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1. 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 4 Itis another object of the present invention to provide such a system that uses handheld devices or terminals that allow members to easily record various exercise activities in the facility Itis another object of the present invention to provide such a system that provides exercise machine or exercise activity related sub routines to the member that instructs the member regarding the type of data to be inputted into the handheld device to terminal by the member after the exercise is com pleted Itis another object of the present invention to provide such a system that allows health club trainers the option to selec tively program the handheld device or terminal for specific members instructing the members to include or more specific types of exercise and the exercise level to be preformed on those recommended exercises Itis another object of the present invention to provide such asystem that is relatively inexpensive to assemble install and maintain Itis another object of the present invention to provide such a system that uses only handheld devices or terminals that are uniquely configured and provided by the health club for use in the health club Itis another object of the present invention to provide such a system that does not require the direct participation of a trainer during or after every exercise session Itis another object of the present invention to provide such2. 32NV LSIQ I US RE44 650 E Sheet 6 of 6 Dec 17 2013 U S Patent 8 5ij wyugoud M S en ey 1004 SS3N14 1 NOLLAG I Wvub OUb o T i NOLL OV Ier asva vivg ie idi Dii i 2 R E w oe ARTIGO an Qi i oe P S d Sch wara i C lt waist nif a ory l we E pii Baao Y quvog O0 CALLAO owad ATI i amo MANI i _ ez Nm AW ISTO I CR r Gis godd M S YLVA 42V M s Sy Ago NOLLDS I NOLLOSTIOO 3912U3X3 ERE ward OF aud VLKA QUY OS wasn awzd NOLLVULISNOWIQ US RE44 650 E 1 EXERCISE ACTIVITY RECORDING SYSTEM Matter enclosed in heavy brackets appears in the original patent but forms no part of this reissue specifica tion matter printed in italics indicates the additions made by reissue This utility patent application is a continuation in part application of the Utility U S Pat No 7 507 183 issue date Mar 24 2009 Ser No 10 819 052 filed Apr 6 2004 which is based on the provisional patent application Ser No 60 461 204 filed on Apr 7 2003 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1 Field of the Invention This invention relates to exercise metrics recording sys tems and more particularly to exercise metrics recording systems located in health club gym facilities that offer differ ent pieces of exercise equipment and exercise activities to its members 2 Description of the Related Art There are approximately 22 thousand fitness cen
3. ing process for each exercise performed throughout the course of the exercise sessions Upon completion of the exer cise session the temporary data files are uploaded into the member s permanent exercise activity file on the local central server 95 In summary the method of collecting transmitting and recording an exercise routine comprising the following steps 1 selecting an exercise activity data source each assigned a unique EIDM 2 selecting a handheld device 15 or a termi nal 120 with user identification input means said handheld device or terminal including an exercise activity data collec tion software program 35 and an exercise identification mod ule interrogation means said exercise activity data collection software program 35 used to automatically execute a plurality of prompts 61 that request activity information for each unique EIDM and store the exercise activity information in a temporary member file 37 3 connecting the handheld device or terminal to a server 95 and uploading the data in the temporary member file to a permanent member file 4 load ing a fitness tools software program 50 into said server 95 said fitness tools program 50 used to evaluate and review the data in the permanent member file 37 to determine the fitness level of a member and recommend future exercises While a preferred embodiment of the exercise recording system has been described in detail it should be apparent that modifications and
4. on the handheld device 15 for temporary storage in the hand held device 15 relative to the specific exercise The member repeats this recording process for each exercise performed throughout the course ofthe exercise sessions Upon comple tion of the exercise session the temporary data files are uploaded into the member s permanent exercise activity file on the local central server 95 Alternatively the handheld device is placed in the uplink terminal which automatically uploads the temporary data files to the member permanent files on a central server on the NOC The fitness tools program is then used to review the permanent files and issue comments and recommendations to the member With the second embodiment of the system that uses a terminal 120 the user first selects and exercise using the EIDM on located on or near the exercise activity source on the terminal or a demonstration board setup near the terminal 120 The user then exercises on or with the exercise activity source When the exercise is completed the user manual inputs his or her identification code into the input means connected to the terminal 120 If the user uses a user and terminal I buttons the steps of selecting an EIDM associated with the desired exercise activity source and the user s iden tification information are combined After the EIDM is selected one or more the user then inputs exercise specific data in response to the prompts The user repeats this record
5. such as a finger print reader 25 may be included to prohibit inadvertent use of the handheld device by another member during the course of the exercise session Also mounted inside the device 15 is an optional wireless transmitter 27 enabling the device 15 to communicate with a wireless receiver 32 connected to the local server 95 The handheld device 15 may also include an optional network connection port 33 enabling the device 15 to communicate directly with the local server 95 orto the uplink terminal During use the member activates the handheld device 15 and holds the optical reader 30 to read the ID tag 40 to interrogate and identify the fitness exercise activity data source 10 Once the fitness exercise activity data source 10 is identified the exercise activity collection data software pro un 0 ja 5 40 45 50 55 10 gram 35 loaded into the handheld device s working memory automatically auto configures the device 15 and presents the proper exercise data page 60 for the fitness exercise activity data source 10 A representative exercise data sheet shown in FIG 6 is then presented on the display monitor 25 On the exercise data page 60 is shown a plurality of prompts 61 that the member responds to after completion of the exercise activity When the exercise activity is completed the member manually inputs the data using the keys 26 The inputted exercise activity information is then stored in the tempo
6. terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descrip tions and should not be regarded as limiting DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG 1 is an illustration of the health club exercise record ing system FIG 2 is a perspective view of the handheld device being used to interrogate an EIDM FIG 3 is a front plan view of the handheld device FIG 4 is a rear plan view of the handheld device FIG 5 is a block diagram of the handheld device FIG 6 is an illustration of an exercise data page shown on the display monitor 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 8 FIG 7 is an illustration of various exercise equipment showing different sub routines executed to display different exercise data pages to the member FIG 8 is an illustration of the second embodiment of the exercise activity recording system DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT S Referring to the accompanying FIGS 1 8 there is shown a system 10 for easily recording the exercise activities per formed with or without exercise equipment that does not require the direct participation of a trainer The system includes a portable handheld device 15 used to input exercise information that is uploaded to a local server 95 A fitness tools software program 50 loaded into the working memory of the local server 95 is used to collect the uploaded records from the handheld device 15 and store them in a permanent member data file 52 The member or aut
7. to said exercise activity data source said terminal including a display means for inputting data into said terminal means for identifying an means for identifying a user and working memory and d an exercise software program loaded into said working memory of said terminal said exercise software pro gram runs a plurality of sub routines each associated with one said EIDM said sub routines presents present on said display at least one exercise data entry page after said EIDM is identified and interrogated that queries a user to input exercise activity data relevant to the exercise activity data source 13 A method for recording and monitoring exercise activi ties by members of a an exercise facility that contains a plurality of exercise activity data sources each associated with an identifiable EIDM said exercise facility includes at least one terminal coupled to said EIDM s EZDMs used with a plurality of terminals said terminal includes a display a data input means and a software program that executes a EIDM specific sub routine that requests specific exercise per formed at the exercise activity data source to be manually inputted into said terminal said method comprising a selecting an exercise activity data source coupled or linked to an EIDM and to said terminal b performing an exercise with said exercise activity data source c identifying the user on said terminal and d inputting data into said disp
8. An effective exercise metrics recording system enabling individuals to independently record their exercise activity ina digital format would permit fitness professionals to effec tively counsel and or train the individual system member without necessitating the trainer s direct participation in each of the client s day to day workouts Such an exercise metrics recording system would also eliminate advance scheduling and aesthetic problems associated with the use of profes sional training services Most important such an exercise metrics recording system would permit professional counsel ing services to be rendered more efficiently at prevailing price levels and enable health clubs to provide a much broader range of fitness training counseling services to address the needs and price constraints of the majority of health club members Finally the digital exercise and fitness records produced by such an exercise metrics recording system could be provided to third parties not affiliated with the health club 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 2 or fitness center such as doctors therapists managed health care providers corporate wellness program administrators etc who have an interest in the health and well being of particular health club members Two basic approaches have been attempted toward the goal of recording exercise activity onto a digital medium active network systems and scripted training
9. As the member moves throughout the health club or facility he or she performs various exercise activities and inputs data in response to the sub routine prompts When the exercise activity is completed the tempo rary member data file on the handheld device or terminal is uploaded to the local server or to the remote server on the NOC The fitness data base software program on the local server or remote server is then used by the trainer to review a member s data file The tool set provides the trainer access to the most recent information relative that members exercise needs as well as a backup to the trainer s own record review insuring that all areas of concern have been identified and addressed by the trainer relative to the member The subject invention deployed an architecture which is unique and novel relative to the collection of individual work out information in a health club environment Unlike the prior art active network systems identified herein the subject invention deploys a handheld or a terminal to collect individual exercise records with this step the subject invention becomes an order of magnitude cheaper than active network systems With the elimination of the active network approach the subject invention becomes far more flexible in its operation allowing the system to breakaway from fixed machine limitations of active network systems to embrace US RE44 650 E 7 free weights basketball running handball etc
10. QI 1004 SS3NLI4 sam H LTV3H 33H LO l l l l l 3ounos S1001 SS3NAIJ 05 3s123x3 SNOILv201 WvusOud YaH LO asva viva TVNIWu31 x NT l 321A3Q l yaQv3y 3LndWwO2 mi Q 3HQNYH jy2ridO 3WOH 25 l l s 73 AC l al s fae jz z HA ALITIDV 4 1V2IQ3W ua d SNYL EE ssaaurM ss3imIM se ee l LW pe EEEE E a J 3Oud M S VIVO Lov 3113 viva NOI123T102 3S12u3X3 wasn dw31 U S Patent Dec 17 2013 Sheet 2 of 6 US RE44 650 E U S Patent Dec 17 2013 Sheet 3 of 6 US RE44 650 E US RE44 650 E Sheet 4 of 6 Dec 17 2013 U S Patent Of 90 d M S VIVO LIV 3113 vivg NOIL231102 3SI243X3 Z 3SI2u3X3 dW3 L wanvads a Ka La YaQV3Y IVILLIO 92 82d 22 f jorno s z E SNV3LL SSI1IY4IM NOLLAG LIWSNVAL YOLIANNOI AYOMLIN US RE44 650 E Sheet 5 of 6 Dec 17 2013 U S Patent Z oO NS sias SNOILILId3U AX I9 1H9I3A 8 J09 7 9 Dij S13S dO 338WAN SNOLLILId3U JO JIIWAN 1LH9I3A WNLIV SS3ud u3q1n0HS Z Ss3ud RINI snmoa TINA S3H2Nh32 TVNIWOQ8V SNOISN31X3 931 309 _ss3td 931 I9 si3s SNOLLLLIJJY 19 1H I3A 909 7 Ps NOIL23WJIQ 19 SITIO TWO N 3ONV 1SIS33 32NV LSIQ Q33dS 209 Sd3LS dO 4 I9 e wu 32NV LSIQ Q33dS ME 32NV LSIS3M 809 3WIL I9 X qaas N vog
11. Tools will high light trouble areas identi fied by this analysis and offer the fitness counselor input as to possible changes to the Users exercise activity The system tool will review User health and fitness activity and performance against inputs to the Users personal exercise record by health healthcare professionals therapists etc and display areas of concern or interest unique to that specific user SYSTEM OPERATION The following operating scenario describes the system using the first embodiment ofthe system that uses an exercise identification module interrogation means and the EIDM as an optical reader 30 and ID tag 40 respectively It should be understood however that the optical reader 30 and ID tag 40 could be replaced with a radio frequency or infrared trans mitter and receiver or other wireless or physical contact um 0 jak 5 40 45 50 60 12 hardwire transmitting and receiving devices medium for wireless communication between the handheld device and the exercise activity data source s EIDM Prior to commencing the exercise activity the member activates the EIDM component on the handheld When the exercise activity data source 60 is identified the sub routine associated 80 84 with the exercise activity data source 10 is automatically executed The exercise data page prompts 61 are then sequentially presented on the display monitor 25 The member enters data in response to prompts 61 displayed
12. and activity which can be expressed as a numeric Deployment of a handheld or a terminal in the system together with an EIDM with which the handheld or terminal shares a relationship and the location of that EIDM on or around its represented exercise activity source allows the user to gather data from anywhere in the health club or facility any time in any order In this manner the invention is not confined to ascripted workout and allows him her to simply approach and query the EIDM for the exercise intended rather than run through multiple menus or fumble through a phone book of optical symbol tag RFID tags to tell the data collection device what exercise the member intends to do next to further the subject invention By using unique identifiers relative to each exercise activ ity source at a specific site and by providing an encrypted response disclosure capability for each EIDM access to the system becomes controllable The subject invention becomes potentially profitable to the health club therefore available to members in a health club environment The over aching structure deployed in the subject invention for the transfer handling of data related to individual workout records insures via database software and the tool set that the gym members records are made available to fitness pro fessionals at the gym and that via tool set fitness professional combination the member receives stat of the art counseling services Beyond cou
13. of exercise activity sources The EIDM associated with each exercise activity source 10 may be located at or near the exercise activity source 10 or it may be mounted on the terminal s front panel or on a single or mul tiple exercise activity demonstration board 130 Loaded into the memory of the terminal 120 is an exercise data collection software program 35 and a temporary data user file 37 Each user is assigned a personal identification code 140 which must be manually inputted into the terminal 120 or assigned a portable user identification device 150 that inter faces either directly with the EIDM coupled to the exercise activity source or to the terminal 120 or with an input device 124 attached to linked to the terminal 120 The user identification device 150 contains the user s per sonal identification code 140 that must be transmitted to the terminal 120 The terminal 120 then uses the user s personal identification code 140 to determine the user file in which to temporarily store the exercise data The user s personal iden tification code 140 may be inputted or transmitted to the terminal 120 before or after the exercise activity source is used An example of a portable user identification device 150 assigned to a user is an I button 150 designed to communicate with a terminal linked I button 132 During use the user s I button 150 is pressed against the terminal linked I button 132 and automatically transmits the user s pe
14. reader and the symbol is an optical symbol readable by the optical reader 24 The system of claim 21 further comprising a server wherein the handheld device further comprises a wireless transmitter configured to communicate wirelessly with the server and transmit at least a portion of the exercise activity data input by the user to the server 25 The system of claim 21 further comprising a server wherein the handheld device further comprises a communi cation connection configured to communicate with the server and transmit at least a portion of the exercise activity data input by the user to the server 26 A physical exercise records system comprising a a plurality of exercise activity data sources b a unique identifying EIDM associated with each said exercise activity data source and c a terminal linked or coupled to each said EIDM used with said exercise data sources said terminal including a display means for inputting data into said terminal and a plurality of sub routines each associated with one said EIDM said sub routines present on said display at least one exercise data entry page after said EIDM is identi fied and interrogated that queries a user to input exer cise activity data relevant to the exercise activity data source
15. reader receiver incorporated within the handheld capable of powering and communicating with the EIDM via a physi cal contact 1 wire protocol data exchange link The EIDM is a compatible ID tag 40 such as a printed identification label hieroglyph a radio transducer or barcodes capable of being detected or interrogated by the EIDM interrogation means The local server 95 is designed to receive uploaded tem porary member data files 37 from the handheld device 15 use the fitness tools software program 50 to collect and store the member files in permanent member data file 52 and then use the fitness tools software program 50 to evaluate and present the information in the permanent member data file 52 to the member or authorized individuals In a second embodiment ofthe system shown in FIG 2 the local server 95 is replaced by an uplink terminal that connects to a remote server located in or connected to a network operations center NOC The Network Operations Center NOC provides a central repository for the system s data base In addition the NOC provides a WAN presence to provide records access for club based fitness professionals working with the system s users The NOC also provides the WAN presence by which User records input can be made from sources outside of the gym from home or on the road The NOC also provides system updates billing as well as network security and document security functions these functions enable deliv
16. system as recited in claim 2 wherein said means for identifying a user is a contact button manually pressed against said contact button attached to said exercise activity data source 8 The physical exercise records system as recited in claim 7 wherein said means for identifying a user is an identifica tion contact button assigned to a specific user that is selec tively pressed against said contact button attached to said exercise activity data source EIDM interrogation means and said EIDM is an optical reader and a compatible tag element capable of being interrogated by said optical reader 9 The physical exercise records system as recited in claim 1 wherein said EIDM interrogation means and said EIDM is a RFID reader and compatible tag element 10 The physical exercise records system as recited in claim 1 further including a server capable of receiving the input records from said terminal 11 The physical exercise records system as recited in claim 10 further including a wireless communication link between terminal and said server 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 14 12 A physical exercise records system comprising a an exercises exercise activity data source b an exercise coupled electronic contact identification but ton coupled to said exercise activity data source c a terminal linked or coupled to said exercise coupled electronic contact identification button couple coupled
17. use with a server further comprising a communication connection configured to communicate with the server and transmit at least a portion of the exercise activity data input by the user to the server 21 A system for use with a user the system comprising a plurality of symbols each symbol uniquely identifving a dif ferent one ofa plurality of exercise activity data sources and a handheld device comprising a reader configured to read each of the plurality of sym bols at least one processor connected to the reader a memory connected to the processor the memory com prising a plurality of sub routines executable by the at least one processor the at least one processor executing 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 16 at least one of the sub routines after a selected one of the plurality of symbols is read by the reader an input device configured to receive input from the user and a display device connected to the processor the executing at least one of the sub routines instructing the processor to display on the display device a data entry page that queries the user to input exercise activity data using the input device relevant to the exercise activity data source associated with the selected one of the plurality of sym bols 22 The system of claim 21 wherein the symbol is posi tioned on or near the associated exercise activity data source 23 The system of claim 21 wherein the reader is an optical
18. 3 and 5 890 997 Scripted exercise records systems exist in multiple forms In their simplest embodiment a piece of paper can be carried through a work out with an exercise program written on it as the User follows the prescribed routine he she checks boxes and writes down performance data Systems have been devel oped to simplify the task of data entry and data conversion into a digital format by introducing a PDA or similar hand held device configured to store user exercise performance data relative to an exercise script which is carried on the PDA US RE44 650 E 3 like device or recorded on a work out card to be read by the PDA There are many number of innovations relative to script based exercise records systems but the identification of these script based exercise record systems as related art is prob lematic Scripted systems simply do not meet the challenge of identifying what exercise activity s a User elected to perform during a given work out Rather than address the multiple thousands of combinations related exercise data source and possible combinations of weight used repetitions completed time distance speed resistance level etc scripted systems allow the User to record performance against a narrowly defined exercise program The user performs the prescribed exercise and then records certain performance information by hand or into a PDA or similar handheld device which contains the exercise script The limitat
19. I I I I I I I I I I I I PERM MEMBER DATA FILE HOME COMPUTER S W PROGRAM OTHER HEALTH CLUBS US RE44 650 E Page 2 56 References Cited 2003 0226695 Al 12 2003 Mault osese 177 25 16 2005 0064995 Al 3 2005 Shitan wo 482 8 U S PATENT DOCUMENTS 2006 0149415 Al 7 2006 Richards 2007 0016444 Al 1 2007 Holkkola 6 050 924 A 4 2000 Shea 2007 0067303 Al 3 2007 Linjama et al 6 244 988 Bl 6 2001 Delman 2008 0126929 Al 5 2008 Bykov 6 358 188 Bl 3 2002 Ben Yehuda et al 2008 0300109 Al 12 2008 Karkanias et al 6 447 424 Bl 9 2002 Ashby et al 6 506 142 B2 1 2003 Itoh et al OTHER PUBLICATIONS e Be d AD 482 8 International Search Report received in International Application No 6 793 607 B2 9 2004 Neil EUN on 4Ag2 g PCT US2010 028292 dated Oct 26 2011 2 pages 6 796 927 B2 9 2004 Toyama 482 8 Mantoro et al Toward the Recognition of User Activity Based On 6 827 670 B1 12 2004 Stark et al 482 9 User Location in Ubiquitous Computing Environments Interna 7 056 265 B1 6 2006 Shea 482 8 tional Journal of Computer Science and Security vol 2 3 Aug 3 2001 0053735 Al 12 2001 Cohen et al 482 902 2008 pp 1 59 2002 0086774 Al 7 2002 Warner a 482 8 2003 0158014 A1 8 2003 Valentin Sivico 482 8 cited by examiner US RE44 650 E Sheet 1 of 6 Dec 17 2013 U S Patent 5g 3113 V LVQ 338W3W Wii3d Wwvu2OuUd M S Fi EA 9V1
20. Loaded into the memory of the terminal is an exercise data collection software program and user data file Each user is assigned a personal identification code which must be manually inputted into the terminal or assigned an electronic identification device that interfaces with the EIDM or another compatible input device to input the user s identi fication into the terminal The personal identification code or electronic identification device transmits the user s identifi cation information to the terminal before or after the exercise equipment or exercise area is used An example of an elec tronic identification device assigned to a user is an I button During use the user s I button is pressed against a compat ible terminal linked I button connected or linked to the ter minal that automatically transmits the user s personal identi fication code into the terminal In the preferred embodiment the terminal I button also acts as an EIDM which when activated by the user s I button automatically informs the terminal which exercise activity source is selected and also informs the terminal of the user s identification information After exercising the user activates the EIDM associated with the exercise activity source When the EIDM is acti vated a sub routines and prompts relating to the exercise are then presented on the terminal s display The user then manu ally inputs exercise specific information into the terminal in r
21. a system that does not require a member to perform exercise activity according to a prescribed sequence Itis another object of the present invention to provide such a system that can be linked to other health clubs so that members exercise records may be aggregated and quantita tively or qualitatively evaluated and shared Itis another object of the present invention to provide such a system that can centrally store protect and discretely dis tribute individual exercise records in such a way as to allow individual records to address member exercise activity pre formed away from the member s home gym and further to allow for the distribution of individual exercise records to interested and authorized third parties healthcare providers weight loss clinics insurance providers DoD force readi ness Etc It is another object of the present invention to provide such a system that can deploy statistical analysis and data base tools against a centrally stored collection of individual exer cise records to provide business and public interest related data mining against the system s population of individual records It is another object of the present invention to provide such a system that deploys software tools which apply statistical analysis and fitness related information principles against an individual s exercise records to aid in maintaining safe and effective exercise patterns These objects are met by an exercise activity recor
22. ajor revenue source for the typical health club The end result being relegation of script based systems to treatment related exercise programs Health care provider prescribed and limited acceptance by interne trainers A need exists for a new exercise metrics collection system for a health club capable of collecting transferring storing and managing individual exercise records of its members without the operating restrictions and high costs described herein above The new system will differ from existing meth ods offering its members easy and flexible operation unen cumbered by scripted exercise routines which are directive in nature Such a system should accept data input from any fitness data source including activity based workouts e g aerobic dancing running basketball etc stretching all forms of resistance training including exercises using free weights and biometric monitoring devices In addition sys tem should be materially less expensive to install and main tain than are active network systems and must provide for control over access to the system particularly its exercise identification component SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an inex pensive easy to use exercise recording system specifically designed for use in a health club and other sports and fitness facilities which offers different pieces of exercise equipment and exercise activities to its members 20
23. as United States a gt Reissued Patent Anderson et al 0 Patent Number 45 Date of Reissued Patent US00RE44650E US RE44 650 E Dec 17 2013 54 EXERCISE ACTIVITY RECORDING SYSTEM 76 Inventors Brent Anderson Kirkland WA US Douglas E Nichols Redmond WA US 21 Appl No 13 452 812 22 Filed Apr 20 2012 Related U S Patent Documents Reissue of 64 Patent No 7 699 752 Issued Apr 20 2010 Appl No 12 383 469 Filed Mar 23 2009 USS Applications 63 Continuation in part of application No 10 819 052 filed on Apr 6 2004 now Pat No 7 507 183 60 Provisional application No 60 461 204 filed on Apr 7 2003 51 Int Cl A63B 15 02 52 U S Cl USPO tina tando 482 1 482 8 482 9 705 2 58 Field of Classification Search None See application file for complete search history 2006 01 56 References Cited U S PATENT DOCUMENTS 5 931 763 A 8 1999 Alessandri 5 944 633 A 8 1999 Wittrock 5 947 869 A 9 1999 Shea sm 482 8 Continued FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS WO 96 26495 Al 8 1996 WO 2005 099827 A3 10 2005 WO 2010 117616 A3 10 2010 OTHER PUBLICATIONS International Search Report received in International Application No PCT US2005 011734 dated Aug 25 2006 2 pages Continued Primary Examiner Glenn Richman 74 Attorney Agent or Firm Davis Wright Tremaine LLP Heather M Colburn 57 ABSTRACT A multiple exercise activity reco
24. ata source 10 the EIDM interrogation means and EIDM are used to quickly identify the exercise activity data source 10 and present the proper exercise data entry page 60 and prompts 61 associated therewith The exercise data collection software program 37 auto matically executes the specific sub routine 80 85 associated with an identified exercise activity data source 10A 10E see FIG 7 The exercise activity data source 10 may include a treadmill 10A a stair machine 10B an elliptical machine 10C free weights 10D ora weight machine 10E with a single or a plurality of weight stations as shown in FIG 7 The exercise activity data source 10 may also be a weight lifting station a basketball court an aerobic exercise room a stretch ing mat or room a jump rope a heart rate monitor a blood pressure monitor etc not shown When the exercise activity data source 10 is recognized the exercise data collection software program 35 automatically presents the exercise data page 60 that presents a plurality of prompts 61 suitable for the exercise activity data source 10 The EIDM interrogation means and EIDM provide a com munication link between the handheld device and the exercise equipment In the preferred embodiment the EIDM interro gation utilizes an EIDM comprised of a computer chip a chip US RE44 650 E 9 housing can a pictorial representation of the exercise or activity which the subject EIDM is associated with and a
25. d working memory and d an exercise software program loaded into said working memory of said terminal said exercise software pro gram runs a plurality of sub routines each associated with one said EIDM said sub routines presents present on said display at least one exercise data entry page after said EIDM is identified and interrogated that queries a user to input exercise activity data relevant to the exercise activity data source 2 The physical exercise records system as recited in claim 1 wherein said unique identifying EIDM associated with each said exercise activity data source is an identification contact button 3 The physical exercise records system as recited in claim 2 wherein said identification contact button is attached to said exercise activity data source 4 The physical exercise records system as recited in claim 2 wherein said means for identifying a user is a contact button manually pressed against said contact button attached to said exercise activity data source 5 The physical exercise records system as recited in claim 3 wherein said means for identifying a user is an identifica tion contact button assigned to a specific user that is selec tively pressed against said contact button attached to said exercise activity data source 6 The physical exercise records system as recited in claim 2 wherein said identification contact button is attached to said terminal 7 The physical exercise records
26. ds sys tem disclosed herein that enables users to easily record dif ferent exercise activities performed in the facility In a first embodiment the system includes a portable handheld device capable of being pre programmed by the trainer for a specific member that is then used by the member to record exercise activities The system also includes a unique identifying exercise identification module hereinafter referred to as an EIDM attached to or located in the proximate vicinity of an exercise activity source The handheld device includes a dis play monitor a data input means and an EIDM interrogation means used query the EIDM During use the member acti vates the handheld device which executes an exercise data collection software program loaded into the working memory US RE44 650 E 5 of the handheld device When the member selects a piece of exercise equipment or an exercise activity e g weight lift ing the EIDM interrogation means is activated and used to interrogate the EIDM When the EIDM is identified the exer cise data collection software program automatically executes a software sub routine specifically designed for the indi vidual and the specific exercise activity source associated with the EIDM More specifically the sub routine presents a data entry page on the display monitor The data entry page identifies the exercise machine or activity the type of exercise to be completed and presents a plurality of promp
27. ery of indi vidual exercise records or WAN records access to authorized third parties with and interest in individual or group exercise records including but not limited to treating physicians rehabilitation therapy professionals NCAA and other ath letic interests Dept of Defense e g national guard force readiness corporate wellness incentive programs As shown in FIG 3 the handheld device 15 includes a display monitor 25 and an input means In the preferred embodiment the input means is a set often numerical keys 26 located on the front surface 16 of the device 15 In other embodiments the input means could be a combination moni tor and touch screen functionality not shown with the ten numerical keys displayed thereon Mounted inside the device 15 are batteries 28 AA AAA or 9 Volt designed to supply a DC electric current Mounted on the front surface 16 of the device is an Identification button 21 Mounted on the side surfaces 17 of the device 15 are a power switch 22 and an optional display monitor brightness switch 23 Mounted on the front surface 16 is a function key 24 and an optical reader activation button 21 Also mounted on a side 17 or front surface 16 is a small speaker not shown to provide audible cues to a member such as a cadence tone during certain exercises Mounted on the rear surface 19 is an optional belt clip or hook and loop connector pads not shown In other embodiments a biometric security means
28. esponse to the prompts The key differences between the first and second embodi ments is that mobile and fixed components of the system are reversed In the first embodiment after the EIDM is activated a data exchange sequence is initiated by the handheld In the second embodiment when the user activates the EIDM a data exchange sequence is initiated in the terminal In both an 0 30 40 45 55 6 embodiments a sub routine specific to the exercise activity sourceisautomatically generated In the second embodiment the identification sequence is directed towards identifying the user to the terminal and to the specific exercise selected by the system user The EIDM is now in a fixed location as are the terminal with the exercise date program the exercise specific sub routines and the processor The only mobile component is the user s identification codes or input device Also input ted information may be stored in the terminal or immediately transmitted to a permanent member data file on a local or remote server In both embodiments the system may includes a local server located in the facility with permanent member data files that contains the inputted records from the handheld devices or terminals used by members in the club In another embodiment the local server is replaced by an uplink termi nal connected to a remote server located in a network opera tions center hereinafter referred to as a NOC that via the In
29. horized individuals can then use the fitness tools software program 50 to review the member data files to determine the member s fitness or training levels The handheld device 15 is lightweight portable and rug gedized to make it shock heat and moisture tolerant Loaded into the memory of the handheld device 15 is an exercise data collection software program 35 that activates a built in exer cise identification module interrogation means referred to as an EIDM interrogation means used to detect a unique EIDM attached to or located in the vicinity of the exercise activity data source When the EIDM is interrogated the exercise data collection software program 35 automatically executes a sub routine 80 85 designed for the specific exercise activity data source 10 which sub routine includes a date clock function that automatically records start and stop times and the elapsed time for the exercise as well as rest intervals between exer cises The sub routine 80 85 presents one or more data entry pages 60A 60F with a plurality of prompts 61 displayed thereon each designed to sequentially elicit information manually inputted by the member into the handheld device 15 The exercise information is then stored in a temporary member data file 37 on the handheld device 15 that later is uploaded to a local server 95 via an uplink terminal a wireless communication link or a hardwire connection Each time the member moves to a new exercise activity d
30. ions placed on data input sources by script based exercise records systems represent a fundamental difference relative to the subject invention and other related art described herein Script based exercise systems necessarily require members to strictly follow a pre scribed training program in order to track performance While most health club members follow generalized patterns in their exercise and recreation The majority of health club members do not strictly follow training programs The average health club member being over 30 years old and more interested in maintaining a reasonable level of fitness than running a mara thon or body sculpting Accordingly script based systems have enjoyed limited acceptance among health club mem bers Finally while Script based systems are not precisely related art a second issue is worth noting that has kept these systems from enjoying wide applications in the health and fitness club market An exercise script for a PDA can be written by anyone for use by a health club member in the gym While the health club operator can control perimeter facility access the health club operator cannot control access to individual exercise appara tus or compel the use of his or her club based training services in conjunction with the script based system In fact script based exercise records systems operate to introduce internet non resident trainer competition into a health club threaten ing a m
31. lay on said terminal in response to said a sub routine page that pertains to the exercise performed with said exercise activity data source 14 A system for use with a user the system comprising a a plurality of exercise activity data sources b a unique identifying EIDM associated with each of the exercise activity data sources c a terminal linked or coupled to each of the EIDM used with the exercise data sources the terminal including a display an input device configured to receive input from the user and a working memory and d an exercise software program loaded into the working memory of the terminal the exercise software program runs a plurality of sub routines each associated with one of the EIDM the sub routines presenting on the display at least one exercise data entry page after a particular EIDM is identified and interrogated the at least one exercise data entry page querying the user to input exer cise activity data relevant to the exercise activity data source associated with the particular EIDM 15 The system of claim 14 for use with a portable user identification device associated with the user the portable user identification device comprising a personal identifica tion code wherein the terminal is further configured to receive the personal identification code from the portable user identification device 16 A device for use with a user the device comprising a reader configured to read each of a plura
32. lity of unique identifiers each of the plurality of unique identifiers being associated a different exercise activity data source US RE44 650 E 15 at least one processor connected to the reader a memory connected to the processor the memory com prising a plurality of sub routines executable by the at least one processor the at least one processor executing atleast one of the sub routines after a selected one of the plurality of unique identifiers is read by the reader an input device configured to receive input from the user and a display device connected to the processor the executing at least one of the sub routines instructing the processor to display on the display device a data entry page that queries the user to input exercise activity data using the input device relevant to the exercise activity data source associated with the selected one of the plurality of unique identifiers 17 The device of claim 16 wherein the reader is an optical reader and the unique identifier is a symbol readable by the optical reader 18 The device of claim 16 wherein the reader is a RFID reader and the unique identifier is a RFID tag readable by the RFID reader 19 The device of claim 16 for use with a server further comprising a wireless transmitter configured to communicate wire lessly with the server and transmit at least a portion of the exercise activity data input by the user to the server 20 The device of claim 16 for
33. mation may be stored in the terminal 120 or immediately transmitted to a permanent member data file on a local or remote server In both embodiments the complete member records gen erated by system in combination with a centralized database for the system s records storage and records access support the development and application of a set of software tools which will be regularly update with the most current fitness information The tool set is directed toward providing the fitness professional working with a user with the following information with which to counsel that user toward the safes most effective most fun usage of his her time in the gym Allocation oftime in the gym strength vs cardio legs vs arms back vs stomach etc Strength and muscle balance between various muscle groups Joint usage during work outs Increases or decreases in muscle strength flexibility or endurance Allocation of repetitions between muscle groups Changes in time of day for workout work out duration rest time between individual exercises and Changes is any of the forgoing as they relate to modifica tions in work out activity as a result of an event recorded by the User into the system or as the result of a fitness professional s input to the User by way of preferred changes to the Users work out regime The system Tool will review User health and fitness activ ity and performance against norms for his her age sex time in the gym Etc
34. nseling applications the subject inven tions network structure user authentication functions and records capability will allow individual fitness records to be made available to authorized and interested third parties In addition the cumulative data base of member user activity and preferences developed for via the system can be mined as a data resource for both public and private sector interests Lastly and a the core of the subject invention is a simple easy to use installable system which provides the means to break the requirement for gym based fitness professional to participate in every member workout in order to effectively counsel that member Numerous objects features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of presently preferred but nonetheless illustrative embodi ments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings In this respect before explain ing the current embodiment of the invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its applica tion to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illus trated in the drawings The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in vari ous ways Also itis to be understood that the phraseology and
35. rary member file 37 for later uploading to the central server 95 As more clearly shown in FIG 7 each exercise activity data source 10A 10E shown is assigned a sub routine 80 84 that presents a specific exercise data page 60 A E to the display monitor 25 The nature of the prompts 61 may be the same or different With some exercise equipment or activity a second sub routine 85 and a second specific exercise data sheet 60F are presented The permanent member data file 55 provides a comprehen sive record of his or her cumulative exercise activity and achieved fitness level This file 55 can then be evaluated and reviewed by club based fitness professionals to provide a broad range of counseling services to members and the record can be provided to medical professionals or other third parties away from the fitness center who may have legitimate interests in the fitness level of any particular member In another embodiment of the invention shown in FIG 8 each piece of equipment exercise movement area fitness activity or biometric equipment called exercise activity source 10 in a facility where exercises are preformed is assigned to an EIDM Each EIDM is linked or coupled to a stationary terminal 120 connected to or located near the exer cise activity source 10 The terminal 120 is coupled to a display 122 and a manual input device 124 Terminal 120 may be used exclusively with one piece of exercise activity source 10 or with a plurality
36. rding system in which each piece of equipment exercise movement exercise area fitness activity or biometric in a facility where exercises are pre formed is assigned to an exercise identification module Each exercise identification module is linked or coupled to a ter minal with a display and a manual input device Each user is assigned a personal identification device that is presented or inputted into the terminal before or after the exercise equip ment or exercise area is used After exercising the user acti vates the exercise identification module assigned to the exer cise equipment orto the exercise area Upon activation one or more sub routines automatically run in the terminal Prompts presented on the display then request user input of informa tion pertinent to the exercise activity The inputted informa tion may be stored in the terminal or immediately transmitted to a permanent member data file on a local or remote server 26 Claims 6 Drawing Sheets 4 283 712 A 8 1981 Goody 5 059 778 A 10 1991 Zouzoulas et al 5 387 164 A 2 1995 Brown Jr 5 473 831 A 12 1995 Locke 5 474 090 A 12 1995 Begun et al 5 478 295 A 12 1995 Fracchia 5 516 334 A 5 1996 Easton 5 598 849 A 2 1997 Browne 5 890 997 A 4 1999 Roth TEMP USER EXERCISE COLLECTION DATA FILE ACT DATA S W PROG EAE HANDHELD DEVICE UPLINK DATA BASE PROGRAM EXECISE SOURCE Ib TAS 40 I I I I I 1 l 1 TERMINAL
37. rsonal identifi cation code 140 into the terminal 120 In the preferred embodiment the terminal I button 132 is also linked to a specific exercise activity source so that it also acts as an EIDM which when activated by the user s I button 150 US RE44 650 E 11 simultaneously informs the terminal 120 which exercise activity source is selected and identifies the user to the termi nal 120 In the terminal based embodiment when the EIDM is activated a sub routine and one or more prompts relating to the exercise activity source are then presented on the termi nal s display 122 The user then manually inputs the exercise performance information into a manual input device 124 coupled to the terminal 120 in response to the prompts In this embodiment the mobile and fixed components of the system are reversed with respect to the first embodiment described above When the user activates the EIDM a data exchange sequence is initiated in the terminal which initiates auser input identification exchange and a sub routine specific to the exercise activity source The identification sequence is directed towards identifying the system user to the terminal and to the specific exercise selected by the system user The EIDM is now in a fixed location as are the terminal 120 with the exercise data program the exercise specific sub routines and the processor The only mobile component is the user s electronic identification device Also inputted infor
38. systems Active network systems deploy a local electronic network in the health club with each exercise machine equipped with a display monitor data input means and sensors and operat ing as a data collection node The health club member iden tifies himself or herself to a particular machine or workout station via entry of a personal identification number on a key pad at the workout station Upon completion of the exercise certain performance information collected by sensors at the workout station is transmitted to a central server where indi vidual exercise records are stored Active network systems are effective where exercise equipment operates at a fixed location in the gym or fitness center and where each piece of exercise equipment in the network supports only one or two exercise movements Active network systems encounter problems dealing with any equipment that is mobile or capable of being employed in multiplicities of exercise movements Free weights are the most obvious example of exercise equipment that cannot be linked in an active network system In addition to problems accommodating data input from some types of exercise equipment active network systems do not support tracking of activity related exercise e g aerobic dancing running bas ketball etc Additionally the provisioning of electrical power to active networked systems and the installation of network monitors data input means and sensors at each piece of
39. ternet In both embodiments a data base software program designed to collect the uploaded records in the handheld device s or terminal s temporary member data file and then present the information to the trainer and or member when connected to the server The system will also use a tool set of software programs hereinafter referred to as a tool set which support data colorations unique to exercise metrics and associated directly or indirectly to the member s specific workout history The system will cross track and display to the health and fitness professional any number of relationships and data correla tions to the member s work outs In addition the tool set will maintain and display state of the art information to fitness professional counseling the member identifying areas of con cern progress and offering alternative course of action in terms of exercise to effectively counsel the member relative to his her exercise regime Using the above described device a method of recording the exercise routines in a health club an exercise facility or medical facility is also provided During use the member selects a health club or facility with different exercise activity data sources each associated with a unique EIDM When the member visits the health club or facility he or she may be provided a handheld device as describe above loaded with various software sub routines associated with the EIDMs ora user identification code
40. ters and health clubs in the United States serving approximately 40 million members The health club industry is characterized by rapid growth in club members 8 per annum and an explo sion in exercise related activities and equipment There has also been tremendous growth in information related to the optimal use of exercise equipment including the best use of time devoted to exercise long term impact of specific exercise activity avoidance of injury and preferred combinations of exercises To help individual health club members maximize the ben efit of time spent exercising most health clubs offer profes sional training services Professional training services sup port the goals of maximizing the benefit of time expended toward exercise injury avoidance and maintaining a long term focus to a given exercise regime Professional training services as currently offered require the trainer to directly participate in his or her clients exercise sessions to observe and track activity and performance Direct participation by the professional trainer in most or all of his or her clients exercise sessions carries with it a number of negative attributes including very high service costs advance sched uling requirements for exercise sessions regimentation of recreational workout activity into hard core training ses sions and for some a loss of privacy in exercise activity that many health club members view negatively
41. the networked equipment result in high capital installation costs and high recurring maintenance costs Active network systems are also costly to expand as new exercise machines and methods are brought into the health club The second means to record exercise related activity involves the use of dedicated software programs operating on PDAs or similar handheld devices Exercise software pro grams fall into two categories menu driven database pro grams and scripted exercise routine systems Exercise menu driven programs involve simple database lookup programs applied to the tracking of fitness activity Using a PDA or similar handheld device the health club member scrolls through a preprogrammed menu of com monly available exercises identifies his or her intended exer cise activity and enters certain performance information into the handheld device upon completion of the exercise The principal problem with menu driven database programs as applied to health and fitness records is the length and com plexity of the menu necessary to accommodate the literally thousands of exercise options available in a typical health club The burden of cycling through available workout options to locate the desired entry point in the database pro gram has rendered menu driven database programs too bur densome for most health club members and impractical as effective exercise metrics tracking systems U S Pat Nos 4 493 485 4 409 992 4 408 18
42. ts request ing specific information from the member regarding the exer cise activity performed on the exercise activity data source The information that is inputted into the handheld device using the input means is directly stored in a temporary mem ber data file on the handheld device or transmitted directly to a permanent member file stored on a local server located in the health club If the information is stored in a temporary member data file on the handheld it is later uploaded to the local server Each time the member moves to a new exercise data activity source the EIDM interrogation means and the EIDM are used to quickly identify the exercise activity data source and present the proper sub routine associated with the exercise activity In another embodiment of the invention the exercise activ ity source in the facility where exercises are preformed is assigned to an EIDM but each EIDM is linked or coupled to a stationary terminal connected to or located near the exercise activity source The terminal which may be linked exclu sively to one exclusively exercise activity source and one EIDM or may be linked to multiple exercise activity sources and EIDMs is connected to a display and an optional manual input device The EIDM associated with each exercise activ ity source may be located at or near the exercise activity source or it may be mounted on the terminal s front panel or ona multiple exercise activity demonstration board
43. variations thereto are possible all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention With respect to the above description then it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the components of the invention to include variations in size materials shape form function and manner of operation assembly and use are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the US RE44 650 E 13 art and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention For example the term exercise activity data source is used to encompass every exercise equipment activity or non equipment activity The term wireless communication link and EIDM are meant to encompass all means of wireless communication in which an exercise activity is recognized by the handheld device or terminal Therefore the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention We claim 1 A physical exercise records system comprising a a plurality of exercises exercise activity data sources b a unique identifying EIDM associated with each said exercise activity data source c a terminal linked or coupled to each said EIDM used with said exercise data sources said terminal including a display means for inputting data into said terminal means for identifying an means for identifying a user an
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