Smart Glove Automatic Workout Tracking via Tag Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for tracking workout metrics, especially for strength training, are time-consuming and prone to human error, as they require manual entry of weight and exercise type, distracting exercisers and potentially affecting their form.

Innovation Solution

A wearable device that detects a tag identifier on exercise equipment, selects an associated algorithm, receives movement data, determines exercise repetitions, and transmits records to a remote device, automatically tracking weight and exercise type without manual input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual tracking of workout metrics is used, then exercisers can record their workouts, but it is time-consuming and distracting from the workout

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkout metrics tracking accuracyVSAvoidtime spent on manual entry
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic self-tracking of workout metrics through sensors that detect movement data, weight lifted, and repetition counts without requiring manual intervention. The wearable device and exercise equipment work together to automatically record and transmit workout data, allowing exercisers to focus on their workout while the system handles documentation autonomously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual writing and note-taking with an automated electronic tracking system using sensors, processors, and wireless communication. Motion sensors detect movements, weight sensors measure lifted weights, and the system automatically processes and transmits this data digitally, eliminating the need for physical documentation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of information

If manual entry of workout information is required, then complete data can be recorded, but exerciser's form may suffer due to distraction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkout data completenessVSAvoidexercise form quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system autonomously monitors and records all workout parameters including movement quality, repetition counts, and weight lifted through integrated sensors. This self-monitoring capability ensures complete data capture while keeping exercisers undistracted, as the system independently tracks form quality and provides feedback without requiring manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms where sensors monitor exercise form and provide immediate guidance to exercisers. The processor analyzes movement data and delivers feedback on proper technique, allowing exercisers to maintain correct form while the system automatically records all workout metrics without manual entry

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Extent of automation

If existing movement tracking methods are used, then movement can be monitored, but weight information must still be manually entered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement tracking automationVSAvoidmanual data entry requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges movement tracking and weight measurement capabilities into a single integrated system. The wearable device combines motion sensors for tracking movements with weight sensors that automatically detect and record the weight being lifted, eliminating the need for separate manual entry of weight information while maintaining comprehensive workout monitoring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs multi-functional sensors that simultaneously perform multiple tasks: motion sensors detect both movement patterns and can infer weight information, while weight sensors also monitor movement characteristics. This universal approach allows a single sensor system to capture both movement and weight data automatically, reducing the need for separate manual input mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If automatic tracking systems are implemented, then time is saved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkout tracking efficiencyVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the automatic tracking functionality into separate modular components: wearable devices with motion sensors for tracking body movements, exercise equipment with integrated weight sensors for measuring lifted weights, and a central processing system for data synthesis. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automated tracking capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces wireless communication as an intermediary layer that enables data exchange between sensors and the processing system without requiring complex wired connections. The wireless module acts as a mediator that simplifies the interface between multiple sensors and the central processor, reducing structural complexity while enabling comprehensive automatic data collection and transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20230191197A1Smart glove
Publication Date: 2023.06.22 IFIT INC
  • US20230191197A1 patent drawing
  • US20230191197A1 patent drawing
  • US20230191197A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method comprises detecting, by one or more processors of a wearable device, a tag identifier of a tag located on exercise equipment. The method also comprises selecting, from a memory of the wearable device, an algorithm from a plurality of stored algorithms responsive to the algorithm having a stored association with the tag identifier and receiving, from a sensor of the wearable device, movement data of a user performing an exercise associated with the exercise equipment. The method may also comprise executing the selected algorithm using the received movement data as input and determining, when the user has completed one repetition of the exercise based on the execution of the selected algorithm using the received movement data. The method may also comprise transmitting a record comprising repetition movement data that was received during the one repetition to a remote computing device.