5871results about "Movement coordination devices" patented technology

A sports electronic training system with sport ball, and applications thereof, are disclosed. In an embodiment, the system comprises at least one monitor and an electronic processing device for receiving data from the at least one monitor and providing feedback to an individual based on the received data. The monitor can be a motion monitor that measures an individual's performance such as, for example, speed, pace and distance for a runner. Other monitors might include a heart rate monitor, a temperature monitor, an altimeter, et cetera. In an embodiment, a sport ball that includes a motion monitor for monitoring motion of the sport ball stores an identification value received when a shoe that includes a motion monitor contacts the sport ball. The stored identification value serves as a record of the contact.

An exercise system includes a local system having an exercise apparatus and an associated local computer, where the local computer controls and monitors the operation and use, respectively, of the exercise apparatus. The system further includes a remote system having a remote computer, and a transmission medium preferably including the Internet that couples the local system to the remote system for data communication between the local system and the remote system. The remote system may receive local system data from the local system concerning the use of the exercise apparatus, and the local system may receive remote system data from the remote system concerning the operation of the exercise apparatus. The local computer preferably controls the operation of the exercise apparatus based upon a modifiable script stored in a read/write memory of the local computer, which can be updated by the remote system. A method for controlling an exercise apparatus includes running a modifiable script on a local computer to control the use and to monitor the operation of an exercise apparatus, and communicating with a remote system, preferably via the Internet, to provide the remote system with data concerning the use of the exercise apparatus. The script is stored in read/write memory of the local computer and remote system data received from the remote system may include at least a portion of a new script to be stored in the read/write memory of the local computer.

A sports electronic training system with electronic gaming features, and applications thereof, are disclosed. In an embodiment, the system comprises at least one monitor and a portable electronic processing device for receiving data from the at least one monitor and providing feedback to an individual based on the received data. The monitor can be a motion monitor that measures an individual's performance such as, for example, speed, pace and distance for a runner. Other monitors might include a heart rate monitor, a temperature monitor, an altimeter, et cetera. In an embodiment, an input is provided to an electronic game based on data obtained from the at least one monitor that effects, for example, an avatar, a digitally created character, an action within the game, or a game score of the electronic game.

An interactive training system capable of generating continuous feedback for physical therapy and training applications based on capturing and analyzing the movement of a user on an interactive surface. The training system captures sophisticated input such as the entire areas in contact with the interactive surface, center of gravity, pressure distribution, velocity, acceleration, direction, orientation etc. The training system also captures and/or calculates and/or estimates the position of a body part while in the air, not touching the interactive surface, and also while sensor input is unavailable. The training system can also provide alerts for predefined events such as a fall or the beginning of a fall.

An exercise monitoring system which includes an electronic positioning device; a physiological monitor; and a display unit configured for displaying data provided by said electronic positioning device and said physiological monitor.

An exercise machine that enables a user to perform a variety of repetitive exercises in reclined, sitting and standing positions. The machine permits a user to perform exercises not possible on a traditional Pilates Reformer machine. The machine includes a frame with parallel side rails formed of extrusions, with a carriage that is mounted for rolling movement along the frame. A plurality of tension springs are selectively detachable/attachable to the end of the frame, to allow the user to decrease/increase the tension on the carriage. Angularly adjustable crossbars are mounted at both the head and foot ends of the frame, as are stationary platforms for the user's feet and/or hands; in addition, a raised transverse bar is mounted at the head end of the rolling platform. The combination of platforms and bars enables the user to perform a variety of exercises in standing positions. The frame includes legs that raise the side rails above the floor. A barbell rack and storage tray are mounted between the rails so as to be positioned generally beneath the frame, and are accessible vertically through the open space between the rails when the rolling platform is retracted by the springs to the foot end of the assembly.

Athletic activity may be tracked and monitored while providing encouragement and maintaining an individual's interest in continuing to perform athletic activity. For example, a themed workout plan may be implemented to motivate the individual and maintain the individual's interest. The theme may include geographic locations, food items, technology, sports and the like and may include multiple categories or groupings of goals. For example, the categories may correspond to geographic locations. In each category, multiple goals may be defined. The goals may further be represented by real-world objects such as buildings, food items, technology products, sports equipment and the like. A user may progress through each category by completing each of the goals within that category. Other individuals (e.g., friends) may also be displayed on an interface through which a user's progress is tracked. This may allow the user to also view the other individuals' progress in the same workout plan.

Systems and techniques for the collection and display of athletic information. Athletic data relating to a single person or group of people is collected at a central location, and subsequently displayed at a desired remote location or on a mobile device so that the person or people can review and critique their performance. In addition, athletic data for multiple persons can be collected at a central location, and subsequently displayed to a user at a desired remote location or on a mobile device, so that the user can compare his or her athletic activities to others.

Systems and techniques for generating an athletic training program and selecting music for playing during the training program are described. Based on specified parameters, a training program module may generate a customized training program intended to help an athlete reach a goal. In conjunction therewith or independently thereof, a music selection module may generate a music playlist for playing during a training program. Music selection parameters may include training intensity, user speed, user location, user mood, a user's currently performance (e.g., as compared to an expected performance) and the like. The music selection module may select songs from a personal library or a public database of music. Music selection may be made to maximize user motivation/inspiration.

Apparatus for rehabilitating a patient who has a paretic body part, the apparatus comprising: a) at least one electromyography (EMG) sensor adapted to being applied to a voluntary muscle of a healthy body part of the same type as the paretic body part which at least one sensor produces at least one EMG signal; b) a neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) device adapted to stimulating at least one voluntary muscle of the paretic body part; and c) a controller which controls the NMES device, making the amplitude of stimulation of the paretic body part at least partly dependent on the EMG signal from the healthy body part.

A method for providing cycling classes to remote users comprising providing information about available cycling classes that can be accessed via a digital communication network by a user at a remote location for display at the remote location, receiving from the user a selection of one of the available cycling classes for display at the remote location, and sending digital video and audio content comprising the selected cycling class from a server to a computer associated with a stationary bike at the remote location for display to the user on a display screen associated with the stationary bike. In various exemplary embodiments, the digital and audio content sent to the computer associated with the stationary bike is streamed for display to the user in substantially in real-time. In various exemplary embodiments, the digital and audio content sent to the computer associated with the stationary bike is archived content provided from a database.

A system for advising an exerciser about his physical activities, associated either with displacement of the exerciser itself or of an object displaced by the exerciser, or an object displaced simultaneously with the exerciser. The system comprises a first unit for monitoring the activities. This unit is not in physical contact with the exerciser or the object, displaced by the exerciser. The first unit is capable to collect raw data defining the activities either in terms of distance or acceleration. The first unit transmits the collected raw data in a wireless fashion to a second unit, which receives the transmitted raw data, processes it and calculates various parameters, defining the said physical activities, and represents the calculated parameters in a form recognizable by the exerciser. The system enables tracking, recording and updating the relevant information, provides improved feedback and thus helps to the exercising individual to improve his performances.

An exercise system includes a plurality of exercise terminals, wherein a workout of an exerciser includes at least two exercises performed at one or more of the exercise terminals. Each exercise terminal includes a communication device for communicating to the exerciser information regarding an exercise of the workout subsequent to a current exercise in the workout.

A multi-function Pilates exercise apparatus featuring a foldable frame (200-203), a counterbalance mechanism (271), a wheeled base (90), a rotatable pulley riser with a flexible pulley mount (112), gear changing apparatus (FIG. 9) and adjustable footbar (471). The frame is designed to fold into an upright position and to be rolled to a desired location. The pulley assemblies may be rotated and positioned below the carriage rails. The gear changing apparatus permits the user to adjust the carriage position with a single handed operation. The exercise system includes a reformer, a pole apparatus, and mat mode including a long/short box.

In accordance with the method, system and program of the present invention, at least one type of exercise indicator signal associated with exercise performed by a particular user is received from a particular exercise machine in a common transmittable data format at a portable computer system provided the particular user. Cumulative fitness activity is computed and stored for the particular user at the portable computer system utilizing the at least one type of exercise indicator signal and previously accumulated fitness activity data at the portable computer system, such that an independent portable computer system associated with the particular user monitors the real-time cumulative fitness activity of the particular user from at least one type of exercise indicator signal received from at least one exercise machine over a period of time.

A brace compliance monitor is disclosed that includes a compliance sensor, a signal processor, and a display. Compliance data is displayed on the display to provide the patient or subject with immediate compliance information on whether they have been wearing the brace for the specified period and in the specified manner. The brace compliance monitor may also include a secondary sensor such as a tilt sensor, a pressure sensor, a force sensor, an acceleration sensor, or a velocity sensor. The secondary sensors may provide additional compliance data to the patient and health car provider.

A Pilates machine tension device support system for efficiently providing a tension force to a movable platform of an exercise machine. The Pilates machine tension device support system generally includes a frame, a platform movably positioned upon the frame and a tension assembly connected between the frame and the platform to provide selective tension upon the platform in a first direction. The tension assembly is comprised of a plurality of pulleys and a plurality of tension devices positioned upon the pulleys, wherein the tension devices are attached between a frame and the platform. The tension members are selectively engaged to the platform to increase or decrease the tension applied to the platform for varying levels of workouts.

System and method for interactive video game fitness equipment. Fitness hardware (e.g., an exercise bicycle, a stair machine, treadmill, elliptical trainer, rotary climbing wall, or other fitness equipment) interacts with a video game, optionally via various devices, e.g., a PC, gaming console, or other hardware and/or software device or system capable of implementing an interactive application), for an immersive hybrid exercise/game user experience.

A virtual racecourse is mapped by uniting digital pictures with GPS and inclinometer data, stored in a recorded course file, presented in distance increments of the racecourse, and accessed for individual and group competition over the internet.

Electronic devices may use touch pads that have touch sensor arrays, force sensors, and actuators for providing tactile feedback. A touch pad may be mounted in a computer housing. The touch pad may have a rectangular planar touch pad member that has a glass layer covered with ink and contains a capacitive touch sensor array. Force sensors may be mounted under each of the four corners of the rectangular planar touch pad member. The force sensors may be used to measure how much force is applied to the surface of the planar touch pad member by a user. Processed force sensor signals may indicate the presence of button activity such as press and release events. In response to detected button activity or other activity in the device, actuator drive signals may be generated for controlling the actuator. The user may supply settings to adjust signal processing and tactile feedback parameters.

A computer interface with a remote communication apparatus for an exercise machine is disclosed, designed as a stationary exercise machine with provisions for an interactive approach with a predetermined program on a computer-controlled interface and with provisions for interfacing two or more such units to allow a sense of competition between two or more people. The present invention discloses a conventional, stationary exercise machine, a computer with a specialized program or programs, a series of apparatuses for interfacing with the individual exercising as well as the exercise machine itself, and a means for interfacing two or more such machines together.

An exercise device designed to work the abdominal and oblique muscle groups. The abdominal exerciser comprises a carriage connected to a frame by a swing-arm that allows the carriage to swing along an arcuate path. In some embodiments, the carriage is connected to the frame by non-parallel first and second swing-arms. The carriage is adjustable so as to accommodate users of different sizes and to isolate different abdominal muscle groups. The abdominal exerciser device is designed to simulate an abdominal exercise “crunch” motion when the knees are brought within proximity of an upper body support.

An exercise and performance evaluation apparatus including a revolving belt or other engagement surface on which a subject can perform forward, backward, or sideways bipedal locomotion or other exercise movement, a means for securing the position of the subject relative to the frame of the apparatus, a means for measuring the force applied by the subject to the engagement surface, and a means for monitoring and/or controlling the velocity of the engagement surface. Securing the subject relative to the frame of the apparatus facilitates monitoring velocity as a function of time. Processing of velocity and force as a function of time allows for recording and analysis of data such as the maximal exertion force-velocity curve. Force-velocity-duration data for exertions is analyzed in terms of an intensity function. The apparatus allows exertions to be performed throughout, and outside, the first quadrant of a force-velocity-duration space.

A carriage for use in a reformer exercise apparatus is disclosed that has a pair of upwardly extending folding shoulder stops mounted thereto at one end and a headrest between the shoulder stops that extends outward from the carriage toward the head end of the frame. A pair of roller wheels at the head end and a pair at the foot end of the carriage support the platform. A single common axle supports the head end pair of rollers from the carriage, forms a pivot support for the folding shoulder stops, and forms part of an adjustable position support assembly for the headrest. The shoulder stops are preferably attached to a tubular sleeve that rotates on the common axle.

A treadmill having a track assembly that allows a user to navigate in any arbitrary direction. A movable user support has a plurality of rotatable members that rotate about axes normal to the direction of movement of the user support. Separate power drive mechanism concurrently move the user support and rotate the members to omni-directional user movement. A control for the power driven mechanism is responsive to the directional orientation of the user on the user support to cause the user support to operate in the direction of the orientation of the user.

A stationary exercise machine includes a system for electronically controlling a pedal resistance so as to simulate the riding of a road-going bicycle. The exercise machine includes a control system that monitors pedal velocity and that controls the resistive load generated by an electronically-controlled resistance mechanism. In one example, an electromagnetic device may vary a resistive load placed on a flywheel, which, in turn, varies the pedal resistance experienced by a user. When the user increases the pedal velocity, the resistance mechanism increases the resistive load. When the user decreases the pedal velocity, the resistance mechanism decreases the resistive load. In another example, the resistance mechanism varies the resistive load based on a gear selection by the user. The control system may also take into account other factors, such as the grade of the simulated ride, simulated wind resistance, or other frictional forces when calculating the resistive load.

The invention relates to a motion control method of a lower limb rehabilitative robot. In the method, aiming at different rehabilitation stages of a patient, two working modes of passive training and active training are carried out: under the mode of passive training, the patient is driven by controlling the robot to finish specific motions or motion according to a right physiological gait track; abnormal motions of the patient are completely restrained; and the patient passively follows the robot to do walking rehabilitation training; under the mode of active training, limited abnormal motions of the patient are restrained by the robot; through a real-time detection on joint driving forces generated when the patient acts on the robot in the motion process, human-computer interaction moment is extracted by utilizing an inverse dynamic model to judge the active motion intention of lower limbs of the patient; and the interaction moment is converted into correction value of gait track by utilizing an impedance controller to directly correct or generate the gait training track the patient expects through an adaptive controller, therefore, the purpose that the robot can provide auxiliary force and resistant force for the rehabilitation training can be indirectly realized. By means of the motion control method of the lower limb rehabilitative robot, rehabilitation training motions suitable for different rehabilitation stages can be provided for a dysbasia patient, thereby enhancing active participation degree of the rehabilitation training of the patient, building confidence of the rehabilitation and positivity of the motion, and then enhancing effect of the rehabilitation training.

An exercise machine includes a processor, a first display, a deck, and a belt rotatable about the deck. The machine also includes a sensor operably connected to the processor and configured to detect a first performance parameter of a first user running on the belt of the exercise machine. The processor is configured to receive information indicative of a second performance parameter of a second user, the second performance parameter being detected at an additional exercise machine during display of the at least part of the exercise class on a display associated with the additional exercise machine. The processor is also configured to cause the second performance parameter to be displayed on the first display together with the first performance parameter.

The present invention is for arousing a sense of rivalry to the user so that the user can exhibit an active will to exercise. The present invention relates to an exercise assistance apparatus which has a cycling machine 1 provided with pedals 11b and a rotation sensor 11c for detecting the movement of the pedals 11b, comprising a monitor 14 for displaying images, means for storing image data to express a traveling path and opponent characters, exercise equipment control means for performing variable control for the load status of the electromagnetic clutch 12b of the machine 1, means for sequentially updating and controlling the traveling position of the opponent characters on the traveling path, means for calculating a virtual self position of the user on the traveling path from the detection content of the rotation sensor 11c and the load status controlled by the exercise equipment control means, and image display means for displaying the traveling path and opponent characters on the monitor 14, and displaying the degree of difficulty to pass an opponent character.

Example embodiments may relate to a system, method, apparatus, and computer readable media configured for monitoring a user performing an exercise and generating a avatar of the user and a virtual shadow, wherein the virtual shadow illustrates proper form of the exercise. The example embodiments may further be configured for determining an amount of overlap between the virtual avatar and the virtual shadow, and generating a feedback score based on the amount of overlap.