CONNECTED SYSTEM FOR Fitness EQUIPMENT

Abstract

A connected system includes a sensor module having a pulley pin load sensor sized and shaped to support a pulley of a strength fitness appliance. The sensor module also includes a sensor for sensing movement of the pulley as the pulley rotates. The sensor module includes a processor and a memory that stores machine-readable instructions that, when the processor executes the instructions, cause the sensor module to: acquire raw force data from the pulley pin load sensor; obtaining raw movement data from the sensor; determining corrected force data from the raw force data based on the calibration data; determining corrected movement data from the original movement data based on the calibration data; and outputting the corrected force data and the corrected movement data via the communication interface. The interface module may receive and display the corrected force data and the corrected movement data.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application No. 63 / 433,259, filed on December 16, 2022, entitled “Connected Strength System for Fitness Equipment Retrofit,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] Some fitness equipment doesn't include sensors and electronics to track workouts. Typical add-on devices clip removably onto the machine's straps or cables (e.g., near a counterweight overlay) to track movement and force. However, these devices can be easily removed (theft) or damaged by machine activity. Furthermore, while these devices display data such as repetitions, they don't offer a simple or universal way to digitally export or collect workout data, as they require a specialized wristband that connects to a proprietary app from the equipment manufacturer. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention incorporate the recognition that cables or straps of strength fitness equipment are typically coupled to a weighted overlay, and therefore, any modification to the cables or straps that changes their length (e.g., to incorporate sensors for measuring force and / or repetitions) is undesirable. Furthermore, it should be recognized that any device that is easily installed is also easily removed and, therefore, can be easily lost (e.g., to theft or knocking off). Embodiments of the present invention address these issues by providing a connected system that includes sensors that can be quickly retrofitted to pulleys on fitness equipment to measure the force on the cables or straps and their movement. The sensors communicate with a computer module that processes the sensor data to calculate the work (effort) performed by a user of the strength fitness equipment. For example, the sensors can measure the force applied to the pulleys and the rotation of the pulleys to determine one or more of displacement, velocity, and number of exercise repetitions. Advantageously, modifications to the strength fitness equipment do not change the length of the cables or straps, and therefore do not interfere with the operation of the machine. Advantageously, the connected system wirelessly connects to other devices (e.g., smartwatches, smartphones, and other mobile devices) without the need for proprietary accessories.

[0005] In certain embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a connected system for fitness equipment, comprising a sensor module having: a pulley pin load sensor sized and shaped to support a pulley of the fitness equipment; a sensor for sensing movement of the pulley as the pulley rotates; a communication interface; a processor; and a memory storing machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the sensor module to: capture raw force data from the pulley pin load sensor; capture raw movement data from the sensor; determine corrected force data from the raw force data based on calibration data; determine corrected movement data from the raw movement data based on the calibration data; and output the corrected force data and the corrected movement data via the communication interface.

[0006] In certain embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a method for measuring a user's performance of an exercise on a fitness device, comprising: capturing raw force data from a pulley pin load sensor supporting a pulley of the fitness device within a sensor module; capturing raw movement data defining the movement of the pulley using the sensor and a pattern on the pulley; determining corrected force data from the raw force data based on calibration data; determining corrected movement data from the raw movement data based on the calibration data; and sending the corrected force data and the corrected movement data to an interface module.

[0007] In certain embodiments, the technology described herein relates to a method for adding an articulated system to an exercise device, comprising: removing a pulley pin of a pulley carrying a cable or belt of the exercise device; adding an optical pattern to at least one side of the pulley; installing the pulley in the exercise device using a pulley pin load sensor, wherein the pulley pin load sensor replaces the pulley pin; and calibrating the articulated system by executing a predetermined procedure on the exercise device while the articulated system is in a calibration mode, the calibration mode measuring a force on the pulley pin load sensor and measuring movement of the pulley. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary prior art indoor strength fitness machine including a support frame and a counterweight stack with optional counterweights.

[0009] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary improved indoor strength fitness equipment, which in an embodiment includes a sensor module and an interface module for detecting user performance.

[0010] Figure 3 The embodiment further shows in detail the Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a pulley, a portion of a frame, and a portion of a cable of an indoor strength fitness equipment.

[0011] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The embodiment shows the installation of the sensor module to Figure 2 and Figure 3 view of indoor strength gym equipment with pulleys.

[0012] Figure 5 It shows the embodiment Figure 2 A block diagram of a sensor module with further exemplary details is provided.

[0013] Figure 6 It shows the embodiment Figure 2 A block diagram of the interface module is provided for further exemplary details.

[0014] Figure 7 It shows the embodiment Figure 2 Block diagram of an exemplary data flow for an improved indoor strength fitness equipment.

[0015] Figure 8 The embodiment shows Figure 2 A block diagram of an exemplary state machine implemented within a sensor module of an indoor strength fitness equipment.

[0016] Figure 9 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for measuring a user's exercise performance on fitness equipment in an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 10 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for adding a connected system to strength fitness equipment, in accordance with an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The following embodiments and examples describe indoor strength fitness equipment. However, other types of fitness equipment may utilize the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of the present invention. These types of fitness equipment may include rowing machines. Furthermore, these embodiments and examples discuss measuring the rotational movement of a pulley using an optical pattern sensed by an optical sensor; however, other types of sensors and patterns may also be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, a magnetic sensor may detect the pattern of teeth on a pulley.

[0019] Figure 1FIG1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a prior art indoor strength fitness machine 100, which includes a support frame 102 and a counterweight layer 104 with selectable counterweights 106. Handles 108 are coupled to the selected counterweight 106 via cables 110 that surround at least one pulley 112, wherein pulling the handles 108 applies force to the cables 110 to lift the selected counterweight 106. Indoor strength fitness machine 100 is not a smart machine and does not include sensors for sensing or tracking the performance of user 120. Therefore, user 120 does not receive any indication of their exercise performance while using indoor strength fitness machine 100.

[0020] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary connected system 200 mounted to an indoor strength fitness machine 201 . Figure 3 The sensor module 230 is further shown in detail before installation. Figure 2 Schematic diagram of pulley 212 (1), a portion of frame 202, and a portion of cable 210 of indoor strength fitness equipment 201. Best viewed in conjunction with the following description Figure 2 and Figure 3 .

[0021] The connected system 200 can be retrofitted to Figure 1 The connected system 200 may be mounted on the indoor strength fitness equipment 100 or integrated during the manufacturing process of the indoor strength fitness equipment 201. The connected system 200 includes a sensor module 230 configured to be coupled with the indoor strength fitness equipment 201 and an interface module 240, which may be mounted on the indoor strength fitness equipment 201 or installed separately.

[0022] Indoor strength fitness equipment 201 includes a support frame 202 and a counterweight stack 204 with an optional counterweight 206. A handle 208 is coupled to the selected counterweight via a cable 210, which surrounds at least one pulley 212(1) and 212(2) mounted on pulley pins 214(1) and 214(2), wherein pulling the handle 208 applies a force to the cable 210 to lift the optional counterweight 206. When a user 220 pulls the handle 208, the cable 210 applies a force 302 to the pulley 212(1), which in turn applies a force 302 to the pulley pin 214(1) of the pulley 212(1).

[0023] Connected system 200 (e.g., sensor module 230 and interface module 240) safely and accurately measures, records, and monitors the performance of user 220 while using indoor strength fitness equipment 201. Specifically, sensor module 230 and interface module 240 enhance the functionality of indoor strength fitness equipment 201, digitally connecting user 220 to their data, a trend and expectation that has become a mainstream trend in nearly all aerobic exercise and sports performance training fields. However, to date, there has been no effective, retrofittable solution to enhance the performance of indoor strength fitness equipment.

[0024] The sensor module 230 and the interface module 240 may have at least one of the following functions:

[0025] ●Measurement load / counterweight

[0026] ○The accuracy of the counterweight is ±0.5kg.

[0027] ○The weight repetition rate is 99%.

[0028] ●Matching layer position

[0029] ○ Repeated counting based on position and load with 100% accuracy.

[0030] ○ Tracks repetitive rhythms with 96% accuracy.

[0031] ○Motion position range, accuracy within 2 cm.

[0032] ○ Matching layer speed, accuracy reaches 96%

[0033] User information

[0034] ○ The settings of the fitness equipment previously used by the user

[0035] ○The weight value used in the previous exercise

[0036] ○ Historical data of user progress, weight, reps, and sets

[0037] ○ Comparison between current progress and user-set goals

[0038] The connected system 200 may also include functionality to measure and display lift speed, distance, and power, integrate with an athlete management system (AMS), including a web portal dashboard, be compatible with various smartphone devices (e.g., iOS and Android), and include team settings where appropriate.

[0039] Advantageously, the sensor module 230 and the interface module 240 are easily retrofitted onto existing indoor strength fitness equipment and are particularly suitable for any cable or belt-type strength fitness equipment. For example, the connected system 200 can be retrofitted to 90% of existing cable / belt-type fitness equipment (e.g., Figure 1 Indoor strength fitness equipment 100).

[0040] The interface module 240 may include a display 242 (e.g., a custom TFT screen) for displaying data collected and / or determined for an exercise performed by the user 220 on the indoor strength fitness equipment 201. The interface module 240 may communicate with a server 260 (e.g., a remote server or a cloud-based service) via, for example, the Internet 250, which collects, stores, processes, and / or shares data captured by the sensor module 230 and the interface module 240. The interface module 240 may include a mount that attaches the interface module 240 to the frame 202 of the indoor strength fitness equipment 201. Alternatively, the interface module 240 may stand or be attached to other structures independent of the indoor strength fitness equipment 201. In some embodiments, the sensor module 230 and the interface module 240 may communicate wirelessly, and the sensor module 230 includes an independent power source (e.g., a battery - see Figure 5 Optional battery 506 in FIG. ). In other embodiments, sensor module 230 and interface module 240 may be communicatively wired together, where the wiring also carries power from interface module 240 to sensor module 230, thereby eliminating the need for a battery. In some embodiments, interface module 240 is implemented by an application running on a user's smartphone or other mobile device (e.g., a smartwatch).

[0041] Figure 4A and Figure 4B is a perspective view showing the installation to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The sensor module 230 on the pulley 212 (1) of the indoor strength fitness equipment 201. Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4A and Figure 4B Best viewed in conjunction with the following instructions.

[0042] The pulley pin load sensor 402 supports the pulley 212(1) within the frame 202 of the indoor strength fitness equipment 201. For example, the pulley pin 214(1) of the pulley 212(1) is removed and replaced by the pulley pin load sensor 402, wherein the size and shape of the pulley pin load sensor 402 are designed to enable it to functionally support the pulley 212(1) within the frame 202. When the user 220 pulls the handle 208, causing the cable 210 to lift the optional counterweight 206 of the counterweight stack 204, the pulley pin load sensor 402 senses the force applied to the pulley pin load sensor 402 by the pulley 212(1). The housing 404 of the sensor module 230 is attached to one end of the pulley pin load sensor 402 and includes electronic components connected to the pulley pin load sensor 402. An optical pattern 406 (e.g., a zebra stripe pattern) is applied to the side of the pulley 212 (1) that faces the housing 404, and the housing 404 includes an optical sensor (see Figure 5 2 ), the optical sensor 502 in the embodiment of the present invention is responsive to the optical pattern 406 as the pulley 212(1) rotates. For example, the optical pattern 406 may have alternating regularly spaced colored regions, each of which represents an angular segment of the pulley 212(1). In another example, the optical pattern 406 is coded so that the optical sensor can identify the angle (e.g., absolute position) of the pulley 212(1).

[0043] Figure 5 is further illustrated in detail Figure 2 The sensor module 230 includes: Figure 4A and Figure 4B The sensor module 230 includes a pulley pin load sensor 402, an optical sensor 502, a communication interface 504, an optional battery 506, an analog-to-digital converter 507 (ADC 507), and a processor 508 communicatively coupled to a memory 510. In some embodiments, the ADC 507 is integrated with the processor 508. The memory 510 stores firmware 512, which is implemented in the form of machine-readable instructions, including: a force monitor 514, a movement monitor 516, and a communication manager 518. When the processor 508 executes the instructions, the instructions cause the sensor module 230 to implement the functions of the sensor module 230 as described herein.

[0044] The force monitor 514 causes the processor 508 to digitize (e.g., using the ADC 507) and process the raw force signal from the pulley pin load sensor 402 to determine force data 520 that can be stored in the memory 510. The movement monitor 516 causes the processor 508 to process the raw movement data (e.g., optical information) from the optical sensor 502 to determine movement data 530 that can be stored in the memory 510. When the optical pattern 406 moves relative to the housing 404 due to the movement of the cable 210 causing the pulley 212 (1) to rotate, the optical sensor 502 detects a change in light intensity. The detected change in light intensity indicates a change in the angular rotation of the pulley 212 (1) and may also indicate the direction of rotation. The measured angular rotation of the pulley 212 (1) can be converted into a distance that the cable 210 has moved based on the radius of the pulley 212 (1). In some embodiments, the movement monitor 516 calculates the speed at which the cable 210 moves and records the starting and ending positions of the movement to determine the distance moved during the exercise. For example, a motion monitor may include: a state machine (see, for example, Figure 8 ) that tracks the motion of a user performing an exercise on indoor strength fitness equipment 201. Advantageously, the information provided by sensor module 230 allows interface module 240 or other connected devices to track speed-based exercise programs and record the range of motion completed by the user. For example, interface module 240 can monitor the range of motion and indicate when indoor strength fitness equipment 201 is not being used safely (e.g., by emitting a warning tone or displaying a warning message).

[0045] When calibration data 540 is provided, force monitor 514 corrects force data 520 based on calibration data 540, and movement monitor 516 corrects movement data 530 based on calibration data 540. For example, calibration data 540 includes one or more correction factors for raw force data determined by ADC 507 based on the output of pulley pin load sensor 402, and one or more correction factors for raw movement data output from optical sensor 502.

[0046] The communication manager 518 communicates the force data 520 and movement data 530 to the communication interface 504. Figure 2 The interface module 240 of FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B may be used to determine the work performed by the user 220. For example, the work performed is equal to the force (force data 520) multiplied by the distance (movement data 530).

[0047] In some embodiments, the communication interface 504 implements a short-range wireless protocol, such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), ANT+, and / or Wi-Fi, which the communication manager 518 uses to wirelessly communicate with the interface module 240. In this embodiment, the sensor module 230 is self-powered and includes a battery 506 for powering the pulley pin load sensor 402, the optical sensor 502, the communication interface 504, the processor 508, and the memory 510. The battery 506 can be selected to provide a minimum operating time of, for example, 50,000 hours for the sensor module 230. In other embodiments, the communication interface 504 includes circuitry for driving a hardwired connection between the sensor module 230 and the interface module 240 and can receive power from the interface module 240 via the hardwired connection. In this embodiment, the sensor module 230 does not include a battery 506, and the power received from the interface module 240 is used to power the pulley pin load sensor 402, the optical sensor 502, the communication interface 504, the processor 508, and the memory 510.

[0048] Figure 6 is further illustrated in detail Figure 2 6. The interface module 240 includes a short-range communication interface 602, a long-range communication interface 604, a processor 606, a display 242, and a memory 610 storing software 612 implemented in machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor 606, cause the interface module 240 to implement a communication manager 614, a display manager 616, a relay manager 618, a data manager 620, and a calibrator 622.

[0049] The communication manager 614 controls the short-range communication interface 602 to communicate with the sensor module 230 (e.g., wirelessly or wired using BLE and / or ANT+) to receive the force data 520 and the movement data 530. The data manager 620 processes the force data 520 and the movement data 530 to determine performance data 630 for the exercise performed by the user 220 on the indoor strength fitness equipment 201. For example, the data manager 620 processes the force data 520 to determine the load weight 632 and processes the movement data 530 to determine one or more of the number of repetitions 634, the cadence 636, the range of motion 638, the velocity profile 640, and the work 642. The data manager 620 may also implement a calibration routine that determines calibration parameters for processing the force data 520 and the movement data 530 to determine the true value of the performance data 630. The performance data 630 may include other metrics determined based on the force data 520 and the movement data 530 without departing from the scope of the present invention. In some embodiments, the memory 610 includes a buffer for storing multiple sets of performance data 630 .

[0050] The display manager 616 can control the display 242 to output information of the performance data 630. For example, the display manager 616 can generate one or more graphs, tables, and animations corresponding to the performance data 630 (e.g., displaying values ​​and graphs for one or more of the load weight 632, the number of repetitions 634, the cadence 636, the range of motion 638, and the speed curve 640).

[0051] Relay manager 618 may control long-range communication interface 604 to relay performance data 630 to server 260, for example, via Internet 250. Long-range communication interface 604 may be implemented as one or more of Wi-Fi, LORA, and / or cellular protocols.

[0052] Calibrator 622 is invoked to calibrate sensor module 230 to the indoor strength fitness equipment 201. Sensor module 230 includes calibration data 540 that calibrates the force sensed by pulley pin load sensor 402 and / or the movement measured by optical sensor 502 based on the physical characteristics of indoor strength fitness equipment 201. As described above, before installing sensor module 230, if the type and characteristics of indoor strength fitness equipment 100 are unknown, sensor module 230 can be retrofitted to an existing indoor strength fitness equipment 100. Furthermore, sensor module 230 can be used with different types of exercise equipment. Therefore, after installation, sensor module 230 can be calibrated to improve the quality of performance data 630 generated thereby.

[0053] In one operational example, when the interface module 240 is paired with the sensor module 230, the calibrator 622 is invoked to determine whether the sensor module 230 has been calibrated. For example, during the pairing process, the sensor module 230 may return a status indicating whether it has been calibrated. If the status indicates that the calibration data 540 has not yet been configured within the sensor module 230, the software 612 may automatically invoke the calibrator 622 to prompt the user of the interface module 240 to perform a calibration routine. In one calibration example, the calibrator 622 prompts the user to perform at least one predefined action on the fitness equipment while the sensor module 230 captures force data 520 and movement data 530 and transmits them to the calibrator 622. The calibrator 622 then determines the calibration data 540 based on the force data 520 and / or movement data 530 and the weight and / or movement values ​​of the requested calibration routine, and transmits the calibration data 540 to the sensor module 230 for storage in the memory 510. For example, the calibration routine may instruct the user to select a 20-pound weight and move the handle 208 a distance of 3 feet. In some embodiments, the sensor module 230 can be factory calibrated prior to deployment so that the calibration process uses a known weight. The force monitor 514 and / or the movement monitor 516 use the calibration data 540 to automatically correct the force data 520 and / or the movement data 530. The software 612 can also allow the user of the interface module 240 to call the calibrator 622 at other times as needed.

[0054] In certain embodiments, the interface module 240 may also allow the user to define other characteristics of the indoor strength fitness equipment 201. For example, if the indoor strength fitness equipment 201 is equipped with a weight overlay 204, the user may also define corresponding weight steps (e.g., five-pound steps, half-kilogram steps, etc.). Thus, the sensed weight may be limited to the nearest weight step. For example, the interface module 240 may use at least two known weights to determine the raw strain slope to calibrate the sensor module 230. Furthermore, the interface module 240 may recommend that the user add or subtract weights based on their performance during the workout.

[0055] The communication manager 614 may also implement one or more protocols to interface with other fitness equipment. For example, the communication manager 614 and / or the short-range communication interface 602 may implement GymKit protocol, thereby integrating the sensor module 230 and the interface module 240 into the fitness environment. In another example, the communication manager 614 communicates with a mobile device (eg, a smartphone, a smartwatch, etc.) of a user of the indoor strength fitness equipment 201.

[0056] Data Flow

[0057] Figure 7 It shows the embodiment Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary data flow for the improved indoor strength fitness equipment 201. The sensor module 230 is represented as a load digitizer 702, a quadrature encoder 704, a data processor 706, and a communicator 708.

[0058] The pulley pin load sensor 402 outputs a raw force signal 701 representing the force applied by the cable 210 to the pulley 212(1). The raw force signal 701 is digitized by a load digitizer 702 and input to a data processor 706 as raw force data 703. The load digitizer 702 is implemented, for example, by the ADC 507 of the sensor module 230.

[0059] The quadrature encoder 704 includes an optical sensor 502 that captures raw movement data 705 representing the movement of the pulley 212(1) caused by the cable 210. For example, the raw movement data 705 defines the distance the pulley 212(1) has moved (e.g., the rotation angle of the pulley 212(1)) and the direction of movement.

[0060] The data processor 706 may be implemented as a signal filter and / or a state machine for the raw force data 703 and / or the raw movement data 705 (see Figure 8 ) to determine corrected force and movement data 707 that is output via communicator 708. Data processor 706 improves the quality of raw force data 703 and / or raw movement data 705 by removing noise and outliers. Data processor 706 also corrects raw force data 703 and / or raw movement data 705 based on calibration data 540 to form corrected force and movement data 707.

[0061] Corrected force and movement data 707 is sent to communicator 708 and transmitted to interface module 240 and / or athlete management system 720. Athlete management system 720 may be implemented on a local device (such as a user's watch or smartphone) and may not push corrected force and movement data 707 to cloud fitness storage 730 unless configured by the user. In embodiments where interface module 240 is an electronic device with a display mounted on or near indoor strength fitness equipment 201, interface module 240 may be configured to push corrected force and movement data 707 to cloud fitness storage 730. In addition, interface module 240 may send other operational data (e.g., usage data, wear and predictive maintenance information, etc.) to cloud fitness storage 730 and / or other cloud-based servers. For example, interface module 240 and / or athlete management system 720 may store workout information in cloud fitness storage 730. Athlete management system 720 uses a standard protocol, which sensor module 230 implements, to output data 707.

[0062] Figure 8 The embodiment shows Figure 2 FIG2 is a block diagram of an exemplary state machine 800 implemented within the sensor module 230 of the indoor strength fitness equipment 201 of FIG2 . The state machine 800 includes three states: an idle state 802, a raised state 804, and a lowered state 806. The idle state 802 is a starting state that occurs when no force is detected by the force monitor 514 and no movement is detected by the movement monitor 516. When the movement data 530 indicates that the direction of movement corresponds to upward movement of the counterweight overlay 204 and the force data 520 indicates that the weight is at least equal to the minimum selectable counterweight of the counterweight overlay 204, the state machine 800 makes a transition 812 from the idle state 802 to the raised state 804. When the movement data 530 indicates that the direction of movement corresponds to downward movement of the counterweight overlay 204, the state machine 800 makes a transition 814 from the raised state 804 to the lowered state 806. When movement data 530 indicates a direction of movement corresponding to an upward movement of counterweight overlay 204, state machine 800 makes a transition 816 from down state 806 to up state 804. State machine 800 makes a transition 818 from down state 806 to idle state 802 when either of the following occurs: (a) no significant movement is detected within a timeout period (e.g., 30 seconds), and (b) the weight indicated by force data 520 is less than the minimum selectable weight for counterweight overlay 204. In some embodiments, sensor module 230 may include other types of sensors for detecting when a user is no longer using indoor strength fitness equipment 201. In one example, sensor module 230 may include an infrared sensor for detecting when a user is no longer using indoor strength fitness equipment 201. In another example, sensor module 230 may include a grip sensor for detecting when a user is no longer gripping handles 208. In these embodiments, state machine 800 may also make a transition 818 from down state 806 to idle state 802 when a user is no longer detected.

[0063] At transition 814 (e.g., when state machine 800 transitions from lift state 804 to lower state 806), sensor module 230 sends force data 520 and movement data 530 to interface module 240, indicating that one "rep" has been completed. Accordingly, interface module 240 updates display 242 to indicate the user's progress in the monitored workout. At transition 818 (e.g., when state machine 800 transitions from lower state 806 to idle state 802), sensor module 230 sends an idle message to interface module 240, which may cause interface module 240 to send a workout summary to athlete management system 720 and / or cause interface module 240 to store the workout summary in cloud fitness storage 730.

[0064] Figure 9FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 900 for measuring a user's performance in exercising on fitness equipment according to an embodiment. For example, the method 900 may be Figure 2 is implemented in the connected system 200.

[0065] At block 910, method 900 captures raw force data from a pulley pin load sensor supporting a pulley of an indoor strength fitness machine within a sensor module. In one example of block 910, sensor module 230 captures raw force data 703 from a pulley pin load sensor 402 supporting a pulley 212(1) in a frame 202 of an indoor strength fitness machine 201.

[0066] In block 920 , method 900 captures raw movement data defining the movement of the pulley using the pattern on the pulley and the sensor. In one example of block 920 , optical sensor 502 captures raw movement data 705 indicating the movement of pulley 212 ( 1 ) based on optical pattern 406 .

[0067] At block 930 , the method 900 determines corrected force data from the raw force data based on the calibration data. In one example of block 930 , the force monitor 514 causes the processor 508 to correct the force data 520 based on the calibration data 540 .

[0068] At block 940 , the method 900 determines corrected movement data from the raw movement data based on the calibration data. In one example of block 940 , the movement monitor 516 causes the processor 508 to correct the movement data 530 based on the calibration data 540 .

[0069] At block 950 , the method 900 sends the corrected force data and the corrected movement data to the interface module. In one example of block 950 , the communication manager 518 causes the processor 508 to output the force data 520 and the movement data 530 via the communication interface 504 .

[0070] The method 900 is repeated at a certain time interval to measure the user's performance during the period.

[0071] Figure 10 1 is an exemplary method 1000 for adding a connection system to an exercise machine. The method 1000 can be performed by a person having basic mechanical skills to remove and replace pulleys on an exercise machine.

[0072] In block 1010, method 1000 removes a pulley pin of a pulley carrying a cable or belt of a fitness equipment. In one example of block 1010, a person removes pin 214(1) from indoor strength fitness equipment 201. In block 1020, method 1000 adds an optical pattern to at least one side of the pulley. In one example of block 1020, optical pattern 406 is added to pulley 212(1). In block 1030, method 1000 installs the pulley in the strength fitness equipment using a pulley pin load sensor, wherein the pulley pin load sensor replaces the pulley pin. In one example of block 1030, pulley 212(1) is reinstalled in indoor strength fitness equipment 201 using pulley pin load sensor 402. At block 1040, method 1000 calibrates the connected system by executing a predefined routine on the strength fitness equipment while the connected system is in a calibration mode that measures the force on the pulley pin load sensor and the movement of the pulley. In one example of block 1040, a user invokes calibrator 622 and is prompted to perform at least one predefined operation on the indoor strength fitness equipment 201 while sensor module 230 captures force data 520 and movement data 530 and sends it to calibrator 622. Calibrator 622 then determines calibration data 540 based on the force data 520 and / or movement data 530 and the weight and / or movement values ​​of the requested calibration routine. Calibrator 622 sends calibration data 540 to sensor module 230 and stores it in memory 510.

[0073] Method 1000 is a relatively simple process that uses any type of exercise equipment, such as cables or belts with pulleys, and takes approximately ten minutes.

[0074] Modifications may be made to the above-described methods and systems without departing from the scope thereof. It should therefore be noted that the matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not restrictive. The following claims are intended to cover all generic and specific features described herein and all statements of the scope of the present methods and systems that, by definition, could be said to fall within the above-described scope.

[0075] Feature combination

[0076] The features described above and the features claimed below may be combined in various ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following examples illustrate some possible non-limiting combinations:

[0077] (A1) A connected system for fitness equipment, comprising a sensor module having: a pulley pin load sensor sized and shaped to support a pulley of the fitness equipment; a sensor for sensing movement of the pulley as it rotates; a communication interface; a processor; and a memory storing machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the sensor module to: capture raw force data from the pulley pin load sensor; capture raw movement data from the sensor; determine corrected force data from the raw force data based on calibration data; determine corrected movement data from the raw movement data based on calibration data; and output the corrected force data and the corrected movement data via the communication interface.

[0078] (A2) The embodiment of (A1) further includes an optical pattern formed on the pulley, wherein the sensor is at least two optical sensors.

[0079] (A3) In embodiment (A1) or (A2), the fitness equipment comprises strength fitness equipment.

[0080] (A4) Any one of embodiments (A1)-(A3) further includes an interface module, wherein the interface module has: a second communication interface; a long-range wireless communication interface; a second processor; and a second memory storing machine-readable instructions, wherein when the second processor executes the instructions, the instructions cause the interface module to perform the following operations: receive corrected force data and corrected movement data via the second communication interface; and transmit the corrected force data and corrected movement data via the communication interface using a standard protocol.

[0081] (A5) In any one of embodiments (A1)-(A4), the communication interface and the second communication interface each include a short-range wireless communication interface, and the sensor module further includes an independent power supply.

[0082] (A6) In any one of embodiments (A1)-(A5), the communication interface and the second communication interface are connected by a wire, wherein the wire transmits power from the interface module to the sensor module.

[0083] (A7) In any one of embodiments (A1)-(A6), the interface module further includes: a display; and machine-readable instructions stored in a second memory, which, when executed by a second processor, cause the interface module to output information about the exercise performed by the user of the fitness equipment based on the corrected force data and the corrected movement data.

[0084] (A8) In any one of embodiments (A1)-(A7), the interface module also includes machine-readable instructions stored in the second memory, and when the second processor executes the instructions, the instructions cause the interface module to store the corrected force data and the corrected movement data in the cloud fitness storage.

[0085] (B1) A method for measuring a user's performance while exercising on a fitness device, comprising: capturing raw force data from a pulley pin load sensor supporting a pulley of the fitness device within a sensor module; capturing raw movement data defining movement of the pulley using a sensor and a pattern on the pulley; determining corrected force data from the raw force data based on calibration data; determining corrected movement data from the raw movement data based on the calibration data; and sending the corrected force data and the corrected movement data to an interface module.

[0086] (B2) The embodiment of (B1), further comprising: filtering at least one of the raw force data and the raw movement data to eliminate noise.

[0087] (B3) Any of embodiments (B1) or (B2), further comprising: processing the corrected force data and the corrected movement data within the interface module to determine the work performed by the user during the exercise.

[0088] (B4) Any of embodiments (B1)-(B3), further comprising determining, within the interface module, at least one of a repetition count, a cadence, a range of motion, and a speed of motion from the corrected movement data.

[0089] (B5) Any one of embodiments (B1)-(B4), further comprising: outputting at least two of the repetition count, cadence, range of motion, motion speed, and work on a display of the interface module.

[0090] (B6) Any one of embodiments (B1)-(B5), wherein the sending includes: detecting the transition of the state machine between the idle state, the lifting state and the lowering state based on the raw movement data within the sensor module, wherein the sending occurs during the transition to the lowering state.

[0091] (B7) Any of embodiments (B1)-(B6), further comprising: sending an idle message to the interface module to indicate the end of the workout, the interface module sending a workout summary to the athlete management system and / or cloud fitness storage.

[0092] (C1) A method for adding an articulated system to a fitness device, comprising: removing a pulley pin of a pulley carrying a cable or belt of the fitness device; adding an optical pattern to at least one side of the pulley; mounting the pulley in the fitness device using a pulley pin load sensor, wherein the pulley pin load sensor replaces the pulley pin; and calibrating the articulated system by performing a predetermined routine on the fitness device while the articulated system is in a calibration mode, wherein the calibration mode measures the force on the pulley pin load sensor and measures the movement of the pulley.

Claims

1. A connected system for fitness equipment, comprising a sensor module having: a pulley pin load sensor sized and shaped to support a pulley of the fitness equipment; a sensor for sensing movement of the pulley as the pulley rotates; Communication interface; processor; and a memory storing machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the sensor module to perform the following operations: capturing raw force data from the pulley pin load sensor; capturing raw motion data from the sensor; determining corrected force data from the raw force data based on calibration data; determining corrected movement data from the raw movement data based on the calibration data; as well as The corrected force data and the corrected movement data are output via the communication interface.

2. The connected system according to claim 1, further comprising an optical pattern formed on the pulley, wherein The sensors are at least two optical sensors.

3. The connected system of claim 1, wherein the fitness equipment comprises strength training equipment.

4. The connected system according to claim 1 , further comprising an interface module, the interface module having: a second communication interface; Long-range wireless communication interface; a second processor; and The second memory stores machine-readable instructions, and when the second processor executes the machine-readable instructions, the machine-readable instructions cause the interface module to perform the following operations: receiving the corrected force data and the corrected movement data via the second communication interface; and The corrected force data and the corrected movement data are transmitted via the communication interface using a standard protocol.

5. The connected system of claim 4, wherein the communication interface and the second communication interface each comprise a short-range wireless communication interface, and the sensor module further comprises an independent power supply.

6. The connected system according to claim 4, wherein the communication interface and the second communication interface are connected by a wire, wherein: The wires transmit power from the interface module to the sensor module.

7. The connected system according to claim 4, wherein the interface module further comprises: monitor; as well as Machine-readable instructions stored in the second memory, when executed by the second processor, cause the interface module to output information about an exercise performed by a user of the fitness device based on the corrected force data and the corrected movement data.

8. The connected system of claim 4 , the interface module further comprising machine-readable instructions stored in the second memory, which, when executed by the second processor, cause the interface module to store the corrected force data and the corrected movement data in cloud fitness storage.

9. A method for measuring a user's performance while exercising on a fitness device, comprising: capturing raw force data within a sensor module from a pulley pin load sensor supporting a pulley of the fitness device; capturing raw movement data defining movement of the pulley using a sensor and a pattern on the pulley; determining corrected force data from the raw force data based on calibration data; determining corrected movement data from the raw movement data based on the calibration data; as well as The corrected force data and the corrected movement data are sent to an interface module.

10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: At least one of the raw force data and the raw movement data is filtered to remove noise.

11. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: The corrected force data and the corrected movement data are processed within the interface module to determine work performed by the user during the exercise.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: At least one of a repetition count, cadence, range of motion, and speed of motion is determined within the interface module from the corrected movement data.

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: At least two of the repetition count, the cadence, the range of motion, the speed of motion, and the work are output on a display of the interface module.

14. The method according to claim 9, wherein the sending comprises: Transitions of a state machine between an idle state, a raised state, and a lowered state are detected within the sensor module based on the raw movement data, wherein the transmitting occurs upon a transition to the lowered state.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: An idle message is sent to the interface module to indicate the end of the workout, and the interface module sends a workout summary to an athlete management system and / or cloud fitness storage.

16. A method of adding a connected system to a fitness device, comprising: removing a pulley pin from a pulley carrying a cable or belt of the fitness equipment; adding an optical pattern to at least one side of the pulley; installing the pulley in the fitness equipment using a pulley pin load sensor, wherein the pulley pin load sensor replaces the pulley pin; as well as The articulated system is calibrated by executing a predetermined routine on the exercise equipment when the articulated system is in a calibration mode that measures the force on the pulley pin load cell and measures the movement of the pulley.

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