Method and device for recording and evaluating data on fitness equipment

Abstract

Method for recording and evaluating data on fitness equipment with weight plates used for physical exercise by recording the distance traveled, the lifting speed and the direction of movement of the weight plates and storing the training data, the determination of the temporal sequence of the training exercises, the distance traveled by the weight plates (1), the direction of movement and the speed of the lifting process is carried out by exclusively contactless recording and evaluation of the signals from transmitter and / or reflection modules attached to the weight plates (1), parallel to the measured value recording, the kinetic energy of the weight plates (1) is converted into electrical energy together with other environmentally related energy sources and stored, and the recorded training data is evaluated, displayed and stored with regard to its temporal and quantitative progression,wherein the detection of the distance traveled, the lifting speed and the direction of movement of the weight plates is carried out by detecting the magnetic field strength of the magnetic field peaks during the lifting process, and the signal-generating transmitter assemblies are constructed from magnetic plates (2) attached to the weight plates (1), the magnetic poles of which are of the same name at their contact points (7; 8), characterized in that at least two speed values are detected contactlessly during the lifting process, wherein one speed value is detected contactlessly during the section-wise lifting process of the weight plates (1) by the height difference corresponding to the construction height of a weight plate (1),wherein the time difference (t2-t1) between the detection of two maximum values (9; 10) of the signal curve by means of one of the sensors (3; 4; 5) and the formation of the ratio of the time difference (t2-t1) to the construction height of the weight plate (1) is used to determine the lifting speed.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a device for carrying out the method for recording, evaluating and displaying training data on fitness equipment, in particular on fitness equipment with stackable weight plates.

[0002] DE 38 07 038 C1 discloses an arrangement for recording training data for mechanical training devices, comprising a control unit arranged on the device and a processor associated with the control unit. In this arrangement, training instructions are entered using a memory chip. The mechanical movement of the training device is sensed by a preferably contactless sensor. The memory chip is designed as a non-volatile, portable data storage device and is programmed with personalized training instructions. Furthermore, this data storage device can be connected to the control units of various training devices. The completed training units, recorded by the control unit via the sensor, are also displayed by the control unit.

[0003] This arrangement gives the user the opportunity to carry out a training plan tailored to their needs on various training devices and spread over a longer period of time.

[0004] A disadvantage of this arrangement, however, is the lack of ability to record and evaluate the speed / time profiles during the lifting processes, resulting in inaccuracies in the recording, evaluation, and specification of training schedules. Another disadvantage is the required central power supply (public power grid) for the training facilities and the associated dependence on the power supply from the public power grid. Training equipment equipped with an electric generator is described, for example, in US Pat. No. 4,822,036.

[0005] US 6,494,811 B1 discloses a measuring unit for a weight stack fitness device, in which a frame supports a load unit equipped with a plurality of substantially identical weights. The weights are provided with a hole to form a vertical channel for a load selection bar. A remote-controlled load measuring unit is provided for calculating static and dynamic training parameters.

[0006] DE 85 02 372 U1 discloses a measuring device for training machines with a sensor that can be attached to the training machine and that generates a predetermined number of pulses for a counter for each work unit performed by the user, which counter contains an evaluation device that is provided with a display device and can be connected to the training machine.

[0007] Also known from EP 0 691 140 B1 is a fitness feedback system for devices with stacked weights for monitoring, tracking, recording, updating, and reporting training data to devices with weight stacking elements and fitness systems. In this device, the number of lifted weight plates is determined using proximity measuring devices. The proximity measuring devices are assigned to the weight plates in a contactless manner and are also connected by contact to a cable assembly attached to the weight plates. To measure the distance the weight plates move during a lifting process, an encoding device consisting of a retractable, two-ended cable assembly is used. The first end of the cable assembly is attached to the frame and the second end is attached to one of the weight plates.Furthermore, this encoder includes a rotary pulse generator that generates pulses corresponding to the distance traveled by the retractable cable. In another embodiment, this encoder is designed as a multi-turn potentiometer. An electronic detection device connected to the encoder and the proximity measuring devices calculates the weight of the lifted weight plates. This solution creates a device for measuring and displaying individual exercise parameters, such as weight, weight range of motion, lifting speed, and the number of repetitions of the weight lifting process.

[0008] This device sends the exercise parameters to a central storage location and feeds them back to the user or fitness trainer. The exercise data is displayed near the weight stacking machine.

[0009] However, the disadvantages of this device are the lack of ability to record and evaluate speed / time profiles, the contact-based connection of the cable assembly to the weight plates, and the dependence on the public energy grid or environmentally harmful storage components such as batteries, etc. The mobile use of such fitness equipment is only possible to a limited extent due to the necessary recharging options.

[0010] The object of the invention is therefore to create a method and a device for carrying out the method, with which a higher accuracy in the evaluation of training data is achieved, an environmentally friendly energy supply is made possible by the use of alternative energy sources, the device is designed to be wear-free and less space and material expenditure is required.

[0011] This object is achieved by the features of the method described in patent claim 1 and the device used to carry out the method according to patent claim 4. Advantageous further developments of the method are described in patent claims 2 and 3 and of the device in patent claims 4 and 5. In particular, the solution is suitable for use in training processes in the field of high-performance sports.

[0012] The invention will be explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] The drawing shows Fig. 1: the schematic arrangement of the weight plates to the sensors, Fig. 2: the arrangement of the magnetic plates on the weight plates and Fig. 3: the voltage / time signal curve at the sensors.

[0014] In the known solution according to DE 695 198 26 T2 (Integrated Fitness Corp.), proximity measuring devices are assigned to the weight stack and a cable that records the distance traveled. The total weight to be lifted is calculated. This system only records the lifting speed. The proximity measuring devices are arranged in the area of the weight stack.

[0015] The solution described below is as in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a magnetic plate 2 is mechanically attached to the side of each weight plate 1 of the load column. This magnetic plate 2 has a magnetic north pole on its top side and the corresponding magnetic south pole on its bottom side.

[0016] After pre-selecting the weight to be lifted and the associated determination of the number of weight plates 1 to be lifted, two magnetic plates 2 are placed one above the other with the same magnetic poles, generating a concentrated magnetic field at the respective contact points 7 and 8 of the magnetic poles of the same name, with the summed magnetic flux of the repelling magnetic fields. The repelling magnetic fields are, so to speak, "pressed" against each other by the weight of the weight plates 1. The magnetic field peaks detectable at the contact points 7 and 8 are metrologically representative of two weight plates 1 each. If two such magnetic field peaks are detected, they are representative of four weight plates 1, and so on.

[0017] Since the weight of a weight plate 1 is predetermined, the total weight can also be easily determined. The total weight of all lifted weight plates 1 is determined by summing the signals generated as these magnetic field peaks pass the magnetic sensors 3, 4, and 5 during the lifting process.

[0018] The detection of the magnetic field strength of the magnetic field peaks during the lifting process by the sensors 3, 4, 5 arranged along the lifting path serves not only to determine the lifted weight but also to determine the speeds when the magnetic plates 2 move past the sensors 3, 4, 5. The sensors 3, 4, 5 are arranged above the staked weight plates 1 to be lifted on the housing of the fitness device.

[0019] The signal-based detection and evaluation of the entry and exit of the magnetic field peaks generated between the weight assemblies 1 within the respective detection range of the sensors 3, 4, 5 enables the detection of the current speed values at different times of the movement phase.

[0020] In the evaluation circuit 6, not described in detail here, the above-mentioned speed values, the lifted weight, and the distances traveled with this weight are determined using the system clock (timer module). Such an evaluation circuit is described in DE 103 49 357 A1. The only prerequisite is knowledge of the dimensional height of the weight plate 1 or the magnetic plate 2.

[0021] The magnetic field peaks generated between the weight plates 1 are detected by a sensor using a known peak value measurement. What is crucial here is not the magnitude of the detected peak value, but the determination (detection) that a peak value exists at a specific time. The time elapsed between the detection of two peak values (t2-t1) is used to determine the speed.

[0022] In the Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows the front view of the load column with the magnetic plates 2 mechanically attached to it. When designing the dimensions of the magnetic plates 2, it is not their width that matters, but their height, which must correspond to the distance from the lower edge to the upper edge of the weight plate 1.

[0023] Since the number of magnetic field peaks generated at contact points 7 and 8 between weight plates 1 increases in proportion to the number of weight plates (+1), the weight height is automatically determined using the measured number of sensor signals. If the number of weight plates is known, the overall height of the weight plates (stacked weight) can also be determined by specifying the uniform dimensional height of weight plates 1 as described above.

[0024] The system clock is used to determine the times at which the weight package enters and exits the detection range of sensor 3. Based on the time difference and the height of the weight package, the speed of the weight package at the position height of sensor 3 during the lifting process can be calculated. The same determination process is performed while the weight package moves past sensors 4 and 5. The three speed values determined in this exemplary embodiment form the basis for subsequent evaluations.

[0025] By interpolating the values in software, the v / t curve of the training movement can be determined and saved. The accuracy of the determined curves depends on the number of sensors used. By determining the average of the recorded signal values from all sensors 3, 4, and 5, the accuracy of the v / t curves is increased. Furthermore, the arrangement of multiple sensors increases the redundancy of the system. If one sensor fails, another takes over its function.

[0026] In principle, however, the process can be carried out with a single sensor. Fig.Figure 3 shows the voltage / time curve of the detected signal from a sensor as two magnetic field peaks move past. The resulting maximum values 9, 10 of the signals are recorded by a sample-and-hold circuit and assigned to the respective times t1 and t2 by signal comparison with a timer module. By calculating the signal difference between the two times t1 and t2, the time in which two magnetic field peaks, and thus a weight plate 1, move past the sensor is determined. The ratio of the height of weight plate 1 to the determined time determines the respective lifting speed.

[0027] The kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy by an inductive assembly located near sensors 3, 4, and 5, which can be configured as a coil, for example. The detection of the respective polarity of the induced voltage is used to detect the direction of movement.

[0028] The energy from body movements, combined with energy from other environmentally friendly energy sources such as solar cell foil, is stored in a so-called Ultracup capacitor and serves to power the evaluation device 6. Despite their miniaturized design, these Ultracup capacitors have very high storage capacities. These capacities can currently have an electrical storage capacity of up to 1000 farads. In addition to supplying power to the evaluation device 6, they also supply power to the other electrical components of the fitness equipment. List of reference symbols 1 weight plate 2 magnetic plates 3 Sensor 4 Sensor 5 Sensor 6 Evaluation circuit 7 Point of contact 8 Maximum value 9 Maximum value

Claims

[1] A method for recording and evaluating data on fitness equipment with weight plates used for physical exercise, by recording the distance covered, the lifting speed and the direction of movement of the weight plates and by storing the training data, the determination of the temporal sequence of the training exercises, the distance covered by the weight plates (1), the direction of movement and the speed of the lifting process is carried out by exclusively contactless recording and evaluation of the signals from transmitting and / or reflecting modules attached to the weight plates (1), parallel to the measured value recording, the kinetic energy of the weight plates (1) is converted into electrical energy together with other environmentally related energy sources and stored, and the recorded training data is evaluated, displayed and stored with regard to its temporal and quantitative course,wherein the detection of the distance travelled, the lifting speed and the direction of movement of the weight plates is carried out by detecting the magnetic field strength of the magnetic field peaks during the lifting process and the signal-generating transmitter assemblies are constructed from magnetic plates (2) attached to the weight plates (1), the magnetic poles of which are of the same name at their contact points (7; 8), , characterized bythat at least two speed values are recorded without contact during the lifting process, wherein in each case one speed value is recorded without contact during the section-wise lifting process of the weight plates (1) by the height difference corresponding to the construction height of a weight plate (1), wherein the time difference (t2-t1) between the recording of two maximum values (9; 10) of the signal curve by means of one of the sensors (3; 4; 5) and formation of the ratio value of the time difference (t2-t1) to the construction height of the weight plate (1) is used to determine the lifting speed. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that the environmentally friendly energy supply and data analysis and storage are carried out decentrally at the respective fitness facilities. [3] Method according to claims 1, characterized by that environmentally friendly energy generation takes place by means of an electric generator coupled to the lifting processes. [4] Device for carrying out the method according to claim 1, characterized by that each fitness device is assigned a separate module that carries out data acquisition, storage and evaluation as well as energy generation, storage and supply, characterized by that the device for detecting the magnetic field strength of the magnetic field peaks during the lifting process comprises sensors arranged along the lifting path and the signal-generating transmitting assemblies consist of magnetic plates (2) attached to the weight plates (1), the magnetic poles of which are of the same name at their contact points (7; 8). [5] Device according to claim 4, characterized by that the evaluation circuit (6) consists of a sensor which detects the magnetic field, a module which detects and stores the maximum signal value which occurs when the magnetic plate (2) moves past, and a timer module.

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