Exercise activity recording system
Contents
1. US 2014 0074264 A1 the memory ofthe terminal 120 is an exercise data collection software program 35 and a temporary data user file 37 0063 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 a compatible terminal based user identification device 155 attached to linked to the terminal 120 0064 The user identification device 140 contains the user s identification information 132 that must be transmitted to the terminal 120 The terminal 120 then uses the user identification information to determine the user file in which to temporarily store the exercise data The user identification information 132 may be inputted or transmitted to the termi nal 120 before or after the exercise activity source is used 0065 An example of a user identification device 140 assigned to a user is an I button designed to communicate with a terminal linked I button During use the user s I but ton is pressed against the terminal linked I button and auto matically transmits the user s personal identification code into the terminal 120 In the preferred embodiment the ter minal I button 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 simultaneo2. a front plan view of the handheld device 0046 FIG 4 is a rear plan view of the handheld device 0047 FIG 5 is a block diagram of the handheld device 0048 FIG 6 is an illustration of an exercise data page shown on the display monitor 0049 FIG 7 is an illustration of various exercise equip ment showing different sub routines executed to display dif ferent exercise data pages to the member 0050 FIG 8 isan illustration of the second embodiment of the exercise activity recording system DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT S 0051 Referring to the accompanying FIGS 1 8 there is shown a system 10 for easily recording the exercise activities performed 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 authorized 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 0052 The handheld device 15 is lightweight portable and ruggedized to make it shock heat and moisture tolerant Loaded into the memory of the handheld device 15 is an ex
3. 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 or to the uplink terminal 0058 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 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 0059 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 temporary member file 37 for later uploading to the central server 95 0060 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
4. 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 US 2014 0074264 A1 Mar 13 2014 Sheet 1 of 6 Patent Application Publication r 5 lt Fd vira iid Wes WvusOud AVS WAL OI S1OO1L SSANLIJ 1 say HLWSH SILO OHIO 3evg vivo i po qwe m goWhos WvusONd M S _ 0G OF em ALIALIOY 1001 SSANLIS ZE BETAN SNOLLv201 Wvagoud i WsANSS TENIA MIN C annan li n L 392839 PT VIQYAN u3indwoo Q BHONYH avoriao SWOMH A 3114 viva wasn w RET ay I j i i i i i i i i a ALP Rey IIS wood f i T ER SS313NLA SSITISUIA LE a RES BA MARA A ARA SAAN MAMAS SANS ARAN ARAN KRAN ARA AAAA aa BOUS MUS viva uav a Mood dS FAY NOTISSTIOS 39 I2uXg ES E Patent Application Publication Mar 13 2014 Sheet 2 of 6 US 2014 0074264 A1 US 2014 0074264 A1 Mar 13 2014 Sheet 3 of 6 Patent Application Publication L ere ane AN PAYA ne GL
5. protect and dis cretely distribute individual exercise records in such a way as to allow individual records to address member exercise activ ity preformed 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 0026 It is another object of the present invention to pro vide sucha system that can deploy statistical analysis and data base tools against a centrally stored collection of individual exercise records to provide business and public interest related data mining against the system s population of indi vidual records 0027 It is another object of the present invention to pro vide 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 0028 These objects are met by an exercise activity records system disclosed herein that enables users to easily record different 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 he
6. 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 follow ing information with which to counsel that user toward the safes most effective most fun usage of his her time in the gym 0069 Allocationoftimeinthe gym strength vs cardio legs vs arms back vs stomach etc 0070 Strength and muscle balance between various muscle groups 0071 Joint usage during work outs Mar 13 2014 0072 Increases or decreases in muscle strength flex ibility or endurance 0073 Allocation ofrepetitions between muscle groups 0074 Changes in time of day for workout work out duration rest time between individual exercises and 0075 Changes is any of the forgoing as they relate to modifications 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 pre ferred changes to the Users work out regime 0076 The system Tool will review User health and fitness activity and performance against norms for his her age sex time in the gym Etc Tools will high light trouble areas identified by this analysis and offer the fitness counselor input as to possible changes to the Users exercise activity 0077 The system tool w
7. US 20140074264A1 av United States a Patent Application Publication 10 Pub No US 2014 0074264 A1 Anderson et al 43 Pub Date Mar 13 2014 54 71 72 21 22 63 60 51 EXERCISE ACTIVITY RECORDING SYSTEM Applicants Brent Anderson Kirkland WA US Douglas E Nichols Redmond WA US Inventors Brent Anderson Kirkland WA US Douglas E Nichols Redmond WA US Appl No 14 082 020 Filed Nov 15 2013 Related U S Application Data Continuation of application No 13 452 812 filed on Apr 20 2012 now Pat No R E44 650 which is an application forthe reissue of Pat No 7 699 752 which is a continuation in part of application No 10 819 052 filed on Apr 6 2004 now Pat No 7 507 183 Provisional application No 60 461 204 filed on Apr 7 2003 Publication Classification Int Cl A63B 24 00 2006 01 52 U S Cl a yem qaa sya as A63B 24 0075 2013 01 700 91 57 ABSTRACT A multiple exercise activity recording 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
8. WA NM im dt dt A ban he AAAA AAD KA POSED HY US 2014 0074264 A1 Mar 13 2014 Sheet 4 of 6 Patent Application Publication Ou MAYS VAYI 12v JU viv NOLLISTIOS 3910u3X3 e dSIOUSXS JW WAYS gt m i OY y y i VIVAS Tori 971 11 ae QuvOSAmI 440 NO EE Av STO I Lou MOMAN fe ENYA SSIISIM E c iIWSNYHL US 2014 0074264 A1 Mar 13 2014 Sheet 5 of 6 Patent Application Publication Z 8j E ANG Side SNOLILI AB i SE LHSISA O 58 Jos 9 rj 138 YO u38WAN PFP SNOILLLTaBA dO u38WAN 79 AHOTAM WALIY re SSHONAES TENIWOQ8Y a SS3ud WN M NCC CSNAOQ TInd 3 H Pg Le xm SNOISN3IXS 931 ou CSSNIHOVW LHOISA 309 sex em 3139 en SNOLLILIgSN reni ATA ES GAZ NOTLIBUIG go S3IHO02 NY BINVISISRY SOF JINVASYO Q33ds ee c R a SIBLE dO e FP monn FWI SONWLSTO Q33d9 mn r9 30NV1STS N SOS B eo e ek S L INIH W NINAS 19 KC enses POS SSNYISIU US 2014 0074264 A1 Mar 13 2014 Sheet 6 of 6 Patent Application Publication Woeuecud M S SUG SIN LT x i ta wungua aba coll seve virg 4 i D P LA i atenn TANDHA my NATAS L E UU WNIBO NE ee H b 36203 d d po we i i gd uhaad p mann rie I EN ae NU i OPE AM i somnos s GUYON ES N
9. ation 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 0029 In another embodiment of the invention the exer cise activity source in the facility where exercises are pre formed 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 exclusively 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 exer cise activity source may be located at or near the exercise activity source or it may be mounted on the terminal s front panel or on a multiple exercise activity demonstration board Loaded into the memory of the terminal is an exercise data collection software program and user data file 0030 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 identification into the terminal The personal id
10. 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 0061 The permanent member data file 55 provides a com prehensive 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 0062 In another embodiment of the invention shown in FIG 8 each piece of equipment exercise movement area fitness activity or biometric equipment called exercise activ ity 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 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
11. both embodiments a sub routine specific to the exer cise activity source is automatically 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 inputted information may be stored in the ter minal or immediately transmitted to a permanent member data file on a local or remote server 0033 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 Internet 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 0034 The system will also use a tool set of software pro grams hereinafter referred to as a tool set which support data colorations unique t
12. cise routine systems 0012 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 4 408 183 and 5 890 997 0013 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 developed to simplify the task of data entry and data conver sion into a digital format by introducing a PDA or similar handheld device configured to store u
13. e ASAS QW QWEINDO a ape kana m WNW S9r59x3 sou Um M s LANG a JAN JANG pd NM las E MONEE sssaaa sma sous AVE vira inv ROLE TIO sei FIKI FUE VIVO 2 uoo qavos MISA AWB Norval Nowso i D we US 2014 0074264 A1 EXERCISE ACTIVITY RECORDING SYSTEM 0001 This utility patent application is a continuation in part application of the 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 0002 1 Field of the Invention 0003 This invention relates to exercise metrics recording systems 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 0004 2 Description of the Related Art 0005 There are approximately 22 thousand fitness centers 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 explosion 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 p
14. e 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 acentral server on the NOC The fitness tools program is then used to review the permanent files and issue comments and recommendations to the member 0080 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 US 2014 0074264 A1 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 memb
15. ein above The new system will differ from existing methods offering its members easy and flexible operation unencumbered by scripted exercise routines which are directive in nature Such a system should accept data input from any fitness data source including activity based work outs e g aerobic dancing running basketball etc stretch ing all forms ofresistance training including exercises using free weights and biometric monitoring devices In addition system should be materially less expensive to install and maintain than are active network systems and must provide for control over access to the system particularly its exercise identification component SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 0016 Itis an object of the present invention to provide an inexpensive easy to use exercise recording system specifi cally designed for use in a health club and other sports and Mar 13 2014 fitness facilities which offers different pieces of exercise equipment and exercise activities to its members 0017 Itis another object of the present invention to pro vide such a system that uses handheld devices or terminals that allow members to easily record various exercise activities in the facility 0018 It is another object of the present invention to pro vide 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 handhe
16. en tification code or electronic identification device transmits the user s identification information to the terminal before or after the exercise equipment or exercise area is used An example of an electronic identification device assigned to a user is an I button During use the user s I button is pressed against a compatible terminal linked I button connected or linked to the terminal that automatically transmits the user s personal identification 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 identifi cation information 0031 After exercising the user activates the EIDM asso ciated with the exercise activity source When the EIDM is activated a sub routines and prompts relating to the exercise Mar 13 2014 are then presented on the terminal s display The user then manually inputs exercise specific information into the termi nal in response to the prompts 0032 The key differences between the first and second embodiments 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 termi nal In
17. er s permanent exercise activity file on the local central server 95 0081 Insummary 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 terminal 120 with user identification input means said handheld device or terminal including an exercise activity data collection software program 35 and an exercise identifi cation module 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 0082 While a preferred embodiment of the exercise recording system has been described in detail it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are pos sible 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
18. ercise data collection software program 35 that activates a built in exercise 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 automati cally 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 exercises 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 termi nal a wireless communication link or a hardwire connection Each time the member moves to a new exercise activity data 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 US 2014 0074264 A1 0053 The exercise data collection software program 37 automatically executes the specific sub routi
19. f first users operating the reader and a server computing device configured to receive the exer cise data from each of the plurality of readers and pro vide to a second user access to the exercise data received from a particular one of the plurality of first users for review by the second user
20. his manner the invention is not confined to a scripted 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 0039 By using unique identifiers relative to each exercise activity source at a specific site and by providing an encrypted response disclosure capability for each EIDM access to the system becomes controllable The subject inven tion becomes potentially profitable to the health club there fore available to members in a health club environment 0040 The over aching structure deployed in the subject invention for the transfer handling of data related to indi vidual workout records insures via database software and the tool set that the gym members records are made available to fitness professionals at the gym and that via tool set fitness professional combination the member receives stat of the art counseling services Beyond counseling applications the sub ject inventions network structure user authentication func tions and records capability will allow individual fitness records to be made availableto 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 reso
21. ill 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 0078 The following operating scenario describes the sys tem using the first embodiment of the 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 transmitter and receiver or other wireless or physical contact hardwire transmitting and receiving devices medium for wireless communication between the handheld device and the exercise activity data source s EIDM 0079 Prior to commencing the exercise activity the mem ber 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 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 of the exercis
22. interrogated by the EIDM interrogation means 0055 The local server 95 is designed to receive uploaded temporary 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 embodi ment of the 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 0056 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 docu ment security functions these functions enable delivery of individual exercise records or WAN records access to autho rized third parties with and interest in individual or group exercise records including but not limited to treating physi cians rehabilitation therapy professionals NCAA and other athletic interests Dept of Defense e g na
23. ld device to terminal by the member after the exercise is completed 0019 Itis another object of the present invention to pro vide such a system that allows health club trainers the option to selectively 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 pre formed on those recommended exercises 0020 It is another object of the present invention to pro vide such a system that is relatively inexpensive to assemble install and maintain 0021 Itis another object of the present invention to pro vide such a system that uses only handheld devices or termi nals that are uniquely configured and provided by the health club for use in the health club 0022 Itis another object of the present invention to pro vide such a system that does not require the direct participa tion of a trainer during or after every exercise session 0023 It is another object of the present invention to pro vide such a system that does not require a member to perform exercise activity according to a prescribed sequence 0024 It is another object of the present invention to pro vide such a system that can be linked to other health clubs so that members exercise records may be aggregated and quan titatively or qualitatively evaluated and shared 0025 It is another object of the present invention to pro vide such a system that can centrally store
24. llow train ing programs The average health club member being over 30 years old and more interested in maintaining a reasonable level of fitness than running a marathon or body sculpting Accordingly script based systems have enjoyed limited acceptance among health club members 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 0014 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 exer cise apparatus 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 intro duce internet non resident trainer competition into a health club threatening a major 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 0015 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 mem bers without the operating restrictions and high costs described her
25. ne 80 85 associ ated 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 or a 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 0054 The EIDM interrogation means and EIDM provide a communication link between the handheld device and the exercise equipment In the preferred embodiment the EIDM interrogation utilizes an EIDM comprised of a computer chip a chip housing can a pictorial representation ofthe exer cise or activity which the subject EIDM is associated with and a 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
26. o exercise metrics and associated directly or indirectly to the member s specific workout his tory The system will cross track and display to the health and fitness professional any number of relationships and data correlations 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 concern progress and offering alternative course of action in terms of exercise to effectively counsel the member rela tive to his her exercise regime 0035 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 or a user identification code 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 com pleted the temporary 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 serve
27. r or remote server is then used by the trainer to review a member s data file The tool set pro vides the trainer access to the most recent information relative that members exercise needs as well as a backup to the train US 2014 0074264 A1 er sown record review insuring that all areas of concern have been identified and addressed by the trainer relative to the member 0036 The subject invention deployed an architecture which is unique and novel relative to the collection of indi vidual workout information in a health club environment 0037 Unlike the prior art active network systems identi fied 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 break away from fixed machine limitations of active network sys tems to embrace free weights basketball running handball etc and activity which can be expressed as a numeric 0038 Deployment of a handheld or a terminal in the sys tem 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 t
28. referred combinations of exercises 0006 To help individual health club members maximize the benefit of time spent exercising most health clubs offer professional training services Professional training services support 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 0007 An effective exercise metrics recording system enabling individuals to independently record their exercise activity in a digital format would permit fitness professionals to effectively counsel and or train the individual system mem ber 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
29. reinafter referred to as an EIDM attached to or located in the proximate vicinity of an US 2014 0074264 A1 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 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 prompts 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 inform
30. rkout station is transmitted to a central server where individual 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 0010 Active network systems encounter problems deal ing 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 basketball etc Additionally the provisioning of electrical power to active networked systems and the instal lation of network monitors data input means and sensors at each piece of 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 0011 The second means to record exercise related activ ity 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 exer
31. ser exercise perfor mance data relative to an exercise script which is carried on US 2014 0074264 A1 the PDA 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 problematic Scripted systems simply do not meet the chal lenge 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 per forms the prescribed exercise and then records certain perfor mance information by hand or into a PDA or similar handheld device which contains the exercise script The limitations 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 prescribed 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 fo
32. the optimum dimensional relationships for the components ofthe invention to include variations in size materials shape form function and manner of operation Mar 13 2014 assembly and use are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specifi cation are intended to be encompassed by the present inven tion 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 inven tion 1 13 canceled 14 A system for use with a plurality of readers operated by a plurality of first users the system comprising a plurality of unique identifiers each associated with a different exercise activity data source each of the plu rality of readers being configured to read each of the plurality of unique identifiers and after reading each of the plurality of unique identifiers present a data entry screen associated with the unique identifier to one ofthe plurality of first users operating the reader the data entry screen being configured receive exercise data from the one of the plurality o
33. tional guard force readiness corporate wellness incentive programs 0057 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 of ten 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 Mar 13 2014 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 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
34. urce for both public and private sector interests 0041 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 profes sional to participate in every member workout in order to effectively counsel that member 0042 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 illustra tive embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings In this respect before explaining the current embodiment of the invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings The invention is Mar 13 2014 capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways Also it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 0043 FIG 1 is an illustration of the health club exercise recording system 0044 FIG 2 is a perspective view of the handheld device being used to interrogate an EIDM 0045 FIG 3 is
35. usly informs the terminal 120 which exercise activity source is selected and identifies the user to the terminal 120 0066 Inthe 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 The user then manually inputs the exercise performance information into a manual input device 150 coupled to the terminal 120 in response to the prompts 0067 In this embodiment the mobile and fixed compo nents 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 a user input identification exchange and a sub routine specific to the exercise activity source The iden tification 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 information may be stored in the terminal 120 or immediately transmitted to a permanent member data file on a local or remote server 0068 In both embodiments the complete member records generated by system in combination with a centralized data base for the system s
36. with the use of professional training services Most important such an exer cise metrics recording system would permit professional counseling services to be rendered more efficiently at prevail ing 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 sys tem could be provided to third parties not affiliated with the health club or fitness center such as doctors therapists man aged healthcare providers corporate wellness program administrators etc who have an interest in the health and well being of particular health club members Mar 13 2014 0008 Two basic approaches have been attempted toward the goal of recording exercise activity onto a digital medium active network systems and scripted training systems 0009 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 sen sors and operating as a data collection node The health club member identifies himself or herself to a particular machine or workout station via entry of a personal identification num ber on a key pad at the workout station Upon completion of the exercise certain performance information collected by sensors at the wo
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