System and method for controlling an exercise apparatus
First Claim
1. An exercise apparatus comprising:
- a master control unit;
a first sensor, in communication with the master control unit, which generates a first signal indicative of an effective tread speed for the apparatus; and
a resistive element that includes at least one resistance level.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The various embodiments of the present invention generally provide a control system and a process for an exercise apparatus configurable into a combined treadmill and stepper mode. The apparatus may also be configured into stepper only and treadmill only modes. The apparatus generally includes a master control unit, a first sensor, in communication with the master control unit, which generates a first signal indicative of an effective tread speed for the apparatus, and a resistive element that includes at least one resistance level. Using the first signal, the resistance level, and empirical information, the amount of energy expended by a user of the apparatus may be calculated and the operation of the apparatus controlled. Various sensors, actuators and information, such as that obtained from various data structures, may be utilized in performing calculations and controlling the features, functions and operation of the apparatus.
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Citations
34 Claims
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1. An exercise apparatus comprising:
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a master control unit;
a first sensor, in communication with the master control unit, which generates a first signal indicative of an effective tread speed for the apparatus; and
a resistive element that includes at least one resistance level. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A system for controlling the operation of an exercise device which may be configured to operate as a treadmill, a stepper, or a combined treadmill and stepper, comprising:
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a processor;
a first sensor, in communication with the processor, for sensing a substantially horizontal motion by a tread in the exercise device and generating a first signal indicative thereof;
a second sensor, in communication with the processor, for sensing a substantially vertical motion by the tread and generating a second signal indicative thereof; and
a data storage device, containing in a data structure information useful in determining the amount of energy expended based upon the first signal and/or the second signal. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25)
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26. An article of manufacture, comprising:
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a computer usable medium having computer readable program code means embodied therein for selecting a mode for an exercise apparatus, the computer readable program code means further comprising;
a computer readable program code means for selecting a treadmill mode; and
a computer readable program code means for selecting a stepper mode. - View Dependent Claims (27)
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28. An apparatus, comprising:
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a computer usable medium having computer readable program code means embodied therein for selecting a mode for the apparatus, comprising at least any two of;
a computer readable program code means for selecting a treadmill mode;
a computer readable program code means for selecting a stepper mode; and
a computer readable program code means for selecting a combined treadmill and stepper mode.
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29. A control system for an exercise apparatus, comprising:
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a master control unit; and
a memory device for holding a data structure for access by the master control unit, wherein the data structure contains at least one data element utilized in determining the effort exerted during use of the exercise apparatus, wherein the exercise apparatus is configurable into a stepper mode and a treadmill mode. - View Dependent Claims (30)
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31. A program memory or storage device accessible by a processor, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the processor to configure an exercise apparatus into one of a plurality of modes, by:
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receiving at least one user input signal; and
based upon the received user input signal, selecting from one of many exercise modes supported by the exercise apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (32)
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33. A method of determining the energy expended during use of an exercise device having a combined treadmill and stepper function, wherein the exercise machine includes dual treadle assemblies operating at a number of steps per minute and having respective treads operating at an effective tread speed, comprising:
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receiving a first value indicative of a specified weight;
receiving a second value indicative of a resistance setting on the exercise device;
receiving a third value indicative of an effective tread speed for the exercise device;
receiving at least one fourth value indicative of V02 expended by a population of exercisers over a range of resistances for the combined treadmill and stepper functions; and
calculating calories burned as a function of the first value, the second value, the third value and the at least one fourth value.
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34. A method of monitoring a workout on an exercise machine configurable for a treadmill workout or for a stepper workout, wherein the exercise machine includes dual treadle assemblies operating at a number of steps per minute during stepper mode and having respective treads operating at an effective tread speed during treadmill mode, comprising:
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receiving a first value indicative of a weight;
receiving a second value indicative of a resistance level for the exercise machine;
selecting either the stepper mode or the treadmill mode as a function of the second value;
when treadmill mode is selected;
receiving a first signal indicative of an effective tread speed; and
calculating calories burned as a function of the first value, the second value, the first signal, and empirical data indicative of V02 expended by a population of exercisers for the treadmill mode; and
when in stepper mode;
receiving a second signal indicative of the number of steps per minute accomplished; and
calculating calories burned as a function of the first value, the second value, the second signal, and empirical data indicative of V02 expended by a population of exercisers for the stepper mode.
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Specification