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United States Patent |
5,704,877
|
Henry
,   et al.
|
January 6, 1998
|
Workout level indicator
Abstract
An exercise display system for aiding a user in maintaining a desired
exercise intensity level includes input means for inputting relevant
physiological information about the user, calculation means for
calculating a spectrum of exercise intensity levels, sensor for detecting
the physiological condition of the user during exercise, and display means
(32) for displaying the user's exercise intensity within a first scale
(20) of at least two levels (22) of possible exercise intensities. The
scale (20) includes a Below Training Zone (23), a Weight Loss Training
Zone (24), a Cardiovascular Training Zone (25), and an Above Training Zone
(26). The display means (32) also includes a second scale (28) of
subdivisions (30) of intensity levels, e.g., maximum heart rate
percentages or range of heart beat rates. The subdivisions (30) may
preferably flash or may be caused to turn a specific color when the
exerciser's physiological condition is represented by that subdivision.
The display system (32) indicates the intensity of the user's exercise
within the subdivisions during the user's exercise workout, as received by
the sensor.
Inventors:
|
Henry; George F. (Woodinville, WA);
Birrell; James S. (Seattle, WA)
|
Assignee:
|
Precor Incorporated (Bothell, WA)
|
Appl. No.:
|
494107 |
Filed:
|
June 23, 1995 |
Intern'l Class: |
A16B 005/00 |
Field of Search: |
482/1-9,900-903
73/379.01
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
3767195 | Oct., 1973 | Dimick.
| |
4170225 | Oct., 1979 | Criglar et al. | 482/900.
|
4566461 | Jan., 1986 | Lubell et al.
| |
4790528 | Dec., 1988 | Nakao et al.
| |
4911427 | Mar., 1990 | Matsumoto et al.
| |
4934692 | Jun., 1990 | Owens.
| |
4976424 | Dec., 1990 | Sargeant et al.
| |
5149084 | Sep., 1992 | Dalebout et al.
| |
5230672 | Jul., 1993 | Brown et al.
| |
5318487 | Jun., 1994 | Golen et al.
| |
Primary Examiner: Apley; Richard J.
Assistant Examiner: Richman; Glenn E.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Christensen O'Connor Johnson & Kindness PLLC
Claims
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or
privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. An exercise display system for aiding a user in maintaining a desired
exercise intensity level while exercising, the display system comprising:
(a) input means for inputting relevant physiological information about the
user;
(b) calculation means for calculating the appropriate exercise intensity
levels for a particular user based in part on the input physiological
information about the user, the intensity levels being zones within which
a particular exercise benefit may be obtained;
(c) sensor for detecting the physiological condition of the user during
exercise; wherein the calculation means uses the physiological condition
of the user to determine within which zone the user is currently
performing; and
(d) display means for displaying the user's exercise intensity based on the
detected physiological condition during exercising, the display means
including a first scale of at least two levels of possible exercise
intensities, the first scale being composed of major subdivisions that
correspond to the zones calculated by the calculation means, the first
scale including indicia indicating the benefits of each zone.
2. An exercise display system according to claim 1, wherein the first scale
of at least two levels of possible exercise intensities of the display
means includes a weight loss training zone and a cardiovascular training
zone.
3. An exercise display system according to claim 1, wherein the first scale
of at least two levels of possible exercise intensities of the display
means includes a below training zone, a weight loss training zone, a
cardiovascular training zone, and an above training zone.
4. An exercise display system according to claim 1, wherein each of the at
least two levels of exercise intensities include a light that flashes when
the intensity of the user's exercise is represented by that level.
5. An exercise display system according to claim 1, wherein each of the at
least two levels of exercise intensities include a light that turns a
particular color when the intensity of the user's exercise is represented
by that level.
6. An exercise display system according to claim 1, further comprising a
second scale of subdivisions of exercise intensities.
7. An exercise display system according to claim 6, wherein the
subdivisions of exercise intensities are located on the display means near
the first scale, the subdivisions include indicia indicating the
percentage of maximum heart rate at a particular adjacent position on the
first scale, relative to a particular user.
8. An exercise display system according to claim 6, wherein the
subdivisions of exercise intensities correspond to fixed heart beat rates,
and wherein the calculating means calculates which heart beat rates
correspond to which intensity levels.
9. An exercise display system according to claim 6, wherein a particular
number of subdivisions of exercise intensities correspond to each of the
at least two exercise intensity levels, and wherein the calculating means
calculates the value of each subdivision corresponding to each of the
intensity levels.
10. An exercise display system according to claim 6 wherein the
subdivisions of the display means include a light that flashes when the
intensity of the user's exercise is represented by that subdivision.
11. An exercise display system according to claim 7 wherein the
subdivisions of the display means include a light that flashes when the
intensity of the user's exercise is represented by that subdivision.
12. An exercise display system according to claim 8 wherein the
subdivisions of the display means include a light that flashes when the
intensity of the user's exercise is represented by that subdivision.
13. An exercise display system according to claim 9 wherein the
subdivisions of the display means include a light that flashes when the
intensity of the user's exercise is represented by that subdivision.
14. An exercise display system according to claim 6 wherein the
subdivisions of the display means include a light that illuminates of a
particular color when the intensity of the user's exercise is represented
by that subdivision.
15. An exercise display system according to claim 7 wherein the
subdivisions of the display means include a light that illuminates of a
particular color when the intensity of the user's exercise is represented
by that subdivision.
16. An exercise display system according to claim 8 wherein the
subdivisions of the display means include a light that illuminates of a
particular color when the intensity of the user's exercise is represented
by that subdivision.
17. An exercise display system according to claim 9 wherein the
subdivisions of the display means include a light that illuminates of a
particular color when the intensity of the user's exercise is represented
by that subdivision.
18. An exercise display system for aiding a user in maintaining a desired
exercise intensity level while exercising, the display system comprising:
(a) input means for inputting relevant physiological information about the
user;
(b) calculation means for calculating at least two exercise intensity
levels for a particular user based in part on the input physiological
information about the user, the intensity levels being zones within which
a particular exercise benefit may be obtained, the zones being calculated
in terms of ranges of heart rates that are congruent with the input
physiological information about the user, the intensity levels
corresponding to ranges of heart rate;
(c) sensor for detecting the user's heart rate, wherein the calculation
means uses the users' heart rate to repeatedly calculate within which zone
the user is currently performing;
(d) display means comprising a first scale of at least two levels of
possible exercise intensities, the first scale levels corresponding to the
zones calculated by the calculation means, the display means including a
second scale of subdivisions of heart rates of at least one of the first
scale zones: the calculation means calculating the subdivisions of the
second scale; and
(e) a plurality of spaced apart first indicia representing subdivisions of
exercise intensity within a first exercise intensity level, the first
indicia indicating the benefits of each zone; and a plurality of spaced
apart second indicia representing subdivisions of exercise intensity
within the second scale whereby during a user's workout, the display means
provides an indication of the intensity, level zone and subdivision within
which the user is performing.
19. An exercise display system according to claim 18, wherein each of the
plurality of spaced apart first and second indicia includes a light that
flashes when the intensity of the user's exercise is represented in that
subdivision.
20. An exercise display system according to claim 18, wherein the indicia
corresponding to the exercise intensity of the user emits a light of a
color related to the particular exercise level of the user.
21. An exercise display system for aiding a user in maintaining a desired
exercise intensity level while exercising, the display system comprising:
(a) input means for inputting relevant physiological information about the
user;
(b) calculation means for calculating at least two exercise intensity
levels for a particular user based in part on the input physiological
information about the user, the intensity levels being zones within which
a particular exercise benefit may be obtained, the zones each being
calculated as a range of values corresponding to a measurable
physiological attribute of the user;
wherein the starting and ending points of the zone ranges correspond to
specific physiological valves; and wherein once the calculation of the
zone ranges is accomplished, the specific physiological start and ending
values remain the same throughout the user's workout;
(c) sensor for detecting the measurable physiological attribute of the user
during exercise wherein the calculation means continuously compares the
users' sensed physiological attribute with the range starting and ending
points to determine within which zone the user is currently performing;
and
(d) display means comprising a first scale of at least two non-varying
levels of possible exercise intensities the first scale levels
corresponding to the zones calculated by the calculation means; the first
scale including indicia indicating the benefits of each zone; whereby
during a user's workout, the display means provides an indication of the
intensity level zone within which the user is performing.
22. An exercise display system according to claim 18, wherein the zones
include starting and ending points corresponding to heart rate valves; and
wherein once the calculation of the zones is accomplished, the heart rates
represented by each zone remains the same throughout the user's workout.
23. An exercise display system according to claim 18, wherein:
(a) the second scale is physically located near the first scale;
(b) the heart rate subdivisions are expressed in terms of fixed heart
rates; and
(c) the calculating means calculates which heart rates correspond to which
intensity levels; whereby during a user's workout, the display means
provides an indication of which fixed heart rate subdivisions correspond
to which first scale zone.
24. An exercise display system according to claim 18, wherein:
(a) the second scale is physically located near the first scale;
(b) the heart rate subdivisions are expressed in terms of percentage of
maximum heart rate; and
(c) the calculation means calculates the heart rate subdivision
percentages; whereby during a user's workout, the display means provides
an indication of which heart rate percentage subdivisions correspond to
which first scale zone.
25. An exercise display system according to claim 18, wherein:
(a) the second scale is physically located near the first scale;
(b) a fixed number of subdivisions correspond to each of the intensity
levels; and
(c) the calculating means calculates the heart rate values for the fixed
number of zone subdivisions.
26. An exercise display system according to claims 18, wherein the second
scale is capable of illumination and the display means illuminates the
subdivision at which the user is currently performing.
27. An exercise display system according to claim 18, wherein the second
scale is capable of illumination and the display means illuminates all
subdivisions up to and including the one at which the user is currently
performing.
28. An exercise display system according to claim 18, wherein the second
scale is capable of intermittent illumination and the display means blinks
the subdivision at which the user is currently performing.
29. An exercise display system according to claim 18, wherein the first
scale zones are colored, the colors of adjacent zones being different; and
the second scale subdivisions are colored to correspond to their
respective zone.
30. An exercise display system according to claim 18, wherein the
calculation means calculates a weight loss training zone intensity level
and a cardiovascular training zone, both being calculated at least in part
as a function of heart rate.
31. An exercise display system according to claim 18, wherein the
calculation means calculates a below training zone intensity level, a
weight loss training zone intensity level, a cardiovascular training zone
intensity level, and an above training zone intensity level, all being
calculated at least in part as a function of heart rate.
32. The exercise display system according to claim 21:
wherein the zones are calculated in terms of ranges of heart rates that are
congruent with the input physiological information about the user;
wherein the zone is defined by specific starting and ending heart rate
values; and
wherein once the calculation of the zones is accomplished, the heart rates
represented by each zone remains substantially the same throughout the
user's workout.
33. An exercise display system according to claims 32, wherein the first
scale is capable of illumination and the display means illuminates the
zone at which the user is currently performing.
34. An exercise display system according to claim 32, wherein the first
scale is capable of illumination and the display means illuminates all
zones up to and including the one at which the user is currently
performing.
35. An exercise display system according to claim 32, wherein the first
scale is capable of intermittent illumination and the display means blinks
the zone at which the user is currently performing.
36. An exercise display system according to claim 32, further comprising a
second scale for displaying a plurality of subdivisions of heart rates of
one or more of the first scale zones; the calculation means calculating
the subdivisions for display by the second scale; whereby during a user's
workout, the display means provides an indication of the intensity level
zone and subdivision within which the user is performing.
37. An exercise display system according to claim 36, wherein:
(a) the second scale is physically located near the first scale;
(b) the heart rate subdivisions are expressed in terms of fixed heart
rates; and
(c) the calculating means calculates which heart rates correspond to which
intensity levels; whereby during a user's workout, the display means
provides an indication of which fixed heart rate subdivisions correspond
to which first scale zone.
38. An exercise display system according to claim 36, wherein:
(a) the second scale is physically located near the first scale;
(b) the heart rate subdivisions are expressed in terms of percentage of
maximum heart rate; and
(c) the calculation means calculates the heart rate subdivision
percentages; whereby during a user's workout, the display means provides
an indication of which heart rate percentage subdivisions correspond to
which first scale zone.
39. An exercise display system according to claim 36, wherein:
(a) the second scale is physically located near the first scale;
(b) a fixed number of subdivisions correspond to each of the intensity
levels; and
(c) the calculating means calculates the heart rate values for the fixed
number of zone subdivisions.
40. An exercise display system according to claims 36, wherein the second
scale is capable of illumination and the display means illuminates the
subdivision at which the user is currently performing.
41. An exercise display system according to claim 36, wherein the second
scale is capable of illumination and the display means illuminates all
subdivisions up to and including the one at which the user is currently
performing.
42. An exercise display system according to claim 36, wherein the second
scale is capable of intermittent illumination and the display means blinks
the subdivision at which the user is currently performing.
43. An exercise display system according to claim 36, wherein the first
scale zones are colored, the colors of adjacent zones being different; and
the second scale subdivisions are colored to correspond to their
respective zone.
44. An exercise display system according to claim 36, wherein the
calculation means calculates a weight loss training zone intensity level
and a cardiovascular training zone, both being calculated at least in part
as a function of heart rate.
45. An exercise display system according to claim 36, wherein the
calculation means calculates a below training zone intensity level, a
weight loss training zone intensity level, a cardiovascular training zone
intensity level, and an above training zone intensity level, all being
calculated at least in part as a function of heart rate.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to exercise equipment, and more particularly
to exercise display systems for indicating the intensity of a user's
workout.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Exercise is a valuable part of the lives of many people and is used in a
variety of situations to obtain different physiological results. For
example, one person may use exercise to lose weight. Another to train for
the Olympics. Another for rehabilitation of an injury. And yet another to
improve respiratory and circulatory systems. The benefits of exercise are
closely tied with the intensity and duration of the exercise performed.
Intensity, which may be thought of as the effort expended by an
individual, is reflected in the individual's physiological condition,
e.g., heart rate, breathing rate, and metabolism. Depending on the
exercise goal, a particular workout may be created by simply adjusting the
intensity and duration of the exercise performed.
A generally accepted principal of exercise (and in particular, aerobic
exercise), is that the heart rate should be maintained within a range of
about 60% to 85% of the subject's maximum heart rate in order to obtain a
benefit from a workout. This range is referred to as the fitness training
range. If the exerciser is performing at an intensity level below the
fitness training range, then very little aerobic benefit is received. If
an exerciser is performing at an intensity level between roughly 60% to
70% heart rate level, then he or she will receive mostly a caloric
benefit. Therefore, many exercisers may wish to maintain this level of
exercise intensity in order to lose weight. As the exerciser's heart rate
increases within the fitness training range, the cardiovascular benefits
increase. Between 70% and 85% heart rate levels, most individuals will be
burning calories as well as getting a good cardiovascular workout. If the
exerciser is performing at a level above the fitness training range, then
the workout may become anaerobic (or oxygen-depleting). Exercise at such
an excessive level generally does not yield additional improvements in the
body's fitness. Thus, it is important to monitor levels of intensity to
ensure that exercise intensity falls within the fitness training range,
and depending on the intent of the exerciser, to ensure that the exercise
is conducted at the intensity level desired. For example, a person wanting
to strengthen a particular muscle group after an injury, may wish to
exercise according to a regime advised by a physical therapist, such as
high-intensity, low-duration sets. A person wanting to train for a
marathon may wish to perform a low-intensity, high-duration workout.
The above heart rates, used to describe the fitness training range, provide
a good general guide in gauging workout intensity. Each individual's
particular fitness training range, however, will vary according to a
number of factors, such as age, sex, weight, resting heart rate, etc. A
fragile 80-year-old female will have a fitness training range that
requires much less exertion than a 20-year-old male athlete. For her, an
appropriate fitness training range for her age should reflect her
naturally lower maximum heart rate. In addition, her fragile physical
state may alter the fitness training range to 55% to 80%. Therefore, it is
important for an individual to be able to monitor their exercise intensity
level within a fitness training range tailored according to their
individual circumstances.
Various exercise equipment and display systems are currently available for
aiding an exerciser during their workout. However, none are particularly
useful in helping the exerciser easily understand where he or she is in
terms of their own fitness training range during a workout. For example,
some heart rate monitors or fitness monitors (e.g., U.S. Pat. No.
4,566,461) alert the exerciser when their heart rate goes above the 85%
level or below the 60% level. This only helps the person to keep his or
her exercise intensity level from going above or below the fitness
training range. A number of devices (e.g., as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,487
or U.S. Pat. No. 4,976,424) display current heart rate and some devices
(e.g., as in U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,427) also suggest a target heart rate.
Each of these devices have the disadvantage of not providing an overall
indication of the person's fitness training range or where the user's
exercise intensity falls within their fitness training range during their
workout.
It can be seen that what is required is a display system that allows a user
to see a spectrum of exercise intensity levels that have been created
specifically for that individual. The ideal display system should also
alert the exerciser as to the level of exercise intensity at which he/she
is performing within the spectrum. In this way, the exerciser can
understand where he/she is relative in his/her workout intensity according
to a range of intensity levels that have been tailored for that person,
and adjust his/her exertion level accordingly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, an exercise display system for
aiding a user in maintaining a desired exercise intensity level is
provided. The display system includes input means for inputting relevant
physiological information about the user, calculation means for
calculating a spectrum of exercise intensity levels for a particular user,
sensor for detecting the physiological condition of the user, and display
means for displaying the user's current exercise intensity based on the
detected physiological condition during exercising. The display means
includes a first scale of at least two levels of possible exercise
intensities.
In accordance with still further aspects of the present invention, an
exercise display system is provided that eliminates the need for the
exerciser to perform mathematical calculations in order to verify their
level of exercise intensity at any given time.
In accordance with further aspects of the present invention, the preferred
levels of possible exercise intensity include a below training zone, a
weight loss training zone, a cardiovascular training zone, and an above
training zone. The display means includes indicia that represents each of
these levels, the indicia preferably representing each level by a
different colored light.
In accordance with other aspects of the present invention, the display
means includes a second scale of subdivisions of exercise intensity. In a
first preferred embodiment, the second scale includes a number of small
lights that represent a range of heart rate subdivisions. The calculation
means calculates which subdivisions correspond to which of the intensity
level, based in part on information received from the input means. In a
second preferred embodiment, the subdivision are a plurality of spaced
apart lights, a fixed number of which always correspond to a particular
intensity level. The calculation means calculates the values of each of
the subdivisions corresponding to each intensity level, again based in
part on information received from the input means.
In accordance with still other aspects of the present invention, the
subdivisions of the display means may include lighted or high contrast
indicia that flash when the intensity of the user's exercise is
represented in that subdivision. In an alternative preferred embodiment,
the subdivisions of the display means are a particular color when the
intensity of the user's exercise is represented in that subdivision.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this
invention will become more readily appreciated as the same becomes better
understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a front view of a display system constructed in accordance with
the present invention, showing a first preferred embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a front view of a display system constructed in accordance with
the present invention, showing a second preferred embodiment for a first
exerciser;
FIG. 3 is a front view of a display system constructed in accordance with
the present invention, showing a second preferred embodiment for a second
exerciser;
FIG. 4 is a front view of a display system constructed in accordance with
the present invention, showing a first form of a third preferred
embodiment; and
FIG. 5 is a front view of a display system constructed in accordance with
the present invention, showing a second form of a third preferred
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
In general, a display system constructed in accordance with the present
invention comprises a flat rectangular display 18 system capable of
attachment to a piece of exercise equipment or to the user, himself or
herself. The display system generally includes input means(not shown),
calculation means(not shown), sensor (not shown), and display means 32.
Various indicia are used to display a spectrum of exercise intensities
based on the exerciser's individual characteristics and an indication of
the exerciser's current exercise intensity within that spectrum. The
display system may be powered using one of a variety of energy sources,
including solar, battery, or power outlet.
More specifically, the input means allow the exerciser to input
physiological information about himself or herself. Typical pieces of
information include weight, age, sex, build, resting heart rate, etc.
Additional input data may include the exerciser's perceived or actual
fitness capacity, e.g., the exerciser may be able to input that he or she
is a frequent exerciser, already in good shape; an occasional exerciser in
fair condition; a non-exerciser in average health; a convalescent; etc.
The method used for inputting the physiological information may be one of
a multitude of available input methods, e.g., a keypad, a menu selection
system, a voice input means, a metabolic sensor, etc.
The physiological information is passed to the calculation means which
estimates a spectrum of exercise intensity levels, including a first scale
of exercise intensity levels and a second scale of subdivisions of
intensity. The spectrum is based on the physiological information entered
by the exerciser through the input means, as well as known physiological
relationships related to exercise. In addition, if the calculation means
is a computer having a memory unit, the input means may include a user
identification system to enable the calculation means to retrieve history
information about the particular user for use by the calculation means.
The first scale of intensity levels are basically zones within which a
particular exercise benefit may be obtained if the exerciser performs
within that zone. The scale of intensity subdivisions are subparts of each
of these zones. The intensity levels and subdivisions are preferably
calculated in terms of heart rate, but may be defined in terms of other
factor(s) relevant to workout intensity. The calculation means thus
creates a spectrum of exercise intensity levels unique to the exerciser.
The calculation means may be one of various types known to those skilled
in the art of calculation mechanisms, e.g., a computer.
Sensor means are connected to the exerciser for detecting the physiological
condition of the user during a workout. The preferred sensor detects heart
rate, either continuously or at frequent intervals; although, other
physiological conditions (e.g., oxygen intake) may be used to determine
the condition of the user during the workout. Whatever physiological
condition, or conditions, are selected, they should bear a relationship to
the spectrum of exercise intensity levels determined by the calculation
means.
In general, the display means 32 includes two parts: a display of the first
scale 20 of exercise intensity levels 22 and a display of the second scale
28 of intensity level subdivisions 30. The display of the first scale
shows a fixed number of levels 22 that are usually labeled to indicate the
benefit of exercising at that intensity level. The scale has at least two
intensity levels 22, and preferably four. The preferred intensity levels
22 are: a Below Training Zone 23, a Weight Loss Training Zone 24, a
Cardiovascular Training Zone 25, and an Above Training Zone 26.
The display of the second scale 28 shows a fixed number of subdivisions 30
that may be labeled in various ways, as discussed below. The display means
32 receive information from the calculation means indicating in what
manner the subdivisions are to be divided amongst the intensity levels 22.
During an exerciser's workout, the display means 32 receives physiological
information from the sensor that enables the display means 32 to indicate
to the user their current level of exercise intensity. These aspects are
discussed further below in the discussion of two preferred embodiments of
a display system constructed in accordance with the present invention. In
more complicated embodiments, the calculation means may receive
information from the sensor and may use such information to calculate the
level of intensity at which the exerciser is performing before that level
is passed to the display means 32 for display to the user.
A first preferred embodiment of the subdivision 30 is shown in FIG. 1. This
embodiment includes a display of the first scale 20 of intensity levels 22
comprising a Below Zone 23, a Weight Loss Zone 24, a Cardiovascular Zone
25, an Above Zone 26. Each of those zones are preferably represented by
small lights, formed of a monochromatic LED light source, a separate color
being used for each zone 23, 24, 25, and 26. Tricolor diodes can be used
as the light source with the color emitted by the diode being controlled
by the display system. Such diodes are standard articles of commerce.
Lettered indicia are used to label each level 22.
The display means further includes a display of the second scale 28 of
subdivisions 30 of maximum heart rate percentages. Each of the
subdivisions (these are shown in FIG. 1) are preferably represented by a
small, lighted indicia representative of maximum heart rate percentages
using monochromatic LEDs or tricolor diodes. The number of subdivisions
may be any number, and the value of each subdivision may be fixed or may
vary depending on the individual characteristics of the user, as discussed
above. Further, the subdivisions may be a single color or may be
contrastingly colored.
In this first preferred embodiment, the display means receives information
from the calculation means as to which heart rate percentages are to be
assigned to which subdivision. When the exercise display system receives
the exerciser's heart rate through the sensor, the calculation means
determines the user's corresponding heart rate percentage and signals the
display means to cause the light of the appropriate subdivision 30 and/or
intensity level 22 to flash, or change to a contrasting color.
A second preferred embodiment of the subdivisions 30 is shown in FIGS. 2
and 3. This embodiment includes a display of the first scale 20 of
intensity levels 22 comprising the Below Training Zone 23, the Weight Loss
Training Zone 24, the Cardiovascular Training Zone 25, and the Above
Training Zone 26. Each of these zones are preferably represented by small
lights, formed of monochromatic LED light sources, a separate color being
used for each zone 23, 24, 25, 26. Tricolor diodes can be used as the
light source with the color emitted by the diode controlled by the display
system. Such diodes are standard articles of commerce. Lettered indicia
are used to label each of the levels 22. The display system further
includes a display of the second scale 28 of subdivisions 30 of heart
rates that range from roughly 60 to 200 beats per minute. Each of the
subdivisions are preferably represented by a small, monochromatic LED or
tricolor diodes. Numbered heart rate indicia are used to label each of the
subdivisions 30. The second scale 28 is placed along side the first scale
20 on the display 18.
In this second preferred embodiment, the display means receives information
from the calculation means as to which subdivisions 30 are represented
within each of the levels 22. The display means then illuminates the
subdivision the appropriate color respective to the intensity level 22
within which it is represented. In this manner, each level 22 and its
subdivisions 30 are illuminated the same color. When the display means
receives the exerciser's heart rate from the sensor, the display means
causes the light of the appropriate heart rate subdivision 30 to flash.
Alternatively, the subdivision light may be caused to turn a particular
contrasting color.
In FIG. 2 is shown this second preferred embodiment for a fictitious
twenty-year-old male. The calculation means 24 has calculated that between
68 to 96 heart beats per minute, the subject would not be within his
fitness training zone and hence would not receive many physical benefits
from the exercise. The Below Training Zone is illuminated red, as are the
subdivisions corresponding to heart rates from 68 to 96 beats per minute.
The calculation means has calculated that from 96 to 131 heart beats per
minute, the subject would be within his fitness training zone, but would
be gaining mostly a caloric benefit from his efforts. Therefore, the
Weight Loss Training Zone and the subdivisions corresponding to heart
rates from 96 to 131 beats per minute are both illuminated yellow. From
131 to 173 heart beats per minute, the calculation means has determined
that the subject would be exercising at a sufficient intensity to provide
the subject with a good cardiovascular workout. The remaining six
subdivisions are therefore illuminated green, as is the Cardiovascular
Training Zone, As the exerciser workouts, the sensor senses his heart rate
and the display means receives the heart rate and causes the light of the
corresponding subdivision to flash or turn a contrasting color. In this
manner, the exerciser can see his particular fitness training range and
where his efforts are landing him within that range.
A further example of the second preferred embodiment is shown in FIG. 3 for
a second exerciser. This time, the subject is an 80-year-old female. For
her, a heart beat rate of between 68 to 89 beats per minute will yield a
caloric benefit. A heart beat rate of 89 to 117 beats per minute will
yield a cardiovascular benefit, and above 117 will yield an anaerobic
workout. Therefore, the Weight Loss Training Zone light and the lights of
the subdivisions corresponding to heart rates between 68 and 89 are both
illuminated yellow. The Cardiovascular Training Zone and its subdivisions
are illuminated green. The heart rates between 89 and 200 are illuminated
red. When the woman exercises, the display means will receive her heart
rate from the sensor and will cause the light of the corresponding heart
rate subdivision to flash or turn a contrasting color.
A third preferred embodiment also senses heart rate as the basis for the
display 18, and is shown in FIG. 4. The display means includes a fixed
number of subdivision per each of the four preferred zones. The Below
Training Zone 23 has two subdivisions; the Weight Loss Zone 24, five; the
Cardiovascular Zone 25, six; and the Above Training Zone 26, two. Of
course, these numbers may be increased or decreased and are representative
herein only. For this embodiment, the calculation means calculates the
exerciser's fitness training range using the input physiological
information, determines the desired intensity levels 22, and then divides
each level 22 by the number of subdivisions of the display means 32
corresponding to that level. In this way, the calculation means assigns
heart rates to each subdivision (as opposed to assigning subdivisions to
each level, as in the first preferred embodiment.) The zones and their
corresponding subdivisions may be illuminated in like colors that contrast
with the other zone/subdivision lights (as shown in FIG. 4). The zones may
all be one color with the subdivisions illuminated in separate color sets
(not shown). Or, all zones and subdivisions may be the same illuminated
color. These are just a few of the numerous variations that may be made to
the display means 32 to present the intensity information to the user.
Obviously, different colors may be substituted, different labeling,
different orientations of the display, etc., could be made, depending on
the designer's preferences and the availability of light sources, and
still be within the scope of the present invention. Once the display means
receives the exerciser's heart rate from the sensor, the display means
causes the light of the appropriate heart rate subdivision 30 to flash or
turn a contrasting color.
An example of a first form of the third preferred embodiment may be seen in
FIG. 4. The exerciser represented in FIG. 4 is the fictitious 20 year old
male of FIG. 1. In this form, the first two subdivisions are a fixed
color, shown as red. The first of the two red subdivisions stand for heart
rates ranging from 68 through 82, labeled the Below Training Zone. The
second of the two stand for heart rates from 83 to 96 beats per minute.
The next five subdivisions are labeled the Weight Loss Training Zone and
are yet another fixed color (shown as yellow); the first represents heart
rates ranging from 96 to 103, the second from 103 to 110, the third from
110 to 117, the fourth from 117 to 124, and the fifth from 124 to 131. The
next six subdivisions stand for the Cardiovascular Training Zone and are
another fixed color (shown as green). These six subdivisions represent
heart rates ranging from 131 to 173 beats per minute. This range is
similarly divided equally amongst its subdivisions. The last two
subdivisions are for the Above Training Zone and are contrastingly colored
to represent heart rates from 173 to 200 beats per minute. As the
exerciser works out, the sensor senses his heart rate and the display
means causes the light of the corresponding subdivision to flash or turn a
contrasting color.
In a second form of the third preferred embodiment, the intensity levels 22
and the subdivisions are all illuminated a single color (shown as yellow).
The exerciser's intensity is indicated by the corresponding subdivision,
and all subdivisions representing a lesser intensity, are illuminated a
contrasting color (shown as red). In this manner, the second scale 28
looks similar to a barometer lying on its side. The greater the
exerciser's intensity, the more subject subdivisions are illuminated. In
FIG. 5, the subject is exercising with a heart rate corresponding to the
second subdivision of the Weight Loss Training Zone. Therefore, the first
two subdivisions of that zone are illuminated red, as are all of the
subdivisions of the Below Training Zone. All other subdivisions are
yellow.
As may be appreciated from the foregoing description, an exercise display
system formed in accordance with the present invention eliminates the need
for exercisers to perform mathematical calculations in order to verify
their level of exercise intensity at any given time, this information
being readily available from the display system.
While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and
described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In
particular, the present invention includes other embodiments which may be
formed by any number of changes made to the above display means
description. The important characteristic is that the display means
include a display of a spectrum of exercise intensity levels for the
particular exerciser based in part on input information about that
individual, and an indication of the intensity of the exerciser's workout
within that spectrum. Other embodiments include the use of lights of any
available color, shade, or tint. The display means also encompasses the
use of a variety of available display media such as color or black and
white cathode ray tubes (CRTs), vacuum fluorescent lamps or bulbs, light
emitting diodes (LEDs) liquid crystal displays (LCDs), mechanical gauges,
etc. Other overall display embodiments include an arrow that slides along
side the intensity levels, or subdivisions, to indicate the user's current
exercise intensity; or a circle having the intensity levels and
subdivisions indicated on its outer periphery and a needle that spins
about the center of the circle, pointing to the user's current workout
intensity; etc. In addition, the first scale may be used alone to indicate
the level of performance of the exerciser, by simply flashing the
appropriate intensity level LED, or by causing the appropriate intensity
level indicia to turn a particular color, or by other indicia.
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