JOGGING COMPUTER
First Claim
1. A device for measuring and indicating physical exercise achievement in accordance with a predetermined exercise regimen involving a series of repetitive energy-consuming events comprising in combination:
- means for sensing each of said repetitive energy-consuming events performed, means for establishing a threshold rate, means coupled to said means for sensing and to said means for establishing a threshold rate and responsive to outputs therefrom for providing a positive rate difference output, accumulator means coupled to said means for providing a rate difference and responsive to its rate difference output for accumulating its output over time up to a given maximum for developing an output representative of degree of exercise achievement of said exercise regimen, and signaling means coupled to said accumulator means and responsive to output therefrom for indicating levels of achievement of said exercise regimen.
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Accused Products
Abstract
This disclosure relates to a portable solid-state device for measuring and indicating physical exercise achievement attained through exercises, for example, walking, running and/or jogging in place or over a distance course in accordance with a predetermined exercise regimen. The device includes a digital computer to which is fed the output from an electromechanical sensor adapted to generate an electrical impulse in response to each step taken by an individual while walking, running or jogging at or above a predetermined rate. The computer counts the number of steps taken by the exerciser and measures the rate thereof, and integrates the product of the number and rate over the period of the exercise. The level of the integral is continuously compared to a pre-programmed schedule of a predetermined exercise regimen, and either audible or visual signal means or both are provided for indicating desired levels of achievement of the exercise regimen.
132 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A device for measuring and indicating physical exercise achievement in accordance with a predetermined exercise regimen involving a series of repetitive energy-consuming events comprising in combination:
- means for sensing each of said repetitive energy-consuming events performed, means for establishing a threshold rate, means coupled to said means for sensing and to said means for establishing a threshold rate and responsive to outputs therefrom for providing a positive rate difference output, accumulator means coupled to said means for providing a rate difference and responsive to its rate difference output for accumulating its output over time up to a given maximum for developing an output representative of degree of exercise achievement of said exercise regimen, and signaling means coupled to said accumulator means and responsive to output therefrom for indicating levels of achievement of said exercise regimen.
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2. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said accumulator means includes at least one digital accumulator counter.
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3. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said threshold means includes an internal clock.
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4. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said device is portable and adapted to be carried on the person of an individual while walking, running or jogging.
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5. A device as defined in claim 1 whereIn said means for sensing includes an accelerometer adapted to generate an electrical impulse signal in response to each step taken by an individual while running, walking or jogging.
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6. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said device has a self-contained power source.
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7. A device as defined in claim 5 wherein said accelerometer includes a mass loaded cantilevered piezo-electric crystal for converting mechanical impulses into electrical signals.
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8. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said signaling means comprises an audible alarm.
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9. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said signaling means comprises a visual indicator.
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10. A device as defined in claim 9 wherein said visual indicator includes at least one liquid crystal element.
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11. A device as defined in claim 1 further comprising means for determining elapsed time.
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12. A device as defined in claim 1 further comprising means for determining effective distance traveled by an exerciser.
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13. A device as defined in claim 11 including means for indicating elapsed time.
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14. A device as defined in claim 12 including means for indicating distance.
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15. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said signaling means comprises digital display means.
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16. A device as defined in claim 15 wherein said digital display means comprises liquid crystal means.
Specification