United States Patent
`
`5,857,939
`(11] Patent Number:
`[19]
`Kaufman
`[45] Date of Patent:
`Jan. 12, 1999
`
`
`US005857939A
`
`[54] EXERCISE DEVICE WITH AUDIBLE
`ELECTRONIC MONITOR
`
`Primary Examiner—Glenn Richman
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Adams & Wilks
`
`[75]
`
`Inventor: Arthur H. Kaufman, Boca Raton, Fla.
`
`[57]
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`[73] Assignee: Talking Counter, Inc., Boca Raton,
`Fla.
`
`[21] Appl. No.: 869,749
`
`Jun. 5, 1997
`Filed:
`[22]
`[ST] Unt, C18 wacasnscsenneneneutnnenennese A63B 69/00
`[52] US. Ch. ceccscscscsseene 482/8; 482/1; 482/9; 482/902,
`601/23; 73/379.01
`[58] Field of Search 0.0 482/1-9, 900-902;
`601/23, 33-36; 73/379.01-379.09
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`8/1986 Torii .
`4,605,224
`10/1987 Elstein etal. .
`4,702,475
`4/1989 Smidt vocecceccccseeesssesseeseeeee 482/902
`4,824,103
`5/1989 Englehardtetal. .
`4,831,242
`5/1989 Elstein etal. .
`4,834,375
`11/1989 Knispeletal. .
`4,883,067
`6/1990 Ingenitoetal..
`4,932,879
`nee 1/1990 erawact al.
`.
`.
`5,124,960
`6/1992 Miller et al.
`5,538,486
`7/1996 France et al. wee eeeeeeeneeeeeee 482/1
`
`An electronic exercise monitor for monitoring the repetitive
`performance of an exercise comprises a switch having a
`contact member connected to a displaceable memberof the
`exercise equipment,
`the switch being responsive to the
`reciprocal motion of a displaceable member of an exercise
`device to output a signal for each of a plurality of sequential
`&Xercise repetitions performed by the user on the exercise
` ©@uipment, a processor for receiving the signals and deter-
`mining for each a starting address at which a block of
`corresponding sound data is stored, a memory for storing
`sound data for each of the plurality of sequential exercise
`repetitions, the sound data preferably comprising data rep-
`resenting a voice count number for each repetition of an
`exercise, and a speech generator for generating a naturally-
`sounding human voice or reproducing a digitized version of
`an actual humanvoice 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 switch to progressively count sequential exercise
`repetitions performedbytheuser. In addition to providing a
`verbal count of successively performed exercise repetitions,
`motivational speech may also be generated to encourage
`correct and continued performance of the exercise.
`
`12 Claims, 7 Drawing Sheets
`
`POWER-ON
`~smerE-100
`RESET
`
`I
`
`INITIALIZE
`MICROPROCESSOR PROGRAM
`
`VARIABLES AND CONSTANTS
`
`
` }I
`
`
`
` RESET
`
`
`
`
`INPUT SWITCH
`SETTINGS
`
`SELECT CORRESPONDING
`
`COUNT SEQUENCE TABLE
`FOINITIATE NEXT
`TIMING SEQUENCE
`GET COOE FOR NEXT WORD
`IN COUNT SEQUENCE,
`
`Ne.
`
` pitSET
`Y
`EMPHASIS
`‘OUTPUT
`
`
`
`WORD
`EMPHASIS.
`DESIRED?,
`N
`RESET EMPHASIS
`‘QuUTPUT
`
`Ne
`
`
`OUTPUT DESIRED
`{
`couNT woRDaporess |~"18
`ESOTO PROCESSOR
`
`
`
`|
`SIGNAL SPEECH
`PROCESSOR TO START
`PEEL
`
`as END OF
`SET BEEN
`REACHED
`
`|
`
`COUNTER
`WENTIFY
`NEXT WORD
`
`
`
`
`
`HAS REPETITION
`RATE BEEN
`CHANGED?
`
`
`
`
`APPLE 1105
`
`APPLE 1105
`
`1
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 12, 1999
`
`Sheet 1 of 7
`
`5,857,939
`
`IS
`
`REPETITION
`NUMBER
`CONTROL
`SWITCH
`
`lO
`IB
`
`ENUNCIATION
`PATTERN
`CONTROL
`SWITCH
`
`l2
`
`
`
`
`REPETITION
`RATE
`SELECTOR
`
`24
`
`EXERCISE
`MOTION
`DETECTOR
`
`FIG. /
`
`2
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 12, 1999
`
`Sheet 2 of 7
`
`5,857,939
`
`
`
`
`MICROPROCESSOR PROGRAM
`VARIABLES AND CONSTANTS
`
`INITIALIZE
`
`INPUT SWITCH
`
`SETTINGS
`
`SELECT CORRESPONDING
`COUNT SEQUENCE TABLE
`
`INITIATE NEXT
`TIMING SEQUENCE
`
`GET CODE FOR NEXT WORD
`IN COUNT SEQUENCE
`
`loo
`
`lO2
`
`lO4
`
`lO6
`
`lO8
`
`lO
`
`
`
`WORD
`SET
`EMPHASIS
`EMPHASIS
`DESIRED?
`OUTPUT
`
`
`
`
`RESET EMPHASIS
`OUTPUT
`
`
`FIG. 2(a)
`
`3
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 12, 1999
`
`Sheet 3 of 7
`
`5,857,939
`
`OUTPUT DESIRED
`COUNT WORD ADDRESS
`
`118
`
`TO PROCESSOR
`
`
`SIGNAL SPEECH
`PROCESSOR TO START
`SPEECH
`
`I22
`
`
`
`
`HAS TIME
`
`
`INTERVAL
`
`ELAPSED?
`
`120
`
`130
`
`Y
`
`I28
`
`STOP
`COMMAND?
`
`N
`
`
`
`
`
`RESET
`
`
`HAS END OF
`COUNTER
`
`SET BEEN
`TO
`IDENTIFY
`
`
`REACHED
`?
`NEXT WORD
`
`
` HAS REPETITION
`
`RATE BEEN
`
`CHANGED ?
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 2(b)
`
`4
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 12, 1999
`
`Sheet 4 of 7
`
`5,857,939
`
`c0l
`
`£9/4
`
`/YOSSSIDONdONDIN
`
`YAZISSHLNAS
`
`H933dS
`
`5
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 12, 1999
`
`Sheet 5 of 7
`
`5,857,939
`
`132
`
`FIG.4(a)
`
`00
`NJ
`
`6
`
`

`

`Sheet 6 of 7
`
`5,857,939
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 12, 1999
`
`I28
`
`FIG. 4(b)
`
`7
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 12, 1999
`
`Sheet 7 of 7
`
`5,857,939
`
`
`
`FIG. 5
`
`8
`
`

`

`5,857,939
`
`1
`EXERCISE DEVICE WITH AUDIBLE
`ELECTRONIC MONITOR
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`2
`individual is performing an exercise routine correctly or
`completely. Moreover, electronic monitoring devices of the
`type described above are of limited utility in non-
`cardiovascular,strength training exercise equipment such as
`free weights and isometric exercisers. While such devices
`The present invention relates generally to an exercise
`are useful for monitoring cardiovascular exercises, informa-
`monitoring device and, more particularly,
`to an audible
`tion such as pulse rate, elapsed time and calories expended
`exercise monitoring device and repetition counter designed
`is, at best, of secondary importance in non-cardiovascular
`for stand-alone use, to be worn onapart of a user’s body, for
`exercises, which are generally designed to increase muscle
`incorporation into an exercise mat, or as part of a piece of
`10
`strength. While the primary goal of cardiovascular exercise
`exercise equipmentof the type having a displaceable mem-
`is to maintain a target elevated pulse rate for a prolonged
`ber adapted to undergo reciprocal movement in response to
`period of time, most non-cardiovascular exercises are
`a repetitive curling or pressing force of a user. More
`directed at targeting individual muscles for a relatively short
`specifically,
`the present
`invention relates to an audible
`period of time to increase strength. Such exercises do not
`result in prolonged heart rate elevation. Thus, even highly
`electronic exercise monitoring, coaching andtraining device
`sophisticated non-cardiovascular training equipment is not
`which monitors the user’s exercise performance and issues
`generally provided with electronic monitoring equipment
`audible indicia, such as a verbal count of the number of
`similar to that described above. Users of such equipmentare
`exercise repetitions performed by the user and/or audible
`therefore required to perform non-cardiovascular exercises
`alarms, verbal
`instructions and verbal motivation and
`in the presence of fitness professionals or are otherwise
`encouragement.
`relegated to perform boring, strenuous exercise routines
`alone.
`
`15
`
`20
`
`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
`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 motivate or coach the individual to complete
`an exercise program. Nor do such devices ensure that an
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`9
`
`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.
`Even though several 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 number ofdif-
`ferent
`types of mechanical devices designed to replace
`exercises such as pushups and situps, 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
`
`9
`
`

`

`5,857,939
`
`4
`and video exercise programs, no such program is capable of
`monitoring the performanceof the user while performing the
`exercise described and shown onthe pre-recorded program.
`
`SUMMARYOF THE INVENTION
`
`3
`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 view of the foregoing, an object of the present inven-
`In one known abdominal exercise device, for example, the
`tion is to provide a device for use in monitoring the progress
`user performs abdominal curling exercises against a resis-
`and performance of an exercise routine and for ensuring that
`tance provided by the machine. The user is seated in an
`the exercise routine is correctly performed.
`upright position and performs the curling and uncurling
`motion against a resistance provided by a bar mounted in a
`Another object of the present
`invention to provide a
`cantilevered manner on an arm which pivots about a fixed
`stand-alone exercise monitoring device for monitoring iso-
`point forwardly and rearwardly with the user’s curling and
`metric exercises performed by a user without using a piece
`uncurling exercise motion. In another well known variation
`of exercise equipment.
`of this device,
`the bar is adapted to undergo variable
`Still another object of the present invention is to provide
`resistance throughout the curling and uncurling motion to
`maximize exercise benefits. There are no electronic moni-
`a device designed to coact with various different types of
`exercise equipment to verbally count the numberof repeti-
`toring devices provided in this type of equipment for moni-
`tions being performed bya user.
`toring a user’s performance and offering verbal motivation
`and encouragement. As a result, the individualis required to
`Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
`monitor his or her own performanceor to rely upon another
`device capable of monitoring the number of exercise rep-
`person, such as a personal trainer.
`etitions performed using a knownexercise device.
`Another abdominal exerciser which, very recently, has
`Still yet another object of the present invention is to
`become popular is designed to support the user’s head and
`provide an exercise monitor capable of detecting when
`neck while performing situp type exercises from a supine
`exercises are being performed improperly by the user and
`position. The device is formed of a tubular frame defining a
`issuing an audible alarm.
`pair of laterally spaced support rails, a pair of laterally
`An additional object of the present inventionis to provide
`spaced rocker portions, a pair of laterally spaced arm rest
`an electronic exercise monitor which verbally informs the
`portions and a connecting portion for connecting the support
`user of his or her exercise progress and/or which offers the
`rails together. Cushions are disposed on the arm rest portions
`user verbal encouragement and motivation.
`to receive the elbows of the user when in a lying position.
`These and other objects are achieved by the present
`The head and neck of the user are supported on a padded
`invention, which provides an electronic exercise monitoring
`support extending across the connecting portion. In one
`device for monitoring the repetitive performance of an
`variation of this device, the rocker portions are curved on a
`exercise. The exercise monitoring device comprises exercise
`circular arc to match the curvature of the spine when
`movement detection means for detecting an exercise repeti-
`performing the situp type exercises. In another variation of
`tion and outputting a repetition signal, processing meansfor
`this device,
`the rocker portions are merely pivot points
`receiving the repetition signal and determiningastart
`designed to facilitate rocking motion on a circular arc, also
`address at which a corresponding block of sound data is
`to match the curvature of the spine when performing the
`stored for each of a plurality of repetition signals indicative
`situp type exercises. While this basic device is available in
`of successive exercise repetitions, a memory for storing the
`various other configurations, with or without arcuate
`sound data, and a speech synthesizer for synthesizing a
`portions, each such variation is designed to support
`the
`humanvoice in accordance with the sound data.
`user’s neck and head when performing situps or crunches.
`For example, in another variation, the connecting portion is
`disposed proximate the arm rest portions 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 monitoring the user’s performancelevel, increas-
`ing the user’s interest level by providing verbal motivation
`and encouragement, or informing the user of an attainable
`goal. Additionally, there are very few available monitoring
`devices for use with exercises that are performed without the
`use of any type of exercise device. Situps, for example, may
`be performed on an exercise mator 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
`onapart of the user’s body,or for incorporation into a piece
`In accordance with another aspect of the present
`of exercise equipment to provide the user with information
`invention,
`the exercise monitor is incorporated at
`least
`concerning his or her performance and to provide the user
`partially into a piece of exercise equipment and comprises a
`with verbal encouragement and motivation to perform an
`switch having means for detecting movementofa displace-
`exercise correctly and completely.
`able member of the exercise equipment, such as a cantile-
`Although there have been previous attempts to provide
`vered arm, a cable, a barbell, or the like, the switch being
`such encouragement through the use of pre-recorded audio
`responsive to the reciprocal motion of the displaceable
`
`In accordance with one 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 without the use of a piece of exercise
`equipment. The exercise monitor utilizes an exercise motion
`detector, such as an accelerometer, for detecting the repeti-
`tive motion associated with the performance of successive
`exercise repetitions and for outputting a corresponding rep-
`etition signal. In accordance with this aspect of the present
`invention, the exercise monitor is preferably provided in a
`case or package that may be worn on a user’s wrist, ankle,
`waist, glove, neck, hat, and the like. Alternatively,
`the
`exercise monitor may be encased in a piece of exercise
`equipment or an exercise mat, in which case the motion
`detector preferably comprises a switch capable of detecting
`successive repetitions of a repetitive exercise, such as
`presses, extensions, pushups or situps, that are being per-
`formed.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`10
`
`10
`
`

`

`5,857,939
`
`5
`member, for example, to output a repetition signal for each
`of a plurality of sequential exercise repetitions performed by
`the user on the exercise equipment.
`In each of the above-described aspects of the present
`invention, the processing meansreceives the repetition sig-
`nals and determines for each repetition signal a starting
`address at which a block of corresponding sound data is
`stored. The memory stores sound data for each of the
`plurality of sequential exercise repetitions. The sound data
`preferably comprises data representing a voice count num-
`ber for all, most or somerepetitions of an exercise. In order
`to enunciate a voice count, the exercise monitor is further
`provided with a speech generator for generating a naturally-
`sounding human voice or reproducing a digitized version of
`an actual humanvoice or other audible indicia in accordance
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`6
`verbal repetition counts, while the processing means keeps
`track of the proper count. Whenthe exerciserate is relatively
`slow, or between sets, however, even a long phrase may be
`inserted between successive repetition counts. As will be
`appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the pro-
`cessing means is programmed to determine the appropriate
`insertion point for verbal phrases of any given duration.
`In one embodimentof the present invention, the switch of
`the exercise monitor is mounted to a displaceable memberof
`an abdominal exercise device which is constructed of a
`
`tubular frame comprising a pair of laterally spaced support
`rails for resting on a support surface (i.e., a floor), a pair of
`laterally spaced rocker portions each of which extends
`forwardly from a respective support rail and a pair of
`laterally spaced arm rest portions, each of which extends
`rearwardly from a respective rocker portion to receive an
`elbow and arm of a person disposed between the support
`rails in a supine position. The switch is mountedto a portion
`of the tubular frame which comes into and out of contact
`with the support surface (the floor) once each exercise
`repetition. An upstanding arch-shaped portion is connected
`to and between the supportrails to define a space to receive
`the head of a person disposed between the support rails. A
`support meansis also secured to and across the arch-shaped
`portion of the skeletal frame for supporting the neck and
`head of a person disposed between the support rails. During
`an exercise program, the user repeatedly curls his or her
`upper body in a forward and rearward rocking motion,
`which allows the user to strengthen the abdominal muscles.
`When in use, the person rests his or her elbows or arms
`on the arm rest portions while lying down and then repeat-
`edly curls his or her body forwardly and rearwardly while
`rocking on the rocker portions. The switch of the exercise
`monitor is mounted to the tubular frame in such a manner
`that closure of the switch contact members occurs once for
`
`contact with the support surface, the switch contact mem-
`bers are opened, and no current flows through the switch. By
`monitoring the flow of current
`through the switch,
`the
`processing means is capable of monitoring the exercise
`progress of the user. The user conducts isometric contrac-
`tions by applying a force through his or her arms to the
`exercise device which, in turn, causes lifting of the head,
`neck and upper body of the person when contracting the
`abdominal muscles. The exercise monitor provides a verbal
`count of the repeated cyclical forward and rearward curling
`motions and optionally issues synchronized verbal encour-
`agement to the user in the manner described above and set
`forth in greater detail hereinafter in connection with the
`detailed description of the attached drawings.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`with the sound data stored in the memory. The speech
`generator is controlled by the processing means in response
`to the switch to progressively count sequential exercise
`repetitions performed by the user.
`Preferably,
`the switch has a contact member disposed
`such that each full cycle of motion of the displaceable
`member causes a single, temporary closure of the switch
`contacts so as to permit the generation of a single pulse 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 accordance with the present
`invention, the electronic exercise monitor provides a verbal
`repetition count value rather than merely a visual count
`value, such that the user need not be mindful of a visual
`display. However, a visual display may also be provided to
`supplement the verbal count and to indicate the number of
`repetitions in cases where a verbal count is not issued for
`each individual repetition.
`In order to enable the user to set a desired exercise rate,
`a desired number of repetitions per set, and a desired
`each exercise repetition, when the portion of the tubular
`enunciation pattern, the electronic exercise monitor is pref-
`frame on which the switch is mounted comes into contact
`erably provided withafirst selector for selecting an exercise
`with the support surface. When the switch contact members
`rate at which human voice patterns will be produced, the
`comeinto contact, a current flows through the switch and is
`selected rate being variable between a predetermined mini-
`detected by the processing means. Whenthe portion of the
`mum value and a predetermined maximum value (ie., a
`tubular frame on which the switch is mounted comesout of
`tempo), a second selector for selecting a desired number of
`repetitions per set (hereinafter referred to as a “repetition
`number”), and a third selector for selecting an enunciation
`pattern at which the human voice will be produced, such as
`by issuing a verbal count every onerepetition, or issuing a
`verbal countevery five repetitions, or issuing a verbal count
`every ten repetitions, etc. When the first
`through third
`selectors are included,
`the processing means is provided
`with means responsive tothe first through third selectors for
`setting the rate at which the human voiceis read out from the
`memory, for detecting whento reset the count value so as to
`count successive sets of an exercise, and for controlling the
`enunciation pattern in the desired manner.
`In addition to monitoring the numberof repetitions of an
`exercise, the exercise monitor may also be programmedto
`issue verbal encouragementto the user, so as to motivate the
`user to continue to perform the exercise correctly. In order
`to accomplish this,
`the processing means may be pro-
`grammed to issue verbal encouragement between or in the
`place of one or more successive verbal count numbers
`and/or sets. Thus, for example, where the verbal encourage-
`ment comprises only one or two short words, it may be
`issued between successive repetition counts. Depending
`upon the available time between successive counts,
`however, where the verbal encouragement comprises a
`longer phrase, it may be generated to replace one or more
`
`60
`
`65
`
`FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electronic exercise
`monitoring apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment
`of the present invention;
`FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) are a flowchart illustrating operations
`performed by the processor illustrated in the embodiment
`shown in FIG. 1;
`FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an exercise monitoring
`apparatus in accordance with a second embodiment of the
`present invention;
`
`11
`
`11
`
`

`

`5,857,939
`
`7
`FIG. 4 is a diagram of an abdominal exercise device to
`which the exercise monitoring apparatus of the present
`invention is mounted; and
`FIG. 5 is a view of an embodiment of the present
`invention in which the exercise monitor is provided in a
`watch case worn on a user’s wrist.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exercise monitoring
`apparatus 10 in accordance with a first embodimentof the
`present invention, in which the device is configured as an
`exercise repetition counter/monitor. The system has four
`main control functions, exercise rate, numberof repetitions
`per set, enunciation pattern, and volume, which produce a
`synthesized speech pattern that is effective to provide the
`user with a continuous count of his or her exercise
`
`repetitions, to assist the user in maintaining a desired exer-
`cise rate, and to ensure that the user is correctly performing
`the exercise. The selection of the desired exercise rate, in
`repetitions per minute, is made by setting a repetition rate
`selector 12. The repetition rate selector 12 preferably com-
`prises a multi-position switch having polesselectively tied,
`for example, to +5V so as to provide an input level com-
`patible with that of a processing means, such as a micro-
`processor 14 or a microcontroller. Alternatively, the repeti-
`tion rate selector 12 may be in the form of a potentiometer
`control and designed to produce a pulse train at a frequency
`corresponding to the desired repetition rate. In the latter
`case, the repetition rate selector 12 would preferably com-
`prise a monostable multivibrator and a potentiometer control
`for varying the RC time constant of the monostable multi-
`vibrator to produce pulses of a time duration which is a
`function of the RC time constant at a frequency correspond-
`ing to the desired repetition rate.
`The range of exercise rates provided by a multi-position
`switch, or the range of frequency of pulses produced by the
`repetition rate selector 12 is variable between minimum and
`maximum rates which are set as realistic rates depending
`upon the particular exercise. Thus, for example, when the
`exercise is situps,
`the device would be set to provide a
`minimum repetition rate of, for example, 20 repetitions per
`minute and a maximum repetition rate of 200 repetitions per
`minute. On the other hand, when the exercise is one such as
`benchpresses, a maximum repetition rate of 100 repetitions
`per minute and a minimum repetition of 5 repetitions per
`minute may be morerealistic. The output signal of the
`repetition rate selector 12 is input
`to the programmed
`microprocessor 14. The function of the repetition rate selec-
`tor 12 in the operation of the microprocessor 14 is described
`below in conjunction with the flowchart illustrated in FIG.
`2.
`
`The desired number of repetitions per set (hereinafter
`referred to as the “repetition number’) and the desired
`enunciation pattern are selected by setting a repetition
`numbercontrol switch 15 and an enunciation pattern control
`switch 16, each of which may be a multi-position switch
`with each pole position correspondingto a desired repetition
`number and enunciation pattern, respectively. In the pre-
`ferred embodiment of the invention presently being
`described, there are four distinct repetition numbers and four
`distinct enunciation patterns which may be chosen byposi-
`tioning of repetition numbercontrol switch 15 and enuncia-
`tion pattern control switch 16. As described in greater detail
`below, the selected repetition rate, repetition number and
`enunciation pattern are used by the programmed micropro-
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`8
`cessor 14 to determine the location of a particular address
`table stored in the microprocessor memory for addressing
`particular voice data in a speech synthesizer or speech
`processor 18. A plurality of separate sets of voice data are
`stored in the memory of the speech synthesizer 18 and the
`particular set of voice data chosen for synthesis is deter-
`mined in accordance with the values of the repetition rate,
`the repetition number and the enunciation pattern. Thus, the
`actual human voice pattern which is enunciated for each
`repetition is set
`in accordance with the repetition rate,
`repetition number and enunciation pattern.
`The reason a plurality of different sets of voice data
`address tables are preferably used is to enable the device to
`generate a natural sounding voice which varies depending
`upon the rate at which the exercise repetitions must be
`counted. The particular address table selected also depends
`upon the enunciation pattern since the particular address
`locations of the table determine which repetitions will be
`verbally counted, which repetitions will not be verbally
`counted, which repetitions will be indicated by non-verbal
`audible indicia such as by a beep, and which count values or
`other words will be emphasized. The particular address table
`that is selected also depends upon the repetition number
`since the particular address locations also determine how
`high the count will proceed until the address is reset (i.e.,
`when the end of a set
`is reached).
`In addition,
`if the
`enunciation pattern control switch 16 is set such that a verbal
`count is not generated for each successive repetition, the
`enunciation of each count can be slower than if a verbal
`
`count is required for each successive exercise repetition.
`For instance, where only 20 repetitions per minute are to
`be performed, one verbal count is generated every three
`seconds, depending upon the selected enunciation pattern.
`Where 100 repetitions per minute are to be performed, a
`separate verbal count may be required in intervals of less
`than one second depending, again, upon the selected enun-
`ciation pattern. However, where the enunciation pattern
`control switch 16 is set to issue a verbal count only for each
`five or ten repetitions, for example, a greater amountof time
`is permitted for each verbal count. T