Biofeedback system for an exerciser

• US 4,776,323 A
• Filed: 06/03/1987
• Issued: 10/11/1988
• Est. Priority Date: 06/03/1987
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Donald Spector
• Original Assignee: Donald Spector
• Inventors: Spector, Donald
• Primary Examiner(s): Wayner, William E.
• Application Number:
  US07/057,116
• Time in Patent Office: 496 Days
• Field of Search: 84/465, 128/905, 128/774, 128/25 R, 128/25 B, 128/26
• US Class Current: 601/23
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0625 Emitting sound, noise or music
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/803 Motion sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0686 Timers, rhythm indicators or pacing apparatus using electric or electronic means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/905 Feedback to patient of biological signal other than brain electric signal
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 482/90 Ergometer with feedback to load or with feedback comparison

Abstract

A biofeedback system to train an exerciser while he carries out athletic activity in which his arm or feet members move rhythmically, the system translating this movement into an audible musical rhythm which makes it possible for the exerciser to being his activity into harmony with a musical rhythm conducive to optimal conditions of exercise. The system includes a compact electronic music synthesizer having a settable rhythm section, the output of the system being fed to a headset worn by the exerciser so that the music heard by the exerciser has a beat determined by the setting. The arm or feet members having sensors attached thereto which yield pulses whose rate is determined by the movement of these members, the pulses being applied to the rhythm section to control the beat setting of the music so that it is in synchronism with the movement of the members.

Claims

1. A biofeedback system for training an exerciser while he carries out an athletic activity in which his arm or feet members move rhythmically, said system comprising:

A. at least one sensor attached to a foot or arm member to produce a signal pulse each time said member completes a physical movement in a given direction;

B. an electronic music synthesizer having a controllable rhythm section to geneaate music having a pronounced beat;

C. means to apply the signal pulses yielded by the sensor to said rhythm section to so control the section as to synchronize the beat of the music generated by the synthesizer to the movement of the member; and

D. means to reproduce said music so that it can be heard by the exerciser who can then modify his activity to attain an optimal rhythmic movement.

2. A system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said synthesizer is formed by integrated circuits and is battery-operated to constitute a portable device which can be worn by th exerciser.

3. A system as set forth in claim 2, wherein the reproduction means are constituted by earphones worn by the exerciser and coupled to the output of the synthesizer.

4. A system as set forth in claim 3, wherein said portable device is housed in a headband worn by the exerciser, and said earphones depend from the headband.

5. A system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said sensor is a pendulum switch.

6. A system as set forth in claim 1, including two sensors attached to the arm members of the exerciser.

7. A system as set forth in claim 1, including two sensors attached to the feet members of the exerciser.