Cadence detection system and cadence sensor therefor

Abstract

A cadence detection system may include a cadence sensor and an exercise device, such as a stationary bike, an indoor cycle trainer, a bicycle trainer, a rowing machine, a stair stepping machine, or the like. In operation, the cadence sensor detects movement of at least one component of the drive train of the exercise device during operation thereof, which in turn, may be utilized for calculating the cadence of the exercise device.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: 
     
         1 . A cadence detection system for use during exercise, comprising:
 an exercise device having a moveable drivetrain configured to provide a cadence, the moveable drivetrain including a target surface;   an optical sensor placed on a surface separate from the exercise device and positioned in optical view of the target surface of the moveable drivetrain, the optical sensor including an emitter configured to generate an optical signal for output and a detector configured to detect the optical signal after reflection off of the target surface, wherein the optical sensor is configured to generate an electrical signal based on the detected optical signal; and   a computing device configured to receive the electrical signal from the optical sensor and to calculate at least detected optical sensor signal instances received per unit of time.   
     
     
         2 . The cadence detection system of  claim 1 , wherein: the emitter has a nominal range; the drivetrain includes a pedal with the target surface thereon and having a pedal stroke; and the target surface of the pedal enters the nominal range at the maximum position of the pedal stroke. 
     
     
         3 . The cadence detection system of  claim 2 , wherein the maximum position of the pedal stoke occurs at a position closest to the optical sensor. 
     
     
         4 . The cadence detection system of  claim 1 , wherein the emitter of the optical sensor uses an LED light source, wherein the LED light source emits one of infrared and visible light. 
     
     
         5 . The cadence detection system of  claim 1 , wherein the surface separate from the exercise device is a substantially horizontal surface that supports the exercise device. 
     
     
         6 . The cadence detection system of  claim 1 , wherein the computing device includes a display to convey information to a user during operation of the exercise device. 
     
     
         7 . The cadence detection system of  claim 1 , wherein the computing device is mounted to the exercise device. 
     
     
         8 . The cadence detection system of  claim 1 , wherein the computing device is capable of simultaneously supporting two or more optical sensors, each optical sensor associated with a discrete exercise device. 
     
     
         9 . The cadence detection system of  claim 1 , wherein the exercise device includes one of an upright stationary bike, an indoor cycle trainer, a bicycle trainer, a recumbent stationary bike, an elliptical trainer, and a cross country skiing trainer. 
     
     
         10 . The cadence detection system of  claim 1 , wherein the target surface is at least a part of a pedal or a crankset. 
     
     
         11 . A cadence detection system for use during exercise, comprising:
 at least two exercise devices having moveable drivetrains, each configured to generate a unique cadence, the moveable drivetrains each including a target surface;   an optical sensor associated with each exercise device and placed on a surface separate from the associated exercise device, each optical sensor positioned in optical view of the target surface of the respective moveable drivetrain, wherein each of the optical sensors includes an emitter configured to generate optical signals for output and a detector configured to detect the optical signals after reflection off of the respective target surface, wherein each of the optical sensors are configured to generate electrical signals based on the detected optical signals; and   a computing device configured to receive the electrical signals from the optical sensors and to calculate at least detected optical sensor signal instances received per unit time.   
     
     
         12 . The cadence detection system of  claim 11 , further comprising a display associated with each exercise device, wherein each display is configured to convey information to a user during operation of the exercise device. 
     
     
         13 . The cadence detection system of  claim 12 , wherein the information conveyed to the user by the display corresponds to one or more operational parameters of the exercise device associated with the display. 
     
     
         14 . The cadence detection system of  claim 13 , wherein the information conveyed to the user by the display corresponds to one or more operational parameters of an exercise device associated with a different display and at least one additional user. 
     
     
         15 . The cadence detection system of  claim 12 , wherein the at least two exercise devices are substantially similar and selected from the group consisting of an upright stationary bike, an indoor cycle trainer, a bicycle trainer, a recumbent stationary bike, an elliptical trainer, and a cross country skiing trainer. 
     
     
         16 . A method of detecting cadence during stationary exercise, comprising:
 continuously emitting light from a light source having a nominal range;   moving a component of a drivetrain into and out of the nominal range;   detecting reflected light off of the component; and   calculating cadence of the drivetrain.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the component of the drivetrain enters the nominal range at the maximum stroke position of the drivetrain. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the optical sensor is configured to send the signal to the computing device each time the component is detected. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the optical sensor is configured to send the signal to the computing device at a determined time interval, the signal transmitting the number of instances the component is detected during said time interval. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the computing device displays information associated with operation of the exercise device to a user.