Sensor for Fitness Equipment

Abstract

An exercise machine has a rotating joint with an accelerometer mounted on the rotating joint. A microprocessor converts the signal from the accelerometer into a distance measurement based on the machine characteristics.

1 . An exercise machine, comprising:
 a rotating joint;   an accelerometer mounted on the rotating joint; and,   a microprocessor for converting a signal from the accelerometer into a distance measurement based on the characteristics of the machine.   
     
     
         2 . The exercise machine of  claim 1 , wherein the accelerometer is a three-axis accelerometer. 
     
     
         3 . The exercise machine of  claim 1 , wherein the exercise machine is a hydraulic exercise machine. 
     
     
         4 . The exercise machine of  claim 1 , wherein the exercise machine is a weight stack machine. 
     
     
         5 . The exercise machine of  claim 1 , wherein the microprocessor converts the signal from the accelerometer into an angle. 
     
     
         6 . The exercise machine of  claim 1 , wherein the microprocessor includes an output for the distance measurement. 
     
     
         7 . The exercise machine of  claim 6 , wherein the distance measurement is an analog signal. 
     
     
         8 . The exercise machine of  claim 6 , wherein the distance measurement is a digital signal. 
     
     
         9 . The exercise machine of  claim 1 , further comprising a power source. 
     
     
         10 . The exercise machine of  claim 9 , wherein the power source is 5V DC. 
     
     
         11 . The exercise machine of  claim 1 , further comprising means for mounting the accelerometer onto the rotating joint. 
     
     
         12 . The exercise machine of  claim 1 , wherein the mounting means comprises a hook and loop fastener. 
     
     
         13 . The exercise machine of  claim 1 , wherein the mounting means comprises an adhesive. 
     
     
         14 . The exercise machine of  claim 1 , wherein the accelerometer and the microprocessor are mounted on a printed circuit board. 
     
     
         15 . The exercise machine of  claim 1 , further comprising an LED display. 
     
     
         16 . An exercise machine, comprising:
 a rotating joint;   an accelerometer mounted on the rotating joint, the accelerometer producing a signal corresponding to the position of the rotating joint; and,   means for converting the accelerometer signal into a distance based on the characteristics of the machine.   
     
     
         17 . The exercise machine of  claim 16 , wherein the accelerometer is a three-axis accelerometer. 
     
     
         18 . The exercise machine of  claim 16 , wherein the exercise machine is a hydraulic machine. 
     
     
         19 . The exercise machine of  claim 16 , wherein the exercise machine is a weight stack machine. 
     
     
         20 . The exercise machine of  claim 16 , wherein the converting means converts the signal into an angle.