Wrist-based fitness monitoring devices

• US 20040020856A1
• Filed: 07/21/2003
• Published: 02/05/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 04/30/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Acumen Associates Incorporated (Roper Technologies, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Acumen Associates Incorporated (Roper Technologies, Inc.)
• Inventors: Wong, Philip Lim-Kong, Sham, Ka Yiu
• Application Number:
  US10/622,770
• Publication Number:
  US 20040020856A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 210/656
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0002 Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network A61B5/07 takes precedence; transmission systems for measured values G08C; transmission H04B; transmission of digital information H04L; wireless communication networks H04W
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02438 with portable devices, e.g. worn by the patient
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/30 Maintenance
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/04 heartbeat characteristics, e.g. ECG, blood pressure modulations
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/08 other bio-electrical signals
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/00 Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 22/006 Pedometers

Abstract

A wrist-based fitness monitoring watch which uses a lap sensing device and a step or a stroke sensing device for detecting movement. In response to the output of a micro controller, information is displayed concerning the number of laps completed, the distance completed, and the time. Also included is a wireless heart rate transfer system which is provided through the micro controller in order to provide heart rate indicators during movement of the user. The lap measurement is based on a synchronization between a heading direction from the lap sensing device and the step/stroke frequency in order to provide the lap count, as well as the distance traveled and the time. Each of these items are accomplished on a wrist based monitoring system which does not require periodic intervention by the user. The system is able to provide split times without the requiring of continual pressing of the start/stop button either before or after a running or swimming event.

Claims

1. A user wearable fitness monitoring timing device, comprising:

a lap sensing device outputting a first signal;

a sensor responsive to movement of said user and providing a second signal output;

a wireless heart rate monitor receiving a heart rate signal of said user and providing a third output signal;

a first means for providing a synchronized output signal in response to said first and second output signal wherein said synchronized output signal indicates a number of laps completed by said user, a distance traveled by said user, a time traveled by said user and relationships between said laps, said distance and said time;

a second means responsive to said third output signal to provide a heart monitor output indicating a heart rate of said user;

a display means for displaying said synchronized output and said heart rate monitor output.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said sensor responsive to movement is a step sensor.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein said sensor responsive to movement of said user is a swimming stroke sensor.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein said lap sensing device includes a Hall-effect sensor for determining a direction of movement of said user.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein said sensor responsive to movement includes a piezoelectric sensor.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein one of said relationships between said laps, said distance and said time is a split time.

7. The device according to claim 4, wherein said lap sensing device includes a voltage controlled oscillator and wherein said first means includes a monitoring means for monitoring the output of said voltage control oscillator to determine the direction of movement of said user.

8. A wrist-based fitness monitoring system worn by a user, said system comprising;

means for monitoring movement of said user as a function of time, distance and direction and outputting a plurality of movement signals;

means for monitoring a physiological condition of said user and outputting a monitoring signal;

control means responsive to said movement signals to synchronize said movement signals to provide a series of relationships between said distance, said time and said direction of movement of said user to include lap completion information and distance completion, wherein said control means also includes means for outputting indicators based on said physiological output; and

display means responsive to said physiological indicators and said relationships output from said controller in order to display said relationships and said physiological indicators.