CN101495194A - Apparatus and method for altering exercise device electronics and functionality - Google Patents

Abstract

A treadmill or other form of exercise equipment including a receptacle or other communication port adapted to provide a communication pathway to a cartridge or other removable memory and/or processing platform such that operation of electronics and software resident in some portion of the exercise equipment may be conveniently modified. In one particular form, the treadmill includes a receptacle in a console. A cartridge includes a memory and associated processing electronics. The cartridge is adapted to fit within the receptacle and engage communication ports or connections within the receptacle. Upon recognition of a cartridge within the receptacle, modification of some portion of the operation of the electronics, modifications to software within the exercise equipment, etc. may be undertaken as a function of whatever modification is provided by way of a new application, an addition to an existing application, a new subroutine, a modification of a subroutine, a control code, or some other treadmill electronics or software modification programming provided in the cartridge.

Description

Change the equipment and the method for exercise device electronics and function

The cross reference of related application

The application is the patent application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty, require on August 19th, 2005 application, name be called " body-building device ", co pending provisional application number is 60/709, the priority of 744 application, on August 17th, 2006 application, to be called non-provisional application " apparatus and method of changing body-building device electronic installation and function ", common pending trial number be 11/465 to name, the priority of 387 application is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in the content of these two applications.

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of body-building device such as treadmill, oval Exercycle, stair climbing body exercising machine, rowing machine etc., this device comprises a PORT COM, can change the electronic device and the software of this device with this PORT COM.

Background technology

The body-building equipment in the present age often comprises electronic device and the software thereof that is used for various purposes.For example, treadmill generally comprises the control panel of the belt of a drive motor and driving formation running/walking surface; One rising motor and confession user change the control panel of running face gradient; The pre-programmed test routines of control belt speed and/or gradient; Heart rate calculates user's performance programming of electronic device and expression user performance (as the heat of burning, the mileage number of walking etc.).This class treadmill comprises that user's input of various control treadmills operation and display, loudspeaker and user are used for other form and the means of acceptance test information and the operation of control treadmill.The body-building equipment of other form such as elliptical exercise machine, Exercycle etc. also comprise large numbers of electronic devices.

But body-building equipment usually lacks renewal, revises, increases or changes all electronic devices and software, make customizable its body-building equipment of user, upgrade its body-building equipment or change electronic device and software thereof structure make things convenient for mode.

Summary of the invention

One aspect of the present invention relates to a kind of body-building device such as treadmill, oval Exercycle etc., and this device comprises that one has the treating apparatus of at least one inactivation application program.This body-building device comprises the PORT COM of at least one and the communication of this treating apparatus electricity.This at least one PORT COM is used for inserting a removable storage devices that comprises at least one control code.In addition, this treating apparatus can activate this application program when receiving this at least one control code.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to memory packs a kind of and body-building device such as communications such as treadmill, oval Exercycle.This memory pack comprises first lid, and first covers first rib that at least one defines an insertion section.This box also comprises second lid, and second covers second rib of at least one first rib against this at least in part.At last, this box comprises that one is fixed in this insertion section the storage card of first lid between covering with second.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a kind of electronic controller, software or other certain a part of method of revising the treating apparatus of body-building device.This method relates to identification one insertion of removable memory device in the PORT COM of body-building device.Then, this method relates to electronic controller, certain part of software or the modification of other certain part whether definite this removable memory comprises the treating apparatus of body-building device.At last, this method relates to electronic controller, software or other certain part according to the treating apparatus of the data modification body-building device in the removable memory.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the stereogram of the present invention's one treadmill, this treadmill comprises that one has the console of a memory pack socket, this socket provides the PORT COM of a memory pack, this box comprise with console in or the data storage medium of a certain form of communications such as processing electronic device in other certain part of treadmill, memory;

Fig. 2 A is the amplification stereogram of treadmill shown in Figure 1 and box;

Fig. 2 B is the amplification stereogram of the socket of a confession box insertion;

Fig. 3 is the amplification stereogram of treadmill shown in Figure 1, and box is inserted in the socket;

Fig. 4 is the stereogram of memory pack of the present invention;

Fig. 5 is the exploded view of Fig. 4 memory pack;

Fig. 6 is the stereogram of the protecgulum of memory pack;

Fig. 7 is the back plate of memory pack or the stereogram of bonnet;

Fig. 8 is the side view of memory pack;

Fig. 9 is the stereogram of memory pack, and this box bottom (insert in the socket bottom) is shown especially;

Figure 10 is the circuit diagram of socket and console electronic device and box electronic device; And

Figure 11 is the method flow diagram that meets each side of the present invention.

The specific embodiment

The present invention relates to a kind of by receive and identification and one have the communication of the memory of processing capacity maybe can trigger the control code of this function scalable, increase, trigger or the body-building device of change processing capacity, control function, Motor Control, built-in body-building routine.The invention still further relates to the box of adorning a memory in a kind of, this box is particularly suitable for docking with this body-building device.The invention still further relates to the method that body-building device is discerned this box and the information that is stored in the memory in this box is worked that makes in this body-building device or this box.

Fig. 1 is the stereogram of the present invention's one treadmill 10.This treadmill comprises that one supports the frame 12 of each parts of this treadmill.One tread belt 14 is anterior the stretching, extension in the vertical from the treadmill rear portion to treadmill.This tread belt is subjected to the support of a front portion and a rear roller (not shown).Walking or running on tread belt surface during user's body-building.There is a front shroud 16 front portion of treadmill.Front shroud 16 covers rising motor, drive motor and relevant Electronic Control plate (not shown).The rising motor is used for starting a rising assembly 18 that is positioned at bottom before the treadmill.This rising assembly is used for lifting treadmill front portion, thereby changes the gradient of tread belt.Drive motor is used for rotating anterior running roller, thereby drives tread belt.Also can there be other parts the front shroud below.

The treadmill front upper has a console assembly 20 that is supported on the left and right pillar 22,24.This console supports the disposable plates of one and one display and user's incoming traffic.This disposable plates comprises the various electronic devices of control treadmill operation.This disposable plates and other electronic device also can comprise the memory of the various software programmings of storing predetermined test routines, user's performance (for example the mileage number of Ran Shao heat, walking etc.), heart rate calculating, treadmill diagnosis, driving and rising, Motor Control etc.

In a specific embodiments, user's data-storage applications program, a test log application program, one in this memory, but are in inactivated state according to the test routines of heart rate programming and other application storage.When receiving a suitable control code, these destination applications be activated (can be user and treadmill handle electronic device use).Storage of user's data and test log application program are stored the result of each time test for the user.Be used for controlling the speed and/or the gradient of treadmill according to the test routines of heart rate programming, make the user reach target heart; Test routines is provided, treadmill control is programmed to makes the user progressively change heart rate and a routine that is used for determining user's appropriate level is provided.

The top of console assembly 20 comprises a box socket 26 for a box 28 insertions.This is box-packed have one with data storage medium or " memory " of console electronic device, particularly disposable plates communication.Memory in this box can be stored software change, upgrading, modification, control code or other configuration change of other electronic device of console software and electronic device and body-building device.In a specific embodiments, the memory in this box comprises the data that are used for activating at least one byte of disabled software in the console electronic device.The software of this data activation or triggering inactivation when this box inserts in this socket.This disabled software in the console electronic device can be positioned at disposable plates or the memory construction relevant with the treadmill electronic device.

The console module back has a crosspiece 28 between left and right pillar 22,24.Have on this crosspiece to hold, receive and heartbeat signal is passed to disposable plates behind user's the heartbeat signal or other calculates the electrode 30 of the processing platform of heart rate for the user.Use this heart rate according to the programming of heart rate.The input module that can comprise speed and raise input control also can be arranged on this crosspiece.Speed and raise input control can with the communication of console electronic device, console electronic device then speed and the input that raises passed to raises and the The driving motor control plate, the speed and the input that raises control also can with rising and the direct communication of The driving motor control plate.

Fig. 2 A is the stereogram of console 20, and Fig. 2 B is the enlarged drawing of box socket 26.Shown in Fig. 2 A and 2B, the box socket defines a trapezoidal hole 32.As hereinafter describing in detail, box 28 comprise one match trapezoidal, thereby can correctly insert box in the box socket.For guaranteeing that box correctly inserts socket and also can use other shape.Fig. 3 is another stereogram of console assembly, box is shown is inserted in the socket.

Fig. 4 is the rear perspective view of box 28 1 embodiment of the present invention.This box comprises a protecgulum 34 that is connected with a back plate 36.One storage card (a for example storage chip that is fixed on the printed circuit board (PCB)) or other forms of memory and/or electronic device are contained in this box.At place, box top one locking mechanism 38 is arranged on the back plate.This locking mechanism is fixed on this box in the socket 26.In a specific embodiments, this locking mechanism comprises one from the outwardly directed projection 40 of back plate.The bottom surface 42 of this projection is an inclined-plane, and its end face 44 is vertical with the back plate of box.But this projection click snaps in the socket in the corresponding locked groove 46 (seeing Fig. 2 B).The end face of locked groove and the engagement of the end face of projection.The details of locking mechanism are hereinafter in conjunction with Fig. 7 explanation.

Fig. 5 is the exploded view of box, and protecgulum 34, storage card 48, back plate 36 and decal paper 50 are shown.Fig. 6 is the stereogram of protecgulum 34 inside.As illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, protecgulum comprises outer wall 52, the first side wall 54, second sidewall 56 and arc roof 58.These walls form the lid of a rear portion and bottom opening.One lower rib 60 that extends between the two side and stretch backward from outer wall 52 is arranged at the protecgulum bottom.One middle rib 62 extends between left convex 64 and the right convex 66 and from outer wall and stretches backward.The screwed hole that cooperates with screw 68 (see figure 5)s that rear portion 36 are fixed on the protecgulum 34 is respectively arranged in two convexes.Middle rib is positioned at the lower rib top, generally is positioned at the protecgulum middle part.Middle rib top has one to extend between the sidewall 54,56 and extend in the upper rib 70 at outer wall 52 rears.One dimple that can insert storage card 48 is arranged on each rib.

As shown in Figure 6, storage card includes the first 72 and the second portion 74 that second width littler than first width arranged of first width.The width of the dimple 76 in the lower rib can insert the second portion of storage card but the first that can't insert storage card.Dimple 78A in the upper rib, the width of 78B can insert the first of storage card completely.The layout of each dimple guarantees that storage card can't turn around in the insertion box.In a specific embodiments, the degree of depth of dimple equals the corresponding degree of depth of storage card, thereby first 80 of storage card flushes with the back of rib.

First longitudinal rib 82 and second longitudinal rib 84 stretch upwards the roof 58 of box from upper rib 70.Two longitudinal ribs also stretch backward from the outer wall of box.The bottom of two longitudinal ribs respectively has a degree of depth to equal the dimple 86,88 of the degree of depth of storage card.In the time of in correct each rib dimple of insertion, the dimple engagement of the top margin of storage card 48 and two longitudinal ribs.This layout makes storage card be vertically fixed in the box.When storage card was fixed in the box, an electric interface portion 92 of storage card stretched out downwards from lower rib 60.When box was fixed in the slot, storage card and this electric interface meshed the PORT COM in this slot 26.This PORT COM can with the communication of the electronic device of console electricity, also can with other electronic device communication of treadmill.

Fig. 7 is the stereogram of back plate 36.Locking mechanism 38 is positioned at the back plate first half.Locking mechanism is T-shaped.The base 94 of T shape is connected on the plate of back.All other parts of locking mechanism are not connected on the plate of back.In a specific embodiments, back plate is made with a molding process, and a groove 96 separates locking mechanism and other structure of back plate.For connecting the remainder of T shape locking mechanism and back plate, there is not groove on the base of T shape.Like this, locking mechanism can be relatively the back plate movable slightly, back plate connects and composes the pivot that T shape can be rotated relative to back plate between bottom T shape.

When pressing down T shape top 98 inwards, the user can move projection 40 (see figure 4)s inwards relative to this box.This moves and makes this projection and locked groove 46 break away from, thereby can take out this box from socket.When box inserted in the socket, this projection was originally against receptacle openings, and projection moves inwards in the socket along with the projection ramped bottom surface moves into downwards.Locking T shape generally is biased to it and does one's utmost to keep back copline with the back plate.Therefore, in projection reaches socket during enough degree of depth its click snap in the lock hole 46.

Back plate comprises respectively second lower rib 100, second middle rib 102 and second upper rib 104 corresponding with the lower rib 60 of protecgulum, middle rib 62 and upper rib 70.Storage card correctly inserts each dimple 76 of box, 78A, and the surface of the second upper, middle and lower rib is against the first surface 80 of storage card in the time of among the 78B.Second upper rib 106 of back plate does not extend on the plate whole width of back but separated into two parts, and its middle body cuts out, and makes locking mechanism to move relative to the back plate.

Back plate has bolt receptacles 108 on two outsides.Respectively have on the two-screw socket one with protecgulum convex 66,68 in the hole of screwed hole alignment.The shape of the outside 110 of back plate is identical with the inner edge of preceding postoperculum.Back plate can insert in the protecgulum.In addition, bolt receptacles can make the back plate correctly be positioned at protecgulum against the corresponding convex of protecgulum, aligns with the ragged edge of protecgulum from board plane then.

Fig. 8 is the side view of box 28 1 examples.As mentioned above, a projection 40 is stretched out backward from box.The leader is arranged at the top of box.This handle is curved between the two side.In addition, a recess 114 is arranged on the roof.Therefore, the user extracts this box out after can catching box with hand from socket.

Fig. 9 is the stereogram of box, but the back bottom of box is shown especially.As shown in Figure 9, when protecgulum was fitted together with the back plate, the bottom surface of box is can insert trapezoidal 116 of box socket 26 corresponding trapezoidal 32.In addition, storage card 48, particularly storage card can stretch out downwards with the part of PORT COM communication and engagement in the socket diapire from box.This diapire is defined by first lower rib 60 in the protecgulum and second lower rib 100 in the plate of back.The box socket also has one can supply the dovetail groove of the trapezoidal base insertion of box.

Figure 10 is the circuit diagram of console electronic device 120 and box 28.At first referring to the console electronic device, the console electronic device comprises a processor 122 and memory 124 thereof as mentioned above.This processor and memory are referred to as processing components or disposable plates.This processing components comprise with the box socket in the corresponding data data 126 and the clock line 128 that are connected with clock joint (port).In addition, the console electronic device provides the corresponding joints (port) in a 5vVCC supply voltage and at least one earth connection and the box socket.An available adapter assembly provides these joint/ports.

Referring to the box electronic device, in a specific embodiments, the box electronic device comprises a storage chip 130 that is connected with a printed circuit board (PCB) 132.This printed circuit board (PCB) comprises the VCC trace 134 that is connected with this memory, the data that are connected with this memory and clock trace 136,138 and at least one ground connection trace 140 that is connected with memory.In addition, each joint is connected with VCC, data, clock and at least one ground connection trace.The joint of box can be connected with the corresponding joints of socket when box correctly inserted the box socket.In a specific embodiments, this storage chip is 1 megabit nonvolatile RAM.In addition, use I with the communication of storage chip ²The C communicating circuit.The present invention also can use other flash memory device, comprises USB, memory stick etc.

Using I ²In the specific embodiments of C communicating circuit, the resistor 142 of a 4.7K ohm is connected between VCC and the data wire.The resistor 144 of another 4.7K ohm is connected between VCC and the clock line.At last, a capacitor 146 is connected between VCC and the earth connection.

Figure 11 illustrates the flow chart of the inventive method.In a specific embodiments,, at first must cut off the power supply (operation 1) of console electronic device for changing the software or the operation of console electronic device or exercise device electronics other parts.Then box is inserted in the socket to establish being connected between box built-in storage and the processing components.Also can be electrically connected external memory storage and console electronic device rather than box built-in storage and console electronic device.In a specific embodiments, when box inserts in the socket, along with the inclined-plane of projection against corresponding lock hole, projection cause locking mechanism at first relatively box press down inwards.During the whole insertion socket of box, projection is crossed the top margin of corresponding lock hole, thereby T shape locking mechanism click snaps into the position, and this locking projection is fixed in the corresponding lock hole.This snaps in action and sends click, shows that box correctly inserts in the socket.

Box is in case in the correct insertion socket, connect the power supply (operation 3) of console electronic device.Power supply one is connected, and the console electronic device can discern that memory module is connected with the console electronic device or electric communication (operating 4) in box, the particularly box.In a single day box obtains identification, and processor is at first determined the change whether compatible with the current operation of console electronic device (operation 5) in the memory of box and/or box.As incompatible, stop to change (operation 6).In some cases, can show an information on the console display.

Compatible as change on the box memory or new application program, processing components determines whether appropriately the software alteration of box (operates 7).Determining that whether appropriate one change the various aspects that can consider software alteration when.This determines to comprise whether change and this change that comparison is made have been incorporated in the console electronic device in the box memory.Another can comprise that relatively whether this change represents the previous versions of the existing software of console, does not allow change this moment.In addition, as change incorrectly, then stop to change (operation 6).As change appropriately, then the software alteration in the box memory uploads to processing components (operation 8).In some cases, display can show the category information of " upgrading is finished ".

In a specific embodiments, the box memory can comprise the one or more patterns that trigger existing software routine in the processing components.For example, processing components can comprise the storage of above-mentioned user's data, test log, target heart rate test routines or other predetermined application.This bit patterns can trigger one or more preset routines.In another example, the box memory comprises the real-life program that moves some particular routine, and this class application program is uploaded to processing components from this memory.Also can carry out other by box changes as overall upgrading, motor and the upgrading of rising control panel, diagnosis upgrading and any other software or processor upgrade.Can be on the decal paper relevant for the explanatory note of upgrading type in the box memory.Also can change the memory of box after the upgrading.The available access times that should change restriction one box.

Although above the preferred embodiment of the present invention and other embodiment have been made explanation to a certain extent, those of ordinary skills can make all changes to disclosed embodiment in the spirit or scope of the present invention.Abovely various embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the present invention also can be used for the body-building device of other type such as oval training airplane, Exercycle, rowing machine, stair climbing machine etc. in conjunction with treadmill class body-building device.Be arranged in the anterior console of body-building device although various embodiments of the present invention illustrate socket, socket or other data communication port also can be positioned on any position of any kind body-building device.In addition, within the scope of the present invention also can to shown in the shape of socket and box make change.

All directional references (for example upper and lower, upwards, downward, left and right, left, to the right, top, the end, top, below, vertical, level, clockwise and counterclockwise) only be used for identifying purpose and be convenient to reader understanding's various embodiments of the present invention, unless specialize in the claims, be not that position, direction or use of the present invention are limited to some extent.Connect a speech and should do extensive interpretation, being connected can have middleware between two parts, but the also relative motion of two parts that is connected.Therefore, connecting speech definiteness two parts that differ directly connects and fixedlys connected.

Mention " end " that has a specific character and/or be connected when in some cases, describing parts with another parts.But be noted that the parts on the tie point that the invention is not restricted to just in time to end at itself and other parts.Therefore, extensive interpretation should be done in " end " speech, thereby comprise near the parts terminal point, the zone in rear, the place ahead.In the method for directly or indirectly mentioning in this article, may each operation be described order with a kind of of operation, but be noted that these operations can change order in spirit and scope of the invention, certain operations can be substituted maybe and can omit.Various electrical connections have been shown in each embodiment, do not require all to electrically connect as direct connection but should not regard claim as, can also can be by realizing the transmission of signal, data or other electric demand is provided through the communication of intermediate member, transmission medium, radio with analog or digital signal etc. by direct connection.All the elements shown in the contained or accompanying drawing should regard exemplary and nonrestrictive as in the above-mentioned explanation.Can in the spirit of the present invention that limits by appended claim, make change to details or structure.

Claims (25)

1, a kind of body-building device comprises:

The processing components that comprises at least one inactivation application program;

The PORT COM of at least one and the communication of this processing components electricity, this at least one PORT COM is configured as admits the flash memory device that comprises at least one control code; And

This processing components is configured as and activates this inactivation application program when receiving this at least one control code.

2,, wherein, further comprise a socket that operatively links with this at least one PORT COM by the described body-building device of claim 1.

3, by the described body-building device of claim 2, wherein, this socket limits an asymmetric apertures.

4, by the described body-building device of claim 2, wherein, first port of supply voltage and second port that provides with the data communication line for the treatment of apparatus are provided this at least one electric port.

5, by the described body-building device of claim 4, wherein, this at least one electric port also comprises the 3rd port that clock line is provided.

6, by the described body-building device of claim 5, wherein, this at least one electric port also comprises the 4th port that earth connection is provided.

7, by the described body-building device of claim 2, wherein, this socket limits a lock hole, the projection that is suitable for admitting flash memory device.

8, a kind of memory pack that is used for this body-building device communication, this memory pack comprises:

Limit first lid of at least one first rib, this at least one rib defines an insertion section;

Second lid that is connected with first lid, this second lid qualification at least a portion can be against this at least one second rib of at least one first rib; And

Be fixed on the storage card between first lid and second lid, this storage card is in this insertion section.

9, by the described memory pack of claim 8, wherein, this memory pack is suitable for inserting in the socket of body-building device.

10, by the described memory pack of claim 8, wherein,

First lid limits first convex and second convex that second screwed hole is arranged that first screwed hole is arranged;

Second lid limits first hole of aliging with first screwed hole and second hole of aliging with second screwed hole; And

Wherein first screw screws in first screwed hole and first hole, and second screw screws in second screwed hole and second hole, thereby connects first lid and second lid.

11, by the described memory pack of claim 8, wherein, this at least one first rib limits three ribs; Wherein each rib defines its width insertion section corresponding with the storage card width.

12, by the described memory pack of claim 11, wherein, this at least one second rib limits the rib of three ribs of correspondence of three its at least a portion at least one first rib against this.

13, by the described memory pack of claim 8, wherein,

First lid limits first bottom;

Second lid limits second bottom; And

First bottom and second bottom limit an asymmetrical shape together.

14, by the described memory pack of claim 13, wherein, this asymmetrical shape is trapezoidal.

15, by the described memory pack of claim 9, wherein, comprise that further a memory pack is fixed on the locking mechanism in the socket.

16, by the described memory pack of claim 15, wherein, this locking mechanism limits one and covers the lug of making one with second, and this second lug is supported on second pivotly and covers.

17, by the described memory pack of claim 16, wherein, this locking mechanism comprises a projection.

18, by the described memory pack of claim 8, wherein, second lid limits memory pack is locked in device in the socket of body-building device.

19, by the described memory pack of claim 8, wherein, first lid limits the device of read-only storage box.

20, by the described memory pack of claim 8, wherein, second lid limits the device of read-only storage box.

21, by the described memory pack of claim 8, wherein, this storage card comprises:

Voltage supply line with the communication of storage device electricity;

Data wire with this storage device electricity communication;

Clock line with this storage device communication; And

At least one earth connection with this storage device communication.

22, by the described memory pack of claim 21, wherein, further comprise:

Be connected the resistor between voltage supply line and the data wire;

Be connected the resistor between voltage supply line and the clock line; And

Be connected the capacitor between voltage supply line and this at least one earth connection.

23, by the described memory pack of claim 21, wherein, further comprise:

First contact that is connected with voltage supply line;

Second contact that is connected with data wire;

The 3rd contact that is connected with clock line; And

The 4th contact that is connected with this at least one earth connection.

24, a kind of method of changing electric control, software or a certain other parts of the processing components of body-building device, this method comprises:

The insertion of identification flash memory device in the PORT COM of this body-building device;

Determining whether this mobile memory comprises, a part, software or a certain other parts of the electric control of the processing components of body-building device are made change; And

Electric control, software or a certain other parts according to the processing components of the data change body-building device in this mobile memory.

25, by the described method of claim 24, wherein, these data comprise the control code of the software part in a part, software or a certain other parts of electric control of the processing components that at least one activates body-building device.

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