3-d, interactive exercise analysis, gaming, and physical therapy system

Abstract

A system is disclosed for monitoring, recording and analysis of exercise in an exercise machine with a device, such as a handle, that enables a user to push or pull against a resistance. A sensor or “load cell” mounted on the machine produces an electronic signal representing the instantaneous force applied by the user, and an electronic computer or the like, is coupled to receive the electronic signal, for storing values representing the force as a function of time. In another embodiment, a system comprises a resistance member for providing resistance to movement by a user, a sensing device coupled to the resistance member, a force sensor, and a CPU. The sensing device generates a first signal representing the position of the resistance member, and the force sensor generates a second signal representing the force applied to the resistance member by the user. The CPU processes the first and second signals to generate useful images, displays, and audio signals.

1 . An exercise system comprising:
 a resistance member for providing resistance to movement by a user;   a sensing device, coupled to the resistance member, for generating a first signal representing the position of the resistance member; and   a force sensor, coupled to the resistance member, for generating a second signal representing the force applied to the resistance member by the user.   
     
     
         2 . The exercise system of  claim 1 , wherein the sensing device is multi-dimensional. 
     
     
         3 . The exercise system of  claim 1 , wherein the sensing device comprises at least one receiver and at least one signal generator, one of said signal generators being attached to the resistance member at the point where force is applied by the user. 
     
     
         4 . The exercise system of  claim 3 , wherein the first signal represents the position, orientation, or both position and orientation of said point where force is applied. 
     
     
         5 . The exercise system of  claim 3 , wherein said signal generator generates one or more signals received by one or more receivers. 
     
     
         6 . The exercise system of  claim 1 , wherein the sensing device is coupled to the resistance member by at least one of electrically, electronically, wirelessly, and mechanically. 
     
     
         7 . The exercise system of  claim 1 , wherein the second signal represents the force applied over a period of time. 
     
     
         8 . The exercise system of  claim 1 , wherein the resistance member has first and second ends, and wherein said first end is coupled to the sensing device and said second end is coupled to the force sensor. 
     
     
         9 . The exercise system of  claim 1 , wherein the force sensor comprises a transmitter to transmit the second signal. 
     
     
         10 . The exercise system of  claim 1 , wherein the sensing device comprises a transmitter to transmit the first signal. 
     
     
         11 . The exercise system of  claim 1 , further comprising a CPU coupled to said sensing device and said force sensor, that processes the first and second signals. 
     
     
         12 . The exercise system of  claim 11 , wherein the CPU has a receiver for receiving at least one of the first signal and the second signal. 
     
     
         13 . The exercise system of  claim 11 , wherein the CPU comprises a display that displays information in response to the first and second signals. 
     
     
         14 . The exercise system of  claim 11 , wherein the CPU analyzes the first and second signals to determine the number of times that force was applied to the resistance member. 
     
     
         15 . The exercise system of  claim 11 , wherein the CPU analyzes the first and second signals to determine a user' strength. 
     
     
         16 . The exercise system of  claim 11 , wherein the CPU analyzes the first and second signals to determine the power exerted by a user. 
     
     
         17 . The exercise system of  claim 11 , wherein the CPU analyzes the first and second signals to determine the total work of the user during an exercise program. 
     
     
         18 . The exercise system of  claim 11 , wherein the CPU generates an audio signal. 
     
     
         19 . An exercise system comprising:
 a resistance member for providing resistance to movement by a user;   a sensing device, coupled to the resistance member, for generating a first signal representing the position of the resistance member;   a force sensor, coupled to the resistance member, for generating a second signal representing the force applied to the resistance member by the user; and   a CPU that processes the first and second signals.   
     
     
         20 . A method of recording an exercise regimen, wherein a user operates an exercise device having a resistance member for providing resistance against a force applied to it at a given point by the user, said method including the steps of:
 (a) repetitively measuring the force applied to the resistance member by the user at the given point;   (b) repetitively measuring the position of the given point; and   (c) repetitively storing the measured values of force and position.   
     
     
         21 . The method defined in  claim 20 , further comprising the step of displaying at least one of the measured values. 
     
     
         22 . The method defined in  claim 20 , further comprising the step of calculating the energy expended by the user for a prescribed period of time based on the measured values. 
     
     
         23 . The method defined in  claim 20 , further comprising the step of calculating the work done by the user for a prescribed period of time based on the measured values. 
     
     
         24 . The method defined in  claim 20 , further comprising the step of calculating the energy expended by the user for a prescribed period of time based on the measured values. 
     
     
         25 . The method defined in  claim 20 , further comprising the step of changing the resistance of the resistance member against the force applied by the user.