Proximity Tracking Device for Gym Equipment Data Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gym user data tracking systems are inconvenient, costly, and lack universality due to manual input requirements, limited activity recognition, and incompatibility with existing exercise equipment, making it difficult to track user activities effectively and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a tracking device attached to exercise equipment with a proximity sensor, wireless transceiver, and processor that detects user proximity and sends notification signals to a mobile device, allowing for automatic data collection and analysis, including identification of the exercise device, and a mobile device that receives and records these signals when the signal strength meets a predetermined threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual input methods (pen and paper or mobile apps) are used to track exercise activities, then users can record their activities, but the convenience and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring manual input effort
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic tracking of exercise activities without requiring manual input from users. The exercise equipment itself generates and transmits activity data to the server, allowing the system to serve itself by automatically recording workouts, eliminating the need for users to manually log their exercises
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical input methods (writing with pen and paper or manually entering data into apps) with an automated electronic system. The exercise equipment incorporates sensors and communication modules that automatically detect and transmit activity data, substituting the mechanical manual input process with an automated electronic data collection system
2Extent of automation
If wearable devices are used to record exercise activities, then automatic tracking is improved, but the adaptability and versatility worsen due to limited activity recognition capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to work with multiple types of exercise equipment (treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, weight machines, etc.) through a universal communication interface. The server can receive and process data from various equipment types, making the system adaptable to diverse exercise activities without requiring different tracking solutions for each equipment type
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the exercise equipment and the user's mobile device. The server receives raw data from various exercise equipment, processes and standardizes the information, and then provides it to the user's mobile application. This intermediary layer enables the system to handle multiple activity types uniformly, translating diverse equipment data into a common format that can be universally processed
3Adaptability or versatility
If fitness equipment is extended with electronic devices for manual routine setting, then personalized exercise routines can be provided, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase due to drilling holes and wiring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electronic control components from the exercise equipment itself and places them in a separate, portable form factor that can attach to or near the equipment without permanent installation. The tracking device is designed as a standalone unit that communicates with the exercise equipment, eliminating the need to embed electronics within the equipment structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a portable, easily deployable tracking device rather than permanently modifying the exercise equipment. The tracking device can be attached or detached as needed and uses wireless communication instead of hardwired connections, making installation simple and reversible without requiring drilling, wiring, or permanent structural changes to the equipment
4Extent of automation
If existing exercise equipment is replaced with intelligent equipment, then automatic tracking capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and implementation expense increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tracking system into separate functional components: a portable tracking device that attaches to or near the exercise equipment, and a server that processes data. This segmentation allows the tracking functionality to be added without replacing the entire exercise equipment, enabling automatic data collection through a modular approach that preserves existing equipment investments
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of replacing physical exercise equipment with expensive intelligent versions, the patent creates a digital copy or representation of the equipment's functionality through the tracking device. The portable tracker captures and transmits data from the existing equipment, effectively copying the data collection capability without requiring physical replacement of the equipment itself
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables convenient, efficient, and cost-effective tracking and analysis of user data, reducing manual input errors and enhancing the ability to monitor user activities across various gym equipment types, thereby improving user data management and gym operations.
Implementation Method 1
detect a received signal strength (RSS) of the notification signal and determine whether the RSS is above or at a pre-determined threshold
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for tracking, collecting, or analyzing user data for gyms. For example, the system can include a mobile device associated with a user and a tracking device attached to an exercise device. The tracking device can be configured to detect when the mobile device or the user enters within a proximity value of the tracking device and notify the mobile device with a notification signal and identification information of the exercise device. The mobile device can be configured to receive the notification signal from the tracking device, detect a received signal strength (RSS) of the notification signal, and determine whether the RSS is above or at a pre-determined threshold. When the RSS is above or at the pre-determined threshold, the mobile device records the identification information of the exercise device. When the RSS is below the pre-determined threshold, the mobile device ignores the notification signal.