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`PATENT DATE.'
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`ISSUING CLASSIFICATION
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`ORIGINAL
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`I
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`INTERNATIONAL CLASSIFICATION L/A
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`- · - CLAIMS ALLOWED
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`NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE MAILED
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`DTERMINAL
`DISCLAIMER
`
`C The term of this patent
`subsequent to
`has been disclaimed.
`D The tenn of this patent shall
`not extend beyond the expiration date
`of U.S Patent. No.
`
`(date)
`
`[J The terminal
`months of
`this patent have been disclaimed.
`
`i
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`Figs. Drwg. l71 Total Claims
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`WARNING:
`The information disclosed herein may l>e rest~cted. Unauthoriied disclosure may be prohibited by the United States Code Title 35, Sections 122, 181 and 368.
`Possession outside the U.S. Patent & Trademarll Office is restricted to authoriied employees and contractois on'ry.
`
`Fo1m PT0-436A
`(Rev. 6199)
`
`FILED WITH: D DISK (GAF) D FICHE D CD.·AOM
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`(Attached 1n poc~et on right lnSide flap)
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`(FACE)
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`INITIALS~-~.
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`CONTENTS
`Date Received
`(Incl. C. of M.)·
`or
`Date Malled
`
`Date Received
`(Iner. c. of M.)
`or
`Date Mailed
`
`11.
`
`12.
`
`13.
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`14.
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`15.
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`16.
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`17.
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`18.
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`22.
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`23.
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`24.
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`25.
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`26.
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`27.
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`28.
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`29.
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`30.
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`31. '
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`32.
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`33.
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`34.
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`35.
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`36.
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`37.
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`38.
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`39.
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`40.
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`41.
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`51. _________ - - - -
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`52.
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`53.
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`54.
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`56.
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`57.
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`58.
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`59.
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`60.
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`61.
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`62.
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`63.
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`64.
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`65.
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`66.
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`67.
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`68.
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`69.
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`70.
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`71.
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`72.
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`73.
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`74.
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`75.
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`76.
`n.
`78.
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`79.
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`80.
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`81.
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`82.
`
`(LEFT OUTSIDE)
`
`·1
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`2
`
`
`
`FEE DETERMINATION
`0.1.P.E. CLASSIFIER
`
`~~~~~~~~~~~-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
`
`INDEX OF CLAIMS
`"" ................................ Rejected
`N ................................. Non-elected
`................................. Allowed
`I .............................. : .. Interference
`=
`A ................................. Appeal
`(Through numeral) ... Canceled
`O ••••.•.••....••...••. Objected
`................................ Restricted
`
`-.--
`
`Claim
`
`Date
`
`Claim
`
`Date
`
`'
`
`I
`
`'
`
`.
`
`.
`
`I
`
`I
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`'
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`'
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`51
`52
`53
`54
`55
`56
`57
`58
`59
`60
`61
`62
`63
`64
`65
`66
`67
`
`"
`
`69
`70
`
`71
`72
`73
`74
`75
`76
`77
`78
`79
`60
`81
`82
`63
`84
`65
`86
`87
`
`"
`"
`
`90
`
`91
`92
`93
`i 94
`'95
`·96
`97
`98
`99
`10
`
`T
`
`Date
`
`J_
`i
`
`Claim
`
`~
`<U ·~
`c ·-
`II: 0
`101
`102
`I""
`104
`105
`106
`107
`106
`
`109
`10
`111
`112
`113
`114
`115
`116
`117
`118
`119
`
`20
`
`121
`122
`123
`124
`
`125
`_11_26
`127
`126
`
`:p
`~ 1
`r"I
`3
`13
`13
`3
`13
`38
`39
`40
`141
`14
`14
`
`I
`
`14
`45
`46
`4
`4
`
`~
`
`I
`
`If more than 150 claims or 10 actions . ..,
`staple additional sheet here
`
`(LEFT INSIDE)
`
`" ~ "
`1:2. t2 -
`c ~ '!.
`I~ ·~
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`JJ 4
`7 -
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`5
`6 0
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`L
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`'i ' 8
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`i
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`9
`10
`l 11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`1B
`19
`
`20 .
`
`~
`
`.
`
`21
`22
`23
`24
`125
`126
`127
`!28
`29
`30
`31
`32
`33
`34
`35
`36
`37
`38
`
`39
`40
`
`41
`4i
`43
`44
`45
`46
`47
`48
`49
`50
`
`3
`
`
`
`. ·~
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`'
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`"----------- -- ---·-~~-
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`----- - ------ ·--- ---- ----
`
`SEARCHED
`
`SEARCH NOTES
`(INCLUDING SEARCH STRATEGY)
`
`Class
`
`Sub.
`zc/, ?.-
`577
`<P +t
`
`Date
`
`11/<1)01
`3;10 / oc..
`
`Exmr.
`J.iiiJ
`
`/1(..0
`
`~it.IT
`Date
`"~ !>'/17/0z.
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`INTERFERENCE SEARCj{ED
`llExmr.
`Sub.
`Class
`Date
`111.w
`)-,7
`
`'Z..' 2
`
`(RIGHT OUTSIDE)
`
`4
`
`
`
`UNITED STATES PATENT AND ThADEMARK OFFICE
`
`11111111111 llil 11111111111111!1 Ill ml 111111 IUI
`Bib Data Sheet
`
`Page I of I
`
`FILE COPY
`
`COMMl6SIONER FOR PATE.NT.'!.
`UNIT!D STATES PATENT AND TF!AO!MARK 0Fr1CE
`V\lt.$J-il~G1':>", C.C. ~0?.::<•
`www.wspto_gov
`
`CONFIRMATION NO. 7058
`
`FILING DATE
`",,"• 01/04/2001
`.•
`RU~
`
`· s
`
`.,~
`Nathan Pyles, lake Mills, WI;
`
`SERIAL NUMBER
`091756.647
`
`l
`
`f
`
`rr
`
`CLASS
`377
`
`GROUP ART UNIT
`2816
`
`ATTORNEY
`DOCKET NO.
`KNOWM0-6
`
`(
`
`'**CONTINUING DATA.*'"'**********************
`.
`THIS APPLICATIOl'llS A CON OF 091181 ,738 10/28/1998 PAT 6,175,608
`,~ 111<-'
`'J
`/>"(..
`*************
`** FOREIGN APPLICATIONS ****
`fM' ""-W
`l/17/•L
`IF REQUIRED, FOREIGN FILING LICEN
`** 01/31/2001
`''·· ---
`CJ --;e~~ no
`Foreign Priority claimed
`35 USC 119 {a-d) conditions Dyes IXf''ii{l.D Met after
`mot
`~ .. ~,
`/\.-\
`a~ce ~ __
`"··· -
`VerifieCI and
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`E)(aminer's Signature
`Acknowledged
`
`G~.NTED ** SMALL ENTITY **
`'•· .,
`~TE OR
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`WI
`''·
`1
`
`Initials
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`TOTAL
`CLAIMS
`9
`
`INDEPENDENT
`CLAIMS
`2
`
`020455
`
`TITLE
`
`r·~dometer
`
`FILING FEE
`RECEIVED
`420
`
`ja All Fees
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`Cl 1.17 Fees (Processing Ext. of
`time )
`for f6Hq¥-'ing: -
`I
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`.i:tfonnation unless it displays a valid OMB
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`UTILITY
`PATENT APPLICATION
`TRANSMITTAL
`
`(Only for new nonprovisional applications under 37 CFR
`L53(b))
`
`APPLICATION ELEMENTS
`
`Attorney Docket
`No.
`
`First Named Inventor or Application Identifier
`
`Nathan Pyles
`
`Express Mail Label No.
`
`l EL28 l 944856US
`
`As:.i>lant Commissioner for Patents !)~ ~
`T"1 ~
`Oox Patent Application
`Washi~n, DC 20231
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`ADDRESS TO:
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`6. LJ Microfiche Computer Program (Appendix)
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`2.
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`See MPEP ch~_E_ter 600 concemi_!!£_utility patent ~ication contents.
`Fee Transmittal Forni
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`[Total Pages IJ"3I
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`Specification
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`IL
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`Copy from a prior application (37 CFR l .63(d))
`(for i;ontinuation/divisional with Oox 17 completed)
`!Note 80:1: S below]
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`i. DELETJON OF INVENTOR£Sl
`Signed statement attached deleting inventor(s) named
`in the prior application, see 37 CFR l .63(d)(2) and
`l.33(b).
`Incorporation By Reference (useable if Box 4b is checked).
`The entire disclosure of the prior application, from which a
`copy of the oath or declantlion is supplied under Box 4b, is
`considered as being part of the disclosure of the
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`~Continuation !,JDivisional b:J Continuation-i~rt(CIP)
`o!:.£!.ior!£e.!.icationNo.: 09/181,738
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`PATENT APPLICATION
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`Applicant:
`
`Nathan Pyles
`
`For:
`
`PEDOMETER
`
`Docket No.: K.;'lOWM0-6
`
`BOX PATENT APPLICATION
`Assistant Comn1issioner for Patents
`Washington, D.C. 20231
`
`"Express h1ail" Mailing Label No.: EL281944856US
`Dale of Deposit: January 4, 2001
`
`I hereby certify that these attached documents
`• Response postcard
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`• Specification, Claims and Fom1al Drawing (14 pp)
`
`are being deposited with the United States Postal Service "Express Mail Post Office to
`Addressee" service under 35 C.F.R. §1.10 on the date indicated above and is addressed to the
`Assistant Commissioner for Patents, Washington, D.C. 20231.
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`~
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`. Smith, Reg. No. 33455)
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`-,~
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`Enclosed for filing please find the above-referenced new patent application. Please
`indicate receipt of this application by returning the attached postcard with the official Patent and
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`The 1mdersigned hereby certifies that lhi< document is be111g
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`the United States Post•l Service
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`f
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`g ••press mail numbtr lfk '.~'i/191-1-Y=\Si..itJ>-,
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`•ddressed
`D.C. 20231
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`to: Assistant Comnussioner for P•tents, Waihmgtou,
`
`PEDOMETER
`
`This application is a continuation of Application No. 09/181,738, filed October
`
`28, 1998, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
`
`5
`
`FJELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates generally to pedometers having a waist mounted
`
`stride-counting device and transmitter, and a wrist-mounted receiver and display. The
`
`invention also relates to a distance calculation device that calculates a distance walked or
`
`run based on a11 algoritlm1 that converts a base stride length and a base stride rate to ai1
`
`10
`
`actual stride length for use in calculating the distance traveled.
`
`Pedometers are known which include devices or algoritluns for determining the
`
`distance a person travels on foot. For example, U.S. Patent 4,371,945 discloses an
`
`electronic pedometer that calculates distance by electronically measuring the length of
`
`each stride taken by a user. Stride length is measured by ultrasonic waves generated by an
`
`15
`
`ultrasonic module strapped to one leg and an ultrasonic detector worn on the other leg. A
`
`program compensates for a variety of measurement errors and the results are displayed on
`
`1
`
`8
`
`
`
`a wrist-mounted display after being transmitted by VHF waves from the leg to the wrist.
`
`U.S. Patent 4,771,394 discloses a computer shoe with a heel-mounted electronic
`
`device with an inertia footstrike counter, a timer, a sound generating device, a battery, and
`
`a gate array for counting time and footstrikes to calculate distance and running time as a
`
`s
`
`function of stride time. Although recognizing the important relationship of stride length and
`
`foot speed, the shoe in this patent requires data from at least 15 test runs or \valks and the
`
`data must be user-entered in pairs offootstrikes and elapsed time to cover a pre(cid:173)
`
`determined distance. Further, user adjustments of time must be performed to
`
`accommodate start and stop times, and the number of counted footstrikes is increased one
`
`10
`
`percent to overcome inherent errors in the inertia step counter. The shoe-mounted device
`
`is subject to damage from impact, dirt, and water, and requires a stay-at-home computer
`
`with which to interface. There is no means disclosed to transmit data to a wrist-mounted
`
`display device or an "on-board" computing device that provides ''real time"
`
`to a
`
`runner.
`
`15
`
`U.S. Patent 4,855,942 discloses a pedometer and calorie measuring device that
`
`includes a wrist-mounted step counter and a fixed stride length to calculate distance
`
`traveled. Wrist-mounted step counters are known to be inaccurate because they assume a
`
`step for every arm movement. Even with error correction, such a device will provide less
`
`accurate step counts than a leg or waist-mounted counter. Further, fixed stride lengths do
`
`20
`
`not take into account the fact that stride length varies with rate of movement.
`
`U.S. Patent 5, 117,444 discloses a pedometer and calibration method with two
`
`calibration modes. First, a user travels a predetennined "half-distance" for the device to
`
`count and store the number of strides in that distance. Next, the user travels a second
`
`distance with the step counter comparing actual steps to the steps in memory and a current
`
`2s
`
`trip memory are incremented by a tenth of a "whole unit" distance. There is no correlation
`
`between stride length and stride rate which requires the user to re-calibrate the device
`
`\Vhen walking as opposed to ruiming.
`
`U.S. Patent 5,475,725 discloses a pulse meter with pedometer function to
`
`determine pace and pulse rate of a user. The meter uses pulse wave base data compared
`
`30
`
`to actual pulse wave data rates.
`
`2
`
`9
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent 5,476,427 discloses a pace display device utilizing a base rate for
`
`traveling pre-set distances in successive trails. The device calculates step counts and rates,
`
`and compares actual step count rates to display data to a user for comparison of present
`
`running rates to previous rates.
`
`5
`
`Thus, there is a need for a simple, but highly accurate, pedometer that displays
`
`distance traveled, pace, speed, heart rate, and other important information on an easily
`
`read wrist-mounted device.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention overcomes problems and shortcomings in the prior art by
`
`10
`
`providing a device that includes a waist, chest, or leg-mounted stride counting device, a
`
`transmitter, and a wrist-mounted receiver/display device that provides highly accurate
`
`travel distances and other information. The device includes a computer that stores base
`
`stride length and rate data from traveling a pre-determined distance and compares that to
`
`actual stride rate data to calculate actual distance traveled, speed, and pace. The invention
`
`1s
`
`recognizes the interdependency of stride length and stride rate and uses that relationship to
`
`provide superior distance-calculating accuracy.
`
`-"'
`
`The invention also provides for improved display of relevant data on a wrist(cid:173)
`
`mounted display that receives digital signals from devices worn on other body parts such
`
`as legs, waist, and chest. Transmitters that can send coded signals are desirable because
`
`20
`
`they will not interfere with similar devices worn by other users in the vicinity.
`
`The accuracy of the device is enhanced by the use of an algoritlun that adjusts a
`
`base stride length based on actual stride rates. The algorithm is defined as: Actual Stride
`
`Length= Base Stride Length+ Base Stride Length *(((Actual Stride Rate - Base Stride
`
`Rate) N)/Base Stride Rate); where N is either an average value or a derived value from a
`
`2s
`
`plurality of samples.
`
`The invention also includes a method for calculating an actual stride length
`
`including steps of: timing a frrst user run of a predetermined distance; counting the total
`
`number of strides in the user first run; dividing the first run distance by the stride count to
`
`obtain a base stride length; dividing the stride count by the first run time to obtain a base
`
`30
`
`stride rate; counting strides during a user's second run to obtain an actual stride rate;
`
`3
`
`10
`
`
`
`calculating the actual stride length using the formula: Actual Stride Length= Base Stride
`Length + Base Stride Length
`
`*(((Actual Stride Rate -Base Stride Rate )N)/Base Stride Rate); wherein N is an average
`
`value or a derived value.
`
`5
`
`The average value method can be refined by comparing Base Stride Rate to
`
`Actual Stride Rate to determine a percentage difference; and using N=l when the Actual
`
`Stride Rate :5 Base Stride Rate* 1.02 and using N=3 when Actual Stride Rate> Base
`
`Stride Rate* 1.02. A preferred embodiment uses a plurality of sample runs over known
`
`distances to derive an accurate N value for each individual.
`
`10
`
`'·"',.""'""(cid:173)
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`''""-·
`Fig.') is a schematic diagram of a pedometer in accordance with the present
`
`invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`As illustrated in Fig. l, the present invention is directed to an improved pedometer
`
`1s
`
`20 including: a waist, chest, or leg mounted stride counter 24, and a wrist or waist
`
`mounted display unit 26. An optional chest·mounted heart monitor 28 can be included. All
`
`of the device components are mounted in suitable housings. The pedometer 20 includes a
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`data processor 30 that is mounted in the same housing as either the step counter 24 or the
`
`display unit 26.
`
`20
`
`The step counter 24 is an inertia device that counts the number of steps a user
`
`takes. The number of steps is transmitted to a data archive 32 either directly or via a
`
`transmitter 34. The data archive 32 is mounted in the housing with the step counter 24 or
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`the display 26.
`
`The transmitter 34 is mounted in the step counter housing and is preferably an Rf
`
`2s
`
`telemetric signal transmitter with a 30 inches to 36 inches transmission range. Alternately,
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`the transmitter is a wireless or wired digital transmitter with a coding function to limit or
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`eliminate interference with other similar devices. The wireless transmission range is set
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`between 30 inches and 36 inches to provide adequate range to transmit signals from a
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`user's waist to wrist, but not so far as to cause interference with other Rf or digital devices
`
`30
`
`in the vicinity.
`
`4
`
`11
`
`
`
`---- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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`The transmitter 34 transmits either raw data or calculated distances, pace, etc. to
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`a wrist-mounted display unit receiver 40. The receiver 40 relays a raw data signal to the
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`data processor 30 or a calculated data signal directly to the display panel 42, such as an
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`LCD or LED.
`
`5
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`Similarly, the heart rate monitor 28 includes a transmitter 44 that transmits heart
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`rate data to the display unit 26. The heart monitor transmitter 44 can transmit at the same
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`or a different frequency as the stride counter 24, and to the same or a different receiver in
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`the display unit 26. The heart rate transmitter 44 is preferably Rf, but can be digital for the
`
`reasons stated above. The range of the heart rate transmitter 44 should also be between
`
`10
`
`30 inches and 36 inches to ensure effective communication with the receiver while limiting
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`outside interference.
`
`The data processor 30 can also include a programmable logic controller, a
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`personal computer, a programmable read-only memory, or other suitable processor. The
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`data processor 30 includes a data archive 32 to store historic data on stride length and
`
`1 s
`
`pace to be used in an algorithm for calculating actual distances, speed, and rate for real(cid:173)
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`time conversion of data to useful information for a user.
`
`The data processor 30 can also include closed loop or fuzzy logic programming to
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`continually or periodically replace the base stride rate and length with recently calculated
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`stride rates and lengths so that long term conditioning trends are accommodated in the
`
`20
`
`base stride archive. Incorporating trend capabilities may further enhance accuracy of the
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`distance and pace calculations.
`
`The display unit 26 also includes an operator interface 46 such as a key pad,
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`button, knob, etc. that enables the user to start and stop a clock 48 (or stop watch) and
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`activate various use modes within the pedometer, such as a sampling mode and operation
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`2s
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`mode.
`
`One option for using the pedometer 20, requires the user to operate a "sampling
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`mode" and begin walking or running a pre-determined distance such as a mile or 1600
`
`meters, preferably on a running track of a known size. Upon completion of the distance, a
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`stop button on the operator interface 46 is pushed. The data processor 30 is programmed
`
`30
`
`to then divide the distance by the number of strides counted to calculate an average stride
`
`5
`
`12
`
`
`
`length. This value is stored in the data archive 32 as the "Base Stride Length."
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`Also, the data processor 30 is programmed to divide the number of strides by the
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`time of the run or walk as measured by the clock 48 to arrive at a "Base Stride Rate."
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`The data processor 30 preferably includes programming that queries the user
`
`5
`
`about the distance to be run during the sampling mode. By providing options or enabling
`
`the use of any distance during the sampling mode, the pedometer 20 provides maximum
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`flexibility for use by people of various physical conditions, or having access to courses of
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`different known distances. Thus, a user may be queried to input a distance to be used in
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`the sampling mode and then be given a list of options such as 400 meters, 440 yards,
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`10
`
`1600 meters, or one mile, or be asked to simply input any distance known to the user that
`
`will be traveled during the sampling mode.
`
`The present invention makes full use of the relationship between a faster rate of
`
`travel and longer stride lengths. In other words, the faster a user is moving, the longer will
`
`be the stride length. Over the course of the run or walk, the user's step rate and,
`
`15
`
`therefore, stride length will change and the user will cover more ground when moving fast
`
`and less ground when moving slow.
`
`Clearly, using a fixed average stride length in calculating distance traveled will
`
`result in errors using prior pedometers. This is particularly true if a user changes pace, or
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`improves conditioning and speed to the point where the average stride length over a given
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`20
`
`run increases dramatically. The error compensators in prior devices do not adjust for
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`changes in pace. With the old devices, a user needed to re~calibrate periodically to be
`
`close to getting an accurate reading, and could not change pace during a workout without
`
`decreasing accuracy.
`
`To make the correction, the user activates a "Use Mode" in which the data
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`2s
`
`processor 30 calculates an Actual Stride Rate based on data from the stride counter 24
`
`and the clock 48. For example, an Actual Stride Rate can be calculated every five
`
`seconds without the user doing more than activating the" Use Mode" button, While all the
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`calculations are perfonned by the data processor automatically. The percentage change
`
`between the Actual Stride Rate and the Base Stride Rate is then computed by the data
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`30
`
`processor 30 to detennine an Actual Stride Length. Again, if the Actual Stride Rate is
`
`6
`
`13
`
`
`
`greater than the Base Stride Rate, the Actual Stride Length is longer than the Base Stride
`
`Length. If the Actual Steps Per Second is lower than the Base Steps Per Second, the
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`Actual Stride Length is shorter than the Base Stride Length. The algorithm below provides
`
`a means for comparing the Actual and Base Stride rates to arrive at an accurate Actual
`
`s
`
`Stride Length.
`
`First, a comparison between the Actual Stride Rate and the Base Stride Rate is
`
`made to determine whether Actual Stride Rate is less than or equal to Base Stride Rate
`
`multiplied by 1.02. Stride Length is calculated by:
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`Actual Stride Length = Base Stride Length +
`
`10
`
`Base Stride Length *(((Actual Stride Rate - Base Stride Rate)N)/Base Stride
`
`Rate)
`
`Where: N=I when Actual Stride Rate is less than or equal to Base Stride Rate multiplied
`
`by 1.02, and N=3 when Actual Stride Rate is greater than Base Stride-Rate multiplied by
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`1.02, although other N values in the range of one to three can be used.
`
`1s
`
`The above algorithm is accurate for heel to toe activities such as walkillg or
`
`jogging, but is less accurate for sprinting (toe only).
`
`A third method of calculating actual stride length uses three separate run or walk
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`samples at three different paces. This is the most accurate option. With this method, the N
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`values are unique for each individual. By deriving an N value for each individual, this value
`
`20
`
`more accurately reflects the actual change in stride length with a change in pace. After a
`
`proper wannup, the user completes a sample run or walk on the track at a normal pace.
`
`This first sample S 1, will establish the Base Stride and the Base Steps Per Second.
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`SI SAMPLE:
`
`S 1 Stride= Base Stride= Distance I Number of Steps
`
`25
`
`S 1 Steps Per Second or S 1 Steps Per Second= Base Steps Per Second=
`
`Number of Steps Per Second
`
`Following completion of the first run or walk at normal pace, the user runs or
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`walks the same course and the same distance at a faster run or walking pace, but not a
`
`sprinting pace. The user should not run on his toes, but maintain the normal heel to toe
`
`30
`
`jogging style. This is the S2 sample. The purpose of the S2 sample is to calculate an N2
`
`7
`
`14
`
`
`
`value for each individual which reflects the effect an increase in Steps Per Second has on
`
`this individual's stride length. Some individual's steps will lengthen more than others as
`
`Steps Per Second increases, and by finding the value for N2, this relative increase can be
`
`quantified for a more accurate and customized algorithm for each individual.
`
`s
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`S2 SAMPLE:
`
`To find the N2 value, which will be used by the algorithm when Actual Steps Per
`
`Second > Base Steps Per Second
`
`N2 ~ ((S2 Stride* Sl Steps Per Second)- (SI Stride* Sl Steps Per Second))
`
`I (SI Stride (S2 Steps Per Second - SI Steps Per Second))
`
`10
`
`This value can be calculated since the distance is known, and both a Fast Stride
`
`Length (S2 Stride) and a Fast Steps Per Second (S2 Steps Per Second) can be
`
`calculated from the second sample.
`
`Following completion of the fast run or walk, the user runs the same course and
`
`the same distance at a slower than normal run or walking pace. This pace cannot exceed
`
`15
`
`the first sample pace. This is the S3 sample. The purpose of the S3 sample is to calculate
`
`an N3 value for each individual which reflects the effect a decrease in Steps Per Second
`
`has on this individual's stride length. Some individual's steps will shorten more than others
`
`as Steps Per Second decreases, and by finding the value for N3, this relative decrease can
`
`be quantified for a more accurate and customized algoritlun for each individual.
`
`20
`
`S3 SAMPLE:
`
`To find the N3 value, which will be used by the algorithm when Actual Steps Per
`
`Second < Base Steps Per Second.
`N3~((S3 Stride* SI Steps Per Second) - (SI Stride * SI Steps Per Second)) I
`(SI Stride (S2 Steps Per Second - SI Steps Per Second))
`
`25
`
`This value can be calculated since the distance is known and both a "Slow" Stride
`
`Length (S3 Stride) and a "Slow" Steps Per Second (S3 Steps Per Second) can be
`
`calculated from the third sample.
`
`Once these three samples are completed and the information automatically
`
`calculated and stored in the data processor 30, then the following formula can be used for
`
`JO
`
`the most accurate measurements of speed and distance.
`
`8
`
`15
`
`
`
`If:
`
`Actual Steps Per Second is less than or equal to Base Steps Per
`
`Second
`
`Then:
`
`Stride Length= Base Stride+ Base Stride*(((Actual Steps Per Second ~ Base
`
`s
`
`Steps Per Second)N)/Base Steps Per Second)
`
`And N = N3 (Stored Value)
`
`If:
`
`Actual Steps Per Second > Base Steps Per Second
`
`Then:
`
`Stride Length= Base Stride+ Base Stride*(((Actual Steps Per Second - Base
`
`10
`
`Steps Per Second)N)/Base Steps Per Second)
`
`And N = N2 (Stored Value)
`
`This third option for calculating stride length, and subsequently distance, speed,
`
`and pace, is a far more accurate method than a fixed stride length pedometer. This device
`
`and method are also practical, convenient, and has a relatively low manufacturing cost. If
`
`15
`
`an individual's running or walking style is progressing with training and practice (as seen
`
`by significantly improved times), then it may be beneficial for them to recalibrate their
`
`device by repeating the three samples every 3 to 6 months. If there are no significant
`
`improvements in time, then recalibration is not necessary.
`
`It is noted that any single stride length or pace discussed above can in fact be an
`
`20
`
`average of a plurality of stride lengths or rates from test runs to further refine accuracy in
`
`the calculations of actual stride data.
`
`Other variations on this device could also incorporate an altimeter which measures
`
`changes in elevation. The stride length could then be adjusted (shortened) when elevation
`
`is increasing, and lengthened when elevation is decreasing. This adjustment could be done
`
`2s
`
`with an average valU.e, as we used in setting option 2, or with a derived value by running
`
`or walking over a known distance on a hilly course. This device can use two batteries so
`
`that the calibration data is not lost when the batteries are replaced one at a time.
`
`Once the actual stride length is calculated for a given period of time, the value can
`
`be multiplied by the number of strides in that period to obtain a total distance for that
`
`30
`
`period to be stored in a data archive file for that particular walk or run and added to other
`
`9
`
`16
`
`
`
`actual stride lengths or distances for other periods in which stride length was calculated.
`
`When the run or walk is completed, the user engages the operator interface 46 to indicate
`
`that a total distance is to be displayed on the display unit. Preferably, there is continual
`
`display of the distance traveled.
`
`5
`
`As a result of accurately calculating distance traveled, the pedometer 20 also has
`
`the capability of calculating speed in miles per hour, for example or pace in minutes per
`
`mile, including average speed and pace over the course of that particular walk or run.
`
`Further, the pedometer 20 can include a port for coupling to a separate personal
`
`computer or computing device to create larger training histories, trends, etc.
`
`10
`
`Additional features can include stop watches, day, date and time displays, as well
`
`as, heart rate displays as discussed above. Also, it will be understood that all distances
`
`and time periods used above can be varied in length and units of measure (English, metric,
`
`seconds, minutes, hours, etc.).
`
`The foregoing detailed description is provided for clearness of understanding only
`
`15
`
`and no unnecessary limitations therefrom should be read into the following claims.
`
`10
`
`17
`
`
`
`CLAIMS
`
`1.
`
`An exercise m
`
`itoring device compriSing_:
`
`a strap for releas
`
`s uring the exercise monitoririg
`
`a step counter joi d to the strap; and
`
`5
`
`a heart rate mo itor joined to the st
`
`2.
`
`The exercise monitoring d
`
`a data processor programmed to alculate a distance traveled by multiplying a
`
`number of steps count by the step counter by a stride length
`
`that varies accordin to a rate at which steps are counted.
`
`10
`
`3.
`
`· oring device of claim 1, and further comprising:
`
`a data processor progr
`
`ed to calculate a distance traveled by multiplying a
`
`number of st s counted by the step counter by a stride length that varies
`
`in ac