Method, user-specific performance monitor, system, and computer software product

• US 20070287928A1
• Filed: 04/24/2007
• Published: 12/13/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 05/03/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Polar Electro Oy
• Original Assignee: Polar Electro Oy
• Inventors: Kinnunen, Hannu, Kiviniemi, Antti, Hautala, Arto, Tulppo, Mikko
• Granted Patent: US 8,082,030 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/508
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02438 with portable devices, e.g. worn by the patient
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0093 the load of the exercise apparatus being controlled by performance parameters, e.g. distance or speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2214/00 Training methods
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/20 with means for remote communication, e.g. internet or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/50 Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/06 heartbeat rate only
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/062 used as a control parameter for the apparatus
• 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: A63B 24/0075 Means for generating exercise programs or schemes, e.g. computerized virtual trainer, e.g. using expert databases
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0028 for running, jogging or speed-walking movable endless bands A63B22/02
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0686 Timers, rhythm indicators or pacing apparatus using electric or electronic means

Abstract

The invention relates to a method, equipment implementing the method, and a computer software product, the method generating exercise instructions for a physical exercise. The method comprises determining the standard condition value of a heart rate parameter in a user-specific performance monitor by measuring the user'"'"'s heart rate wherein the standard condition value of the heart rate parameter is a function of the standard condition value of the heart rate variation; performing comparison between the standard condition value of the heart rate parameter and a standard condition reference value of the heart rate parameter; and generating exercise instruction information for at least one future physical exercise on the basis of the comparison.

Claims

1. A method for generating exercise instructions for a physical exercise comprising:

determining the standard condition value of a heart rate parameter in a user-specific performance monitor by measuring the user'"'"'s heart rate, wherein the standard condition value of the heart rate parameter is a function of the standard condition value of the heart rate variation;

performing comparison between the standard condition value of the heart rate parameter and a standard condition reference value of the heart rate parameter; and

generating exercise instruction information for at least one future physical exercise on the basis of the comparison.

2. A method according to claim 1, further comprising:

storing several day-specific standard condition values of the heart rate parameter; and

calculating the standard condition reference value of the heart rate parameter by using several day-specific standard condition values of the heart rate parameter.

3. A method according to claim 1, further comprising:

storing exercise history information on the user'"'"'s exercise, measured with the user-specific performance monitor; and

generating exercise instruction information for said at least one future exercise on the basis of the exercise history information.

4. A method according to claim 1, further comprising reminding the user of at least one of the following by means of the user-specific performance monitor:

prevailing standard conditions, preparing for standard conditions.

5. A method according to claim 1, wherein the exercise instruction information characterizes at least one of the following features of the future exercise:

time of the exercise, intensity of the exercise, duration of the exercise, type of the exercise, energy consumption of the exercise.

6. A user-specific performance monitor, comprising:

a heart rate measurement unit configured to measure the user'"'"'s heart rate;

a heart rate parameter determination unit configured to determine the standard condition value of a heart rate parameter on the basis of the user'"'"'s heart rate, wherein the standard condition value of the heart rate parameter is a function of the standard condition value of the heart rate variation;

a comparison unit configured to perform comparison between the standard condition value of a heart rate parameter and a standard condition reference value of the heart rate parameter; and

an instruction determination unit configured to generate exercise instruction information for at least one future physical exercise on the basis of the comparison.

7. A user-specific performance monitor according to claim 6, further comprising:

a storing unit configured to store several day-specific standard condition values of the heart rate parameter; and

a calculation unit configured to calculate the standard condition reference value of the heart rate parameter by using several day-specific standard condition values of heart rate parameters.

8. A user-specific performance monitor according to claim 6, further comprising:

an exercise history information storing unit configured to store exercise history information measured by means of the user-specific performance monitor; and

wherein the instruction determination unit is configured to generate exercise instruction information for at least one future exercise on the basis of the exercise history information.

9. A user-specific performance monitor according to claim 6, further comprising reminder means for reminding the user of at least one of the following:

prevailing standard conditions, preparing for standard conditions.

10. A user-specific performance monitor according to claim 6, wherein the exercise instruction information characterizes at least one of the following features of the future exercise:

time of the exercise, intensity of the exercise, duration of the exercise, type of the exercise, energy consumption of the exercise.

11. A system for generating exercise instructions for a physical exercise comprising:

heart rate parameter value determination means for determining the standard condition value of a heart rate parameter by measuring the user'"'"'s heart rate in a user-specific performance monitor, wherein the standard condition value of the heart rate parameter is a function of the standard condition value of the heart rate variation;

comparison means for performing comparison between the standard condition value of the heart rate parameter and a standard condition reference value of the heart rate parameter; and

instruction-generating means for generating exercise instruction information for at least one future physical exercise on the basis of the comparison.

12. A computer software product, comprising coded instructions for executing a computer process in a digital processor, which computer process generates exercise instructions for a physical exercise, the computer process comprising:

inputting heart rate information measured in a user-specific performance monitor;

determining the standard condition value of a heart rate parameter on the basis of the heart rate information, wherein the standard condition value of the heart rate parameter is a function of the standard condition value of the heart rate variation;

performing comparison between the standard condition value of the heart rate parameter and a standard condition reference value of the heart rate parameter; and

generating exercise instruction information for at least one future physical exercise on the basis of the comparison.

13. A computer software distribution means, comprising the computer software product of claim 12.