US20120264568A1 - Computer integrated exercise machine - Google Patents
Computer integrated exercise machine Download PDFInfo
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- US20120264568A1 US20120264568A1 US13/085,267 US201113085267A US2012264568A1 US 20120264568 A1 US20120264568 A1 US 20120264568A1 US 201113085267 A US201113085267 A US 201113085267A US 2012264568 A1 US2012264568 A1 US 2012264568A1
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- computing device
- computer
- exercise machine
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- G—PHYSICS
- G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
- G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
- G16H40/00—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices
- G16H40/60—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices
- G16H40/67—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices for remote operation
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- G—PHYSICS
- G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
- G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
- G16H20/00—ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance
- G16H20/30—ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to physical therapies or activities, e.g. physiotherapy, acupressure or exercising
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- G—PHYSICS
- G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
- G16Z—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G16Z99/00—Subject matter not provided for in other main groups of this subclass
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- G—PHYSICS
- G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
- G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
- G16H40/00—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices
- G16H40/60—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices
- G16H40/63—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices for local operation
Definitions
- This application relates generally to exercise machines and devices. More specifically, this application relates to an exercise machine with an integrated computer.
- FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a network computing environment wherein the disclosure may be practiced
- FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a computing device that may be used in the network computing environment of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 shows an example exercise device having an integrated computer
- FIG. 4 shows an example exercise device having an interface for a removable computer.
- a device and a method including an exercise machine having an integrated or removable computing device with a Graphical User Interface (GUI) to enable a user to control, access and interact with the computing device.
- GUI Graphical User Interface
- the computing device is configured to access other computers, run software applications related or unrelated to the exercise machine, communicate with other users via voice and/or visual data channels, and substantially perform all functions available using a personal computing device.
- Exercise machines have become widespread and popular for health and fitness. Many types of exercise machines are available for different purpose, such as aerobic exercise as well as strength training. For example, rowing machines, stationary bicycles, stair climbing machines, treadmills, elliptical machines, cross-country ski machines, combinations thereof, and the like have become popular in recent years. Many people have one or more of such equipment at their homes and many more go to public gyms to use such equipment.
- Mobile computing devices such as smartphones, netbook computers, tablet computers, PDAs, and the like have become ubiquitous in recent years, both in business and as personal electronic devices.
- Mobile computing devices may be regarded as handheld computers having telephonic communication capabilities as a primary feature.
- Mobile communication and computing devices, such as smartphones, are generally capable of running applications based on platforms such as Java ME or BREW, and allowing a user to install and run more advanced applications based on a specific computing platform.
- FIG. 1 shows components of an illustrative environment in which the disclosure may be practiced. Not all the shown components may be required to practice the disclosure, and variations in the arrangement and type of the components may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure.
- System 100 may include Local Area Networks (LAN) and Wide Area Networks (WAN) shown collectively as Network 106 , wireless network 110 , gateway 108 configured to connect remote and/or different types of networks together, client computing devices 112 - 118 , and server computing devices 102 - 104 .
- LAN Local Area Networks
- WAN Wide Area Networks
- client computing devices 112 - 118 may include virtually any device capable of receiving and sending a message over a network, such as wireless network 110 , or the like.
- client computing devices 112 - 118 may include virtually any device capable of receiving and sending a message over a network, such as wireless network 110 , or the like.
- Such devices include portable devices such as, cellular telephones, smart phones, display pagers, radio frequency (RF) devices, music players, digital cameras, infrared (IR) devices, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), handheld computers, laptop computers, wearable computers, tablet computers, integrated devices combining one or more of the preceding devices, or the like.
- RF radio frequency
- IR infrared
- PDAs Personal Digital Assistants
- handheld computers laptop computers, wearable computers, tablet computers, integrated devices combining one or more of the preceding devices, or the like.
- Client device 112 may include virtually any computing device that typically connects using a wired communications medium such as personal computers, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, or the like. In one embodiment, one or more of client devices 112 - 118 may also be configured to operate over a wired and/or a wireless network.
- Client devices 112 - 118 typically range widely in terms of capabilities and features.
- a cell phone may have a numeric keypad and a few lines of monochrome LCD display on which only text may be displayed.
- a web-enabled client device may have a touch sensitive screen, a stylus, and several lines of color LCD display in which both text and graphic may be displayed.
- a web-enabled client device may include a browser application that is configured to receive and to send web pages, web-based messages, or the like.
- the browser application may be configured to receive and display graphic, text, multimedia, or the like, employing virtually any web based language, including a wireless application protocol messages (WAP), or the like.
- WAP wireless application protocol
- the browser application may be enabled to employ one or more of Handheld Device Markup Language (HDML), Wireless Markup Language (WML), WMLScript, JavaScript, Standard Generalized Markup Language (SMGL), HyperText Markup Language (HTML), eXtensible Markup Language (XML), or the like, to display and send information.
- HDML Handheld Device Markup Language
- WML Wireless Markup Language
- WMLScript Wireless Markup Language
- JavaScript Standard Generalized Markup Language
- SMGL Standard Generalized Markup Language
- HTML HyperText Markup Language
- XML eXtensible Markup Language
- Client computing devices 112 - 118 also may include at least one other client application that is configured to receive content from another computing device, including, without limit, server computing devices 102 - 104 .
- the client application may include a capability to provide and receive textual content, multimedia information, or the like.
- the client application may further provide information that identifies itself, including a type, capability, name, or the like.
- client devices 112 - 118 may uniquely identify themselves through any of a variety of mechanisms, including a phone number, Mobile Identification Number (MIN), an electronic serial number (ESN), mobile device identifier, network address, such as IP (Internet Protocol) address, Media Access Control (MAC) layer identifier, or other identifier.
- MIN Mobile Identification Number
- ESN electronic serial number
- mobile device identifier network address, such as IP (Internet Protocol) address, Media Access Control (MAC) layer identifier, or other identifier.
- the identifier may be provided in a message, or the like, sent to another computing device.
- Client computing devices 112 - 118 may also be configured to communicate a message, such as through email, Short Message Service (SMS), Multimedia Message Service (MMS), instant messaging (IM), internet relay chat (IRC), Mardam-Bey's IRC (mIRC), Jabber, or the like, to another computing device.
- SMS Short Message Service
- MMS Multimedia Message Service
- IM instant messaging
- IRC internet relay chat
- IRC Mardam-Bey's IRC
- Jabber Jabber
- Client devices 112 - 118 may further be configured to include a client application that enables the user to log into a user account that may be managed by another computing device.
- client application that enables the user to log into a user account that may be managed by another computing device.
- Such user account may be configured to enable the user to receive emails, send/receive IM messages, SMS messages, access selected web pages, download scripts, applications, or a variety of other content, or perform a variety of other actions over a network.
- managing of messages or otherwise accessing and/or downloading content may also be performed without logging into the user account.
- a user of client devices 112 - 118 may employ any of a variety of client applications to access content, read web pages, receive/send messages, or the like.
- the user may employ a browser or other client application to access a web page hosted by a Web server implemented as server computing device 102 .
- messages received by client computing devices 112 - 118 may be saved in non-volatile memory, such as flash and/or PCM, across communication sessions and/or between power cycles of client computing devices 112 - 118 .
- Wireless network 110 may be configured to couple client devices 114 - 118 to network 106 .
- Wireless network 110 may include any of a variety of wireless sub-networks that may further overlay stand-alone ad-hoc networks, and the like, to provide an infrastructure-oriented connection for client devices 114 - 118 .
- Such sub-networks may include mesh networks, Wireless LAN (WLAN) networks, cellular networks, and the like.
- Wireless network 110 may further include an autonomous system of terminals, gateways, routers, and the like connected by wireless radio links, and the like. These connectors may be configured to move freely and randomly and organize themselves arbitrarily, such that the topology of wireless network 110 may change rapidly.
- Wireless network 110 may further employ a plurality of access technologies including 2nd (2G), 3rd (3G), 4 th (4G) generation radio access for cellular systems, WLAN, Wireless Router (WR) mesh, and the like.
- Access technologies such as 3G, 4G, and future access networks may enable wide area coverage for mobile devices, such as client devices 114 - 118 with various degrees of mobility.
- wireless network 110 may enable a radio connection through a radio network access such as Global System for Mobil communication (GSM), General Packet Radio Services (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), WEDGE, Bluetooth, High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), and the like.
- GSM Global System for Mobil communication
- GPRS General Packet Radio Services
- EDGE Enhanced Data GSM Environment
- WEDGE Wireless Fidelity
- Bluetooth High Speed Downlink Packet Access
- HSDPA High Speed Downlink Packet Access
- UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunications System
- Wi-Fi Wireless Fidelity
- WCDMA Wideband Code Division Multiple Access
- Network 106 is configured to couple one or more servers depicted in FIG. 1 as server computing devices 102 - 104 and their respective components with other computing devices, such as client device 112 , and through wireless network 110 to client devices 114 - 118 .
- Network 106 is enabled to employ any form of computer readable media for communicating information from one electronic device to another.
- network 106 may include the Internet in addition to local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), direct connections, such as through a universal serial bus (USB) port, other forms of computer-readable media, or any combination thereof.
- LANs local area networks
- WANs wide area networks
- USB universal serial bus
- a router acts as a link between LANs, enabling messages to be sent from one to another.
- Communication links within LANs typically include twisted wire pair or coaxial cable, while communication links between networks may utilize analog telephone lines, full or fractional dedicated digital lines including T1, T2, T3, and T4, Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDNs), Digital Subscriber Lines (DSLs), wireless links including satellite links, or other communications links known to those skilled in the art.
- ISDNs Integrated Services Digital Networks
- DSLs Digital Subscriber Lines
- Network 106 may include any communication method by which information may travel between computing devices.
- communication media typically may enable transmission of computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other types of content, virtually without limit.
- communication media includes wired media such as twisted pair, coaxial cable, fiber optics, wave guides, and other wired media and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared, and other wireless media.
- FIG. 2 shows an illustrative computing device 200 that may represent any one of the server and/or client computing devices shown in FIG. 1 .
- a computing device represented by computing device 200 may include less or more than all the components shown in FIG. 2 depending on the functionality needed.
- a mobile computing device may include the transceiver 236 and antenna 238
- a server computing device 102 of FIG. 1 may not include these components.
- NIC 230 and transceiver 236 may be implemented as an integrated unit.
- different functions of a single component may be separated and implemented across several components instead.
- different functions of I/O processor 220 may be separated into two or more processing units.
- computing device 200 includes optical storage 202 , Central Processing Unit (CPU) 204 , memory module 206 , display interface 214 , audio interface 216 , input devices 218 , Input/Output (I/O) processor 220 , bus 222 , non-volatile memory 224 , various other interfaces 226 - 228 , Network Interface Card (NIC) 320 , hard disk 232 , power supply 234 , transceiver 236 , antenna 238 , haptic interface 240 , and Global Positioning System (GPS) unit 242 .
- Memory module 206 may include software such as Operating System (OS) 208 , and a variety of software application programs 210 - 212 .
- OS Operating System
- Computing device 200 may also include other components not shown in FIG. 2 .
- computing device 200 may further include an illuminator (for example, a light), graphic interface, and portable storage media such as USB drives.
- illuminator for example, a light
- portable storage media such as USB drives.
- Computing device 200 may also include other processing units, such as a math co-processor, graphics processor/accelerator, and a Digital Signal Processor (DSP).
- DSP Digital Signal Processor
- Optical storage device 202 may include optical drives for using optical media, such as CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Video Disc), and the like. Optical storage devices 202 may provide inexpensive ways for storing information for archival and/or distribution purposes.
- CD Compact Disc
- DVD Digital Video Disc
- Optical storage devices 202 may provide inexpensive ways for storing information for archival and/or distribution purposes.
- CPU 204 may be the main processor for software program execution in computing device 200 .
- CPU 204 may represent one or more processing units that obtain software instructions from memory module 206 and execute such instructions to carry out computations and/or transfer data between various sources and destinations of data, such as hard disk 232 , I/O processor 220 , display interface 214 , input devices 218 , non-volatile memory 224 , and the like.
- Memory module 206 may include RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and other storage means, mapped to one addressable memory space. Memory module 206 illustrates one of many types of computer storage media for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Memory module 206 may store a basic input/output system (BIOS) for controlling low-level operation of computing device 200 . Memory module 206 may also store OS 208 for controlling the general operation of computing device 200 . It will be appreciated that OS 208 may include a general-purpose operating system such as a version of UNIX, or LINUXTM, or a specialized client communication operating system such as Windows MobileTM, or the Symbian® operating system. OS 208 may, in turn, include or interface with a Java virtual machine (JVM) module that enables control of hardware components and/or operating system operations via Java application programs.
- JVM Java virtual machine
- Memory module 206 may further include one or more distinct areas (by address space and/or other means), which can be utilised by computing device 200 to store, among other things, applications and/or other data. For example, one area of memory module 206 may be set aside and employed to store information that describes various capabilities of computing device 200 , a device identifier, and the like. Such identification information may then be provided to another device based on any of a variety of events, including being sent as part of a header during a communication, sent upon request, or the like.
- One common software application is a browser program that is generally used to send/receive information to/from a web server.
- the browser application is enabled to employ Handheld Device Markup Language (HDML), Wireless Markup Language (WML), WMLScript, JavaScript, Standard Generalized Markup Language (SMGL), HyperText Markup Language (HTML), eXtensible Markup Language (XML), and the like, to display and send a message.
- HDML Handheld Device Markup Language
- WML Wireless Markup Language
- WMLScript Wireless Markup Language
- JavaScript Standard Generalized Markup Language
- SMGL Standard Generalized Markup Language
- HTML HyperText Markup Language
- XML eXtensible Markup Language
- any of a variety of other web based languages may also be employed.
- a user may view an article or other content on a web page with one or more highlighted portions as target objects.
- Display interface 214 may be coupled with a display unit (not shown), such as liquid crystal display (LCD), gas plasma, light emitting diode (LED), or any other type of display unit that may be used with computing device 200 .
- Display units coupled with display interface 214 may also include a touch sensitive screen arranged to receive input from an object such as a stylus or a digit from a human hand.
- Display interface 214 may further include interface for other visual status indicators, such Light Emitting Diodes (LED), light arrays, and the like.
- Display interface 214 may include both hardware and software components.
- display interface 214 may include a graphic accelerator for rendering graphic-intensive outputs on the display unit.
- display interface 214 may include software and/or firmware components that work in conjunction with CPU 204 to render graphic output on the display unit.
- Audio interface 216 is arranged to produce and receive audio signals such as the sound of a human voice.
- audio interface 216 may be coupled to a speaker and microphone (not shown) to enable communication with a human operator, such as spoken commands, and/or generate an audio acknowledgement for some action.
- Input devices 218 may include a variety of device types arranged to receive input from a user, such as a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a touchpad, a touch-screen (described with respect to display interface 214 ), a multi-touch screen, a microphone for spoken command input (describe with respect to audio interface 216 ), and the like.
- I/O processor 220 is generally employed to handle transactions and communications with peripheral devices such as mass storage, network, input devices, display, and the like, which couple computing device 200 with the external world. In small, low power computing devices, such as some mobile devices, functions of the I/O processor 220 may be integrated with CPU 204 to reduce hardware cost and complexity. In one embodiment, I/O processor 220 may be the primary software interface with all other device and/or hardware interfaces, such as optical storage 202 , hard disk 232 , interfaces 226 - 228 , display interface 214 , audio interface 216 , and input devices 218 .
- An electrical bus 222 internal to computing device 200 may be used to couple various other hardware components, such as CPU 204 , memory module 206 , I/O processor 220 , and the like, to each other for transferring data, instructions, status, and other similar information.
- Non-volatile memory 224 may include memory built into computing device 200 , or portable storage medium, such as USB drives that may include PCM arrays, flash memory including NOR and NAND flash, pluggable hard drive, and the like.
- portable storage medium may behave similarly to a disk drive.
- portable storage medium may present an interface different than a disk drive, for example, a read-only interface used for loading/supplying data and/or software.
- Various other interfaces 226 - 228 may include other electrical and/or optical interfaces for connecting to various hardware peripheral devices and networks, such as IEEE 1394 also known as FireWire, Universal Serial Bus (USB), Small Computer Serial Interface (SCSI), parallel printer interface, Universal Synchronous Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (USART), Video Graphics Array (VGA), Super VGA (SVGA), HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface), and the like.
- IEEE 1394 also known as FireWire, Universal Serial Bus (USB), Small Computer Serial Interface (SCSI), parallel printer interface, Universal Synchronous Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (USART), Video Graphics Array (VGA), Super VGA (SVGA), HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface), and the like.
- Network Interface Card (NIC) 230 may include circuitry for coupling computing device 200 to one or more networks, and is generally constructed for use with one or more communication protocols and technologies including, but not limited to, Global System for Mobile communication (GSM), code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), user datagram protocol (UDP), transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP), SMS, general packet radio service (GPRS), WAP, ultra wide band (UWB), IEEE 802.16 Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), SIP/RTP, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, UMTS, HSDPA, WCDMA, WEDGE, or any of a variety of other wired and/or wireless communication protocols.
- GSM Global System for Mobile communication
- CDMA code division multiple access
- TDMA time division multiple access
- UDP user datagram protocol
- TCP/IP transmission control protocol/Internet protocol
- SMS general packet radio service
- GPRS general packet radio service
- WAP ultra wide band
- WiMax Worldwide Inter
- Hard disk 232 is generally used as a mass storage device for computing device 200 .
- hard disk 232 may be a Ferro-magnetic stack of one or more disks forming a disk drive embedded in or coupled to computing device 200 .
- hard drive 232 may be implemented as a solid-state device configured to behave as a disk drive, such as a flash-based hard drive.
- hard drive 232 may be a remote storage accessible over network interface 230 or another interface 226 , but acting as a local hard drive.
- Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other technologies and configurations may be used to present a hard drive interface and functionality to computing device 200 without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.
- Power supply 234 provides power to computing device 200 .
- a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery may be used to provide power.
- the power may also be provided by an external power source, such as an AC adapter or a powered docking cradle that supplements and/or recharges a battery.
- Transceiver 236 generally represents transmitter/receiver circuits for wired and/or wireless transmission and receipt of electronic data.
- Transceiver 236 may be a stand-alone module or be integrated with other modules, such as NIC 230 .
- Transceiver 236 may be coupled with one or more antennas for wireless transmission of information.
- Antenna 238 is generally used for wireless transmission of information, for example, in conjunction with transceiver 236 , NIC 230 , and/or GPS 242 .
- Antenna 238 may represent one or more different antennas that may be coupled with different devices and tuned to different carrier frequencies configured to communicate using corresponding protocols and/or networks.
- Antenna 238 may be of various types, such as omni-directional, dipole, slot, helical, and the like.
- Haptic interface 240 is configured to provide tactile feedback to a user of computing device 200 .
- the haptic interface may be employed to vibrate computing device 200 , or an input device coupled to computing device 200 , such as a game controller, in a particular way when an event occurs, such as hitting an object with a car in a video game.
- GPS unit 242 can determine the physical coordinates of computing device 200 on the surface of the Earth, which typically outputs a location as latitude and longitude values. GPS unit 242 can also employ other geo-positioning mechanisms, including, but not limited to, triangulation, assisted GPS (AGPS), E-OTD, CI, SAI, ETA, BSS or the like, to further determine the physical location of computing device 200 on the surface of the Earth. It is understood that under different conditions, GPS unit 242 can determine a physical location within millimeters for computing device 200 . In other cases, the determined physical location may be less precise, such as within a meter or significantly greater distances. In one embodiment, however, a mobile device represented by computing device 200 may, through other components, provide other information that may be employed to determine a physical location of the device, including for example, a MAC address.
- FIG. 3 shows an example exercise device having an integrated computer.
- computer integrated exercise machine 300 includes a computer console 302 , handles 304 , 306 , 308 , and 310 , and computer control devices 312 , 314 , 316 , and 318 .
- Computer console 302 may communicate with other computers 350 or mobile devices via a network or other communication link.
- computer console 302 may be any one of the computing devices described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- computer console 302 is a substantially permanently integrated computer attached to the exercise machine, while in some other embodiments, computer console 302 is a detachable computer as further discussed below with respect to FIG. 4 .
- the GUI of computer console 302 may be controlled by a user using local controls on the computer itself, such as a hard or soft keyboard, a touchpad, a touch-sensitive screen, a pointing device like a mouse, a combination thereof, and the like.
- the GUI of computer console 302 may be controlled by a user using devices integrated with the exercise machine.
- a four-way navigation button, a joystick, and the like which may substantially be controlled by one or more fingers, may be located on handles 312 , 314 , 316 , and 318 of exercise machine 300 for interacting with the GUI.
- Other controls for interacting with computer console 302 such as a touchpad or a pointing device, which are distinct from and in addition to the built-in controls of the computer console, may be built into the exercise machine to control the GUI. These additional controls may be provided to allow the user to more naturally and easily interact with the computer while also exercising substantially at the same time without interrupting either the exercise or the computer interaction.
- any software application normally available on a computer such as a personal laptop or desktop computer, may also be available on computer console 302 .
- the software application programs include but are not limited to browsers, email, entertainment programs, such as various media players, communication programs such as SkypeTM for voice and video communication with other users, document processing suites such as Microsoft Office (for example, Word, Excel, etc.), and the like.
- the invention is also capable of performing common security processes associated with computers and mobile devices, such as deleting history and removing evidence of the use or synchronized computer or mobile devices.
- computer console 302 or mobile devices may connect to other computers 350 via wireless or wired network to access various files, software applications, or facilities, such as printers and network gateways.
- computer console 302 is a standalone fully functional computer including the hardware and software described above with respect to FIG. 2
- computer console 302 is “dumb” terminal, lacking full computer functionality, such as a local file system and native software applications, but which is configured to connect and use the computing facilities of other accessible computers 350 or mobile devices.
- These embodiments may include software specific to the invention. In this configuration, substantial cost-savings may be realized by using the power and facilities of other existing computers while using computer console 302 as a user communication interface to such other existing computers.
- FIG. 4 shows an example exercise device having an interface for a removable computer.
- computer integrated exercise machine 400 includes a detachable computer 420 , a computer docking station 402 to receive detachable computer 420 as indicated by arrow 422 , exercise handles 404 , 406 , 408 , and 410 , and computer control devices 412 , 414 , 416 , and 418 .
- Detachable computer 420 may communicate with other computers via a wired or wireless network or other communication links.
- detachable computer 420 may be a commercially available independent portable computer, such as notebook, netbook or tablet computers, which may be attached to and synced with computer docking station 402 during an exercise session.
- docking station 402 provides power to detachable computer 420 as well as interface with the control and data lines of detachable computer 420 .
- the controls integrated with the exercise machine for interacting with the computer GUI operate through docking station 402 interface. Other characteristics of computer 420 and exercise machine 400 are substantially described above with respect to FIG. 3 .
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Abstract
A method and a device are disclosed for an exercise machine having an integrated or removable computing device with a Graphical User Interface (GUI) to enable a user to control and interact with the computing device. In various embodiments, the computing device is configured to access other computers, run software applications related or unrelated to the exercise machine, communicate with other users via voice and/or visual data channels, and substantially perform all functions available using a personal computing device.
Description
- This application relates generally to exercise machines and devices. More specifically, this application relates to an exercise machine with an integrated computer.
- The drawings, when considered in connection with the following description, are presented for the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject matter sought to be protected.
-
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a network computing environment wherein the disclosure may be practiced; -
FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a computing device that may be used in the network computing environment ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 shows an example exercise device having an integrated computer; and -
FIG. 4 shows an example exercise device having an interface for a removable computer. - While the present disclosure is described with reference to several illustrative embodiments described herein, it should be clear that the present disclosure should not be limited to such embodiments. Therefore, the description of the embodiments provided herein is illustrative of the present disclosure and should not limit the scope of the disclosure as claimed. In addition, while following description references an elliptical exercise machine, it will be appreciated that the disclosure may be used with other types of exercise machines, such as stationary bicycles, rowing machines, treadmills, weight training machines, and the like.
- Briefly described, a device and a method are disclosed including an exercise machine having an integrated or removable computing device with a Graphical User Interface (GUI) to enable a user to control, access and interact with the computing device. In various embodiments, the computing device is configured to access other computers, run software applications related or unrelated to the exercise machine, communicate with other users via voice and/or visual data channels, and substantially perform all functions available using a personal computing device.
- Exercise machines have become widespread and popular for health and fitness. Many types of exercise machines are available for different purpose, such as aerobic exercise as well as strength training. For example, rowing machines, stationary bicycles, stair climbing machines, treadmills, elliptical machines, cross-country ski machines, combinations thereof, and the like have become popular in recent years. Many people have one or more of such equipment at their homes and many more go to public gyms to use such equipment.
- Similarly, portable computers and mobile computing devices, such as smartphones, netbook computers, tablet computers, PDAs, and the like have become ubiquitous in recent years, both in business and as personal electronic devices. Mobile computing devices may be regarded as handheld computers having telephonic communication capabilities as a primary feature. Mobile communication and computing devices, such as smartphones, are generally capable of running applications based on platforms such as Java ME or BREW, and allowing a user to install and run more advanced applications based on a specific computing platform.
- With busy schedules, people often try to combine activities to save time. Because of modern computing facilities, many activities may be monitored and/or performed online using computers and the Internet, ranging from reading news and playing video games to responding to emails, banking and social networking, combining exercise and online activities may be useful for many people. This arrangement may also encourage and advance physical activity of children and teenagers who are less likely to exercise by combining fitness with some of their favorite non-exercise related activities, such as: watching television and videos, playing video games, listening to music, etc. Ultimately, this invention seamlessly integrates exercise, office, social, and entertainment environments.
-
FIG. 1 shows components of an illustrative environment in which the disclosure may be practiced. Not all the shown components may be required to practice the disclosure, and variations in the arrangement and type of the components may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure.System 100 may include Local Area Networks (LAN) and Wide Area Networks (WAN) shown collectively as Network 106,wireless network 110,gateway 108 configured to connect remote and/or different types of networks together, client computing devices 112-118, and server computing devices 102-104. - One embodiment of a computing device usable as one of client computing devices 112-118 is described in more detail below with respect to
FIG. 2 . Briefly, however, client computing devices 112-118 may include virtually any device capable of receiving and sending a message over a network, such aswireless network 110, or the like. Such devices include portable devices such as, cellular telephones, smart phones, display pagers, radio frequency (RF) devices, music players, digital cameras, infrared (IR) devices, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), handheld computers, laptop computers, wearable computers, tablet computers, integrated devices combining one or more of the preceding devices, or the like.Client device 112 may include virtually any computing device that typically connects using a wired communications medium such as personal computers, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, or the like. In one embodiment, one or more of client devices 112-118 may also be configured to operate over a wired and/or a wireless network. - Client devices 112-118 typically range widely in terms of capabilities and features. For example, a cell phone may have a numeric keypad and a few lines of monochrome LCD display on which only text may be displayed. In another example, a web-enabled client device may have a touch sensitive screen, a stylus, and several lines of color LCD display in which both text and graphic may be displayed.
- A web-enabled client device may include a browser application that is configured to receive and to send web pages, web-based messages, or the like. The browser application may be configured to receive and display graphic, text, multimedia, or the like, employing virtually any web based language, including a wireless application protocol messages (WAP), or the like. In one embodiment, the browser application may be enabled to employ one or more of Handheld Device Markup Language (HDML), Wireless Markup Language (WML), WMLScript, JavaScript, Standard Generalized Markup Language (SMGL), HyperText Markup Language (HTML), eXtensible Markup Language (XML), or the like, to display and send information.
- Client computing devices 112-118 also may include at least one other client application that is configured to receive content from another computing device, including, without limit, server computing devices 102-104. The client application may include a capability to provide and receive textual content, multimedia information, or the like. The client application may further provide information that identifies itself, including a type, capability, name, or the like. In one embodiment, client devices 112-118 may uniquely identify themselves through any of a variety of mechanisms, including a phone number, Mobile Identification Number (MIN), an electronic serial number (ESN), mobile device identifier, network address, such as IP (Internet Protocol) address, Media Access Control (MAC) layer identifier, or other identifier. The identifier may be provided in a message, or the like, sent to another computing device.
- Client computing devices 112-118 may also be configured to communicate a message, such as through email, Short Message Service (SMS), Multimedia Message Service (MMS), instant messaging (IM), internet relay chat (IRC), Mardam-Bey's IRC (mIRC), Jabber, or the like, to another computing device. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these message protocols, and virtually any other message protocol may be employed.
- Client devices 112-118 may further be configured to include a client application that enables the user to log into a user account that may be managed by another computing device. Such user account, for example, may be configured to enable the user to receive emails, send/receive IM messages, SMS messages, access selected web pages, download scripts, applications, or a variety of other content, or perform a variety of other actions over a network. However, managing of messages or otherwise accessing and/or downloading content, may also be performed without logging into the user account. Thus, a user of client devices 112-118 may employ any of a variety of client applications to access content, read web pages, receive/send messages, or the like. In one embodiment, for example, the user may employ a browser or other client application to access a web page hosted by a Web server implemented as
server computing device 102. In one embodiment, messages received by client computing devices 112-118 may be saved in non-volatile memory, such as flash and/or PCM, across communication sessions and/or between power cycles of client computing devices 112-118. -
Wireless network 110 may be configured to couple client devices 114-118 tonetwork 106.Wireless network 110 may include any of a variety of wireless sub-networks that may further overlay stand-alone ad-hoc networks, and the like, to provide an infrastructure-oriented connection for client devices 114-118. Such sub-networks may include mesh networks, Wireless LAN (WLAN) networks, cellular networks, and the like.Wireless network 110 may further include an autonomous system of terminals, gateways, routers, and the like connected by wireless radio links, and the like. These connectors may be configured to move freely and randomly and organize themselves arbitrarily, such that the topology ofwireless network 110 may change rapidly. -
Wireless network 110 may further employ a plurality of access technologies including 2nd (2G), 3rd (3G), 4th (4G) generation radio access for cellular systems, WLAN, Wireless Router (WR) mesh, and the like. Access technologies such as 3G, 4G, and future access networks may enable wide area coverage for mobile devices, such as client devices 114-118 with various degrees of mobility. For example,wireless network 110 may enable a radio connection through a radio network access such as Global System for Mobil communication (GSM), General Packet Radio Services (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), WEDGE, Bluetooth, High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), and the like. In essence,wireless network 110 may include virtually any wireless communication mechanism by which information may travel between client devices 102-104 and another computing device, network, and the like. - Network 106 is configured to couple one or more servers depicted in
FIG. 1 as server computing devices 102-104 and their respective components with other computing devices, such asclient device 112, and throughwireless network 110 to client devices 114-118. Network 106 is enabled to employ any form of computer readable media for communicating information from one electronic device to another. Also,network 106 may include the Internet in addition to local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), direct connections, such as through a universal serial bus (USB) port, other forms of computer-readable media, or any combination thereof. On an interconnected set of LANs, including those based on differing architectures and protocols, a router acts as a link between LANs, enabling messages to be sent from one to another. - Communication links within LANs typically include twisted wire pair or coaxial cable, while communication links between networks may utilize analog telephone lines, full or fractional dedicated digital lines including T1, T2, T3, and T4, Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDNs), Digital Subscriber Lines (DSLs), wireless links including satellite links, or other communications links known to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, remote computers and other related electronic devices could be remotely connected to either LANs or WANs via a modem and temporary telephone link.
Network 106 may include any communication method by which information may travel between computing devices. Additionally, communication media typically may enable transmission of computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other types of content, virtually without limit. By way of example, communication media includes wired media such as twisted pair, coaxial cable, fiber optics, wave guides, and other wired media and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared, and other wireless media. -
FIG. 2 shows anillustrative computing device 200 that may represent any one of the server and/or client computing devices shown inFIG. 1 . A computing device represented by computingdevice 200 may include less or more than all the components shown inFIG. 2 depending on the functionality needed. For example, a mobile computing device may include thetransceiver 236 andantenna 238, while aserver computing device 102 ofFIG. 1 may not include these components. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the scope of integration of components ofcomputing device 200 may be different from what is shown. As such, some of the components ofcomputing device 200 shown inFIG. 2 may be integrated together as one unit. For example,NIC 230 andtransceiver 236 may be implemented as an integrated unit. Additionally, different functions of a single component may be separated and implemented across several components instead. For example, different functions of I/O processor 220 may be separated into two or more processing units. - With continued reference to
FIG. 2 ,computing device 200 includesoptical storage 202, Central Processing Unit (CPU) 204,memory module 206,display interface 214,audio interface 216,input devices 218, Input/Output (I/O)processor 220,bus 222,non-volatile memory 224, various other interfaces 226-228, Network Interface Card (NIC) 320,hard disk 232,power supply 234,transceiver 236,antenna 238,haptic interface 240, and Global Positioning System (GPS)unit 242.Memory module 206 may include software such as Operating System (OS) 208, and a variety of software application programs 210-212.Computing device 200 may also include other components not shown inFIG. 2 . For example,computing device 200 may further include an illuminator (for example, a light), graphic interface, and portable storage media such as USB drives.Computing device 200 may also include other processing units, such as a math co-processor, graphics processor/accelerator, and a Digital Signal Processor (DSP). -
Optical storage device 202 may include optical drives for using optical media, such as CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Video Disc), and the like.Optical storage devices 202 may provide inexpensive ways for storing information for archival and/or distribution purposes. - Central Processing Unit (CPU) 204 may be the main processor for software program execution in
computing device 200.CPU 204 may represent one or more processing units that obtain software instructions frommemory module 206 and execute such instructions to carry out computations and/or transfer data between various sources and destinations of data, such ashard disk 232, I/O processor 220,display interface 214,input devices 218,non-volatile memory 224, and the like. -
Memory module 206 may include RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and other storage means, mapped to one addressable memory space.Memory module 206 illustrates one of many types of computer storage media for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data.Memory module 206 may store a basic input/output system (BIOS) for controlling low-level operation ofcomputing device 200.Memory module 206 may also storeOS 208 for controlling the general operation ofcomputing device 200. It will be appreciated thatOS 208 may include a general-purpose operating system such as a version of UNIX, or LINUX™, or a specialized client communication operating system such as Windows Mobile™, or the Symbian® operating system.OS 208 may, in turn, include or interface with a Java virtual machine (JVM) module that enables control of hardware components and/or operating system operations via Java application programs. -
Memory module 206 may further include one or more distinct areas (by address space and/or other means), which can be utilised by computingdevice 200 to store, among other things, applications and/or other data. For example, one area ofmemory module 206 may be set aside and employed to store information that describes various capabilities ofcomputing device 200, a device identifier, and the like. Such identification information may then be provided to another device based on any of a variety of events, including being sent as part of a header during a communication, sent upon request, or the like. One common software application is a browser program that is generally used to send/receive information to/from a web server. In one embodiment, the browser application is enabled to employ Handheld Device Markup Language (HDML), Wireless Markup Language (WML), WMLScript, JavaScript, Standard Generalized Markup Language (SMGL), HyperText Markup Language (HTML), eXtensible Markup Language (XML), and the like, to display and send a message. However, any of a variety of other web based languages may also be employed. In one embodiment, using the browser application, a user may view an article or other content on a web page with one or more highlighted portions as target objects. -
Display interface 214 may be coupled with a display unit (not shown), such as liquid crystal display (LCD), gas plasma, light emitting diode (LED), or any other type of display unit that may be used withcomputing device 200. Display units coupled withdisplay interface 214 may also include a touch sensitive screen arranged to receive input from an object such as a stylus or a digit from a human hand.Display interface 214 may further include interface for other visual status indicators, such Light Emitting Diodes (LED), light arrays, and the like.Display interface 214 may include both hardware and software components. For example,display interface 214 may include a graphic accelerator for rendering graphic-intensive outputs on the display unit. In one embodiment,display interface 214 may include software and/or firmware components that work in conjunction withCPU 204 to render graphic output on the display unit. -
Audio interface 216 is arranged to produce and receive audio signals such as the sound of a human voice. For example,audio interface 216 may be coupled to a speaker and microphone (not shown) to enable communication with a human operator, such as spoken commands, and/or generate an audio acknowledgement for some action. -
Input devices 218 may include a variety of device types arranged to receive input from a user, such as a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a touchpad, a touch-screen (described with respect to display interface 214), a multi-touch screen, a microphone for spoken command input (describe with respect to audio interface 216), and the like. - I/
O processor 220 is generally employed to handle transactions and communications with peripheral devices such as mass storage, network, input devices, display, and the like, whichcouple computing device 200 with the external world. In small, low power computing devices, such as some mobile devices, functions of the I/O processor 220 may be integrated withCPU 204 to reduce hardware cost and complexity. In one embodiment, I/O processor 220 may be the primary software interface with all other device and/or hardware interfaces, such asoptical storage 202,hard disk 232, interfaces 226-228,display interface 214,audio interface 216, andinput devices 218. - An
electrical bus 222 internal tocomputing device 200 may be used to couple various other hardware components, such asCPU 204,memory module 206, I/O processor 220, and the like, to each other for transferring data, instructions, status, and other similar information. -
Non-volatile memory 224 may include memory built intocomputing device 200, or portable storage medium, such as USB drives that may include PCM arrays, flash memory including NOR and NAND flash, pluggable hard drive, and the like. In one embodiment, portable storage medium may behave similarly to a disk drive. In another embodiment, portable storage medium may present an interface different than a disk drive, for example, a read-only interface used for loading/supplying data and/or software. - Various other interfaces 226-228 may include other electrical and/or optical interfaces for connecting to various hardware peripheral devices and networks, such as IEEE 1394 also known as FireWire, Universal Serial Bus (USB), Small Computer Serial Interface (SCSI), parallel printer interface, Universal Synchronous Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (USART), Video Graphics Array (VGA), Super VGA (SVGA), HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface), and the like.
- Network Interface Card (NIC) 230 may include circuitry for
coupling computing device 200 to one or more networks, and is generally constructed for use with one or more communication protocols and technologies including, but not limited to, Global System for Mobile communication (GSM), code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), user datagram protocol (UDP), transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP), SMS, general packet radio service (GPRS), WAP, ultra wide band (UWB), IEEE 802.16 Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), SIP/RTP, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, UMTS, HSDPA, WCDMA, WEDGE, or any of a variety of other wired and/or wireless communication protocols. -
Hard disk 232 is generally used as a mass storage device forcomputing device 200. In one embodiment,hard disk 232 may be a Ferro-magnetic stack of one or more disks forming a disk drive embedded in or coupled tocomputing device 200. In another embodiment,hard drive 232 may be implemented as a solid-state device configured to behave as a disk drive, such as a flash-based hard drive. In yet another embodiment,hard drive 232 may be a remote storage accessible overnetwork interface 230 or anotherinterface 226, but acting as a local hard drive. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other technologies and configurations may be used to present a hard drive interface and functionality tocomputing device 200 without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. -
Power supply 234 provides power tocomputing device 200. A rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery may be used to provide power. The power may also be provided by an external power source, such as an AC adapter or a powered docking cradle that supplements and/or recharges a battery. -
Transceiver 236 generally represents transmitter/receiver circuits for wired and/or wireless transmission and receipt of electronic data.Transceiver 236 may be a stand-alone module or be integrated with other modules, such asNIC 230.Transceiver 236 may be coupled with one or more antennas for wireless transmission of information. -
Antenna 238 is generally used for wireless transmission of information, for example, in conjunction withtransceiver 236,NIC 230, and/orGPS 242.Antenna 238 may represent one or more different antennas that may be coupled with different devices and tuned to different carrier frequencies configured to communicate using corresponding protocols and/or networks.Antenna 238 may be of various types, such as omni-directional, dipole, slot, helical, and the like. -
Haptic interface 240 is configured to provide tactile feedback to a user ofcomputing device 200. For example, the haptic interface may be employed to vibratecomputing device 200, or an input device coupled tocomputing device 200, such as a game controller, in a particular way when an event occurs, such as hitting an object with a car in a video game. - Global Positioning System (GPS)
unit 242 can determine the physical coordinates ofcomputing device 200 on the surface of the Earth, which typically outputs a location as latitude and longitude values.GPS unit 242 can also employ other geo-positioning mechanisms, including, but not limited to, triangulation, assisted GPS (AGPS), E-OTD, CI, SAI, ETA, BSS or the like, to further determine the physical location of computingdevice 200 on the surface of the Earth. It is understood that under different conditions,GPS unit 242 can determine a physical location within millimeters forcomputing device 200. In other cases, the determined physical location may be less precise, such as within a meter or significantly greater distances. In one embodiment, however, a mobile device represented by computingdevice 200 may, through other components, provide other information that may be employed to determine a physical location of the device, including for example, a MAC address. -
FIG. 3 shows an example exercise device having an integrated computer. In various embodiments, computer integratedexercise machine 300 includes acomputer console 302, handles 304, 306, 308, and 310, andcomputer control devices Computer console 302 may communicate withother computers 350 or mobile devices via a network or other communication link. - In various embodiments,
computer console 302 may be any one of the computing devices described with respect toFIGS. 1 and 2 . In some embodiments,computer console 302 is a substantially permanently integrated computer attached to the exercise machine, while in some other embodiments,computer console 302 is a detachable computer as further discussed below with respect toFIG. 4 . In some embodiments, the GUI ofcomputer console 302 may be controlled by a user using local controls on the computer itself, such as a hard or soft keyboard, a touchpad, a touch-sensitive screen, a pointing device like a mouse, a combination thereof, and the like. In other embodiments, the GUI ofcomputer console 302 may be controlled by a user using devices integrated with the exercise machine. For example, a four-way navigation button, a joystick, and the like, which may substantially be controlled by one or more fingers, may be located onhandles exercise machine 300 for interacting with the GUI. Other controls for interacting withcomputer console 302, such as a touchpad or a pointing device, which are distinct from and in addition to the built-in controls of the computer console, may be built into the exercise machine to control the GUI. These additional controls may be provided to allow the user to more naturally and easily interact with the computer while also exercising substantially at the same time without interrupting either the exercise or the computer interaction. - Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any software application normally available on a computer, such as a personal laptop or desktop computer, may also be available on
computer console 302. The software application programs include but are not limited to browsers, email, entertainment programs, such as various media players, communication programs such as Skype™ for voice and video communication with other users, document processing suites such as Microsoft Office (for example, Word, Excel, etc.), and the like. The invention is also capable of performing common security processes associated with computers and mobile devices, such as deleting history and removing evidence of the use or synchronized computer or mobile devices. - In various embodiments,
computer console 302 or mobile devices may connect toother computers 350 via wireless or wired network to access various files, software applications, or facilities, such as printers and network gateways. In some embodiments,computer console 302 is a standalone fully functional computer including the hardware and software described above with respect toFIG. 2 , while in other embodiments,computer console 302 is “dumb” terminal, lacking full computer functionality, such as a local file system and native software applications, but which is configured to connect and use the computing facilities of otheraccessible computers 350 or mobile devices. These embodiments may include software specific to the invention. In this configuration, substantial cost-savings may be realized by using the power and facilities of other existing computers while usingcomputer console 302 as a user communication interface to such other existing computers. -
FIG. 4 shows an example exercise device having an interface for a removable computer. In various embodiments, computer integratedexercise machine 400 includes adetachable computer 420, acomputer docking station 402 to receivedetachable computer 420 as indicated byarrow 422, exercise handles 404, 406, 408, and 410, and computer control devices 412, 414, 416, and 418.Detachable computer 420 may communicate with other computers via a wired or wireless network or other communication links. - In various embodiments,
detachable computer 420 may be a commercially available independent portable computer, such as notebook, netbook or tablet computers, which may be attached to and synced withcomputer docking station 402 during an exercise session. In various embodiments,docking station 402 provides power todetachable computer 420 as well as interface with the control and data lines ofdetachable computer 420. In various embodiments, the controls integrated with the exercise machine for interacting with the computer GUI operate throughdocking station 402 interface. Other characteristics ofcomputer 420 andexercise machine 400 are substantially described above with respect toFIG. 3 . - Changes can be made to the claimed invention in light of the above Detailed Description. While the above description details certain embodiments of the invention and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the claimed invention can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its implementation details, while still being encompassed by the claimed invention disclosed herein.
- Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the claimed invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the claimed invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the claimed invention.
- The above specification, examples, and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended. It is further understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but is intended to cover various arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent arrangements.
Claims (12)
1. A computer integrated exercise machine comprising:
an exercise device;
a computing device attachable to the exercise device; and
a control device configured to control the computing device.
2. The computer integrated exercise machine of claim 1 , further comprising a docking station.
3. The computer integrated exercise machine of claim 2 , wherein the computing device is attached to the exercise device via the docking station.
4. The computer integrated exercise machine of claim 3 , wherein the control device controls a Graphical User Interface (GUI) of the computing device via the docking station.
5. The computer integrated exercise machine of claim 1 , wherein the computing device is configured to connect to and communicate with other computers.
6. The computer integrated exercise machine of claim 1 , wherein the computing device communicates with the other computers via a wired or wireless network.
7. The computer integrated exercise machine of claim 1 , wherein the computing device comprises one of a laptop computer, a smartphone, and a tablet computer.
8. An exercise device comprising:
a docking station configured to couple with a computing device; and
a control device configured to control the computing device.
9. The computer integrated exercise machine of claim 8 , wherein the control device controls a Graphical User Interface (GUI) of the computing device via the docking station.
10. The computer integrated exercise machine of claim 8 , wherein the computing device is configured to connect to and communicate with other computers.
11. The computer integrated exercise machine of claim 8 , wherein the computing device communicates with the other computers via a wired or wireless network.
12. The computer integrated exercise machine of claim 8 , wherein the computing device comprises one of a laptop computer, a smartphone, and a tablet computer.
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US13/085,267 US20120264568A1 (en) | 2011-04-12 | 2011-04-12 | Computer integrated exercise machine |
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US13/085,267 US20120264568A1 (en) | 2011-04-12 | 2011-04-12 | Computer integrated exercise machine |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |