the image source, is further configured to transmit to the display the current physiological information and a target breathing rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Murray Fulton Gillies, Tim Johannes Willem Tijs, Jürgen Vogt, Constance Jeanne Elizabeth Saalberg-Seppen, Gijs Antonius Franciscus Van Elswijk
  • Patent number: 9496911
    Abstract: A protective cover and retractable lanyard device comprises a retraction device, removably integratable within the protective cover for an electronic device. A pair of tethers retractably extend from an outlet of the retraction device forming a lanyard when joined together by a coupling. The protective cover may protect an electronic device, such as a cellular phone by fitting securely over the electronic device, during use of the electronic device, without interfering with use of the electronic device. A void in the cover provides a cut-out engaging the retraction device, such that the retraction device may be securely retained in the cut-out by a portion of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: 3B Product Development, LLC
    Inventor: David Brand
  • Patent number: 9492708
    Abstract: This invention is an apparatus and method for measuring or analyzing a golf swing. Measurement or analysis is made relative to energy generation and transfer through a player's body and club. The measurement or analysis data is principally obtained from the player's ground-reaction forces. Processed signals are analyzed with an artificial intelligence system. Ground-reaction forces relate to reaction forces which occur between a standing surface and the player's feet. The apparatus and method measures or analyses a golf swing in an automatic manner or in an automatic and interactive manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Inventor: Brian Francis Mooney
  • Patent number: 9460266
    Abstract: A method for scoring one or more functional abilities of a patient that comprises exercising a patient according to an exercising pattern, using at least one sensor for sensing one or more manipulations of the patient during the exercising, and scoring the one or more functional abilities according to the sensed manipulations. The scoring is performed according to a visual rehabilitation evaluation scale for scoring the one or more functional abilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Motorika Limited
    Inventors: Omer Einav, Dikla Geva, Marina Kerzhner, Doron Yoely
  • Patent number: 9447869
    Abstract: An electric bicycle component is basically provided that is capable of realizing finer control of the transmission device according to the riding environment. The electric bicycle component includes a control unit that is mounted to a bicycle. The control unit includes a controller and an acceleration detection unit. The acceleration detection unit includes programmed to detect an acceleration of the bicycle. The controller programmed to select one of a first to a third shifting conditions based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration detection unit, and controls an actuator of the transmission device based on the selected shifting condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Toshio Tetsuka, Shintaro Mori
  • Patent number: 9445175
    Abstract: A wireless headset including a body having an earphone coupling portion; a wireless module provided in the body and configured to wirelessly receive an audio signal from a mobile terminal; a speaker provided in the body; an earphone connected to the body via a cable and configured to be coupled to the body via an earphone coupling portion; a coupling sensor provided the body and configured to sense whether the earphone is coupled to the earphone coupling portion; and a controller configured to output the audio signal received from the mobile terminal via the speaker and not via the earphone, when the coupling sensor senses the earphone is coupled to the earphone coupling portion, and output the audio signal received from the mobile terminal via the earphone and not via the speaker, when the coupling sensor senses the earphone is separated from the earphone coupling portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Sangwoo Seo, Hyunsun Yoo
  • Patent number: 9443380
    Abstract: Athletic performance monitoring systems and methods, many of which utilize, in some manner, sensor data, provide data and information to athletes and/or to equipment used by athletes during an athletic event. Such systems and methods may provide real time information to the athlete via media playback devices that use input provided from one or more types of monitors to, at least in part, determine the content of printed, audio, and/or video output provided to the user during an athletic performance. In some embodiments, sensor outputs and/or user actions may be relied upon to control or modify audio and/or video output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Case, Jr., Jason P. Martin
  • Patent number: 9433824
    Abstract: An athlete training device that includes a platform that includes a plurality of spaced apart attachment members disposed adjacent to the periphery of the platform. A pole extends upwardly from the platform and is affixed to the platform. A weight, defining a hole passing therethrough, is disposed on the platform so that the pole passes through the hole. A top plate is affixed to the top of the pole and includes attachment structures disposed about the top plate. An attachment device is coupled to one of the attachment structures. A redirecting device is coupled to one of the attachment members. An elastic cord is attached to the attachment device and is engaged with the redirecting device so that the cord extends radially away from the pole. An exercise device is affixed to the end of the cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Speed Tracs America LLC
    Inventor: Matt Thompson
  • Patent number: 9433823
    Abstract: A processing system includes a memory storing tasks that define a physical exercise and a target value. The tasks are divided into categories of training requirements, and each category is linked to a progress status indicator. The processing system determines a progress status and retrieves a task from a category corresponding to the progress status; instructs the user to carry out a physical exercise; acquires measurement data generated during physical exercise; compares information acquired from the measurement data with the target value. Upon determining, on the basis of the comparison that the user reached the target value, the processing system stores a task indicator to indicate that the task was completed the progress status of the user has increased sufficiently as a result of completing the task, the processing system raises the progress status of the user, and retrieves a subsequent task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: POLAR ELECTRO OY
    Inventor: Mika Erkkila
  • Patent number: 9427646
    Abstract: A lower leg sensing device includes a housing, a leg attachment member and real time data providing member. The housing includes a position angle sensor, an magnetic field sensor, and a foot contact sensor. The leg attachment member is configured to facilitate attachment of the housing to the lower leg of a user. The real-time data providing member provides data, in real-time, pertaining to the angle of a lower leg of a user relative to a line of gravity upon contact with an outside surface by a leg of a user. A method of providing data to a user that is running or walking is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Inventors: Walter Arthur Reynolds, III, Brent M. Nowak