US006251048B1
`(10) Patent No.:
`a2, United States Patent
`US 6,251,048 B1
`
` Kaufman (45) Date of Patent: Jun. 26, 2001
`
`
`(54) ELECTRONIC EXERCISE MONITOR
`
`5,538,486 *
`
`7/1996 France et al.
`
`..ecsesesssssseceeesees 482/1
`
`(75)
`
`Inventor: Arthur H. Kaufman, Boca Raton, FL
`(US)
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`(73) Assignee: _EPM Develoment Systems
`Corporation
`
`Primary Examiner—Glenn E. Richman
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Adams & Wilks
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`US.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/228,590
`,
`(22)
`Filed:
`Jan. 12, 1999
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(63) Continuation-in-part of application No. 08/869,749, filed on
`Jun. 5, 1997, now Pat. No. 5,857,939.
`
`eecccecccceeeeeccesnneeeceeeteteeeenneeees A63B 69/00
`Tint. C07 ee
`(SV)
`
`(52) US. Ch.
`coeccccccessssssssee 482/8; 482/1; 482/9; 482/902;
`73/379.01; 601/23
`(58) Field of Search .......c.cccccscccces 482/1-9, 900-902;
`601/23, 33-36; 73/379.01-379.09
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`An electronic activity monitor for monitoring the perfor-
`mance of an activity such as an exercise comprises an
`activity detector responsive to motion associated with the
`performanceofthe activity to output a correspondingsignal,
`a processor for receiving the signal and determining a
`starting address at which a block of corresponding sound
`data is stored, a memory for storing sound data correspond-
`ing to a plurality of values associated with the monitored
`activity, the sound data preferably comprising data repre-
`:
`:
`:
`senting a voice representation of the values, and a speech
`generator for generating a naturally-sounding human voice
`or reproducinga pre-stored version of an actual human voice
`or other audible indicia in accordance with the sound data
`Stored in the memory. The speech generatoris controlled by
`the processor in response to the activity detector to provide
`a verbal representation of the user’s performance of the
`activity. Motivational speech may also be generated to
`encourage correct and continued performanceofthe activity.
`
`4,824,103 *
`
`4/1989 Smidt oo. eeeeeeeeeenees 482/902
`
`8 Claims, 12 Drawing Sheets
`
`10
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`REPETITION
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`20
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`SPEECH PROCESSOR
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`EXERCISE
`DETECTOR
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`28-—
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`48
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`50
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun. 26, 2001
`
`Sheet 1 of 12
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`US 6,251,048 B1
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`lO
`IS
`I6 a
`
`
`
`
`REPETITION
`ENUNCIATION
`NUMBER
`PATTERN
`
`
`CONTROL
`CONTROL
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`SWITCH
`SWITCH
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`REPETITION
`RATE
`SELECTOR
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`18
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`DETECTOR
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`SPEECH PROCESSOR
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`24
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`EXERCISE
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`28
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 26, 2001
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`Sheet 2 of 12
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`US 6,251,048 B1
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`
`
`START
`POWER-ON
`RESET
`
`
`lOO
`
`
`
`INITIALIZE
`
`lO?
`
`MICROPROCESSOR PROGRAM
`VARIABLES AND CONSTANTS
`
`
`INPUT SWITCH
`
`SETTINGS
`
`7 |04
`
`1.
`
`
`
`SELECT CORRESPONDING
`COUNT SEQUENCE TABLE
`
`INITIATE NEXT
`TIMING SEQUENCE
`
`log
`
`IN COUNT SEQUENCE
`
`lOS
`
`GET CODE FOR NEXT wonFU
`
`
`
`
`
`
`SET
`WORD
`EMPHASIS
`EMPHASIS
`
`
`DESIRED ?
`OUTPUT
`
`
`
`
`
`
`RESET EMPHASIS
`OUTPUT
`
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 26, 2001
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`Sheet 3 of 12
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`US 6,251,048 B1
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`OUTPUT DESIRED
`COUNT WORD ADDRESS
`TO PROCESSOR
`
`
`
`
`|
`
`8
`
`120
`
`130
`
`SIGNAL SPEECH
`PROCESSOR TO START
`SPEECH
`
`
`122
`
`128
`
`
`
`
`INTERVAL
`ELAPSED?
`
` HAS TIME
`COMMAND?
`
`STOP
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`
`NEXT WORD N
`
`Y
`
`124
`
`HAS END OF
`SET BEEN
`REACHED
`°
`
`Y
`
`
`RESET
`COUNTER
`
`
`TO
`
`IDENTIFY
`
`132 HAS REPETITION
`
`
`
`
`RATE BEEN
`CHANGED ?
`
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 2(b)
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun. 26, 2001
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`Sheet 4 of 12
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`US 6,251,048 B1
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`100
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`FIG.3
`MICROPROCESSOR/ SPEEGH
`SYNTHESIZER
`
`
`
` |
`
`
`
`
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`/
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun.26, 2001
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`Sheet 5 of 12
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`US 6,251,048 B1
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun.26, 2001
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`Sheet 6 of 12
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`US 6,251,048 B1
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun.26, 2001
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`Sheet 7 of 12
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`US 6,251,048 B1
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun.26, 2001
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`Sheet 8 of 12
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`US 6,251,048 B1
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun.26, 2001
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`Sheet 9 of 12
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`US 6,251,048 B1
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun. 26, 2001
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`Sheet 10 of 12
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`US 6,251,048 B1
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`132
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`Jun. 26, 2001
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`Sheet 11 of 12
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`U.S. Patent
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`US 6,251,048 B1
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`FIG.
`
`7? (b)
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun. 26, 2001
`
`Sheet 12 of 12
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`US 6,251,048 B1
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`
`
`FIG. 10
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`US 6,251,048 B1
`
`1
`ELECTRONIC EXERCISE MONITOR
`
`The present application is based on prior U.S. application
`Ser. No. 08/869,749,filed on Jun. 5, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No.
`5,857,939, which is hereby incorporated by reference, and
`priority thereto for common subject matter is hereby
`claimed.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates generally to an exercise
`monitoring device and, more particularly,
`to an audible
`exercise monitoring device designed for stand-alone use, to
`be worn on a part of a user’s body, for incorporation into an
`exercise mat or other surface, or as part of a piece of exercise
`equipment, such as one of the type having a displaceable
`memberadapted to undergo reciprocal(i.e., cyclical) move-
`ment in response to a repetitive curling, bending, pushing,
`pulling, or pressing force of a user. More specifically, the
`present invention relates to an audible electronic exercise
`monitoring, coaching and training device which monitors
`the user’s exercise performance and issues audible and
`optionally visual and textual indicia, such as a verbal count
`of the rate, distance, numberof exercise repetitions, and the
`like, performed by the user and/or issues audible alarms,
`verbal instructions, verbal motivation and encouragement
`and other verbal or textual information and instruction.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
`
`Awidevariety of different types of equipmentis available
`for exercising different
`individual muscles and muscle
`groups of the human body. Free weights, such as dumbbells
`and barbells, have long been widely used in both commer-
`cial and residential settings. Low cost universal-type weight
`training equipment has more recently become accessible to
`consumersfor residential use, as have sophisticated cardio-
`vascular exercise devices such as electromechanical station-
`
`ary bicycles, motorized treadmills, hydraulic stair climbers,
`rowing machines, aerobic riders, aerobic flyers, and the like.
`Many different types of cardiovascular exercise equip-
`ment are provided with electronic monitoring devices for
`tracking the user’s performance and providing the user with
`a practical performance target or goal. Even inexpensive
`stationary bicycles, stair climbers and treadmills are often
`provided with built-in timers, pulsemeters, calorie counters,
`speedometers, odometers and/or pedometers. Such devices
`are relatively inexpensive to produce and are simple in
`design, relying upon the use of a single programmed micro-
`processoror application-specific integrated circuit to calcu-
`late various information using performance data acquired
`from standard sensors. For instance, the numberof calories
`expended during an exercise may be determined using a
`simple calculation based upon the exercise resistance, exer-
`cise rate and elapsed time. Pulse rate monitoring devices are
`also of simple design and low cost. By monitoring the user’s
`pulse, the numberof calories expended andthe like, the user
`may be provided with a practical indication of his or her
`exercise progress and performance.
`The use of electronic monitoring instruments in conven-
`tional cardiovascular training equipment has had some ben-
`eficial fitness results, including a moderate increase in the
`level of user interest and an increased level of exercise
`performance. However, the most beneficial results of any
`exercise are obtained whenan individualis given a specific,
`easily understandable performancetarget, is informed ofhis
`or her exercise progress, and is given verbal motivation,
`coaching, encouragement and instruction. When this is
`
`10
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`2
`done, the individual is generally more interested in perform-
`ing an exercise routine correctly and completely, and the
`results of the exercise routine are markedly improved.
`While pulsemeters, calorie counters, odometers,
`pedometers, and the like, serve to increase user interest, they
`do not serve to directly motivate or coach the individual to
`complete an exercise program. Nor do such devices ensure
`that an individual is performing an exercise routine correctly
`or completely, or that the user is following an appropriate
`dietary regimen. Moreover, electronic monitoring devices of
`the type described aboveare of limited utility in connection
`with non-cardiovascular, strength training exercise equip-
`ment such as free weights and isometric exercisers. While
`such devices are useful for monitoring cardiovascular
`exercises, information such as pulse rate, elapsed time and
`calories expended is only of secondary importance in non-
`cardiovascular exercises, which are generally designed to
`increase muscle strength. While the primary goal of cardio-
`vascular exercise is to maintain a target elevated pulse rate
`for a prolonged period of time,
`the goal of most non-
`cardiovascular exercises is the targeting of individual
`muscles for a relatively short period of time to increase
`strength. Such exercises do not generally result in prolonged
`heart rate elevation. Thus, even highly sophisticated non-
`cardiovascular training equipmentis not generally provided
`with electronic monitoring equipment similar to that
`described above. Users of such equipment are therefore
`required to perform non-cardiovascular exercises in the
`presence of fitness professionals or are otherwise relegated
`to perform boring, strenuous exercise routines alone and to
`monitor their own performance. Additionally, exercise rou-
`tines are often accompanied by dietary regimens requiring
`the intake of certain foods and food supplementsat specific
`times and in specific quantities. Nor do conventional exer-
`cise monitoring devices provide the user with any dietary
`information to assist
`the user in maintaining a specific
`exercise and dietary program.
`Although they are perhaps the most important part of any
`weight training exercise routine, the last one or two repeti-
`tions are also the most difficult to perform. At the point an
`individual reachesthe last few repetitions of an exercise, the
`individual is under a great deal of physical stress. Despite
`the importance of the last few repetitions of such an
`exercise, these last repetitions are extremely difficult. In the
`absence of a spotter or personal trainer for providing verbal
`motivation and encouragement, many individuals have
`found it difficult to properly complete these last few repeti-
`tions of a weight
`training exercise due to the lack of
`self-motivation brought on by intense physical stress.
`Although prior art monitoring devices exist for monitoring
`the results of an exercise, no previously-available electronic
`exercise monitoring device has addressed the need for
`providing an individual with the motivation and encourage-
`ment needed to complete an exercise routine.
`Another good example of this is situps and pushups.
`While pushupsare a highly beneficial exercise, there are no
`electronic monitoring or coaching devices available for use
`in conjunction with pushups. Similarly, situps are generally
`the most straightforward and useful exercise motion for
`addressing the entire abdominal structure of the human
`body. However, they are also strenuous to perform, boring
`and very difficult to monitor. There are no electronic moni-
`toring devices available for stand-alone use in conjunction
`with situp or pushup type exercises, and the individual
`performing such exercises must either rely upon another
`person to monitor their performance or must somehow keep
`track of his or her own performance.
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`US 6,251,048 B1
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`4
`encouragement, informing the user of an attainable goal, or
`providing the user with a suitable exercise and dietary
`regimen. Additionally, there are very few available moni-
`toring devices for use with exercises that are performed
`without the use of any type of exercise device. As noted
`above, conventional exercise monitoring devices also do not
`provide the verbal motivation and encouragement of a
`personal trainer. Situps, for example, may be performed on
`an exercise mat or floor without the use of a curling device.
`Pushups mayalso be performed on anyflat surface. When an
`exercise is performed without the use of any type of exercise
`equipment, no electronic monitoring device is generally
`used. A need therefore exists for an electronic exercise
`
`monitor for stand-alone use, to be worn on a part of the
`user’s body, or for at least partial incorporation into a piece
`of exercise equipment or an exercise surface to monitor an
`exercise and provide the user with verbal motivation, and
`optionally to provide the user with useful instructions and
`information concerning his or her exercise performance, to
`warn the user of an incorrect or potentially dangerous
`condition, to provide the user with verbal encouragement
`and motivation to perform an exercise correctly and
`completely, and to assist the user in maintaining a desirable
`diet and exercise routine.
`
`Although there have been previous attempts to provide
`such instructional information and encouragement through
`the use of pre-recorded audio and video exercise programs,
`no such program is capable of monitoring the performance
`of the user while performing the exercise described and
`shown on the pre-recorded program.
`SUMMARYOF THE INVENTION
`
`In view of the foregoing, an object of the present inven-
`tion is to provide a device for use in monitoring the progress
`and performanceof an activity (such as an exercise routine)
`and for providing a verbal indication of the user’s perfor-
`mance.
`
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`Even thoughseveral types of exercise devices have been
`developed for use in exercising the abdominal muscles by
`augmenting the natural resistive force of gravity against the
`human body, such devices are not generally provided with
`any type of electronic monitoring equipmentsimilar to that
`provided in cardiovascular fitness equipment.
`Although there are a virtually unlimited numberof dif-
`ferent
`types of mechanical devices designed to replace
`exercises such as pushups andsitups, most of these devices,
`despite their high cost, provide little or no added benefit over
`fundamental exercises such as situps and pushups. Nor do
`any of these devices provide a means for monitoring,
`motivating, or coaching the user to correctly and completely
`perform an exercise.
`For instance, various types of rotary movement abdomi-
`nal exercise devices are available that target the abdominal
`muscles. Some such devices are designed to facilitate curl-
`ing motion while a person is originally lying in a supine
`position. Other such devices are designed to facilitate such
`motion while a person is in a seated position. Such
`equipment, however, is entirely mechanical in nature and is
`not generally provided with electronic monitoring devices.
`In one known abdominal exercise device, for example, the
`user performs abdominal curling exercises against a resis-
`tance provided by the machine. The user is seated in an
`upright position and performs the curling and uncurling
`motion against a resistance provided by a bar mounted in a
`cantilevered manner on an arm which pivots about a fixed
`point forwardly and rearwardly with the user’s curling and
`uncurling exercise motion. In another well known variation
`of this device,
`the bar is adapted to undergo variable
`resistance throughout the curling and uncurling motion to
`maximize exercise benefits. There are no electronic moni-
`toring devices provided in this type of equipment for moni-
`toring a user’s performance and offering verbal motivation
`and encouragement. As a result, the individualis required to
`monitor his or her own performanceor to rely upon another
`person, such as a personal trainer.
`Another abdominal exerciser which has recently become
`popular is designed to support the user’s head and neck
`while performing situp type exercises from a supine posi-
`tion. The device is formed of a tubular frame defining a pair
`of laterally spaced support rails, a pair of laterally spaced
`rocker portions, a pair of laterally spaced arm rest portions
`and a connecting portion for connecting the support rails
`together. Cushions are disposed on the arm rest portions to
`receive the elbowsof the user when in a lying position. The
`head and neck of the user are supported on a padded support
`extending across the connecting portion. In one variation of
`this device, the rocker portions are curved on a circular are
`to match the curvature of the spine when performing the
`Still another object of the present invention to provide
`situp type exercises. In another variation of this device, the
`rocker portions are merely pivot points designedto facilitate
`exercise monitoring devices of the aforementioned types for
`
`rocking motion onacircular arc, also to match the curvature stand-alone use with or without exercise equipment, or for
`55
`of the spine when performingthe situp type exercises. While
`incorporation into a piece of exercise equipment or an
`this basic deviceis available in various other configurations,
`exercise surface for monitoring exercises performed by a
`user.
`with or without arcuate portions, each such variation is
`designed to support the user’s neck and head when perform-
`ing situps or crunches. For example, in anothervariation, the
`connecting portion is disposed proximate the arm rest por-
`tions of the device, rather than the head rest portion.
`Much like weight training equipment and other types of
`non-cardiovascularfitness equipment, none of the foregoing
`types of exercise equipment is provided with an electronic
`device for providing useful instructions to the user, moni-
`toring the user’s performance level, increasing the user’s
`interest
`level by providing verbal motivation and
`
`Another object of the present invention is to provide a
`device for use in monitoring a user’s progress and perfor-
`mance of an exercise routine and for ensuring that
`the
`exercise routine is correctly performed.
`Another object of the present invention is to provide a
`device for use in monitoring the progress and performance
`of an exercise routine, for ensuring that the exercise routine
`is correctly performed, and for issuing a verbal indication of
`the monitored exercise progress and performanceand verbal
`encouragement and alarms.
`Another object of the present invention is to provide a
`device for monitoring at least one function associated with
`the performance of an exercise and issuing a verbal repre-
`sentation thereof at selected times.
`
`60
`
`65
`
`Yet another object of the present invention is to provide
`exercise monitoring devices of the aforementioned types
`designed for stand-alone use with or without exercise
`equipment, or to coact with or for incorporation into various
`different
`types of exercise equipment for monitoring an
`exercise performed by a user while using the exercise
`equipment, or to provide a verbal indication of one or more
`monitored exercise functions such as exercise rate, distance,
`time, pulse rate, calories expended, breathing pattern, heart
`or muscle strength, and the like.
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`US 6,251,048 B1
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`5
`Still yet another object of the present invention is to
`provide a device capable of monitoring the number of
`exercise repetitions performed while using a knownexercise
`device.
`
`Another object of the present invention is to provide an
`exercise monitor capable of detecting when exercises are
`being performed improperly by the user and issuing an
`audible alarm.
`
`Another object of the present invention is to provide an
`exercise monitor for monitoring, coaching and training a
`user, and issuing audible indicia such as a verbal represen-
`tation of at least one monitored function, audible alarms,
`instructions, motivation and encouragement, and/or infor-
`mation relating to exercise and diet programs.
`An additional object of the present invention is to provide
`an electronic exercise monitor which verbally informs the
`user of his or her exercise progress and/or which offers the
`user verbal encouragement and motivation.
`These and other objects are achieved by the present
`invention, which provides an electronic exercise monitoring
`device for monitoring the performance of an exercise by a
`user.
`In accordance with a first aspect of the present
`invention, the exercise monitoring device comprises one or
`more exercise detection meanseach for detecting a function
`associated with the performance of an exercise and output-
`ting a corresponding signal which varies in accordance with
`the detected function, processing means for receiving the
`signal output from each of the one or more exercise detec-
`tion means and determining therefor a starting address at
`which a block of corresponding sound data is stored, a
`memory for storing sound data associated with the at least
`one detected exercise function, and a speech generator for
`generating a voice in accordance with the sound data, the
`speech generator being controlled by the processing means
`in response to the one or more exercise detection means to
`output a verbal representation associated with the one or
`more detected exercise functions and/or a variable deter-
`mined in accordance therewith at selected times as a user
`
`progressively performs the exercise.
`As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in theart,
`the sound data may comprise data for producing a verbal
`representation of the monitored exercise function, a variable
`determined by the processing means in accordance
`therewith, or a motivational phrase selected based upon the
`monitored exercise function and indicating a relative exer-
`cise performancelevel.
`In accordance with a second aspect of the present
`invention, the exercise monitoring device comprises one or
`more exercise detection meanseach for detecting a function
`associated with the performance of an exercise and output-
`ting a corresponding signal which varies in accordance with
`the detected exercise function, processing meansfor receiv-
`ing the signal output from each of the one or more exercise
`detection means and determining therefor a starting address
`at which a block of corresponding sound data is stored, a
`memory for storing first sound data associated with the at
`least one detected exercise function and second sound data
`representative of a plurality of verbal phrases for encourag-
`ing the user to continue to perform the exercise or alarming
`the user of an incorrect or potentially dangerous condition,
`and a speech generator for generating a voice in accordance
`with first and second sound data stored in the memory, the
`speech generator being controlled by the processing means
`in response to each exercise detector to output a verbal
`representation of the one or more detected exercise functions
`at selected times as a user progressively performs the
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`exercise in accordance with the first sound data, and to
`output a selected verbal phrase selected from the second
`sound data based on the value of a detected exercise function
`so as to inform the user of his or her exercise progress, to
`motivate the user to continue to perform the exercise
`correctly, or to provide a verbal alarm to the user.
`The detected exercise functions may comprise any func-
`tions associated with the performance of an exercise, which
`may depend upon the particular exercise that
`is being
`performed. Such functions include, but are not limited to,
`time, distance, numberof laps, numberofrepetitions, speed,
`pulse rate, height, calories expended, applied force, breath-
`ing pattern, accuracy, and the like. Any other function
`associated with the performance of an exercise or other
`activity may also serve as a detected function in accordance
`with the present invention, the particular type of function not
`being limited to those described herein.
`In accordance with another aspect of the present
`invention,
`the electronic exercise monitor is adapted for
`stand-alone use to permit use of the device in conjunction
`with exercises that are performed with or without the use of
`a piece of exercise equipment, such as walking, jogging,
`running, situps, pullups, weight
`training, bicycling,
`swimming, and the like. The exercise monitor utilizes an
`exercise motion detector of conventional structure for
`
`detecting an exercise function associated with a particular
`exercise, such as distance traveled (in the case of walking,
`jogging, running, cycling or treadmill exercises), or, for
`instance, for detecting a specific motion (in the case of
`situps, pushups, swimming, and the like), for detecting the
`repetitive motion associated with the performance of the
`exercise and for outputting a corresponding signal which
`varies in accordance with the performance of the exercise.
`Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the exercise monitor
`may be provided with a detector for measuring a physiologi-
`cal condition of the user as a function associated with the
`performance of an exercise, such as a pulse meter for
`monitoring the user’s pulse or a stress gauge for monitoring
`movementsof the user’s chest in accordance with the user’s
`
`breathing pattern. In accordance with this aspect of the
`present invention,
`the exercise monitor may be fully or
`partially housed in a case or package that may be carried or
`wornbythe user on the wrist, ankle, waist, glove, neck,hat,
`and the like. Alternatively, the exercise monitor may be built
`into a piece of exercise equipment or an exercise surface
`such as an exercise mat. The exercise detection means
`comprise conventionally available detectors having a struc-
`ture depending upon the particular exercise function being
`monitored. Examples are noted above. In the case of exer-
`cise repetitions, the detector may simply comprise a switch
`or other input means capable of detecting successive rep-
`etitions of a repetitive exercise, such as presses, extensions,
`pushupsor situps, that are being performed by the user.
`In accordance with another aspect of the present
`invention,
`the exercise monitor is incorporated at
`least
`partially into a piece of exercise equipment and the exercise
`motion detector comprises meansfor detecting movementof
`a displaceable memberof the exercise equipment, such as a
`cantilevered arm, a flywheel, a cable, a barbell, or the like,
`the detecting means being responsive to the repeated motion
`of the displaceable member, for example, to output a signal
`which varies in accordance with the cyclical movement
`(such as rotary,
`linear, reciprocal, and the like) of the
`displaceable member in response to performance of an
`exercise by the user on the exercise equipment. Any means
`capable of detecting the cyclical performance of an exercise
`on a piece of exercise equipment may be used as the motion
`
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`US 6,251,048 B1
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`7
`detector. As noted above, the exercise monitor may also be
`provided with an exercise detector comprising means for
`monitoring a physiological condition of the user, such as the
`user’s pulse rate, oxygen intake, EEG,andthelike, so as to
`monitor the user’s physiological condition as a function of
`the exercise being performed. In all cases, the physiological
`condition may be the sole monitored function, or one of a
`plurality of monitored functions.
`In each of the above-described aspects of the present
`invention, the processing meansreceives an output signal of
`the exercise detector, which varies in accordance with the
`monitored exercise function, and determines therefor at
`selected times a starting address at which a block of corre-
`sponding sound data is stored. The memory stores sound
`data representative of a voice for all or some values of the
`monitored function(s) so as to provide a verbal representa-
`tion of a monitored function and/or sound data representa-
`tive of motivational phrases. In order to generate a voice
`representation of the one or more monitored functions or a
`selected motivational phrase, the exercise monitoris further
`provided with a speech generator for generating a naturally-
`sounding human voice (or reproducing a pre-stored version
`of an actual human voice) or other audible indicia in
`accordance with the sound data stored in the memory. The
`speech generator is controlled by the processing means in
`response to the exercise monitor so as to provide, at selected
`times, a verbal indication of the performanceof the exercise
`by the user and/or verbal motivation. Thus, for example, if
`the monitored function comprises exercise repetitions, the
`exercise monitor may progressively count someorall of the
`sequential exercise repetitions performed by the user and
`may encourage the user to complete the exercise routine.
`In accordance with one embodimentof the present inven-
`tion adapted to count successive repetitions of an exercise
`performed on a piece of exercise equipment, a switch (such
`as a contact switch or a mercury switch) is provided for
`monitoring the reciprocal movementof a displaceable mem-
`ber of a piece of exercise equipment. Preferably, the switch
`has contacts disposed such that each full cycle of motion of
`the displaceable membercausesa single, temporary closure
`of the switch contacts so as to permit the generation of a
`single pulse for each repetition and to permit detection of
`successive exercise repetitions which are to be verbally
`counted by the exercise monitor. A voice count is generated
`for all or only for selected ones of the exercise repetitions.
`In another embodiment, rotary motion of a displaceable
`memberof a bicycle or treadmill is monitored and linear
`distance and/or speed is calculated based on the rotary
`motion. A corresponding verbal representation of the dis-
`tance and/or speed is generated at selected times. In accor-
`dance with the present invention,
`the electronic exercise
`monitor provides a verbal representation of one or more
`monitored exercise functions rather than merely a visual
`indication, such that the user need not be mindful of a visual
`display and may instead concentrate on the exercise.
`However, a visual display may also be provided to supple-
`ment the verbal representation and, optionally, to provide a
`continuous indication of the one or more monitored func-
`tions in cases where a verbal count is not issued continu-
`
`ously.
`In the case of repetitive exercises in which sets of suc-
`cessive exercise repetitions are being monitored, the elec-
`tronic exercise monitor is preferably provided with input
`means to enable the user to set a desired exercise rate, a
`desired numberof repetitions per set, and a desired enun-
`ciation pattern. To accomplish this, a first selector may be
`providedfor selecting an exercise rate at which human voice
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`patterns will be produced, the selected rate being variable
`between a predetermined minimum value and a predeter-
`mined maximum value(i.e., a tempo), a