GB2482496A

GB2482496A - A weight training device with means to measure performance

Info

Publication number: GB2482496A
Application number: GB1013032.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Riccardo Anzil
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-08-03
Filing date: 2010-08-03
Publication date: 2012-02-08
Also published as: GB2483115A; GB201014908D0; GB201013032D0

Abstract

A weight training device with means to detect the amount of weight 2-8 selected and measure its displacement. The device may be a weight stack type machine and means may also be provided to select the weight used. A log may be provided to store data or means may be provided to transfer it to an external network device such as computer or a mobile phone. The device may be arranged so that it can be retrofitted. The device may use RFID identification tags on the weights 2-8. The device may also be provided to monitor and control a fitness regime for a user and the device may also be able to detect if an exercise has been correctly performed. Biological signals may also be measured by the device such as heart rate and lung capacity.

Description

Training aid This invention relates to a system, devices and methods to monitor, log and share details about the usage of training equipment and provide feedback to the user during and after training.

Most weight-stack machines do not have any electronic means to monitor or log how the machine is used. Furthermore there is no precise way for the user to have accurate feedback on their performance and log the exercise session data such as the amount of work done (i.e. extension of pull, speed etc).

To overcome one or more of the above mentioned points, the present invention proposes devices, systems and methods to monitor, measure, calculate, estimate, log, store, share, send, analyze and report information and data about the training equipment it is coupled-to/installed-on, its setup, its configuration, a number of static and dynamic parameters of a number of its parts and displaced weights, any data or information about the user interaction with the training equipment such as number of sets, repetitions, weight selected, weight displaced, displaced weights speed, displaced weights velocity, displaced weights acceleration, range of motion, energy input, power input and calories burned.

The overall system is from now on referred to M-System.

Inputs to the M-System include a number of means to detect the configuration of the training equipment set by the user, any of its state variations and its state at any point in time. Such means include means to acquire/measure the weight selected by the user and a number of means to acquire/measure information about the displacement of the selected weights during exercise such as speed, velocity, acceleration and position, and a number of means to acquire/measure interactionlforces applied by the user to any part/component of the training equipment.

Other inputs to the M-System include wired and wireless, contact and contactless means to identify the user and they include fmgerprint sensors, USB flash drives, memory cards, RFID bracelets, RFID cards, RFTD keyfobs, RFID pendants, key-shaped storage devices and other devices/means that can achieve such goal.

The M-System also has means to detect the user bio-signals directly and/or connect/interface with devices which do. Such devices include wireless heart-rate monitors such as the Polar heart-rate monitors and any similar ones. The M-System can also have its own sensors/devices to detect the user's heart-rate such as pads on handles which the user grips, or can grip, during exercise. Other bio-signals which the M-System can interface to include, and are not limited to, hydration sensors, oxymeter, electromyogram sensors, EEG sensors, user's body temperature sensors, oxygen consumption sensors, breath volume sensors, lung capacity sensors, breathing speed sensors, breath flow-meter.

The user can interact with the M-System also through a number of input means such as buttons, keypads, keyboards, touch-screens, switches, sliders (mechanical or not -i.e. Q-touch or M-touch types).

The M-System can detect the user's presence through switches in the seat andlor opticallinfrared detectors andlor through proximity sensors and/or by the user being having his wireless/RFID ID device within a certain range of a certain area/part of the machine (the shorter the better to prevent detecting another nearby user).

Some of the M-System outputs include a number of means to provide feedback to the user. Such means include, and are not limited to, any visual/optical output device such as displays, lights, LEDs and sound-emitting devices such as speakers, beepers, sounders. Voice cueing also provides audio feedback on a number of parameters or information before, during and after exercise. User feedback includes sets to do, current set and remaining sets, repetitions to do, current repetition and remaining repetitions, weight selected. It also includes minimum, maximum, average, target and ideal values of any of the following (whether measured or calculated/derived): velocity/speed of displacing weights, user energy input, user power input, calories burned. Connectors to headphones and earphones allow the user to have feedback while without disturbing other users nearby.

The M-Sy stem includes a number of means to store any acquired or derived/generated data such as removable and non removable memory storage devices. Data can also be stored in the same device used to ID the user. Examples of removable storage devices, which could also be used as means to ID the user, include, and are not limited to, USB flash drives, memory cards, RFID bracelets, RFID cards, RFID keyfobs, RFID pendants and key-shaped storage devices.

The M-System includes a number of means to connect to any external network, peripheral or device wirelessly or through wired connections. Examples include, and are not limited to, WiFi, Ethernet, ZigBee, Bluetooth.

Such connectivity means can be used to send and/or receive data between the M-System and any connected devices such as routers, PDAs, PCs, hand-held terminals.

Examples include, and are not limited to, WiFi, Ethernet, ZigBee, Bluetooth... Any of the connectivity means can also be used to share any acquired and/or generated training session data across a network and/or the internet. Any of the connectivity means also allows to store remotely any training session data to allow the user to access it through the internet. Other functionality of the connectivity include remote configuration of the device, monitoring of the training equipment performance/usage, analysis of acquired/derived data, real time monitoring of the equipment and the way in which it is being used, monitoring of the user's performance which include making sure people heart-rate do not exceed the safe level for their age/abilities.

Apart from the real-time feedback to the user, the M-System allows the data to be stored, locally andlor remotely, for further user. This includes analysis, comparison with previous sessions, setup of next session's exercise targets. Data can also be used for reporting so the user can have a visual record of previous sessions and also proof of any personal improvements.

One preferred configuration of the M-System comprises a number of Block-ID (described below), a number of Selector-Keys (usually one -described below) and a number of user-interfaces means from now on referred to Control-Panel and accessories from now onw referred to as M-Extensions which improve or increase functionality.

A device from now on referred to as Block-ID has means to be uniquely identified by a weigh-block selector key from now on referred to as Selector-Key. One Block-ID is attached to each weight block of a weight-stack training machine in such a way that the information/data allowing the unique identification of such Block-iD can be communicated to, or retrieved by, the Selector-Key when it is inserted into a weight-block so to select the desired weight.

The Selector-Key has a rod which in inserted in the hole of the weight-block to be selected for exercising as in most conventional weight-stack machines and it also also has means to retrieve the unique ID of the Block-ID coupled to the weight-block the Selector-Key selects.

The Selector-Key has also means to measure, derive or calculate acceleration, velocity and position of the displaced weights at any given time.

The Block-ID has contact and/or contactiess means to communicate to/with the selector key the unique ID.

The Block-ID's unique ID can be represented by a resistor value read through contacts between the Block-ID and the Selector-Key, by an ID stored in a memory/IC electrically connected to the Selector-Key when it selects the weight the Block-ID is coupled to, by an ID stored in an RFID tag and/or by an ID stored in a memory/IC/tag/electronic-system which can be read by the Selector-Key through inductive coupling, capacitive coupling RF coupling, optical coupling or any other contactiess means.

Coupling is such that only the Block-ID of the selected weight is read/identified by the Selector-Key or communicated to it. One way to do this is to have the Block-ID so that it contains an RFID tag whose coillantenna is positioned along the same axis of the hole the weight-block through which the Selector-Key is inserted when selecting a weight. The Selector-Key's metal rod then acts as a coupling mean between the coils/antennas of the tag in the Block-ID and the reader in the Selector-Key. By adjusting the reader's power the coupling occurs only between the Selector-Key and the Block-ID it is inserted through, making sure the Selector-Key reads only the Block-ID it is inserted through.

Another way to ensure that only the ID of the selected weight's Block-ID can be detected by, or is communicated to, the Selector-Key is to have the electrical contacts that allow communication between the Selector-Key and the Block-ID arranged in such a way that when inserted into the Block-ID, the Selector-Key contacts only mate/touch the contacts of the selected weight's Block-ID and not those of the nearby Block-IDs.

Any device part of the M-System, such as the Selector-Key can be powered by a number of means which include, and are not limited to, non-rechargeable batteries, rechargeable batteries, fast-charging batteries such as the A 123, supercaps, ultracaps/ELDCs (electric double-layer capacitors), mains, mains power adaptors.

Depending on the M-System configuration and power consumption, rechargeable energy-storage devices such as ELDCs, super-capacitors or capacitors, rechargeable batteries, fast-charging batteries such as A 123 can be used, allowing the system to not require mains power and leads going to a mains socket.

If relatively fast rechargeable energy-storage devices such as ELDCs, super-capacitors or capacitor are used, they can be recharged through a portable charging device for ease of use. The charging device can be connected to any of the M-System's energy storage devices/systems and top-up/recharge it when required. The M-System would send a signal to the charger and/or to any connected/networked devices/PCs when the energy-storage device energy level is below a certain threshold (i.e. requires recharging). Alternatively the M-System and/or any of its parts such as the Selector-Key, can be put into a charging stand when it requires charging.

At any time the user can query the M-System on what exercise is next in the programmed schedule. This is especially useful after completing an exercise when the user is informed by the M-System which exercise/machine has to be done/used next.

This same information can be given to the user through dedicated devices and/or PCs which can ID the user. Such dedicated devices and/or PCs identify the user through fingerprint sensing and/or by reading his ID device (smartcard, RDIF device etc).

Information about the latest exercise is accessed online and/or on the ID device, compared with the training program and the information given to the user.

While resting between sets and/or according to user preferences, the M-System informs the user when it's time to start the next set, making sure that the user has the correct amount of rest between sets (not too short, not too long) resulting in increase of exercise efficiency and effectiveness. The rest time between sets is programmed Before starting exercise, if the user chooses so, he can be provided with a countdown to start. The same can be configured to happen between repetitions when the resting time is about to be over.

Once the user IDs himself into the training machine, the weight he needs to select (according to the pre-programmed training program) as well as any other instruction on setting up the machine and/or on the specific exercise can be provided via the Control-Panel visually (i.e. through a display or LEDs) and/or auditory (i.e. voice cueing).

The M-System can be easily and quickly installed onto most weight-stack machines, including those which don't have any electronic feedback system.

The M-System helps the user to improve his exercising by providing real-time feedback. This real-time feedback includes, and is not limited to, informing the user when he is exercising inside or outside certain training parameters/boundaries (such as minimum, maximum or ideal exercising pace) which could be set by the user himself and/or by the trainer. This increases the regularity in the exercise.

By logging the number of repetitions in every set and the dynamics of each of them (such as progression, speed, velocity, acceleration, travel of user's movement, etc) a historic record can be created and analyzed. Exercising patterns and performance can be analyzed and compared. Comparison of the training performance of the same user in time provides an objective record/proof of his improvements. Comparison between various users can also be done. This is particularly useful for training competitions and for professional athletes, especially within the same team.

The data can also be used by the user himself and/or by a trainer to spot incorrect exercising patterns. The trainer and/or the gym can also monitor if certain safety conditions are achieved by a user. This is done by programming the maximum safe heart rate for the user and if it is reached, the trainer/gym-supervisor is informed (this could be especially important to monitor people with conditions -and increase peace of mind for the gym's management).

All the training session data can also be stored and used at a later time for data-sets comparison across time to notice and analyze user's improvements. Examples of this use include increase in weights/loads used and/or repetitions/sets one month from the next.

The data recorded can be stored on a server and accessed by the user and/or his trainer.

The online-stored data allow the user to share it and enter online competitions such comparing best improvement in the shortest time or best performance in a particular exercise.

The user can log on online and view all hi history and print it out.

The user and the trainer can login online to see previous sessions, print it out, create a new training program, modify the current one and create a special training session.

When doing this, they can program online the weight and the When modifying or creating a training program, the user or trainer can create a program that remains the same until next time it is modified, or a program that changes according to the day of the week and also across weeks (i.e. increase the weight in time).

After completing an exercise and/or at any moment, the user can query what exercise/s needs to be done next, making sure the exercises are carried out in the correct sequence.

The M-System can also be used to measure the level of fitness of a user when first joining a gym or at any time, which helps the trainer designing a correct training program.

The M-System can also inform the user if he/she is doing the exercise correctly and/or within safe parameters as well as whether or not he/she has setup the training equipment correctly for the exercise (i.e. correct weight). The M-System can also advice the user on the speed/pace to be maintained during the exercise and whether to hold the weight in a certain position for a certain amount of time. The M-System can also provide audio incentives/feedback to the user according to his/her performance.

The user can also send an SMS to the user's mobile phone with the summary of the workout and/or any other pre-selected/preferred data/information (such as new achievements etc). Alternatively, instead of SMS, GMS/GPRS can be used to send the same data to the mobile phone and a dedicated app (especially for the iPhone) can then be used to see all the latest and historic data.

For users which use only machines, the paper log can be entirely removed as all training data is stored.

By informing the user while resting between sets when it's time to start another set, increases exercise efficiency and effectiveness.

The gym can increase their health & safety measures through monitoring of how the users use the machine, of how a machine was used if something happens and monitor members which have conditions (i.e. their heart rate was over the limit) User feedback includes instantaneous power indication, calories burned, new records, over-achievements and similar ones can increase motivation.

Encouragements based on performance also increase user's motivation.

By providing instant feedback on whether the user is training at the correct pace it helps improving the exercising and its effectiveness/efficiency.

Planning in advance a week training session and/or creating a monthly pan also helps the user to create targets/goals and measure his achievements compared to the target plan.

See progress in time The trainer can use the data to suggest changes in the training program.

Voice cueing prevents having to look into display and also acts as a virtual trainer.

This and any of the other functionality mentioned can be sold to the users by the gym as part of an upgraded package and activated upon payment.

Users can also compare their training data with other users, creating helthy competition and encouraging exercising.

The M-System is a retro-fit which can be easily installed into any existing weight-stack training equipment and provide full data logging abilities.

Figure 1 shows a weight-stack machine also known as stack machine (a classic training equipment found in most gyms) where no weight is selected and the cable-connected bar is lifted due to the user using the machine.

Figure 2 shows a weight-stack machine where the top three weights are selected and lifted due to the user using the machine.

Figure 3 shows a weight-stack machine where the Block-ID are installed and the top three weights are selected through a Selector-Key and lifted due to the user using the machine.

Figure 4 shows a Selector-Key Figure 5 shows a Selector-Key Figure 6 shows a weight coupled with a Block-ID Figure 7 shows a weight coupled with a Block-ID using an RFID tag as means to uniquely ID the Block-ID Figure 8 shows a weight coupled with a Block-ID using an IC as means to uniquely ID the Block-ID Figure 9 shows a weight coupled with a Block-ID using resistor as means to uniquely ID the Block-ID Figure lO shows cross sections of a Selector-Key, a weight block and a Block-ID where the Selector-Key is not inserted into the Block-ID and cannot acquire any information about the Block-ID Figure 11 shows cross sections of a Selector-Key, a weight block and a Block-ID where the Selector-Key is partially inserted and can acquire information about the Block-ID only through contactiess/wireless means such as RFID coupling achieved through the metal pin Figure 12 shows cross sections of a Selector-Key, a weight block and a Block-ID where the Selector-Key is filly inserted and can acquire information about the B lock-ID through contactiess/wireless means such as RFID coupling achieved through the metal pin as well as through contacts means.

Figure 13 shows a front view inside Selector-Key with the accelerometer at an angle.

Figure 14 shows a front view inside Selector-Key with the accelerometer at an angle and moving up.

Figure 15 shows a front view inside Selector-Key with the accelerometer at an angle and moving down.

Fig 16 shows the Control-Panel which provides user interface means A classic weight stack training machine 30 consists of a number of weights 2 to 8, also shown as 64, which can slide vertically on guides 9 through the holes 65. A bar 11 can slide into the hole 91 that each weight block has. Such bar is connected on a cable 31 which run through a number of pulleys such as 32 and which the user displaces when exercising. By inserting pin 63 of Selector-Key 1 through hole 92 of a weight block and one of the holes 22 to 28 (preferably the corresponding one when 11 is in its resting position) in bar 11, such weight is coupled to bar 11 and effectively selected. This means that when cable 31 is displaced bar 11, the Selector-Key 1, the selected weight block and all weights above the selected weight block are displaced.

By selecting a different weight block (i.e. inserting pin 63 of 1 into other weights' hole, a different overall weight is displaced, changing the force required by the user to carry out the exercise. In figure 1, 11 is raised but all weights are at rest because the Selector-Key was not inserted into any of the weight blocks. When the user does not interact with the machine, gravity forces the bar 11 to rest on top of the weight stack.

In such position hole 22 is aligned with hole 12 of weight block 2, hole 23 aligned with 13 of weight block 3 and so on so that holes 12 to 18 are aligned with holes 22 to 22 respectively. From such rest position, the Selector-Key 1 can be inserted into any of the holes 12 to 18 and corresponding 22 to 28 so that when the user exercises, the selected weight blocks and all weight blocks above it are displaced. This is shown in figure 3 where 1 is inserted into holes 14 and 24 lifting weight 4 and all weights above it.

Block-IDs 152 to 158 are attached to the front surface of weight blocks 2 to 8 respectively and also have means to allow unique identification of each of them. In the configuration shown in Figure 3, the Block-IDs are attached to the weight blocks so that the Block-IDs hole such as 100 is aligned with the hole 92 of the weight block the Block-ID is attached to.

A general Block-ID 93 is shown in Figure 6 with 4 pins 96 to 99 which provide electrical contacts with the Selector-Key 1 through its traces 83 and 84.

Enclosure 66 houses some or all of the components of 93 and allows safe coupling/attaching of 93 to 64 through various means including adhesive means such as dual-side adhesive strip 62.

The Selector-Key is connected with one or more other devices/parts of the M-System such as the Control-Panel 33 wirelessly or through wires. Wireless connectivity of the Selector-Key include Bluetooth, GSM, GPRS, ZigBee and/or any other protocol which allows the correct data transfer. Bluetooth and GPRS can also be used for connection and data transfer withlto mobile phones so that data can be exchanged in one or both directions.

The M-System senses in which weight block the Selector-Key is inserted as well as the acceleration of the displaced weights.

The weight selected is known by the M-System by either storing it in a coded manner on any electronic component/system in 93 and being read by 1 when inserted through 93 or by each and every Block-ID 93 having a unique ID which is then mapped to the equivalent overall displaced weight inside the Selector-Key electronics/ICs and/or inside any other device/computer/accessory (such as 33) which is connected/interfaced to/with the SeLector-Key.

By knowing how much weight has been displaced and dynamic information about the weights displacement such as direction, speed, acceleration, a complete log of the exercise is created. This includes details about the progression, energy and power during every repetition of every set.

The detection of the selected weight block is done by the electronics in 1 detecting in which weight block the Selector-Key is inserted. This is achieved by providing ID means on the Block-ID unique (at least within the stack in the same machine) to each weight block. Such ID can be resistors, IC, RFID tags or any other mean/devices which can allow 1 to identify which Block-ID it is inserted into.

Communication/connection between the Selector-Key and the Block-ID can be contact and/or contactiess.

Figure 9 show pins 96 and 97 which are connected to a resistor 1011. Pins 98 and 99 are connected in parallel to the same resistor. Two pins would work, but four can increase reliability and spread the load more uniformly when 1 is pulled towards 93 through magnets 72 and 73 or other means. When 63 is fully inserted through the weight block, traces 83 and 84 contact with pins 96, 97, 98 and 99. This allows the electronics in 1 to sense the value of resistor 101. The value of resistor 101 is unique to every 93 within the weight stack (or stacks if more than one in the same machine) of the training equipment. This allows 1 to detect which weight it has been inserted into.

One example of working out with such system the overall weight selected/displaced is by Block-ID 152 to contain a resistor of value 7KOhm, Block-ID 153 a resistor of value l4KOhm, Block-ID 154 a resistor of value 2lKOhm. The value of the resistor read through the electronics in 1 and the microcontroller on 1 contains a map structure which maps the resistor value to the total weight displaced, for example 7KOhm value equates to 7Kg, l4KOhm resistor value equates to 14 Kg, 2lKOhm resistor value equates to 21 Kg. The resistor values can be proportional to the total weight displaced or not.

Another mean to achieve a similar result is shown in figure 8 where pins 98 and 99 are connected to an IC (integrated circuit) 95 such as a memory device which contains a unique ID and which can supply/communicate it on request to a connected reader. A one-wire device such as Maxim One-Wire IC devices could be used to keep the number of contacts/pins/traces to a minimum. Other tag/memory ICs could be used, although if more lines are required for communication, more pins and traces would have to be provided.

One example of working out with such system the overall weight selected/displaced is by the IC in Block-ID 152 to contain a value representing 7Kg (for example 7), the IC in Block-ID 153 to contain a value representing 14Kg (for example 14), the IC in Block-ID 154 to contain a value representing 21Kg (for example 21). The values can be equal to the total weight displaced or not. If they are not mapping means somewhere in 1 or within the M-System are required.

Contactiess means to identify which Block-ID 93 in the stack the Selector-Key 1 is inserted into, is achieved as shown in figure 7. Here an RFID tag 130 contains a unique lID and/or a number representing the overall weight displaced if that particular weight-block is selected. The tag is connected to its coil/antenna 93 which is preferably arranged as shown in figure 7 so that 63 runs through it when inserted in 93. By having the reader's antenna 74 inside 1 wound around 63 as shown in Figures 10, 11 and 12, the metal pin 63 is can be used to increase coupling between the reader and the tag (i.e. between the respective antennas). This minimizes interference with nearby tags, decrease power required to read the tag and generally improve reliability.

In Figure 10, 1 not inserted into 93 so pins 96, 97, 98 and 99 are not in contact with traces 83 and 84 preventing detection of the resistor(IC within 93 (i.e. contact solutions as shown in Figures 8 and 9). By tuning the power of the tag's reader inside 1 to the minimum required to read the tag in 93 once 63 is fully inserted through 93, when 1 is not inserted into 93 the tag could not be read. In this configuration the electronics in 1 can detect that 63 is not inserted. A signal can be sent to other devices or to user-interface panel 33 to inform the user of this "not-inserted" system status.

This "not-inserted" status can also be indicated to the user through LEDs 90 and/or through display 88. When 1 is not inserted into any Block-ID, the display might flash green digits indicating the weight block the user is supposed to insert it into (according to the program stored in the M-System) and communicated by it to 1.

When 1 is inserted into the wrong Block-ID (i.e. wrong weight selected) two digits might flash alternating in two different colors: red showing the currently selected weight (incorrect one) and then in green showing the correct weight to insert 1 into.

Figure 11 shows I partially inserted through 93. If RF1D tag system is used even in this status the system can detect the selected weight and inform the user whether the chosen weight block is correct or not. If a resistor, IC or other contact means are used, at this stage 1 would not be able to detect the choice and would still assume that it has not been inserted at all, unless a proximity sensor is used (which couls also be used/implemented in the M-System and in 1). A proximity sensor can be used in any case to detect whether I is not fully inserted and inform the user to push 1 further into 93 to ensure full safety. In this "not fully inserted" status, magnets 73 coupled to 1 and magnet 72 coupled to 93 help pulling 1 and 93 together as shown in figure 12.

Figure 12 shows 1 fully inserted into 93 and kept into such position by the force of magnets 73 and 72, Pins 96, 97, 98 and 99 are pushed inwards by the corresponding traces 83 and 84 and outwards by springs 120, 121, 122 and 123 ensuring electrical contact between pins and traces.

Battery 78 can be recharged through the same pins system used for sensing resistor 101 but using one or more different traces. For example trace 83 could be assigned to be ground and 85 the trace connected to the battery or the on-board battery charging circuit. 1 could then inserted vertically into a charger so that the 63 points downwards and traces 83 and 85 are pushed by gravity against corresponding pins allowing electrical contacts for charging operation. Pins 86 can also be exposes through enclosure 82 so that power can be provided to the electronics inside 1 to recharge the battery 78.

Battery 78 can also be recharge through magnetic coupling (magnetic induction) through pin 63 and coil 75. The charger would have another coil into which 63 would slide. Through standard inductive coupling techniques power can be transferred between thecharger and the electronics inside 1 which would then recharge the battery 78.

Accelerometer 76 on PCB 170 measures the acceleration along its two axis X and Y. Acceleration along the two axis of 76 is continuously measured. Figure 13 shows 72 when 1 is at rest so that only the gravitational acceleration (here represented by vector Ca) is affecting 76 (hence detected by 76). In this condition, 76 measures vectors Cy and Cx along both its detecting axis. By doing basic vector math (such as vector sum) vector Ca is calculated from the measurement of vectors Cx and Cy.

When 76 is subjected to upwards vertical displacement as shown in figure 14, or downwards as shown in figure 15, using the same vector sum principle just mentioned and taking into account the gravitational acceleration, the acceleration that 76 (hence of 1) is subjected to at any given moment can be calculated.

Using the acceleration and/or other measurements/data at the resting position at the beginning of the exercise as reference, velocity and position can also be determined.

All these information/data can be stored into the memory on 1 and/or transmitted to 33 and/or to any other devices/computers which care connected to 1. Because from the rest position the weights can only rise vertically upwards and because we know that gravity at rest is always measured and pointing downwards, the direction of travel of the displaced weights is always known.

By using the acquired information of the displaced weight and its acceleration, velocity and position at various moments in time and/or across various intervals in time, energy used, power input and other parameters can calculated, stored and shared with the user, any other parts of the system and any other connected devices/system/computers.

Prior to using the training machine, the user identifies him/herself by logging into the machine through one or more of the means shown in the control panel 33. Such means include punching in a code in the keyboard/keypad 45, by swiping a magnetic card 57 through it's reader 42, inserting/coupling a memory-key 56 into it's reader 41, inserting a chip and pin card or smart card such as 55 in its reader 40, placing the fmger on the fingerprint reading sensor 36, inserting a USB flash drive 34 on the USB connector 39, placing RFID devices such as card 50 pendant 51 bracelet 52 and ring 53 within reading range of the RFID reader 35.

Alternatively he/she can login directly on the fingerprint sensor 89 on the Selector- Key and the login details-information is communicated wirelessly by 1 to the M-System.

Additional accessories such as heart-rate, oxymeter, breath, lung-capacity and hydration monitors can be coupled to the electronics so that the bio signals measured by those sensors can be used by the M-System, logged, stored, shared and displayed to the user during and after exercise.

After the user is logged into the system, the settings for the training are uploaded from any of the devices used by the user also to login (such as 50, 51, 52, 53, 34, 55, 56, 57) and/or from any computer or device which is connected to the M-System and/or from the M-System's onboard memory. The load setting (i.e. which weight block needs to be selected) for the first set is displayed on display 34 and/or on display 88 (in the preset or user-chosen units). If 1 is already inserted in the correct weight block, 88 displays the number in steady green digits. If 1 is not inserted into any weight blocks the digits on 88 are flashing in green. If 1 is inserted in an incorrect weight blocks the digits on 88 are alternating in red and green: red one showing the current selection and green the correct one. Audio instructions are also given through speaker 44 and to the user headphone/earphone through jack connector 43.

Audio feedback (speech and/or sound) can also be supplied by 1 through audio transducer 87.

Once the user has selected the correct weight the M-System knows that it is in a rest position and starts acquiring data from accelerometer 76 calculating vertical velocity and position from then on. This data is stored on the M-System and/or any other devices/computers connected to it and is displayed to the user through display 34. By knowing the vertical position the displaced weight at any given moment, range of motion feedback to the user is provided through LED bar 46.

Acceleration, velocity, position, range of motion, energy and power input from the user as well as any data from any heart-rate sensor, hydration sensor, breath sensor and any other sensor connected to the M-System are logged, stored and sent to any device, network or computer connected to the M-System and also shared or made available for sharing. Graphs, comparison charts and any other type of data presentation can then be used by the user and/or the trainer to analyze user performance, test their fitness and define future workout routines.

Claims

Claims 1. A device which can detect the weight selected by the user and/or displaced and measures data about the dynamics of its displacement.
2. A device according to claim 1 which can also select the weight in a weight-stack training machine
3. A device according to claim 1 which logs/stores information the data acquired
4. A device according to claim I which sends the acquired information through wires and/or wirelessly to one or more of the following: a. a control panel b. mobile phones c. computers d. networks
5. A device according to claim 1 which can be used retro-fit into weight-stack machines which have not been designed for it